Reader comments
Behind the mask: Bicyclist has long, uphill ride to get back to the top

Jennifer B. | 10:59 p.m. June 27, 2009

Enjoyed reading another example of someone who has gone through drug abuse and is choosing to overcome the addiction. David, good luck and know that others have been exactly where you have been and have gone on to do well again in their lives. It is a tough "uphill" road, but one you can win! I hope you attend support meetings not only for yourself, but to inspire others who are just beginning their road back! Again, best wishes with your career and life!

OC2AZ | 11:26 p.m. June 27, 2009

Great story. Continued strength and blessings to you, David.

Anonymous | 11:28 p.m. June 27, 2009

I enjoyed reading the artical. here is to you David.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 11:29 p.m. June 27, 2009

I can't say I entirely understand. But I can say that everyone has challenges. Never give up! Never!

Willow Creek | 11:50 p.m. June 27, 2009

Good job David! I have seen you at church and am inspired by your story! The Lord loves you and so do the people around you! Keep the good fight friend! Many people suffer with struggles that are not as visible, but your honesty and openness about what you are facing is inspiring to those of us who keep our trials hidden. --- Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you in your recovery.

Lawrence | 12:09 a.m. June 28, 2009

Great story. Good luck!

Hang in there | 1:12 a.m. June 28, 2009

Don't give up, the Lord is there at all times wiling to help.

Interesting story | 1:16 a.m. June 28, 2009

The story has a great deal of value that a book might beable to better tell. I would hope that someone has/will documented the start, middle and end of your ascents and declines. This would make a good visual documentary as well, because many people take a dive, but few wear it on their face in such a visual way. I'm thinking of Michael Jackson right now, he altered his face for the demons inside. I think your story will have a much better ending.

CougarKeith | 1:36 a.m. June 28, 2009

Who are we to judge? Other than that, no comment, I wish you well, we all do things we wish we hadn't. I have done more than my share, they just aren't as visible!

Wilow Creek Also! | 1:48 a.m. June 28, 2009

David, I have seen you at church as well, and it is so great to have you with us. Thanks for sharing your story.
Know we are totally behind you, and will do all we can to support you. That is what this church and the gospel is about - I admire your fight to do what is right. We love and support you...

Best of luck - see you soon.

Anonymous | 2:14 a.m. June 28, 2009

Interesting Story, I like that it didn't get all preachy, just told it as it was. Good luck.

kd zuch | 6:45 a.m. June 28, 2009

David:

Good luck with your goals and thanks for sharing your experience.

Signed,

A former ultra-marathon cyclist.

Go David | 7:37 a.m. June 28, 2009

Good luck on your recovery! I wish you all the best.

Anonymous | 8:04 a.m. June 28, 2009

Wishing you the best of luck on your continued recovery. Keep on climbing!

Angela | 8:20 a.m. June 28, 2009

What an inspiring story. Thank you, David, for sharing it. We are watching and celebrating my sister's sobriety and reading your story hits close to home. I am sorry for the struggles you have faced, but know that with the Lord you can conquer them and have joy. Thank you again for sharing your story and good blessings in the future!

Dean | 8:58 a.m. June 28, 2009

Everybody deserves another chance in life. I admire your dedication and forthrightness to correct past mistakes. Keep looking forward!

Local racer | 9:57 a.m. June 28, 2009

David, have really enjoyed having you in the local race scene and the couple of times I've been able to chat with you. Good luck in the TOU and keep the rubber side down.

EAP | 10:35 a.m. June 28, 2009

Your story is inspiring. I admire your determination and strength. I will see you at the races!!

Uhg.. | 10:48 a.m. June 28, 2009

"lost to drug abuse and other self-destructive behaviors" -- sorry about the face.

Least | 12:06 p.m. June 28, 2009

>Everybody deserves another chance in life.

No we don't, but the Savior gives it to us anyway. That's why we should be eternally grateful.

