rotelle di velocità ("speed wheels")

biking down a volcano

2011-12-29T12:59:00.001-08:00

Would you believe this is the only pic I snapped while biking down Mt. Haleakala on Maui?

The ride was quite twisty and steep initially and in the flatter portions, it required both hands on the handlebars due to potholes and deteriorated asphalt.

If you plan to go, I have no complaints with the company we used. Haleakala Bike Co. in Haiku.

Good points about this company: they use quality MT bikes, not cruisers. The bikes are Gary Fisher (single speed) bikes with front suspension forks and disc brakes - both good to have on this ride.

Also, this company is a "good at your pace" self-tour down the hill versus a "stay together" ride. Other companies might force you to creep along with the least-skilled rider in the lot.

Aloha!

Another Examiner article on UW bicycling

2011-11-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

Here's another article on the University of Washington and bicycling.

Yeah, Huskies!

UW gets "bike friendly" recognition

2011-11-28T10:40:00.000-08:00

The University of Washington (my current employer) just received a recognition for its bike-friendly programs and facilities.

The Examiner states: "the University of Washington is a note-worthy partner with the city of Seattle in the effort to increase bicycling as transportation. In addition to promotion and classes, the U has a network of repair stations across campus and provides a variety of secure parking facilities."

The UW recently added a series of Dero Fixit bike repair stands (complete with tools) on campus.

totally rode in the rain today

2011-11-23T13:06:00.001-08:00

Saw a raccoon that was the epitome of the term "face plant". Poor guy.

I rode 25 wet and cold miles one-way to work. Felt good at the end though. (Duh!)

Bike commuting lessons learned:
1) the wool hiking socks were good choice this morning - they got completely soaked but my feet stayed warm

2) good call on double bagging my clothes and cell and wallet in my backpack - the backpack is lousy in rain and terrible waterproofness

3) loving my DiNotte helmet-mounted light - bright and puts the light where I am needing it most

4) not paying attention to your speed, miles, data, etc. can make the riding more fun - in other words, you needn't track the data to know you're having a good time

RIDE IN THE RAIN!!!

2011-10-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

For about the past ten years, the University of Washington, where I am currently working on an interim basis through February, has a November commute contest for bicyclists.

Ride in the Rain!

Participants track the number of one-way bike trips they make between school or work on campus and their home, making special note of when it is raining. Participants report their ride statistics on a weekly basis during the scheduled reporting periods, using a tracking form for a given week that is only available during the scheduled Reporting Window for that week.

The contest advises cyclists to be smart and ride smart and safe: "Experienced riders know that weather conditions throughout the year can pose unique challenges. The Ride in the Rain challenge connects bicycle riders with the resources, information and training they need to ride safely all year round."

trail riding

2011-10-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of friends who like to go to this trail, Duthie Hill, but I wondered why places like Cougar Mountain do not allow bicycles.

I could not find a quick link about this on the King County website (but I only looked for a few minutes). I just wanted to know what the policy was regarding this. I can see both sides of the issue - bikes in parks and bikes not allowed in parks. I just wanted to know what the county criteria was.

Help your park system out! Volunteer!

I'm still around

2011-09-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

Great things have happened for me career-wise, despite a layoff in March of 2011. I am earning much less than I was in a prior position but the good news is I have a killer-long bike commute (24-25 miles one-way) and I am working within a very bike-positive community and workplace.

I'll reveal more eventually, but just wanted to let folks know I am doing OK and intend to blog more.

The past year has been a very up and down year for me on a personal note and career-wise. Cycling has consistently, along with other aspects I may choose to reveal at some point, the better part of my transitional period.

I am down to four bicycles now - two nice road bikes (carbon Roubaix and an aluminum Cannondale) and two steel less-nice bikes (27" wheeled road bike and a department store MT bike). If I had space to do so, I'd set up another home workshop and maybe build a few more project bikes, but I've been busy in the job search lately, so maybe that is a winter project for me.

More soon... which might be late 2011, but who knows?

~ NJ

cross-training

2011-01-26T07:42:00.000-08:00

What do you do out of "cycling season" (some of us go all-year) to stay in shape? I never downhill skied before (I x-country skied one time last year) and I went to Mount Baker last weekend to try it out.

The drive up to the mountains

The ski area

Another view of the ski area

Ready to ski (?)

Heading down the (beginner) slopes

Overall, I'd try it again. I was sore as I'd expected, but I think cycling has improved my overall conditioning in general so I wasn't as sore as I could have been if I'd not been cycling.

What do you do out of the saddle for fitness? I'd also recently caught on to racketball. More on that another time.

crunchy

2011-01-14T10:56:00.000-08:00

Notice anything about this derailleur on my old Raleigh rain bike? Why might the chain be skipping..?

Hint: look at one of the pulleys, specifically the lower one. (A good diagram of derailleurs can be found here).

Can't find it? Neither could I. Lost it on a ride recently! Had to avoid inclines and muddy, soft surface areas so I could maintain peddling. Did that for 5 miles!

BING MAPS TdF app

2011-01-12T16:19:00.000-08:00

Ever check out BING MAPS?

There was a Tour De France app added last year for the 2010 Tour. I just discovered it. Hoping it gets updated for 2011.

Some screen shots...

The main view...

A sample aerial shot - happens to be the finish line

I think when the tour is active BING goes link crazy and send you related cycling hyperlinks to click to your heart's desire.

oops CBC

2011-01-12T16:07:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week, Cascade Bicycle Club tried a new online registration system for their rides.

They probably planned it out well, I know they made announcements well in advance about trying out a new online system and also had people do test runs (I participated in that effort) to "beta test" the new system.

But still problems happened. The Executive Director, Chuck Ayers, posted this statement about the situation.

Of course, the past few months have been tough for CBC, which has been hammered by ill will after the CBC Board fired Mr. Ayers, who has many supporters amongst the ranks.

I'm not leaping into the politics of it all, but I hope they got the kinks out of the registration process so I can sign up for some rides this year.

keep your bike yours

2011-01-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kent for posting about this topic, locking one's bicycle.

Keep that new bike from Christmas yours as we venture deeper into 2011.

I've known one person who in 2010 lost their bicycle due to theft.

We hate you, bike thief!

my winter project

2010-12-29T15:22:00.000-08:00

I finally got out for a test ride on my "old" Cannondale I upgraded recently, mainly to refurbish worn componentry, as the frame (circa 1996?) was good, sturdy, and light, it just needed some rehab.

I stripped it down and built it back up with newer (but used) components, including 50/34 Gossamer from FSA, 105 shift/brake levers (2x10), front and rear 105 derailleurs, 105 spec Shimano chain, a new carbon fiber (alloy steerer) Kinesis fork (hard-to-find 1" threaded), a Tektro brakeset - take-offs from a Giant (OCR?), and take-off Felt sealed-bearing wheelset and 105 10-speed cassette. Slightly used Bontrager 700c road tires, new bar tape and silver bottle cages were also affixed.

The bike shop (Jesse at GHY in Renton) weighed the bike for me - it is 20 pounds 9 ounces.

AWESOME smokin' deal for employers (20+ employees) in Kent, Renton, and Tukwila

2010-12-29T15:10:00.000-08:00

Check out this limited-term offer from the folks at King County Metro!!!

Employee commute consultation from Cascade Bicycle Club and Feet First? (FREE!)

50% off the price of an employer-issued ORCA card?

Teleworking consultation? (FREE!)

It's the STEP AWAY (from your car) campaign.

Contact Susan Whitmore with KC Metro Commute Trip Reduction Services for details at 206-684-1057.

Note: this program is only offered for a limited time to employers with 20+ employees in the cities of Kent, Renton, and Tukwila, Washington (State), USA.

BIKE JOBS (in the Seattle, WA area)

2010-12-29T15:01:00.000-08:00

The economy is tough. I hear it is near impossible for folks to find employment in a lot of sectors. Here are a few more jobs posted locally!!!

Bicycle Alliance of Washington (BAW) has several positions currently being recruited, all limited term, but one that's full-time for 2011-2012. They close pretty darn fast - so if you're interested, APPLY NOW!

A bit stale, but Cascade Bicycle Club (CBC) had been hiring for a few positions this fall. I do not know if the Development Director position has been filled yet. It is still posted on the CBC website.

And, it's a bit out of the Seattle area, I know, but I love the Bike Portland website. They have a bicycling jobs board.

Bike Works is Hiring Exec. Director!

