The response to our Tour of the Blue Ridge / Advocacy Roundtable has been amazing!
Of course folks are thrilled: June 22 – 26, 2011. Boone to Asheville. 20 riders (only 12 8 spots left). 60+ mountain miles a day. Advocacy and strategy sessions by night. Great food and drink. Mountain Inns. Led by the Black Bear Adventures. Clad in Bikelaw.com kits specially made for the event:
The cost is $1200, with lodging, food, sag, jersey/shorts/socks, and shuttle back to Boone included. If you want a spot, please let us know asap by emailing Peter Wilborn. We will have more interest than spots available.
Nominate a Worthy Bicycle Advocate to Join Us for Free
In order to ensure that the price does not prevent important voices from being heard, Bikelaw.com is giving away two spots to Southeastern bike advocates that are nominated in the comments section below. That’s right, two of the names posted below will be given a free place on the Tour. No formal guidelines, no requirements. Just nominate someone you think makes a difference in the Southeast and loves to ride, and we get to choose. And yes, you can nominate yourself!
69 Comments
I’ll start the nominations off: Charles Fox in Charleston. He is always willing to support every event and will do whatever it takes. His life was changed by his TWO rides across the country!
Since you are sponsoring 2 slots, I’d second Charles Fox and nominate Tom Bradford, the tireless leader of Charleston Moves!
Charles Fox is definitely deserving, as is Tom Bradford. I am not near as worthy, but I do so want to go on this tour with you all, and so for that reason only, I HAVE to nominate myself!
I don’t know what a difference I’ve made except hopefully to promote cycling among women especially… racing in particular… but I don’t know too many people who love to ride more than I do!! 
And I love to get the word out about various rides and events. If I’m chosen for one of these spots, I will also do what I can to be even more of an advocate. Certainly I am very impressed with MyBikeLaw and glad to have you as someone to turn to for all bike-related legal expertise. Thank you for all that you do! -Jane
I nominate Andrew Meeker, bike-friendly-Greenville-advocate extraordinaire: http://www.gvillemag.com/feature/our_town/agents_of_change
…and I’d like to nominate one more (is that allowed?). Jean Crowther, now with Alta, formerly with Partners for Active Living.
I nominate Stephanie Hunt, Nico Safrit, Tim Walter & Steve Zoukis, all intrepid cyclists and friends, and important new members of our advocacy community.
There are certainly more worthy people for nomination in the cycling community that everyone has pointed out like the advocates of cycling of the caliber of Tom Bradford, and people I always see involved with events like Charles Fox. Hell, I’m not even worty of nomination, but I have to shamefully nominate myself so I can hope to participate in an event with people that I admire and aspire to emulate. If nothing else, I can put a hand on their back when the road gets tough. So yes, nominate me and I’ll be the Tour’s sherpa.
There are so many people that do so much for bicycling advocacy, but I definitely think two people VERY deserving of a nomination are Rachael Kefalos Bronson and Paul LeFrancois of the Palmetto Cycling Coalition. Their amazing efforts are genuine, long-term, statewide, professional, and tireless. Check out their work at http://www.pccsc.net
I nominate Craig Fischer because that guy loves to ride a bike – road, mountain, cross, TT – whatever. He also has great access to cool technology stuff to help spread whatever word needs to be spread. As an added bonus, he’s 6’3′ and 200# so he’s great to draft on.
Great names everyone! And lots more to come. Let me make it clear that this is not a ranking or a who’s who. No one needs to be worthy. Just like to ride a bike and want to make the Southeast a better and better place to do it.
I’ll second Rachael’s nomination of Andrew Meeker. His hard work over the last few years has really helped put Greenville on the path to become a bike friendly place.
I also nominate Jane West. She is always out riding but also always willing to help others getting into the sport. She is on lots of different committees. She is a great advocate especially for women. Go Jane go!
I’d like to nominate Mike and Claudia Nix from Liberty Bikes in Asheville. They have been advocates for cycling in NC and around the world for many years and when I grow up, I want to be just like them.
