Charlotte North Carolina's Own Wheelie Man

This is a little 35 second clip that I shot of The QC's one and only Wheelie Man yesterday morning pulling the entire block of 100 South Tryon heading North. Charlotte blocks are not as big as NYC blocks or say Chicago blocks but they are blocks none the less. He has a new used mountain style ride adorned with beads, not these bleeds but those you can see on his top tube. The only thing that bugs me about the shot is the place I found myself in caused me to have to swing 180 degrees back around to stay with him early on. Maybe it actually adds something to the scene, maybe I better be more careful about on the fly positioning. Anyways all y'all sit back in your cubes, half cubes, mini cubes, teeny tiny little cubes or offices and enjoy this little window into my world up in The Jar. Watch in high quality if you have that option below the volume control. Musical accompaniment by Ali Farka Toure.

late edit: Apparently to see in high original quality you must go here then click the switch.

True Story-Tragedy

So it happened yesterday morning on my way in, yet another path crossing with the thing humans are known for called emotion. It was a chilly start in the clear lavender lit morning skies to the Albermarlian traverse then onto the Centrolian split. Up the slight hill on Central in front of the Eastland Sprawl, my light ahead red. In the middle of the intersection pulling out with a green light from the left to right and onto Central was a huge AT&T bucket truck just like the one Dad used to drive only 30 years later. As I rolled up closer I realized that something was not right, it was quiet from that side of the broad side truck which was stopped not moving in the center of the eastbound side. Just as I came even with the truck then around it, I could see and immediately hear the scream. The car was a very small blue non descript either Geo Metro, Ford Focus or the like. The front end was completely shortened, crushed to less than half it's original size from plowing itself into the side of the truck. The scream, almost a loud moan with peaks of shrillness was coming from the female senior citizen being pulled from the car by an innocent by stander obviously being heroic during this physical event. White hair, red Christmas sweater, pink bloody face, Broken glass, steam or smoke, air bag hanging, men in trucks behind making the call to 911 and their supervisors. My roll\pace slowed as I watched over my shoulder continuing forward listening to the screams of pain deepen and get more drawn out, my own shock now set in. Christ, he is carrying her across the street in this bizarre looking face to face bear hug. Her feet are off the ground, the gravitational force stretching her entire weight downwards pulling or elongating her spine which may have been damaged. The screams get louder and deeper even though I am riding away, I must be moving too slow. My last vision is of her crying red face still in the arms of this man trying to keep it together. I keep moving up the hill, pedaling against the easterly ground winds. Finally the cries dissipate and in an instant it is quiet except the cold wind in my face leaving me alone all over again. There was no radio to turn on or heat to feel, no motor or accelerator to desensitize me from what I just saw. These perceptions are from being attached to the ground by bicycle and me, that is all. This time by myself I realize that I was just witness to the changing of some one's life. It was one thing before and now her future will be different as will those close to her. Keep moving west, you have to, shake it off. Strange stillness all around me now even though I am spinning in traffic. Hours later, while in the Courthouse I cried. The release was needed but did not come by strength of force, it was simple intuition movement within the deepest part of me and my brain.

There will be no pictures today, I feel as if I may have just made one.

Weekend Activity Report

Ms. Arcen took this picture of me on top of the corner of Robinson Rockhouse which was originally built around about 1790. This corner was restored by some archaeologists from UNCC in the early 80's. This foundation is accessed by footpath off of the main Sierra Loop Trail. Mary keeping an eye on things.

Headed up the trail.

A clear creek bed and some laughs.

On Saturday after some equestrian learning time which included a new process called cantering Ms. Arcen, Mary, Zula(it changed again, this should be the last time) and I went over from Frank's farm to the Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve. We picked up a little map at the Kiosk and headed out into this place that I had not yet seen. Clearly marked trails on non technical rolling terrain. Plenty of birds in the trees fluttering about and calling out our arrival. Gray skies, good morale and a few side tracks indicating something to be explored from the perceptions of a human with only 9 years on this planet. The Robinson Rockhouse side track was interesting. I was amazed at the questions the kid asked about the foundation's original builders and occupants, she is thinking. After about 2 and a half hours of walking we orientated the map from where we were and made for the communal fenced in dog area near where we parked. Mary who has been known to shut down any fun being had by other less than Police Style K-9's (notice Danger in the Crowd)sat outside and watched with Ms. Arcen while I took little Zula in to this gated play pen for dogs. The little one was not so sure. Imagine 50 or so local dogs out for their daily experience in this pen where their owners have taken them for a little socialization. No aggression, strange calm intermixed with bursts of circular energy at speed. Sort of reminded me of the Jar. After less than 15 minutes we got out of there.

On Sunday I had the good fortune to be on the express local train with Clint and Dicky to Catawba Mountain bike park where Rondal took me a long, long, long time ago. Since then so much has changed on the property including less trees and the name which is now practically the U.S. National Brown Water Center, however I will always refer to it as Catawba. We ran into Eric K. and Ben in the 5 dollar lot and hit the trail. The conditions were almost near perfect, clear cold air and a slightly sluicey surface warming up with the sun. Around, then around again watching the ghost like apparition to the front descend faster than ever, the moving parts appeared to be functioning. The river is full, the trees were bare, the sun bright and the air felt less particulate carbon. The cooler air allows for them to rise and dissipate off the floor. Must stay focused now, for the real is bound to come around again as soon as the temp rises above 75F.

