The Cycling Dude

Bicycles, Cars, Traffic Circles: Can't We All Just Get Along?

As long time readers know I am not particularly enamored of Critical Mass, but I saw a video, this morning, that is very cool, and very funny.

Maybe it was the music, I don't know. ;-D

Traffic Circle Prank

GM Stuns Cycling Industry: Becomes New Owner of Specialized

***UPDATE - 530PM***

APRIL FOOLS!!! ;-D

As one of the pranksters responsible writes me:

Well, the cat's out of the bag.

Specialized had a good laugh about it, but then they asked us to pull the story so we did.

They were getting overwhelmed with phone calls from dealers.

Thanks for posting that link, Kiril.!

Richard (aka Fritz), of Cyclicious

BikeBiz started getting e-mail, soon after posting, from folks around the world, all atwitter over the news. ;-D

The story linked in my original story, below (I was one of several BikeBloggers approached to help "report" the news of the original stories.), have been updated with details on those responsible, and reaction from Specialized, which found it very amusing, even as they found themselves swamped with phone calls from dealers expressing concern. ;-D

A trade news website was among those initially fooled, as reported (With a captured image, from a Google Search) by another conspirator, who shares links to some other spoofs, including cycling ones.

***END UPDATE***

General Motors announces it's taking over Specialized Bicycles!

Wow!

Being a proud, longtime, owner of a Specialized Sirrus Sport Hybrid Road Bicycle, this story caught my attention.

The boards of both companies apparently agreed to this on Friday, according to the report in the San Jose Business Journal.

The deal is expected to be completed later this year pending regulatory approval in the US, and elsewhere.

I found the following quote to be quite interesting:

"In light of global concerns about climate change, GM has been at the forefront in developing new transportation choices that limit our impact on the environment," said Flora Lopi, GM's vice president, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. "GM's engineering, marketing and distribution expertise combined with Specialized's branding among cycling enthusiasts make this a winning combination for GM investors and consumers."

Just as interesting was the following by Specialized founder and president Mike Sinyard:

"All of us here at Specialized are thrilled to be a part of GM.

"Specialized will maintain commitment to the IBD as well as now being available across the nation in GM dealerships. These are quality retail outlets, not big box discounters. Specialized will never be available in mass merchants.

GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner sounds real gung ho about this, too, saying someting about "changing the way we address our transportation needs", and "leveraging the unique synergies of the bicycle community to introduce some of our ideas for addressing critical issues concerning energy, the environment and globalisation."

It will be interesting to see how industry, media, and ordinary folks reactions will play out in the coming days.

I'd love to hear from readers in the comments to this post as well.

Do you think this is a good move by the parties involved?

Is it good for bicycling ?

Along those lines...

There will apparently be a conference call with Specialized founder Mike Sinyard, and Robert Kruse, an Executive Director for GM's North American Engineering Staff, later today.

BikeBiz.com reports it will book a slot on the call:

If you have a question for Sinyard or the GM execs, leave a comment at BikeBiz and they promise to try to use some of the questions during the conference call, which starts at midday, US mountain time.

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

This is a Stick-up! Hand over your...Tacos?

It seems that when it comes to protecting yourself from having your bicycle stolen  a strong lock may have some new competition.

The following is the opening to a Feb. 18th article, in the San Bernardino Sun, by Melissa Pinion-Whitt (More than this is available, online, to website subscribers only, but this is enough for a good laugh, especially since the victim came away unscaithed, though still hungry.)

An armed robber who sneaked up on a bicyclist Sunday night didn't want the man's money, wallet or anything else of great value.

He wanted his tacos.

The victim, a 35-year-old Fontana man, had just bought about $20 in tacos from a stand at the corner of San Bernardino and Fontana avenues and was riding home when the bandit confronted him.

He approached him from behind saying, "Give me your tacos".

Tacos, Tacos? What was the victim riding, anyway, a piece of junk?

Now, I don't know the first thing about being a successful Bad Guy, but it would appear to me to be a matter of simple logic that one could get more from fencing a stolen bicycle, especially if it is one in good condition, and of some quality, than from a bunch of tacos, not worth the money paid for them beyond a couple of days. ;-D

And if the crook ate them what does that leave him with, aside from a temporaily very full stomach?

Was He Wearing a Helmet?

Okay...Remember, people, Share the Road!

ROCHESTER, Minn. - A man clad in swim trunks was arrested after riding a bicycle through a motel's hallways and hitting two men.

Swim Trunks, or were they spandex cycling shorts?

Would he have been arrested if he hadn't hit the 2 pedestrians?

Who had the right of way?

If he did, then why was he arrested?

A woman showering after using the swimming pool at Best Western Soldiers Field Tower and Suites told police she heard a door open and saw a naked man at about 3:10 p.m. Sunday.

Nosey old Biddy!

What room are we talking about here? The apartment of the cyclist? The men's locker room in the pool area?

The man ran out of the room, pulled on swim trunks, hopped on a bike and road through the hallways, police said.

Oh, I see! He was freaked out by the peeping lady, and was just trying flee from her prying eyes!

Give the guy a break for crying out loud!

He'd obviously just finished showering after a bike ride, and didn't expect there to be anyone around when he opened the door.

Police Lt. John Edwards said the man, 38, hit another man, 76, and his son, both of whom suffered minor injuries.

The son chased the bicyclist, tackled him and waited for police to arrive, Edwards said.

