The Cycling Dude

When Not Just ANY Cycling Shoe Will Do, Who Ya Gonna Call?

Well...hmm, that's a bit of a puzzle now ain't it? ;-D

So let's say you do a Google Search for "Detto Pietro Bicycle Shoes", and you get a selection of shops, and forums, in the mix of Top 12 results (The 1st two are sponsored, one sort of strangely.) out of just over 1300 to choose from...and you see a year old post by some website you never even heard of before come in at #11...

What do ya do?

Do ya head straight for the Forums, or check out this Cycling Dude thing because Google says it's about the History of Detto Pietro?

I don't know what the guy did, in what order, or why, except that he DID spend 27 minutes wandering around my blog, then left a comment to my last post, that I hear-by promote to post status, to share with the readership, in the hopes that someone out there will notice it, and be able to be of assistance to him in his search because I sure can't. ;-D

I'm looking for one or more pair of Detto Pietro, Milremo, or similar shoe in size 11.5 to 12.

They are the old style, of the 70's and 80's, with ventilation holes and without cleats.

Please let me know if you can help.

Thanks,

Stephen Jackson, of Virginia

stephen at tdsengineering.com

Okay, folks, an average of 225, or so, of you stop by each day so there has to be someone out there who can maybe help the guy out! ;-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.

Busy, Busy, Busy, but the Blog Must Go On!

For the next week, or so, I will be very, very, busy, yet there will be no lack of Blogging, I assure you!

You see, I have called in the Cavalry!

I guarantee you will be entertained and informed. ;-D

You will learn things about Cycling you never dreamed of in your Philosophy! ;-D

Stay Tuned! ;-D

Happy Birthday to me!

Today I turn 48 years old. ;-D

I've got a receeding hairline, a little gray in my sideburns, and some in my mustache. ;-D

As I wrote in the 1st month I began this blog, over 5 yeears ago: I've been a cyclist for most of those years. ;-D

I hope that my cycling will enable me to live a healthy life for at least another 48 yeears, with at least 4 more thrown in for Good Behavior. ;-D

Me Not Missing, Just Busy!

I got an email from a fellow BikeBlogger, today, that sent me searching for myself.

I can't find your blog online any more.  Is everything ok?

The Midnight Rider

As you can imagine this concerned me greatly.

After checking to see that I was still here, both physically, mentally, and blogally, I quickly wrote to assure my friend that I was still alive and kicking, and to inquire as to how he came to the conclusion that I might not be.

After all the link to me in his sidebar works just fine! ;-D

People will no doubt notice the infrequent posting recently, I'm sure.

I've had a few things going on, from some writing related to my other blog, the fact that I had no time to do any bike riding, and the fact that now I have to spend my days, for the moment, at the beck and call of the government, for possible Jury Duty (So far just daily check in calls to find out if they want me to come in and sit in the waiting room.).

While I await with great curiosity for his reply I want to share with you a few reasons why I enjoy the blog of the Midnight Rider:

1. "Bike commuters don't usually mind a little bit of adversity. Things like rain, cold, wind, traffic and all those other maladys can be fun when they happen occasionally. None of us want to put ourselves at risk of getting clobbered, but occasionally we do happen into a predicament."

Read:  {{{{{{BOING}}}}}} Hee, hee! ;-D

2. "After finally realizing, (it took four years), that I could easily continue commuting by shortening my route, I managed to get two days of commuting before getting sick."

Read the follow-up to #1: Two and Out, which has some nice pictures.

3. "Lots of people were out today taking advantage of temperatures in the 40's...

It seemed like everyone was feeling mellow. The walkers were walking slow, the bicyclist were riding easy, the dog walkers were moping along. It was one of those afternoons when everyone was feelin' alright."

Tag along on a ride from which he shares some wonderful photos.

Thank You, MR, for caring! ;-D

Rain, Rain, Rain

Well, the last few days have been all wet, and more is to come. ;-D

They are saying that LA County, and the OC, will get anywhere from 2 to 5 inches of rain from a Pacific storm that is apparently hitting LA later today, and will hang out in the OC from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning.

I actually saw some cyclists braving the storms the last few days, but I don't intend to join them. ;-D

Amtrak Bike Train - Ideas Wanted

Over the years I've taken my bike on Metrolink all across Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernadino Counties, and the Metro Commuter Trains in Los Angeles, but have never had the chance to use Amtrak.

My friend and fellow advocate for cycling, Larry Lagarde, of Ride This Bike and Places to Ride, was inspired by a story from Canada to look into the implimentation of a similar idea in the United States.

He's looking for serious feedback from cyclists across the country, through blog comments here, or on his blog.

Let him explain:

Just thought I'd pass along that I'm in the initial stages of discussing
a Bike Train with Amtrak. I'm looking for feasible locations for such a
service and would like to put the call out to readers at the CyclingDude.

Last summer, Canada's ViaRail ran a pilot Bike Train with space for 56
unboxed, fully assembled bikes from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The
service was such a success that ViaRail is expanding the Bike Train. I'm
convinced that an Amtrak Bike Train would have the same results.

Ideally, the Bike Train would run from a large metro area served now by
Amtrak. The metro area selected must have a high number of cyclists and
the train must run to a destination that is favored by cyclists and is
just a few hours from the large metro area. The cycling destination
should already be a stop on Amtrak that is staffed by Amtrak personnel.

Based on the above qualifications, if readers have ideas regarding a
potential Bike Train service, please pass them along.

Here's the story by Larry, with a link to the website of the Canadian Project.

See the results of his great straw poll of some bicycle advocates from across the country in "Unboxed Bikes on Trains in the USA."

Here in SoCal cyclists and everyone else, pack the Metrolink from LA to Ventura, and Amtrak to Santa Barbara, and beyond, for day trips on the weekend.

I've heard it can be a madhouse, and I've heard it can be great.

On trains, such as the Surfliner, you sit adjacent your bikes, but space is limited.

Beginning next month I will be using both Metrolink (Pictured to the left.) and Amtrak, to get me to some rides throughout the year, and will write of my experiences.

When I head out to the Northern end of the Los Angeles River to begin my ride to the beach, soon, I will have to use the Blue and Red Line Trains in LA, and on those you have to stand with your bike in designated areas of each car for the whole ride.

