The Edge

This is it Phil- if you hand over this credit card there's no going back...

Trouble was, I had already fallen in love with the bike on the test ride. I'm not easily given to this kind of sentiment. Not about possessions. I don't get precious about my surfboards, cookbooks, dvds or footballs.

I had chosen to cycle because it was quicker than walking and more sociable than driving. And American public transport is non-existent or crap. i had expected the cycling to be a test of my strength- mental and physical, but as I settled to pedalling down the beach road the bike seemed to want to come with me. The only thing that stopped me was the surf shop on the left. I popped in and asked two throughly frustrated assisstants if they wouldn't mind keeping an eye on my bike (they wanted to be outside, and who could blame them, it was a beautiful day and about 18 degrees C/70 F). I met the shaper in the shop. He made Island boards (something with Island in the title at least). He argued that he was much better than European shapers and I humoured him. having nothing to base his assertions on I asked if he hired or had tester boards. No such luck!

Back outside boards were quickly forgotten as the bike and I launched back the way we came, flying past bikini clad girls on beach cruisers. I didn't even slow down. Fun was on two wheels at this point.

I handed over my card.



Champion cycles- aptly named!

 Dave and the guys at Champion cycles then had me give them the run-around for the next two days as we sorted out all the bits n pieces for the trip. I had emailed and phoned other bike shops in Jacksonville prior to flying out here, but nowhere had responded with the kind of service I was offered at Champion. The whole shop floor got involved, swapping stories and banter as we went through the set-up process. Dave listened to what I had to say, and then offered his professional opinion which I was happy to take. He was meticulous in the sizing process, from the bike itself to getting the saddle in exactly the right place and what a difference it makes!


Nothing was too much work for these guys and I could tell I had come to the right place as other customers would drop in and out, chuck wheels and tires in to be fixed and stay to chat a while, stoked about my adventure and offering their good wishes. I should thank Lee at this point for his recommendation. We next ordered parts in from Miami, and Dave pointed me in the direction of Black Creek for a couple of bits I needed. I had a bike! What's more, it came with free service for a year and Dave said he would help me sell it on consignment as I won't be flying it back. I had only purchased a mid-priced piece of kit but you wouldn't know it for the attention it was given.



Knowledge is key- some of the guys at Champion cycles, Jacksonville Beach, with my new toy.

 www.championcycling.net - 1303 3rd Street North, Jacksonville Bch - (904) 241-0900

So off I shot to Black Creek where they also sell kayaks and I was waylaid again for a time, chatting to Ryan about Stand-Up Paddle boards (SUP's) of all things. Another very helpful person later and I had a few more bits ready to go. Ryan had offered plenty of useful suggestions and I was grateful knowing that the stuff he suggested was what I had already packed and prepared.

The day was almost done but I still needed a turboflame. For this Black Creek were unable to help, but Ryan suggested Island Girl's Cigar Bar. Obtruse but I gave it a go and met a bunch of friendly folk there. It's at this point that I start forgetting names, having been bouncing round Jacksonville 9 hours by now. I almost messed up an intersection too, but got away with it! Candice I believe was the waitress who I charged with teaching me tipping in America. (Sorry if I got your name wrong) and she immediately replied that 'a hundred bucks was the start', to which I told her I would write out an English cheque, if she had a suitable blank piece of paper. One turbolighter, three cigars and beer later I was heading back to Lee and Nina's, before we all headed to a Thai restaurant.



My bike, next to my 'Mini-van'