The Diversions Of Highland Square

The Varsity was recognized in Highland Square last night.

Yesterday was jam packed with history deliciousness.  I had another one of those history tours that I'm doing this summer and yesterday's practically took up the entire work day.  I left at 10:00am and didn't get back to the office until about 3.  Needless to say, I wasn't that disappointed since the A/C repair person has yet to show up and the office is now so hot the thermostat can't register it.  So, while my colleagues sweated to death at their desks, I sweated a little less leading 30+ people around Akron.  Man, it was a hot one yesterday!

But, it was a good day.

After work, we decided to head to Highland Square for dinner at Aladdin's and a movie at the Highland Theater (Pirates 4, by the way, is not worth the ticket price- even at the Highland).  Wednesday night is also the Countryside Farmers Market (that used to be held at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens).

After Tuesday's rant, the pleasure of spending yesterday with the fantastic people on the tour and then hanging out in the Square that evening made me feel much better.  Ok, Akron, we're not breaking up... yet.  Highland Square truly is a wonderful part of the city.  I'd even go as far to say its one of the top three things in Akron worth checking out.  While the rest of the city is falling into decline and the suburbs continue to sprawl in all directions adding Wal-Marts as they go, Highland Square has retained and improved upon its city neighborhood charm.  It has some wonderful eateries, the Library, the Theater and a couple of unique shops.  Of course, in the not so distant future it will add Mustard Seed to its offerings.  Plus, the neighborhood vibe just lends itself nicely to the bike.  There are a ton of bikes in The Square, and its usually there that I come across fellow commuters.  

Speaking of commuters, as we were walking our's down the sidewalk to the theater, we came across a family with their bikes.  I was particularly taken with Mom's vintage ride and Dad had the kids in tow in the trailer.  Very cool to see the whole family using their bikes together.  We exchanged greetings and the Dad was kind enough to say that he'd read my blog and recognized The Varsity!  Very cool!  Thank you, sir, for reading and saying hi!

It was, in fact, the Varsity's first big night on the town.  We visited Wheel & Wrench Tuesday and I finally picked up some lights to make it street legal.  We also picked up some sweet panniers and a basket to make our bikes more cargo and dog hauling friendly.  Next week I should be able to get all the groceries by bicycle, even 12 packs and cakes.  We had been debating about going with a trailer instead of the cargo racks, but with as tight and traffic clogged as some of the streets are around our neighborhood we decided the trailer isn't very conducive.  But, we may get one later on to have more cargo space or if we are doing a long distance ride with the dog.

The Varsity performed flawlessly last night.  I can't get over how fast and smooth that beast is!  It far out-performs the FX on hills and doesn't rattle my brain as much on Akron's rough streets.  I must admit, I think there is something to the old school steel thing.  So, the more I ride it, the more I'm coming to the conclusion that its going to be my daily instead of the FX (barring any mechanical issues that may come up).  Its easier to clean and maintain, it is made for these streets, it doesn't doesn't say TREK in giant letters, and its a fun ride (not that the FX isn't, of course).  While the FX is great for longer rides and especially those that take place on the Towpath and such, it doesn't bring that rush while riding in the city.  Heck, might as well have some fun on my commutes, right?

So I have a couple of questions for you, just out of curiosity.  Number one, what is your preferred ride for commuting and, number two, what is your cargo set up?  (I know what you're going to say, Chris)