2010-12-16T09:07:00.001-08:00

Republished from a post on the Cascade Bicycle Club forum.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION POSTING

OPPORTUNITY: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bike Works is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to become its next Executive Director. Ideal candidates will provide the vision and leadership necessary to translate our mission and values into action while maintaining a supportive, growth-oriented work environment for employees and an energizing sanctuary for youth and the community.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:
Bike Works is a nonprofit organization based in Seattle whose mission is to build sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling. Bike Works has been working for youth, bikes, and community in Seattle since 1996. Our programs and services invest in young people and encourage bicycling as a clean and healthy transportation alternative. Our programs include Earn-a-Bike for youth, Street Burner youth bike club activities, Summer Bike Camps, Neighborhood Rides, an Annual Kids Bike Swap, domestic and international bicycle donations to charitable organizations, and more. Our Community Bike Shop serves a diverse customer base with used bike sales and affordable repairs.

Since 1996, we have grown from a startup program into a thriving, established organization that is well-respected in the community. Each year approximately 250 youth, ages 9 to 17, participate in our programs and gain the skills and resources they need to translate lessons about confidence and leadership into their own lives, helping them make healthier decisions about their futures. Each year we redistribute close to 2,000 used bicycles to families in Seattle and internationally. Our current operating budget is approximately $600,000, our staff includes 11 part- and full-time positions, and our Board is made up of 13 skilled and committed volunteers.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Executive Director assumes primary responsibility for leading Bike Works in fulfillment of its mission and vision, including management of fundraising and administration, ensuring staff capacity, coordinating activities with the Board of Directors, and overseeing the organization’s finances.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS: The successful Executive Director will:

1. Exhibit strong leadership, strategic vision and human resource management skills;

2. Value cultural diversity and reflect a deep and abiding passion for the mission of Bike Works, specifically youth empowerment and bicycle transportation;

3. Possess experience providing strategic and business leadership to a small organization embarking on a phase of potentially significant growth and change.

4. Have proven ability to secure significant funding from individuals, foundations and government agencies;

5. Understand the internal and external workings of a 501(c)(3) organization;

6. Be a resourceful problem solver and have a sense of humor.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director’s role and responsibilities include the following:

1. Lead staff, Board, volunteers, and other key stakeholders in fulfilling mission and adhering to strategic plan. Includes supervision of three department heads who manage programs, the community bike shop, and fundraising. Critical focus in the coming years will be on translating our mission, vision, and values into annual action plans, defining and measuring success targets, and prioritizing and solving key organizational challenges.

2. Work with the Development Manager to develop annual fundraising goals and oversee implementation of strategies to achieve them. Play an active, leading role in engaging with current and prospective institutional and individual donors. Oversee revenue generation through bike shop. Manage cash flow and expenses and prepare monthly reports.

3. Manage operations, including HR policies & procedures, payroll and benefits, insurance, taxes, and oversight of bookkeeper’s work with payables, receivables, and financial records.

4. Supervise, mentor, and inspire staff; ensure a healthy work environment that attracts, maintains, and motivates quality staff. Develop annual staff review process that is aligned with our mission and values, schedule and conduct meetings and retreats as appropriate, and ensure staff member effectiveness.

5. Support and inspire the Board. Develop materials and reports for monthly Board meetings.

6. Ensure that Bike Works maintains a visible and vibrant presence in the community by fostering collaboration with partner organizations and speaking passionately in public forums. Maintain strong organizational image.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
The ideal candidate will have developed the following skills through a combination of significant professional experience, community engagement, and/or formal education:

• Commitment to our Mission: Passion for building sustainable communities, educating youth and promoting bicycling.
• Fundraising: Demonstrated success in cultivating, stewarding, soliciting and securing major gifts. Experience seeking and incorporating best practices from across the nonprofit sector for development purposes.
• Leadership and Management: Ability to inspire, mentor, and build the skills of a small, committed, hard-working staff. Experience with or interest in working as a part of a team in a small nonprofit organization and being a part of a creative, fun, healthy, flexible and collaborative work environment.
• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively and persuasively communicate our mission verbally through one-on-one interactions and public speaking opportunities, including ability to connect with youth, staff, donors, the board, and our community. Excellent writing skills a must.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and operational skills, including finance, HR, and development. Ability to formulate and execute plans efficiently and effectively. Solid computer skills to work with a tech-savvy staff.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Demonstrated experience solving complex problems and responding to adaptive challenges.

COMPENSATION:
$45,000-50,000 (starting salary depends on experience). Bike Works offers a medical benefits program, a generous vacation and holiday package and a flexible work environment.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please visit our website at www.bikeworks.org for more information about Bike Works. Send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to edsearch@bikeworks.org. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Position open until filled; however, applications received by January 7, 2011 will receive priority consideration.

Bike Works is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity of race, color, national origin, gender, and sexual orientation.

PRO shop comes to Renton

2010-12-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

Team Garmin pro rider Tom Peterson opened a shop recently in Renton.

They're offering a winter mechanic special - it's 12% off labor.

Peterson Bicycle is located at: 1755 NE 48th Street, Renton, WA.

From I405 North or South, take exit #7 and turn east. Look for the Dennys sign. Peterson Bicycle is located directly behind the Dennys with a bright yellow awning.

Call them at 425.271.0396 if you have any questions!

More can be found about this shop on their website. Tell Wyatt, the shop mechanic, you heard about them from Nate.

last "nyte ryderz" ride for 2010

2010-12-15T13:01:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I took an evening ride with the notorious "Nyte Ryderz" of Renton. (See page 10).

Photo I snapped of myself...

I rode my "new" project bike that night... my Raleigh Super Course Mark II "rain bike". First time riding it outdoors was that night.

Cold, but not wet that evening. Looking forward to more rides in 2011. Due to snowy weather in December, a busy holiday schedule, and a recent minor medical issue, I might not make it out again until January.

Keep the rubber side down, folks! Happy riding!

Xmas tree cycling style

2010-12-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

A 40-speed tree. Shimano-equipped, no doubt. Carbon and aluminum tree.

Happy holidays to you and yours. Keep the rubber side down in 2011.

Save $25 on an Electra bike at GHY in Renton

2010-12-15T12:55:00.001-08:00

Cool cruiser your style? See GHY in Renton for $25 off an Electra bicycle.

Phone
425-227-HUCK (4825)

Address
G.H.Y. Bikes
909 S. 3rd St.
Renton Wa. 98055

Hours
Weekdays 11-7
Sat 10-6
Sun 12-5

Ask for Jesse or AJ and tell 'em Nate sent you.

IKEA gives bikes to employees for Christmas 2010

2010-12-13T10:23:00.000-08:00

IKEA gives bikes to employees is what I read about today in an e-mail forwarded from a work friend. A lot of my friends at work now send me information like this, since they know me as a de facto "bike guy" around here.

The news release states: "It's been a good year for IKEA, so what better way to celebrate our success than to thank our IKEA co-workers who made this happen. Our big reveal today will be a fun day as we unload 12,400 new bikes at IKEA US locations. This is our way of saying 'thanks IKEA co-workers for being strongly committed to working together.' We hope this bike will be taken in the spirit of the season while supporting a healthy lifestyle and everyday sustainable transport," commented Mike Ward, IKEA US President.

This is encouraging, as the press release then says:
Why a bike? Because when it comes to sustainable transport, a bicycle is a great option. And when it comes to healthy living, riding a bike is one of the best cardio forms of exercise. Here are some facts.

•Bicycling is an excellent cardio-vascular exercise, which promotes heart health. Just like in any other aerobic workout, bicycling makes your heart pump harder. Also blood circulation increases and eventually, your resting heart rate will decrease. (Helium.com; Benefits of Bicycling by Erich Rosenberger M.D.)

•On average, commuting 10 miles a day by bike in 30 minutes, instead of driving a car burns 110,250 calories (keeping off 30 pounds of fat each year). (Sources: Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, RailstoTrails.org, Fitsugar.com, Adultbicycling.com

•Cycling just 20 miles a week can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50%. (Sources: Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, RailstoTrails.org, Fitsugar.com, Adultbicycling.com

•Countries with the highest levels of cycling and walking generally have the lowest obesity rates. (Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia)

This is all good stuff. I just hope the bicycles and potential bicyclists get the support they need to make those changes.

Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, the bikes do appear a little less-than-thrilling componentry-wise and they are probably the least expensive option to build and still call it a "bike". They appear to be heavy steel frames with low end components like shifters, derailleurs, and brakes. Which means they may not be the proper equipment to inspire a new rider into riding. A bike that is hard to pedal, impossible to shift, and problematic to stop, is not confidence-inspiring to those long off the saddle. But I suppose IKEA, who has thrived by making cheap furnishings available to the masses may be able to make cycling available to their employees.

I'm not a "hater" for stuff like this - let's just hope it takes off with other employers.

