29 May 2009
Friday fun
As I was walking down the sidewalk at lunch today. I overheard one of the two guys in front of me say "if life gives you lemons...(the rest is unimportant, we all know how that phrase ends, and I couldn't hear the rest of their conversation anyways.)" I immediately continued the phrase in my mind "... and if life gives you mixed fruit, make a smoothie." This train of thought was helped by the fact that I was holding a smoothie that I had purchased not 10 minutes ago from Jamba Juice.
So...
As a little distraction on this Friday afternoon, I decided to turn it into a game.
Finish the phrase: "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and if life gives you __________, make ________"
Be creative, be whimiscal, be looney. The most creative and humorous wins.... NOTHING! What, do I look like I am made of money?
Have fun, and enjoy the rest of your work week
So...
As a little distraction on this Friday afternoon, I decided to turn it into a game.
Finish the phrase: "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and if life gives you __________, make ________"
Be creative, be whimiscal, be looney. The most creative and humorous wins.... NOTHING! What, do I look like I am made of money?
Have fun, and enjoy the rest of your work week
25 May 2009
24 May 2009
What to do, what to do...
I have myself a small dilemma.
Next Sunday, we are packing the 3 kids, plus my daughter's friend and driving to Washington. Forks, Washington to be more precise, so my daughter can revel in all things Twilight for a week. We are taking two days to drive up there, with a stop in Portland. And two days back, stopping in Boise.
Since this trip was planned, I have stated that I am taking my bike with us. Today, I have began to doubt if that will be the case.
Firstly, a bicycle, and all it's accompanying gear takes up a fairly significant amount of space. And when you consider that we are loading a minivan with 4 kids (my 3 + friend) and 2 adults for an 8 day trip, space is already at a premium. Next concern is dealing with a bike at the hotel. As stated previously a road bike does take up a certain amount of space. And since I am the paranoid type, I will be insisting that we take it off the van and storing it in the room when we get to the hotel . Then there is the possibility that I won't get to ride because of weather - thinking back on last year's anniversary trip to Sedona, Az where I took my bike, and it snowed on us the entire time we were down there, or my daughter's plans - She has "advised" me that we will have a full schedule while we are in Forks, and there will probably not be any time to go riding.
Then there is leaving the bike home. On June 13th, a week after we get back, I am riding the Golden Spike Century in Brigham City, Ut to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. With the weather acting like it has been this year, I am way, way down on my training, and being off of the bike for a week isn't going to help my chances to successfully complete a 100 mile ride.
Kelly mentioned a third alternative to taking the bike, or going without for a week; renting. She found a shop in Portland that rents out road bikes. I would just need to bring my pedals so I could use my shoes and everything would be ready to go. The problems that arise from this option, is that my riding time is limited by when the shop opens. There is the possibility that the shop will not have my size available, and there may not be a shop in Forks that rents out bicycles. The plus to this idea, is I will get to ride some sexy carbon, or unobtainium bike, instead of my lugged steel beast (disclaimer: I love my bike. It is not a beast, but it also isn't a 15 lb carbon fiber wonderbike...)
So, I open this up to you, my friends. What is your suggestion? Do I take the bike, take my gear, and rent a bike, or neither? Your input is greatly appreciated.
Next Sunday, we are packing the 3 kids, plus my daughter's friend and driving to Washington. Forks, Washington to be more precise, so my daughter can revel in all things Twilight for a week. We are taking two days to drive up there, with a stop in Portland. And two days back, stopping in Boise.
Since this trip was planned, I have stated that I am taking my bike with us. Today, I have began to doubt if that will be the case.
Firstly, a bicycle, and all it's accompanying gear takes up a fairly significant amount of space. And when you consider that we are loading a minivan with 4 kids (my 3 + friend) and 2 adults for an 8 day trip, space is already at a premium. Next concern is dealing with a bike at the hotel. As stated previously a road bike does take up a certain amount of space. And since I am the paranoid type, I will be insisting that we take it off the van and storing it in the room when we get to the hotel . Then there is the possibility that I won't get to ride because of weather - thinking back on last year's anniversary trip to Sedona, Az where I took my bike, and it snowed on us the entire time we were down there, or my daughter's plans - She has "advised" me that we will have a full schedule while we are in Forks, and there will probably not be any time to go riding.
Then there is leaving the bike home. On June 13th, a week after we get back, I am riding the Golden Spike Century in Brigham City, Ut to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. With the weather acting like it has been this year, I am way, way down on my training, and being off of the bike for a week isn't going to help my chances to successfully complete a 100 mile ride.
Kelly mentioned a third alternative to taking the bike, or going without for a week; renting. She found a shop in Portland that rents out road bikes. I would just need to bring my pedals so I could use my shoes and everything would be ready to go. The problems that arise from this option, is that my riding time is limited by when the shop opens. There is the possibility that the shop will not have my size available, and there may not be a shop in Forks that rents out bicycles. The plus to this idea, is I will get to ride some sexy carbon, or unobtainium bike, instead of my lugged steel beast (disclaimer: I love my bike. It is not a beast, but it also isn't a 15 lb carbon fiber wonderbike...)
So, I open this up to you, my friends. What is your suggestion? Do I take the bike, take my gear, and rent a bike, or neither? Your input is greatly appreciated.
23 May 2009
22 May 2009
CD review - 3 Rounds and a Sound
I am going to try to add something new to the blog: Music reviews.
But, instead of reviewing bands or CD's that sing about bicycles, or are bicycle-themed, I am going to review bands that tour by bicycle.
I don't remember where I heard about Blind Pilot, but I read somewhere about a band that toured by bicycle. All I know is that I got an email from the local library a few days ago saying the copy of their CD that I had placed on hold was ready to be checked out.
But, instead of reviewing bands or CD's that sing about bicycles, or are bicycle-themed, I am going to review bands that tour by bicycle.
I don't remember where I heard about Blind Pilot, but I read somewhere about a band that toured by bicycle. All I know is that I got an email from the local library a few days ago saying the copy of their CD that I had placed on hold was ready to be checked out.
Israel Nebeker and Ryan Dobrowski make up the Portland, OR based indie rock/folk band Blind Pilot. Last year, they embarked on a west coast tour by bicycle. When I say "by bicycle", I mean entirely by bicycle. They pulled all of their instruments and equipment behind them in trailers, playing small towns along the way.
I pulled this bio off of their website/blog:
Israel Nebeker and Ryan Dobrowski are Blind Pilot. Friends since college, Israel and Ryan have traveled many a mile to get where they are today–literally. Last year Israel and Ryan embarked on a West Coast bike tour. This wasn’t a tour where they road bikes, and had a van hauling the equipment. They hauled everything on their bikes. No gas. 100% leg powered. Playing little towns that
don’t often get shows by “touring bands” – they were able to share their brand of music with people who weren’t particularly familiar with indie-pop, or indi anything. But they found that heart-felt lyrics an beautiful music appeal to just about everyone. In fact, they completely sold out of their EPs. They returned to Portland anxious to complete their first full-length album. The long road to this album has paid off in spades.
I highly suggest adding this album to your collection. I doubt you will be disappointed if you do. Meanwhile, enjoy this video from Youtube.
19 May 2009
Cars are verboten!
I stumbled arcoss this article in the NY Times about a suburb in Germany where people are allowed to have cars, they just can't drive them in the suburb, or park them. What's more interesting, is that this concept may be catching on in America! Read the article.
17 May 2009
16 May 2009
Caption this - Sort of...
I spent the majority of the past couple of weeks walking around downtown SLC during my lunch break. Instead of doing my regular "caption this" Saturday post, I thought I would share some of the pictures I took.
There are at least 2 pedi-cabs running around downtown SLC.
Ah, springtime. And with it, the migration of the Bike Salmon. Peddaling upstream...
Kids on old-school Sting Rays. Cool!
No, they aren't supposed to use the bike lane for parking while they make a delivery. Yes, they still do.
Some freak bikes parked at Gallivan plaza. the closest one has a wheel from a kid's bike as a steering wheel.
