The Cycling Dude

Bicycle Tree to Offer OC Cyclists Bicycle Repair Workshops

The Bicycle Tree is a local organzization that I have visited, and written about in the past and they describe themselves as an organzation that "incorporates bicycle education, bicycle recycling, and do-it-yourself repair."

We offer programs and services for youth and adults at affordable prices. Bringing together the excitement and accessibility of cycling, the fulfillment of conservation, and the rewards of education, The Bicycle Tree will be a unique, empowering resource for Orange County cyclists!

I have just received a Press Release about an upcoming project they will be undertaking in co-operation with a local business:

New Monthly Workshops!

The Bicycle Tree is pleased to announce that we will be holding bicycle repair workshops on the last Saturday of every month from 11 am - 4 pm at The Road Less Traveled store in Santa Ana! 

The first of these will be held this month on Saturday, May 30th. 

 We invite you to bring your bicycle - our volunteers will work with you to keep your bike running smoothly.  We will have repair stands and a solid assortment of tools available to make almost any adjustment.  We suggest a $5 flat rate donation for unlimited stand use for the day, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

The Road Less Traveled store is "an environmentally & human conscious store dedicated to bringing alternatives to every aspect of life," located at 2204 N. Main St., Santa Ana 92706  

For the workshops, please park on the opposite (east) side of Main Street. 

Please visit The Road Less Travelled to learn more about this great place!  We thank them for their generous support!

If you are interested in volunteering for these monthly workshops, please contact us at info@thebicycletree.org.

I wish them great success with their efforts!

Steve Dennis Portrait of Christian Vande Velde Unveiled At ArtBike Exhibition

In 2007, and 2008, I spread the word about an artist who bicycles, Steve Dennis, here, and here.

On Friday I got an update from Mr. Dennis:

My recently completed portrait of Christian Vande Velde is being hung at The Big Car Gallery in Indianapolis tonight as part of the NAHBS' ArtBike! activities. 

"Artbike! is a street art/sculpture/installation art exhibition, that is open to all and brings creative progressive people together through community, bikes and art!"

Then on February 27th Artbike! is holding a party at the gallery:

"Music!, Dancing!, Raffle!, Gold Sprints!, NAHBS VIP Room!, Art!, Bikes!"

The party will be hosted by NAHBS (North American Handmade Bicycle Show) and 02 Sports Marketing and sponsors include Momentum Magazine."

 

The Vande Velde painting will be one of the items in a silent auction that night.
Did I mention that it is an original piece of art signed by the rider himself?

If you live near Indy or are travelling to the NAHBS this is your opportunity to bid on this great painting and other exciting pieces of BikeArt!

Artbike will also have a 20'x20' booth at the NAHBS displaying some of the artwork - some of which will be for sale and will include my painting 'NYVelocity'.

All sales from the events will be split 50/50 between the artists and local cycling charities and non-profits. 

Not only will you buy some recession proof art but you will also be investing in the cycling lives of needy causes.

If you are at the show and/or party do introduce to me - I will probably have my 9 month old strapped to my chest.

See you there,

Steve

To see the full image read Steve's Blog Post, and explore his website, Velopaint, and Blog.

Cycling Dude Invited to Speak to 117 yr. Old Riverside Bicycle Club

Shortly after New Year I received an E-mail:

Dear Mr. K,

I am the 2009 president of the Riverside Bicycle Club.  Our club holds monthly meetings and we are always looking for fun, interesting and motivating speakers for our meetings.  Would you be interested in coming to one of our meetings.  We would love to have you.  Please let me know.

Thanks.
Edith Reasons

 

When I said yes, I asked how she found me, and why little ol' me?

 

Wonderful! 

 

I was surving the web trying to find Riverside Bike Club history.  Didn't find much on that but did discover your site.

 

Would you be able to join us for our Wednesday, February 18th meeting at the Coffee Depot, 3204 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, @ 7 pm. 

 

It'd be great if you could tell us about your cycling experiences, your blog, etc. for 20 +/-minutes. 

 

Some of us are interested in touring, we have some work/home commuters, we have mountain goats. 