I wonder too if the employees will still get their typical (fiscal) year-end bonuses..?

another DIY project - reflective buddy (mud) flaps

2010-11-22T13:39:00.001-08:00

This is something I'm still working on using reflective material and some repurposed flexible plastic material (was from a cover of a performated notebook).

Reflective bicycle mudflaps to keep rain and debris off your shoes and socks - and friend riding behind you. Hence the name, buddy flaps.

These are about 3-4 times wider and twice as long as what the fenders come with (if they have them at all) like on the Allez pictured below.

God, I love zip ties.

2010-11-22T13:00:00.000-08:00

I love bikes... but I really have a thing for zip ties.

I picked up this chro-mo steel framed MOTIV brand (a Costco special) mountain bike really cheaply recently. It was a clean "garage queen" but lacked a saddle, seat post, and the shifters (shift+brake combo) were haywire like the ratcheting mechanism went afoul (common for a low end thumb shifter I've experienced). It has virtually brand new Tioga city tires too (though on the outset I was hoping to have a slightly more offroadable bike) and I intended to build it up for an in-town rider that I can leave chained up anywhere without too much worry about it being stolen or stripped.

I spent less than an hour swapping out the shifter+brake combo for an old school thumb shift and canti brake levers (somewhere I got these and had them lingering in a box of parts for just this type of project) and I found a bargain bin used seat at Bike Works ($5). The longest part of this work was getting off the handle grips without tearing the rubber. I also found a seatpost on e-Bay for $10 shipped. It should be here in a week or so, but I was eager to test ride the bike today, now that I'd fixed the gear issues.

I developed a 4 zip tie temporary fix for the lack of a seat post.

Here is the bike.

How the seat sits.

(Note to tinkerers: see the small yellow part on the seat? It's a small tear and I am wondering what - other than electrical tape - can I use to repair it?)

Underside of seat.

I wouldn't ride this for months like this - and I didn't even really sit on the seat while riding it through town as the height was way too low for me. I just wanted something there in the event I did need to sit for a moment.

I think Matt at Bike Hacks would love my hack.

what's new in the e-bikes world

2010-11-15T15:21:00.000-08:00

Tucked into the corner of the Seattle Auto Show from this past long weekend (for some) was a display of electric vehicles, including these bicycles.

Most were around $1,000+ each, including this mountain bicycle by e-moto.

Most were step-through style frames, like the one I saw in Seattle a while back.

winter projects x 2 (Nate's tinkering du jour)

2010-11-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

Since it has gotten colder and darker, and I have not been riding as much as I was, say in July, I have decided to embark on an upgrade of my so-called "rain bike" my older purple mid-1990s Cannondale pictured below.

I've used it for training rides, commuting, recreational rides and such. I've gone back and forth between having road pedals (which require the speacial shoes with cleats) and plain ol' platform pedals (which you could pedal in flip flops if you dared). It has a 21-speed Shimano RSX drivetrain, Mavic rims laced to Shimano hubs, RSX brakeset, Specialized Mondo tires, and improvised fenders and a rear rack. I added also a cycling computer, lights, and a bell. It is about as close to a multi-purpose vehicle as you can find and still be on 700x23c smooth tires.

Since I recently needed to replace bar tape, I decided it would be a good time to consider other upgrades. It started with buying a carbon fork to replace the stock aluminum Cannondale fork - all aluminum is very, very "buzzy" on even the smoothest of pavements and leads to fatigue fairly quickly. The whole project spiraled from there. See a midway strip-down photo below and a bare frameset shot below that.

My kitchen/workshop where I cleaned parts taken off of the Cannondale. Note the coffee pot - I was doing this after 10 o'clock at night, probably closer to midnight.

Once I stripped and cleaned the parts off of the Cannondale (I have a whole newer Shimano compact double 105 drivetrain, brakeset, etc. to put onto the Cannondale) I checked them over and they all look good still. I decided that it'd be a shame to toss them in a box and forget about them. Also, once the Cannondale is re-assembled, would I really want to continue to subject it to rain and grime?

I traveled to a local bicycle recyclers and found a suitable frame to put the Cannondale donor's parts on. The frame is a 1970s Raleigh Super Course II (made in their Carlton shop) with Reynolds 531 steel. It features pretty chromed dropouts, a paneled paint job, and just the right amount of patina without being too abused in its former owner's hands.

Here it is as I received it.

Here it is after I added a few parts to it.

I still need to find a couple of odd bits, mainly related to fitment of the newer style brakeset (need longer bolts) and the rear derailleur hanger (need an adapter of sorts to slide into the horizontal drop out). I think a place like Harris Cyclery or a local shop can help me out.

Hopefully, I keep in mind this is supposed to be the new "rain bike" when I am done!

for sale: misc. road bike items (prices reduced)

2010-11-09T14:16:00.000-08:00

Cleaning house... anyone interested? Prices are without shipping included. US sales only. I'd consider taking online payment via PayPal only.

ROAD BICYCLE TIRES (used but plenty of wear left)
700x28 Specialized gumwall - $5
700x23 Michelin carbon black with yellow accents - $10

700c WHEELS
FRONT – USED but true, Shimano hub with sealed bearings, quick-release, Weinmann silver rim - $25
REAR – NEW with TAGS – Shimano hub 8/9/10 speed, quick-release, Alex rim - $60
PRICED AS A MISMATCHED SET FOR $75

BRAKE - Cervelo road brake caliper - $20

E-mail if interested.

illuminating event

2010-11-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

IN SEATTLE TONIGHT!!!

"Reflect-a-Thon"
November 9, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Meet @ Cascade Bicycle Club Office-- 7400 Sand Point Way NE Seattle Wa 98115

Participants meet at the Cascade Bicycle Club offices, at 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, from 7pm to 8:30pm for another Reflect-a-Thon. Come and test your visibility gear, compare it to the lights and reflectors that other cyclists are using, and get ideas and feedback on how you can be safer at night.

At the Reflect-a-thon, volunteers will wear your outerwear and helmet, and ride your bike to show you what you look like from the perspective of a car. Reflective tape pieces will be provided for participants who need additional visibility.

Contact Robin Randels
Classes Coordinator
206 446 7457
206 390 3945
cascadebicycleclub.org

HELP CATCH A CROOK!

2010-10-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

My friend got his Green Bike bicycle (which he earned by switching from a drive-alone commute to taking train trips) swiped from the Sumner Sounder Train Station on 10/26/2010. Let's help get it back!

It looked like my old Green Bike below. His was also a medium size frame, he thinks. It was pretty much stock condition.

Notices posted to BIKEWISE, craigslist, and the Cascade Bicycle Club message boards.

more pics - and a note about my job, bike commuting, e-bikes, and assorted fluff...

2010-10-26T10:53:00.001-07:00

[Thank goodness for autosave - I thought I'd just lost this posting a few minutes ago!]

I have a few more bike-related pics to share with you from my new-to-me phone.

I took these first two during my trip to Seattle one day (DRIVING!) for a Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting.

I saw this e-bike parked out front. I suspected a member of the committee might have ridden it over to the meeting, perhaps.

I have wondered whether e-bikes (I am not familiar with the model in the photo) actually benefits the commuter as much as a lighter bike (but built strong for hauling commuters' needs) with good gearing would *or* on the other hand, would a commuter be better-equipped with a bike designed with low-maintenance simplicity for multi-modal flexibility, like bike-to-bus, bike-to-train, ferry-to-bike, etc.

Regarding that last notion, this interesting bicycle was toted into the building by Every Day of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington. It is a Strida folding bicycle.

I think it is a Strida LT model - single speed, belt-drive, with disc brakes. Cool color too. I think the MSRP is $600, which might seem a little steep, but if it stimulates fewer car trips and more exercise - plus, stows away easily in an apartment or office, then it might be very well worth the price for some. There is a nice review on tree hugger's website. A video of it folding is below.

I don't have an answer other than to say I think both can co-exist, and they have, and every other option in-between. Despite what YLBS (your local bike shop) might tell you, there are a lot of people on the wrong bikes, wearing the wrong clothes, equipped with the wrong lights and bags, etc. but it is right for them. I have enjoyed David Madajian's take on setting-up a commuter bike.

Interesting to note... the Strida is an UK-invented bike. This week, I'd sent a US-designed innovation, a 1980s Stump Jumper, to the UK! Here's the last pic I took on my last ride on this 1980s "Stumpy".

pics from my old cell

2010-10-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Dumping files off my memory card from an end-of-summer trip to Bellingham, WA...

A Park Tools TP holder in the Fairhaven bike shop... gotta love the chrome and QR skewer!

The Specialized Hotwalk... perfect for a little girl's first "bike"...

