HEITZMAN SIONS

Earl Lowell "Robbie "/ "No Sweat" Robbins, Jr. was born in Richmond, Kentucky, August 23, 1951. He earned his BA and MA in anthropology and sociology in 1973 and '75. His father was of Austrian descent. Rob, Sr. was born in a tent in a coal mining camp in Hazard, Kentucky. After serving in WW2 in the Merchant Marines, he ran a fruit and vegetable stand on the street of Irvine, Kentucky where No Sweat often worked for his father. No Sweat's mother was of Scottish descent. Nancy sold tickets at her father's theater where No Sweat often ran the projectors. In No Sweat's life he has had 44 different jobs. Among them, a photographer and newspaper editor, a supervisor for the largest homeless shelter in Kentucky, a logistics officer working with serin gas at The Bluegrass Army Depot, a guide and saftey diver for locations in southern Florida, and a coal-gas boiler operator for Eastern Kentucky University. No Sweat is well known throughout the world for his gorgeous, long-distance family of Sions. His website now approachiong FIVE million "hits." He is the author of EIGHT books varying greatly in subject. Currently, he is working on an archeological book which he is calling "THE JOURNAL OF A GROUNDHOG" centering on an archeological dig he conducted at a Civil War site in Kentucky.

No Sweat learned to swim in the Kentucky River. During the summer of his senior year in high school he began swimming for University of Kentucky's coach, Winn Paul, then head coach of THE GREATER LEXINGTON SWIMMING ASSOCIATION. Three months later, Donald Combs, the coach for Eastern Kentucky University, recruited No Sweat to swim long distance. Racing 500 yards, 1,000 yards and the mile at all events. No Sweat set pool records at Berea College and Morehead State Univerity while swimming four years alongside 18 All Americans who were on his team-- one of the best swim teams in the USA. He was one of the only two native Kentuckians on the team.

No Sweat's father, "Rob" was torpedoed three times as a merchant marine during WW2. Prior to the war he was a busboy in The Cotton Club in New York. Rob was a crack shot and sometimes served as a deer and elk hunting guide outside Meeker, Colorado. He was an excellent dancer, billiards player and loved to socialize, spending much of his life playing golf. Among his many friends were A.J. Foyt. After selling out his vegetable stand he went into the grocery business. Soon after he purchased a liquor store in Richmond, Kentucky ---which became very successful--- as he catered to all the bootleggers east and south of Richmond ------as back then were "dry" counties. After selling the liquor store he built an apartemnt complex and began a used car business. In all he did he was successful. No Sweat often working for his father in all these pursuits, learning all the ins and outs. Rob's father was a one-room school teacher and telephone operator. Much of the love for birds which No Sweat owns came directly from his "Grandma Freda." "She and I would wak slow summer days forl many miles together alone on old roads and dirt paths doing nothing but identifying birds. She was a an active member of the Audobon Society. At nights she read to me Bible stories and played bird songs on the 78 RPM records. She lived in an apartment which at best might have been 500 square feet total. I loved it there and have nothing bur fond memories."

I hope you are ready for an adventure. Some of it will be educational. For those wanting to learn about Sions. If you want to go down memory lane with some Sion stories, you are at the right place. History verifies the magnificence of the Sion racing pigeons.

Also, if you want to know more about my current status with my family of No Sweat Sions, you are at the right place. If you want to learn about who I am, you are at the right place. I love pigeons. But I love my family first. I have intertwined my life with them. I have tried in this part of my website to give you some insight into my life. Most pigeon fanciers are interested in what fanciers often do or who they may be outside of their "pigeon life."

I have many interests in life. I have been lucky and successful. I had parents who deeply loved me. And I married a girl who is beautiful, smart and owns a huge heart. If at any time anyone wishes to contact me, I am always best reached by email: [email protected]. I enjoy meeting new pigeon fanciers all the time.

Today, the No Sweat Sions are called "NO SWEAT SIONS" because they are a remarkable, distinct family of gorgeous, long-distance racers selectively bred by Kentucky's bestselling and world-noted author, Earl Lowell "Robbie" Robbins, Jr.

"More people call me "No Sweat" than any other name. My mail comes to No Sweat. Everyone who knows me, calls me No Sweat. Whom in the world would ever own such a name? It has become my Mark Twain."

NO SWEAT is Earl Lowell "Robbie" Robbins, Jr.'s iconic pen name. "NO SWEAT" has been well-recognized for over a half of a century. In racing pigeons, No Sweat is best noted for his varied experiences and diversities in his life, creativity, honesty and success. He is the author of hundreds of pigeon articles and stories. Has written for nearly every pigeon magazine in North America since the 1960's. A popular columnist for three straight years for the world's leading racing pigeon magazine published in England, a weekly, THE RACING PIGEON. In England, in 1971, No Sweat was recognized in SQUILLS, their honored WHO'S WHO, as one of the top racing pigeon fliers in the world. Throughout his long and devoted life to Sions, No Sweat has won over 1,600 first places with racing pigeons at all levels of competition. No racing pigeon fancier in history has ever accomplished what he has done in writing, showing and racing.

