Day 206 Part 1

Pictures:

Upper Left: Pine Creek trail in PA

Upper Right: Katie and I start out

Next tier Left: Arrive in NYC

Next tier Right: The steepest hill ever

Bottom left: Trail at Titusville

To the Right: Loaded up Bike

Bottom Right: My home away from home

Well, it has been a long time. Most of you must have figured I had stopped the year by bicycle and moved on. Not yet. It has been 207 days... 3,800 miles... 23 flat tires... 1 blow out... 2 chain breaks... 6 different tires... a basket that had to be re-welded... and two bum knees. But I am kickin.

Let me start where I left off. I had just rolled over the 1,000 mile marker. Then I stopped writing. Honestly I didn't have a whole lot of stuff to say. The summer was rough. I was working at a bike shop and it just wasn't me. The owner never rode, the other guy that worked there was same same, and all they did was complain. So all I did was complain about them. I was miserable.

I thought this summer was going to be my summer. I would figure out life, figure out my purpose, and rock it like never before. I was wrong.

At the end of the summer Katie and I sat down and tried to right the ship. We weren't happy in Meadville, so we applied to the Peace Corps. We were accepted on the condition we could pass a spanish exam. We were ready. We studied about 7-8 hours a day for three straight weeks. And the crazy thing is we passed. It was like a walk off home run in the bottom of the ninth. We were in it to win it.

I also decided that the bike shop was not for me. Why work on bikes if you don't love it? I said peace and bounced. I had been given an opportunity to build some bamboo bikes in NYC and then teach a workshop at a museum in Pittsburgh. Those guys loved bikes, and I knew it was what I needed.

So I loaded the bike and prepared for the journey. Katie rode with me for the first two days, but then she had to get back to school. So off I set. It was amazing. I took my time. I went weird places. I slept in woods, fields, and by rivers. I jumped in the water, I stopped to check stuff out. I reconnected with biking. Funny to say because I had been on the bike all summer. Somehow working at the shop made me forget why I worked on bikes. Then after mile 335 on my adventure to NYC I remembered. I like to ride.

I arrived in NYC pretty beat, but it was a good beat. Got right into the projects going on. It was two of the busiest weeks I can remember. We had two workshops, we wrote a manual, and Katie came out to visit. I slept on the roof with a view of Manhattan. Built bikes, built stuff to send to the factory in Ghana, and made some really good friends. It was by far the most purpose I had felt all year.

I was back on track now. I had a nice trip. Built some bikes. Reconnected with who I was. Was preparing for Peace Corps again. My two weeks were up and it was time to ride back home... the long way of course.

Day 67

Mileage: 1,282+
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Flat Tires: 6
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When I cranked over the 1,000 mile mark I thought I would have something bold and sexy to write about. Something like you would sit down to watch on the evening news and say "Wow, that was intense."
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But the 1,000 mile marker was on a nice short 9 mile ride to work. It's beauty lay in it's monotonous regularity, not in a thrilling chase or a huge mountain as a barrier.
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Nope, I was cranking on level ground.
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Truth-be-told, it has been difficult to come up with anything all that sensational. I wake up, ride somewhere... do something... come home. Cars generally give me a decent cushion. The weather has been ideal. People wave and I am about 50/50 on catching green lights. Occasional flat tires are about it.
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67 Days without riding in a car has been great, just not all that sensational. I love riding most days. More often than not I take the long way home. I pass birds and insects that I can hear and enjoy. I smell pleasant things, like nature and flowers... I also smell road kill and sewage. Each has their moment. It is a slower pace and gives me time to reflect.
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It has been more of an inner journey than a societal challenge, which I originally imagined it to be. I hope I never forget the beauty of the bike.
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But it is a simple thing, and doesn't seem all that news/blog worthy. It is more a feeling than an event.
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I am lucky I figured this part out of who I am. If you are keeping track at home, that would be one thing in the "figured" column and a whole bunch of stuff in the "still confusing column".
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I talk to a lot of people about getting around solely by a bicycle, and most people are interested in hearing about it... but go on to say that they really don't like bikes that much. Hey, to each their own. The bike will be there if they change their minds.
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As for me, I will keep cranking. 1282 fun filled miles down and I am looking forward to many more.
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Till next time.
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One revolution at a time,
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Ben

Week 6? (Day 41)

Mileage: 320

Mileage (to Date): 861

Flat tires: 2

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WEEK #4

Is was about the time when our tent started to fly away that we heard the lady in the tent next to us start screaming. Sounded like something really bad was happening. We wanted to help her out, but the thing was we were holding down our own tent. Why wasn't she concentrating on holding her tent down?