Here is the page on the AMTRAK Website that describes its options for the cyclist.

Metrolink Policy is as follows:

Bikes are allowed on trains at all times.

Regular bikes should be secured using wheel straps available on certain
passenger cars.

Folding bikes should be folded, carried onto the train and stored like any other carry-on item.

Train personnel may ask cyclists to wait for the next train if bike storage is unavailable.

Three-wheeled bikes are not permitted on trains.

I like the idea of having special Baggage Cars just for 50 or so bikes.

Larry says that "People have been calling and emailing like crazy about the bike train.
Many have asked what more they can do to help get the bike train underway." 

He has some suggestions:

Ways To Build Interest In The Bike Train:

1. Tell others.
More cyclists must be aware of the bike train and express their desire
to use it.

2. Gather statistics.
Providing Amtrak with hard facts on the number of cyclists interested in
the service and where those cyclists want to take the train to go
cycling helps Amtrak guage the costs and benefits of the service.

3. Endorse the concept.
Everything that Amtrak does is scrutinized so demonstrating broad
support is vital. The more entities that speak up, the better.

4. Sponsor the bike train.
Offsetting the initial costs of the bike train service with sponsorships
makes it more appealing for Amtrak to initiate bike train service.

Gene Bisbee, of Biking Bis, has suggested running the bike train
to major cycling events like the Seattle to Portland Bike Classic (STP).
The coordinator of that event (Dave Douglas) believes that a
competitively priced bike train would sell out for the STP and other
rides put on by the Cascade Bike Club.

He has more to say about the issue here.

Like Larry I am very passionate about cycling.

I think the idea of combining cycling and passenger rail is a no brainer and confident that a bike train would be successful

I support Larry's efforts to pursue the idea with Amtrak.

Although my time and resources are limited, compared to many cycling advocates, I'm willing to do what I can to help in the effort.

Let's see what we can do to help Amtrak become more appealing to
cyclists!
 

I Stand Corrected, After 5 Years, and Am Almost in Tears

There have been some special moments in the history of this blog, from moments on the trail, to e-mails received, stories about me in newspapers, being quoted in a book, and more...

But this, THIS, a blast from the past that brought a smile to my face, and almost brought a tear to my eyes, is one of those things that almost seems MEANT to occur, as if Fate said..."Oh, look! The Cycling Dude is having a Celebration! There must be SOMETHING I can do, to make it a memorable one, that no one else would ever think of!"

I just checked my e-mail and discovered that a few hours ago a comment was left to my 5 year Anniversary Post.

It brought back memories of the longest single day bike ride of my life and of an encounter with a fellow cyclist whose advice to me changed the way I ride my bike forever:

Happy anniversary!

I am the David mentioned in a post, dated January 6, 2003, on an Los Angeles Wheelmen ride through the Santa Monica Mountains.

May I correct you after five years?

I did the long route. I always ride the long route. I rode to and from the start.

Came upon your site after being titled 'blogger' in the club's newsletter. A search of the term and 'waa laa', transported here.

Come up, let's go for a ride. Give me notice.

Happy, safe, bicycling!

Dear David: I most happily stand corrected. ;-D

How very, very cool is that? ;-D

I have fond memories of my time in the club, from The Pastry Ride, from The LA Zoo to Montrose, A Corner Caper or 2, attending a Club Awards Banquet, and the several times something I wrote appeared in issues of The Gooseneck.

Happy 5th Anniversary To Me!

5 years ago, today, this blog was born and a journey of discovery, filled with many new friends, began.

My 1st post was a reprinting of a Letter to the Editor I had once written to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, in Pomona CA., the city I lived in at the time.

It was called BICYCLIST TO CAR OWNERS: CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

A few days later I wrote a picture filled series of posts introducing myself to my hoped for audience:

WHO AM I?...AND HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN IN THE SADDLE?

I began at Blogspot, moved to MovableType, then Typepad.

In 5 years I have written 918 posts covering News, Issues, BikeBloggers, Websites, Product Reviews, Bike Ride Adventures, and more.

132,887 visitors and counting have explored this blog and all it has to offer. (An Average of 125 Unique visitors a day, sometimes more.)

There have been 668 comments left by readers.

BikeBloggers and a few other Bloggers have Trackbacked 66 times, and many BikeBloggers have added me to their Blogrolls.

I have been acknowledged as the inspiration to start Blogging by a few of the best BikeBloggers in the world, a legacy that means more to me than I can ever express in words.

I've had informative, sometimes heated, debates with some prominent folks in the Cycling Community, and in Politics, and some with ordinary cyclists  as well, all of which I've shared, and which sparked discussion in the Comments.

I've been interviewed by a local newspaper and been mischaracterized by a columnist for another, and corresponded with local, national, and international journalists.

I've been consulted by the writer of a book and been quoted in said book (See link in Sidebar).

I get e-mails from Cycling Activists and ordinary cyclists, asking questions, or giving me heads up on something.

The rides I've shared here are many, as are my opinions and creative writing efforts.

Thank You, each and every person who has visited, commented, and e-mailed.

Thank You to all who have Blogged about something I've written, or written about me in other media, and who have me in their Blogroll, or receive this Blog as an RSS Feed.

To those I call friend...Thank You for your friendship, and encouragement, it means more than I can say.

In honor of this Anniversary I've created a Special Page, listed in the Sidebar (Over the coming year other Pages will be added if I have an idea for 1.):

It celebrates 5 years of Blogging by listing the 101 Best Stories from the past thus serving as a way for newcommers and longtime readers, alike, to explore the best of my writing at their leisure.

I apologize for the temporary odd look of the page, a matter of my figuring out how to update old HTML in the template so as to correct the problem.

Enjoy:

Cycling Dude 101: The Best of My 1st 5 Years of BikeBlogging

I Hearby Resolve to Ride My Bicycle in 2008

When it comes to New Year Resolutions why take chances and resolve to accomplish something that doesn't have a Snowball's Chance in Hell of getting done?

Hee, hee! ;-D

I plan to spend January by continuing my Riding the Rivers Series with rides along the Coyote, Rio Hondo, and then the Los Angeles River at the end of the month, or early February.