No Sweat's latest novel is a western, UNCLE MOSES AND ED HAWKINS BY NO SWEAT. "It's about a crooked preacher before the Civil War. A philosopher attempting to teach his nephew the ways of the nefarious world. That nephew is actually his son. A secret he keeps from his brother. The novel is based on the confession of the first man legally hanged in eastern Kentucky, Edward Hawkins. Those who knew Ed Hawkins said he was the most handsome man who ever lived. I kept wondering, how to describe such a man. Then the idea hit me---Elvis Presley. Below, please note some of the books by No Sweat. If you are interested in any of them, contact No Sweat: [email protected]

No Sweat, Barrett and Chesteen at the 150th running of The Kentucky Derby. Besides racing pigeons, No Sweat's family enjoys thorughbred horse racing. "It is here in Kentucky where the finest race horses and racing pigeons are bred," states No Sweat.

No Sweat was Charles Heitzman's life-long best friend. A friendship which began in 1958. In 1959, No Sweat's grandfather drove him to visit Charles Heitzman's beautiful estate and lofts located in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. No Sweat had caught a racing homer off of the bridge close to where he lived and wanted to return it to its owner, Mr. Heitzman. At that time, Mr. Heitzman was the world's most famed and renown Sion breeder. There was no person in North America which owned the array of magnificent lofts and grounds as did Mr. Heitzman. If you loved racing pigeons and were fortunate to visit Mr. Heitzman's estate----it was heave. Charles Heitzman was an educated gentleman. No fancier knew racing pigeons better. In the image below, see his estate and some of the 41 lofts he maintained.

Charles Heitzman in 1912, holding his 100 mile winner.

Many of the NO SWEAT SIONS can be traced directly back to this pair.

NO SWEAT'S famous pencil blue bar tick-eye hen, "CHATTANOOGA" is line-bred to "LADY VICKSBURG."

Below, a silver bar cock which is typical of the NO SWEAT SIONS bred down over many years from his original Sions derived from Charles Heitzman.

Mr. Heitzman imported more pure Sions straight from Paul Sion, and his son, Robert, than did anyone else in the world. Seven different importations. Mr. Heitzman was also an author. He wrote seven different racing pigeon books. His most famous, "THE SION STRAIN." That book sold out world-wide. There were 10 different editions in the end. Nearly every racing pigeon fancier in the 1940's, 50's, 60's and 70's wound up buying the SION STRAIN by Charles Heitzman. It is filled with excellent information as well as owning many photographs. Several of those photographs having been taken by "NO SWEAT" who became one of the two "official photographers" for Charles Heitzman. Of note, the people shown on this new update are my family. Chesteen, my wife, Nancy, my daughter, Lance, my grandson, and Barrett, my other grandson. That is also me in several photos.

No Sweat has now been breeding Sions for over 66 years. Longer than did Paul Sion and Charles Heitzman combined. No person knows the factual, complete history of Sions as does No Sweat. Upon the death of Charles Heitzman, it was No Sweat who inherited most of Heitzman's famed library. The most comprehensive library on racing pigeons in the world. "My grandfather told me,"remarked No Sweat. "Education is the one thing which no person can ever take from you. Every day, he insisted, I learn a new word." No Sweat earned a triple major while in college and a master's degree. All the while, swimming long distance for his university with 18 ALL AMERICANS for one of the best swim teams in the nation. "I learned a great deal when I swam in college," spoke No Sweat. "I applied that knowledge to my Sions when training for superior long distances." No fancier in North America's history has ever taken YOUNG BIRDS out to 700 air miles away from home and released them on four different occasions---and each time got returns. Except for No Sweat. This being WORLD-RECORDS. No Sweat has had several of his famous Sions come home from Key West, Florida back to Richmond, Kentucky. A distance of over 1,000 miles. In showing, No Sweat became the youngest person ever to win THE NATIONAL RACING PIGEON SHOW in White Plains, New York. He was the FIRST person to win ALL THREE of the USA's top racing pigeon shows ALL IN THE SAME YEAR. In 1978, he won THE NATIONAL YOUNG BIRD SHOW in LOUISVILLE, THE NATIONAL RACING PIGEON SHOW in White Plains, New York, and then, THE SOUTHERN RACING PIGEON SHOW in Charleston, South Carolina. No Sweat is the only fancier ever to show his beautiful racing pigeons at THE SOUTHERN RACING PIGEON SHOW seven straight years and win BEST IN SHOW under so many different judges and places each and every time. The list of No Sweat's accomplishments goes on and on.