Mary Crowe from Greensboro NC. She started a program where she gets bikes from the City police (via a nonprofit) rehabs them and then gives them after an education session, to socioeconomic disadvantaged individuals. She is active in road cycling- leads a weekly ride for women..and she has done a lot at UNCG to promote cycling as an alternative transportation for faculty staff.
I would like to nominate Arleigh from Bike Shop Girl. She’s doing good stuff for cycling.
Darryl
I nominate Arleigh Jenkins (Bike Shop Girl) in Charlotte, NC. Solid advice, organization, inspiration, personality… she’s brings it to the bike community.
I nominate Arleigh Jenkins(bikeshopgirl.com), creator of EM:PWR Cycling Team. An avid bicyclist not only on the commuter front but also mountain biking as well. She works hard to enlighten those around her to partake in cycling for all kinds of reasons, but mainly ‘just because’.
I Nominate Arleigh Jenkins (aka bikeshopgirl.com). A true advocate for cycling and very outspoken for the rights of cycling as a mode of transportation. She brings awareness to the pitfalls of trying to commute and would be a great advocate for the Blueridge Parkway bicycle tour. Go Arleigh!
I Nominate Arleigh Jenkins (aka bikeshopgirl.com)
ARLEIGH JENKINS !
I would like to nominate Arleigh from Bike Shop Girl. She is an incredible supporter of CLT cycling issues and is the best at encouraging people. She is a bike commuter and avid cyclist whose passion for cycling and related issues makes Charlotte a better place to ride.
Arleigh Jenkins – Charlotte, NC
Arleigh Jenkins! She inspired me to start riding my bike more!
I would like to nominate Arleigh Jenkins of BikeShopGirl.com as well as the founder of Em:Pwr Cycling Team. She strives to make the road and mountain slopes safer for all of us cyclists out there. Her hard work in the rights of the cycling community has put more than just a mark on the map. She is determined to make safety on the bike a priority to be recognized by all.
Definitely Arleigh Jenkins of bikeshopgirl.com. She has been a constant advocate of cycling in the SE through her shop (first), then her blog, and now as the founder of em:pwr cycling.
I want to nominate Arleigh Jenkins!!
I’m going to break outside the box and nominate myself. being able to be out and about with other advocates in the cycling world. Would be totally awesome along with riding he Blue Ridge Parkway as well. Advocacy for cycling is no always about what we start or about what we create is about being apart of hings that help move cycling and laws ha have to deal with cycling in he right way Also being on the Board of Charlotte area Bike alliance has afforded me the opportunity to be in the right place at the right time to not just support cycling but also other forms of multi- modal transportation. but being a full integrated part of the cycling community as well. This would also be a wonderful chance o get out of the shadow of Martin Zimmerman and finally get to meet all the others who are working just as Hard for the cycling community as a whole.
Dan B.
I want to meet Arleigh Jenkins! I ride in Charlotte at least one weekend a month.
Okay, okay, I get it: Arleigh Jenkins is awesome!
Now, anybody want to nominate anyone else?
I’d like to nominate two individuals, Weldon Weaver & Keith Sorensen; both of who have had a tremendous role in the success of Trips for Kids Charlotte. Keith was key to the formation of the TFKC Recyclery and has been involved in countless bike initiatives in the city. Weldon runs the Trips for Kids Charlotte Earn a Bike program, is developing our outreach to the homeless community by repairing their bicycles and enabling them to ride a bit more safely, and serves on the Board of our local bike advocacy group CABA ( ..as does Keith).
I nominate Gary Mendenhall, who always rides the extra mile when our Miami crowd needs something important done. Plus, he’s always thinking up new ways to get people onto bikes.
I’d also like to nominate Dick Winters, Chairman of the City of Charlotte’s Bicycle Advisory Committee, director of the county’s Safe Routes to School initiative, Board Member of Trips for Kids Charlotte, and all around nice guy.
I’d like to nominate the secretary of our organization, Green Mobility Network. His name is Eric Tullberg. Eric is a retired engineer who works tirelessly as a bike advocate here in Miami (where the work is relentlessly uphill even though the terrain is flat and the weather is great). In addition to his duties as Secretary of our organization, Eric also is the Vice Chair the Bicycle Pedestrian and Advisory Committee for the local MPO. He has personally made detailed field surveys of most our local bike paths that provide condition reports and recommendations. Eric was recently recognized by the Village of Palmetto Bay (see details on our website) for his years of outstanding service.
