iciclebicycle

First Commute of 2011

2011-04-06T18:43:00.001-07:00

My Winter Look

2011-03-02T20:02:00.001-08:00

Stuporbowl 14

2011-03-02T19:58:00.001-08:00

Nite Rides

2011-03-02T19:26:00.001-08:00

After the Snow Storm

2011-03-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

Old Winter Bike Gets New Look For Spring

2010-04-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

Those big brown tires are Fat Franks from Schwalbe Tire.

I've had this Gary Fischer for almost 15 years and had been using it for just Winter riding the last few years, until my Dutch bike came along. This Spring, I decided that I wanted a larger stable of bikes to ride. I rode the Dutchman for 4 straight months, last fall. I don't regret it. When I finally hoped on another bike, it was a shock. I felt like I was going to fall over the front end of the bike. I thought maybe I should wear a helmet, just to guard against that posibility. I knew then for sure that the upright posture of Dutch style bikes really is safer.

After a long hard Winter, my Dutch bike needed some work, I began to ride my other bikes more regularly. Now I'm liking the variety. Three really is better than one(sometimes Four).

So, I started shopping around for some nice sturdy tires with the Fat Franks getting my attention. Fat! At 2.35, they barely fit on my mountain bike. Sturdy. The talk is they don't get flats. Styling. Might as well cut a pleasant trail.

I also bought the pannier from Hiawatha Cyclery. They are becoming my favorite bikeshop. Kind of a Sheldon Brown/ Rivendell/ neighborhoody shop down by Minnehaha Falls. The panniers are from Banjo Brothers, which happens to be a local company, which makes it even better! They were also nice enough to loan me the saddle to try out. I've put 50 miles on it and can't complain of any pains. I do think I should look into getting a brown seat though, whether that's a Brooks or not. Maybe I'll put this one on my aluminum Gary Fischer? It's seat had busted and I've been trading seats with this Gary ever since. That poor bike has been the odd bike out. Maybe I should sell it?

Well, unless it snows again, I'll be over at thechaicyclist. Hopefully, next year I won't poop out on blogging in the middle of the iciclebicycle season.

Happy Friday!

2010-03-26T20:46:00.001-07:00

It's Critical Mass.

"Over the head" shot.

"Down under me" shot of Schwinn.

"Me with my Winter fur" shot.

It was a little nippy out there today, but still a good turnout(60+), I thought, for a March Critical Mass ride. One guy did get taken down right in front of me, when one of the peddle cops decided to stop and shove his bike into they guy when he strayed over the yellow line. Seemed kind of excessive. Like the cop just snapped and decided somebody's going down. But for the most part things seem to be pretty good with the police. They send some bike cops along with us and have a few squad cars in the back. We ride around the city yelling "Happy Friday!".

What I Wear to Stay Warm: A Warm Heart Doesn't Require Cold Hands: Keeping Hands Toasty in Subzero Weather

2010-03-03T07:11:00.000-08:00

These Smartwool liner gloves are a must. By themselves, they're good for me down into the high 20's on a bike. Plus, you can do things that require some dexterity. The Smartwool gloves are perfect for when you want add some warmth to heavier gloves or these mitten gloves. And if the big ones get too hot, the liner gloves will keep the chill off your hands.

Mitten Gloves

Warm arms are important too. I use these Pearl iZumi arm warmers. They're nice because you can pull them off, when you get to your destination or you can bring them with you just in case you need some extra layers on the ride home.

What's in a Windchill?

2010-01-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

Windchill is a very popular word these days. 20F, 30F, and 40F below windchill temperatures are all over the airwaves. But are these windchill temps really accurate and more importantly, useful?

Daniel Engber says no in Slate.com. He says windchill's popularity has more to do with big headlines and bravado, than useful science. I would tend to agree with him. Windchill is an estimate of how cold it may feel to you. Kinda subjective. -30F and -30 windchill aren't the same thing. Having been outside once a long time ago when it was -26F, I can say that -26 windchill doesn't feel nearly as cold. Windchill varies greatly because the wind doesn't blow consistently.

What I look at when I check the temp before hopping on my bike, is temp and windspeed. That tells me what to expect. I know what 5F and 10 miles an hour winds feels like, so make sure I have a little more protection from the wind. Two numbers and experiential learning.

Fact: The coldest temperature recorded Minnesota was -60F, in Tower back in 1996. The coldest estimated windchill temp was an estimated -71F in 1982 in northern Minnesota.

-14F in the Shade

2010-01-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

When I awoke this morning a saw that the temp was a negative 14F, I was exited. "Woo hoo! I've never rode a bike when it's that cold". I put on all my gear, which takes awhile and threw some extra's in my pack in case I was underdressing. The air was crisp. My nose burned when I inhaled. When I pulled Frankie out of the unheated garage and pushed off, the front brakes started squealing. They didn't stop until it got up to -5 in the early afternoon. My ride over to meet with some friends was nice, except for the squealing, I suppose. I was sweating mildly by the time I got there. I was a little disappointed that nobody said "what are doing? are you crazy?". But they know me well enough to not be surprised about what conditions I ride in.

Later, I got a chai and ran some errands. Before arriving home, I stopped at a grocery in my neighborhood to buy some ice cream. When I got back on the bike, I decided not to put my Pearl izumi ski mask(pictures coming in future post) back on because I was only 5 blocks from home. On that short ride I realized how valuable that mask is to my comfort, because my face was really cold when I got home. I went inside and wasn't feel too cold except for my face and the back of my feet. But I figured a hot shower would be smart because sometimes the chill won't go away and I don't like getting sick. That was a good move. My feet and chest were tingly with mild frostbite. After a long hot shower, some lotion and some warm clothing they are back to normal.

Besides the squealing drum brakes and cold feet, I really enjoyed being out there in the elements. Next time I will take steps to make sure my feet and chest are better protected. I only saw two other cyclists on my travels, but figure there will be more when they get tired of being inside all the time. They don't know what they are missing out on.

2009 iciclebicycle Photo Recap

2009-12-30T20:31:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the iciclebicycle archives for 2009. It was a snowy one. Will this next year be the same?

