Hi Guys & Gals,

I was just surfin' through the Pedal Mag website when I came upon the Mike Barry Q&A article. As a semi-regular on the Donut Ride, I had the opportunity to meet Mike and Dede Barry on the ride one cold, windy day in November back in 2000. Never having met them before, I was impressed with the graciousness they both exuded.

At an early stage of the ride as we had rounded the corner onto Hwy. #7 from Bathurst, I found myself on the inside at the front of the double echelon. We were heading up the grade on Hwy. #7 into a 30km headwind as the pace started to increase. Riding on my left was someone in a Saturn jersey. I had never actually seen Mike Barry before but had heard about how he tried to attend the ride whenever he was in town. I was about three heartbeats away from blowing large and here was Mike cruising along like it was a country cruise with the TBN (Toronto Bicycling Network). Putting two and two together, I deducted the guy in the Saturn jersey must be Michael Barry. Being on the inside there was no place to hide so I had to suck it up 'til we peeled off. Needless to say I was impressed and will always remember that day fondly.

When we reached the coffee shop, I talked with Mike and found him to be the endearing person I had heard about. I also had the opportunity to take these pictures of Mike, and Mike and Dede at the coffee shop. I don't know if you can use them for the article but if you want to, you have my permission to do so. Thanks and keep up the great work. I love the site!

Peter Murk

Pedal welcomes all reader letters, as well as any questions for Michael Barry during the Tour of Spain. Please send any questions or comments to pedal@passport.ca (cc mattsh@hotmail.com) along with your full name and hometown.