I like bikes. I like zombies. Put the two together, and you get awesomeness!
I found this on Woot!
31 May 2011
30 May 2011
Memorial Day
Pause today to remember those who have passed on, and those soldiers who gave all to defend our freedom.
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29 May 2011
28 May 2011
Caddyshack
You are probably wondering what Caddyshack has to do with bicycles, right?
Well, I was catching up on some late night TV watching last night (early this morning) when I saw that it was starting. During the opening sequence, our hero Danny Noonan, rides his 10 speed to the country club and performs a very hipsteresque dismount over his handlebars. I tried to record it with my Flip video, but there was technical difficulties.
Fortunately, I found the opening on youtube. I copied the part involving the bicycle using the very technical method of recording my computer screen with my cell phone (if you look closely, you can see my noggin reflected in the image). The audio was disabled by whoever posted it due to copyright issues.
Enjoy the clip.
Well, I was catching up on some late night TV watching last night (early this morning) when I saw that it was starting. During the opening sequence, our hero Danny Noonan, rides his 10 speed to the country club and performs a very hipsteresque dismount over his handlebars. I tried to record it with my Flip video, but there was technical difficulties.
Fortunately, I found the opening on youtube. I copied the part involving the bicycle using the very technical method of recording my computer screen with my cell phone (if you look closely, you can see my noggin reflected in the image). The audio was disabled by whoever posted it due to copyright issues.
Enjoy the clip.
27 May 2011
Tales from the Commute
This definitely falls into the “WTH” category.
I start my commute from my house to the bus stop at 5:30 in the AM. Thankfully, due to the time of the year, it is light enough that I don’t need a light to see my way any longer.
This morning, I started my commute on the Fuji – maiden voyage for me! More on that later – as normal. Some mornings, I’ll see the occasional jogger, this morning was nice and peaceful. No one else on the trail. I came up the little climb on my route, rounded the corner, and found this sitting in the middle of the trail.
Empties are uncommon, but not out of the ordinary. But a full, unopened bottle of Bud Light sitting upright in the middle of the trail at 5:30 in the morning is enough to make one stop and scratch his head. I love starting the day like this!
Now, on to the Fuji. The ride in on it was great, but I really think that I need to set it up as a dedicated Tri bike, or something else. I felt guilty taking the Fuji and leaving the Specialized at home. Is that weird? This the first time that I have had more than one bike of the same type, and the first time I have had to choose which bike to ride. It's like choosing which child is your favorite.
No, I did not drink the beer.
I start my commute from my house to the bus stop at 5:30 in the AM. Thankfully, due to the time of the year, it is light enough that I don’t need a light to see my way any longer.
This morning, I started my commute on the Fuji – maiden voyage for me! More on that later – as normal. Some mornings, I’ll see the occasional jogger, this morning was nice and peaceful. No one else on the trail. I came up the little climb on my route, rounded the corner, and found this sitting in the middle of the trail.
I did not set up this shot, this is exactly how I found it.
Empties are uncommon, but not out of the ordinary. But a full, unopened bottle of Bud Light sitting upright in the middle of the trail at 5:30 in the morning is enough to make one stop and scratch his head. I love starting the day like this!
Now, on to the Fuji. The ride in on it was great, but I really think that I need to set it up as a dedicated Tri bike, or something else. I felt guilty taking the Fuji and leaving the Specialized at home. Is that weird? This the first time that I have had more than one bike of the same type, and the first time I have had to choose which bike to ride. It's like choosing which child is your favorite.
No, I did not drink the beer.
26 May 2011
A new addition to the family...
My stable of bicycles grew by one last night.
My friend, Greg, came over last night with his “new” bike – a Cannondale CAAD8 that he traded a shotgun for at a local pawn shop (good trade, in my opinion) and asked me to do the whole “swap out” thing on it (wheels, saddle, computer, new bar tape, etc…). I asked him what he was going to do with the Fuji, he asked if I wanted it. I offered to pay him for it, which he declined – saying that I have helped him with his bike whenever he needed it.
