(Photo © J. Maus)
I’m working on a slideshow and a report about last night’s BikeCraft event. It was a thrilling night in many respects for both Elly and I, but I want to share a particularly touching moment.
Back in April 2006, I shared a story about Joe Lontai. Joe was a BikePortland reader serving a tour of duty in Iraq. He sent an email along with a photo of himself on a spinning bike in the Iraqi desert.
He was wearing a battle helmet, an Army-issue bullet-proof vest, and lycra shorts; he was training for the Seattle-to-Portland Classic.
Last night, while in a dizzying swarm of people, Joe extended his hand through the crowd and introduced himself with his beaming smile. I remembered him immediately. He said the story and comments of support really helped him “break the monotony of being in Iraq.”
Joe said his friends serving with him would give him a hard time for riding his training bike so much, and the story helped him explain his bike-loving ways. “It made my month…it made my six months!” he said.
Now Joe (and his fiancee) live in Beaverton and he teaches ROTC at the University of Portland.
Nice to have met you Joe and I look forward to our paths crossing again sometime.
This event was very fun to attend! Many people, so many, that the space was probably too small to accommodate everyone! That’s alright, because it was fun bumping around everyone as if we were all in some bicycle culture pinball machine. Last night was a good night to be a Port-land-er!!!
Welcome home.
Also, !!!thank you!!! Joe for serving our country, not only as a soldier of war, but as a model citizen who chooses such a healthy hobby–cycling!
Thank you
Damn. Now that’s dedication.
Good to see everyone last night – what a great turnout!
You get my support for riding your bike, which, in my opinion serves us better than joining the military.
Ironic that it wasn’t for the combustion engine we wouldn’t be fighting wars for oil. Glad our man made it home safe.
Do we have to politicize everything? A simple “thank you, welcome home” should suffice here.
whatever do you mean? I NEVER notice politics on this site.
=)
Welcome back Joe! Don’t be alarmed by all the strangers yellin’ “Hi’ya!” passing you on the streets.
Uncle Muscles: No kidding, seems people aren’t happy here unless they are stabbing you in the face with their politics.
Welcome back Joe, and thank you for your service, truly.
That’s awesome that you made it home safe, Joe– thank you for your service, and welcome home!
1) If I posted that I’d spent the last year as a peace protester, and someone else disagreed with me, (or my cause,) I don’t think they’d be the person that, “brought politics into discussion.” No, that would be my fault, and if I’m not willing to discuss that, then maybe I should keep my mouth shut…
2) Welcome home. War is hell. I’m sorry about that, I certainly don’t wish it on anybody.