Back in the USA

So its been awhile since my last post -- which transpired while still in China; not for lack of trying, but I've been playing catch-up on a lot of matters left untended during my absence.

One activity which I hadn't had much of an opportunity to engage in, getting back up on my Bike; the original spark for this Blog!

So I took the Rockhopper out for a spin along the Lakefront, and noticed a wobbly rear wheel. After some initial examination and troubleshooting of my own, I realized that I was beyond my immediate depth both in my skillset and toolkit; so I wheeled on over to Uptown Bikes (UB) for another opinion.

The fine technicians at UB recognized a distinct manufacturing defect in the Vittoria Randonneur Tire installed during my original rehab of the Bike in early Summer.

The suspect tread was quickly changed out and I was again on my way, but not before I snapped this shot of Uptown Bikes' storefront just below the Wilson Avenue El stop.

I can't say enough about Uptown Bikes and the no attitude courtesy with which they conduct their business. While still thought of as the *Go-to* Guys and Gals for Bike repairs on the Northside, they also have a fine selection of both Raleigh and KHS Bicycles.
And, as evidenced again today, their support after the sale is seamless and without friction. Kudos again to Uptown Bikes!

Straphanger

Heading back towards my homeline's transfer station, I strike a reflective pose.

Mmmm!!! Kabobs!!!

The iconic representation to the right is easily recognizable to Beijingers, and on neighboring Dajiangfang Hutong is not an uncommon sight; where several establishments primarily operated by some of the City's ethnic-minority Moslem proprieters, enjoy a loyal clientele which cuts across ethnic and religious lines alike.

Street Level

The Jingling Hutong Station stop, on the newly opened Line 4 of the Beijing Subway System. Above ground, at street level, this popular jumping-off point is a vibrant mix of retail and restaurant establisments set against a series of historic Hutongs -- the narrow traditional neighborhoods of Beijing's past -- which are themselves full of thriving businesses; despite being tucked behind the more modern frontage of 21st Century commercial ventures.

Jingling Hutong station is conveniently augmented by a number of electric-line Bus-routes interconnected with the stop.

Subterranean Subtext

Preamble: I know this Blog is ostensibly about Biking, but with the platform available to me, I occassionally riff on other matters as well.

Now that the Olympic bid is a fading memory, maybe Hizzoner Da' Mayor can now retune and refocus on issues which could have a much more important and resonant impact on the legacy he seeks to impart on the City of Chicago.

As I detailed some time ago in my other Blog -- "Back in the PRC" --, when Mayor Daley visited Beijing during the opening of the 2008 Olympics, one of his first orders of business was to ride Beijing's newly built-out Subway system; a bright and shiny example of what a mass transit rail system can aspire to be.

Beijing hasn't rested on its laurels either, as this preview of the newly opened "Line 4" shows. A follow-up report is also included here; as well as my own entries from the brief ride I myself took on Line 4 yesterday.


Beijing subway line 4 to open Friday CCTV-International


Subway line four begins service CCTV-International

Endangered Species

In case you hadn't noticed...

...seat cover of actual Cheetah pelt.

I guess it makes the Bike easier to pick-out in a crowded Bike Rack.

Fly Ride

My Father-in-Law's old-school Beijing Bicycle.