IN THIS ISSUE [CYCLING CAROLINE COUNTY ... - Spokes Magazine

ON
COVER
THE
Joff Sommerfield, who rode through the Mid-Atlantic this
summer, could become the second person to ride a penny
farthing 'round the world.. Photos by Neil Sandler.
page 4
WHY DO I PUBLISH SPOKES?
Like most things in life, sometimes it’s just a bunch of
work. But having published this rag for over 21 years,
I know there is always something waaay cool just
around the next corner.
Every now and then, a Joff comes into my life.
This month’s cover story about Joff Sommerfield is
just another of those cool stories which gives me an
opportunity to vicariously escape into an incredible
world of adventure, through another’s dreams.
Undoubtedly, I’m fortunate to serve a part of the
planet that is home to the capital of the greatest
country in the world. Anyone, who is anyone, in any
sport or manner of existence, seems to find their way
to Washington, D.C., at one point or another.
Over the years, people who have set the record for
one thing or another bicycle related, or traveled the
country one way or another, or traversed the world,
come through the nation’s capital.
A number of years back, I recall three adventurers
who “did the world” specifically searching out the
most difficult terrain, jungles, deserts, rain forests.
Their presentation in an auditorium at the D.C.
offices of The National Geographic magazine drew a
standing ovation. I specially recall their creativeness.
For example, when faced with crossing a 600 mile
stretch of sand in the Sahara Desert, they devised
outriggers for their bikes and rode atop the railroad
tracks through the desert. The outrigger wheel rolled
on one rail, and they and their bikes rode on the second
rail. If they felt any vibration they had moments
to haul their contraptions off the tracks before the
train flew through!
But Joff Sommerfield’s round the world high wheel
adventure holds a particularly high level of passion
for me. When he first walked into my home, he quickly
noticed a hardback copy of Thomas Stevens’ 1887
book “Around the World on a Bicycle,” an account of
his three year adventure around the world on a high
wheeler from 1884-87, sitting prominently on the top
of our coffee table. I promise you I did not put that
book there for Sommerfield’s benefit. It’s been sitting
there ever since I obtained it over 15 years ago.
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This book remains a perfect reminder of why I love
bicycling as much as I do. It’s a reminder that the
bicycle is the perfect magic carpet. It can take you
almost anywhere. The only limitation seems to be the
motivation of its owner. Trust me when I tell you I
regularly pick that book up and read a passage or two
in quiet moments.
Before Joff, soon to be the second person to round
the world on a high wheeler, left, I asked him if he’d
mind autographing this book. I explained that since
Thomas Stevens has been gone for over a century,
having Joff sign it would be the next best thing.
Joff humored me and wrote:
“Splendid meeting you Neil, and thanks to
Spokes for the interview. Thomas will always be
the first, but I’ll be the second...
Joff Sommerfield
Thanks Joff, and happy trails.
Neil Sandler
Editor & Publisher
ARE YOU READY FOR
FALL?
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for a tune-up — or to schedule an
appointment for a cleat alignment or bike fitting.
Stop in and check out our great selecton of
parts, accessories and bikes from
Trek, Lemond, Fisher, Felt, Serotta & Parlee
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SPOKES is published monthly eight times a year — monthly March
through September, plus one winter issue. It is available free of charge at
most area bicycle stores, fitness centers and related sporting establishments
throughout Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and parts
of Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia.
Circulation: 30,000. Copyright© 2008 SPOKES.
All rights reserved. No reprinting without the publisher’s written permission.
Opinions expressed and facts presented are attributed to the respective
authors and not SPOKES. Editorial and photographic submissions are
welcome. Material can only be returned if it is accompanied by a selfaddressed,
stamped envelope. The publisher reserves the right to refuse
any advertising which may be inappropriate to the magazine’s purpose.
Editorial and Advertising Office:
SPOKES
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Frederick, MD 21703
Phone/Fax: (301) 371-5309
e-mail: spokesmag@comcast.net
AUGUST 2008
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Neil W. Sandler
CALENDAR EDITOR
Sonja P. Sandler
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Studio 22
www.studio20two.com
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