We originally intended to complete the journey in two separate week-long trips over the course of two summers. It ended up stretching to four separate journeys in successive years, somewhat because of over-confidence, but mostly due to complications from weather and the dastardly contraption used to tow the minivan!
My father had retired from his sportswriter career back in 2007, but I knew he would have used our trip for subject matter, had that not been the case. I had been sharing the wacky details in my blog, but always in the back of my mind was the idea of publishing a book in order to share the tales with a wider audience. My father has definitely influenced the style and sense of humor in my writing, so I figured that some of my father's colleagues and former readers would especially enjoy hearing some stories from "Wheels" (my father's nickname), if only indirectly.
Moving forward with the book became even more important to me after the passing of both my parents during the last few years, so I got to work shortly after the New Year, reworking the blog entries about the trip. The basic content didn't need many alterations, but I did need to transition the individual articles into one flowing story. I also added a few details that weren't included in the original blog text.
In February I sent the manuscript to a couple publishers, and received positive responses from that handful of companies. Many of them were offering more than I felt I actually needed, with expensive marketing involved, so I decided to go with a kind of self-publishing hybrid at Amazon Smart Publishing.
The experience went pretty well, especially because my father and a couple excellent high school English teachers had honed my technical skills, and the manuscript required little editing. Consistent messages were relayed back and forth to nail down details like format and fonts, and we eventually moved on to design a cover, which was a bit of a humorous experience.
We started with the idea of two people on bikes in silhouette, riding in front of an appropriate landscape. Unfortunately someone in the art department had read the book's subtitle of "A father and son bicycle trip..." and included an image of a dad riding his bike with a little boy on a BMX-style bike behind. I'm not sure if the person in charge was familiar with the Appalachians, but the mountains in the background looked more like the snow-capped Rockies!
I pointed out to my collaborators that, although I liked the concept of two different types of bikes on the cover, I was 47 years old when I started the trip and could probably graduate to an adult mountain bike. I also sent along a photo of an Appalachian valley as a background reference.
After a couple alterations, including one that showed a goofy, tri-spoked machine that looked like something pulled off a Walmart rack, we came up with an acceptable final proof. The scene is not unlike something we may have experienced on the banks of the Potomac out near Cumberland or pedaling along the Youghiogheny towards Ohiopyle State Park.
I have received some kind feedback from folks who have checked out the book, and a couple local shops have been supportive by spreading the word about its release. A childhood friend of mine was also very generous by writing an author feature on the Lehigh Valley News website.
I have received some kind feedback from folks who have checked out the book, and a couple local shops have been supportive by spreading the word about its release. A childhood friend of mine was also very generous by writing an author feature on the Lehigh Valley News website.
If you click on that image on the right and order a physical copy of the book (there is a Kindle option), I would be happy to sign it, and bring your bike along for a free inspection!
Otherwise there hasn't been a ton going on, as far as my own personal projects, and the Battaglin Speed CE "Cobbles Edition" hasn't gotten too much farther, because of a lack of warm/dry/no-wind days this spring. I was able to put a coat of read paint on, but it needs to be lightly sanded before another layer of paint goes on.
Otherwise there hasn't been a ton going on, as far as my own personal projects, and the Battaglin Speed CE "Cobbles Edition" hasn't gotten too much farther, because of a lack of warm/dry/no-wind days this spring. I was able to put a coat of read paint on, but it needs to be lightly sanded before another layer of paint goes on.
I have mixed feelings about introducing new projects, since they are way down the queue at this point, but if someone expresses interest in something I have set for the future, I will gladly move it up and get to work on it! I was helping my friend Walt move into a new place, and a friend had offered him this Moser Cicli frameset. With so much already in Walt's collection, he decided to offer the Moser to me!
I am planning to make this a retro-modern build, using the excellent Campagnolo Record 10-speed group that I had on my shelf. Included with this group was a really nice set of Campagnolo Vento wheels, and I have a Cinelli stem/bar combination that will set off the bike nicely.
The frame is 55cm, made with Columbus tubing, though I'm not sure with which grade. I'm not positive it is original paint, but I don't see any different overspray color in the bottom bracket or headtube. The paint is a really interesting pearlescent orange, and the decals are in super condition!
I am planning to make this a retro-modern build, using the excellent Campagnolo Record 10-speed group that I had on my shelf. Included with this group was a really nice set of Campagnolo Vento wheels, and I have a Cinelli stem/bar combination that will set off the bike nicely.
I also currently have Walt's Pinarello Montello and Patelli framesets on hand. A few weeks ago I purchased decals to give the classic Italian products a more finished look. With the glut of used bicycles currently on the market, not much has been moving, so anything I can do to help spruce up the stock should help!
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