Pedal-powered juicers at the B'ham farmers' market... called the "Juice Peddler" or something similar...

rave for a great MO (mail-order? naw! actually, online and brick and mortar) bike parts company

2010-09-29T13:58:00.000-07:00

Note: I spent money with these folks, I didn't get paid by them to write this.

I ordered a few parts from Universal Cycles this week just try them out. I needed bar tape replaced, and I figured if I was going to do that, I should consider replacing the fork at the same time, and if I do that, I should replace the headset too. I know, not logical at first, but I did get a really good deal on a 1" threaded (yep, threaded) carbon fork.

Anyways, I am impressed by UC's quick and easy price-matching system and their prices and even the shipping costs are reasonable.

I ordered this a day ago and this arrived this afternoon via UPS.

Well packed and quick delivery!

So here's the reasons why I am happy:
* good prices and ability to price-match
* good selection and easy-to-use web site
* quick shipping

Torker shots

2010-09-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here are the pics from the Torker 2011 catalog that I'm in...

The electric-assisted T-450e.

The stylish T-530.

my latest crush...

2010-09-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

LARA BARS

Why might I love them..?

* Perfect size for stuffing in a jersey pocket.

* Seemingly "just enough" to refuel without leaving you feel like you just ate a brick (like some other similar bars).

* A variety of flavors to choose from, including PB&J, lime pie, and coffee and chocolate-flavored offerings... nuts and fruit flavors too.

Only thing is they can be spendy... I think the best price I have seen (without buying a box of them) is 4 for $5.

I'm toying with finally making up my own bars, it's like baking a cookie (so I hear). Got any good recipes???

commuting in the fall

2010-09-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

Jeez... I think I was spoiled from the summer's mild (well, summer sucked for us in the Seattle area generally) weather.

Riding to work this morning (and even last night on the way home) was cold! And DARK! Forget my little Spoks, it's time to bust out the helmet with the DiNotte lights on it!

Other things I'd like to note: I hate equally getting cable rub and worm guts on my frame.

WSDOT seeks volunteers for the annual bike count

2010-09-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

WSDOT is seeking volunteers across the state to help count the number of people who walk or bike to their destinations. Information gathered will be used to track progress toward the state’s goal of increasing bicycling and walking in Washington and reducing the number of vehicle miles driven.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Cascade Bicycle Club are enlisting volunteers and organizations like FeetFirst and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington to count the numbers of people bicycling and walking on paths, bike lanes, sidewalks, and other facilities on Oct. 5, 6 and 7.

More details are here.

TORKER 2011 catalog is out

2010-09-17T08:58:00.001-07:00

See if you can find me.

bike parking

2010-09-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Do you find it hard to find bike parking where you live?

If it is available, is it optimal?

How much of a part does bike parking availability and style of bike parking play in your decision to bike for a trip? Is parking or lack thereof a big barrier to making bike trips or are there other larger factors? If so, what are they?

Leave your comments on this subject if you wish.

I'd also be interested to know if anyone rides their bike to transit (train or bus) and then uses on-board or at-station bike rack facilities.

MUDDY BUDDY COMES TO OREGON

2010-08-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

This might be my next challenge come October...

MUDDY BUDDY!!!

Described by organizers as:
"Muddy Buddy is all about having fun with a friend, family member, partner or co-worker! Teams of two traverse a 6-7 mile off-road course and 5 obstacles.

At the start of the race, one team member will run and one will ride the bike. At the 1st obstacle, the rider will drop the bike, complete the obstacle, and begin running. The runner will arrive, complete the obstacle, find their bike and begin riding. Teams will continue leapfrogging each other through the entire course.

At the end of the race, racers crawl through the infamous Mud Pit crossing the finish line together as official “Muddy Buddies”!"

I just wonder what havoc it'll unleash on anywhere that'd potentially chafe...

Also, there's a costume contest for the teams too. Winners get event sponsor's swag. I'll keep you posted if I/we do it. There's a kids' event too... Mini Muddy Buddy.

paying it forward

2010-08-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Cycling has provided me with a lot of benefits, as I'd mentioned before. A lot of people have helped me out with free stuff along the way.

Today, I'm paying it forward by passing along my good condition used clothes that no longer fit me.

family time and fitting in cycling

2010-08-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

An anonymous commenter recently asked if I ever spent time with my family. I didn't post the comment, as I suspected initially it was a barb directed at me given recent changes in my personal life this past year. However, after thinking about it more, I realized it could be that the person genuinely was interested in whether I saw my family, given their knowledge of my life is limited to what is reflected here online.

I do see my children often - and I spend time with them more than a lot of fathers, even those who are still living with their kids under the same roof. The parenting arrangement is between their mother and I, not anyone else. Their mother has not given me any indication that scheduling has been unsatisfactory as far as she or the children are concerned, in fact, I have agreed with the plan proposed by her, not the other way around. Additionally, she has requested that I refrain from posting personal details about my life and the current situation.

My kids
Rachel - posed for the pic as she wears a helmet when riding at all times

Lauren

I started cycling because I did not want to end up on a slab at the morgue at 38 years-old, a very real possibility according to my physician at the time. I was overweight (230+ pounds) and had extremely high cholesterol and developed high blood pressure. Medicated and unhappy, and seeing my life ending before seemingly it had ever begun, I happened upon cycling in 2007 as a means of improving my health. This blog, amongst other things, has chronicled this journey. I started with the goal of saving money on prescription drugs, co-pays, and add years to my life. I didn't want to die before seeing my kids through high school and college, and enjoying grandkids.

I am telling you today sitting here at about 165 pounds that my life and health have changed and changed for the better - I eat salads now and enjoy it. There have been some personal struggles and failures I have been dealing with in the past year which are independent of my bicycling activities. I am attacking the future head-on with positivity and zeal. I no longer will tolerate negativity and pointless criticism. I will allow time and expect God to judge me.

A book of inspiration for me was "Heft on Wheels" by Mike Magnuson. I would suggest anyone wanting to make a paradigm shift in their life read this book, especially if cycling could be the answer.

I do not want to see my friends and colleagues, a generation of great men, become victims to their diets, careers, and lifestyles. Refuse to succumb to what society thinks is "good enough" and stretch the paradigm. A medicated, overfed, and undernourished lifetime is not enough for me... nor should it be for you or anyone.

Others who have slimmed down through cycling...
Fatty
Frank Kinlan

...I'll add more as I find them...

the photo shoot

2010-08-05T15:05:00.000-07:00

A cell phone pic from this morning's photo shoot...

The company's catalog is released in about 6 weeks for Interbike in Vegas.

opportunity strikes!

2010-08-04T14:59:00.001-07:00

I cannot report on the full details yet, but I am going to be slated to be included in a major US bicycle distributor's 2011 catalog. The photo shoot is this week.

I'm excited!

Details to come, as long as there aren't any disclosures that prevent it.

the next big challenge

2010-08-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

I was considering the High Pass Challenge (HPC) but after having (unrelated to cycling) a knee issue in one leg and a lower leg muscle issue in the other, I am passing on it for this year - I don't even know if they are sold out of registrations for the 600 cyclists this year or not.

I'm still going to try and ride these events with a friend this summer:
Cascade Spawning Cycle (CSC) - Sept 19th
Kitsap Color Classic - Sept. 26th

Then, I think it's back again to cold weather riding and commute-type trips, though with my work and home so close now, I may have to extend my riding quite a bit to get in the miles I'd like to. Of course, I'll throw in plenty of hills along the way too.

Cascade Crit

2010-07-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

After STP weekend, I went the following weekend to see the Cascade Crit (almost by accident) in Bend, OR.

The start of the (masters? 35+ and 45+ race?)

More pics and video (I hope) forthcoming.

more STP pics

2010-07-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

Taking a break at about mile 30 on day #1 about 1'30" into it.

Here's the REI food stop in Kent.

Nate looking pretty energetic and happy (multiple caffeinated gel packs, no doubt).

What a ham!

Away we go!

Pics from 2010 STP

2010-07-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

I'll post more text later, but here's the pics from this year's STP and my "team" of Dan, Bill, Rob, and myself. We averaged 16 mph in the two day, 204 mile trek from Seattle to Portland.

These were from the end of the ride in the park in Portland at the finish line festival.

Me (Nate)

Rob

Dan

Bill

[Thanks to my Dad, and his wife, Sally, for taking these pics and giving us the ride back north!]

Portland Church Dedicates Bicycle Shrine

2010-07-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

Might be worth a stop when we reach Portland end of the STP...

Portland Church Dedicates Bicycle Shrine

Pedals

2010-07-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

My buddy and I were out trying to get some more pre-STP miles in last Saturday. We rode into Maple Valley, into Ravensdale, around Covington, and quite frankly, places I have no clue where we were.