Just Like Christmas Cards, Better Late than Never: Christmas Blizzard Aftermath Pictures!

2009-12-29T20:18:00.000-08:00

Should I be doing Panda shots on this stuff?

We had a three day, all Christmas blizzard that left 10 inches of snow. They were predicting up to 20, but it rained in the middle, instead. I would have preferred the extra 10 inches to the icy result. But it's best to take what you're given and make the best of it. I waited until the final day of the storm to go out for a bike ride. On the first leg over to my Chai-house, I was thinking this winter biking really shouldn't be for everyone. It was a bumpy, slippery, white knuckle ride. How slow can you go? Glad I was riding Frankie, the Dutch bike monster. He does slow very well.

Handle bars are for hanging stuff on.

After a warm and wonderful Chai, I ventured out to try and find some other rugged individualists riding their bikes. In the spirit of cooperation and not holding a grudge, I helped push three cars that were stuck in the snow. They all had to get their vehicles off the even numbered side of the street or risk getting towed for blocking the snow plows. What a pain having a car! I don't mind helping out. Chip some ice, shovel some snow and push. Kind of fun to pull up on a bike, park it with the double kickstand and offer to help. Plus, I got some ginger bread cookies from one woman.

After some treacherous neighborhood adventuring, I headed to where the cars aren't, the Midtown Greenway(not so green, right now). There I finally found some fellow iciclebicyclists! One thing that disappointed me, was that none of the cyclists I encountered(except one friend) was in anyway friendly. They just looked at you like you were bothering them. I'm thinking you should be happy to see other bikers on day with so few. Thinking about it later, I chalked it up to fact that they were just as unsure as I was on this days challenging surface, and couldn't break their concentration to acknowledge their kinfolk.

At least it was straight and car-free.

Back yard.

After meeting up with a friend for dinner, I made the return trip loaded down with groceries. This leg of the adventure was the easiest. I was starting to get the hang of it, but I also think the 3 bags of groceries increased the bikes stability. Nice to finish on a relaxed note after an intense day getting acquainted with my new environment.

Three days riding since, and I am gaining confidence on my new winter bike. Tonight, I was riding down the hill towards Loring Park and I noticed that the packed snow on the path had a glaze to it. Another cyclist had decided to walk their bike down instead of chancing it. I eased up, but continued down the hill looking for matte surfaces. Frankie didn't have any trouble with the ice glaze and rode it with ease. Of course confidence can lead to overconfidence, which can get you in to trouble, real quick. At the same time, every ride, I get to know my bike a little better. Frankie maybe tall, but he has been very stable compared to my old winter bike. He's not fast, but fast isn't what's called for.

Christmas Shopping on Bike

2009-12-27T12:17:00.001-08:00

Fully loaded.

I'm not a big shopper. I don't like to hunt all around town for Christmas gifts. That's why I'm so happy I found the Bibelot shop in my neighborhood. 3o minutes and I had some great gifts for everybody on my list. I think this shop is made for guys like me. Kitchen things, Christmas things, clothing, jewelry. Anything that makes a great small gift.

Imagining Winter

2009-12-27T09:49:00.000-08:00

Becomes reality

Hiatus over.

Instant Winter Studded Tires

2009-12-10T06:57:00.000-08:00

Frankie braves the storm.

Winter is now here. I better get those studded tires. I suppose I could have shopped for them earlier, but that would have acknowledged the inevitability of winter. Now, that it's here I can get in gear.

Getting studded tires became a little more complicated than I had imagined, until got educated. It seems tires sizing is closer to alchemy than to a science, because there are three different measuring standards. My local shop, Freewheel, had Schwalbe studded tires on sale($63), but needed to back order them. The confusion started, when they started talking about 700mm tires, but my bikes Schwalbe tires said 28x1.75, 622-47. Normally, 28's aren't the same as 700's. I ended up calling Cleaver Cycles in Portland. They set me straight. , 28x1.75's are different than common 28's, but are the same as 700's! And 622 is 700. There, nice to have that figured out.

Cody admires Frankie's fortitude.

I couldn't wait for the tires to arrive, so I went for spin on storm night. It handled pretty well but I'm thinking the studs will be welcome. I had a couple times where I had to put my feet down quickly to avoid taking a spill, and I did have one half fall. I do have last years winter bike that has bigger nobbies than the Schwalbe, so I may use that bike more in heavy snow.

If You Want to Enjoy Winter, You Have to Dress For It

2009-11-13T06:39:00.000-08:00

Godfrey dawns his scarf, but prefers my lap to keep himself cozy.

It Begins

2009-10-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

But hopefully it will be gentle. ;^)

Happy Summer! I'm at The Chai Cyclist Now

2009-03-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

Snows gone!

Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl

It's Time for iciclebicycle to Melt Away, But Don't Worry!

2009-03-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

Spring is here. While there is snow in the forecast, I think everybody's sick of Winter and so I'm moving to greener pastures over at The Chai Cyclist. That's my other habit. Tea. Love it. Like to talk about it(while drinking it, of course). So, I'm gonna try blogging about it.

And bikes. I'd hope to be getting more involved in bike advocacy, this Summer, and will try and share that with you. Every year there are more and more bikes on the streets of Minneapolis. I want to do my part to encourage it.

Thanks to all who kept up with this endeavor. It's been a lot of fun and has really deepened my appreciation of the bicycle. Mostly, I have learned by watching other blog sites that do it much better than me. Thanks to you for showing me the way. I will keep watching...yours.

In Minnesota the snow always returns and with it, I'm sure, iciclebicycle...soon enough, for sure!

ps. Coffee drinkers are more than welcome over at the new site. Don't be scared. Tea won't bite, not like strong coffee will, anyways. ;)

Schwinn's Need to Stick Together

2009-03-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

Harvey and Breeze at the Wedge.

Why Am I Still Here?

2009-03-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

Why is iciclebicycle still here? Hasn't Spring come and melted all the snow? Well, yes, but we had snow flakes this evening as I ran errands with Harvey. While it was cold and blustery, my ride down Lake Street warmed me up. Lake Street is the heart of South Minneapolis. My connection to it goes back to my earliest years. Here's a funny story. As a kid I lived two blocks from it, and so as I was learning new words, I would talk about it a lot. One day when I was five, I walked over to the street by myself and looked up at the sign. I had made a mistake. It said Lake Street, not Leg Street! All that time I thought everybody was calling it Leg Street. Well that changed my life forever.