One of the things you might miss if you are in your car. This is an artesian well, located at 800 S and 500 E. People claim the minerals in the water are better for you than store bought, or tap water.
A local delivery service using cargo bikes to transport their packages. These particular bikes, Madsen bikes, are made here in SLC. Very cool!
Yet another thing you would miss in a car. A momma duck and her 3 baby ducks were waddling down the road towards me as I was riding my bike back to my Mom's one day. Unfortunately by the time I got my camera out, they had waddled into the tall grass.
SL Mayor Ralph Becker. Behind him to his left, SL County Mayor Peter Corroon, and bewteen them in the bowtie, former Gubernatorial Candidate Bob Springmeyer getting ready for the SL County Bike to Work day.
Some of the riders who gathered to ride with the Mayors for the SL County Bike to Work Day.
I have to mention the picture that got away: I guy riding his bike down the road, with a baguette sticking out of one of his panniers. He was gone before I could get my camera out.
15 May 2009
13 May 2009
Bike commuting statistics
Welcome to Wednesday. Here are a few statistics for your enjoyment...
U.S. Census Bureau numbers show more than 25 million Americans commute:
* 77 percent drive alone
* 10 percent carpool
* 5 percent use public transit
* 2 percent walk.
* AND (drum roll, please) Portland, Ore., had the highest percentage of bicyclists -- 3.5 percent, about eight times the national average.
U.S. Census Bureau numbers show more than 25 million Americans commute:
* 77 percent drive alone
* 10 percent carpool
* 5 percent use public transit
* 2 percent walk.
* AND (drum roll, please) Portland, Ore., had the highest percentage of bicyclists -- 3.5 percent, about eight times the national average.
12 May 2009
11 May 2009
This one's for my daughter
My darling firstborn, Keni, has a thing for a certain member of a certain boy band who happens to share the same birthday as her, only he is a year older (I only know this because she has mentioned it countless times).
I was scouring (okay, lightly brushing) the internet looking for a picture that said both "Mothers Day" and "bicycling". no such picture was to be found in my minutes of searching, but I did come across this picture
I don't know exactly what Nick Jonas on a cruiser bike has to do with Mother's Day, maybe he was riding it on Mother's Day, or maybe his mom bought it for him. All I can add is bad teeny-bopper boy band member for riding around without a helmet! And, unless he quits the music business and becomes a pro cyclist, this is the last time you will see a picture of Nick Jonas on this site.
I was scouring (okay, lightly brushing) the internet looking for a picture that said both "Mothers Day" and "bicycling". no such picture was to be found in my minutes of searching, but I did come across this picture
I don't know exactly what Nick Jonas on a cruiser bike has to do with Mother's Day, maybe he was riding it on Mother's Day, or maybe his mom bought it for him. All I can add is bad teeny-bopper boy band member for riding around without a helmet! And, unless he quits the music business and becomes a pro cyclist, this is the last time you will see a picture of Nick Jonas on this site.
