Utah Velodrome update - Tour de 'Drome

Plans for a velodrome in the Ogden area are still moving forward.  There is now a charity ride to raise money for the future velodrome. 

The Tour de 'Drome is a benefit Bike Tour with proceeds going to the future Velodrome to be built as part of the Field House in Ogden, UT. Participants can choose routes from 28 to 105 miles AND we are also going to have a “Fun Ride” for the younger kids that still want to participate.

There are three routes, 28, 61, and 104 mile routes.  The ride will start on Saturday, May 1 at 9:00 from the Ogden Rodeo Grounds at 668 17th Street - where the historic velodrome once stood.   The $50 registration fee ($7.50 for the kids fun ride) will go towards the velodrome construction.  Your printed registration form will also allow you to ride the Frontrunner train from SLC to Ogden for no additional fee.

Further information, and registration can be found at the website, http://www.tourdedrome.com/

Bicycle lift

This is a video of the bicycle lift in Trondheim, Norway. The lift was installed in September 1993 to help cyclists get to the top of the steep Brubakken hill. To operate the lift, you insert a keycard (available from a nearby bicycle shop), put your right foot on the foot rest, and sit back while the lift propels you up the hill at a leasurely 2 meters a second.

One reason most people give for not riding their bikes is that it is difficult, and they don't want to get sweaty, especially when commuting to work. Something like this would hopefully encourage more people to get out on their bikes. It is also minimally invasive, so one has to wonder why there aren't more bicycle lifts out there?

Classic!

Saw this posted on the Urban Velo website...

I love it! 

Sunday funnies, part deux

This was posted yesterday on Frazz. I needed to put this up before March ended. Very appropritate, exactly how the weather has been here in Utah. 

Sunday funnies

Too good to be true?

No, it is actually true, WalMart is selling a "fixed-speed" bicycle.
 

Every cyclist who has a blog has now reported on this.  Most of them have taken the typical (and to a point, understandable) stand that WalMart + bicycles = crap.

While this may be true, I am hesitant to immediately write it off.  So far, all I have seen is a low-res tiny picture of said bicycle, and the discription of the bike was obviously written by someone who doesn't know a thing about bicycles

The new 700C Mongoose Cachet Bike offers the ultimate experience in simplicity and style. Single-speed gearing makes for easy and intuitive riding. Caliper brakes and high-profile colored rims add urban style.
700C Men's Mongoose Cachet Fixed-Speed Bike:
•Aluminum frame with rigid fork
•Lightweight and responsive ride
•Single speed
•Front and rear caliper brakes ensure precise stops
•High-profile colored rims add urban style
•Assembly required

For one thing, is it a single speed or Fixed gear? The details list it as a single speed, but it is called a Fixed-speed (what is that anyways?)  Does it have a flip/flop hub?  Are there eyelets for fenders?  Is it "one size fit all"?  The questions go on.

One thing that I have read other blogs rail WalMart about is the fact it says "lightweight and responsive" with an aluminum frame, but the specs list the shipping weight as 39.7 lbs - which isn't lightweight at all.  What they are failing to realize is the "shipping weight" includes all of the box and all of the packing material.  I am curious what the weight of the bicycle itself is.

All of this can be yours for the price of $149.  A bargain in the bicycle world.

I mentioned on Thursday that I would like an inexpensive bike to keep at the office, for riding around downtown during my lunch breaks.  It would appear that this bike could possibly be an almost perfect fit for what I am looking for. I would like to see one in person, or read a review of more than a picture before I pass judgement.

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Food Friday - the Evils of Soft Drinks

Via: Online Schools

Not a "warm, fuzzy" Food Friday today.  Sorry.  I have to admit that I am one of the many that is hooked on diet Coke.  I probably should stop.

To fix, or not to fix. That is the question

I have said before (okay, maybe not out loud, but many times in my head) that I won't ever get a "fixie". I would love to race a track bike on a velodrome, but I have always associated fixed gear bikes with hipsters and bike messengers, and at times have not looked favorably on either one of those groups.

Recently I have been thinking, that having an inexpensive, simple bike that I can keep at my office for riding around downtown during lunch would be a great idea. I don't have the luxury of commuting to work by bike - simply because a 40 mile commute by bike each direction is occasionally doable, but certainly not practical, and driving part of the way - something that I have done in the past is too cost-prohibitive because of the extra gas I would use. I could use it to go to stores and places that are normally out of reach by walking during my hour lunch, and I would be able to get in a little riding most days.