When we were in the middle of nowhere, on a two lane poorly-maintained rural roadway without any houses nearby, a kitten, black and white with blue eyes, maybe no more than 6 weeks old, comes darting out at my friend as we pedaled along. He shouts, I didn't know what happened, as I hadn't seen the kitten, I just turn to see my friend's bike on the highway and him sitting in a slump on the shoulder.

Turns out, he hadn't hit the cat or anything, he just plopped down to cradle the scared kitten. I played traffic control waving off the two or three subsequent cars or heavy trucks blasting on by. That kitten surely wouldn't last long there if it was left where it ran out onto the road. We speculated it might have been dumped there by someone.

Still, we were into the ride about halfway of about 75 miles total. And we didn't have a practical way of carrying a live animal with us. So after five attempts, we successfully placed the cat far away from the roadway and were able to pedal away down the road.

The subsequent remainder of the ride was somewhat somber, my friend kept lamenting his GFs house wasn't far away and that coyotes would make a meal out of that little guy if an eagle didn't first. I tried to say that it might have a chance, but not really believing that to be true either.

We finished our ride and went back to our houses.

I get a text message (with photo attached) about 40 minutes later that read:
MEOW! I WENT BACK FOR THE CAT.
I HAVE IT NOW.

And a follow-up text:
NAME IS PEDALS.

Here's Pedals...

another STP preparation update

2010-07-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

Two of us (I was one of them) put in 75-ish miles on Saturday.
A different two of us (I was one of them) put in about mid-30s Sunday.
In addition, I did a major couple hills yesterday in a short-ish ride of maybe 10-12 miles.

It feels good.

I think the worst part so far was dumping $250 + about $100 store credit at REI for two new pairs of fingerless Pearl Izumi gloves, two PI elite series bib shorts, a new short sleeve jersey, and two headsweats type beanies.

Though I think I'd rather be comfortable at 120 miles into the ride than miserable and still facing 80+ miles on day #2.

STP is coming up FAST!!! AAAAAGGGHH!

2010-07-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

Less than 2 weeks until the big ride!

We'll do it. It should be fine.

Just so many details to arrange still.

[Breathe, Nate. Breathe.]

So happy to have some experienced blokes on the journey with me.

a reason to do what you love and love what you do

2010-06-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

A man I never met, Dave Blumenthal, and only know through another bicycling blogger's blog (Kent Peterson) died on June 24th after sustaining injuries from a collision with a vehicle while riding in the 2010 Tour Divide.

Borrowing from Kent's words about Dave, I hope when I am gone, people will say I lived my life fully and passionately and that my thoughts, actions and words revealed a man who knew many things and most importantly, knew how to live and knew what things are most important. Dave's last blog post should bring you to tears.

As I soon (a few weeks) begin the longest ride in my life (the 2010 Seattle to Portland ride, a scant 200-something miles in two days) I pray for the health and safety of fellow riders and myself and hope to return with smiles and photos and stories to share.

Despite the risks we face in life everyday, we cannot let that stop us from enjoying the ride. Be safe. Be smart. Be kind.

MIT's newest electric bicycle

2010-06-29T09:51:00.001-07:00

What do you think of this?

It's a technologically advanced bicycle wheel unveiled by MIT in late 2009.

Described by MIT's web page: "Though it looks like an ordinary bicycle wheel with an oversized center, the Wheel's bright red hub is a veritable Swiss army knife's worth of electronic gadgets and novel functions."

Technologically, it seems to offer a lot of functionality in a compact package. Again, MIT's web page: "The Wheel uses a technology similar to the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), which has radically changed Formula One racing over the past couple of years,” says Ratti [Carlo Ratti, director of the MIT SENSEable City Laboratory and the Copenhagen Wheel project]. "When you brake, your kinetic energy is recuperated by an electric motor and then stored by batteries within the wheel, so that you can have it back to you when you need it. The bike wheel contains all you need so that no sensors or additional electronics need to be added to the frame and an existing bike can be retrofitted with the blink of an eye."

This retrofit is where I think the marketability of this product lies. If virtually any bike could be adapted with this cleaner alternative to a petroleum-fired engine, such as the "Whizzer" bikes and are priced lower than currently available electric bicycles, then I think there are consumers who would buy this, especially as baby boomers age and want to find transportation and recreation alternatives.

Going back to the MIT mock-up, I do find it interesting the bike they've fitted up with this rear wheel appears to be a fixed-gear (or at least single speed... it does appear to be fitted with a coaster brake ala the OSO bike).

Any thoughts..?

my poem about the naked bikes at Fremont Solstice

2010-06-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

GOOD AND BAD

There is good naked and bad naked, that is what I have found.
You don’t need to venture too far -
you’ll find the answer right here near the Puget Sound.

I ventured last week to the city, to an event celebrating solstice,
there I found a parade, a naked loud parade, one that you’ll be sad you missed.

Before the parade started rolling - came people on bikes painted in all hues,
costumed, bedazzled, flaccid and floppy –
all splayed out for cameras with the TV news.

Riders honked and hooted – in high heels and some bare footed
they circled and rode straight, popped wheelies and rode figure 8s
they waved and they giggled and as they did, their parts jiggled
Like Godiva perched upon her steed,
a smile and a bike was all a rider would need –
to feel a part of this controlled insanity,
witnessed by thirty thousand others and me.

But is this “good naked” or “bad naked” I had to think.
It was quite cool that day, so some things tended to shrink.
Others were affected by the pull of gravity.
By the end of their run, I felt like a dentist, having seen so many cavities.

So good or bad, you decide – I won’t vote – there’s no loss or win.
But please don’t judge me next year – if you see me in green paint and a tube sock on my Schwinn.

[as performed by Nate Jones at Liberty Cafe, Renton, WA, 6-23-10]

round and round like a record baby

2010-06-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

I rode 50 miles around Lake Washington this past weekend on Sunday in prep for the STP that's about a month away.

Took about 4 hours with one 10-15 minute stop at Starbuck's for refueling. You know, there aren't Starbuck's on every corner, so you gotta stop where you can find them [for those who are logging on from Borneo, I'm being ironic].

We're ready. So ready, I sometimes wish the ride was tomorrow. I think we'll nudge to 60 or 75 miles next.

And as a bonus: WHY OH WHY is this song stuck in my head!!!??? Enjoy folks, but don't say I didn't warn you!

let's cheer on Kent!

2010-06-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

Kent from Issaquah, locally known for his long distance cycling adventures and being a cool dude (I bought parts from him when he was involved with Bike Works in Seattle), is now in the midst of the 2010 Tour Divide, a 20-something day bike race that spans almost 2,800 miles from Canada to NM.

A pic of Kent from his blog...

Kent is doing it on a single speed MT bike. No derailleurs. No multiple cogs. Just one pair of legs and one gear.

Wow.

Head over to his blog for updates. And comment there to send him well-wishes.

~ Nate

YARN BOMB!

2010-06-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Mary, owner of the local art boutique/ecclectic gift shop/homemade stuff emporium known as happy delusions has a bike in her window display (my crappy cell phone pic below).

Though it was once one, it's no longer a typical run-of-the-mill Raleigh 10-speed bicycle. Now it has been "yarn bombed" by her knitting crew (a.k.a. "Stitch-n-Bitch" crew). By the time they are done, the goal is to have every speck of this bike covered with yarn.

Sure beats a toaster or tea kettle cozy, doesn't it?

Mary has a 3-speed of her own (believe it or not, she never rode a bicycle until she was an adult!?) that she's stored up above the wares in her shop.

I think it is a Raleigh as well.

What other kinds of art bikes have you seen..?

bikes in the 98057

2010-06-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

I saw quite a few bikes out and about in Downtown Renton (WA) in the past few days while riding with the kids.

Here's Rachel on her current bike (she doesn't know what might happen for her pending birthday) just before helmeting-up to go ride. We were hanging at the Liberty Cafe.

Must be a family out for Indian food at Naan and Curry!

Check out these avid reader-bicyclists' bicycles at the Renton Library (actually, since the annexation vote was approved, now it is technically the King County Library System Downtown Renton Branch).

The question I would ponder is whether the bicyclists would have made the trips prior to the racks being available or whether the availability of some sort of bike parking helped and to what degree.

Here's a good overview of considerations for installing bicycle parking.

read the post but enjoy the comments

2010-06-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

Much like I read through many cycling magazines not for the articles, but for the ads (and many articles coincidentally, of course, do tend to be written about the products being advertised - funny how that works), I find any blog posts or news articles about cycling recently seem to be overshadowed by the posts left in the comments section.

Here is a recent blog post affiliated with the Seattle PI regarding last month's Bike to Work activities. There are 131 comments and counting.

