Roll Model: Jack Wachtel

I just moved down to the city in mid August, and the automobile gods frowned upon me right before I came down. My loss of a car put me back into the saddle, and truth be told, I don't know if I'll ever go back. I cruise mainly through the Edgewood Avenue area, and you can catch me most mornings at Cafe+Velo. Never leaving my side is my trusty steed, a 1992 Trek 1200 Aluminum. First and only bike I have owned, and I'm zealous about squeezing every inch of life I can from it.

I grew up in Canton, so I'm ecstatic to be out of the suburbs. But even in my short time here I think I've surpassed the initial joy that comes from being cradled among the concrete forest of a progressive metropolis. Atlanta is a microcosm for our nation: a sprawling puzzle of subjective identity. A thousand varieties of opinions and cultures, and enough diversity to draw political borders around the neighborhoods. The American identity is impossible to put a pin on, but calling yourself an Atlanta Native is badge of passion.

But that pride is something you miss when enclosed in a rolling, two-ton, cage of steel. You fail to witness the living, breathing entity that you can’t help but fall in love with once you sleep down here for a week, because it’s something that only a resident can know.

So what has my saddle given me? A chance to romance my city, and a city to call my own. For what good is living free, if your house is not your home?

Jack Wachtel

Serendipity At The Bike Commuter Breakfast

This morning's monthly gathering took place at our lovely, new
Café + Velo, 381 Edgewood Avenue. To keep in the loop for all things city cycling, follow Bike Commuters of Atlanta on Facebook.

Welcome, Café + Velo

A celebration of cycling and coffee, Café + Velo opened today at 381 Edgewood Ave, SE. From its rooftop deck to Bike Box vending machine, Ben Boisson and Jeff Demetriou have made something unique in their pursuit of Coffee, Cycling, Cuisine, and Community.

Bike Commuter Breakfast Thursday

The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition has chosen the popular coffee bar and boutique at 501 Edgewood Avenue for its December gathering. Stop by Chrome Yellow Trading Company between 7 and 9 am to catch up with friends who prefer pedal power in a city renown for motor traffic.
Rsvp on Facebook.

The Terminus 5 C: Resurgens

She has what they want, but it could be yours: a vintage Miyata ten-speed bike. To obtain such a treasure you will have to run a gauntlet of five bike-friendly bars, each posing an unique set of challenges. To keep things sociable, play is for points, not time. Bring a friend or two. Free beer and a variety of runner-up prizes await at the last stop, Mother. Registration begins at 11am in Woodruff Park for the noon starting hour. The advance cost is $10 for Atlanta Bicycle Coalition members or $20 to join in both the fun and our voice for cycling advocacy. Please click on the banner for details.