Charges against the man were pending Monday, police said.

What caused him to hit the 2 people and how was it that they couldn't manage to get out of the way in time?

Aparently it was a very slow news day in Rochester, Minn. ;-D

Cyclist nabbed for motel hallway ride.

Happy Halloween!

Ok, people, time to confess!

I don't want to know how many of you dress up for halloween, but how many of you dress up your bicycle, too? ;-D

Do More Runners Carry Bike Pumps than Cyclists?

.... and WHY?

Over at the Blog called Apertome - Ear to the Breeze, the writer shared a wonderful story about a trail ride taken on a Mountain Bike in an area that also had some paved sections, too.

I don't usually write about Off Road riding, but when this was brought to my attention I thought it was appropriate, considering my recent "Getting Religion" with regards to carrying a Repair kit. ;-D

Read the whole piece, but look out for what happens when a Flat occurs. ;-D

After reading the story A Midnight Rider left a comment:

A runner with a pump? Was is a schrader or presta valve? I’m trying to think of a reason for a runner to be carrying a bike pump. (humm jepardy song now). ………. ok stop. What is ????????

Good questions if ya ask me! ;-D

Apertome replied:

I don’t know what kind of pump it was. I figure they must’ve also been cyclists, because they had Camelbaks and the one guy had a pump. Maybe they just don’t clear the unnecessary crap out of their packs before running. Why anyone would run with all that extra weight is beyond me, but there stood two runners, more prepared for a flat tire than many cyclists.

Maybe they WERE just joggers, and double as Good Samaritans of the Trail, being prepared to help Cyclists who are not. ;-D

Hee, hee. ;-D

Still Unclear on the Concept

20 days ago I got an e-mail from a guy with a "Helmet Website", looking to get me to add a link to his site, and to reward me with a free pair of sunglasses if I did so. ;-D

To refresh your memory here's my original post reporting his message, and my reply.

Being the tough, sophisticated, and inquisitive reporter you all know, and love, you will note the 2 very challenging, and deeply probing, questions I asked my correspondent. ;-D

That being said... 20 days?

I didn't think the questions were THAT complicated to answer! ;-D

Anyway, this arrived yesterday:

Hi,

I forgot where I found your site, but it was really interesting to me and thought it would be great if you could link to me. 

Send me your address and I would be more than happy to send you some sunglasses.

Thanks,

Steve

www. url  Withheld by The Cycling Dude to Protect the Guilty. ;-D

The following is my response to him:

Hi Steve,

That's nice, but that still does not explain what you found interesting about it considering my Blog, and your website, have absolutely nothing in common.

You DO know that my Blog is about BICYCLING, and that a Bicycle is not a MOTORCYCLE, and therefore a Helmet meant for those who ride a Motorcycle, would be of no use to people the likes of me? ;-D

Sincerely,

Still Curious, and Still with no need for sunglasses. ;-D

It's a fact of life, even in this day and age that, occasionally, some folks need to have the obvious spelled out for them. ;-D

Hopefully this helpfullness on my part will cut down the response time by half. ;-D

Unclear on the Concept

I just received the following e-mail from a businessman who seems not to have figured out just what type of "Cycle" I ride, and Blog about:

Hi,

I was wondering if you would considering adding a link to my “helmet website?” 

I have been selling racing helmets for Motorcycles and Automotive for the past 7 years and offer many different products and styles at a very affordable price. 

We also offer Custom Airbrushing and specialized Vinyl decals.

If you would consider adding a link to my site I would greatly appreciate it.  Below is the information. 

If you add my site, I would be happy to send you a free pair of sunglasses, just respond to me with the link and your address and I will send them out to you.

Thank You,

Steve

www. url  Withheld by The Cycling Dude to Protect the Guilty. ;-D

If you are going to try to persuade someone to promote your business, it behooves you to make sure you know whether the subjects on that site are compatable with what you are selling. ;-D

This is what I get for mentioning motorcycling, and motocyclist hangouts, in posts about BICYCLING, and CYCLING. ;-D

Anyway, here's my reply:

Hi Steve!

Thanks for your interest!

You have a very nice website.

How did you discover me?

What was it about my humble Blog that makes you think we would be compatable?

BTW, I've shared your e-mail with my readers. ;-D

Sincerely,

No need for Sun Glasses, but very curious anyway. ;-D

Hee, hee! ;-D

Still Unclear!

If it Bikes Like a Duck

The creator of the Comic Strip Mallard Fillmore, Bruce Tinsley, has had fun with an enviromentally themed storyline, from July 23rd to July 28th, that ends with a stunning confession.

Hee, hee. ;-D

UPDATE - 8/2/07:

On a related note, fellow Conservative Cyclist, and BikeBlogger, Fritz, sent me word of a hilarious, and pointed, post by Limited Warren T, who celebrated 1 year as a BikeBlogger last month. ;-D

Anyone Up to Tackling This Road?

Saddle Up! Let's Roll! ;-D

Original found here, as part of this website.

Some Folks Should Not be Allowed Near a Bike: Exhibit A

Johan, of BikeLog, in Sweden, has not posted since October, and there is no explanation.

His last entry was to share a disturbing, yet funny, little video he found online.

Cycling Diplomacy

Recently the Bicyclist in Chief hopped in the saddle again.

