I managed to get my first cup of coffee down without incident. Kids got
their breakfast and off to school, the wife off to work so I opted to go for
a ride.
I filled my large cup with ice and water and headed to my first race bike,
the Pro-flex 956 ([censored], she's 10 years old now!) I had given this bike to
my wife who barely rides it so I thought I'd take her for a spin. I mounted
up and quickly got back off. Something just didn't feel right. I raised
the seat about an inch and all was better but I could have gone up another
half inch.
I started out slow when I rounded a corner and got into a fire fight with
the Germans in some village in Europe. We did manage to drive them out of
the bombed out shells of what use to be somebody's houses. We picked up a
stray that didn't belong to our platoon. He seemed young and inexperienced
but we took him with us, not wanting to leave anybody behind
I rode faster scouting the hills ahead. [censored], more Germans so I quickly
spun a little faster back to the sergeant and conveyed the enemies location.
We didn't want a confrontation so we hid in the woods along the two track.
All was going fine until the new guy jumps out and attacks the last of three
Germans. I brief but victorious exchange of gun fire allows us on our way
once more. I'm ordered to continue my scouting duties so I pedal away
leaving a pool of sweat in my wake.
I've managed to keep my spin at about 70 rpm and pat myself on the back
considering the terrain I'm riding through and the gear I'm spinning
(46-14). I hate to admit I was blazing across the country side where no
trail existed. Regardless I came upon a two-story masonry building along
side a road. It seemed too quiet. I listened intently but heard only the
sound of my tire. Again, I quickly picked up my pace to report what I had
seen. A trap! The German's had a machine gun set up in the upper floor and
it appeared as if there were at least six of them. We proceeded to get into
a flanking position when this idiot kid we picked up along the way charges
the building and tosses a grenade. It lands about 15 feet short of the
target and all hell breaks loose.
Again, we win the battle and take over the building with only one casualty.
I'm sweating profusely now and I'm wondering what the next fifteen minutes
will bring. I'm still on recon which means I'm still spinning my wheel. I
try to cover as much distance as possible to make sure our newly secured
position is safe but staying close enough so that I can warn our guys of any
impending enemy troop movements.
I'm almost out of water when the enemy half=track and accompanying jeep come
into view. I'm out of position so I pour on the spin to get back to my
outfit. As planned, the half-track hits the land mine we placed ever so
carefully. The enemy thinks this building is still occupied by friendlies
so they all exit their vehicles to check out the damage. Of course this is
when we open up on them starting one hell of a battle. Another of our guys
gets killed. Then sarge send a guy out to flank the enemy but he gets shot.
The new kid runs out to save him and gets shot as well. I'm really sweating
this and wondering if I'm going to make it....
The kid starts screaming to 'stop the noise', goes one on six against the
enemy and gets them all. I can relax a little now and I start to slowly
decrease my rpm. I take a good five minutes to cool down and finally manage
to climb off my bike. This was a great ride with a good group of soldiers.
Oddly, all this happened within an hours time. I don't know how far I
actually rode but it felt good to have my legs spinning once again.
Thanks to sergeant Saunders, Little John and the other guys for making my
stationary experience...well...an experience.
Gary (so I'm bored, it's on topic)