Chain links for my ears

1 Comment

Style isn’t a major, or even a minor, concern while on a bike tour. I only have 2 wardrobe options and I don’t bring along girlie luxuries such as makeup, hair products or even a full-size towel. (Tell this to most 8th grade girls and watch their minds be blown.)

However one silly item has remained a constant – whether riding through a downpour, presenting to students or relaxing around a campfire: Earrings. After a day of riding when you’re exhausted, sweaty and probably pretty stinky, a nice pair of earrings is a cheerful addition to your demeanor.

Well, I received a very special new pair from Pedal Chic in Greenville, SC. These earrings are noteworthy not only because they are beautiful but also because they were hand-crafted by Ron, the shop’s mechanic. It turns out that the unassuming man who tuned up my bike and replaced the chain is also capable of artfully designing bike-related jewelry!

Chain links for my ears!

If you happen to find yourself in Greenville, please do stop by Pedal Chic and meet their wonderful and inspiring crew.

Springtime in Greenville

Leave a comment

Darrell from firnFOTO took these great shots during a joyful afternoon in Greenville. Love that town! and funny photographers!

Not my touring rig, but fun for tooling around town! Thanks to Pedal Chic for the bike and bag.

Georgia (and a girl from Oregon) ride to the Capitol

2 Comments

“Complete the streets! Complete the streets!”  This was the rousing cheer from the crowd at Atlanta’s Capitol building last week. I was lucky that my visit in the city coincided with the yearly Georgia Rides to the Capitol event. After meeting with Neil and the Metro Atlanta Cycling Club at a satellite location in Decatur, we rolled with hundreds of other cyclists towards downtown, meeting up with other groups along the way.

1,000+ people on bikes convened at the Capitol. Students, businessmen and lycra-clad racers stood side by side as the event took on a festival-like atmosphere. There were cheers, speeches and even s’mores made on the back of a bicycle!

A self-proclaimed "Pedalvore". Definition: Eating within the area that your bike travels. Love it!

I was impressed with the attendance and energy at Georgia Rides to the Capitol and wish these bicycle advocates the very best in the future. Thank you for making an Oregonian feel so welcome.