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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Friday, October 11, 2024

For the Second Time, I Think Someone Stole My Cannondale Trail 5

At the end of the day yesterday, I met my grandson at Sand Island and we rode the trails while there was daylight. After that, we met up at Bethlehem's Pho Bowl, my favorite restaurant and talked Phillies and Eagles. From there, I hopped into my car and drove home. But when I arrived in Nazareth, I noticed that my Cannondale Trail 5 was no longer on the bike rack. Not only was it secure to the back rack, but I use several straps to make sure nothing moves. So I believe my bike was probably stolen last night while we were eating.  

To avoid the Bethlehem Parking Authority Nazis, I park at the M&T Bank lot if it is after hours. A camera is trained on the cars, so police should be able to confirm today whether the bike was stolen. Whether they will be able to retrieve it is another story, although I was able to give them the serial number.

Police arrived within minutes of my call and were very professional and sympathetic. There is a slight possibility that the bike fell off during my ride home, but it was strapped in very well and I think I would have noticed. I retraced my ride home and saw nothing. When the video footage from the bank is observed, we'll know for sure. 

This will be the second time someone stole one of my bikes. The last time it was a Cannondale Trail 5 as well. I had just finished riding the 330-mile trip from Pittsburgh to DC and stopped for lunch. Though I locked my bike, the thief was able to disassemble the cockpit of the bike and slip it off the lock. There was video of that, too. 

This time my bike was unsecured. I spend a good five or ten minutes adding all kinds of straps to the wheels and noodles to keep the bikes from hitting each other or the car, so I never expected someone to be able to get everything off so quickly. 

My grandson and I are headed to Philly next Friday for the annual Philly Bike Ride. If you know of any decent bikes for sale, let me know. I am looking at a Trek Domane Al 2 or a Cannondale Synapse Sora, which are great low-end endurance bikes you can ride on a road or trail. But they are hard to find. 

My brother, who lives only a half block away from Pho Bowl, is an evil Republican. I told police he probably stole it. He says he was with Trump, eating dogs and cats.   

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Obviously fell off on its own. We all know crime rates are down, so it couldn't have been stolen.

Anonymous said...

If the video reveals a talk, lanky man in scuba gear, you’ll have your culprit.

Anonymous said...

I have a Fuji trail bike that I’d allow you to borrow until you are able to replace what was stolen. This would allow you to participate in the event with your grandson. It’s mid range in quality but barely used. I live in Nazareth area and have a truck for delivery if interested.

I could meet you in Nazareth area if interested.

Let me know.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear this. My cannondale is one of my prized processions. I bought it in 1994 and it is still a fantastic bike. Based on your description of how you strapped it, there is zero percent chance it fell off. I find it a good idea to remove the front wheel and seat and put in the back seat of the car if I am not planning to go straight home after a ride. Makes it a little less attractive to steal and is no longer a functioning getaway vehicle. You can also get locks to lock the frame to the carrier. Anything to make it less attractive. Maybe watching Pee Wee’s Big Adventure this weekend will make you feel better.

Mike4ro said...

Keep an eye on craigs list, facebook marketplace, etc. If u see it i will offer to buy it from the seller/thief. I will also let my friends with the LV wheelmen know. Jeez.

Anonymous said...

Hopefully you will be able to buy a new one soon as I keep clicking on the Emrick ad's all over your website which you benefit from. Win Win!

Bernie O'Hare said...

7:15, Thanks for your kind offer. I am a bad security risk now that a bike has been (apparently) stolen from me twice. I do have two other bikes - an old Trek road bike (carbon) and a low-end Fuji cross. So we can use one of those. But I will start looking for a Domane or Synapse. That was going to be my next bike.

Anonymous said...

Bernie you are deranged you had to end with Trump and the Republicans you are why Trump is an assassination candidate.

Anonymous said...

Crime is down

Bernie O'Hare said...

7:11, Ken Kraft might be tall, but is hardly "lanky."

Anonymous said...

Car insurance may cover it, as it was attached to your car at the time. Check your policy, file a claim.

Anonymous said...

bike stolen again Bernie

Bernie O'Hare said...

10:58, I ended with my brother, and it's called humor, a commodity that seems to be in short supply with cultists.

Bernie O'Hare said...

1:52, Personal effects are unfortunately not covered under my policy. If you leave something in a car and it is taken, it is gone.