This past Saturday, I went for a ride on my (1973) Fuji. My partner was a fellow I met through a list member, and this was my first time riding with him. During the course of our ride, he told me about an old-timer who'd won a National title for his age group in the Time Trial a number of years ago.
When we returned to the parking lot after the ride, my partner pointed out a fellow who was standing behind his car preparing for a ride, and he said, "There's Don. He's the guy I was telling you about." I walked over for the introduction, and after noticing that he was wearing leather cycling shoes and was preparing his very well-used, late '70's Fuji Professional, I went back to retrieve my "Finest".
We had a very nice chat for about 20 minutes, spending a bit of that admiring each other's bicycles, reminiscing about lugged steel bicycles, dicussing his racing exploits, and about the possibility of him competing again this year in North Carolina. I had found a new friend.
I use the term "had", because just yesterday, I heard from my partner on that day's ride, that on Monday, Donald Souder (age 82 years and 10 months), 1982 National age-group champion, passed away. I was stunned to learn that I had met and spoken to this wonderful gentleman as he was preparing for his last ride.
I am passing this on in the event that some on the
list might have known Donald, and had not heard. Here
is the link to the notice:
http://www.legacy.com/
This day causes me to reflect upon the things I have to be thankful for. Cycling and my love of vintage bicycles has opened the door to numerous acquaintences and several friendships that I did not have before. Thank you Dale, and those others who support the CR list. Thanks also to the many on this list who have, in numerous small ways, helped to enrich my life.
With Gratitude,
John Barry Mechanicsburg, PA
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