One fine Winter day I was out showing homes in Tucson Arizona. It’s what I do.

My client, Jennifer Steinmann was driving as I rode out to meet her at a house that was 20 miles from my office. I was on a tight schedule but Jen asked to see one more home while we were on that side of town. This put me behind schedule so she was giving me a lift back to The Loop. I rarely get in the car if I can ride, but fate had a different plan for me.

To get me back to the Loop Jen should have turned on Pantano, but destiny pulled her wheel in  another direction. She took a right on Prudence and drove straight into a Viral video. A single Javelina was trotting on the side of the road. Actually, it was more of a sprint. Jen matched it’s speed and my years of shooting photos and video were put to the test. Fortunately, my hand was steady and the Javelina was in the center of the frame.

I knew as soon as I captured the video it was something special and had the potential to go viral. I felt that because I’ve interacted with hundreds of Javelinas over the years. I’ve seen them run, but it is usually only for a few seconds to get distance between from whatever spooked them. As soon as they have some distance,  the entire troop turns and watches for whatever startled them. They typically will watch for a few moments and then go about looking for a succulent prickly pear to gnaw on and forget the entire ordeal ever happened.  This video was unique. There was so much open space to run. There was nowhere to hid.  This was the Usain Bolt of Javelinas crushing the world record. It was a Javelina specimen, in it’s prime, on the world stage, with a solid tail wind. It was the hand of the great God of luck, when preparation meets hard work.

I posted the video on Facebook with my Logo at the end. As expected it started to get a few dozen shares. I’ve seen this pattern before with other videos I’ve shared. Some have had nearly a million shares and I thought this would do the same. My friend Kevin Goldstein shared it on a page called “Weird Stuff you’ll Only See in/near Tucson. Almost immediately the number doubled and the next morning had 170 shares. I also sent it to a few of my local news contacts. KVOA and KOLD ran news stories on it.

Something else made it go Viral so fast and I will acknowledge it, but also can’t help but say how disappointed I am in  KOLD’s Hannah Tiebe. She shared the video, but  edited the video without permission, cut off my signature, shared it and gave no photo credit. From a reporter I think this is bad form.  That said, that tweet did help in creating a plethora of videos and memes and now has had 7.5 million views.

A licensing company called ViralHog reached out to me about licensing the video. For years I have given my images and videos away. I love that people enjoy them, and I was not really interested. However, I was getting dozens of emails asking to use it and it was so overwhelming I decided it would be easier to just let someone else handle it. Also, they are called Viral Hog. It was again providence calling. I mean, is anything more perfect than a viral Hog for ViralHog. I’m still waiting for them to start using the video as the cornerstone of all their marekting.

I think the best part of having a video go viral is the people who see it and reach out to you. It’s not uncommon for me to talk with my Uncle John and Aunt Fran in Telluride. But to get a call with them spouting off incoherently that I’m on TV was awesome and an indication of how big this was getting. They saw it on Chris Hayes of MSNBC.  Chris Hayes Thing One, Thing Two Video They said they saw the video on Facbook I posted, but did not realize I was the one who shot the video.

Just like My family calling, I’ve heard so many stories from friends and random people that the video  has brought them closer to people they know outside of Tucson. Since it mentions Tucson in most every article, people all over the world are reaching out to friends in Tucson to talk about the Sprinting Javelina. It has changed the dialogue for a few seconds away from CoronaVirus and politics at a time we all needed a distraction, and has built community as a by product.

With all viral videos there is that glorious moment in the sun only to be replaced by the next great thing, a Lama at a wedding in a tuxedo. But the good buy song for the Javelina Running is just as dazzling as a Tucson Sunset. Everyday new sound tracts are being added to the video, and I keep getting calls about being a part of something so viral. KVOA is running a segment on it, The New York Times, AZ Daily star, AZ Central and many others are still doing more articles. On Tuesday, March 10^th at 7 AM I’ll be co-hosting the 92.9 morning show.