This is one of No Sweat's typical blue bar hens today. Most of the blue bars are line-brd down from Le Roi. Charles Heitzman's original pair of Sions were both red checks. And one of them was bred directly out of LE-ROI. The blood is famous for long distance.

No Sweat's philosophy in creating and having the finest racing pigeons in the world is firmly based on two axioms. First and most important---a racing pigeon must have a superior homing instinct. To learn which birds have that kind of instinct, you must take them superior long distances to discover. Second, after learning which birds have a superior homing instinct then it is up to the breeder to develop superior built pigeons. This requires a thorough knowledge of every single matter constituting a racing pigeon. There are a rare, scant few fanciers who have the "gift" to CONSISTENTLY mate two pigeons together and breed babies from them which are BETTER than their parents---No Sweat prides himself in being such.

The No Sweat Sions are in fact the most pure Sions in the world today. No Sweat has continuously line-bred, inbred and selectively bred nothing but Sions. All of his Sions originally deriving from Paul Sion in Tourcoing, France. In his lifetime, Paul Sion was recognized as the winningest racing pigeon flier in the world. "Sions are the single greatest family of racing pigeons which have EVER existed," informed No Sweat. "NO racing pigeons have earned and accomplished so much throughout history. Many of them carried messages in WW2 and helped us on D-DAY. The strain is approaching 100 years old." No Sweat developed his own family of Sions within these original Sions. Year after year--- always improving in every small way. Always keeping performance first. It is a family of racers which are of the most obvious quality in both appearance and performance. Beautiful pigeons in every way. In appearance and in the hand. There are NO Sions today which are as consistent in winning at the highest levels of racing throughout the world. DOMINATING A-L-L the USA entries in South Africa and in THE VICTORIA FALLS. WINNING and setting long-distance records in China. WINNING the most prestigious race in the world flying over the ocean, THE TENERIFE ISLAND RACE. Winning ONE LOFT RACES in PORTUGAL. Winning the biggest races in New York. Nearly winning in THE HOOSIER CLASSIC. The list goes on and on. No Sweat smiles, mentioning, "I doubt few realize, in 1971, I flew in the top ten futurities in the USA. I won three of those futurities. And in the other seven, I was in the top ten. How many years ago was that? You can rest assured, my Sions are better today than they were then."

Nancy is No Sweat's daughter. She was on the state champion swim team for MODEL High School. Later, received an academic and athletic scholarship to attend Transylvania University. She earned her MA in English. And like her mom, reads an average of five books a week. She has taught at Sullivan College and Eastern Kentucky University. And is now an English teacher at Madison Middle School where she is very happy. Nancy loves Disney World and has stayed there for at least a week every year since its opening. Most of all she loves her family, good food and being on the beach on Singer Island, Florida.

No Sweat's next book is being called, THE JOURNAL OF A GROUNDHOG. Centering on the archeological excavation he conducted at Camp Nelson, Kentucky. Excavating an area where the garbage from 10 hospitals, butcher shop, and more were dumped during the Civil War. During this excavation there was a collapse of one of the walls, nearly killing No Sweat. No Sweat has spent much of his life as an active archeologist. Having excavated the largest group of Arawak burials ever discovered throughout the Bahamas. He dug for four years in a cave in eastern Kentucky, producing 19 burials which carbon dated 3,100 years of age. In the Yucatan, he managed to re-patriate the largest number of Civil War muskets (600) ever found. At Fort Boonesborough, he was a member of the first archeological team to ever excavate the site. While digging, he became responsible for making the single key find, part of a redware bowl, proof of the first North Carolina settlers to be there. He has excavated the largest Adena pot ever discovered in Kentucky, Egyptian blue glass beads while diving in Governor's Harbour, and much more.

