I rode into the Valley and up Cachagua road today, accompanied by the sounds of the wind and Shubert’s “Death and the Maiden” quartet on Pop’s mp3 player (the Andante was the last track he had played). It was one of those crisp, clear October days. Erratic winds were swirling and leaves were dropping form the Oaks, Sycamores and Buckeyes lining the road. Everything was so vibrant and beautiful.
I inherited a love and respect for nature from dad, but I have rarely had such a deep experience of nature in all her exquisite beauty and perfection as I did on this ride. This is what Pop loved. I felt his presence so strongly.
As the G-minor andante played through and my legs pumped up the hill, I felt a bottomless sadness and desolation and at the same time the most exquisite joy. The depth of feeling was beyond anything I have ever experienced. Dad was gone but his very essence was palpably present in the natural beauty surrounding me. I always thought about Pop when riding in the Valley. Every hill, slope, canyon and tree shape echoed his love for nature and the sculpture he created to express that love.
Just as the temporarily optimistic D-minor Presto started to play I rounded a corner and came face to face with the tree I always subconsciously associated with my dad. It was an old, thick, twisted oak with intricate and widespread top branches which stood out in sharp contrast with the deep blue sky. The tree was next to a whole line of beautiful oaks but it was slightly set apart and unique in form and character, just like my dad.
Some folks arrange plots and tombstones, endow chairs, purchase benches or plaques for public display as a way to mark and remember someone they’ve lost. For me this tree is the most fitting memorial. I see it as Pop taking his rightful place in the order of things. I look forward to riding by it for many years to come.
My name is Scott. I bought Paul’s special bicycle he used to ride. He had it special ordered in 1973 by a now past famous bicycle builder. This bicycle is a Cinelli, a handbuilt Italian beauty. I’ve only rode one particular bicycle my whole life and never had another till meeting Paul. A couple years ago I decided I would like to buy another bike and so a search for the best vintage bicycle was on (I like classic machines). So after much seeking, I discovered it would be a ‘Cinelli Speciale Corsa’. And after quite some time of all this searching, I found an incredible lead. And a special one it was, from an original owner! I drove 6 hours north to come see this silver bicycle! Ah ha, he was an artist he was! A keen ol guy with a gleam in his eye. He brought the bike to his studio that day to show it to me. He had decided to pass her on to someone whom would cherish it as he did. He told me of stories riding her with his son whom is also a cyclist for fun. The sentiment in the bike was obvious. We decided he would keep it while we settled on a fair price over the next month. Meanwhile, I had forgotten my camera to take some photos before I left. I wondered across the street to a boutique like cottage store. There, I met Molly, whom I befriended. She was very nice and lent me her camera and later sent me the photos I took of Paul’s Cinelli via internet. I received the photos and she and I stayed in touch. Two months later I came up and bought the bike from Paul. He was so happy to see it go to someone whom would cherish it as he. Boy, was I excited !! it was Christmas in August! I was also there for the Monterey Historics that weekend. So what a weekend this was turning out to be!!! Now,, if only I had a hotel room to stay at?, ha ha. I had no place to stay. Yikes. After buying the bicycle I went over to visit and greet Molly, she was very excited for me about Paul’s old bike. She asked where I was staying, and after finding out I was going to camp in my minivan, she suggested I stay at her friends cabin in Carmel. I said, no way, I don’t know her, and she doesn’t know me. But that Molly, I’ll tell ya, she went on to say this friend wouldn’t mind, AT ALL. Well, her friend called me and insisted. I met her later in the afternoon while she was walking her dogs on Carmel Beach. ..And to this day, this friend of Molly’s is my close friend and girlfriend whom one day soon I will ask to marry. Well Paul, look what you got me in to here …A beautiful bike I ride today and a beautiful smart gal to go with it. Cheers to you Paul. Your spirit rides on through a special silver bicycle that has brought me more then just a bike. ~ Scott