 

I look forward to meeting you soon.  E

 

It wasn't until 2 weeks later that she thought to ask an all important question:

 

Forgot something --  do you charge a fee?  E 

 

My response? ;-D

 

God No! That has never crossed my mind.

 

I'm nowhere near being experienced enough to give that a thought.

Look, I'm no expert on cycling, just a blogger with 150 hits a day glad for the opportunity to spread the word about cycling, and about his blog.
 
Will something more ever come from that down the road?
 
 I do not know.
 
I can't even get people to place Cycling Ads in my Blog Ads, hee, hee! ;-D
 
You are the 2nd presentation of any sort that I'll have ever given.

 

To be asked to speak before The Riverside Bicycle Club (AKA the Riverside Wheelmen) is an amazing honor.

 

The club is one of the oldest in the state, and even the nation, and I have always had them in my blogroll.

 

The Logistics of getting to and from are a tad complex, but doable.

 

As of now my sisters are unable to provide transportation so this will be a Bus/Bike Adventure.

 

I can use my bike and Riverside Transit to get to the event.

 

I can then take the bus back to Corona, and use streets to take me the long way around to Brea, in the OC, via Ontario, Chino, Chino Hills, and Diamond Bar.

 

Why wouldn't I just go from Corona, thru the short stretch of the Santa Ana River Trail to Yorba Linda?

 

Not at night, even with my lights (and even carrying my hiking stick!), as it passes thru the edge of Chino Hills open spaces, and who know what, or who, hangs out down there at night.

 

A 10 minute ride is not worth the risk.

 

I will scope out the routes I have to choose from, and will do a post or 2 about them, and will share the story of my Big Day as well. ;-D

Serfas Bicycle Swap Meet Set for Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca.

Yesterday I got late word of a Bicycle Swap Meet to be held here in the South of Orange County.

The Serfas Company has its Headquarters in Rancho Santa Maragita, and for 14 years it has been known in the Cycling Industry for its variety of quality, innovative, products, including Saddles, Shorts, Gloves, Saddle Bags, Computers, Pumps, Tires, Lights, and Spectacles.

James Thomas sent me the following Press Release:

There will be a Bicycle Swap Meet, hosted by Serfas 29752 Avenida De Las Banderas Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca. 92688 on December 6 2008 from 8am – 2pm.

Open to the public and admission is Free.

Download swapmeet_flyer.pdf

Everyone is invited to participate in the swap: Dealers, Reps, Distributors, Friends, Family, etc.

We would encourage anyone that wants to Buy, Sell, or Trade bicycles and bicycle accessories to attend.

We already have participation confirmation from the following: Serfas, Profile Design, Bellwether, Titec, Vigor Helmets, Intense BMX, THE, Rock N Road Cyclery, and Ladera Cyclery and many other independent sellers. 

Booth space is limited so please RSVP to James Thomas 800-424-0047 or jamest@serfas.com by 11/26/08 if you plan on selling merchandise.

James Thomas

Serfas Inc. and SerfasOptics

P.800-424-0047 F.800-825-9641 jamest@serfas.com

I asked James how he learned of little ol' me, and this is what he wrote:

I found your site through word of mouth.

I asked around the office for local blogs and one of our sales guys said he checks your site regularly.

I really like your site, it seems pretty informative.

I especially like the “Oldest shops in the country and the world” stores, and List.

In the soon to be 6 years of the existence of this blog (As of the 1st week of January!) I've never been sure just how much, or how varied, an audience I have, especially locally, or in SoCal as a whole, but from time to time, I get e-mails, tips, and event alerts from folks in the industry, and that is very cool indeed.

This has not been the best of years for me, for opportunities to go on my bike riding adventures, or for BikeBlogging, and I hope to do better next year, but I am glad that folks are still getting something worthwhile from my efforts.

With 2 weeks to go before the Swap Meet I hope some of my fellow SoCal Cyclists learn of the event through this post, and can attend.

New Specialized Concept Store to open in Palos Verdes

In the words of the Press Release:

PV Bicycle Center was already arguably the best bike retailer in the entire South Bay area of Los Angeles. Well known for having a state-of-the-art Specialized certified professional bicycle fitting studio, enthusiasts are more than willing to take the scenic trip up Hawthorne Blvd to visit with proprietor Steve Bowen and talk about the racing or touring scene.

