Comments on: Meeting Willy – Nothing Plain About this Vanilla

By: LeoW

LeoW — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:51:32 +0000

Yes, sorry, I did mean “not just for touring”. I’ve tried many saddles, including a Brooks B17, but all caused me injury. I got the Selle An-atomica for PBP 2007, which I didn’t do after all, but I did ride the saddle on a 600km event without any pain. I can’t ride injury-free on anything else. It’s the only saddle that works for me!

By: Eric

Eric — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:40:56 +0000

Another great one Velodramatic! -Beautiful bikes and great story. Thanks for posting it Willy.
BTW, nice touch having the Bruce Gordon light painted to match.

By: willy in pacifica

willy in pacifica — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:01:50 +0000

Jim was going to be on our team but decided to concentrate on racing this year rather than long rides. Last year he rode the Davis 24 hour Time Tiral and a 600k with me then topped it off by completing the Furnace Creek 508. He and I relayed it in 2006 and I crewed for him last year. So this year it is his turn to crew for me while I drag my butt around Death Valley. At least I will not have to carry everything I need as I will have a support crew and van to do that for me.

By: ljump

ljump — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:23:33 +0000

I love the Fleche Eating Virus story—not only because I have heard of the legendary Willy (I know one of his riding partners, Jim)—but I like reading about wonderful and familiar roads. Sounds like a great time and thank you for sharing! And I want that Rapha jacket!!

By: Richard

Richard — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:03:37 +0000

Yep – I’m in total agreement with Tim. Great article, fantastic gallery and magical story from Willy. Simply superb.

That’s me out for a ride with a big smile on my face right NOW!

By: Velodramatic

Velodramatic — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:16:55 +0000

Thanks for the identificaiton Leonara, I couldn’t quite make out the lettering from my images. It does give the Brooks a run for the money in the looks department, and as Willy says later is more comfortable for him.

By: willy in pacifica

willy in pacifica — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:45:05 +0000

Nice to finally meet you as well. I would love to ride back to that deli as it is very similar to Roberts with a great deli. We had to take Highland further south otherwise we would have come out on a road we were going to ride on later that night. The rules state that we are not allowed to ride the aame road twice and I think that would have dropped us out on Soquel.

I think a great ride would be to ride from Woodside up OLH then south to Summit. Then cut down to Santa Cruz and back up the coast and over the hill at Pescadero/Alpine.

By: Velodramatic

Velodramatic — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:41:57 +0000

Coincidentally Padraig of Belgium Knee Warmers has an interesting commentary on Bruce Gordon LINK Well worth reading.

By: BR

BR — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:39:30 +0000

I am not worthy…..I am not worthy…..I am not worthy…..I am not worthy…..

Great report Willy and I am glad you all met your goals safely. I know well the ride from Old La Honda to 17 and then down Eureka Canyon and Highland Way. San Jose/Soquel Road is also a good option. Anyway, my respect and applause to you and the road warriors. I did stop and think of you all many times that day, evening, and the next morning as I rolled out of bed at 8am. Good job!

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:34:36 +0000

Fantastic story Willy! It really had me on the edge of my seat; you are quite the raconteur. Bravo to you and the Flechettes – especially Lisa for bringing it over the line. It was super to see you and your fabulous bikes and, yes, count me in for a (shorter) ride with you.

Michael – lovely photos and commentary, as always. Rupert will be tickled pink to see his name and photo on the internets.

What a great way to start a Thursday! I’m gonna head out for a ride right now.

Tim