Well, here I am (December 8, 2010) sitting in Wilmington in weather more reminiscent of Fairbanks AK. I have not written on this blog in years, probably because I am just a little bit lazier than you. I am still cycling, although I have a new bike (well, it was new almost three years ago) and the green Bianchi is history. My Trek FX is a great all around ride, much nicer than the Bianchi actually because I can load it with a lot more stuff, so don't need to worry so much about the weather. It also accommodates wider tires so the ride is more comfortable. It is set up to ride anytime, any clothing, any weather, etc. Looking like Lance is not required.

I have given up the long, organized rides in favor of shorter, more spontaneous trips. For the last two years, my high school friend, Brent, and I have met at New River Trail State Park for a few days camping and riding. Then we head off to Brent's place in Kettering, OH and ride rail-trails there. This past fall (2010), we also rode the Nickel Plate Trail in north-central Indiana and around Lake Manitou. That was a great trip, but Brent's other commitments kept us from riding the Little Miami scenic trail, which is another favorite.

OK. This is all I have time for now. I will add more later, like in 2012. No one but me is reading this anyway, right?

Bicycle accident at 175km/h Bike wreck hurt ouch

DO NOT try this at home........or anywhere else for that matter. This guy goes down on a bicycle in japan.

About 45-50 riders from Wilmington and the surrounding area participated in Cycle North Carolina. Many of those are members of our local club, Cape Fear Cyclists. Here is our president, Bethel, amid a background of cotton, and Eileen and me at one of the rest stops.

For a bikenut like me, part of the fun is meeting people who ride all kinds of bikes, and there were all kinds of bikes and riders on the Cycle North Carolina ride. I ride a 1998 Bianchi "Campione de Italia" rebuilt in my "'shop" with Campangnolo Veloce, Centaur, Chorus, and Record components. This is probably the average bike: steel (mine), aluminum, or composite alu-carbon fiber frame, with Shimano 105/Ultegra mix. Campy components are a little less common and full carbon fiber is probably a little expensive to be the dominant frame, but there were still plenty there. Most bikes are typical drop bar road bikes but there were also folks on tandems, mountain bikes, "hybrids," hand cycles, and recumbents.

It was a great ride: 477 miles in seven days. Three days- the last three- in driving rain from TS Tammy. Well, it's not an adventure without a trial, now is it? And, it was a trial. I rode with my friend, Coleman, and 1,100 other riders aged 7-81. Cycle North Carolina is now in its seventh year and it is very well organized. It provides luggage transport and enough amenities that you don't feel like you are camping. Plus, Coleman and I saved up our pennies and hired Bubba (camp service) to provide each of us with a tent, air mattress, and even more amenities -like a cooler of beer. We had a great time and I will go next year, but hopefully without the rain.

Home for the day! We overnighted in Asheville, Forest City, Hickory, Concord, Albemarle, Laurinburg, and Whiteville. Each host town had something special planned - bands, street dance, food concessions - plus there were free shuttles to local restaurants, etc.

Scenes like this pretty much cement riders to the idea, "I can do this again next year."

Coleman, in blue in front, leads us out of Asheville on a foggy October morning (I am two back).

Peace. What a concept!
Coleman on the road. Beautiful NC scenery all the way and not much traffic except near town.