One Car, One Bike

Logo design - Toni J. Chankas

The past few weeks, my sister and I have been sharing “One Car and One Bike” to get around. It’s not as easy as it sounds. All I can say is, you have to be organized and bring the necessary items you need for the rest of the evening. For example, when you switch from your car to your bike, you will need your wallet and house keys; then stow away your purse in the trunk and retrieve it later when you get your car back. 

We take our car for granted as a storage unit for extra shoes, sweater, gym bag and yoga mat. You have to relinquish all that when you transfer from car to bike. You now have to carry everything with you and if you want to stop off at the store, you can’t unless you have a place to put your groceries. I, on the other hand, don’t have a basket or any extra bags on my bike; most of the time I ride with a backpack and store the items I will need. 

One Friday night, I met my sister at Felice in the Larchmerre district – I drove; she biked; then, I lent her the car and I biked home. I had to make sure I had my helmet and biking pants to endure the bumpy road home. I also had to be cognizant of the time– when does it get dark? And give myself enough time to get home before then. Hence, you don’t have time to grab a bite to eat because that takes time – I drank a beer quickly and then I was off. Honestly, it felt liberating to bike with the fresh air upon my face as I maneuvered through the traffic. 

I’m a crazy fool because I take the shortest route possible so I ride through East Cleveland. Many of my friends think I’m nuts. Probably, but I’ve taken the route so many times that it doesn’t occur to me that something might happen. As long as I ride in the daylight – I’m good.

Ha, Ha I thought as I rode past SUV’s and cars that take up an entire lane; at least I’m not wasting gas and polluting the environment. It was okay for a few weeks and I got some good exercise in. 

What is frustrating, however, is all the honking and drivers looking at you like your an idiot for invading “their space!” One driver yelled at me for being in the road. She honestly thought that bikers are not allowed in the street. Another person beeped so loud that they thought I had no clue they were behind me. I ride with my ears; meaning I do not wear ear buds. They whiz past you without much clearance. Scary!

Drivers have become bold and hate when they see bikers.”Get over it,” I think. You will be seeing more of us. 

Before my sister needed my car, I’ve tried to bike when I can especially my volunteer stint at the Transformer Station on West 29. Most of the time, I volunteer on Saturday so I bike it. As I stressed above, you have to bring everything with you. This means a change of clothing because most of the time I can’t bike 12 miles with a pair of shorts – biking shorts are a necessity; trust me.

Why do I bike? As I’ve become older, I think a lot about the environment and my carbon footprint. If I can reduce it by a tiny bit on a Saturday or Sunday, then I will do it. As I stated above, I have to add more time to my destination. Much of the time it’s very windy that I almost turn back and get my car – a very easy habit. I hang tough and continued pedaling. Once I get to my destination – I feel successful that I got there by my own power. 

As I ride, I think about the week’s past and what I need to accomplish. I look at the tiny details that is normally overlooked as you drive past at 35 MPH. Going back to East Cleveland, I see the city as it once was – a thriving metropolis with old architectural details that is not built now. All we have is glass and flat board without anything innovative where you say to yourself, “Wow that’s a gorgeous building.” Mostly it’s boring!

What I learned from the biking experience is that you can get to your destination by other modes of transportation – bike and/or bus. I wish I had a short commute where I can use my bike more during the week but I do what I can. I also value my rusted, older car that I have providing my short commute and allowing me to cart my crap. 

My sister finally bought her new car and I have my car back. I will continue to bike; it is doubtful she will borrow my bike again. That’s fine with me. I will cherish the two weeks that I biked a few extra days and breathing the last of the summer breeze. 

Next bike trip, One World Festival at the Cultural Gardens September 13 and 14, 2014. 

Festival of Lights Cleveland Style

It’s August 8 and the AHA Festival is underway on Mall B. For those that don’t know, AHA is a light show that is the beginning of Gay Games 9; Land Studio was awarded a grant from the Cleveland Foundation to bring a festival of lights to downtown. It was cool to see yogi’s and cyclists embracing what a great city Cleveland has become. 

I placed my mat along side hundreds of other yogi’s in anticipation of a community yoga sponsored by Inner Bliss Yoga. I missed the other gathering at the Rock Hall on June 27, a glorious event where like-minded people practiced yoga under the warm summer sky. Space was tight between yoga mats as participants did their best to “down dog” and/or “chair” pose.

As I wrote a few weeks ago, there is something about yoga that keeps me coming back. The poses can be difficult and quite challenging as you come up from your tenth low plank or push-up (Chaturanga) as you try to control your breath. During the AHA event, however, I have never seen so many yogi’s doing “head stands” and other poses that I have yet to master. The energy was alive where you couldn’t help but embrace what Cleveland has done to “bounce back” from recession and job loss that many are still experiencing (me included). The city was aglow in rainbow colors from one end of town to the other (the rainbow extended from Browns Stadium to Progressive field). Wow is what everyone probably thought as they gazed into the sky. 

