+ a gazillion . . . the guy is not only hilarious, he's a pretty fine writer.

I like his "51 Things to Do Before You Die" -

" - Pick a year, any year, and ride your bike more miles than you drive your car."

- Get road rash. Do not treat it and let it coagulate into thick strips of leather. Peel them off at a fancy dinner party and chew on them to the absolute horror of the hosts."

- Ride naked at 3 a.m. past your local police station, with a Walkman duct-taped to your left butt cheek, listening to "The Sound of Music."

- Memorize ten exclamations from Phil Liggett's Tour coverage. Recite them at the top of your lungs, complete with suave British accent, substituting your buddies' names for the names of the Tour riders at your next group ride."

Gotta love Bobke.

Beth