Newsletter of the Williamsburg Area Bicyclists (WAB)

Volume 22, Number 6

The Flying Wheel

Williamsburg, Virginia June 2018

PO Box 2222, Williamsburg, VA 23187-2222 http://wabonline.org

WAB General Membership Meeting Our next General Membership Meeting is

Tuesday September 11th.

However, come out to Billsburg on Tuesday June 12th for the Cycling Without Age Williamsburg

Program Launch and Fundraiser!!

CWA Trishaw rides from 2pm to 5pm

Group Rides from 5:30pm to 7:00pm

Live Music from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Sponsor Recognition at 7:30pm

Raffle with millions in prizes at 7:45pm

Billsburg is donating a significant portion of the days revenue to Cycling Without Age

Don’t miss this great event!In thIs Issue

Three Wabitts Medal at VA Sr. Games

By Mark HoltLisa Pitman, Mustafa Cayci and your editor me-

daled at the Virginia Senior Games held in Dorey Park, Richmond, Saturday May 19th. Lisa won her age group and women’s overall in both the 5k Time Trial and 20k Road Race. Mustafa took 4th in his TT and brought home the Silver Medal for 2nd in the Road Race. The editor somehow managed two age group 1st’s and all three Wabitts are qualified for next year’s National Senior Games to be held in July in New Mexico.

Lisa just took up cycling last year and both she and Mustafa are first year racers while the editor started racing back when the safety bicycle replaced David Mershon’s high wheelers. Whatever your level of experience, if you ever want to give racing a try, the

Three Wabitts Medal at VA Sr. Games. . . . . . . . . .1WAB General Membership Meeting . . . . . . . . . . .1Member Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Website Tip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2From the President’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Cycling Without Age Billsburg Launch. . . . . . . . .3Ride Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-10Out of Bounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Trail Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Pictures from the Virginia Senior Games . . . . . . .6Ride Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7On the Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9And It Begins Again. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9A Puzzling Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

State Senior Games are a fun and safe way to dip your toe into the water. By a quirk of scheduling the 50-54 women were put into the same race as the 65-69 men so Lisa and your editor were in the same heat. Lisa powered away from the other competitors and dragged the editor around the course dusting him at the end de-spite his best attempt at getting her to start the sprint too early. Again, if you are curious about racing contact Lisa, Mustafa or Mark Holt via the club email link on our website and they can steer you to various Senior Games events.

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Welcome!Renewing members: Camilla Buchanan and Debra Hill, Robin Church, David and Ann Jo Cosgrove, Joan Davis, Gil Frey, Charlie and Glenne Hart, Ken McFarland, Brenda and Ken Mitchell, Luis Morillo, Elaine Quick, Steven Ralph, Neal Robinson, Jim Schmittle.

New members: Leslie Fuentes, David Hand, Judy Hanna, Tom Weet and Thayer Cory.

Member DiscountDon’t Forget: Your WAB membership entitles you to a

10% discount on parts, accessories or clothing at these local bike shops and sports stores: BikeBeat, Bikes Unlimited, Conte’s and Colonial Sports.

*Discount does not apply to bicycles. Other items may not qualify for discount at certain shops - call store for details.

The Flying Wheel is the newsletter of the Williamsburg Area Bicyclists or WAB. The Club encourages and supports all facets of bicycling in the Williamsburg, Virginia area. The Flying Wheel is always looking for stories or pictures connected to cycling. If you can help out, email the editor (editor@wabonline.org) or send a letter to: Williamsburg Area Bicyclists, P.O. Box 2222, Williamsburg, VA 23187-2222. Please send us your story no later than the 15th of the month.

Historic Triangle Bicycle Advisory Committee - see link for contact information:https://www.yorkcounty.gov/CountyGovernment/Administration,County/Planning/Bikeways/HTBACRoster.aspx

League of American Bicyclists Affiliated Club

James City CountyDivision of Parks & RecreationCo-Sponsored Club

Member information

the minutes of the general membership meeting and a summary of the Board minutes are available online at

http://www.wabonline.org/index.php/members-only/general-membership-meeting-minutes

Some people keep track of cycling mileage and rides with a paper record. Oth-ers might use a spreadsheet or an on-line journaling system such as Bike Journal or Strava. “Ridelogs” is similar to Bike Journal, but is included with your WAB Mem-bership to provide you with a convenient method for tracking your rides.

