As we already shared on our social media accounts, many of you noted John’s absence from the shop toward the end of August. Although it took some convincing (the man is quite literally addicted to work), he took some time off to attend the MSTA Fly-By Week in Marietta, OH. The trip offered the added bonus of John getting to whiz around with friends on routes he’s loved since he first began riding, as Marietta is only about 45 miles from where he grew up in Woodsfield, OH. Rachel booked him a hotel with a scenic view and a pool and sent him off with strict instructions to RELAX and ENJOY!
The following Tuesday when we returned to work, we received this thoughtful email with accompanying photographs from Dan, a valued MCW customer, friend, and ardent MSTA member who invited John to the event.
“Rachel,
Let’s get this out of the way right off the bat. Don’t you worry about any backlash from the other contest entrants. There will be no howls that this contest was fixed.
Why? Because if the other contestants are loyal MCW, Inc fans, they will probably be as tickled as I am now, that my Most Memorable Ride of the Summer was with John Schumacher to the MSTA Fly By in Marietta. And I’ll tell you why in a minute.
But so everyone knows how truly excited I am about this (winning?) memorable ride, let me give some perspective by mentioning two of my rides that didn’t make the cut.
Quite Memorable, but coming in second place on the podium, is five days riding almost 2000 miles down to, and around, Bristol, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia including epic mountain rides featuring The Snake, aka 421. And The Claw.
Also Memorable, but in third position on the podium, is a loop up “the 129” to Chapleau, Ontario out of Blind River, then over to Wawa, picking up the Trans-Canada Highway, aka, “the 17”, down along the eastern edge of Lake Superior into Sault Ste. Marie and back east along the North Channel of Lake Huron to Espanola, Little Current, and South Baymouth to the Ferry.
My Friday to Sunday ride with John was Columbus to Marietta and then as many of the southeastern Ohio twisties as we could ride, including running the Triple Nickel up from the river to 78 to pick up 37 on our way home.
Riding with John in John’s Home County – Monroe – and the surrounding counties was a blast. No maps needed. Plus John took us to his teenage mountain hangout, Kiedsisch Point Park.
I’m at a bit of a loss to explain how much fun we had, but it was perfect. Great weather, great roads, great riding, and great companions.
For me, what makes this ride so memorable is seeing John riding again – other than test rides – and enjoying every minute with a big smile and a thumbs up. Memorable indeed!
-Dan Igoe”
