I valeted bikes at the 2009 Enviro Expo, all weekend, which gave me plenty of time to proselytize about bicycles to curious passersby, talk shop with several cyclists new to the city, and swipe handfuls of Lara Bar and Cascadian granola samples when their keepers’ backs were turned.

I also had opportunity to speak with fellow Atlanta Bicycle Coalition member John Tackett; this is when I learned he is made of iron and baffling science. John ran the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon Nov. 14 in 3:13:00, which, if you’re familiar with running and marathon times, you know is jaw-droppingly fast.

So, as usual, we talked about bikes, then we spoke at length about marathons and running.

I will attempt my first on Thanksgiving, the Atlanta Marathon, and John gave me great advice. We pored over the latest issue of the Atlanta Track Club magazine, Wingfoot, and decided to form a team for the ATC’s annual Ekiden Relay, August 2010.

Our plan is to sport I BIKE ATL shirts and promote the ABC. It is tempting to say bicycles are a springboard for many others’ forays into more activities, such as running, swimming, softball, ultimate Frisbee, free-style walking and what have you; such is my anecdotal understanding. Personally, my running and bicycling careers began at the same time, based on a desire to enjoy my new city through the Peachtree Road Race, and riding its streets to learn its secrets. Maybe we will get some runners on bikes. Maybe some cyclists will begin hoofing it.

Either way, we at least will make runners aware of the ABC, and let them know we support them and their sport.

We need at least one more runner. We are recruiting Josh Woiderski as our third, a process that will require lengthy discussion, fancy lunches, and much wooing and coddling of his ego. Actually, it probably will consist of saying, “Do it,” and slinging him a Clif bar. He’s easy like that. (Update: Josh has caved; he is in.)

Who else wants in? We need at least one more. We also are open to groupies and cheerers, flygirls and -guys, well-wishers and the like. No need for speed: we are going out to do our best, have a great time and enjoy good-natured rivalries, and eat as much free food as possible, including, but not limited to, handfuls of Lara Bars. Provided no one is looking at the time.