Sweet rock line

Ben and Rich

Clint on the Blue Ridge Parkway rock line after building it.

Charlotte Bike Family of the Decade

Month Late Edit: I have just been notified by the matriarch of the other family in Charlotte NC that does a daily commute by bike of the true identity of the happy little two wheeled clan pictured below. Jen Cline with her daughter Katelyn and her Single Speed future World Champion son Tommy.

On one of the cold mornings of November(the coldest Nov on record for the Jar) I was on the way in traversing Pecan Ave when I saw a little family of riders in file crossing on 8th a hundred meters in front of me. Hmmm, what was that? I picked up the pace, broke right on 8th and caught up with this group of commuters keeping it real in full family style. I stayed in the back to watch them work. The mom was in complete control of her kids safety and travel to school by staying on the right hand side of the road while the young ones surfed the sidewalk led by the boy. I watched in almost disbelief as the little lad in front was forced to ride through a tunnel of early morning cold sprinkler water(that's right folks, don't worry there is plenty of water in this drought and you can put as much of it as you want on your grass) that pelted his face with his head tucked in to himself slightly cocked to the right. How could this elementary student be so core? I guess it is because he has the 2 wheeled support of his Mom and Sister right there flying his wing. I chatted with Mom as we rolled and found out that they have been commuting for awhile now from their home in Chantilly to the kid's school on Hawthorne, then she rides on to work. In the afternoon this little family reverses the process. I told her the truth, "IN 10 YEARS I HAVE NEVER SEEN A FAMILY COMMUTING IN THIS TOWN OF A MILLION!" Congrats you are the family I have been searching for.

Early last week as I was flying down 7th I spotted them on the corner at Hawthorne waiting for a safe crossing. I spun around and with excitement asked if I may take their portrait for my blog to prove that there is actually a commuting family in the Jar. Laughs, smiles, poses, questions and 5 images made of this happy and healthy family. As any not so good journalist would do, I found myself in such a hurry that I did not write down their names in my little notebook. If you guys happen to see this please contact me, I would love to put some names with the faces so that your powerful identities could be known. Ride on and stay safe~your strength is infinite!


I made this former header image that you have been seeing for the past few weeks just as Andreas' and my Veteran's day Mountain Ride wound down. We rode past the bridge and up the hill towards this church which supports the dirt road town of Edgemont NC at the base of the Blue Ridge.

Wednesday Night Ride Report-Plus Real Awful Pics!

Yesterday afternoon after commute home I loaded up the truck and headed over to Ultimate Bike in Mathews to replace my dead rear tire, the Ignitor was flame less and leaking through the worn out sidewall. I love bothering the shop for something as simple as a tire change, see they have this really nifty compressor that I'm told will not blow the tire off the rim. That compressor is essential for the installation of the tubeless idea or I could blow a dozen CO2's at the barn and be so frustrated that I kick the dog. Just kidding, even though I may want to after not being able to install my tire I would never kick the dog. I brought 2 pre-used tires that were hanging in the barn, a 2.3 Rampage and a different Ignitor. Rampage first choice, hole in sidewall after pouring some Stan's in, dammit. Trashed. Ignitor, yes Rick another hole in the side wall. Okay, you guys have any new Ignitors in stock, yes, good, I'll buy one. More Stan's fluid in the beautiful new tire and compressed air, pop, pop, pop, over inflate and contentment with the new tread. Doug, have any foam grips, not too expensive? Goody, ESI gray foam grips at a fair price, it is new grip day! Now I am ready to ride and the sun was still out, Keller let's go and get in a quick lap before the group starts at 1830hrs, so we did. We parked at the Church across from Beatty and were rolling towards the trail by 1750hrs. Backwards around in the darkness with the HID on my helmet that the fine folks at the shop let me thrash test. Laughs and shadows, rabbits and gremlins, noises and tricks of the mind playing tricks with perceptions. Second group of lit riders coming towards us near the end backwards or start of the beginning was our group so we turned around and jumped in. More quiet laughs as I listened to either complaining or confusion about recently purchased moving parts. No more gremlins but plenty of shadow movement in the forest. Woo-hoo group picture just before it was over and another meaningful ride with some good people. Thanks Rick(not Rich but thank you as well) for making sure that there is a night ride option in town! Here are the pics, obviously the group photo Rick took is not so bad but look how horrible the ones I took are. I really have to get it together as far as shooting action in the night. Completely sad, I do apologize.

from left to right: Keller(eyes wide shut), Mike, Unidentified, Unidentified(sorry guys), Dicky and Myself. The not so dirty half dozen plus one the photographer, Rick
Rick holding the raffle drawing

Crappy pic I took of Dicky riding stunt after he had already

Not sure, it was not really foggy last night

Keller's HID caught fire and combined with his helmet made of White Phosphorus caused this beautiful image for me to capture. He was seen from outer space by the Hubble.

