Remembering Sam, Stopping at Winter Island

Remembering Sam Zoll

Honorable Chief Justice, Mayor, Cyclopath, Beach Master

Day 9: 30 Days of Biking, Winter Island, Magnolia, Gloucester, and thoughts of Sam

It's been hard finding balance lately with all of us moving in different directions, but so far, so good -- I haven't cracked yet. Wednesdays are always my toughest day -- juggling the boys' swimming, guitar lessons, and lacrosse schedules -- all jammed between 3:00 and 7:00. Of course I have yet to take a shower today, but don't judge.

I had an indoor trainer session, (P2 course work), planned for this morning, but I just didn't have it in me to ride indoors. After yesterday's sad little jaunt in the rain, and a hill workout later in the day with SpiderOne, I didn't want to be on a trainer going nowhere today. I needed to be outside. I just wanted to ride.

I started out from Salem, heading towards Manchester, but had a sudden urge to swing by Winter Island. I've been thinking of Sam a ton, so I stopped by his beach, (Waikiki Beach), and just sat there for a bit, watching the waves and feeling some peace.

Sam stayed with me all morning.

"Tamara, how much did that jacket set you back?" "It was free Sam." "You paid too much."

"Tammy! Be careful. We're coming up to the bridge." "Sam! It's a mile away!" "I know. I want you to be ready for it."

"Tam, remember. If the light turns yellow, it means slow down. It's not a pale green." "Yes, Sam." (Sigh.)
"We're getting closer to the bridge." "Sam! It's another half mile!"

Hahaha.... He made me crazy, but I miss him so much.

I rode up to Manchester and just kept going, swinging down through the cove and out along Magnolia. I poked through Stage Fort Park and then headed home, against the headwind on the way back. It was good to ride today -- I needed it -- and now I'm ready for the Wednesday afternoon shuffle. I just hope I can squeeze in a shower before bedtime.

#30daysofbiking

Sam's Bench at Waikiki Beach, Winter Island

Pan Mass Challenge 2011

Congratulations to all riders and volunteers participating in this year's Pan Mass Challenge! It was a memorable PMC for many reasons -- the celebrations, the celebrity (Lance Armstrong & David Ortiz!), the camaraderie among the riders and volunteers, and of course THE RAIN. (Wow!) Our PMC weekend will also be remembered for the emotions we all shared. We all missed Sam's commanding presence at this year's PMC -- and seeing his photo hanging at Babson College was very touching. (Thank you, Donna!) Photos from the ride can be posted to our online album at Shutterfly. Send me an email if you have trouble. Congrats to all!

Memorial Tribute to Sam

A memorial service was held for our beloved Sam Zoll on Sunday at Salem High School, as friends and family gathered to say goodbye to a truly great man. Attending the service were distinguished names from the political and judicial world, including Senator Scott Brown, former Governor Michael Dukakis, retired Chief Justice Margaret Marshall, and State Representative John Keenan, who led the ceremonies. The memorial service included several Cyclopaths, including Gail Berger giving a beautiful invocation, Av Hammer sharing fond memories, and Bill Cantor citing the mourner's kaddish. Sam's son, Barry Zoll, shared stories of Sam as a family man and father, and Sam's brother Michael Zoll, recalled Sam's paper route and his pride in Salem. It was a lovely and fitting tribute to our dear friend.

We will miss Sam greatly, but his spirit and character lives on. We will never forget his jokes, his stories, his colorful wardrobe, his fear of dogs, and his great booming voice as we gather to ride on Saturday mornings. He is forever in our hearts.

In loving Memory of Sam Zoll

April 30th Memorial Ride for Sam

We had a nice turnout of riders and friends at Saturday's Memorial Ride for Sam. Eighteen Cyclopaths met in Salem, (or caught up to the group en route), including Av, Sheldon, Bill Indresano, Carl, Donna, Queen Kathy, Gail, Jack, Jeff, Joan, Paul, Ethan, Arlene, Mike Sullivan and Tam. Mojito Dave caught up to the group in Beverly and the O'Grady's (!) met us at Beverly Farms. Meeting the gang at the Beach Street Cafe were Laurie, Mike Meehan, Bill and Barbara. We shared fond memories and fun stories of Sam over breakfast, acknowledging his unique character and sense of humor. Sam was truly one of a kind. After breakfast, several riders headed up to Singing Beach for off key renditions of 'America the Beautiful' and 'God Bless America', in Sam's honor, before returning to Salem. It was a fitting tribute to our dear friend. We miss him already.

Sam Zoll, 1934-2011

Sam died peacefully on April 26th at 12:30 AM surrounded by his family. His brave struggle against the cancer that finally got him has been an inspiration to all of us.

A memorial service will be held at Salem High School on Sunday, May 1st, at 10 AM.

Salem High School was always very important to Sam. He requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Salem High School Master Scholarship Fund:

Salem High School
c/o Master Scholarship Account
77 Wilson Street
Salem, MA 0197

Love and Hugs to Sam

As many of you know, my dearest friend and riding partner, Sam Zoll, is battling cancer. Sam is the hurricane of our group -- strong, powerful, unpredictable and loud. He is a driving force of the North Shore Cyclopaths and one of the four founding fathers. When I first met Sam, I was intimidated to say the least. "Hey, How much did you pay for that bike?" He bellowed when I first met him. I was sooo unprepared. I stammered a little until someone interjected and said, "She bought it for a dollar at a yard sale." I was so hurt. I had a nice bike! What a newbie I was.

After 8 years of riding with Sam, I have gotten wiser. "Hey, Tamara. How much did that jacket set you back?" "It was free, Sam. I won it in a raffle." "Hey, what did that water bottle cost you?" "They were 3 for a buck at Building 19." (I've caught on.)

Riding with Sam is an adventure. He sings. Loud. He takes charge of everything. He has a crazy bike and shiny electric blue spandex pants. He gets us kicked out of breakfast establishments when he commandeers the coffee pot out of the waitress's hands. He teases and cajoles and makes us all laugh. He is also the first person to call and check on you when you and your bike collide with a car. (Thanks for that, Sam!) I am truly lucky to be able to call him my friend. (I love you, Sam!)