After that I have ideas, including 1 Spring Adventure that will remain a possibility and thus a secret until I can be assurred of gettting plane tickets and secure a bike if I can't take my own.

I chose my vacation days later in the Summer and Fall on the assumption that certain Century Rides, in the OC and other areas, will hold their events on weekend days close to those in 2007.

Hopefully I will be able to attend and do stories on the events. ;-D

Merry Christmas Everyone!

No bike riding adventures this week.

I work today and plan to just stay at home and watch a few movies, tomorrow, my day off. ;-D

A Very Special Christmas Message From The Cycling Dude

As I celebrate the Christmas Season and prepare for my 5th Anniversary as a BikeBlogger next month, I want to take this opportunity to just say Thank You, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sit back, relax, enjoy. ;-D

Latest Bike Ride a Grand Adventure

It took 2 days and covered over 90 miles thru 3 counties, only the last 11 1/2 of it not an "Official "part of the route, and almost suffered a major setback before Day 2 even got under way.

Some of what I saw was, to put it mildly, strictly for the Birds.

There were some uphills, some downhills, lots of back to nature, some horsing around, a place where there is suspected hanky panky 24 hours a day, plenty of history, some mystery, some humor, lots of cool pictures and a change of shirt.

Curious? ;-D

Well, stay tuned, as I will begin work on the series tomorrow and hopefully have it up by the end of the day, or Wednesday (Well, ok, NEXT Sunday for sure!), depending on how things progress (I spent yesterday choosing my pictures.).

Went on my 2nd Longest Bike Ride today

Just over 55 miles.

It would have been longer, but my window of opportunity for catching a certain bus was way too close for comfort, and I had to abort.

I will return to the spot where I bailed and finish the ride not on Tuesday, as originally planned, but next week when I have 4 straight days to really do some exploring all the way to an historic spot at the base of the mountains east of San Bernardino.

A full ride report will come later in the week and will be worth it, trust me. ;-D

Test Drive Bike Ready to Roll

A month ago I was approached to test drive a bicycle.

Yesterday I was finally able to haul it to the shop to have it put together.

I rode it the 2 miles home, and plan to really put it through its paces beginning this afternoon.

Yes, I plan to ride it the 11 miles to work. ;-D

What type of bike is it?

Stay tuned, hee, hee. ;-D

Having defeated a Cold

...the great travel diarist in the making will shortly return to finish his adventure!

Aside from a spurt of blogging on my other blog, and an aborted attempt to finish my tale, here, in which my comuter shut down twice, thus erasing my post each time, I didn't do much over the weekend. ;-D

I'll have the last chapter of the San Gabriel River Adventure up late tonite. ;-D

Rolling, Rolling on the Rivers: An Introduction

A long time ago when my cycling mostly consisted of commuting and short trips for shopping, I was persuaded by a sister to ride for the fun of it, to exercise and explore my surroundings.

I began with 10 to 15 mile rides in the Inland Empire, east of Los Angeles.

Then I began to notice something beneath the wheels of the busses I rode as they passed over some river channels across LA County: Bike Trails!

Soon I found myself riding up to 45 miles!

I learned more about these routes due to a few books on cycling in Southern California, by a couple that were some of the few folks writing anything, anywhere, about recreational road cycling in the region.

Those books, some of them, are hopelessly out of date, even as some have been updated in the last few years.

This was all long before I got a computer and discovered what few resources could be found online.

Those resources, sadly, are anywhere from 2 to 6 years old now, though I did find one that appears to be only a year or so old.

This series is about the bike trails along the three mighty (Or should I say "once mighty"?) rivers and a couple of attatched tributaries that flow through Southern California.

Don't let all that concrete fool you!

There are still many stretches along each where Ma Nature holds complete sway over all that she surveys, even as there are some places where she has allowed the Hand of Man to put its stamp on the land and think that he has tamed his surroundings.

What rivers? I'm glad you asked! ;-D

The Los Angeles River and the connecting Rio Hondo River (Together aka The Lario Bike Trail).

The San Gabriel River (The original Mountains to the Sea Bike Trail!), and Coyote Creek.

The Santa Ana River (If its two trails were not unavoidably seperated by a dam the route would have been the second Mountains to the Sea Bike Trail, not to mention the longest, travelling through three counties.).

The last time I rode the full length of any of these routes was well before I became a Blogger so a lot has changed since then.

It is my intention, over the coming months, to re-discover my old friends, take pictures and write about my experiences in that humorous, fun and informative way that readers have come to know and enjoy from previous rides that I have written about.

For now, though, I wish to introduce you to the grand history of these rivers and the way their sometimes violent, uncontrollable, flows shaped the California of today.

The Los Angeles River Watershed and its History.

The San Gabriel River and its History and The San Gabriel River's Wild Youth.

The Santa Ana River Watershed and its History.

Yesterday I took the first step in my project.

I spent the day riding the entire length of the San Gariel River Trail (I intend to return to Highway 39 and follow the river up into the San Gabriels as well.), top to bottom.

A lot of cyclists ride this and the other river trails, but most do not stop long enough along the way, if at all, to enjoy their surroundings, it seems to me.

Where's the fun in that?

It's as if they have transferred time honored Car Culture practices to use in their cycling! ;-D

I want to encourage people who already ride the trails to slow down and even stop, from time to time.

I want to encourage cyclists who have never tackled the rivers to boldly venture forth and do so, often.

Make a family adventure out of it! It will do y'all some good, trust me! ;-D

There is much to experience and discover along our rivers, all year long, and no two trips are ever the same.

Yes, there is graffiti, in some spots a lot of it.

Yes, there are the occasional gangbangers loitering about, but not everywhere, or every day.

Yes, the homeless like to camp out along the river underpasses, but not everywhere and not every day.

Most of these people tend to stick to themselves and not bother users of the trail, especially since Law Enforcement and county officials, responsible for river upkeep, are liable to show up when they least expect it and roust them out (Though not as frequently as one would like.).

On your bike it is easy to avoid those few who appear to want to give you trouble.

You will find that walkers, joggers, fishermen, horseback riders, officials and other cyclists, as well as some of those above, are often worth engaging in conversation with (Use your best judgement.), enriching your experience in often unexpected ways.

I hope you will come along with me as I tell you my own experiences riding the rivers.

