How best to open then with the ending comment from last month...the First Union Race. A combined tour with the Outdoor Club was held on June 6. Surprisingly there were no SJW members in our group except for the leader. Under a bright sunny sky, RePete led a tour to Philly. Now, what would you expect...a routine tour? Anyone that has ridden with RePete would know better! This trip proved to be no exception. Now the trip over was uneventful...until RePete's mirror flew away. Then there was the near crash as RePete was speeding down Pine Hill...for some unknown reason a local decided to back out of their driveway just as RePete zipped along at over 30 mph!!!
Once at the race, faith continued to deal cards. We arrived late and failed to connect with another rider. Then with thousands of people on Ben Franklin Parkway, a voice was calling out. Yes, somehow RePete been spotted!! Well, this meeting resulted in our group receiving tickets for the First Union tent. There we dined on free food and drinks.
Now we decided to go to the "Wall." As a Jedi Knight, RePete chose to use the "Force" and closed his eyes on an especially crowded, narrow section at the end of Kelly Drive. Apparently, the others were not Jedi Knights as all elected to navigate with their eyes open. We reached Manayunk and found a shady location with an excellent view of the race. (Yes, RePete decided to open his eyes!)
Now we needed to return to the Parkway to witness the the finish. Once agtain at the bottom of Ridge Avenue someone was calling out! Unbelieveably, RePete again had been seen in a crowd!! This time by a person he had never met. This turned out to be the rider that was we had planned to meet at the beginning of the race. Somehow, RePete just does not blend in with groups of people.
Now we paused at Lemon Hill...there were several thousand spectators and our own John Eidemiller spotted RePete. This was just before being seen by our stalwart president.
The bike trip home would have yet another surprise...the front derailleur broke on RePete's trusted Peugeot!
What about he race? Well here are some of the details...simply click on 1999 USPRO Cycling Tour.
RePete and Mrs. RePete did journey to the land of Thunder...called Trenton. This time for what was billed as a "highway safety program." The letter from the State indicated that "the day promises to be exciting! Come out and meet your constituents from around the state." These events were held in cooperation with the N.J. Safety Council and the Safe Kids Campaign. How could any politician stay away? Well...it seems Safe Kids and highway safety are not priority issues for our political leaders, this included Christine Whitman on down! The highest ranking official was the Acting Superintendent for the State Police!! The program concluded with no new initiatives or commitments being developed. Perhaps "Keeping Every Generation Safe On The Road" are only words printed on stationery!!!!
Do you keep a record of your cycling? The experts recommend that you maintain details as a way to improve performance. Information such as number to tours, miles ridden, average and maximum speed as well as other information should be included. Are you interested but find this difficult to do? RePete can provide a computerized report customized to your needs complete with charts! Want to know more about this program? Simply contact RePete.
Ok...that is enough for now. Remember to check out Quest Tours...the Fort Mercer Tour is scheduled on July 25. Also, revisit Bicycling Adventures - Unlimited for info on this tour as well as other upcoming rides including Smithville!
Safe Cycling,
RePete
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repete@worldlynx.net
http://www.oocities.org/Colosseum/Arena/6870
