Last night the United States had a chance to secure yet another Dos e Zero at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. It would pretty much secured our spot in the World Cup. America’s last minute addition to the squad, Jordan Pefok, took a perfect lay off from Govanni Reyna, three yards from the goal line. He missed his chance so badly that the ball didn’t cross the end line but rolled harmlessly to the sideline. Christian Pulisic’s goal line shot hit the sprawling Mexican keeper, squarely in the chest before ricocheting out of play. Both team needed a win badly, and the pace of the game showed how much each team wanted the three points. The settled, however for a point a each making Sundays games so much more important.

The US plays Panama Sunday in Orlando. I leave Saturday afternoon on a 3 PM flight out of Providence, R.I. to attend this crucial match for both teams. Again, a win would secure us a place in Qatar. There will be a massive gathering of The Midnight Riders, Sammers and The American Outlaws Saturday night in downtown Orlando and Motorworks Brewing.

With a Sunday evening game, a 10 PM flight home on Monday, I have plenty of time to bike with my amigo Hiram, who lives in the area. ( He also has a stable of bikes). This is going to be so cool.

The first day of the Easter season, and the countdown to Easter Sunday. Easter, is the celebration of new (the Lilly), and abundant life, (the bunny). It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox (the first day of spring). This method of determining the date of Easter often results in Easter being before Passover and/or displaced far from Passover. Easter can potentially be observed anywhere between March 22 and April 25.

In other news.

A few weeks ago, one of my blog friends recommended a book that was recommended to him by another of my blog friends. I couldn’t find the post to give them props, but I did read the book. It has easily reached the top of my reads. So much so that upon completion, I ordered Towles previous book. “A Gentleman in Moscow”. I’m looking forward to that one.

After a long hiatus, I’ll finally be working a bike event tomorrow (03/`8/22). Providence Bike Jam, a reincarnation of Critical Mass, is expecting a crowd of over one hundred riders. This mission of PBJ is simple.

Calling cyclists of all ages and skill levels! If you’ve ever wanted to join a group ride, but felt there were too many speed or spandex requirements, we’ve got you covered. Come join our casual, monthly night ride where we roll through the city, playing music along the way! Rides are typically @10 miles or so and we try to end someplace for drinks and socializing afterwards. We follow the rules of the road, as long as it’s safe to do so. Come have fun!

I have my equipment charged, cleaned and ready.

It was fun to be back at some serious editing working on and intro to the ride.

Wheels up at 7PM in downtown Providence, R.I. My over under for the number of riders is 125.

Here is a promo of PBJ.

I left the house in a cold and overcast late afternoon. The forecast called for occasional snow squalls. No problem for this season ticket holder for the New England Revolution. A forty five minute drive to Gillette Stadium is usually an easy commute on the weekends.

The Midnight Riders tailgate was cancelled and members were posting that they would not get to the game as early as usual. I made a sandwich, added a thermos of hot coffee and had a plan.

I would arrive to lot 4, which is reserved for supporters group members who displayed a parking pass using Sue’s Prius, since lot 4 had charging stations. There was a half tank of gas and I decided to fill up. Checking the maintenance book and seeing the last time I put gas in the Prius was, June of 2021, brought a satisfied smile.

Ten minutes into the commute, the snow squall hit. I was mulling weather or not to continue and pulled off the highway to check the Foxboro weather. The snow was predicted to continue till 8 or 9 PM with heavy winds. Do I want to suffer through that? Why am I even thinking about this. I have been a season ticket holder for twenty seven years and also have a great seat in row 2 of my section. I also have access to the Presidential Suite and I drove home to settle into my favorite chair in the entertainment room. “The Presidential Suite.”

I was rewarded of my choice when the Revs gave up three goals in the last 15 minutes to fall to defeat at the hands of Real Salt Lake 3-2

The weather is improving and the roads and paths are clear. It’s been a struggle for two years to get content for this blog, which was created to showcase local and out of the ordinary bicycle events. Today is not one of those posts. {{{{{Breath}}}}}. They are however, returning with the first event next Friday, March 18, 2022.

