The 2003 EuroTour "On The Road" Journal

Off to Aachen for Franz Thelen's 80th Birthday

Friday, May 31- No we are not headed to Aachen for the CHIO Aachen event, held June 17-22. We will be raveling full circle, returning for the entire duration of the show this year. Our first stop and the reason for this trip in the first place, was to attend the 80th birthday of Mr.Thelen.

Ask any international rider who has been competing at Aachen for many years, and they will remember the kindly security guard with the thick glasses who was in charge of the rider/press gate. He kept the scores diligently on the nearby wall. Before computers, and monitors, (not that long ago) this was the only way riders and press could follow the progress of the class.

We became good friends, 14 years ago. Though he could not speak any English, we was always the bearer of special gifts from Aachen, a city he loves. Retired for 3 years, he still comes to Aachen watch, even though he is almost blind.

A respected historian of the Cathedral and Aachen's old town, we were honored last year with a special tour, translated by Marion. When Franz told us of his plan to celebrate his 80th birthday, we promised we would be there.

Stay Tuned....