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As the wind died down we ventured out. Apparently not far up the beach there was a tornado that put down a few trees. Lots of drama, no injuries. Beach tenting summary: 82% of the tents were no longer where they had originally been (including the lady who would have been better off if she had held down her tent instead of screaming). 53% Of the people were catching their breath (due to screaming). 7% Of the people seemed to have kind of enjoyed it and went looking for beach glass (Katie and I).

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More than half of the people were packing up what they could find and leaving. This included our next door tent neighbor. That was about the time when Katie and I started to giggle. Even if we wanted to, where exactly would we go and how would we get there?... we cycled in.

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We took our chances in the tent. We didn't have a lot of options, which kind of happens to us a lot. Traveling any distance over 10 miles by bicycle is a big deal, it doesn't just happen. You have to plan for it. Leaving the camping area really wasn't an option.

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It means that you cut out the things that aren't really necessary. Which is really a blessing, I guess. It wasn't necessary for us to pack up and leave, and we had a great night. Had we brought the car we might have left early. But we didn't and ended up having lots more quality time in a tent. Good times.

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It has been a nice couple of weeks. Not too many miles, and a few days of rest here and there. Cycling is hard work, and so sometimes I just kind of stay home and relax. Now I have a good excuse.

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Another update. Alpaca (the name of my bicycle) has been given a new rack and I re-wrapped the lugs to match. Robinson Crusoe style. Now he goes by Super Alpaca. Sweet. Also threw in some water bottle holders and my pump. The pictures are up top. Man is he stylin'.

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Weird to name a bicycle? No. Its weird not to name your bicycle. Alpaca is currently one of my best friends. We hang out almost every day, usually for 2 to 3 hours. It wouldn't be very nice of me to spend so much time with him and not know his name. At least that's what momma always said.

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THIS WEEKS REASON TO RIDE

#9 It can make you fabulously famous... check it out. http://meadvilletribune.com/homepage/x383295544/Local-man-logging-many-miles-in-bike-only-challenge-for-a-year

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RIDE ALONG

Many many many many many props to Marcus. He fixed up his old bike about 6 months ago. He is the whole reason this section is here. He decided to give it a go in Boston and ride. Putting the pedal to the metal for the last month Marcus has logged some serious commuting miles. It is how he gets to and from school.

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Sadly last week he was hit by a car. Bumps, bruises, and blood... luckily no broken bones. He walked away from the accident, which is awesome. His bike however was not so lucky and had to be put down... a moment please.

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Here is where Marcus gets the AWESOME award. Four days later, with blood still gushing from his arms, he bought a new bike. A real beauty. Then he RODE IT TO SCHOOL.

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Intense? A-bit.

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Crazy? Maybe.

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Down right Heroic? YES!

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Marcus I salute you and your efforts. You are an inspiration! Keep up the good work and let us know how your cycling is going.

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One revolution at a time.

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Ben

Week 4 (Day 26)

Mileage (Week): 109

Mileage (To-Date): 541

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WEEK #4

I could see the faces of the people as I passed them on my bicycle. Some were amazed, some were frustrated, and one special young man was digging for gold. I could tell that they were all jealous, except for maybe the guy picking his nose, he looked like he was enjoying himself.

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This week I may not have put on the miles, but I passed some cars. 72 cars in total (of course I counted)... and they didn't even pass me later.

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Go ahead, say it. I am the man.

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Well that or they were stopped waiting to park at the hot air balloon festival. Interpret as you see fit.

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Bikes are the way to go in traffic jams. Wink.

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I also experienced my first two bike sacrifices. #1) Katie's parents came to visit this weekend. Friday night we all stayed in Meadville and Saturday they arranged to see our cabin, which is about 10 miles away. There was only a couple hours between events, so it was a short trip (no big deal for people who ride in cars). It only took them about 15 minutes by car each way. It takes me about an hour. It means I would have been at the cabin with them for about 15 minutes, and would have cycled for 2 hours. I ended up staying in Meadville and waiting for them to get back. Not a big deal, but I thought I would mention it.

