Mid-way through the 2006 biking season, I decided to write a short tale of my experiences with the Bay View Bicycle Club based on the wonderful people I met. Regardless of how I paint the experience, it was a pleasure and an honor to interact with and befriend these people during the club rides, meetings and events. This is the story.

Joining the Club!
My journey to becoming a BVBC member began near the end of 2005 when I asked Jesse (last name unknown) from the Hales Corners Wheel & Sprocket about the local bike clubs and whether it was worth my time and effort to join a bicycle club. He enthusiastically mentioned the Bay View Bicycle Club was “pretty cool” and that all the local bike clubs were worth joining, noting that some members from BVBC were also members of the other local clubs. Jesse’s advice combined with my former residency in the Bay View area during 1997-1998 (as if this should have played any role at all) made me lean towards joining the BVBC.

On April 7, 2006, while visiting the Wheel & Sprocket Bicycle Expo at State Fair Park, I ventured by the BVBC booth. I was pleasantly surprised by the two people behind the table. The gentleman was somewhat older than me but he was obviously in better shape. The woman had a kindly face and seemed somewhat demure and soft-spoken. I quickly learned their names, Jimmy and Betty. I asked them both several questions regarding the club. Jimmy informed me that he was formerly a Milwaukee Police Officer. I, in turn, informed him that I was an attorney.

Our most memorable exchange occurred when I asked Jimmy about the people who compose the club. He responded famously, “Well, it isn’t a meet market, if that’s what you’re looking for!?” Wondering what could have triggered such a response, I assured him that my intentions for joining a bike club were pure, namely I wanted to bike with others bicyclists. I also assured Jimmy that I had no intention of trolling club members for participation in horizontal riding. With those concerns removed, I signed on the dotted line, paid my membership fee, and was on my way as a bona fide BVBC member.

First Club Ride.
My first club ride was the Oconomowoc – Eagle ride on May 27, 2006. Up to that point in 2006, my longest personal ride had been a little over 25 miles. Seeing that a 25 mile and 42 mile option were offered that day, I opted for the shorter 25 mile ride. I signed the rider sheet, took a cue/map sheet, which I promptly stuffed in my seat-pack and began riding.

Approximately eight to ten miles into the ride it became apparent to me that I was not quite prepared for the pace set by the leaders up front. I thought to myself, “Thank God I singed up for the short ride.” I then settled back and kept pace with two women, one named Julie (I believe her last name is Gomez) and the other named Ellen Michalets. Even their pace was challenging.

I did not pay any attention to my cue sheet (it was in my seat pack) so I became concerned when my bike computer registered over thirteen miles and there didn’t seem to be any turn around by members in the group. I asked Ellen where the turn-off was for the 25 milers. Her answer floored me, “I’m not sure, you’re with the 42 mile group.” Here I was, a club newbie, barely keeping up, my heart rate was averaging over 165 beats minute, my butt was sore and I knew the 42 mile route would take me on hills for which I was utterly unprepared. An outstanding first club ride! Rather than panic, I gritted my teeth and didn’t look back.

Somehow, by riding with Ellen and Julie, my confidence became restored. Ellen and I spoke about riding, medical malpractice suits (Ellen is a nurse) and the club. On the way to Eagle, Ellen and I stopped to help Julie with her shoes and foot pain. I sensed that this was the essence of club riding, people getting to know one another and helping each other when the need arises. Although I would later become separated from the group coming out of Eagle, at the end of the ride I knew that that the BVBC would be a big reason why the 2006 bike season would be special for me.

Thank you Ellen and Julie for a fun and memorable first club ride.

Not Ready for a Metric Century or at Least Not the Heat.
I owe Joe Safranski my deepest gratitude for saving my ass on June 17, 2006. On that date, for some silly reason, I convinced myself that I could handle the 62 mile Beaver Lake ride and the forecasted high heat. I mean the club website ride calendar warned that this was one of the old Trek 100 routes and the word “Challenging” should have put me on notice, but my stubbornness won the day. The day was hot (93°F according to my ride diary) and during the afternoon the wind was 17 mph out of the South-Southeast.