FROM THE, UM, AP, AND, UM, REUTERS, TOO:

In an attempt to reverse his moribund foreign policy, George W. Bush made a surprise visit to China last week. With the Communist government voicing increasing opposition to bellicose US policies towards Iran, Bush grabbed his sunglasses, gloves and helmet to roll with six Chinese foreign ministry officials at the Laoshan Mountain Bike Course for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Read the full piece, and click on the pictures for the larger images, courtesy of Da' Square Wheelman, at Bicycle Diaries.

Hee, hee! ;-D

Square Wheels and Cycling Pussy Cats

The Bicyclist's Song

You know.... I never wanted to drive a car in the first place!

I...  I wanted to be...

A BICYCLIST!

Riding mile after mile!  As motorists are stuck in rush hour traffic!
Alone, or with my club mates by my side!
The Commute!
The Bike Lane!
The Class 1 Trail!
The breeze in our face!
We'd Ride!  Ride!  Ride!

Oh, I'm a Bicyclist, and I'm okay.
I get in the saddle, and I pedal all day.

A diverse group of Cyclists:

He's a Bicyclist, and he's okay.
He gets in the saddle, and he pedals all day.

I wear a helmet. My bike has lights.
My head is safe, and I can see.
On some trips I am stoppin'
At places with a lava-try.

Cyclists:

He wears a helmet. His bike has lights.
His head is safe, and he can see.
On some trips he is stopping,
At places with a lava-try.

Chorus:

I'm (He's) a Bicyclist, and I'm (he's) okay.
I (He) get(s) in the saddle and I (he) pedal(s) all day.

My bike has an odometer. I track every mile.
I like to ride for hours.
I even wear colorful shirts with back pockets
In which to stuff energy bars.

Cyclists:

His bike has an odometer. He tracks every mile.
He likes to ride for hours.
He puts on colorful shirts with back pockets
In which to stuff energy bars!?

Chorus:

I 'm (He's) a Bicyclist, and I'm (he's) okay.
I (He) get(s) in the saddle and I (he) pedal(s) all day.

I bought a bike, expensive. I wear shoes with cleats,
and work out at the gym, and spa.
I want to be like Lancie,
And win the Tour de France, ha, ha!

Cyclists:

He bought a bike expensive. He wears shoes with cleats,
And works out at the gym, and spa!?
(spoken, raggedly)  What's this?  Wants to be like *Lancie*??
Wants to win the Tour de France??? Oh, My!

Chorus:

I 'm (He's) a Bicyclist, and I'm (he's) okay.
I (He) get(s) in the saddle and I (he) pedal(s) all day.

Yes, I 'm (He's) a Bicyclist, and I'm (he's) ok-a-y.
I (He) get(s) in the saddle and I (he) pedal(s) all daaayyyyy!!!

***NOTE***

With humble apologies to the masters of the Monty Python Troop, and the performers of The Lumberjack Song! ;-D

At just over 7 minutes you get the Barber Shop set up, the song, and the afterwards.

Michael Palin was brilliant!

What more could you ask for? Life is good! ;-D

I love The Lumberjack Song, and that's ok,

It makes me smile, and laugh, all the live long daaaayyyy!!!! ;-D

Lyrics, so you can sing it yerself! ;-D

***END NOTE***

5 Reasons Why I BikeBlog

I was tagged by Cyclicious so I'm supposed to bare my soul, and reveal  my innermost secrets about why I've done this for 4 years.

An appropriate moment of introspection for a person on one's 47th Birthday, don't you think? ;-D

Being as I was one of the earliest, and some of you have told me that I inspired you to follow in my footsteps, this will be of some interest, I'm sure. ;-D

So here goes...

1. "Baron von Drais is God's Bicycling Apostle. Those who follow him are destined to be healthy, and ruthless in spreading the word to the Non-Bicyclists, but merciful to one another."

Cycle'an 48:29

I feel I am blessed to be a follower in the trail blazed by  Baron von Drais, may fine cycling weather be upon your rides in His name, and consider it my mission in life to spread the word about cycling to the Infidel, and support my Brethren in their understanding, and enjoyment of the 1 true path.

2. Ibn Warcyclist on Bicycling:

"The Theory, and practice, of Bicycling was not concocted in a vacuum... It was inspired by the creativity of God's Bicycling Apostle, and the Draissine, Boneshaker, and Columbia Expert Traditions.

Infidels, especially motorists, find it hard to believe this... It is extraordinary the amount of people who have written about the Bicycle without once mentioning the Apostle, and his early disciples.

We must take seriously what the Infidels say to understand their motivation, [ that ] it is the duty of all non-cyclists to honk their car horns at the Faithful, drive too close to them, and open car doors before them without 1st looking, until all the Faithful are forced to quit their rightful places, for the the sidewalk, or not worship the Bicycle at all.

For every reason the infidels produce, the Worshipers of the Apostle's true mode of transportation, must use examples of law, and logic, [ that are ] exergetically, philosophically, and historically far more legitimate."

Doing so in a friendly, calm, and rational manner, of course, is why I BikeBlog.

3. Alexis de Pedalingville on the Bicycle:

"I studied the Bicycle a great deal. I came away from that study with the conviction that by and large there have been few vehicles in the world as beneficial to men, and women, as that of the Bicycle.

It is the principle cause of the enjoyment of leisure time, and commuting time, so visible among many segments of the world's people, and its social, and health, uses are in my opinion not to be feared, and I therefore regard it as a form of exercise that is a worthy alternative to other forms of transportation available today."