10 May 2009
09 May 2009
08 May 2009
2009 Bicycle Friendly State list released.
USA Today printed an article today about the 2009 Bicycle Friendly State rankings. Washington is #1. Surprisingly, Oregon, with the most bike-friendly city in the country - Portland- ranks #4. Utah is firmly in the top half with a #18 berth. For more information, and to see how they came up with the rankings, go to http://www.bicyclefriendlystate.org/
1. Washington - Silver*
2. Wisconsin - Silver*
3. Maine
4. Oregon
5. Minnesota - Bronze*
6. Iowa
7. Arizona - Bronze*
8. New Hampshire
9. Delaware
10. New Jersey
11. Wyoming
12. Illinois
13. Colorado
14. California
15. Michigan
16. Maryland
17. Missouri
18. Utah
19. Massachusetts
20. North Carolina
21. Vermont
22. Hawaii
23. Virginia
24. Mississippi
25. Nevada
26. South Carolina
27. Kentucky
28. South Dakota
29. Indiana
30. Louisiana
31. Georgia
32. Florida
33. Kansas
34. Idaho
35. Rhode Island
36. Texas
37. Nebraska
38. Arkansas
39. Ohio
40. Pennsylvania
41. New York
42. West Virginia
43. Tennessee
44. Connecticut
45. North Dakota
46. New Mexico
47. Alaska
48. Oklahoma
49. Montana
50. Alabama
1. Washington - Silver*
2. Wisconsin - Silver*
3. Maine
4. Oregon
5. Minnesota - Bronze*
6. Iowa
7. Arizona - Bronze*
8. New Hampshire
9. Delaware
10. New Jersey
11. Wyoming
12. Illinois
13. Colorado
14. California
15. Michigan
16. Maryland
17. Missouri
18. Utah
19. Massachusetts
20. North Carolina
21. Vermont
22. Hawaii
23. Virginia
24. Mississippi
25. Nevada
26. South Carolina
27. Kentucky
28. South Dakota
29. Indiana
30. Louisiana
31. Georgia
32. Florida
33. Kansas
34. Idaho
35. Rhode Island
36. Texas
37. Nebraska
38. Arkansas
39. Ohio
40. Pennsylvania
41. New York
42. West Virginia
43. Tennessee
44. Connecticut
45. North Dakota
46. New Mexico
47. Alaska
48. Oklahoma
49. Montana
50. Alabama
05 May 2009
Busting commuting myths
I found this on the bike commuters website:
From the League of American Bicyclists via a bikingbis tweet.
Busting the 10 bicycling myths
1. I'm out of shape
-- Ride an easy pace, in a few months you will be in great shape
-- Ride your route on a weekend to find the easiest way to work
-- You will improve your fitness level when you become a regular bike commuter
2. It takes too long
-- The average commuter travels at 10 mph; the more you ride, the faster you become
-- Trips of less than 3 miles will be quicker by bike
-- Trips of 5 to 7 miles in urban areas take the same or less by car
3. It's too far
-- Try riding to work and taking mass transit home, then alternating the next day
-- Combine riding and mass transit to shorten your route
-- Ride to a coworker's house and carpool to work
4. No bike parking
-- Look around for a storage area in your building or office
-- Stash your bike in a covered, secure place such as a closet or even your office
-- Formally request that your employer provide bike parking or lock it up outside
5. My bike is beat up
-- Tell a reputable bike shop that you are commuting and have them tune up your bike
-- If you can't maintain your bike yourself, identify bike shops near your route
-- Make sure that your bike is reliable and in good working order before you ride
6. No showers
-- Most commuters don't shower at wor; ride at an easy pace to stay cool and dry
-- Ride home at a fast pace if you want a workout; shower when you get there
-- Health clubs offer showers; get a discounted membership for showers only
7. I have to dress up
-- Keep multiple sets of clothing at work; rotate them on days you drive
-- Have work clothes cleaned at nearby laundromats or dry cleaners
-- Pack clothes with you and change at work; try rolling clothes instead of folding
8. It's raining
-- Fenders for your bike and raingear for your body will keep you dry
-- If you are at work, take transit or carpool to get home; ride home the next day
-- Take transit or drive if you don't have the gear to ride comfortably in the rain
9. The roads aren't safe
-- Obey traffic signs, ride on the right, signal turns, and stop at lights
-- Wear bright clothing
-- You are at no greater risk than driving a car
-- Wear a helmet everytime you ride
10. I have to run errands
-- Bolt a rack to the back of your bike to add carrying capacity
-- Make sure that you have a lock to secure your bike while you are in a building
-- Allow extra time to get to scheduled appointments and find parking
-- Encourage your employer to provide a bicycle fleet for office use
From the League of American Bicyclists via a bikingbis tweet.
