November 15, 2021: Growing Pains

Those of you who have read past posts know that I am involved with The Pedal Factory here in Salisbury. It’s a great organization whose mission is to make bikes available to anyone who needs one, whether through a sale of a good bike or the opportunity to gain transportation through the Earn-A-Bike program. As a community bike shop, they also provide a place to learn to maintain bikes along with the use of the tools necessary to do that maintenance. For me personally, it was great therapy. It gave me the chance to help others and to exercise a little empathy. I still look forward to that part of the experience.

Since my return, it’s come to my attention that there is a need for someone to maintain the accounting. Before, all I wanted was to be able to turn a wrench or two and help out folks who would otherwise be on bikes that were unsafe if not unrideable. Now, I see that in order to help the organization grow, I should use those talents of mine. I have volunteered to act as treasurer for the organization, but have continued to emphasize that I do not want a position on the board. I know mysef well enough to know that serving on the board would feed my ego and potentially cause me to backslide. Initial reaction to my offer has been positive, but I won’t know for sure until after the December board meeting.

On other fronts, I have found a cardiologist locally and will visit with him on December 22. I continue to look for a therapist. I think I was spoiled by my therapist in Omaha. Perhaps I need to quit trying to find her doppelganger.

As I finish up this post on the 16th, I’m gettting ready to take a train trip to NoVA for the Thanksgiving holiday. I’ll be spending ten days with family there and in Cleveland OH before returning to Salisbury. I anticipate that the visits with those I love will be energizing and helpful in preparing for whatever is to come next in this crazy adventure called life. Until next time…

Roll on!

November 13, 2021: The Journal Update

So here’s an update since last month. Several things have occurred that bear mentioning.

First up: transporation. The HHR seemed like a good deal so I purchased it. Since then, though, there are a few “shortcomings.” In the rain, it leaks. I suspect it’s coming in the vents at the windshield, as it seems to get wet in the front on whichever side is downhill. I’ll figure that out when I have the time; until then cheap towels will soak up the excess. I also didn’t check the lugs on the wheels. To be honest, I’ve NEVER felt the need to check the lugs on any car I’ve ever bought. On this one, however, it seems that several were missing on the right front wheel. The remaining few almost completely sheared off, and I almost lost the wheel while driving into town. Life lesson learned at age 68.

While we’re on the topic of water, I also have a leak somewhere between the shower and the kitchen sink. I think I’ve narrowed it down and will be tighting a few connections to make sure. If that doesn’t do the trick, I’ll engage a plumber.

On November 1, I moved from my son’s property to a campgroundclose to Salisbury. Nice place with several other long-term occupants. Fairly quiet, except in the AM when all of the diesels crank up to go to whatever job they’re doing that day. Still, it’s good to be out of the kids’ hair.

Last weekend, I volunteered with another Pedal Factory regular to teach/mentor/test a Boy Scout merit badge class. TPF had been approached a few weeks back and the two of us offered our services. As it turned out, there was only one scout signed up for the class. The counselor in charge said he’d have canceled it, but wasn’t give the final count until two days before. So this poor kid had the misfortune of having to put up with two old dudes on bikes. I think he enjoyed the day; I know I did.

I’ve been trying to ride as well. The area around the campground (the main road) is not conducive to riding: narrow with high speed traffic. I went into town last Sunday for the regular social ride which was most enjoyable. This week, I’m leading the ride as the couple who normally do so are out of town.

I guess that’s it for the moment. I have found a cardiologist (appointment in December) and continue looking for a therapist without having to drive for an hour. May end up doing virtual counseling which I don’t find as helpful.

Until next time. enjoy your ride!

Roll on!

