August 08, 2006
Commuting Continues Despite Blogging Lapse
Yes, my cycling commutes have continued even during this dry blog spell. I did suffer a minor set back when I was nearly killed by an oblivious driver a couple of weeks back, but I recovered the nerve to get back on the bicycle this past weekend and rode to and from work again today. I read a quote today that seems appropriate:
"People who accumulate lots of road rash over a lifetime will have spent their lives happy." Tim Parker, mountain bike enthusiastI'm not sure I look forward to more road rash (in fact, I hope to avoid it), but I do see where Mr. Parker is coming from. Getting out on two wheels and riding is so good for the mental and physical state. It is difficult to deny the truth of his philosophy (despite the pain that is sometimes included). I'll try to post more, but rest assured that if I am slacking on the blog posts, it is not a sign that I have lost the passion for cycling.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 06, 2006
Just Warming Up
The ride in: Partly cloudy, in the upper fifties. Sweat levels: low
Comments: I rode the Trek again for today’s commute. The ride in left me feeling energized for the day. The ride home was more work (against the wind), but it didn't really feel like much of a ride. The 5 1/4 mile commute is beginning to feel like just a warm up again.
Pedaling by and listening to the helicopter that is perpetually hovering above the scene of yesterday's homicide is a little disconcerting
The ride home: Overcast, around seventy.
Number of fellow cyclists seen on both trips: 5 (all of whom were riding on the sidewalk on the wrong side of the road)
Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 05, 2006
Fair-Weather Bike Commuter
I never thought I would become a fair-weather bike commuter, but it seems that is exactly what I have become. Since Bike-to-Work-Week (May 15th to 19th), I have pedaled in to work only a couple of times, and those were on clear days. I should also mention that having a new puppy stuck at home in a crate most of the day, causes me want to get home as quickly as possible. My cycling and work life might be suffering, but the home life is fun and fulfilling. I guess it is about achieving a balance, and if that means pedaling to work only once or twice a week, so be it.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 01, 2006
Coasting is for poseurs. Fixed-gear bikes are about the pedaling
"The fixed-gear bike, or 'fixie' as it's called in some circles, has been around a long time, some people will tell you. (Some of these people are bike messengers who grump about how the media always tries too hard to look for the latest 'trend.')But the bikes are clearly becoming more mainstream, even among that group of urban bike rider who has never been to or even knows or could care less about an alleycat race (ask a bike messenger)."
A tip of the hat to newsvine's transparent opal for this story.
Related topics other people are talking about: cycling, bicycle
Add to Del.icio.us | Add to Technorati Favorites! | Blogroll Me!Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:26 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
March 16, 2006
SLACKER!
"'Wherever I go, there's my bicycle.' The bicycle obsessed pursuits of a Cape Cod cyclist."If anyone (anyone?) was wondering where I have vanished to, and why the lack of blog posts, I have a couple of excuses:
- I have been doing some renovations over at Cape Cod Cyclists' Escape... sprucing things up a bit after a couple of years collecting dust.
- I have been playing with a few of my online addictions:
and a few others I won't bore you with.
With the wedding only a month away, there is obviously much happening on that front as well. Tomorrow we go to the town hall for the marriage license, and Sunday Morning Blog (Dead Bloggers Society, Commute-a-Blog, etc.) will soon be joined forever with Jesse Loves Brady. Amazing!
I'll do my best to keep up with the posts, but at least now you all know what I am up to with my disappearing act.
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Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:00 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
March 01, 2006
Arrowhead 135 Ultramarathon
Arrowhead 135 Ultramarathon - New York Times:
"The Arrowhead 135 Ultramarathon owes its existence to the perpetual cold that each winter settles over this region of northern Minnesota, which has been tagged the Icebox of the Nation. As a flagship event in the BAD 135 World Series, a new international series of human-powered races that traverse 135 miles in extreme environments, the Arrowhead 135 Ultramarathon has been designated as the cold-weather race, and it is the opposite of the Badwater Ultramarathon, a sister 135-mile race held in Death Valley, Calif., at the height of summer's heat in July."Cycling Ultramarathons in sub-zero temperatures? These people are nuts... and amazing!