To spread the word about such benefits, is another reason I BikeBlog.

4. "And join them where ever ye find them, and ride with them to all the different places where you can go, for companionship is to be preffered to solitude from time to time, when worshiping the Bicycle."

Cycle'an 2:191

That is why I consider it part of my mission to spread the word about Clubs, and Event Rides, that even a family would enjoy being a part of, and recently joined a Club myself.

5. "God's Bicycle Apostle hath created for the Believers for the benefit of their persons, and enjoyment, the idea of the human powered vehicle; For theirs in return is the heavenly feeling of the open road, on a warm, windy, day: They ride in His cause, and convert the unbelievers, relieving them of their misperceptions, and misgivings: Bringing more to the Truth every day.

Cycle'an 9:111

For this I became The Cycling Dude:

Dedicated to the proposition that bike riding is good for you and fun.

An ordinary road cyclist spreads the word...

and the word is BICYCLE. ;-D

Since I'm sure at least one of the folks Fritz sent this to will continue the chain, technically the Meme God's can't damn me to hell for not sending it along myself. ;-D

Cycling and Shaved Legs

In a major scoop new BikeBlog, Bicycle.net, has scored an exclusive with a celebrity who loves to ride his bike!

Bicycle.net, ever on the cutting edge of bicycle blogging journalism got an exclusive interview with a famous cycling Wookie who breaks with tradition.

Why The Shaved Legs?
By Chewbacca (translated from Wookie using Babelfish)

Whenever I tell anyone that I raced for fun a long time ago, the first question is almost a sure thing:

“Why don’t you shave your legs?!”

And lose all my sponsorship money?!? Have you ever seen a hairless Wookie? It’s not a pretty sight.

So, why don’t Wookie cyclists shave their legs? I’ll answer to the best of my ability. I’ve never given a straight answer to anyone, but I’ll try...

Read the whole thing. ;-D

More humor, and more of its fine coverage of non-racing stories, are things I hope this site continues doing.

I Need a Slogan

for this Blog like I need a hole in the head. ;-D

I found a fun little site that can be quite addictive, and had me laughing with every result.

20 Slogans for Cycling Dude as formulated by the Sloganizer.

Vote for yer favorite! ;-D

1. Praise Cycling Dude!

2. Cycling Dude - You see this name, you think dirty.

3. Go farther with Cycling Dude.

4. Do it with Cycling Dude.

5. Be inspired by Cycling Dude.

6. There's only one true Cycling Dude!

7. The Gods made Cycling Dude.

8. Cycling Dude. See more. Do more.

9. There is no life without Cycling Dude.

10. There's a bit of Cycling Dude in all of us.

11. Cycling Dude, there's no better way.

12. And on the eighth day, God created Cycling Dude.

13. Cycling Dude - Think different.

14. Cycling Dude - today and tomorrow.

15. Are you ready for Cycling Dude?

16. Life's beautiful with Cycling Dude.

17. With a name like Cycling Dude, it has to be good.

18. Cycling Dude empowers you.

19. Cycling Dude, the secret of women.

20. Cycling Dude for your health.

And 1 for the road, dear reader....  Cycling Dude loves you. ;-D

Wind

I love my Bicycle, and She loves me...

But neither of us is stupid. ;-D

When the Santa Ana Winds blow as fiercly as they did here earlier in the week, She stays put. ;-D

So did you ride 100 miles on the day after Thanksgiving?

You know... work off all that Turkey,  Stuffing, Pie, and Beer?

Neither did I. ;-D

US Election Day Declared National Ride Your Bike to the Polls Day!

Well... Ok, so it hasn't.

We can dream, though, can't we?

Pedal to the Polls!! ;-D

Fred and Barn Contemplate the Bicycle

On a nice, cool, recent Saturday afternoon, at the Balboa Fun Zone in the Balboa section of Newport Beach, CA. an Encounter for the Ages took place....

Pigeon #1: Hey, Barn! Get a load of THIS! I think I''ll go up top for a closer look.

Pigeon #2: I don't know Fred, it looks kind of dangerous, to me. Besides... What would Wilma say?

Pigeon #1: QUIET, Barn! She's behind you looking at something by that bench, and Betty is here, too, and they could hear you!

You know how they can be, sometimes, when we want to have some fun.

You Adore Your Bicycle, Admit It!

THE MAN AND THE BICYCLE

The Man and the Bicycle went on a test ride

On a  beautiful cool clear day:

He took water and Trail Mix for his hungry hide

Enough to last the whole long way.

The Man looked up to the sky above,

And said to his lovely steed,

"Oh, lovely Bike, oh, Bike, my love,

You are a beautiful Bike, indeed!

You are,

You are!

What a beautiful Bike you are!" -

The Man said to the Bike, "You elegant transport,

How smooth, and sweet you ride!

Oh, let me buy you; too long I've been doing driving of another sort:

But how shall we get you to where I abide?"

They took the trip on 3 buses, and made it ok,

To the land where the Bike Trails are plenty;

And there along the river he told her they would ride it all the way,

With head and rear lights, and a U-Lock to keep her safe,

Her safe,

Her safe,

And a U-Lock to keep her safe. -

"Dear Bike, are you ready to go fast without spilling

Me?" Said the Man,  and he sensed that she was.

