31 January 2010
30 January 2010
25 January 2010
Sustainability
If I had to use one word to sum up what I saw at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market this year, it would have to be sustainability.
Many of the booths that I visited were doing something to help the environment. They were either re-introducing existing products in their line that are now made with recycled or sustainable materials, or they were coming out with new, environmentally friendly products.
Products made with PET from recycled water bottles were common. As well as clothing made from bamboo fibers.
Here's a small look at some of the recycled items I saw...
Chico Bags were created with sustainability in mind. Their line has expanded from a simple alternative to the ubiquitous white plastic shopping bag to a messenger bag and a day pack. They also have several bags that are made out of more than 80% recycled material, with fabric made from recycled PET bottles. The folks at their booth were kind enough to give me one of their Messenger rePETe bags to try out. Expect a full review soon.
Teko has a line of running/cycling socks made from 100% recycled PET. They told me that they are just as durable and comfortable as your traditional lycra cycling socks. Another material that was being recycled and reused in new materials was rubber - as in rubber tubes. Bicycling may be an environmentally friendly alternative to driving, but we aren't completely green. One problem is our tires and tubes. It is considerably cheaper for companies to produce tubes from raw butyl rubber than to recycle used tubes. So, what happens to those tubes? One company, Green Guru creates messenger bags, wallets, and other accesories out of recycled tubes.
These bags are made out of recycled tubes. the top one is made from one truck innertube, the bottom one is made out of 6 mountain bike tubes. They also make bags from recycled billboard and hemp. 
Cycle Dog makes leashes and collars for man's best friend from recycled bicycle tubes. Hailing from Portland, The owner combined her love for cycling and her love for her dog and came up with a use for all her discarded tubes. 
It always helps to have a cute spokesmodel at your booth to draw the crowds
Their collars also have a "pup top" for opening your favorite frosty beverage.
Many other companies were offering products made from recycled, repurposed, or sustainable materials. I can only imagine that number will increase in the future.
24 January 2010
21 January 2010
Outdoor Retailer
Here are a few pictures from the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.
More to come later...
More to come later...18 January 2010
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2010 is coming...
The Outdoor Retailer Expo is back in town. The Winter Market 2010 starts on Wednesday the 20th with a demo day at Snow Basin and it continues with the trade show at the Salt Palace Thursday the 21st till Sunday the 24th. Again, I was able to obtain a media pass. This time, I got it early enough that I was able to do so me advance planning. I have some meetings set up with a couple of companies. Expect some product reviews sometime after the expo ends.
I hope to possibly blog from the expo - depending on the wifi availibility there.
I hope to possibly blog from the expo - depending on the wifi availibility there.
15 January 2010
Further thoughts about the anti-cycling Facebook page.
I live just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. Twice a year, in April and October, the LDS Church, which is headquartered in SLC holds their General Conference. People from all over converge on downtown SLC. Most to hear the leaders of their church, some to scream and yell, and spit hatred at them from the sidewalks around the conference center. These people who come specifically to yell at and deride the conference-goers are protected by the rights of free speech, and as long as they don't physically engage, or make legitimate threats of violence against the conference-goers, they can say pretty much whatever they want to.
I'm sure their anti-Mormon ranting and propaganda don't convince the vast majority of the faithful that their belief is wrong. Most do their best to ignore them as they make their way into the building, but every so often, someone will stop and try to reason with them - which I'm sure is very much like trying to talk calmly to a rabid pit-bull. And then, once in a great while, their ranting will become too much to bear, and someone will loose their cool, and start yelling back at the protesters or even completely loose it and physically attack them. That almost never ends well.
What brought this up is all the talk going around about the anti-cycling Facebook page.
When I first heard about this page, I was immediately outraged that Facebook would allow someone to promote hatred against another group in such an open manner. Don't get me wrong - I'm still completely against this page and any others like it that openly decry hatred and violence against any minority. But giving myself some time, and listening to what other people have to say about the situation has changed my reaction.
Even if we get Facebook to shut down their page - and take away their voice, we haven't taken away their anger or changed their opinions about cyclists. Going toe-to-toe with a protester isn't going to do much to change his belief system, all it is going to do is make him dig in harder. As cyclists, we can understand that. When someone yells at us to get off the road, we dig in and come back with the tried and true "we have as much right to the road as you" - or something like that. When the anti-cycling facebook page was discovered, the Facebook equivilent of the statement "We have as much right..." was quickly created.