Yeah, so?

Maybe some folks were whining...What have ya done for us lately? or something... because there have been some changes in them thar hills lately. ;-D

They have moved 1/2 mile from their original location into a new, state-of-the-art stand-alone retail space located at the intersection of Hawthorne & Silver Spur,  at the 4B Peninsula Center, in
Rolling Hills Estates.

On the weekend of November 21-23 there will be a Huge Ass Shindig to acquaint SoCal Cyclists with what the place now has to offer.

Something about a "Completely New Retail Experience in this latest Specialized Concept Store."

PV Bicycle Center will change all your impressions about bike retail environments and set the standard for the future.  Then, during this grand opening weekend, there will be a bicycle cornucopia of events, games, group rides, prizes, free stuff, demonstrations, industry super stars, and fun for everyone in the family.

There will be rides around the area every day, and on Saturday...

From 12:00 - 5:00 there will be booths set up in a mini exhibition of leading edge products for all your cycling needs.  Expected exhibitors include Specialized, Look, Raleigh, Mavic, Kona, Fluid Nutrition, Bonk, Sigma, Easton, and Ennervit.  Learn about new product breakthroughs and ways to enjoy the sport even more than you already do.  Free samples and special sales offers are also part of the day.

PRESS RELEASE with all the details: Fun Filled Grand Opening Party at PV Bicycle Center in Palos Verdes California

Visit the PV Bicycle Center Website.

Amputee Blogger Spends 4.5 hrs. on Stationary Bike For Charity

One of Southern California's best, most respected, Bloggers is Keven Korenthal.

It is one of greatest shames that his longtime, popular, blog, SoCal Pundit, was shut down by despicable hackers, a while back.

One of the great things about his old blog was that he occasionally wrote about bicycling.

He now is a respected contributor to Red County, a well known Right of Center, national website.

Well, yesterday I received the following in my e-mail, from Kevin:

Today I joined 200 riders and countless staff and friends at the Challenged Athlete’s Foundation Tour de Cove fundraiser.

The event which included a half Triathlon (in which I did not participate) and a 4 ½ hour stationary bike ride event (which I did) that included various spin instructors and participation by various “celebrity” amputees.

Some of the stars that each participated in the Spinathon (as well as parts of the half triathlon included Sarah Reinertsen, Major David Rozelle and Oscar Sanchez.

While they cycled on stationary bikes and hand cycles positioned on the stage, I and 200 non-amputees did our thing on bikes facing the stage.

Of all the amputees that attended and participated today, only one of them spun for the whole 4.5 hours.

Me!

It was tough work and I was exhausted by the time it was all done. But I put my all into it because I want everyone who donated money to CAF in my name to feel they real got the most for their hard earned dough.

It felt pretty great when the MC announced the fact at the end of the ride. I felt like I really accomplished something today.

Which reminds me, just because this event is over does not mean you can’t still donate to the effort.

Go here, to my page, to donate if you have not already

And don’t forget, I still have the Solvang Metric Century coming up. 65 grueling (but scenic) miles of 8% grades, switch-backs and blind corner descents await me on November 15, 2008.

Way to go Kevin!!! ;-D

You have a Bicycle, but don't know where to ride it?

A website has come to my attention that has as one of its aims to help you find ineresting places to go bike riding.

Things You Should Do is a Blog/Website by Julie Gallaher, the Irish Lass.

Begun in 2004 it has had over 500,000 visitors.

Things You Should Do is a list of things we’ve done, our friends and family have done and the things we want to do.

We provide direct links to the hotels, restaurants and activities so you can find out if they’re right for you.

So far she only has 10 cycling links, but hey ya have to start somewhere, and in appreciation for the fact that she has added this blog to a list of recommended blogs, and as a spur to her to add more info about cycling, I've added a link to her Cycling Archive in the sidebar.

Don't let that stop you, though.

Explore the other sections for your own ideas about where to take a ride, in the US, or somewhere else in the world.

