Sorry about the timing on this report. When I left Florida I was launched into our ski season and haven't had much spare time on my hands. This all happened the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
In all my trips to Florida I always look forward to riding with Lou Deeter and friends. This trip Jonathan Green and Brent would be joining us on Saturdays ride. We met at Paneras and the ride would leave at 7:30am right after a good cup of coffee and a bagel. Lou was riding his Specialized Allez, Jonathan on his Hampstein and Brent on his white Richard Sachs. Two other folks joined us Henry and his son Will both on bikes kind of like mine, not to be mentioned here on the list. The pace was casual and when the traffic allowed we engaged in good conversation. We did 15 or 20 miles and then back to Paneras where I had a second cup of coffee. I must say at this time I cant drink the coffee my dad makes. Having spent 3 years 8 months and 9 days in the Navy I can honestly say a drunk sailor wouldnt drink a cup of his brew let alone an Ex sober sailor. Jonathan, Brent and I headed over to Lous house, which is just a few blocks behind Paneras. Upon arriving we notice that Lou had all his bikes lined up in a row in bike stands waiting our inspection. Lou asked me what size shoe I wore and I told him a 42 which he replied "my shoes will fit you well enough to ride my bikes." So after putting on his shoes, oh, to pedal a mile in Lous shoes, he brought the first bike out. At this time I must mention that I will not name the marquee or frame builder of the bikes that I rode for what I think will be obvious reasons as I did have a hands down favorite which I will name. One bike after another was brought out for me to ride with all in all, if my memory serves me correctly, 8 bikes total. The last bike was a Richards Sachs with modern Campagnolo Record equipment. Most of his bikes were equipped with the same components. All the bikes rode nice, and there were two that I thought rode better than the rest. One bike in particular I rode twice as long as any other just wanting and waiting for something magical to happen, but it never did. After throwing a leg over the Sachs and taking 3 or 4 pedal strokes I new this was a special ride. I have always looked at Richards bikes and felt that they would ride nicely, but I have never had the chance to ride one my size and that does make a difference, at least for me. Again, I rode this one twice the time as any other bike, not for something magical to happen as that happened immediately, but for the simple reason I did not want to get off the bike. If you have ever been on a bike that rides that exceptionally nice you know what I talk of, the ride is soooooooooo sweet you hate for it to end so ya stay on it just a bit longer. Bringing it back to the garage I simply said "Lou, hands down this is the best riding bike in your stable and if I were I would keep this one and put all the others up on Ebay." Both Jonathan and Brent thought that was funny as hell and told me I have to post that to the list so here it is.
This is almost where the story comes to an end, but I will save the best part for another post in a few days.
Mark Poore Slatyfork, WV
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