So they rode away, and arrived at the end of a journey most thrilling

In the city for whose residents bicycling was a Cause.

He dined on a sandwhich and a bowl of yogurt,

Which he ate with a plastic spoon;

And then, on the Trail at the edge of the sand,

They rode by the light of the moon,

The moon,

The moon,

They rode by the light of the moon. - -

THE END.

With humble thanks, for the inspiration, to the incomparable Edward Lear, who wrote The Owl and The Pussy-Cat, in 1871. ;-D

You ride your Bicycle day and night.

You ride your Bicycle near, and far.

You ride your Bicycle whenever the mood strikes you, regardless of the weather.

You clean your Bicycle, and check for problems Morning, Noon, and Night ( Well, at least once a day, or week, anyway. ).

You talk to your Bicycle, maybe even read it bedtime stories.

You buy things for your Bicycle, for Bicycling, and to look good Bicycling, at the drop of a hat.

You give your Bicycle a name, and regard it as a Him, or Her.

You brag about, and show off, your Bicycle to anyone and everyone.

You then smile with pride, and contentment, when folks compliment you on your Bicycle.

Some of you even have more than one Bicycle.

You ADORE your Bicycle, ADMIT IT!! ;-D

***UPDATE - 8/26***

Megan Ann, of Ausin, TX., has some great sentiments about bicycling:

Riding a bike can be one of the simplist things a man, woman or child could do. humans have been on two wheels for a long time. when you ride your bike, u use your own power and strength and determination to reach your destination. along the way, you are given a chance to go at a different pace than the rest of the world. you can take your time and notice people, the wind, the sounds of the city, the quiet along a trail and smell fragrences of each season. or you can speed through town at a good clip feeling more alive and aware with all of your senses on high. you sweat. you get dirty. in and out of traffic, off to a more quiet street, through a neighborhood, up the hill and down the other side, back into traffic....you flow. this, and more is riding a bike.

I hope that more people can experience the simple act of riding a bike under their own power. running an errand, a trip to the grocery store, a commute to and from work, a slow ride with your dog, pumping your best friend to the pool, biking with your kid to school, riding from your house and escaping to the trails and woods.

***END UPDATE***

The 1 Bicycle Garage

At my apartment complex everyone gets a garage of their own for their car.

My Trusty Steed is in heaven! ;-D

Don't show this picture to your bike. It might get a severe case of Storage Envy. ;-D

Hot Dogging on a Bicycle

The world of Bicycling is not immune to its show-offs, and hot dogs.

Cyclists who can do amazing things while riding a bicycle.

Here is a case in point. ;-D

A Tip of the Hat to Rubber Side Down, for this story.

The Goo Goo Googly Alerts Return!

After a couple of months mired in a funk, or a hissy fit, or who knows what, I awoke this morning to find that my collection of Bicycling related Google Alerts had collectively decided that they had made whatever point they thought they were making and came back to work. ;-D

How Well Do You Know Bicycling History?

You learn something new everyday, if you are lucky.

Today you, dear reader, are very lucky indeed!

Did you know that the largest Bicycle ever built suffered a tragedy in 1912?

Do you know the real story of the death of the Red Baron in 1918?

What do you know about Hydrogen Powered Bicycles and the disaster of 1937?

Do you know what part Bicycles played in the "miracle" that saved the British army at Dunkirk in World War 2?

Edumicate yourself about Great Moments in Cycling History.

Technorati Tags: Bicycle, Bicycles, Bicycling, Cycling, History

Viva La French Cycling Dude!

Someone used the Googe Translation Tool to read The Cycling Dude in French today! ;-D

Check out part of my Cycling News Network Archive, as seen in French, beginning with this story ( There is a link at the top of the page that, when clicked, will show the English original ):

La liberté de discours sur l'Internet affecte BikeBloggers aussi

LA LIBERTÉ EN LIGNE DE LOI de la PAROLE EST EN HAUSSE POUR Une VOIX, et je crois fortement que le support d'elle est très important pour le futur des médias de blogosphere et d'alternative généralement. Le microphone Krempasky de RedStates Blog et Kos, de Kos quotidien, tous les deux ont plus sur ceci.

Pour s'il vous plaît est arrivé Plus.  ;-D

Is Blowing Snot Bubbles While Cycling Off putting to others?

THIS is the level of intellectual debate going on in the head of The Squeaky Cylist these days. ;-D

I suggested he do a Survey on his next ride.

Try breaking the answers down by Cyclist, Pedestrian, and Motorist, even. ;-D

Nathan in Minnesota Declares it is Officially Spring

He must have seen his Bikes Shadow, or something. ;-D

In his part of the country they rig their bikes for riding in the snow, and cold, during Winter.

Now Nathan is taking the Winter accoutriments off, and getting ready for Spring. ;-D

10 reasons NOT to Bike Commute

9. It's hard to smoke, put on make-up, shave, or talk on a cell phone when you’re cycling.

6. If too many people do it, gas stations and car lots will go out of business, adding to the unemployed.

5. The many options of what you can do with the money saved on gas, insurance, and maintenance, may cause minor dilemmas.

3. You’ll lose weight and new clothes are too darn expensive!

Read the rest at Commute by Bike. ;-D

Technorati Tags: Bike, Cycling, Commute

New Scam demonstrates why it is safer to ride a bicycle

WARNING!! Latest scam...