A tip of the hat to The New York Times for this story.
Technorati Tags: cycling, bicycle, cycle, bike
Add to Del.icio.us | Add to Technorati Favorites! | Blogroll Me!Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:06 AM | Comments (0)
Man sentenced for ride-by bottom slap...
BOGOTA, Colombia, Feb 24
Man sentenced for ride-by bottom slap - Yahoo! News:
"A Colombian man has been sentenced to four years' house arrest for slapping a woman's bottom as he rode by her on his bicycle, sparking debate on whether the punishment fit the crime."
What if Columbian justice were to come to Provincetown, MA.? I have witnessed a few ride-by spankings there over the years...
A tip of the hat to Yahoo! News for this story.
People are Talking: cycling, bicycle, bike, etiquette, cyclist
Add to Del.icio.us | Add to Technorati Favorites! | Blogroll Me!Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 26, 2006
Check Out This Bicycle Parking Idea
"6 bicycles versus ONE car. This bike park occupies a single parking space..."
Technorati Tags: cycling, bicycle, cycle, bike, etiquette, transportation
Add to Del.icio.us | Add to Technorati Favorites! | Blogroll Me!Posted by capecodcyclist at 03:05 PM | Comments (1)
Bicycle "Culture"
"...Brooklyn Industries recently started displaying custom tall bikes in their store windows. the bikes are coupled with t-shirts depicting bicycle gears and biking slogans. they are made by one man who apparently collaborated with Brooklyn Industries to put the bikes in their stores throughout nyc. and they are also donating $2 from the sale of their large and medium messenger bags to Recycle-A-Bicycle. However, there has been some dissent about the blatant commercialization of this particular (and rather anti-commercial) subculture."
The post above details the vandalism of Brooklyn Industries' property as the result of their cycling related window displays. They are promoting cycling... good for them if they are benefiting from it!
As a cyclist, and someone who promotes the use of alternative forms of transportation on any and every level, I am angry about what some of these radical cycling "activists" (I think they are self-centered morons) are doing to the cycling cause.
Complaining about commercialization, boycotting it, or even campaigning against it is one thing, but defacing someone else's property is another thing entirely. You don't like capitalism? Show me another country where you would rather be, and I'll pay for your ticket. Do you think these vandal/taggers ride bikes made entirely of components produced by their own two hands? Give me a break! You people make me sick.
A disapproving tip of the hat to SUCKA PANTS for this story.
Technorati Tags: cycling, bicycle, cycle, bike, commercialism, culture
Add to Del.icio.us | Add to Technorati Favorites! | Blogroll Me!Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:06 AM | Comments (2)
February 21, 2006
A Frigid Commute
Winter commuting requires a few things that I have, and a few things that I sometimes do not: It is not that I don't have the layers, the cold weather apparel, the reflective gear or the lighting. Unfortunately, I frequently lack the motivation to make the preparations that are necessary for cold weather commuting. Today was an exception...
The ride in: It was sunny and in the teens, but the wind was non-existent. Sweat levels: low
Comments: I rode my Trek for today’s commute. The ride home was not nearly as enjoyable as the ride in (more wind and much more traffic), but the diesel fumes weren't nearly as bad as those I experienced during this morning's commute.
The ride home: Partly cloudy, mid-thirties and windy.
Number of fellow cyclists seen on both trips: 1 (a recumbent going the wrong way... on the sidewalk)
Related Technorati Tags:
cycling, bicycle, cycle, bike, commute
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Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:39 PM | Comments (1)
February 20, 2006
President Bush Pedals Despite the Cold
"WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush tried his own version of winter sports this weekend - two bike rides in subfreezing temperatures - after watching some of the Winter Olympics on Air Force One on Friday."