Busting the 10 bicycling myths
1. I'm out of shape
-- Ride an easy pace, in a few months you will be in great shape
-- Ride your route on a weekend to find the easiest way to work
-- You will improve your fitness level when you become a regular bike commuter
2. It takes too long
-- The average commuter travels at 10 mph; the more you ride, the faster you become
-- Trips of less than 3 miles will be quicker by bike
-- Trips of 5 to 7 miles in urban areas take the same or less by car
3. It's too far
-- Try riding to work and taking mass transit home, then alternating the next day
-- Combine riding and mass transit to shorten your route
-- Ride to a coworker's house and carpool to work
4. No bike parking
-- Look around for a storage area in your building or office
-- Stash your bike in a covered, secure place such as a closet or even your office
-- Formally request that your employer provide bike parking or lock it up outside
5. My bike is beat up
-- Tell a reputable bike shop that you are commuting and have them tune up your bike
-- If you can't maintain your bike yourself, identify bike shops near your route
-- Make sure that your bike is reliable and in good working order before you ride
6. No showers
-- Most commuters don't shower at wor; ride at an easy pace to stay cool and dry
-- Ride home at a fast pace if you want a workout; shower when you get there
-- Health clubs offer showers; get a discounted membership for showers only
7. I have to dress up
-- Keep multiple sets of clothing at work; rotate them on days you drive
-- Have work clothes cleaned at nearby laundromats or dry cleaners
-- Pack clothes with you and change at work; try rolling clothes instead of folding
8. It's raining
-- Fenders for your bike and raingear for your body will keep you dry
-- If you are at work, take transit or carpool to get home; ride home the next day
-- Take transit or drive if you don't have the gear to ride comfortably in the rain
9. The roads aren't safe
-- Obey traffic signs, ride on the right, signal turns, and stop at lights
-- Wear bright clothing
-- You are at no greater risk than driving a car
-- Wear a helmet everytime you ride
10. I have to run errands
-- Bolt a rack to the back of your bike to add carrying capacity
-- Make sure that you have a lock to secure your bike while you are in a building
-- Allow extra time to get to scheduled appointments and find parking
-- Encourage your employer to provide a bicycle fleet for office use
04 May 2009
Eagle Mountain in the news - It's a good thing this time!
Per my monthly ritual, I made a trek to one of the nearby bike shops to pick up my copy of Cycling Utah. As I am flipping through the pages, I come across an article titled "Bike Park to Open in Eagle Mountain" Understandibly, I was surprised. One usually does not come across any article or story about Eagle Mountain that is positive, such is our lot in life.
Unfortunately, the PDF file for this month's paper isn't online yet, and I don't feel like transcribing it by hand this time. You can go to your nearest bike shop (as long as you are in Utah or Southern Idaho) and pick up your very own copy for free!
To sumarize the article, the mountain bike park in the Ranches at Eagle Mountain is having it's grand opening on Saturday, May 30 2009, which will be attended by city officials, WAFTA board members and volunteers. There will also be vendors on site for the celebration.
This park has been two years in the making, WAFTA members have worked closely with the city, and the local homeowners association to insure that there would be a seamless and comfortable relationship between all parties involved.
Last November, during one of our unseasonably warm weekends, my brother and I went and checked out the park. Even in its unfinished state, it still was incredibly fun. You could see that they had the making for a truly stellar park.
The Mountain Ranch Bike Park has their own blog. It hasn't been updated for a while, but with the weather (hopefully) starting to cooperate, I would guess that they will be announcing the grand opening, and more work parties shortly.
Due to a family camping trip that weekend, and our daughters pilgramage with her friend to Forks, WA to imerse herself in all things Twilight Sunday the 31st, I probably won't be able to make it to the grand opening. If so, I will post pictures. If not, I am planning on making an excursion down the road one of these weekends (granted it isn't raining) and I will let you know how it is.
Unfortunately, the PDF file for this month's paper isn't online yet, and I don't feel like transcribing it by hand this time. You can go to your nearest bike shop (as long as you are in Utah or Southern Idaho) and pick up your very own copy for free!
To sumarize the article, the mountain bike park in the Ranches at Eagle Mountain is having it's grand opening on Saturday, May 30 2009, which will be attended by city officials, WAFTA board members and volunteers. There will also be vendors on site for the celebration.
This park has been two years in the making, WAFTA members have worked closely with the city, and the local homeowners association to insure that there would be a seamless and comfortable relationship between all parties involved.