To add a Ridelog, login and click on the Add Ride Log icon on the website front page. It can be as simple as just recording the date and distance of your ride. You can optionally add information such as the Ride Time, Classification, Average Speed, Total Climb, Start Location, Bicycle Used or other Notes. If you include a Ride Time and Start Location (simplest is to just use a zip code), the weather at the time of the ride will automatically be added to your log.

You can upload the “activity” file from your Garmin GPS computer and a map of your ride will be automatically added to your Ridelog. There is also an iPhone App that you can use to record and map your Ridelog.

More information about the Ridelogs system can be found on the website here:http://www.wabonline.org/index.php/what-are-ride-logs. There are many other features of the system such as analytics,

calendar view, import/export, etc.

You may have noticed the “Ridelog Leaders” and “Latest Ride Logs” listings on the website. You can keep your informa-tion private by setting your Ridelogs Privacy settings as explained on the above link. On the top of all the Ridelogs screens is a ribbon of icons with links to the various features. The Privacy settings are accessed through the “gear” icon on the right.

You can start using the system anytime, and if you want to “catch up” you can just add one entry for all your accumu-lated YTD mileage. As always – let me know if you have any questions about this feature or any other website feature.

Rick Nevins, Webmaster - webmaster@wabonline.org

How to keep track of your mileage

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From the President’s DeskNow that we had (finally) escaped the frigid grip of

Father Winter, Mother Nature sends us her (hot) daugh-ter Summer, complete with temperatures in the upper 80’s and humidity which will only get worse as the months progress. Apparently lovely daughter Spring is away at school, or somewhere other than here.

Seems such a short time ago we were complaining it was too cold to cycle – except for that wonderful week in February when we were all certain Phil from PA was wrong. Turns out he was right and then some.

Now our Ride Leaders get to pit themselves against the meteorologists to correctly forecast whether or not it will be raining during the time of a scheduled ride. Will the rain stop by 9 am? Will it start raining before noon? Good luck to each and every one of you…. been there, done that.

Even after the Ride Leader has made the decision to “go for it,” we each must decide if we will abide by that decision. Do we agree or disagree? Will it eventually be unbearably hot to the point we are miserable rather than happy cyclists? Will the humidity overwhelm us at some point? Will it still rain despite our best quess? And while it is so nice not to haul around the additional ten pounds of winter clothing we donned then, the fact our summer jerseys stick to us like glue is little consolation now.

So here’s to Summer Vacation whether you spend it here in Williamsburg or some distant locale. Enjoy….winter will be back before you know it.

Happy travels. Deana Sun, President

Public Launch and Fundraising Event! Tuesday June 12, 5 - 9 pm

Billsburg Brewery 2054 Jamestown Road

Williamsburg, VA

Cycling Without Age is a movement started in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2012 by Ole Kassow. Ole wanted to help the elderly get back on their bicycles, but he had to find a solution to their limited mobility. The answer was a trishaw and he started offering free bike rides to the local nursing home residents. In cooperation with the City of Copenhagen, he then launched Cycling Without Age, which has now spread to all corners of the world with over 1000 affiliates in 38 countries

Visit our Facebook Page @Cyclingwithoutagewilliamsburg or visit us at http://www.wabonline.org/donate-to-cwa to find out how you can donate to Cycling Without Age Williamsburg!

a joint project of Williamsburg Area Bicyclists (WAB) and BikeWalk Williamsburg

Cycling Without Age - Williamsburg

A portion of the sales will be contributed to the Cycling Without Age project. A food truck will be on-site. Come out for great food and beverage while supporting a

wonderful new program! WAB-led bicycle rides will be held starting at 5:30 pm from Billsburg.

(see http://wabonline.org/ride-calendar for more info) Live Music by Scott Wise!

Free Raffle of Assorted Cycling Stuff!