You know you are slacking when the President of the United States is getting more weekend cycling time in than you...
People are Talking on Technorati:
cycling, bicycle, cycle, bike, ride, cyclist, President Bush
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:45 AM | Comments (0)
The Worst Day of the Year Ride
Community Cycling Center: Cyclists on the left coast seem to have fun with their cycling.
Check out the photo gallery from their Worst Day of the Year Ride.
A tip of the hat to BikePortland.org for this story.
People are Talking:
cycling, bicycle, cycle, bike, ride, cyclist
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:26 AM | Comments (0)
February 13, 2006
Bicycle Inventions
Considering early versions of the bicycle that appeared in the nineteenth century, it is amazing that there are still people out there playing with bicycle-inspired inventions and other forms of self-propelled transport. I am often amused, and never tire of looking at web sites and stories that showcase these inventions.
Here are a couple of these sites that I happened upon today:
Similar Technorati Topics:
cycling, bicycle, cycle, transportation
Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:25 PM | Comments (0)
February 11, 2006
The Cycling Dude: Tour de Bicycling Blogs
The Cycling Dude: Announces Innaugural Tour de Bicycling Blogs:
"Participation is open to all BikeBloggers, regardless of whether they are Industry Insiders, Journalists, Activists, or ordinary cyclists like me.Regardless of whether you are a Racer, Roadie, Tourer, MTBer, low to the road in a Recumbent, or into it for recreational, or commuting, reasons.
The point of this is to let your fellow cyclists know of you, and let the wider Bloggerverse, and the many people who are in it who enjoy Bicycling know of us, and our stories, and resources.
If I get enough responses from bicyclists in the rest of the Blogosphere, but who are not Bikebloggers, then I'll have a section devoted to their contributions as well."
I am happy to report that I have been included in this month's Tour de Bicycling Blogs, Blog Carnival.
The host of this carnival is The Cycling Dude. Check his blog out if you get a chance. He has some great cycling related posts, and his collection of links offers some fantastic reading material while your wheels are collecting dust.
This month's carnival: Tour de Bicycling Blogs 2
Technorati Tags:
bicycle, cycle, bike, ride, etiquette, cyclist, bike path, transportation, Blog Carnival, Tour de Bicycling Blogs
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:11 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
February 09, 2006
Cycling Elsewhere: The Meaning of Bicycle Bells
German Joys: The Meaning of Bicycle Bells:
"I get to Germany, and decide to go buy me a mountain bike, since I love to ride bikes. I visit my local bike shop, where the gruff but lovable Herr Wagner sells me a Specialized HardRock. He begins to screw a bicycle bell onto the handlebar..."
As the writer discovers, cycling etiquette is not universal.
Via:German Joys
Technorati Tags:
cycling, bicycle, cycle, bike, ride, etiquette, cyclist, trail, bike path, bicycle bell
Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:10 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Mass. Legislation Seeks to Ban Headphone Use by Cyclists
On bicycling, the sense of hearing and headphones:
"All in all, a bicyclist's decision whether to wear headphones, particularly, open-air headphones -- and of how loudly to play them -- ought to be of as little concern in the law as is the question of how loudly a motorist may play a radio inside a car, or whether a motorcyclist may legally wear earplugs to avoid hearing loss due to wind noise and engine noise. "
When I wear headphones when riding my bicycle (which is seldom), I can still hear the birds chirping, and the pebbles under my wheels. That is more than I can say for some of the entertainment, cell phone distracted motor vehicle operators I encounter on a daily basis. This is a matter of personal responsibility and safety, not something that should be legislated. Can a deaf person ride a bicycle safely and legally?
Write laws banning that bass thumping car stereo that penetrates the walls of my house, and cell phone use while driving, and then you might get my support for these worthwhile infringements on people's liberties. This legislation is bogus.
