Anderson Area Transportation Study Meeting Tonight 1-31-2011

Please be reminded of the final ANATS public meeting to discuss the ANATS Long Range Plan as follows:

Monday, Jan 31 @ City Council Chambers @ 5:30 – 7:00 PM

City of Anderson Building (Police Station)

At the meeting, a Public Comment Form will be available. This input form will allow you to submit your support of walking and biking safety, bike trails, greenways, etc. There is also a question on the bottom of the form to share your support of a particular project. Please be sure to complete a Public Comment Form to express your support of The Greenway Project.

We need ALL the support we can get on this issue.

On Thursday night, we quickly found out that the nay-sayers are definitely expressing their opinion against the Greenway. If we want this greenway to happen, we must have our voices heard.

The talking points are attached for your use at these meetings. (FYI...these talking points are really good to use on the Public Comment Form.) The “Greenway Project” is already #1 on the list as prioritized by the Study Team. The Study Team makes recommendations to ANATS on certain issues and they presented the list of projects to ANATS in October. Since the Greenway Project is currently listed as #1, our committee’s message is that the “Greenway Project” should remain as the #1 priority on the list of ANATS long-range projects.

Rainy Day Grey

So it's been a while since my last blog. Most of my followers only see my sleek Trek Madone 5.2, but there is so much more to cycling than race bikes and the paceline where I try to hold my line. There is the rewarding experience of commuting by bike, the barhopping downtown, the thrill of riding home in the dark even in the rain. The Trek Soho shown above is what I consider my rainy day bike, and why not? The bike is painted rainy day gray, the full mudguards, sealed roller brakes, American made "Gates Carbon Belt, and belt guard all make for what my boss calls the perfect rainy day bike.

This very afternoon I donned my poncho, which I purchased from our neighbor Half Moon Outfitters, my ear muffs, Trek helmet, and new gloves, and headed outside for my commute back home. My coworkers, all of which are hard core cyclist looked on and offered encouragement. "You're bike was made for a day like this" said my boss Ric with a smile. I thought to myself he is right. Weather like this is what separates the real bike commuter from the posers.
I pedaled into the spritz with a smile as they watched me leave. I kept that smile all the way home. The glass of red wine felt sweeter and smoother going down with the paprika chicken dish my wonderful wife prepared for me. I was so glad I rode to work today. I feel so much more alive.
Do yourself a favor. Ditch the car and commute by bike as much as you can. The feeling it gives you is so good for your body and your soul.
Thank you my dear friends at "The Great Escape Bicycle shop". Thank you for your encouragement on days like this when it seems so much easier on the surface to take the car, but just beneath the surface is my favorite place to be, because that is where serenity lives. Do yourselves a favor. Experience the bliss. Commute by bike.

TGE Anderson Saturday Morning Ride/s

After a great and cold ride in Anderson this Saturday morning, a group of us are grimaced over the blood flow moving back into our toes and fingers. We talked about what items of clothing worked really well in the frigid weather and what will not be used next Saturday morning. As I noticed that the ice that formed in my beard is slowly melting away and that the coffee tastes better than ever, we slowly looked at each other and remembered what was discussed a few days before, the idea of heading to Greenville and riding Paris MTN after we finished up the Saturday morning ride. We shrug off the doubt and head out towards Greenville. The idea that is has to be warmer than the 26 degree weather we were just riding in earlier warms our hearts a bit.

Once we get to Cleveland Park, we pull the bikes off the cars and start getting dressed. We change clothes to the noise of jokes and the howling of the monkeys from the zoo. We were welcomed to the beginning of the ride with a balmy 32 degrees. Then we are off, heading over to Paris MTN. It has been awhile since I rode Paris MTN and I have to admit, it sounded a bit daunting. While I lived in Greenville, this was something I did a few times a week, but now that I live in the rolling hills of Anderson, it seems like it is a lot steeper and longer than it did before. The three other guys I was riding with are on their maiden voyage. The nervous excitement of the climb was bouncing around in their heads. Once we take the turn onto Altamont, everyone says their last jokes and head up. Wow, I forgot how much painful fun and many great views that climb offers. Also, I forgot how fast the descent can be and how COLD! Once we got back to the cars everyone had smiles on their faces, no matter what pain they felt on the climb earlier. It was laughs and stories at this point. The stories about that dog chase, the wall (the last pitch on Altamont Rd.), the cold and (most importantly)trying to decide where we were going to eat lunch.

What a great and cold day. No matter how cold it was during those rides it was great to get on the bike. Whenever you can, bundle up and get on your bike.

Ahh...Carolina Winters!

One great reason to live in the Carolinas are the days that we are given in the middle of winter that allow us to ride in shorts and short sleeves. One day we might be bundled up trying to avoid the wind and rain or snow. Then the next day we walk outside to enjoy the sun and 60 degrees. It helps break up to torturous monotony of riding that cursed trainer! I hope each and every person is able to get outside, or even more importantly, get on your bike to enjoy these days.

TGE Greenville Sat.Morn. Shop Ride Route

We have had requests to post our Sat.Morn. shop ride route for those of you that would like a great route starting from The Great Escape Greenville. So, here it is, enjoy.

Let us insure your bike fits you properly.

The Absolute best way to truly enjoy your new or existing bike with maximum comfort and efficiency is to get a professional bike fit, we can adjust every aspect of your bike to correspond to your body and posture needs.
The Great Escape has trained Trek certified fitting professionals and fit stations in each of our stores, to ensure the anatomical and mechanical aspects of your bicycle interface properly with your body.

The winter months are a great time to get a bike fitting analysis and make any adjustments to improve your performance on the bike.

Call either of our stores to book a Bike fitting, you will not be disappointed.