Tonight a friend, Paige Redman, shared a photo I took of her at the Mussleman Crit last week with this in the comments “📸 @bikepilgrim the famous guy who took the video of the javalina!”. Tonight on my ride in Sabino Canyon for The Santa Catalina Volunteer Patrol I heard some cyclist chatting a hundred feet back. I thought they said my name so I was listening and one said, “you know, the guy who shot the Javalina Video.”  Yesterday I had a call to come out and meet a family selling their house. I Asked how they found me and they said “Javelina Video”.

It’s a little like my birthday, as each day I get a new present in the form of more creative interpretations.  The creator of Action Movie Kid put together this gem. Action Movie Kids

Many people have said I am “famous”. Some have asked if this video will define me as a person. Is it the high water mark? This video has garnished more attention than any “one” thing  I have done. However, I’ve been selling real estate and volunteering in the community for 24 years and have had my image plastered on billboards, in the newspapers and on the news.  If you compare my exiting  reach vs. the Javelina video I have had 10 times or as much exposure over the years from cycling, nature, and real estate.  However, this one is special.

It has been one of the funnest things I’ve ever been a part of and I’m so thrilled that my video has captured world wide attention and brought considerable attention to The Old Pueblo.

Below are just a few of the places the video has been shared.

Know Your Meme Has an overview of the first few days and how it spread. As Does Comic Sands

Someone created a page of twitter of the Javelina running to different soundtracks.  There have been millions of views. Some of the more popular tweets have been to the music Led Leppelin – Immigration Song with 182,000 views, Queens – Don’t stop me now with 332,000 views, Cranberries – The Dream with 252,000, Grimes – Oblivion 740,000, Tracy Chapman – Fast Car 330,000, The succession Theme Song 154,000, Vangelis- Chariots Of Fire 77,000, Judas Priest- Breaking The Law with 280,000, John Denver- Take Me Home, Country Roads 170,000, My favorite, Cake – The Distance, 115,000,, Kate Bush- Running Up That Hill 600,000, Bonnie Tyler- Holding Out For A Hero 251.000, Florence + The Machine- Dog Days Are Over 540,000, Bruce Springsteen- Born to Run 225,000, , Bonnie Tyler- Holding Out For A Hero 251,000, Check them all out here Javelina Running to on Twitter

News Agencies have covered it from Coast to coast and many small town papers in between.

Click on the links below for the full article.

Time

Huffington Post

Arizona Daily Star

Az Central

Huffington Post

USA Today

New York Post

Mashable

New York Times

UPROXX

Daily Dot

AVCLUB

Tech Investor News

New Yorker

VICE

Insider

Bro Bible

Today Headline

USA News Hub

Notiulti

the satori report

MSN

bigwnews.com

News.com

Chris Hayes on MSNBC

I was going to share the links of each TV affiliate who shared the video, but there are hundreds. Most CBS affilaes across the county showed it. At first I was coping links, but most said the same thing, but it was fascinating to see every corner of the nation tuning in. From WILX in Lancing Mi, WFSA in Albany NY, wctv in Tallahassee, FL, wdbj IN  Roanoke, Virginia, kfvs from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, wbay in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Iowa public radio knsb, wcjb IN Gainesville, Florida ,  Grand Junction, Colorado kjct, kcbd,, Twin Falls, Idaho kmvt, wabl in Amite, Louisiana, ktre in Lufkin, Texas….

FOX 19

WLFB South Carolina

Flint Mich ABC Affiliate

KOLD Tucson

WILX Lancing

Wfsa Montgomery, AL

Q York

Kyeron Bowman recreated the video with him running at the apartment complex

I was told that the Javelina led off sports center on ESPN, but never saw the clip.  There are a few videos Someone asked for this and it was created. I need a side-by-side of Javelin Guidry running the 40 and that sprinting javelina from a few days back… 

Inverse.com had an interesting read on the  science on why Javelinas are faster than domesticated boars.

The days are getting longer! Ride start times are changing. It’s getting warmer (well, perhaps not so much, but it will be HOT before we know it)

This Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day. I’ll be leading a ride and participating in the parade on bikes and you are hereby invited to join me. Ryan Beamish is the Grand Marshal for the 32nd Annual Tucson St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival. Ryan is an incredible asset to Tucson, giving back with Team Semper Fi, buying and giving bikes to kids every xmas, creating beautiful Art from recycles bike parts at Duke’s Saguaros.