So, I now have 3.5 bikes in my stable:
’04 Fuji Finest AL
’94 Specialized Allez Pro – aka “Pepto”
Early ‘90’s Koga-Miyata Prologue (currently in the process of becoming a fixed-gear. Just need a crank and chain)
Unknown make or model “tall bike” – aka my “I don’t get enough attention riding around town in lycra on a road bike, so let’s make sure everybody notices me as I ride around with my kids on a bike that is tall enough that I can look over everyone’s fence” bike.
I say 3.5 since the fixed-gear bike is missing the crank, chain, and pedals.
None of the bikes I own are new, but that doesn’t make me any less of a cyclist. I still get out on the bike as often as possible, and enjoy riding as much as the next cyclist.
Not that I wouldn’t love a whisper-light carbon fiber or unobtanium ride, it just isn’t financially possible at this point.
I guess Lance had one thing right. It’s not about the bike...
My friend, Greg, came over last night with his “new” bike – a Cannondale CAAD8 that he traded a shotgun for at a local pawn shop (good trade, in my opinion) and asked me to do the whole “swap out” thing on it (wheels, saddle, computer, new bar tape, etc…). I asked him what he was going to do with the Fuji, he asked if I wanted it. I offered to pay him for it, which he declined – saying that I have helped him with his bike whenever he needed it.
So, I now have 3.5 bikes in my stable:
’04 Fuji Finest AL
’94 Specialized Allez Pro – aka “Pepto”
Early ‘90’s Koga-Miyata Prologue (currently in the process of becoming a fixed-gear. Just need a crank and chain)
Unknown make or model “tall bike” – aka my “I don’t get enough attention riding around town in lycra on a road bike, so let’s make sure everybody notices me as I ride around with my kids on a bike that is tall enough that I can look over everyone’s fence” bike.
I say 3.5 since the fixed-gear bike is missing the crank, chain, and pedals.
None of the bikes I own are new, but that doesn’t make me any less of a cyclist. I still get out on the bike as often as possible, and enjoy riding as much as the next cyclist.
Not that I wouldn’t love a whisper-light carbon fiber or unobtanium ride, it just isn’t financially possible at this point.
I guess Lance had one thing right. It’s not about the bike...
25 May 2011
Spring
Unfortunately, if I am downtown, it means I'm at work.
Still, I was able to escape for a quick lunch run up to the local market to pick up a few necessities.
The hardest part was convincing the bike to turn back into the lot at work, she wanted to keep rolling.
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24 May 2011
A Letter from the Weather Bureau
Dear Weather Customer:
Due to budget cuts, the downsizing of our workforce, and high demand, the season that you ordered (Spring) is on backorder.
New supplies of this item are scheduled for delivery in your area soon.
In an effort to make sure our customers do not go weatherless, you will continue to receive your current season (Winter) free of charge.
Thank you for being a valued customer.
The Weather Bureau
Due to budget cuts, the downsizing of our workforce, and high demand, the season that you ordered (Spring) is on backorder.
New supplies of this item are scheduled for delivery in your area soon.
In an effort to make sure our customers do not go weatherless, you will continue to receive your current season (Winter) free of charge.
Thank you for being a valued customer.
The Weather Bureau
photo by my awesome wife!
23 May 2011
60 Minutes
60 Minutes aired it’s interview with Tyler Hamilton last night. I’m assuming that everyone watched it, but in case you didn’t, here is the link.
My opinion: It’s all been said before. Just another case of “convenient” timing – Hamilton has a book coming out soon.
The best comment about all of this came from my wife. She asked if Armstrong was still racing (no, she doesn’t follow cycling). When I said no, she wondered why so much energy and time was being wasted on proving whether he doped or not.
Good question.
My opinion: It’s all been said before. Just another case of “convenient” timing – Hamilton has a book coming out soon.
The best comment about all of this came from my wife. She asked if Armstrong was still racing (no, she doesn’t follow cycling). When I said no, she wondered why so much energy and time was being wasted on proving whether he doped or not.
Good question.
20 May 2011
Sidi Commercials
I'm watching the Giro d'Italia on Eurosport today. One thing that I have noticed, as I'm sure you have as well; is that Sidi has a LOT of commercials on during the Giro - as well as the other Grand Tours, and that they all are really, really BAD!
