tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28154328588537972022024-03-14T00:22:02.118-07:00Co-Op BikelifeStories Of Places That Help People Use BikesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07199853418869379746noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815432858853797202.post-38961390937498378762015-02-25T12:04:00.000-08:002015-04-13T14:48:18.366-07:00Farid Fatigue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74nM0WNjrwE/VM0m1HVTj6I/AAAAAAAAGhE/kGGf6_fMTg8/s1600/0119150955a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>The most important thing you need to know about Farid is that he loves milk. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74nM0WNjrwE/VM0m1HVTj6I/AAAAAAAAGhE/kGGf6_fMTg8/s1600/0119150955a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74nM0WNjrwE/VM0m1HVTj6I/AAAAAAAAGhE/kGGf6_fMTg8/s1600/0119150955a.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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Something about him being French.</div>
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Farid is cycling the whole world. </div>
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Like, for real.<br />
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<a href="http://loreilleduvoyageur.com/" target="_blank">Farid's Very French Website</a><br />
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He is raising money for a charity he helped start to benefit deaf and hearing impared children.<br />
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He started in France, made his way south through Spain and crossed into Africa.</div>
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He loves children, and they like him too.</div>
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He's a good guy.</div>
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He is also writing a book.</div>
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I won't pretend to understand everything.</div>
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He's been through a lot of countries all ready,</div>
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France, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia I know for sure.</div>
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Somewhere in Africa there was an Ebola scare, and he wasn't allowed to cross a border.</div>
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He took a flight to Canada and found it snowed under, so he took a bus south to Jacksonville.</div>
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He came into Bicycle House needing new pedals for his rig.</div>
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One flag for every country.</div>
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I was planning on leaving for Mobile the morning he came in. I decided to hang around and see if I could help translate a little, I took French in high school which means I'm an expert Google Translate user.</div>
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Farid speaks very little English, which has made is time in America difficult. He is also Muslim, and he looks very Muslim which scares some people who have been brainwashed by the American media. I think I have never seen a news story that shows Muslims in a positive light. Despite being a kind and friendly guy, he has had a hard time fining hosts. I saw some of this bias firsthand later on. When he came to the Bicycle House, he was being hosted by some of the Brothers at the Tallahassee Mosque.<br />
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Farid is headed for Houston and then Mexico.</div>
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And then the rest of the world.</div>
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Since we're headed the same way, we decide to ride together.</div>
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We share campsites and Warmshowers hosts.</div>
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Notice the 12 pack of Pepsi. </div>
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His priorities are somewhat different than mine.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vUouCgm_Vs/VM01_GaBjjI/AAAAAAAAGoA/Y6D94KwA0PU/s1600/0126152217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vUouCgm_Vs/VM01_GaBjjI/AAAAAAAAGoA/Y6D94KwA0PU/s1600/0126152217.jpg" height="640" width="384" /></a></div>
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Like I said.</div>
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Our riding styles are very different too. He has a significantly heavier rig, considering he is riding around the world. And I went on an extraneous-weight-shedding spree so my bike is relatively light.</div>
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But Farid does a good job keeping up and I try to pace myself.</div>
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And the weather is wonderful.</div>
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I found where summer had been hiding.</div>
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Life choices have been justified.</div>
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I had been hoping to meet some other touring cyclists my whole way south, but nobody else seemed to feel like riding through the slush and snow up north. Now that I'm along the Gulf I've met several other tourists.</div>
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Ron crossed our paths several times over the next few days. He's retired, going self supported without much of a plan other than "Head west!"</div>
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We get chased by dogs in the 80's together.</div>
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We make it to Panama City.</div>
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Its touristy, but beautiful.</div>
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This is a good story :</div>
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Farid takes forever to do just about everything (he's French)</div>
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so I don't think much of it when he stops to pick up some change off the ground.</div>
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I joke "Ah! Now we can stay in one of these hotels!"</div>
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Farid "Oui, five star!!"</div>
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But I'm worried, because we actually don't have a place to stay.</div>
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No Warmshowers hosts are able to have us, and there isn't any camping close by.</div>
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I've been in this situation many times by myself, and learned how to handle it.</div>
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But not with another person.</div>
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After much deliberation as night falls, Farid has the idea to go to the local Mosque and see if the brothers there can help us. We arrive at what is more of a community center than a Masjed, but there will be an evening prayer soon. Farid tells me to speak with the Imam when he arrives and tell our story.</div>
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Slowly, the brothers arrive.</div>
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I'm kinda nervous. </div>
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Ive read some of the Quran, but found much of Islam to be symbolic and mostly beyond my scope of understanding. I'm not a religious person myself.</div>
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I feel pretty out of place as people begin to arrive and start praying.</div>
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The Imam arrives and I briefly explain our situation before the service.</div>
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"Farid is Muslim and he is traveling around the world by bicycle to raise money for a charity for deaf children. Im traveling the country for a separate reason, but I'm trying to help him. We arrived in town tonight but we don't have a place to stay. Would it be possible for any of the brothers to help us?"</div>
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He's stern and doesn't say much.</div>
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"We'll speak after the prayer."</div>
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After the prayer several brothers come talk to us, one even speaks French!</div>
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Then its my turn to be in the dark for a while as they speak heatedly in Farid's native tounge. </div>
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One thing leads to another and we're told to load our bikes in one of the brothers gigantic ford truck.</div>
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They take us to a hotel.</div>
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A 4 star hotel.</div>
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One of the brothers owns it and NO JOKE they put us up in a four star hotel.</div>
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I took a bath. An actual bath. I ate the biggest breakfast I've eaten this whole tour at the continental breakfast buffet.</div>
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Life is weird.</div>
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After a few days along the coast, we make it to Pensecola.</div>
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Another weird story.</div>
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So we're constantly looking for tuna fish sandwiches, because Farid eats only Halal food. </div>
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We're sitting at a Subway, eating Tuna sandwiches when this little old guy come up and starts talking to us. I honestly thought he was going to ask us for change. That's usually what happens in Cleveland. Instead he says he saw the bikes outside and is curious about where we're going. This happens all the time, people are curious.</div>
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Farid asks "Did he ask for money?"</div>
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"No."</div>
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"Is he hungry?"</div>
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"How should I know??"</div>
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Farid then procedes to buy a man a sandwich. Farid's a good guy. The only condition was that it had to be something halal, so I think it was another tuna. When the gentleman asked why tuna, I explained that Farid is Muslim and only eats halal meat, which can be hard to find.</div>
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"Well hey, I know a brother who raises cows and pigs and he's Muslim, I believe he sells the meat too. If you like I could give him a call and see if he can help y'all out."</div>
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We call Brother Ron and right way he's incredibly kind.</div>
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One thing leads to another and Brother Ron says if we like we could come over to his house tonight, for dinner. It will have to be later because he's just returing from France.</div>
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Awesome!</div>
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That will have to wait too though, because Farid needs to go to the hospital. </div>
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He's developed an ear infection. How our health care system works with someone from another country, I have no idea. It didn't seem to be a problem. Luckily, one of the doctors was a native Algerian who spoke perfect French, AND was Muslim AND super cool so everything worked out.</div>
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Brother Ron came to the Hospital to meet us. Once again, a total stranger turn out to b an incredibly kind and generous human being. Since brother Ron is on the Board of Directors for the local Mosque, he offers to put us up in the Mosque while we're in town. </div>
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We slept in the mosque that night. It was quiet and comfortable, and humbling. </div>
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The next night we stayed with Brother Saddiq so we can stay an extra day in town to visit another Masjed and see if the brothers there can contribute to Farid's charity. Saddiq who cooks up a an awesome southern dinner of fried chicken for us, halal of course. Saddiq is a rad dude. He takes us all over town and tells us his life story. <br />
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Out side of his little shotgun house, I got my first flat.<br />
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My Continental Touring Plus tires have been bombproof up until now.</div>
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An enormous sliver of glass worked its way deeeep into the tread. </div>
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Pensecola is the last bastion of Florida, which I've been in far too long now.</div>
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I took lots of time off in Clearwater and Tallahassee </div>
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and Im antsy to put in some miles. </div>
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Alabama here I (we) come.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07199853418869379746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815432858853797202.post-50918597772839583912015-02-06T12:26:00.000-08:002015-02-23T10:44:18.202-08:00The Ranch Floridian<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a great week in Clearwater with friends, I head north along the west coast of Florida through beautiful horse country.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijkjNxa1Ro0/VLk97Ix6-4I/AAAAAAAAFvQ/B5ZpzsWf0Wo/s1600/0110151259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijkjNxa1Ro0/VLk97Ix6-4I/AAAAAAAAFvQ/B5ZpzsWf0Wo/s1600/0110151259.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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Florida is strange. The further north you go, the more it feels like</div>
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The South.<br />
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Angie B's Soul Kitchen</div>
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Im a sucker for some pulled pork.</div>
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There is a beautiful wildlife preserve called Jay B Starkey Wilderness park.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dztTrf3cb6QLMLHC2oaQhnDrdDqh6LG1U5MBDIo_e27bhqC2_3NO7s90etgqm7sY2q0il3NcZ0idlKMJKeI9Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Soon the horse country turns into nothing but straight, flat highway for miles and miles. </div>
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When I get to Tallahassee, I have a couple of goals. One is to visit Krank it Up, the local community bike project. The other is to stay at </div>
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<a href="http://www.bicyclehouse.org/" target="_blank">The Bicycle House</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rF7IA_h3TgI/VLk-d61DMhI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/xEfF_b0oPBA/s1600/0115151722b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rF7IA_h3TgI/VLk-d61DMhI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/xEfF_b0oPBA/s1600/0115151722b.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Bike House share things in common with other non-profit bike organisations. You can build a bike from donated parts. There are stands and tools available to the community to use, so you can fix your bike yourself instead of spending money at a bike shop. You can volunteer your time helping other people there. </div>