So, I am thinking that an inexpensive, simple bike that I can keep locked up at my office would be just the ticket. Guess what bike fits that bill to a T? Yep, a fixie.

Many of the fixed-gear bikes you see around have been built up from old steel road bikes. Inexpensive? Check.  Jenson USA even offers a complete fixed-gear bike for $199!

With no derailleurs and only one gear. Fixed-gear bikes are mechanically simple. Check. (I will keep the brakes, I don't have anything to prove by doing skid-stops)

Keep it at my office? Check. I can lock it up either outside, or maybe even down in the "fitness center" (also commonly known as "where old, broken exercise equipment goes to die")

So, I now want a fixie. Maybe I can get one for my birthday...

Cycle Awareness Test: The Bank Job

Another great video by Transport for London,  the same people who brought you "Do the Test"

What makes a good bike shop?

What makes a good, no, great bike shop?

Like many cyclists, I've been in my fair share of bike shops. I'll usually search out shops when we are on vacation - even if we aren't there for anything bicycle-related. Sometimes I go into shops for something specific, other times I just want to soak up the "ambiance".

The shops run the spectrum from small, hole-in-the wall shops, to large, shiny flagship stores for a particular brand of bicycle. Some shops aren't just "bike shops", they carry skis, kayaks, and other outdoor equipment. Some shops I have been in offer spin classes, or roller sprints, others have a coffee shop where you can relax with a muffin and an espresso while shopping, or waiting for your bike to be repaired.

So, back to the original question: What makes a great bike shop?

The people, of course!

This past weekend my wife and I were on our annual "Anniversary getaway". Even though I didn't bring the bike (this is the last time I believe a weather report), I had to check out the local bike shop. They had a t-shirt for sale that said "get to know your mechanic" on the front (wished that I would have bought it, cool t-shirt!) That simple statement is what prompted this post.

I've been wanting to write a post about bike shops, and my favorite shops for quite a while, but I haven't been able to figure out the angle. I have several shops I enjoy going into, and it would be a disservice to them to compare them to each other. They are all so different; one has been open for well over 100 years, one has that cluttered "just on the edge of chaos" feel to it, and others are new, shiny flagship stores that everything is precisely organized and displayed based on market and consumer research. The thing that they have that is the same is the people. The mechanics and staff make you feel welcome! They make you feel like you belong in their store. They'll come over and talk to you about the latest ride, the race that was just on versus, or what the conditions are out on the local trails. All without making you feel pressured to make a purchase.

On the flip side, there are shops that make you feel like you aren't part of "the club". If you don't meet their criteria, you aren't acknowledged or engaged. They size you up, and if they feel like you are just "looking around" or there to make a small purchase, they will spend the minimal time possible helping you. They make you feel like you need to be a member of their club before they will share the directions to "their" trails.

So, back to that t-shirt: Get to know your mechanic. Support those shops that make you feel valued, wether you are buying a tube, or a high-end bike. Take the time to become friends with the staff. You won't regret it.

Bloggers block

I'm back from my "weekend getaway" to Jackson, WY.  Weather was beautiful - sunny, if not a little cold. Saw several cyclists out on the road between Jackson and Teton Village. Should have taken the bike.

I've hit a little "bloggers block". Can't think of anything to write about right now.  Hopefully it will pass soon.

Happy Anniversary!

Yes, it's that time again. My beautiful wife of 16 years (it doesn't feel like it's been that long) and I are going to be out of town for our anniversary (which is today!). Because of the weather forecast for this weekend, I am not taking the bike with us this time.

Happy Anniversary, Kelly! I Love You!

I wish you all a great weekend. See you next week!

"If I Ride"

I found this video on Tom's Bikejuju blog. It is such a great video, I had to share it.

The video is from People for Bikes, a group that "...is dedicated to bringing together people who are passionate about bikes. Our goal is to gather a million names of support, and to speak with one, powerful voice—to make bicycling safer, more convenient, and more appealing to everyone." They are an initiatve of Bikes Belong Coalition, a bicycle industry sponsord group that is committed to the goal of putting more people on bicycles more often.

...on a side note, and partly because I won't be posting a "Food Friday" post this week, at 0:40 into the video a delivery bike rolls through the video for Dave's Killer Bread, a Portland based bread company. It is the best bread. Ever. We've found the bread locally at Costco. If you can find some in your area, get it! It's vegan, organic, and absolutely delicious!

Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood:

Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood spoke to those in attendance at the National Bike Summit in Washington DC last week.

Today, he posted this on his blog:

"Today, I want to announce a sea change. People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning. This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.

We are integrating the needs of bicyclists in federally-funded road projects. We are discouraging transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians. And we are encouraging investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

To set this approach in motion, we have formulated key recommendations for state DOTs and communities:

• Treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.
• Ensure convenient access for people of all ages and abilities.
• Go beyond minimum design standards.
• Collect data on walking and biking trips.
• Set a mode share target for walking and bicycling.
• Protect sidewalks and shared-use paths the same way roadways are protected (for example, snow removal)
• Improve nonmotorized facilities during maintenance projects.

Now, this is a start, but it's an important start. These initial steps forward will help us move forward even further.

Photo by Jeffrey Martin courtesy of the League of American Bicyclists.

And the Obama Administration hasn't been sitting idle on the bike front this past year either.

Just last month through our TIGER program, we funded major bicycle projects in Indianapolis and in the Philadelphia-Camden-Trenton region.

And our ongoing inter-agency DOT-EPA-HUD partnership on sustainable communities actively encourages planning for walkability and bikability. We think livability means giving folks the flexibility to choose their own mobility.

Look, bike projects are relatively fast and inexpensive to build and are environmentally sustainable; they reduce travel costs, dramatically improve safety and public health, and reconnect citizens with their communities.

So, thank you to the League of American Bicyclists and all those who gave me such a raucous welcome the other night.

Last year's summit was something; this year was something else. I can't even imagine what next year's gathering will produce, but I know I want to be part of it."

This is great news for cycling. This isn't just someone talking about what he woud like to see, this is from "THE MAN" who has the power to make these changes. Thank you, Mr. LaHood, for seeing cycling as a necessary part of transportation for the future.

Sunday funnies

Caption this

HB 91 dead, again.

I was alerted to the story on KSL.com by my friend David.

HB 91, the so called "Idaho Stop Law" came up one vote short in the senate from being sent to Gov. Gary Herbert.

"Those who voted against the bill said it created unnecessary and complicated rules that would lead to accidents." The KSL article said. Funny, seeing how Idaho has had a law like this one on their books for several years, without any "unnecessary and complicated rules"

Whatever.

Food Friday - Raw Revolution bars

Yes, another energy bar on Food Friday. I'm sure that this isn't the last time the subject of energy bars will pop up, for a couple of reasons:

1. If you haven't figured it out from the title of this blog, or from the majority of the posts, I consider myself a cyclist.
   
2. I like energy bars. In the past, when we would stop at the gas station to gas up and load up on junk food, more often than not, I would grab a Clif bar, or something similar to that.

The subject of today's post is another product I found while wandering through the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market expo in January.

Raw Revolution bars were created by Alice Benedetto, a registered nurse and natural foods chef who was looking to create an alternative to high sugar processed snacks for her son. Friends who tried the brownie loved the taste, and suggested that she sell them.

From the website:

"Raw, living foods are clean, and have higher nutrient content than cooked food. Processed foods such as protein isolates and grain based fillers are acidic and cause fermentation in the body. Raw Organic foods are closest to their natural state, bringing us closer to healing ourselves and the global ecology."

Raw Revolution bars are all natural, vegan, organic, gluten free, wheat, corn, soy, trans-fat, cholesterol and refined sugar free, and 100% raw. Plus, they taste good.

I haven't had a chance to taste all of the flavors (there are 10 of them), but my favorites so far are Spirulina & Cashew, and Cashew & Agave Nectar. The spirulina gives the Spirulina & Cashew bar an interesting dark green color which can be a little unsettling the first time you see it, and it comes out of the package a little oily, but don't let that stop you from trying it. I also liked the Chocolate & Coconut, but I found it a little dry. I haven't come across one that I dislike yet. I am going to have to try the rest to see if they all are as good as they sound like they will be.

As a someone who has been vegetarian for the past 5 years, and very recently decided to go vegan, I like it when I am able to find something that I am confident about eating. The ingredients are simple and straighforward, no preservatives or addatives, no words that you can't pronounce, and have no idea what it even is. The ingredient list is also refreshingly short - the Spirulina & Cashew only has six ingredients total.