Anyone else have any thoughts on this?
Related reading:
The Legislation: House, No. 1867
John S. Allen: Cycling and headphone use
Technorati Tags:
cycling, bicycle, cycle, Massachusetts, headphones, Cape Cod, bike, law, legislation, ride
Posted by capecodcyclist at 05:45 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
February 06, 2006
Ted Wojcik Bicycles Makes Special Offer to NEMBA Members
Ted Wojcik Bicycles has re-tooled its bicycle business and wants to help NEMBA in the process. They have generously offered to donate $100 to the organization for every custom bike frame he sells to a NEMBA member through out 2006. He's also making a limited number of frames available to NEMBA members at a huge discount: $750 for hardtails, 29ers and singlespeeds, $950 for road frames, and $1,300 for his new dual suspension bike, The Solution. If you wish to take advantage of this offer, act fast. He only has a limited number available, and they'll be custom made, first come / first served.
Ted Wojcik Bicycle will also be the premier sponsor of NEMBA's Annual Raffle, offering an XTR-level Solution bike as their grand prize. Now, that's commitment! For details on Ted's bikes or to contact him for questions, call him at 603-329-8057 or visit his website, www.TedWojcikBicycles.com.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:58 PM | Comments (0)
Fellow Cyclist's Rant: Giving Law Abiding Cyclists a Bad Name
A "friendly" cyclist posted this rant to the comment section of what used to be my Dead Bloggers Society blog back on 1/22/06. I have finally gotten around to sharing some of it here:
"But I hate helmets, and run stop signs and red lights if it's safe. I cut my teeth here, and as a bike messenger in SanFrancisco. Often I don't use roads at all. However, I defend the right to use the road, and wish there were more bikers, and less cars. When I'm driving, I drive bikers off the road, when they are going in the wrong direction. When I'm walking, I push bikers off the sidewalks, to protect me, my dog, and my child. When I ride, I stay out of the gutter, and off the shoulder. "
This individual was initially upset by my correct observation that some of the roads here on Cape Cod are too narrow (and poorly maintained) for a bicycle and two vehicles to all pass safely at the same time. This fellow cyclist pounced on me, ranting that the roads we have are more than sufficient, and that I needed eye glasses if I couldn't pass a cyclist safely without crossing the center line here. Apparently the cyclist is not familiar with our side roads here on Cape Cod-- some of these are little improved since their days as cart paths. The entire debate will not be rehashed here, but the guy obviously is of the opinion the world was built just for him...
In my opinion, unless you have proof of insurance that would cover your care as a vegetable for the rest of your life, there should be a helmet on your head when riding. Until it is law, I support your choice not to use a helmet. Still, supporting your choice does not mean I think you are smart.
Regardless of conditions, running red lights and stop lights is as illegal for cyclists, as it is for motor vehicles. I won't say I have never made a slow rolling stop, but I would not preach it as a justifiable practice. I firmly believe that if we want motor vehicle operators and law enforcement officers to respect our right to the road, then we must follow their laws (our laws). Laws don't apply to "them,"
they apply to all of us.
As to this commentator's admission that he drives people on bicycles off the road (regardless of their direction or ignorance), this is obviously dangerous and illegal. I hope this guy is caught and locked up. I have noticed that our Irish visitors and other foreigners don't always catch on to the right side of the road here right away. This nut case's teaching methods suck, and his combative mentality will be his downfall one day.
Cyclists like this one give us all a bad name. He is probably the wannabe racer that I have waved and said hello to on numerous occasions at the Cape Cod Canal, never getting a response. We peasant cyclists aren't good enough for him. His attitude: until you have been a bike messenger in San Fransisco, you haven't ridden a bike. My attitude: once you have climbed onto a bicycle seat and learned to ride on your own, you are a fellow cyclist for life.
It should not surprise me that people even find ways to create divisions among us as cyclists.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:14 PM | Comments (0)
February 05, 2006
Why Bicycle to Work?
