The My Bike Photo Series project is a series of portraits and profiles of Maconites who use a bicycle to get around for more than just recreation. These photos highlight people who bike to get to work or school, or bike to run errands, or bike to improve their health. Together, these images and stories begin to form a portrait of Macon as an emerging bicycling city. This project was launched by Bike Walk Macon and photographer Dsto Moore to celebrate Bike Walk Month.
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Purchase your favorite portrait from the my bike photo series.
photographers will receive a portion of the proceeds.
Photographers supported by a generous sponsorship from AARP Georgia
Matt is an award-winning editorial portrait, commercial advertising, industrial, and sports photographer out of a southern town just a few minutes south of Atlanta called Macon. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Mercer University in Human Services (he's a people person). Back in the day, he tried his hand in TV as a commercial TV producer and was promoted to a sports reporter. During his time there he shot local news and a little photography (he ended up sticking with the latter). When he's not on assignment, he's more than likely watching his favorite soccer team Arsenal FC, boxing, coaching soccer, reading, drinking hazelnut coffee, or listening to 80's music (and yes, he's a huge Hall and Oates fan). He's also an avid vintage comic collector who is one of a few people in the world to hold an original copy of the 1984 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 print...COWABUNGA!
Check out his work on his website www.mattodomphotography.com
Contact Matt at info@mattodomphotography.com
Facebook @ www.facebook.com/mattodomphoto
Instagram –@mattodomphoto
April 23rd, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Phillip Bryant
PHOTOGRAPHER: matt odom
Phillip Bryant first came to Macon in 2014 when he began his tenure as the President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia (BGCCG). With the organization’s club locations spread throughout the city, reaching from Shurling Drive to Bloomfield Road, Phillip became acquainted with the far reaches of Macon quickly. “One of the first things I noticed was the how the further out you go from the urban core, the fewer resources there seem to be.”
With a passion for serving youth, particularly those who may be in need of some resources, Phillip has found a way to share his love of biking with the Club Kids. Thanks to the generosity of a committed donor who is an avid cyclist, each Christmas BGCCG has been able to provide between 50 and 70 bicycles to club members.
“The beauty in being able to gift bicycles to our club kids is manifold. Firstly, it shows them that someone cares about them. More often than not, the bikes we give are the first bike one of our Club Kids has ever had. Secondly, it encourages physical activity, which contributes to one of our pillars of youth development: Healthy Lifestyles. And thirdly, it helps close the transportation gap.”
Phillip sees how transportation limitations throughout Macon are a barrier to the services the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia provides.
“So many kids in Macon could benefit from the programs we offer at our clubs. The most common factor that hinders those in need from reaching our services, is transportation. Many of the kids and teens that do attend our clubs are within walking or biking distance. For those that are beyond being able to bike or walk safely and do not have any other means to get here, attending a club is not an option. I would just love to see more safe routes throughout the far reaches of our community. The impact could truly be lifelong!”
In the meantime, Phillip and the BGCCG organization has plans to launch a cycling club this coming summer with Club Kids to help teach bike safety and promote Healthy Lifestyles.
One easy way to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia is to follow them on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about their programs or how you can be engaged, visit www.bgccg.org.
april 13th, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Rachel umana
PHOTOGRAPHER: matt odom
I received this bicycle as a birthday gift from my parents in 2015 - it inspired me to start exploring Macon by bike every day. I was having fun, saving money, and spending more time outdoors. A few weeks after discovering my new love of commuting by bike, I applied for a national fellowship to start a local transportation advocacy group because I wanted my neighbors to experience those benefits as well.
In June 2015, I was selected as a K880 Emerging City Champion through 8 80 Cities and Knight Foundation. The fellowship equipped me with the tools, networks, and resources to create Bike Walk Macon. In just a few months, Bike Walk Macon engaged a diverse and passionate group of stakeholders and volunteers to support my vision of a happier, healthier, safer, and more socially-connected community.
Fast forward to 2021 - we’ve come a long way in just a few years! Bike Walk Macon is now a non-profit organization that recently received $1 million to support our mission for at least ten more years. Macon now has seven times as much bike lane mileage as it did in 2015. Thousands of people have re-imagined miles and miles of car-free streets thanks to our Open Streets Macon initiative. And our team continues to build on our momentum to advocate for policies and funding that improve conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians in Macon’s transportation network.
I love my bicycle! I’ve been relying on it as an alternative means of commuting for six years. I love that I can sneak in exercise during the day without taking extra time from my schedule. Most importantly, I love my bike because it inspired me to start Bike Walk Macon. I’m extremely proud of the meaningful change our organization is leading -- to help Macon become a city that embraces all forms of transportation!
april 6th, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: kaylee pruitt
PHOTOGRAPHER: matt odom
A Macon, GA native, Kaylee Pruitt joined the Bike Walk Macon volunteer team in the Fall of 2019. Since then, she has carved out a name for herself by organizing activity partners for Open Streets Macon, location partners for Shamrock ‘n’ Ride Scavenger Hunt, hosted Virtual Bike Walk Macon videos and joined BWM for many projects including painting Macon's first green bike lanes on Poplar St.
Kaylee was not always in love with bike riding. She bought a mountain bike when she was 22 and never quite enjoyed it. Even though she lived downtown for 6 years, she chose just to walk. She eventually moved to the Vine-Ingle neighborhood and started thinking about jumping back on two wheels. After joining the BWM team, she traded her mountain bike in for a cruiser and has never looked back.
When not volunteering her extra time with Bike Walk Macon, Kaylee can be found hanging out with her husband, Justin, with her amazing dog, Odie, or taking on the dance floor. You can also find her planning events at Fall Line Brewing Company.
Suzanne Lawler
Suzanne Lawler is a Macon based professional photographer.
She received her first camera when she was ten, under the Christmas tree. It was a Kodak instamatic in one of those bright orange boxes. She remembers walking down to Eckerd drugs with her Dad every Thursday night to pick up the pictures and the anticipation of hoping for one or two good shots.
Today Suzanne does portrait, real estate and wedding photography. She is also a news anchor at Channel 13, where she uses her photography skills to provide the station with beautiful seasonal images.
Suzanne thinks photography is a magical and creative outlet. She feels that capturing a moment in time is a gift. She enjoys getting to know her clients and working together to capture their life and create a piece of art.
The Florida native owns two bicycles and has participated in triathlons. These days she would like to find more time to get out on two wheels, but she is happy that photography is such a big part of her life.
Check our her work on her website slawlerphotography.com
Contact Suzanne at lawlerphotos18@gmail.com
Follow her on Instagram @slawler_photography18 and Facebook @ www.facebook.com/suzannelawlerphotography
Help Bike Walk Macon support this local photographer by donating to Suzanne at: Cash app - $SLawlerphotography
March 30th, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: roy carigg
PHOTOGRAPHER: Suzanne lawler
It’s not unusual to see Roy Carrigg riding his bicycle downtown, and many times he fancies pulling over on the sidewalk to belt out a song. “I’m pretty good with words,” he said. “I will work and write a song while they walk by.” He’s 67 and says he’s been coming up with lyrics and strumming his guitar for 56 years. The day I met him he told me about a tune he’s writing called Macon Town.
Roy is originally from South Carolina along the Edisto River, he wound up in downtown Macon a few years ago. Currently, his bicycle is key to his existence because Roy is homeless. “I’m staying in an abandoned warehouse,” he said confidently. One-day Roy found the wheels in the trash and fixed it up, someone donated the trailer to him so he has space to carry his musical instruments or his clothes on laundry day. “If you take care of it, it will take care of you,” he said about his bicycle. “I keep it oiled up and take care of it.”
The man with lots of personality doesn’t have a lot of possessions, but his bicycle is a cherished treasure, it’s one of the few things that make his life easier. “It helps me so I don’t have to walk, he said. “I have problems with my hip when it gets cold so it takes the pressure off my leg.”
Despite his aches and pains, Roy spends a good bit of his day volunteering at Daybreak. He’s had to deal with some hard knocks in life, but the crooner is resolute and happy to be riding around putting a smile on any stranger’s face that spends some time with him. “You've got to have a good outlook," he said. Even though I ride a bicycle life can be hard, we just have to pay attention to what we do and make it work for us.”
March 23rd, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: paul and alice williams
PHOTOGRAPHER: Suzanne lawler
If Alice and Paul Williams look familiar, well they are quite visible around Macon especially with their dog Cherry during the Cherry Blossom festival. It’s usually the standard pink-streaked poodle that prompts folks to ask for a quick photo, but lately, they’ve garnered some attention for their bikes.
Most weekends the couple climbs into their big-wheeled coaster bikes and covers 10-20 miles around downtown Macon.
These are bicycles you don’t usually see going down the road. The day we met they had their wheels decked out with flags trailing in the back and a bike carriage for Cherry the dog. Alice was on an Ice Fat Tire Recumbent trike. While Paul sat beside her on an HP Vella Tech FX Scorpion. Paul goes old school using the pure power of his legs, Alice gets a little boost to keep up with him. “I like it because they have an electric computer, if I go up the hill I use high,” she chuckled.
The couple deserves all the electronic breaks they can get. They are going strong with Alice clocking in at 71 and Paul sitting at 73. And they’ve always had a love affair with two wheels even before they got married 52 years ago. Alice had a bike as she describes it in grammar school. “I had a paper route on a bike,” Paul said. Before they sprang for the wheels they ride on now, they would frequently go on their weekend jaunts on a classic tandem bicycle, which is when two people ride together on one unit. They say, “tandems are either for you or for divorce court,” Alice said with a smile.
Clearly, they didn’t go the way of the latter, in fact, they can’t imagine giving up their bicycles anytime soon. They both chimed in that ten years ago they said they have ten good years ahead of them. Now they feel they’ve got another ten good years ahead of them too, I’d personally bet on twenty. And even if the knees give out well there is a plan in place. “Instead of wheelchairs I’m going to get another bike,” Alice said.
March 16th, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Koryn young
PHOTOGRAPHER: Suzanne lawler
About Koryn and her Bike Story:
Folks in the Macon bike/walk community know Koryn Young, she is the engagement coordinator for the program which means she connects people and neighborhoods to get involved, in fact, she was instrumental in getting this project, the My Bike Photo Series, up and going with the help of Dsto Moore and project manager, Chris Smith.
That should be no surprise really because if you meet the personable woman with the easy smile, you can see she has a passion for people and getting outdoors. Her love affair with two wheels, like most of us, began in childhood.
“I remember the day I learned when I was five years old,” she said, “and I never stopped riding.”
In fact, she showed up for this interview and photoshoot on her bike, sporting her helmet and logging the mileage from her downtown home to Rose Hill cemetery. But it was that bike from 35 years ago that really made that indelible impression.
“I got a “new to me” red bike for my tenth birthday,” she said. “At first, I didn’t like it because it was a girl’s bike and I didn’t want to be a sissy, but I had that bike until I was 20. That’s the bike I learned to ride without holding on, and I thought I was so cool.”
That definitely is cool, but in a way, she has brought that freedom to anyone who wants to go on a biking adventure. As part of Bike Walk Macon, as a collective group, they’ve put down eight miles of bicycle lanes in the area. “We are slowly starting to connect them,” Koryn exclaimed.
And that’s important especially when you dig in deeper with this cycling enthusiast, she says a lot of folks will depend on that access. “Thirty-three percent of our residents don’t have funds or access to a car, so they rely on biking and public transportation,” she calculated.
That’s a sobering statistic and it exemplifies why it’s a blessing to have Koryn and the other folks at Bike Walk Macon as ambassadors for folks that want to use the handlebars as a joyride or a legitimate way to make a living in Central Georgia.
“We have a long way to go,” she admitted, “but ultimately we can create a better economy.”
Koryn Young is the Engagement Coordinator for Bike Walk Macon. Her passion for bike riding started at the young age of 5 when the training wheels came off and the adventure began. She is still learning the fine art of walking and will take any opportunity to explore her town and beyond with a good pair of sneakers. She has an extensive background in event planning, and she is proud to be part of the Bike Walk Macon team bringing fun, interactive events to the Bike Walk Macon Community, ultimately creating a more bikeable and walkable Macon.
When she is not planning events with Bike Walk Macon, you can find her hosting Storytellers Macon, porch or firepit sitting with friends and neighbors, hanging with her main man, Nathan, or chilling with her best dog and gal pal, Matilda.
March 9th, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: lucious hawthorne
PHOTOGRAPHER: Suzanne lawler
The spokes of a bicycle are intertwined into the fabric of Lucious Hawthorne’s life.
The bike engineer grew up on Chestnut Street in Macon, he loved the freedom of getting on his bike and riding. But like a lot of little boys, he wanted to tinker with the wheels.
“I used to sneak down to a metal junkyard for parts,” he said with a chuckle.
At age 17 he walked into a bicycle shop, which is now known as Bike Tech Macon. And except for a few months window, he’s never left.
Lucious is a staple in the Macon-Bibb bicycle world. Most days of the week you will find him in the shop, wearing a blue work shirt he’s spinning wheels listening for glitches in gears, replacing a tire, or tweaking up brakes.
He’s 54 now and that kid-like fascination with two wheels never left him. “You don’t need gas, no insurance, all you need is some water,” he described. “You get to clear your mind and think, it’s like cutting grass.
He doesn’t get to ride as much as he used to. “The farthest I rode was fifty miles along Highway in Monticello, starting in Jones County,” he mapped out. “They used to call it the Lucious route.
He would like to get back to the Lucious route, but he’s practical and a bit worried about how dangerous it’s gotten for riders sharing the road with distracted drivers. “Cars scare me, I stopped riding once cell phones came out,” he admitted.
He may not lock into the pedals anymore, but he is a solid link to riders looking for a little mechanical advice. “I don’t plan to retire,” he said.