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But there are two ideas here that make it distinct from all the other places I've visited visited. </div>
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<strong>1</strong>. Here they will not only help you fix your bike yourself, but actually do it for you. There are a lot of homeless people in Florida who will not be able to use the tools, period. Many of them have learning disabilities. But at Bicycle House the mentality is that their bike should still work. They will just fix it for you. New parts and labor and everything. Donations work on a sliding scale, pay what you can. I think that's pretty cool.</div>
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<strong>2</strong>. Bicycle House also operates as a hostel for traveling cyclists. I.E, myself. Tallahassee sits on a very popular cross country bike route (ACA Southern Tier) and they hosts hundreds of cyclists each year. I have yet to visit another place that does this. I stayed almost a week.</div>
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When I arrived, there they were renovating. They had purchased the adjacent units of the building. Its a large expansion.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USCJqaG32zY/VLmXDUfN0wI/AAAAAAAAF1M/noIi8qsU0gA/s1600/G0122040_1421444378032_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USCJqaG32zY/VLmXDUfN0wI/AAAAAAAAF1M/noIi8qsU0gA/s1600/G0122040_1421444378032_low.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iMQmITjLULA/VLk-MA1gKmI/AAAAAAAAFvw/ldzblpIXDxA/s1600/0112152107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iMQmITjLULA/VLk-MA1gKmI/AAAAAAAAFvw/ldzblpIXDxA/s1600/0112152107.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Scott. He is the founder of Bicycle House Tallahassee and he used to be a pro racer. HE is also an excellent guy. He invited me to ride skinny tire bikes in the lycra-clad fashion.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwKb8dEE5ZDstebOwzuY5H6njsWeUpHgOAF3eCzkwP1LMsxV_IrFIccAqAi1Z1_-RGkS-a1prGDtv8Cl5TVRA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I also went to<br />
<a href="http://www.krankitup.info/" target="_blank">Krank It Up</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWBaJbMLT7s/VLmX8FWpxrI/AAAAAAAAF2k/yXR72HP6jSI/s1600/IMG_20150116_170920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWBaJbMLT7s/VLmX8FWpxrI/AAAAAAAAF2k/yXR72HP6jSI/s1600/IMG_20150116_170920.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gv9vBQIqE2M/VLk-q-wuqiI/AAAAAAAAFwo/-3C2qADVqek/s1600/0114151852a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gv9vBQIqE2M/VLk-q-wuqiI/AAAAAAAAFwo/-3C2qADVqek/s1600/0114151852a.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d0Qu0kKC6Fo/VLk-mceX1SI/AAAAAAAAFwg/_nwYh1RxA2w/s1600/0114151852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d0Qu0kKC6Fo/VLk-mceX1SI/AAAAAAAAFwg/_nwYh1RxA2w/s1600/0114151852.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIOtZCqZCrc/VLk-u2FnkzI/AAAAAAAAFww/QQODfCeM1bU/s1600/0114151853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIOtZCqZCrc/VLk-u2FnkzI/AAAAAAAAFww/QQODfCeM1bU/s1600/0114151853.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a><br />
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I feel right at home here. This community bike project has been around for almost 13 years. There is a core group of collective members who do most of the decision making.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ssY0FZ6O3rA/VM0iYVdAvkI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/sdzFffAnOp4/s1600/GOPR2153_1421463912450_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ssY0FZ6O3rA/VM0iYVdAvkI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/sdzFffAnOp4/s1600/GOPR2153_1421463912450_high.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Everyone is welcome to come down use the tools to work on their bikes, or cool vintage Mavic wheelsets.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GC1HIjtVYOM/VM0iqvXb-FI/AAAAAAAAGeg/P3OQS4i2dtM/s1600/GOPR2152_1421463876469_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GC1HIjtVYOM/VM0iqvXb-FI/AAAAAAAAGeg/P3OQS4i2dtM/s1600/GOPR2152_1421463876469_low.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the volunteers is a frame builder.</div>
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Here is his polo bike with a handmade steel frame.</div>
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There is a pretty cool bike polo scene here.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yuNFboEQAYI/VM0iFp_ML_I/AAAAAAAAGeI/MRD4C29HUDA/s1600/GOPR2167_1421463977900_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yuNFboEQAYI/VM0iFp_ML_I/AAAAAAAAGeI/MRD4C29HUDA/s1600/GOPR2167_1421463977900_low.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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They're good too, they've a few trophies. </div>
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I got to hang and watch them play.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz1jVhfUF5QA-tMU9UaxoqxH1VGTS3Tq5gnc78WsLWnITeqr1E7gYOXAA9G4ZsG1LvBrrypxWI3oLVvAJnIlA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Tallahasse definitely has a cool bike culture. I spent the better part of a week here. Some of it was business and some of it was goofin around.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9L5u95zrps/VOt0OblI5eI/AAAAAAAAM_0/iRbyF3V1gZ8/s1600/GOPR2174_1424710297311_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9L5u95zrps/VOt0OblI5eI/AAAAAAAAM_0/iRbyF3V1gZ8/s1600/GOPR2174_1424710297311_low.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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But right as it was time to leave I met this guy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekWJbtoEQtjQxQ5x41VCmbm6ICR9PYmhTVRR3JcyxvbsURnMjoZRLStTfYZtSUKq-UAPKVqd2Jtovw75SPVN2KXrSE3WPH96olnRN_p1-lsR2GQ6cF4ipzSRCXDv0lX7HvxvzsftOc7tj/s1600/10923561_875245455854044_5306548891038174533_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekWJbtoEQtjQxQ5x41VCmbm6ICR9PYmhTVRR3JcyxvbsURnMjoZRLStTfYZtSUKq-UAPKVqd2Jtovw75SPVN2KXrSE3WPH96olnRN_p1-lsR2GQ6cF4ipzSRCXDv0lX7HvxvzsftOc7tj/s1600/10923561_875245455854044_5306548891038174533_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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More on him next time.</div>
<span id="goog_1435300908"></span><span id="goog_1435300909"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07199853418869379746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815432858853797202.post-66985295919014670192015-01-13T20:01:00.000-08:002015-01-13T20:12:22.748-08:00Snowbirdstyle Sprint<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OmJjVrQiDI/VLU0bve6pKI/AAAAAAAAFWk/xHSDNev5dfk/s1600/IMG_20141227_102653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OmJjVrQiDI/VLU0bve6pKI/AAAAAAAAFWk/xHSDNev5dfk/s1600/IMG_20141227_102653.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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(That's me in the pajamas)</div>
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Big thanks to my good friend Shane and his family for having me over for Christmas. They moved to Buford Georgia about a year ago, it was good to see familiar faces and feel at home for the holidays. But it's time for Davie to roll.</div>
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I made my goal of getting to Shane by Christmas. I didn't get to visit the Atlanta bike co-op </div>
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<a href="http://www.sopobikes.org/" target="_blank">Sopo Bikes</a><br />
(you can click on that)</div>
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as they were on a holiday break. That's ok. I've got to get to Clearwater Florida to stay with my friends Krista and Keenan for New Years.</div>
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Buford to Clearwater is 550 miles.</div>
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I have six days.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mogbMyZmve-sgbq97y9RRthwCyIS-vHyKKIh3-B6lZFMI4DCo-G5CV4o1nFkFthZVP3V0TOrlj97n-HIF-OWeBf-OYka2w0t89Tu9ufcSXgmQKX7hthOnWJUH-AMSM8Fr5bogHh9iYsh/s1600/1226140838a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mogbMyZmve-sgbq97y9RRthwCyIS-vHyKKIh3-B6lZFMI4DCo-G5CV4o1nFkFthZVP3V0TOrlj97n-HIF-OWeBf-OYka2w0t89Tu9ufcSXgmQKX7hthOnWJUH-AMSM8Fr5bogHh9iYsh/s1600/1226140838a.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's a good thing I ate a big breakfast.<br />
I haven't done a century yet this tour (100 mile ride)</div>
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but I'm gonna have to pull some back-to-back century magic to make it.</div>
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Here goes nothin'.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nToHF00MdFM/VLU0aleEfCI/AAAAAAAAFWg/dBbFr7w3Myc/s1600/IMG_20141227_220447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nToHF00MdFM/VLU0aleEfCI/AAAAAAAAFWg/dBbFr7w3Myc/s1600/IMG_20141227_220447.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thank goodness southern GA is flat. It's also empty.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-na9sDxxmHlQ/VLU0ggpYnGI/AAAAAAAAFWs/aPUva81hQyA/s1600/1228141411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-na9sDxxmHlQ/VLU0ggpYnGI/AAAAAAAAFWs/aPUva81hQyA/s1600/1228141411.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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Working on a nice bike tan.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9asP0mjB6mg/VLU0YtZnw4I/AAAAAAAAFWM/jzIX8KUT0iM/s1600/IMG_20150113_095247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9asP0mjB6mg/VLU0YtZnw4I/AAAAAAAAFWM/jzIX8KUT0iM/s1600/IMG_20150113_095247.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKeOpmAKXS4/VLU0X_N78AI/AAAAAAAAFWI/nGEi1IOIKHc/s1600/IMG_20150113_095412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKeOpmAKXS4/VLU0X_N78AI/AAAAAAAAFWI/nGEi1IOIKHc/s1600/IMG_20150113_095412.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKAVITgDwBw/VLU0ZTrJx3I/AAAAAAAAFWU/zkqQZfwVydg/s1600/IMG_20141230_151513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKAVITgDwBw/VLU0ZTrJx3I/AAAAAAAAFWU/zkqQZfwVydg/s1600/IMG_20141230_151513.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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After two 90+mile days, I super deserve this milkshake.</div>
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I also enjoy the irony of biking to a <i>drive</i>-in fast food place.<br />
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I camp a couple times. Very few Warmshowers hosts.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEQxP22s-M4/VLU0GvYnevI/AAAAAAAAFVk/mt0ZjO5tdXo/s1600/G0091742_1421161280022_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEQxP22s-M4/VLU0GvYnevI/AAAAAAAAFVk/mt0ZjO5tdXo/s1600/G0091742_1421161280022_low.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OffwNLJsOkU/VLU0JSrmJ9I/AAAAAAAAFV4/w_KrlkLzzYA/s1600/G0091684_1421161091051_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OffwNLJsOkU/VLU0JSrmJ9I/AAAAAAAAFV4/w_KrlkLzzYA/s1600/G0091684_1421161091051_low.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pyaSV58D0Qk/VLU0IdMrsHI/AAAAAAAAFVw/93psh4v7oIo/s1600/G0091679_1421161195706_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pyaSV58D0Qk/VLU0IdMrsHI/AAAAAAAAFVw/93psh4v7oIo/s1600/G0091679_1421161195706_low.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJ0QEIBtEEM/VLU0mWbsFbI/AAAAAAAAFW4/KTZnxwZ_A1o/s1600/1230141215a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJ0QEIBtEEM/VLU0mWbsFbI/AAAAAAAAFW4/KTZnxwZ_A1o/s1600/1230141215a.jpg" height="640" width="384" /></a></div>
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I'm not particularly happy about this. I can't complain about how my Brooks Cambium treats me while riding, it's great. Comfortable. Very flexy. But two "rivets" have now come loose and fallen off. I caught one, the other is somewhere in Virgina. I plan on spending some time taking a break in Clearwater, Ill contact their warranty department to see what they can do for me.</div>
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I'm making good time through Georgia though.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GhN4dxds10/VLXL15Jlz5I/AAAAAAAAFbE/H2teSn0Y-TE/s1600/IMG_20150113_205130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GhN4dxds10/VLXL15Jlz5I/AAAAAAAAFbE/H2teSn0Y-TE/s1600/IMG_20150113_205130.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes there just aren't enough rocks.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUdT5_RvJQo/VLWHLRPoBZI/AAAAAAAAFY4/6Y-PxfOG7aU/s1600/1228141121a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUdT5_RvJQo/VLWHLRPoBZI/AAAAAAAAFY4/6Y-PxfOG7aU/s1600/1228141121a.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iS-MlbDtxY/VLWHMiaiZTI/AAAAAAAAFZA/DLf-NEhQCkc/s1600/1228141155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iS-MlbDtxY/VLWHMiaiZTI/AAAAAAAAFZA/DLf-NEhQCkc/s1600/1228141155.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OsL7k1nkiG0/VLWHN7flM6I/AAAAAAAAFZI/wmb6-W_LgtY/s1600/1230141302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OsL7k1nkiG0/VLWHN7flM6I/AAAAAAAAFZI/wmb6-W_LgtY/s1600/1230141302.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2dx2esvEqM/VLWIB4jma2I/AAAAAAAAFZQ/KDdSgS-66sc/s1600/GOPR1935_1420746831819_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2dx2esvEqM/VLWIB4jma2I/AAAAAAAAFZQ/KDdSgS-66sc/s1600/GOPR1935_1420746831819_low.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I sleep on a nest of blankets in a Warmshowers hosts landlords garage, out of the pouring, thundering rain.</div>
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Maybe third weirdest place I've slept.</div>
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Those aren't marijuana plants.</div>
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Pretty sure. </div>
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One by one, I smash my metaphorical warhammer into the ruby-studded breastplate of those hundred mile rides.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYwOhGQ8MGo/VLW-W1BQwrI/AAAAAAAAFao/wIokm4_mKnk/s1600/13bd5ef567ff8e63569601e7a02fbecf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYwOhGQ8MGo/VLW-W1BQwrI/AAAAAAAAFao/wIokm4_mKnk/s1600/13bd5ef567ff8e63569601e7a02fbecf.jpg" height="400" width="276" /></a> </div>
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Ours Is The Fury.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dmq3LhmQ_6c/VLXPs7C3OsI/AAAAAAAAFbU/N3Ewx4zD9Cc/s1600/IMG_20150113_094808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dmq3LhmQ_6c/VLXPs7C3OsI/AAAAAAAAFbU/N3Ewx4zD9Cc/s1600/IMG_20150113_094808.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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97 miles</div>
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92 miles.</div>
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103 miles.</div>
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100 miles. </div>
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111miles.</div>
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50 miles.</div>
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I did it.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWfgyNkVjOY/VLXQyZVssbI/AAAAAAAAFdw/Gk-1kkwqBHY/s1600/Snapchat-5809285380995410429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWfgyNkVjOY/VLXQyZVssbI/AAAAAAAAFdw/Gk-1kkwqBHY/s1600/Snapchat-5809285380995410429.jpg" height="640" width="384" /></a></div>
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Friends.</div>
