OF FORECASTS AND OTHER FANTASIES
by Steve Strain, Club President 1996-1999
January 1999
I watched last night as the new cute and perky weatherperson spread the gospel
according to her that today would be sunny. After riding in thirty nine degrees with no
sun I was looking forward to sunshine. Lily the wonder dog got me up early so we could go
out and eat dead squirrels. Lo and behold when I peeked out the door it was cloudy and
damp. Not to worry I thought, this will burn off. I settled in with the paper and a cup of
coffee.
The bride made me get up because Lily did have a dead squirrel. So I headed outside and
it was still dreary. Where was the sun I was promised. The dead animal did not add to the
moment although Lily was having a grand time with it. I think the squirrel died of old
age. Miss Karen was not sympathetic when I suggested that we leave Lily to her squirrel.
So now I'm writing and waiting to lead a ride this afternoon and wondering what the
weatherperson was thinking when she talked about sun.
Christmas was good at the Strain house. The bride even got bike stuff for Christmas.
This has been an eventful year for my riding girl who had several firsts this year while
riding. She dealt with flat tires, a broken spoke and my room service girl even had to
venture into the woods. She even knows who won Le Tour. So in honor of that she got
official Marco Pantani socks and a vest for Christmas. Because she is a fabulous woman she
got me the video from the Giro and the Tour. I think she watches them when I'm away.
The new year will bring a new season and new set of challenges. Colorado beckons once
more. The bride is going to come and supervise the boys. No camping for Miss Karen though.
I haven't told her that some of the towns may not have a Marriot. The Ride the Rockies
people announce the route and send applications on February 7. The web site is
RideTheRockies.com. Entry is done by lottery and we can submit a group in one envelope. So
if anyone is interested please let me know. Rumor has it even Stan is going to come out
there and that should be worth the price of admission.
Looking back 1998 has been a good year. The club has raised money for Room In the Inn
and the Ocoee for trail building. Our events have been well received and have benefited
both the cycling and non cycling communities. Some of us have suffered mishaps and sorrows
and yet the community that is our club has been there and helped through those times. We
can all look forward to the new year and the promise that it brings.
Steve
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