March 2nd, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Suzanne wood
PHOTOGRAPHER: Suzanne lawler
WHY I BIKE
I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2009. After surgery and treatment I decided I wanted to live a more full life and do things I have never done before, like participate in a triathlon.
My first triathlon was at Sandy Beach in Macon. I had a horrible swim, but when I got on my bike something clicked. I laughed. I whooped it up. I was happy.
Now I've done over 40 triathlons of all kinds of distances, including 2 Ironman triathlons (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run). Every triathlete has their favorite sport and mine is biking. Once I get on my bike in a race I calm down, focus and enjoy my time while maintaining a competitive edge. When I was training for my Ironman races I logged almost 2,000 miles on my bike.
When I'm training for a race I average between 100-150 miles a week on my bike. When I'm not it's between 50-60 (in warmer weather those miles increase some). I like to ride with friends, but I will also take off solo. It's a stress reliever and endorphin inducer.
Ashley Gadson
Ashley Gadson is an energetic spirit born and raised in Macon, Ga with a knack for bringing out the light within others.
A Multi-Media Communications graduate from Georgia Southern, Ashley always knew the media field was her route in life. She has played different roles involving cameras for the past 10 years including photojournalism, news reporting as well as event photographer and videographer.
She recently moved back to Macon after living in California and Seattle, and hit the ground running creating No. fl.ASH. Necessary Productions. She specializes in bringing the creative vision of others to life using photography and videography. With a love for music that runs deep through the family line, she is currently the in-house photographer and videographer for the Clutch Factory, LLC, an Owner’s Space created by a group of local music artists and herself based in the Capricorn Music Incubator.
Her goal is to expand her production company and bring others aboard that have a passion for creative camera work like herself. Ashley loves working with other creative individuals and believes everyone’s light is extraordinary…no.fl.ash.necessary. =)
Contact Ashley at noflashnecessary@gmail.com
Follow her on Instagram @nofl.ash.necessary and Facebook @ www.facebook.com/Nofl.ASH.Necessary
Help Bike Walk Macon support this local photographer by donating to Ashley at: Venmo: AshNicole
February 23th, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Eric Mayle
PHOTOGRAPHER: ashley gadson
When most people travel to a new city they’re perfectly fine with renting a car or Ubering to any destination around town. Not Eric Mayle. When he and his wife are playing tourists in a new area, their bikes are typically along for the ride. For him, the sights and sounds of a city are best experienced on 2 wheels…not 4. “When we visit a city, we’ll either take our bikes or rent one. It’s the best way to see a new city and the first thing I want to do when I go to a new place. It’s slower than a car but more efficient than walking.”
When he’s not out exploring a new city, you can catch Eric safely cruising through downtown Macon, particularly in the industrial area, his favorite sector of the city to steer through. “It’s a bit more dense and feels a lot safer to bike downtown, with all the stoplights and stop signs. It's a lot slower-paced than some other areas.”
Although those 2 wheels represent wanderlust and exploring for him, Eric sees cycling as something bigger…a form of community outreach. He serves as the Executive Director for Centenary Community Ministries (CCMI), an outreach ministry started in 2009 by the Centenary United Methodist Church. With this ministry, the Re-Cycle Macon Bicycle program was started with the mission to: Build community by rebuilding bicycles.”
“It's a beautiful thing during non-COVID times. People from all different walks of life come together, we share a meal and fix broken bicycles. Then, people come to us who are in need of transportation and they earn the bike by doing service hours, either in our community garden or another program. The look on their face and the pride they have after earning it, is just a really good feeling.”
For many people in the city of Macon, transportation is scarce. Eric sees a simple solution to help alleviate this issue…a bike! “It's not that a bicycle with fix all your problems…but it's a big help. You can bike 15 miles if you have to, but it's a lot harder to walk 15 miles”, he says. Whether for work or running errands, Eric sees cycling as a quality of life improvement. “We’re really just trying to help people, help themselves.”
To get involved or learn more about this program visit re-cyclemacon.org.
February 16th, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: T.J. Hudson
PHOTOGRAPHER: ashley gadson
For T.J. Hudson, biking has always been in his schedule. From BMX sports biking at a young age to cycling for cardiovascular health now, he’s always had a thing for the wind beneath those 2 wheels.
In his time off from biking, he took to running as a way to stay fit, but after straining his achilleas he knew just the solution to continue on his fitness journey…the bike! It’s been 3 years and he hasn’t looked back…except to see if a car was coming. “I usually try to bike at least one short ride and one long ride a week. A short ride is 10 miles, long being at least 20 miles", he says.
It's also a form of relaxation and adventure. With his music in his ears, T.J. enjoys riding throughout the city of Macon, traveling down new roads to keep the ride interesting. “I love going down a road I’ve never been before and seeing where it takes me. I am cautious though because a lot of these neighborhoods don’t have bike lanes, so you have to be careful where you ride. It would be nice to see bike lanes installed in other neighborhoods aside from downtown.”
His main reason is not just for his health, but to inspire others. He and his best friends created the group “United We Exercise”, a family that stretches throughout the 50 states motivating each other to stay active. “Our motto is “Let’s Get Moving” and we believe in the power of a post. We post daily, weekly and monthly challenges on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. You look on these pages and you see people using the hashtags and it encourages you to get out and get active even on those days where you don’t really feel like doing anything.”
He’s not in it to win any awards or get any accolades, he simply wants to stay healthy and motivate others to get out and do the same.
February 9th, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: George muhammed
PHOTOGRAPHER: ashley gadson
It had been years since Brother George Muhammad picked up a bike, but one day the sudden urge to cycle struck him!
As a community activist for years throughout the city of Macon, he knows being physically active is important as well.
He visited Bike Tech Macon, got himself a great moderate level bike at a great price, and began to ride through his beloved neighborhood on the Eastside. He first thought about using cycling as a new way to “stretch” his muscles, but as he began to ride more throughout his own neighborhood, he realized it would be a great way to experience the rich history other Macon communities have to offer.
A historic black bicycle tour through Pleasant Hill is what he came up with! A way to stretch the physical and the mental simultaneously. It ties into the Black History tour through downtown Macon he started a few years ago. He realized the deepest of that history lies within the Pleasant Hill community that most people from Macon don’t really know about.
The tour itself isn’t just “one-sided”, but hits both sides of the historic neighborhood that was split by I-75. This allows for the full history to be experienced by the biking audience, and more minutes to be gained in physical activity.
As the weather gets warmer and the flowers begin to bloom, Brother George Muhammad hopes to continue these tours and expand to other neighborhoods that share the same “little-known history” throughout the city of Macon. With the help of more bike lanes and a means to provide others with access to a bike to experience the tour, he will continue to push for more events such as these.
February 2nd, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Cedavean Waller
PHOTOGRAPHER: ashley gadson
It was back in 2014 when I attended Edward Waters College and was a drum major that I realized it was important to be in great physical condition.
I started with running a few miles each day, moved on to crossfit, strength training and settled in calisthenics.
I returned to Macon after graduation and continued with my fitness journey, but began to take it more seriously. I was challenged by Daylon Martin to pick up cycling as a new way of exercise. Excited for a new challenge seeing as I hadn’t picked up a bike in years, I was prepared for the first ride…or at least I thought I was. The ride just so happened to be 15 miles and I was completely unaware.
Being the fitness junky I am, I pushed myself physically and mentally to complete my first cycling quest and it was here that I began to love the new found hobby of biking.
Daylon and I cycled together a few more times, one of which was even more challenging than the first, a bike ride from Jones County to Kathleen! I thought of all my fitness endeavors and used this as fuel to push through the ride.
After this ride, cycling became more to me than just a hobby, but another challenge in the realm of fitness to see just how far my body can go.
I enjoy cycling in areas that could be called the “scenic route.” Ones with lots of hills and particularly in a neighborhood. When I first started cycling, I was a bit nervous because I was unaware of the rules of the road, and the sparse bike lanes in areas deterred me from wanting to go. I think Macon could use more bike lanes in several areas not just for myself, but to encourage others to get out and get fit. As the owner and trainer at 7 Fitness, I encourage all my clients to switch up their fitness routine not just for the body, but for the mind. Cycling is a great way to boost cardiovascular health, improve endurance as well as challenge the mind and body to go the extra mile.
My goal is to go on longer bike rides that will enable me to pace myself and also at some point complete a biking marathon.
Jessica Whitley , "Jessy"
Jessy is a portrait photographer originally from Conyers, GA who specializes in headshots, weddings, performances, and events. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in New Media and Interdisciplinary Studies at local Middle Georgia State University. Jessy centers equality and human rights in her artistic expressed vision and found herself immersed in local projects within the arts community–including photographing Theatre Macon’s first printed calendar for Calendar Girls, event photos of workshops for the Lost Keys literacy festival, fundraiser events for Furever After Pet Rescue and local Ocmulgee Artist Guild. She was also a proud participating artist of Dashboard, INC and Newtown Macon’s Lightbox Alleyway exhibition, BRIGHT CITY(March 15, 2019–March 15, 2020). She hopes to leave the world a little bit better than she found it, especially if that can be done through the use of her photo sensibilities. Jessy hopes to travel to Europe and extend the reach of her lens around the globe, maybe even for National Geographic! She is a proud photographer for Theatre Macon and Macon Magazine and enjoys freelancing in photography all over Middle Georgia. In her free time, she loves to travel and create mixed media artwork and sing. When not listening to Stevie Nicks and gardening, you'll find her working as the SAA of the Ocmulgee Artist Guild and on the board for Main Street Macon.
Contact Jessy at jessicawhitleyphotography@gmail.com
Follow her on Instagram @jessicawhitleyphotography and Facebook @ www.facebook.com/jessicawhitleyphotography
Website: www.jessicawhitley.com
Help Bike Walk Macon support this local photographer by donating to Jessy at: Venmo: Jessica-Whitley-10
January 29, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Addison martin
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessica WHitley
Addison Martin is a 10-year-old fifth-grade honor student at Mattie Wells Elementary School in Jones County. Originally a track athlete, Addison began riding at the young age of 8. In 2019, she joined the Milledgeville Dream Team Cycling club, now Create Youth Cycling, and completed 18 miles during her first ride in Dublin. Throughout the season she road all over the state including the Velocity ride in Atlanta and the Gullah Geechee Savannah Festival where she rode 28 miles! Addison trains weekly pedaling 10-30 miles a week depending on the weather, chores, and schoolwork. She enjoys riding fast and safe routes, as well as an occasional race between teammates. During the road cycling offseason, Addison occasionally rides a mountain bike on the Bartram trail in Milledgeville, Pig trail in Macon, and the cross-country trail at Clifton Ridge Middle school in Jones County. When Addison is not on a bike, she enjoys making Tik-Tok videos, surfing YouTube, shopping, and arts and crafts.
Favorite food: Garlic and butter crab legs and shrimp
Career Goal: Elementary School Teacher
Favorite mode of travel/vacation: Cruise ships
Siblings: Two sisters and two brothers, Addison is the baby.
January 28, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Jake Grisamore
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessica WHitley
The main reason I bike is for pure enjoyment. It’s both mentally and physically engaging and feels so freeing to glide along the earth on two wheels that you are powering and controlling with your own body.
I ride a Jamis Komodo 27.5+ Sport bike that I purchased at the wonderful Bike Tech- which is also where I bought my first bike as a kid.
What I like most about my bike is the SUPER CHONKY tires that handle all types of terrain and romp over road obstacles like it’s nothing.
My favorite thing about biking is pushing myself to new limits when out biking, trying new trails, taking roads and paths that I never would have discovered on foot or in a car. It's a whole different way to experience the world around you. My favorite place to bike is in the downtown area, particularly Rose Hill Cemetery. The hills there are fantastic and it's an incredibly peaceful place to have some quiet reflective time away from it all.
Macon could be a more bike friendly place if we rethink our sidewalks and incorporate more two lane bike/ walking paths to connect some key parts of the city. People in cars here are too distracted and don't look for bikers or people so I think the way around that is to get bikers off the streets and create more pedestrian friendly infrastructure to keep us all safe as we get around our beautiful city.
I think Macon thrives in allowing people who care to take action and make a direct impact on the community. Macon serves as a spring pad for so many motivated and impassioned people to put in the work that needs to happen to make a difference for all who live and love here.
January 26, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Chris Smith
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessica WHitley
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF - I grew up in California and graduated with a BFA in photography. Traveling has been a big part of my life and I’ve spent a good chunk of my time living in other countries. I moved to Macon a few years ago and now I teach photography at Wesleyan College along with working as a photographer.
WHAT IS THE MAIN REASON YOU BIKE? I use it for transport. I got used to using it as my main source of transportation while in other countries since I never wanted to buy a car there. I used it as transport for the first eight months I lived in Macon until it just got too difficult carrying my gear in the rain or cold.
WHAT KIND OF BIKE DO YOU HAVE? I usually have some type of mountain bike. I like going on/off trails when I can, but otherwise, they’re great for all the hills in the area.
WHAT IS MY FAVORITE PART OF BIKING? The speed that comes from downhill and the wind.
WHAT COULD MACON DO BETTER TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN BIKING EASIER? I realize it’s difficult to always have bike lanes in some of these skinny streets so I’d at least like to see a community/drivers education outreach about how to share the road with bikers. Too often biking here gets dangerous, solely from aggressive drivers.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MACON DOES WELL? I think Macon is great for being a hub of different types of bike communities. It might stem from the “need” more than “desire”, but whatever may be the case, there are a lot of different communities that are very active and engaging and range from fun to practical.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO RIDE? I’d say the pig trails as it becomes a moments reprieve from traffic or responsibility and I can just have fun.
