Defend Makiki - Ride a Bicycle.

“Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Lately there seems to be an insurgence of youth in Honolulu sporting “Defend Hawaii” clothing. Which is curious as the “Defend Hawaii” logo is stenciled letters with a automatic machine gun suggesting that the defense of Hawaii requires the use of violent weaponry.

Why a company would market violence is baffling - particularly since their key market appears to be misinformed youth. I am in favor of local enterprises and local businesses succeeding, but marketing violent imagery without consequence is not worth supporting.

In light of my friend Wasabi being stabbed while riding his bicycle on Tantalus, I constructed a “Defend Makiki” logo. My belief is that lots of friends on lots of bicycles would be a much more victorious defense of a region. Unlike automobiles, bicycles are a social transportation and the more people get to know each other the less likely people will resort to violent measures. So please consider coming out to ride bicycles on WHEELS FOR WASABI - because everyone has the right to use public roadways.

Getting Stabbed Riding Bicycles is Unacceptable Behaviour.

On October 9, 2012 my friend Amir "Wasabi" Najam was on a training ride on Tantalus when he was stabbed in the torso. Tantalus is often used by bicyclists, runners and walkers to train as the residential Makiki hill is typically safe for such activities. This assumption was shattered as Wasabi, a UH Manoa Geography senior and lifelong cyclist was violently assaulted by a motorist.

Wasabi was released from the hospital shortly after the stabbing - but the sudden reality of his situation is jarring. The friends of Wasabi have decided to initiate a group safety ride up Tantalus on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. The intentions are to notify the community that it is completely unacceptable to stab bicyclists on Tantalus. We will meet promptly at the bottom of Tantalus Drive at 4:45PM.

This is somber group ride of unity - please bring reflective material and/or lights as it may become dark in the process. We will turn back if the group decides as such.

If you and or any of your friends may be able to attend it would be grandly apperciated. Makiki should be a safe place for physical activity on our public roads. No one should ever be stabbed while conducting themselves in polite physical exercise. Please consider attending the "WHEELS FOR WASABI" bicycle ride (photo courtesy of Wasabi).

The Loose Ends Will Make Knots.

the hawaii state tree climbing championships were held the past weekend at moanalua gardens. my better half, ilana nimz competed for the first time amongst veteran tree climbing veterans. nimz performed grandly despite only recently acquiring the skills of a tree worker. friends molly jenkins - with michael - and ryan schulz - with lydia - came out to support with enthusiasm.

meanwhile, I am still unemployed and attempting to ride a bicycle in vog city, USA - previously known as honolulu, hawaii. my strava segments may be found here.