The street has changed a lot. Gone are the new car dealers. They moved to the Suburbs. Gone are Porky's and the Red Barn. Restaurants of a bygone era. Also gone are the porn houses and massage parlors. They went somewhere. Perhaps downtown... or the web. Today, the biggest mover's are the Spanish speaking folks(Don't want to get into the identity issue). They have really brightened things up with the bright Orange and Yellow colors of their buildings.

I came across a nice little taco shop called Pineta. I hadn't been there in a while and was a little hungry. They have great taco's at a nice price. Plus, they have Horchata to wash down with.

Harvey hangs out with a cool new friend while do some shopping.

I am still working on the new website and hope to roll it out soon. But I did see snow in the forecast for next week, so iciclebicycle lives a little longer.

Harvey

2009-03-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

I missed out on all the nice weather this weekend, because I caught a cold. It seems that I should have been wearing more clothes when it got warm earlier in the week. I had no ambition to do anything computer related and spent much of the weekend watch episodes of Lost. These are some shot's I took at Loring Park, while I was busy coming down with this cold.

Harvey

My burnt orange Schwinn has told me his name. I thought it was Orangina, but he corrected me on that. I'm riding him tomorrow night, cold or no cold.

The New Yorker Profiles Street Fashion Photographer Cyclist

2009-03-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

Check out Bill Cunningham on his way through the streets of New York City. This weeks New Yorker has an article on this gifted eccentric photographer who prefers to get around New York City on the bicycle pictured. He has a column in the New York Times "On the Street" which documents the styles people are wearing around New York. He's been doing it a long time and his pictures are window into the styles of the past.

What I liked was how he watches the Fashionista's but makes sure he isn't a part of it. He is his own creation.

Photograph: Clint Spaulding/Patrick McCullen

Another Week, Another Planet

2009-03-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

What a difference a week makes. Last Thursday started out a cool -4F. This Monday it got up to 65F. That's a lot of degrees! In the summer, 65 is a cool breezy day, but after a sub-zero winter, it felt like 80. Who knows how long this will last. We are sure to get another dip in the weather, but that will probably not beat what we have had.

I was very happy to see tons of bikes out on the streets, yesterday. It was like a bike convention. I think it's good if people get out earlier in the Spring, because if they don't, it could be August before they hop on. That happened to me one summer, a long, long time ago. I'm trying not to be a pain in the ass, but I do use these occasions(Nice weather) to suggest friends get on their bikes. I'm actually going to help a woman I know find a good touring bike for a breast cancer ride this summer. She hasn't had a bike in a long time, but the seed has been planted. I hope she catches the bug... or is it fever?

Playin Hooky?

2009-03-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

Today would be a perfect day to play hooky from work. Watch the thermometer on the right as it rises, perhaps to 65F. Unfortunately, I must work today, but will be on my bike, soon after work... in shorts!

Schwinn Time

2009-03-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

First time of the year on the Schwinn.

Smells Like Springtime

2009-03-14T19:12:00.000-07:00

Water hazards

Cycle mob

Couch Potato's

One thing that happens when Winter comes is you lose the ability to smell much outside. The cold air constricts the blood vessels in your nose, and there isn't as much to smell anyways because the frigid temperature keeps things from decaying. And that's is much of what we are smelling outside. Decaying stuff.

Well, today we reached a temperature(50F) where I could actually smell things besides car exhaust. It wasn't the pretty smells of Spring though. Not flowers and grass. It was rougher smells like dog poop that filled the air and my nostrils. My landlords dogs have been pooping in the yard all winter and now, like the Dawn of the Dead they have risen again. And it's not pretty... the smell is not pretty at all. But I'm okay with it, because I know that it this means that things are changing and finer smells will soon arrive.

Winter Returns

2009-03-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we set a record for this date, by not getting above 5F. I let go of Spring and decided to enjoy the Winter by getting on my bike and going for a nice ride. Being that it was Winter, it took 15 minutes to get properly dressed and ready to ride. I'm glad I took the time because that wind was strong and bitter(just like the coffee I used to drink). I didn't have much company, seeing 5 cyclists during my travels. 2 days earlier I had lost track of how many.

I must say that letting go of the idea that Spring must come soon, allowed me to enjoy riding in the crisp air. I was planning to take a few photo's but I wasn't that adapted to the cold, that I was going to stop and pull the camera out. No time for lingering. I made a few stops and talked to friend. Checked out a used bike shop, someone had told me about(I forget the name) on Lake Street. Got some groceries and headed home. Thanks to the rain, turned to snow storm of the night before, it was icy in spots. I wasn't riding my studded tire bike because the chain has started to slip. But my other bike has good winter tires on it. That didn't keep me from falling once, when I got stuck in an ice rut, while going down a hill. It was a nice fall and the only damage was to the banana's in my side pack. If there was picture that I should have taken, it would have of that path. This a busy ped/bike path across from the Walker Art Center and it was all icy ruts. That should be somebody's priority. Perhaps they had get the streets first.

All in all, it was a nice evening ride. I'm glad I chose that over hibernating.

chaiciclebicycle Anyone?

2009-03-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

You all are jogging my blog naming juices. What do ya think about chaiciclebicycle? Kind of riffs off of iciclebicycle. Is it getting too out there?

What's in a Name?

2009-03-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

This iciclebicyle gig isn't going to last forever. It's going to get green and flowery at some point in the near future. Some of you may be more optimistic than me about when that will happen, but then again, you probably don't live in the Ice Box State. I also think that as Spring Fever spreads throughout the blogosphere, who's gonna want to feel the chill of iciclebicycle? So at some point soon, iciclebicyle will be going on a hiatus until the snow falls again.

I have had a lot of fun blogging and learning from all you folks who have created better sites than my own. So, I will be looking to start another blog, to tide me over until iciclebicycle becomes relevant again. But I will need a name for my new blog.