After we extinguished his head, we noticed that his Niner was glowing in the dark, may have been a reaction to having White Phosphorus{back in the Corps we used to call it Woolly Pete} so close. I hope you like this yet another really bad picture.

There were gremlins in this section of trail, you'll just have to take my word on it.

Special Bike Day- I got the Memo

Yesterday morning just as I was about to leave for the Jar via the east side stay alive, that's right again I decided to take the Zion. Jeff Jones, aka the kewlest courier that ever lasted more than a high school time period came up with the concept of special bike day a long while back but it was usually a Friday and you would have to wear a Hawaiian shirt as part of the liberation. Hunh? At any rate the tacit message went out yesterday and it was a double. Out of the 12 only one other received the telepathic notice calling out to the CMA(Charlotte Messenger Association) to get on their special bikes.
I came up with a list of positives and negatives like any good thinker would do of riding a Special Bike to Work for the day.
Positives:
Free Wheeling, surfing the Side walk descents.
Stay Alive single track section above the East Ridge is way more fun.
Stairs Uptown are manageable.
Hydraulic Brakes.
The curious looks on the faces of the rookies.
Buckets like the dirt look of this machine and wish they had one.

Negatives:
Immediate feeling of Stupidity rolling out of driveway on a bike 5lbs heavier for 10 miles of fat tire knobby resistance at 32 x 18 when I normally push out at 42 x 16 with the minimal friction of my go to 28mm Gator Skins.
Long Distance jobs actually feel like long distance.
Trackstanding at the light is very difficult, not even worth it.
It is hard to outrun the Cops on this machine.
It can be difficult to get this thing locked up to a bench.
Going home into the wind after work is disheartening and gives one thoughts of the bus.

Special bike on the hill side of Tenth.

Locked up with the 4.7 pounder, it looks strange.
Normal work bike posing near a Gorilla blowing up a balloon, yup that is a Gorilla

Rewind-Ride Report Sunday 11/23/08 Wilson's Creek

Boots, check it I am wearing that sweet Verge Jacket you gave me for helping you with a little light reading while I let off the explosive response to the HillBilly's weak ass IED, I got your IED. photo by Eric W. I do realize that this ride was 9 days ago and so much has happened through out the cosmos since then that posting now seems rather futile or late giving it less meaning. Don't be fooled, this was truly a meaning full ride as all of them are and I was even able to use the return fire method of engaging the enemy. Okay there was no enemy but there were some car access humans encamped near that dirt parking lot above the gate after the GreenTown exit climb out that were not expecting me to pull out a pack of firecrackers and light them in response to their weak little one poof rapport. Plus I think that I actually saw a few friends laugh as they watched me yell, "Fire in the Hole!" after quickly drawing out, and unwrapping the pack. It was a relatively big group ride, 11 including Ian B., Ben Cohen(sorry I got us lost for a few and pulling a Blair), Mike B., Eric, Skiddaladophy, Bill Nye, Lance(not that one), Fennel(Here is Fennel's words about riding across this fine country with Judy), Dicky, My former Ex-Wife and I. We took off from the Dirt Mounds on 181 and rode classic Wilson's Trail of which included GreenTown Plunge, Raiders Camp to Sinkhole via the saddle and back out up to the car. On a part of Raiders lower I crashed out of site in front of Skiddaladophy and Becky winding up off the trail to the downward right side arresting my fall by awkwardly grabbing the Rhodos. Face down the Mountain, off the trail, my bike on top of me, when he and she rolled up I had to ask, "Guys, you know I hate asking but I need help." They pulled the bike off of me which allowed me to get to my feet on the sloped terrain. Whewww, not dead and/or broken. Woo-hoo onwards. What? No swimming. Not today up to the sink hole saddle and out. 11 folks, 26.5miles(check this for trail profile GPS style provided by the Wevenator) and another great mountain ride with some really fun people that love to go for a ride. Now let's take a peak at the pics and any smart ass comments I may have.


Becky with dry feet after creek crossing at the bottom of GreenTown

Ian and Mike B.

Has anyone seen my Dillyhooha?

Bill Nye says, "Got Ice?"

Mike B. regaining control after Bunny Hopping that log across the trail, mad skill.

Girlfriend, what the hell is so funny? Oh, are you still looking for his Dillyhooha?

Chasing her through the woods trying to get a picture to share.

Skiddaladophy and Mike checking out Harper's Creek Falls

HCF

Seriously you guys, has anyone found my Dillyhooha? Fennel, you can laugh, I know you want to.

Dicky, I think I see your Dillyhooha down there

Bill Nye says, "Dammit water only, no ice."

SinkHole Saddle group meeting

Rolling, Fennel on his Spot Beltdrive

Into the Wild Blue Yonder

SinkHole Proper, an old Uranium mine when the Feds needed it to create a new age WMD in the 40's, really.

Bill Nye with a sweet line on SinkHole lower