Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The Cookie Lady. Kindness since 1976.
Ms. June grew up and has lived her 90 years in Afton, Virginia. It's a tiny town near the crest of the Blue Ridge, located at a low spot (Rockfish Gap) which thus made it a natural spot to build a road across the mountains. The raiIroad went through an incredible tunnel there starting in 1858. U.S. 250 came later, and I-64 crosses the Blue Ridge there now.
Back in 1976, America's 200th birthday, a group then called BikeCentennial started leading cross-country bicycle tours on their now-famous "TransAm" route. What better way to celebrate the Bicentennial than to get to know the country up-close-'n'-personal on a bicycle, y'know? The TransAm route just happened to go through Afton, VA... just feet from June Curry's front door. At first the bicyclists were a mystery. But not for long. Soon she became their best friend, and they hers. She has been providing water, shelter, and yes COOKIES to cyclists for 34 years now. An entire house, simply called The Bike House, is open for cyclists to spend the night, cook a meal, etc. It's an informal sort of hostel. There are no fees, just donations accepted, and expectations that things remain clean and orderly. Over the years thousands have stayed there or paid a visit. Many of them have sent postcards or other mementos and they adorn the house in a stunning display of love & history to this day. Polaroid photos of each visitor are stored in binders, in chronological order.
I should say also that the Appalachian Trail passes nearby, thus backpackers too have made their way on foot to stay at The Bike House. Me, I was just out of college and really sick of school. Just wanted to be on the road and boy did I hit it for several years in there. The first large solo trip I did started in Boston in September 1985. I hit all the New England states (miraculously without getting snowed on...) plus New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia by the time I was done in November. I came down the spectacular Skyline Drive and came to Afton at the south end of it. I was honored to meet Ms. June and stay at The Bike House on one of the last days of my trip.
Yes, I had my picture taken. 3 in fact. On Wednesday I found them! And discovered too that recent visitors have kindly digitized the entire archive and put it online. Check It OUT:
Some polaroid photos from the 1980s that you just might like to
have a look at:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=45970&v=vc (dag, who dat fool boy?)
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=45960&v=yD (4th picture down = my buddy Mark Bradley. He was the first cyclist of 1985 to visit; I was the last...)
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=45949&v=10G (6th picture down = my brother Eric, the following summer)
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=45970&v=vc (dag, who dat fool boy?)
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=45960&v=yD (4th picture down = my buddy Mark Bradley. He was the first cyclist of 1985 to visit; I was the last...)
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=45949&v=10G (6th picture down = my brother Eric, the following summer)
So last Wednesday, 25 years later, I found Ms. June at home visiting with two eastbound cyclists who were passing through. She did insist I have a cookie. I sat with her about 2 hours. Fantastic! I am real glad to have had an opportunity to say Thank You. Again.
Also click Right Here for some pics I took last week of the inside of The Bike House. Check out ALL THE STUFF all all over the walls. Really a stunning sight.
All Hail The Cookie Lady!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Big Carnivorous Feast for 7/14/2010
Waltzed into the station 20 minutes late... longer trip home from outta town than I thought! Thanks to DJ T for coverage. Walked in with no ammo and no weapons. Pulled off a decent show anyway. Playlist here.
Of note this time: Catalyst (1972), and the new Numero comp documenting the forgotten sounds of Lowland Recording Studio in Beaumont TX.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Big Carnivorous Feast for 7/7/2010
Today's show playlist right here. Got all random but had a great time. Coupla great requests came in.
To my liking these days: new Teenage Fanclub, reissues of Incredible String Band, new John Prine tribute album.
Also, below, a couple shots of an outdoor gig by Southern Culture on the Skids and The Moaners.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Big Carnivorous Feast, April 28, 2010
Here's another batch of music for your enjoyment!
Among other things this installment features Pierced Arrows (enjoyed their show in Chapel Hill in March), vintage Kinks and Bobby Bare, and Junior Brown (whose show I missed last week but dag is he worth seein' when you get you a chance).
Wished un buen cumpleaño to Willie Colón, salsa king who just turned 60. Previewed Sharon Jones, who plays Cat's Cradle next Tues! Went all hip-hop for a bit; like the new release from Oddisee a lot.
'Bout all for now. 'Til next time...
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Calico Haunts, Dirty Little Heaters, Caltrop
I just bought three great local records. In order from least to most heaviness they are:
Calico Haunts: "After All." It was released last summer. I have tried to buy it at many local record stores but it's never in stock. Finally bought it at an (ahem) large online retailer b/c the smaller online retailer *also* didn't have it in stock. Stream the entire album for free (and read a good review) HERE. Really a pleasant listen. I've listened many times.
Dirty Little Heaters: "Champions of Imperfection." Just out on new-ish Durham label Churchkey Records. Black Sabbath fronted by
Janis Joplin, if you want a 70s reference point... I love love love this. Stream this whole album free HERE.
Caltrop: "World Class." I am woefully late in picking up this '08 release. Heeeeaaaaavy. Can't find the whole album to stream but you can get the idea at their myspace page. One of these guys, I'm pretty sure, was in my chemistry class back long time ago when I taught high school. Dude, if you happen to read this: Great job in chemistry but the album is even better. I look forward to the next.
Monday, February 8, 2010
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