Here are few things about me that will be blog themes.

~I love biking and want to see more people on them. Bike Love!

~I love tea, and could spend much time talking about it. So much so, that I hardly have time to drink it...not true. Tea Connoisseur.

Here's a few names that have popped into my head as potential names for the new site:

Cycle Chai
Chai Cyclist

The Chai Cyclist
Cycle Chai-ist
A Bicycle Built for Tea

I really have gone off on a tangent with a few of these. Can you help me out by giving me some good suggested titles?

Thanks for your inspiration,

Spiderleggreen

Adventures of the Day

2009-03-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

I really needed that extra hour of sleep today, but I didn't get it thanks to Daylight whatever. After work, I hopped on my bike to get a chai with my friends at Namaste Cafe. There ain't another chai like it. As I was heading up Hennepin Avenue, I came upon a real cool old bike. "Nice bike" I said as I was passing him. At the next light, we talked some more. It's not an old bike at all. It's an 8 speed Schwinn that has that old style look. I love the color. Green frame and white fenders. The owner, Dustin, has an nice commute up Hennepin, but is really looking forward to ditching the jacket. Me too!

Note pile of dirty snow in background.

This evening, I saw tons of cyclists. It thrills me to see all the bikes coming back from their winter hibernation. It seems like every year I'm seeing more and more bikes on the road and I hope it continues(even though I do like the solitude of winter riding). My city counsel person, Diane Hofstede is going to recommend me for a bike planning committee. I'm excited for the opportunity to have some input on what my city can do to expand cycling infrastructure. Build it and they will come.

Endless Winter

2009-03-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

The last snow storm really brought out the dread of endless winter in people. I have to say that I was one of those people. I started think that it's always going to be like this and all those summery days would never return. It seems like a lifetime ago that I could walk around in shorts and sandel's without concern that I had enough clothes on. Not having to worry about losing my hat or gloves. There really is so much to keep track of in the winter. It was becoming a lot of work. Just going outside was always a big production. You had to have good reason to go outside.

We have a had winter conditions since late November and that was a long time ago. I wondered how I had been doing this for so many years. How had I been making it through all these winters? It dawned on me that I hadn't been getting outside as consistently as before. I have come to believe that the best way to not get the winter blues, was to get outside more. 10 years ago I had a job where I was outside in all year long. There were some tough moments, but I noticed that I didn't have that overwelming sense of dread that comes just before Spring. It was nice to see Spring when it came, but I could enjoy whatever weather we had, as long as I spent time outside, everyday. And before I knew it, those warm, sunny days returned.

Picture courtesy Meligrosa

New York Times Article on Biking

2009-03-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a NY Times article about how cyclist may need to change their ways, if they want a better bike scape.

Crime Fear Increases Risks on Midtown Greenway?

2009-03-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

Midtown Greenway in front of the Freewheel Bike shop.

I love the Midtown Greenway. I ride on it all the time, day or night. It originally was railway trench dug through the heart of Minneapolis, over 125 years ago. It was converted to a bike trail about 8 years ago. It has really changed the cycling culture in Minneapolis, because it has made it easy to cut through 5 miles of city quicker than a car. It also connects to the Cedar Trail, the Chain of Lakes Trail and eventually may hop the river into St. Paul.

Hiawatha Trail. The sign says "Riding After Dark?". If you were riding after dark,

you wouldn't be able to read it, due to lack of lighting.

Back in November there was a string of evening muggings on the greenway. Groups of men would stand in the way of cyclists and try to mug them when they stopped. It became big news, perhaps due to fact that it happened on the Greenway and it involved cyclists(pity the people who get mugged on a plain old street). Something had to be done! So... they put up a sign! It listed thing you should do(and not do). Number one on the list? Avoid riding at night. On a personal level, that may make sense, but by discouraging night time riders, they make it even more dangerous to those who do ride. While I understand the Midtown Greenway Coalition's concern about not having the Greenway associated with danger, and they are taking steps to make sure it doesn't get that reputation. Scaring people away from the Greenway at night is not the best way to do that. These muggings started to happen in the Fall, when it started getting dark earlier in the evening. As soon as the snow fell in December, no more muggings.

Spring is coming soon. Hopefully they start taking actions that will actually make people safer. Such as, getting the police to increase their patrols and getting funding for lighting on the Hiawatha leg into downtown. The best way to make it safer on the Greenway is to increase traffic, especially in the evenings. I hope that they don't keep using scare tactics that keep people away.

To Helmet or Not to Helmet?

2009-03-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

It's a question I ask myself, more and more. I never wore a helmet until 5 years ago. Then, two months later, I got in an accident where the helmet protected my head from certain injury. But now I find myself questioning the wisdom of making helmets the one thing that will keep you safe on a bike. How many times, when the subject comes around to my biking, has someone asked "Do you wear a helmet?". Why this question, again and again? Perhaps more importantly, what is behind that question? You'd be crazy not to wear a helmet because cycling is dangerous!

I'm not going to suggest that cycling isn't without risks, but it does seem obvious that as long as riding a bike is seen as a high risk endeavor, it's not going to rise above the exclusive club of risk takers and become apart of the larger culture. And that would be a pity, because it has become obvious to me that the car culture that has grown to dominate our communities, is not a good one. I found this on David Hembrow's A View from the Cycle Path blog, on the trouble the Dutch are having finding places for people to park their bikes. Isn't that funny? Think about what, we here in America, have done to accommodate the the car. We have literally spread out our communities to make room for this mode of transportation. Just take a look at a suburban mall to see what I mean. The parking lot is bigger than the mall. If I have a problem finding a place to park my bike, it's because of all the space cars take up.

For me the helmet issue has become a question of, is it helping to knock down the car culture, or is it something that will continue keep the bicycle culture on the fringe? Copenhagenize.com has written much on this subject. In this article he talks about how a helmet awareness push may be causing a decline in people who ride bikes in Denmark. And this is in a country that is a generation or two ahead of us bicycle culture.