Joan

Eva

ns

Williamsburg Area BicyclistsBikeWalkWILLIAMSBURG

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MAY RIDE CALENDAR PACE FOR RIDES: A ...................................................... 18-20 mph B+ ..............................................................16-18 B ..................................................................14-16 C .................................................................. 12-14 D ................................................................10-12 Casual ..................................... Up to 10 mph, with no one left behindPlease note that these are average speeds. If you are new to club rides and aren’t sure what pace you can maintain, be conservative with your first ride! Direct all questions, cancellations or updates to Rick Nevins at ridecoordinator@wabonline.org.Helmets are required on WAB rides. Updates and cancellations are posted on the Members Only mes-sage board. Ride leaders are obligated to collect waiver signatures prior to the ride.

WAB Special RidesSaturday - June 2, 2018 9:00 am - 12:00 pmPoquoson Joint PBA/WAB C RideLocation: Poquoson Farm Fresh, 460 Wythe Creek Road

Join Linda Carter for a C ride in Poquoson. This is a joint PBA/WAB ride. Meet at Farm Fresh in Poquoson. Projection is mostly cloudy and mid-60’s to mid-70’s with winds at SSW 13 mph. Any change in ride due to weather will be posted by 7:30 AM. Frosties, chili, etc. afterwards are always an option. This is a 30-mile ride rolling at 12-14 mph. Shorter options available and no one is dropped. There are 4 sprint opportunities. Bring helmet, lights, water bottles, suntan lotion, and snacks. We have two stops - one at Messick Point with bathrooms and one at Heidi’s Place at the end of Pasture Road. Any questions call me at 757-868-6198 (home).

Saturday - June 2, 2018 10:00 am to 12:00 pmCheese Steak and Beer RideLocation: Rick’s Cheese Steak Shop, 603 Prince George Street (across from the Library) 30 miles around beautiful Williamsburg, beginning and finishing at Rick’s Cheese Steak Shop, 603 Prince George Street (across from the Library) Please be there by 9:45 as the ride will leave promptly at 10:00am. Jim Day will lead the B pace, Fran Wenbert the C pace. We will indulge after the ride with the best CHEESE STEAKS this side of Philly!! Oh... Did I mention BEER too!! WEATHER NOTE: If it’s raining Saturday, we will reschedule the ride for 10:00am Sunday.

Saturday June 9th, 2018 9:00 am - 12:00 pmUnion Church 43 RideLocation: 101 S. County Drive, WaverlyDescription: The 43 mile ride will start in Waverly and head north through the quiet forests, fields and swamps of Sussex and

Surry Counties. Sara Page of RABA will lead the B riders and Jack Huber will lead the C group. There will be a rest stop hosted by Surry County’s Watermelon Lady at her home. Waverly riders will be familiar with most, but not all, of the roads on this route. Cue sheets and maps will be available at the ride start. Like all the Waverly rides, this is a joint WAB / RABA ride. After the ride, all participants are invited to have lunch together at Giuseppe’s on Main Street in Waverly.

Saturday June 23rd, 2018 9:30 am - 12:30 pmNew Kent Winery RideLocation: 8400 Old Church Road, New KentDescription: Join us for a winery ride from the New Kent Winery! We will have (3) rides departing from the Winery parking lot at 9:30 - a 35 mile B+ ride led by Steve Nunn, a 31 mile B ride led by Rick Nevins, and a 26 mile C ride led by Fran Wenbert, all on quiet country roads in New Kent County, some of the best cycling in the area. After the ride, stay and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the winery.

WAB Jerseys!

If you missed out on the last two orders, but would like a jersey, please contact Dave Cosgrove at jersey@wabonline.

org. Once we have enough new orders, another batch will be ordered from the supplier.

...continued on page 8

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Out of Boundsby Ken McFarland (kenmcfarland482@gmail.com)

As summer heats up, events and century rides are in full swing. In June check out the Western NC Flyer on 6/3 (recom-mended by Rich Thompson) or Le Tour de Shore on 6/16 (recommended by Robin Land). Charity events include Bike MS and the World Hunger Ride. There are also serious climbing events to challenge you. I believe you’ll have to wait until next year to participate in GOBA or Bike VA, two premier events. Check the Out of Bounds list for event information such as registration fees, website link, and more. Make sure you look ahead to late summer and fall events to take advantage of discounted registration fees if you sign up early. As always, if you recommend any of these or other events, please share with us.

