NUMBERS: The thing the stands out is my mileage was way down for 2017. I did not hit 8,000 miles, or even 7,000 miles, as I did the past two years.
In the past, I chose my Top Ten Moments/Rides, which were sometimes 11 or 12. This year I just want to look at moments.
BEST EPIC ADVENTURE – In June I rode across the Swiss Alps from Austria to France (almost).
BEST STOLEN WATER – In late August I did a ride from Cumberland, Md. into Bedford County. As I returned to Cumberland there is about a mile hill at 3-4% and two young women were walking their bikes. One, Mary, was a cyclist from D.C. Her friend from Cumberland was not, hence they were walking. It was hot. Mary was thirsty. She took the second bottle from my bike and downed it.
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER – I stopped in Switzerland and asked Marcel to take my photo. Great young man.
QUIETEST RIDE – On May 17 I joined 60 other cyclists including the parents of Jamie Roberts, Bob and Eveline Roberts, as we rode in the Ride of Silence in Rockville, Maryland.
ONLY 4430 MILES SHORT – On June 3 I rode 70 miles on Day 1 with the Texas 4000 as they headed of for a 4500 mile ride from Austin to Anchorage, Fighting Cancer Every Mile.
TOUGHEST CLIMB – It wasn’t long but it was steep as I rode Henrietta Mountain Road near Saxton, Pa. It compared to Hurricane Mountain Road (NH), Mount Washington (NH), and San Pellegrino (the mountain, not the drink) (Italy). Ouch.
BIGGEST DOUCHE – Some cop in Zurich who ticketed me for riding on a sidewalk – a sidewalk that looked like any other bike path and in an area I found out later was a trap for cyclists. Couldn’t even let this American slide with a warning and a Welcome to Zurich.
MOST AMERICAN SWISS – On the ferry to Bochenride, I saw a young woman on a Cervelo Bike. She had a Garmin 500 GPS. She had MY Speed Play pedals. North American bike, U.S. GPS, U.S. pedals. I thought she might be a tourist and finally talked to her. No, she was a local from Luzerne. But could have pulled off being American.
COOLEST ADVENTURE – DUH! My six-day trip through the Swiss Alps.
NOISIEST ROAD – The Klausen Pass in Switzerland where more than 200 motorcycles (or motorbikes) went flying by me up the mountain.
WORST HOTEL – Thun, Switzerland. The room was tiny with no air-conditioning and it was a hot day. The window was small and opening it six stories above the street let in more street noise than fresh air.
BEST HOTEL – Hotel Seerausch, Beckenreid, Switzerland. Situated on Lake Lucerne. Absolutely gorgeous. Big room. Unbelievable views. Great staff!
BEST HOTEL-2 – Hotel Rischli, Sörenberg, Switzerland. They had goats. Tiny goats. Large room and a great staff.
BEST ABANDONED RIDE – Not going to Bormio, Italy (as much as I wanted to) because of freezing rain and snow in the forecast. I went home instead.
MOST COUNTRIES / ONE RIDE – In June I rode with Ben Z. as we did a Switzerland – France – Germany – Switzerland – Germany – Switzerland loop. (Three countries)
BIGGEST BUBBA – On August 11, riding near Hooversville, Pa. (Somerset Co.), I was twice forced off the road by one very angry driver. I called Pennsylvania State Police who promised to visit him.
