When I first became a dedicated cyclist, in the mid-1970s, I eagerly awaited my monthly copy of Bicycling! magazine. Among the reviews and ads for bikes and equipment I couldn't afford, there was John Rakowski's serialized account of his ride around the world.
To this day, it's one of the most impressive feats I've ever read or heard about. Riding a bicycle around the world! Over three years, he pedaled through every continent except Antarctica.
It's such an impressive feat that I simply could not, imagine doing it more than once--until yesterday. While surfing the web over supper (not a "best practice," I know!) I came across a story about Armando Basile, who hails from Germany.
He's completed six velocipedic circumnavigations of the globe. Yes, six. And he was on his seventh such sojourn (Yes, I plagiarized the Moody Blues!) in Crescent City, California, the other day when the only thing that could have stopped him happened.
His Tout Terrain bicycle was stolen. He called the Crescent City Police Department to say that his mount was taken at the Chevron South on Highway 101 at Elk Valley Road.
"The way it looks, the tour is finished," Basile posted to his Facebook page. That is, unless someone calls 707-464-2133 with information that could lead to the wheels' whereabouts.
Otherwise, he'll be going from San Francisco to Frankfurt tomorrow--on a plane. I don't think the best in-flight amenities could make him feel good under such circumstances!
To this day, it's one of the most impressive feats I've ever read or heard about. Riding a bicycle around the world! Over three years, he pedaled through every continent except Antarctica.
It's such an impressive feat that I simply could not, imagine doing it more than once--until yesterday. While surfing the web over supper (not a "best practice," I know!) I came across a story about Armando Basile, who hails from Germany.
He's completed six velocipedic circumnavigations of the globe. Yes, six. And he was on his seventh such sojourn (Yes, I plagiarized the Moody Blues!) in Crescent City, California, the other day when the only thing that could have stopped him happened.
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| Surveillance video reportedly shows suspect with Basile's bike. |
His Tout Terrain bicycle was stolen. He called the Crescent City Police Department to say that his mount was taken at the Chevron South on Highway 101 at Elk Valley Road.
"The way it looks, the tour is finished," Basile posted to his Facebook page. That is, unless someone calls 707-464-2133 with information that could lead to the wheels' whereabouts.
Otherwise, he'll be going from San Francisco to Frankfurt tomorrow--on a plane. I don't think the best in-flight amenities could make him feel good under such circumstances!