I'm not saying don't wear a helmet, but if you hear about a drive in your community to require helmets or even a just a "wear your helmet" drive, you should have some real concern about how that is going to affect the growth of your bike community. If you really want cycling in your community to be a safe pursuit and you want to see it grow, "helmet first" isn't going to to it.

What do I think will grow the bike culture into something wider? That'll be a future blog.

When it Snows You Have to Take the Lane

2009-02-22T19:04:00.000-08:00

No point hanging out in the gutter after a snow storm.

These gents grab some real estate.

On some streets you have to ride right in the middle.

I'm happy they plowed at least one bikeway.

Friday night, we had a nice snow storm which left about 5 inches of fluffy snow. I was happy to see it, because I hadn't rode in some good snow for awhile. But when you get this much snow it, becomes a little more challenging. Being an early 21st Century American city, Minneapolis' biking infrastructure isn't what it could be. There aren't that many bike lanes, much less bike paths to begin with. When the snow falls you have to deal with a much smaller street. I have found that getting out and making your presence known is the safest way, especially when you get this much snow. Riding on side walks or in the gutter aren't really good options because that's where the most snow is.

My experience is for the most part, Minneapolis drivers are more aware of cyclists than ever before. But I don't take that for granted. There are the occasional suburbanite's who make their way into the city. In the suburbs it seems, bikes should only be seen on bike trails, on weekends. Best to just to assume that people aren't looking. I'm always making sure I know who's behind me and who's coming my way.

While progress is slower than I'd wish, I think we are moving towards a more bikeable city. But let's not wait for Obama to bring that about.

Elliptical Chain Ring???

2009-02-20T21:15:00.000-08:00

For some reason my new Kabuki has a chain ring that is not round. It is not stretched or something. It's elliptical for some reason. For more Kabuki pictures, click on the picture and you'll go to my Flickr site.

Kabuki Head Badge

2009-02-19T19:10:00.000-08:00

Here it is.

I'm still not satisfied with the picture,

but it was cold and breezy today.

Isn't it is a cool design?

Put your 2 Cents in about Bike Lane's in Edina

2009-02-19T12:36:00.000-08:00

The Edina City Council going to be putting a bike lane on a busy road and the natives are restless. Go let them know what you think.

From Kabuki to Rivendell and Beyond...

2009-02-18T16:11:00.000-08:00

Today, I had a lucky find. I was dropping off some recycling at a drop off near work and I noticed a couple of blue bikes sitting next to the dumpsters. I checked them out and threw the one with most promise into my trunk. When I got back to work I showed a guy who should know it's value and he said "that's a nice bike. With a just a little fixing up, you could get a buck and a quarter for it on Craig's List". I wasn't sure I what I wanted to do with it, but it made me curious to know more about this bike. So I Googled it and ended up finding some interesting things about this brand.

It was made by Bridgestone in Japan and sold in the US as Kabuki. As I dug deeper I found that Grant Peterson had been a designer for Kabuki for 10 years in the 80's and early 90's. After Bridgestone closed it's doors in the US, he started Rivendell Bicycle Works. Grant Peterson is known for swimming against the bike racer tide and creating high quality bikes that aren't just single purpose bikes, but ones that anybody can use. Then I found an excellent interview that Cycloculture did with Grant just 6 months ago.

Note the reflector on the chain ring.

Even though the bike I found was made in the late 70's, before Grant Peterson worked at Kabuki, I still am happy for the connection to someone who is trying to steer cycling in a different direction. Kabuki's were known for being a little different, having their own style. I like that.

What I know so far is that this bike is a T-5 which I assume means a 5 speed. From what I've read, the Kabuki's come in 3 grades. I'm not sure what grade mine is, but I will be tapping my sources to find out more. What are my plan's for this bike? Who knows! It's a mixtie and it bit short for me. I'm thinking, fix it up and see where it wants to go... if it will tell me.

And Beyond? One of the links on Cyclocultures interview is about wooden bikes in Rwanda. Wooden bikes? That's definitely worth checking out.

ps. the plate on the front of my Kabuki is real cool, but my pics were crap, so maybe tomorrow.

Art Shanty Leftovers

2009-02-16T22:32:00.000-08:00

A ironing board sled with TV

The Hard Times Cafe's bike with side cart

Peddle powered mobile home... really!

Thanks to all those people who made the Art Shanty Project 2009, such a great time!

Back in the Saddle...

2009-02-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, was my first time on a bike in over 3 weeks. It was wonderful! It's like being born again. Hallejujah! It was 3 Friday's ago that I had sprained my ankle, badly. I had gained 10 pounds, felt out of breath, with weak legs, but it was so nice to be out cruising around. I did take it slow, and my ankle is still not 100%, but by today I was getting my old mojo back. And on my way to Namaste Cafe for a chai, I saw this beautiful bike. A Suburban. Note the melting snow. Now I can start seeing bikes again.

Ice Bike Championship

2009-02-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

They haven't come up with a cool name for this race, so I'm going with Ice Bike but the Iciclebicycle Invitational has a nice ring to it. I'd be happy to lend them the name... at a non-profit rate.

If you don't know this race was held at the Art Shanty Project site "on" Medicine Lake, MN.

This year champion is the same as last years. I didn't get his name but he's the guy holding up the trophy, which is some spokes with imitation ice chunks on the ends. The race was notable for it's slippery finish. The winner and two other cyclists fell on the same spot, 10 feet from the finish line. Don't feel sorry for them. While falling on ice happens often and without warning, I have found it to be a reasonably easy fall. I think it's because when you hit the ground you are sliding on the ice. Don't fight it. Just go with the flow. You're most likely to get into trouble if you try to save it. Just take the fall and get back up. Thankfully, everyone who fell down at Saturday's race got up with nothing but perhaps a bruised ego.

Birds Eye View

2009-02-14T17:02:00.001-08:00

Today, I was back out at the Art Shanty Project, on their last day. After last weeks warm up, the snow was gone and things were extra icicy. That gave me the opportunity to take these shots from the second story of one of the shanty's. I think the first 2 shots give you that sense that you are walking on a sheet of ice. It is kind of scary when you can look down through the ice. It was thick enough that you don't really need to worry, but you feel safer when the ground is opaque.

