Twittering now too...

Hi.

I am still biking and bicycle commuting (not as often as I'd like to) and dreaming of rides and bikes. I am experimenting with Twitter more often and distracted by my current job-search. I've been spending time on Indeed and LinkedIn looking for the ever-elusive cycling/travel/food journalist position with great compensation and flexible hours... and perks like demo bikes and gear. (I'm kidding... a little).

I live across from REI HQ in WA State and down the street from Raleigh USA. Seattle Bike Supply (Torker, Redline, Wethepeople) is 15 min ride from here too. I should stage a "Occupy REI" protest to get hired there.

It's hard to do BIKE TO WORK MONTH when you're not working.

Anyways...

Look me up. I'm Twittering as @NatronJones.

biking down a volcano

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

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

Yeah, Huskies!

UW gets "bike friendly" recognition

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

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!!!

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

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!