Seven Years

It’s hard to believe, but you’re beginning your seventh year of reading this monthly drivel. Yep, seven years. It all began when Yr. Obd’t Svt. was the President of this fine organization back in ’95 and part of ’96. (Partway into 1996 my profession changed back to that of a seafarer, and Steve Strain bailed me out by taking over the leadership reins.) One of my responsibilities as President was to write the front page article, and after my term ended the writing just sort of kept on going.

But, as happens every so often, the muse has left me this month. Your correspondent is sitting here staring at the dreaded blank screen, wondering what to write that will be worthy of you, the readers.

One topic could be my impending job change (the old Captain is now going to teach other captains how to do it) but the only thing related to cycling in that job change is the new opportunity to try commuting by bicycle. You see, my teaching position will be at Young Memorial Campus of Louisiana Technical College in Morgan City, and I’ve found an apartment in Patterson, about ten miles (and one bridge) away. One of the criteria for selection of the apartment was that it be within commuting distance, and another was that it was possible (and legal) to cross the bridge over the Atchafalaya River by bicycle. So it’s very possible that this job will give me the opportunity to do even more riding than has been possible for the past few months. (Another good point about the job – the schedule will be just about like it is for me now on board ship, so I’ll still be coming home to Tennessee on a regular basis!)

Another topic could be the possibilities for cycling right here in the Chattanooga area. During my cycling years the bicycling scene has grown and grown, with the Chattanooga Bicycle Club boasting a healthy membership, increased attendance at the Three State Three Mountain and Two for One Centuries, and improved public knowledge of cycling. Bike Chattanooga has great potential to improve our community, too – maybe it won’t be too long before we’ll see that bike path connecting North Chattanooga and the Southside. And think of the possibilities if we could get some of the larger local employers to encourage cycle commuting by providing secure bicycle parking and shower facilities? You would think that, especially, companies that are in the business of encouraging good health (do Provident and Blue Cross Blue Shield come to mind?) would want to set a good example by encouraging their employees to partake in some health exercise.

How about cycling in the outlying areas? Although it’s sad that the proposed rail trail on the abandoned bed of the Sequatchie Valley Railroad didn’t come to pass, there will be more opportunities in the future. Tennessee Trails Association has a Rails to Trails Coordinator -– maybe the Chattanooga Bicycle Club should appoint one too.

So the muse hasn’t visited my house today. But then, I lean back, and notice that the screen isn’t blank anymore. Sometimes these articles just seem to write themselves!

Have Fun, Don’t Fall