2020 Addendum

In looking at my previous post, I realized (somewhat ashamedly) that I failed to include and recognize a series of events that should rank higher than the election and perhaps even COVID. I am talking about the events surrounding the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests that took place all across the county. Perhaps this is for the good, since I feel that this subject deserves a place of its own

BLM first came to my attention in 2014 following the death of Eric Garner at the hands of the NYC Police. Mr. Garner’s death was followed by Tamir Rice (Cleveland OH, 11/2014), Walter Scott (N Charleston SC, 4/2015), Alton Sterling (Baton Rouge LA, 7/2016), Philando Castile (St. Paul MN, 7/2016), and Stephon Clark (Sacramento CA, 3/2018). All of these deaths came at the hands of the respective police departments, exposing the systemic racism built into so many of our organizations: civic, government and business.

While I’m fairly certain there have been others, two in 2020 reignited the BLM cause. The first was the death of Breonna Taylor in March. By all accounts, Ms. Taylor was a remarkable young woman. Working as an Emergency Medical Technician while studying to become a nurse, she was sound asleep in her own bed when the door to the apartment  she shared with her fiance was broken down by police executing a search warrant.  Responding to the break-in, her boyfriend grabbed his gun to defend his home and family. In response, the police officers fired multiple times, killing Ms. Taylor. After no drugs were found (the subject of the warrant,) it turned out that the wrong address had been provided. Further, some accounts noted that this was known before the raid. There is also some discrepancy in accounts on whether the police announced themselves prior to breaking in the door. Of the three officers involved, only one was charged and that charge was one of “wanton endangerment” for firing into an adjoining apartment, not for killing Ms. Taylor. Ultimately, all three of the officers were dismissed, and the city settled with Ms. Taylor’s family in September.

In May 2020, George Floyd went to a convenience store to purchase cigarettes. Whether knowingly or unknowingly, he used suspected counterfeit to pay for it, and the store called the police. When they arrived, there was a brief altercation, and he was subdued. However, one of the cops kept Floyd down on the ground by pressing a knee into his neck. Despite protests from Floyd that he couldn’t breathe and in spite of the expressed concerns of bystanders, this cop kept his knee there for over eight minutes, during which time Floyd passed out. Ultimately, this caused his death.

During the protests that followed, the police often reacted violently, beating and arresting those taking part. Compare this to the treatment of the armed insurrectionists of January 6.

Initial reaction is that the police department has issues with racism and, while that may be true, it also demonstrates systemic racism throughout our nation. When landfills, oil depots, factories, etc. are built, they are all too often placed in or next to BIPOC neighborhoods. Schools in those areas have far fewer resources than those in more affluent neighborhoods (largely through fundraising of the PTA or private donation.) Even infrastructure as simple as bike lanes are concentrated in neighborhoods/areas that are less in need of that alternative transportation.

I won’t pretend to know the answers. For me, the first step will be to be more analytical about my actions and reactions, my thoughts and words to see if they negatively impact anyone, but particularly those who have been treated poorly in the past. I’m open to suggestions on other ways to help to heal the divides and to bring us closer to the dream of MLK. After all, his dream was to bring out the best in all of us, individually and together.

Roll on, together!

June 21, 2019 -Ain’t No Cure for the Summertime Blues

When Eddie Cochran penned this little anthem, he obviously didn’t know about riding a bicycle! Yep, it’s Summertime! Today is the LOOOONGEST day of the year, and I plan to take advantage of every second of it.

First, let me apologize for my three week absence; it’s  been a busy time of year for me. In addition to regular work/home stuff, The Pedal Factory hosted its first ever summer bike camp for kids. Ten participants, five days, 20+ hours of fun on two wheels. In addition to riding, the kids got to learn how to take care of their bikes, about different types of bikes, and some of the history of the city. A good time was had by all!

 

Also since our last visit, I’ve begun what I’m hoping will be a series of events/rides to demonstrate to others how their bikes can be used for more than just recreation. I’m also hoping to use information gathered to show the city how infrastructure can be improved to promote butts on bikes (of course, I won’t discuss it with them with those terms!) The first ride started is To Coffee/To Market. Each Saturday morning that TPF is not open, we’ll be leaving from the shop to ride out to get coffee and/or breakfast at one of the local eateries. Then it’s on to the Farmers’ Market where we’ll see what the latest harvest has provided. The first such ride (where it was more than just myself) took place two weeks ago on June 8. Six of us shared the joy and the lack of bicycle parking.

