Happy New Year, Brethren and Sistren, and may the year bring blessings, health, and the contentment of "enoughness" in many things.
In the DC area, one of the January 1 traditions is the "Hains Point Ride," a loop of about 3.2 mi. around East Potomac Park. Dead flat, but always a nasty wind from the NW on the Potomac side, which has no windbreaks. All sorts of people ride, from one lap to century rides. Together with the occasional roller blader and runner. Hundreds of people through the day, on all sorts of bikes.
I met up with good buddy, CR member, and Team Coppi rider Fred Rednor for a few laps today, and discovered that a key element was different: wind from the SW instead of the NW, and it was good. Fred on his Witcomb as fixed gear, and me on my ~1950 Andy Hamel (Long Island) lugless, with inch pitch (fixed).
Coming off a hacking cough and cold, I did only 5 laps, but it was Peace and Joy. Not worrying about who passed who, but just the good vibes of riding on a relatively warm winter day, with a friend.
Life is good, and the Hamel is fine. Thanks, Eddie A, for letting it come into my life.
harvey sachs
mcLean va.