Yes, there was a 9/11 dedication ride this morning before a business lunch, but no, it was not the anniversary you are thinking of (although I'll get to that one and a cycling tie-in later in the post)

This 9/11 anniversary marked one year ago today that I got the phone call that "Eddie" had died. Eddie, a small, unassuming man who left his mark on this world in many ways I am sure. All I know is that I am one of them.

Eddie was my lake house neighbor for my entire life. And if my grandpa was like a father to me, then Eddie was like a grandpa to me. Somehow he just felt like family. Eddie taught me patience beyond belief when it came to trying to fix a lawn mower. Eddie was my go-to guy for anything out at the lake, Need a certain kind of tool...get Eddie. Need advice on how to fix something...get Eddie. Need a hand with a project...get Eddie.

I can still see him when I am out there today, walking out of his garage with his standard greeting of, "How ya doin'". He was in his 90's and never stopped working outside at his house. About a month before his death I remember seeing him in a big pair of boots raking weeds out of the water at his  shoreline. He never knew of course, but I would hang out on the front lawn to watch him, just in case he fell and needed help. He never did.

He never sat still much. Always a project. But once in a while he would stroll across the grass and just sit and talk with me on the old swing. I share with you now my favorite picture of us doing just that.

Rest in peace on this the one-year anniversary of the day I lost a good buddy.

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The morning of thee 9/11 I had no clue what had happened. For some reason I left on my ride earlier than usual that day, and the timing was such that it all started to unfold as I was out on the road on the Loomis loop...which is why I rode that route today. I remember it was a day just like today too....sunny and warm....a beautiful morning. Little did I know at the time...

Dude, I finally caught you in miles for the year. I'm at 3235. But we have different biking philosophies -- I'm all about mileage, you're more about speed, I'm guessing. I ride a Giant Cypress hybrid with 1-5/8 inch tires and flat handlebars. I average about 12-14 mph on my rides. So far this year, I've done two centuries, the longer one being 126 miles. Looking for one more ride to top that yet before the season is over.

Great memories about your friend Eddie! He sounds like the type of person we could all learn a lot from. You were very fortunate to have known such an incredible person. They are few and far between...

Yes, Phil is right, Ed was my father, lots of good memories, he helped me through a lot of tough times, so did his wife Helen.