The comments range from TriplePac's "Road tax by Gross Vehicle Weight. Howzat for reality (and "fairness")! Let's Roll!" and spaceagepolymer's "Interesting how the people who are against bikes seem to be against everything. I bet you're fun to be around." to an unregistered user's "Seattle people are the dumbest people on this earth!!!! All you care about is being 'green' without any logic or forethought. Morons!" and another unregistered user's "This is an awesome article. Biking to work is really stupid and self-righteous."

And SeattleSounder slips in "Arguing in blog comment forums is kind of like racing in the Special Olympics... you may win the race, but you're still a retard."

And there's many, many, more.

So, read the article, feel free to comment here or on the PI web site. I just wondered whether citizens of other metropolitan areas have nearly as much built-up angst against a mode of transportation or if this is just a Pacific Northwest thing.

about 6 weeks until the STP ride!

2010-06-03T07:05:00.001-07:00

I gotta focus and get some more hours and miles in the saddle!

200+ miles in two days??? We can do it!

And then at the end of July, I'm in the track class at Marymoor.

I'm happy to see summer almost here. :)

If you are seeking a Seattle area event, this Saturday, June 12th, there's there Flying Wheels in Redmond, WA.

Like hills? There's the High Pass Challenge in September.

Spokane trip

2010-05-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

I've read some bicycling blogs lately where the writers recently visited Bellingham, WA or Spokane,WA. I've visited both places recently (I am posting this from Spokane, in fact).

Here are some pics I snapped in Spokane this weekend. Not many, I admit, but they struck me as interesting, showing some of the pro-bike attitude of what I (erroneously) thought was a pickups and asphalt kind of town.

In the river park, with paths for bicycles and pedestrians to share, it was interesting to see this kind of trail marking, though there were plenty of "no bikes" or "no pedestrians" signs around town too.

Sort of a different approach than my city is considering.

Auntie's Books had a window display of cycling books for Bike to Work month. :)

I did see this ghost bike in Spokane but wasn't close by to take a photo. A reminder for everyone to watch out for cyclists.

bike to work pics

2010-05-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

Our bike station from 2009...

It was set-up along Burnett Linear Park in Downtown Renton, in the South Renton Neighborhood. Weather was good, we had the support of a local bike shop and coffee shop, the local neighborhood dropped by, and we had a pretty good turn out.

For 2010, here's our pics (I'm in yellow)...

We had fewer people (a few dozen) this year - it was overcast and rainy for part of the morning, we didn't advertise as much this time, had coffee, but didn't get the set-up with the bike shop dialed in like we could have. We've decided to get better organized for 2011 and do it up even more. Last year too, I had a lot of freebies to distribute - this year, I did a raffle for one gift basket of about $150 worth of commuter gear.

pushing through to the end

2010-05-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

It's been a weird month, mainly since I've just been busy and having a schedule that's pretty full-up so I really have to plan ahead with where I am going, whether I'm riding, driving, walking, etc. A challenge to be sure, but not too daunting.

I'll post some bike station pics when I can from our BTW station.

BTW Day 2010 is tomorrow, May 21st!

2010-05-20T23:14:00.000-07:00

We'll have a commuter station at the corner of 3rd and Burnett in DT Renton. We'll have a prize drawing for about $150 worth of commuter gear and some free giveaways too, like trail maps and some free reflective stickers.

Ride safe, have fun! (And hope for good weather!)

bikes as advertising/displays

2010-05-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

Two (actually three, but only two pictured) businesses in my city (Renton) use bicycles as part of their displays. The places are all eateries (two pubs, one cupcake and coffee place) which have nothing to do with bicycles, well, one (not pictured) has a Fat Tire brewing cruiser bike made by Electra(?), so that is related to beer at least.

Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes has a yellow (Felt, I think) and black taxi-themed cruiser. They lock it up to the rack they put out in front of their shop.

Irish pub, a Terrible Beauty, just mounted a JC Higgins English (racer?) style bike to the wall of the stairs to the second floor of the building. Classic 3-speed Bendix hub and full fenders and a basket make for an attractive display.

Dog and Pony ale house is the third place I've been that has the bike on display behind the bar.

And we cannot forget kinetic bike art at Go Deli!

Shoot me some pics of businesses in your city which use bikes as part of a store display or what-not... they can be bike shops or other establishments. E-mail me at thesoftwarewiz AT yahoo DOT com. Be sure to provide your name for credit, the location (city, state, country), and the shop or establishment featured in the photo and any other details known.

new team name: "Spokin' Hot"

2010-05-12T08:19:00.001-07:00

That's SPOKE, not SPOCK.

The "Rotelle di Velocita" Bike to Work challenge team name has long fallen to history. Largely for two reasons:
1) It is a hard name to remember - or pronounce.
2) I'm tired of re-learning how to make the "A" with the accent on it.

I've considered whether this blog would get more hits if it had a simpler URL or name. Something like:
Commuting by Bike in the PNW
Seattle Bicycle Commuting
Stories from the Saddle

But I am afraid these might all be taken, just like if you look up AAA [type of business] in the phone book (or online directory). You'll probably find a whole mess of them, none of which are the one you're actually trying to find.

So, we'll see what happens.

flattered, I guess

2010-05-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

OK. Spoke cards was not an original idea by any stretch when I came up with the idea to do a run of them last year for our D-I-Y bike commute station in our town. There's two wedged into the spokes of the Green Bike pictured below at our bike stop last year.

But, spoke cards were enough out of the mainstream that most cyclists, especially roadies [who didn't want to clutter up their more-expensive-than-my-monthly-mortgage-and-made-out-of-a-material-which-is-only-found-in-stealth-bombers bikes], and even more so were the noobs who hadn't been on a bike since their vacation to VA Beach three years ago who considered the act of riding *in the street* and spending the workday with "helmet hair" to be edgy and counter-culture enough.

* HOWEVER *

I cannot help but feel a mix of slight annoyance (because we were going to do this again this year) and a slight bit of pleasure that the promoters of the region's BTW month activities have made up spoke cards for this year's event.

In fact, the principal reason I stopped working on developing a spoke card this year was due to me not wanting to sit at a commuter stop and hear 300x in three hours: "Hey, you guys did spoke cards too? Just like the Bike Club did this year!"

Still. Big props for them doing this. This year, we'll have to come up with something edgy, like a bag of poo you lash onto your seat post. Then next year, everyone will want one.

[Note: I might be a little bit peeved about this - more so than I normally would be - because our award-winning film contest entry was also somewhat "hacked" - concept was snatched - by someone recently to enter a different contest. I would have happily assisted them with producing their film, and done so without compensation if I was extended proper credit.]

you're killin' me, CBC!

2010-05-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

I am so eager to start entering my miles (about 40 this week) for the Bike to Work Month Commute Challenge - but it is frustrating, as this first week of the contest, the computer system at CBC has been non-functioning!

[5-12-2010 EDIT: the web site is now back up and running. Log-in NOW to participate if it is not too late!]

Powering-Up

2010-05-04T09:49:00.001-07:00

I suppose this is a natural progression for someone who's making their way northward through the world of bicycling. First came the bike shorts and jacket cut for cycling. Second came the Disneyland Electric Light Parade of LEDs attached to everything and anything they could be zip-tied to. Then came SPD pedals and specific shoes and "technical wear".

Now, I have advanced to the next level. Powered up. And like powering up for any video game, you start over at the bottom rung when you advance to that next higher level, ready to get the snot beat out of you until you learn a handful of new moves or find a secret power-up.

What have I done, you might ask? I've signed up for track racing class at Marymoor Velodrome in Redmond, WA.

Photo by Rick Takagi.

blog I found: Bike NOPA

2010-05-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

I found this blog today (highlighted on Blogger) about bicycling and livability in the North Panhandle Neighborhood (NOPA) of San Francisco.

BIKE NOPA

Check out the new series on women who bike.

Cool beans!

I'd heard recently there is a strong correlation between a community's (perceived or real) cycling safety and the percentage of women cyclists. The safer it is to ride, the more women will ride. (If I can find where I read this, I'll post it).

bikes at WWU

2010-05-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'll try to share more pics from my trip to WWU ("Western" in Bellingham, WA) for a Washington State Ridesharing Organization (WSRO a.k.a. "Whizz-row") workshop.

Here's one of bike racks in front of the student union building. So many NICE bikes and very few rattle can "bombed" ten speeds like you might find at UW or community colleges in Seattle.

And here's a parking garage with some style in DT Bellingham. It employs a French technique to fool the eye into believing there is more there than a mere ugly parking garage.

the story gets worse

2010-05-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

The Mayor of our city, while paying a visit to the site on the Cedar River Trail, a local multi-use-trail (a.k.a. "MUT"), where an 83 year-old woman was collided with by a cyclist, and later died of her injuries, himself got run into by a cyclist.