This was sent to me in an e-mail this morning:

I was the victim of the latest scam now occurring in
shopping mall parking lots.

Two good looking young women come to your car as you
are parking. One starts wiping your windshield with a
rag and the other comes to your window and bends
over so far her breasts just about fall out of her blouse.

While you're distracted, the other one lets herself in the
back seat and then they both start begging you for a ride home.

Be very wary, because as soon as you start driving, one of
them will take off her shirt and rub her breasts on you
while the other climbs over the seat and unzips your pants.
This is when they steal your wallet.

I was robbed last Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday;
I couldn't find them on Saturday or Sunday.

You've been warned.

Be careful!

Not to worry!

I ride a Bicycle, or walk, remember! ;-D

Having Google Ads is gonna be interesting to say the least.

Eye Lash Extenders???

What the F*** do THEY have to do with Bicycling??? ;-D

Google Adsense says it provides Ads based on your Content.

Okay, I'll buy that ( pardon the pun! ).

But EYE LASH EXTENDERS???

How did it reach THAT decision???

Hang on to yer Helmet, folks, it's gonna be an interesting relationship. ;-D

Dumb Bicyclist of the Day Award

Okay, leave aside for the moment that being a thief is dumb, though being a thief who rides a bike in the commission of a crime may sometimes actually be for the best, and consider THIS story from Nicole Formosa, of the Summit Daily News:

FRISCO - You'd think that if someone was going to go through all the trouble of stealing beer, that person would at least make sure their loot contained the full alcohol content.

Apparently, one thief didn't mind.

A Frisco police officer was called to Safeway on report of a man on a bicycle who had swiped a 12-pack of 3.2-percent Budweiser beer from the back of a delivery truck.

The driver told the officer that he had parked at the rear Safeway door, then carried a load of beer into the store. When he returned, he noticed the door to a bin on the right side of his trailer was open and the beer was gone. He then saw a man riding away on a bicycle with a 12-pack strapped down on the back of his bicycle.

Police were unable to track down the seemingly desperate drinker.

Next time the truck driver should write down his licen... oh, wait!

Never mind. ;-D

Oct.16th -- Bicyclist makes off with 3.2 Beer.

Anonymous Ignorance in North Carolina

When it rains in Charlotte there is apparently ONE happy car driver, if the Buzz Column of the Charlotte Observer is to be believed.

This feature of the paper allows folks to call in anonymously and spout off for 30 seconds on the issues of the day, and life in general, and the paper will select the best for publication:

The best thing about all this rain? No bicyclists on Queens Road during rush hour.

How does this person know that?

Did he/she spend all of Rush Hour driving up and down the road in question, or have friends on every block to watch the area he/she just drove past? :-D

Someone has some serious issues.

Charlotte Observer: The Buzz ( Oct. 12th ).

Newly re-striped streets debut in Seattle

In a "1st in the nation" program, in response to the sudden spurt in Bicycle usage due to high gas prices, the city of Seattle has begun re-striping city streets accordingly to reflect the new reality.

Thanks to Fritz, of Cyclicious, and the folks with Bicycle Alliance of Washington, you can get your 1st look at the program that will soon be coming to a major Metropolis near you.

Thunder, Lightning, and Hail, oh my!

If you have ever had to haul ass on your trusty steed, in the rain, then you will love this little tale.

At 2pm yesterday, when I pedaled off to work, it was cloudy, but who would have thunk it would rain, much less hail a little for good measure?

While I was safely indoors at work, a rowdy little storm roared in off the coast, and put on a show  from 6pm until midnite.

I got off at 1030pm, but plans to ride my bike home, as usual on Sunday nights, had to be scuttled due to the rain.

I sat there for 40 minutes watching the rain, and seeing the lightning out the door.

The rain stopped!

I headed out the door for the 2  mile ride the late night bus I needed to catch!

I barely get 2 blocks before it starts to rain again.

Then came a seres of lighting strikes, and the loudest, longest roll of "I'm the Lord Your God! And don't you ferget it!" THUNDER I've heard in a very long time. ;-D

I barely reached the Transit Station nearby in time.

For 15 minutes it rain real hard, the light show was on over drive, and the Thunder bellowed.

Then for good measure, as if to say, "AND TAKE THAT!" a hail storm tried to get up some steam, but finally petered out, in 5 minutes.

I got back on my bike and made it to my connection just as the bus pulled up, 20 minutes later.

When I got off the bus, at 1215pm, the rain was over and the clouds were heading inland north, and east.

Bicycle gets 1 car garage all to itself

If bicycles could dream I'd imagine that their Ultimate Fantasy might be to have the streets, and freeways, to themselves forever, and ever, Amen.

Since THAT'S never gonna happen there must be a back-up Fantasy, I suppose. :-D

I think my Trusty Steed is living hers right about now. :-D

My new place comes with its own 1 car garage, and so that is where my bike relaxes, and catches her breath, before the next time I saddle her up.

Now THAT'S living the Good Life! :-D

Bicycles and Butterflies

While riding my bike to work this afternoon, I kept encountering colorful butterflies in my path, every couple of miles of the 11 mile ride.

Or maybe it was the same butterfly every time...

Was it following me???

I mean, it's possible.

Afterall each one of the energetic little critters looked exactly the same to me!

Take the Cycle-Analysis Personality Quiz

Safe Cycling is a serious subject, yet even a humorous online quiz can still be instructive about the practice.