Ernest T. Bass | 12:15 p.m. June 28, 2009

We know that tattoos are not the right plan. Blessings, even rich blessings are in store if you don't get tattoos.

gdog3 | 12:40 p.m. June 28, 2009

The process to remove these tatoos might be to much trouble. David, you sounded conflicted on blaming the tats for your fall. Related to your struggles, I don't think the facial tatoos have to be a constant negative. You said at one time, "that they were a constant reminder to stay tough." If the extensive mask can't be fully cleaned, why be blotchy. Turn your life completely around and let others like your churchmates, who seem to hardcore support you, aid you in helping people (in general) not focus so much on appearance, and or scars of struggle. Let your mask so shine that others may see you suceed despite the blemishes. We all have blemishes, some more noticeable than others. Cycling may be your best road to recovery. Long term, it will fizzle, but respect is now critical for future success.

Inspired by your authenticity | 12:53 p.m. June 28, 2009

David, I am inspired by your authenticity. The Lord sees you from the inside. The judgment of others is totally without value and means nothing. Think Alma the younger, the sons of Mosiah. How you finish the race of life is how one is judged not the tatoos or the superficial judgments others. The parable of the labors in the vineyard has application. You are the elect no matter what any one says. Endure to the end and the Lord will take care of all that is all things!!

To gdog3: | 1:54 p.m. June 28, 2009

Gdog3, David needs to have his tats removed because he realizes it hurts more than helps him. He needs a job, he needs success, and he is right in doing what he can to remove them. Yes, the removal might not restore his skin completely, but his efforts will be rewarded and David will be be recognized for doing his best in EVERYTHING he does. It will be a sacrifice in having them removed, but he will be blessed beyond measure.

This is a most intriquing and inspiring story. Life is hard, but David is facing up to his challenges. Don't ever give up, David!

mark | 3:28 p.m. June 28, 2009

Bass, are you kidding? "We know that tattoos are not the right plan. Blessings, even rich blessings are in store if you don't get tattoos."
Wow, my opinion of your opinions just went down a few notches, quite a few. ". . . rich blessings are in store if you don't get tattoos."
What a dumb thing to say. While extreme, I kinda like David's tattoo, if he want's to try to get rid of it, that's cool (of course) none of me business. But if he kept it that's cool, too. None of my business, either.
Dave seems like you are a stud, with or with out the tat. I think it is the religion, judging from some of these comments, that I would remove first. But, of course, none of my business.
It is the drug use that was the problem, and it sounds like you are well on the way to controlling that.
Like someone else said, there is a book here somewhere.

to: Ernest T. Bass | 3:46 p.m. June 28, 2009

"We know that tattoos are not the right plan. Blessings, even rich blessings are in store if you don't get tattoos."

What an ignorant comment. I guess you are casting the "first stone."

Dave | 4:08 p.m. June 28, 2009

I really liked this story. The tats are fine. If David wants them gone, I understand. Life is a struggle, more so for some. But I love his openness and I really, really hope he stays clean. God bless this young man.

GO DAVID !! | 4:11 p.m. June 28, 2009

A SAINT IS JUST SINNER. WE FALL DOWN AND WE GET UP.STAY UP!

Sober n Clean | 4:20 p.m. June 28, 2009

David,
Best of luck with your recovery, stay close to the church and stay fit. I got clean over 20 years ago and found the Church a few years ago. It will get better.

BB | 4:22 p.m. June 28, 2009

Get real. What are we, the National Enquirer. I am glad a person is trying to turn his life around, but I think this is "yellow journalism". WHERE ARE THE REAL NEWS STORIES???

to: Ernest T. Bass | 4:35 p.m. June 28, 2009

You're running true to form!!

David: Good luck! I'll be watching for your name in the news. You're awesome. (At least you picked a cool tatoo for your face.)

Brian B | 5:22 p.m. June 28, 2009

I applaud your come back - both physical and spiritual. Never give up.

yah, good story | 5:28 p.m. June 28, 2009

But mostly I enjoyed the laugh I got picturing his ex-wife seeing him that first time.