eNo Sweat first came to be called "NO SWEAT" because of the way he dealt with sharks. The owner of a dive shop named him that. The name stuck. One of the jobs which No Sweat had throughout his life was being a dive guide and safety diver for two different dive shops in the Palm Beach, Florida area. Namely, Singer Island, Florida. It is on this island where No Sweat and his family for four generations have always enjoyed their summers scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, catching lobsters, surfing and staying all day from dawn to dusk on the beach. No Sweat has written two books about Singer Island. "SINGER ISLAND AND ERNEST HEMINGWAY VOLUMES ONE and TWO." Anyone having read the books love them. They have become immensely popular in south Florida. In these two volumes you see photos and read stories which are about the relationships which No Sweat has owned with Rose Kennedy, John D. MacArthur, Burt Reynolds, Arlo Guthrie, Jacques Piccard and Luisa Lang, the daughter of WILL LANG ---who was LIFE MAGAZINE's top war correspondent and close friend to Ernie Pyle and Ernest Hemingway throughout WW2. "All of them knew me because of my writing, diving and pigeons," states No Sweat. "Pigeons have been an incredible medium for me to meet so many people in all walks of life. I was blessed the day I kissed my first pigeon. I have always gravitated toward those who are successful. I was a long-term, close friend with Rhodes Scholar, and recipient of the MacArthur Genius Award, Guy Davenport, author of 46 books. You can read of our relationship in one of my books called, LETTERS FROM A GENIUS TO AN OAF. That will give you some idea as to who I am. Robert Penn Warren and I corresponded for many years. Intelligence is the reason I married Chesteen. Not to mention, looks, a kindred friendship, respect for each other and a big heart. As a small boy, I idolized Charles Heitzman. After I met him, even more so. It did not take a brilliant fancier to see, the Sions were the best. Any fool today who gets on the internet, beating on their chest, claiming with fragmented evidence that Line-breeding is not the way to go---- obviously----- has mush for a brain. He is the same dimwit lurking in the shadow which himself actually seeks pigeons from a family. Having lied to everyone, especially himself. In one manner or another, hoping to profit from such false stuff. ALL of your greatest racing men throughout the history of racing pigeons developed their own families. That is done through line-breeding and inbreeding. When you do this, you cut down the odds on what you do not know."

Ted Kennedy and Denny Spears. Two of No Sweat's fishing buddies. Palm Beach, Florida.

-John D. MacArthur was---- for a period of time----- the single most wealthy man in North America. Having some 7 billion dollars----- back when a dollar meant something. There were three full summers in which No Sweat and John D. all but roomed together, their apartments being side by side. No Sweat would come down with Chesteen in late May with 3-year old sugar-cured country hams and 140 proof moonshine and give to John D. In response, John gave No Sweat and Chesteen full run of his swanky three-building, 1,000 room hotel, THE COLONNADES. One summer, No Sweat and Chesteen lived in Jackie Gleason's apartment. Bob Hope stayed at the Colonnades on a regular basis and also maintained a suite there. "John D. and I spent many hours together, often in the bar. He loved Scotch, and Chesteen. Told me, she was a wonderful attraction to have around his many swimming pools. Danced with her with the band going strong many times. When John died, he left everything to a foundation which became the single largest arts foundation in the world. When you see on educational TV-----'PAID FOR BY THE JOHN D. AND CATHERINE MaCARTHUR FOUNDATION'-----that's him and his wife. Chesteen and I were friends with her as well. When my Rhodes Scholar author friend, GUY DAVENPORT received the JOHN D. MACARTHUR FOUNDATION GENIUS AWARD, I happened to be at Guy's home. I told him, Guy, you probably don't believe this, but John D. and I were good friends for a long time. Guy looked at me and said---'No Sweat, if anyone else told me that, I wouldn't believe them. But, it being you, its probably true.' John D. and I had an agreement. He allowed me to store all the lobsters and fish I got in his walk-in freezers---on the condition--he could rob me from time to time. That agreement was always kept and a great friendship ensued. John told me of his problems and troubles, especially with the Disney family. And I told him about my family. Which always spawned a smile."

Charles Heitzman and Chesteen. One of the many famous Sions which Heitzman gave to No Sweat throughout their long friendship. Charles Heitzman became a solid friend to Chesteen and also No Sweat's grandfather "Daddy Mack."

Russel McClanahan. No Sweat's grandfather who very much raised No Sweat. "Mack" retired from the railroad being head of the round house. He then went into the theater business and built two theaters and a drive in. He owned hotels, rental property, restaurants, car washes and farms. A very successful, generous and extremely loved man. He worked some 20 hours a day, 7 days a week. There wasn't anything he could not build, fix or do. He has always been the single great inspiration of No Sweat's.

No Sweat's grandfather going into Mammoth Cave, May, 1920.

No Sweat in the front smoking a cigar with his cousins and grandfather. "All my cousins are preachers and lawyers. Never done a hard day's work in their lives. If one of them ever miracously got any dirt under their fingernail, 911 would have to medi-vac."

Some of the members of the Lexington Racing Pigeon Club in the 1960's. No Sweat standing in the middle to the left. No Sweat raced his Heitzman Sions three years with the LKY. During that time, winning average speed every season and remaining undefeated on all races 300 miles or more. On the Heitzman 500, he took the first 11 positions--the only loft to clock on the second day.