I give you example A:
Example B:
Example C:
And, I am really sorry for this one; Example D:
I give you example A:
Example B:
Example C:
And, I am really sorry for this one; Example D:
I don't know about you, but nothing says "cycling shoes" like a naked, oiled, skinny Italian.
For such good shoes, they sure have some stupid commercials.
18 May 2011
Ride of Silence
Tonight at 7:00 pm is the Ride of Silence.
What started out in 2003 as a one-time ride by a group of friends who wanted to remember and pay respect to their friend Larry Schwartz; who was killed 10 days earlier by a school bus mirror as he was riding is now shared by riders all over the world. This year, there are 315 rides in 24 countries.
The Ride of Silence is a free ride, with no sponsors or registration fees. As the name suggests, it is asked that you ride in silence; and no faster than 12 mph. The mission of the world wide Ride of Silence is to honor bicyclists killed by motorists, promote sharing the road, and provide awareness of bicycling safety.
If there is a ride in your area, Go join them. If not, consider starting one for next year. There are resources on the website to help you organize a ride in your area.
With helmets on tight and heads down low,
We ride in silence, cautious and slow
The dark sunglasses cover our tears
Remembering those we held so dear
Tonight's ride is to make others aware
The road is there for all to share
What started out in 2003 as a one-time ride by a group of friends who wanted to remember and pay respect to their friend Larry Schwartz; who was killed 10 days earlier by a school bus mirror as he was riding is now shared by riders all over the world. This year, there are 315 rides in 24 countries.
The Ride of Silence is a free ride, with no sponsors or registration fees. As the name suggests, it is asked that you ride in silence; and no faster than 12 mph. The mission of the world wide Ride of Silence is to honor bicyclists killed by motorists, promote sharing the road, and provide awareness of bicycling safety.
If there is a ride in your area, Go join them. If not, consider starting one for next year. There are resources on the website to help you organize a ride in your area.
Tonight we number many but ride as one
In honor of those not with us, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, sonsWith helmets on tight and heads down low,
We ride in silence, cautious and slow
The wheels start spinning in the lead pack
But tonight we ride and no one attacksThe dark sunglasses cover our tears
Remembering those we held so dear
Tonight's ride is to make others aware
The road is there for all to share
To those not with us or by our side,
May God be your partner on your final ride
- Mike Murgas
17 May 2011
T-Shirt of the Day
I found this shirt at Wal*Mart of all places, for only $6! Not sure why all of the other shirts I saw there are available online, but this one doesn't appear to be. The styling and artwork is similar to the Life is Good line of shirts, but at a fraction of the price.
16 May 2011
Being the Neighborhood "Bike Guy"
In my neighborhood, I am the “bike guy”. My car is the only one that has a bike rack on top of it. I’m the one who wears the “funny clothes” when he rides, and considers a 15-20 mile ride something to do if I only have an hour to spare.
Being the “bike guy” also means that I am the one who gets asked the questions like “I want to get my (husband/wife/child) a good bike, what do you think of brand x?” Not that I mind. I actually enjoy getting questions like that. It means people are thinking about their bicycle purchases, and steering away from the Wal-Mart BSO’s.
Another question I get a lot is “Can you (fix/install/repair/look at) ______ for me?”
I need to clarify, I am not complaining, in fact just the opposite. I love to work on bikes, whether it is my own, or someone else’s.
I have a couple of neighbors who have recently discovered – or re-discovered in one case – the joy of road cycling. They have both found “new” bikes on Craigslist, or one of the other online classified forums and asked me to take a look at them, to make sure everything was adjusted and in good working order.
One of the bikes came with some Look Keo Classic pedals, and my friend wanted me to swap out the pedals for some Shimano SPD pedals that he already had. I asked him what he was going to do with the Keo’s. “do you want them?” he asked. (I currently have some old Shimano “Look compatible” pedals on my bike, and have wanted to upgrade to a pair of Keo pedals)…
My other friend – the one I go riding with almost every weekend – has discovered the joy that is Nashbar. He is coming over almost every week with a new part he purchased, asking me if I could swap it out. After I have traded the parts, he asks me if I would like the old part – as thanks for helping him out. One week, I traded his tires (still in good condition) for some new rubber (hello, tires for the fixed gear!). Another time, He purchased a new wheelset (hello, training wheels!).