January 21, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Charise Stephens
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessica WHitley
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
My Name is Charise Stephens and I am the founder of the U Create Macon (UCM) Bike Teams. UCM houses the only youth chapter of Major Taylor in the world, the fastest-growing mountain bike team with the Middle Georgia Composite, Trips for Kids Middle Georgia, We Bike GA, and more. Our goal is to bring Free Bikes 4 Kids to Macon by February 2021. In 2000 when I was Mother of the Year for Central Georgia through the United Way of Central Georgia/ The Telegraph, my platform was youth development. I would have never thought 20 years later that I would be so blessed to host these award-winning programs for youth development.
We are housed in a clubhouse with an in-house bike shop, training facility, and soon a youth bike park.
WHAT IS THE MAIN REASON YOU BIKE?
Biking is freedom and it opens your eyes to what life is all about. The bike is a great example of life, keep your eye on the road (follow your own journey), look around (take time to appreciate your surroundings), and keep moving (no matter the ups or downs, keep moving)!
WHAT KIND OF BIKE/S DO YOU HAVE?
Our bike team mountain bike and road cycle so I have one of each. I ride a Giant mountain bike and a Specialized road cycle bike. I am also repairing a Sonoma bike so I can use it for my around-town bike.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BIKING?
I am getting older and biking is keeping me young. It helps with balance, endurance, and more.
WHAT COULD MACON DO BETTER TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE BIKING EASIER?
Macon is doing much better. UCM has completed psas and will be doing additional youth bike rodeos in 2021. Our motto is simple, we want to get more kids on bikes and safety is going to be key to make that happen.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MACON DOES WELL?
Macon is my town and I think Macon does itself well. It showcases its diversity through its music, culture, and most importantly its people. I love Macon!
January 14, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: LUMI
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessica WHitley
A little about Lumi
I am the youngest member of the U Create Macon Bike team and the youngest person to ever do the valley ride in Dahlonega ga at only nine years old.
The main reason I Bike is because it is a great stress reliever and it has helped me during rough times and will help me in the future.
I have a specialized mountain bike with full suspension and the model is a stump jumper I believe. I had an old road bike but I am getting a new one and I am not sure what kind it is.
My favorite part of biking is meeting new people and going all around Georgia and even outside of Georgia.
One thing Macon could do to make my biking experience better is to make more bike lanes seriously. They make biking so much easier for me.
I think Macon provides a very convenient bike store for me and my team. It is called Bike Tech Macon and helps a lot with our biking needs. Macon is also very good about supporting all of our youth riding initiatives.
January 12, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Kanvas
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessica WHitley
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
My name is Kanvas, I’m 12 and I am a part of the U Create Macon Cycling Team. My brother and I were two of the youngest riders ever for the Valley Ride in Dahlonega, Georgia
WHAT IS THE MAIN REASON YOU BIKE? I like to bike for the experience and adventure.
WHAT KIND OF BIKE/S DO YOU HAVE? I have a mountain and a Road bike.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BIKING? Getting to visit new places and meeting new people.
WHAT COULD MACON DO BETTER TO MAKE YOUR BIKING EXPERIENCE EASIER? Put in more bike lanes.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MACON DOES WELL? They very much support our cycling Team.
January 7, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Amber Valentine
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessica WHitley
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
I recently got married and graduated with my degree in Psychology and Music in May 2020, so I had both a Covid graduation and a Covid wedding. My husband and I call downtown Macon our home, we have two dogs, and we both love being outdoors together. I am the owner of Star Stuff Yoga & More, The Valentine Cottage, and singer/songwriter for The Vineyard Band. I love being creative, doing yoga, and am an avid classic country and americana music fan.
WHAT IS THE MAIN REASON YOU BIKE?
I bike to let go and relieve stress. I always feel so light and breezy after a bike ride.
WHAT KIND OF BIKE/S DO YOU HAVE?
I picked out an affordable bike from Walmart based solely on the fact that it would fit in the back seat of my car. It's pretty basic and I am not even sure what kind it is.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BIKING?
My favorite part of biking is taking in the beautiful scenery of Macon or wherever I take my bike to.
WHAT COULD MACON DO BETTER TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE BIKING EASIER?
I use the existing bike lanes but do not feel safe on some bike lanes due to drivers not paying attention. If we could somehow increase awareness for drivers to look for bikers, it would make biking easier.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MACON DOES WELL?
Macon takes certain aspects of bigger cities and repurposes them with a small town warmth and charm that is so uniquely Macon. I don't consider Macon a small town but there is such a sense of pride and support for our community, that it often feels that way, but in all the right ways. I love the sense of connection and community that we all have for one another here.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO RIDE?
My favorite place to bike is the industrial section of town because of the interesting scenery and the lack of traffic. It is so peaceful and pretty back there.
January 7, 2021
BICYCLE COMMUTER: RENEE Corwine
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessica Whitley
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
I got into mountain biking in college (about 1999) because I started dating a guy who loved to bike. He went to bike races and I’d go along for fun. Eventually, he convinced me to try it. That first bike ride – on his mom’s bike – was the most miserable, and yet thrilling, thing ever! Up until then, the occasional round of golf was the extent of my physical activity. So, I started riding and racing, and that continued long after he and I broke up. At one point, I was competing across the Southeast in mountain bike cross-country races, 12-hour team races and going to bike festivals. I was an officer in the Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association, a chapter of the International Mountain Bike Association, which promotes access to trails and works in trail preservation. I met my husband, Jake, at a mountain bike event and he proposed to me at the start of a 12-hour race we were both participating in.
I started road cycling a few years later, and then running and swimming with the goal of attempting to complete my first sprint-distance triathlon. I actually signed up for two races, because I’d heard you should give it a shot twice before you decide you don’t like it. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did, but two races turned into several years of races, which included a full Ironman distance race (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run) in 2010.
All the medals in the photo are ones I have won from mountain bike races and triathlons.
As for the rest of my life, I have a journalism degree and have been working as a writer and editor for 20 years. I also am a certified personal trainer, so I do a little of that as well as teach Pure Barre classes.
WHAT IS THE MAIN REASON YOU BIKE? That depends. When it’s not 2020 and triathlons are happening, I bike to train for races. I also bike for fitness. Mostly, I mountain bike for fun and stress relief. It’s something Jake and I enjoy doing together, and we have several friends who bike with us. There’s nothing better than a cold beer after a hot bike ride! We’ve also been known to pedal down to Just Tap’d for a beer and then pedal home.
WHAT KIND OF BIKES DO YOU HAVE? I have a new Canyon mountain bike. I also have a Cannondale triathlon bike. There are a few more bikes in varying stages of missing parts or needing upgrades, including a Kona single-speed and an old Cannondale mountain bike I raced on back in the day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BIKING?
I enjoy zoning out in the woods and zipping along the trail, especially when the sun is warm and the breeze is cool. I also enjoy riding as a way to spend time with my husband and friends. During non-pandemic years, I love the atmosphere at a triathlon on race morning, and generally how nice everyone is – despite the fact that we’re all competing against each other. Cyclists are some of the nicest folks I’ve ever met.
WHAT COULD MACON DO BETTER TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE BIKING EASIER? It would be nice to feel safer riding on the roads in Macon. As someone who runs and rides on our streets, sometimes cars get WAY too close or seem to be unaware they should make room for us.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MACON DOES WELL? In recent years, Macon has done a great job of building a sense of community around cyclists of all ages and abilities. Whether they are racers, folks who ride for fun, or who just like to pedal around with the kids (or pups), I’ve seen all kinds of people out riding our streets. It’s particularly nice when I see them come together for events like bike parades and fun scavenger hunts.
Jamicah has an immense passion for life, people, and stories. He was born and raised in Macon, GA. Through the medium of photography, Jamicah discovered his love for visual storytelling which led him to start creating films that shared stories that spoke to him. He uses his craft to not only entertain, but to make people feel and to make people think. What better way to do that than through a good story? Jamicah currently lives in Savannah as he attends the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). He’s majoring in Film and Television Production and minoring in Motion Media Design.
Contact Jamicah at JamicahWork@gmail.com and follow him on Instagram @JamicahMoore.
Help Bike Walk Macon support this local photographer by donating to Jamicah at: Venmo: @JamicahMoore / Cash App: $JamicahMoore
December 29, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Shamiya
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jamicah Moore
Meet Shamiya
My name is Shamiya and I’m 14 years old. I play Softball, Soccer, and Basketball. I love to hang out with my friends and family and explore the world. I have been biking for a while, but I just recently started biking downtown. I enjoy biking because it’s fun and helps me stay in shape for sports. The bike I ride is a Giant Mountain Bike. My favorite part of cycling is riding around to parks, downtown historic buildings, and restaurants. My favorite person to bike with is my Boyfriend (Jack). To make the biking experience in Macon easier, a clear bike path for bikers would be nice.
December 22, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: David Harrop
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jamicah Moore
Tell us about yourself…
My name is David Harrop. I am a sixty-five-year-old man and have been biking recreationally most of my life. Nothing serious, just casual, slow, level ground, beach-cruiser type of biking.
What do you like most about biking?
The exercise and the connection with the outdoors. I have recently been biking more frequently because I have gone through a cancer diagnosis and the doctor said biking would be great for both my physical and mental health, so I bike as much as I can.
What kind of bike do you have?
I have a small electric pedal-assist bike that is easily transported in my car.
What is your favorite part of biking?
I grew up in California where being social and outdoors has always been a vital part of peoples’ community. My routine is playing pickleball at Tattnall Square Park in the morning and uses it as a starting point. Sometimes, I bike ride around Tattnall Square Park and the Mercer campus. With the fountain in the park and the beautiful old buildings on the Mercer campus, it is an awesome hour ride. Occasionally I will go from Tattnall Square park downtown on the bike to H&H Cafeteria for breakfast, another great little ride.
What could Macon do better to make your experience biking easier?
Needs more bike lanes!!
December 15, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Matilda & Quinn Israel
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jamicah Moore
Chat with Matilda & Quinn
What do you enjoy most about biking?
Matilda: I enjoy how you can go fast and feel the breeze and be free.
Quinn: My favorite part is going fast and exploring new places on my bike. Like falling and getting back up. I also really like doing tricks on my bike.
What’s your favorite place to ride your bike?
Quinn: Probably around the neighborhood. I like going around and around over and over again.
Matilda: I like riding on the side of the street not the sidewalk because it gets pretty bumpy and once there was a big hole that made me fall off.
Do you guys ever ride bikes together?
Quinn & Matilda: Yes, we alway do!
Do you enjoy riding together?
Matilda: Yeah, because we will be like “let’s go this way, this way!” Or I’ll be like “follow me” and I’ll go really fast.
December 8, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Tori Byars
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jamicah Moore
A little about Tori
Tell me about yourself…
My name is Tori Byars. I’m currently a student at Middle Georgia State University, studying psychology. Psychology is one of my passions but some of my other passions include fitness and nature. That’s kind of where biking comes in. When it comes to fitness I’m really into weightlifting, so I’m always staying at the school to lift. But to balance the lifting I like to incorporate biking sometimes to get a bit of extra cardio.
What do you like most about biking?
Being outdoors just makes me really happy. I love going camping. My family and I go camping at Lake Tobesofkee and other state parks. My favorite part about biking is that you can do it with other people. When we are camping, we like to all go riding our bikes together and the greatest thing about it is that we have people of all ages from my parents, to me, my sister, and her children; so we have multiple generations all just enjoying riding our bikes together.
What type of bike do you have?
Right now, I have a Cruiser bike but I would like to eventually get more of a trail or mountain bike, because that’s where I end up riding my bike most often and I’d love one that’s better suited for that.
What could Macon do better to make your experience biking easier?
Maybe just increasing where they have trails for riding bikes whether it’s in nature trails or if it’s in the downtown area, or maybe making some sort of history ride where you can look like different landmarks in the city. Also just increasing areas where people feel more comfortable and available to go out and bike. I think getting more awareness out there about nice areas where you can bike would be good because I feel like a lot of people don’t know about them.
December 1, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Bobby Schorr
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jamicah Moore
Tell us about yourself…
My name is Bobby Schorr. My wife Elizabeth and I have three children: Robert, 6, Marilyn, 3, and Buck, 2. By day, I am Regional Vice President of Sales for Kelly Education and by night/weekend owner of Bike Tech, Macon’s Bike Shop. I consider myself your average, everyday cyclist. I work hard to make sure everyone knows they can be a cyclist too, and you don’t have to own any lycra or a “kit” to ride your bike. Outside of my work at Bike Tech, I am proud to serve on the Advisory Board of Bike Walk Macon and support the much needed work they are doing to better our city.
What is the main reason you bike?
For fun! But I truly do it for all the reasons - some days to get around, to run errands, to take the kids to the park and other days to exercise, explore Macon and just plain enjoy being outside.
What kind of bike do you have?
My cargo bike (read: Minivan) is a Benno Boost E and my other bike (that is really my do-all bike) is a Jamis Renegade.
What is your favorite part of biking?
I grew up in Macon and still find myself on roads that I’ve never been on before. Typically when I ride, I have an end destination in mind but never a route. To me, that is the best part, to take a turn that I didn’t plan on. You never know what you’ll find!
What could Macon do better to make your experience biking easier?
Connectivity is key and we can’t have enough! More access to bike friendly roads, trails, paths, etc. should be a priority. If you really think about where you drive during the day, mileage wise it is likely not that far. The problem is if you wanted to take your bike instead of your car, the direct path is not often the safest path for a bike.
In addition to safety, accessibility by bike (or alternative modes of transportation) creates opportunities for more outside entertainment, exercise, economic development and most importantly will positively impact mental health in our area. Seriously, tell me the last time you got on a bike and didn’t smile :)
Heather Renae is a Macon based photographer who specializes in studio photography. She has been an educator for 10 years and currently teaches in Bibb County. Teaching children is her first love. Heather's ultimate goal in photography is to focus on editorial and beauty photography. She also found a new love for bike riding during the pandemic and continues to ride with friends.
Contact Heather at www.heatherrenae.com and follow her on Instagram @i_heather.
NOVEMBER 24, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: ALEX MORRISON
PHOTOGRAPHER: HEATHER RENAE
A little about Alex:
I am the executive director of the UDA and a board member for bike walk Macon.
I bike for several reasons, but it ultimately boils down to the fact that I enjoy it. For a few months in 2016, however, I was forced to bike to work everyday. I quickly learned what it's like for those who cannot afford a car and that made me more of an advocate.
I ride a Specialized Sirrus
My favorite part about biking is the smile it puts on my face.
We need to expand the trail network to neighborhoods and have safe and separated bike paths throughout the city.
Macon listens well and loves well. We will make the vision happen in an inclusive and equitable way
NOVEMBER 17, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Amber hughes-baker
PHOTOGRAPHER: HEATHER RENAE
Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Amber Hughes-Baker. I was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. I am a previous track and field scholarship recipient and have been running track since the age of 9 years old. I attended Savannah State University and met the love of my life, as we ran on the same track team. I am married with a 4-year-old son, Braylen. I enjoy cycling with my husband and other cyclers across Middle Georgia. I am entering into my third year as a Third- grade teacher. My passion is educating and making a difference in children’s lives.
Main reason I Bike:
I started biking during the pandemic, when I received an invitation from my best friend, Cortney Hickey. We joined a diverse group which included cyclers across Middle Georgia. Most of the cyclers were educators, so we worked from home for a short period of time, and then summer break came around. Shortly after, biking became an everyday hobby for our group of cyclers. I love it mainly because it is a high intensity workout, but very enjoyable. When I get on the bike, it reminds me of high school and college days on the track. I get to unleash the competitive side of me, through biking.
What can Macon do for better biking experiences:
I think more people would become cyclers if there were more events held around the Macon area, encouraging all people to bike. I also feel that we as a community should host competitive events for more advanced cyclers to come out. This would be a perfect mingling opportunity for different cyclers to connect, and from there maybe different cycling teams and groups can be created.
NOVEMBER 10, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Darrius baker
PHOTOGRAPHER: HEATHER RENAE
Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Darrius Baker, I was born in Atlanta, Ga and from a very young age I knew I was fast! That speed allowed me to get offered a track scholarship to Savannah State University and it's there I met my wife. After graduation, my wife (who is a native of Macon,) wanted to move back home so that is how I got here. I worked at GEICO for 5 year four of which I was a recruiter. Just recently I secured a new recruiter position for Adobe. I have two beautiful children and we all love to stay active.
Main reason I bike:
I got into cycling during the pandemic, I was invited to ride by a couple of featured riders Daylon Martin and Cortney Hickey. My first ride was wet and tiring but awesome and I almost instantly fell in love. It was a new exciting way for me to reawaken that competitive spirit inside me. Riding was a great escape during the stressful Covid time. A bike could take you anywhere you wanted to go and that was a nice sense of freedom during a lockdown.
What kind of bike do you have:
I have an Ozone 3000. It is an entry level road bike but it gets the job done. I purchased it from Academy and have not been disappointed!
Favorite part of biking:
The challenge and the freedom! It’s a great workout and the more you learn about biking the more you can push yourself to better. Better at attack hills, changing gears and pushing flats. Also, the speed when you have a big downhill slope is a rush. The adrenaline of knowing it’s just me, a bike, and pavement, if I don’t respect it it will be a bad day. Speaking on the freedom, I have seen parts of Macon I wouldn’t ever see driving. If the road is not on my traditional route, I won’t take it. But with a bike you are taking random paths to get the mileage up and you are going slow enough to really appreciate your surroundings!
What can Macon do for better biking experience?
I would love a designated road bike trail in Macon. I know that is a long shot but a trail like silver comet up in Smyrna Ga would be amazing. I got to visit there once and it was really cool to have a place designed for bikers, joggers, and walkers!
What does Macon do well!
I would say this! Bringing attention to cycling and trying to get more people involved. I never thought I would be into cycling the way I am. I used to think spending over $200 on a bike was a huge waste of money. But after falling in love with the sport and actually riding a bike that was close to $1000, I’m working to save up for one of those bikes. If I were to get one I would love to have a large group to ride with and this project is a great way to get people interested in riding!
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: STEVE JONES
PHOTOGRAPHER: HEATHER RENAE
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a principal in the Bibb County School District. However, my first responsibility is a husband to Danielle and a father to Kennedi. I moved to Macon, GA just over 20 years ago after being promoted to supervisor at FedEx Ground. I worked several years as a manager at FedEx (evening shift) and as a Physical Education teacher. I am a faithful, serving member of Victory Deliverance church where I play drums, teach bible study lessons, lead the New Converts New Membership class and serve as deacon. I am a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. which I have now been exposed to its bike riding club. I believe my faith in God and my love for family keep me grounded in balancing the shortcomings of life. As my mom told me, "You must always remember the Promises of God over the Problems of the World."
What is the main reason you bike?
I bike to find a selfish place of meditation and an effort to Bike Pedal against BP. I am able to view the art work of God while focusing on whatever I'm playing in my ear. Usually, I am playing an upbeat praise and worship playlist, listening to an inspirational pastor, or listening to an audio book for a book study. I love riding as a means of getting away from the normal/fixed obligations of life as I know it.
What kind of bike do you have?
I have a Giant bike. Currently, I ride a hybrid. I am looking to upgrade, at the right price, to a true road bike so I can begin focusing on a triathlon.
What is your favorite part of biking?
My favorite part of biking is the intentional personal time. My job is somewhat stressful, yet totally loved. I embrace my job with adoration; however, it is important I release the daily tribulations and stressor of the job. Biking and running gives me an opportunity to do it. Biking allows me a further distance to release the stress.
What could Macon do better to make your experience biking easier?
It would be great for Macon to begin making commercials about what bike riders do and their road rights. Many people don't know biker's road rights. I think Macon, GA shod continue to publish articles such as this and expose the community to this new world. I am excited for students to learn about this as well. So many students have the possibility of riding bikes to school; however, they need to ride understanding the rules.
What are my favorite spots to ride?
Currently, my favorite place to ride is down Mosley Dixon. It is a very peaceful ride. I ride past the beautiful water about 6 times down and back. I am able to look at nature, beautiful homes, and enjoy the hills. This route has about 4 or 5 hills both ways which totals about 8 to 10 on this 10-mile journey. The only concern is the lake of bike lanes.
However, my next favorite is the Sardis Church Road bike lane. This is where I really go to release stress. It is very safe and for the most part, drivers appear to appreciate bikers. Although the bike lane does not extend to 247, I usually ride all the way down to 247 and have never experienced a problem. I will tell you there is a tremendous wind resistance on this route at certain times. It is my belief anyone looking to begin riding on major streets should start here first. The road has just enough incline and just enough traffic to prepare bikers. Again, I really like this route.
Mike got his start in photography as a Chef, styling and taking pictures of the food he created. His passion for photography really took hold with the birth of his daughter, and he has since expanded his focus into creating portraits of people as well as food. After moving to Macon and getting a feel of the beautiful city, he and his wife opened their own studio, photo. The focus of photo. is not on any particular type of photography, they prefer instead to specialize in their clients, crafting each shoot around the specific goals and needs of the customer. It's not uncommon for Frankie, their adorable 3yo daughter, to tag along on shoots, offering suggestions in posing as well as intensely pointing out any dogs that may be walk by.
Mike and Kelley (and Frankie) also have a small catering company, plate., and play., Kelley's hub of all things live music! They dream of one day combining all their passions of live music, event photography, and catering, into a one stop shop events company!
Contact Mike at www.photomacon.com. and follow him on Instagram, www.instagram.com/photo.macon, or email him directly at photo.macon@gmail.com
Help Bike Walk Macon support this local photographer by donating to Mike Young - Venmo: @KelleyDixson
october 27, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: michael ryan
PHOTOGRAPHER: mike young
In the fall of 72’, Michael Ryan emptied all of his vacation time he’d earned working in Germany, and hit the road to travel around Europe. He began his journey by car, but after meeting a young woman at a youth hostel who regaled him with tails of traveling by bicycle, he decided to sell the automobile and buy a Peugeot road bike instead. “Traveling by car is exhilarating enough, but you spend too much time looking at the little piece of road in front of you and nothing else,” he says. “When you are on a bike, you are immersed in the scene, you have no choice but to be present.”
He would pick historic sites on a map and bike there, staying in hostels along the way. His treks took him all over Europe. From the Volcanic islands in Sicily, to riding the Rhine river up into Switzerland, and much in between.
All these years later, you can still find him taking long rides throughout Macon and Middle Georgia.
october 20, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Julia rubens
PHOTOGRAPHER: mike young
I bought my first (adult) bike from a mall that was the endpoint of this amazing bike trail in Southwest VA and biked the whole way home. It was six miles of total farmland, a maze of roads and highways, the aforementioned mall, the occasional out-of-nowhere cottage or trailer, straight into the little downtown where I lived and I kept just stopping so many times along the way to take it all in and snap photos.
For me, riding a bike was never about the simple mobility but about the expanded awareness of seeing my world in a new way. I have a tendency to take in life too quickly and my internal chatter gives way to really seeing the sights on a bike.
So when I moved to Macon, I got this little cruiser to enjoy the same thing, the experience of seeing your city in a more expressive way. I like all the comforts of the silly accessories like the phone holder and the coffee mug holder and all the storage.
As an artist and arts advocate, I notice pieces of public art all over town that I never take in while driving – whether it’s big murals or graffiti on the side of a bench – and it reminds me of all of the intense creative energy in Macon.
october 13, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Chandra Harris
PHOTOGRAPHER: mike young
My name is Chandra Harris and I recently started biking as another form of cardio. As a child, I rode bikes for fun in my neighborhood, but never for exercise or sport. I never knew the proper way to ride. However, a few months ago, I was invited to come out and ride with some friends. It was the first time I had ridden a bike in a while and my first-time riding on the road. Riding on the road for the first time was a little nerve wrecking; however, I really enjoyed the experience. That day, I learned the proper way to ride, including hand signals and learning how to switch gears, which is something I never did on my bike as a child.
Since then I have ridden many miles on my bike and have met a lot of Bike enthusiasts. What I find most interesting about biking is that it is not limited to one population. I’ve met many people from all ages groups and backgrounds who have found a love for biking. Personally, I enjoy the fellowship when riding with my friends and newcomers. I also relish at the adventures of a new route. So far, my favorite ride has been the 80 mile route from Jones County to the Atlanta Motor Speedway with my former teacher Daylon Martin and friend Cortney Green. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of riding that distance on a bike.
I would encourage anyone who wants to get active or stay active to hop on a bike and start riding!
october 6, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Loie Mote
PHOTOGRAPHER: mike young
My name is Loie and I like to watch movies, do handstands, and climb in the trees in my yard. I like helping animals, and I love to ride my bike.
Biking is fun because it’s good for my legs. I like the wind blowing in my hair! I ride a lot on the sidewalk in front of our house and at the park...and I think it’s cool.
My bike is turquoise and purple with a little bit of white and orange. It has long streamers that I really like. My Gram and Pop got it for me for Christmas, and it can go really fast...it used to have a basket on the front, but my dog ate it.
You can do whatever you want on a bike...as long as you’re safe. I was finally ready to ride my bike without my training wheels this year, so I asked my daddy to take them off. I wasn’t very good at first, but a week later I was really good! Practice makes perfect :)
I think Macon is a great place to bike, my favorite place is Amerson Park. It’s really nice because there’s so much space to ride and there’s not too many people, so you can stop and find cool things on the trail like frogs and bugs and animals.
One thing Macon could do better is if the sidewalks weren’t as bumpy in some places and were smoother it would be easier to go faster and go where you want.
A note from mom:
Loie’s bike was stolen from our driveway this summer - she’d learned to bike without her training wheels a few weeks prior (during peak pandemic lockdown) and was sort of “bike crazy.” We had taken her to the park nearly every weekday since the day she’d mastered it so she could practice riding, and she was disappointed if we went fewer than 3 miles/day. So when her bike was stolen, it was really sad. It was all she wanted to do literally from the time she woke up - she would ride in circles in the driveway and up and down the sidewalk until the rest of us were up every morning. After we realized her bike was truly gone, we combed the neighborhood for several blocks around on foot and in our cars, but didn’t come up with anything. We put messages out on social media and in our neighborhood group in hopes that maybe someone would see something and let us know, but unfortunately no one had. Several very thoughtful people who saw our messages reached out to offer bikes to Loie so she could keep practicing and keep riding until, hopefully, we could recover her bike. That was the silver lining for us - as sad as it was to see how disappointed she was to not have *her* bike, she was very thankful to have a bike to ride thanks to our sweet friends. Maybe a month and a half later, one of our neighbors responded to the original message we’d posted in our neighborhood group - she had seen what she thought might be a bike in the woods a few blocks from our house. We went to check it out, and sure enough, a couple blocks from our house, several feet off the road in the woods under some branches/debris...was her bike. It was a little banged up, but it didn’t take much to get it back on the road. We were so relieved and she was SO happy to have her bike back! ...and it was really amazing to see how everyone supported and helped us to make sure Loie wasn’t without a bike for long.
Photographer Leah Yetter has worked as a solo freelance artist for over a decade. Her portfolio covers a wide range of interest from personal family portraits and artists' headshots to industrial, academic, corporate and commercial photography used in magazines, trade publications and newsletters distributed throughout the country.
