Three Norwood Youths Cycle to Montreal to Attend 1976 Summer Olympics-August 3, 1976

3 Cyclists Exemplify Olympic Spirit

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July was a month for athletic endeavors, and three Norwood youths proved that you don’t have to be in the Olympics to do something out of the ordinary. Tony Bretti, 20, and his brother, Carmen, 19, both of 30 Savin Ave., and a friend, Joe Bandanza, 21, of 43 Marion Ave., rode their 10-speed bicycles to Montreal to see the Olympics. It took the trio five days to reach Montreal and three days to come home.

“It was downhill on the way back,” explained Tony Bretti as he discussed their adventures. On most days, the riding was not difficult and the cyclists managed to cover between 80 and 100 miles. They carried a tent, sleeping bags, clothing and provisions in saddle bags on the back of their bikes, camping out along the way. The youths, all experienced riders, found the most difficult cycling in the mountainous countryside of Vermont. However, the pastoral scenery more than made up for the rough riding.

When they reached the outer limits of Montreal, the young men set up camp. “Everyone was driving like crazy in the city,” Tony recalled. For this reason, the youths decided not to risk their lives and their bikes on the streets. They commuted to and from the Olympic stadium by bus and the city’s Metro system. Tony praised the Metro rapid transit system for its efficiency despite the hoards of Olympics-bound visitors that filled the city.

While he admired Montreal, the Norwood resident was critical of the Canadians’ preparations for the games and commented that the stadium had not been completed when they arrived. Tony, Carmen and Joe spent five days at the games and enjoyed every minute. Tickets were available for many events. They watched a soccer game between Brazil and Spain, boxing matches and cycling. “I liked the cycling best,” Tony admitted with a laugh, explaining that he could identify with the racers and their love of the sport.

Tickets to swimming and gymnastics competitions were almost impossible to obtain at any price, but the youths found some Olympic entertainment that could be enjoyed for free. Practice sessions for track and field events could be attended at no cost and, for those interested in “Olympic ogling,” athletes could be seen close at hand as they waited for their events.

People on both sides of the border were friendly, helpful and often more than a little curious about the bikers. “Older people seemed the most interested in what we were doing,” Tony said. “They gave very detailed directions and even told us if we were coming to any big hills.” Although the homeward journey was quicker than the trip to Montreal, it was no less enjoyable. The young pedaled through parts of New York state and in the area of Lake Champlain. When it was over, the three friends were glad to return to the comforts of home.

“Sure, we’d do it again,” Tony replied when asked if they would consider a repeat performance. Who knows? After all, it’s four years until the next summer Olympics, but it will take a lot longer than five days to reach Moscow by bicycle.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger