The Cycling Dude

South Dakota Cycling Activism Gets Organized

Not long after I returned from vacation I received the following Press Release thanks to Darren Weisz, of Cycle South Dakota:

Bicyclists Form State-wide Organization

More than 30 bicyclists from across the state met on March 1 and agreed to form a state-wide bicycle advocacy organization—the South Dakota Bicycle Coalition. As its first act, the Coalition sent a letter to the South Dakota Department of Transportation Railroad Board to encourage saving the rail bridge over the Cheyenne River for use with future rail banking.

The cyclists, along with community officials, were part of the First Annual Bicycle Summit held at Cedar Shores Resort in Oacoma.

National bicycle advocate Gary Sjoquist was the keynote speaker. He spoke on the importance of bicyclists across South Dakota working with local and state agencies to include bicycling in transportation and recreation projects.

A panel presented initiatives now underway in South Dakota. Angela Olson from the South Dakota Department of Transportation described how bicycling fits in with the state's new Safe Routes to School project. Transportation planner Sam Trebilcock shared how Sioux Falls developed a bicycle plan. Jery Cole, Parks and Recreation director for Rapid City, noted projects in western South Dakota that enhance bicycling for recreation and transportation. Kirk Wurscher, president of Falls Area Bicyclists in Sioux Falls spoke to the activities a local group can do to promote bicycling in a community.

In the weeks ahead the South Dakota Bicycle Coalition will develop a website to share information about bicycling across South Dakota. The Coalition will focus on making bicycling safer in South Dakota, improving road conditions for cyclists, and helping people overcome perceived obstacles to cycling.

For further information, contact Greg Boris: gboris at aol.com.

You can view a Photo Slide of the Conference, in 90 pictures, here.

Tallest Man in World Takes Up Bicycling

Is this cool, or what? ;-D

Thanks to the kindness of strangers this amazing man is learning to ride a bicycle. ;-D

On Sunday, an organization for the disabled in his home village of Podolyantsi, 125 miles west of Kiev, gave Stadnik a giant bike so he can ride to the grocery store in a nearby village. The group also presented Stadnik with a fitness machine.

So what if the President of the country gave him a car, too, just look at the expression on his face in the photo, and in the video. ;-D

Why can't A Bicycle Stand Alone?

I'm entertaining theories regarding this question, before I share the answer, so leave your answer in the comments. ;-D

The Cycling Dude Goes to VA. and DC: Introduction

Finally the secret can be revealed!

While I enlisted my Cat, Nikita, to hold down the fort...

I was on vacation in VA., and Washington DC, from the 8th thru the 17th of March.

I hope you found his cycling related reporting interesting, informative, and entertaining. ;-D

I spent the 8th thru the 11th with an Uncle as we travelled 300 minles driving around seeing the sights, and visiting an Aunt and Cousins, some of whom I had not seen in 37 years.

I then took Amtrak into DC, for the 1st time in my life, and holed up in a Hostel while exploring the city thru the evening of the 17th.

I took over 250 photos, many of them cycling related.

I tried to set up a meeting with Gwadzilla, but while we chatted on the phone, and by e-mail, and ended up at the meeting spot during the appointed hour, we didn't meet. ;-D

All was not lost, however! I had a brief, surprise, encounter with a guy calling himself The Practical Cyclist on the Metro!

I took a picture of his bike, and gave him my card, but didn't have a chance to learn more, and a google search when I got home hasn't turned up a likely candidate yet. ;-D

The above photo was taken on Monday morning, after I went thru the Capitol Tour, and is just down the street from the Capitol Building.

I first encountered this poor bike the previous Friday morning and have no clue how long it has been there, why, or if it began its stay in that condition.

Some might say the juxtaposition of images serves as a commentary on the state of our national government in this election year, some might say it's just a cool picture of the Capitol Building that happens to have a bicycle in it.

I report...you decide. ;-D

I'll leave you with this image of a really cool souvenir I picked up in VA.

Now I have to find some wine bottles to put in it. ;-D

Once I organize my photos, and my 80 pages of notes, I'll have quite a story to share of my travels, and the cycling related things I saw and read about.

