Recently, I was gazing out the window of our VRBO, two tall flights above the narrow, cobblestone path below. Florence’s early-morning street view was certainly a lot quieter than our previous one in Rome! Off to the right, I spied two colorful bicycle wheels hanging from the upper corners of a nondescript roll-up garage door. What is this? I pondered.
A few hours later, as we spilled out from our front door to begin the day’s tour, I glanced back to get a street-level view of my mysterious garage. Turns out, it was a tiny little bike shop: Officina Bici. How cool was that! Over the next six days, I tried to stop in, just to chat with the owner; unfortunately, our respective hours never matched.
Much closer to home, I hope your June is off to a fine start. Sadly, the Sequoia Century, one of this month’s favorite events, won’t be with us this year. The Western Wheelers made the tough decision to cancel based upon the closure of Highway 84, which was increasing traffic on the very roads that made the Sequoia Century famous: Old La Honda, Page Mill and Tunitas.
Still, there is good news to report. The Ride Home has returned for its second year! Based out of Hellyer County Park on June 24, the event features 15- and 30-mile options along Coyote Creek Bike Trail, as well as opportunities for the little ones and non-riders. There will be prizes for the best decorated bicycles and the most outrageous sunhat! Games, barbecue, swag and live music are also on the menu. Proceeds support San Mateo and Santa Clara County housing programs.
Save the Dates
• June 4-11: AIDS/LifeCycle, California Coast, aidslifecycle.org
• June 24: HIF Ride Home, San Jose, hifinfo.org
• June 24: Giro Bello, Sebastopol, girobello.com
Curt “Cycle Guy” Hentschke is a cyclist, seeker, song farmer and scribe. Send your cycle celebrations and cerebration to he*********@gm***.com.