"You're not gonna like what I've done to my face..."

Ya think?
I'm sure another girl will, though - so no worries.

perfect , perfect ,perfect | 5:51 p.m. June 28, 2009

everyone know is perfect, everywhere i go is perfect..not...give the brother his due it could be you...it's not about losing , rather it when one quits that one loses. keep going and that is why life is so great...to grasp it and grow from it in the right way...never be ashamed because we all have fallen and had to rise again!

CP | 6:16 p.m. June 28, 2009

Thanks for the story. I'm so glad David that you realized that you can't hide behind a mask. You know who you are and that you can't hide from yourself. I think you are doing great, keep moving up and up. You're definately on the right track now! Stay there!! And God Bless and Good luck with the TOU!!

S. Calif. | 6:57 p.m. June 28, 2009

That's true -- tats are NOT part of the plan. Way to go in removing them.

Delilah | 8:17 p.m. June 28, 2009

Taking time to get rid of an addiction like those are a tremendous effort to do so. Good job for trying to suceed

Anonymous | 8:27 p.m. June 28, 2009

RE: S. Calif

That's true. nether was invading Iraq part of the plan but we did it any way. Now its left up to Obama to get us out and clean things up.

about the tats. no big deal ether way.

Kent in NC | 8:45 p.m. June 28, 2009

David, Your story reminds me of a man from Greensboro who is a world-class ultra athlete: Charlie Engle. He was a drug addict who finally hit bottom and replaced the addiction with ultra marathons and racing. His is an inspiring story as well. Keep up the faith.

vegas | 9:54 p.m. June 28, 2009

David, good luck never give up

Lola | 12:27 a.m. June 29, 2009

Failure is just feedback. I hope you get where you want to be and then go further than you ever dreamed! Good luck!

Polly | 12:41 p.m. June 29, 2009

Call me a big jerk, but how about we give David Clinger another year before we fall over him with praise. I've known too many addicts and watched them rehabbing to completely believe his story. Give him space, hopefully he keeps riding and continues to take responsibility for his addiction. Hope the writer checks in with him in a year. I wish Clinger the best, but I'm skeptical.

Scott S | 4:22 p.m. June 29, 2009

Glad to see you back in the peloton. Hope to see you riding back at the top soon.

Kim Clinger | 8:36 p.m. June 29, 2009

Hey David - are we related? So Polly, I have seen a lot of people "fall again", but you never know when the falling is over...so let's just get behind him and give him a boost. The Ark has a great program. By the way - I fall all the time. Success is getting back up again, and right now David is experiencing success! Keep going David! I don't think God is waiting another year for you, so go get it!!!

Way to go! | 3:52 p.m. June 30, 2009

Awesome job, David, for goin' on the road of recovery. But I still can't help wonder how fearsome you would look without any hair and with the tatoos. ;) But still, good job on deciding to go on the straight and narrow path.

Marks Right | 10:09 a.m. July 2, 2009

Mark (3:28, 6/28) is right. Based on some of these comments, religion is what should be removed first. Believe in yourself and the rest will follow. Good luck David!

Joe in Orem | 3:08 p.m. July 2, 2009

You missed a spot.

Unintended Consequences | 8:25 p.m. July 2, 2009

Sir -

You got the tatoo to be strong by hiding your pain and weakness.

Do you not see now that all you did was give in to weakness? And every day now your weakness is on your face.

Truly, best wishes getting your life straightened out. Can you do it? Only if you'll do your best and allow God to help you.

Good luck.

CLAH | 3:49 p.m. Aug. 4, 2009

Who cares about religion, who cares about tatoos, who cares about drugs. All that should matter is David is trying to do what makes him happy by making changes in his life.

Anonymous | 9:58 p.m. Aug. 20, 2009

David, I remember the painful days following you around the rose bowl and simi ride. I can sure bet, no high is better than feeling of those great days when you can just go with no chains.

just time and miles, time and miles

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.