Mary Mesa is a journalist at heart. Officially, she has capped her inkwell and set her pen down as the Wheelmen Profiler, but she cannot shake the mantel. I joined Mary and Larry Mesa for dinner, and after ten minutes of conversation, realized that Mary was interviewing me! Her natural curiosity and hospitality have not diminished in her WheelNews retirement. She admitted that being interviewed made her a bit nervous, but now she knows how her profilees' must have felt!

Larry Mesa lives the phrase Carpe Diem-"seize the day." Determined and focused, he has channeled his wild youth into a life of positive change. You may know him as the guru of events planning for REI, but that is only his most recent incarnation. I was frequently amused by his no-nonsense approach to the interview, and was tempted to remind him that I was less interested in dates and details than in life's lessons along the way. It so happens that Larry is keenly aware of those lessons, and is thankful for each new day.

Mary and Larry met in 1993, ostensibly because of business. Mary the property manager was introduced to Larry the real estate broker. In Mary's version of the story, which Larry did not contest, he persisted in "making the moves on her" for some time. They married several years' later, but only after careful, soul-searching and solemn consideration. We all agreed that relationships later in life must run the obstacle course of established lifestyles, expectations and personalities. The media likes to cater to our desire for the dramatic, the romantic and the miraculous, but the true miracles happen quietly, gracefully and sometimes slowly. I was inspired by the relationship between the Mesas. In reflecting on a life together they were both drawn back to the Catholic Church as a way to insure that a spiritual dimension remains between them. They attend, and were married in Father Dan Madigan's lovely St. Joseph's on the river.

Mary is a native of Michigan and moved to California after graduating from college. She is grounded, careful and deliberate in her actions and speech. The surprise comes when she laughs - a buoyant, joyful burst that lights up her whole face. Larry is a California native, raised in Santa Clara County. He has been cycling since his youth and spent many miles on the bicycle, often touring with his cousin. Before meeting him, Mary had participated in a fully supported bicycle tour of Vermont. Larry encouraged Mary to consider more challenging rides. This "encouragement" is something most significant others have experienced from their cycling partners at one time or another. It can be both exasperating and annoying as the enthusiastic cyclist tries to convert the laissez-faire cyclist to the church on two wheels. Mary's response was to buy a hybrid. Larry was not amused. Nevertheless, Mary rode that hybrid in "Ride the Rockies," covering hundreds of miles and beyond-category climbs. She has since upgraded to a more versatile ride and the Mesa's continue to explore the world by bicycle. In August they will cross the big pond to tour Ireland, and in October will join friends for a tour along the California coast.

It is said that opposites attract, and Larry and Mary are no exception. Larry's tendency to take risks and seize opportunities has given Mary the courage to leave her safety net. Mary's caution and steady commitment have helped Larry to envision a future and plan for it. Both have found a shared joy and fellowship in cycling and the Sacramento Wheelmen. They are grateful for the encouragement and the camaraderie of the Wheelmen. We are grateful for their steady contributions. Thank you, Larry and Mary Mesa for sharing your time, talents and many memorable miles on the road with us!

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