I remember catching the club’s “fast group,” lead by the incomparable Bill Hepp. Catching them was easy. They had come to a complete stop for a break and I, moving at what I thought was a rapid pace, finally caught them. My mistake was trying to keep up with Bill and the gang when they were in motion. I realized then that catching a group of stationary bicyclists was easier than keeping up with that same group when they wanted to roll. Soon enough they were out of sight.

While trying to figure out whether to make a right turn to continue on Allen Road or go straight on Morgan, a gentleman pulled up on a red Cannondale. He indicated that he had made a wrong turn and became separated from the lead group. He told me his name – Joe Safranski, and I in turn gave mine.

At approximately mile 39, I realized I was in big trouble. Although it was well over 90°F, the wind felt extremely cold on my skin. In fact, goose bumps formed on my arms. Although I had never suffered from heat exhaustion, I knew the tell-tale signs. I was out of liquids and Bicycle Doctor was about two miles away. I told Joe that I had to stop at Bicycle Doctor. Joe, unbelievably, appeared to be unknowledgeable about what I meant by “Bicycle Doctor.” After making it to Bicycle Doctor, I swear I drank over 70 ounces of liquids in less than ten minutes (two 20 ounce Gatorade-type sports drinks and a 32 ounce bottle of water). Joe actually thanked me for suggesting Bike Doctor as a stop, as he too imbibed in a cold refreshment.

Upon resuming the ride, Joe kept a moderate pace so I wouldn’t blow up. During that ride I learned that Joe is an electrician, I learned about his family and the moves he’s had to make due to his profession. I also learned from Joe’s actions that he is a good person. I knew that Joe could have ridden off and finished the ride without waiting for me, but instead he wanted to make sure I made it to the end.

I would ride with Joe on other occasions, including taking him and Jeff Schmidt on a seven mile plus, wrong way, hilly detour during the Coalition Picnic ride (sorry guys), but the Beaver Lake ride will always remind me of Joe’s selflessness. Because of his pleasant experience at Bicycle Doctor during the Beaver Lake ride, Joe now swears by Bicycle Doctor when riding in the Dousman area.

Now, how do I get Joe to help me put my chain back on when he is ride marshalling a century (just kidding Joe)?

Patricia, I’ll Miss You.
I met Patricia Frausto during a Monday night club meeting. For some reason, we hit it off right away. Most of our club meetings begin with a speaker and that night was no exception (speaker’s name and topic shall remain unidentified). Although the speaker made several relevant points regarding the issues being discussed, both Patti and I questioned the speaker’s motives and the spin regarding local events.

I next ran into Patricia during the Lake Country Classic preview ride. Patricia and I rode together on the 45 mile route. It was a joy. Here was a woman who spoke her mind, did not pull punches and was not politically correct. We discussed, politics, work, her job search and interviews, ethnicity (she being of Mexican descent, me being of Italian descent), weight loss, as well as bike riding.

I remember coming away from that ride thinking “I can’t wait to ride and talk with her again” while at the same time knowing that she would soon move to Texas. Those opportunities came on two other rides, the Cedar Grove ride (Holland Festival) and the BVBC Windlake ride.

        Patricia, I’ll miss you.

Manning the Bark River Camp Ground Rest Stop with John Mallman.
In an effort to give a little to the club, I volunteered for rest stop duty during the Lake Country Classic. Believing that I was somehow competent, Betty assigned me as “captain” of the Bark River rest stop. All of the other volunteers under my captaincy consisted of John Mallman and … that’s it.

Fortunately, both John and I were well experienced in serving. However, we were not experienced in running bike rest stops. Instead we learned that we both experienced serving in the U.S. Army, 3rd Armored Division, 2nd Battalion, 33rd Regiment. That’s right – we were in the same unit in what at that time was called West Germany. John was “over there” in the late 1960’s, while I was there during the early 1980’s. Amazing!

As part of our rest stop duties, John and I had to carry one of those extra heavy wooden picnic tables over 500 feet to the road area. We had been assured that the owner of the camp grounds would be present to assist in picnic table moving; however no such help materialized. Understandably, John was a little bit leery in trudging a second table from the camp grounds to the roadway area. I’m glad he was leery, because my back was hurting.