The good folks at c.i.c.l.e. ( Cyclists Inciting Change thru Live Exchange ) have created a great, not to be taken too seriously, 21 question Quiz for the curious Bicyclist to take.

This group describes its purpose this way:

C.I.C.L.E. is a Los Angeles based, ongoing and experimental project. Our primary objective is the promotion of the bicycle as a viable and responsible alternative mode of transportation. Sure this is L.A., land of the gas guzzlin', pollutin' machine, but it doesn't have to stay that way.

Anyway, I took the Quiz, and here are my results

DOMINANT 76%: Type 2: At least this bit of your cycling personality is Effective Cyclist. Forester would enjoy tailing you if you behaved like this all the time and making notes into his dictaphone. Keep it up and don't forget that even Ken Kifer was killed by a DUI. He was struck from behind by a guy who'd been out of jail for 4 hours for previous DUI convictions. At least you know that you're reducing your odds of danger and doing the Right Thing(TM).

SECONDARY 14%: Type 3: Whooo! Steady on hotshot! You'll either live to tell an exciting tale or else have a horrible death. This chunk of your cycling behaviour is Speeding Messenger! The thing is that you're increasing your risk by being just a bit too impatient. Still at least you're having fun and if you do get schmucked at least it won't be by mistake!.

TERTIARY 9%: Type 4: Zo, I zink you have ze personality disorder of ze Cycling Inferiority Complex. At least in zis corner of your brain. Ve haff statistics vot shows zat you are livingk in danger as a result of ziss self-effacing behavior. Get a real cyclist to show you ze safe vay to ride..

QUATERNARY 0%: Type 1: What a complete loon! This part of your id is probably very happy, but is also probably also going to end up squashed under someone's super-ego of a car. Seriously, if this is a major component of your personality then you shouldn't let it control a piece of toast let alone a bicycle. Well, perhaps that's a bit harsh: stay indoors and ride an exercise bike!.

Breakdown of your answers by cyclist type:

Type two -- The Effective Cyclist
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q9 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q15 Q18 Q19 Q20 Q21
Type three -- The Messenger
Q8 Q16 Q17
Type four -- The Sidewalk Scurrier
Q10 Q14
Type one -- The Loon

I'm quite proud of myself. :-)

As the intro to the Quiz says:

Think you're a good cyclist? Think you're worthy of the name cyclist at all? Take our self-incriminating test and see whether you'd have John Forrester trying to run you off the road or bike-messengers telling you to be careful!

Take the Quiz. :-)

Channeling Will Rogers

To paraphrase Will Rogers:

I'm not a member of any organized Bicycle Club, I'm The Cycling Dude! :-)

I couldn't resist. :-)

I have no time to join riding clubs, and am therefore a Lone Cyclist.

I'm sure, though, that there are enough horror storys about bicycle clubs, as well as activist organizations, and activists, to lend truth to my paraphrasing of ol' Wills opinion about the Democratic Party. :-)

Tour de France

Welcome to the Official Site of Tour de France 2003 coverage....

By THE CYCLING DUDE, that is.:-)

The big news as the race, and it IS a race, and NOT a leisurely TOUR of the French countryside, is that 4 time winner LANCE ARMSTRONG has come forward and announced that HE realizes how much he has missed over the last 4 years by not taking the time to take his time and smell the flowers, see the sights, get a few pictures, taste the food and wine, and hang out and gab with the natives.

In a pre-race press conference before the event got underway Lance shocked his teammates, the assembled press corp, and all of France, by saying that he was going to just mosey along at a leisurely 15 miles an hour and enjoy the beautiful French countryside and all it has to offer.

Then he adjusted his backpack and Camelback Mule full of water, and set out on his journey.

A spokesman for his teammates, when asked by reporters if this was a joke, had this to say:

"On a practice sprint, earlier in the week, Lance took a header while trying to dodge a heardsman and his flock crossing the road. He seemed okay at the time, but some of his teammates observed him, afterwards, spending much time on the internet visiting an American website with safe cycling links, and lengthy essays on the joys of leisurely 66 mile bike rides in the Malibu area Mountains, and 20 mile rides along the beaches. They realize, now, that maybe he should have seen a Doctor, and spent the last few days getting lots of rest."

President Bush, when asked, had this to say:

"Bicycling is good for your health, and so is taking the time to smell the flowers. Didn't Lance have health problems a few years ago?

I don't drink anymore, but the French make good food, like fries and stuff and, despite our recent political differences, I don't have any problems with French food.

Lance is a good ambassador for American values, and I hope he wins the race."

Go Lance!! :-)

Bike Lanes to Replace Hwy. 101!

April 1, 2003 -- Santa Barbara, California USA

BIKE LANES TO REPLACE HIGHWAY101!!

Santa Barbara, Calif.: In a surprise announcement from the SBCAG Board today, Highway 101 will be replaced by the Santa Barbara County Greenway.

"Is it just me noticing or is bicycle commuting way up in Santa Barbara and Goleta," a South Coast bicyclist recently asked.
It turns out that local trails, including the Atascadero, Cabrillo, and Battles Road, have indeed reached capacity as thousands of patriotic citizens choose to bike and walk to work this month in support of saving fuel during the Iraq war.

"Energy conservation, public health and low-cost freedom of travel are increasing concerns for the millions of overweight Americans driving gas-guzzling cars," said a local official.