She recently moved back to Macon after spending 9 years in Wyoming documenting her favorite subject – life, which she strives to obtain in every photo, from dragonflies and bucking broncs to tools of the trade and the spirit of the moment. Once a seasoned resident of Wyoming, Leah grew her portfolio and client-base throughout the state. Along with shooting personal family portraits, senior portraits and weddings; her commercial clients included the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Linden Publishing of Colorado and Wyoming, Wyoming, Inc. agency in Lander and TJ Honey.
While she adapted to extreme temperatures, earned her stripes during calving season and mastered the balance of life as a photographer and cowgirl, Georgia has called her back home. Macon is where she calls home and is excited to get back to her southern roots.
Contact Leah at www.leahyetter.com and follow her on Instagram, www.instagram.com/leahyetterphotographer, or email her directly at leahyetter17@gmail.com
Help Bike Walk Macon support this local photographer by donating to Leah Yetter - Venmo: @Leah-Yetter-2
SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Chevene Simmons
PHOTOGRAPHER: LEAH YETTER
Hi my name is Chevene Simmons. I am a native of Milledgeville, Ga. I enjoy the sense of freedom and the ease of transport that a bicycle brings.
During my childhood some of my fondest memories where of one of my dad's workers assembling mine and my sibling's bicycles. Yes we enjoyed the bicycles but the boxes also captivated our attention.
As I grew, I rode my older brother's Huffy 10 speed. I remember vividly it's lack of braking- I would use my shoes the skid to slow down as I maneuvered around the parking lot of my father's business. It was much later when I learned how to shift gears, but I had already been bitten by the single speed bug. So it is no wonder that my bicycle of choice for commuting around town is a fixed gear bicycle.
The thrill of building my bikes is equally appealing to me. I often find vintage chrome-moly frames, clean them up and convert them to some type of single speed.
My aim is simple- to encourage people to use the bikes they have. The ones that are just laying around the house. I enjoy imparting riders with the skills to maintain and make minor repairs to their rides.
For me cycling is a way of life- one that I would not easily trade.
If you have not already, try experiencing life on two wheels.
Happy, safe riding everyone!
SEPTEMBER 22, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Mark Ballard
PHOTOGRAPHER: LEAH YETTER
Weighing over 300 pounds and was facing lots of health issues, Mark started walking and then running and lost over 100 pounds. After having knee and shin issues, his wife gifted him with a bike for Father’s Day. That’s been over 15 years ago, and he hasn’t looked back since! He likes to eat and riding helps with making sure he keeps the pounds off. Mark turns 60 in December and loves the low impact to keep him young!!!
When he is not biking around you can find him creating art, writing cook books, contributing to local and national publications, his videos can be viewed 24-hours-a-day on Facebook and on his own YouTube Channel. He and wife Debra have been married for 38 years and have two grown children and a rescue Chihuahua named Bandit.
FUN Facts:
I began to ride when the weather permitted and then I learned about spin classes at the Wellness Center and began to attend. I was hooked. With spin classes, I enjoy the music and the competition and the camaraderie. Outside I do what I call “hill drills” around my neighborhood – Historic Ingleside. And I do at least two longer rides a week – either alone or with a group that’s made up of people older and much younger than I am.
I now ride a Raleigh Revenio 2.0.
Since the pandemic closed the gyms, I’ve ridden almost 3,500 miles. The longest ride I’ve done is recently is 64 miles. Now that the gyms have re-opened with outside spin classes, I’m back to spin twice a week.
I’m so glad to see more and more designated bike paths in and around Macon. Our city is so beautiful and it’s wonderful to be able to ride downtown, at Amerson Park, at the Indian Mounds. I’ll be happy when the paths along the river all connect.
I’ve had a couple of close calls with cars one that resulted in me hitting a brick column. We definitely need more driver education so that everyone who drives knows the laws around riders and pedestrians.
I definitely will not ride without a helmet and tell anyone riding without one that they need to put one on immediately!
Besides the physical benefits, I ride for my mental and spiritual health.
One last tidbit – The shirt that I have on in the photo is one of two that I’ve designed for spinning events to raise money for the local branch of the American Cancer Society.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
BICYCLE COMMUTER: Faith Hickey
PHOTOGRAPHER: LEAH YETTER
A Girl and Her Bike | From Training Wheels to Two Wheels
6 is her age. Faith Hickey is one determined little girl. About two years ago, her dad taught her how to ride a bike without training wheels. Since then, she’s been all about two wheels and going the distance. Her first big ride was 7 miles. She loves to get outside, fasten her pink helmet, and ride her bike. She rides her bike 5-6 days per week. Pushing her mom to keep an 8-minute pace per mile, Faith rides her bike alongside her mom while she jogs 2-3 miles every day.
What kind of bike do you have?
Trek Wahoo 24.
What color is your bike?
Pink and Purple.
Would you ever trade your bike for a toy?
No. My bike has gears on it!
Was it fun the first time you balanced on a two-wheel bike?
No. It was scary.
What is your favorite thing about riding your bike?
I LOVE to pedal backwards, change my gears, and turn my bike lights on and off.
What are you most proud of doing that you were scared to do while riding your bike?
Practicing riding my bike without holding the handlebars.
Who are your favorite people to ride your bike with?
My mom and my dad.
September 8, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Jim Langstaff
photographer: Leah yetter
Jim is a longtime supporter of Bike Walk Macon. You can find him helping with Bike Party, leading a bike parade at Open Streets, painting Macon’s first green bike lanes or any number of his Virtual Bike Walk Macon videos. An avid mountain biker, Jim has biked everywhere from Allatoona Creek Park in Acworth, Ga to the Pig Trails in Macon and al the way down to the Santos Mountain Bike Trails in Marion, FL. Jim enjoys his job at Bike Tech and has spent the pandemic of 2020 trying to keep up with the growing needs of bicyclists in Macon.
It’s hard to put into words how much I care about and love bicycling, so instead of slogging through writer’s block trying to explain it to you all let me share some of my favorite thoughts on bikes:
“When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.” - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
“...spoke of the connection of bicycles to nature, and the implied efficiency of terrestrial flight on the pretty blue-and-purple steel machines…” - Jacquie Phelan, Ibis Bicycles
“Cyclers see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to” - Dr. K. K. Doty
“Cycling is possibly the greatest and most pleasurable form of transport ever invented. Its like walking only with one-tenth of the effort. Ride through a city and you can understand its geography in a way that no motorist, contained by one-way signs and traffic jams, will ever be able to. You can whiz from one side to the other in minutes. You can overtake £250,000 sports cars that are going nowhere fast. You can park pretty much anywhere. It truly is one of the greatest feelings of freedom once can have in a metropolitan environment. It’s amazing you can feel this free in a modern city.” - Daniel Pemberton, The Book of Idle Pleasures
“I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle; I want to ride my bicycle; I want to ride my bike; I want to ride my bicycle; I want to ride it where I like…; I don’t believe in Peter Pan, Frankenstein or Superman; All I wanna do is bicycle, bicycle, bicycle…” - Freddie Mercury, Queen, 1978
September 1, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Larry Carpenter
photographer: Leah yetter
I am a retired engineer living in MidGA since September 2011 (formerly Peoria, IL, Louisville, KY - hometown). Before moving to GA, you might say I was the poster child for unhealthy lifestyles. I am a former 1.5 pack a day smoker (sometimes more) for almost 40 years along with driving a truck over-the-road for 13 years living on 2-hour naps, Truckstop menus or fast food. I quit smoking in November 2007.
I ran my first 5k in May 2010 in Peoria. Once relocated to GA, I became a member of Macon Tracks Running Club and began running more and more. After many 5k's, 10k's, and a few half marathons, I ran my first marathon in January 2013. Currently, I have run over 30 organized races of marathon distance or longer. My longest single race was a 110k (68 miles).
In 2014, I purchased a road bike and decided to venture into the world of triathlons. I competed in my first triathlon sprint in August 2014. Shortly thereafter, I purchased a used tri-bike. In October 2015, I successfully completed my first full Ironman triathlon (Ironman Louisville). Today, I have completed Ironman Louisville for 5 consecutive years (2015-2019).
Although I typically ride my bike for Ironman training, I do enjoy just riding. My favorite ride is from anywhere to Dickey Farms for a Peach Ice Cream. I will organize a group ride to Dickey Farms every week if I can! I can say I am training, but really, I am in it for the ice cream! I will ride 2-3 times a week during the months of March thru October. During other months it depends on weather. I have participated in BRAG (Bike Ride Across GA) on 2-3 occasions which is a week-long bike ride of approximately 350-400 miles around the first week of June each year. Typically, I will log 2,000-3,000 miles a year on the bike.
Riding around the Macon area can be challenging with traffic. Generally, it is safe, but in my opinion educating the general public on bike laws would help the most. There needs to be more information sharing about the 3-foot law and other rules of the road involving cyclists. I still see some cyclists riding around Macon with dark clothing and no lights on the rear of their bikes. Just this year, GDOT has added grooves along the sides and middle of GA highways to help alert distracted drivers if they veer across the middle line or towards the edge of the road. These grooves have taken away the cyclists’ ability of staying close to the edge of the road. The driving public now must cross the centerline to pass a cyclist otherwise the driver is not able to obey the 3-foot law. That's my soapbox discussion of the day!
Jave Bjorkman’s mission in life is to connect with people and share their stories. He is the owner of And So We Go Productions downtown where he comes alongside companies to tell human stories that resonate with their audience. His love for the Macon community led him to establish himself, and his company, in the heart of Macon’s downtown renaissance. He hopes that, one day, the production company’s work will help contribute to the effort of bringing back Macon’s artistic identity to the forefront of the nationwide scene.
While Jave does enjoy long walks on the beach, breakfast in bed, and watching the sunset, you’ll most likely see him going on short walks at Amerson River Park, picnicking at Washington Park, or seeing the sun rise from the top of Coleman Hill.
Contact Jave at www.andsowego.co and follow him on Instagram, www.instagram.com/javebjorkman, email him directly at hello@andsowego.co
Help Bike Walk Macon support our local artist by donating to Jave Bjorkman - Venmo: @javebjorkman
August 25, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Rachelle Wilson
photographer: jave bjorkman
Rachelle Wilson loves to claim Macon as her hometown and has a passion for building community. She works in non-profit during the week and writes, sings, and gardens on the weekends. She first began biking out of car-less necessity during her college days in Atlanta and, though she still harbors a healthy fear of traffic, has maintained the habit ever since. Currently, Rachelle mainly bikes for fun and exercise. She can be found at every Bike Walk Macon Bike Party or spotted spinning down the Ocmulgee Trail on Saturday mornings.
"My favorite place to ride is in the downtown industrial district," she says. "I love it because there are rarely cars back here. I feel free from fear; it's almost like I own the streets! I also love to ride around this area and absorb the history that lingers in the air. This used to be the Tybee neighborhood, the memory of which is important to preserve. The buildings that do remain here have so much character and I see something new everytime I ride this way."
Aiming to exclusively use her bike for transportation, Rachelle is grateful to Bike Walk Macon for the advocacy, awareness, and infrastructure improvements made in town that help make this goal attainable. And while bike lanes and trails throughout all of town would be marvelous, the main thing she hopes for is a culture shift in the Macon community. Greater awareness and caution on the part of drivers would empower cyclists in every part of Macon to confidently share the roads.
"I can choose to only bike for transportation," she says, “that choice is a luxury. Everyday I encounter people who bike because they have to. The effort to make Macon more bike able is about more than providing additional avenues for people like me to have a fun ride, it's about creating an equitable community that is accessible for everyone. Programs like Re-Cycle Macon's Co-op and BWM's Love Your Street are intentionally working towards that goal. I am so grateful for organizations like these to help push our community forward."
August 18, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Orson Gilliland
photographer: jave bjorkman
Orson is three and a half, and riding his bike is one of his favorite things “in the whole wide, wide, WIDE world!”
Orson currently lives in New Orleans, but his permanent home is in Macon, Georgia. He rides his bike almost every day, rain or shine! He loves riding through the neighborhood, and every Saturday he and his mom take a ride to the grocery store to pick out fresh seafood for dinner. While running errands by bicycle is much easier in New Orleans, one of Orson’s favorite things about riding in Macon is the HILLS. He loves cruising around Amerson River Park and even down the big hill in his front yard where his daddy mows special bike lanes for him.
Orson can ride as fast as 12mph and as far as three miles in one go. Everyone that passes him always says he’s determined and SUPER fast!
Q&A with Orson
What kind of bicycle do you have?
I have a balance bike. It has a pink shiny horn and a purple bell. I’m getting a new bicycle soon that’s purple and will be small for me and have real brakes and only two wheels because I’m a big boy!
What’s your favorite thing about your bicycle?
I like to balance on it. Especially through puddles when I pick my feet up.
Why do you love riding your bicycle?
Because I like to go faster than Mommy.
Where do you like riding the most?
At the big road (the neutral ground with a wide sidewalk and no cars to worry about.)
Would you ever trade your bicycle for a different toy?
NO!
August 11, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Jake Corwin
photographer: jave bjorkman
Jake Corwine is not 25, he’s 43. He is the first person to tell you that at 25 he was not as fit as he is today. On Friday nights, Papa John’s, and Saturday mornings, a favorite bagel shop doesn’t sound so bad, but not the life of a budding cyclist. Jake purchased his first mountain bike in 2000, a co-worker liked to ride and invited him, but it did not stick until he returned back from deployment and took it up for good in 2003.