Yeah, it’s not bad being the “bike guy”.
Being the “bike guy” also means that I am the one who gets asked the questions like “I want to get my (husband/wife/child) a good bike, what do you think of brand x?” Not that I mind. I actually enjoy getting questions like that. It means people are thinking about their bicycle purchases, and steering away from the Wal-Mart BSO’s.
Another question I get a lot is “Can you (fix/install/repair/look at) ______ for me?”
I need to clarify, I am not complaining, in fact just the opposite. I love to work on bikes, whether it is my own, or someone else’s.
I have a couple of neighbors who have recently discovered – or re-discovered in one case – the joy of road cycling. They have both found “new” bikes on Craigslist, or one of the other online classified forums and asked me to take a look at them, to make sure everything was adjusted and in good working order.
One of the bikes came with some Look Keo Classic pedals, and my friend wanted me to swap out the pedals for some Shimano SPD pedals that he already had. I asked him what he was going to do with the Keo’s. “do you want them?” he asked. (I currently have some old Shimano “Look compatible” pedals on my bike, and have wanted to upgrade to a pair of Keo pedals)…
My other friend – the one I go riding with almost every weekend – has discovered the joy that is Nashbar. He is coming over almost every week with a new part he purchased, asking me if I could swap it out. After I have traded the parts, he asks me if I would like the old part – as thanks for helping him out. One week, I traded his tires (still in good condition) for some new rubber (hello, tires for the fixed gear!). Another time, He purchased a new wheelset (hello, training wheels!).
Yeah, it’s not bad being the “bike guy”.
13 May 2011
12 May 2011
T-Shirt of the Day
This is an important shirt. Rather than me summarizing, here is the text directly from the site:
"Like you, we were deeply moved and saddened by the tragic and untimely passing of Wouter Weylandt, #108. So we offer this memorial tee as a way for all of us to remember the important things: family, friends, the thrill of two wheels. This is not about us, it's not about you. It's a benefit for the family and unborn child that Wouter left behind. All profits from this remembrance will go directly to the fund that Leopard-Trek has established for them. Thank you for joining us on this group ride..."
You can pre-order the shirt from Stomach of Anger until the end of the Giro d'Italia (Sunday, May 29th). At that time, one run of the shirts will be produced and shipped out via priority mail. 100% of the profits (about $12-15 per shirt) will go directly to the fund for Wouter Weylandt's family set up by Leopard-Trek.
I hope they have the largest run of shirts that they have ever produced.
As of May 17th, Stomach of Anger has sold 1900 of the 108 tribute shirts; over $22,000 raised for Wouter Weylandt's family! Wow!**UPDATE**
11 May 2011
Giro Stage 4 Finish
video from Universal Sports
The last 4 km of yesterdays stage. A very touching tribute to fallen rider Wouter Weylandt.
10 May 2011
SLC Proposes Green Space Corridor on 200 S
Last month, Salt Lake City unveiled plans to transform 200 S between 200 E and 1300 E into a “multi-modal public green space corridor”. What that means, is that they are planning on taking a street with 2 lanes of car traffic and a bike lane each direction and change it into a single lane of car traffic with “greenway medians, serving as reclaimed public spaces that can accommodate street vendors, community gardens, vegetable stands, as well as host events such as musical performances, street fairs, child bicycle instruction, aerobics instruction, yoga classes, and more.”.
200 S is the main corridor between the University of Utah, and downtown, and as such, it sees a fairly high level of bicycle traffic compared to other streets in the downtown area.
An Open House will be held on May 12th, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, on the existing green median located at 200 South and McClelland St (~1050 E), in front of Coffee Noir. You can learn more about the project, see new visual material, and give the team your suggestions for the project.