"The Pool" photo courtesy of AHACle.com website

There was a circular, plastic sculpture, "The Pool" (maybe 200 small circles created a large circle) laid onto the grass of Mall B where participants stomped on the disks and vibrant colors emanated as you hit the plastic. Very intuitive and interactive. I didn’t get a chance to participate as a huge crowd was trying it out. 

I was so happy so many people came out to participate in yoga and others that just hung out to see what all the fuss was about. Dogs were roaming around along with my sister’s dog, Max sniffing away at all the new smells. Something new to see, Clevelanders flock. 

During the practice, the instructors reiterated the same mantra — look at our beautiful city and be proud of being a Clevelander; what makes you unique? Everyone has a gift to share. It’s a matter of finding it (I’m paraphrasing; that is what I got out of it).

Yoga is exercise, breath, inner strength and light emanated onto others. I felt all of us yogi’s (1500 or so) believing in ourselves, our city and coming together to share this light within us with everyone around us. I felt fulfilled and positive about the future. 

Gay Games 9

As a volunteer for any new event in town, I offered my services to the Gay Games Federation. Such as the AHA yoga experience, I enjoyed my time at the Gay Games immensely. I met so many fine individuals from as far away as New Zealand, France (host to the 2018 games) Spain (two participants didn’t speak a word of English trying to get a team together so they can play volleyball) to Chicago, Michigan New York and California. Their excitement was infectious.

I volunteered on Saturday, August 9 as a greeter and informant for the cycling event. It was quiet at 8 a.m. but several participants from California took the “redeye” as they checked in with baggage in tow. I had a blast talking to people and welcoming them to Cleveland. 

What I heard. The participants thought Clevelanders and Akronites were friendly and embraced them with open arms (“the red carpet” treatment). Why not! They’re spending the week participating and spending money at local restaurants and clubs. 

When I volunteer, I do not pay to park. Instead I bike. One of my events was Beach Volleyball at Whiskey Island. I woke up at 5:20 a.m.; on my bike by 6:25 a.m. and barely made it to the venue by 8 a.m.  The night before it rained so it was extremely windy as I rode west. It was as though I was pedaling backwards, the wind was so strong. The Beach Volleyball participants continued on in spite of the “freezing” conditions. Some “winter people” think this is perfect weather, but I love it hot especially when it’s supposed to be August and normal temperatures are in the 80’s. Wednesday morning, it was in the 50’s – fall weather. Yikes!

I hung tough and watched some amazing volleyball. A team from Detroit had to go back home and deal with flooding problems. He said, “Cleveland wasn’t so bad.” They said the same thing as others have said, Cleveland is a welcoming town. Hooray! Way to go Cleveland. 

Right as I left, the sun cut through the heavy clouds. Biking towards downtown wasn’t bad in the sun. Regardless, I had fun. 

One of my favorite events was water polo. I was amazed with the athleticism of these participants treading water for an entire game. I was getting tired watching them. On Thursday afternoon, I watched Cleveland versus DC (District of Columbia). Good game 9-8 (Cleveland wins).

Closing ceremonies were fun and something I will probably not see again. The entire Mall C area was flooded with people. Rainbow boas, colored hair, gold, silver and bronze metals hung around their necks. Laughter reverberating across the sky. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Kelly King from New York City sang beautifully hitting these high notes that could have broken some glass. Beautiful voice. I stood in awe. 

The extinguishing of the flame and passing the flag to Paris brought tears to my eyes. I remembered the Winter Olympics we just had in February and how much I love competitive sports and the pageantry of the whole thing. They also showed this weeks sporting events in a short video and how proud I am of Cleveland in showing the world how great our city truly is – a hidden gem. 

I’m sad that all this fanfare has come to a close but I’m sure that Cleveland will host more events: films, National Republican Convention, and so much more. Our city shined this week; I’m happy I was involved in its glory and resurgence. 

Believe in Cle Community Yoga

Local Cleveland Fun

Hello fall! You are not my favorite season for it begins to darken at 7 PM and the weather cools. However, I have been able to ride my bike to Edgewater Park and the Transformer Station with minimal extra clothing. My thinking is: if I wear more than a tank top and shorts, it’s too cold. To my surprise, this fall has been warm for Cleveland and I can still do summer-like activities.