The Cycling Cat: Reporting the Wild Side of Bicycling 7

Hello, dear reader, my name is Nikita, and I turned 10 years old last week.

The human you know as The Cycling Dude has been my life long companion, and bosum buddy, and I have also been his co-blogger for years.

What am I doing here?

This week Daddy has been very, very, busy, and so he asked me to fill in for him, and keep you entertained and informed. ;-D

The first post in this series, from March 7, has pictures of me, and a link to where I normally blog, if you are interested.

Daddy will explain everything, when he returns to blogging, I promise. ;-D

So, let's roll!

1. Can anyone answer these 2 questions:

Is bicycle grease harmful to cats?

How do you remove bicycle grease from a cat?

Fat Guy Cycling first asked these questions way back in 2004.

The blog seems to have ended in 2005 so I wonder if anyone answered him. ;-D

2. In a related story found posted on Yahoo last year:

QUESTION: My cat is not eating, I suspect he has ingested some bicycle grease. This has been the fourth day?

Very interesting.

3. More from the medical community on cats who cycle:

The female cat begins cycling when she has reached 80% of her adult size and when the days are appropriately long. This could be as young as 5 months of age.

Yeah, but what about us guys? I have not set paw on a cycle in my life! You would think I'd have started by now what with Daddy being a cyclist and all.

Indoor cats are sheltered from the light cycles of the sun and may not cycle as frequently as their outdoor counterparts.

All righty then! THAT explains it! My sheltered, pampered, life style has stunted my physical and emotional growth!

Okaaay... ;-D

4. About those cycling Cats... in related news:

Back in September, on World Tourism Day, in India, a group of adventure enthusiasts from around the world, "who want to be a part of the city adventure tours, treks, and sports", posted an invite on its blog:

It's World Tourism Day tomorrow and Cats are being invited to participate in the Cycling Event taking place tomorrow morning with the international tourists. The peddling off time is 7am and we should be able to go home by 8am.

Chandigarh Adventures, Treks and Sports

Okay all this talk of bicycling Pussys has me tired out!

Yes, you guessed it!

Nap time!

Catch ya later! ;-D

The Cycling Cat: Reporting the Wild Side of Bicycling 6

Hello, dear reader, my name is Nikita, and I am 10 years old this week.

The human you know as The Cycling Dude has been my life long companion, and bosum buddy, and I have also been his co-blogger for years.

What am I doing here?

This week Daddy is very, very, busy, and so he asked me to fill in for him, and keep you entertained and informed. ;-D

The first post in this series, from March 7, has pictures of me, and a link to where I normally blog, if you are interested.

Daddy will explain everything, when he returns to blogging, I promise. ;-D

So, let's roll!

1. From Artmam.net: Cat Flag Bicycle Touring.

A collection of links to resources, and organizations.

2. "De cat, he fight like tiger!"

The Tiger Cat Tour in Wisconsin, from Wisconline's Bike Tour Page:

The dam keeper's tale of his tomcat besting a much larger otter earned him the name Tiger Cat Jack and eventually tagged the whole flowage. The gently rolling terrain (except for the Seeley Hills) will lead you through classic Northwoods lake country where the loon eagle, and osprey are often seen. Wait for them to appear at the dam site on the Little Chief River.

Distance: 35 miles if Seely trailhead is used or 28 miles if OO Rest Cabin is used.

Difficulty: Easy for the short route.

The long route includes a few steep hills.

Trailhead Location: The unicorporated town of Seeley, 10 miles north of Hayward, or the Birkebeiner Ski Trail OO Rest Cabin, 3 miles east of Seeley on County OO, Sawyer County.

For More Information Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce, tel. 800-724-2992

3. Canadian Veterinary Journal Reports on Cycling by Cats:

Two cats in the study did not cycle and exhibited anestrus. Of the five cats cycling, eight estrus periods were observed of two to five days duration.

Fascinating! Who the hell knew? ;-D

On that note...it's nap time again!

Catch ya later!

The Cycling Cat: Reporting the Wild Side of Bicycling 5

Hello, dear reader, my name is Nikita, and I am 10 years old this week.

The human you know as The Cycling Dude has been my life long companion, and bosum buddy, and I have also been his co-blogger for years.

What am I doing here?

For the next week or so Daddy will be very, very, busy, and so he asked me to fill in for him, and keep you entertained and informed. ;-D

The first post in this series, from March 7, has pictures of me, and a link to where I normally blog, if you are interested.

Daddy will explain everything, when he returns to blogging, I promise. ;-D

So, let's roll!

1. The Cat Art Gallery is a wonderful website!

A blog featuring paintings, photography, drawings and art objects about cats from multiple artists.

Here is a great image of a woman, bicycle, and cat. ;-D

2. A cool way to take your cat (or Dog!) on a bike ride. ;-D

Track'r Medium Pet Stroller and Bicycle Trailer For Pets up to 45 Pounds.

3. A Cat Bikes in Britain. ;-D

Well, that's all for today!

I'm going to go take a well-deserved nap. ;-D

The Cycling Cat: Reporting the Wild Side of Bicycling 4

Hello, dear reader, my name is Nikita, and I am 10 years old this week.

The human you know as The Cycling Dude has been my life long companion, and bosum buddy, and I have also been his co-blogger for years.

What am I doing here?

For the next week or so Daddy will be very, very, busy, and so he asked me to fill in for him, and keep you entertained and informed. ;-D

The first post in this series, from March 7, has pictures of me, and a link to where I normally blog, if you are interested.

Daddy will explain everything, when he returns to blogging, I promise. ;-D

So, let's roll!

1. Cyclist discovers that blinking rear lights make cool cat toys! ;-D

2. What the hell is a Color Cycling Cat?

3. From Suite101.com:

Some thoughts on how to stay safe when you encounter threatening animals while cycling.

Cycling and Animals: Tips for Avoiding Problems With Dogs and Other Animals While Biking.

Well, that's all for today!

I'm going to go take a well-deserved nap. ;-D

The Cycling Cat: Reporting the Wild Side of Bicycling 3

Hello, dear reader, my name is Nikita, and I am 10 years old this week.

The human you know as The Cycling Dude has been my life long companion, and bosum buddy, and I have also been his co-blogger for years.

What am I doing here?

For the next week or so Daddy will be very, very, busy, and so he asked me to fill in for him, and keep you entertained and informed. ;-D

The first post in this series, from March 7, has pictures of me, and a link to where I normally blog, if you are interested.

Daddy will explain everything, when he returns to blogging, I promise. ;-D

So, let's roll!

1. Cool Cat Bicycle Helmet Program in Michigan:

The Cool Cat Bicycle Helmet Program was developed in 1996 to increase the use and knowledge of bicycle helmets in young children and their parents through the development of a training program targeting preschoolers. The program also hoped to increase local community involvement in bicycle helmet promotions.

The Cool Cat Bicycle Helmet program used a character-based curriculum to educate preschool children on how to properly use a bicycle helmet. "Cool Cat the Brain Defender" performed a skit and song to convey the safety message to students. Each student, while wearing a bicycle helmet, had their picture taken with Cool Cat. A brain board presentation described how helmets protect the brain during a crash.

Teachers also distributed a bicycle helmet curriculum guide, coloring books and stickers to each student.

The Michigan Department of Community Health presented the Cool Cat Bicycle Helmet program to more than 4,000 preschoolers in 1996 throughout the state. Through the program, over 4,000 coloring books and stickers and 1,000 bicycle helmets have been distributed to participating students. In addition, more than 10,000 parent bicycle helmet brochures have been provided to a variety of community agencies, for dissemination to program parents.

The Cool Cat program is now presented throughout Michigan to reach more young children and their parents.

2. Pedal out to the ballgame:

Here is an excellent story about innovation in baseball that does not involve the use of illegal drugs:

When the San Francisco Giants began planning for their new downtown baseball stadium in the early 1990s, many neighbors expressed concerns about the traffic that a new ballpark would generate. To alleviate these objections, the Giants developed a comprehensive transportation management plan, which included excellent access to light rail, commuter rail, and ferries. The plan also included a first for major league baseball: indoor, secure, staffed bike parking.