CHAPTER 1 OF EACH SERIES:

Rolling, Rolling on the Rivers: San Gabriel River Bicycle Trail 1.

Rolling, Rolling on the Rivers: Santa Ana River Bicycle Trail 1.

Still to Come: Coyote Creek, Rio Hondo, Los Angeles River, and maybe more as I learn of them.

A Hearty Thanks to Local Blogs!

Word of my post on the health risks of cycling in these troubled days has been making the rounds of local blogs:

Thanks go to Art Pedroza of the popular and controversial Orange County Blog, Orange Juice, for including it in his Fire Round-up on the 25th.

Thanks also go to Geoff West, of A Bubbling Cauldron, for including it in his fire round-up, also on the 25th, which has a spectacular photo.

The weather has become cloudy and cooler, with an offshore breeze blowing the smoke into Riverside County to the east.

Health officials have kept health advisories up mostly for south county and areas close to the fires, advising that people with certain health conditions not do strenuous outdoor activities.

Most High School Football games were canceled until Monday and at least one cycling club, the OC Wheelmen, has switched the location of its sunday rides to flat riding along the coast, as opposed to the planned inland and hilly routes.

It appears that many cyclists are going to be getting back in the saddle today all across north county and along the coast, based on the health advisories, and the fact that the sight and smell of smoke is no longer hanging over us.

Me?

I'll toss the bike on the bus to work and ride it the 10 minutes needed to get to my late night bus home because to do otherwise will mean I get home 2 hours later.

I'll return to longer riding on the 30th.

Where there's Smoke, there's Fire: Should You Ride?

This is not a simple question to answer, health risks or not.

All hell has broken loose in SoCal, including here in Orange County, south of Santiago College in the Northern reaches of Irvine, all the way south to Foothill Ranch, and Cook's Corner.

I hadn't rode my bike for a couple of weeks until Monday when I rode 4 miles for the sake of a new odometer, 17 miles on Tuesday to test the odometer and get pictures for a fire related story and 5 miles yesterday on my way to work.

Did I have to do any of that riding? No.

When you live in SoCal and have no car bicycling is one of your options for getting around, and like most folks the health risks never crossed my mind.

2 e-mails have served to focus me on the risks, however, and remind me that I should forget the bike for the duration and rely strictly on mass transit.

Fritz, of Cyclicious, left a comment the other day:

I stupidly decided to ride my bike in the midst of wildfire smoke about three or four years ago. It's a bad idea -- don't do it if you can avoid it.

I replied in an e-mail:

It is kind of hard to avoid the smoke completely in these
conditions, but I am definitely not getting any closer, than I did
yesterday, to the fires themselves. ;-D

His reply, yesterday afternoon:

I understand, but take transit or something. I completely ruined my
lungs when I continued to bike in spite of smoke; the damage is permanent.

THAT caught my attention.

Link Lindquist, of the OC Wheelmen, sent a message to members yesterday:

Greetings everyone,

As someone who has been involved with health and fitness for over 50 years I really want to encourage you to stay off the bike this weekend, unless you can ride it inside or at the gym.

The longtime damage that you will do to yourself by riding outdoors this weekend will far out way the benefits. The medical authorities suggest you do not do outside physical activity for two weeks after the smoke clears. We cannot see the tiny particles being embedded in our lungs.  Smoke effects include eye and respiratory tract irritation, reduced lung function, asthma, coughing and excess mucus.

I urge you as a friend and as an avid cyclist that you do not ride your bike outside this weekend.  The OC Wheelmen have postponed the fall metric because  of the smoke. Cheers to that decision. 

It’s hard for me to believe that there are any scheduled rides for this weekend by anyone.

Again, I plead with you to take care of yourself by just relaxing and enjoying your life.

Stay healthy,          Link and Kathy

PS : Share this with anyone you care about.

I'm convinced and have always used Mass Transit to help me get around, but it's not that simple for other people.

In SoCal there are many people whose only source of transportation, for getting to and from work, or just going anywhere, any time, is by bicycle.

I'm not just talking about illegal Hispanics and Hispanic citizens of low income, either, though they no doubt constitute many such people.

You will see them during the day, some congregating on street corners and at work centers, riding for miles day and night to get to where they need to go.

Many people who ride their bikes may not be able to afford a bus pass and even if they could maybe the bus doesn't go to, or near, where they need to go, much less at the times they need the ride.

Many people don't have time to read the paper, or watch TV and may not own a computer, so will not learn that they maybe should not be riding their bike anywhere.

Many may not even read, or speak English.

When you need to pay the bills and feed the family you get things done using the transportation options available to you, risks be damned.

Recognizing this there is only so much that officials and concerned citizens can do to educate the public:

With the following I hope to reach a few folks:

There is a continuing Health Alert In LA County, Orange County, San Bernardino County (and for child safety, here.), and San Diego County.

As the San Diego Air Pollution Control District says:

Due to the numerous wild fires burning throughout San Diego County, localized areas of smoke and ash have occurred in many areas.  As a result elevated particulate matter concentrations, including fine particulates, or PM2.5 concentrations, may reach unhealthful levels in some smoke impacted areas.

In areas of heavy smoke, assume that air quality levels are unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy for all individuals.  In areas with minor smoke impacts, assume that air quality levels range from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups.

In areas where you smell smoke it is advised that you limit physical activity.  If possible, stay indoors to limit your exposure to fine particulate matter.

The above could just as easlily apply to the rest of SoCal:

The SDAPCD site has a  very important page that discusses the issue of Smoke by answering 8 questions:

1. What's in smoke from a wildfire?

2. Is smoke bad for me?

3. How does smoke harm my health?

4. How do I know if I'm being affected?

5. What can I do to protect myself from wildfire smoke?

6. Do air filters help?

7. Do dust masks help?

8. Are the effects of smoke permanent?

Please read the whole page and if you live in affected areas do what you can to spread this info around to those you know and care about.

The Centers for Disease Control has many useful links:

Health Threat From Wildfire Smoke: A fact Page.

Websites for Currently Affected Areas in California.

The American Lung Association: Forest Fires and Respiratory Health Fact Sheet.

A special Tip of the Hat to Gene Bisbee, of Biking Bis, who inspired me with his post from August when wildfires hit  Montana, Idaho and Washington.

