Farewell from Esahu Fernando
“¡Gracias, Portland Bicycling Club! Fuí miembro de PBC por tres años. Me sentí muy bien recibido. Yo no tenía experiencia de la bicicleta o de pertenecer a un club antes, y para mí fué una experiencia muy bonita. Los compañeros de rides me trataron muy bien, como familia, y estoy agradecido. ¡Un especial gracias a Jeremy Wilson, Barbara Brady, Mark Lander, Mark Detrick, Mark Chang, Ashley Renolds, Lisa Hansen, y Lynn Blanchard, y gracias a todos los miembros! Regreso a mi país, y allá los espero en Oaxaca, México. Cuando gusten, visitarme.”
Interpretation: Thank you, Portland Bicycling Club! I was a member of PBC for three years. I felt very welcome. I didn’t have bicycling experience or belong to a club before, and for me it was a very beautiful experience. The companions on my rides treated me very well, like family, and I am grateful. ✎ A special thanks to Jeremy Wilson, Barbara Brady, Mark Lander, Mark Detrick, Mark Chang, Ashley Renolds, Lisa Hansen, and Lynn Blanchard, and thank you to all the members! I’m returning to my country, and there I’ll be waiting for you in Oaxaca, Mexico. When you like, come visit me.
From Jeremy Wilson: As I remember it, Esahu began joining the Hubbard ride about three years ago. He told us he had not ridden with a group before but had been riding alone, and maybe with a friend or two. He fit in immediately, was always very polite, and the group etiquette came very naturally to him. Over a short time, he picked up his speed until he became a very fast rider. During that time, I was training for a time trial event and would break off from the group to do intervals. Esahu would often do the sprint with me and then look at me and laugh. I think we both really enjoyed the exhilaration. I remember him dropping off the back of the group to help riders who weren’t keeping up. He also added to the group fun by bringing friends with him, and we always liked the friends he brought. They were good riders and enjoyed the group experience just like Esahu. He mentioned that he may return for visits. I certainly hope to see him then!
From Barbara Brady: Many great memories (Monster Cookie, Reach the Beach, Pioneer Century®, Strawberry Century, Estacada to Ripplebrook, Hubbard ride, and Lyle to Goldendale), and I will look forward to more when you come back to visit, Esahu. 😊
Esahu Fernando, Club Member