Randy,
I recall driving home from the U.S. Pro Championships in Baltimore circa 1982 and a few of our fellow CCRC (Team Sterling!) boys were in the car next to us waving to get our attention and flashing a newly acquired and slightly soggy-looking Peugeot team jersey. I think it was Mike who had the jersey. It was given to one of the guys by Allan Peiper in thanks for a car ride from the finishing area to the his hotel. Having made the big time, Peiper apparently remembered how much something like a jersey might mean to a younger rider. It's also telling that, in those days not so long ago, pros had to bum rides from fans. I guess they probably had fewer resources (team cars) so far from thier European home base.
I can still remember Mike holding up the jeresy, pretending (?) to take whiff, and wrinkling his nose. So the question is, were you there? If so, I can imagine how it would have put you on the path to Peiper fandom.
Tom Dalton Bethlehem, PA, USA
http://www.bobkestrut.com/
cool post about early (1977) u.s. riders in europe, one of my favorite pro's, allan peiper, and listmaster dale's role in the narrator's very interesting cycling career.
randy dugan van nuys, ca usa
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