Providence Bike Jam March Magic

Grab your wands and mount your steeds, there’s magic in the air. Fly with us like the dragon and the griffin as we howl the night away!!

Spring is here, baby. Join your fam and let’s cast some spells over this city

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In the Spring of 2020 we had planned to attend Tyler and Susan’s wedding in Shanghai, China. After two years, we finally met up with the newlywed who stayed in our home while they were looking for an apartment in Boston. They returned to Fairhaven every afternoon and we all spent some quality time together.

Yesterday was the home opener for the New England Revolution. Like last year, they are not looking that good and still managed to squeak out a win. Fortunately the opponent was a very disorganized Dallas team. The pregame tail gate was fulfilling, with the emphasis in filling. The Midnight Riders pot luck brunch was a success. Joining us, as he does every game, was the Revolution general manager. Every once in a while former MLS players who will be in the broadcast booth for ESPN for Fox Soccer pay us a visit.

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Charlotte FC Home Opener

FC Charlotte, the new kids of Major League Soccer, played their first game at home to a world record breaking attendance of 75K There was also a wonderful back story.

Kljestan, a Chivas USA player in 2010, gave Hegardt, then a eight-year-old patient, a United States men’s national team jersey. Now 20, Hegardt is with expansion team Charlotte after being drafted from Georgetown.

LA Galaxy midfielder Sacha Kljestan and Charlotte rookie Chris Hegardt swapped jerseys after LA Galaxy’s 1-0 win over Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium, 12 years after Klijestan visited Hegardt at a Los Angeles children’s hospital.

A catchy title was very elusive, so I used it.

Morning passed with the daily routine of making coffee, feeding the pups, reading the paper and ended with a two mile walk with Reba and Owen (the dog), not to be confused with Owen the boy. (Grandson). It wouldn’t take long for the mundane to be overtaken by the shakes of the head that lead to smiles, that inspired this post.

Two appointment were on the agenda. A trip to the auto dealer for a minor repair, followed by a chiropractor visit. Lets get to it.

The Auto Repair.

A part on back order was finally delivered to the dealer. $300 was paid in advance and the time had come to get this fixed. “Should be a little more than and hour. Are you going to wait?” Asked the service rep. I had my book, there was plenty of comfy places to sit and coffee was complimentary. Except that the industrial one cup brewer was not working. “See sales rep. Jam” scrolled across the screen. Not a big deal at all.

Then came the head shake. A middle aged over friendly woman tried to make a cup of coffee. After a few attempts at getting the door open to insert the pod, she turned and looked at a man who was watching her. “Is this still broken” she asked. “Yes” the man replied.

With a pretentious attitude the woman scowled, “when were you going to tell me?”

He said “sorry, I assumed your could read.” {{{{{SMILE}}}}}

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Having more than an hour for the Dr. appointment, I stopped at the Boston Burrito. It was my fist time in the joint and the menu looked good. “Tres tacos con carne y agua por favor” “That will be $11.38, cash only” Oh oh! I only had a ten. I was about to downgrade my order when the owner said, “Don’t worry about it.” I responded, “But I don’t have cash for a tip.” “No problemo”, he said. {{{{{SMILE}}}}

There were a few patrons also waiting, most were young and I realized that this was a hot spot popular place. Then the {{{{HEAD SHAKE}}}} as shown by the photo. I was the only person in the building not texting or browsing.

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I knew a quiet spot along the waterfront. A place with no other people around. A place where I could enjoy my tacos in solitude. Maybe, just maybe the title of this post is not very elusive.

P.S. The auto dealer ordered the wrong part. Also, it would probably take quite a while to get it. That was another head shake moment. Until, they gave me a free car wash and issued a 10% discount on the part, which brought a smile.