Expanding Architecture + Creepy guy on Bike Path

Expanding Architecture:

On Thursday, Metropolis magazine presented Bryan Bell and Katie Wakeford's Expanding Architecture/Design as Activism at the Merchandise Mart, and I got to go. (Free food, how could I resist?) I happened upon it fortuitously. I was trying to look up the BPA-free Kor Water Bottle as an example of something absurdly expensive on the Metropolis website, when I happened to see the event. (Liz, I admit your water bottle is actually quite nice, and that I kind of want one now.)

Bryan Bell presented the book briefly, most of which was not new information to me because I read it cover to cover. This book made me realize that UVA is actually quite a hot spot for socially responsible and affordable architecture, and made me more excited about my acceptance there. (Oh yea, forgot to mention I got into their grad school, yay.) It was also interesting to see that a couple of the panelists worked not only on affordability in Chicago, but also discussed Hyde Park as an interesting example of how difficult it is to expand affordability. I may just write a few more blog entries on just this panel event, we'll see. Anyways, Bryan Bell was very personable, and I hope I get a chance to either work with him or learn from him in the future. I also got signatures on my book from 3 other people whose essays are in the book (Thomas Fisher, Roberta Feldman), including Katie Swenson, who not only graduated from UVA with a masters, but also got the Rose Fellowship to pursue affordability, community design and design activism. Intriguing ... As with all other architecture-related events it seems, I ran into a large contingent of 4240 people again, this time including Tom Brauer. It was good to be able to briefly catch up with him. And congratulations to Maurizio, who got into the post-professional program at Columbia! :D

Creepy Guy on Bike Path:

I rode alone because I had a dentist appointment in the morning, but I figured I could at least greet my fellow Tati riders on the way up north. I was happily minding my own business, noting the tail wind, when I heard someone approaching from behind me because their chain was audibly rubbing something, probably the front derailleur. If someone wanted to draft, I was fine with it, but the chain was annoying, for sure. I dropped him on the first hill, and I thought, phew. His pace must have been oscillating quite a bit though, because I kept hearing that chain whir ebb and flow behind me, which was even more annoying. To make things worse, then I could hear the guy moving side to side, probably trying to pass me, but apparently wasn't quite able to move faster than 21-23 mph (my pace at the time). Or, maybe he was checking out my calves like the other really creepy guy from last year. Finally, he moves up side by side. He was largish, riding some red beater-ish looking road bike with yellow handlebar tape.

Guy on Red Bike: "Nice day for a ride, eh?"
Me: "Yea."
Guy on Red Bike: "Been training all winter? You look like you're in pretty good shape."
Me: "Yea."
Guy on Red Bike: "Alright, well good day."

And he finally left me in peace to continue my ride. Maybe he was just trying to be nice, but I'm pretty wary of random guys with loud chains approaching me on rides to compliment me on my fitness level.