Last week, I rode in the sun with temperatures in the 70’s - strange for Cleveland. I was in my glory, for sure. Suddenly, a big black cloud appeared and rain poured for at least 30-minutes. Luckily, I was able to seek refuge in a pavilion near by. I sat and waited until the rain quieted to a light mist. It was warm enough that I could ride through the wetness without getting chilled. It felt more like summer rain rather than fall that chills you down to the bone. You need to stand in the shower for several minutes before you are warm enough to get out.

Everyone loves fall for the bright orange, yellow and red leaves. I do too in some respects but my backyard is already accumulating bright orange and yellow leaves – very soon, however, my tree will be bare. Next, the white snowflakes will hang on the branches and drop to the ground. Beautiful for a day or two, then I will be hauling that darn shovel to clear my driveway. A task I should just, “Get-over-it” but it’s sometimes never ending. The way I look at it now, there are still plenty of “bike-riding” days to come. As time continues, I will be planting my garden soon.

Cleveland Flea

Linoleum Block done in School

If you like local vendors and anything Cleveland, I highly recommend attending the Cleveland Flea on East 55 Street. A diverse neighborhood that is finding its niche - buy local and help our community thrive. Some of the stands distributed: local honey; handmade soaps (Soap Alchemy http://www.soapalchemy.com ); soaking salts for your feet; dishtowels with simplified linoleum prints of birds and trees by “Tart Boutique” www.etsy.com/shop/clevelandtart (I remember doing those prints in grade school); vintage furniture repurposed into inventive coffee tables, a table that holds cold beer, bookshelves and knobs that you can hang your keys; vintage clothing that you will never see another person wear and endless jewelry vendors. Take your pick!

I was so overwhelmed by all the vendors that distributed their wares. I wondered around for a bit so I can get my bearings – what did I want to see and/or buy. Since I rode my bike, I didn’t have many options to buy anything big or breakable. I’ve heard about this flea on the radio and I was just curious by checking it out. In describing how crowded it was, a vendor told me that there was a long line at 8 AM just to set up your tent. I got there at 9:45 AM and the cars were already lined up along East 55. Bring it on . . . help Cleveland’s economy. A very positive event that many walked away with merchandise in their hands as they walked to their cars. I “bike-boxed” it.

As the holidays approach, I will consider bringing my car to hopefully take home some rare finds. I believe that people are looking for inventive gifts and creative household items to buy. I just heard on the radio that now, Macy’s is also going to open on Thanksgiving evening for the Holiday season. Seriously! How bad do you really want that “junk” made in China or Bangladesh? Unless someone is giving away a free iPad, I won’t even bother standing in those ridiculous lines. I’m outraged! Take a stand, Buy local!

Last year for the holidays, I bought local at the Holiday Fest on Superior Avenue and made a drawings as gifts. I rather have those items as gifts then something from Target that will far apart within a year.

Nothing in Cleveland to do!

The Cleveland Flea - Second Saturday of the month.
http://theclevelandflea.com/classes-events/

Third Friday at 78 Street Studios - Detroit-Shoreway
http://78thstreetstudios.com/maps

ArtCraft Holiday Show 2013 will be on Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8, 2013!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ArtCraft-Holiday-Sale/151694151541624?hc_location=timeline

Whose dog was that?

Biking and giving blood just don’t mix. Whose brilliant idea was it to bike down to the American Red Cross and give blood? It sounded good at the time. Saturday is my biking day and I thought why don’t I do both. I didn’t think that after giving one pint of blood that my body would be physically ready to exert additional energy and bike. Not only did I bike downtown but I went all the way to Ohio City, West 58 to be exact.

I pedaled feeling pretty good after I ate two bags of pretzels and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Quite frankly, it was a warm and pleasant day for biking without the humidity we usually get in July. Since I try to give blood every fifty-six days, I am fully aware that I need to keep myself fully hydrated. I continually drank water as I pedaled from east to west.

Suddenly, I wasn’t feeling so good - light headed and hot. I Immediately stopped at West 29 and Franklin and laid under a tree without even taking off my helmet. I could just kick myself for not heading home. I closed my eyes and took long, controlled breaths until I was able to sit up. How stupid can I be? I laid there thinking that I did a good deed but now I feel like crap.

It’ll pass; it always does.

As any cyclist will tell you, always have snacks. I drank a yogurt smoothie and some fruit. My head feels fine and the queasiness has passed. I’m thankful that someone didn’t stop and ask if I was all right. “Yeah, I’m laying here because I didn’t have the common sense to go home.”

I didn’t want to break any records pedaling home. I took it easy - a steady, even pace. I didn’t want to get dehydrated again. Water is your best friend when you exercise and especially when you give blood. Honestly, I drink water all day long. Nothing is better than this clear, refreshing liquid. My saving grace.