The last picture was a happy accident, that I really love. It reminds me of the Ed Wood movie "Glen or Glenda". Very, very, very bad! So bad, it's hilarious. It's a movie made in the 1950's, about a guy who is a cross dresser who eventually reveals his habit to his wife. But this being an Ed Wood movie, Bela Lugosi also stars as... God, or somebody up above, watching over things. He says lots of off the wall things. My favorite being "Pull the string... pull the string!". What it has to do with the story, only Bela knows. When Bela speaks, they do this weird montage with old stock footage.

That's why I like this pic. It reminds me of Glen or Glenda. To get more of the Ed Wood/Bela story, watch "Ed Wood" with Johnny Depp.

Chic Winter Photo Contest Over at Chic Cyclist

2009-02-11T11:56:00.000-08:00

If you live in a wintery climate, ride a bike, and consider yourself Chic, you should send a picture to the Chic Cyclist. But if you think Chic is someone you might whistle at or a cute little birdy, don't bother. Think Shiek. They are looking for stylish people on bikes, looking chilled. Maybe not chilled, but it should have a cool aestic. You'd better hurry because submissions are due February 14th. I don't know if I'll have time to get a new pic, but will pull something out of the archive, before then.

Demented DeMint Defeated in Quest to Quash Bikes

2009-02-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

I just got this from the Bike Commuter blog. Senator Jim DeMint(R-South Carolina) introduced an amendment to the stimulus bill that would block states from using the funds for bike lane projects. But according to Jeff Miller of the Thunderhead Alliance the amendment failed. This is good news, but shows that biking is seen as a threat to some, who prefer obesity increasing automobile's to a more sustainable, healthy bikestyle.

The fact that biking infrastructure rates being attacked, may be a good sign. There must be a lot of talk about increasing bike funding, for these 20th Century folks to feel threatened. All they have is fear, because the truth is bikes are much better for us, than cars.

What can you do? It always comes down to this. If you care about increasing bike space, you should contact your elected officials. Right now, your congressional representative and senator would be the ones to contact. Let them know that you want the bike money to be a priority. After the stimulus bill is passed, you should be contacting your state an local officials to let them know that you want to see that more stimulus money goes to bicycle infrastructure.

This stimulus bill is a tremendous opportunity to change our communities for the better. The best way to insure that is by having your voice heard.

Throwing Art Down a Hill?

2009-02-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

If your looking for something fun to do outdoors, look no further. This weekend is the 2nd Annual Art Sled Rally at Powerhorn Park, Mpls. If you'd like to see creatures that look like hedge hogs, careening down a snowy hill, it'll happen here... if it's going to happen anywhere.

By the way, it's a big hill.

IceSlickle Bicicle or Death Race 2009?

2009-02-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

I don't know if they have a name for this race. Maybe the Art Shanty Project Bicicle Race 2009, but whatever it is, there should be something about the risky nature of this race in the title. Ice biking is tricky. You usually don't know when you're going to fall, but you do know that it will be quick. Swoosh and you're on the ground. It's a humbling experience, and I try to get up as fast as I can ,hoping no one saw. Hopefully, you don't hit too hard. I don't pretend to be an expert on ice biking but I am pretty good at falling.

So, how do you keep from falling, when riding on ice? We'll from what I could tell from the riders at this event, you have 2 choices. One is to put as much metal on your wheels as you can, hoping that it will dig into the ice and keep you from ending up on your bum. The other idea seems to be going with the narrow tires that have surface contact with the ice that presses down hard, and avoids slipping.

When you fall down, you got to get back up on the bike.

Which isn't easy on ice.

The Winner!

This guy had more steel on his tires than

there is on the rest of his bike.

Riding off into the sunset.

If this race was any indication, it looks like lot of steel studs are the way to go. The guy with the studded tires, rolled over everyone else. He looked stable, while the others seemed to be riding very cautiously. And some of them, fell.

And this is just a qualifying race. There are 2 more races next weekend at 2pm on both days. The championship is in 2 weeks on Sunday, February 14th.

Hey! Bored with my Blog?

2009-02-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

Check out some real cool blogs down on the right side!

Maybe Cool isn't right word, because the temp gadget says 2F, here in the Twin Towns.

Ain't too much cooler than that.

Art on the Ice of Medicine Lake

2009-02-01T19:13:00.000-08:00

Wind Surfing at a glacial pace. No really...they sailed it through the camp.

Space conscious.

People power.

I finally got out to the shanty's, today. The Art Shanty Project is a collection of little art houses on the ice. For those of you not from the northern latitudes, it is perfectly safe to be out on the ice in Minnesota... after a very cold January. Except that yesterday was warm and there was a glaze of ice on top of the snow, today. So when it's icy, you have to do the Minnesota Shuffle. What's that? It's the best way to keep yourself from falling. You do it by skidding your feet across the ground as you move. Shuffle, shuffle. It just teaches you patience, since it takes you a lot longer to get around.

I shot a gaggle of pictures and I'm planning to do a couple more blogs with those. One blog will be on the Bicicle race they had. Biking on ice is sure to have some spills. I'm also going to be putting the leftovers on my Flickr site. Take a look.

Running the Gauntlet?

2009-02-01T04:42:00.000-08:00

The Hennepin Av. bike lane cuts right through downtown Minneapolis. I ride it quite often, because I live across the river in North East. It's probably the fast way to get through downtown on a bike. Sometimes I take it for granted that I can get through town real quick on this path. But is it really a safe and well thought out path for bicycles? You are right in the middle of the street, with buses on one side and 3 lanes of traffic on the other. You always have to watch out for cars turning in front of you.

Is this the best the Minneapolis can come up with? For me it's OK. I'm used to it and know where the danger spots are, but what about the cyclist who is new to this path? Is this really the best design they could come up with?

The more I think about it, the more I realize that it was just a first step. It's not really the best option we have. We need to be doing something different, here. We need to be incorporating ideas that have been tested. In Europe or other cities around the country, there are solutions to our problem. How to get this city, which has been designed for cars to start having respect for other, more efficient means of transportation.

I am beginning to buy into the notion that we need to be design bike paths that work for the average person. Road design that doesn't require a risk taking attitude to participate.