Last November, during one of our unseasonably warm weekends, my brother and I went and checked out the park. Even in its unfinished state, it still was incredibly fun. You could see that they had the making for a truly stellar park.
The Mountain Ranch Bike Park has their own blog. It hasn't been updated for a while, but with the weather (hopefully) starting to cooperate, I would guess that they will be announcing the grand opening, and more work parties shortly.
Due to a family camping trip that weekend, and our daughters pilgramage with her friend to Forks, WA to imerse herself in all things Twilight Sunday the 31st, I probably won't be able to make it to the grand opening. If so, I will post pictures. If not, I am planning on making an excursion down the road one of these weekends (granted it isn't raining) and I will let you know how it is.
01 May 2009
May is Bike Month
Happy May
May has been declared National Bike Month. Cities and states everywhere are celebrating by having special rides with the elected officials, bike fairs, and bike to work days.
Here is a list, and links for what is going on this month in Utah.
Salt Lake Bike Summit - Saturday May 2: Click here for more details.
Bike to work Wednesdays: As part of the Bike Month celebration, every Wednesday throughout the Month of May is declared BIKE TO WORK WEDNESDAY!
Provo City Bike to Work Day, Tuesday, May 12: Click here for more details.
Mayor's Bike to Work Day, Wednesday, May 13, 7:00-9:00 AM: Join us for a ride with Mayor Peter Corrooon, Mayor Ralph Becker and other city mayors under police escort ot the Salt Lake County Govt. Center and then to the City County Building in downtown SLC. Free bagels, coffee and juice for all participants.
May has been declared National Bike Month. Cities and states everywhere are celebrating by having special rides with the elected officials, bike fairs, and bike to work days.
Here is a list, and links for what is going on this month in Utah.
Salt Lake Bike Summit - Saturday May 2: Click here for more details.
Bike to work Wednesdays: As part of the Bike Month celebration, every Wednesday throughout the Month of May is declared BIKE TO WORK WEDNESDAY!
Provo City Bike to Work Day, Tuesday, May 12: Click here for more details.
Mayor's Bike to Work Day, Wednesday, May 13, 7:00-9:00 AM: Join us for a ride with Mayor Peter Corrooon, Mayor Ralph Becker and other city mayors under police escort ot the Salt Lake County Govt. Center and then to the City County Building in downtown SLC. Free bagels, coffee and juice for all participants.
Bike Bonanza - Friday, May 15: Bring the entire family and join us once again at Gallivan Plaza in downtown Salt Lake City for an evening of fun, food and prizes! From 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. visit vendor and information booths, have your bike tuned, and pick up your packet for the Salt Lake Century Ride.
Free helmets will be given away to the first 75 kids, and prize drawings will be held approximately every 15 minutes for a variety of prizes including helmets and cycling gloves courtesy of Salt Lake City Bicycle Company.
Enjoy a slice of Pappa John's Pizza and stop by our Creamies Ice Cream booth while you check out the various activities taking place all evening. A student Bicycle Art display will be placed throughout the venue. From 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. take part or just enjoy watching the Tricycle Time Trials. This event is for kids of ALL ages and will be held in the arena area. Starting at 5:30 p.m. until approximately 7:00 p.m. you can demo modified bicycles at the Cyclo Show and Go. Note: Waivers and helmets are required of all who demo these bikes.
And, at 7:00 p.m. Utah's very first Cycle Style Show will take place and will feature a variety of bicycles, and the latest in cycling and commuter apparel and gear. Come see how easy it is to ride your bike to work and be stylish at the same time!
At approximately 7:30 p.m. (after style show) prizes will be awarded to the student bike art contest winners! We will also a hold the drawings for the following prizes:
* Electric Bike Kit by Eco Moto
* Two bicycles courtesy of Specialized
* Cargo Bike courtesy of Madsen Cycle
Cycle Salt Lake Century - Saturday, May 16: See http://www.cyclesaltlakecentury/ for details.
There are more things going on around the state during the month. Go to the Utah Bike Month website for a calendar of happenings.
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