Bus Graphics

It's interesting the things you see when riding a bike or takin public transportation. There is more time to look around, enjoy, and appreciate the things around us.

Tim Johnson On Course

Tim Johnson trains on the WCI World Cyclocross Championships course in St. Wendel

Photo from Daily Peloton online by Bart Hazen

The reason for this picture is what is on his handlebars. He’s filming the course for training.  That’s what I consider Elite.

Pedal

Pedal a documentary about NYC city messengers.  This doc got me into riding.

2010 Tour De France Podium

Photo from VeloNews online.  I guess it is the podium for now until the Tour announces the new results.

SoPo Bike-In Movie at Java Lords

Don't Forget Your Lights

Strategies for Getting Around Without Bike Lights (or Pants) from BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION ALLIANCE on Vimeo.

Rainy Commute

The commute this evening was drizzle with temps in the high 30's. I actually saw another commuter on Peachtree in shorts. I was on the cold side though. It's supposed to rain more but it gives me a chance to test out the rain bike and its fenders, the Overboard backpack, and the Pelican 2130 Mini Flasher.  Reviews are coming so far the fenders are awesome.

Fenders Rock

I built up a rain bike with fenders and its getting work today. Its raining in Atlanta. So far these fenders rock!

DIY Tube Pouch

I usually just stuff my tubes in any pocket of my bag. I wanted a way to keep the tubes organized and in place and protected.
I found an old bag that had a small zippered pouch pocket attached to the inside.  The bag was wrecked that it was un-useable to begin with.  So I took a pair of scissors and cut out the small zippered pouch.
I folded 2 tubes and placed them into the pouch.  It keeps the tubes organized and in place somewhat protected from other things in my bag.

Career Courier

Scooped from Prolly.

DIY Feet Windproofing

I could go out and buy some booties to keep my feet warm and windproof.  Here's the cheap DIY solution, take plastic grocery bags and put them over your socks.  After use, recycle the bags.  This isn't a new idea, NYC bike messengers were using this trick long before I did.  If anyone wants to contribute to my 'Get Real Booties' fund, let me know.

Quote from the 'Pedal' book, text by Zephyr; 'Their footwear is by Glad, not Sidi'.

Portlandia: Bicycle Rights

String Bike

DIY Knickers

I took a pair of pants that I have been riding in and have been folding up the bottom pant legs.  So finally I committed into sewing it up into knickers.

1. Adjust to the proper length.

2. Turn the pants inside out and start sewing on a sewing machine.  This can also be done by hand sewing it.

3. Cut off the excess fabric and you have DIY knickers.

Thoughts and future mods:

The bottom of the pants are still a little wide.  I fold the bottom along the length of the pant and sew it up.

I have heard that darts on the back of the pant leg, behind the knee will make the pant leg fold over the knee making for a more comfortable ride.  Its worth a try.

Here are pics of the finished product.  The knickers cover my kneee through the whole pedal stroke which I like.  The length when on the bike just comes up right above the chain, good.

Good luck to you and your DIY.  If I can do it then you can too.

Switch Guard for Bike Lights

I hate it when I throw my lights into my bag and they get switched on.  I found this off of Instructables.

Adjusting Cantilever Brakes

Adjusting Cantilever Brakes

by BicycleTutor

Connecting The City

The Invisible Cyclists: Immigrants and the Bike Community

From LA and an interesting read…

Also an article from the LA Streets Blog

The Invisible Cyclists: Immigrants and the Bike Community

by Damien Newton on January 18, 2011

Last week, GOOD Magazine examined the role that the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition’s City of Lights program has taken in giving voice to the overlooked and under-represented bicyclists in Los Angeles County.  A program that started by handing out lights to immigrant cyclists and has become a national model for bicycle advocacy by focusing their efforts on safety to those who are most underserved by government.

New Balance at Garmin Cervelo

I caught this pic of Ryder Hesjedal on Cycling News online and I noticed his booties had the running shoe company New Balance on it.  Nike is on Team Radio Shack so it’s very cool to see NB on Garmin Cervelo.

Photo by Lucas Gilman from Cycling News

Yay Decatur!

The Decatur bike lanes along Ponce and Trinity won the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition's Best New Bike Facility.  Read the ABC post here.

RIP Carla Swart

Carla had raced around here locally with the Fulton Flyers junior team and went on to win in several disciplines (road, cx, mountain, track).

Photo from Daily Peloton.

21st Avenue Bicycles - Family Fun Bike Build

21st Avenue Bicycles - Family Fun Bike Build! from James Wilson on Vimeo.
21st Avenue Bicycles has a couple of these that they have made.  Great to see the vibe of the shop come out on video.

DIY Studded Tires

As seen on Marta, local bike commuter does his own DIY studded tires, 2 hours worth of work, #8 1/2" screws.

