The Road Goes On
So It Goes
I dislike writing eulogies. Having to write one invariably means someone close and dear has passed away. This time it was Sheldon Brown. Many people are writing about Sheldon these days.
“In August 2007 Sheldon was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. After losing his ability to balance an upright bicycle to the disease, he was able to continue pedaling by using a recumbent tricycle. Sheldon died on February 3, 2008 after a heart attack.” Wikipedia.
That says so little about Sheldon. I never met the man in person. He helped me with all things bicycle from the stupid newbie questions to esoteric conversion issues. I am one of many strangers he helped and I feel much more alone in the world now.
Road Trip Tucson February ‘08
My wife and I made our annual trip to Tucson this month. She takes a class in jewelry making and I rent a bike. The last couple of years her class was two days long, a Friday and Saturday. This year I had to settle for a Wednesday. I will not be writing about an epic shoot out with the bad boys, I wish I was. There is nothing like public admission of getting one’s butt kicked for humility.
I rode four SunTrans Buses before I got to the Fairwheel Bikes. I could have ridden a few less, but what kind of heel makes his wife ride across a city as big as Tucson by herself? The last couple of years she did exactly that. What...? It was the Saturday morning ride! What was I supposed to do?
Fairwheel had two of their rental bikes stolen. Both the 50 CM and the 52 CM. I ride a 50 CM and was stuck with a 54 CM. My legs reached the pedals and I could clear the cojones, but the steering was a little hinky. I took my trusty maps and headed off on a 50 mile loop that was supposed to be flat with some rolling hills. When did I become such a flatlander? Tucson’s idea of rolling hills is not our South Texas idea of rolling hills. Rolling hills I think of Iowa. There were not any epic climbs on this route but you do have to work.
I only got lost a couple of times. It helps to bring your bifocals so you can actually read the maps you so carefully packed. I stopped at the Saguaro National Forest to refill my water bottles and met Kyle. He was also in need of a map. We talked for a while and conferred over the map and then rode out on the wrong road. Bifocals do not make you Einstein. Long story short, we did not add too many miles to our route and had a splendid ride. I have found that as long as you are not judgmental and keep a little humility about you, there is always someone to ride with, damn near anywhere.
Kaboom!
Our good buddy Randy will not be going to Kerrville for the Easter Hill Country Ride this year. He and his motorcycle impacted a car. He has a bum ankle and 5 broken ribs. Try not to make him laugh. He has lots of support and sympathy though. Here is a direct quote from a dear friend.
“If I didn't want to face 109 hilly miles in Kerrville, I'd come up with a better(and less painful) excuse. How about, " I'm just not in shape?"
There is nothing like riding with your buddies.
Extras:
Fairwheel Bikes http://www.fairwheelbikes.com/
The best bike rentals in Tucson and home of some of the lightest bikes on the planet.
BICAS http://www.bicas.org/
Just because not everyone races but everyone should be able to ride if they want to.
I dislike writing eulogies. Having to write one invariably means someone close and dear has passed away. This time it was Sheldon Brown. Many people are writing about Sheldon these days.
“In August 2007 Sheldon was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. After losing his ability to balance an upright bicycle to the disease, he was able to continue pedaling by using a recumbent tricycle. Sheldon died on February 3, 2008 after a heart attack.” Wikipedia.
That says so little about Sheldon. I never met the man in person. He helped me with all things bicycle from the stupid newbie questions to esoteric conversion issues. I am one of many strangers he helped and I feel much more alone in the world now.
Road Trip Tucson February ‘08
My wife and I made our annual trip to Tucson this month. She takes a class in jewelry making and I rent a bike. The last couple of years her class was two days long, a Friday and Saturday. This year I had to settle for a Wednesday. I will not be writing about an epic shoot out with the bad boys, I wish I was. There is nothing like public admission of getting one’s butt kicked for humility.
I rode four SunTrans Buses before I got to the Fairwheel Bikes. I could have ridden a few less, but what kind of heel makes his wife ride across a city as big as Tucson by herself? The last couple of years she did exactly that. What...? It was the Saturday morning ride! What was I supposed to do?
Fairwheel had two of their rental bikes stolen. Both the 50 CM and the 52 CM. I ride a 50 CM and was stuck with a 54 CM. My legs reached the pedals and I could clear the cojones, but the steering was a little hinky. I took my trusty maps and headed off on a 50 mile loop that was supposed to be flat with some rolling hills. When did I become such a flatlander? Tucson’s idea of rolling hills is not our South Texas idea of rolling hills. Rolling hills I think of Iowa. There were not any epic climbs on this route but you do have to work.
I only got lost a couple of times. It helps to bring your bifocals so you can actually read the maps you so carefully packed. I stopped at the Saguaro National Forest to refill my water bottles and met Kyle. He was also in need of a map. We talked for a while and conferred over the map and then rode out on the wrong road. Bifocals do not make you Einstein. Long story short, we did not add too many miles to our route and had a splendid ride. I have found that as long as you are not judgmental and keep a little humility about you, there is always someone to ride with, damn near anywhere.
Kaboom!
Our good buddy Randy will not be going to Kerrville for the Easter Hill Country Ride this year. He and his motorcycle impacted a car. He has a bum ankle and 5 broken ribs. Try not to make him laugh. He has lots of support and sympathy though. Here is a direct quote from a dear friend.
“If I didn't want to face 109 hilly miles in Kerrville, I'd come up with a better(and less painful) excuse. How about, " I'm just not in shape?"
There is nothing like riding with your buddies.
Extras:
Fairwheel Bikes http://www.fairwheelbikes.com/
The best bike rentals in Tucson and home of some of the lightest bikes on the planet.
BICAS http://www.bicas.org/
Just because not everyone races but everyone should be able to ride if they want to.
posted by Speedo at 5:34 PM
1 comments