All of us - myself included- have had the uncontrollable urge to yell at, or raise a finger at motorists who we feel invade our space on the road. Some of us even start our rides with a chip on our shoulder, anticipating a potential "run-in" with the other users of the road. Has our actions made the motorist change his evil ways? It's doubtful they even looked back after passing us - if they even saw us in the first place. (that's a whole other post) And if they did see us, pur actions may adversely affect the next cyclist this motorist comes across.
We need to remember that when it comes to the roads, we are still a minority - a very small, fragile minority. We aren't going to change anybody's mind by stooping down to their level. The best way we can show the protesters that what they are saying doesn't matter is to ignore them. The people who started that Facebook page, and those who added their names to the list are looking for a fight. As much as we want to go toe-to-toe with them, we are just giving them what they want. The best thing we can do to get to them is to ignore them.
I'm sure their anti-Mormon ranting and propaganda don't convince the vast majority of the faithful that their belief is wrong. Most do their best to ignore them as they make their way into the building, but every so often, someone will stop and try to reason with them - which I'm sure is very much like trying to talk calmly to a rabid pit-bull. And then, once in a great while, their ranting will become too much to bear, and someone will loose their cool, and start yelling back at the protesters or even completely loose it and physically attack them. That almost never ends well.
What brought this up is all the talk going around about the anti-cycling Facebook page.
When I first heard about this page, I was immediately outraged that Facebook would allow someone to promote hatred against another group in such an open manner. Don't get me wrong - I'm still completely against this page and any others like it that openly decry hatred and violence against any minority. But giving myself some time, and listening to what other people have to say about the situation has changed my reaction.
Even if we get Facebook to shut down their page - and take away their voice, we haven't taken away their anger or changed their opinions about cyclists. Going toe-to-toe with a protester isn't going to do much to change his belief system, all it is going to do is make him dig in harder. As cyclists, we can understand that. When someone yells at us to get off the road, we dig in and come back with the tried and true "we have as much right to the road as you" - or something like that. When the anti-cycling facebook page was discovered, the Facebook equivilent of the statement "We have as much right..." was quickly created.
All of us - myself included- have had the uncontrollable urge to yell at, or raise a finger at motorists who we feel invade our space on the road. Some of us even start our rides with a chip on our shoulder, anticipating a potential "run-in" with the other users of the road. Has our actions made the motorist change his evil ways? It's doubtful they even looked back after passing us - if they even saw us in the first place. (that's a whole other post) And if they did see us, pur actions may adversely affect the next cyclist this motorist comes across.
We need to remember that when it comes to the roads, we are still a minority - a very small, fragile minority. We aren't going to change anybody's mind by stooping down to their level. The best way we can show the protesters that what they are saying doesn't matter is to ignore them. The people who started that Facebook page, and those who added their names to the list are looking for a fight. As much as we want to go toe-to-toe with them, we are just giving them what they want. The best thing we can do to get to them is to ignore them.
13 January 2010
Worlds most expensive bicycle?!
Here's the scenario:
You have money. Lots of money. You are so loaded, you make Scrooge McDuck look poor. You want a bicycle that adequately expresses to everyone that you have money, but what bicycle to get?
Why you order an Aurumania Crystal Edition gold bike, of course. At 80,000 euros ($116,127.16) this bike will surely show that you are a person of discerning taste, even when it comes to your bicycles. From its 24k gold plated - well - everything, to it's hand sewn chocolate brown leather grips, to it's Swarovski crystal-encrusted lugs and Aurumania logo on the top tube (in braile, mind you!), this bike screams - no - a bike of this refinement doesn't scream, ooze, or anything else so pedestrian. This bike simply IS.
Of course, the bike is shipped to you free (only poor people pay shipping) anywhere in the world using Aurumania's "White Glove" service - which I can only hope means it will be delivered by men actually wearing white gloves.
Then you wake up from your dream.
Seriously. Who needs a gold plated bicycle? I can't imagine that anyone who has the kind of money lying around necessary to purchase a bicycle like this is someone who; for one rides, and for another would take this bike off the wall where it's hangin (not a typo, check the website, that's how they describe it) and ride it down the street.
I consider bicycles art. There are some truly beautiful bikes out there. This bike, however, is not one of those bikes. Bikes are meant to be ridden, this bike is meant to be displayed. And if you ever did dare to ride this bike out in public, what to do if you decide to stop anywhere? There isn't a lock out there secure enough - plus you wouldn't want to scratch it! For this price, the bike should come with a security detail that follows you around in a car, and will stand there holding the bike while you are in Starbucks enjoying your latte.