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For a whole week!</div>
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We do the things.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyaWfBJaGAo/VLXQJi99CXI/AAAAAAAAFb8/FA2FEIj-kb4/s1600/GOPR1967_1420746938307_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyaWfBJaGAo/VLXQJi99CXI/AAAAAAAAFb8/FA2FEIj-kb4/s1600/GOPR1967_1420746938307_high.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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We also do nothing. Thank god.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBwIVb_FgWg/VLXQmj39B8I/AAAAAAAAFdo/Xhz-5zCgb6E/s1600/IMG_20141222_093634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBwIVb_FgWg/VLXQmj39B8I/AAAAAAAAFdo/Xhz-5zCgb6E/s1600/IMG_20141222_093634.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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We compare bike tans.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmPBrOFIoes/VLXQz3msWhI/AAAAAAAAFd4/YiixRS_umsI/s1600/Snapchat-3750420652868024913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmPBrOFIoes/VLXQz3msWhI/AAAAAAAAFd4/YiixRS_umsI/s1600/Snapchat-3750420652868024913.jpg" height="640" width="384" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRAxb4UIgsI/VLXQLhnqTnI/AAAAAAAAFcE/1C82K7MdwN8/s1600/GOPR1968_1420746955230_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRAxb4UIgsI/VLXQLhnqTnI/AAAAAAAAFcE/1C82K7MdwN8/s1600/GOPR1968_1420746955230_high.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Keenan definitely has the tighter butt though. No contest.</div>
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I've a whole list of things to do with my downtime. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XP7U3jya1Y/VLXQZ625yaI/AAAAAAAAFcU/1oQXgNuz1-I/s1600/0105151503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XP7U3jya1Y/VLXQZ625yaI/AAAAAAAAFcU/1oQXgNuz1-I/s1600/0105151503.jpg" height="640" width="384" /></a></div>
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I most of the actual important stuff never happened.</div>
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I definitely ate that pizza though.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw991vgVQBOPtpSl_mwEX-ZagfYvA04oQIPsPEklboJEXrBkHkXUlTJI8N14uIm66osIBrW4DCaa1bzyMm7PMbHbahY5Un-IHewP6uZR9XKysvb7-On1iYPboWL9flphmA6U5MFrD8RQT2/s1600/george+pathetic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw991vgVQBOPtpSl_mwEX-ZagfYvA04oQIPsPEklboJEXrBkHkXUlTJI8N14uIm66osIBrW4DCaa1bzyMm7PMbHbahY5Un-IHewP6uZR9XKysvb7-On1iYPboWL9flphmA6U5MFrD8RQT2/s1600/george+pathetic.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XrIATR7SN3E/VLXQMssAzMI/AAAAAAAAFcM/S13bi_pnoj0/s1600/GOPR1939_1420746869913_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XrIATR7SN3E/VLXQMssAzMI/AAAAAAAAFcM/S13bi_pnoj0/s1600/GOPR1939_1420746869913_low.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
First haircut in three years. I needed some personal maintenance.<br />
And so did my bike for sure.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MXlTNv_x3w8/VLXQedB83_I/AAAAAAAAFc0/NpxwaJlNgoQ/s1600/0106151811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MXlTNv_x3w8/VLXQedB83_I/AAAAAAAAFc0/NpxwaJlNgoQ/s1600/0106151811.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I was lucky enough to meet this guy who worked at<br />
<a href="http://www.thepathbicycleandrideshop.com/" target="_blank">The Path Bicycle And Ride Shop</a><br />
(its a link)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0gvSPKX-ceA/VLXQfZ3ZJqI/AAAAAAAAFc8/HngmrIyB4YE/s1600/0106151811b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0gvSPKX-ceA/VLXQfZ3ZJqI/AAAAAAAAFc8/HngmrIyB4YE/s1600/0106151811b.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
He was kind enough to stop licking The Wheeler and let me put her up in the stand to<br />
change out my chain and very worn cassette<br />
swap out my front brake pads<br />
rotate my (bombproof) Continental Touring Plus tires<br />
as well as true my wheels, lube cables and whatnot.<br />
<br />
The Path easily has some of the coolest brand names and bikes out of all the bike shops Ive been to.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CluDBBuXa80/VLXQgb5qlGI/AAAAAAAAFdE/gTidSKfd6PA/s1600/0106151954c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CluDBBuXa80/VLXQgb5qlGI/AAAAAAAAFdE/gTidSKfd6PA/s1600/0106151954c.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mike can also ride a bike in addition to licking them.</div>
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Passably well.</div>
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On my very last day, after shirking my duties to go play in the sun</div>
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I visit <a href="http://www.stpetebikecoop.com/" target="_blank"> The St Pete Bike Co-op</a></div>
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(its a link)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YR3SdnVg4IU/VLXbv5m0keI/AAAAAAAAFeY/WobllyAHRg0/s1600/8409775_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YR3SdnVg4IU/VLXbv5m0keI/AAAAAAAAFeY/WobllyAHRg0/s1600/8409775_orig.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I totally didn't take that picture. No shame.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6p5pwaxgPkE/VLXQiY6IbUI/AAAAAAAAFdY/7sxpiASrDtU/s1600/0108152038b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6p5pwaxgPkE/VLXQiY6IbUI/AAAAAAAAFdY/7sxpiASrDtU/s1600/0108152038b.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YjBDQHyEQo/VLXQhYspgjI/AAAAAAAAFdM/CKp80EjarzY/s1600/0108151853a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YjBDQHyEQo/VLXQhYspgjI/AAAAAAAAFdM/CKp80EjarzY/s1600/0108151853a.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R1V-CG8bWPg/VLXP1zm-1EI/AAAAAAAAFb0/KdGu2T6xpUE/s1600/IMG_20150113_095045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R1V-CG8bWPg/VLXP1zm-1EI/AAAAAAAAFb0/KdGu2T6xpUE/s1600/IMG_20150113_095045.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They have lizards.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-8wMlckfuE/VLXP0MALguI/AAAAAAAAFbs/A4Oa_YULgCY/s1600/IMG_20150112_222930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-8wMlckfuE/VLXP0MALguI/AAAAAAAAFbs/A4Oa_YULgCY/s1600/IMG_20150112_222930.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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The've been around for about a year and a half, and are working on getting their 501c3 status as a non-profit with the IRS. When I got there, the place was humming with activity. They have a lot of irons in the fire, ideas! Plans! It's working.<br />
It was good to see so much enthusiasm and dedication from their volunteers.<br />
I wish I could stay and help, even if its just to sort tires or something.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_2Cn95KL7Y/VLXQjqGgqOI/AAAAAAAAFdg/Ods4uoq3o_U/s1600/0108152038c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_2Cn95KL7Y/VLXQjqGgqOI/AAAAAAAAFdg/Ods4uoq3o_U/s1600/0108152038c.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are great people.</div>
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Special thanks to Carrie for answering all my questions and letting me hang out and be annoying.</div>
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And now it's time for me to roll again.</div>
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Florida's been good, and weird. </div>
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I didn't accomplish everything on my list, but I did get to see an A-List celebrity.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hm6iJaHbAY0/VLXPttJDfuI/AAAAAAAAFbg/prPrZPVIbtU/s1600/IMG_20141222_085932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hm6iJaHbAY0/VLXPttJDfuI/AAAAAAAAFbg/prPrZPVIbtU/s1600/IMG_20141222_085932.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Though I wouldn't call him the cream of the crop.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJH9hiEmSIw/VLXmc0wCvJI/AAAAAAAAFeo/xw-4uyLLVhQ/s1600/savage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJH9hiEmSIw/VLXmc0wCvJI/AAAAAAAAFeo/xw-4uyLLVhQ/s1600/savage3.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
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I never went swimming either.</div>
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At least I got some sunshine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl_4zq2kyXgAXjBRhewabpa05WTnwQ2bEcMhnrvloVO_9JrIJu4D2rxxzijuG7m283ToKGq0Z5deFXYvZLYn6vubRtGjx0XYovKzyx2YaK376OGlnI7JaVMpaN01C0-lXLPl-f3oKrczC/s1600/car-in-snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl_4zq2kyXgAXjBRhewabpa05WTnwQ2bEcMhnrvloVO_9JrIJu4D2rxxzijuG7m283ToKGq0Z5deFXYvZLYn6vubRtGjx0XYovKzyx2YaK376OGlnI7JaVMpaN01C0-lXLPl-f3oKrczC/s1600/car-in-snow.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZKdg7GqQps/VLXPu7LBpZI/AAAAAAAAFbk/7oM_NobIt6M/s1600/IMG_20150103_002309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZKdg7GqQps/VLXPu7LBpZI/AAAAAAAAFbk/7oM_NobIt6M/s1600/IMG_20150103_002309.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
LAST but not least, heres a thing I did for you. You've probably seen it.<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LQpjBXeTYFE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07199853418869379746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815432858853797202.post-43710728025289846422014-12-25T17:17:00.000-08:002014-12-25T20:56:24.627-08:00I've Been Chased By A Lot Of Dogs.<div style="text-align: center;">
Since I couldn't possibly pick up all this blog slack and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fill you in on each and every one of my adventures since D.C. . . .</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
here are some glimpses into my bikelife.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I headed south to my next co-op in Richmond.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Virginia is alright.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So is the weather for the most part.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZRZHrrNYrUzuZzEV1yXJIYJ3LVyiBdUJ3CCDEnMpbfbTnOEo10Iuy7EvKASI4X0EsJsMYf95ws9IQ46a9c04qXnLeMz-k2UqUANy07eBpksQjnO0hFw-fAp9QQoFsAgasd8Eb3XqkVEJ/s1600/GOPR1245_1417915071667_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZRZHrrNYrUzuZzEV1yXJIYJ3LVyiBdUJ3CCDEnMpbfbTnOEo10Iuy7EvKASI4X0EsJsMYf95ws9IQ46a9c04qXnLeMz-k2UqUANy07eBpksQjnO0hFw-fAp9QQoFsAgasd8Eb3XqkVEJ/s1600/GOPR1245_1417915071667_high.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5dFoaJQu0pdvEzd7T-jMCsVckJr2eJFFh7SgjBNdXXncBi_mwqCfNFe6GZ0ql5fcG6Krx3rW3-wIKuFNB839CLK3Vr_zhYAxNIlG3q2xUBM4-ZDHD305O0ewTC8LoTiA_Bu_j102r6P3/s1600/GOPR1238_1417915050387_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5dFoaJQu0pdvEzd7T-jMCsVckJr2eJFFh7SgjBNdXXncBi_mwqCfNFe6GZ0ql5fcG6Krx3rW3-wIKuFNB839CLK3Vr_zhYAxNIlG3q2xUBM4-ZDHD305O0ewTC8LoTiA_Bu_j102r6P3/s1600/GOPR1238_1417915050387_high.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I get hungry.</div>
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I eat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUPgkBJRmp0-ab7fb5gyGtZWDEJMAEHn9NjfHo9Z8TtjEy7LeyyWtB7KPWEcrD7WqauIq9KBrW8HlR9LH4FswgJO47aOGQ8tX0rpQvrEmmYqFYUstIv07RSgTw5g5Fnn44sZ23oEd3NrH/s1600/1206140835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUPgkBJRmp0-ab7fb5gyGtZWDEJMAEHn9NjfHo9Z8TtjEy7LeyyWtB7KPWEcrD7WqauIq9KBrW8HlR9LH4FswgJO47aOGQ8tX0rpQvrEmmYqFYUstIv07RSgTw5g5Fnn44sZ23oEd3NrH/s1600/1206140835.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrlqlCshJ6rAZEcq8hAzUkAShJ4rA6UYw-ZSYb6f541bxfNqQuMY53qGGWcbMv1pfIhfzwqXAMIvgfAZKbplUiDeydyVz7XtSY3Xhrr24gpDAFCzB4w40CnsSI0tgli6lryM0Lh3HBS_9/s1600/1213140732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrlqlCshJ6rAZEcq8hAzUkAShJ4rA6UYw-ZSYb6f541bxfNqQuMY53qGGWcbMv1pfIhfzwqXAMIvgfAZKbplUiDeydyVz7XtSY3Xhrr24gpDAFCzB4w40CnsSI0tgli6lryM0Lh3HBS_9/s1600/1213140732.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVhJyvHimDr9XV6lhWmhfvZAQYEdr2S-gZngZzC0LhKs8Xi-_V4aB4nJ3G-kQspWUwOuatU9NAZ-ds7EJYqK86-y6wMhrq0YqLkgGHSekhC48ya-jVUQyI0UkvpI_e-9CdC8RhEMRAXRS/s1600/1211141453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVhJyvHimDr9XV6lhWmhfvZAQYEdr2S-gZngZzC0LhKs8Xi-_V4aB4nJ3G-kQspWUwOuatU9NAZ-ds7EJYqK86-y6wMhrq0YqLkgGHSekhC48ya-jVUQyI0UkvpI_e-9CdC8RhEMRAXRS/s1600/1211141453.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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Sometimes it isn't much.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWSvKyZv44bGwkuAfBF85tFOSaHHjH4wFadN2Tc5W8NjV16xAc5GV5wo9UND_v687T6862CT-oNpvVKuIw7_Gxvi8U7nZaZv6Jqu4D3rUF1Qy63Wnxdr9treXHNmCdWf47XRGioF62UiQ/s1600/1418149670916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWSvKyZv44bGwkuAfBF85tFOSaHHjH4wFadN2Tc5W8NjV16xAc5GV5wo9UND_v687T6862CT-oNpvVKuIw7_Gxvi8U7nZaZv6Jqu4D3rUF1Qy63Wnxdr9treXHNmCdWf47XRGioF62UiQ/s1600/1418149670916.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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Mostly I crave pza.</div>
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One of my goals for this trip is to eat an entire pza by myself.</div>
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I've made friends.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnQk6J8RdTNEmd4pcwZfO-mPsdgVP1q6wzr98Z-gs80NEFSi5p8PknEDd1mQ0Hfxjl3e5P8arpDO5sq3cqZDMy_dLJJ6Ri0gUJuz2SVhpur1d83kgAf2liU-WiX_hZXxElphK53Pmi74K/s1600/IMG_20141209_141950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnQk6J8RdTNEmd4pcwZfO-mPsdgVP1q6wzr98Z-gs80NEFSi5p8PknEDd1mQ0Hfxjl3e5P8arpDO5sq3cqZDMy_dLJJ6Ri0gUJuz2SVhpur1d83kgAf2liU-WiX_hZXxElphK53Pmi74K/s1600/IMG_20141209_141950.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTY_L_nGx3mVdxOxq6Ii8I3Ya0EKNAJMnCuY5liO2BDLkjUdWHZkU8ora8KqzMMyKImAG1QEgDEDwKwPjEHXv5EcZR9FUraM1qbq5lYdeWpCHqInG12s6l3vhjFfwnLC9vsX5o-Z1nfurP/s1600/1209140859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTY_L_nGx3mVdxOxq6Ii8I3Ya0EKNAJMnCuY5liO2BDLkjUdWHZkU8ora8KqzMMyKImAG1QEgDEDwKwPjEHXv5EcZR9FUraM1qbq5lYdeWpCHqInG12s6l3vhjFfwnLC9vsX5o-Z1nfurP/s1600/1209140859.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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In Richmond I visited</div>
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<a href="http://luckysbicycles.com/" target="_blank">Lucky's Bicycles</a> and <a href="http://ragandbonesrva.org/tag/rag-and-bones/" target="_blank">Rag & Bones Bike Co-Op</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EBBGc5dbkdha8eNQ-I6Kneo96ad_foQxM8fv4sNE4F_e3Q9lvz6mkdcP9ERf8mSLI8SsgE2N2MfzD8pqbZDMD3R0vM_Yqs8p2TAJazhg2UTqFceIRO5HwBPciiL-c3QNTihgEjVms77r/s1600/1209141605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EBBGc5dbkdha8eNQ-I6Kneo96ad_foQxM8fv4sNE4F_e3Q9lvz6mkdcP9ERf8mSLI8SsgE2N2MfzD8pqbZDMD3R0vM_Yqs8p2TAJazhg2UTqFceIRO5HwBPciiL-c3QNTihgEjVms77r/s1600/1209141605.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOQ713Q5WALGYwjHNa9bPmY21SlCmLxcF8HMP_MnmUUV8LjLwvFLo4qFBMMe6HLtVZhtD9KwMr1xRaOakcEWUEtMjvrX3OUzR3T52qTTxj70KACY4JIVf26ykNXhE0tAaySW0ueLKAvIP/s1600/1209141605a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOQ713Q5WALGYwjHNa9bPmY21SlCmLxcF8HMP_MnmUUV8LjLwvFLo4qFBMMe6HLtVZhtD9KwMr1xRaOakcEWUEtMjvrX3OUzR3T52qTTxj70KACY4JIVf26ykNXhE0tAaySW0ueLKAvIP/s1600/1209141605a.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFA5jGUr8Q_1xeRTfsanb2ZYxDvMg03ycto6mKo-DA4jU-20ZOmEVAadjRDuRL1dkVDqqhLrw_4uXQxm6oQvWjcDZtSDw_wVi9TRY-4oDLE1EgBJN6nllwtVmPMMihIMGpxBDYjaJIi8c/s1600/1418177610568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFA5jGUr8Q_1xeRTfsanb2ZYxDvMg03ycto6mKo-DA4jU-20ZOmEVAadjRDuRL1dkVDqqhLrw_4uXQxm6oQvWjcDZtSDw_wVi9TRY-4oDLE1EgBJN6nllwtVmPMMihIMGpxBDYjaJIi8c/s1600/1418177610568.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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Richmond has some kind of hold on me. I met some awesome people there.</div>
