September - October 2007

5BBC Retrospective: Phil O'Reilly

Riding vintage Trek 520 touring road bike. Phil cycled the entire 100-mile Montauk Century TWICE in the old days. Photo: Alfredo Garcia.

Older sibling Seamus (aka Ben), was a Franciscan Brother, part of a teaching Catholic order, taught Spanish & Italian, and a long distance cyclist, got Phil started in cycling (“It’s all his fault.”)

Served in the Dr. Strangelove era (1965-68) US Air Force; Rose to rank of Sergeant. Stationed in Vietnam, 1968.

In the 1980s, Phil walked into the Spring St. AYH and got involved with the BIke Committee and later 5BBC as a Leader.

Phil met Lerida DeDios on a bike ride. Claimed she once “attacked” him. They later became man and wife.

2nd 5BBC President, 1991-92.

Created and led his 5BBC classic Birthday / St. Patty’s day trip, with the legendary Paul Sullivan.

1994-1997 5BBC Weekend Trips coordinator. Gave a bottle of champagne to send off ground-breaking 1996 weeklong Vermont 5BBC trip, led by Bipin Batra and Steve Levy.

Affectionately known for wearing unfashionable brown socks on rides.

Perennial Bike New York Marshall Captain, assigned at the Queensborough Bridge. Say hi to Phil when you ride Bike New York.

Recently ridden the 400-mile, 8-day annual Cycling the Erie Canal several times. Not bad for a man in his 60s.

Phil is a standup comedian who performs at Manhattan night clubs.

Visit his My Space profile at myspace.com/brownsocksphil.

You can email Phil at BROWNSOCKSPHIL@aol.com.