BIKERS' BEACON<bR>
Tuesday, April 21 '98<bR>
<P>
Three graveyards. If a driver were to negotiate the roads that<bR>
constitute the BBC training route, he would pass three<bR>
graveyards. (It's true: you count 'em.) They are small country<bR>
plots, mostly the final resting spots of specific families.<bR>
<P>
Feather. Wilson. Schmidt. These are the family names of those who<bR>
lived and died, agrarian folk who loved, were loved and now are<bR>
no more. <bR>
<P>
If they were still with us, if there spirits could give counsel<bR>
(fortunate are we who do not believe in this popular<bR>
superstition) what would they tell us? "Carpe Diem!" the Latin<bR>
phrase goes, or, in English "Seize the day!" <bR>
<P>
Ten members of the BBC did just this on the Tuesday training<bR>
ride. We were alive, and we proved it by pushing the envelope of<bR>
our mortal human frames. No better way to do this than on a bike.<bR>
<P>
The weather could have been better, but, to quote Doug Fattic, <bR>
it could have been worse. Overcast and a bit on the chilly side,<bR>
the conditions did not keep ten hearty souls from coming out,<bR>
including some first-timers for the year. Riders were Scott and<bR>
Jerry Thayer, Doug Fattic, Randy Mack, Jason Lange, Richie<bR>
Forrester, Jack Stenger, Marc Samuel and this-year first-timers<bR>
Erik LaBianca and Ricky Robertson.<bR>
<P> 

Due to some last-minute mechanical needs on the part of both of<bR>
the this-year first-timers, we got a later start and did not<bR>
leave until around 7 p.m. Besides being a strong (and impulsive)<bR>
rider, Ricky is also a wild-eyed optimist. Who else would come to<bR>
the Ad Building parking lot with a disassembled bike over his<bR>
shoulder, no front wheel and fully expect to bike? His optimism<bR>
paid off because a wheel eventually showed up. <bR>
<P>
We stayed together at a civil pace for the first of the ride.<bR>
Most held together up to Five Points. Matter of fact, the group<bR>
held up to Shawnee and even up Singer Lake. Predictably, the pace<bR>
was quickened as we reached the Hinchman Bend and made our way up<bR>
the "Hinchman Speedway." There is no more cruel part of our route<bR>
than this road, particularly its late-route inclines. They are<bR>
harbingers of lactic acid and cardiovascular strain. This road<bR>
separates the BBC us as no other speed corridor can.    <bR>
<P>
Jason and Richie led a group. Hinchman hills caused a few more<bR>
"drops" (including the retreat of your humble correspondent).<bR>
Into this drama entered Scott Thayer who nearly staged a biking<bR>
coup that could've joined the annals of BBC history. Our<bR>
President stayed back -- way back -- from the crowd to ride with<bR>
his dad. At some point, though, he dug in and sought to reclaim<bR>
the considerable distances that separated him from the leaders.<bR>
Riding alone and averaging speeds of 25 m.p.h., with only<bR>
tombstones and a stiff headwind as witnesses, he eventually<bR>
caught the leaders' pack at the Hinchman-U.S. 31 intersection. A<bR>
real feat of athletic endeavor!<bR>
<P>
Other ride standouts were Eric and Ricky who were both strong for<bR>
their first times out this year. Together, they both seemed to<bR>
scoff at the notion that winter and inactivity means diminished<bR>
performance. Get that Cannondale fixed, Ricky, and you're gonna<bR>
be a force to be reckoned with.    <bR>
<P>
The weather is supposed to be great on Thursday. Sunny and temps<bR>
up to the 60s or 70s. It promises to be a great ride so we hope<bR>
everyone can get out there. Remember BBC, "Carpe Diem!" That's<bR>
what they would tell us if they could<bR>
<P>
Until Thursday, I remain,<bR>

Jack Stenger<bR>
BBC Chief Propagandist<bR>

 

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