NAME: Cap’n Black (aka John Fleischman)
LOCATION: Saxonburg, PA
OCCUPATION: Artist

Where do you live and what’s it like riding in your city?
I live in a small town that is growing. No more than two lanes anywhere in town. You get to know when it’s cool to bomb the streets—and when not to. Mixture of farmers and yuppies clogging the narrow main street, so if I want a thrill I go for a ride when lots of them are coming home from work. Basically it’s cool and quick—no long blocks here.

What was your favorite city to ride in, and why?
Used to commute to work thru a few small metropolitans; Lower Burrell, Tarentum, and Brackenridge, PA. Got to ride in traffic in spots, and then had “avenues” to get away from it. Zooming to work in the early morning I got to see quite a few awesome sunrises. Just loved being on my bike I guess, as for why.

Why do you love riding in the city?
I think it has something to do with constantly being in motion—even if I’m stopped at a light, I’m still looking, anticipating, ready to blast off again. It’s always zoom zoom for me. Love the urban assault type thing, always picking a line thru and/or around whatever. Also, I like showing stupid motorists how they should be driving—I love seeing the reactions of people when I stop at stop signs. They seem surprised that I actually stop. I love the challenge of the “obstacles” and the keeping moving aspect, plus the fact that it’s just me and my bike being one.

Ergon