The Giants contracted with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC) to staff the bike parking facility, located on the southern side of the present SBC Park (nee Pacific Bell Park) overlooking the waters of McCovey Cove. The SFBC is a 4,400-member nonprofit advocacy group which promotes bicycling for everyday transportation. The SFBC has for many years provided valet bike parking for numerous events throughout San Francisco, and the coalition was successful passing legislation requiring secure bicycle parking at major events in the city. Valet bike parking at the SBC Park facility was a logical extension of the coalition's work.

The Sacramento River Cats Minor League Baseball Team also provides secure staffed bike parking outdoors in a fenced area near the main entrance to its ballpark.

Sadly the Los Angeles Dodgers are striking out.

I'm gonna tell Daddy to look into the Anaheim Angels, and Ducks. ;-D

Read: BIKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME: Bike facilities lacking at California ballparks.

Well, that's all for today!

I'm going to go take a well-deserved nap. ;-D

 

The Cycling Cat: Reporting the Wild Side of Bicycling 2

Hello, dear reader, my name is Nikita, and I am 10 years old this week.

The human you know as The Cycling Dude has been my life long companion, and bosum buddy, and I have also been his co-blogger for years.

What am I doing here?

For the next week or so Daddy will be very, very, busy, and so he asked me to fill in for him, and keep you entertained and informed. ;-D

The first post in this series, from March 7, has pictures of me, and a link to where I normally blog, if you are interested.

Daddy will explain everything, when he returns to blogging, I promise. ;-D

So, let's roll!

I awoke this morning all happy, and stuff...missing Daddy, true, but still happy, and carefree.

Then I saw a horrible photo that made me want to scratch someone's eyes out, and it was on a Cycling Blog!

The post is titled FOR CAT LOVERS EVERYWHERE, and features a picture of what looks like a dead cat in the part of the street where bicyclists ride.

In the grass to the side of the road is a handmande sign that reads FREE CAT,  and has an arrow pointing at the poor creature.

The blogger is a CPA who is "a crazy, silly, cycling husband and father in my personal life" who enjoys acting on stage at church, and also has a small side career as an Elvis Presley impersonater.

He claims his daily goal is to make someone laugh.

Sorry, dude, but this photo WAS NOT FUNNY!

One commentor said he was happy his cat finally died because he finds cats annoying.

Another commented..."The only good cat..."

Three others also thought it was funny.

Only 1 person expressed displeasure.

What might have been his wife commented that "He loves our cat, Y'ALL!!! TEE He HE!!!", in defense of this trash.

Cats who live outdoors 24/7 have a difficult life, with motor vehicles being a prime source of danger.

To make light of this for ones amusement, not to mention posting something that implies that maybe the poor victim was run over by a bicyclist, is just wrong.

For one thing most cats can out run a bicyclist any day of the week... ;-D

And, for another, this implication gives cyclists a bad name because most cyclists are very aware of their surroundings, and the animals (Not just cats, but dogs, squirrels, bunnies, lizards, birds, and more!) they might encounter and, according to Daddy, ride in a safe manner.

This picture was posted in January of last year, and the blog, The Bicycle Rack, was discontinued in May.

1. The Bicycling Cats of Australia.

The Gold Coast CATS, is one of the largest sports cycling clubs in Queensland. Our membership, both male and female, consists of some of the best riders in Australia, several having represented Australia at an international level, including Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

Lots of news, information,resources, and photos!

2. Speaking of cycling in Australia:

One BikeBlogger has been wondering for months if they make bike helmets for cats. ;-D

After returning from a ride the family cat came rushing to welcome him home.

Miette, (our cat) was purring around our legs. She was just too cute so Polka Dot Lisa picked her up and I suggested she put her in the basket of her old ladies bike.

They seemed quite surprised that the cat didn't freak out. ;-D

They even gave her a short ride, and she loved it! ;-D

See the really cool picture! ;-D

As for the answer to that question: Yes, they do. ;-D

Well, that's all for today!

I'm going to go take a well-deserved nap. ;-D