If you want more information, or if you don't believe that this is for real, go to http://www.aurumania.com/
You have money. Lots of money. You are so loaded, you make Scrooge McDuck look poor. You want a bicycle that adequately expresses to everyone that you have money, but what bicycle to get?
Why you order an Aurumania Crystal Edition gold bike, of course. At 80,000 euros ($116,127.16) this bike will surely show that you are a person of discerning taste, even when it comes to your bicycles. From its 24k gold plated - well - everything, to it's hand sewn chocolate brown leather grips, to it's Swarovski crystal-encrusted lugs and Aurumania logo on the top tube (in braile, mind you!), this bike screams - no - a bike of this refinement doesn't scream, ooze, or anything else so pedestrian. This bike simply IS.
Of course, the bike is shipped to you free (only poor people pay shipping) anywhere in the world using Aurumania's "White Glove" service - which I can only hope means it will be delivered by men actually wearing white gloves.
Of course, you are going to need somewhere to store your bicycle when you aren't riding it, for that purpose, you can purchase a bicycle rack for a paltry 5000 euros ($7269.50).
Then you wake up from your dream.
Seriously. Who needs a gold plated bicycle? I can't imagine that anyone who has the kind of money lying around necessary to purchase a bicycle like this is someone who; for one rides, and for another would take this bike off the wall where it's hangin (not a typo, check the website, that's how they describe it) and ride it down the street.
I consider bicycles art. There are some truly beautiful bikes out there. This bike, however, is not one of those bikes. Bikes are meant to be ridden, this bike is meant to be displayed. And if you ever did dare to ride this bike out in public, what to do if you decide to stop anywhere? There isn't a lock out there secure enough - plus you wouldn't want to scratch it! For this price, the bike should come with a security detail that follows you around in a car, and will stand there holding the bike while you are in Starbucks enjoying your latte.
If you want more information, or if you don't believe that this is for real, go to http://www.aurumania.com/
10 January 2010
09 January 2010
08 January 2010
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?!
I just found this reported in the SF Streetsblog:
Are you kidding me?!? Facebook doesn't find this offensive and objectionable? What are they waiting for, someone to brag that they actually ran over a cyclist?
Don't let this stop you from reporting it as offensive. Maybe if there is enough negative reaction to it, they will reverse their decision.
Facebook's Simon Axten told us the group has been reviewed and deemed kosher by the company's staff. Presumably the reason they are not removing this group boils down to how one interprets the phrase "actionable threats of violence." Here's Axten's explanation:
We take our Statement of Rights and Responsibilities very seriously and react quickly to remove reported content that violates our policies. Specifically, we're sensitive to content that includes hate speech and/or actionable threats of violence. The goal of these policies is to strike a very delicate balance between giving Facebook users the freedom to express their opinions and beliefs, even controversial ones, and maintaining a safe and trusted environment.We've reviewed this group and determined that it doesn't violate our policies.
We encourage users to report anything they feel does violate these policies using the report links located throughout the site. Thanks.
Are you kidding me?!? Facebook doesn't find this offensive and objectionable? What are they waiting for, someone to brag that they actually ran over a cyclist?
Don't let this stop you from reporting it as offensive. Maybe if there is enough negative reaction to it, they will reverse their decision.
Facebook has gone too far!
If you are a cyclist, no doubt you have heard about this. If not, please let me take a few moments of your time to explain. There is a page on Facebook titled "There's a perfectly good path next to the road, you stupid cyclist" that is nothing but blatant and open hatred and hostility towards cyclists. The page even shows pictures of cyclists being struck by cars!
I'm not saying that all cyclists are saints, but celebrating and encouraging somone in a 2 ton metal box to act against somone with absolutely no protection - except for an inch of foam on their head is absolutely deplorable. I believe that it is morally reprehensible that Facebook has allowed this page to survive.
Please help. Go to this Facebook page and add your voice to the growing group of people who think that Facebook has gone too far allowing this page of hate to exist. Also, you can go to the bottom of the offending page, and report it to the Facebook powers that be. Please do both!
Even if you are not a cyclist, please help. The reality of this, is that this page could be responsible for someone getting hurt or even killed. Please pass this along!