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#2) A local business helped to organize a bicycle drive (Juniper Village... Thanks again!). It was a lot of fun, and we ended up gathering 25 bikes. Awesome! But the business was downtown and it was up to me to get them 3 miles up the hill. For those people that have cars and trucks it is no big deal to toss them in the back and take a few trips. It is much more daunting on a bicycle. I had to ask for help. I like to be independent, so it was tough to ask at first. Katie, Mom, and Mr. Smith helped to transport the bikes. They were all very cheerful and very helpful. THANK YOU KATIE, MOM, AND MR. SMITH.

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THIS WEEKS REASON TO RIDE

#8

One bicycle ......................................................................: 948 dollars (Hey, its made out of Bamboo)

Clothes to wear................................................................: 38 dollars (no birthday suits)

Bungee cord......................................................................: 3 dollars (hold my bag on the rack)

Seeing the looks on peoples faces as you pass them...: 989 dollars (Shove it VISA!)

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RIDE ALONG

A shout out to Juniper village for helping put on the bike drive. We now have 75 bikes (depending on what you classify as a bicycle) in the basement. Need to work harder on getting them out there.

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A shout out to the volunteers and people who donated their time and bicycles this week. It was a good time. Thank you!

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One revolution at a time.

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Ben

Week 3 (Day #19)

Mileage (Week): 154.2
Mileage (To Date): 432
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WEEK #3
This week I took my first day off. This does not mean that I rode in a vehicle, just means I didn't ride the bike. I sat around, and just kind of relaxed. Felt kind of weird. Sunday was my first day in three weeks that I didn't ride.
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Most of the days I go about 20 to 30 miles. If I go less I feel like I am slacking. It is a really strange sensation. My purpose now fully revolves around biking.
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I bike, therefore I am.
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Its a simple philosophy, and I like it.
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THIS WEEKS REASON TO RIDE
#7 People love to wave at bikers. Kind of like people smiling and cooing at babies. This week I have waved to and said Hello to 37 random people... and all of them said hi back. Its kind of like being famous.

RIDE ALONG
Props to Erin at the bike shop. Her car broke down and for the last week she has been riding to work. She even had a chance to get a car yesterday, but she said "Nope, I am keeping it real and riding my bike."
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Well Played.
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One revolution at a time
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Ben

Week 2 (Day#12)

Mileage (week): 169.6

Mileage (to date): 277.8

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WEEK #2

I saw it coming. Who didn't? It was right in front of me and sweeping my way. There was no way around this one. It was time. I put my head down, told myself it would be ok, and cranked.

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It was time to get drenched.

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On a long enough time line, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero. (Fight Club) Kind of reminds us that life is temporary, enjoy it while you can. In the same theme, if you bike enough days you are bound to get wet. I will appreciate those dry and sunny days with the wind at my back and the time to take the long way home (I swear). But when it comes time to get wet, I will put my head down and endure.

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Mind you, I am not talking about a sprinkle that superficially gets you uncomfortable. I am talking about the rain that seeps into your soul. The kind that just doesn't let up all day. The kind you would be better off jumping into a pool, maybe then there would be a floating island with the drinks that have small umbrellas in them.

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Needless to say, this weeks theme is rain. It came down in one form or another five out of the last seven. But onward I ride.

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This morning was particularly acute. I had to get to work by 9:00am. No way around it if I want to be gainfully employed. It was raining when I started, and was poring when I finished. Made me question whether it was worth it. In Zambia, rain is a perfectly legitimate excuse for just about anything. If nature isn't predicable why should I be? Seriously.

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But it is worth it. Cycling is worth it. I feel good, full of energy. Ready to give all to the idea that people can get around without a car. Sure, you will have to reorganize a few things, but it will be worth it.

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Even if you get soaked.

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THIS WEEKS REASON TO RIDE

#6. Monday was beautiful. I took the long way. The wind seemed to be with me both ways. The sun was out, but not too hot. People came out of their houses just to wave. Monday the road was mine and even the woodchucks stopped to cheer me on. The birds seemed to follow me with their song. I would have missed it in a car.

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RIDE ALONG

Giving a shout out to Katie and Annie, who cycled along for several of those miles. They loved it, at least when it didn't rain. Katie and I even jumped a fence, lived on the wild side, and crossed the forbidden bridge. I think she has the pictures. Turned out to be a great ride. Even saw a guy in the middle of nowhere building a bicycle wheel.

