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Linder and Liggett with his Pro that matches the daisies in a quaint English garden
More: Best of 'What Do You Do On A Friday?' Holiday Reading 2004
Bike Friday best-loved Booster Jeff Linder rubs tire treads with the Famous English Voice of the Tour de France, Phil Liggett.
Your roving reporter here- Just thought I'd let you know that I just had the very distinct pleasure of spending the afternoon with one of the most recognizable names and voices in all of cycling, a huge fan of Bike Friday, all-around really nice guy and patron of the Bike Friday Club of Australia, Mr. Phil Liggett.
I was invited to Phil's home where he lent me his Pocket Rocket Pro which I was able to fit with my custom stem. We sallied forth for a fine 50 miler that took us through many pleasant English villages which were scattered through the gently rolling hillsides of his county Hertfordshire. Phil had 3 routes to choose from and we decided it was such a beautiful fall afternoon that we should get as much in as we had time for.
Phil is an extremely fit rider and we found our riding legs seemed quite compatible. Even with his breathtakingly busy schedule, Phil manages about 3500 miles per year and puts those miles to good use to keep his incredibly youthful legs in fine running order. As we rode past one of his shorter routes, Phil mentioned that just three weeks earlier he had a personal best for the 26 miler with a time of 1+24 hrs. Very quick indeed for the terrain and distance.
Phil comes from a classical school of riding, looking every bit like the Euro pro he would have been if it weren't for his love of broadcasting and print media. Riding behind him, which I did most of the time, you'd think it was Greg Lemond you were drafting if it weren't for the gray hair peeking out from under the cycling cap. [Oh, Greg'll be grey one day ... - Ed].
There are two things that Phil doesn't use that I have grown quite accustomed to, a cycling helmet and a water bottle! After searching the cupboards, Phil found me a bottle which I filled and placed on board. However, I hadn't secured the top properly and before I noticed, all of the water had jostled out. So I too rode the 50 miles without water!
Phil told me of stories along different country lanes where individual races of his youth took place and how each race unfolded and what his finish place had been.
His love for the sport comes shining through with each gesture and comment. It was such a thrill to ride along and ask a question about a rider or a race and have Phil give me the insiders view. His recall is truly fantastic and his eloquence is legendary.
At the 35 mile point we stopped at his favorite pub for tea and scones. He made a quick cell call to his electrician as he is having his upstairs remodeled with an en-suite for his frequent guests and we shared remodeling-building stories. His life is certainly filled to the brim and his travel itinerary challenges even mine as an airline pilot. All of you Bike Friday friends and owners should know that we have a great supporter in Phil Liggett and if you ever see him at an event, be sure to say hi and tell him you have a BF. He'll certainly give you a big hello and want to hear what you've been up to on yours. Talk to you soon.
Jeff
What does Phil Do On a Friday?
To those who are itchin' to go even faster on a BF, register for the Lon Haldeman Bike Friday Training Camp scheduled for 2005.
For more information, follow this link http://www.bikefriday.com/bf/holiday-reading2004.