 

Back on June 1, I led a band on intrepid bicycle tourists on a trip to Boone’s Cave County Park in neighboring Davidson County. This was in conjunction with Adventure Cycling Association’s Bike Travel Weekend. Sixteen miles each way, it wasn’t a great feat but it did allow some folks who’d never considered it a taste of what bike touring can be. A good time with good folks!

I think that about covers it! I am still riding around the roads here and in town, but won’t bore you with pics of those this time. Hope to catch you on the road, on the trail, or in the pub sometime! Until then…

Roll on!

May 21, 2019 – Chasing the Promise

Good day! Hope your Bike Month has been going well. I know mine has (even if I don’t post it here more often.)

Since last we spoke, I’ve put some time on the bike, although not as much as I’d like. Stuff just keeps on getting in the way. Work, family, other endeavors. But I have taken both Shirley and Eunice out for spins.

One thing I have started to do is carry Eunice into town with me when I go. I’ll park at The Pedal Factory (as it’s a good central place to be) and run my errands by bike from there. So far it’s worked out nicely and is allowing me to get a feel for small urban cycling. This is  a good thing as I plan to be moved into town by the first of July.

Shirley and I have also taken a few rides around the house out here in the country, plus the regular Sunday Social Ride this past weekend. So I’m getting bike time in.

Sunday also saw my first visit to the Steel Bike Rendezvous in Farmville NC. This is an annual event showcasing vintage steel bikes and a flea market for parts. While I see a lot of potential here, the showing was VERY light with fewer than ten vendors hawking their wares. I hope it grows. Todd (from TPF) showed a couple of rebuilds he’s done for the experience of showing. While his are things of beauty, the competition was stiff! For some reason, I was drawn to this orange beauty.

I continue to work on my parking project, adding a couple of spots that I hadn’t yet discovered on Sunday. There’s more bike parking in Salisbury than I’d first thought, but not as much as could be needed.

That’s it for now. Until next time, keep the round on the ground and…

Roll on!

May 11, 2019 – Off to See Friends!

On one of my trips up last year, I went to visit Velocity Bike Shop, a non-profit bike shop in Alexandria. I had also planned to go see Phoenix Bikes, but the deluge that hit while I was at Velocity (just before I got there, actually) caused me to put that visit off. Today, I planned to rectify that aborted mission.

Shirley and I set out from the house shortly before 9:00am in order to arrive just after the 10:00 opening. It was a pleasurable ride, just over 14 miles each way. We took the Mount Vernon Trail through Alexandria, climbed onto the Western and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) until we reached our destination in the Del Ray section of Arlington.

Catering mostly to kids, Phoenix Bikes offers many of the same programs that The Pedal Factory does in Salisbury. It was great to visit and see how their operation works.

About ten miles in on the return trip, I found myself at Dyke Marsh, a favorite place of mine. I stopped to take a rest/water break and ended up talking to a father and his two children for a bit. His daughter had learned to ride just a month earlier and was taking her second 11 mile trip! I commended him for taking the time to encourage them to ride. As for the kids, they were more interested in Shirley’s bamboo fenders than anything I had to say.

After bidding them adieu, I sat and enjoyed the birdsongs and watching the sailboats dance on the Potomac River. Finally, I loaded myself back onto the saddle and finished the ride home.

All in all, this was a fantastic day! How better to spend it than in doing something I love and speaking with folks who share the joy?

Roll on!

May 8, 2019 – Welcome to Bike Month!

So I figured I’d drop in to wish you a HAPPY BIKE MONTH!! #30DaysOfBiking is done, but now there a whole official month to celebrate our favorite two (or three or one) wheeled mode of transportation. So without further ado, let me recap my Bike Month so far.

First of all, I have been riding; not necessarily every day, mind you, but five out of eight split between the roads (and gravel) with Shirley and some time in the woods and fields with Eunice. I even took Trixie out for a quick little ride.