Give them a try, I've seen them at Whole Foods, or you can order them directly at http://www.rawindulgence.com/. You can also check their events page to see if they will be at an event near you.

Biking on Google Maps

The Biking on Google Maps feature is a hot topic on cycling blogs (like this one), and on Twitter these days. This has been a long time coming, and many people are undoubtedly excited about the possibilites this brings.

I've looked at it, and wanted to take a moment to talk about my opinions of it.

First thing you see when you pull up the site: www.google.com/biking a map with bike paths (dark green) and bike friendly roads (green) highlighted. Just from what I know of Salt Lake city, I think the bike friendly roads are both roads with bike lanes, and frequently traveled routes.

Now, I am aware that it is only a "beta" version, and therfore will hopefully get a few revisions before they release the final version. Since the announcement last night, I haven't had a chance to enter in an unknown route and go out exploring (work and Utah's fith season "sprinter" are getting in the way of any quality outdoor riding right now), so I plugged in a familiar route that I take when I bike in to work.

Just like with driving, you get your route highlited on the map, with turn by turn directions and an estimated travel time. It appears that they are basing the estimated travel time at about a 12 mph speed. It also gives you an alternate route that you can select.

Like I said, I have made this trip by bicycle several times. There are a couple things I found interesting about the route(s) it provided.

First off, in several instances, It instructed me to diverge off of through streets, and routed me through residential neighborhoods.

For example, I needed to get from 1300 E to 900 E. Instead of just having me make a left turn on some street, then right on to 900 E, it routed me through several neighborhoods.

In another instance, It had me off of a road with a good bike lane (700 E) and instead put me on 600 E - another small, residential road, which goes directly into Liberty Park - and back out. Also, 600 E doesn't have a signal where it leaves the park at 900 S. which is a fairly busy road.

The alternate route it suggested is a major artery, which I don't usually travel on, as the cars are traveling above 50 mph, and there isn't any dedicated bike lanes on it.

Overall, it is a great addition to Google Maps. It does still need work, and with time, I'm sure that they will get most of the problems worked out. More than a useful tool to get you from point A to point B in an unknown city, it is an indication that bicycles are becoming more accepted in our society, and that is more valuable than any map.

Google Announces Google Biking Directions

This is an email I recived from the League of American Bicyclists' 2010 National Bike Summit:

Washington, D.C. - March 10, 2010 - The League of American Bicyclists is proud to be the forum for Google to announce what all bike riders have been waiting for - Grab Your Bike and Go with Google Maps. Google is announcing at the Opening Plenary Session at the National Bike Summit that they are adding biking directions in the U.S. to Google Maps."This new tool will open people's eyes to the possibility and practicality of hopping on a bike and riding," said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. "We know people want to ride more, and we know it's good for people and communities when they do ride more - this makes it possible. It
is a game-changer, especially for those short trips that are the most polluting,"

Users can now choose biking when deciding how to get to their destination, starting today, March 10, 2010. If you're one of the 57 million Americans who ride a bike, mapping your daily commute, and planning recreational or trail rides just became easier. According to Google this has been the most requested addition to Google Maps, and the League is delighted that they have chosen the National Bike Summit to unveil this new feature. Google's announcement further proves the importance of the Summit and the bicycle movement in helping our nation become a more Bicycle
Friendly America. The Google biking directions will make it that much easier for bicyclists to get to work, school or play.

This new feature includes: step-by-step bicycling directions; bike trails outlined directly on the map; and a new "Bicycling" layer that indicates bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly roads. The directions feature provides step-by-step, bike-specific
routing suggestions - similar to the directions provided by our driving, walking, or public transit modes. Simply enter a start point and destination and select "Bicycling" from the drop-down menu. You will receive a route that is optimized for cycling, taking advantage of bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly streets and avoiding hilly terrain whenever possible.

Visit http://maps.google.com/biking to try out this new feature. Biking directions for Google Maps is currently in Beta. Follow the League's news feed on the new Google feature on the League's Blog, Facebook and Twitter. If you have any further questions, contact Meghan Cahill at 202.822.1333 or meghan@bikeleague.org.

I will post more information on it after I have a chance to check it out tomorrow. Like most cyclists, I am very excited about the posibilites of Google Maps biking. It will be interesting to see if it will actually route you away from busy roads to more "bike friendly" routes.

$4000 Sunglasses?

