More tough decisions for ‘Bachelor’

Final three contestants revealed

Everything's coming up roses: Boulder City, Nev., pro angler Byron Velvick hopes to find true love on 'The Bachelor.' Photo by ABC Television Network.

November 5, 2004 • Rebecca Czaplewski • Archives

This Wednesday’s episode was all about getting to know Byron Velvick better. Each of the remaining four bachelorettes were whisked away to a “fantasy date” with Velvick.

First was Mary, a 35-year-old sales manager from Florida. The pair met up in the scenic wilds of Whistler, British Columbia. Nature was the name of the game for this date – with some extreme sports thrown in the mix. “I’m really excited to see him there,” said Mary. “I love the outdoors and I love nature.” Velvick and Mary each took their turn riding the “Zip Line” – a long zip-cordlike line that spanned a mountain valley – then shared a romantic picnic high above the treetops.

Next up for a date with Velvick was Tanya, a 31-year-old teacher from Plano, Texas. Their date also took place in Canada – Vancouver, to be exact. After an afternoon riding Segway machines around the city, the two had a romantic dinner on a rooftop at sunset. During dinner, Tanya told Velvick she needed to confess something – namely, the fact that she initially voted for bachelor-to-be Jay during the first episode. She said that was before she really got to know Velvick. “There is so much energy between the two of us,” said Tanya. “We’re like a puzzle, we just fit.”

Velvick’s third date took him back to the States – to Sausalito, Calif. He and Cheresse met up for a date that had to be a favorite of Velvick’s, because it took place on the water. The two sailed around the bay, a romantic activity that both enjoyed. “It was invigorating out on the boat,” said Velvick. “I need as much water and boat stuff as I can get my hands on.” Even 31-year-old Cheresse loved their trip. “It was really good to be out on the water sailing. Time spent with him is really great,” said Cheresse.

There was one more date left in this episode – a romantic dinner in wine country with 37-year-old California native Cindy. As a little treat before the date, Cindy gave Velvick a gift of gummy Swedish fish and nightcrawler candies. It seems this bachelorette certainly knows the way to an angler’s heart.

It was clear that each date was a success. But that made decisions even more painful for the angler-turned-bachelor. At this week’s rose ceremony, Velvick only had three roses to give out. After much deliberation, he decided to turn away Cheresse, saying there was no longer any real connection. Now, Mary, Cindy and Tanya are the final three remaining to win over Velvick’s affections.