18 Monday May 2015
Posted in Photography
Meet Tom Johnson, he’s the one waving at me. He’s an avid cyclist who has put many miles on his bike. Last year he went to Puerto Rico: 339 miles in 23:10 over 3 days. I can only hope to do what he’s doing. He did 65 miles during the ride this Sunday. My next big ride will be the Tri States ride in Dothan, Alabama. I’ll be riding the 41 mile loop. This ride will be in June so it might be a little warm.
Thanks for following me
“Life Goes On!”
17 Sunday May 2015
Posted in Photography
Tags
365 Day Photo Challenge, Alabama, Cheaha Challenge, Cycling, Cyclist, Intern, Photography, The Anniston Star
I had the opportunity to work the Cheaha Challenge today. It started off wet but as the afternoon approached the rain soon went away. But with the roads being wet and a new layer of asphalt it made for a very dangerous morning. 1000 bikes were anticipated but only about 700 showed up due to the rain. Only one accident was reported and they young lady took a spill and dislocated her shoulder and had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital. No word on her condition.
We were fortunate to have with us at our rest stop a young journalist from The Anniston Star, a small but widely known newspaper/newsite. Five interns tweeted their coverage for most of the day. My partner and I were interviewed about our part of the ride and had our picture taken for the article that is to be written for later on this week.
It was a long day being that I had to get up at 4am this morning to be at my station by 7am. I have one more week to work then I have a three day weekend coming up. I’m so ready for an extra day off from work.
BTW, the Cheaha Challenge was broken down into several rides including a 24, 44. 64, 103 and a 129 mile ride and is thought to be the toughest organized ride in the state of Alabama. For all you cyclist that follow me, you should seriously consider coming down here and riding it. We has someone come as far away as Miami Florida to ride this ride today. Are you up for the challenge. I’m not.
16 Saturday May 2015
Posted in Photography
http://tchphotography.smugmug.com/Chicago/i-pm2NDVj/A
Today was a good day. I got most everything done that I wanted to do today. I got up and ate breakfast, changed clothes and hopped on my bicycle. When I returned home I had a bite to eat and started getting things ready for tomorrow trip to Mt. Cheaha.
My bike ride today consisted of a leisurely ride through town. I followed my weekend route in which I normally get around 23 miles. The route I take has a lot of hills but not any steep grades. I took a few new roads just to see some new sites and it increased my mileage a bit. My total mileage for the day was 25.8 and my average speed was 12.1 mph. Like I said, I took my time and didn’t get in a big hurry.
There are several things that kind of bug me while I’m riding through my fair city but the one thing that really pisses me off is the amount of trash that is on the roads. I bet I counted four trash bags while on my route today. I think it’s really uncalled for when people throw out their trash from their cars instead of waiting until they get home and throw it out in a trash can. Doesn’t make sense. The other thing that gets on my nerves is the amount of dogs that are not on a leash or in a fenced in yard. Our city has a leash law which requires all dogs to either be on a leash or in a fence if outside. The little ankle biters don’t really bother me that much, it’s the big labs and german shepherds that make me nervous. I’ve been given permission by the city to use Mace when I feel threatened. The thing about using mace it that it could get in my eyes if the wind is blowing the wrong direction.
Photo is of the Pier in Chicago
“Life Goes On!”
15 Friday May 2015
Posted in Photography
Tags
365 Day Photo Challenge, Alabama, Amature Radio, Bicycle, Boy Scouts of America, BSA, Cycling, Family Award, HDR, Photography, Volunteering, Wordpress
http://tchphotography.smugmug.com/HDR/i-DB7L6gb/A
I was just notified moments ago that I was nominated for the WordPress Family Award by Deborah Crocker http://www.talkingtomyweightlosscounselor.wordpress I am beyond speechless. Thanks again for the nomination Deborah.
Tomorrows plan is to get up and take a ride on the bicycle, put a battery on charge, empty all the nonessential crap out of the back of my truck and load items needed for the bicycle event on Sunday. I might even try to do some much needed yard work if I can squeeze it in.
My wife and I had a discussion the other day in which I felt a little put out. I volunteer for several organizations and if I’ll let them they’ll work me every weekend. I volunteer for several Amateur Radio organizations, Boy Scouts of America and a couple of local churches. I would like to think that I would be remembered as someone who volunteered his time and like to help out in the community. But, according to my wife I’m looking for things to do other than spending time at home. Really?? I’m not really sure I convinced her otherwise. My volunteer work with the scouts has slowed down somewhat being that I’m no longer scoutmaster but I have taken on other responsibilities on a higher level in the district which does require me to attend several meetings a month but it’s nothing like every Monday night and camping trips every month. I guess that’s part of being married.
“Life Goes On!”
13 Wednesday May 2015
Posted in Photography
Cycling on the roadways has become such a huge debate around here. Tempers are easily raised when the subject comes up. In fact, Alabama is ranked #50 as the worst bike friendly state in America. I have gotten into several online debates within the last few days and some of these people are just hard headed as they can be.
I’ve known since I’ve started riding that the general public does not like to share the roads with us cyclists. I’ve been honked at, yelled at, given the bird and nearly ran off the road. The main argument that I’m hearing is that the cyclist do not belong on the road when in fact Alabama state law states that cyclists have the same rights as motorists while on the road way. Go to the gym, ride on the sidewalks and use the bike lanes is just some of the other arguments that I’ve been given.
It is my belief that cyclists and motorists should learn to work together and share the roads. It’s a two way street guys. I’ve seen cyclist ride two and three deep and refusing to allow cars to pass. I’ve seen cyclist bust through red lights and stop signs when they are supposed to stop. I can see why some motorists treat us the way they do.
