Addendum to Biking Journal Day 1 | "They were on sale"

I forgot to include this little nugget in my first post about getting back on the bike after 20 years.

If anyone thinks they do not have the athletic prowess or knowledge to get on a bike take it from me,  if I can do it anyone can do it.

ADDENDUM to Day 1 of my journal:

After dropping my loaner bike at home I headed straight to my LUMEN8 pop-up in my "special" bike riding gear (LUMEN8Anacostia t-shirt + sweat pants).  After I set my space up,  I went to visit the pop-up next door. The following conversation was between me and the other pop-up operator who is a friend. I swear I did not make this conversation up. It actually happened. I really am this clueless when it comes to sports.

Biking Journal Day 4 | The 3 Wise Men

MORNING
On the way to the car this morning Mr. Casey, 85 years young, commented on my recent bike riding. He told me about how much he enjoyed riding his bike until he gave it away a few years ago.  I don't know if there is an age limit on bike riding but I encouraged him to get back in the saddle seat again.

NOON
One of my co-workers is still a little surly someone stole his bike seat last week. To discourage more seat-napping he is parking his bike indoors. I'm just baffled someone would steal a bike let along parts of a bike. What is the point? To steal enough pieces of a bike to assemble one complete bike? Are there bike chop shops? Is there really a market for sweat stained bike seats? Weird.

TWILIGHT 
Took a break from pouring over receipts to ride around the neighborhood. I have to admit I am more likely to get on the bike than to go downstairs to the gym (go figure).  Fourth straight day of not falling, happy to have the skin on my knees and elbows intact. Still in desperate need of padded shorts. Will make a point to get a pair this weekend before I head back out to Anacostia Park. While I am at it will scope out a bike helmet, can't risk injuring my brilliant blogger brain on these mean DC streets.

Anacostia: The Web Series - Season 3, Episode 7 "THE GANGS ALL HERE"

Go HERE to catch up on Season 3 of Anacostia: The Web Series.
Warning: They are very addictive!

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The Root DC | ‘Anacostia in Fashion’ chronicles fashion through a historic lens

Another LUMEN8Anacostia project. Go HERE to read the full article by Erin Williams.

Excerpt:

For more than 150 years, Anacostia has been home to some of the most significant changes in the District’s history. From the opening ofSt. Elizabeths Hospital in 1855 to the escalating violence and drug use that ravaged the area in the 1990s, the neighborhood has witnessed it all. Now, this history is being illustrated in an unusual way: at a local art exhibit called “Anacostia In Fashion,” where clothing designer Brian Evans has created a five-piece showcase documenting the evolution of the neighborhood through interpretative fashion.

A mannequin draped in ribbons that have been fashioned into restraints, to represent the year 1855 in Anacostia, created by Brian Evans. (Erin Williams - The Washington Post)The exhibit details several points of the community’s history mainly though a series of outfits inspired by specific time periods. The show is part of Lumen8 Anacostia, a three- month art initiative highlighting visual and performing arts events through a collaboration between nonprofit ARCH Development Corp. and the city’s Office of Planning.

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Artist-in-residence Arie Mandelbaum in studio at Honfleur Gallery in Anacostia

Honfleur Gallery represented artist Arie Mandelbaum is currently working in Anacostia on pieces for an upcoming exhibition. The painter will work and reside in Washington, DC through June 17.

SAVE THE DATE
Arie Mandelbaum's new series will open Friday, September 14 from 6-8pm at Honfleur Gallery located at 1241 Good Hope RD SE, Washington DC. Artist will be in attendance.

Media requests should be made to Phil Hutinet at phutinet@archdc.org.

Arie Mandelbaum working at Honfleur Gallery in Anacostia.

"Arbre à New York", 2005.  Tempera and mixed media on paper glued to canvas.  211 x 148.5 cm.  Private Collection. Photo Credit: Wolfgang Dengel.

Biking Journal Day 3 | vaseline + padded pants

Taking a break at the Anacostia Skate Pavillion

Since my "inaugural" ride on Saturday I've been giving this biking thing an honest try. Three bike rides over three days and I'm still interested in riding. Every day I am getting a little more confident and capable. Who knew that because of a WABA free bike repair clinic I would be rediscovering the joy of biking?

That being said, I have learned a few things:

• Bike people are nice people. Not only am I using a borrowed bike but when my neighbor spotted me riding around she offered me the use of her helmet. Living in world where people almost never share their things it is pretty cool that folks are so encouraging and helpful. My neighbor also gave me some good (if not slightly weird) advise, "vaseline is your friend for long bike rides."

• Hoodies don't make for good seat cushions. Sitting on your hoodie while riding may slightly ease the discomfort of a bike seat (ouch!), but is not recommended. If said hoodie should get caught up in the bike chain you can find yourself the wrong side up on the pavement. (Another piece of advice from my neighbor.)

• Black women do indeed bike. In riding around my neighborhood I discovered two black women who bike and they were excited (and frankly surprised) when I told them there was a group for black women who bike. Because of that exchange I am putting them in touch with Miss V to get their black girl bike on. 

Upcoming Ward 8 Meetings

Every Tuesday @ 7:00 pm

Free Zumba Classes

The Professional Building

2101 MLK Jr. Avenue, S.E.

Lower Level

Washington, D.C. 20020

Support Our Parks

Follow the Oxon Run Park project on Facebook at:http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Oxon-Run-Trail/125390034221194

May 2012

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 @ 10:30 am

Ward 8 Environmental Council

CM Barry’s SE Office

2100 MLK Jr. Avenue, S.E.

3^rd Floor Conference Room

Washington, D.C. 20020

TOPIC:  Green Roofs at the United States Coast Guard on West Campus of St. E’s

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 @ 6:00 pm

Ward 8 Arts & Culture Committee

1922 MLK Jr. Avenue, S.E.

Washington, D.C. 20020

TOPIC:  DC Arts and Humanities Funding Opportunities ~ This Committee’s mission is to ensure that art and culture are embraced throughout the Ward.

Thursday, May 31, 2012 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Ferebee Hope Rec Center’s 1^st Annual Family, Friends and Community Annual BBQ & Pool Party

Ferebee Hope Recreation Center

3999-8^th Street, S.E.

Washington, D.C.

June 9 | 2012 Ward 8 Community Summit

Mayor Vincent Gray invites you to:   2012 Ward 8 Community Summit June 9, 2012 9:00am – 12:30pm Malcolm X Elementary School 1351 Alabama Avenue, SE, Washington DC   Additional information will be available shortly.

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com.

June 2 | Jazz In The Hood

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