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I could live there.</div>
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But like Luda, I gotta roll out.</div>
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I crossed the border into North Carolina.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4OlCGzp2enx61cm7N4HbLnSuIn6C6n4uOX3fDUCA8POFwoPHIROO7-Wsehg1A7vpbFBY1X8poRGFw-6vaSBLkY-1k9kvXlJYr7IXPHMOnmD75x-IJRs717WAfEsxLkpb5a5GQv3W27TM/s1600/1211141702c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4OlCGzp2enx61cm7N4HbLnSuIn6C6n4uOX3fDUCA8POFwoPHIROO7-Wsehg1A7vpbFBY1X8poRGFw-6vaSBLkY-1k9kvXlJYr7IXPHMOnmD75x-IJRs717WAfEsxLkpb5a5GQv3W27TM/s1600/1211141702c.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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Its beauty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1G7xxcg56Ale2mgLk4EbkN8EDAdS1m6Rhlbagd80r40QFG768I-HC_Q0-uPHxtXNEvMpbyQfwjf2TIiPvB1mW2yXn2I4zmfD5vWIXyF65FGBDZqPAfa5vfRsNb_SG60qe7RjxElIzhyK/s1600/GOPR1521_1418872851910_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1G7xxcg56Ale2mgLk4EbkN8EDAdS1m6Rhlbagd80r40QFG768I-HC_Q0-uPHxtXNEvMpbyQfwjf2TIiPvB1mW2yXn2I4zmfD5vWIXyF65FGBDZqPAfa5vfRsNb_SG60qe7RjxElIzhyK/s1600/GOPR1521_1418872851910_low.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Shorts. Sun.</div>
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Good riding.</div>
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So I finally weighed all my gear.</div>
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I originally didnt want to know, for fear it would drive me into a gram-obsessed gear-shedding spree.</div>
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Which is exactly what happened.</div>
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I decided to mail stuff home.</div>
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I enthusiastically crammed 12lbs of gear into a little flat-rate shipping box.</div>
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I think I scared the little old lady at the post office in Lincolnton.</div>
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When I got to Chapel Hill/Carrboro, I visited another Bike Co-Op.</div>
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<a href="http://www.recyclery.org/" target="_blank">Recyclery</a></div>
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I immediately made new friends.</div>
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They were mostly seven years old.</div>
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They had fun playing with my GoPro</div>
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"Wake and Drake"</div>
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Custom jerseys.</div>
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Rich and the gang took me out for pza.</div>
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I'm home.</div>
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I also went to the <a href="http://www.durhambikecoop.org/" target="_blank">Durham Bike Coop</a></div>
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They had a very interesting membership structure.</div>
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I wont nerd out over the details here.</div>
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More awesome people.</div>
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I had to mash pedals to get to Asheville. Five days of hard riding across beautiful countryside.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyzvphW7EuggFtzNkdyB7XPJFkMhnVrj-A1uHy7-zNSaSEs68cMU4Lw-cNUO41umq7gRPV7R5EdL4CeANXzTw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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The only way I had over the mountains into Asheville on a bike was up a winding gravel road.</div>
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I had heard a lot about Asheville, mostly that it was cool.</div>
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I budgeted a whole weekend in town.</div>
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I did visit another bike coop,</div>
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Asheville Recyclery.</div>
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But I also prepared food with some friends for</div>
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Food Not Bombs</div>
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People ate. It was good.</div>
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My new Asheville frands took me mountain biking too.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwspxJO7OPaEsR2kT8rabdnQCqoEou0tKgDiMRMt4R6SUgXbbtVC67YNv1qWjCSlN_MnOOc5QDBEHrpvHl4FA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I'm not particularly good at mountain biking.</div>
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I spent most of the ride in a state of sheer terror.</div>
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It was awesome.</div>
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I want to stay.</div>
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I have to go. </div>
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I'm trying to make it to the Atlanta area to spend Christmas with my friend Shane and his family.</div>
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I've only three days and some very steep terrain to cross.</div>
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I'm way up in the mountains.</div>
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Its colder.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But I'm lucky enough to stay with some wonderful people.</div>
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They wanted to take a selfie.</div>
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Another place I wish I could stay.</div>
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But Christmas.</div>
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And I do make it to Shane and Rachel's for Christmas.</div>
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Its nice to be with people I know, family.</div>
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Meanwhile in Cleveland:</div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm the Christmas angel.</div>
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Here I will leave you with some entertainment.</div>
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The rural southerners like to let their dogs roam wherever</div>
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and I must look like some kind of big weird deer because they love nothing better than to chase me.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyfw4VcnOie0WvnlYjsPVW9SCOugdNQhvPN06YHx3Ey-FQnGkL_f1DLPDAgH-m7JvmRxqC3EgUL_683PMy5vQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07199853418869379746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815432858853797202.post-28697356652527454262014-12-24T19:39:00.001-08:002014-12-24T19:39:28.514-08:00The Quixotic Quest To Connect The Co-Ops<div style="text-align: center;">
So I haven't posted for a while.<br />
<br />
There are very few computers on the market<br />
that you can use while riding a bike. Safely.<br />
I've traveled a long way from D.C. and been on many adventures.<br />
<br />
Ive also visited 6 more bike Co-Ops.<br />
I love bike Co-Ops.<br />
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Or whatever it is they are, because I've learned they're all completely different</div>
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Take for example</div>
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<a href="http://velocitycoop.org/" target="_blank">Velocity</a> in Arlington, VA</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16qhObnvhrsnMnngXEg8gvk-af6FhOAO6GerRATtuLHERZhFHwUOKDsEqM15b3QViZ2DACJITZBb2n2fS-WaAktH-U4GDch2F7sqmTrDk_QbLTI5hdW2kN_APsOMeYBqhrOo6BATm-1Te/s1600/1203141440(2)(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16qhObnvhrsnMnngXEg8gvk-af6FhOAO6GerRATtuLHERZhFHwUOKDsEqM15b3QViZ2DACJITZBb2n2fS-WaAktH-U4GDch2F7sqmTrDk_QbLTI5hdW2kN_APsOMeYBqhrOo6BATm-1Te/s1600/1203141440(2)(6).jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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Instead of taking the "anarchistic-bike-collective-community-project" approach</div>
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this organization runs more like a non-profit community based bike shop.</div>
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This cool video from their website says a lot about them</div>
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(This is another thing <a href="http://www.ohiocitycycles.org/" target="_blank"> OCBC</a> in CLE can learn from.)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyIQJORww6fTq5LzV2PRT97WA17BVyUY-WZLiJw1oY3SsAG1A4YwJj4014WT3IRZNRrKqCrLduOFrukhPKbRA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
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Christian was kind enough to put off his lunch to answer questions about their classes, used parts and bike sales and their community work stands.</div>
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For a donation, anyone can come in to use the Velocity work stands to work on their own bike, with advice from Christian and other shop users. Christian by the way, has been managing bike shops for the last 20 years, in addition to volunteering at some of Americas original bike Co-Ops on the west coast.</div>
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He also let me put my poor Wheeler up in the stand. It needs some love.</div>
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Check out what the C&O canal towpath did to my fender.</div>
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I don't even understand how it happened. There C&O was rough, with lots of sticks, tree branches and entire trees fallen on the path. More often than not I had to dismount and portage my bike over them.</div>
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(Me)</div>
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Anyway, I opted to run a stick over, and it jumped up and bit me in the buttocks.</div>
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It folded my fancy german SKS fenders in half, and they snapped.</div>
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I was really resistant to fenders in general for "aesthetic" reasons.</div>
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But let me tell you, when the trail is swamped and your wheels are splattering you with slushy snowy mud, fenders will change your life.</div>
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They managed to hang on till I got to a bike co-op.</div>
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They're all better now.</div>
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Not as pretty before, but I'll be dry.</div>
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Thanks Christian! Your place was rad.</div>
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My last night in DC I got to visit another great organization,</div>
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<a href="http://www.phoenixbikes.org/" target="_blank">Phoenix Bikes</a></div>
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where I got a very warm reception.</div>
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They immediately started giving me snacks.</div>
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I'm home.</div>
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Phoenix is entirely dedicated to being a youth-based community bike project.</div>
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This little guy didn't hesitate to munch on some co-op cake while I annoyed (paid) staff members with questions about the structure and programs of Phoenix.</div>
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I got to help a young volunteer re-cable a project bike. </div>
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He was really bright, and understood everything I taught him.</div>
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Thats the kind of thing that keeps me going.</div>
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I spent four magical days in our Capital.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqIMKR8zcuwlbChg-ePy61aHpgor1HBPpYzJnAsLAxh-nnJbmvmdUKCL-iWvXnQ_FD8Z8gppa-VCkogNnYnU6wpGbVZDGpqkapawdMfsiC8jAc9JADhv48m2RaPUWmwh26iHEzCVrMHsG/s1600/1203141515b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqIMKR8zcuwlbChg-ePy61aHpgor1HBPpYzJnAsLAxh-nnJbmvmdUKCL-iWvXnQ_FD8Z8gppa-VCkogNnYnU6wpGbVZDGpqkapawdMfsiC8jAc9JADhv48m2RaPUWmwh26iHEzCVrMHsG/s1600/1203141515b.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
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D.C. treated me very well. It's a great city to commute by bike in, and it felt nice to not be the only one out there riding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYgyJ0cDgMrk3nsc4g7MAktqh9pTFlT4L8M6IbYt9rt1LhniPXybU-aOkV1BDReQf29al70pDytvo6wcN8NyPLouz-KFdSnRxofX5rm7G96_vdlYXDy0sN-6gzo3Xe9pswjS9I6FdCqBq/s1600/1203141509(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYgyJ0cDgMrk3nsc4g7MAktqh9pTFlT4L8M6IbYt9rt1LhniPXybU-aOkV1BDReQf29al70pDytvo6wcN8NyPLouz-KFdSnRxofX5rm7G96_vdlYXDy0sN-6gzo3Xe9pswjS9I6FdCqBq/s1600/1203141509(2).jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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Hey bud. Don't mind me attempting to stealthily snap pictures of you whilst riding.</div>
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Also, this guy must get teased by all the other D.C. commuters about his bike. It's like a regular bike.</div>
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<u>Everyone</u> else was on high-end Ridley, Scott, Cannondale, and Giant bikes. Parents pick up groceries all race-ready with full carbon everything. </div>
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To whatever salesperson convinced them that racing bikes make good commuters, I applaud you heartily.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphJTEaXV_kWV0SnuUGrkBEQdVJ73n_ynvyjt5baZsNJsUzkP21rA2PN7lJRA62Pdto-Yrj1VSfZ_9LQnNn3XDfXQZ1WJnMBrjFVRPtNCtYNtH1HxvsSOc-9dJ65-Zcu7dNFGY_PZUDfWv/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphJTEaXV_kWV0SnuUGrkBEQdVJ73n_ynvyjt5baZsNJsUzkP21rA2PN7lJRA62Pdto-Yrj1VSfZ_9LQnNn3XDfXQZ1WJnMBrjFVRPtNCtYNtH1HxvsSOc-9dJ65-Zcu7dNFGY_PZUDfWv/s1600/image.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Who knows, maybe my brick-paved Cleveland heart is biased in favor of steel frames. Carbon may be well suited to infrastructure like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y1rajXDaF2d4pIxtkHkcBSj4deiJKfnqurIAehZldS9NwW7wrrzv9ZLzQwlb8ZAS4eQ2ziGRVY2ZU5PA_rSJboRJFKoC5FEVMJlN_WpgWudIvnZR6x9AKpQ8GC7nC9ybbHTH2cPcg5Jb/s1600/pennavenight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y1rajXDaF2d4pIxtkHkcBSj4deiJKfnqurIAehZldS9NwW7wrrzv9ZLzQwlb8ZAS4eQ2ziGRVY2ZU5PA_rSJboRJFKoC5FEVMJlN_WpgWudIvnZR6x9AKpQ8GC7nC9ybbHTH2cPcg5Jb/s1600/pennavenight.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwy3VeSrK27LpvivP7XQPvOfJNBhKHHGmy-3RIfYujIUzJaI4bzJz5bXQXEY-3uXBhb1j6RysxJB-ZpRrLHTQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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It was great. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS4JncAtJeV_V_Os7h-8bHFZg0xxAbvWNprVQzDVNQtd7QMOnUAYfIRxOzw97Qx4awGVg_-FxR7BoYHEZxVt5rncON31y1Y6aDGrj9cGZBoq7GWpEF-kLQvKvf5DoA9iXJm53x2rT8jwB/s1600/PH2009111208153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS4JncAtJeV_V_Os7h-8bHFZg0xxAbvWNprVQzDVNQtd7QMOnUAYfIRxOzw97Qx4awGVg_-FxR7BoYHEZxVt5rncON31y1Y6aDGrj9cGZBoq7GWpEF-kLQvKvf5DoA9iXJm53x2rT8jwB/s1600/PH2009111208153.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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Unlike the bike lanes in PGH, I was never stranded in traffic like a duckling longing to rejoin with its brothers and sisters.</div>
