Drug Addict

Me: Hello, my name is Geoff.

Support Group: Hi Geoff!

Me: I am an addict. I have been a drug abuser for several years now.

Support Group: Tell us about your problem Geoff.

Me: Well, in addition to my affliction with crank, I abuse another drug.

Support Group: What is it?

Me: This...

This is the most powerful drug on the planet; abused by more than a third of Americans every day and I am one of them. Caffeine. Despite my efforts to shake it, I have failed.

But why? Many will argue that caffeine is actually good for you; helping to improve focus, giving you a energy and enhancing performance. True. In moderation it does all of these things, but like other drugs, when done daily, you develop a tolerance. And like other drugs, there are side effects: jitters, elevated heart rates, headaches, sleeplessness, and dehydration to name a few. Caffeine also has an human LD50 value around 3 grams (about the amount in 20 venti Starbucks coffees).

Why would I want to quit caffeine? Therein lies the problem. I don't want to quit caffeine. I've quit soda, nicotine (yes, I smoked...dumbest thing ever), and beer (to some extent). So why not caffeine? I enjoy it. Coffee is my vehicle. Rather than quit, I want to limit my intake so that I can still get that occasional wicked-coffee head rush or that performance boost from my energy drink (the UCI actually regulates caffeine as a stimulant, not that I'm in any danger of being sanctioned). The plan will be to switch to decaf and then go cold-turkey on caffeine's ass once the withdrawal symptoms subside. Sometime after the first of the year I will resolve to be resolute and save the good stuff for when it's needed.

20,000

Together a bicycle and a human are the most efficient transportation machines ever known. Apart they are less efficient or altogether inanimate. Apart one is the most sophisticated life form; what we lack in physical prowess, agility, and speed is countered through ingenuity. The other, born from this ingenuity, allows us to travel great distances at speeds otherwise unachievable under our own power.

20,000 miles is what I have logged on a bike. To be able to power oneself across such a distance is phenomenal and liberating. Three and a half years, several sets of tires and chains, and plenty of time later, cycling has changed me. It has both transformed and consumed me. No longer sedentary, I find myself in better shape now than I have ever been. I have more appreciation for things. Spending all of that time in the saddle will do that for you. The time spent alone on the road allows for much personal reflection, self doubt, failure and achievement, and more than anything, an outlet. Even in the social environment of a group, the mind does battle with itself. It has made me think.

I wish I could use a bike as my primary mode of transport for everything: commuting, running errands, exercise, and recreation; and I could if it were more socially acceptable in America. Cars and highways dominate the landscape. Cyclists are viewed as nuisances; delaying motorists from getting to their destination. It is unfortunate that rather than being seen as another human (one with a family mind you), I'm a moving roadblock. I impede others from being able to hurriedly get to such important destinations as WalMart, their job (that they hate), or church. I'm not suggesting that bikes would solve all of our societal problems, just a lot of them. Until we come to our senses, I will continue to do my best at shirking the norm and racking up miles on my bike.

Saratoga Springs

Destination of the week: Saratoga, NY; a town where natural springs flow freely and the influence of horse racing abounds. The horse statues that line the streets are accompanied by countless boutiques, arcades, galleries, and restaurants. The town, centrally located to Montreal and NYC has a swanky-smarmy feel. Swanky from the ancient mafioso homes surrounding the town, smarmy from the influx of college kids from the local Skidmore College.

I happened to be in town with others on "business" so I made it a point to do some early morning, and sometimes late night venturing. Being a foodie and given that meals were on the company's dime, I decided to sample as much of the local fare as possible. A veritable Tour de Food; here's a tasting.

Breakfast

Compton's. There are certain expectations that come with a name like Compton. If it's Straight Outta Compton is must be good. Not the case here. The only disappointing meal of the entire trip came out of necessity rather than choice; work started early and Compton's is the only place open at 4:00 am (when the bars close!). Less like a greasy spoon and more like Alice's restaurant, even down to the waitress.

Uncommon Grounds Coffee. Cool coffee shop and great bagel selection. Nothing special beyond that; just good people.

Dinner

Forno Bistro. Standard Italian: Quaint, cozy, and dimly-lit with wine flowing everywhere. The Prosciutto and Fontina chicken was deliciouso.

Maestros. Could be the best food that I've ever eaten. Nothing on the menu was even remotely affordable, but thanks to their Prix Fixe menu, I was able to eat like a king on a beggar's budget. They brought chocolate, made in-house, to sample after your meal. The waitress said it usually makes the bill more palatable.

The Local. Perhaps my favorite place of the week had it not been for the $20 beer (it's a long story). A pub featuring traditional Irish fare where the locals have there own beer mugs reserved. "I'd like a pint of Smithwicks in mug #93 please," says our accomplice Muskrat Mark. The $20 beer you ask? Creme Brulee Stout by Southern Tier. Worth every penny and now available whenever I want it.

Cantina. Awesomely upscale Mexican. It never hurts to serve Margaritas by the gallon either.

Most of the restaurants feature sidewalk dining which we took full advantage of citing the mid 60s temperatures and lack of flesh eating insects. A final special thanks goes out to the fine folks at Desperate Annie's. Despite trying to make the 4:00am last call on our final night, our livers weren't having it, but DA's did their best to help. Foosball, Wild Turkey, and wafts of vomit blowing in from Caroline Street brought me right back to my college days. Man I'm too old for this.

Sylva

Destination of the month: Sylva, North Carolina. This small town, bordering Dillsboro, finds itself tucked in the shadow of the Blue Ridge mountains. Between them, the two towns consist all of about two miles. If size doesn't deter you, then the locals might.

To clarify, you will probably never find more welcoming, friendly, and helpful people anywhere. The kind of Southern hospitality that just doesn't exist in South Cackalacky. It's more of a righty-lefty issue; Patchoulli-laden natty dreads versus mulletted trucker hats, Toyota Prius versus Chevy Four-by-Four, you get the picture. It's just this that makes Sylva a great place to visit, but I couldn't live there, at least not now.

It is the perfect place for a summer mountain home. Though small, the Jackson County seat has a lot to offer (at least it appeared that way during my short stay). Surrounded by mountains and rivers yet only forty miles from Metropolitania (Asheville, and yes I made up that word). But don't assume that you'll have to make a run into town to find civilization, the streets Sylva and Dillsboro are lined with things to do.

Upscale and down home restaurants (like Kosta's authentic Greek), Bed and Breakfasts, and shops abound. There's a local brewery and The Dillsboro Chocolate Company/Espresso bar combines a few of my favorite things. Speaking of favorites, the area offers some of the best on and off-road cycling around. Ample bike lines, beautiful scenery, and the coolest bike shop ever make it a desitnation location for me. Be sure to add this to your weekend getaway list.