Throughout the day, John and I had a great time serving the bicyclists, chatting, joking and just enjoying a lazy Saturday morning. Thankfully, I’ve had the privilege to also ride and joke with John on several club rides including the Burlington Roll and the BVBC Windlake rides.

Remember John, there she is at the top of the hill and she’s got my submarine sandwich.

A Short Apology.
During the River Hills – Grafton ride of July 15, 2006, several of the riders stopped at the Thiensville Village Park hoping to use the rest rooms. Just prior to reaching the park, I mentioned to one of the club riders (name now forgotten) that we had just passed my employer’s house located right on the river.

As it turned out, the park restrooms were not open and several riders (approximately six or seven) needed a rest stop. At that point, the rider to whom I mentioned the location of my boss’s house asked about the possibility of whether my employer would permit the use of his bathroom. Rather than risk angering my boss by placing him in a situation where he would say no to having six to seven people use his house, I simply indicated that making such a request would not be wise on my part.

Come Monday, I mentioned to my boss that I rode by his house with members of the club. I also mentioned the predicament of the closed park restrooms and the suggestion raised by one of the riders. His response and I paraphrase here, “Oh, sure you guys could have used the bathrooms in my house, just as long as it wasn’t like ten or fifteen people.”

To all of those who suffered on to the next (un)convenient stop, I’m sorry for not asking.

“You’re late. Club Rides Start at 9 O’clock.”
I imagine that if any you readers have been a club member longer than I (which is true for most members), you have heard the above scolding/admonition at least once if you have come late to a ride where Linda Roessl is ride leader. And so it came to pass for me during the Ottawa Lake ride on July 16, 2006.

It was 9:07 a.m.; I was barely out of my car getting ready to participate in my sixth club ride when all of a sudden a total stranger yelled at me that I was late. I have thick skin which I formed as a soldier in the Army, as a bartender and manager in the hospitality industry for many years, and as a lawyer (litigation is adversarial meaning someone on the other side is telling me I’m wrong and I am doing the same to them), so I smiled, laughed it off and approached the person who had launched the “you’re late” broadside. She again reiterated that I was late and that my tardiness was holding up the ride.

I thought back to my military days, when being late during an operation or training exercise could have dire consequences. I thought of experiences in the hospitality industry, when not resolving a customer complaint in a timely manner could lead to bad word of mouth or termination. I thought of my current profession, where a judge may not take too kindly to tardiness for a motion hearing or jury trial and sanction the offending attorney or worse, filing a pleading beyond the statute of limitations or failing to answer a complaint, thereby possibly depriving a client of their legal rights. And here I was ready to participate in a social bike ride, where fun and enjoyment of riding are paramount, and the ride leader was acting if my tardiness would deprive someone of their legal rights or lead to the death of a comrade in arms. Rather than point out the impropriety of publicly berating a club member for such a small infraction as being tardy for a social bike ride, I kept my tongue.

Since then, I have talked to Linda about the lateness issue and have come to understand that she is a stickler for punctuality on rides because it may affect people’s schedules. I understand her point and to an extent I agree with her. However, I do not want a club member (or potential club member) to up and leave the BVBC or not join the club because of a public scolding for tardiness. After all, club rides are meant to be enjoyable.

So Linda, I’ll look forward to showing up at 8:59 a.m. (or 9:59 a.m. in April, May and October) when you’re rider leader.

What’s in a Name?
I know my name is somewhat unusual. Sure, Uncle Jr. on “The Sopranos” has the same first name, but it is only recently that the name Corrado has had any exposure in the United States. Okay, so what that Volkswagen introduced a car called “Corrado” in the 1980’s and it was their top of the line model for approximately six years. In the end they discontinued the “Corrado” automobile.

So I understand that my name may be difficult to catch on, but calling me names like Steve, Gary, Sammy and Paul (yes, club members have called me those names) is somewhat difficult to understand, after all none of those names begin with a hard C sound. Heck, Catherine would have been almost as good, at least that name begins with a hard C. If you cannot remember the name, my initials work.

The Weekend I Commiserated With the Club.
On July 29 and 30, 2006, I had the opportunity to spend an extended amount of time with club members. It was during those two days, on the Holland Festival ride and at the Coalition Picnic ride, that I learned more about the various backgrounds of several club members and had a blast.

