Ghost Rider
Pantani
Era il giorno di Valentino, and il pirata rode off with his demons to his final summit. One of the great pure climbers of our generation, unable to get off the “high of the mountain” and coast with the lowlanders, had plunged into the abyss of a deep depression. Recently Pantani had told his local Rimini newspaper that “You can forget about Pantani the athlete. I still ride my bike, just to turn my legs,” he said, “But cycling is the last thing on my mind. I haven’t been to the gym for months. I’ve gained 15 kilos and I have the physique of a little bull”. For cycling fans around the world he will not be forgotten. He was a giant among a select few in the pantheon of the cycling world. I had seen it coming for sometime now, and on our rides together I had tried to encourage him to enjoy the simple joy of spinning along country roads. I was not able to convince him of this during our recent outings. And now, also for me ends the spinning joy. I have been retired:Pantani’s bicycle to museum
One of the bicycles belonging to Marco Pantani will be exhibited in the Museo dei Campionissini in Novi Ligure, Italy. The bicycle will be delivered by Felice Gimondi and Francesco Moser on March 20, the day of Milan-San Remo.Nebia
Daze
I awoke early this morning and I wanted to ride, plain and simple. After being cooped up all week one begins to get stir crazy. One wants to spin a bit, if not for the full day, at least for the morning. There were a few who wanted to lie about. But I was adamant about heading out. I stood my ground and convinced all doubters. But only one actually got dressed. No matter, solo rides can be just as fun as a group ride. So off we went. Jeez who was to know it would be so foggy! And here we are heading up to San Leo, with the fog moving in and wrapping around us tighter the higher we climb. Note to self, plan on a slow descent if the fog thickens! I don’t think the old man is yet fully awake. Or perhaps he is just a tad cold and stiff! Whimp. Next time I’ll make sure and talk one of the younger guys into a ride. And hey who is that wierdo in the middle of the road with the camera ... damm tourist!Why Change