I’ve spent two official days and one unofficially at The Pedal Factory. In those times, I helped a family of eight get their bikes ready for an upcoming camping trip, another gentleman who needed sorely his brakes repaired, and a couple of earn-a-bikes refurbed. It’s hard to call this advocacy since it’s relaxing and good therapy for me, but I guess technically it is.

I’ve spent some time planning a S24O overnight trip for June 1 – 2. This will be a celebration of Adventure Cycling’s Bike Travel Weekend. We’ll be headed from The Pedal Factory shortly after the shop closes at 12:00 that day and riding to Boone’s Cave County Park. It’s a distance of about 16 miles each way, so it will be a good opportunity for those in the area interested in trying bike touring/camping to get their wheels wet (so to speak.) If you’re in the area and interested, let me know. There’s still a few spots available

Today, I’m packing up to take the Amtrak to NoVA for a visit. Shirley will accompany me (as usual,) and we’ll be riding the streets and paths of my youth. I’m also hoping to ride to Phoenix Bikes in Arlington to get a look a their operation and perhaps pick up an idea or two for Salisbury.

That’s it for now. I’m thinking I’ll take an afternoon ride just to make sure that everything is A-OK with Shirley (I’m sure it is.) I hope you’re Bike Month is going well and will post soon about NoVA and the DC area (and I promise pictures.) Until then…

Roll on!

April 20, 2019 – Day 20 of #30DaysOfBiking: Weather Woes Again

The more observant follower will notice that there was no Day 19 post. Yesterday was a washout, figuratively as literally. All day long rain kept coming and going. And when it wasn’t raining, thunder and lightning made their presence known. Add the tornado watches and warnings to the mix and you see why I chose to err on the side of safety. So my 30 is now 29.

Today I went to the local Earth Day Jam celebration with The Pedal Factory. Our intent was to setup the kids’ obstacle course, sell a bike or two, and spread the word about TPF. Unfortunately, the rain hanging around, the wind blowing, and the temps falling did not make for a pleasant day. About the only folks there were vendors like us. I’m sure it was disheartening for Happy Roots, the organization that was to benefit from the proceeds. At any rate, I did take the one bike I could ride for a quick spin around the venue.

Weather is supposed to clear a bit tomorrow and be beautiful starting Monday, so I should be able to get more miles in. What a difference between this year and last!

That sit for now. Until the next time…

Roll on!

April 17, 2019 – Days 16 & 17 of #30DaysOfBiking: And the Beat Goes On!

Two more very ( I repeat, VERY) short rides. The only differences are that on Wednesday the 17th, I spent most of the day volunteering at The Pedal Factory. As always, rewarding work as I helped to put folks on bikes. If you don’t already volunteer in some way to promote our favorite (I’m assuming it’s yours, too, since you’re still reading this) mode of transportation, you should. If not in a community bike shop, then in some other way. Can’t find an organization? Start one! I’ll bet you’re not the only one wishing for safer biking in your area.

The other thing I learned is that it’s turkey season is in session. Not a good thing for the birds in the woods around me, but good for me to know. There is at least one hunter who uses the woods on the neighboring property. He parks on my son’s land so I know when he’s around. Since the season goes to mid-May, I’ll either have to wear bright/blaze/fluorescent colors (like riding in busy cities) or stay out of the woods between sunrise and sunset. I’ll probably just stick to the road for the next month.

Other than that, it’s been uneventful. Until next time…

Roll on!

April 10, 2019 – Day 10 of #30daysofbiking: Taking Care of Business

Another busy day. Worked this morning putting out client fires, the The Pedal Factory from noon to 4. Before my TPF stint, though, I took Eunice Univega into town with me to run a short errand from the shop. That was my time on the bike.

While at TPF, we discussed where we hope to see the organization go. It truly is a pleasure to work with Todd and Mary.

Anyway that’s it for now. Until next time…

Roll on!