Cycling Study Tours Offered by Brit Family Living in Netherlands

I recently received the following Press Release from Hembro Cycling Holidays/Cycling Study Tours, and let me say, up front, the resources they steer readers to are extensive, and interesting, and the many photos, and videos are a pure joy to look at, and will most likely make you extremely jealous and probably lead you to wonder why the hell can't the greatest nation in the world do some of this, too? ;-D

FACT GUARANTEED TO BLOW YOUR MIND: All Dutch railway stations seem to have thousands of bikes parked at them. ( Just watch the videos if you don't believe it. ;-D )

CYCLING STUDY TOUR

A Study Tour in the world's most cycle friendly country.

For transport professionals, politicians, campaigners and journalists.

There have been many words spoken about reducing CO2 emissions to tackle climate change, increasing the amount of exercise taken by the population to fight obesity and about the streets being made into places where people matter instead of motor vehicles. However, the English speaking world still does not invest sufficiently in truly sustainable transport. In fact, new infrastructure is still designed very much like the old infrastructure, emphasizing flow of motorized traffic above all else, reducing opportunities to take exercise as a part of everyday life, and decreasing the freedom of people to make use of the space outside their home. As a result, use of sustainable transport is low, obesity is growing and children are not given the freedom to get sufficient exercise.

Many countries seem to produce more words than action. Announcements of available money often sound substantial, but they're spread thinly and have low priority. Along with the lack of money there is the problem of a lack of vision about what good quality design for cyclists and pedestrians actually means. Low quality infrastructure makes the use of alternatives to the car unattractive.

It doesn't have to be this way.

Having made different policy decisions over many decades, the Dutch now travel travel by bicycle more often than by car. There is universal well designed infrastructure which makes cycling an appealing option for most people. As a result, most people cycle. Cyclists feel safe and their journeys are efficient and direct. Virtually all children cycle to school daily, incidence of obesity is comparatively low and reliance on fossil fuels is lower.

The Dutch are doing the right things and they have the results to prove it: More cycling, with a better safety record, than any other nation. Real, proven results, not just good intentions or hot air. Their success could and should be copied elsewhere.

Quick Facts:

In the entire Netherlands around 30% of all journeys are by bicycle. The second highest country is Denmark with around 14%. Most countries have under 2% of their journeys by bicycle, some fewer than 1%. Around 40% of journeys within Dutch cities are made by bicycle.

In the Netherlands, more journeys under 7.5 km / 5 miles are made by bicycle than by any other means.

In the Netherlands, older people are also mobile. Over 10% of cycle journeys are made by over 60s.

Virtually all Dutch school-children cycle to school.

Dutch cycle paths frequently offer shorter routes than the roads. They are smooth and well maintained. Dutch cyclists are not expected to share space with pedestrians, and the standard width for cycle only two direction paths is 4 metres ( 13 feet ).

Levels of public transport usage in the Netherlands are not much different than those in other countries. There is far greater potential for reduction in fossil fuel reliance by encouraging cycling than by subsidizing public transport. In addition it leads to a far greater cut in fuel usage and other benefits for society such as an increase in general health and a reduction in noise and fumes.

London recently announced its largest ever figure for walking and cycling: £500M. This sounds remarkable, and it's very welcome, but breaks down to a level of expenditure which is not particularly high by European standards. The sum is to be spread across several years. For instance, in 2008/2009, £62M is to be spent for both Walking and Cycling. Across London's 7.5M population this amounts to a little over £8 (approximately US$16) per person per year. Another European capital, Amsterdam, currently spends around €26 (approximately £20 or US$40) per person per year on cycling alone. Walking has a separate budget. Unlike UK cities, Dutch cities are not starting from nowhere. They have been spending this much for decades.

So what are we up to with our Study Tours?

Who are we ?

We are a British family who have lived and cycled in many parts of the UK including London, Cambridge, Somerset and Yorkshire. Our cycling experience includes commuting, shopping, tours with and without children, a little racing and even riding Land's End to John O'Groats (the entire length of Great Britain - 1700 km / 1100 miles).

We now live in the green city of Assen in the North of the Netherlands. Winters are cold here and headwinds are fierce, but the population of 63000 people nevertheless makes an average of 70000 cycle journeys per day. We make our share of those journeys.

What are we doing ?

We are organising Study Tours for all interested parties to show how much has been achieved in this country. We will be showing participants the result of design for people rather than for motorised vehicles. We will show the practical results of putting into action long term plans to achieve a more mobile and fitter society.