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Even better than the bike lanes, we're the trails.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WscYaaPWdtwdQYSajq-pOoG3K4DC3h_UreUu7Um9TOkan22fd0STUqyw22KIZYtKGCCzuVjxSwXvs2JbuCVUKtr3hYSSs5_857bpAZMzh_gi0wIWm9sMFhyphenhyphennCHfLvlurj_Fo_rC1CUcA/s1600/GOPR0879_1417914266488_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WscYaaPWdtwdQYSajq-pOoG3K4DC3h_UreUu7Um9TOkan22fd0STUqyw22KIZYtKGCCzuVjxSwXvs2JbuCVUKtr3hYSSs5_857bpAZMzh_gi0wIWm9sMFhyphenhyphennCHfLvlurj_Fo_rC1CUcA/s1600/GOPR0879_1417914266488_low.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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They spidered throughout the city like bike highways. No cars, just speeding Fred's on Super Six Evo's. They were really practical for getting around and only occasionally had hills.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjiAXO7Y2FHqvApgecsI_sUIay1U3NySXPBfejSWItzVY6WVd2HlS6RIdlTvcTKi4PVcDoHkiomRHt8CFwmJ4SDylZtbVvWKTu-KYVQnz4wLqiyqgcEkQVuLClQIBuUzATSGOkTvICgij/s1600/G0100935_1417914843337_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjiAXO7Y2FHqvApgecsI_sUIay1U3NySXPBfejSWItzVY6WVd2HlS6RIdlTvcTKi4PVcDoHkiomRHt8CFwmJ4SDylZtbVvWKTu-KYVQnz4wLqiyqgcEkQVuLClQIBuUzATSGOkTvICgij/s1600/G0100935_1417914843337_low.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Capitol hill)</div>
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Seems like D.C. is pretty committed to making cycling a viable transportation option.</div>
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Even the Metro was in on the action.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-XrP4Oud_nNVi9_k7jhwwCjbWZiQr6-e0Yb9BU_BY2xARWMWrxDWnYNSfOKZs54Tt2cVCC8hp_7JwSwJMB15-K8lDlKfmPmjdawxBrseyYytftDuf91a1a9HamKnXAJL8npl_sKUPJOe/s1600/GOPR0904_1417914771340_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-XrP4Oud_nNVi9_k7jhwwCjbWZiQr6-e0Yb9BU_BY2xARWMWrxDWnYNSfOKZs54Tt2cVCC8hp_7JwSwJMB15-K8lDlKfmPmjdawxBrseyYytftDuf91a1a9HamKnXAJL8npl_sKUPJOe/s1600/GOPR0904_1417914771340_low.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Metro adventure! </div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxlc3oTbx44OBQAjlXfCtZo88N0UUvJ7jU9mXP1fZnK5mFr5ORfhGJOLJNBqOONbsruQs9pKQk1_hCUB3g5IQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtBPUX6NcW22oQ6bSxWt7TI71hfUf1p8GYb9trmWMM6LihOkNllms6e-Z5f1A_rl-fluA9kowK8RDGJJB1fgcFo6nDq1dKxUcH5hEFhROA-PUfjA04DXej9FW7J0PuvPecaWjtZs4T_tK/s1600/1204142226a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtBPUX6NcW22oQ6bSxWt7TI71hfUf1p8GYb9trmWMM6LihOkNllms6e-Z5f1A_rl-fluA9kowK8RDGJJB1fgcFo6nDq1dKxUcH5hEFhROA-PUfjA04DXej9FW7J0PuvPecaWjtZs4T_tK/s1600/1204142226a.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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It dawned on me in a strange state of deja-vu that I was once here years ago with a group a friends.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_8hCR_bAEbi_bgzlVo8bF0STgcD5lCALQXu5q7DeFoIdXv4jA7hAyLwfzvZoQfe5n-5kGxq4Gp2xl_XEphxVAvf89HtRV9s9oqlHj_eBoHUpdLdrYHai6QMlewILRbZpaMkEnKbe7Zwx/s1600/IMG_18317837837604.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_8hCR_bAEbi_bgzlVo8bF0STgcD5lCALQXu5q7DeFoIdXv4jA7hAyLwfzvZoQfe5n-5kGxq4Gp2xl_XEphxVAvf89HtRV9s9oqlHj_eBoHUpdLdrYHai6QMlewILRbZpaMkEnKbe7Zwx/s1600/IMG_18317837837604.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yikes.</div>
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Anyway.</div>
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So I become a Metro master.</div>
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The trains tried to mess with me a few times, but I saw through their lies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2ZX83R1Q6tacc1ICeVsMMlb85vq0xvLgUJs2FjRAbcGxjEoOYJA-M-BClAeq3hOIc0AQYFGe8-GxoQStirQ_00FZoS27SzWRVOdOwOXwIZjR4Bj0eiAEW8R2_KICHFiDe3YK_e5WOSDe/s1600/GOPR1220_1417914995829_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2ZX83R1Q6tacc1ICeVsMMlb85vq0xvLgUJs2FjRAbcGxjEoOYJA-M-BClAeq3hOIc0AQYFGe8-GxoQStirQ_00FZoS27SzWRVOdOwOXwIZjR4Bj0eiAEW8R2_KICHFiDe3YK_e5WOSDe/s1600/GOPR1220_1417914995829_low.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lies. Don't even. </div>
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My D.C. stay would have been less masterful and much more chaotic if it weren't for my Warmshowers host Laurie, who deserves mentioning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa8Lli6PscQwxmcgWsx9n_ioDH3mfr2f2DOJ7nfJ7eYJFIslCOXW4tQK4AHuFI22KllACme3PUgvE3ZbmZ7TqQTg_5iJ3rHtRIm1bqlD_i-kyXJLasvhoitHd9PpAP0lUslShZxfZGzmU/s1600/IMG_1376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa8Lli6PscQwxmcgWsx9n_ioDH3mfr2f2DOJ7nfJ7eYJFIslCOXW4tQK4AHuFI22KllACme3PUgvE3ZbmZ7TqQTg_5iJ3rHtRIm1bqlD_i-kyXJLasvhoitHd9PpAP0lUslShZxfZGzmU/s1600/IMG_1376.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I contacted Laurie through Warmshowers (a network of people who will host touring cyclists) and she offered to put me up for all four days of my D.C. stay! This made my little davidlife much easier than jumping around town and coordinating with multiple hosts. Laurie is an amazing person who has done lots of traveling and loves to have interesting houseguests. And there is a special magic in the house that seems to draw previous guests back into the fold. We ate dinner together like a family. It was nice to have family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWPjzcDCRYfWrWKr8vUeUe0WFYlGlxdurkxauaT73O92K0eNJ5nHEke__SK767E0qt4oqW12SMDG1931_84J42YMhgFpMlekYzt003p8Yv_0InaJEsj_pKcJGxHvZKb6yzP3iEjOSOVWm/s1600/IMG_1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWPjzcDCRYfWrWKr8vUeUe0WFYlGlxdurkxauaT73O92K0eNJ5nHEke__SK767E0qt4oqW12SMDG1931_84J42YMhgFpMlekYzt003p8Yv_0InaJEsj_pKcJGxHvZKb6yzP3iEjOSOVWm/s1600/IMG_1375.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's Laurie in front next to her mom. Mom is the best.</div>
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Thanks Laurie. I would love to come back.</div>
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Speaking of family, I also got to meet up with this handsome guy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbLPPzZGTcr5eAnU4fSfhaioaa-vkBd3EbhXx3Uth0nus1KNYuVa0WmUM_dFpoTDbPdQqMFj1S_gRAF3fiqxBgrnCf42Gl9gDkqMbggjOFoucdacXE5mKqL4a8tOBg_N7iShwF2IFvo_A/s1600/1204142015a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbLPPzZGTcr5eAnU4fSfhaioaa-vkBd3EbhXx3Uth0nus1KNYuVa0WmUM_dFpoTDbPdQqMFj1S_gRAF3fiqxBgrnCf42Gl9gDkqMbggjOFoucdacXE5mKqL4a8tOBg_N7iShwF2IFvo_A/s1600/1204142015a.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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My best friend's dad (or best dad-friend?) is a fancy pants Washington D.C. science wizard, and we met up for dinner. I've known him most of my life. It was weird not seeing anyone I knew for two weeks. Thursday makes two weeks since I started.</div>
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I accomplished my goals of visiting two co-ops in town, which I'll write about later. But during my free time in town, I began to really realize the scope of what I'm intending to accomplish.</div>
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I mean, I rode my bike to Washington. What am I doing?</div>
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Should I keep going?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWunroUnCCWGVK17BwR8RTxSnzx18WwHy8_uE7XhFvJjxIny7iMKNpMyv42QC_AMiY9ulbdsDoC1fwiDpPXSTmMWuGgpZaQME6q_FY1OtjBYMDQ7_jEtcx0yjoM3fikBIZsZh9_C8lp0S/s1600/GOPR1224_1417922363505_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWunroUnCCWGVK17BwR8RTxSnzx18WwHy8_uE7XhFvJjxIny7iMKNpMyv42QC_AMiY9ulbdsDoC1fwiDpPXSTmMWuGgpZaQME6q_FY1OtjBYMDQ7_jEtcx0yjoM3fikBIZsZh9_C8lp0S/s1600/GOPR1224_1417922363505_low.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Introspection)</div>
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I've had some really tough days mixed in with the good ones. And I've more than proven that I can handle myself.</div>
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But every mile I put in it gets a little easier. And besides, there's a little pot of green chilies at the end of the rainbow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCk_tyZJfx6AUR5ao0ElnLrqjwQ_YY7UWD1qDqftOD4QIV99jngk9CTydYSpF_0bjZw5rHBeGORA4LcCAzm819GKgorS6CZLJjB9jpJ1XD_BL6epAq0CKQZX-i4To8DSID8vca8R1vxms/s1600/1203141612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCk_tyZJfx6AUR5ao0ElnLrqjwQ_YY7UWD1qDqftOD4QIV99jngk9CTydYSpF_0bjZw5rHBeGORA4LcCAzm819GKgorS6CZLJjB9jpJ1XD_BL6epAq0CKQZX-i4To8DSID8vca8R1vxms/s1600/1203141612.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
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You should probably stop reading this.</div>
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More when I can.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07199853418869379746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815432858853797202.post-87300515375718389842014-11-30T20:20:00.001-08:002014-12-06T17:30:16.616-08:00The Great Allegheny Passage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I set off on an Adventure.</div>
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Wind in my curly Puerto Rican hair.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1q6MXtJStSpOjV7kBVffg1ra7vCU8RvOjiV0s4nPsirLl7A2H72HeScKWYoW_lLUGOHON9jaMw8qOppxjjDBn99wmmCjiVye1yWe5M3sJkpmV3W6CGDYfVmHkKKrsVxMxh2RzTgqH-HOl/s1600/GOPR0638_1416967993145_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1q6MXtJStSpOjV7kBVffg1ra7vCU8RvOjiV0s4nPsirLl7A2H72HeScKWYoW_lLUGOHON9jaMw8qOppxjjDBn99wmmCjiVye1yWe5M3sJkpmV3W6CGDYfVmHkKKrsVxMxh2RzTgqH-HOl/s1600/GOPR0638_1416967993145_high.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
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<i>Mmm. Alcapurrias.</i></div>
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From Pittsburgh the GAP runs to Cumberland MD and joins with the C&O Towpath trail to D.C. forming over 300 miles of bike trail. Usually people ride it when it isn't winter. </div>
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It'll be fine. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAs8WLNYwD2XBNskUZXcfdsdkLk4VF-xXzDtyjXPe5BjmwhCWMgXCkl8GELFJKEwvZ1qklIbN399ntOJ2f9ffyIunvHkZCvlFZ13XOFuDV1JMZDUOdCJnaIJL2_TZSIgbSwt1DmQREfbXt/s1600/1124141546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAs8WLNYwD2XBNskUZXcfdsdkLk4VF-xXzDtyjXPe5BjmwhCWMgXCkl8GELFJKEwvZ1qklIbN399ntOJ2f9ffyIunvHkZCvlFZ13XOFuDV1JMZDUOdCJnaIJL2_TZSIgbSwt1DmQREfbXt/s1600/1124141546.jpg" height="240" width="400"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ANgXzvxsZCPKk4ODtfLZt6X-fkQ-saTxICLJySDdw8q39qB8H9UHtnUy-nlvVAc2nhH5TAsORZhbb8ilGgpa4KU0RsLI0zVFbwSGiFSIuS-SsKkju7p2Q0POo_VRc_ES6bCTCGcOvisD/s1600/IMG_20141124_160115-MIX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ANgXzvxsZCPKk4ODtfLZt6X-fkQ-saTxICLJySDdw8q39qB8H9UHtnUy-nlvVAc2nhH5TAsORZhbb8ilGgpa4KU0RsLI0zVFbwSGiFSIuS-SsKkju7p2Q0POo_VRc_ES6bCTCGcOvisD/s1600/IMG_20141124_160115-MIX.jpg" height="320" width="320"></a></div>
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There is great weather the first two days. Happy Davey.</div>
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Camping out is great, my down sleeping bag keeps me warm at night.</div>
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Unless I lay in my hammock just the right way and squash the sleepingbag flat with my butat. Then my butt gets cold.</div>
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But otherwise I'm content. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfe_DxXh4CxwFIfMjEkOoHg8XAxjeWJX6X3bsNym_bMCBFKQIgUl3aCcTiFrkJ9lKkobL_JtbT_NR2lp5BGrfVADS0beLyeYd6fp9sIDM2N-0Xni_Lfz1ungMyPFs3tLiLHzBJ9nSAnfH/s1600/GOPR0682_1416968827299_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfe_DxXh4CxwFIfMjEkOoHg8XAxjeWJX6X3bsNym_bMCBFKQIgUl3aCcTiFrkJ9lKkobL_JtbT_NR2lp5BGrfVADS0beLyeYd6fp9sIDM2N-0Xni_Lfz1ungMyPFs3tLiLHzBJ9nSAnfH/s1600/GOPR0682_1416968827299_high.JPG" height="480" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyhWfiWJeZQhGsrUX0IZLaeZ7jefBjkiRgGpVfv-lQbfvbpxI0kLq737zbA13h6esXX54UXYstxkUoFbYdu8ncn5kYNtYK1vj3Bgpl_5bxWWILKgT57BKvd6W9GWKiSc8ouQN6lARstQ-/s1600/GOPR0673_1416968759576_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyhWfiWJeZQhGsrUX0IZLaeZ7jefBjkiRgGpVfv-lQbfvbpxI0kLq737zbA13h6esXX54UXYstxkUoFbYdu8ncn5kYNtYK1vj3Bgpl_5bxWWILKgT57BKvd6W9GWKiSc8ouQN6lARstQ-/s1600/GOPR0673_1416968759576_high.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
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There are a lot of free campgrounds, so my only expense so far has been food.</div>
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I once had an "Outdoor Vacation" with some friends here, at Kentuck Campground in Ohiopyle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R3tu9OO9c6yyk4-_dkte4R65ft_2gr-IZp6eS9rbpTJTjoG99F2F_ayqjoJHiwXBIFvtSegtN97kZJYTfpjORW0YuAuAe5xcqewaMEznUpZpOIWpt7es5Lz-3d4MMaDu0X0HHVteMw1I/s1600/frans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R3tu9OO9c6yyk4-_dkte4R65ft_2gr-IZp6eS9rbpTJTjoG99F2F_ayqjoJHiwXBIFvtSegtN97kZJYTfpjORW0YuAuAe5xcqewaMEznUpZpOIWpt7es5Lz-3d4MMaDu0X0HHVteMw1I/s1600/frans.jpg" height="432" width="640"></a></div>
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Look at how cute we are.</div>
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I was busy riding my bike on the trail while all my friends were hiking and exploring.</div>
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I regret that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fJoM-rTZyqZ_yh03wWY1TLB9IROREDo51lmvYFMuumWeZaYfd7a9f5bcmRvW6B-enJj_umqwJkUOGjDkwCrf-c5NVSZQJpiiCemwQoZxKlasYHzhFDzAGnVr_VR1LKQ6zBOVXzXFZuCE/s1600/1125141428a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fJoM-rTZyqZ_yh03wWY1TLB9IROREDo51lmvYFMuumWeZaYfd7a9f5bcmRvW6B-enJj_umqwJkUOGjDkwCrf-c5NVSZQJpiiCemwQoZxKlasYHzhFDzAGnVr_VR1LKQ6zBOVXzXFZuCE/s1600/1125141428a.jpg" height="320" width="192"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2NmTXqak4ltleC89TfLxZ_cTv2V-YfepcelYjPtnxZfLbk8e7qPHSkh9U9FDDyWNihopvfrp4bMhGzfoJ4tAdVjOXM0lcruktUAhaYlFW8y_moY1ntJ3SYAz8U_JFKnzNUm0oV1OUrmu/s1600/1125141429e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2NmTXqak4ltleC89TfLxZ_cTv2V-YfepcelYjPtnxZfLbk8e7qPHSkh9U9FDDyWNihopvfrp4bMhGzfoJ4tAdVjOXM0lcruktUAhaYlFW8y_moY1ntJ3SYAz8U_JFKnzNUm0oV1OUrmu/s1600/1125141429e.jpg" height="320" width="192"></a></div>
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A tunnel I'm not allowed in. Pssht.</div>
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My internetphone warns me of impending snowstorm doom.</div>
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I spring $30 for a hostel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLHL1q6eXoIL-6SNwHf107Fh0ou8Km-o3b7eMdQXynt9hMMxLOtyVOadS3N3r5mbRJeDLU5tAvNFfnWhhWq6MZNYlt0-xTPAq4yoI75dU9k2uih4ddL3EcpB-sAFIFNzykkDEnUYZqNFc/s1600/GOPR0713_1416969250856_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLHL1q6eXoIL-6SNwHf107Fh0ou8Km-o3b7eMdQXynt9hMMxLOtyVOadS3N3r5mbRJeDLU5tAvNFfnWhhWq6MZNYlt0-xTPAq4yoI75dU9k2uih4ddL3EcpB-sAFIFNzykkDEnUYZqNFc/s1600/GOPR0713_1416969250856_low.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
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This place is rad. For $30 I get an entire six person room and bathroom to myself.</div>
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I'm gonna spread out, pardner.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRFfiVl87IHRHQNOWvIrfPtNbZUadKEyIO9W104SoB-zfs140KM_IJsHlrVnABmc7xFTxmnHk7X8ed-hzJj2BZHrhJTREX1sZRWfDgtShU4tE5L98ka2ulzGq7Heg83b0jqpUfvqFZsLq/s1600/GOPR0714_1417401533658_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRFfiVl87IHRHQNOWvIrfPtNbZUadKEyIO9W104SoB-zfs140KM_IJsHlrVnABmc7xFTxmnHk7X8ed-hzJj2BZHrhJTREX1sZRWfDgtShU4tE5L98ka2ulzGq7Heg83b0jqpUfvqFZsLq/s1600/GOPR0714_1417401533658_low.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