I would like to nominate Weldon Weaver. Weldon is a long time board member of CABA, a board member and Education Director at Trips For Kids Charlotte, webmaster of the Charlotte Velo website, excellent bike photographer, instigator of bike maintenance courses at community shelters to assist homeless in maintaining their bikes which are their only transportation, and probably many other bicycle related activities too numerous to mention.
I’d like to nominate Andy Akard. Andy has a wealth of cycling experience and many cycling accomplishments as well. For the last four years he has been the Regional Brevet Administrator (RBA) for Audax Atlanta and Randonneurs USA. He has completed some pretty impressive rides such as Paris-Brest-Paris, The Cascades 1200K and many other long distance rides.
He’s very experienced with urban and rural cycling since he lives in the Atlanta-Metro area.
His position with RUSA demands a thorough knowledge of the hazards of long distance riding on the many different enviroments encountered while riding in the southeast.
He’s a husband, father, and a great guy to ride with.
Please choose Andy!
I would like to nominate Weldon Weaver. He is a cycling advocate in Charlotte. He manages Charlotte Velo, He is also involved in Caba, Trips for kids, and also raises money for several charities. And is also a great cycling photographer with many published photos and articles. Anything bike related he is involved. You need this guy on your trip. Thanks Scott
I nominate ARLEIGH JENKINS from Moorsville, NC !!!
I’d like to nominate Weldon Weaver, a TFKC Board member and CABA Board member, TFKC Education Chair and Earn a Bike instructor. Weldon represents us at numerous festivals and initiated a bike repair/safety program at Crisis Assistance Ministries
I nominate Arleigh Jenkins (aka bikeshopgirl.com)
I nominate Arleigh Jenkins (aka @arsbars and bikeshopgirl.com). She, in her years of racing, wrenching, managing bike shops, blogging and generally being a great person to talk with, has done more to get and keep people on bikes (whether they be a child, an adult beginner, or a racer the caliber of Rebecca Rousch) than anyone else I’ve ever had the good fortune of knowing. She’s been a fantastic advocate for bike commuting, cycling awareness and safety through her stint owning commutebybike.com; and her current blog: bikeshopgirl.com is one of the premiere websites for promoting women’s cycling and answering honest questions in an honest manner. She’s also now leading a national cycling club (I’m fortunate enough to be a part of it) and team that has as its core goal to promote the benefits of cycling to anyone and everyone who’s interested. We’re not all uber-fast, but we all have a lot of fun. She knows what it’s like to be a statistic, as well; she was injured in a bike/car accident last year, and wrote eloquently about the struggle, both physical and mental, to get back on the bike. Other cyclists have appreciated that–the sharing of words being one way for her–and others, to heal.
So, as an advocate for mybikelaw and its mission of promoting cycling laws and awareness, she’s your woman. Couldn’t ask for a nicer person, and a stronger advocate.
As a recent victim (22 months ago) I nominate myself. I know first hand of what anunaware, inattentive and intoxicated driver can do to a cyclist who is trying to share the same space legally with automobiles! It is truly a life changing moment. I would love to share my story and collaborate with fellow cyclist about solutions. We are increasingly at risk and need to act now, as a community, before more lives are altered and taken.
I nominate Arleigh Jenkins, from Charlotte, NC.
I want to nominate Weldon Weaver. Weldon is very considerate person in the biking arena. He cares about others. He teaches kids life skills through Earn A Bike programs. He helps the homeless survive by assisting them with bike maintenance workshops so they can get to jobs. He gives himself to support biking.
I may be late in the game but I nominate Arleigh Jenkins (Bike Shop Girl) – Charlotte, NC. Her passion is undeniable and her willingness to help and inspire others is commendable. She deserves this above anyone else.