I Can Breathe Again!

2009-01-31T11:09:00.000-08:00

You can think of it as sinking below water... for over a month. Today, as the temperature rises above freezing for the first time in over a month, we here in Minnesota can take a deep breath.

Ahhh! It feels so good!

For the first time in over 33 days, the temperature in Minnesota is above freezing. I don't believe me, look down below, on the right. The weather gadget says 45F! Going around today, it feels sort of like Mardi Gras. Where did all these people go to the last month? Everybody is running(or better yet, biking!) around, underdressed and smiling like a kid. It's a Frank Capra moment.

Complaining about the weather only spreads the disease of unhappiness. If I was going to complain, I would probably complain about the fact that I can't ride my bike due to the injury to my foot. I definitely have a jones for some biking, today. I've probably put on 5lbs, since last Friday. Car dependency has it's price. Now, I got to get back out and enjoy the weather while it lasts.

My Philosophy on Winter Biking

2009-01-25T14:50:00.000-08:00

If you didn't know, this comic strip is Yehuda Moon and the Kickstand Cyclery. It's a daily strip that chronicles the odd couple-like bike shop owners, Yehuda Moon and Joe. They represent the polar opposites of the biking world. Yehuda sees biking primarily as transportation, while Joe is more concerned with speed. What I like about Yehuda Moon is, this strip exposes so many truths about biking, especially if you have been riding awhile. It's been a great introduction into a different biking philosophy, for me.

The strip above is exactly my experience of winter biking. You always have to prepare and think ahead. You have be very mindful when your riding, because conditions are going to change. But in the end, your feet are gonna get cold.

Roller Disco Catastrophe!

2009-01-24T18:27:00.002-08:00

It wasn't supposed to happen that way. It was supposed to be all bliss and great music. A few years back, some friends started going to the Roller Gardens in January and February. I hadn't been roller skating since I was 12, and was a little worried about falling. Maybe I had forgotten how to do skate. But after a few laps of looking like a fool, I got my mojo back. At the end of the evening, I was wondering why I had ever given it up. So, we have kept came back and now it's a January ritual. What's really cool about Friday nights at the Roller Gardens, is it's music from the golden era of roller skating. 70's Disco! That music is made for roller skating. It just flows. No kids either, because it's 21 and up.

But there is a down side to all this revelry. It's a little secret that is hidden in plain view. You can fall down, and if you fall down the wrong way, you can get hurt. I blame the blonde. She was a very good skater and was doing all sorts of cool moves. But she was moving all over the rink. One time towards the end of the night I was passing her and she moved toward me and I reacted. Well, that wasn't a good thing. I started to lose my balance and tried to regain it(big mistake). The some how my ankle ended up underneath me. It didn't hurt real bad, but I knew it wasn't good. I got up and made for the seats. I really didn't want it to be a sprang. I even tried to skate again, hoping I'd shake it off. But it finally dawned on me that it wasn't getting better. So I got help from my friend Sarah and a bag of ice from the concessions.

My weekend plans have changed.

What have I learned from this misfortune?

Plans change... and you'd better make the best of it.

Watch out for blondes(somebody suggested that maybe it wasn't her skating I was reacting to).

But maybe I won't learn, because I'm sure I'll be getting back on my skates as soon as I can.

I'm not sure how long I'll be off my bike, but if there is a time of the year to be out of commission, it's now(2F today).

Ice House Artsy

2009-01-18T15:33:00.000-08:00

Is the Arctic climate getting to you?

Or do you just need a good non-traditional reason to get out on the ice?

Well, come check out to the 6th Annual Art Shanty Project on Medicine Lake. You have until February 14th to see all the crazy art ice houses. Saturday's and Sunday's are the best days, because they have the most going on.

They are also having bicicle races every Saturday at 2pm! I'd enter but I don't think I have enough studs on my bike tires to keep from falling on every turn.

The art shanty's are fast becoming a winter tradition. I was out there last year, and had a great time checking out the funky ice houses and finding a little community on the ice.

Portland Blizzards Pay Off

2009-01-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

It's great to see that these guys out in Portland won't let a little snow ruin their fun. Actually, it is the fun. In Minneapolis this is expected, but Portland is used to more rain than snow. So, in a city with almost no snow plows, those cyclists with some gumption have the roads to themselves. Wee!

I love seeing these Dutch style bikes, which are handmade. I really, really want one, but can't at this point say I'd get a lot of use out of one. But who cares! Maybe I'd get one just to cruise around in and pick up chicks.

Photos used by permission from Metrofiets flickr.com/photos/31530356@N08/

City with a Future

2009-01-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

Here are some rankings of cities by sustainability. Minneapolis ranks 7th, according to Sustain Lane rankings. I don't know much about Sustain Lane but they seem pretty thorough. They also have have a really good interview with Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak. I know he is a politician but he seems to be genuinely interesting in making Minneapolis a greener, sustainable city. He mentions the fact that despite the harsh winters, Minneapolis has a lot of cyclists/commuters. He also, reflects on how global warming will impact the city, describing the winters as an asset. I like that attitude. For quite awhile, the Twin Cities has been the fastest growing metro area in the Midwest. That despite the fact that winters are sooo cold here. There must be something going on here.

Winter Sun

2009-01-09T23:05:00.000-08:00

Shaggy

Flame out

The winter sun is always in your eyes. If it isn't, it must be dark out.
I'm happy for shades.

For those Cold and Breezy Days

2009-01-09T16:44:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, was a very cold day and I didn't run into to many other cyclists, besides the few hardy souls. It was sad, because they missed out on a beautiful, sunny day. Well, it wasn't one of those days where you just head out the door, to enjoy a nice bike ride. Riding on a day when temperature didn't get above 5F and the windchill was well below zero, is crazy if you don't know what your doing.

One of the big mistakes people make it putting on too much clothing. As you build up steam while riding, you'll find that you'll get plenty warm. If you get too warm, you'll start to sweat. Then when a strong wind comes up, you will really feel it. I've come home sometimes, hopped in the shower to warm myself, and have it not even feel like the hot water is warming me up.