- MENTION THIS AD -receive $5.00 off a $25.00 purchase

Does not include gold card and other coupons or specials.

Two decades of supporting WABin Park 2Park, local races and events.

Providing health and performance products for the biking community.

Many thanks and appreciation to our valued customers.Ride safe!

Trail Mixby Ted Hanson (thanson@earthlink,net) CAP2CAP 2018 was another successful event with 1600 participants, up about 100 from the rain depressed 2017 participation. This year saw a huge increase in the 15-mile Family Fun Ride (Charles City Courthouse to Herring Creek and return) with ap-proximately 80 riders of all skill levels and ages. About 70% of the event participants are from the Richmond area, which may have contributed to the decision to move next year’s start and finish base to Dorey Park (near the Four Mile Creek Trailhead in Henrico County). VDOT and the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation have formalized a partnership to improve the Trail, including sponsorship of the Trail Ambassadors. For more information, here is a web link: https://www.virginiacapitaltrail.org/trail-ambassadors/. The initial meeting defining how this will play out for we Trail us-ers is scheduled for June 4. We will report out on that meeting in the next Trail Mix column. Interested in becoming a VCT Trail Ambassador? Contact Dean Dunbar (ddunbar100@gmail.com) or Ted Hanson (thanson@earthlink.net) for more infor-mation.

Can anyone identify these vehicles seen recently at Four Mile Creek Park and Trailhead?

‘Why cycling for joy is not the most popular pastime on earth is still a mystery to me.’

Frank J. Urry (English Cycling Journalist)

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Scenes From The Virginia Senior Games May 19th: Upper left, Lisa Pitman hammering Mark Holt; Upper Right, Mustafa Cayci on his way to Silver; Lower left, Lisa picking up the first of two Golds; Lower right Mustafa getting his Silver

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Ride CLassificationsBy Rick NevinsThere has been some discussion (and possibly confusion)

lately about our ride classifications, as well as the responsi-bilities of both the ride leaders and the ride participants when on a club ride. This is not a simple topic to address, but I will do my best!

First on the subject of ride classifications – as shown on our website calendar, we define them as:

• A 18-20 mph• B+ 16-18• B 14-16• C 12-14• D 10-12• Casual Up to 10 mph, with no one left behindThese are average paces that you should have at the end of

the ride. The range reflects the fact that the final average pace may be impacted by terrain, group makeup, wind or other factors. Please keep in mind that in order to finish with an average pace of (for example) 14 mph, means that at times the rolling pace may be significantly higher or lower than 14

mph …it does not mean that the rolling pace will always be within the designated range. The actual rolling pace at any time will be influenced heavily by the wind and grade.

The ride leaders should:• Ride at a pace that results in a final average within the

classification range. • Keep track of all the riders and ensure all are OK. This

may mean adjusting the pace and/or re-grouping at intersec-tions.

• Consider designating a sweep to ride with the slower rider if needed.

The participants should:• Clarify with the leader the planned pace and terrain if

unsure. They should be comfortable they can maintain the pace, or at least know the roads and be OK with riding alone if necessary.

• Refrain from riding faster than the planned group pace (ahead of the leader) unless it is agreed with the leader and re-group locations are designated.

I hope this helps but if you have any questions or com-ments, please email me at rick@nevins.com

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The Winery Tasting Room is open from 10-6, and they have an excellent menu selection of meats, cheeses and breads. Feel free to bring your own picnic lunch, but no outside beverages are permitted (They sell wine, bottled water and sodas).

WAB Recurring RidesMondays, 9:00 AM: Charles City County Ride.Start: Charles City Courthouse, Charles City, VACoordinator: Fran WenbertWeekly ride from Charles City Courthouse. Routes vary weekly. Both C pace and B pace normally offered. Weekly messages will be posted on current week’s routes and leaders, and the calendar will be updated accordingly. Cancellations will be posted on the Message Board no later than 7:30 AM Monday. Lunch afterward at Cul’s Courthouse Grille.

