Three Things About ABT and Other Thoughts

One.
Perhaps the most obvious result of the Grand Opening of Archer Braid Trail (ABT) was the numerous bikes given away at the failed raffle. Failed? Uh huh. By definition, a raffle requires that chances be purchased, but the incredible generosity of the bicycle community and those who support bicycling made bikes and a bunch (that's the only word that adequately defines how much there was) of stuff available to be given away because this event was about being joyful and sharing something special.

Two.
Another ancillary result of the Grand Opening was the appearance of many bikes which hadn't seen the bright of day since being tucked away out of sight somewhere. Many had rusted chains, brakes that squealed more than stopped and tires showing cracks and needing air. Didn't matter. Archer was celebrating its special mile and a half of wooded, rolling trail and people wanted to be a part of it and use it.

Three.
The other thing of special interest is that all those newly acquired bikes and the recently revived ones can now benefit from a bike shop! Chain Reaction Bike Shop, which serves the needs of UF students across the street from campus on University, is working on an arrangement with Archer's Ace Hardware to permit drop-off service for repairs. How cool is that?! So, y'all with your raggedy chains or brakes that don't work, well, you'll find real quickly that repairing a bike costs much less than repairing your car. And those who received the raffle bikes . . . when you need service you have a way to get it done more conveniently. Chain Reaction isn't my FNBS, but if I lived in Archer there's a good chance it would be and based on this kind of reponse to a community they deserve the designation of FNBS!

Archer's a nice place to ride. There're things to see and people seem pleased to see riders . . . they wave and that's a good sign. Many of the roads around Archer are well known to recreational and competitive riders and with ABT it is much more pleasant getting to and using them. Seems like a good place for all of this common folk bicycle riding to grow and for "serious" riders to go. Be nice if Archer could become a focal point of bicycle activity. Maybe that bicycle themed pub I imagine can happen there! Let's see . . . ride down the trail then return for a specialty burger and onion rings, an adult beverage or a milk shake. Need those carbs!

Archer Braid Trail, Grand Opening, June 15, 2013

The Archer Braid Trail Grand Opening happened and it was probably exactly the kind of event it should have been. It was like a carnival, but where all the games were rigged so everybody won something. Ultimately, it was about families and kids and the common folk of Archer who'd be the most frequent and daily users of the first mile and a half.

There were speakers who kept their comments brief and relevant. And there was music, at least until the raffle started. There wasn't any money needed for the raffle. If you were there you could have a ticket. The number of generous donations was staggering; bikes and lights and locks to tune-ups and and flat repairs kits and soap. And there were the helmets. More than a hundred helmets were fitted and given to anyone who took the time to stand in line to get one. Adults waited patiently and without complaint as kids moved to the head of the line then smiled just as broadly when their turn came and they received their spiffy new bicycle helmet

Lots of riders came to the event and stood out in their bright garb, but the Grand Opening was much more about the basic, grassroots appeal of bicycles and Archer was probably the perfect place for it to happen.

It took a good imagination to see what the Trailhead would become.

Grass and asphalt and people at the completed Trailhead.

The Gainesville Cycling Club was at the center of making the event work.

Chain Reaction Bike Shop, Santa Fe College, Chamber of Commerce and the Alachua Sheriff's department werre on hand to share information and join the fun.

Can you say Helmets?

Receiving your first helmet, having it fit properly AND remaining stylishly coordinated is serious stuff!

"Number 42056!" "Number 42038!" "Number 42089!" No matter how long it takes and no matter how tedious it becomes, giving things away just feels good.

And it was about the bikes and the kids and people being glad to share a morning in the sun.

It's all black and cool AND I have a helmet!

It goes wherever I want it to go.

Sometimes, "cool" is a state of mind.

Sometimes "cool" is your state of mind.

There's this thing known as style.

Bikes come in all sizes and are fit for fun for everyone.

Care to define "cute"?

She came to the Grand Opening and went home with a spiffy Schwinn, a new helmet and a big grin.

Getting a good start on a lifelong activity.

Pleanty of room for skaters, too.