Me 24

Granddad Army RetirementI served 24 years [1968 - 1992] on active duty in the U.S. Army.  I am now a retiree who thinks we are entitled to at least one vice, providing it does not harm or hurt anyone and is neither illegal, nor immoral.  My current vice is “city farming.”  Other vices include photography, stereo equipment, computers, and in-home theater. For now, cycling is my passion and for a senior rider, I do okay. 

Spin Class '07 I have two children; both now adults, with two children each.  My daughter Sherry [Rogers], is now 42 and my son, Michael [Pamela] is 40.  My grandchildren, Gabriel, Lia, Adriana, and Brandon are currently 13, 11, 11, & 7 years, respectively.  I am fortunate to have two other wonderful children by virtue of my biological children’s marriages, Rogers and Pamela.  Sherry and Rogers are the parents of Gabe and Adriana; and, Mike and Pam are the parents of Lia and Brandon. I love you dearly.

24 Comments

  1. Jim, In case you didn’t see the request from rails-to-trails in the Spring/Summer 2009 issue on page 5… I think your adventure to Tater TOT 2008 would be a great addition to their magazine. Please consider a submission if you have not already.

    Thanks,

    Russell

    They are requesting entries for the next issue:

    What is the farthest you’ve traveled to reach a rail-trail?
    Where did you go and what did you find most memorable about the experience?

    Essays should be no more than 250 words in length and may be edited for publication. If your essay is chosen, we will ask you to provide a picture of yourself to accompany the essay. Send your essay and contact info to magazine@railstotrails.org. Space is limited, additional essays not included in the magazine can be found here.

    • Thanks Russell for bringing this to my attention. I had not seen it. I’ll do my best to meet their March 31st deadline. I’ll do my best to submit an interesting article–either way, the experience was interesting and rewarding. Thanks again. –jim

  2. Well Russell, I followed through today, 03/31 [I've been busy]. Thanks again for bringing the essay submission to my attention.

    Here is my submission [244 words]:

    I traveled 2,630 plus miles from Fayetteville, North Carolina to Kellogg, Idaho to ride the Coeur d’Alenes bike path in and around Mullen and Plummer, Idaho. The ride was with a group of 30 cyclist who gathered late June ’08 at Kellogg to experience the thrill of recumbent “triking” across the panhandle. A blast it was, especially the ride from Mullen back to Kellogg. The slight downgrade gave just the speed boost for some incredible speed on our super-low trikes. I’ll always remember the journey and the beautiful scenery along the Coeur d’Alenes.

    The journey began mid-June with a drive to south-western Virginia for a week of riding in the Virginia and eastern Tennessee mountains. Scenic and fun–a week of fitness training for the Idaho ride. I then drove, by myself [and 3 cycles], in 3.5 days to Kellogg for the meet up and ride the rail-trail. It took 3 alternators to get me there–the 2nd in Vermillion, South Dakota and a 3rd in Rapid City, South Dakota. There were times I wondered if I should continue my journey west or return home because it seemed this experience was not to be. Well, for the beauty of the trail and lake at Coeur d’Alenes, the trip was definitely worth it. From there, I rode the Seattle-to-Portland Classic and RAGBRAI in Iowa, with brief riding stops in Saint Paul, Minnesota and Morton, Illinois. Total experience–FANTASTIC! I’ll do the Coeur d’Alenes rail-trail again!

  3. You live in Fayetteville, NC? That’s where I grew up (Army brat) and my parents and sisters still live there. I’ve never cycled there and it seems very transportation-cycling unfriendly. Interesting to read about your adventures!

    • Indeed I do. I grew up here, attending local schools, etc. I’ve cycled all over town, without mishap. I grew up riding in traffic. For longer rides, we ride in the Eastover area or Robeson, Scotland, Hoke Counties area. What part of Fayetteville do your parents live? Thanks for your interest in my blog and your comment. Come visit often. –jim

      • That’s cool! My biggest concern would be drivers who aren’t aware of or don’t agree with cyclists’ right to be on the road. I did see a new “share the road” sign when I was there for Christmas.

        I went to Byrd and my parents still live in that area. I live in Chicago now, which is very bike friendly.

        • I understand. We all ride with some degree of risk. I try to ride as safe as I can, keeping an escape path in mind. When you are in Fayetteville again, maybe we can hook up for a ride. I discovered your blog from this post and decided to comment on it in my blog. I’ve also added you to my link list. Thanks and be safe. –jim

  4. I really like your 700. I did a search, looking for a close-up and some info on your safety flag pole. Maybe I’m doing something wrong. I like how you put the light on the top of the pole. The pole looks like it is something more than just a standard pole. Would you mind sharing some information on the mount and where you got the pole.

    We have spoken before, I live over in Jacksonville. I have recently purchased a slightly used Road & Speed.

    Marty

  5. Hi Jim
    Very soon I’ll get in touch with Ashley to order a custom QUAD Kit.
    UTAH QUAD
    Customized QUAD Conversion kit

    Here is possible progression to a fine finished vehicle for accessing the outback.

    For instance, remember Rafael going towards Austin and he stopped for a storm only to be challenged by the Coyotes? About 2 miles further to the minor summit is a delightful place to camp. From there there are truck-tracks leading to springs, wild ridges, old mines … its to these tracks I hope to head.

    The Coyotes song at last light, their Reveille, is my Taps…at first light, their Taps, is my Reveille. The occasion is tingling but in delight. So far have gotten along rather well with them.

    AND a well construed QUAD has every likelihood of getting me there.

    First stage, imminent, is to to get a base QUAD kit with some essential components to simply get it up and running for substantial orientation and experiments.
    Second stage, early winter, is to try out rear side rails and remove the center rear fork and frame tube (I have 3 frames)

    AND to do trials on equipping a Drive-Train that can do 6 Gear Inches to over 100 Gear Inches
    Third stage, late winter, is to establish the Drive-Train securely and add Torque Couples to the side rails (dissasembly and shipping)

    June stage is to head for the East slopes of the South Cascades for Base Camping.

    I’m pasting in a link to a screen shot of a bit of a QUAD brochure I authored to hang up always right in my face . There is quite a lot if info there. Might you have a look – maybe pass on any new QUAD thoughts you might have?

    QUAD according to Terry.

    … this trip has started.

    • Terry,

      Your Quad idea sounds exciting. I have not considered a quad. I look forward to reading about your adventures with it. I take it the 1st link [UTAH QUAD] is to show their stock model? Thanks for sharing. –jim

  6. Great website and thanks for being a bentrider friend. If you are ever passing through Onida, South Dakota– please stop by for a visit and ride.

    God bless,

    vern

    • Hi Vern,

      Thanks for the compliments and the invite. I was across South Dakota in ’08. I may do that again one day. I’ll do my best. Thanks for the visit also. Take care. –jim

  7. Hey Jim! Love the trike. Do you have spec sheet somewhere on your blog that I am missing that goes over your lighting and power set up for it. I am planning some long distance rides and would like to duplicate some of your lighting.

    Scott

    • Thanks Scott,

      I use DiNotte Lights. No spec sheet, but several articles and pictures of what I did. Search DiNotte and you will find what and how. Thanks for your interest. Let me know if you have other questions. –jim

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