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I'm actually the only person in the building.</div>
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Except for the ghosts. This place is definitely haunted.</div>
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The snowstorm happened.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzxGKeA3Zi7iftXGmDFGKF-3rwmZjcESUGybNgH8NRWSJl1FP70K8UCwl5FnZ3xje9bZxhJK_r3_d4sWYNQBw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
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I look stylish in that Jandd helmet cover, don't I Stuart?</div>
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I climbed to the top of Mt.Savage in the snow. It was exhausting.</div>
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It must really be big if even the Pennsylvanians call it a mountain.</div>
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<div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the other side is Maryland. The land of no cell reception. So much for my computerphones. The roads weren't really that bad though. They were plowing and salting and such. </div>
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And I'm an "expert" winter commuter, remember?</div>
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See? They got better.</div>
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I finally make it to Cumberland, MD. The halfway point to D.C.(</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQcSoVLe_b6SRaU_nloEVgggV2L1_x0DDZwbBmIgJOHjobpI0iRVF87Jdc4Xt7IGSTi-S1qKM8SeIKICrLGSo3Z3ahhcEAlqNImuH6iixaMjRpaZxWrVIcY-9t1b1XYd1bu-jjvsrKeTr/s1600/GOPR0762_1417401623068_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQcSoVLe_b6SRaU_nloEVgggV2L1_x0DDZwbBmIgJOHjobpI0iRVF87Jdc4Xt7IGSTi-S1qKM8SeIKICrLGSo3Z3ahhcEAlqNImuH6iixaMjRpaZxWrVIcY-9t1b1XYd1bu-jjvsrKeTr/s1600/GOPR0762_1417401623068_high.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
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This is where the two trails meet. Eh. I didn't hang around.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN56ln5xKNjOECf6KAw3EbL7lzDPYSAPssktNGVjx7y4cGcPUcIgAU-1Ceopgyj_K6Z9lM47Dqejre2OYg1EdspQcx2OcW3DNWJI0aFGbvjjzQr10w-9gmp2VewKtYX3H3FUL3QDmXmQkg/s1600/GOPR0776_1417401655454_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN56ln5xKNjOECf6KAw3EbL7lzDPYSAPssktNGVjx7y4cGcPUcIgAU-1Ceopgyj_K6Z9lM47Dqejre2OYg1EdspQcx2OcW3DNWJI0aFGbvjjzQr10w-9gmp2VewKtYX3H3FUL3QDmXmQkg/s1600/GOPR0776_1417401655454_high.JPG" height="480" width="640"></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After Cumberland I began the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath Trail.</div>
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Everyone warns me that it is much rougher than the GAP.</div>
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Wild. Untamed. </div>
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What it is, is <u>flooded</u>. Not ideal for riding. </div>
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Despite wet conditions, I wheel my Wheeler a good bit of mileage to</div>
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The Tunnel.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, my good buddy just did this trip earlier this summer. He said the PawPaw tunnel was spooky, despite the silly name. I didn't quite know what he meant, so I took it with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, as I approached the tunnel the hair on the back of my neck stood up. There is definitely something foreboding about it. To make matters worse, I haven't seen a soul on the path in days. I'm alone. </div>
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But I have to go through.</div>
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I can't quite describe with accuracy the feeling of going through the tunnel. The tunnel is super long, and you walk along a narrow path above the canalway. Its pitch black except for your flashlight and the far off entrance, which looks minuscule. The air feels different, warmer. Its otherworldly.</div>
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It's spooky as shit.</div>
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Still alive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like all the other weird parts of this tour, there's light on the other side.</div>
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Check out this rad campsite.</div>
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You wish your hammock game was this tight. I set up for the night in the foundations of an abandoned lockhouse. They're almost 200 years old. Sleeping here also creeped me out.</div>
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Something about ghosts this trip.</div>
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The next morning I found a cave.</div>
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<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Zero bears.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I want my money back.</div>
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And also I found this very old shack. I like to pretend Moonshine was made in it.</div>
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There were old abandoned houses and ruins along the path too, looking at me with their empty windows. </div>
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I didn't feel like risking a peek.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
All in all, I only took about half the total trail, and went on the roads for the other half. The C&O especially was almost impassible due to the snow, ice, puddles, and mud. I lost count of how many times I had to carry my bike over fallen trees.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cyclocross.</div>
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The roads were much better for traveling, if hillier. Also, the area around the GAP is a warm showers desert, and I wasn't always lucky enough to be traveling to towns where there are great cheap hostels.</div>
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I had to spring for a b&b.</div>
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It hurt.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$$$</div>
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But I made it out more or less alive, and I am happily typing this for you on the computer of a super generous Warmshowers host family.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm right outside DC, soon to visit another Coop.</div>
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<br></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07199853418869379746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815432858853797202.post-2135292530362600392014-11-30T18:24:00.001-08:002014-11-30T20:55:28.406-08:00Pittsburgermeister Meisterburger<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to tell you a story.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I ride my bike to Pittsburgh. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx34Wy7LlgWP1aT-KlfbpJqc_0QkSY6msaXq-0txU_OlV2SXy2KYRupw-91vS3EBW4BEqFyhUgsZ3rzY003UU8pK5WWO4y2IDY_r-MAptFbUDEQKLKSHoxpSkYOZwE4IF35rec3PTMOOg6/s1600/GOPR0632_1416967947164_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx34Wy7LlgWP1aT-KlfbpJqc_0QkSY6msaXq-0txU_OlV2SXy2KYRupw-91vS3EBW4BEqFyhUgsZ3rzY003UU8pK5WWO4y2IDY_r-MAptFbUDEQKLKSHoxpSkYOZwE4IF35rec3PTMOOg6/s1600/GOPR0632_1416967947164_high.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And Pittsburgh was good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Actually, just about everything in PGH was great, and I'm sure my CLE people</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will hurt me for saying it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It seems like the two towns have a very similar story.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cleveland might have beaten PGH in this years</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://nationalbikechallenge.org/local-challenge/1529" target="_blank">Rust Belt Battle Of The Bikes</a></div>
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But I don't see how, because the Burg has all the infrastructure.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Protected bike lanes. Dedicated.</div>
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This one <i>did</i> end abruptly and left me hanging in traffic</div>
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but at least it was there.</div>
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And they were all over the place.</div>
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They make me happy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Progress in Cleveland is slow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So slow that some cyclists just</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2013/08/guerrilla_stripers_add_bike_la.html" target="_blank">install the bike lanes themselves.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's a strong cycling culture in PGH in general</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which leads me to the whole point of me being there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am on a mission, remember?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I went and visited Pittsburgh's bike Co-Op</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://freeridepgh.org/about/youth-membership/" target="_blank">Free Ride</a></div>
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They have a great workshop where, for a small fee</div>
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you can work on your bike yourself, cutting expensive bike shop repair $$$.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLNklrYFA2fz5Of-r2P37Sva1MdVfecwsOzD9hA1sIuK7FJgdSj998DneSSqNP5r8JP0SuA8vG_lQLcJ9t6wAdcj730gRutZk2CDSPopAN7Ze-xOVHmfqe77LknRo_Gr_V0ueCz_WPXVc/s1600/1122141552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLNklrYFA2fz5Of-r2P37Sva1MdVfecwsOzD9hA1sIuK7FJgdSj998DneSSqNP5r8JP0SuA8vG_lQLcJ9t6wAdcj730gRutZk2CDSPopAN7Ze-xOVHmfqe77LknRo_Gr_V0ueCz_WPXVc/s1600/1122141552.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddMxLl0eqeuy9l3W05Ip9O0bZR2QwA-qfdF8pQk-C0oAwsvpQ-29HM8rnMfqvpExdUdaMvNNLbXNT8vyNN0bX6ZdKWJJGIG7NgpizmsTjTHQPkVJcFeT_tpuzby1n_7AnyOfBlNBm44FC/s1600/1122141550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddMxLl0eqeuy9l3W05Ip9O0bZR2QwA-qfdF8pQk-C0oAwsvpQ-29HM8rnMfqvpExdUdaMvNNLbXNT8vyNN0bX6ZdKWJJGIG7NgpizmsTjTHQPkVJcFeT_tpuzby1n_7AnyOfBlNBm44FC/s1600/1122141550.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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Here is a wheel sizing rack, which tells you what size your wheel is,</div>
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saving much time confusion and frustration. </div>
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There's about a million wheel sizes and they can get you into trouble.</div>
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The Ohio City Bike Co-Op has known about these for years,</div>
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but still has you compare rims side by side.</div>
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Come on guys.</div>
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Also, check out that titanium bike.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They also did a great job using signage to explain Co-Op processes.</div>
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Some of it is slightly passive-aggressive.</div>
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<i>Can you fix My Bike?</i></div>
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<i>No, but you can use our tools to do your own repairs.</i></div>
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<i>Sound good?</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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The Passive-Aggresor would be Tom.</div>
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Tom was kind enough to let me follow him around and generally be a nuisance.</div>
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He answered all of my questions with tact and grace.</div>
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What a guy.</div>
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This place was great,</div>
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they seemed to have their share of roadblocks like any non-profit</div>
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but while I was there the shop was busy full of people fixing their own bikes.</div>
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It felt like home.</div>
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After my visit, I got to spend some quality time with my hosts.</div>
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They live in a beautiful old home at the very top of all the hills in America.</div>
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They also have chickens.</div>
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I could fill the rest of this page with pictures of chickens.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07199853418869379746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815432858853797202.post-72873315858105763382014-11-25T21:07:00.001-08:002014-11-25T21:10:33.799-08:00The "Can I Sleep Here?" Game.<div style="text-align: center;">
I would love to tell you all</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about my Pittsburgian adventure,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Pittsburger?)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But alas, I have wheeled on to the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Great Allegheny Passage</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where there seems to be a lack of quality computers with which to update my blog.</div>
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What is this, the Dark Ages?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who builds a three hundred mile bike trail through the Application Mountains</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
without a single blog updating kiosk?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJtVs_Fs7rhHqBTnqSllwo8XyDmzSTFbH1_sOsMpY2psfb0mHPyby8l_8R8ltBbpDODDGBk8dgBj23lGydo-z9yXQZTFccWPnUhideaagqFaJplqF56qkAIs2IBk6vCD3reSvSH6u_F0Y/s1600/george+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJtVs_Fs7rhHqBTnqSllwo8XyDmzSTFbH1_sOsMpY2psfb0mHPyby8l_8R8ltBbpDODDGBk8dgBj23lGydo-z9yXQZTFccWPnUhideaagqFaJplqF56qkAIs2IBk6vCD3reSvSH6u_F0Y/s1600/george+1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I guess it'll have to wait till D.C.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In the meantime,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To satiate your appetites for Davidselfies I'll provide you with some pictures. That way you can at least get some sense of the pain in my calves.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I'll be honest, not all of this is easy. Today was especially hard, and the nights have gotten cold enough that I shelled out for a hostel. </div>
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I'm going to get snowed in</div>
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tomorrow I think.</div>