I nominate Jane West. Jane has worked in several capacities over the years to serve cyclists in the Southeast especially the tri county area. Jane has served as President of the Coastal Cyclists for the past two years, 2009 and 2010, and is still actively serving in several areas behind the scene.
Jane presently serves as webmaster for the Coastal Cyclist Yahoo Groups web site. In addition, Jane maintains the regional ride calender and has also worked with Active.com so prospective cyclists can join or renew club membership through the Yahoo Group web site.
It would be difficult for Jane to afford such a trip at this time. She is a single Mother of two with one daughter headed to college this year.
Please consider Jane for this nomination, She would be such a wonderful addition to the group and be so grateful for the opportunity.
I would like to nominate Weldon Weaver. Since the first day I met Weldon I have admired his dedication to bicycle advocacy and passion for having a positive voice throughout the Charlotte community. His presence as an Instructor at Trips for Kids Charlotte has made an impact on many young people’s lives by instilling the importance of bicycle safety, while at the same time igniting a passion in their hearts for learning more about the mechanics and maintenance of their newly earned bike. Weldon is also a driving force in CABA (Charlotte Area Bicycle Alliance), a non-profit that works to create a bicycle friendly community through cycling awareness and education. He also created and maintains the website CharlotteVelo. This website is an invaluable resource that provides information about injustices against cyclist in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. It not only gives the cyclist (plus their family and friends) a voice, but it also provides a place that raises awareness of accidents in the area that many times would go unnoticed.
Weldon is would be the perfect person to receive one of the two positions available not only because he is a wonderful person inside and out. But also because he lives his passion and continues to aspire to be the change he wishes to see in his world.
Thank you for the opportunity to nominate someone like Weldon for such a great program.
I nominate Claudia Nix from Liberty Bicycles in Asheville NC! Thanks for the opportunity to do something nice for her…she does soooo much for all of us!
I also nominate Craig Friedrich from Ski Country Sports in Asheville for all he does for cycling in our area!
I second Claudia Nix, super nice lady who is works so hard for the rest of us.
I nominate Weldon Weaver
Come on, ya’ll…how is it that no one has yet thought to nominate one of the earliest promoters of CYLCING IN CHARlESTON–the guy who worked tirelessly to convince the Dept. of Transportation to include the cycling lane, on the new Ravenel Bridge….this guy is up there with Charles Fox, for Cycling Big Daddies, in the Low Country…..
Who joins me in nominating DON SPARKS?
I nominate Weldon Weaver, he is a true advocate for cyclists! He is involved with Trips for Kids, donating his time to help under-priviledged children have the opportunity to earn a bike and teaching children about safe bike riding. He attends city council meetings to advocate for road change to allow for safe cycling. I do not know all that Weldon Weaver does to advocate for cycling, but he is constantly involved in cycling safety, rights, and advocacy. He developed a web-site, CLTvelo, and serves on the board for CABA. He is a worthy, candidate for a cycling trip in the Blue Ridge for advocates of cyclists and more. Those riding on the trip will be enriched by meeting Weldon Weaver.
I nominate Jon Donohue, ’cause he sure could use a vacate from playing Bike-dodger on Folly Road.
I know it’s my party, so I can toss another name out there: Joel Gwadz of the bike blog Gwadzilla from DC. Bike messenger in the 80s, MTB and XC racer, DC commuter, cycling dad, photog of the wonderful spectrum of DC cyclists, participant at the National Bike Summit: no one anywhere has celebrated bike life longer or with more energy.
I nominate Weldon Weaver. Not only is Weldon a tremendous advocate for cycling, by sharing his time and passion for improving cycling in our community, but he also shares his time and passion for improving our community as a whole. Weldon is the most selfless person I know and I hope you will recognize this by allowing him to participate in this event.
I second Joel (and myself)
I nominate Arleigh Jenkins. Arleigh is operator of Bike Shop Girl website and founder of the em:pwr cycling team. Not only through words but through her everyday actions Arleigh supports and encourages cycling from the racer to the recreational. Her dedication to the well being and improvement of individuals and the community through cycling is unmatched.
This nomination is for Arleigh Jenkins. Her constant support encourages all to better themselves as well as the community through cycling.
