T-Blog

If you've read my blogs before, you know how much I enjoy an occasional trip down to Blackwater NWR on Maryland's Eastern Shore where incredible cycling is matched only by incredible habitat. Where else can you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of bald eagles, herons, snow geese, tundra swans? If ever there was a jewel in the crown of Maryland, Blackwater must be it.

So, you can see why I was more than a little shocked when I found out that just two miles north of Blackwater, a 1000 acre development is in the works. Imagine 2700 homes, hotel/conference center, golf course and retail center, all getting chummy with the Refuge.

Here are the details.

Biologists have indicated there is ample reason to be concerned about changes in water quality and impervious surfaces from the development that would have dire consequences for threatened and endangered species in the area. Runoff from this site will eventually find its way into Chesapeake Bay, already an ecological nightmare!

You know what? It doesn't matter if you're not a Maryland resident. This is a National Wildlife Refuge; not a state of Maryland Refuge or a city of Cambridge Refuge. We all own a piece of this and the fight belongs to all of us. I know lots of you escape DC and the surroundings for a ride on the Eastern Shore. I've seen you and met you on the road. I've always maintained that if we want good places to ride, we'd better protect habitat. It could happen in your neighborhood next.

You can learn more and take action by clicking this link which will take you to a page maintained by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Tailwinds,
Georgena
talktous@terrybicycles.com
www.terrybicycles.com

Posted by Georgena Terry at 12:37 PM | Permalink

• I will clean, dry and lube my bike after every ride.


• I will always sterilize my water bottles so they don't grow mysterious mold.


• I will throw away old water bottles once they are black and scuffed.


• I will not wear Lycra that has gone see-through or baggy.


• I will throw away any tube that has been patched more than twice.


• I will lose pounds from my body before spending pounds on lightweight equipment.


• I will not walk around in my Look cleats.


• I will not be so anal about my bike or my cycling.


• I will lavish as much attention on my loved ones as I do on my bike.


• I will say hello to all cyclists whether on fat tire or thin tire.


• I will not retaliate when a cyclist on a hybrid overtakes me.


• I will stop at red lights and stop signs.


• I will think of a word to use at car drivers that doesn't begin with F.


• I will not wear shades on my bike when it's not sunny.


• I will not pretend to be training when in fact I am just riding my bike.


• I will not sit on the sofa until I have changed out of my sweaty cycling clothes.


• I will always carry a tube, pump, repair kit and multi-tool.

Thanks to my friends at Cycling Weekly for permission to reprint this!
Photo taken at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
©2006 Ron Wu

Posted by Georgena Terry at 02:05 PM | Permalink