Personally, I am more comfortable on the roads with the cars than on a shared use path with joggers, strollers, and kids on bikes. The only place that I will actively use a shared use path is in “no man’s land” in Eagle Mountain. There, the road is barely wide enough for a single lane each direction, and there are no shoulders. Also, since part of my ride along that stretch of roadway is during less than optimal lighting conditions, I am happy to remove myself as a potential target in that situation.
That being said, I like the proposed plans for 200 S. Anything that will calm traffic, provide additional bicycle infrastructure, and add more green public space to the downtown area is a good thing in my opinion. The artist’s renderings appear to show that there will still be enough room for those cyclists who choose to ride on the roads to share the lane with cars, leaving the green space corridor for joggers, strollers, and the like.
You can visit the city website for more information.
Artist's rendering of the proposed green space
200 S is the main corridor between the University of Utah, and downtown, and as such, it sees a fairly high level of bicycle traffic compared to other streets in the downtown area.
An Open House will be held on May 12th, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, on the existing green median located at 200 South and McClelland St (~1050 E), in front of Coffee Noir. You can learn more about the project, see new visual material, and give the team your suggestions for the project.
Personally, I am more comfortable on the roads with the cars than on a shared use path with joggers, strollers, and kids on bikes. The only place that I will actively use a shared use path is in “no man’s land” in Eagle Mountain. There, the road is barely wide enough for a single lane each direction, and there are no shoulders. Also, since part of my ride along that stretch of roadway is during less than optimal lighting conditions, I am happy to remove myself as a potential target in that situation.
That being said, I like the proposed plans for 200 S. Anything that will calm traffic, provide additional bicycle infrastructure, and add more green public space to the downtown area is a good thing in my opinion. The artist’s renderings appear to show that there will still be enough room for those cyclists who choose to ride on the roads to share the lane with cars, leaving the green space corridor for joggers, strollers, and the like.
You can visit the city website for more information.
09 May 2011
Android Cycling Apps: EuroSport.com
**Before I get into this post. I want to add my condolences and prayers to the friends, family and teammates of Wouter Weylandt, who suffered a horrific crash during a high-speed decent in today's stage, and passed away due to injuries sustained. RIP Wouter. Story here.
It’s May. That means that in Europe, the Giro d’Italia is running.
Due to me not living in Europe, not having Versus in my satellite programming package, and working for a company that frowns upon “unauthorized non-work related Internet usage” I don’t get a chance to watch the Giro live.
But, thankfully, I can keep up with the Giro, and other Pro Tour races on my phone thanks to the EuroSport.com app for my Android phone.
I can track current news stories, follow the live commentary of races currently running or recently finished, and check the standings.
It’s not perfect. For example, it won’t tell me what races or stages are coming up, and I have to keep on hitting the refresh button in the live feed – It would be nice if it auto-updated every time a new entry is posted. Aside from that, no complaints.
You can also keep up on other sports, if you must.
For a free app, it's worth it.
You can download it from the Android Market.
It’s May. That means that in Europe, the Giro d’Italia is running.
Due to me not living in Europe, not having Versus in my satellite programming package, and working for a company that frowns upon “unauthorized non-work related Internet usage” I don’t get a chance to watch the Giro live.
But, thankfully, I can keep up with the Giro, and other Pro Tour races on my phone thanks to the EuroSport.com app for my Android phone.
I can track current news stories, follow the live commentary of races currently running or recently finished, and check the standings.
no screen shots for cycling, unfortunately
It’s not perfect. For example, it won’t tell me what races or stages are coming up, and I have to keep on hitting the refresh button in the live feed – It would be nice if it auto-updated every time a new entry is posted. Aside from that, no complaints.
You can also keep up on other sports, if you must.
For a free app, it's worth it.
You can download it from the Android Market.
08 May 2011
07 May 2011
Recycling Clif Bar Wrappers
I have never hidden my love for all things Clif, and I doubt that I am alone.
But, what to do with all of those wrappers? You want to be environmentally friendly (we're cyclists, after all) and keep additional waste out of our landfills.