Please - ride safe and smart cyclists! Maybe we need a grassroots self-policing group of concerned cyclists to monitor trails and urge others to abide by trail safety rules.

Our Mayor responds to the tragedy on the CRT

2010-04-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

The Mayor of Renton has responded to the tragic accident on the Cedar River Trail.

David Hiller, of Cascade Bicycle Club, has a post on his blog about this incident. He offers the following suggestions to cyclists to be safer.

Simply put, there are things that bicyclists can do to minimize the potential for and severity of collisions:

1) Slow when others are present — you can’t know how other trail users will react when you’re overtaking. Going slower gives you more time to react AND will minimize the severity of a collision should one occur. No one’s heart-rate or wattage is worth endangering others. If you “need to go full-out”, do it on the road, on rollers, or on your trainer — not on a trail.

2) Use bell or voice when passing — just like the ubiquitous signs say. If you’re concerned that there’s confusion among pedestrians as to what “on your left” means, try something else like “passing.”

3) Pass safely. It sounds like a no-brainer, but I see bicyclists passing into oncoming traffic, passing two-abreast, and passing too closely daily. Pass single file. Wait for oncoming traffic to pass before pulling around slower trail users. Works best when combined with 1 & 2.

4) Ride single file when others are present and stay as far to the right as is safe to facilitate overtaking. If you travel at a speed below the posted limit on our regional trails, make it safer and easier for faster riders to pass.

going to B'ham

2010-04-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

I have a workshop the next two days in Bellingham, WA and I hope to take a bike with me to explore.

Someone put together some bike routes maps.

There are a few community and/or college bike shops to explore too.

I'm taking a camera (if I remember it) to snap pics.

bike to work month is coming up quick!

2010-04-24T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have three teams started up at my workplace. My team has four plus me. We're "Spokin' Hot" team.

More soon.

sad news in local community

2010-04-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

An elderly woman was struck by a cyclist this week on a local regional trail and died from her injuries.

More on this story.

Sunday's ride

2010-04-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

35-ish miles in about 2:40.

Burnt about 1633 kCals.

my Saturday (rainy) ride

2010-04-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here's my route from last Saturday.

40 miles in 2:50.

04/19/2010 Route
Find more Bike Rides in Renton, Washington

40 miles in 2:50

2010-04-18T04:09:00.001-07:00

I was pretty pumped up Saturday. 40 miles in less than three hours. 14-something mph average speed and no breaks until about 20-something miles in.

3 months until I point the bike towards PDX and chew up 200+ miles.

Only mechanical issue that happened was an extremely wobbly wheel by ride end. Must have been the 37mph descent... lol.

REI dividend time!

2010-04-18T03:50:00.000-07:00

Retail therapy. Gotta love it. Even for bike stuff... or maybe especially for bike stuff.

I needed some more polypro socks and another under helmet cap - well, "need" might be a strong word, but of the things I lacked, quick-drying, snug socks were one and extra under helmet caps was another. Everything else I generally have lots of.

Here's what I got today...

Several pairs of socks which included the P-40 Warhawk design, the Jolly Roger, and the chain designs.

A Session (Full Sail brewing's Red Stripe-emulating stubby bottle offshoot) Lager cap.

Oh, yeah. Best part: I used my REI dividend and the 20% discount coupon to save some coin. I think I paid $5 out of pocket.

LaHood backlash

2010-04-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said some remarks that got people listening.

Apparently, some people are a bit upset with these remarks.

LaHood states "I'm not going to apologize for any of it..." and "I think this is what the people want."

Let's hope LaHood doesn't get thrown under LaBus.

product review follow-up: Jimi wallet

2010-04-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

Last month, I bought a Jimi wallet I said I'd test drive for a while. Well, here it is about a month later, and I thought I'd give a follow-up of how Jimi is lasting so far.

From the outside, we see that well-packed, Jimi has a gap or bulge when stuffed.

This is different from the wearing Jimi in the front pants pocket bulge. Like a Copenhagen can in a back jeans pocket. And I generally tuck Jimi into the left pocket and stuff keys in the right.

Cracking Jimi open reveals the cash stuffed inside (I don't generally carry a wad like this, but this was for testing purposes) and the two sides of Jimi, the credit/debit card side and the ID side.

The credit card side was able to squeeze in 4 cards total. 5 is impossible and less than 4 is feasible, but 1 or 2 might slippy slidey around in there. Getting the cards out takes a bit of practice, like learning to light a Zippo by flipping it onto the side of your thigh without torching yourself, but it is easy enough to do. Just don't try it for the first time at a 12 items or less line in the grocer's.

The ID side has a slide out part (or maybe I broke it...LOL) that allows easy access to ID cards, bus passes, etc. I slipped in a work ID, driver's license, a few medical-related or insurance cards (very slim ones), and a bus pass.

Overall, I'd say the pros about this wallet are:
1) locks in all of the items you might take along with you on a ride - things don't slip out like they do if you had a traditional tri-fold or bi-fold wallet
2) slimness is great - unlike a traditional wallet, this still stays pretty slim provided you mind how much you're trying to cram in there
3) EZ clean - anyone who's slipped a leather wallet into a jersey pocket and later reached for a sweaty (or weather-dampened) mess will appreciate Jimi's durability against moisture

The cautionary notes:
1) if you like to stuff, you won't be friends with Jimi
2) if you don't like people asking questions about your wallet, then Jimi isn't for you
3) it is not approved for a countermeasure to bear attacks - if you are in the wilds, bring another primary bear attack preventative

Note: I did not experience bear attacks while using the Jimi wallet, however, I am not completely convinced Jimi is the sole cause for this not happening.

You can find more about Jimi on the manufacturer's web site. I'm waiting for a womens' purse - as opposed to a mens' purse, I guess - made of the same material, but they could call it the Jenni. Stranger things have happened. Look at Uggs, Jellies, Crocs...

And as always a disclaimer... I am making ZERO money from writing this blog. I paid for this wallet with my own funds - if I got a free sample I would have disclosed that. I am not affiliated with the Jimi people or other manufacturers or sponsors or bears.

I've attended my first road race

2010-04-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

Today I went and worked support for the cat 1-3 womens' race in Brady, WA with my friend, Rob.

We drove 20mph behind 30 racers, with two other support/safety/officials' vehicles for 72 miles.

We carried spare wheelsets (for those who brought back-ups for themselves) and were there in the event something went awry. Luckily, we only had two situations pop-up. In one case someone's wheel broke a spoke. Unfortunately, they did not bring a spare wheel. Later, a competitor who lead the pack 35 miles got bad leg cramps in the final lap and we hauled both she and her bike to the finish.

We had a good time, though it was a long day (9:30am until about 7:00pm).

Bike to Work Day (and Commute Challenge) - May 2010

2010-04-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

Bike to Work Day is rapidly approaching (it's Friday, May 21st). Commute Challenge is all month long.

I just got the materials in the mail today, so it's time to start organizing workplace team registrations and also planning out the BTW Day station we're hoping to put at the clock tower in DT Renton at S. 3rd & Burnett near the Transit Center from 6-9 a.m. on 5/21/2010.

More info on the festivities can be found at Cascade Bicycle Club's web page.

this sounds like a cool ride, after the STP

2010-04-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

I suppose after I tackle the STP, I might consider a 104 miler to be "easy". LOL.

Check out the STMB (Sound to Mountains Bikefest) 2010.

Described by the Levee Breaking web site as:
...104 mile road ride begins @ Magnuson Park in Seattle, with up to 1,000 participants riding from Seattle to North Bend over the course of the day. The beautiful, occasionally hilly route takes riders North to Snohomish before winding through the Snoqualmie River Valley to end at the base of Mt Si in North Bend, WA.

And even better...
Riders hop off of their bikes surrounded by mountains, fields of blueberries, concert stages, food, beverages & brews, bike art, NW bike makers and community bicycle proponents. Registered riders will recieve 3 day passes into the festival.

I hope I could find someone to join me.

Note: The Levee Breaking is "a support-the-arts project based in Seattle" which produces projects "that strengthen and unify music, performing, art and film making communities."

funny vids

2010-04-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

If you need a perk-up this morning, here you go. These made the rounds a while back (I don't think I posted them here) but you might find them funny.

Performance

Gotta love the skinny jeans dude.

Flight of the Conchords - Mutha Uckers

Not about bikes, but there are bikes in the video. And the sentiment fits my mood for the past few weeks.

cycling stats

2010-04-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

* A 200-pound cyclist burns 546 calories while going 12 miles per hour-almost the equivalent of a Big Mac®.

