ADP wrote:
>
> Chuck Schmidt says:
>
> >The dude grinning like a moron in the next foto is me (happens every
> >time I ride the Sammontana Team Masi with like minded friends).
> >
> ><http://www.velo-retro.com/AmCycRide2.jpg>
>
> Besides the big Masi-induced grin, I couldn't help but notice that Chuck
> has a tan... Now maybe that is not the kind of thing that you all might
> notice, but I did, which leads me to think that not only does Chuck get to
> ride a lot, he is still getting to ride in the sunshine and in weather that
> is suitable for wearing shorts.
>
> So besides the fact that I'm mildly jealous of Chuck's excellent bicycle
> collection, I'm also feeling put upon that he gets to ride 'em without
> dressing like he is going on an Arctic expedition...
>
> Ann Phillips, Decatur GA
> every sunny day spent in the shop selling bicycles is just another sunny
> day wasted from riding my own...
I think you'll take comfort in knowing that I take my role as your surrogate vintage bike rider very seriously, Ann. I choose the time of the daily ride to best take advantage of the daytime temperature and sun; usually this results in a two to three hour ride in the afternoon. And I usually try to ride a different vintage bike every ride, although sometimes a favorite will interupt the rotation with a consecutive ride or two.
I guess the analogy isn't that of the rider doing sporsored miles for a charity but more like Jeff Bridges' role as the Dude (Duder, His Dudeness, or El Duderino) in the movie The Big Lebowski.
"THE BIG LEBOWSKI" by Ethan Coen & Joel Coen
THE DUDE, LEAVING, NODS:
DUDE Yeah man. Well, you know, the Dude abides.
Gazing after him, The Stranger drawls, savoring the words:
THE STRANGER The Dude abides.
He gives his head a shake of appreciation, then looks into the camera.
THE STRANGER I don't know about you, but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there, the Dude, takin' her easy for all us sinners...(cut)
Then again... maybe not...
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California
.