A little about Jake, he spent 4 years as active duty in the Air Force before joining the Georgia Air National Guard in 2000 and currently holds a civilian position as a Non-Destructive Inspection Supervisor (NDI) with the 116 ACW at Robins AFB. It fits with his even nature, light spirit, and his aptitude for attention to detail. Born in upstate New York, he grew up in Ocala, Fl; where his parents moved to be closer to his grandparents. When settling into his job in Warner Robins, he opted for Macon, GA instead in 2001. If he is able to chat with an incoming airman before they do their house hunting, he tells them, “if you want a place that has a soul, you need to move to Macon”. He met his wife, Renee, mountain biking in 2003, asked her to marry him the morning just before a 12-hour race in Fort. Yargo State Park, and tied the knot in 2009.
Jake will tell you when he started to ride that he was a horrible cyclist. He would meet friends at mountain biking festivals all over the state, but he was not put together. Initially, it was the friendship of cycling, the low-key mountain bikers, just being outside, and the comradery of the love of the same thing. “Take out the social construct of everything else. The tribalism of this group or that group didn’t seem to exist when you were on trail.” Soon Jake was spending much of his time participating in races. Gone were the days of being a couch potato, he was getting much more fit, and every waking moment was thinking about the race. Pushing himself harder and then realizing that the competition was taking the fun out of the ride. He returned to his roots.
In speaking with Jake, it takes a minute to get the story. Renee describes him as not shy, just humble. This is where he leads the story. In getting back to the root of his love for being outside on a bike, enjoying the basics of it all, he turned his attention to OMBA (Ocmulgee Mountain Bike Association) the local chapter of IMBA/SORBA. Holding office as either president or treasurer, probably the longest-running officer they have ever had. He has hand-built and touched probably every mountain bike trail in middle GA.
Jake has seen a great deal change in Macon, and he has seen many changes in the biking world. He speaks highly of Bike Walk Macon and the work they are doing to make biking and walking accessible for all. He is enthusiastic about the Amerson to Ocmulgee to downtown connection, “adding length to the trail from downtown will be awesome”. He would like to see longer stretches of roads such as Eisenhower Parkway and Riverside responsibly constructed to include bike lanes bringing the city a safer way for people to travel via bike. While he cycles for fun and health and friendship, he is aware and supportive of the many in Macon that use their bike for everyday use as transportation to go to work, grocery shop, and to get from place to place without a car. “I would like to see all these projects actually come together happen. Outdoors are going to be more important to focus on during the pandemic. Now is the time for Macon to highlight their outdoor locations. It would be a missed opportunity if our city leaders did not get on the stick to get done.”
August 4, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Cortney Hickey
photographer: jave bjorkman
Love at first sight.
My name is Cortney Hickey. About 5 months ago, I fell in love with cycling. I owe my love for cycling to my colleague Mr. Daylon Martin. Back in February, he took a group and I out riding for a few miles around Macon, GA. We knew nothing about cycling; however, he taught us cycling safety, hand signals, and rules of the road.
Since that first ride, I have logged hundreds of miles on my bike. I enjoy getting on my bike and going the distance. It's a full-blown obsession now. I completed my first century ride at the Silver Comet Trail in Atlanta last month. Now a few of my cycling partners and I are training for the 104- mile Six Gap Century course in Dahlonega, Georgia.
Also, we are on a mission to get more youth, especially youth on the Eastside of Macon, on bikes. We have started a youth mountain bike team to inspire and empower youth to lead healthy, active, and happy lives through biking.
I am so happy that I took the leap and decided to give cycling a chance. I love the freedom, fun, and fitness aspects of it; it is a way of life for me now!
Chris Smith - Graduating with a BFA in Fine Art Photography from California State University Long Beach, Chris has been a professional photographer for almost 15 years. Five of those years he was based in Southeast Asia as a photojournalist, travel writer, photography tour leader, and managing a documentary center. He has now been based in Macon, Georgia for three years, working as a freelance photographer and contract photographer, along with teaching digital photography at Wesleyan College.
Contact Chris at www.CismithPhotography.com and follow him on Instagram @CISmithphotography.
Help Bike Walk Macon support this month’s local photographer by donating to Chris Smith - Venmo: @Christoper-smith-2
JULY 28, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Daylon Martin
photographer: Chris smith
From Pain to Pleasure
Three years ago I was invited to ride in the bike ride across Georgia by Greg and Toyia Barnes, team directors for the Create Youth Cycling program in Baldwin County. They told me that I'd have the time of my life training and riding with kids but it took a freak accident to get me involved.
Just weeks before my inaugural ride as a coach with the Baldwin County Create Youth cycling team, my youngest daughter Addison tore my meniscus while assisting me with stretching. After my initial doctor's visit, I learned that rehab involved pedaling a bike so rather than wasting time in rehab I opted to ride with the team. The very next week we rode 18 miles in Dublin, sore knee and all, I was sold on cycling! The next week I was riding 28 miles in Savannah along the Gullah-Geechee trail with my kids Addison (8), Austin (15), and Isley (16), and my knee was healed!
For the next couple months, I rode with kids and we trained each other on rules of the road, cycling safety, and how to traverse the highways and byways of Georgia. What I found most amazing was the tenacity and strength of the youth whom tirelessly rode miles and miles in preparation for the Bike Ride Across Georgia (BRAG). My last ride of the season was the spring tune up ride in Madison, GA where we completed a metric century, 100 miles over a two-day period, 62 miles on Saturday and 42 on Sunday. I had the most fun trailing my son Austin on this hilly and hot course. Sadly, a previously scheduled family trip to the Dominican Republic prevented us from riding but my team performed well, riding 60-70 miles daily. It was pretty amazing for some middle and high school students to ride close to 400 miles across the state of Georgia on a bike!
In June of 2019, Toyia reached out to me and asked had I heard of the National Interscholastic Cycling Assocation (NICA)? I told her no and she excitedly shared all the wonders of NICA mountain bike racing! Her intentions were to start a team in Baldwin county however the season had started so she recommending we join the Old Capital Racing Team. I attended the first practice with my son Austin and he was sold, so I volunteered to coach.
Mountain bike training and racing is the most rigorous activity I had ever undertaken. We had store bikes that were not capable of handling the Bartram trail in Milledgeville. In fact, we broke a brand-new bike on the first day and the very next day purchased one from Oconee Outfitters. They provide amazing support to our team, making the bikes affordable and maintaining them for pennies on the dollar. Bike shop bikes, even entry level bikes, are very expensive but worth every penny! We trained and raced the entire season on trails across the state and never had a major issue. Encouraged by my son, I continued to ride advancing my skills and certifications to a level three coach.
Early in 2020, during my first-year teaching at Northeast High School, I approached Principal Steve Jones about starting a team. Excited about the opportunity for our kids to try something new and different he gave me the go-ahead. I advertised in the school and 23 kids signed up, mostly girls! Not prepared for the enrollment, I sought the assistance of Cortney Hickey, the assistant girls basketball coach. She graciously agreed to help coach not having a clue or any experience in cycling. Then COVID happened, delaying our season and training the students. Nevertheless, we continued to ride and even traveled to Florida for wilderness first aid training, a requirement for head coaches since many of the trails we ride are more than 30 miles away from a hospital.
During the next couple of months during the COVID school closure, inspired by the health initiative launched by Coach Hickey, I began sharing cycling information and rides with the Northeast teachers. Individual and groups formed to ride, exercise and get healthy. From the football coaches to the principal, we now have a stable of cyclists riding all over the county! We meet in various locations to ride different routes selected by the ride coordinator that include Lake Tobesofkee, Macon State, Upper River Road, Geico, Central City Park, both Macon Malls, Griswoldville, Twigs County, Byron, and Kathleen. Now an avid rider, Principal Steve Jones has a killer 30 mile route out 74 with rolling hills, a roundabout, and speeds in excess of 30 mph on a bike!
This summer, our newly formed Create Youth Mountain Bike Team at Northeast High School and Appling Middle School began practicing this month. Toyia and Greg graciously donated some bikes to get us started and members of our coaching group made donations to help out but there are always more kids than good bikes. We started teaching students bicycle basics, road cycling rules, and introduced them to trail riding. We practice two to three times a week, observing social distancing which naturally occurs while cycling, at Pig and Arrowhead trails in Macon, Bartram trail in Baldwin county, and on the cross-country course at Clifton Ridge Middle School in Jones County. We hope someone will develop a trail system in East Macon or redevelop the trail at the East Macon gym that the students will have easy access to and bike lanes connecting the neighborhoods to the trail.
The most historic ride of the year was to commemorate the 55th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Voters Rights March, riding the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. We took a host of kids from Macon, Baldwin, and Dublin on an amazing ride across the Pettus Bridge to the steps of the Alabama State Capitol, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rep. John Lewis, and a host of others, addressed a crowd of 25,000 people in support of voting rights. Our last two big routes included an 80 mile ride from Macon to the Atlanta Motor Speedway and a 100-mile ride on the Silver Comet Trail from Smyrna to Alabama. We quickly learned that the roads and motorists aren't prepared for cyclists but when communities and stakeholders work together they can create a corridor for safe and enjoyable riding for all.
I'm truly excited about the cycling team, our high school staff riding, and being able to get rides in all over the county. I hope to continue to encourage others to do the same at their schools and in their communities to expand ridership, cyclist awareness, safety, and the health benefits of cycling.
JULY 21, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Brian Finch
photographer: Chris smith
BRIAN’S COMMENTARY
I grew up in Nashville and then I moved to Macon when I was 14. My parents got divorced, and so I bought my dad’s mountain bike. It’s kind of my favorite thing in the world. I started jogging a lot when Corona virus came up. But when I returned to my bike, I realized how much I love it. It’s like even more fun, cause the jogging was hard, and now I know biking is so much more fun.
WHERE DO YOU GO WHEN YOU RIDE?
I go everywhere that I can. Right now, mostly just around Macon. I guess I kind of like the dangerous parts of it. Riverside Drive is pretty dangerous, I go on it anyway. It’s really dangerous, and it’s not good to say because it’s not safe. Part of it is sidewalk and part of it is just road. Maybe they should make bike lanes, but I think it would be a challenge.
DO YOU THINK BIKE LANES WILL CHANGE THAT?
I do think bike lanes will change that. I don’t know if Macon will ever do that. They should put a lot of bike lanes in. It would be better for people to get around if it was safer. Competing with cars on the road is dangerous, even though I take that chance on Riverside.
Right now, being homeless is a challenge. If you go under the Spring Street Bridge to get to Kroger, there’s so much construction and traffic, it’s not safe for bikes. The old midtown Kroger use to be closer to here (where he is staying) and easier to get to. But it’s hard to get past the construction to the other Kroger.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MACON COULD DO BETTER?
Once I was riding on the sidewalk by the post office, and a cop showed me the bikes in the road and told me to ride in the road. Further down College the police pulled over and yelled at me to get on the sidewalk. I don’t know, I think it’s safer to ride on the sidewalk, but I think we are supposed to ride in the road.
WHAT REASON DO YOU RIDE YOUR BIKE?
I ride for grocery shopping, for laundry, for recreation, for everything. Being older now I realize I need a lot of exercise. It’s really hard to ride during the day right now it’s so hot. It’s just fun to ride my bike. And useful. You got to wear a helmet because people die.
Hey, I liked looking at the other people in the series (My Bike Photo Series). I liked reading the stories and I really liked the guy with the cross.
JULY 14, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Mike Brown
photographer: Chris smith
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
I'm Mike Brown, and I have lived in Macon since 2007 after growing up in Ohio. I've been riding bikes since I was a kid, but I still love it. Over the years, I've gone from a dirt-bag college student riding whatever I could piece together to a semi-serious racer to my current status as middle-aged dad with too many bikes.
WHAT IS THE MAIN REASON YOU BIKE?
I ride mountain bikes for fun and exercise. I also try to use bikes for utility when I can find a way.
WHAT KIND OF BIKE/S DO YOU HAVE?
I have 4 mountain bikes, a cyclocross bike, and a Yuba cargo bike.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BIKING?
Riding a bike lets you see and hear more things around you than you'd ever notice in a car. When I ride with my kids, we spend just as much time looking at bugs, frogs, kittens, and flowers as we do actually riding sometimes. There are parts of Macon I'd never notice without having seen them on a bike.
WHAT COULD MACON DO BETTER TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE BIKING EASIER?
Focus more on complete streets plans for infrastructure to reclaim road space for protected bike lanes and pedestrian pathways. If we want more bikes out there, we need to make it less daunting to ride on the streets. Re-open the trail from Amerson River Park to Riverside Cemetery!
WHAT DO YOU THINK MACON DOES WELL?
The weather is nice for riding year-round. The local mountain bike trails are great and are well maintained by dedicated volunteers. Amerson River Park is also a gem especially for riding with kids. I also think some local organizations are doing a good job of helping more people get on bikes like Bike Walk Macon, Re-Cycle Macon, and Bike Tech of Macon.
JULY 7, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Tommy Neaves
photographer: Chris smith
TOMMY’S TWO WHEELED TALE
I credit my wonderful mother with my love of adventure. To me it’s a sort of family heirloom, passed down the line from my snake-wrangling, plane-flying grandmother to my mother, and then on to me. Ever since I can remember my mom has been sneaking us into places we probably shouldn’t have been to see amazing things most people probably have never seen. While other kids heard their moms asking, “Who wants to go to the mall?” I heard “Who wants to go explore a new trail I found BEHIND the mall?” Needless to say, I had an amazing childhood.
One thing that was often central to our adventures (and you might have guessed it from the title of this photo series) was our bicycles! Her steed was a 90’s, ruby red mountain bike with no suspension. I was on my slightly newer navy and silver Trek (my pride and joy and the envy of the neighborhood). It was not an uncommon sight to see us riding down the side of the highway to the hardware store for some Red Rock ginger ale or popping out of the woods on a barely-a-trail trail, much to the bewilderment of any passerby. It was on one particularly exciting ride through a stretch of road construction, trying to make it to the Chattahoochee River, when my mom caught her foot on an uneven curb and a loud “POP!!!” ensued. One broken ankle, some surgery, and a year of rehab later she was back on the saddle, teaching me never to let injury or fear keep me from doing what I love.