This is something that I saw on the Everyman Tri Twitter feed:

Here's the scenario:

You are riding your 24k gold Aurumania down the street - followed by armed security service you hired to make sure your bike remains yours. It's a beautiful, sunny day, and you are squinting because you don't have any sunglasses worthy of wearing while riding your overtly expensive whip.

Fret no longer. Oakley - purveyors of extremely nice sunglasses - have upped the ante. In fact, they have upped it so far, you will need a pair of binoculars to even see the ante now.

For a mere $4000 you can have the Oakley C SIX sunglasses

From the Oakley website:

C SIX Sunglasses
This premier eyewear design in the new Elite collection blends carbon fiber with customized mechanics and the world’s best optical technologies. Called Oakley Elite C SIX, its moniker comes from the fact that carbon (the “C” in the name) is the 6th element in the periodic table, hence “C SIX.” This invention was inspired by more than just the passion to create the ultimate sunglasses. “We took examples from segmented creatures in the animal kingdom,” said Senior Design Director Peter Yee. “We looked at animals like the armadillo and studied how parts move and slide. It’s the same idea with armored suits – you have flexibility and function that remains
protective.“

Auto racing was another inspiration. “We were looking at cams that move valves,” said Global Eyewear Development Manager Steve Ogren. “That’s when we came up with the concept of radial cams for the frame mechanics.” The connection to racecars didn’t stop there. “Some of the contours of C SIX take cues from speed machines,” said Oakley President Colin Baden. “When we decided to use carbon fiber, we went to the guys who have been building Formula One racecars for decades, Crosby Composites of England. They’re the absolute best on the planet with this technology.”

C SIX
The C SIX premier frame in this exclusive eyewear family takes aesthetics to an entirely new arena, and it would not be possible without the world’s most advanced structural technologies. Oakley Elite C SIX utilizes pure carbon fiber, a material thinner than human hair yet stronger than high tensile steel. This breakthrough innovation from the aerospace industry is blended with resins and assembled into structures more than 40 layers thick. Five-axis Computer Numeric Control machining carves and shapes the composite with a process that requires more than 24 hours of continuous tooling.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight 42 g
• Frame Material Carbon fiber composite
• Substructure Beta Titanium spine
• Lens Curvature 8.75 base
• Optical Precision ANSI Z87.1 rated clarity and performance
• Impact Protection ANSI Z87.1 rated for high mass and high velocity
• UV Elimination 100% of UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
• Glare Reduction 99% filtering plus anti-reflective (AR) coating on backside
  of lens

SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP

• Computer Numeric Controlled machining with 0.002” precision
• 24 hours of continuous tooling
• Hand assembly
• Hexalobular bolts for improved impact protection
• Oakley Hydrophobic/Oleophobic lens coating
• Oakley HDPolarized lenses
• HIGH DEFINITION OPTICS® (HDO®)
• IRIDIUM® lens coating for balanced light transmission

$4000 too rich for your blood? Oakley also makes a model of the C SIX out of aluminum for a mere $1500.

2010 Tour of Utah Announces Dates, Stages, and Sponsors

I just recieved this in my inbox...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


2010 Tour of Utah Officially Announces Dates, Stages and Sponsors


All 2009 sponsors return to support "America's Toughest Stage Race"

SALT LAKE CITY - March 8, 2010 -
Steve Miller, president of the 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah cycling race, confirmed today that August 17-22 are the official dates of the USA Cycling sanctioned pro race. In addition, Zions Bank is returning as presenting sponsor of the Tour for the fourth year (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010). Dubbed as America's Toughest Stage Race, the tour will consist of a prologue and five stages covering some of this country's most breathtaking terrain throughout central and northern Utah.

"I am pleased to be able to confirm the August 2010 dates for this year's race," said Steve Miller. "We had such an enthusiastic response to the 2009 event that local communities along the course are excited to see the Tour return, and last year's participants have provided feedback on how to make the race even tougher. In addition, based on last year's success, all existing sponsors have chosen to return making increased commitments to the race through cash, trade, advertising and marketing."

Once again, the Tour of Utah is on the official National Racing Calendar (NRC). The six-day stage race will begin with The Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau Prologue on Tuesday, August 17 and end Sunday, August 22 with the legendary Park City to Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort "Queen" stage.


Photo credit: Dave Ilitis

The remaining five stages will include the University of Utah Health Care Ogden to Research Park road race, the Heiden Davidson Orthopedics criterium in downtown Park City, the teamgive time trial at Miller Motorsports Park, and the XANGO Thanksgiving Point to Top of Mt. Nebo road race. Race route details will be announced soon.