Everything just Ducky Along Mtns. to Sea Trail

Ok, call me daffy, but I used the excuse of giving my new odometer its first true workout, yesterday, to get a look at the fires in Irvine from the safe distance of the Mountains to Sea Trail.

The first 10 miles of the trail come within a few short miles of the 2 hot spots on the northern end of the huge area covered by the fire, and I saw just how close a portion of the trail and the housing developments, and a regional park, to the north of it came to being engulfed by fire over the weekend.

On Monday I rode my bike to the REI in Huntington Beach and arriving with a flat back tire went inside to get an odometer.

I wish to thank Steve Kennedy, in the cycling dept., for his assistance with the flat and the selection and installation of the Sigma BC 1106 DTS odometer.

Yesterday I rode the OCTA 54 bus on Chapman, to Santiago College at Jamboree and the start of the bike trail.

My bike ride lasted only an hour and I took 5 pictures.

Look at the map from the OC Register: My 1st 3 pictures, all related to the fire, show not just how close the fire came to the trail and housing on Jamboree, but how far away the rest of the trail is from the action.

The truly sad thing to report is how the beauty of one of the premier bike rides of the county will be affected by the ravages of the fire, including the very real risk to the popular Cook's Corner diner at the southern end of the route.

Riding along Santiago Canyon Rd., from Jamboree to Cook's Corner and back, or continuing along El Toro Rd. to the coast or connecting with the Aliso Creek Bike Trail to its end and THEN  returning, is a popular way to spend the day cycling.

It is something I still plan to do.

My first photo takes in the northern most active part of the fire, south of the Santiago College, from Chapman and Jamboree.

My 2nd photo is on the trail as it parallels Jamboree and passes the northern most tip of the fire damage, east of Tustin Ranch Rd..

Behind me are expensive housing developements and a Regional Wilderness Park just up the road.

The bike trail eventually leaves Jamboree, and heads between housing tracts to parallel the 261 Toll Rd. for a while and my 3rd photo is taken from the vantage point of Bryan Rd. as the trail crosses over the Toll Rd. from the west side to the east side before continuing on its way.

This offered a spectacular view of the other northern hot spot, above Portola Pkwy..

As I continued on my way I enjoyed the peace and beauty that is part of the fun of this entire route.

There is one stretch where the trail gets up close and personal with the channel itself, below the I-5, and I came across a release of water, from somewhere, that required careful navigation to get past.

Matching picture 4 above, on the other side of the tunnel I came across some local residents bathing themselves in the cool, refreshing, water.

Ain't they just the cutest things? ;-D

I left the trail at Walnut, rode west to Red Hill and caught the bus to work.

I rode a total of 17 miles over the whole day and absolutely loved the way my new odometer performed.

Cycling Dude Approached to Test Drive Bicycle

Recently an e-mail appeared in my in-box, from the representative of a bicycle company, in LA County, that sells its products online.

How about we send you a bike of your choice, free and yours forever, and ever, amen?

All we ask is that you ride the little bugger, write a review about the bike, and your experience with it and review and link to, our website in your piece.

This is a 1st. ;-D

They apparently think the effort on their part it to be worth it.

After checking out the website and taking a few days to consider it, I accepted and expect the bike any day now.

Maybe I will get some reciprical publicity out of this if they like what I have to say, who knows?

Even so I will have a back-up bike if I decide to keep for myself. ;-D

On the Road Again, Now With a Repair Kit, Too!

When I arrived to pick up my beloved Trusty Steed, on Friday, our reunion was an emotional one, as would be expected when we had been seperated for 2 long days.

We both wish to apologize for the late update, as we have been spending a lot of time getting in some riding, mostly to, and from, work.

She rides truly smoother, easier, and faster, than she has for quite sometime, and it inspires me to get out, and test her on some long rides I've put off for too long, including a return to one old one. ;-D

I spent $358+TX., including $55 for the extensive tune-up, $125 for new parts on the bike, and $156 on accessories.

Cleopatra was fitted with a new seat,  a new Rear Cassette ( SRAM PG-970 Power Glide 2 ), a new Crank, a new Shimano Bottom Brackett, a new Chain, new pedals, and new Brake parts.

This is work that was long overdue, and was well worth the expense.

But fixing the bike so she looks, and rides, like a true Lady once again, was only part of what I did.

I got 2 new Tires, Continental Ultra Race, and 4 new Novara Tubes as well.

I got a new Headlight, and Rear Light, and gave them a workout out over the weeked as well.

The Headlight is the powerful Cat Eye Power Opticube, with1500+ Candlepower, and up to 90hr. run time, per set of batteries.

This sucker is bright, and  casts a very wide beam.

The Rear is the powerful, and bright, Blackburn Mars 3, with 180 degree visibility, up to 50 hr. run time on Steady Mode, and up to 150 hrs. on the blinking, Fresh Mode.

The other thing I did was long overdue, and is something EVERY CYCLIST who does a lot of long bike rides, not just as a Comuter, but for Recreational purposes, SHOULD DO.

I made my own Repair Kit:

2 Tubes.

A Novara Patch Kit.

A Novara Tire Lever Set.

A Crank Bros. Multi 19 Tool with carrying flask.

I tossed these into a Plastic Ziploc Bag, and into my Panier. ;-D

Just look at her!

Ain't she a beauty? ;-D

Living in Southern California, all my life, has made it easy for me to forgo the need of carrying a repair kit, due to the fact that there seems to be a bus running down every major, and even some not so major, streets in sight and that, when I get off the beaten path, Cleopatra has been an especially good girl, and not had a problem.

I can fix a flat as good as the next guy, but why bother, when the bus, and even a bike shop sometimes, is nearby, right? ;-D

Well, my recent Malibu Ride finally gave me the incentive to do what I've been meaning to do for several months.

My climb up into the Mountains almost didn't get started.

Just past the 1st curve, in the 1st picture of this chapter on my ride, the rear tire went flat, and no amount of pumping, with my hand pump, would convince it to change its mind.

Just when I was about to head to the bus stop, and begin the long journey home, a small group of cyclists, including 2 ladies bringing up the rear, came by.

The ladies stopped, and asked if I needed help.