The parade organizers are allowing a bike entourage to show how much the cycling community supports Ryan. Bring your BMX, Road, MTB, TuGo or other bike and join in the parade.

I’ll be leading a ride on the Loop from my Long Realty Office at River and Campbell to the start at 13^th st and 6^th. We will leave from the North side of the Loop promptly at 9AM on Sunday. We need to arrive at Armory park no later than 10:15AM.

Damion

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I DID NOT CONFIRM EVERY TIME, but did get in touch with most of the ride leaders and shops.  You should always verify times before you head out and remember these ride times are when the ride leaves.  Please show up as early as needed to make sure you are ready to roll out at the time posted.

REOCCURRING WEEKLY RIDES

THIS WEEKS ROAD RIDES

PLEASE NOTE- Category below just for Mountain Bikes

THIS WEEKS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES  ^^^^Road rides are above^^^^

COMMUNITY EVENTS WITH SOMETHING BIKE RELATED AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

RACES AND RIDES IN THE WEEKS AND MONTHS TO COME

ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES – WANT BETTER BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE? GET INVOLVED.  Feel free to e-mail damion@damionalexander.com if you want to get involved in the Velodrome Committee, CASA- Cycling Advocates of Southern Arizona, GABA – Greater Arizona Bicycle Association, SDMB -Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike, TORCA – Tucson Off Road Cyclist & Activists, El Grupo Youth Cycling, Tu Nidito Ride For A Child, Tour De Cure with The American Diabetes Association….  Added bonus, I’ll be there and the pictures are free;-)

RIDE AND EVENT DISCLAIMER

These rides are not mine.  I am only sharing the data.  The Damion Alexander Team  cannot guarantee anybody’s safety.  There are unknown and unforeseen potential hazards in every ride so you should  pay attention and take reasonable precautions.  I always use a helmet.  I think that Helmets are required when riding.  If you choose to listen to music during rides you should only use the headset in the right ear and keep the headset out of the left ear. Better yet, buy a FarEnd Gear earbud.  Communication is essential during all rides and having the ability to hear is a part of your responsibility to others.  Please also ride within your limitations. You are  not racing the Tour de France.  If you see someone  that is  not riding within their limitations or are becoming a hazard to others we should politely bring this to their your attention  Dothis for your and everybody’s safety.

Also, it is everybody’s responsibility to follow all traffic laws.  We are not lemmings.  Just because somebody does something foolish does not mean you need to follow.  Use your head and enjoy your ride.

THE DAMION ALEXANDER TEAM, DAMION ALEXANDER, AND ANYONE ELSE WHO CONTRIBUTES TO THIS LIST SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ACCIDENT OR INJURY THAT OCCURS ON THSES RIDES.  EVERY PERSON IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AROUND THEM

WHERE DO ALL THE RIDES COME FROM?  These links and shops and clubs and teams and facebook and YOU.  See a ride that is missing.  Please let me know  Damion@DamionAlexadner.com.  Thanks

Road

*Vistoso Cyclist http://vistosocyclists.weebly.com/road-biking.html

Cactus Cycling http://www.cactuscycling.org/schedule.php

Greater Arizona Bicycle Association GABA-  http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/203149392/

*Tucson Tri Girls https://www.facebook.com/groups/ttgandfriends/   http://www.tucsontrigirls.org/index.php/calendar

Zona Cyclist https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zona-Cycling/186457201423794

JKG Strava – https://www.facebook.com/groups/579397565447522/?fref=ts

U of A Cycling http://uacycling.com/

Velo Vets  Phonehttp://www.azvelovets.org/: 520-465-5186

Tuesday Night Ride https://www.facebook.com/groups/5833629539/

Bicycle Commuters of Tucson https://www.facebook.com/groups/160142187481277/

Mountain Bike

Tucson Offroad Cyclists and Activists TORCA http://torca.org/   www.facebook.com/events/

Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Association (SAMBA) www.meetup.com/Southern-Arizona-Mountain-Bike-Association

Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists  https://www.facebook.com/SDMB.org   http://www.sdmb.org

Tucson Mountain Bike Addicts https://www.facebook.com/TucsonMTBAddicts \

Our MTB Rides – Dave Slagle Slaglesphone@live.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourmtbrides/385655391621830/?notif_t=group_activity

Old Pueblo Mountain Bike – Todd Rasmussen 520-256-1340   https://www.facebook.com/groups/203787656312279/?fref=ts

RBAR – Jesus Friaa 520-271-3776

Shop Rides

Performance Bicycles Speedway Tucson – Pbs074@performaneinc.com

(520) 327-3232‎ http://www.meetup.com/Performance-Speedway-MeetNRide/events/

Performance Bicycles Broadway –  pbs054@performanceinc.com 520-296-4715

Fairwheel Bikes https://fairwheelbikes.com/tucson-arizona-location-ezp-1.html#rides  (520) 884-9018

Grasky Endurance Coaching  www.graskyendurance.com/weekly-workouts.html

Broadway Bicycles

Bicycle Ranch Tucson – http://bicycleranch.com/tucson-rides/ (  520-219-4311

Ben’s Bikes http://www.bensbikestucson.com/  520-574-2453

Recumbent

Tucson Recumbent Cyclists  https://www.facebook.com/groups/TucsonRC/?fref=ts

This list is a major time commitment and it is my pleasure to put it together.  All I ask in return for the list is that you remember I’m A REALTOR.  If you have a relationship with another REALTOR, I love loyalty and respect those relationships.  However, if not, or if you need a second opinion, Please keep me in mind.  Many agents spend money advertising for new business, others sit open houses or cold call.  My business is based on referrals from past clients and friends.  The less time I have to do traditional prospecting the more I can do for the cycling community.  For example: this list.

THIS LIST IS PROVIDED AT A COURTESY OF THE DAMION ALEXANDER TEAM.  THIS LIST IS DEEMED RELIABLE, BUT NOT GUARANTEED.  WHEN POSSIBLE, CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE GROUP RIDERS ARE PROVIDED.  TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND DOUBLE CHECK OR GO TO THE RIDE AND IF NO ONE IS THERE, GO RIDE BY YOURSELF.

REOCCURRING WEEKLY RIDES

THIS WEEKS ROAD RIDES

PLEASE NOTE- Category below just for Mountain Bikes

THIS WEEKS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES  ^^^^Road rides are above^^^^

COMMUNITY EVENTS WITH SOMETHING BIKE RELATED AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

RACES AND RIDES IN THE WEEKS AND MONTHS TO COME

ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES – WANT BETTER BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE? GET INVOLVED.  Feel free to e-mail damion@damionalexander.com if you want to get involved in the Velodrome Committee, CASA- Cycling Advocates of Southern Arizona, GABA – Greater Arizona Bicycle Association, SDMB -Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike, TORCA – Tucson Off Road Cyclist & Activists, El Grupo Youth Cycling, Tu Nidito Ride For A Child, Tour De Cure with The American Diabetes Association….  Added bonus, I’ll be there and the pictures are free;-)

RIDE AND EVENT DISCLAIMER

These rides are not mine.  I am only sharing the data.  The Damion Alexander Team  cannot guarantee anybody’s safety.  There are unknown and unforeseen potential hazards in every ride so you should  pay attention and take reasonable precautions.  I always use a helmet.  I think that Helmets are required when riding.  If you choose to listen to music during rides you should only use the headset in the right ear and keep the headset out of the left ear. Better yet, buy a FarEnd Gear earbud.  Communication is essential during all rides and having the ability to hear is a part of your responsibility to others.  Please also ride within your limitations. You are  not racing the Tour de France.  If you see someone  that is  not riding within their limitations or are becoming a hazard to others we should politely bring this to their your attention  Dothis for your and everybody’s safety.

Also, it is everybody’s responsibility to follow all traffic laws.  We are not lemmings.  Just because somebody does something foolish does not mean you need to follow.  Use your head and enjoy your ride.