Tuesdays, 9:30 AM: Surry RideStart: Surry County Government Offices, 45 School Street, SurryCoordinators: Fran Wenbert and Jack HuberWeekly ride from Surry County Government Center. Routes vary weekly. Both C pace and B pace normally offered. Weekly messages will be posted on current week’s routes and leaders, and the calendar will be updated accordingly. Cancellations will be posted on the Message Board no later than 7:30 AM Tuesday. Lunch afterwards at the Surry Seafood Company.

Wednesdays, 9:00 AM: Upper James City County Ride.Start: Liberty Live Church (across Croaker Rd. from Kiskiack Golf Club, occasionally rotates, check Calendar)Coordinators: Jim Gullo and Rick NevinsWeekly ride in Upper James City County. Routes vary weekly. Both C pace and B pace normally offered. Weekly messages will be posted on current week’s routes and leaders, and the calendar will be updated accordingly. Cancellations will be posted on the Message Board no later than 7:30 AM Wednesday. Lunch afterwards at a nearby restaurant.

Wednesdays, 6:00 PM: Yorktown Dandy Loop Ride.Start: York CourthouseThis ride has been a long-standing PBA event every Weds evening in Yorktown. Due to its proximity for many of our members, and in an effort to have more joint club rides, WAB is once again actively encouraging our members to join this ride. The 26-mile ride starts at the Courthouse parking lot, 304 Ballard Street, includes York Point and Dandy Loop, and finishes with the Ben & Jerry’s hill climb. We now have a C Pace, B/B+ Pace led by Jim Day, and a self directed ‘Hammer Pace.’ We split the group according to pace and keep everyone together. The terrain is flat and very scenic. Adult beverages and social time after the ride at the waterfront.

Thursdays, 6:00 PM: Sunset Ride.Start: Billsburg BreweryCoordinator: Rick NevinsWeekly ride from Billsburg Brewery. Start time at 6:00pm. Weekly messages will be posted on current week’s routes and leaders, and the calendar will be updated accordingly. Cancellations will be posted on the Message Board no later than 4:00 PM Thursday. Enjoy the deck and refreshments of Billsburg Brewery afterwards.

Fridays, 9:00 AM: Friday Friends RideStart: Williamsburg Community Chapel.Coordinator: Fran WenbertPace: D (usually) - Charlie Hart will lead a 15 to 17 mile ride. This is a great ride for beginners.Pace: C (always) - Generally 25-30 miles lead by Fran Wenbert, mostly on the Virginia Capital Trail. Pace: B (always welcome, choose your own route and distance) - Generally 30-35 miles.Weekly ride from Williamsburg Community Chapel. Routes may vary weekly. Cancellations will be posted on the Message Board no later than 7:30 AM Friday. Join the group for lunch (bring your own) after the ride at the Williamsburg Community Chapel Cafe. (Soft drinks provided).

Wabitts from the Surry Ride on May 15th

Wabitts from ‘Bikes and a Movie’ on May 14th

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On The Road…By Rick Nevins, Ride Coordinator

Serving the Williamsburg area for over 40 years

230 monticello avenue

Open: Tues – Fri 10am – 6pm Saturday 10am – 5pm

Sunday 12pm – 4pm

We really get into our work…

W E C A N G E T Y O U T O T H E L I N E

Gloucester | Newport News | Williamsburg www.MyTPMG.com | (757) 327-0657

Orthopedics

Sports Medicine

Foot and Ankle

Physical Therapy

Imaging

Personal Training

The weather was a little friendlier in May and we held a full slate of rides during the month. We experiment-ed with using the Liberty Live Church on Croaker Road as the primary start point for our Wednesday Morn-ing UJCC ride and that is working well. We decided to continue to launch from there most Wednesdays, with occasional starts from Little Creek Park and Au Bon Pain. The new Monday Morning Charles City County ride is going well but we aren’t getting very big turnouts yet. That’s a shame because the cycling is excellent and the participants usually enjoy a nice lunch at Cul’s afterwards. If you haven’t tried it yet – come on out! The other rides are all going well – Tuesday Morning Surry rides are getting great turnouts, as are the Thursday Sunset Rides from the Settlement. Jim continues to get decent turnouts for the Wednesday Evening Yorktown rides and of course the Friday Morning Friday Friends rides are always popular. Thanks also to Jack Huber for organizing the annual Spring ride to Smithfield! Looking forward, we will continue to try to schedule at least one Pub or Winery ride each month, typically on a Saturday. In June, we will be riding out of New Kent Winery on Saturday, June 23rd. Check the calendar for details. Finally, don’t forget to come out for the Cycling Without Age launch event on Tuesday, June 12th! We will be offering D, C, B and B+ pace rides all leaving from the Settlement Parking lot at 5:30 PM. After the ride, stop over for a beverage and free raffle at Billsburg!

