Blog by Meghan

We left Madison with a breakfast at Nick’s, a local hotspot, courtesy of The Spillanes, our hosts for the previous night. The Spillanes are authorities on antique bikes. In fact, the Spillanes  built Gary’s first high wheel bike. Their home is a work shop brimming with books, posters, magazines, spokes, saddles and wheels all speaking to specific bikes with specific pieces, parts, and social histories. Chaos and order all under the same barn roofing, they are one of the few places in the country that does this type of creation and restoration. The Spillanes, active members of the Wheelmen Association, hosted us the night prior and then accompanied us on the beginning of our ride…. in full period costume.

Their outfits made our bloomers were modest and very modern by comparison. Jim Spillane III wore suspenders, navy britches, knee socks and cap, and rode atop a high wheel bike. At his side, Jackie rode an 1890s women’s tricycle, a charming hat with angora trim, brooch, lace blouse, Victorian skirt and boots. A flat tire had them leaving us a tad early, but the accompaniment provided us fanfare and hoopla- Annie would have approved!
The rest of us riders pressed on into New Haven. While driving through the smokestacks of a scenic industrial park we crossed over some railroad tracks. Unbeknownst to me there was a sign to the right of the tracks with the universal symbol for bicycle and then frantic zigzags— to some clever graphic designer this apparently indicates danger for cyclists. I however missed this que and, at day 6 of the ride, feeling confident, pressed on…….THWACK!!!!

Woman down- I was kissing the pavement; after a tuck and roll to the side worthy of Jackie Chan stunt double, I am up on my feet, with Peter helping me and brushing me off.
Now disheveled, bloody, the damage was superficial. Knee catches the fall, scraped up one leg and the other catches the metal of the pedal. With my bleeding legs, I do however look the part of ‘intense biker chick’. Leg wound, “The new black.”

Meghan and Mike pose with the high wheel. Note Meghan’s war wounds

We ride on, not to be deterred into New Haven, where the day prior a large antique bike had been stolen from a local bike shop and this theft was the newstory of the week. Not ten minutes into the city Gary was questioned several times and asked if this indeed was the stolen bike. One would however assume that a 6 foot tall man in a bright pink shirt with a handle bar mustache on a high wheel bike was not ‘good’ discreet criminal behavior. But, then again,  I do not know the inner workings of the antique bike theft ring.

The final person to question Gary before leaving New Haven was a police officer perched atop her horse, mostly likely the only person who had a head over Gary the entire trip.

The day ended with incredible hospitality in Trumbull at the Shah residence. A warm reception complete with a feast of Indian food was our reward for a day of injury and accusation. The accommodations, chai, and conversation were wonderful. Thank you again.

As an addendum I would like to add that the support guys did a superior job bandaging my wounds and commenting with expletives such as “Jumping Jellyfish Batman, that wound is wily!”

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