Why Bike to Work?:"Why ride a bicycle to work, or anywhere, instead of driving? Math."
This essay contest winner puts it all into proper perspective.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:06 AM | Comments (0)
February 04, 2006
Bicycle Lights: A Must Have Here in New England
Starlight 78 Bicycle Lighting System:
"Riding safely at night (and even in the daytime) means doing everything possible, within reason, to make yourself visible and your presence known. Your life depends on being visible to vehicles."
Being seen is critical to a safe bicycle commute. Do some investigating, and determine what lights are best for you and your riding habits. My personal lighting system was made by Jet Lites. I definitely couldn't cycle year round here on Cape Cod without it. There are many options out there worth investigating, including the plans available for a homemade system at the Starlight 78 link above.
James Sharp has some excellent reviews of some of the LED lighting options available here: gearreview.com
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:26 PM | Comments (0)
January 28, 2006
January Commute
Today was the perfect day to get back on the bike for a January commute. Due to extenuating circumstances, today was my first bicycle commute in quite a while. Between colds, lack of sleep, foul weather and other lame excuses, I have been in a gas powered transport rut. It was invigorating to get to work under my own steam.
The ride in: It was a cool 37 degrees and windy on the way in... no complaints for the end of January though! By the two-mile mark of the commute I was warmed up - sweating a little by the time I arrived at work (hands were a little cold).
Comments: The Trek was my choice for the commute today. I wouldn't say I was over dressed, but I probably should have unzipped about midway through the ride (both ways). What a beautiful day.
I noticed today that the birds on my feeders scatter when I go for my truck in the morning (and when I pull into our driveway), but they remain hard at work when I come and go on the bicycle.
The ride home: Nice tailwind, in the upper forties.
Number of fellow cyclists seen on both trips: 2
Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:51 PM | Comments (0)
January 15, 2006
Cycling Life Comic
Creativity... brought to you (and me) by the new iMac G5 and Comic Life, by Plasq
Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:38 AM | Comments (1)
September 11, 2005
Cycle Patriot, Cycle
I had not considered clipping into my pedals patriotic prior to viewing this commercial! Too bad this one never made it...
Posted by capecodcyclist at 05:17 PM | Comments (1)
September 06, 2005
Saving Fuel
I got back to the bicycle commute today, and it felt good. I am happy to report that I cycled more than eight miles round trip and saved somewhere around $1.35 in gasoline. The roads leading from my neighborhood are a little narrow for comfort and are heavily traveled, but the effort is worth it. I almost feel like wearing a sign announcing my fuel cost me $0.00 (unless you count breakfast and lunch). That would really be putting a target on my back, however. The fact that the door to my place of work is not unlocked until 2 minutes before opening makes the pre-work wash down rather stressful. Other than that, I was pleased to roll into work under my own steam.
Weather conditions: Clear and sunny... perfect bike-commute weather
The ride in: 58 degrees, calm. Strong smell of exhaust
The ride home: 72 degrees and breezy. I was allowed out by a passing motorist to make the left turn across route 28.
Fellow cyclists sighted today: None on ride in, twenty or more while at work, five on ride home
Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 05, 2005
Back in the Saddle
I took advantage of the holiday today to get a feel for the cycling route to work now that I have moved. I have been hesitant to pedal these roads, as I have been horrified at the way people drive in this area when I am in my vehicle. The routine just has not been as convenient with no cushion between my being able to get in to ready myself and the doors opening for business.
With gas prices where they are, and the weather not as oppressively hot, I decided to ditch the excuses and get back out there.
The ride from home to work took 15 minutes.
The return trip took 24 minutes.
Tomorrow, I am going to attempt the first true commute in a while. Wish me luck and pray for my safety. The gas prices haven't kept many people from stomping that gas pedal whenever they get the chance, and people have been combative out there.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack