Trac bike part II

Ok, so this picture is a little old but it is during the build process. Notice the wheels have no rubber and the stem and bar have been replaced with Deda trac bars and stem. Crank is installed and waiting on a half link for chain.

Trac Bike

Today was the first day of the build of my John Howard. Most of the components are in; Surly new hubs, KMC chain, Deda Trac bars, Cranks, Deep V rims. Here is a picture of the wheel build. I will try to keep a picture diary of the build to share.

Yes, they are gold, so are the cranks, the headset and chain. It's like art you can fly with.

CYCLISTS' BILL OF RIGHTS

WHEREAS, cyclists are considered to be the “indicator species” of a healthy community; and

WHEREAS, cyclists are both environmental and traffic congestion solutions; and

WHEREAS, cyclists are, first and foremost, people - with all of the rights and privileges that come from being members of this great society; and

NOW, THEREFORE, WE THE CYCLING COMMUNITY, do hereby claim the following rights:

1) Cyclists have the right to travel safely and free of fear.

2) Cyclists have the right to equal access to our public streets and to sufficient and significant road space.

3) Cyclists have the right to the full support of educated law enforcement.

4) Cyclists have the right to the full support of our judicial system and the right to expect that those who endanger, injure or kill cyclists be dealt with to the full extent of the law.

5) Cyclists have the right to routine accommodations in all roadway projects and improvements.

6) Cyclists have the right to urban and roadway planning, development and design that enable and support safe cycling.

7) Cyclists have the right to traffic signals, signage and maintenance standards that enable and support safe cycling.

8) Cyclists have the right to be actively engaged as a constituent group in the organization and administration of our communities.

9) Cyclists have the right to full access for themselves and their bicycles on all mass transit with no limitations.

10) Cyclists have the right to end-of-trip amenities that include safe and secure opportunities to park their bicycles.

11) Cyclists have the right to be secure in their persons and property, and be free from unreasonable search and seizure, as guaranteed by the 4th Amendment.

12) Cyclists have the right to peaceably assemble in the public space, as guaranteed by the 1st Amendment.

And further, we claim and assert these rights by taking to the streets and riding our bicycles, all in an expression of our inalienable right to ride!

Loss of a Friend

On June 3, 2008 I woke up to my phone blowing up with calls from the bike shop. "Dude, Clive was hit and killed on his bike over there on pleasant Green road." I couldn't believe what I had heard. I just rode with him the day before. Clive kicked my ass that day. Made me climb and climb. I hope that he knew that.

Made my girlfriend get up and drive me out there to see for myself. I didn't believe it as I stood right there where he died, same place where I have ridden many, many times before.

Now it's the day after Clive's memorial service, and I have had some time to reflect on the whole last week and what I have learned since his untimely death. I would like to share some thoughts since this ugly tragedy. Trying to follow suit of many others who were his co-workers and friends who wrote about Clive on his website http://www.clivesweeney.com/ by starting when I met the man. I worked the past couple of summers at the local bike shop here in Durham. At times, Clive would bring in his old trusty steed he rode for service, advice or just to look around. At First glimps of the man, he was tall and looked like he knew his way around a weight room. Since that time, I started working at West Village where I saw Clive almost every day I worked. Most evenings he would walk in the front door wearing a black T-shirt, black ball cap, terminator style wrap around sun glasses and strutted. I think he strutted because he was ok with who he was and what he did. Hindsite, I know this now.

Finally after months about talking about bikes, bodybuilding, workingout, and more bikes I got up the courage to see if this gentle giant wanted to go for a spin. Here is the exact route we took:

I picked up Clive at his place and we set out for our ride. We stopped at the Carr Mill for water and a breather then headed back. During our ride, we chatted a bit and Clive told me that he hasen't ridden with anyone in over a year. Funny, I thought to myself. A guy like this who rides every day, rides alone? I think Clive had a great time, even tho later after his death I got an email from a friend who knew Clive sent me this link to his blog. http://www.metaconverse.com/2008/05/19/the-online-peleton/ Read it and come back here...... ...... Ok, sure there were times during our ride where I had to soft pedal to wait for the ole' guy, but some days we just don't feel good and the big plus was that he never quit. Many a day with my teamates I get dropped, so I just try harder and that is what Clive did also.

Two weeks passed since that ride and I gave him a call for a chance to redeem himself. Note this: I called him about 2pm on Saturday the 31st, I live 2 miles from him, and it took me 6 minutes to get there(you do the math). He was waiting for me at the front door (chomping at the bit). This time I gave him the controls and we headed out for a brutal hill climb session that I won't forget. We hit Mt. Siani and climbed that sucker 2 times, mind you this is at the end of our 30 miler. We didn't just climb it twice, he had to add in a little extra loop thru a sub division on Taproot Rd. This is all ups and downs. I wish I wrote all this earlier so he could feel good like he made me feel. Anyway, Clive gave it back for what was dished out too him with a positive attitude and a look of happiness that we cyclist get after a good workout.

I will truly miss you Clive. I think you and I would of put a many miles down togethor.

CLIVE STRONG!