Not exactly new here, but an intro to me

[JMoses24]

So, I'm not sure why I never did this, but I never put up a thread to introduce myself to the AARoads community. Time I rectified this.

My name is Jeremy. I live in the south suburbs of Cincinnati (Northern Kentucky if you want to be regional about it, and Florence, Kentucky specifically). I'm 27, almost 28 (that occurs in August, and I'm not so sure I'm ready to turn 30 yet).

I have a lifelong disability known as Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida means "split spine" in Latin, and is a neural tube defect in which the spine fails to form correctly prior to birth. This in my case means I cannot walk, and must use a wheelchair to get around. Due to tremors in both hands (which have flared up again in recent days and are partially related to the Spina Bifida), I also cannot/do not drive. (I'm not sure how the state of Kentucky treats chronic, non-seizure tremors but as I've always understood it, the same rules would apply as for seizures -- even if they don't, I choose not to risk it.) My roadgeeking is therefore done either from the passenger seat of a car, from a bus, or by wheelchair. However, from a very early age I remember that I loved reading the maps in the Cincinnati Bell phone books, so I have always been a roadgeek.

During the day, I assist in running Severe Weather Concepts, which is a website dedicated to weather covering the Ohio Valley -- I do this from home most of the time including social media. I do however have to hit the road at times on storm chases and recently intercepted a small tornado in Illinois with my chasing colleague and friend Corey (who, I might add, is the big brains behind the entire operation). Otherwise, my spare time is often used on XBox, being a general nerd (I do enjoy technology), being a son, brother of 4, and an uncle to two nieces and an infant nephew, and just generally hanging out.

So, yeah...this concludes my little bio. Anything else you want to know, feel free to ask!

[amroad17]

A re-welcome to the forum from another Northern Kentucky road enthusiast! 

We may have to meet sometime as I live about five miles from you.  It all depends on my restaurant work schedule (yes, one of the more recognizable in Cincinnati).

[kphoger]

Thanks for posting the info.  I found out a few years ago that I have spina bifida occulta, which means it's in a part of the spine that doesn't move (the sacrum) and therefore does not exhibit any ill effects.  I wouldn't even have known about it except, when I strained by back at work one day and had an X-ray done, the doctor noticed it.  It in no way inhibits my mobility.  But, every so often, it makes me think how life would have been much harder if I had been born just the slightest bit different.

For a few years, I was a roadgeek without a car, and I enjoyed it.  I find that a foot traveller (or wheels, as the case may be) tends to see the road network from a different vantage point than drivers.  For one thing, you're travelling more slowly, which means you can see more detail.  For another thing, you can find yourself in positions where drivers never go (a pathway under a bridge, for example).  Then also, you have the freedom to get quite close to signs, no matter what the parking situation is on that road.

[JMoses24]

Thanks for posting the info.  I found out a few years ago that I have spina bifida occulta, which means it's in a part of the spine that doesn't move (the sacrum) and therefore does not exhibit any ill effects.  I wouldn't even have known about it except, when I strained by back at work one day and had an X-ray done, the doctor noticed it.  It in no way inhibits my mobility.  But, every so often, it makes me think how life would have been much harder if I had been born just the slightest bit different.

For a few years, I was a roadgeek without a car, and I enjoyed it.  I find that a foot traveller (or wheels, as the case may be) tends to see the road network from a different vantage point than drivers.  For one thing, you're travelling more slowly, which means you can see more detail.  For another thing, you can find yourself in positions where drivers never go (a pathway under a bridge, for example).  Then also, you have the freedom to get quite close to signs, no matter what the parking situation is on that road.

It is definitely different to be a roadgeek on foot. Another point: You can get photos of some signs, without worrying about not having enough time to grab your camera if you have it. Several photos I've taken on foot turned out better because I could take my time to get the shot.

[JMoses24]

A re-welcome to the forum from another Northern Kentucky road enthusiast! 

We may have to meet sometime as I live about five miles from you.  It all depends on my restaurant work schedule (yes, one of the more recognizable in Cincinnati).

That's definitely something I'd like to do. I don't always have means to go to meets, but I'm always up for meeting fellow roadgeeks.

[hbelkins]

I recently passed through Cincinnati from west to east on US 50. From what I saw of construction just before you get to I-75, there is probably enough activity there for a meet if someone is familiar enough with the area to scout out viewing locations. My guess is there are probably several other things to be seen in the area. I would love to see some of the old viaducts, plus there are enough sign goofs and old signs in the general vicinity to be of interest to folks. There have been two meets in the greater Cincinnati area (one on each side of the river) and it would be great if someone wanted to do a third one. (Hint, hint.)

I'd love to do it, but I'm honestly not familiar enough with the downtown area to efficiently host it.

[JMoses24]

I recently passed through Cincinnati from west to east on US 50. From what I saw of construction just before you get to I-75, there is probably enough activity there for a meet if someone is familiar enough with the area to scout out viewing locations. My guess is there are probably several other things to be seen in the area. I would love to see some of the old viaducts, plus there are enough sign goofs and old signs in the general vicinity to be of interest to folks. There have been two meets in the greater Cincinnati area (one on each side of the river) and it would be great if someone wanted to do a third one. (Hint, hint.)

I'd love to do it, but I'm honestly not familiar enough with the downtown area to efficiently host it.

I know the city fairly well, however I will say I've never coordinated/hosted a roadgeek meet. I'm up for the challenge. I'll start a thread in the Meets section to figure out who's up for it, and we can go from there. Not entirely sure where the best viewing spot is for a couple of the construction projects (US 50/6th St Viaduct is among them), but I'm sure I could figure something out.