The were rightly amazed that I had no extra tubes, and the needed tools to do a replacement, and that I intended to head up into the mountains like that in the 1st place.

Luckily they had an extra tube, and helped me put it one, crankily giving me advice on preparedness all the way.

They told me to never ride alone if possible, either with another person, or a group, and didn't believe me when I told them that neither had ever been much of an option for me over the years, with no friends, and besides the 1st time I did this route riders from a prominent LA Club were too fast for me to keep up with, and so I got left behind with only a route slip to guide me.

They didn't accept my excuse that I'd rarely had problems, before, and when I did there was always the bus nearby.

Once the bike was a go I continued with the ride, and soon learned that if I had another problem there was even a bus up there on weekends, these days, to save my sorry Ass. ;-D

That new tube held up quite nicely until the last 4 miles before reaching the Santa Monica Pier,.

Along this stretch, and for the rest of the day, until I got home, I kept had to pump air into the tube every couple of miles, as needed.

The upshot is... be as prepared as you can be to do what ever you are able to learn how to do, when out on the road.

Even if it's just fixing a flat.

Faithful Cleopatra to Spend 3 Days Under the Knife!

Loyal, to a fault, able to keep her wits about her despite all that I have put her thru in all the years we have shared our lives together, my darling Cleopatra has managed to make do with just the most basic tune-ups, once a year, which was all I could afford.

After our recent trip into the mountains, above Malibu, I realized she was beginning to show her age.

You can't see it because I have covered it with a blanket so as not to upset those with delicate sensibilities, but her saddle has been torn for years now, and its guts were showing, and frankly I feel bad for not getting it changed before now.

Not knowing what else was ailing her, aside from a flat back tire, I was not sure whether she would be able to get by with just another Basic fix, and was prepared for the worst ( Well, the scrap heap would be worst, of course, but bear with me, I'm getting all melodramatic, and trying to touch the readers heart strings, and all ( You DO have your hankie out by now don't you? ). ), the fulll blown Premium Tune-up!

So off to the Hospital we went, and I am just so proud of how she handled the trip!

It is not easy to walk 2 blocks to a bus stop, and after 2 bus rides, walk 2 more blocks, on a busted leg, with no anesthetic, and all the world watching your every step.

The old girl has her pride, and dignity, after all! ;-D

I can't remember exactly when it was I brought her into my life anymore, but she was a gorgeous young thing, that swept me off my feet with all that she had to offer, and the exciting rides she promised, compared to the MTB's I was used to.

I approached Doctor Don, and explained my concerns, and asked him to examine her, and give me his prognosis.

"Don't spare me, Doc, I can take it", I bravely said, as he gently poked, and prodded her, then eased her just as gently, into the repair stand for a look at her, um, more delicate places.

As he went about his work, I smiled at my loyal friend, and said I was going to get her some fancy new duds for her to wear, once she was out of the hospital, as the old ones had been tossed in the trash a couple of months ago, and that I was going to do something else that was long overdue, as a back-up, for our future looonnnggg rides hither and yon, nowhere near a bus stop ( Regular readers will know of what I speak. ).

Finally, the Doc finished, and looked at me with concern in his friendly eyes....

"She will live", he said, "but it will take a bit of work, as she needs new parts in her....", and his voice trailed off as he pointed at her chain, and housing.

I told him that those were the originals, and he showed me why the replacement was needed by using a tool on hers, and a new set, on the patient in the next stand, that vividly made the case clear about the wear, and tear, of the years.

I also agreed to the need for new tires, and he found  a nice seat in his extras, that allowed me to save at least $40 on a new one ( I can get a new one for Xmas, if I need to. )

We left her alone for a bit as the Doc, and I, went to another part of the hospital in search of the fancy doodads, and other items, I wanted.

After he found the tires, he made some suggestions, then introduced me to Nurse Hendrix, who helped me with my final choices, in a kind, and understanding, way.

I returned to the operating room, and the Doc put my stuff ( Those that won't be installed, over the next 3 days, anyway. ) in a bag to keep together until I returned on Saturday.

I said my good-byes to Cleopatra, assuring her that all would be OK, that she would be as good as new, and that she was in good hands, and went home.

I 1st brought my Steed here 2 years ago, for some new tubes, and a basic tune-up, if I remember right, and when I got my REI Membership I knew I'd like to make this location my new Bike Doc of choice ( See link in sidebar! ).

At the Acura Bike Tour, last March, I met the District High Poobah, and told her about this Blog, asking her to consider sticking my card, and even a flyer, on the info wall of the local store.

This summer, she came thru, and so there they are, and I couldn't be prouder. ;-D

On Sunday I'll Report on the aftermath of the Premium Tune-up, and have pictures, too.

After a month on the sidelines, I will be back in the saddle again, my Trusty Steed, and I, traveling the highways, and byways, of the OC, and Southern California once more! ;-D

Creating My Own Labels for Bicycling BookCrossing Releases

In my effort to spread the Joy of Reading, as a Bicycling BookLover of BookCrossing, I created my own little labels, to use along with the rubber stamp, and book bags purchased from BookCrossing. ;-D

When I've Registered the book I'll add it ID #, and then when I Release the book I'll add my name, the date, and a description of where.

When a person comes upon this book, and opens the cover, it is hoped that he/she will be inspired to follow the instructions found within. ;-D

Over hill, and hill, and hill

.... and not a freakin' dale in sight! ;-D

Well, I'm safely back from a day of revisiting the longest bike ride of my life. ;-D

I plan on doing an update post, actually a series of posts, enhancing the original with pictures, and fresh commentary of the journey 5 years later, so look for it later in the week.

The pics will, I hope, amaze, amuse, concern ( And in 1 case, especially, enrage. ), entertain,  energize, and tire you out ( No not all at once, or all with every picture. )

Some of the views are amazing, as are some of the road conditions.

At least 1 pic is amusing.

Several will cause you concern about conditions, and 1 will get you seriously angry with a couple of cyclists.

Several will plum tucker you out just looking at them. ;-D

Cycling Photography on Agenda for Vacation

From August 4th thru the 13th I will be on vacation, and have plans to do something I've been meaning to do since I go my Digital Camera, and began putting it to use here, over a year ago.