Austin Horse on NPR

Random find on NPR…

Instructions For Studded Tires

This morning I saw a fellow bike commuter actually on his bike.  He had placed screws into his tires to make his own set of studded snow/ice tires.  He said the whole process (2 tires) took him 2 hours.  I don’t know if I will get to it for this snow/ice storm but I want to be prepared for it in the future.

Screws in the tire method:

http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-Bicycle-Tires-Into-Studded-Snow-Tires

Here’s one method:

1.      Purchase the right supplies, as listed in the "Things You'll Need" below.

2.      Drill (using a very small bit) down from the center of chosen knob into the tire.

3.      Drill a screw up from inside-out. If the angle isn't perpendicular to the tire, it'll stick out one side or the other. Do one hole and screw at a time. Don't try drilling all the holes, then installing screws...you'll drive yourself crazy trying to find which knob you drilled.

4.      Put duct tape over the screws on the inside of the tire; sometimes it is best to use two layers of tape. You can purchase "tire liners" (there are a few brands include Slime and Mr. Tuffy) that are designed to go in between the tube and the tire instead of using duct tape to protect the tube.

5.      5 Mount the tires back on the rims. Getting the tires mounted on the rims will be difficult, comparable to wrestling a rabid porcupine.

Others:

http://bikehugger.com/2008/12/diy-studded-tires-for-icebike.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_2239069_convert-bicycle-tires-studded-snow.html

Pop rivet method:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Pop-Rivet-Ice-Tires-for-Your-Road-Bike/

Studs from the outside into the tire:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/369227-Studded-Tires-Make-your-own-in-7-easy-steps

DIY Snow Tires

I caught this from the Faster Mustache forums and Dutch Bike Co…

SNOWPOCALYPSE!

No matter how much we swear we've learned our lessons, Seattle always seems to get caught by surprise by the snow. There we were, minding our own business with our feet all toasty in our sandals and socks, when the temperature plummeted and it turned into Juneau in January. While this year the City did a much better job than last year at preventing widespread carnage and destruction, we at Dutch Bike Seattle still didn't bring in studded tires because it never snows in Seattle. Even if we had stocked them, I'm not sure they'd sell because it never snows in Seattle, right?

We found something else, though. Something else entirely.

 Read on here.

Winter Bike Riding Fail

This morning I tried to ride in the snow conditions of Atlanta.  Grant it for most of the Northern states, winter riding is nothing.  But in Atlanta, we have no salt trucks or plows, so the snow sits.  Then the weather warms a little to melt the snow.  And then it gets colder resulting in ice which will probably last a couple of days.
So this morning I tried to ride.  I had a commuter bike with fat tires.  But I was wrong.  I was slipping and sliding all over the place.  I read online that riding through snow was like riding through mud.  I guess I need practice on both.  I just got out of the neighborhood and then turned around to drop the bike off and walk/train to work.
So here is the point where I gave up and turned around.

But on the way home, I call this morning a successful failure.  I couldn't ride in the snow but I now realize that.  And I definitely wouldn't have been able to ride home after work.  The ice just got worse and nothing was plowed.  It'll probably be the same tomorrow.  I will look forward to riding in the slush when things warm up a little.

Updated GA Bike Sense Guide

The Georgia Department of Transportation recently updated its Georgia Bike Sense guide. This handbook is an excellent resource for both cyclists and non-cyclists and does a great job of covering the rules of the road.

The book is also full of great advice and guidance for cyclists including sections on riding in difficult/unusual conditions, riding with other cyclists and cycling with kids.
PDF copy here.

Crash

I hit the pavement last night riding in the wet weather.  I was riding along the Path, DeKalb Av, and going over the railroad tracks that awkwardly intersects it right by the East Lake Marta station.  I've ridden over those tracks many times, wet and dry.  But this time it got me.  The bike went left right out from under me.  I hit the pavement.
So let me get on my soapbox.  First, I only have a couple of cuts and bruises.  Second, my helmet saved me from a much worse crash than it should have been.  I'm pretty positive about it.  If I didn't have my helmet, I would have taken most of the force of the crash on my head.  So here's a fist bump for helmets.  Third, is there anything that can be done about those tracks and that part of the Path.  The tracks are still being used.  The irony is, I have seen others laid out crashed at that same area and I never thought I should take care over those tracks.  Now I will.
Ride Safe!

I Burrito SF

Pic from Bikes and The City blog.  I love the pic for the black shirt on the left.  I love SF and I love burritos.

Graffiti and Art

This post comes as Creative Loafing published an article on the City of Atlanta's resurrection of the Graffiti Task Force.  You can read the CL article here.  And more pics here.  Riding the train, walking,  or riding a bike  allows me to see some amazing pieces around Atlanta.  Here is an example by Sever.  Awesome.

Yoga for Cyclists @ ABC

I picked this up from the ABC and Faster Mustache sites, write-up from the ABC.

