Immediately after work I biked to 29th and Clybourn, two streets south of Wisconsin Avenue.

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Upon rolling up to the building, I saw Pops sitting outside. After recognizing who I was, he welcomed me in, registered me, and showed me around the place. There are frames everywhere. Frames upon frames upon frames. They seemed to multiply as the night came on. Wheels hung from the racks, organized parts filled boxes, and tools twitched in their resting places, anticipating the work ahead.

A few more people arrived – another familiar face, besides Pops. And it turns out we know a bunch of the same people. Afterall, isn’t Milwaukee the biggest small town in the United States? We futzed around the shop a bit, I lingered through lugged frames and Huffys alike, and started stripping down a bike to fix up for Center Street Daze. Eventually we had a very informal but comfortable meeting – during which I ate the remainder of my lunch (so good). Anyhow, there’s lots to do, and I don’t know how much time I’ll have to contribute. It always seems I take on more work than I can handle – but I like a challenge and it keeps me sharp, so we’ll see how things go.

If you’re interested in getting involved, whether it be to fix bikes, donate parts, work on the website, flyers, etc. – let me know. Alternatively, just contact the collective. Their info can be found here. I’ll get some of my own photos soon – forgot to bring a camera! So photo credits to whoever took them!

The questions are endless. Maybe it’s because, I too used to be overweight – obese, technically. At my peak I tipped the scales at 270 pounds. Now I’m a pithy 185-190, condensed and ready to spring into action. I am always intrigued as to how people lose weight, not out of mere curiosity or sympathy but rather so that I can pick up any tricks they have to losing and keeping it off.

It’s a struggle sometimes. I know. But please know that quick weight loss is unhealthy. Be realistic and expect your efforts to be longterm and sustainable. Small changes are best, and will accumulate over the course of your efforts. Here are some ideas, both my own and from others, to help you along the way.

• only drink water (no booze, juice, soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, water with sweeteners even if they are zero calories, etc.)
• drink water more often
• eat foods high in dietary fiber – you will feel full faster. Leafy greens and vegetables are perfect candidates
• don’t omit fats and carbs – they are essential to health, and to feeling full.
• walk
• ride a bike
• park your car farther away than necessary and walk
• take the stairs
• only eat vegetarian when you go out
• cook your own meals – you’ll have better control over what you eat – and will probably save some money!
• eat Greek/Middle Eastern style yogurt – or at least make sure the yogurt you buy isn’t packed with carbohydrates. If your yogurt has corn syrup, it’s not yogurt, it’s pudding.
• avoid corn syrup in general. If a product has it, I’ll look for an alternative
• limit meat consumption to chicken and fish
• limit television time
• do chores regularly! See above. Handwashing clothes saves water and detergent, and is quite a fulfilling workout!
• limit dairy consumption. I stick to hard aged cheeses and yogurt. You’ll catch me chowing on ice cream though … but only as a reward!
• keep a journal of your food consumption and energy exertion
• find an exercise partner, preferably a friend who is more fit than you and who has the time and energy to slow down and help you make progress

Hopefully these ideas will get you started. Let me know of any tricks or tips you have to losing weight!

When I’m on my bike, I am in a dream. Wheels whirring, air rushing past my ears, I stream past automobiles like water around rapids. Fast, smooth, elegant – at least, that’s how it happens in my mind. Nothing can slow me down; I dodge potholes and eagerly climb hills whose hearts crumble as I ascend them with an effortlessness they’ve never seen in a human being. Again, my dream and reality meld into an inseparable mass reminiscent of The Science of Sleep as I hammer through the city on my metal stallion.

So where’s this all going? I’d really like to get competitive and start racing. I’ve been reading articles online, watching youtube training videos, reading books about how to train for various events – but I need someone to help if I get stuck on my own. Luckily my friend Jon is an avid cyclist (and ex cat2 racer). We’re hopefully going mountain biking soon – just for fun at first, and I’ll potentially do a beginner level race. I’d love to road race though, and eventually give track racing a shot. I think it would be good – to keep me in shape and for healthy competition. I’ll post more as things unfold. And thanks, Jon, for inspiring me to ride.

Our team placed 5th in its category out of 14 teams, 4th not including bonus laps awarded. I met a lot of people and had a blast. Also, I wore spandex. Gross. Here are some semi-non-gross pictures. I’ve avoided full body shots to save myself from embarrassment – and to make sure your eyes aren’t damaged.

I’m looking forward to next year’s race – hopefully the organizers will do it again. In the meantime, I’m looking for people to bike with on a somewhat more serious basis. There are a few people already who I know are serious about it, so if you’re looking for someone to ride with, leave me a comment/email/etc. Peace!