Steve Davee

Earlier, I wrote:

 Joe-

Man, I am really really pissed now- you absolute jerk!



believe me, I am thinking a lot more than what I am typing-

Learn the word "spoiler" please. and boy, I really feel like cussing you



out. I'll let others do it. Jerk. Words that are much less polite than

jerk- grrrrrrrrrr.

OBRA folks-



Although I've received a large amount of emails from people agreeing

with my frustration over spoilers, looking at the above reaction now I

realize what a harsh, and ill-advised thing it is to use such language

to lambast a total stranger in such a public forum.



Beware the power and peril of this OBRA list. It is easy to

unintentionally hurt others, embarrass yourself, and react foolishly. I

have done all in this case.



From Joe's email in response to my private apology, he clearly a great

person, and a huge fan of cycling, who meant no harm in his post. I

was wrong to vent in such a harsh way. I don't feel I represent OBRA

well by calling a long time member a jerk, or worse. Hearing such

language and sentiment from a stranger is, and was, very hurtful.



I was the jerk, but Joe has been incredibly gracious and dignified in

his response to my apology, and in his acceptance of it.



Actually, Joe and Siggi Gierga have an amazing love for cycling, and a

very long history in the sport that is absolutely incredible. I am sorry

that I had to blindly call them jerks to find this out, as they are the

farthest thing from it.



Once again, I apologize to Joe and his wife Siggi, and to the OBRA

community. Thank you, Joe and Siggi, for sharing your love of cycling

and for your forgiveness.



Sincerely,

Steve Davee