Encouragement to Dog Owners & Motorists

“What’s more beautiful than a road? It
is the symbol and the image of an active, varied life.”
-George Sand, French novelist

Spending a good bit of time on the roads around our area on a bicycle, I’ve noticed several things that are wonderful and a few that cause frustration and concern.

The positive is a great place to begin: there are really beautiful places here to enjoy. At times, one could feel like they are riding a bike in the countryside of Ireland, France, or even Italy. It warms the heart to go through these areas and ponder the beauty of our world. Almost smelling the peat of Ireland, or the vineyards and the olive groves of France or Italy, seeing the beauty of an old barn and wondering what that farm was like in it’s “hay day,” topping a hill and enjoying a breath-taking view of the valley. These are just a few of the joys one can encounter while taking a bike ride here in Middle Tennessee. Another wonder here are those fellow Tennesseans that one meets along the journey. Talking to folks while stopped for supplies we are often asked: How far have you gone today? Where are you headed? What is the farthest you have ridden in a day? Would you like some water? Please stop by again if you are ever in this area. Generally speaking, in our area cyclists are made to feel welcome and are respected on the highways and byways. Continue reading →

Stephen Battles MS With His Bike

This article originally appeared in the Motlow State Community College News

Motlow Employee Participates in MS Event with More Purpose than Others

LYNCHBURG — November 8, 2011

Stephen Ray’s first day of work as a watchkeeper for Motlow College was in the fall of 2007. It happened to be the day of the ‘MS Ride to Jack and Back’ event. Ray said, “Before that day I had never heard of the bicycling event and I really did not know what ‘MS’ was.” He added, “Actually I was a little nervous about so many visitors on campus while I was supposed to be learning my new job.” Two years later he would realize the irony of his first day and he would learn firsthand about MS (multiple sclerosis).

Stephen

The next fall he and his fiancée, Rose, were planning their wedding. Stephen, who normally weighed in the 180 pound range, had been an athlete all of his life. Growing up in Manchester, he played football and baseball and had always managed to stay in shape. He began noticing his muscle tone was fading and he was losing weight. Feeling very tired, he attributed his physical changes to stress. He and Rose continued with their wedding plans. By the time they married in January of 2009, Stephen’s weight had fallen to 119 pounds. He knew something was wrong.

Continue reading →