The good news is that my birthday ride was a success; the bad news is that I got scammed–again!
First the ride: A perfect day, I was on the road at 5AM, and the only living things I encountered for the first 90 minutes or so were some wild turkeys. I was half-way to 82 miles, my goal, by 8, when I returned home for a nice breakfast. Joan joined me for miles 72-82, and then I tacked on a few more.
The bad news is pretty embarrassing. I mentioned previously that someone from YouTube had called me to say that its dedicated channel would be tracking my progress, and that all I had to do was activate the link, using the Go-Pro like device on a special helmet (which I had to purchase), making sure to point the laser directly upward. So I bought the special helmet.
Then, at about 5:15AM I pushed all the right buttons on the device, but all I got was ‘ERROR MESSAGE.’ Then a few minutes later I received this very disturbing text message:
I’m beginning to suspect that the same person who hoodwinked me last year about coverage on ESPN also conned me about my ride being live-streamed on YouTube this time around.
My trust and my confidence in humanity’s basic goodness are shattered. In fact, I am now questioning whether ABBA, the Annual Birthday Bikers Association, is real. Maybe that’s also part of the scam?
Because I was told that its headquarters were in Stockholm, I’ve been in touch with the local Chamber of Commerce and the Tourist Center there, and everyone has told me that ABBA is a world-famous musical group, not a biking group. I guess I haven’t been paying attention to popular culture.
I think I probably should stop payment on that $1000 check I sent ABBA for a lifetime membership. What do you think?
But there is a rainbow, a silver lining to this sad story: My accountant told me that, if enough of you donate to World Central Kitchen, then I can legitimately write off the cost of that very expensive Go-Pro type helmet/headset that I purchased in anticipation of being on YouTube.
Of course, World Central Kitchen is worth donating to anyway, and perhaps you have already done so. But if enough of you donate, that will also bail me out financially, because that stupid (and useless) helmet/headset certainly wasn’t cheap.
Here’s how to donate to World Central Kitchen, and thanks.
The Merrow Report 
John, I don’t know what to say since ABBA is my favorite singing group. You made that story up. Correct? Happy birthday. i know it is Tuesday or Wednesday. Love, Ellen
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Yes, I made all that up, but I did bike 92 miles!!
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Congratulations on another year and another stunning accomplishment!! Bravo!!!
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[…] Read hear to learn about the scam. […]
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Dear Mr. John Merrow,
First a belated 82nd birthday to you. I learned of you and your story through Diane Ravitch’s blog.
I have to be forthright I was blown away by your accomplishment of cycling 92 miles at the age of 82.
I thought I was in great shape. I cycle those distances all of the time but I’m 59.
God willing, I have something to inspire to do at the age of 82. John Merrow you’re a true inspiration.
I have written many cycling articles through the years; I’ve picked these two for you as I think they’ll resonate with you.
For Those About to Bike (We Salute You)
https://salmonstudio.wixsite.com/yohnke/post/for-those-about-to-bike
Kaleb Whittingstall
https://salmonstudio.wixsite.com/yohnke/post/kaleb-whittingstall
Mr. Merrow, thank you for the excellent example that you put forth.
Pump Legs Not Gas
As always, love is the way,
Miles Patrick Yohnke
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Thanks, Miles (and what a great first name for a cyclist!!). And thanks too for sharing the articles. Interesting reading, but what has happened to Kaleb? Did he have the open heart surgery?
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Thanks, John! Yes, with that name it kind of forces me to log a lot of miles in the saddle. With Kaleb he would have open heart surgery just before Christmas of that year of 2021. His recovery has been slow. We haven’t done anything like we did that summer/fall of 2020. Hopefully there will be a time that we can get back to that level if he chooses.
But, John, we do see him here. This is a new feature that just came out on our Bridge City Bicycle Co-op (BCBC). Just so you know Shaw television is a national channel here in Canada. My hope with this wonderful feature is it will not only expand the awareness of BCBC in our city but perhaps cities in other markets may not have one and this will springboard one in their city.
Bridge City Bicycle Co-op feature on Shaw Spotlight
John, thank you for your time reading my work. I greatly appreciate your time. I greatly appreciate your existence. I hope this finds not only you well, but everyone reading.
Let’s throw kindness around like confetti.
Pump Legs Not Gas
As always, love is the way,
Miles
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