For years, transportation agencies have widened Highway 101, and at one point they had even proposed removing thousands of trees and shrubs to add extra lanes. Today, that decision has been reversed, and expanding the bike path system will require transforming the highway into a greenway for people walking and bicycling.

The new facility will be part of the "Bicycle Greenway Network," which will eventually connect the entire state of California. With roadway congestion frequently reducing traffic to a standstill, officials realized that bike paths are ideal Civil Defense routes, and have asked the Office of Homeland Security to increase funding to build trails.

"A healthy, physically fit population capable of moving without fossil fuels is a key to our national interests in this time of war," said a security expert.

It was President Eisenhower who created the interstate system of "national defense highways." Discussions are now being held with federal agencies and Congress about the possibility of creating a national system of bike paths by converting the Interstates and other highways into greenway trails. A new organization called the "Roads-to-Trails Conservancy" has been formed to advocate for this highway-to-greenway conversion.

Throughout the nation, there are successful examples of highways being replaced by appropriate facilities. Portland, Oregon replaced its urban freeway with an esplanade, the former Embarcadero in San Francisco is now a boulevard, and the West Side highway in Manhattan has been converted into Hudson River Park. Historically, bicycling advocates in the late 1800's led a national campaign called the "Good Roads Movement" which called for the first paved roads in the US. That effort led in part to the creation of the Automobile Association of America, so today's announcement will bring bicyclists and motorists back to their historically common agenda.

While this release will strike some like a joke, it should serve as a serious reminder to us all that a balanced transportation system must include pedestrians, bicyclists, buses, trucks, planes, trains and automobiles to move America -- and our world -- forward in the 21st Century.

Thanks to April Furst for posting the above on the CABO Message Board, and putting a smile on my face to begin the week. :-)

Church of the Almighty Bicycle

And, now, for a little fun and laughter, and serious food for thought.....

Not being one who has ever owned a car, or understood their inner workings or mystique I don't usually read articles about them.

I made an exception, this morning, for an article I found in the LOS ANGELES TIMES.

In the church of the almighty auto: by Nancy Rommelmann.

My sense of humor saw the wonderful possibilities in playing a game of word switch, with many of the things the author said in her piece, to see how they sounded when thinking of bicyclists:

These were just a few ( MY WORDS IN BOLD ):

1. Trying to distill Southern Californians' relationships with their bicycles is as ridiculous as suggesting, "If you've got a few minutes, I'll explain this whole love thing."

2. What are our bicycles but daily devotionals that we need, adore and hate?

3. We name our bicycles, we yell at our bicycles.....

4. We take our bicycles for a long drive along Mulholland Drive at sunset.

5. When we are not engaged with our own bicycles, we're involved with others. We slobber over the ( name your manufacturer ) concept bikes at the Bike Expo. We ask the girl at the Farmers Market about her Trek

6. Our level of engagement with bicycles is never neutral. There is always a reason behind our choices, among them aesthetics, power, piety, and economy.

With this game in mind, reading the rest of this, fascinating in its own right, article on auto extremists gives one much to ponder.

In our love of all things cycling there are some of us who aren't that different, sometimes, than the person who thinks his/her car is anything but mere transportation.

More on Slogans

As I rode to and from work today I thought some more about slogans bicyclists of various political bents might be seen waving about.

I forgot to mention, earlier, that at ANY event where folks are waving signs about, regardless of the political persuasion, there will be the chap with the JOHN 3:16 sign.

Only these particular fellows would have an Angel on a bicycle on one side of the sign. :-)

As for my fellow Democrats my first thought was of a sign saying:

GIVE ME A BICYCLE, OR GIVE ME DEA...

Then I realized that it was probably TOO EXTREME even for a Democrat. The Greens maybe? :-)

Democrats would more likely be seen waving these:

Not One Bike Lane In My Back Yard! ( NOBLIMBY )

Hug a Bicycle Today!

A Bike Ride a Day keeps the Doctor Away!

Bicycles Have Feelings, Too!

No Bicycles, No Peace!

Make Bicycles Not Bombs!

I Brake For Tricycles!

Safe Cycling Saves Lives!

Practice Safe Cycling, Use a Helmet!

Bicycles Don't Kill People, People Do!

I Flunked Bikeaholics Anonymous!

Then there are the ORGANIZATIONS, a cyclist might wish to join, such as:

NAMBA: North American Marvelous Bicycle Association

PETOB: People for the Ethical Treatment Of Bicyclists

Ok, it's after 130 in the AM here, and I'm getting sleepy....

If anyone on the Republican side of the Bike Path has any suggestions then send them in.

My sense of humor is an equal opportunity amuser & offender. :-)

I mean why should the Motorist have all the fun laughing at us Bicyclists, when we can have just as much fun laughing at ourselves? :-)

Do Republicans Ride Bicycles, Too?

I mean, Republicans to the far right of former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, that is. :-)

I strongly believe there are and that they CAN BE FOUND running around SOMEWHERE waving signs proclaiming:

RIGHTWINGERS FOR BICYCLING!

Pedal, for Godssake, don't drive!

Save Your Soul, Ride a Bicycle to Church!

Even Rich Folk Ride Bicycles!

Join Your Personal Driver on a Tandem!

If you, dear reader, can think of any more such slogans of the Right-Leaning Bicyclist send them to my e-mail for inclusion & credit in a future entry. :-)