No Sweat considers himself blessed in that his grandson now helps him with the care of his Sions. That person is LANCE. Straight A senior in college, certified scuba diver, one of the best swimmers in Kentucky, spelunker, and a person who loves to go outdoors and hunt for snakes. "Lance caught 27 snakes in one day," commented No Sweat. "This snake stuff started with my dad, Rob Robbins. Dad was a great turtle hunter and snake catcher. Before he went into World War 2, he was a bus boy in New York working in The Cotton Club where he met LADY DAY. I grew up listening to nothing but Lady Day. Watching mom and dad dance to her songs. Dad was in the merchant marines. Torpedoed three times. He had a fruit and vegetable stand on the street while I was growing up. Taught me everything I know. For two months out of the year, he was a deer and elk hunting guide outside Meeker, Colorado. I was raised on mule deer, and the fruits and vegetables which went bad before they could be sold. Having my grandson with me in the lofts and around the birds invokes all manner of emotions inside me. Hard to believe I was once almost a child doing all of this in a small way, a tiny loft whipped together with discarded boards and found bent nails. Now, to see him. Such strange miracles we have in our lives."

Below is one of No Sweat's Sions which he calls "JIM." Named after his friend, Jim Isselhardt. Jim is one of No Sweat's lighter colored reds, bred from a blue bar cock and a red hen. Jim is bred with an outstanding pedigree of long-distance performers.

ln the early summer of 2023, No Sweat was forced to make a tumultuous decision in his life. Where he had been keeping his pigeons for the past 20 years----now--- suddenly----being forced--due to a death in a family---to either end them or move them. No Sweat was going to have to quit pigeons or find a new place to locate them. He wrestled with all the pros and cons. Being in his mid-70's, he had to take that into consideration. It became obvious, it would be impossible for him to ever quit his Sions. His life and who he is was deeply entwined in his pigeons. "I might as well have been asked, would I like to have my lower half-- sawed off my body," he stated. And so, at much expense and worry, with the incredible and great help of another pigeon fancier TRUE friend, JOHN WESLEY JENNINGS, Raleigh, North Carolina, No Sweat was able to purchase five beautiful acres of undeveloped land almost in the heart of Richmond, Kentucky. Located two minutes from his residence. This transaction being done 1,000 miles away while No Sweat was with his family on Singer Island. "Talk about stress," stated No Sweat. "To get the property, I had to bid on it by phone. Every time I made a bid--- I was bidding much higher than I ever expected the property would bring. Heavens! When at last I won the last bid, I didn't know whether to smile or cry. But I did know, I now had a place to move my entire operation. What followed for several months afterwards was another costly adventure and more dogged stress. I felt like Sherman force-marching to the sea to get it all done. But now, I look back at all of this and know, I could not have done anything but. If I did not have my pigeons, I might as well be dead. The fact that I am truly that one man left alive which has carried this SION TORCH as such. MY lofts are THE flagship for the true, old line, pure Sions. I have a responsibility to Paul Sion and Charles Heitzman to keep them alive. I am not only dedicated to them but so is my soul. I know in my heart; those two men have to be looking down from heaven." When No Sweat moved his Sion colony to its new lofts, he thought primarily of the birds. Exactly what the birds themselves loved. He copied no other pigeon fancier's ideas of a loft. Today, those Sions have never been more healthy and all smiles. Birds love the open air. They love space. Any racing pigeon fancier should have observed that," stated No Sweat. "So many fanciers are mindless. Building lofts only to suit themselves. Following that same monkey see monkey do stuff. Never realizing, happy birds are healthy birds. If you are going to breed and raise pigeons, you want the most NATURAL HEALTH for them. A health NOT "entertained" with all manner of gimmick drugs and potions----false promises to make your birds somehow better----- which all the pigeon "snake doctors" hope you will be conned into buying--- as they pocket your money. If you have a good steak to eat---you don't have to cover it in sauce to make it better."

Typical red Sion bred by No Sweat. All four of this red hen's grandparents flew 600 air miles as YOUNG BIRDS.

A typical current silver bar cock bred by No Sweat. This cock was bred from a silver hen he called "FATTY." Her pedigree is filled with remarkable 500-600 mile performers.

