Thursday, September 30, 2010

Ghost Bikes

Ghost Bikes are small and somber memorials for bicyclists who are killed or hit on the street. A bicycle is painted all white and locked to a street sign near the crash site, accompanied by a small plaque. They serve as reminders of the tragedy that took place on an otherwise anonymous street corner, and as quiet statements in support of cyclists' right to safe travel.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Vibram Five Fingers and Bicycling


Fan-frikkin-tastic! Not that I seriously considered pedal straps before but not sure why you'd need tham after riding with the Vibram Five Finger shoes.

The extra grip I gain with the freedom of movement in combination with the rubber treaded soul tranfer more response. Just as the Vibram's provide extra feedback walking, so goes biking.

I'm able to place the forfront of the foot in a more precise (and ultimately more powerful) position. It made me realize what cleats must do for the roadies.

I wear them in the rain because I have the KSO Trek model and have been doing everything in them for the past 3 months. This includes commuting on my bicycle (no vehicle), running, trekking, and even during snorkeling.

Various people seem to have their initial opinuion on them and am glad there are lots more curious than not. After all, its not as though I dont want people to return to our natural way of walking and runnning. I'm not Reebok and I'd prefer you didnt wear shoes...and even in our case, slippers. The kangaroos skin tbat's used for the trekk model keep it cool in combination with the polyester side walls of each toe (ventilation).

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Wikipedia - Bicycle frame

There's a great entry on frames while I was reading around on Aluminum vs. Steeel:

Bicycle frame - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The other components of the bicycle are difficult to see but can be enlarged

Monday, May 3, 2010

Wilder St. felt like a safe bicycle route

I rode this on a Friday night with parked cars in the evening. It felt safe and had sufficient space to ride along the moving vehicles.
I was going West:
http://tinyurl.com/wilderbicycle
I think this would be a recommended route when visiting Punchbowl via bicycle. Optionally, you can get off at Pensacola and ride up.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Bicycle Passengers Illegal?

Say what?

BikePortland.org � Blog Archive � Is carrying someone on your bike illegal?

Consumer Reports: Average gas prices--April 26, 2010

How 'bout that, yet another reminder why we should all move to something free of gas:
Consumer Reports Cars Blog: Average gas prices--April 26, 2010

You have the choice to make the conscious decision of freeing yourself of this ridiculousness. It sounds overwhelming at first, but adjusting your life to fit life on two wheels without a motor works out just fine...if you let it.

The biggest argument I hear is that transferring "stuff" will be too difficult. Well, tell me again, why you needed that 52" flat panel LCD screen in your room?
Oh, you think its cheaper to buy a crate of spam at Costco instead of investing in a more local organic and self-sustaining alternative?

Yes, I might be visiting the local market more often during the week but so what? I stock less (if anything at all) in the freezer, I eat what I cook because I stock less and I'm less likely to look for bulk because bananas will only live for so long.

I don't live off the grass in the front yard (its actually still growing) but try to make conscious decisions to lead by example. I start with the bicycle.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Banana Pancakes for two...

I was out getting breakfast and came across the Trek T200 tandem bicycle parked infront of the Big City Diner on Wailae Ave.

I've never seen one from Trek yet and its great to see that these two folks went to the diner with their health in mind :)
To be honest, I was there to eat at the diner as well! Yup, cinammon bread french toast with a side of hash brown - its my binge day.

Why would you want to ride a tandem bike, you ask? Well, if you have a significant other who's scared to get on two wheels solo, this could be the ticket to convert them. Otherwise, its a great way to get those that are less fortunate involved.

If you're trying to help someone get into shape via bicycle, this is definitely an option. Depending on whether your geographic location provides flat lands, this could be a great way to enjoy the scenery together.
Ever been to the Redwood Forest in Humboldt County, California? I was told that that best way to experience the Redwoods would be via motorcycle - I find this to be a great alternative. Avenue of the Giants is a 32-mile drive through a forest ofo mountainous trees that are older than Jesus Christ himself.

Live in South Carolina? I bet this would be a sweet ride through Myrtle Beach to the nearest sweet potato casserole!

Its a great community option if you live in a student house. If you have similar schedules and its convenient enought to 'carpool,' then why not? People are already using the BusCycle.
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