I'm not saying that all cyclists are saints, but celebrating and encouraging somone in a 2 ton metal box to act against somone with absolutely no protection - except for an inch of foam on their head is absolutely deplorable. I believe that it is morally reprehensible that Facebook has allowed this page to survive.
Please help. Go to this Facebook page and add your voice to the growing group of people who think that Facebook has gone too far allowing this page of hate to exist. Also, you can go to the bottom of the offending page, and report it to the Facebook powers that be. Please do both!
Even if you are not a cyclist, please help. The reality of this, is that this page could be responsible for someone getting hurt or even killed. Please pass this along!
01 January 2010
Looking backward: 2009 in review
It seems like two kind of posts are de rigueur this time of year: Reflecting on the past and resolutions for the future.
I don't feel like making a list of resolutions, or even a list of things I would like to see happen in 2010 at this time. Maybe later.
Instead, I want to look back at 2009 - in a cycling sense. I didn't get as many miles under my tires, or get out as many times as I would have liked to, but this isn't the post where I whine about that. Instead, I want to reflect on some of the fun cycling-related things that I had the opportunity to be a part of during 2009.
In more or less cronological order, I give you my 2009
January:
Went out for a New Year's day bike ride. Have to start the year out right!
February:
Spent 3 hours on the trainer in public at the American Diabetes Assn. Diabetes Expo.
April:
Went on a bike ride for my birthday with Phil Keoghan of the Amazing Race. (He was doing his ride across America, and happened to be going through Utah on April 2nd. How could I pass up an opportunity like that?)
June:
Wasn't able to do the century route for the Tour de Cure because of a mechanical problem with my handlebars. Instead, a friend and I rode the 25 mile route 3 times providing mechanical and moral support. Was the best time that I have ever had on that ride!
July:
Family trip to Forks, Washington (my 15-year-old is a Twilight fanatic, to put it mildly). I took my bike, and got to experience the trip in my own way. From cycling along the Columbia river in Portland, OR, to riding my bike from forks down to La Push, to getting lost in Boise trying to find the velodrome (never did find it), I had a great trip!
August:
Tour of Utah.
I was able to watch 3 stages: the Prologue, Park city to Snowbird and the Downtown Criterium. Absolutely incredible! Was able to get my picture with a couple of my favorite pros.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.
I don't think I realized how big the Salt Palace expo center is until I tried walking all of it. Saw some very cool products.
November:
Participated in my first sprint triathlon. Finished, and had a great time doing it. Planning on doing it again in 2010.
Just a few highlights of 2009. Here's to 2010! I hope you all have a prosperous and Happy New Year!
I don't feel like making a list of resolutions, or even a list of things I would like to see happen in 2010 at this time. Maybe later.
Instead, I want to look back at 2009 - in a cycling sense. I didn't get as many miles under my tires, or get out as many times as I would have liked to, but this isn't the post where I whine about that. Instead, I want to reflect on some of the fun cycling-related things that I had the opportunity to be a part of during 2009.
In more or less cronological order, I give you my 2009
January:
Went out for a New Year's day bike ride. Have to start the year out right!
February:
Spent 3 hours on the trainer in public at the American Diabetes Assn. Diabetes Expo.
April:
Went on a bike ride for my birthday with Phil Keoghan of the Amazing Race. (He was doing his ride across America, and happened to be going through Utah on April 2nd. How could I pass up an opportunity like that?)
June:
Wasn't able to do the century route for the Tour de Cure because of a mechanical problem with my handlebars. Instead, a friend and I rode the 25 mile route 3 times providing mechanical and moral support. Was the best time that I have ever had on that ride!
July:
Family trip to Forks, Washington (my 15-year-old is a Twilight fanatic, to put it mildly). I took my bike, and got to experience the trip in my own way. From cycling along the Columbia river in Portland, OR, to riding my bike from forks down to La Push, to getting lost in Boise trying to find the velodrome (never did find it), I had a great trip!
August:
Tour of Utah.
I was able to watch 3 stages: the Prologue, Park city to Snowbird and the Downtown Criterium. Absolutely incredible! Was able to get my picture with a couple of my favorite pros.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.
I don't think I realized how big the Salt Palace expo center is until I tried walking all of it. Saw some very cool products.
November:
Participated in my first sprint triathlon. Finished, and had a great time doing it. Planning on doing it again in 2010.
Just a few highlights of 2009. Here's to 2010! I hope you all have a prosperous and Happy New Year!
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