No Sweat counts himself blessed in having solid friends still remaining in the sport. Among them, John McQuithy, Indiana. John still owns pigeon correspondence from No Sweat written in 1958. Gary Stone, Cincinnati, Ohio, and No Sweat have been very close friends 65 years; Gary and No Sweat playing on the same basketball team before Viet Nam. "I met Jim Isselhardt, Illinois (now in Florida), in the fall of 1975, while I was judging the NATIONAL YOUNG BIRD SHOW in Louisville. I gave Jim BEST IN SHOW with a gorgeous black lace cock he bred. I was impressed with his family of fine pigeons. Soon after we began to talk, I sensed I had a friend who was almost as smart with birds and loved them almost as much. Jim proved to be the only person ever who could beat me in a show. We still communicate on a regular basis. I have lost many close pigeon friends over the years. Charles Heitzman, Loftus Green, Marty Bacon, Oliver David, Arthur Peck, Dr. Carbone, Vincent Boschi, Al Innuzzi, Bill Mitchum, Boris Pensky, Edna Scifres, Jim Kerstner, Conrad Mahr, Clyde Galloway, Wayne Reinke, John Roberts, Bob Popkin, Louis Demaio, Art Selter, Waldo Hotchkiss, Thelma Snyder, Colin Osman, Milton Haffner, Tony Melucci, John Garzoli, Gil Rinard, Ed and Pete Lorenz, and others. "There are MANY rotten eggs in the sport to say the least. So much jealousy and ignorance. Still, it is wonderful when you develop a solid friendship," spoke No Sweat. "Napoleon once said, a friend is a piece of wood covered in velvet. I often think of the truth in that. As I have been betrayed many times throughout my life. Still, I cherish those few which I like to believe, remain my friends. It makes being in the pigeons much richer. I can contact a pigeon friend and in one second we have totally forgotten all about the cares and concerns of the world. We laugh. Talking nothing but pigeons. In this, the birds are gold. Nothing can remove stress, better than a pigeon."

Below the image showing me judging at one of the racing pigeon shows you will see the photo of KY-128 Blue Check young hen. Not the most handsome pigeon I ever raised. And she was one of the smallest birds you can imagine. A Sion bred from two red checks by No Sweat. Her first toss was at 50 miles. Her second toss, one month later, was from 500 miles. She arrived at dawn on the second day. Her nestmate, 129, also a blue check hen, was 15 minutes behind her.

No Sweat and Danny Lee at Danny's nice home and lofts. Danny is an outstanding exporter in the USA. HIGHLY recommended by No Sweat.

129Blue Check young hen. "I took this hen 50 miles on her first toss. Her second toss was one month later at 515 air miles. She was my first bird home at dawn the second day. Her nestmate was fifteen minutes behind her. She is bred from "MY RED PAIR." All four of 129's grandparents flew 600 miles. She is a very small bodied hen.

Below is a typical No Sweat Sion blue bar hen line-bred down from Le-Roi. Le-Roi proved to be the single most important cock ever to leave Paul Sion's loft.

"I become annoyed when I learn of some fool "bark" something stupid about a Sion. As though they happen to know what they are spouting. Such "ding-dongs" have no real experience re Sions. There has never been a family of racing pigeons which so dominated the entire USA as Sions. NONE! For 40 years this family of racing pigeons was a household word among pigeon fanciers. Incredibly fast races going over 2,000 yards per minute. Slow races going 700 yards a minute. The Sions prevailed. Races in the mountains, deserts, over the water, north and south, east and west---the Sions prevailed. Rain, snow, hot weather, tail winds, blow homes, head winds---SIONS PREVAILED. There were many physical variances within all these different Sions. I have seen Sions as ugly as sin. The size of a sparrow. I have seen Sions as big as a goose and own the face of Cleopatra. All this nonsense about some poor fancier wanting to gain attention, stating they could spot a Sion ten light years away------is nothing but fried bologna. I have all the original photos of the original importations of the Sions shipped into the USA directly from Paul Sion. Those pigeons which were shipped from Paul Sion to Charles Heitzman. I happen to be the ONLY person who has these photos. And the same man who has carefully studied them over and over. If anyone actually wants to know what those original Paul Sions did in fact look like--ask me. I can tell you the truth. What I have done in my lifetime---and what no other person has ever done with Sions-----is to keep them for such a long time-----year after year---continue to selectively breed -----------what my mind considers to be a perfect racing pigeon---a beautiful one at that. After 66 years of this, I have created, THE NO SWEAT SIONS. Yes, of course, there remains some differences still among them. But on the whole, they are more molded into being "one bird" than ever. A true family. Amen. Generally speaking, they are medium in size, perfectly built and own wonderful balance and class. When you first look at a pigeon the first thing you notice is its face. Although there are some differences in the faces in THE NO SWEAT SIONS---at the same time---these differences are generally NOT drastic. They do own similarities. Wedge-type faces. A "smart look. " The eyes vary from chestnut to almost white, to red and orange, to almost purple--- the eye-signs themselves, equally different.

