Delfino and Sigfredo

Sometimes, someone gently “pushes you” into an encounter that you weren’t planning on, and couldn’t initially see the point. Thanks to the gentle “prodding” of our talented Production and Layout Designer, Andrea Yancey, and a wise resident, Delfino Arellano, I had the opportunity to meet an amazing and inspiring man and another wonderful Jacksonville couple.

Jacksonville’s Delfino Arellano has been friends with Sigfredo Martinez (“Cha-Cha”) for more than 50 years. They were classmates in Albuquerque in the 50’s and have stayed in touch ever since. Now 80 years young (as he puts it), Sigfredo lives in Denver and has become a bit of a bike-riding addict. So, he decided to travel from Denver to Jacksonville to visit his old friend – by bike!

Yep – about 1600 miles later, Sigfredo rode up to Delfino and Cordlia’s home on September 12. He departed Denver August 1st and rode about five hours and 40 to 70 miles each day. I don’t know about you, but riding a bike is not my thing – but now, after meeting this incredibly in-shape, lively 80 year-old, I might have to rethink the activity!

When asked why he decided to make this trek, he said, “Most folks just sit, eat – and die young. If you listen to yourself – your mind knows what your body can do… attitude is 90% of life!” Said with his wonderful, lilting accent, this came across to me as totally genuine and inspirational. Frankly, he’s a hoot.

I asked him what his wife of 55 years thought of his ride…”She thinks I’m crazy!” he said. But, he added, “She knows I’m not crazy – because I married her!”

Sigfredo and his decked-out bike

He has definite ideas of which states and cities are friendly (Echo, Huntington & Grants Pass in Oregon) and which are not (Denver and Idaho). His journey introduced him to “super-friendly” folks who went out of their way to help him find a place to put his tent and fix his bike, and those who tried to over-charge him for the use of a bathroom (which he refused). He said, “You can hide anywhere to camp overnight – don’t use fire or light and you are invisible!”

Being an ex-Marine, I suppose, helps with the confidence and stamina needed for a journey of this kind. Sigfredo also makes great use of technology and his own innovation. He uses a solar charger while pedaling to charge his ipod, he created a rope-gizmo tie so his handlebars stay straight, and he has the best, German dry-bags for his sleeping bag, tent, food and other gear. His visible orange “flags” telescope on the back and side of his bike on car antennas!

Besides his lovely good humor, enthusiasm and very young attitude, I loved what he had to say about our little hamlet: “Jacksonville takes the big town and small town – and brings them together!” That sounds a lot to me like our Jacksonville Review slogan: “Small Town with Big Atmosphere!” Well said Sigfredo! If you see a lean, in-shape, bike guy riding around town, be sure to give him a wave and say “hello!” We want him to come back.