This morning I found out that my old friend, George Pohl, whom I have written about in my “Self Portrait in Bicycles” post, has died. Here is an excerpt from that post: The Internet helped me discover the Italian Cycling Center, run by then 82-year-old Philadelphian, George Pohl. George looked not a day over 60, tall and thin, with many many miles in his impressive legs. Every summer for many years he would leave Philadelphia to run the cycling center from a small hotel in Borso del Grappa, tucked up against the Pre-Alps at the edge of the Venetian plains—the otherworldly Dolomites in the not far-off distance. Each day of our week there I would ride with George, while Nick set off with a younger, stronger group. And each day, George would destroy my ego, riding far out ahead of me, especially on the hills, circling back to see how I was doing, suggesting rests at cafes, churches or Villas/museums when he sensed I was faltering…George spoke multiple languages fluently and knew everything about the local history and had even met Hemingway as a boy living in Europe. Each day we’d set out for a 30-40 mile ride, and I would return exhausted, humbled and amazed that someone could possess so much knowledge and be so physically fit in his eighties. I was determined to keep riding (and learning).
I’m sorry for your loss of a friend and mentor, Arnie. When I saw the picture of George that precedes your words, I assumed that was a picture of you: salt & pepper beard, fit, bike at the ready.:)
I’m sorry for your loss of a friend and mentor, Arnie. When I saw the picture of George that precedes your words, I assumed that was a picture of you: salt & pepper beard, fit, bike at the ready.:)
He was obviously an inspiration to you.
May that inspiration remain with you!
What a beautiful tribute! Kudos to you for following your passions. I always enjoy reading your posts.