Monthly Archives: June 2015

Intros & Updates

This entry was posted in Blog on June 21, 2015 by notnebtp

Howdy all,

Quick blog post to provide an introduction, some updates, and news for the coming weeks. Firstoff, my name is Paul Benton, and I’ll be helping out with the website as Ryan Stachurski readies for his move to the Florida Keys. Ryan’s work and expertise can be seen all over this site – even more so on the back end – and his help will be missed.

The next housekeeping matter is an update to the structure of the blogs. In the past, we’ve had separate sections for different authors (Pam’s blog, Bethanie’s blog). The Blog link at the top of the page should now take you to a chronological listing of all entries – we’ll do our best to remind you throughout the post who is writing, and the author will be tagged at the top of the entry. We’re hoping this will simplify things a bit, and perhaps open the doors a bit to more contributors and guest bloggers. If you are interested in helping out with this, drop us a line.

Public Input is sought on pedestrian and bicycle improvements and connections along Independence Blvd (including Monroe Rd). The meeting is this Tuesday, June 23rd at Ovens Auditorium (map). You can drop in any time between 5 – 7:30pm. More information here.

Finally, I’d like to ensure that all Charlotte Spokes People are aware of the upcoming Public Meeting for the Cross Charlotte Trail. In case you’re unfamiliar, the Cross Charlotte Trail will connect 26 miles of trail and greenway facilities from Pineville to UNCC and the Cabarrus County Line. Through the upcoming meeting, those planning this trail seek information on how the trail will be used and by whom. I think it is critical that cyclists are represented in all of these public meetings – please make plans to attend. The meeting is Tuesday, June 30 at the Charmeck Government Center (4th St. & S. Davidson St. uptown). Drop in any time between 4:30-7:30PM. Additional bicycle racks will be available in the plaza on the Fourth Street side of the building. Facebook link (RSVP) here.

-Paul

One Year Car Free

This entry was posted in Blog Pam's Blog and tagged car free Charlotte Spokes People National Bike Challenge on June 15, 2015 by pambikes

Last year when Bethanie joined the National Bike Challenge I was lucky she signed up for our team, the Charlotte Spokes People. She’s a little competitive. Somewhere along the way of pedaling everyday and racking up lots of miles on her bike, she got the idea to go car free. Now it’s been over a year. Here’s a snippet of her blog post with a link below to the entire story.

This is my favorite part:

“You can inspire people with something as small as a bicycle. It doesn’t take lots of money or even a fancy bike. Sometimes all it takes is a 1983 Schwinn, which is red, with white highlights.”

Read the rest: Bethanie’s blog link

Bethanie inspires me everyday. We can all inspire each other. Come ride with us. And be on our Charlotte Spokes People National Bike Challenge team. Sign up for the Challenge then join our team Natl Bike Challenge team leader board.

S240

This entry was posted in Blog Pam's Blog and tagged Betty Foy bike camp Cycling Savvy Rivendell S240 on June 1, 2015 by pambikes

As edited by: Anna Benton
Photos: Carl Wilson

A few years ago, I read about the S24O (sub 24 hour overnight bike camping) on the Rivendell Bicycles website. However, the opportunity to embark on such a trip within the Charlotte area involved some difficult metrics. The closest campground is the McDowell Nature Preserve, a short 18 mile journey; yet the only plausible route involves 10-12 miles on South Tryon. South Tryon is predominantly a four lane highway with a 45 mph limit until it crosses I-485, at which point it transitions to a 55 mph limit. Equipped with the skills learned in Cycling Savvy, I felt prepared to ride South Tryon all the way out to camp with my seven trusty companions.

We convened on the little sugar Creek greenway at 3pm on a sunny Saturday. The weather was perfect. The high was mid 80’s and the low was about 58F. It was an impressive crew of bikes to behold as we saddled up alongside the glimmering silver ball that abuts the Charlotte skyscape. The group consisted of Matt, riding his carbon road bike with full Campy group, with whom we met near Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Next, was Carl riding his handmade steel frame fully loaded with a tent, stove and provisions. Then Geoff atop camp2 a Lemond road bike with his tent and gear in a messenger bag on his back. Paul rode a Surly Big Dummy cargo bike, pulling a Burley trailer with his 2 year old son behind him, and fully loaded with tent, gear and provisions. Anna rode her Bruce Gordon touring bike loaded with ortlieb panniers for the family. I (Pam) was on my Rivendell Betty Foy, equipped with an Eno hammock, bug net and chair in my Green Guru Freerider Pannier and a wicker basket pannier. Amanda was on her Schwinn Varsity (called Rosalita) with panniers loaded with a hammock, home made sleepsack and down comforter. Our bikes streamed down Charlotte streets in colors of red, black, green and blue.

In spite of our heavy loads, we made great time on the ride out and had mostly nice encounters with motorists, with the exception of a few SC drivers (SC KUD 298?). Sure, we got an occasional honk but most people politely flowed around us. Also, by taking the lane we certainly increased our field of sight and our visibility to the drivers around us. We all commented on our relative comfort along the route and enjoyed the overall smooth journey.

We stopped around mile 16 at the Publix in Steele Creek, 3 miles away from the camp site. Everyone picked up something for dinner and we refilled our water bottles. After that it was a quick ride to camp with Carowinds towering tall in the distance and an oasis of trees waiting for us after our journey on the pavement.

We set up camp in three large camping sites with a good mix of hammocks and tents. After that, Andrew met us with his Hobie Mirage tandem kayak (pedal driven) and took everyone out on the lake. It was a beautiful sunset over Lake Wylie followed by a cool evening by the fire.

Great weather, great company and all around a wonderful first S24O camping trip. Come join us next time. Until then, lets get out and ride!