I had noticed this fellow riding along Highway 9 in the Ben Lomond
area twice before. This time when I saw him, I actually had the time
to pull over and try to hail him.
What I first noticed, as the last two times, was the smile on his face
as he rode. He seemed to be deeply enjoying himself.
He stopped at my upraised hand and I asked: "Excuse me, but are you
Jobst Brandt?" With a puzzled look he allowed that he was and I
hastened to explain that I was aware of him due to being a reader of
the rec.bicycles.XXX newsgroups, writings on Sheldon Brown's website
and by owner****p of his book, among other places.
Once he satisfied himself that I did not appear to be any more
dangerous or deranged than any other typical usenet-poster, he kindly
chatted with me for quite some time about Usenet and many things
bicycle (far too many to go into here...Jobst has had some fascinating
experiences and acquantances).
Jobst was very congenial and generous with his time despite the many
miles he had yet to travel to get back home. (I pointed out to him
that someone had stolen his 3rd chainring and all of his larger cogs,
besides, but he did not seem to think that that was a problem.)
I had that unusal effect of thinking I knew him just because I've read
his posts on Usenet (and FAQ's) so long, so it was a very pleasant
experience to meet him for real.
Thank-you for the great experience, Mr. B.
Pureheart
(Sometime I'd like to meet Bill Baka, too, as I get over to Sun****ne
bikes in Gilroy now and again...do you frequent that shop, Bill?)
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