Dan Krall, Claire Beachkofski, Kent and Nancy Kelly, Bill Hepp, Patricia Frausto, Dennis Labinski, Joe Safranski, Jimmy and Betty (amazing that I do not have to use their last names) and Jeff Schmidt are just some of the people that I had the opportunity to ride, laugh, drink and suffer with during those rides and at the Holland Festival and Coalition Picnic.

What makes that weekend memorable is that I learned more about the club through several of its members than during any of the other rides. On both of those rides, we all stopped to partake in food and drink. It seems bike riding and an extended stop for food and drink are a great mix for learning about a fellow club member.
I’m still not sure what the round doughnut-like treats were that we all had at the Holland Festival, but thanks to several club members we had more than enough to go around. In fact, it seemed as if we had an endless bagful of those round mini doughnuts. Also, it was during the Holland Festival ride that Dan Krall learned my secret for riding fast (actually it really wasn’t that fast): Inhale three chewy granola bars in rapid succession. Dan, really, it doesn’t work every time.

One of the things I enjoy doing is making people laugh. During the Coalition Picnic, I didn’t even have to try with Jimmy. You see, I was wearing a shirt that had a picture of a squirrel holding a stick and guarding a pile of peanuts. The caption on the shirt: “Protect Your Nuts.” For some reason Jimmy just could not stop laughing after he saw that shirt. Even Betty got a chuckle. It’s always good to see a person older than me laugh with wild abandon.

I also had a great time slurping back a few beers and talking to Bill Hepp. Bill has a great sense of humor to go along with that ultra-smooth and quick riding cadence. Bill is also very knowledgeable about building bikes. When I grow up, I want to be as fast as Bill.

To Jeff Schmidt, I’m really sorry about that wrong left turn on Maple. I’m usually good with directions (when I actually read them). It was tough for me and Joe Safranski coming back up those hills – it had to be hellish for you on your recumbent. I owe you one.

I will not soon forget the weekend of July 29-30, 2006, for on that weekend, I finally felt like a club member. Thank you to all the persons who made the Holland Festival ride and the Coalition Picnic ride and picnic so special for me.

Alone in the Northern Kettle Moraine.
I probably should have skipped the Northern Kettle Moraine ride on August 5, 2006. It’s one of my favorite areas, and a biking paradise – the numerous hills, the quick curving roads on the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive and the visual beauty of what the glaciers wrought – I love the Kettle Moraine. But I knew if I rode that day, I would have to eventually make the left turn from Woodside Road onto Shamrock Road.

As many of you may know from my retelling, during the 2005 Maywood ride (my first century attempt), another rider misjudged that turn and crashed in front of me, thereby causing me to also crash. The eighteen stitches to close the gashes on my face and road rash on my right arm, shoulder and fingers taught me to respect that turn and to be wary of other riders when making any turn.

At the start of the club ride, I moderated my pace and stayed with most of the club. But as I neared the fateful turn, I began to ride like a fiend, hoping to conquer my fears of that dreadful left turn. I sprinted up the hills on County A. I didn’t want any of the other members to be near me on my first visit back since the crash. After all, they may have found it strange to see a tear in my eye as I rounded that turn and reflected back on my failure to complete my first century.

And so on that day, I rode alone in the Northern Kettle Moraine.

I’m with the (Motley) Crew.
The Burlington Roll ride was an accomplishment of sorts for me. I actually was able to keep up with Bill Hepp and Dennis Labinski. Well maybe I’m exaggerating, but at least I finished the ride with them (okay they went slow for me). It was one of those days that felt like the ride was all downhill or at least the first 25 miles felt that way.
The ride was fantastic, but Dennis serving up water, soda, brownies, rice krispy treats and other refreshments at the end of the ride was even better. To those of you who don’t know Dennis, he is the tall, lanky, blonde-haired guy in “The Motley Crew” picture taken after the Burlington Roll ride on August 19, 2006 and posted on the club website for the last month and a half.

The picture from the Burlington Roll was made by none other than our illustrious web master, Ron Santoro with support from Dan Krall. Ron thanks for keeping Dan in the picture.

