Freewheel’n

The First Union/Core States US Pro Championship Cycling Race held on June 7 was again an adventure. I arrived shortly after the start and began taking photographs. The first of two crew recognized Ol’ RePete. After moving to a different location the second crew member also recognized yours truly. Found out that they did the circuit for the past week doing Lancaster and Trenton. Later on that day RePete had an opportunity to meet with a group from the Liberty Bell Classic. Our paths crossed along the East River Drive. They past me returning to Center City and I decided to draft behind them. The thought of joining them as they exited from the sidewalk onto the roadway entered my mine. I may have acted on this thought but for the possibility of spending time in some holding cell. Alas, they went on and so did RePete. . . separately. The weather then became windy and stormy. Met Jeff and Dawn near the Art Museum before heading home. Arrived in time to view George Hincapie finish ahead of the field.

Are you aware RePete entered and competed in a Road Race? Yes...our RePete was there on June 13th at Fort Monmouth with a crowded field of other senior citizens. Small problem was that these were not the Geritol crowd!! Despite doing a season and possibly a lifetime personal best of 17.85 mph, found myself at the back of the pack as we crossed the finish line!

Did you hear about “No Helmet Day?” Found this odd piece of information while browsing the cycling the internet. Apparently cyclist were to express our “freedom” and ride without helmets. This is my reply:

The following message was returned to JPoulos451:

I can only hope your conscious will rest when you read on June 13 about a serious head injury that would have been prevented by wearing a helmet. Your irresponsible encouragement is only overshadowed only by the sheer stupidity of any that participate.

Go to my web site at:

http://www.oocities.org/Colosseum/Arena/6870

then click on Quibbles to find information that only the foolish will ignore.


-----Original Message-----
From: JPoulos451
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.misc
Date: Friday, June 05, 1998 8:40 AM
Subject: No Helmet Day Is One Week Away!!


> For those of you who are not aware I would like to inform you that
B.A.H.
>(Bicyclists Against Helmets) will be holding its first National No Helmet
Day
>on June 12 1998. Join us and ride without a helmet to protest mandatory
helmet
>laws, the inadequate safety standards required of bicycle helmets, and the
>lessening of your ability to raise your children as you see fit due to
helmet
>laws.
> Everyone who detests MHL's is welcome to join their local B.A.H.
>contingent.
>Create signs and attach them to your bike. Make shirts and wear them
proudly.
>We may not change the world overnight but a large showing will certainly
aid
>public awareness and may impact politicians so they do not enact further
>draconian helmet laws. Anyone who is an adult should resent being told
what to
>do so we urge you to CHOOSE. Leave the helmet at home and experience
cycling
>as it once was; fun and free of the paranoia and scare tactics spread by
the
>helmet lobby. Let your kids ride helmetless so they can have as much fun
as
>you did growing up.
>
>RIDE HARD RIDE FAST HAVE FUN!
>RIDE HELMETLESS ON JUNE 12!!!
>B.A.H "protecting freedom of expression

"Talking about the Web. . .I have my URL to many search engines. Rather then entering my address, you can simply key in “RePete.” This should get you to a screen that will include my site. Then click on “RePete’s World of Bicycling Adventures - Unlimited” and that will get you to my site. Once there you can check into Quotes to see what some had to say about this year’s 5 Boro Tour in NYC! Good luck!

Safe Cycling!

RePete

6/15/98