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But the most important thing is:</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07199853418869379746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815432858853797202.post-23372263486376176382014-11-22T22:26:00.003-08:002014-11-22T22:26:27.626-08:00Mountain Pass at Caradhras<div style="text-align: center;">
Alliance, OH<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zJzOOdXB46Yrz8C1Ekyuj_X7fzVXARMQ0kEoSfZpeLMDYJzXFKcx_QRoBdMhAtrHtPRxUzfgw0L8a3d3q12i6_usTbXYH_Vmvs0i64P0HqsA-yRrb2a_E-pWqB4tnCM59sTlhy_Nn2Hn/s1600/GOPR0607_1416703779890_low.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zJzOOdXB46Yrz8C1Ekyuj_X7fzVXARMQ0kEoSfZpeLMDYJzXFKcx_QRoBdMhAtrHtPRxUzfgw0L8a3d3q12i6_usTbXYH_Vmvs0i64P0HqsA-yRrb2a_E-pWqB4tnCM59sTlhy_Nn2Hn/s1600/GOPR0607_1416703779890_low.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After singin and dancin and breakfast burrito-in<br />
its time to ride.<br />
<br />
88 miles today. <br />
<br />
Now that I'm on the road, I'm back in my element.<br />
No more ice. Just hills and traffic. </div>
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There's also the occasional Keith Maddox's of the world, </div>
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but you learn not to let them bother you.<br /><br />
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MF3HNNbQuPU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Don't be upset with him.<br />
He can't heppit.<br />
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After riding for a couple hours, I cross over into a different state.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsrcTcunjuxtYLAdMP0RAkxIZTcFJC5H97Hpy0ETH0FFUvwo2sl-6qGr8hgqyRI0EsFTus37nU618AuIXxz5rA7-1pt0ZOFTh1bK9ASzAAlivkqkHqctjCBiQgygKcoOKeFvvmdvMGH8f/s1600/1121141416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsrcTcunjuxtYLAdMP0RAkxIZTcFJC5H97Hpy0ETH0FFUvwo2sl-6qGr8hgqyRI0EsFTus37nU618AuIXxz5rA7-1pt0ZOFTh1bK9ASzAAlivkqkHqctjCBiQgygKcoOKeFvvmdvMGH8f/s1600/1121141416.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
<br />
It's sunny, I'm nocking out miles, I got some tunes, snacks,<br />
Feeling good.<br />
<br />
Then hills. <br />
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<img border="0" height="300" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a318/liar1958/Bike%20Trails/Conemaugh%20River%20Gap/101_0306.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
The picture doesn't show it well,<br />
but this hill loomed over me like a specter of Mt. Doom,<br />
casting a shadow of despair and evil over the land.<br />
<br />
I drop down into the granny gears and and fight back.<br />
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<img alt="LOTR: Balrog" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16694" height="364" src="http://cdn.designrshub.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/gandalf-vs-balrog-artworks-08.jpg" width="500" /> </div>
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A lot of people think I'm cool,</div>
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but that's a common misconception.</div>
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I'm actually a genuine nerd.</div>
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(Me)</div>
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Nerd or not, hills I can handle. </div>
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I eat hills for breakfast.</div>
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But hills with fully loaded panniers is pretty new to me. </div>
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Descending is even a challenge. There's a steep hill in Parma</div>
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that I frequently bomb down and clock anywhere from 35-45 mph.</div>
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With a fully loaded touring bike you don't do that.</div>
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I grandpa my way up, </div>
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and slowly shimmy my way back down the other side of hills. </div>
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When I arrive in Pittsburgh, its dark, </div>
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but I immediately notice its a city of monstrous hills.</div>
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I don't reach my hosts till very late, about midnight.</div>
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They live at the top of one of such hills.</div>
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They are also wonderful people.</div>
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Who made me food.</div>
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I might ask them if I can move in.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07199853418869379746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815432858853797202.post-10890245683924959082014-11-22T21:13:00.003-08:002014-11-22T21:19:08.585-08:00Bikelife Just Got Real<div style="text-align: center;">
Why am I doing this again? </div>
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Whatever.</div>
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So I start riding my bike.<br />
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The first leg of my route takes the Ohio Erie Towpath Trail </div>
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to Akron, and from there to Alliance. </div>
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A friend in Alliance is graciously putting me up for the night. </div>
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The ride is about 65-70 miles, </div>
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I wanted to take it easy the first day.</div>
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HA.<br />
We'll see about that.<br />
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<br />
I can be into this.<br />
It's very pretty actually, but just two weeks ago it looked like this: </div>
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Guys, its not even Thanksgiving, why is it so cold?</div>
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So I'm cruising along having a good time.</div>
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This would be a great time for music/audiobooks but I discovered</div>
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none of the files saved on my mp3 player as I intended.</div>
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I can get over it.</div>
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What I can't get over is Ice.<br />
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<br />
Great big slippery sheets of it. <br />
Even if you go really slow things can happen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4l6NBB852-agRQkQH4XvzHN0bNlM-p3XKJvot55QK4cWMRTg_Qh2hc7L23cg3TXVRRao6zBQlJ9Ug36ZfwSZtKd5RypZnTlnxmiTQf8wlTtB4d6SYHhU9OmYq_04rF3Jp9pv62Mghkke/s1600/GOPR0595_1416703733804_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4l6NBB852-agRQkQH4XvzHN0bNlM-p3XKJvot55QK4cWMRTg_Qh2hc7L23cg3TXVRRao6zBQlJ9Ug36ZfwSZtKd5RypZnTlnxmiTQf8wlTtB4d6SYHhU9OmYq_04rF3Jp9pv62Mghkke/s1600/GOPR0595_1416703733804_high.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the spot where I fell.<br />
The first time.<br />
I won't tell you how many times I slipped on the ice and fell,<br />
we're just going to recognize that I got very good at falling without hurting.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEuiagopXgW-Ky5A2J4q86t2qDYv6-LO8pQMU-uiDRDYidO2-HjGJ4sIwyRh5Hv0OIVzdBNqsy2Zx8N8-4KLEp1ZBFAKZWRMhzKGdNe4owPMEPFTkj5J4kvuLEt6ATEFzdVIPwZ1ymHbq/s1600/GOPR0596_1416703745453_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEuiagopXgW-Ky5A2J4q86t2qDYv6-LO8pQMU-uiDRDYidO2-HjGJ4sIwyRh5Hv0OIVzdBNqsy2Zx8N8-4KLEp1ZBFAKZWRMhzKGdNe4owPMEPFTkj5J4kvuLEt6ATEFzdVIPwZ1ymHbq/s1600/GOPR0596_1416703745453_high.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the spot where a few weeks ago Phil went over his handlebars.<br />
That center-barrier-divider thing is intended as an obstacle.<br />
Cyclocross. <br />
<br />
I also encountered insurmountable obstacles.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlAuWh7Y1ZQB3A4MjnjOXkyOIJn02iItNopdLL7iXSmI0AnrPlK7h1MKB8PCAc-6Vo6BVAb60YeknTNUQKxqmK0_0ipmOMuArpr4Q2GAB2Fiyk440018u8VQbzGR1dJ7ufSQqoiGFHkGk/s1600/GOPR0593_1416703705429_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlAuWh7Y1ZQB3A4MjnjOXkyOIJn02iItNopdLL7iXSmI0AnrPlK7h1MKB8PCAc-6Vo6BVAb60YeknTNUQKxqmK0_0ipmOMuArpr4Q2GAB2Fiyk440018u8VQbzGR1dJ7ufSQqoiGFHkGk/s1600/GOPR0593_1416703705429_high.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>The Towpath trail will be CLOSED</i><br />
<i> from Frazee House to Station Road Trailhead</i><br />
<i>7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.</i><br />
<i>The Towpath trail will be open weekends and evenings.</i><br />
<i>CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE</i><br />
<br />
Oh well. Guess I'll go home.<br />
<br />
So I go through the "barrier" to struggle with (gingerly-tiptoe-over) more ice sheets<br />
which also <u><i><b>cover</b></i></u> both bridges on the Towpath.<br />
<br />
<i>They have taken the bridge</i><br />
<i>We cannot get out</i><br />
<i>Drums in the deep</i><br />
<br />
<img alt="image" src="http://media.tumblr.com/466ba4f113e03194e7f7e070fe93fe54/tumblr_inline_mow1zbZ9Af1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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Between <u>miles</u> of slippery sheets of ice<br />
and the short span of sunlight this time of year,<br />
its crazy dark by the time I get to Akron.<br />
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<a data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wanderlusting.info%2Fmusings%2Fcelebrating-july-4th-american-traveler-red-white-and-who&ei=JFpxVIHKGfHfsATM_4K4AQ&bvm=bv.80185997,d.cWc&psig=AFQjCNF0s_r5MQMNNbmlm_brcDOSAagp9A&ust=1416801022565184" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.wanderlusting.info/sites/default/files/styles/adaptive/public/musings-celebrating-4th-july-american-traveler-yoda.jpg" height="393" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="278" /></a></div>
<br />
Darkness leads to cold.<br />
Cold riding leads to exhaustion.<br />
Exhaustion when you're not even close to your destination and its dark and the back country roads have no lights so your mind plays tricks on you and the temperature dropped to 17 degrees and your bikelights are dying and you think you might pass out<br />
leads to suffering.<br />
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Remember how I said I only wanted to do 65-70 miles on the first day?</div>
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Ya know, to keep it "easy."</div>
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<br /></div>
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Luckily, I know a person in Alliance.</div>
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<img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10415663_10152537894463385_5864759266613773187_n.jpg?oh=9aa3c38503f48b695e8136e5437a21cb&oe=5517470C" style="height: 592px; width: 592px;" /></div>
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<a class="rg_l" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wanderlusting.info%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fadaptive%2Fpublic%2Fmusings-celebrating-4th-july-american-traveler-yoda.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wanderlusting.info%2Fmusings%2Fcelebrating-july-4th-american-traveler-red-white-and-who&h=1200&w=850&tbnid=1eg-Viv-7Lgt-M%3A&zoom=1&docid=XRYCf8rccY_lOM&ei=fllxVLXOB4-NsQSEjoGADA&tbm=isch&client=firefox-a&ved=0CD8QMygXMBc&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=790&page=2&start=15&ndsp=23" style="height: 190px; left: 0px; width: 126px;"></a><br />
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<a class="rg_l" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wanderlusting.info%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fadaptive%2Fpublic%2Fmusings-celebrating-4th-july-american-traveler-yoda.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wanderlusting.info%2Fmusings%2Fcelebrating-july-4th-american-traveler-red-white-and-who&h=1200&w=850&tbnid=1eg-Viv-7Lgt-M%3A&zoom=1&docid=XRYCf8rccY_lOM&ei=fllxVLXOB4-NsQSEjoGADA&tbm=isch&client=firefox-a&ved=0CD8QMygXMBc&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=790&page=2&start=15&ndsp=23" style="height: 190px; left: 0px; width: 126px;"><span class="rg_ilmn"><br /></span></a></div>
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<a class="rg_l" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wanderlusting.info%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fadaptive%2Fpublic%2Fmusings-celebrating-4th-july-american-traveler-yoda.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wanderlusting.info%2Fmusings%2Fcelebrating-july-4th-american-traveler-red-white-and-who&h=1200&w=850&tbnid=1eg-Viv-7Lgt-M%3A&zoom=1&docid=XRYCf8rccY_lOM&ei=fllxVLXOB4-NsQSEjoGADA&tbm=isch&client=firefox-a&ved=0CD8QMygXMBc&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=790&page=2&start=15&ndsp=23" style="height: 190px; left: 0px; width: 126px;"><span class="rg_ilmn"><br /></span></a></div>
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<a class="rg_l" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wanderlusting.info%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fadaptive%2Fpublic%2Fmusings-celebrating-4th-july-american-traveler-yoda.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wanderlusting.info%2Fmusings%2Fcelebrating-july-4th-american-traveler-red-white-and-who&h=1200&w=850&tbnid=1eg-Viv-7Lgt-M%3A&zoom=1&docid=XRYCf8rccY_lOM&ei=fllxVLXOB4-NsQSEjoGADA&tbm=isch&client=firefox-a&ved=0CD8QMygXMBc&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=790&page=2&start=15&ndsp=23" style="height: 190px; left: 0px; width: 126px;"></a>She came and picked me up in HER CAR THAT I RODE IN.<br />
No shame. I don't need your permission.<br />
<br />
The night ended in hot tea, mountains of spaghetti and baby pictures.<br />
<br />
Thank you so much. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07199853418869379746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815432858853797202.post-71379863849267815492014-11-19T00:21:00.002-08:002014-11-19T00:27:51.570-08:00Headed Out (of my mind)<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So after a couple days of maps, emails and general freaking-out, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's time to leave beautiful sunny Cleveland.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YFmr-pkpJFVXQhU6XA_T9AW5226MBgNTBKiXH_n2skqivG5cJSMz0P8YQ4GO0aaWwpsJtO3nffa6RuTjXjFIBnlGfWcXDWf7RPvJJbeKI1-w-7jtVzqyvarD4YffHqFJdHKI_8IpEvtj/s1600/cleveland+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YFmr-pkpJFVXQhU6XA_T9AW5226MBgNTBKiXH_n2skqivG5cJSMz0P8YQ4GO0aaWwpsJtO3nffa6RuTjXjFIBnlGfWcXDWf7RPvJJbeKI1-w-7jtVzqyvarD4YffHqFJdHKI_8IpEvtj/s1600/cleveland+snow.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was hoping to get out of town and head somewhat south before the snow started to hit.</div>
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That didn't happen. </div>
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But I've got all the winter riding gear I could possibly need. Fancy wool baselayers, compression-y midlayers, waterproof outerwear, goggles etc.</div>
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Hey Stuart, what do you think of my new Jandd helmet cover?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9qJ7Lw4-oFR5YscbmKlJ9p7UP0Xx_Jqf2vI6lKIBHAHPs38K8JKNxuhEaEforV_ZvkgbwqS1JBh9mrObypj5PhcRJyI_4e064oRoObVmiTKTCvyx2-8FCzsXTkBnH0z7cQE3qzQWWPEN/s1600/eh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9qJ7Lw4-oFR5YscbmKlJ9p7UP0Xx_Jqf2vI6lKIBHAHPs38K8JKNxuhEaEforV_ZvkgbwqS1JBh9mrObypj5PhcRJyI_4e064oRoObVmiTKTCvyx2-8FCzsXTkBnH0z7cQE3qzQWWPEN/s1600/eh.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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"I'm overwhelmed with admiration."</div>
