Meetings, chicken fingers, and a bike event you must attend

At 5:00pm yesterday afternoon/evening I had to make a decision. I was planning on going to a 6:00 meeting 21 blocks from where I was ending my day, but as I sat there preparing to leave I watched the rain come down in torrents. The idea of bellying up to the bar at 5:15 soaking wet to wait on the others to show up so I could sit in a meeting for an 1.5 hours did not sound very appealing.

I hate meetings. My last job, which I lasted three months at, had lots of meetings. I usually drift off into my own world while other people are talking in a formal meeting setting, and I really have no worthwhile input since I'm only thinking about being somewhere else... or dead.

I went for it. When I got to the bar I was greeted with a smile.

"Any specials?" I asked, ignoring the huge signs that said "Half price drafts" that were all around me.

2° Below and other fine selections at half price. So far this meeting does not suck.

Closer to 6:00, Neal Boyd of Charlotte Sports Cycling showed up. He headed upstairs to the meeting room, and I followed him up shortly thereafter. Eventually I was sitting in a room with a bunch of folks whom I would consider the heavy hitters of the Charlotte cycling advocacy world. As they introduced themselves around the table they stated who they were and what they do. When it came to me all I could think of was "I'm Rich Dillen, and I'm not entirely sure why Neal invited me."

Neal stepped in and let everyone know why I was there. I am to use the infinite powers of social media to help promote an event, and supposedly my creativity might come in handy. I'm not sure how penis jokes will help, but whatever.

So just like that I am on the LOC for Cycle Charlotte. I can not remmeber what LOC stands for, but a google search came up with Library of Congress, Liam O'Connor (a Danish rapper), and Lots of Cock... I think it's something-something-Committee.

Anyways, this is an event I can get behind, and I want to do what I can to make it grow.

What is Cycle Charlotte, in two sentences or less?

The event, called Cycle Charlotte, was created in 2007 by the Rank Riders in memory of Todd Weaver. Cycle Charlotte was designed to attract cyclists of all abilities to “Experience Charlotte Without a Windshield” through a beautiful urban street bicycle ride.

I have missed this event for one reason or another in the past. I have heard about the shenanigans after the fact, and I'm always a bit bummed that I missed it. Not this year. I'll be there, you should be there, and fun will be had. It's mandatory.

Keep in mind the website is NOT up to date YET. This year's date is May 14th, and the venue will be all new this year (indoor/outdoor/beer/family friendly/food/lots of parking (if you have to drive)/music/clean bathrooms with plush four ply toilet paper (pending).

More on this topic as the event draws nigh.

LATE EDIT: It has been pointed out that I dropped my good friend Big Worm off my blog roll. It musta happened during the big facelift, and has been added back in as of this morning. If your blog got dropped in the transfer please let me know... and "sorry" in advance and future forward.