At one time I was really anti missionary. Anyone that feels that their way is the only way, has always annoyed me. We are all prejudiced in some way, but most can refrain from pushing your opinion down your neighbors throat. I was that way until I met my first 10 speed. I can't remember what make it was, but it was white and front and rear derailers, light weight clincher tires, and drop handle bars! From here I went a little bonkers. I wanted lighter and faster. I rode with a bunch of novice bikers, that also were super enthusiasts. I rode every weekend, longer and more challengeing rides. Then I built my own mongrel bicycle.It had a peugeot double butted steel frame, a Brit cotterless crank, Shimano derailers, track handlebars, The leather seat from my old Japanese bike (it fit my tush) pedals that could hold my tennies and were lightweight. I painted the bike school bus yellow and had a chameois shorts and shirt with pockets in yellow made to fit me. "God I was cool" By this time I was completely immersed in Bicycling. I made safety movies for law inforcment, took grade school kids on bike rides. organized an overnight bike ride for Jr. high kids to Ojai. a bike ride to Mexico, and a ride from San Francisco to Santa Barbara. I took blind kids for rides on tandems. Jumped off the pier into the Pacific, taught bicycle repair at the "Y" I was what I had always detested a missionary for two wheels!
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1 comment:
wow jack, this page and your texts are great! I had much fun to read and see them :)
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