I plan to return to my 2 LA County mountain rides, and several of my Orange County rides, and take photos for inclusion in the posted stories. ;-D

I especially want to see if I can shave a few hours time off the 2 nountain rides. ;-D

I also may take my 1st foray into Riverside/San Bernardino County, to scope out that section of the Santa Ana Rive Trail, east to the Mountains near Big Bear, in preperation for a future story about the whole route fom the coast to the mountains.

I Hate Flats

I think my flat knew the jig was up. ;-D

It lured me into a sense of complacency, yesterday.

It DECEIVED me! ;-D

A trip to the market, and back home, in the morning, and the tire held air.

At 1230 I headed off to work figuring to stop at Surf City Cyclery, down the street from the job, to get the flat fixed, and have plenty of time to do a bit of shopping at Target before work, at 3.

A mile into my ride the tire sprung its trap!

No amount of work with my hand pump would persuade it to inhale.

I walked the bike another 1/2 mile before I found someone who knew of a bike shop nearby.

I walked another mile, and discovered the shop was no longer there. ;-D

A scan of a phone book showed me the next shop was 8 miles away.

It was 2pm.

I had tried, the day before, to get yesterday off to not just get the flat fixed, but needed tune-up.

No dice.

A call to work with my tale of woe, led to an employee, who got off at 230, coming to get me, and bring me to work.

I took the front wheel off to make the bike fit in her tiny, beat-up car. ;-D

Since I was going to be late anyway I took the bike to Surf City, and walked in asking if there was a Doctor in the House. ;-D

Dr. Nelson Raboy, Service Tech Extraordinaire, came to my rescue.

I handed him the front tire, and 10 minutes later he had a new tube in place, and the bike almost ready to go.

When he said he had to go get a Screw Driver, I asked if he could mix me one, too, since the whole day was driving me to drink.

Then I realized that wasn't what he meant. ;-D

When he returned, and was going to put air in the back tire, it was THEN I remembered that it was the BACK TIRE that was flat!!

Yes, he had to get another Screw Driver. ;-D

Anyway, I was 45 min. late to work, but at least I didn't get in trouble. ;-D

Surf City, in Huntington Beach, is a great shop, and I've bought a few things from them since they moved in, and I like their Creed: 

Here, customer is king.

As cliche as that may sound we really do want to give you an enjoyable experience when you walk through our doors.

The entire staff, for some, will be familiar faces; experienced, energetic people that love what they do, and it shows!

We don't want to sell you a product, we want to sell you a lifestyle and get you involved with riding your bike and enjoying the experience.

Thanks, Surf City, for making my day! ;-D

Commuters cope by Bike and Foot

Well, the last few days have been interesting.

I've seen  more cyclists on the road ( And yes, regretably, on the sidewalk, too. ), and still encounter people at bus stops without a clue. ;-D

The OC Register saw a comment I wrote to one of their pieces, and sent me an e-mail looking for comment for a story on how riders are coping.

I called, and left a message, and replied with some thoughts by e-mail, willing to be interviewed, but no-one has got back to me. ;-D

The paper had, however interviewed at least one user of a bicycle. ;-D

Filimon Gomez, 49, rode his bicycle more than six miles from his home in Orange to catch the bus. He'd bought the 10-speed bike Monday for $35 at a garage sale, knowing he'd need a way to get to the route in Fullerton before taking the bus to his job as a painter in Costa Mesa.

"I have to start earlier, I get to work later and will have to get off later to make up for it," Gomez said. "The only good thing is the bus is free."

There's a video that has an interview of an Hispanic worker, with a cheap, inadequate, bike, who complains that he he had to go home when the bus didn't come.

I get the impression he doesn't like riding his bike to his job. ;-D

His ride, one way, is only about 4 miles at most.

Mine is 11. ;-D

Others are walking, even if it's just to get to, and from, the nearest operating bus line:

Some riders said they spent as much as $40 taking a cab to and from the Route 43 bus line. Others planned to walk up to six miles to get to work after getting off the bus.

"I got up and checked the news, hoping they'd settled the strike so I wouldn't have to hoof it," said Norbert Conde, 45, who planned to walk from Harbor Boulevard 4.2 miles to his job at Knott's Berry Farm.

"I'm going to try it. But if the strike keeps going, I'm not sure how long I can keep that up."

My bike has had 1 flat for a few days, but holds air for the ride.

I'm not taking chances, though, and getting it taken care of this afternoon. ;-D

The full OC Register story is here.

Boy Scouts Explore Santa Ana River Trail

On my way to work yesterday I encountered a group of cyclists taking a breather, along the trail, in Santa Ana, CA.

Upon talking with the Adults in the group I learned they were from Boy Scout Troop 202, of Chino, CA., and were on the return leg of a trip that took them from Yorba Regional Park, in Yorba Linda, to the beach, and back, a total of 50 miles.

More Young Skulls learning the joys of bicycling! ;-D

Orange County Bus Drivers Strike, Hundreds of Thousands Affected

1,100 Bus Drivers who drive more than 900 Busses, on 81 Bus Routes affecting over 225,000 residents of Orange County, in Southern California, went on strike at midnight, Friday morning, in the culmination of a months long dispute over wages, and benefits, for a new contract.

Orange County Transit Authority ( OCTA ) posted the following on its website:

The Orange County Transportation Authority has significantly reduced its bus service throughout the county after the coach operators’ union declined to continue negotiating and went on strike Saturday, July 7.

During this time ACCESS paratransit, OCTA express bus and Metrolink StationLink bus services are running as usual. The strike does not affect Metrolink trains. OCTA is operating Route 43 from Fullerton to Costa Mesa along Harbor Boulevard from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays only. ACCESS paratransit standard fares do apply. All other bus routes in service are free to passengers.

( Full version )

While striking drivers set about making themselves comfy in front of OCTA Yards, such as the one on MacArthur, at Hyland, that I went out of my way to pass by on the way to work, the public went about the business of getting to where they needed to go.... or not. ;-D

With only 1 of its 4, 24 hour, routes in operation, and that on a limited schedule, and the 30 other operating routes being from the Special Routes, or lightly used routes, geared to specific, localized areas, some only running during certain times, and not all day ( According to Southern CA. Transit Advocates these 30 are operated by Veolia Transport, and are not subject to strike. ), the disruption in peoples lives, and their ability to get to where they are going, especially if they work will be....