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Let me know how your cycling adventures are going.

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One revolution at a time.

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Ben

Week 1 (Day #5)

Mileage (week) : 108.2
Mileage (to Date): 108.2
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WEEK #1 BREAKDOWN
Do you remember when Barack Obama was sworn in? I do. A bunch of us watched it together in Hawaii. It was monumental, glitzy, and people cried.

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My first ride to ride work was quiet, slightly overcast, and tearless (Ok, that isn't true my eyes did water on the first cold downhill, but it was the wind... I swear). The average morning ride was the perfect way to start, because that is what this year is all about. Doing exactly what all of us do everyday, just on top of two wheels.
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On the second-day-of-the-rest-of-my-life Katie (my wife), Liz (her sister), and I went for a bike trip to Sugar lake. Nice weather, nice company, and a good time. Felt bad for the suckers in the passing cars. This was Liz's first ride in a long time and it was a total of 28.5 miles. No worries!
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On Memorial Day we went to a picnic and encountered rain for the first time. Now, being the hardcore cyclists we are... we waited it out. We didn't have a time we had to be back, so we just took a chance. Luck was on our side, only a drizzle at the beginning of the ride.
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Yesterday brought a little more rain, but just enough to test the metal. It passed in the afternoon and we had sunny skies in the evening. This was my volunteer Bike-it day so we went for a fun ride around Meadville and could not have asked for better weather.
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WEEKLY REVIEW.
All in all, it has been a blast. I have not had to alter my life in any meaningful way, I have been on time for the things I needed to do, and three out of the four days I had people riding along with me.

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It was kind of short, so I was hoping that I could include in week 1 some reasons to ride.
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REASONS TO RIDE.
There are a lot of things going on in the world that make a lot of people unhappy. I think the bike can help. I don't think it can solve all the world's problems, but for some people (like myself) it is a great start. Here are 5 big reasons to ride, each week I will add one or two.

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1) Healthy. Many of us don't get enough exercise. We don't have time, our knees hurt, gym memberships are pricey, we don't have the motivation, there is something good on the TV... If we just use the bicycle to get around, then we magically get our exercise without having to make a special time for it. It can be as easy as walking or as intense as running. You pick it, but you are still getting the movement so many of us need.

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2) Economical. I read somewhere that the typical American car costs about 8,000 dollars a year to own and maintain. That doesn't included fuel. You can buy cheaper cars, but they still cost more than a bicycle. A decent, brand new, commuting bicycle starts at about 500 dollars. This will last you years. Buying a used cycle will be considerably less. Maintenance is cheap if you do it yourself, and if you pay somebody it will be way less than changing your car brake pads. If you already own a car, riding your bike once or twice a week will save you lots in gas money at the year's end.
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3) Social. Pass up your neighbor in a car and a wave will be more than most. Pass up a neighbor while on a bicycle and just try to not say "hi". Riding a bicycle slows down the pace of life, gives you a chance to be social (and we are social animals). Daily commutes have become ridiculously long, which means you don't live and work in the same place. Cycling promotes a community in which you live, work, and recreate in the same place. You may actually get to know your neighbors.
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4) Tree-hugger approved. Cycling doesn't give off many bad pollutants. Sure, manufacturing a bicycle takes some resources, but not as much as a car or house. If you really want to make an individual difference in cutting back the amount of stuff you put in the air, then ride your bicycle for transportation on a consistent basis.
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5) Fun. Every little kid knows it. Riding a bicycle is tons of fun. My 4-year-old friend Mac just learned to ride his bike last weekend. He was loving it. While still learning he ran into his parents' car. We asked why he didn't just use the brakes. He said, "I didn't want to use the brakes, I just wanted to ride." I feel the same way. My morning ride to work and evening ride back are high points of the day. I guess we all have a little bit of kid in us.

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RIDE ALONG

Last thing. My friend Marcus (who may be a genius) came up with a great idea. In the spirit of this experiment, maybe people can sign up for upcoming days or weeks. It will get more people out on bikes, and I will get a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing that you are riding along with me for a couple days. I think Marcus took week 3, and you can post your week in the comment section below. Email me how it went and I will try to post your views here. Lots of different people means lots of different views.

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Why not?

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ONE REVOLUTION AT A TIME.

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Ben