I’m not here to crash the party…

[teigyr]

Wow...simply wow.

I read Bruce's initial post and was very moved by it. I didn't have time to respond but told DH about it and was so impressed both by Bruce's heartfelt thanks and by the fact that the TE people are so freakin' wonderful. The picture made a difference but it was positive. The internet is so anonymous and to see the picture and read the words made Bruce far more of a person. I never saw it as anything other than someone saying thanks.

I've never viewed this or any other special interest site as dating fodder but then again I've seen some wonderful couples grow from common interests I have met some fantastic people. I have PM'd people with no ulterior motive other than to ask questions or thank people. I am also one of those who sometimes thinks "if I wanted the male perspective, I would've asked a mixed gender board..." and while I like the guys here, I'm not always too comfortable with it, especially for *all* subject matter.

That all being said though, I saw nothing ulterior or untoward in Bruce's post.

Bruce, thank you for serving and you made me realize that I should be doing more to help our people away from home. Take care and I think you were perfectly ok in posting what you posted. You are more than welcome here.

[Trek420]

I am also one of those who sometimes thinks "if I wanted the male perspective, I would've asked a mixed gender board..."

Right, and I don't see bikejournal etc doing anything for our Baghdad Cycling Club

[salsabike]

Trek, if there is a way some of can can contribute to a single effort, that would be nice. It's not clear to me whether your LBS is continuing to do more, that we could help pay for, or not. Can you let us know about that?

[Trek420]

Our Baghdad Cycling club (jerseys? just kidding) have been doing their own repairs and what I hear is they were sharing one floor pump.

Talked to my LBS and understand he is sending at least another floor pump also patch kits. I don't want to ask how many or what kind, whatever he does is great.

I'm impressed that Bruce wants to make sure that when he's safely home others still there may have what they need to ride. He's not one to say "hey, I want a bike for me" Maybe someday they'll all be safely home and can leave the bike stuff to a kid?

SouthernBelle has her finger on the pulse of what he/they may need.

Silver and Mr. Silver are working on some stuff, talk to them. That way he does not end up with 5 boxes of spokewrenches and no spokes or something like that ;-)

[salsabike]

Our Baghdad Cycling club (jerseys? just kidding) have been doing their own repairs and what I hear is they were sharing one floor pump.

Talked to my LBS and understand he is sending at least another floor pump also patch kits. I don't want to ask how many or what kind, whatever he does is great.

I'm impressed that Bruce wants to make sure that when he's safely home others still there may have what they need to ride. He's not one to say "hey, I want a bike for me" Maybe someday they'll all be safely home and can leave the bike stuff to a kid?

SouthernBelle has her finger on the pulse of what he/they may need.

Silver and Mr. Silver are working on some stuff, talk to them. That way he does not end up with 5 boxes of spokewrenches and no spokes or something like that ;-)

Thanks--good info and I will follow up.

[MSG Hall]

Well I took my first reel ride today. I just got in from around 10 miles of hard riding in the dirt gravel and rock. Let me tell you, my chest is heaving the sweat is dripping, my heart is pounding my lungs burn and I can hardly walk my legs are so week… I FEEL GREAT!!

I will be having my wife send me another seat. I don’t know if it’s the seat that is way to hard, or my *** that’s way too soft, but something’s gotta give here.

No pictures today, I went out alone (I’m not supposed to do that) but I just had to get out there and ride!

Thank you all!!!

[makbike]

Bruce,

Sounds like you had a great ride. Enjoy yourself and be careful.