In the same way that my mom taught me to go and explore my surroundings on a bike, I have had the privilege of teaching others how bicycles can open up the world around them. I can recall pushing my friend to ride 30 miles to the next town over as a child and then somehow convincing him to carry his bike across a river on a decaying train trestle (shockingly we’re still friends!) More recently I have been able to work as a mechanic at Re-Cycle Macon, repairing secondhand bicycles for those in need, and also as a volunteer biking coach with U Create Macon, an organization that, among other things, introduces children to all of the benefits of biking. While I don’t try to convince any of those kids to carry their bikes over bridges, I do have a lot of fun leading them on trips around their community and giving them ownership and familiarity of the city they live in.
I have only been in Macon for about a year but during that time I have made some great friends and had some colorful interactions as a result of my bike explorations. On a bicycle you’re a part of your environment, not merely an observer distanced from the world by a glass partition. I can think of no better way to connect with all of the different sides of Macon than on a bicycle, the vehicle that unites people from all walks of life. The spirit of adventure that lives inside my mother, and now me, is highly contagious. Make sure that you wash your hands frequently and wear a mask or else you might find yourself outside exploring the world on a bicycle!
JUNE 2020 PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT
CURTIS HERTWIG - HERTWIG PHOTOGRAPHY
Curtis is a 5th generation Maconite although he was born in Dalton and moved around a good bit while growing up. At 15 he took over his father’s Leica bellows 35mm camera and started shooting with Tri-X Pan. His father wanted his camera back and bribed Curtis with an Olympus 35RC rangefinder camera and a black & white dark room. Fast forward 50 years and Curtis is still taking pictures, now with DSLRs, drones & using his laptop as a color dark room. He has been around the world a number of times in search of more and more pictures. Nowadays, Curtis is retired & fills his time volunteering for various non-profits including Bike Walk Macon, traveling the world in search of sunrises and sunsets. He lives in Shirley Hills with his cat, Shadow. He has 3 daughters, 3 great sons-in-law (none of whom is good enough for his daughters), and 6 excellent grandchildren. Curtis has a travel blog at Curtseysfolly.com; can be found on Instagram @HertwigPhoto or emailed at Curtis@HertwigPhoto.com.
JUNE 30, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Eric Hutto
photographer: Curtis Hertwig
Eric’s Story
My bicycle story starts with Dad getting me a 1968 Schwinn Stingray with a speed rear end and a redline rear slick at age 9. I was the wheelie champion on our neighborhood at 493 feet, and later on Dad bought me a Kmart 10 speed, and I rode a wheelie with it 110 feet.
My early life was fraught with rebellion, and I ended up being sent to a wilderness therapeutic school. Every year they took a Summer trip, and in the Summer of ‘74 we started in Sparta, NC on 1-speed bicycle riding and camping the Blue Ridge Parkway to Blue Ridge, GA. That 2.75-year experience gave me my present love of the outdoors. I was involved in Scouting from 1983 - 1986, and in 1986 led a group of 6 Scouts to get their bicycling merit badge. It involved 3 weekends on bicycle camping trips and a 50-mile ride under 8 hours. At one time, I was without a car for 2 weeks during my tenure as a Scoutmaster and rode my bicycle from Gray to Warner Robins, GA to attend a 2-hr. meeting and back to Macon.
Later in life as a truck driver, off and on starting in 2007, I would carry my bicycle with me in the truck. Twice, in 2009 and 2013, I parked my company truck in Laredo and rode my bicycle over to Nuevo Laredo and around their town for 3 days and 2 nights. In 2011 I bought a Jesse James west coast chopper and pumped a good deal of money into it converting it to a custom chopper. Starting in 2018 I built a lowrider from a bare frame and rode with Bike Walk Macon in the Christmas Parade. That same year I bought a Fat Tire Iron Mountain Pacific Cycle on Jan. 19 as my primary bicycle and a bicycle trailer and ended up riding in the 2019 Christmas Parade with Bike Walk Macon with a 5’ tree in the trailer. I have participated in a couple of Bike Parties with Bike Walk Macon. Since I don’t usually wear a helmet, they always let me borrow one. It’s required for safety.
I have COPD now but I still ride my bike without the need for oxygen. In March, I had back surgery and was back on my motorcycle with a back brace 5 days later and my bicycle 2 weeks later. I enjoy riding recreationally now, it helps to keep my airways clear.
I think Macon needs more bicycle lanes and opening up more bicycle lanes of heavily traveled roads. I strongly suggest wearing a helmet cam and have one mounted on the rear of your bicycle to protect you from a legal standpoint. When you ride in the road, you must obey traffic laws just like any other vehicle. Thank You!
JUNE 25, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Rudy Mendes
photographer: Curtis Hertwig
HOW DID YOU START RIDING?
I rode all my life. We used to live in Maryland, the DC area and I was a bike courier for a few years and that’s when I really fell in love with riding bikes.
HOW IS BIKE RIDING IN MARYLAND DIFFERENT THEN MACON?
In Maryland, people are used to seeing people ride bikes. It’s busier there but people know how to share the road with bicyclists. Here in Macon, I knew it would be easier, but people don’t know how to share the road. I’m not afraid to bike anywhere, including Vineville.
DO YOU THINK PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO RIDE MORE HERE?
More people would like to ride, but I do think more people are riding their bikes. The streets are marked out more now and that makes people feel more comfortable.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MACON COULD DO BETTER?
It’s all about education. That’s the key to it and stuff. Having BWM is really educating the community, and teaching kids at an early age about safety. I found a lot of people our age aren't cycling that much. But it's a great low impact way to stay in shape.
HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO RIDE A BIKE?
We are trying to get seniors to participate in cycling, too. I believe if you want to live a long life you have to stay active. We get up in the morning and try and work out by 8 am.
ON THE PANDEMIC:
Oh, it’s made it easier to ride around. The streets are not as busy. But it’s also nice to spend my free time with my wife who retired in January. We always do things together, but we get to do things together more now. She had her bike for a long time, but she never rode it until now.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY?
Just get out there and do it. You gotta start somewhere. Like when you start learning you have training wheels on the bike. You might fall when they come off, you expect to fall, right. But you gotta get back up on there and keep on trying. You can keep riding up until your 80’s and 90’s.
JUNE 23, 2020
Bicycle commuter: CaRolyn Mendes
photographer: Curtis Hertwig
Carolyn’s Story
We met up with Carolyn in Tattnall Square Park. Carolyn arrived with her husband Rudy decked out in her bike riding outfit, her helmet, and a smile on her face. She had just ridden 10 miles with friends, and she didn’t break a sweat. A wife and a mother, she was a postal worker for 20 plus years and only had time to walk or run a bit in her early days. Now that she retired in January, she gets up early, and by 8:00 am she hits the clock to exercise. “I’m working on me now”. Bike riding is one of her favorite methods of staying healthy. “This has worked my whole body, from my shoulders all the way to the end of my toes”. But her favorite part is coasting down the hills. “I love to coast down the hills, wave your hand in the air like you just don’t care. It so nice coasting down those hills. It relieves a lot of stress.” When she’s not riding her bike, she is a freestyle artist working with fabric, taking dance classes with her husband of 37 years, and caring for her family.
JUNE 18, 2020
Bicycle commuter: christyanne gaspar
photographer: Curtis Hertwig
Christyanne’s Story
I admit it. I am a bike junkie and enthusiast! I first learned to ride a bike when I was about 7 years old on a men’s vintage Schwinn with the gears located right at the stem of the handlebars. Even though the frame was a size meant for a person much taller than myself, I used my tippy toes to pedal. The moment the neighbor let go of the seat and said “pedal hard and you will be okay”, I knew in that magical moment I had been gifted with equivalent of the USS Enterprise. I would be able to go to places I had never been before. I was instantly hooked! I grew up in Lizella in the 70’s on a farm. I would pedal on the white deep sand tracks made by farm vehicles as well as the horse and cow paths. Those thin tires never stopped me even though the terrain was not suited for them.
I continued to ride bikes throughout my life, less on dirt and more on roads. I moved quite a bit around the US and those areas were very friendly for road biking. I began to participate in triathlons and bike races. I am an introvert by nature and being on long rides seemed to re-energize me. It was my time to be in my own thoughts while experiencing the exhilaration of being amongst 100s to 1000s of other like-minded people. I always enjoyed the “highway hypnosis” that could lull me into a calmer spiritual and emotional place. As I learned how to ride faster, I learned that companies would sponsor me to ride. This just fueled my ability to ride more and upgrade my bikes. Total nirvana.
I moved back to Macon about 10 years ago and opened an outdoor retail store, Rodeo Beach in Mercer Village. I incorporated The Bike Store into my company. It was a perfect way to start meeting people from my hometown who could start sharing the local places to ride, who rides and when. I rode a lot in the first 8 years since moving back. I do not like to ride single path or true mountain bike riding, so I began gravel bike riding. The difference is that I now have a true gravel bike with much thicker tubeless wheels. In the picture, I am standing with my steel framed Jamis Renegade Gravel bike with upgraded components including a power generating hub on the front wheel. I smile however when I remember the younger version of myself on that yellow Schwinn making the best of sandy rides on what people would now say “is the wrong equipment”
Two years ago, I had a dire medical issue that literally took me off of my bike. Not being able to ride on long 50 – 100-mile rides has been difficult for me as that was part of what I called my personal therapy. It took a long time to even be able to walk a mile again. I am grateful to be alive and have this new perspective of what my bike(s) and riding means to me. I am not in as good of shape as I used to be, but I have begun riding again. Each weekend I ride 13 – 20 miles with a group of conscientious and thought-provoking women around downtown Macon. This ride inspires and encourages me physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually because of our discussions and encouragement to push through our limitations. This slower pace has allowed me to connect more with the streets of Macon. I am not racing currently on my Carbon Cervelo R5, so I am slowed down enough to be able to wave or speak with the citizens of this great town. I have accepted that my lifelong affair with biking has had its ups and downs, but I still remember those first words spoken on my maiden ride “Pedal hard and you will be okay”.
JUNE 16, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Janice Haley
photographer: Curtis Hertwig
Janice’s Story
The happiest memories of my childhood were when all the kids in our lakeside community in Minnesota would spend our Saturdays going on “Bike Hikes”. We would gather together on our rag-tag bikes and head out in the morning and not return home until dark. Our parents were thrilled to see us go! We would ride the neighborhood and explore every nook and cranny of our domain. We’d swim and dig dry-rotted boats out of the swamp always optimistic that we could “fix it up” and make it float again. Those were glorious day of freedom and excitement. But the key to it all was having a bike.
Teen years changed things for a while and our cars replaced our bikes. Then, in the early 70’s I was attending Michigan State University and bought myself a beautiful Raleigh Sprite 27 in DOT yellow. I rode that bicycle everywhere. It kept me mobile and kept me in shape. I owned and loved that bike for about 35 years. I had it rebuilt a couple times and it kept on ticking. Lansing, Cincinnati, Washington, D.C., and finally Georgia. My career took me to wonderful places; but it also took me away from my bike and my love of riding. Until, that is, about 10 years ago. I decided to donate my old Raleigh to the Historic Macon Flea Market and shortly thereafter, walked into a local bike shop only to find a brand new and mighty fine-looking Raleigh bicycle! Call it karma or fate; but I took it as a sign that it was time to get back to riding. I and a few of my friends (now getting up in age a bit but fighting every step of the way) all decided to buy bikes and start riding. So, every Saturday morning for probably 4-5- years we met at Spring Street landing and headed out on our own “Bike Hikes”. It was a terrific bonding experience. We challenged each other to find new and interesting (and FLAT!) routes around the city of hills and we talked and talked and shared the stories of our lives, our work weeks, our troubles and our joys.
That original gaggle of girls has fallen by the wayside due to health and stolen bike problems; but I have been lucky to find a whole new crew of bike ladies to ride with. I even got another new bike (not a Raleigh but a darn nice bike!) We try to ride every weekend and have even challenged ourselves to a few hills. I still get a thrill from the feeling of freedom that a bike gives me. It always makes me feel young, healthy (dare I say weightless?) and yes, even a bit daring at my age.
I’ve seen Macon become a lot more bike friendly and Bike Walk Macon has been leading the charge. I hear that the pandemic has brought bike riding back in a big way and, if there can be a bright side to a pandemic, I guess that is it. I hope to see more and more folks out on the streets and trails now and for years to come.