Additional sponsors include:
Utah Toyota Dealers Association, KJZZ 14, 1320 KFAN, POWERADE, Glacéau vitaminwater, FFKR Architects, Bingham Cyclery, First Endurance, Canyon Bicycles, PROBAR, I.J. and Jeanne' Wagner Jewish Community Center, Sheraton Downtown Salt Lake City, Edge Composites, City of Ogden, and Shimano.

"The support we receive from Zions Bank, as well as the rest of our sponsors, is important to the success of the Tour of Utah," continued Miller. "Zions Bank has a long legacy of participation in our community and its name is synonymous with hard work, commitment and success, which are the same values Tour participants embody."

"Zions Bank is committed to the communities in which we do business," said Rob Brough, executive vice president, marketing/communications Zions Bank. "The Tour of Utah is one of our country's premier cycling events which showcases this great state, our culture and our people. Zions Bank is proud to take part in this spectacular event."

The Tour of Utah will also include a non-competitive ride for enthusiast cyclists the Saturday before called "The Ultimate Challenge." Detailed information for The Ultimate Challenge will be released soon.

For more information about the Tour, please visit www.tourofutah.com.

About the 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah

Deemed "America's Toughest Tour," the 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah presented by Zions Bank, is a six-day, seven-stage, 300-mile plus professional bicycle road race along the Rocky Mountain's Wasatch Range through some of Utah's most beautiful and challenging landscapes. Scheduled to take place August 17-22, 2010, the Tour of Utah will attract 17 professional cycling teams totaling 136 cyclists competing for a cash/prize purse of $45,000. The 2010 Tour of Utah will be accompanied by a colorful, rolling festival celebration that will take place at the finish line of each stage. More than 30,000 spectators are expected to line the racecourse and attend the festivals in Ogden, Park City, Provo, Salt Lake City and Tooele, and 60,000-plus race fans are expected to follow online.

Sunday funnies

Long term product review, Day one - FTM Sport Multi

Last week, I won a bottle of FTM SportMulti multivitamins from District Cycling and FTM. They only asked that I try them for a month, and share my opinions of them.

Gregg from District Cycling talked to the inventer of the vitamins on his podcast last Sunday (listen to it here) and will interview me, and the other two people who are testing it out at the end of the month.

I decided that I will also do a review on my blog. I'll check in periodically to let you know how the vitamins are doing.

So, let's start. The recommended use for the vitamins say to take 3 capsules with breakfast, and 3 capsules with dinner if exercising daily, and to only take 3 in the morning if not exercising daily, or just living an active lifestyle. Today will be the first day. I'll check back soon.

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Food Friday - City Dogs

Today's Food Friday isn't like the previous two Food Friday posts. They were about homemade alternatives to popular items we cyclists take with us when we are riding. Today is about comfort food.

Since going vegetarian about 5 years ago, there are certain foods and experiences that I thought were permanently gone. One was getting a brat with sauerkraut from a street vendor. Then last spring, a new street cart opened for business on a corner - of all places - just down the street from my office. What set this cart apart from all of the others in downtown SLC is that this one served vegetarian and vegan fare!




City Dogs opened their doors - so to speak - last spring. Owned and operated by Dee and Tasha. With their location near to several office buildings (including mine!) and the City courthouse, they quickly devloped a following among vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

During the warm summer months, it was not unusual to see a line of people at the cart, and several people sititng on the wall and grass behind the cart enjoying their lunch al fresco.

The cart was sold to new owners Miah and Alicia last September. Fortunately for those of us who are regulars, nothing was changed. The cart still sits on the corner of 300 S and 200 E every weekday - except when the weather is too bad and is open from 11-4.



As I mentioned before, the fare is all vegetarian. They serve hot dogs, brats, chili dogs, tacos and a bbq rib sandwich. They do have a couple of specialty dogs, the Dee dog: which has cream cheese, avacado, and jalapenos, and the City dog, which has tomatoes and a pickled asparagus spear on it.

My favorite is the brat smothered with sauerkraut, jalapenos and onions! Most days, Miah has a special where you can get a dog, chips and a drink for around $5. You can follow City Dogs on Twitter www.twitter.com/saltcitydogs to find out what the special of the day is.

Enjoy!