I nominate Tom Mahon.
I would like to nomination Weldon Weaver not only is he a true advocate for the cycling community he also gives his time in teaching children bike safety. I can’t think of a more worthy and deserving candidate for this event if Weldon is nominated those that ride with him will surely agree.
Harry Johnson is mainly responsible for exposing me to cycling. So, if you want to “blame” anyone it would be him. Through my introduction to cycling, I’ve made some of my now best friends and colleagues through cycling.
Harry is relentless is his pursuit to add to cycling. He’s done a great job with taking the Trips for Kids Recyclery to the next level.
I would like to promote Weldon Weaver from Charlotte. He works for Trips for Kids Charlotte running our Earn a Bike program. He is also very active with Charlotte Velo and CABA. Weldon is a great asset to Trips for Kids and a tremendous bicycle advocate as you can see from his other involvement with other bicycling organizations. Weldon inspires the kids who come through the Earn a Bike program by teaching them to work on their bike as well as teaching them bicycle safety.
Arleigh Jenkins (founded bikeshopgirl.com) for all she has done for fellow cyclists and for the sport itself.
I would like to nominate Weldon Weaver. He is a true cycling advocate. He donates his time and energy to help under-priviledged children earn bikes and learn bike safety through Trips for Kids. He started a website, CLTvelo, that reports on cycling accidents and bike law around the greater Charlotte area. He attends Charlotte city council meetings to advocate for road lane change to allow for safer cycling. He is also a great cycling photographer with many published photos and accompanying articles. Weldon never ceases to get involved with any avenue of cycling advocacy. He definitely deserves a nomination. I cannot think of a more deserving cyclist.
I would like to nominate Michael Dennis as a bike advocate. Michael has
> served on the Charleston Ride for Hope Board since its inception. He has
> brought infectious enthusiasm and constant energy to our cause over the last
> 3 years. He is a fountain of ideas for our Board and there is a piece of
> him in our Ride every year. He put the signs out in year one, and the last
> 2 years he has truly found his niche. He now heads up the kids ride. The
> only smiles that are bigger on the kids’ ride than Michael are the kids’
> because Michael truly loves unconditionally as a child. He has helped with
> the sponsorship dinner and with personal calls to other for fundraising. I
> truly enjoy working with Michael and the stream of emails that he sends out
> looking for like minded individuals.
>
> Michael rode the Leadville 100 last year sponsored by the Board of the
> Charleston Ride for Hope. He trained and drove out West to pursue another
> dream. After a long grueling day, he unfortunately did not make it.
> Crestfallen, he called me to tell me he did not make it. I told him that he did
> make it, he tried and gave it his all and that is all you can do. He smiled
> and knew that he had done that, his best. Then I said now go get ready for
> next year!!
>
> The stories could go on, from cycling across the USA to helping locally to
> just riding his bike to church at First Scots. He is the example we all
> look for as a bicycle advocate. Yep, a grown man with the heart of a
> child, smiling, pedaling, enjoying the experience and passing it on to others.
> We are proud of you Mike.
>
> I can think of no one that is more of a bike advocate from old to young
> than Michael Dennis.
> Dawson Cherry
> Ride Director
> Charleston Ride for Hope
I’d also like to nominate Henry Block of Miami who has raised thousands for cancer research over the years doing the Pan Mass challenge. He needs to ride another area of the country.
Okay, I also nominate me. I need the exercise and inspiration.
I would like to nominate Weldon Weaver. Weldon is a popular advocate for cycling in Charlotte. Weldon continues to make a difference as he is very involved with CABA and Trips for Kids. Weldon is also a very talented photographer and seems to be involved in everything cycling related. You should definitely include him on your trip. Thank you, Brian Couture
I have been gone for two weeks and this has really taken off. It is great to see all the interest and enthusiasm. I would second the recommendations for Rachael Bronson and Paul LeFrancois who have dedicated themselves to improving bicycling in SC. I certainly support Charles Fox, although he may still be recovering as am I. Andrew Meeker, there are so many possibilities – what a good thing.
I nominate Arleigh from Bike Shop Girl. She’s is a true motivator!