My Firend...Charles Story.

We have been friends since the early 1980s. He and his Grandmother rented an apartment that my Grandparents owned in cool Kirbyville Texas many years ago. We had some wild times together and many adventures!

As times passes like it always does; people move away from their town. I live in Virginia and Charles "Chuck" now lives in Athens Georgia.

This is his current story:

I started in 1996 training brazilian jiu jitsu and have since traveled all over the United States and trained / taught at several academies. I have trained with several UFC, WEC, Pride, and various small organization NHB fighters. I train under Gracie Barra which is led by Carlinhos Gracie, the son of Carlos Gracie. Gracie Barra is one of the most successful organizations in the world and has many champions.

I teach BJJ and NHB in Carrollton, GA. and also train at Gracie Barra Holly Springs, and Gracie Barra Douglasville. At this time I am training with NHB fighter Blake Bowman whom is a up and coming fighter, together we run Tudo Bem BJJ, an affiliate of GracieBarra North Shore. I have a 22-8 record and currently hold a purple belt in BJJ.

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A Question for everyone...

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Rear WIndow Problems

The right side 1/3 rear window was broken out. I went to A Auto body to have it replaced, thinking that just the little window could be fixed. Boy was i wrong!

I found that the window is called Encapsulated Glass. Meaning that the whole window has to be replaced. I went to several other glass companies to see if the little window could be replaced and it could not. I had to file with my insurance as the price for OEM or Aftermarket Glass was very expensive. Therefore, i had to file.

I went with A- Auto body as they did a good job for em before. I got all the paperwork set up and placed my truck in the shop. I received a call from the owner saying that Safelite who handles all the glass claims for Nationwide would not allow an OEM piece of glass to be used and that i had to use an aftermarket one. The owner told me that they have had several aftermarket back glass windows not fit correctly. I did not want a leaky truck.

There was my dilemma. I went with A Auto body as the are a "Blue Ribbon" partner with Nationwide Insurance, or a preferred shop. I had to switch to another shop that was not in the "Blue Ribbon" network that would and could use OEM parts in the truck as opposed to a "partner" that was bound by the stipulations of the Safelite contract.

The moral of this story is to check with your insurance company and their partners as to what parts will/can be used to fix your vehicle. I have no fault with A Auto body as they allowed my truck to stay at their shop and let the other glass company come and fix the back window. Always check to see what is allowed with your insurance.

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More Stunts...

Bike Stuff 013, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

Mark attempting another stunt on Bell Isle. I call this place "Flat Rock Park" as you can only access it via the foot bridge over the James River. This area is really awsome to ride on and walk around. This is also part of the Buttermilk Trail System.

Stunts...

Bike Stuff 022, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

Mark trying a stunt on the Green Trail at Pocahontas Park.

Buttermilk Trail System...

Bike Stuff 003, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

Me at Buttermilk Trails on the South Side of the James River.

Ready For Action!!!!

Bike Stuff 017, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

I am on the Green Trail in Pocahontas State Park. This was taken on Sunday. We rode the Red Trail and then we wanted to "warm-down" and went on the Green trail.