This past Saturday (the 24th) a small group of us CR and iBOB members met at my house for a ride here in Aurora. Those that showed up were (in no particular order); Mary Schwartz (co-worker), Mike Wilkinson, Paul Patzkowsky, Mike Gillespie, and Ralph Petrilli. We had Paul on his blue Roberts trike (hope I'm remembering the make correctly) that he's had since new in the 70s. This most interesting contraption was quite the mishmash of components. Mike G was riding on his very pretty 1999 nearly electric blue Rivendell with matching white Regal seat and handle bar tape. And Mike W showed up with his cool Campagnolo N. Record (correct Mike ?) equipped McLean (Mike, what do you call that color again ?). Ralph was on a thoroughly modern (as in "I got it a few months back") Calfee/Carbonframes wearing Campagnolo Chorus. And Mary who could care less about all these dusty old bikes, was riding her modern red Trek with Shimano STI. I had my blue Rivendell. (if you're interested in seeing pictures of the trike, McLean, or Rivendells email me and I'll send them your way) We started out by introducing and re-acquainting ourselves while eating bagels and drinking coffee (energy and caffeine) that my lovely wife Linda was serving up. It was at this point that I was told that my directions to get to our house were slightly flawed. Hey, so I left a street out, that's what MapQuest is for right ? I promise to have them proofread next time. Unlike Friday's beautiful weather we started out with the day gray, damp, and slightly cold. There was almost a drizzle in the air. And it pretty much stayed like that all day, rats. Off we headed to the lake to do a few laps. At the lake great fun was had to follow (not too closely) behind Paul and watch his cornering technique on the trike. Truly amazing stuff. He also treated us to a balancing act of leaning it up on just 2 wheels. At which point he challenged any of us to ride our 2 wheelers on just 1 wheel. It was nice to talk to everyone as we rode along 2 or 3 abreast on what were quiet park roads (the weather was also keeping the holiday car/boating crowd away). Mike G was telling us about riding brevets (a 400k coming up soon) and Mary and I were telling Ralph about the MS150 here. Mike W talked about visiting Brian Baylis' shop. And Paul was telling us about his collection of bikes with some dating back to the 50s. When he mentioned this I asked, "So, how did you get into collecting bicycles Paul ?". Paul responded back, "Suddenly I realized all my bikes were old"! A classic line that brought a good laugh.
Mike W had fun flying past all of us (and I mean he was flying !) going up a couple of hills. Last time I rode with him he was on a fixed gear and was very quick. With gears he was even quicker. He's also getting ready for a solo tour (no, not on the McLean) up into Montana. Sounds exciting Mike !
At the last turn around everyone but me and Mary took off at full speed. I think this was brought on by Paul blasting down the hill past everyone else. Who's going to let some guy on a TRIKE do that without taking the challenge?
While at the lake I did spot a guy riding a "Saronni" Colnago (wine red, white panels, chromed fork) but each time it was going the opposite direction on a big hill so I never did get a chance to talk to him. I ride at the lake fairly often though so I'll keep an eye out for him and suggest the CR list to him.
Afterward we headed back to our house, packed up the bikes, chatted some and said our goodbyes. It was a fun time even if the weather wasn't too cooperative. I'm not sure, but maybe Mike G will host next month's ride.
Reporting from Denver Colorado - home of the ever growing CR/iBOB contingent...
John Price
Denver CO