Clif Bar has teamed up with TerraCycle to collect used energy bar wrappers - keeping them out of landfills. These wrappers will then be made to eco-friendly products. Also, $.02 from every wrapper will be donated to a nonprofit of your choice.
The process is simple. You sign up with TerraCycle, collect the wrappers and send them in (free shipping!), where they are upcycled into products from bags to park benches
Click here to sign up for the energy bar wrapper brigade.
But, what to do with all of those wrappers? You want to be environmentally friendly (we're cyclists, after all) and keep additional waste out of our landfills.
Clif Bar has teamed up with TerraCycle to collect used energy bar wrappers - keeping them out of landfills. These wrappers will then be made to eco-friendly products. Also, $.02 from every wrapper will be donated to a nonprofit of your choice.
The process is simple. You sign up with TerraCycle, collect the wrappers and send them in (free shipping!), where they are upcycled into products from bags to park benches
Click here to sign up for the energy bar wrapper brigade.
05 May 2011
What Can You Do?
I have a meeting for the Tour de Cure Committee tonight after work, and seeing as our ride is just over a month away (June 11th - mark your calendars), it is probably important that I attend.
At least I will be talking about bikes if I can't be riding them. That counts for something, right?
If you would like to help me with my fundraising goals for the Tour de Cure which benefits the American Diabetes Association, please click on the link http://is.gd/helpTdC. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated. This is a great cause, and one that is very important to me.
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04 May 2011
My Morning Commute
I love this time of year! Especially for biking.
My commute this morning was as close to perfect as it possibly could be. The temperature was cool, requiring a light jacket for comfort. The sky was almost light enough that my lights are no longer necessary – in fact, I covered up my lights with my hand while I was out in “no man’s land” and enjoyed the pre-dawn light. The air was clear and crisp, and the sky was that beautiful gradient of blue that you get just before dawn – from dark blue in the southwest to a pale blue in the east.
Mornings like this are magic! You get out on your bike, and immediately forget about all of your problems and worries. The world seems just a little better when you are riding. And it doesn’t end when you get off of your bike, you carry those good vibes with you throughout the day.
Get out and ride your bike!
Also, go check out my friends blog, Loving the Bike, and take the pledge.
My commute this morning was as close to perfect as it possibly could be. The temperature was cool, requiring a light jacket for comfort. The sky was almost light enough that my lights are no longer necessary – in fact, I covered up my lights with my hand while I was out in “no man’s land” and enjoyed the pre-dawn light. The air was clear and crisp, and the sky was that beautiful gradient of blue that you get just before dawn – from dark blue in the southwest to a pale blue in the east.
Mornings like this are magic! You get out on your bike, and immediately forget about all of your problems and worries. The world seems just a little better when you are riding. And it doesn’t end when you get off of your bike, you carry those good vibes with you throughout the day.
Get out and ride your bike!
Also, go check out my friends blog, Loving the Bike, and take the pledge.
03 May 2011
Splnter Bike
"No bolts or screws, just wood and glues!"...Michael Thompson of Norfolk, UK has built a bicycle entirely out of wood.
But more than just proving that he could build a bicycle completely out of wood (saddle included), Michael and his friend James Tully are going to attempt to set a land speed record on the wooden bike. They have built the bike, and are in the process of securing sponsorship for the attempt. You can follow their progress on the SplinterBike Blog,
Good luck, gentlemen!
01 May 2011
May is Bike Month
Yes, it's that time of year again. May is once again upon us - even if it doesn't feel like May what with the weather we've been having.
Many communities have something planned, especially during Bike week, which is May 16 - 20.
Check the League of American Bicyclists website for activites happening nationwide.
Locally, you can check the Utah Bike Month website for rides a list of rides and bike-related event happening this month.
During Bike Week - May 16 thru 20, UTA sponsors various events - like bike to work days in SLC, Ogden, and Provo where you can ride with the mayors of each of the cities. The events wrap up on Friday and Saturdaywith the UTA Bike Bonanza at Gallivan Plaza - with free food, activites, bike and gear raffles. And Saturday with the Cycle Salt Lake Century.
No matter where you are, or if you participate in any of the events this month, the most important thing is to get out and ride your bike.
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