Dennis is a great guy. I say this not because he regularly brings refreshments to share at ride’s end but because I have had the opportunity to ride with him on at least six or seven occasions. He is always willing to wait for other riders to catch up so as to keep a cohesive group.

Interestingly, I believe it was after the Burlington Roll that Dennis approached me about riding the 2006 Maywood century with me. Let’s just say, I’m glad he asked.

If any of you get a chance, ride with Dennis. By the way Dennis, I owe you a beer or three.

Jimmy and Betty.
Saying anything about Jimmy usually leads to saying something about Betty and vice versa. It’s similar to Abbot and Costello, Laurel and Hardy, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers or any other great twosomes; you just cannot mention one without referring to the other.

Jimmy and Betty were the persons I first associated with the club. When I would see them at a club ride, I was always pleased, knowing that Jimmy and Betty were active participants in what they preached.

Jimmy’s commitment and yes, love for the BVBC is well known by all club members. I knew that Jimmy was a serious rider and a tireless promoter for the BVBC, but by the end of July, I learned that his position as club president was not a chore or a duty but his labor of love. By being at his side, Betty shares in that love and commitment to the club.

Jimmy always seemed to acknowledge and thank me for participating in the rides. He always expressed excitement for upcoming club events. In essence, he inspired others to share in his and Betty’s love for bike riding and the club.

In August, I was saddened to learn that Jimmy would be stepping down as president. Although he has indicated that he will still be an active club member, I know I will miss Jimmy “the president” and Betty, “the first lady” of the BVBC. It is with hope that the next president is similarly committed to promoting the BVBC and biking.

Maywood Century.
On September 16, 2006, I along with several other BVBV members completed the Maywood Earth Ride century.
It was my first century. Similarly, it was also Dennis Labinski and Debra Tuckwood’s first century. We rode together along with Ron Santoro. In a strange twist of fate, half way through the ride, the bike gods saw fit to give us our own ride marshal.

I must thank Ron, Debra and Dennis for keeping a pace that was livable. Yes, the wind did play havoc with us during the last 35 miles but the accomplishment of a century – well you who have accomplished your first century remember the feeling – Oh yeah! I must also thank the ride marshal for watching me to make sure I placed my chain on correctly.

Mooing at Horses and Llamas.
I have ridden several club rides with Clare Beachkofski, all of them memorable. Her most remarkable comment to me was when she indicated that I don’t talk or act like a lawyer. I’m not sure how attorneys act or how they should act, but Clare has worked in a law firm, so she may be able to distinguish a lawyer from a layman. For some reason I remembered that comment.

On September 30, 2006 during the La Grange – Whitewater ride, Clare gave me something else to remember. As we rode by several farms containing live stock, Clare mentioned that she sometimes moos at the cattle. As if she had to tell me. Clare, we all know you moo. She also mentioned that she had just recently mooed at a horse. Ron and I both chuckled. We then passed a farm containing Shetland ponies. I asked Clare if she was going to moo. Looking at the ponies, Clare let out a good “Moooo.” Suffice it to say that I informed Clare that she was mooing at little ponies. Clare appeared surprised that she again mooed at non-mooing animals.

This situation almost repeated itself when we passed a farm field with two llamas. Fortunately, Clare kept her mooing to an inaudible level (actually she may not have mooed at all).

Oh well, Clare may not be a farm girl, so mooing at horses and ponies can be overlooked. Clare, I look forward to riding with you. As for your comment about not talking or acting like a lawyer, there’s a time and place for everything, until then I accept your comment as intended, a welcome compliment.

Finis.
I know I have left out many people with whom I spoke, shared miles and broke bread. This does not mean that I discount you or my experiences with you. In the context of things, I also had a great time with all the members who attended the social event at Benny’s on South 27th.

To those people who I have not met or rode with, I have two requests support the BVBC and ride. I hope to see you at and during a ride!

Thank you to all the members of the Bay View Bicycle Club for a wonderful 2006 bike riding season!

Cordially,
Corrado Cirillo
First Year BVBC Member

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2006 Century Riders
January 1 2006 through September 30 2006

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