About forty-five minutes from home, I found another tree at Gordon Park and laid down, helmet and all. I rather be safe than sorry. I’m in no hurry. Eyes closed. I took a long breath in through my nose and out through my nose; yoga’s ujjayi breathing. Suddenly out of the blue, a black dog appears under my tree. I heard the clinging of the dog tags. S/he didn’t bark just hovered until I reached my hand and petted her head and neck. I couldn’t believe it - a dog just appears to make sure I’m okay. Seriously!


I didn’t realize it until later that this dog sensed something and ran to my tree. I don’t own a dog nor do I know much about dogs but this dog was worried about me. I felt so appreciative that it appeared; stayed until I was alert enough to touch her. I will never forget this incident. My heart goes out to this beautiful dog. I thank you for your intuitiveness. Every thing has a purpose - dogs, elephants (my other favorite) bugs, rodents and everything else. And, we are all connected in some way too.

Pet and hug your animal today, you never know when they might offer some help.

Please donate to the American Red Cross
http://www.redcrossblood.org/

Biking Downtown - ‘Bout Time

graphic from www.bikecleveland.org

It’s May 17, and I finally pulled out my old mountain bike to check the tires and lube the chain. Today is bike to work day; I plan to ride downtown and looking at the progress of the East Bank of the Flats. There are so many changes going on in the city that I’m looking forward to seeing it at 15 miles-per-hour. Sixty-eight degrees and sunny is the perfect time to start pedaling.

I realize that we’ve already had numerous warm weather days for me to venture out on my bike but the late schedule of the Cleveland International Film Festival, Orthodox Easter and cleaning up my yard, the days and weeks have just gone by. I really can’t complain about the above normal, sunny days in Cleveland, Ohio. My yard is in full bloom with this giant fragrant lilac bush. It just puts a smile on my face.

As a freeze baby, I wore a few layers to combat the wind as I rode down along Lakeshore Boulevard, against the wind. That is ideal; however, on the way back when I’m fatigued, I will have the wind in my face practically pedaling backwards.

The ride was wonderful as I rode along the congested Euclid Avenue bike lane. On a positive note, there is a dedicated bike lane but drivers are still annoyed that they need to share the road. More times than not, a truck or car speeds right on my left pedal driving like a bat-out-of-hell determined to get to their destination. My heart is pounding as I nervously compose myself as I defensively ride in my lane, hugging the curb. Driver’s should just look around and make sure they are not getting in the way. “Please share the road!”

I am not a novice as far as cycling goes but now I’m more aware of my surroundings. I don’t do what most people do, which is listening to an iPod, oblivious to their surroundings. My hearing is in tune to the ambient sounds so if a car gets too close or doesn’t follow the “rules of the road” then I have plenty of time to get out of the way. It really shouldn’t come to that. One time I was riding my light weight rode bike and out of nowhere, a car cuts me off by making a left turn right in front of my front wheel. If I didn’t have quick reflexes, then I would have been sprawled on the road. Hence, you need to drive or cycle defensively regardless.

I commend anyone who cycles through downtown on a regular basis. There is so much traffic on all the streets that I needed to zigzag to find a street without much traffic. It’s not that I’m nervous to ride, but as I stated above I don’t trust people in cars. They seem like they’re always in a hurry and not really paying attention. Besides, I’m not enclosed by plastic and steel.

What was interesting as I rode through the Warehouse District, the movie crew were already filling up the parking lot with white trucks and vans? At first I was confused why so many trucks where parked there – then it hit me. The Captain America crew will be shutting down the Shoreway and some downtown streets. I want to go downtown and see them shoot; I missed it when The Avengers crew were in town.

Pretty cool, I must say.

The other area that I thought was cool was The Flats. Admittedly, I was annoyed that they bulldozed Old River Road except for a few buildings. I can’t help it; it reminded me of the heyday when the Flats was in full swing: Fagan’s, The Beach Club, D’Poos, River’s Edge just to name a few. The city was alive with so many Clevelanders – it was the place to be on the weekends. Now, it is beginning to take some shape.

The tall, Ernst & Young building and the Aloft boutique hotel will be fantastic when it finally opens – it has been leveled since 2006-2007. The contractors began laying bricks underneath the “blue bridge.” And yes, I made my way up that steep hill on my mountain bike, huffing and puffing as I reached the top. West Sixth and Ninth streets are also going through road construction as I made my way through the “orange barrels.”

It was crazy trying to maneuver my bike through all the construction, but I’m enthusiastic how beautiful the city will look once all these projects are done. It will give more people a reason to venture downtown away from their suburban Mecca. What will bring people downtown is giving them something different that they can’t get in the burbs – We are definitely on our way?

To learn more about downtown, Take a Hike - Tuesday, Wednesday (New), Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. www.clevelandgatewaydistrict.com

Flats East Bank
http://www.flatseast.com/