John Henderson wrote:
> Aeek wrote:
>
>> Thanks for the heads up. It was a fun mellow ride with a
>> different mix of cyclists. First time I've ridden with another
>> fixie so that was cool. Never ridden with a cruiser either,
>> another very deliberate bike.
>
> Likewise, I enjoyed it very much - an interesting cross-section
> of participants, and all enthusiastic cyclists.
>
> As I understand it, Simon intends running it every year on 1
> April. When that falls on a weekend, it will present the
> opportunity for a much longer ride.
>
> John
The following has been submitted to Pedal Power for the next mag...
April 1st marks a special day for those of us who remember Sheldon
Brown. Sheldon was famous around the world as the creator, maintainer,
email-responder and encyclopaedic cycling expert behind
www.sheldonbrown.com, perhaps the Internet's most famous cycling site. A
man of passion, gentleness and generosity, he personally answered
hundreds of emails a day from cyclists around the world. Sheldon was
almost as famous for the quality and originality of his April Fool's
jokes, some of which appear on the site. Sheldon died two months ago, a
victim of multiple sclerosis.
So it was that on the evening of April 1st a group of Canberra cyclists
gathered to remember Sheldon and his contribution to cycling in a way
that he would have appreciated – a good natured and inclusive ride just
for the fun of it. We started out at the Florey shops and did a lap of
Lake Ginninderra. The group and their bikes covered the full spectrum –
audax riders, kids as passengers on a trike, teens on mountain bikes, PP
members, committed fixed-wheel riders, cruisers and down-hillers, but
all with things in common; a love of cycling and an appreciation for
Sheldon's legacy.
Simon Spoors and
www.cyclesurgery.com.au organised the ride, and
provided a BBQ afterwards (see photo). Thanks Simon! Speaking for myself
I found it a great experience. Normally I ride fast, well fast for an
old fat unfit guy anyway. But this event encouraged me to slow down, to
talk, to freewheel, to enjoy the fabulous weather. Everything that
Sheldon stood for.
At a personal level I was lucky enough to meet Sheldon at the store in
Newton, Massachusetts. Years before Sheldon's internet fame, I wandered
into the store and met this big, gentle guy who was happy to sit and
talk about cycling and bikes, even though he knew he wouldn't make a
sale to this Aussie tyre-kicker. I'll never forget him.
Thanks Sheldon. Thanks Simon!
Photos at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrick_keogh/sets/72157604355264093/