Over 3 full days we will show commuting routes, school routes, city centres, residential areas, links between villages and the design of new developments. All these were designed with cycling as a priority. We also have a presentation from local experts giving their rationale.

The cost of participating has been kept low in order that it will be accessible to as many people as possible.

Full details of the Study Tour, including photos and feedback from previous participants, can be found on our website:

The first Study Tour this year runs from the 13th to the 15th of May. This tour is now fully booked.

We are now taking bookings for the second Study Tour which runs from the 20th to the 22nd of May and soon will be taking bookings for the third Study Tour which runs from the 10th to the 12th of June.

References:

Articles in English about Dutch cycling policies

Photos:

Photos of Dutch cycling conditions.

Contact Details:

David and Judith Hembrow

E-MAIL: david at hembrow.eu

WEBSITE: Hembrow Cycling Holidays

***UPDATE - 4/7/08***

David Hembrow has sent me an interesting E-Mail in response to this post. ;-D

***END UPDATE***

Orange County Wheelmen Add Training Page to Website

The Orange County Wheelmen Cycling Club, hosts several of the best Cycling Events in Ca., every year, and have a very fine website.

Now it has added a new section to its site, a Training Page.

Front and center is an infromative article of interest to any member planning to do their very first Century ride.

There is a page of dates, times, locations, and miles of Training Rides, currently those for April, in preparation for the upcoming CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA 150 (100 mi. option, too!) - May 3 and 4.

There is another section of the website that has links to a series of training related articles in PDF format.

Non-Members are welcome on all Rides.

The Spring event, the 2008 SPRING CENTURY (103, 64 and 40 mile rides.) - March 29, has come and gone, but...

In the Summer and Fall, the events to look forward to are:

The World Famous RIDE AROUND THE BEAR! (100 mi.) -June 7

Amtrak Century (For over 30 years a great 1st Century Ride!) - Sept. 6

Fall Metric Century [Metric (64) or Half-metric (32) Centuries] - Oct. 25

Summer Cycling Event Celebrates 10 Years in Santa Cruz

The 10th Annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge is  Saturday, 26 July 2008, and once again I've been asked to spread the word.

The Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge is put on by The Santa Cruz County Cycling Club.  Proceeds from this annual event go to support the club’s bicycling education activities.

START: 6:30 – 8:30 AM

REGISTRATION:
  $45 early registration, $55 after 12 July 2008
  Registration closes on 21 July or when event is full – whichever comes first
  NO day of event registration
  Pre-registration the evening before the ride at the Scotts Valley Hilton – 5:30 to 7:30 PM

LOCATION: Scotts Valley High School
  555 Glenwood Drive, Scotts Valley, CA  95066

CONTACT: century@santacruzcycling.org

TWO CHALLENGING ROUTES:

The Century Challenge:  Ride some of the most scenic and challenging roads in the Western US while gaining over 11,000 feet in elevation (110+ feet per mile).  We start out with a Cat 2 climb on the famous Mt. Charley Road (roadbed was laid out in 1851) and moving on to other roads like Jamison Creek and E. Zayante.  Number of Category 1 climbs = 1; Cat 2 = 3; Cat 4 = 4.  Finishers surely have earned major bragging rights.

The Metric Century Challenge: The 65 mile route is by no means a wimp ride.  The course will cover many of the same roads as the full century.  With 7,800 feet in elevation gain, clearly a challenge for the most experienced riders.  Sharp switchbacks on steep descents will require alert technical riding.

FUEL:  Fantastic rest stops loaded with plenty of food and drink to keep you going.  Replenish your body at the end of the ride with a great gourmet burrito and ice cream.

EQUIPMENT:  Both routes require that riders have bikes and bodies in excellent shape, especially brakes and tires for a day on our mountain roads.  Layered clothes are a must with Santa Cruz's (usually) cool weather in the mornings and warmer daytime temps.   

BUZZ: $100 first-place prize each to the fastest man and women climbing Jamison Creek – 3 miles gaining 1,585’ in elevation (528’ per mile) starting at mile 46.

PARKING:  Scotts Valley High School - Please carpool if possible.