June 21, 2005

"I DON'T KNOW YOU, LADY"

Time: 8:45 a.m.
Place: Bear Mountain State Park, N.Y.

BearMountainStatePark1.jpg
From Alan: I'm at mile 42 and I've met Chris O'Connell, my bike buddy from Goshen, N.Y., and we've met up at the Bear Mountain Inn, one of the famous icons on the river at the base of Bear Mountain. We're at one of those kind of places where every school within a 50-mile radius has a field trip out here.
BearMountainStatePark2.jpg
Funny story about meeting up with my friend Carrie: I was supposed to meet her at Haverstraw Bay Park. I bicycled about a quarter-mile into the park off the road. Carrie actually stopped at the entrance of the park. So we didn't know we were both at the park for about a good 20 minutes or so.

Anyway, she sees a bicyclist going by her who resembles me and she thinks that bicyclist is me. He keeps going past the park and Carrie is wondering why Al is going past the park. She goes tearing off after him in her Cougar and pulls up and says, "Al, don't you remember me? It's Carrie. I haven't changed that much over the years."

Anyway, the bicyclist thought that this woman was stalking him, because he said, "I don't know you, lady," and kept on biking."

I called her husband at home and asked if Carrie was going to come down. So her husband Donny called her on the cellphone and we eventually did hook up and chatted for about 10 minutes before I had to head out.

Things are looking great. The weather is in the low 70s, really clear with a southerly breeze. It's been a magical ride so far. Couldn't have asked for anything better.

Chris O'Connell is here. He'd like to say a few words for SideSalad.net. Here's Chris, live!

:::hands phone to Chris:::

Chris: I'm very winded. I've biked three revolutions so far, and I'm looking forward to the next 75 miles with Alan.

Film at 11. We're heading down the road.

Editor's Note: This has happened to me and my family numerous times while we've been driving Tampa Bay roadways. Every time, we conclude that it's Al and every time, without hesitation, we're proven wrong.

But we've met some nice cyclists along the way - if by "met" you mean we've waved at some puzzled and sweaty riders.

Posted by Jeff at June 21, 2005 08:45 AM | TrackBack
Comments

Hi Jeff,

Up pretty early, huh! Beautiful job on sidesalad. Really glad to be able to check in and see what my bro is up to, especially since he’s not answering his phone. Glad to hear he got off to a smooth start.

Have a great day and enjoy your vacation!

Deb

Posted by: Deb at June 21, 2005 12:49 PM

Hey Jeff,

Nice package of Alan's ride so far, I am enjoying it. When you talk to him next could you let him know I'm rooting for him and following his progress?

Take care,

Sarah A. Varga

Posted by: Sarah at June 21, 2005 12:51 PM
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