Ace Hardware

 Stolen bicycle returned to owner after 28 years

The Esquimalt resident figured he’d never see his 10-speed Norco bicycle again after it was stolen in broad daylight outside a Victoria pub 28 years ago.

. . .

Roche, now 49, was 21 years old when he and a friend rode their bikes to a Douglas Street pub. When they came out to ride home, Roche’s bike, a gift from his older brother, was gone.

“Mine was locked and my buddy’s, which was a way better bike, wasn’t,” said Roche. “We were killing ourselves (laughing). Why would they take the locked one? That’s the irony of it.”

. . .

Where the 10-speed has been all these years is a mystery to police, who traced a nine-digit number stamped on the bike’s frame back to Roche.

The bike’s chain is rusty and the tires are flat and bald, reason why Roche is wary of taking it for a spin. But the bike may still have some years left in it.

“I’m going to throw some money at it if it’s worth fixing and then donate it,” said Roche. “I’m sure some kid will say, ‘Wow, this is cool.’

“Maybe all his friends will have brand new BMXs and his will be an original.”

The guard rails have weakened and become unsafe. In addition, they are replacing the wooden deck to make it a smoother ride. This should be nice when they’re done!

Unfortunately, there are no direct routes to get around this bridge since the gates will be closed at Dean Rd. You may want to avoid the trail after nightfall this week.

Join Bike/Walk Central Florida at 7 p.m., March 1st, at the Garden Theatre (160 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden, 34787)  for a the Central Florida premiere of Bicycle Dreams, the award-winning documentary chronicling the high drama, tragedy and adrenaline of Race Across America, a phenomenal 10-day sprint across the country by bicycle. This movie is good theater, not just for bicycle junkies, and a portion of the proceeds go to support BWCF.

As CommuteOrlando readers know, my beloved Long Haul Trucker was stolen on September 27. I’ve owned a lot of bikes. And many more expensive than the LHT, but none have fit me so perfectly or felt so right.

My flier/poster.

I reported it stolen. Wrote a post. Posted it on Facebook. Created a flier and set about distributing it to bike shops.

By the time I got to the shops, most of the employees had already seen the post. Within a few days it had been shared by over 200 people on Facebook — by friends and friends of friends and their friends. People I don’t even know! Hal Downing added it to his newsletter. Yvette and David Sanborn helped me distribute the flier to David’s World stores. Lyndy Moore, (Orlando Police Department and Bike Works), distributed it to all the OPD stations, the evidence room, the downtown bike patrol squads and all the Bike Works stores. In fact, Lyndy took the photos from the CO post and made a flier even before I had finished mine!

Lisa and I spent a few days visiting pawn shops, but that was fruitless and exhausting. After the initial flurry of activity, there wasn’t much to do except keep watching craigslist, Ebay and scanning every bicycle rack and cyclist I saw. A number of you have told me you were doing the same and I am so grateful for that!

On October 6, Kyle Markel of Kyle’s Bike Shop called me to tell me his mechanic, Shawn, had seen it in Thornton Park, with the trailer attached. He had tried to follow the guy, but he disappeared between some houses. Lyndy gave that info and more fliers to the OPD bike patrol in that area.

In the Meantime

The first thing I needed to do was replace the lights and tools that had been on the LHT and trailer. Howard Larlee at Orange Cycle gave me a generous discount on those items.

Nick putting a Brooks Flyer on the Big Dummy.

Having lost both my utility bike and my trailer, I was in need of a basic transportation bike. Several kind readers offered to lend me a bike. I had a mountain bike that was fine for small loads. Diana insisted on lending me one of her bikes and a trailer. I enjoyed riding her Novara Buzz around for a week.

I had been wanting a Big Dummy for a long time, so I decided to order one since it could replace the hauling capability of the LHT and trailer. Really, I couldn’t bear to replace the LHT, so I had to get something different.

I ordered one from Retro City Cycles and Nick assembled it on October 5 — just in time for the October First Friday ride!

I'm totally shocked.

Though somewhat bittersweet, it was fun to show it off at the gathering for the First Friday ride. It’s a good-looking, well-built bike. I enjoyed letting friends take it for a spin around the park while I engaged in pre-ride conversations. Then everyone started gathering around me — Jason had my camera and Lisa had some large folder thing in her hand. WTH is going on?

