My second Cirque and as a seasoned sophomore, I had a pretty good plan t o maximize the experience. Since the "official" days go by in a New Y ork minute, Ray Homiski and I arrived on Wednesday evening ahead of the curve. My pal, Ray Homiski was able to move from the Microtel to the Battleground and so after a fumigation of his smoking room, he was set for the Cirque.
So for me, the highlights were the relationships and here is what I came away with:
The People
* Mark Poore's jokes that kept me laughing on Saturday's ride. * Getting dropped not once but twice by Sachs, Weigle, Swan and the rest of the lead group on Saturday's ride. I finished with fellow Jer sey guy Tom Adams in the second group. That first group went by us so fast, my bike spun around twice. Lance, I am not, but it felt good t o finish with the time that I did manage. * Marty Walsh's Gitane getting an unofficial award for toughest French bi ke after having his bike fall off the roof of his car and sustaining only m inimal damage and having a laugh about it afterwards. * Watching Brian Baylis doing laps on Diane's Highwheeler in the parking lot. * Having a beer with Ray Etherton and listening to his "war stories" * Sitting in the lobby with 9 other grey hairs watching the Triplets of B ellville" and enjoying the moment. * Watching Pergolizzi enjoy doing his thing and hoping that I don't sneez e, cough, or scratch an itch during the bidding for the Confente. * Hearing the announcement that we more than doubled the amount form last years auction. * Enjoying the experience of watching Ray Homiski doing his first Cirque. It started in May 04 with me telling Ray that he has to find a way t o go next year. Steve Willis and Dave Neuhaus-you're next! * Trying to hustle the "downtown babes" on Thursday afternoon in Greensbo ro to attend the Sunday Bike Exhibit * Chatting with Bruce Gordon after his win on Sunday night and being apar t of his "feel good" evening. * Enjoying some great wine with Lou Deeter, Dave Cooper, Ed Brooks a nd Greg Arnold at the dinners. * Getting to know Maurice better. * Talking to Jeff about his movie on 6 Day Racing, learning that he's rea lly a Jersey guy and he knew one of my old girl friends that I da ted 30 years ago from Boonton, NJ. WOW, small world it is. and last but not least...... * Learning that there will be CIRQUE in 2006 and no stinkin furniture mar t will stand in the way. The Bikes
* Nice Stuff! * * Thanks to Dale Brown and all the folks that made the experience what it was and will be in the future.
Mike Schmidt
New York, NY