THE DAMION ALEXANDER TEAM, DAMION ALEXANDER, AND ANYONE ELSE WHO CONTRIBUTES TO THIS LIST SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ACCIDENT OR INJURY THAT OCCURS ON THSES RIDES.  EVERY PERSON IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AROUND THEM

WHERE DO ALL THE RIDES COME FROM?  These links and shops and clubs and teams and facebook and YOU.  See a ride that is missing.  Please let me know  Damion@DamionAlexadner.com.  Thanks

Road

*Vistoso Cyclist http://vistosocyclists.weebly.com/road-biking.html

Cactus Cycling http://www.cactuscycling.org/schedule.php

Greater Arizona Bicycle Association GABA-  http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/203149392/

*Tucson Tri Girls https://www.facebook.com/groups/ttgandfriends/   http://www.tucsontrigirls.org/index.php/calendar

Zona Cyclist https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zona-Cycling/186457201423794

JKG Strava – https://www.facebook.com/groups/579397565447522/?fref=ts

U of A Cycling http://uacycling.com/

Velo Vets  Phonehttp://www.azvelovets.org/: 520-465-5186

Tuesday Night Ride https://www.facebook.com/groups/5833629539/

Bicycle Commuters of Tucson https://www.facebook.com/groups/160142187481277/

Mountain Bike

Tucson Offroad Cyclists and Activists TORCA http://torca.org/   www.facebook.com/events/

Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Association (SAMBA) www.meetup.com/Southern-Arizona-Mountain-Bike-Association

Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists  https://www.facebook.com/SDMB.org   http://www.sdmb.org

Tucson Mountain Bike Addicts https://www.facebook.com/TucsonMTBAddicts \

Our MTB Rides – Dave Slagle Slaglesphone@live.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourmtbrides/385655391621830/?notif_t=group_activity

Old Pueblo Mountain Bike – Todd Rasmussen 520-256-1340   https://www.facebook.com/groups/203787656312279/?fref=ts

RBAR – Jesus Friaa 520-271-3776

Shop Rides

Performance Bicycles Speedway Tucson – Pbs074@performaneinc.com

(520) 327-3232‎ http://www.meetup.com/Performance-Speedway-MeetNRide/events/

Performance Bicycles Broadway –  pbs054@performanceinc.com 520-296-4715

Fairwheel Bikes https://fairwheelbikes.com/tucson-arizona-location-ezp-1.html#rides  (520) 884-9018

Grasky Endurance Coaching  www.graskyendurance.com/weekly-workouts.html

Broadway Bicycles

Bicycle Ranch Tucson – http://bicycleranch.com/tucson-rides/ (  520-219-4311

Ben’s Bikes http://www.bensbikestucson.com/  520-574-2453

Recumbent

Tucson Recumbent Cyclists  https://www.facebook.com/groups/TucsonRC/?fref=ts

This list is a major time commitment and it is my pleasure to put it together.  All I ask in return for the list is that you remember I’m A REALTOR.  If you have a relationship with another REALTOR, I love loyalty and respect those relationships.  However, if not, or if you need a second opinion, Please keep me in mind.  Many agents spend money advertising for new business, others sit open houses or cold call.  My business is based on referrals from past clients and friends.  The less time I have to do traditional prospecting the more I can do for the cycling community.  For example: this list.

THIS LIST IS PROVIDED AT A COURTESY OF THE DAMION ALEXANDER TEAM.  THIS LIST IS DEEMED RELIABLE, BUT NOT GUARANTEED.  WHEN POSSIBLE, CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE GROUP RIDERS ARE PROVIDED.  TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND DOUBLE CHECK OR GO TO THE RIDE AND IF NO ONE IS THERE, GO RIDE BY YOURSELF.

So many good rides and events. If you see something missing please email me at Damion@DamionAlexander.com and put “ride list” in the subject.  Also, if you want to be added to the e-mail list let me know. The format is a little different.

I DID NOT CONFIRM EVERY TIME, but did get in touch with most of the ride leaders and shops.  You should always verify times before you head out and remember these ride times are when the ride leaves.  Please show up as early as needed to make sure you are ready to roll out at the time posted.

REOCCURRING WEEKLY RIDES