Mood:  sad

In the mid-1970s, when I was still learning about the craft of cycling, Gary befriended me.  Gary was the consummate cyclo-tourist who rode a blue Peugeot and dreamed of cross-country tours.  He was a laid-back, warm and friendly guy who enjoyed good strong coffee, imported beers and listening to wonderfully strange and eclectic things on public radio.  He helped me organize the Washington County Wheelmen and was a regular on our club rides.  The last time I saw Gary face-to-face was on the May 1988 Eureka Spring Fling overnight bicycle tour.  I can’t believe it has been so long . . .

I learned last Friday that Gary passed away after a three-year bout with cancer.  I never even knew he had it.

Now I feel like crap.  I’ve done a lousy job of keeping up with Gary and some of my other friends over the years.  Now that he’s gone, I wish I’d done a much better job.