Lisa started saying… something… about me… the community… I was trying to figure out what she was up to. Then she pulled a large, mounted check out of the folder (the photo on the right is blurry, but you can kinda get my expression). Unbeknownst to me, CyclingSavvy instructors (around the country) and former students had taken up a collection to pay for my new bike. Dano, Jessica, Nick and Dave were in on it and had given me a very generous discount on the bike — which I had noticed when I paid for it  (I’d wondered why Dave was grinning like a Cheshire cat).

There really aren’t any words to express what this means to me. The love of this community is priceless and I feel it every time I ride my bike.

On a Warm December Day

Big Dummy brought home the Christmas tree and a load of groceries.

I’ve ridden a lot of miles on the Big Dummy, it is a sweet ride! I’ve put it to good use, I find it much less cumbersome than a trailer and love that I don’t have to plan ahead about which, or how many, panniers I should take. I can make an impromptu stop and pick up just about anything. Nonetheless, barely a day has gone by that I didn’t feel the loss of the LHT.

Last Saturday, December 17, Lisa and I set out on a Christmas shopping trip. We rode up to Winter Park, and after shopping at the Farmer’s Market, decided to stop for lunch in Hannibal Square. We had just ordered our food when my cell phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, but something told me to answer it.

“This is Josh at East Colonial Bike Works. You haven’t recovered your stolen bike yet, have you?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“I didn’t think so, because, I think I have it here. It just came in for service.”

!!!!!!

It had the Brooks saddle, bar tape and mud flap. I told him how he could tell for sure it was mine (the brakes). He was certain it was my bike!

Two kids had ridden there and the one that had been riding it had asked for an estimate to tune the front derailleur. Recognizing the bike from the flier Lyndy had posted there, Josh had acted quickly and said he would look at it and could probably just fix it for free right then. He took it back, put it on the rack and called me.

My challenge was, I didn’t have the serial number. I know, I know, lesson learned! So I would have to go there and identify it. Josh said he would stall the “customer” while I called the Sheriff’s office. The first call I made was to Lyndy to ask, “what do I do now!?” I got Lyndy’s voice mail.

I called Josh back and told him my situation — I was in Winter Park, had to ride home and get my car to get out to East Colonial. “Can you stall him?” Josh assured me he was on it, he had already taken the chain, crank and derailleur off the bike and was pretending it was all gunked up inside.

In the meantime, Lisa had asked the waitress to box our food and was paying the bill.

I called the Orange County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number, since 911 seemed inappropriate. My head was spinning and my pulse racing as I tried to navigate the labyrinth of “if this, press that.” My call-waiting beeped. It was Lyndy!

“I’m on my way, the deputies are on their way, just get there.” She said.

Lyndy was almost home from work, got my call, turned and headed to Bike Works and called OCSO on the law enforcement line.

Lisa and I sprinted the 4 miles back to my place. Lyndy called when she got to the shop to tell me it was definitely my bike, but the guy who brought it in was saying he got it from someone who bought it from someone else. The decals had been taken off — according to the kids, just a day or so before. She told me to bring the fliers and whatever else I had to identify it as my bike. I grabbed my laptop and loaded an album of LHT photos on it. I’ve taken a lot of pictures of that bike!

Lisa drove while I held my breath. We got every single red light between Maguire and the 417. No wonder motorists are so cranky outside the urban core.

Lyndy met us in the parking lot wearing an inside-out t-shirt. She didn’t want to tip off the kids who brought the bike in before the deputies got there, so she had taken off her uniform in the car on the way. The only shirt she had was from the police academy, so she put it on inside out. The deputies were there. She wanted me to describe the bike and any distinguishing marks or accessories to the deputy before I went in to see it. The lack of a serial number complicated matters, but she knew it was my bike and was willing to sign an affidavit to that effect.

That's my LHT!

I described the bike, the Brooks accessories, the brakes, the JANDD rack, planet bike fenders. I explained that I had a lot of photos. We went in.

There it was! A little naked without the decals, but undeniably my bike!

It still had the same rack, fenders, pump, Brooks saddle, bar tape and mud flap (the tool bag was missing). But of all the things that made it easy to identify, it still had the Arkel handlebar bag clamp with the velcro across the top — where I mount the controller for my video camera. There was a close-up picture of it on my poster.

“That’s good enough for me,” said Deputy Vignali.

I didn’t have any contact with the kids. They were outside and I was inside. At least one is a minor. The other is older, but I don’t know his age. According to the older kid, he got the bike from his mother’s boyfriend, who allegedly got it at an “estate sale.” The younger kid had noticed my stolen bike poster in the shop while they were waiting for service. He told his friend that it looked like the bike they brought in. The fact that this seemed like nothing more than a coincidence, and they didn’t run, is a good indication that they didn’t know it was stolen. Once they recognized it was my bike, they released it to me.