“Life Goes On!”
09 Saturday May 2015
Posted in Photography
Tags
365 Day Photo Challenge, Alabama, Bike, Birmingham, Cycling, Grismill, Loose Spoke, Photography, Railroad Park, Tannehill, Warped Wheel
http://tchphotography.smugmug.com/Prints-For-Sale/Tannehill-State-Park/i-r6m9d6P/A
I took my twin daughters to a band banquet tonight. The event was held at the McWane Center in downtown Birmingham. It seems that they have a banquet hall that was affordable for the students. The girls thought is was unnecessary for us to attend being that they only recognize the seniors but they did need transportation to and from the event. What a perfect time for me to get some good shots of downtown Birmingham at night.
My first stop after dropping the girls off was the Alabama Theater. That place was packed. It looked like by the amount of little girls entering the theater in TuTu’s that there was a dance recital going on. To many people going in and out of the place to get a good HDR image plus there not a parking space in site.
The next stop was the new Railroad Park. Same thing. No parking and they had some event going on there as well. Too much traffic to have to deal with. The next stop was across town to a Methodist church that everyone seems to like to take pictures of. A wedding was about to take place and the bride and groom was having their picture taken out front. Strike three.
Near Railroad Park is a set of tunnels that someone had put lights in that change color. It’s a popular place for photographers to take pictures. I was bound and determined to take some shots there no matter what it took. I got there and I found a parking place. My thought was to get in a position to get the tunnel in frame as well as getting a trail of brake lights going into the tunnel. I got out of the truck, with camera in one hand and the tripod in the other I started for the tunnel. I got to a position to where I thought I could get some decent shots when my phone goes off. It’s one of my daughters. They’re standing outside waiting on me to come and pick them up. Needless to say that I didn’t get a shot off tonight. The good news is that I was able to spend time with my daughters even if it was just for a few minutes.
I was able to get my bike to the shop. I inspected it before loading it up on the bike rack and noticed that one of the spokes was loose. I don’t own the tools to tighten the spokes nor did I have the time to try and true the wheel myself so I took it to the shop. I’ll pick it up on Monday.
“Life Goes On!”
08 Friday May 2015
Posted in Photography
Tags
365 Day Photo Challenge, Alabama, Bicycle Repair, Bike Shop, Cycling, HDR, Photography, Warped Bike Tire
http://tchphotography.smugmug.com/Prints-For-Sale/68-Chevy/i-fwD5QP5/A
I’ve been riding for three years, two years on what I would call a decent bike, not a Wally World bike but a bike that cost close to $2000 brand new. I take care of this bike and have regular service done do it. In fact, I just got it out of the shop about two weeks ago. I’m on my way home after riding about ten miles I started hearing a rubbing sound coming from where I thought my front tire. I stopped and adjusted the front brake and thought I had fixed it. Not only did I not fix the problem, the rubbing got worse the closer I got toward home. Once I made it home I had determined that my rear tire was way out of round. So much so that while spinning the tire it would be stopped by the break pads shortly after spinning the tire.
As I stated earlier, I’ve been riding for about three years and I’ve never had this happen to me before. I’ve been searching for the causes but all I’ve been able to find so far is how to fix it. It must be a common occurrence because there’s sure a lot of videos on how to true the wheel. Being that I don’t have any of the tools nor the time needed to learn to true the wheel a trip to the shop will be in order for tomorrow.
“Life Goes On!”
06 Wednesday May 2015
Posted in Photography
Tags
365 Day Photo Challenge, Adventures, Alabama, Birmingham, Cycling, Encouragement, Photography, Weighloss, workout
http://tchphotography.smugmug.com/Birmingham/i-H3RHVmb/A
I’m following several blogs that deal with working out, weight loss and cycling. You people give me a lot of encouragement. There are some days where I just want to give up and come home, sit in my recliner and watch tv until bed time. In the morning I start off doing ok but as the day wears on I start thinking of relaxing with my feet up and doing nothing. Then my phone starts going off with emails from WordPress about some of your adventures. Don’t get me wrong, I love to ride my bike but sometime it takes a little prodding from you guys to get my butt in gear.
Keep those adventures coming in.
“Life Goes On”
05 Tuesday May 2015
Posted in Photography
http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php
In just a few short weeks, the Ride of Silence will take place. Last year about 200 riders took to the roads in Birmingham’s southside and rode about ten miles. Not a word was spoken. It’s in honor of all those that were injured or killed on bicycles within the last year. A list of names is read out before the ride begins. It’s all escorted by local police throughout the whole ride. A small fee is collected to help with the expenses plus a nice bbq plate is served at the end of the ride. I’m not sure if this is available in your town but if it is I would encourage you to participate if you can.
“Life Goes On!”
04 Monday May 2015
Posted in Photography
http://tchphotography.smugmug.com/Botanical-Gardens/i-ZvxkCWv/A
If I heard that phrase once I heard it a hundred times today. At first it was kind of cute but it quickly grew old rather quickly. The sad part of it is that I’m a huge Star Wars fan. I guess that tomorrow catch phrase will be Cinco de Mayo.
Tonights bike ride started off late due to having to pick up my truck from the tire store. I had dropped it off yesterday afternoon to have a couple of tires put on the rear. Once I finally got my truck, I ate supper with my son, who is home for college, I changed clothes and started off on my ride. The only down side to riding in such a small city is that you get to know everyone and everyone wants for you to stop and talk. Tonight was one of those nights. I bet I got stopped ten times. And then there was the suspicious activity going on at a house that was being remodeled. Two cars and a van taking material out of the house in the dark with no lights. I called the police just to have them check it out. Don’t know the outcome but at least I think I did the right thing.
“Life Goes On!”
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