Here are couple of the things I've learned that have kept me from over sweating. First, is "stove piping". Stove piping is about funneling the excess heat in the body, upward and out the top of the head.. You do this by wearing less on top of the head than you normally would. What I have found best to achieve this is, the Pearl iZumi face mask and headband. That's usually all I usually wear on my head, besides my helmet and gator(or something on the neck). The nice thing about the Pearl face mask is, it does a good job of keeping out the wind, but is thin enough, so you can breathe through it when you work harder on the hills.

If I have the head gear right, I find that it makes the next part easier. That is I try to dress with just enough clothing that I feel chilled when I'm outside, getting ready to ride. I do this for the same reason that I keep it minimal on the head. I'm going to generate I lot of heat. Sometimes I'm worried that maybe I underdressed, but usually that isn't case. There are times when that isn't true and hopefully I have thrown some extra gear in my pack.

Thaw and Freeze

2008-12-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

Melting

You'd think that I would be grateful, after several weeks of bitter cold, when it got above freezing, on Friday. But the cyclist in me, knows that what goes up is going to come down with a whole lot of ice. Which it did on Saturday. I'd rather it stay in the teens and twenties, keeping that snow nice and consistent, then going through the melt and freeze cycle that we just went through.

The Freeze

Tonight, I was biking through Loring Park and noticed that I was riding on glare ice. I made the mistake of trying to stop suddenly to take this picture, and went for a nice skid, which was pretty funny, as I shifted back and forth to keep from falling. I tried a few times to ride on it, hoping the studded tires would prevent a fall, but that was not the case. Luckly, I'm good at falling and won't having a bruises to show for it. It is a reminder to always watch what's ahead of me, slowing down when it gets dangerous.

3 Degrees F Really is Cold!

2008-12-26T21:53:00.000-08:00

My shadow self

He needs a hat.

Weekend parking.

As always, the day after a snow storm, it's really cold and windy. Last Sunday, was one of those days. It was 3F, but not so bad, as long as I had the wind at my back. I realized why there weren't many people out biking that day, when I turned North and headed back home. That's when I realized that I should have had more food in my stomach, because the wind was really in my face. I could feel that I didn't have the energy in my core that I would normally like to have. So, I stopped and chewed on an energy bar, real quick. Then I headed for Free Wheel bike shop to get some warmth, while the energy bar did it's work. It reminds me that I always need to think ahead, this time of the year.

Snowy Weekend

2008-12-20T22:21:00.000-08:00

Friday

Saturday

Icicle by Bicycle: Part 2

2008-12-16T11:06:00.000-08:00

Icicle by Bicycle: Part 1

2008-12-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

I hopped on the Greenway and headed east. I only met a few cyclists, even though it was a balmy 34F. I guess people were too busy shopping.

To the light rail at Lake Street

And stowed my bike.

Arriving at my destination, Minnehaha Falls.

I've been coming to the Falls since before I remember. It is always a place that I make a point of going to every year and if I remember, every season. I really need to see it in all the seasons. In the spring, it's wet and turning very, very green. In the summer, you can hide from the sun under the lush trees and explore it's hidden avenues. The fall brings vibrant colors and cool waters. When the leaves fall from the branches, you see the rock formations and all that is hidden in the summer. And this place called Minnehaha Falls is right inside the city of Minneapolis. So close and so far away from the busy city. Every time I go, I say to myself that I should come here more often. I've spent so much time here, doing so many things. I promise, I'll come back.

Winter Strikes!

2008-12-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

Dedicated rider said she's may end up walking if the ice is to dangerous.

Not many bikes at the at the Wedge Coop on Sunday evening.

I saw this guy on my drive in this morning. It was -7F/-21C at the time.

Winter definitely arrived in Minnesota, yesterday. I'm glad I had my studded tires, because it sleeted first, before the temps dropped into the abyss. I didn't ride to work this morning, but was happy to see 2 riders braving the extreme cold. My commute is 13 miles and I hope to work up to riding in the subzero weather, but I remember from last year that it gets real hard to peddle at those temps.

Ghost Bike

2008-12-11T21:50:00.001-08:00

On Hennipen Avenue

Winter Fun

2008-12-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

One thing I've noticed is every winter rider has an opinion about what's the best type of tires to use. I'm using studded mountain bike tires, and they are a little bigger than I'm used to. Bigger tires don't cut down to a hard surface as easily as narrow ones. They tend to surf a little on the corners when you go though snow.

Last night, I got my first chance to ride my new winter bike in a snow storm. I rode through downtown and into Uptown. It was nice to skip right through all the gridlock, which was much worse than normal because of the snow. The bike handled very well, but it reminded me that whatever bike you're riding, you'd better be real careful. You always have to look for your next move. Finding the best spots to plow though the snow and dealing with it when you picked the wrong one. It's basically like a winter sport.

One cool thing about riding in storms is that the comraderie with other riders is heightened. When I would meet another rider I would say "Woo Hoo!" and would always get a smile and verbal agreement.

As for what's the best type of winter tires to have, my thought is whatever your choice, learn to ride it the best you can. That's what I'm going to do with this bike. I'm going to figure out what I can do with it and what I'd better not.

I only got off 2 shots before the battery died. Perhaps they didn't like the cold. Both are one Hennipen Av. and of a Fixie waiting for the light.

Winter bike

2008-12-07T20:16:00.000-08:00

My old gary fisher is now winterized and on Sunday I took it out for a ride. With the studded tires, it sounds like a tank when it's on tar. But I can put up with that if it cuts down on falls.

Here I am outside my favorite restaurant, Namaste Cafe. I had one of their famous chai's before heading out on the longest part of my journey. I think it kept my toes warm.

On the Greenway headed out in to St. Louis Park.

2008-12-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Minneapolis Greenway after a little snow

Lone cyclist

Hello

2008-12-06T23:14:00.000-08:00

Words, words, words... can I come up with some words to fill this blog? My intention with this blog is to share about my experience as a cyclist and to encourage the use of them. It often seems to me that I have only been riding for a short time. I feel like a newcomer. I think it's because I really enjoy riding. It feels so good to be on my bike. I want to share it with everyone. So blog on.