Yoga for Cyclists

As bicyclists, we sometimes neglect stretching and weight training in favor of more miles on the bike. Yoga has the potential to enhance the ride with increased flexibility and core strength, so beginning in 2011 ABC will host a weekly "yoga for cyclists" class every Thursday from 6-7 pm. The instructor, Alyson Laura, is an avid cyclist herself, a member of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition since 2008, and has lived car-free in Atlanta since 2006. As an added benefit, ABC members will receive one free class per month! Alyson began her yoga practice in 2008. In December of 2010, she completed the 200-hour Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher Training at the Nirvana Yoga Studio in Grant Park with Leigh Anne Neal. Her teaching style integrates Hatha, Ashtanga, and Yin postures into a creative Vinyasa flow. As a cyclist and yogi, Alyson is deeply committed to well-being of body and mind as a vehicle for success in every-day life. Classes at the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition will be accessible to all levels of students, from beginners to advanced. Postures will focus on cycling specific body areas and lifestyle issues. If you share a passion for yoga or cycling (hopefully both) this class is for you! The class fee of $10 (payable in cash or check at the class start) will partly benefit the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, so you can support better biking while getting your yoga on. We are seeking donated gently used yoga mats, but for now please plan on bringing your own mat to the class.

When: January 6th, 2011 6:00 PM   through   7:00 PM 

Location: 213 Mitchell St., Atlanta, GA 30303

Contact Phone: 404-881-1112

 

Event Fee(s): One hour of yoga for cyclists $ 10.00

ABC Members: One free class/month $ 0.00

Read more here and register here.

Leif Labs Bags and Stuff

I have seen his work before but until looking around his site, I did not realize what a fountain of knowledge it is.  I am big on DIY and maybe I can actually sew something.  Cory’s blog is filled with instructions on how to sew a messenger bag, sewing machines, fabric, the little things, to get one started.  Check it out here and here.

I know I will be referencing his site many times.

Me And My Cyclocross Commuter

From the Virginia Beach Examiner.com, my current commuter is a singlespeed cross bike.  Probably from the early 80’s, all steel, and has been a workhorse bike for me.  I have enjoyed it for a while and am still changing little bits of pieces of it here and there.  I just changed the cockpit so I have to get used to a new body position, a little leaned forward.

Why should I purchase a Cyclocross bike?

By Braxton Dutton

December 16th, 2010 12:50 pm ET

When it comes to purchasing a Cyclocross bike, most often it is the last bike considered.  Perhaps it should be the first bike purchased.  If so, why?

Have you ever heard the term ‘Cyclocross’ anyway?  The name, Cyclocross.  What does that mean?  Does it even sound like a bike?  Cyclo.  Somethings not right.  Is that for 'Psycho', because of the fast paced action of Cyclocross racing?  Cyclone because of the unpredictable weather during Cyclocross season?  Cross?  Cross Country?  Who knows?

The answer is relative easy as to why a Cyclocross bike is often the last bike purchased.  Cyclocross racing, the 'steeplechase' of cycling, is a hybrid of mountain and road biking.  It's the fastest growing discipline of cycling because it brings both groups together in a fan friendly atmosphere.  It’s held in fall to early winter, the offseason of both disciplines.  Therefore, it extends the season of racers but necessitates special characteristics to handle the off road nature of mountain biking, as well as the fast, furious pace of road biking.  Thus the typical purchase of the Cyclocross bike evolves as the racer evolves and it is generally considered a race specific bike.

However, for the very same reason, it's endless versatility, a Cyclocross bike should possibly be the first bike purchased.  Ahh!  Cross?  Cross breed.  The ultimate hybrid.  Makes a little more sense.

Let’s examine the different characteristics of the Cyclocross bike.

Read on here.

Critical Mass by Chris Carlsson

I have been reading this book about Critical Mass.  I have participated in it in the past and for me it was for a fun, pro-bikes, festival on wheels traveling through the city.  As I read through this book, there is so much more to mass on top of the rolling party on wheels.  It is an intersting read.

Available on Amazon here.  It also reminds me that I have a lot of reading to do with other biking, commuter, cycling, messenger books..

Messenger Bag Review from FGG

I always wonder how do different bags compare.  There are messenger bags that most everyone has but then there are others that only a few have (ie. Chrome vs. Freight Bags).  So if I stumble upon a review, I look into and see the reviews.
Here's one from Fixed Gear Gallery.  Read on here.

 

Pics from FGG

The Crumpler And The Box

I had to bring a bunch of small items home. It may have been too much to fill the bag with along with all my other commuter stuff.  But there was a box available.  The Crumpler Famous Wine Bar is still impressive.  I could have used a couple of strap extenders because the existing straps were maxed out.  I still managed to get the box home and it wasn't uncomfortable as it looked when I had everything on my back.

The bag is just over 2 years old and I have not had any problems with it.