Lyndy helped get the report from OCSO into the hands of detectives at OPD. On Wednesday morning, I received a call from an OPD detective telling me they had recovered the trailer and my Brooks tool bag. I met them at the site, about a mile from here (with a bag of homemade cookies).

The recovery of the trailer and tool bag were the result of outstanding police work on the part of OCSO Deputies and OPD Detectives!

Aside from a few insignificant items (a bell, a relatively inexpensive headlight and the trailer hitch), I have my rig back. The ride is every bit as wonderful as I remembered! The bike is such a joy to ride. Josh did an exceptional job of tuning and cleaning it for me.

My saddle still has a perfect break-in. The kid who was riding it had put a gel seat cover on it. Ugh, yeah, I know! But the upside is, his butt wasn’t messing up my saddle. The bar tape is pretty ragged, so I’m replacing that. I thought about replacing the decals, but the naked look is starting to grow on me. And the bike has no scratches.

I can’t believe how lucky I am to get it back at all, let alone in such good condition after 3 months!

More importantly, I am so blessed, and humbled, to be a part of such an amazing (extended) community of loyal readers, friends, instructors, students, cycling clubs, bike shops and police agencies. Every step of this little journey has given me exponentially more than the thief took.

That is the Gift.

Things are not completely wrapped up yet, so I’ve left out some potentially juicy details (there are more I’m hoping to learn). Charges are pending, but I don’t think an arrest has been made. I’ll publish “the rest of the story” in time. This segment seemed fitting for today. Merry Christmas!

Meet-up time is 6:15 PM, and we’ll roll out by 6:30 PM.

We’ll ride up to Eat More Produce in Winter Park, where there will be a Food Truck Pod (15 trucks!) and live music.

Everyone is welcome, and you don’t have to ride a folding bicycle to participate. This will be an easy ride at a leisurely pace.

Come observe the first day of winter in the northern hemisphere (not that it makes that much difference in Florida) with a nice urban night ride, some food truck goodness, and ride your little clown bikes if you have ‘em.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Like most adults, I hadn’t ridden a bike in years. During a vacation to Mackinac Island in 2006, I rented a beach cruiser and took an eight mile ride around the perimeter of this “car free” getaway. After returning home, I researched bikes and selected an Electra Townie 7D. Not an electric bike, the “Electra Bicycle Company” is the manufacturer of this hybrid / comfort bicycle. I took it out for a spin now and then around the neighborhood; but unfortunately the bike stayed in the garage most of the time.

In January, 2010 I received some news that was rather unsettling. I was informed that a tremor that in my left hand had been diagnosed as a symptom of Parkinson’s disease. It only seemed logical to make an effort to improve my level of fitness, so I began spending a bit more time on my bike. That was fun until I smacked my shoulder into a steel guard rail while attempting to make a sharp turn onto a narrow bridge. I told my neurologist about the accident and also shared the fact that narrow sidewalks made me uncomfortable. He recommended limiting my cycling to a stationary bike in a gym. I immediately dismissed that advice and simply used more caution during my rides.

In November, 2010 I enrolled in a Cycling Savvy class. The twelve hour program consisted of four hours of classroom training which emphasized the best ways to avoid hazards, followed the next morning with bike handling skills training, and finished with a four hour riding tour of Orlando. We rode a total of 25 miles that day, much further than I had ever traveled on a bike. That class equipped me with the skills and confidence to ride whenever and wherever I chose. I applied those skills by taking part in group rides, personal trail rides, and began to rent bikes in cities around the country while on business trips.

I began hearing about others riding significant distances. A college friend and her husband had done 500 miles in ten days during a trip to the Northeast. I met a person who regularly rode in “ultra-distance events” of 200 miles or more at one time. The number “500” began to sound possible and I set it as an “objective,” but one without a specific time limit. I would be pleased to simply ride that far “eventually.”

Around February, 2011 I viewed a movie trailer for a documentary film called “Ride with Larry.” The video focused on Larry Smith, a person who has lived with Parkinson’s for twenty years, and was planning a 300 mile ride across South Dakota. He would be riding a Catrike recumbent bike and accompanied by a core group of supporters. Other riders were invited join Larry on the final day’s 65 mile push to the finish line. I decided to take part and began working out the logistics and training to build up my endurance. By the time I traveled to Sioux Falls, SD in June, I had amassed over 500 miles. With my son, Brian, riding by my side, I experienced “The Most Exhilarating Ride of My Life.”