* The Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health said, "Physical activity of the type that improves cardiovascular endurance [such as cycling] reduces the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, hypertension, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes and improves mental health. Findings are suggestive that endurance-type physical activity [such as cycling] may reduce the risk of developing obesity, osteoporosis, and depression and may improve psychological well-being and quality of life."

* According to the National Sporting Goods Association, consumers bought 18.5 million bicycles in 2003.

* Some 42.5 million Americans ride bicycles, according to the National Sporting Goods Association’s 2000 study. This is more than the numbers that participate in other leading sports (29.4 million basketball players, 27.5 million golfers, 22.5 million runners, 13.2 million soccer players, 11.2 million tennis players, and 7.7 million downhill skiers).

Information pulled from the League of American Bicyclists' web site.

how cool would this be?

2010-04-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

REI offers tours in many places of the world for hikers and bicyclists, like this one in Italy.

Though this cycling one, Vienna to Prague, has my eye.

Someday, perhaps.

road debris

2010-04-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

While out riding just over 22 miles yesterday morning, I happened to think about all of the road debris I come across. It isn't just the muck and grime from tires, oil, sand and gravel. It often is items you wouldn't suspect you'd find on the side of the road. Examples:

spark plugs

batteries (AA, C, 9v)

condoms

misc. car parts - bumper parts, license plates, door handles

credit cards (!)

All of these things can make you wreck if you didn't see them in advance. What have you found on the road that you didn't expect?

biking in the wet

2010-04-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

It's really Biblical crappy wind and weather today in the PNW. I had to pop over to the Commute By Bike blog for their advice on riding in the rain.

And I just got rid of a wetsuit today...

But would they pay the claim?

2010-03-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

This ad for an insurance company was on the flip-side of a USPS Change of Address form I received. Given the lax lock-job depicted, it's no wonder the bike is gone.

My question is whether an insurance provider would pay a theft claim based on someone's negligence?

3,200 mile mission

2010-03-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

A group of med students are planning a 3,200 mile cross-the-US bike tour to raise funds for Heal Africa and World Bicycle Relief.

World Bicycle Relief was founded in 2005 in response to the Indian Ocean tsunami and provides bicycles to villagers to make it easier for children to get to school, help adults carry more goods to market, and provide an easier method for health-care workers to travel to villages where they educate the people on disease prevention, such as HIV/AIDS.

Ride for World Health (R4WH) is a national, nonprofit organization which advocates for improvements in the quality and accessibility of global healthcare. Each year, by utilizing a cross-country bike ride as a vehicle of communication, R4WH addresses this issue through political advocacy, fundraising and its unique Coast-to-Coast Lecture Series.

King County Bike Map on the Web

2010-03-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

Looks like all the cool kids can now check out the miles of bike trails, bike lanes, and steep hills of King County, Washington via their cellies.

KC Bike Map

A KC staffer announced:
"We are happy to announce that new King County Bicycling Guidemaps have been printed and are available free of charge at all King County Libraries. The new Bicycling Guidemap content has also been posted on the internet and is available publicly at www.kingcounty.gov/bike . The new online map allows users to pan and zoom into their area of interest and print."

*content snipped*

"If you wish to receive hard copies of our map, please send me your mailing address, and I will mail them to you directly."

And the magic snail mail address is as follows:
King County Department of Transportation
Roads Services Division, CIP and Planning Section
201 South Jackson Street MS: KSC-TR-0317
Seattle, WA 98104-3856

Don't overlook the disclaimer, however, at the bottom of the map...
"Disclaimer: This map is intended to aid bicyclists in choosing routes between locations. This map is not in any way warranty or guarantee as to the stability of roadway conditions or the fitness of listed routes for bicycling. Many of the routes identified on this map cross or run along public roads which are exposed to wear and tear and degradation due to weather, traffic, and other environmental concerns. Riders should remain alert as routes may contain pavement rutting, cracks, bumps, expansion joints, natural or other debris on pavement surfaces, and vegetation which may encroach on routes or portions thereof. Riders should also remain alert for areas of visual impairment and other irregularities that may impact rider and motorist ability to see each other or potential road hazards. The chance that one may come into an area of visual impairment or a route irregularity warrants special care on the part of route users.

Government resources limit the capacity to address conditions and irregularities like those described above. Accordingly, route users should maintain a vigilant lookout for these conditions and irregularities. Route users should always ride with care for their own safety and that of other users. King County does not assume liability for bicyclists travelling upon routes shown in this map. Safe route selection includes consideration of motor vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic and roadway or route conditions".

I am sure this is a direct result of the Totten case which settled for $3.5 million rather than the $20 million sought.

since it's wet and windy out...

2010-03-29T07:32:00.000-07:00

I didn't ride into work today, but I got my bicycling fix this morning peeping out two of my dailies...

Busted Carbon

Bike Hacks

And, a third, new one to add to the mix... TOTCYCLE

I love the peace in this pic... (photo snapped by and posted on TOTCYCLE)

Friendly Skies: I think not! using social media for customer complaints

2010-03-29T06:55:00.000-07:00

Listen up, United Airlines!

$175 each way (yes, EACH WAY) for flying a bicycle is ree-dick-you-lus!

A dude on facebook is lashing out.

From back in the day when peanuts were free and you could carry any liquid you wanted to on-board...

I hate waiting

2010-03-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was about 12 years old, I had a Schwinn (1984) Chro-mo Predator (chromed) BMX bike with 5-spoke composite BMX wheels on order, saved via lay-away. I hated waiting then, and I hate waiting now. Especially when I can close my eyes and imagine holding it in my hands, polishing the frame, and going places far removed from my cul-de-sac.

Nearly 25 years since does not lessen that feeling.

bike crime

2010-03-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

According to the Seattle PI online, police recently busted a ring of bike thieves who based their chop shop out of a storage facility in Seattle.

Hopefully, this will be the first of many efforts to curtail this activity.

Remember this guy?

What an odd story this was and at least he seemed to have a bit of a brashness and swagger which is Colton Moore-esque (a.k.a. "Barefoot Bandit"), far more aloof than the tweakers likely behind the recent Seattle story. Though no doubt, some victims of Bos' thefts likely would believe he deserved his odd and self-afflicted demise.

Use your locks, people! And shop owners, protect yourselves!

LaHood: a pro-bicycle (and pedestrian) Transportation Secretary

2010-03-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

I would have thought this would have garnered a lot more attention!

This week, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said: "People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning. This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized," he said. "We are integrating the needs of bicyclists in federally-funded road projects. We are discouraging transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians. And we are encouraging investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities."

Photo by Jeffrey Martin courtesy of the League of American Bicyclists.

And how cool is it that LaHood has his own blog???

The full policy statement is located on the USDOT Federal Highway Administration web site.

bikewise: online bicycle accident and incident tracking

2010-03-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

Have you discovered bikewise yet?

According to their web site (operated by Cascade Bicycle Club) "bikewise is a place to learn about and report bike crashes, hazards, and thefts. By sharing our experiences with each other, and with researchers and relevant agencies, we aim to make biking safer and more fun. You can help by adding your reports."

A screen shot of bikewise.

Appears to be a useful tool for seeing where accident or safety "hotspots" might occur as one plans their bicycle trips or wants to avoid areas prone to bike theft.

It appears to be for the Seattle area only at this point, but perhaps similar online resources exist for cities elsewhere? Anyone know?

Seattle Bike Expo weekend is here!

2010-03-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

I think I'll be down there tomorrow.

Bike Expo info...

UPDATE 3-18-10: I was lame and totally missed the whole thing!!! A very long story, multiple things came up, and kept me from heading down to the Bike Expo.

Google Maps and bike routes

2010-03-12T07:18:00.000-08:00

I am sure anyone who's familiar with Google Maps has now figured out or heard they have added bicycle routing to their functionality. For those who are not familiar with Google Maps, it offers a variety of geographic capabilities via the web including but not limited to finding addresses, trip routing, and Street View, which allows the user to see what they would find if they were viewing the address location and vicinity from the street - a virtual drive-by, if you will.

I checked it out this morning. I would concur with some of other reviewers' commentaries. Or this one, including readers' comments.

In specific, the trial route I plotted was shorter than what I would have instinctively chosen, however, it was on much heavier-traveled roads which have much higher speeds, roads you do not want to have any sort of mechanical failure on. Also, one stretch in specific does not have any bicycle facilities, such as a bike lane, it even lacks a wide shoulder.

Google appears accepting of the fact this feature has its kinks and encourages people to contact them to help amend their first attempt at providing bicycle routing functionality, and for taking this bold step, I give them kudos.