At the Cirque this year, BVVW Omnipotent Despot/Director Sportif John Pergolizzi roundly chastised me for making a work visit to Brooklyn and not calling him. So to avoid future flamings, I contacted John when making plans for my trip to CT, NYC, and Brooklyn last week. He did not hesitate to arrange dinner with local friends, CR and otherwise. We met on Thursday evening (the 16th) at Anthony's, a year old but fantastic Italian (for lack of a better word) bistro. You can't swing a dead cat in NYC without hitting the proprietor of an Italian restaurante, but I doubt any are more friendly or have better food that Anthony's. Attending this impromptu 'meeting' (read: excuse to eat and talk bikes) of the BVVW were (forgive me for not remembering last names): John P., Vic, Bill, Mordicai (sp?), and myself. I have to say that finding friends to share dinner with whilst on the road for business is a real treat. I'll spare the details of the meal, but just say that from the wine, appetizers, salads, main courses, desserts, and cappacino, there was only praise.
The same is true for the company and conversation. A rare chance for midwestern boy to hear True Tales of cycling in the Big City. Makes me feel that what passes for city commuting in Indianapolis or Columbus or Cincinnati is just a country ride!
We did discuss, or rather, listened with rapt attention, as JP explained some arcane facts about certain Campag components (Hey, if you want details you'd have to ask someone that did not imbibe so much wine or walnut liqueur. I guess you may as well not ask any of this group!).
The evening closed about 11PM, as some of us actually had to get up in the morning. As always with such occasions, as at the Cirque, we hated to see the evening end. Sorry there was not more 'classic bike' content here, but the point is that other than just the physical bicycles and parts and history of this sport/avocation we all share, we gain new friendships and we appreciate any opportunity we have to get together to share ourselves. This was evident to me when attending my first Cirque and it continues to be reinforced whenever someone shares info via email or telephone, and when Hizzoner of the BVVW invites me to join him and friends for dinner when in the City. Thanks John! I had a great time. And if you unfortunately find yourself in 'fly-over' country, I will be sure to return the hospitality. Ciao!
Ron Gurth Carmel, Indiana (Indiana State Motto: "You have to go through here to get somewhere")
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