Larry and John - Front Row

A major sponsor of the “Ride with Larry” was the Davis Phinney Foundation, founded by Olympic Medalist and Tour de France stage winner, Davis Phinney. He was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s when he was just 40 years old. His Foundation supports research to find a cure, but also provides information for people living with Parkinson’s on “how to live well today.” I became part of their “Victory Crew” and have raised close to $ 5,000 this year to support the cause.

Victory Crew Celebration - John and Brian

I slacked off a bit in July and August, but then made the decision to set a personal goal of riding 1,000 miles before the anniversary of the Cycling Savvy class. With two weeks remaining, I was up to 875 miles and just had 125 miles to go. It was doable, but would require dedication. I mentioned my plan to Charles Badger, a Cycling Savvy Instructor. He offered to help me reach my goal by joining me on two rides during the final week. By the way, Charles was the ultra-distance rider I mentioned earlier.

Boys and Girls Club Ride

We met at the AAA headquarters on Sunday (11/6/11). We would be accompanying riders from a company Charles knew. He went over the route and asked me to take the lead. He would follow behind and “shepherd our flock”. Being asked to “Lead the Dance” was a big honor and even a larger responsibility. The phrase was coined by Keri Caffrey, Founder of Cycling Savvy, and is best understood through this video as a way to ride with confidence.

Our group of 25 riders consisted of representatives from a finance company, their clients, family and friends. I noticed that two of the ladies were riding bikes similar to mine.. When I asked them about their bikes; they acknowledged that they “hadn’t taken them out of the garage in more than a year.” This was going to be a long day for them, but they did well throughout the ride.

We started along International Parkway. I quickly discovered that a disadvantage of “riding point” was contending with headwinds and carving a path through the wind for the rest of the riders. We seemed to be riding directly into the wind much of the day. However, we had a pleasant tailwind as we rode along the south side of Lake Monroe. We made our way through the town of Sanford. It was a beautiful day.

Much of our 30 mile ride was through back country roads and everyone appreciated the scenery and the opportunity to converse with one another. I started a mini stampede when I rang my bell as we passed a pasture full of horses. All in all, it was a good way to spend time together and support a good cause.

During the midpoint rest stop, I saw Michael Cottle, owner of OutSpoken Bikes – the shop where I had purchased my bike. He was surprised to see me leading the group on my Townie. Many cycling friends have recommended that I “move up” to a road bike, but for now the current transportation has been a great ride and served me well for many miles. I love my bike!

At the last stop, Charles asked me to explain the chalk drawings that he had made on the pavement describing how to handle the remaining interchanges. It was gratifying to share my cycling knowledge with the group. I also thanked them for helping me move closer to my goal and shared the fact that I had Parkinson’s disease, explaining the benefits of cycling as therapy for Parkinson’s patients.

After navigating the Country Club Road, Lake Mary Blvd. and Reinhardt Road sections, we finally approached the bicycle / pedestrian bridge over I-4. Charles rode up next to me and I admitted, “I got nothing left for the bridge”. My new mentor immediately shot back some words of encouragement which was just what I needed. I executed the first turn onto the ramp by going down to my second gear, but the 180 degree turn was too much, so I dismounted and let the group pass. I admit to “walking” my bike up to the apex of the bridge, but sailed off the downside ramp at about 20 mph and rejoined the group at the point where they had gathered and was met with a round of applause from “my peeps”. I resumed my spot up front and brought the herd back to the starting point.

Boys and Girls Club Ride

We were each given a medal upon our return. Later I realized that it read “Century Ride,” recognition for completing the 100 mile route. I’m all for being honest, but rationalizing that I would soon be reaching my goal of the equivalent of “Ten Centuries” so I proudly placed the medal around my neck.

Veteran’s Day Ride – Final Push

Charles showed up Friday morning at the meeting spot behind the Peach Valley Cafe. He was accompanied by a co-worker, Ryan Warner, who was wearing a U.S. Marines Corp logo on his jersey. It was very fitting to be doing this ride on Veteran’s Day (11/11/11) with a veteran. Ryan, thank you for your service to our country!

I only needed 18.42 miles to reach the goal. Charles had mapped out a 35 mile route. We again passed the AAA building as we rode up International Parkway. However, we quickly encountered 16 mph winds which slowed our progress.