"I believe there is beginning to be a new resurgence of fanciers all over the USA and world seeking Sions." spoke No Sweat. "You cannot begin to believe how many fanciers contact me on a daily basis. Many, forgetting time zones. As if here in poor, begotten eastern Kentucky it is exactly the same time in China. At times, I feel like both a pigeon historian and also a pigeon psychiatrist. I develop laryngitis and writer's cramps routinely talking so much and receiving so many emails from fanciers informing me, they have retired. And after a long life of strife in the great "rat race" wish to get back into the sport. They want nothing but something "safe and sound"--- Sions. I also receive correspondence from many fanciers who knew Charles Heitzman. He was so dearly loved all over the world by fanciers. Huge respect. They knew him as being REAL. They knew him for the love he had and the passion he owned for his pigeons. It was contagious. And out of memory---as do so many people who wish to go back in some way when they were happier and younger-----and held certain things which they no longer have----they too, desire to have a true Heitzman Sion. For some, it could be the same thing as an old man buying a '57 Chevrolet. These fanciers contact me because they know I am that one true person who has maintained Heitzman's legacy. I have remained loyal to the end. And then----sad to say--- there are many fanciers who are just beginning in the sport which are searching the internet and listening to everyone around them, "window shopping" for birds. So many of them horribly innocent. I feel sorry for many. Being influenced via of "tricky" and often deceptive advertisements. Listening to others who really don't have any experience---- but enjoy boasting and claiming they know all about pigeons. The list of lies is endless. Any yahoo claiming he has "speed birds" for sale is only hoping that your brain is not as fast as his birds. This crap about "speed birds" is exactly that. And another scam I so often observe has to do with "famous pedigrees." I can't help but laugh about all the ruckus over pedigrees. Some, I dare say, signed by George Washington. Two plus two equaling four. Or so, the pedigreed pedigreerers want you to believe. Sorry, but genetics is more complicated. Yes, of course, a pedigree can give YOU some satisfaction in helping YOU believe you might know what you are doing. But I have to add, God help you. Truth is, you can breed a great champion from the most unlikely matings. From brothers to sisters, and so on. Pedigrees today are basically: thief-aids helping to sell birds which otherwise would be worthless. They are glorious pieces of paper which a fancier can caress and hold. Kiss and sleep with. As if they were the Dead Sea Scrolls."

The No Sweat Lofts got off on a late start in breeding babies this year. Nearly March, before mating. As such, No Sweat will be breeding young birds well into the summer. Likely to have August hatches. He has observed, the most healthy babies, usually those bred and raised in the warmer months. Anytime you follow nature's cues with pigeons, you are on the right path. There are reasons life is what it is. Never forget, pigeons evolved from theropods. Those creatures enjoyed warmer climates. "I do not employ artificial lights to breed birds." stated No Sweat. "It certainly works. But I am no longer an advocate. If you observe and listen to your pigeons, they will tell you what they want. Unfortunately, many fanciers are blind and deaf. Not to mention, impatient. Even the new fanciers are told about the importance of patience. But what the heck, they skip such stuff and plow right on as if an Indy 500 driver, believing, they know better. A huge reason you cannot find a fancier who has a true family of racing pigeons---- has a lot to do with TIME. In today's world, "time is money." A poor belief to possess if you want to be successful in pigeons."

rNo Sweat is anticipating another great year in breeding. In the colors he primarily breeds-- blue bars, silver bars, reds and checkers. A few slates, a few white flights. And a recessive red sometimes pops up. Of note from No Sweat: "PLEASE DO NOT BE FOOLED, TAKEN-IN OR HOODWINKED BY ANY (THIEF) OTHER FANCIER WHO HAS STOLEN MY NAME AND GOES ABOUT USING MY WEBSITE TO SELL HIS PATHETIC PIGEONS. WHAT A CLASSICAL LOW LIFE! ANYONE STEALING FROM ME THE WAY HE DOES IS FAR FROM BEING A COMPLIMENT."

No Sweat can be seen on the you-tube channels. His philosophy: "Genuinely intelligent people are usually kind and have good manners. They appreciate, life is short." If you THOROUGHLY explore every bit of information on this website--you will learn a great deal about the NO SWEAT SIONS and No Sweat as well. No Sweat is always to happy help any fanciers with birds. "I love meeting new people in the sport," informed No Sweat. "I can talk pigeons all day and night. I especially enjoy trying to help anyone new coming into the sport. They need someone who can give them experienced and honest advice." If anyone wishes to contact him-------- the very BEST way is by email. That email is:

[email protected]

This is inside one of the older lofts which No Sweat has maintained for the past 20 years. Today, No Sweat's blue bars are primarily kept in this loft. These are all blue bars line-bred back to a blue bar cock which was named "Le-Roi." Le-Roi was imported from Paul Sion into the USA by Lew Curtis. The progeny from Le-Roi became legendary all over North America, especially long distance. Today, No Sweat is the only loft which still owns and maintains the Le-Roi blood in the grand manner he does. "Great lofts should have great ventilation and much light," remarks No Sweat. "Any person getting on the net----claiming to be a fancier and advising differently is a-------- nincompoop!"

