The Waddington Brothers to Perform in Borrego Springs: February 26

Director Colin Whitman discusses short documentary following screening and audience Q&A

Endurance, Adaptation, and Purpose International endurance handcyclist Fred Lacroix spoke at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center on February 6. The event featured a talk followed by audience questions, offering insight into long-distance handcycling, endurance racing, and the role sport has played in shaping Lacroix’s life. Light snacks were provided as part of the evening program. Lacroix described how becoming a wheelchair user marked a complete reset rather than a detour. “It’s not a turn in your life. It’s a new life to start.” He explained that independence came through intentional daily choices, identifying a clear decision early in his recovery. “There were two choices: a couch, a television, beer, potato chips—or to try to move.” That choice led him first to racing wheelchairs, where he competed in road races and half marathons, and later to handcycling, which allowed him to train longer and focus on endurance. “Immediately, it was like a spark. I was comfortable, and I could ride for hours.” During the talk, Lacroix outlined what endurance racing requires—consistent training, goal-setting, and mental focus. He briefly discussed riding Pikes Peak, one of North America’s highest paved roads, explaining that success at altitude depends on long-term acclimation rather than last-minute effort. “You cannot decide on Friday night while eating a pizza. You have to train a long time to acclimate your body to the lack of oxygen.” Lacroix also explained how training in Borrego Springs led him to discover the 6–12–24 Hour World Time Trial Championships, a race where athletes compete over six, twelve, or twenty-four hours on a closed course, emphasizing strategy, concentration, and sustained effort. He later competed in the event and earned first place in his age division. He closed by clarifying why he wanted to speak publicly—not to focus on himself, but on possibility. “I asked to organize this presentation not to speak about me, but about what we can do—disabled or not. Sport is important for everybody.” The evening concluded with audience questions covering equipment, safety, training logistics, and race preparation, highlighting the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center’s ongoing role as a place for learning, conversation, and shared experience. 

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. – approximately 1:00 p.m. Location: Springs Amphitheater Dog Participation: Open to Roadrunner Club / Springs RV Park dogs only Public Attendance: Free and open to the public to watch and cheer

Free juried art show at Christmas Circle

PEG LEG SMITH LIAR’S CONTEST Since 1916 To Date The next saga of the Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest is a month away, Saturday March 7th . Location American Legion Post #853 4515 Borrego Springs Road Borrego Springs, Ca. Date March 7th, 2026 Time Dusk Who Thomas Long Smith , miner, horse thief, Indian fighter, and notorious liar. Google him for details or YouTube for videos. What A 100 plus year old event , a perpetuation of prevarication, where participants at the event manufacture the truth or a lie about a real person, Thomas Long Smith , aka Peg Leg Smith , who allegedly found, then lost, a gold mine in the Borrego Valley back in the mid-1800’s. He existed. The mine is what is in question. Why Must be fun. It’s been held here in the Valley nearly every year, give or take a few world wars and related interferences…… since 1916 . Rules None. Just make up a lie about him, or not even him—most anything—that is interesting, logical, entertaining, relatively short ( 10 minutes or less ). If it is good and you just show up and lie, you will receive a trophy (recycled) and a nice certificate good enough to frame . Judging There are three judges , all veterans of the event, all with 20 or more years doing so. The Chief Judge , me, has been judging since 1982 (no remuneration, free, poor judgement on my part). Winners are not chosen on bribery or status, but on three major categories : Quality of the lie ( 10 points max ) Performance in presenting it ( 10 points max ) Garb, stunts, random foolishness, helpers, music, or whatever ( 5 points max ) The last five points only separate the scores, as even last-minute sign-ups during the event are competitive. If we have children under 10 years of age , we will have a child judging category as well. Audience & Participation It is a liar’s contest. We can have 50, 100, 150 or more in the audience, but without liars…there is no contest . Sign up at the event Viewers bring a folding chair Bring non-alcoholic beverages (the Legion has a full bar) Sit outside near the campfire (held outside always—dress accordingly) Services Bathrooms, bar, and kitchen courtesy of the Legion and volunteers. Dinner is available—might be pulled pork again by popular demand , or not. It is a liar’s contest. Actually, I might be lying to you now. The Only Truth It will occur rain or shine , at the date and time , at the Legion . Bring a Lie It can be a short one, bad one, dumb one about anything you want to lie about—or even the truth is welcome. Just say his name, then run off in any direction you lie about best. You probably won’t know anyone there except a few friends that might have come along, so you can’t be embarrassed in front of strangers. Prepare to lie. We ALWAYS need liars . Even bad ones. Again, Google the contest to learn more. It is always fun and out of doors. What could be better than that? Oh, free as well. Jim McKenna Learn More About Borrego Springs