When we reached 17-92, we crossed the Old St. John’s River Bridge. Halfway up the ascent I elected to walk my bike to avoid pulling a muscle. Charles and Ryan waited patiently at the top. We took a moment to catch our breath and pose for a few photos with the I-4 Bridge in the background.

We turned onto the Spring to Spring Trail. It wound through a tree-lined path providing protection from the wind. Ryan saw a wild pig and Charles pointed out several deer in one meadow. Along the way we took in views of Lake Monroe with the mid-morning sunlight dancing off the waves.

We left the trail at Dirksen Drive. After a mile on that busy road, we turned onto Main St. through the town of Enterprise, a perfect example of old Florida with restored buildings dating back to the late 1800′s. Next we turned left onto Enterprise Osteen Road. It offered several miles of live oak trees, dripping with Spanish moss, which provided a lush canopy of greenery. We were rapidly approaching “the goal.”

I began calling out the countdown as we completed each remaining mile. My companions allowed me to ride alone up front to savor the moment. Five, four, three, two ….. With one mile to go, we passed a house with an American flag flying proudly in the wind. My countdown became “tenths:” and then we were there. Goal accomplished – 1,000 miles in one year!

Davis Phinney would celebrate every cycling victory by sitting up in the saddle and raising his arms into a “V” for victory. One of his Foundation’s mottos is “Every Victory Counts”. Achieving my goal was indeed a victory for which I am very proud. It was a pleasure to raise my arms up in celebration and to be photographed with my “Ride with Larry” shirt, which Davis Phinney had personally autographed for me at the Grand Rapids Victory Summit.

Reaching this personal goal didn’t earn me a medal or have any significant meaning in the grand scheme of things. It did, however, prove to me that I can take on challenges and work steadily towards achieving them. I don’t know how Parkinson’s will affect me over time, but I am doing my best to fight back. The goal was personal, but achieving it was a “team victory” due in large part to a tremendous amount of support, encouragement, and love that I’ve received from family, friends, and complete strangers.

Charles, John, and Ryan

We resumed our ride and savored the beautiful fall day, smooth pavement, and the satisfaction that comes from “crossing the finish line”. After winding around the east side of Lake Monroe, we headed west along Lake Mary Blvd. back towards our starting point. The final “feature” of the day was crossing the I-4 interchange on Lake Mary Blvd. It was a fitting way to complete our “Victory Lap.” That major interchange once was a major obstacle for me. Two weeks after completing the Cycling Savvy class last year, I navigated it for the first time. Keri Caffrey coached me through it and video-taped the original ride.

These 1,000 miles were made up of many small victories along the way. I plan to continue to cycle as long as I can. Some of the future miles may be difficult, but they will all be a source of joy.

Daily Mile Log 11/11/11 -

http://www.wthr.com/story/16050449/bike-lanes-continue-to-confuse-drivers-riders

This could go in the Cycling Infrastructure Hall of Shame. The video is cringe inducing.

Date and Time: if you don’t have the exact date, just the year will do.

Location: what street were you on and what was the nearest cross street? It’s helpful if you can also give an estimate of the distance and direction to that cross street.

Crash Type Info:
Was a motor vehicle involved, another cyclist, or just you and the roadway environment?
Were you going with or against the flow of traffic? (I wouldn’t expect CO readers to be going the wrong way, but just in case…)
If a motorist was involved, what were his or her actions? Pulling out from a driveway or cross street? Right hook? Left cross? Dooring? Explain as best you can.

Lighting: was it daytime or night; dawn or dusk? If night, did you have lights on your bike?

Was a police report filed?

Please send your story to Mighk Wilson, mwilson@metroplanorlando.com

Come ride with Commute Orlando’s S-Cargo to the Winter Park Harvest Festival on Sunday, November 20, 2011.  Everyone is invited. We’ll meet at the Cady Way Trailhead parking area (behind Fashion Square Mall) at 9:30 AM.  We’ll ride a scenic route at a relaxed pace. We rode to this event last November, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable trip.

The festival will have local farmers, artists, and vendors, so you may want to bring some panniers or a basket, trailer, cargo bike, messenger bag, whatever, but you don’t have to.  If you are interested in carrying cargo by bicycle, this would be a good chance to try it out and get some ideas. If you are local, and want to borrow a cargo trailer or bags, just let me know. I have some extras.

Information on the Harvest Festival is at:     http://winterparkharvestfestival.com/

I’ll bring coffee to the trailhead for those of you who need it to wake up and ride.  There are also food vendors at the event, with some yummy edibles.

Come have some bicycling fun!