JUNE 11, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Kathy Young
photographer: Curtis Hertwig
Kathy’s Story
Bike riding is a huge part of my life. As I think about how to express my love for Macon, my bike is what comes to mind. I love nothing more in life than to get on my bike and go for a ride. My rides are fun and exciting. I found the home I am currently living in while riding my bike during Bike Walk Macon’s “Open Streets” a few years ago. I accidentally parked my car (which had my bike on the back of it) in front of an alley. This cute little lady walked out and told me this was a working alley that could not be blocked. We started talking and she showed me an apartment, and nature took its course. I now live in that apartment and ride my bike all over the downtown Macon area. I enjoy starting my ride on the top of Coleman hill and coasting down (that is the easy part!) Then I meander through our beautiful streets, looking at the many old historic homes. My mind wanders as I daydream about these beautiful old houses and how many people have lived in them over the years. Some of my bike rides stand out in my memory. I rode my bike to a Mercer football game. I chained it to a tree, enjoyed the game, and then rode it home. How many people can say they have ridden their bike to a college football game!! I have also ridden it to the Macon Bacon Games. I leave it by the front fence, enjoy our Macon Bacon, and then ride it home. Last year on one of the many rainy nights, I did not think they were going to get to play. I rode my bike down to the park anyway. It happened to be fireworks night. As I approached Luther Williams Field on my bike, I was awed by how beautiful the fireworks were. I sat on my bike (with the pitchers that stay behind the fence warming up) and enjoyed the most beautiful night of my life as the fireworks boomed over that field. I can still feel the moist air and the breeze on my face as I looked up in awe as the fireworks shot high in the sky over the baseball park. I was on the outside looking in, but I had the best seat in the house. I love riding down to the Ocmulgee and riding on the river walk. I follow the path all the way out to Central City Park and sometimes even to the Ocmulgee Indian Mounds. I usually stop on the way back and take a short rest and sing along with Otis by the River. If you have never spent a minute there, you should put that on your list. I often cool off in the fountains in front of the terminal station. There is nothing better than getting back onto your bike after walking through a fountain. The wind hitting your wet body is better than any air conditioner in Georgia. Tattnall Square Park is another I love to explore on my bike. I can smell the Magnolias, listen to the birds, watch the Pickle Ball players enjoying the morning or see families playing together in the park. My favorite day for the park is Wednesday afternoons when I visit the farmers market (always on my bike). After purchasing sweets from the cookie lady and different fresh vegetables each week, I ride my bike back up college street towards home. The uphill climbs in Macon are interesting. Sometimes I make it, but most days I get off and push my bike up the hill. When I finally reach home, I carry my bike up the steps and plop down on the beautiful front porch to enjoy my well-deserved treats.
I am Kathy Young, a volunteer for Bike Walk Macon and a lover of our community.
JUNE 9, 2020
Bicycle commuters: Dulcie, Cordelia, & Louisa Vanderhoek
Photographer: Curtis Hertwig
From left to right:
DULCIE - 10 years old. Soon to be a 5th grader at Vineville Academy. She likes stuffed animals, making art, and running around outside.
CORDELIA - 7 years old. Soon to be a 2nd grader at Vineville Academy. She likes to be outside and loves swimming.
LOUISA - turning 4 this week! (Happy Birthday Louisa) She likes to do whatever big sisters are doing and enjoys fresh eggs every morning for breakfast from the backyard chickens.
What is the main reason you bike?
Dulcie likes biking for fun, riding with friends, and exploring places in the neighborhood!
Cordelia says it’s fun. She learned to ride without training wheels when they canceled school because of coronavirus.
What kind of bike do you have?
Dulcie - Purple Trek Marlon 5
Cordelia - a mountain bike
Louisa - 12” blue specialized bike with training wheels from Bobby at Bike Tech Macon
What is your favorite part of biking?
Dulcie - feeling the wind against my cheeks
Cordelia - going down hills!
Louisa - Riding down the big hill in the neighborhood and taking my feet off the petals!
What could Macon do to make your biking experience better?
Dulcie - More bike lanes
Cordelia - More places to ride bikes!
What do you think Macon does well?
Dulcie - The Downtown Christmas lights are a fun tradition!Cordelia - Washington Park because you can run around and play in the water!
JUNE 4, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Sai Campbell
photographer: Curtis Hertwig
Sai’s Story
I currently have a NEXT mountain bike, but I really want a gravel bike so I can go faster and so I can give to my sister so she can ride with my 7-year-old niece.
All my life the outdoors has been a place of serenity for me. One of my fondest memories of my childhood is biking to West Pullman Park in Chicago with my sister and cousins. I still dream to this day, of biking over the train tracks and riding 3 blocks up to the park during the summer. It felt as if I was entering into an enchanting and magical world every time I would ride with my family. I still get that freeing feeling every once in a while, but after every ride I feel calm for hours afterwards. Which is very good for your heart. Now as an adult, coping with depression and anxiety from later life experiences I don’t worry when I’m on my bike, I don’t think about anything at all. It’s just me, my bike, and nature.
Safety tips really quick: Wear bright clothing so u can be seen; get front and back lights for your bike; let someone know where you will be riding in case of an accident; bring water and wear your helmet!
My name is Sai, I’m 31 and have been living in Macon off and on for about 20 years. I bike for the mental and physical benefits because sometimes life can be unpredictable and chaotic. My goal is to be vegan and down 100lbs in 2 years. I am also trying to avoid illnesses that come from not exercising like high blood pressure and diabetes. It is a bit terrifying because it runs in my family, but I have hope. At a hefty 276 lbs. I have a way to go, I just want a better quality of life. I want to thrive!
I volunteer with BWM to encourage cycling in Macon for anyone that wants to ride but may not have the confidence just yet.
JUNE 2, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Heidi CLinite
photographer: Curtis Hertwig
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m a local artist. I love creating public art and hosting or participating in public events. Such an event is Alley Gallery that is an interactive art show in the alleyway on First Fridays sponsored by NewTown Macon. I have an online store called Ember Maypop Shop to showcase my arts and crafts.
What is the main reason you bike?
For fun! Also, for transportation and exercise.
What kind of bike do you have?
A Public brand bike. It’s a classic looking bike with street cred. You can order it online and it is easy to assemble once it arrives.
What is your favorite part of biking?
The freedom. It makes you feel like a kid again.
What could Macon do better to make your biking experience better?
I think that dangerous Vineville-Forsyth Rd (between College and Forest Hill) should be converted back to a residential pedestrian friendly road by reducing the speed limit to 25mph (even though it is 35mph, people usually drive 40-50mph), narrowing the road to two lanes and widening the sidewalks for pedestrian safety. I have seen old people in wheelchairs face oncoming traffic because their chairs aren’t designed to transverse the broken, bumpy, big drop and sometimes nonexistent sidewalks. The entire stretch of sidewalk should be repaved so that it is flat and transversable to anyone, including those in wheelchairs, using walkers or baby strollers. This would make the neighborhood more pleasant and accessible to residents including the Academy of the Blind and the many retirement homes such as St. Paul’s, who often feel confined to the indoors, as well as for kids walking to and from schools such as St. Peter Claver, Central HS and Vineville Academy. The houses directly on Vineville Ave. will have a higher residency rate instead being left vacant due to traffic noise and inaccessibility.
What do you think Macon does well?
Campus Clubs and Centenary’s Re-Cycle Macon programs! Anything and everything that BikeWalk Macon pursues from group rides to having the city paint bike lanes. I’m glad that the city has bike racks on buses. I wish the public rent-a-bike program could come back.
MAy 2020 PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT
DSTO MOORE
Dsto (Don’t Stop Trying to Overcome) Moore is a Macon, GA-based photographer who specializes in capturing real life. Dsto works to bring his visionary art to the community. Since picking up a camera in 2015, he has taken his craft to the streets creating photo series such as Macon Music, Women’s Empowerment Project, We are Pleasant Hill, Macon Hidden Gems, and the My Bike Photo Series for Bike Walk Macon. His positive demeanor, desire to connect with the people in his community, and enthusiasm for his craft bring a real-life perspective to his work. His unique ability to feel comfortable in a variety of situations, communities, and spaces allows him the freedom to capture real life as he sees it. Just a kid from the Pleasant Hill neighborhood, he is eternally grateful to his village for supporting his dream and believing in him even when he didn’t believe in himself. Dsto dreams of growing his business to provide for his four children and create new jobs. Contact Dsto here and view his work on Facebook.
MAY 28, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Teresa Kane
photographer: dsto moore
Teresa’s Story
We met Teresa Kane at Centenary UMC on a balmy Sunday morning. We ate breakfast together, took Teresa’s photo, and discussed how getting a bike from Centenary’s Re-Cycle Macon program has changed the way she gets around. Teresa told us about an unofficial bike club she joined and the friendships she has forged while biking. She feels more free, healthy, and independent because of her time on her bicycle. She enjoys meeting and connecting with people who bike in her community. Several times during our discussion she said, “There’s no better way to get to know Macon than on a bike.”
MAY 26, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Adeline Cooke
photographer: dsto moore
Ady’s Story
My name is Adeline, but people who know me call me Ady. I like biking because it is a challenge for me. I ride mountain bikes. My favorite part of riding is the wind blowing through my locks. Macon could make it safer for kids to bikes by having a network of responsible adults who would help look out for us. They could call one another and tell them to look out for us. My story began with Ms. Charise (U Create Macon). She took me riding and she helped me learn! My mom bought me a bike for Christmas, and I haven’t looked back since!
MAY 21, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Stephanie Shadden
photographer: dsto moore
Stephanie’s Story
The Sunday started like most summer Sundays. On July 2, 2017, my friend Mark and I made plans for an early bike ride while the temperature was decent. We did this regularly. Riding my bike is exercise. It’s a release that gets me outside to feel the sun and breeze and hear the birds and see my community.
I would normally hang around downtown (where I lived) and wait to meet Mark there. This Sunday, I decided to meet him halfway. I put on my helmet, clipped in and set out up Walnut, crossing College Street and the bridge over I-75, then pedaling up the long hill to where Walnut meets Third and becomes Clayton Street. When I got to the top of the hill, I saw Mark on his bike, and we turned to go back down to Walnut Street. And that's the last I remember.
Two weeks prior, I unknowingly experienced a misdiagnosed concussion during a softball game. And unbeknownst to me, concussions do not agree with elevated heart rates. At the top of the hill on Walnut – one that I have ridden many times before in Georgia heat – I blacked out.
It was after riding down the hill, crossing the four-way stop and riding all the way to the other side of the I-75 bridge that I totally passed out, lost all control and had a very rough landing. I do not remember the crash. I do not remember the ambulance ride. I do not remember the first week and a half in the Neuro ICU.
I do know that God determined it wasn't my time to go. Two weeks later, while still healing from a traumatic brain injury, a broken collarbone, and several facial fractures, I walked out of the hospital, determined to return to the life I love.
So, less than a year later, on June 27, 2018, I got back on the bike. This time Mark met me halfway. With the same bike, new helmet (my last one cracked open), and a greater appreciation, I rode again. I have since ridden the same path a few times, although the bridge is totally under construction and completely different.
I am thankful to be alive to relive it, with gratitude every day. I’m here because miracles happen. I’m here because helmets are completely necessary. I’m here because even though I sometimes get a little anxious while back on my bike, that accident wasn’t the end of my bike story.
MAY 19, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Jack Wood
photographer: dsto moore
Jack’s Story
We met “Jingling Jack” at Centenary UMC Macon. He told us about his time as a Navy veteran and what led him back to Macon. A mix of circumstances and ill-fated choices left him homeless with even public transportation economically out of reach. He doesn’t like the attention, but he is also warm and open to talk about how he earned his bike volunteering at Centenary with the Re-Cycle Macon. In the year he has had his bike he has been able to secure a part time job, get to medical appointments and stores for supplies. “It used to take me an hour and a half to get to Centenary from where I stay, now it just takes 15 minutes. My life is a whole lot easier with a bike”. He likes to keep bells on his bike so people know he is coming, to keep gremlins and sabotage away; a folklore derived from 11th Century Catholics in England and Scotland.
MAY 14, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Claire Helm
photographer: dsto moore
What is the main reason you bike?
I started biking a few years ago because I didn’t have a car and needed transportation. I do have a car now but still love my bike!
What is your favorite part of biking?
Being able to catch all of the things I miss when I’m driving. I’ve also really enjoyed learning how to make small repairs on it. It’s a really fun way to stay healthy!
What could Macon do to make your biking experience better?
I would love to see more designated bike paths throughout the city.
What do you think Macon does well?
I’m so happy to see how much Macon’s biking community has grown.
MAY 12, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Clifford Sanders
photographer: dsto moore
Clifford’s Story
My name is Clifford Sanders. I am 67 years old, from the Westside of Macon, GA. I use to walk everywhere I went. But I have a bum leg and was having a hard time getting around. I got a bike helping at Centenary (United Methodist Church) and it is so much easier to get around. Walking is fine, but biking is better. Right now, I am trying to get another wheel because one was stolen…they just stole it right off my bike while it was chained up…but I’ll be back on the road when I get one. I use my bike to get everywhere.
MAY 7, 2020
Bicycle commuter: Michael Robinson
photographer: dsto moore
Michael’s Story
On the morning of September 1st, 2018, I awoke fed up with my life. I had broken my neck a couple of weeks earlier, I was 230 pounds of wasted potential, I had lost my job and I was drinking almost every single night. I was tired of life kicking my a** and I was finally ready to fight back. I started eating right and jogging ten to 15 miles per day, every day. Rain, shine, cold, or wet, I was pounding the payment with my sore feet. Turns out running several miles a day with your c7 broken in 2 places and 2 herniated disks is not good for your back. It got to a point where I couldn't run as far as I wanted to. So, feeling a little defeated I walked into Bike Tech. There I met Jim and he set me back on my path. I knew nothing about cycling. Jim and Lucious answered every question I had. I bought a cheap used bike and never looked back. I lost 70 pounds and in the process, found myself. I found what I had been looking for my entire life. I found my religion. The picture above is how I feel about cycling. Cycling helps me to carry the cross I bear. It saves me, it grounds me and it makes me whole. I wage war with this world every day. Some days I win, other days I lose. No matter what day it is, I know I can clip in and ride until nothing else matters. It’s just me, the road, and two angry legs.
MAY 5, 2020
Bicycle commuter: nathan smith
photographer: dsto moore
How do you primarily use your bike?
Running errands and for daily transportation to get around the city.
How often do you ride?
Daily, when I was able to ride before getting sick.
What do you think would make biking better in Macon?
Having better bike lanes so it would be safer.
Nathan is from Macon, born and raised. He can be found helping neighbors with groceries and running small errands on his bike. He is currently unable to ride, but has fond memories of a lifetime of getting around on a bike.