carypurdy.com

Geologist.
Physicist.
Triathlete.

A life built on curiosity — from reading the earth's subsurface to racing Ironman courses, writing songs, and giving bicycles to kids who need them.

Background

A Little About Me

I grew up in Defiance, a small town in northwest Ohio, and earned degrees in Geology and Physics from Bowling Green State University. Those two disciplines turned out to be a natural pair for what came next.

I spent roughly 40 years as a physicist exploring for oil and gas — most of that time based in Houston, with stints in Corpus Christi, Dallas, and New Iberia, Louisiana. The work involved a fair amount of writing: numerous technical papers on topics ranging from high-frequency electromagnetic waves to computer standards for the oil and gas industry. Along the way I co-authored four textbooks and hold one patent.

These days I live a quieter life in East Texas, with plenty of time for fishing, a little music, and the causes I care about.

Endurance Sport

Twenty Years of Ironman

My son, Daniel and I running the Austin Marathon

Biking during Ironman Coeur D'Alene

Start of Ironman Hawaii

For more than 20 years, triathlon was a central part of my life. The Ironman distance — 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of cycling, and a full marathon — has a way of teaching you things about yourself that nothing else quite does.

My last Ironman was in 2012. Not long after crossing that finish line, shoulder surgery and a knee replacement put an end to running. I don't dwell on it — the sport gave me far more than I could have asked for.

I still get on a bike when I can. Some things are worth holding onto.

Things That Matter

What I Advocate

A few things I believe in — a nonprofit close to my heart, and a couple of songs I wrote that found their way to YouTube.

🚲

YikesBikes Organization

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit I founded that donates bicycles and helmets to children. Every kid deserves the joy of riding a bike.

Visit yikesbikes.org →

🎵

Christmas Box of Change

A song I wrote — and a personal favorite. Have a listen on YouTube.

Watch on YouTube →

🎵

Try or Tri

A song inspired by the sport of triathlon. If you've ever toed a start line, maybe it'll resonate.