The Outspoken Cyclist – 05/13/2017

This week we have three interesting and diverse conversations.

First, let me introduce you to Mike Varley. He’s the proprietor of Black Mountain Cycles in Point Reyes Station, California and has a most interesting story to tell. He hails from a solid background in working with such groundbreaking companies as Haro where he designed all sorts of great bike models.

His shop is a one-man operation and his offerings are his own. The Black Mountain Cycles “brand” is a direct reflection of Mike’s ideas and ideals.
Oh, did I mention Mike has two radio shows too?

Then, I catch up with journalist Peter Flax. Peter was editor-in-chief of Bicycling and is now the features editor for the Hollywood Reporter.

Peter  has been following the story of the tragic and untimely death of Thomas Palermo by the reckless and careless driving of the now de-frocked Episcopal Bishop of Baltimore, Heather Cook.

Ms. Cook was driving at three times the alcohol legal limit AND texting when she drove into the bike lane in broad daylight and ran Tom over, killing him. She fled the scene, only to come back – not once, but twice – before being arrested and jailed.

The bishop had been in the same position in the past; only, she hadn’t killed anyone previously.

Last week, after serving 18 months of her 7 year sentence, Ms. Cook petitioned the parole board for early release. Prudent minds that saw a lack of remorse and a woman who seems to be very much in denial of her illness, said no.

Peter, who has been following the story since it happened in 2014, released an article on cyclingtips.com May 5th titled “Eligible for parole after 18 months in prison: The builder, the bishop, and a most violent crime” .

In it, Peter goes back to the beginning of the incident and takes us through the parole hearing. We talk about whether this high-profile case will make a difference and what happens to these cases in the court of law.

Lastly, my Brian gives us some insight into a comment Mike Varley makes at the beginning of the show on a solution Brian needed to come up with for a client that has had long-lived reception all over the world – it’s the Shimergo Solution and it’s a fascinating story; if I do say so myself!

Be prepared to have fun!