Betty Lou gets Retired

Jimio on his new Mountain Bike, Loretta

Well after 7 years of faithful service to old Jimio, Betty Lou has finally wore out. With only 1 gear working well and no rear brake, I decided to send her to the Old Bikes Home. Actually the Bicycle Union on Mechanic Street where they will fix her up and donate her to a needy family. My new mountain bike was given to me by my nephew Phillip who must have known the abysmal shape of Betty Lou through my conversations with his Mom, my sister, Missy. This new bike is a Schwinn Acension 29. It has 29' wheels which help soften the bumps in the road. So far it has been very responsive and easy to ride and with the full knobby tires, gets me through the snow just fine and dandy. Only problem was the handbrakes at too high an angle. That was easily corrected by rotating the handlebar forward to get just the right comfortable grip. I'm looking forward to taking more photos of people, places, animals and things with the sure smooth wheels of Loretta. This is Jimio saying *Ride for fun* *Ride Safe* and have a *Happy New Year 2014*

This Meeting is Called to Order

bikes having their Annual Reunion

Every year at this time these bikes gather under these Elms to discuss the past years wear n tear on their frames and to find ways to encourage their owners to keep themselves well maintained. The biggest concern is oil and grease and spare inner-tubes. The next order of business is making sure their bolts are snug and brakes are tight. The last detail is to remind their owners to ride in the safest way possible and to stay off busy, bumpy and trash n glass filled roads n sidewalks. his is Jimio saying: * Be Good to your Bike* and *Your Bike will be Good to You*

Bicycle Mower

Keep riding muscles in shape and do a chore too!

I wonder how really practical this 1/2 Mower - 1/2 Bicycle contraption is? Well if it doesn't work that efficiently, it still makes a nice lawn ornament! This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* and *Ride Safe*

Out for a Sunday Afternoon Ride

Father and his kids enjoying the nice weather

Lately I have been seeing a lot of families out pedaling and having a great time. Riding together is good for your health cause it tones the muscles and strengthens the heart and lungs. It also makes one feel invigorated and refreshed plus while you are all together it gives them a time to discuss whatever ideas that come to one's mind. Its also a way to see your town or neighborhood up close and to view the positive things out there as well as to avoid any negative things. Also the parents when riding with children can teach them safe bicycling skills that should keep them safe. While I was talking to them we discussed some of the attractions Jackson had to offer like where one could go to see concerts and bands. Places that have closed and new venues that have opened. This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* *Ride Safe* and *Ride for Health*

Spring is in the air!

What a great day for a ride!

Looks like this family is enjoying the warm Good Friday weather we had today. It was Sunny and 50F.