Thank You

This past Saturday, I rode 50 miles in my first Pelotonia. The experience was better than I could have imagined. I’d like to use this post as an open letter of thanks.

Thank you…

…to the Pelotonia volunteers. With a team of 4,000 strong, you made everything so easy. I never waited in a line longer than two people, and I was always treated like a VIP. The organization and logistics of the whole event was nothing short of amazing.

…to the law enforcement officers. You did a fantastic job of keeping cyclists and cars separate and served as perfect guideposts. A couple of you even provided some classic rock tunes from your patrol vehicles. Nice touch!

…to my employer and co-workers. You were such a generous sponsor, and great team to be a part of. You made the lead up to the ride, and the ride itself, just that much more fun.

…to my wife, Judy. From your support and fundraising coaching, to your “bike logistics” management for the event, I couldn’t have done it without you. It’s just another reason why I love you so much.

…to my donors. You’re the most important part of this. It’s every one of your dollars donated that will go to research dedicated to ending cancer. I don’t think that I can thank you enough. Unless we end cancer within the next twelve months, I’ll do it all again next year, and with even more motivation!

Elements: 1972 Schwinn Sports Tourer

I’m doing something a little different for this week’s Elements post. It’s a vintage piece of transportation, but this one only has two wheels, and is “sandwich-powered.”

It’s a 1972 Schwinn Sports Tourer, and it’s very different from the hugely popular Varsity model. The Sports Tourer was the top-of-the-line Schwinn road bike below the Paramount series. While it looked like the other Schwinn “lightweights,” Its construction was much different. The frame was fillet-brazed, chrome molybdenum alloy, and built by hand in the same area of the Chicago factory where the Paramounts were built. It was then assembled alongside the Varsities, Continentals, and other 10-speeds. It also used a lighter, European three-piece crank, as opposed to the heavy, one-piece Ashtabula crank that was common on Schwinns of the same era.

I rebuilt this bike five years ago, and I call it a “resto-mod” of sorts. I tried to retain the 1970’s touring look, while updating components, like wheels with sealed bearing hubs, and updated brake pads. The finish is a two-step powder coat “candy copper.”

The reason for featuring the bike now, is that this week is “Pelotonia Week” in Columbus, and I’ll be riding this bike 50 miles on Saturday to raise money for Cancer research. Please consider donating, and thank you.