Well, let's just say it ain't gonna be pretty for many.

If you don't have a Bus Book, and access to the Internet, so you can go to the OCTA Website, or the related page at the OC Register Newspaper, so as to know what the routes for the coming week, and beyond ( And sometimes the PDF of a route map, and schedule, won't work! ), then you will have difficulty.

The OC Register, Thursday, reported that the OCTA plans to post informational flyers at bus terminals to inform the public about the situation, but we shall see.

Many Bus Riders are low income and, with many being Hispanic, there are a lot who don't speak English, and don't have access to the Internet, so the strike will come as an unpleasant surprise.

Many major areas of the county, with heavy Bus use, will not be served, at least for now.

What this means is that people will have to find alternative ways to get around, whether by car, by foot, or especially by Bicycle.

Todays OC Register has an excellent article about the 1st day of the strike.

   

As readers know I often ride my bike 11 miles to work, and sometimes even make the return trip, by bike as well,, but most of the time I combine the bike ride with the bus. ;-D

I am very interested in hearing from people with their Bike Commute stories during the strike, and will share them, and any pictures ( Send to the E-mail in the sidebar. )

I spent my bike rides to, and from work, yesterday, breaking the news to a dozen people ( 4 of whom spoke only a tiny bit of English. ) at bus stops at Bristol, and Memory Lane, in Santa Ana ( The 2 pics above. ), Warner and Bushard ( A Cyclist! ) , and Edinger and Gothard, in Huntington Beach, Beach and Westminster, in Westminster, and 17th and Fairview, in Santa Ana.

A veritable 2 wheeled bringer of joy, and good tidings, I am! ;-D

Have a Safe, and Sane Independence Day

Today, and tommorrow, cyclists, alone, with a friend, or in groups, will be celebrating the holiday with a bike ride, or 2.

Safe Cycling is important, especially on holidays when some people celebrate with a, um, pint, or 2. ;-D

If you have imbibed don't go riding.

If you know someone who has imbibed, don't let them go riding.

These photos were taken, this morning, in Fullerton, Ca., at the intersection of State College and Bastonchury, looking at the NW Corner, at the convergence of some Major, Big Ass, Hilly roads.

Whatever happened, here, the Bastonchury sign ( The East/West street. ), obviously got the worst of it. ;-D

In Memory of a Wonderful, and Talented Young Man

At the Ride of Silence I met the father of a talented young man who was killed in an encounter with a motorist, and was so impressed with the story of this young man, and the mission of his grieving parents, that I asked him to let me know when they got a website up.

Jason Kramer was killed last September, but his memory, and a legacy, will live on in many ways.

Dan Kramer has written me that Jason now has a website that has his music, video, tributes and alot of information.

It has been about 6 months now. It’s not any easier, but we are still trying to get by day by day. We still struggle daily to keep the tears from flowing to no avail. I’m hoping that time will at least soften the blow somewhat.

There are over 700 CD’s in circulation now. We started the JASON KRAMER MEMORIAL FUND and it has been doing some good. So far we have pledged to purchase at least 20 violins for Jason’s school district so some kid that can’t pay for an instrument can get one and maybe go on to what Jason was destined to become. Those violins should be around for over 25 years. To Jason’s favorite school we donated a piano to replace the one they had since 1974. There will be a plaque with Jason’s name on it. That should be there for over 30 years. We are making annual donations to CHOC’s also. We’re hoping that JASON ALEXANDER KRAMER will not be forgotten. He was a remarkable individual. He was our only child………our life.

Dan and Lucy Kramer

Check out the website here.

The Cycling Dude Seal

A very cool site that lets you create your very own Seal. ;-D

Not Much Bike Riding Lately

Over the past couple of weeks I've been busy with other things, some related with my other blog, and some not.

I spent some time doing a real good cleaning job on the apartment, in preparation for the annual inspection. ;-D

We are all slaves to the House Cleaning Gods, and I had to retire the really old Vac, and Mop, borrow a Sisters Shampooer, and buy myself a new Vac, and a Swifter Mop.

Now, I Vac every week, and twice before the recent shampoo, using the old Vac one last time, but when I used my new toy on the carpet the other day I was stunned by the amount of stuff it picked up when found myself emptying the canister 3 times! ;-D

I spent a day in Los Angeles, part of which was spent attending the taping of one of my favorite weekly News Shows, the Half Hour News Hour.

I spent a couple of hours on another day at a Political Protest, before heading off to work. ;-D

I'll be getting back to more Blogging this week, I promise. ;-D

Look Ma, No Hands!

Giorgio Kundurazieff, his wife Mary, and yours truly, 1961. ;-D

Those were happy days for this new family.

Dad had been in the US for 10 years, and had a job he loved, as a Groundskeeper at Pomona College, in Claremont, CA.

Little did anyone know the tragedy that was to come 8 years later.

MARY ALICE WELLS KUNDURAZIEFF -- 1929 TO 199O

Taken just a few years before her death, in 1990, this image shows the humor, and spirit, of a courageous, and energetic, woman, who had spent the 70's and 80's, raising 3 children on her own, as a stay at home Mother, after her husband suffered a mental breakdown.

She gave me my love of books, and the movies, my curiosity, my love of the outdoors, and my sense of humor.

Most important she gave me my sense of the importance of Family, and sticking together through the tough times of life.

Somehow, all that she gave me sustained me through the difficult years after her death, and helped me have the strength, and courage, to finally take steps to change my life between 1998 and 2002, that played important roles in who I am today.

Thank You Mom!

I love you, and I miss you.

----------------------------------

The above was my Tribute to my Mom, on my other blog, this morning.

I almost didn't share it here, but as I said, she gave me my love of the outdoors, and that began, as a toddler, with my 1st Bike.

She encouraged my Bike riding from the start, and so did my Dad, in his own way ( As long as his only son was not riding a skateboard, he was apparently a very happy camper, hee, hee! ), I'd like to think that she would be very proud of where that love of cycling has led me since her death.

A Picture to Inspire Riding California Coastline

I came across a gorgeous poster, of the peloton from the 2007 Tour of California Race, that should serve to inspire people to tour the coastline of California, along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. ;-D