Having a grandson to help No Sweat with all the daily chores has been a real blessing for him. Lance is a straight A student at Eastern Kentucky University. There on a full academic scholarship. Lance is one of the best swimmers in Kentucky, a certified diver and excellent surfer.

Chesteen and No Sweat at the running of the 150th Kentucky Derby where No Sweat successfully handicapped Sierre Leone to run second in the race. Chesteen and No Sweat have not missed a Kentucky Derby together since 1967. At the 100th Kentucky Derby, Chesteen was nearly killed by the massive crowd in the infield which had her and No Sweat pinned against a chain link fence.

Barrett is No Sweat's other grandson. He is a certified scuba diver, on Madison Central's tennis team and a lifeguard at PARADISE COVE, Richmond, Kentucky's swimming complex. Barrett loves to bike and be with his family.

This is Chesteen Robbins She will be 74 years of age this late summer. She was valedictorian of her class in both graded and high school. A straight A chemistry major also holding down two jobs while going to school. She became the first Middle School Principal in eastern Kentucky. Now retired after 47 years in the school system. She and No Sweat first met at 4-H Camp when they were 13 years old. They began dating when they were 15 while in high school. On January 6, 2025, will mark their 53 wedding anniversary. They have one daughter, Nancy. A red head. And also a school teacher. Chesteen loves wild flowers and birds. She loves to snorkel and observe fish. She has always read an average of five books a week. While she and No Sweat were in college she was the race secretary for the Lexington, Kentucky Racing Pigeon Club. While there, No Sweat won every average speed every season he flew. And was never defeated on any race 300 miles or longer. Today, Chesteen remains devoted to her family, especially to two grandsons, Lance and Barrett.

Chesteen at age 16. Valedictorian, Ravenna Graded School. Next, vlaedictorian, Irvine High School.
BS, MS, Chemistry.
First woman principal of a Middle School in eastern Kentucky.

Earl Lowell "Robbie / No Sweat" Robbins, Jr.
207 Longview Drive
Richmond, Kentucky 40475
Email: [email protected]
Website: HEITZMAN SIONS
859-624-8113 -------------HOME
859-582-0503-------------Cell
606-782-4988-------------Cell
859-622-1448 ------------Work

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There are over a dozen YouTube videos out on the net which center on THE NO SWEAT SIONS. Not all of them are grouped together. No Sweat hopes to make at least one video every year to keep his loyal subscribers entertained. "I believe it is ridiculous," states No Sweat. "That certain clown-type fanciers have to shoot a new video of themselves saying something stupid about pigeons about every five seconds. They just can't get enough of themselves. Or, YOUR money."

One of No Sweats interests is old flintlock muskets which were made between 1730 and into the American Revolutionary War. Pictured here are five of his muskets. "I can't help but try to imagine who had these guns some 300 years ago," remarked No Sweat. "They are works of art. Some measuring 6.5 feet in length."

One of No Sweat's great interests in life is underwater photography. No Sweat averages 40,000 underwater photos every year. He has reached a point in his life where he enjoys editing his own work. "Sometimes I'm satisfied with straight photos. But often I explore images, attempting impressionistic works of art."

Zane Grey letter currently owned by No Sweat. No Sweat has handled and sold many historical letters and docements. Including more than 20 hand written letters by Hemingway. One of the rariest letters he ever aquited and sold was one by Abe Lincoln. The letter having Lincoln's signature in three different places.

KENTUCKY RED AGATE found by No Sweat. For many years No Sweat dangerously hunted the rariest agate in the world. It is located in isolated areas of his home county. No Sweat wrote BLACK BLUEGRASS. In this book he gave the name to the agate, THE DEVIL ROCK. That name is now well used. No Sweat is recognized for his finds. His specimens now displayed at the Smithsonian, The Cincinnati Science Museum, The Red River Museum and other locations.

No Sweat's 27' cruiser. Named "NANCY LOU" after his mother.

Coach Donald Combs. No Sweat's Swim coach. Don's father was EARLE COMBS, New York Yanklees. HALL OF FAME and close friends with Lou Gherig and Babe Ruth.

Chesteen, 16 years old. No Sweat and Chesteen began dating when he was 15 and she was 16. They were married in Eastern Kentucky Univerity's chappel, January 6, 1973.

No Sweat has encountered many large sharks and barracudas in his life. In Eleuthera, while diving alone with his daughter in a remote area, he speared and killed a 7'2" cuda which was actually attacking them. A world record. The cuda shown here is not that cuda. But typical of why No Sweat came to be called "NO SWEAT."

Five straight generations of brick reds mated together. Then, in the spring of 2024, No Sweat bred this recessive red. She is a pure Sion originating back to Heitzman's original Sion pair, two reds, band numbers: 1033 and 1104.

Any inquiries regarding THE NO SWEAT SIONS should be sent to: [email protected]