Friday, October 3, 2014

The Chain Gang Rides Again

Stone and I typically jump on our bikes and take off.  As we began this ride, I looked down and thought, hmmm my tires are a little low.  As we arrived at Helen and Don's, Helen was airing up their tires.  I decided maybe I should put air in my tires, or maybe Stone will do it for me.  If I remember correctly one of my tires had 40 and the other 20.  They are suppose to be 70, just a little low.  Stone's where as low as mine.  Note to self, always check tire pressure prior to going for a ride.  

The Chain Gang,Village of Concord,Knoxville Tn,Concord Historic District,Frozen Margarita,Fajitas, Azul Tequila Mexican Grill Knoxville TN,

This evenings ride took us to the Village of Concord, founded in 1854.  I love this little village. In my dreams I see myself owning a quant little restaurant here with people lined up every day waiting to eat there.   It's amazing what you can do in your dreams.
Before 1854 the area was barely established.  In 1853, development of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad along the north bank of the Tennessee River caused a population and development change to the area that became Concord.  Concord advanced rapidly after the appearance of the railroad.  
In the 1880's Concord became the center of a large marble business.  Various quarries were located near the Tennessee River in Concord.  The town also became the center of marble shipping.  None of the buildings associated with the marble industry in Concord remain today; many were flooded when Fort Loudon Lake was impounded.  
By 1887 Concord was the biggest town in Knox County excepting Knoxville.  The Village of Concord was a regional transportation center.  Marble, logs and farm produce were accumulated at its public dock.   Passenger ferries and commercial boats landed there. 
In the early 1900's the town had developed only to have a fire consume much of the business district.
The Depression of the 1930's brought economic hardship to Concord.  The impoundment of Fort Loudon Lake, which inundated about one-third of the town by 1944, sealed the downturn.  The advancement of automobiles and new transportation routes also contributed to Concords economic isolation.

The Chain Gang,Village of Concord,Knoxville Tn,Concord Historic District,Frozen Margarita,Fajitas, Azul Tequila Mexican Grill Knoxville TN,

This would be the view from my restaurant in Concord if I had one.

The Chain Gang,Village of Concord,Knoxville Tn,Concord Historic District,Frozen Margarita,Fajitas, Azul Tequila Mexican Grill Knoxville TN,

Don, Helen, Stone and I peddling through the neighborhoods with many architectural styles from Greek Revival to Victorian Gothic.

The Chain Gang,Village of Concord,Knoxville Tn,Concord Historic District,Frozen Margarita,Fajitas, Azul Tequila Mexican Grill Knoxville TN,

Most of the houses in the Historic part of Concord Historic District have porches which was a means of air-conditioning.  After peddling up this incline, Stone was longing for some cool air.

The Chain Gang,Village of Concord,Knoxville Tn,Concord Historic District,Frozen Margarita,Fajitas, Azul Tequila Mexican Grill Knoxville TN,

The much anticipated Frozen Margarita.  

The Chain Gang,Village of Concord,Knoxville Tn,Concord Historic District,Frozen Margarita,Fajitas, Azul Tequila Mexican Grill Knoxville TN,

It was such a wonderful evening as we sat on the patio at Azul's Tequila Mexican Restaurant and enjoyed the truly earned Fajitas.

The Chain Gang,Village of Concord,Knoxville Tn,Concord Historic District,Frozen Margarita,Fajitas, Azul Tequila Mexican Grill Knoxville TN,

The Chain Gang,Village of Concord,Knoxville Tn,Concord Historic District,Frozen Margarita,Fajitas, Azul Tequila Mexican Grill Knoxville TN,

We departed from Helen and Don at the red light and continued our way home.  After a 10 mile bike ride,  it was already dark as Stone and I peddled up our driveway stating, "what a great night that was!"

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