Obeying the Rules of the Road - My rant of the day

One of the difficulties of riding a bike is when you obey the rules of the road but drivers don't. There is nothing that will throw a rider off more than an oncoming driver who stops in the middle of the street to let a rider turn - when there is no stop sign or light - or who thinks they are doing you a favor by letting you pass or waiting for you to make a move. Not only does it jack up your momentum, but it also puts you and others in danger.

I almost had a repeat performance this morning when a driver decided to turn left at a light and then stop at the corner to pick up a pedestrian. As I was coming through my light that had just turned green I had to go way out into traffic to avoid hitting the back of his SUV. If I had been going any faster it could have been a bad scene. Thanks a lot buddy! My kids thank you too. I'm sure it would have killed you to drive 20 more feet and pull into the parking lot to pick up your passenger.

That is all.

X on people!

I AM LEGEND - but with people!!! Bikes take over NYC

I couldn't help but think of the rather dreary movie we watched recently - I AM LEGEND - when I watched this marvelous slideshow. But this was with people and it was joyous and wonderful. Oh that it was like this all the time.

NYC on a Summer Day

Enjoy!

X on people

Kid Seat Envy

I ran across this photo on the rootsradicals site today. I pull a trailer but I have serious kid seat envy after seeing this:

I wonder if he'll make me one? This just seems fun. I wonder how comfortable it is? I know my kids would like being able to see everything. My trailer actually has a functional purpose for my Stroller Strides classes but this seems like a good "round town" set up.

Anyway, I really like it!

X on people.

Time Off For SLIZZY

We've been riding quite a bit this summer. We even changed trailers when I found one I liked a little better on Craigslist. It's been so beautiful to ride to class in the morning and say hi to all the people walking their dogs or the city workers mowing the lawns at the parks. People are slightly caught off guard and it's fun to see them smile at some good old fashioned interaction.

Then last week a fellow cyclist was struck down by a motorist. I don't know why and I was quite unprepared for the effects, but I took it pretty hard. I was supremely saddened and kind of lost my riding mojo. So, we took this week off. Needless to say it was a really chunky and lumpy week weather wise, but it just didn't feel right to ride. I don't feel scared. I just feel like the world kind of tilted in the wrong direction and I didn't handle it very well.

I never met Keith Moon but I've crossed paths with his stellar work and our circles intersected slightly. I was relieved to find out more about him and while I grieve with his family I know I will see him again and that brings me joy.

I guess you just can't know when you take off on your ride what will happen that day. All the same principles apply if you are walking or driving too, but it seems especially sad when you are doing something so wonderfully fun. Really living. Participating in your movement from one place to another.


So, goodbye Mr. Moon. Thank you for your contributions to our community. We will miss you. I hope your mansion is more amazing than you ever dreamed. See you soon!

Tour Des Chutes - X Style

We recently participated in the Tour Des Chutes (to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the St. Charles Cancer Center) with our good friends Jenny & Ryder and our new friends Tammy & Erin.

It was a wonderfully organized event that drew riders from all walks of life. There were distances for everyone - 7, 25, 48, 70 & 100 miles. We opted for the 7 mile ride and what a wonderful ride it was.

The morning was beautiful and cool and according to the organizers we had 4 times as many riders in our category as last year. Everyone enjoyed the leisurely ride through Broken Top. Thanks to the neighborhood for hosting us. We loved exploring your part of town.

The kids did a great job in the trailer and we really enjoyed being together for the morning. We rode in honor of "Oma" and in rememberance of "Grandpa Don". I think we will make this a regular summer event and I look forward to the day when my kids can ride on their own and eventually take off on one of the longer distances. I only hope I can keep up!!

Thanks to all the great folks who organized and volunteered for this great event.

Tunage for the Kids

I installed some little speakers in the trailer today for the kids. They have quite a library going on my iPod, so they should be able to listen to it while we ride. It's SWEEEEET dude!

SLIZZY in her full glory

I finally took a picture of my set up for when I go to Stroller Strides. You'll notice my duffle bag filled with exercise bands on one side and my "summer" mat for stretching and ab work on the other side.

I've pared the load down so it's not too ridiculously heavy I think. I always have to remember I have 50 lbs. behind me in the form of two wiggly bodies.

I just need some signage now. I'd like something I can hang off the back of the trailer and then set up at the park for when we're doing class. I know people are curious as to what we are all doing there with our strollers.

Hopefully I can get something worked out soon.

Side Note: we went to ShopKo after class. I almost bought a new tent and would have had no problem getting it home on the bike, but I couldn't decide which one I wanted. I did buy a bell though and on the way home there were like 6 cyclists riding on my street all at the same time. It was really cool.

X on people!