The Phantom Cyclist

Wonders of the Cape Cod Bike Trails 8

The purpose of this series is to give you a look at some of the remarkable sites along - or near - the Cape Cod Bike Trails. They're a part of the rich history and charm of Cape Cod not recorded in the works of H. D. Thoreau, Joseph Lincoln, Henry Beston, Mary Higgins Clark, Robert Finch or Robert Crais. By reading about them, I hope you will gain a closer, more imtimate and meaningful appreciation of this unique little island paradise, as you pedal merrily along its bike trails.

Tomb of the Unknown Cyclist, Truro.

Every cyclist who comes to Cape Cod should make the pilgrimage - at least once - to the Tomb of the Unknown Cyclist in Truro. It has become a fixture of cycling lore since the monument was erected in 1984.

The unknown cyclist was discovered in early spring of 1984 when National Seashore personnel were getting the Head of the Meadow trail ready for the oncoming tourist season. The deceased cyclist, a dapper gentleman, who looked to be in his mid-fifties, had a peaceful smile etched into his face. He was sitting comfortably on a park service bench and his head was pointed toward the dunes. A half sandwich (tuna fish and bananas on whole wheat) was clutched in his right hand.

There have been various speculations as to how and why the cyclist passed on. Some say he saw the ghost of a Pilgrim. Others venture that it was 'the sublime rapture of the dunes' that carried him off. Nobody knows for sure, but everyone is certain that it was not foul play.

His bicycle was sent to the Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, Ohio, and the gentleman was given a proper planting at the Truro site with full cycling honors - a 21-bell salute and a toast with mineral water.

The tomb is guarded by a lone cyclist, clad in spandex racing attire and has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1984 - with no exceptions.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off in anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the cyclists assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Cyclist were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer saying, "No way, Sir! Even if we were soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Cyclist is not just an assignment, it is the highest honor that can be afforded to a cyclist." "And besides," another one of them said, "It's 70 degrees and sunny here in Truro."

The guard, perched on his Smith & Wesson Titanium bicycle, pedals exactly 21 strokes, turns his bicycle around and clicks his bell 21 times, taps his heels on the pavement 21 times - then pedals for another 21 strokes - and repeats the process. This is the highest honor given any American or foreign cyclist who is "past the perpendicular."

There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniform ready for guard duty, plus another 2 hours polishing his bell.

The guard's gloves are moistened to prevent his hands from slipping off the handlebars and causing untold embarrassment. Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. This is done to prevent "bell thumb," an affliction somewhat like carpal tunnel syndrome.

For a person to apply for guard duty at the Tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30''. He must also vow never to own or ride a derailleur bicycle for the rest of his life.

Other requirements of the Guard:

They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public or say the word 'Campagnolo' for the rest of their lives - and cannot disgrace the cyclist uniform or the tomb in any way.

After two years, the guard is given a 'Bicycle within a Wreath' pin that is worn on his lapel, signifying that he served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guards must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin and turn in their bicycle seat and helmet.

The guards shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click on the pavement as they come to a halt.

Their helmets contain a small, but powerful, electronic device which generates 15,000 BTUs of cooling power from a beefed-up computer fan.

In the winter, guards wear spandex uniforms with a space-age thermal outer lining. This tends to make them look like a large baked potato ready for the camp fire. But, the guards look at the plus side: this uniform has a slimming effect at a time when the guards tend to overindulge in snacks to help eliminate the cold and boredom.

Their winter helmets are translucent and use a colored, heated oil, which keeps them comfortable. Although it looks liket they're wearing a lava lamp on their heads, the guards just brush off any chiding from visitors and chalk up the comments to a lack of understanding of thermodynamics on the part ot the chider.

At night, their helmets act as a warning beacon for ships. And although sailors have become confused by the strange and continuous movement of the light -- to date only three ships have run aground in their vicinity. I'd say that's a pretty good track record.

For the first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off-duty time is spent studying how to field strip his bicycle and reassemble it in under 4 minutes.

So, there you have it. Make it a point to witness this relatively quiet and moving spectacle. It will be a memory you'll treasure for the rest of your life.

ETERNAL REST GRANT HIM O LORD,
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HIM.

NOTE: Nov 21 , 2008. Due to fiscal restraints and the failure of a budget override in Truro, the guards are no longer patrolling at the tomb. In their place, a bicycle bell has been affixed to a post. Tourists can pay their respects to the 'unknown cyclist' by giving the bell 21 clicks. Monetary contributions are gratefully accepted and may be left in the box attached to the post.

We apologize for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause you.

~The Truro Board of Selectmen.

--- The Phantom Cyclist