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And aside from having all the gear one spoiled (indebted) bikeshop employee could ever want, </div>
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I've got the touring bike in tip-top shape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipq31yALJ-oDGcfb2dHhZb9Xi6IStiIDBJV84IYXzjQ_obayWt9fD1JQ7HNhab5wlx4Z6IRFJiy_f3IHBLToTV6s0QDwv-cDo3E8vAihASM9JYM35sqUeep3MERTzhqiDKbIyZ2zCTB6kc/s1600/wheeler+loaded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipq31yALJ-oDGcfb2dHhZb9Xi6IStiIDBJV84IYXzjQ_obayWt9fD1JQ7HNhab5wlx4Z6IRFJiy_f3IHBLToTV6s0QDwv-cDo3E8vAihASM9JYM35sqUeep3MERTzhqiDKbIyZ2zCTB6kc/s1600/wheeler+loaded.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here it is at Fairview Cycle, where I work. They miss me already.</div>
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I found the Wheeler frame at our local bike Co-Op, and spent much time and many euros turning it into a badass all-purpose touring-trekking-commuting machine.</div>
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I could have probably just leased a Kia.</div>
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What's a Wheeler? I don't know, but its purple.</div>
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Its undergone many builds and incarnations.</div>
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Here it is in an awkward preteen portrait, with an adjustable quill stem :</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBl6NGQreOLgrIxSjv1xHGA1i_Cn6cIRKldld5CmzXwgKRQ8Lfda9ZNSJ09KX9-lCWzi65l_Jo9E48ckh9m886e_gQ2Ll9XjecgdtOX1_Yo4SfDR0LYVF1mrZH61DGZD3Zl78doDIqpTaS/s1600/wheeler+orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBl6NGQreOLgrIxSjv1xHGA1i_Cn6cIRKldld5CmzXwgKRQ8Lfda9ZNSJ09KX9-lCWzi65l_Jo9E48ckh9m886e_gQ2Ll9XjecgdtOX1_Yo4SfDR0LYVF1mrZH61DGZD3Zl78doDIqpTaS/s1600/wheeler+orig.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ew.</div>
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Adjustable stems are like the bike equivalent to acne.</div>
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Clip on fenders must be braces.</div>
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And here is a general idea of the route I'll be taking:</div>
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<iframe height="480" src="https://mapsengine.google.com/map/embed?mid=zQhOnm5_2C5s.kFB7II6YBcs0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
And the detailed version here:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuwNyjPHEhTvwAvl0ammsO-h9ewSsul9NW0MQJGlNwp-tl70I8aiZL5PhaGIxwrn6z-rUP-xWguVi9b9ELDAPg8b1cEld8oyaSHAQEB9l7j9cEiEc7kYc8cMiz763KLB2XOP3uilbOj88/s1600/Scribbles-on-a-checkered-paper-sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuwNyjPHEhTvwAvl0ammsO-h9ewSsul9NW0MQJGlNwp-tl70I8aiZL5PhaGIxwrn6z-rUP-xWguVi9b9ELDAPg8b1cEld8oyaSHAQEB9l7j9cEiEc7kYc8cMiz763KLB2XOP3uilbOj88/s1600/Scribbles-on-a-checkered-paper-sheet.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Its fine. It'll be fine.</div>
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I leave in a few hours.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07199853418869379746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815432858853797202.post-49344820213658043222014-11-15T00:13:00.002-08:002014-11-19T01:21:46.502-08:00Howdy!<div style="text-align: center;">
Howdy!</div>
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</div>
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You probably know me if you're reading this but my name is David. </div>
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I look like this:</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA0HatMVc5WMLt5OMFor2ZHfEGC0vTbUi3bNoyLZTXtvwgozvf0B7dA2SL4P0FIf0UKHAuuBFB8fm1jVLakMGoND7pe8JM6_cfxVHv2XQ1slzgb10jbimY6ymhO2bY9Dadd_FeMKzN3rB/s1600/dave+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA0HatMVc5WMLt5OMFor2ZHfEGC0vTbUi3bNoyLZTXtvwgozvf0B7dA2SL4P0FIf0UKHAuuBFB8fm1jVLakMGoND7pe8JM6_cfxVHv2XQ1slzgb10jbimY6ymhO2bY9Dadd_FeMKzN3rB/s1600/dave+selfie.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But with more pastel.</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This blog will be me documenting my bike travels across the country as I visit non-profit organizations designed to help people use bicycles.</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bike Co-Ops.</div>
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</div>
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What the heck is a bike Co-Op? </div>
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Is it like a chicken coop, for bikes?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NcCRXMT4BRvCEaft2RSm2jRG7pjGo90zFsIRSiihBjzsiFpaem_tAcpHC9_ieY0yK6kvcsGj6SXu6yMg6hGLM8lULgEdbMdgleRXUmUKyyGL7UU1zuPpz2fEULkwZWwSpvG2y2SPlC7y/s1600/dave+@+coop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NcCRXMT4BRvCEaft2RSm2jRG7pjGo90zFsIRSiihBjzsiFpaem_tAcpHC9_ieY0yK6kvcsGj6SXu6yMg6hGLM8lULgEdbMdgleRXUmUKyyGL7UU1zuPpz2fEULkwZWwSpvG2y2SPlC7y/s1600/dave+@+coop.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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Yes.</div>
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They're all a little different but they usually have some things in common:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5A7ADdn4KUzmyz2gsRxhH4pHoVjnj3SusA7t-N0iFc2pWBFaEwu2AJ7dbhKiTBywp1DXkZ4SoWg1_vgtiVQSzF3vGGw8K73ePkarOjrFYnGXBLOmdlzZyJNZdPxzFNf-W9Cz2uW5MG56/s1600/ocbc+vounteers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5A7ADdn4KUzmyz2gsRxhH4pHoVjnj3SusA7t-N0iFc2pWBFaEwu2AJ7dbhKiTBywp1DXkZ4SoWg1_vgtiVQSzF3vGGw8K73ePkarOjrFYnGXBLOmdlzZyJNZdPxzFNf-W9Cz2uW5MG56/s1600/ocbc+vounteers.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Volunteering. </div>
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Co-Ops are community based organizations. People come together there to do things like assemble youth bikes for low income families, or prepare bikes for shipment to third-word countries where peoples livelihoods depend on their bikes but they don't have access to new parts. Or volunteering could be as simple as sorting bike parts so they're available to reuse. Everyone is working together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlk6THcoW3MsShFdiQpMUTCBIFr1Aw2Zb9qbGgECEKgDlMQkX9ZIPsZlSBIIJEdxpz-NZMaOx9h3n542XsWeiSCeIWG9GlByols7AteS-29zwTOeYpBPFDFhjP0j9D7h0uOVqE3YWMV5X/s1600/third+hand+bike+coop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlk6THcoW3MsShFdiQpMUTCBIFr1Aw2Zb9qbGgECEKgDlMQkX9ZIPsZlSBIIJEdxpz-NZMaOx9h3n542XsWeiSCeIWG9GlByols7AteS-29zwTOeYpBPFDFhjP0j9D7h0uOVqE3YWMV5X/s1600/third+hand+bike+coop.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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They'll help you fix your bike. </div>
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Unlike a bike shop who'll happily fix your bike FOR you a Co-Op would rather teach you the skills to help you become that much more self-sufficient. </div>
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Its the whole teach a person to fish thing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTxKj-5Ph6dVafFOg-RuTXCVlUqp52uXN3_y3CoZHdLuihekKTKKiHavUnvR9-UhMerOBXn1V6zYxXAOC58MRdkJzS4F5E0QK0kQG7NhZk0qFZAjl7bc0HHDk_WEvdzhw5dLAZZR-ylb4/s1600/traffic+saftey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTxKj-5Ph6dVafFOg-RuTXCVlUqp52uXN3_y3CoZHdLuihekKTKKiHavUnvR9-UhMerOBXn1V6zYxXAOC58MRdkJzS4F5E0QK0kQG7NhZk0qFZAjl7bc0HHDk_WEvdzhw5dLAZZR-ylb4/s1600/traffic+saftey.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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They will teach you how to ride safely!</div>
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Either formally via classes or informally by example there are usually some riding experts around to help you navigate the rigors of city traffic. And so many people in the U.S. are finding out its a great cheap, healthy way to get around.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSppWT28L4Zs1L3S43_bBi89g4IcSp6qidcIIUzM4tKz0Plo2RBSzywsqbh86wt24QL75HCwnqFY6so7xrTl3wFZWo4wYv9oiG6bWcf20ElXt6RFYqIdIVHpnevDJ3LVLXnEpEDKwXyQha/s1600/potholes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSppWT28L4Zs1L3S43_bBi89g4IcSp6qidcIIUzM4tKz0Plo2RBSzywsqbh86wt24QL75HCwnqFY6so7xrTl3wFZWo4wYv9oiG6bWcf20ElXt6RFYqIdIVHpnevDJ3LVLXnEpEDKwXyQha/s1600/potholes.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Except maybe in Cleveland.</div>
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And in Cleveland, there is the Ohio City Bicycle Co-Op where I volunteer.</div>
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You can learn all about them here:</div>
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<a href="http://www.ohiocitycycles.org/">www.ohiocitycycles.org</a></div>
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And if you like bikes and live in Cleveland, definitely check this out.</div>
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<h2 mce_style="margin-bottom: 0.14in; line-height: 115%" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/374424912733151/" target="_blank">Winter Expo Friday, Dec. 5<sup>th</sup>: food, drink, fashion, camaraderie, Holiday gifts and bike education</a></h2>
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<strong mce_style="color: #000000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.1px;"><img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/257f0b351a924223795067ddd/images/3873921a-8375-424b-8ead-0416c0d14e75.jpg" height="333" mce_src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/257f0b351a924223795067ddd/images/3873921a-8375-424b-8ead-0416c0d14e75.jpg" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/257f0b351a924223795067ddd/images/3873921a-8375-424b-8ead-0416c0d14e75.jpg" style="cursor: default; height: 333px; margin: 0px; width: 500px;" width="500" /></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last year was loads of fun. John McGovern bartended.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeF9w6jhYG14oYvkVtwDB4TX86GK2QRlDy8IGYgCFaOqk2OncOvU1TDZRZtpPjS679BWcS5v1PKyTLSE6OUYwcwNLYIhAXEpNf03L3T95nPNpO37imBsMKlT3eAictlkoErwIQfLP-21AP/s1600/rejoicing.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeF9w6jhYG14oYvkVtwDB4TX86GK2QRlDy8IGYgCFaOqk2OncOvU1TDZRZtpPjS679BWcS5v1PKyTLSE6OUYwcwNLYIhAXEpNf03L3T95nPNpO37imBsMKlT3eAictlkoErwIQfLP-21AP/s1600/rejoicing.gif" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I've been volunteering there going on two years now, and after taking their mechanics courses and getting lots of hands on experience I've gotten multiple jobs as a bike mechanic. Most recently at Fairview Cycle in Fairview Park, OH where I work with this guy:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0fN0dBgJtdwSfWnoD48uJS45xasX3IoJy3EqCt3Ls-1ybuhEDzuDBOEiuDhqJNSldK2NMPcpQwJHMJRPohRPyX0KvM6_x2ennciKitEwCvqYs1H4Ua8Amn2aUpAe0PE8_gIm1GLrRsQU/s1600/stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0fN0dBgJtdwSfWnoD48uJS45xasX3IoJy3EqCt3Ls-1ybuhEDzuDBOEiuDhqJNSldK2NMPcpQwJHMJRPohRPyX0KvM6_x2ennciKitEwCvqYs1H4Ua8Amn2aUpAe0PE8_gIm1GLrRsQU/s1600/stuart.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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More on him later.</div>
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So between working at a bike shop and having an awesome bike Co-Op at my back, Bikelife treats me pretty good. I can handle just about anything the streets of Cleveland have to throw at me. </div>
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Even winter isn't so bad, if you dress for it its plenty of fun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBsw5LQFPSrPP5aSEgsa_9Nt1qslspEfwJr4RyuFMA4a6v6ErZ3Zjyk6bx_PsOKLpEP8cYSKW9RomDKPlBAmY0Z91imQeKZYcZE8v5zZ0vf3ov3tWkr27Zk8BcBPfRnYmEb6p5gwbCKZa/s1600/peewee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBsw5LQFPSrPP5aSEgsa_9Nt1qslspEfwJr4RyuFMA4a6v6ErZ3Zjyk6bx_PsOKLpEP8cYSKW9RomDKPlBAmY0Z91imQeKZYcZE8v5zZ0vf3ov3tWkr27Zk8BcBPfRnYmEb6p5gwbCKZa/s1600/peewee.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had two Cleveland winters under my belt and thought</div>
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"I've really got this down! Bring it on! Heh-Heh!"</div>
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And then The Polar Vortex hit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5fuXcOLP0tZ7K09h-_hGU_MRv5li4VHYkCb5nZGAiDlOLbdQkFenMmZwg_ji6t68ncHZo88tDrHWsvNk_q5z-QQoiiI6cllbCHxsUAnyWmMo6BW8PR5-vxmsCCklusPme6LbaHzBlgMz/s1600/polar+cyclists.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5fuXcOLP0tZ7K09h-_hGU_MRv5li4VHYkCb5nZGAiDlOLbdQkFenMmZwg_ji6t68ncHZo88tDrHWsvNk_q5z-QQoiiI6cllbCHxsUAnyWmMo6BW8PR5-vxmsCCklusPme6LbaHzBlgMz/s1600/polar+cyclists.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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You remember.</div>
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Studded tires. Snow goggles. Waterproof shell. </div>
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"Maybe I should just lease a Kia."</div>
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Don't get me wrong, winter cycling is absolutely viable and remains being a healthier and cheaper (and sometimes faster) way of getting around than driving all winter. </div>
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I mean by the time your car heater warms up you're already at your destination anyway. Right?</div>
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But I started to formulate a plan in my little Davey subconscious.</div>
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1. My job at the bikeshop is seasonal, what am I going to do all winter? </div>
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2. While all of you were enjoying the beautiful sunshine and riding your bikes this summer, I was inside. Adjusting your derailleurs. Every day. Till midnight.</div>
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With this guy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0fN0dBgJtdwSfWnoD48uJS45xasX3IoJy3EqCt3Ls-1ybuhEDzuDBOEiuDhqJNSldK2NMPcpQwJHMJRPohRPyX0KvM6_x2ennciKitEwCvqYs1H4Ua8Amn2aUpAe0PE8_gIm1GLrRsQU/s1600/stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0fN0dBgJtdwSfWnoD48uJS45xasX3IoJy3EqCt3Ls-1ybuhEDzuDBOEiuDhqJNSldK2NMPcpQwJHMJRPohRPyX0KvM6_x2ennciKitEwCvqYs1H4Ua8Amn2aUpAe0PE8_gIm1GLrRsQU/s1600/stuart.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I deserve a break.</div>
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3. I've had a hankering to go on a long bike tour, why not this winter? I've already got the gear!</div>
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4. I have dear friends and family spread out across the country. Some of those places are WARM during the winter. At least compared to Cleveland. </div>
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I want to be warm again. And ride my bike. And have adventures.</div>
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But this is about more than just me.</div>
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I really believe in what bike Co-Ops do.. They're full of kind progressive minded individuals determined to help people be more active and healthy, be mobile in an economically and environmentally sustainable way, and have fun.</div>
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They've helped me in so many ways.</div>
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So now its my turn to help them.</div>
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I leave in three days. More to come.</div>
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