And it Begins againby Mark HoltIf you have watched the club mileage logs you

may have noted the usual fast start to a new year by the aging geezer Mark Holt followed by the inevitable charge of last year’s mileage champ Fran Wenbert. Yes, like death and taxes and Star Wars Sequels Fran is closing the gap to mileage nirvana like a Saturn rocket.

Holt made the terrible mistake of also boasting that he would easily ride more centuries this year than Fran and for those counting the current tally is Fran with 5 centuries completed to Holt’s 3.

When asked about the year Fran stated that 12000 miles was an achieveable goal.

When asked the same question and told of Fran’s response Holt turned pale and muttered something about turning Fran in to a contact at USADA.

Come on out to the Monday or Wednesday group rides and cheer both of the club mileage fiends and watch out for Steve Nunn coming up fast and likely passing Holt as well.

Be sure and call Holt before the ride and remind him to bring his bike as keeping ahead of Fran on foot seems unlikely.

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A Puzzling Solution

by Linda Coppinger On one of those April days that allowed a taste of riding but not enough, the tandem team found itself insufficiently subscribed to watch races on electronic devices, but Paris-Roubaix was underway, so we sub-stituted YouTube for ESPN and watched “A Sunday In Hell.” It is considered one of the top all time cycling movies. It is a documentary of the race of 1976, released under various names in various countries. “A Sunday in Hell” is the English version, and features a quiet voice over by an especially soothing and even-keeled announcer. The director uses various film techniques to enhance the reality of the race, includ-ing slow motion close ups of wheels bouncing through muddy cobbles. The race as filmed nearly doesn’t start, as the road is closed off by striking newspaper pressmen who have covered the road with papers deep enough to stop the motorcycles and autos completely. At about 29 min-utes into the film, six or seven into the newspaper storm scene, this gentleman appears in the back seat of a stalled car, speaking in French, uninterrupted for at least 90 seconds.

Readers are advised that a viewing of the gentleman in action may increase their understanding of the mystery that ensued. There was something about this man that seemed familiar. Stoker commented “What an odd looking man. Where have I seen him before?” Captain responded that he saw the man as a mouse. A squeaking one. In a cartoon. The announcer says “In the back seat of the Brooklyn car rides a French commissaire of the French Cycling Union. He sees to it that everything proceeds correctly.” There is no mis-taking the irony of the situation: the start of the race has been delayed. Nothing is proceeding correctly. So, did the commissaire inspire the mousey mechan-ic in “Les Triplettes de Belleville?”

First there is a resemblance, allowing for cartoon ar-tistic license. The commissaire has a cap that covers his forehead, as does the mechanic. Each have prominent ears. Everyone in the cartoon film has a large nose, so that must be discounted. More importantly, the me-chanic is the character that sees to it that everything runs correctly. That Sylvain Chomet, the director, might have been familiar with the commissaire is obvious. The cyclists of “Triplettes” are exactly cyclists, with exaggeration. When the Triplets take Granma home, they watch “Jour de fete” on television - a classic cycling movie counted as amongst the best ever films about cycling. Chomet has done his homework. Is there proof of this connection? Not in possession of the Stoker. But the coincidences make for a fun puzzle. Actually, Stoker was sure that those who came to Bike and a Movie would get the connection at once, but she was mistaken. Only one entry was posted, and it was wrong in fact (there is no resemblance between the Commissaire and Williamsburg’s mayor) and wrong in general (there is no mayor in either film). But possibly, the only contestant was as correct as your Stoker. After all, the contestant is also a stoker. Perhaps bizarre connections are personality traits of stokers. Perhaps her imagination, and that of the Captain, are totally twisted, twisted like the Triplets of Belleville.