Mike heard of Mr. Giraldo’s  tour, he believes through the Adventure Cycling Newsletter.  Mike lives within 100 yards of the TransAmerica Trail. As riders near Toronto, Kansas, he likes to meet them and ride with or assist in someway.

This was the case for Rafael. From the Tour of Discovery Website, Mike noted that Mr. Giraldo was in Eureka, Kansas the night before. He decide to ride out the next morning and offer him assistance.  Mike caught Mr. G  just as he was entering Toronto.

Mr. Giraldo said was he was in fine shape and asked if Mike would like to join him for a while.  At that time,  Mike was riding his Penninger Trike which he says is not much on speed. He asked Mr. G if he could change to his Trice T Trike.  Rafael accompanied him to his house; took some pictures; met his wife, Kathy; had a drink; and then they were off for a ride of approximately 20 miles.

They discussed his trip and its purpose–the education of young people. Rafael described his teaching methods of which Mike was impressed. They also talked about  the world situation.  Mike says he thoroughly enjoyed the ride and the conversation. Because they were on a rough portion of the road Mike offered Mr. G the opportunity to ride his Trice T Trike so he could evaluate the T’s shocks. While Mike waited for his return he noticed Mr. G’s tires had cord showing.  Since a good 20 inch tire is hard to come by in that part of Kansas, Mike offered him two Schwabe Marathons that he keep as spares.  When they arrived at the intersection of Coyville Road and Hwy 39, the two split: Mike returning home to await Mr. G’s call so he could deliver the tires and Mr. G riding on to Chanute, Kansas.

Around 6:00 p.m., Mike found Rafael and Bruce Bunch [a.k.a. Trikebldr] at the Chanute campground and park. He gave them the tires.  Mike says he was quite surprised to meet Trikebldr.  Mike is a member of the Catrike Board [alkllimike] and has read many of Bruce’s posts.  He says he has great respect of his trike knowledge.  Although Bruce lives in the Kansas City area, Mike had not met him. Together, Mike and Kathy [center in the photo to the right] own a Trice T Trike; a Catrike Trail; 2 Penningers; and a couple of two-wheel recumbents.

Yesterday was one of those days that Mike says was indeed a privilege  to have been in the presence of people he admires and respects. A very enjoyable experience for him.