I MADE IT!!

Well this 100 miles wasn't the best route that I could have made, but it was a learning experience. I'm sure there will be more of these rides, even to Sarnia and also just 100 mile bike rides around here and there.

This ride started off early in the morning, we decided that we wouldn't inform too many people as we thought they would think I was crazy and they just might worry while I was on the road.

The ride was fine I did check in once to let Tracy know I was alright....then as I continued down that road....it turned to a gravel road, not what I was expecting...so I had to make a few adjustments to the route. But this gravel road wasn't too short, there was one lady who was completely lost trying to get to Windsor...all I could do was point her in the right direction. The further down the road was when the fun started. FARM DOGS!!!!! yeah six in total....they did give chase I managed to keep away from them. dogs 4 and 5 made me make a detour didn't want to out run them. Then as I go down yet another dirt road...."BRIDGE OUT" yeah expected the worst but luckily I was able to cross. Then just one more dog after that, where I wasn't ready so I turned around so I could get a head start and pass the dog.

Only one mistake...missed St. Clair Parkway so I did have to back track, luckily I caught the mistake before I went too far.

When I arrived it felt great, finally I was done, actually as soon as I turned down Stuart St. I knew it was almost done. I was proud and others were proud and then others were still trying to figure out WHY??

64.37 Miles = 103.59 km

Well I guess I recently completed a Century...the 100 km does sound better than 64 miles. But still want to get to that 100 miles. We will see when that happens. Who knows it just might be around the corner.

This ride took me 4hrs 7mins 46secs. I stopped to take one break along the way...I think I should of kept it shorter because once back on the bike, I kept thinking to myself...maybe I should just stop and rest again for a bit. But I kept riding to the end.

Windsor/Amherstburg Loop

April 22nd/08

2hrs 35mins 51secs

April 23rd/08

2hrs 24mins 0 sec

The Slacker’s Guide to Bike Commuting

The Slacker’s Guide to Bike Commuting

April 10th, 2008 by Tim Grahl

http://commutebybike.com/

This article isn’t for the detail oriented bike commuters. It’s also not for the hardcore, race-to-work riders either.

This one is for those of us that don’t like to plan ahead. Bike maintenance isn’t our thing. We consider rain showers wash-day for our bikes. And we certainly aren’t using our daily commute as training for a race.

Commuting by bike is first and foremost supposed to be fun. Gas prices, ‘going green’ and health reasons can get people into bike commuting, but it’s the daily enjoyment that keeps us in the saddle day after day. And let’s face it, planning ahead and wearing lycra doesn’t sound much like fun to a good many of us.

So for my fellow slackers, here’s your guide to bike commuting:

1. Ditch the patch kit, grab the cell phone - The worst thing about bike commuting is dealing with flat tires. Standing on the road next to your bike with a tiny, frustrating mini-pump trying to force air into your tire. So forget the patch kit and use your cell phone. If you get stranded on the way to work, call a buddy at the office to come get you. If you’re on the way home, call the significant other. It’ll take less time than fixing the flat on the side of the road and you’ll get to use your floor pump in the comfort of your own workshop.

2. Check the weather, consider the car or bus - Let’s face it, riding to work in a downpour causes a lot of problems. It soaks you and everything you brought. Takes a lot more time to get ready for work. All in all, zaps all the fun right out of bike commuting. So if the weather sucks, don’t feel bad about grabbing your keys or walking to the nearest bus stop.

3. Leave the lycra, wear your normal clothes - When I see another bike commuter on their way to work in full body spandex, it just looks difficult. The time changing, the extra cargo to carry, etc. My normal commuting attire is what I work in everyday. I roll up my pants and head out the door. Simple and comfortable.

4. Use lights that run on generators - Dealing with batteries in your lights can be frustrating and dangerous. They will always go out on you right at the darkest point in your ride home. Consider spending the extra money on some Reelights or Pedalites. Both are great options for adding visibility to your bike without ever worrying about batteries.

5. Don’t be ashamed to walk the bike - Your morning bike commute is not the Tour de France. There’s no grand prize and yellow jersey at the finish line. There’s no reason to grind up those hills if you stayed up until 3am last night watching X-files reruns and eating cereal (am I the only one that does that?). Feel free to get off the bike and walk up some of those hills. We’re trying to keep this fun folks.

6. Take the flattest route possible - Remember that the shortest route is not necessarily the best. By using a tool like http://www.mapmyride.com/ you can view the elevation map of your route. Play around with different variations to see what makes for the easiest way to the office.

7. For a long commute, consider driving part of it - If you’ve got a commute that’s to long for your physical condition or time restraints, try finding a public parking lot where you can stash your car. Drive halfway and then bike the rest.

You may also want to check out my Guide to a Simple Bike Commute.

Brighton Loop

25.56 miles

April 12th/08
1:48:06

April 20th/08
1:31:36

It's All About the T.I.T.S.

Reasons to bike

The other day gas prices reached $1.12/litre.

I'm sure the price of gas does put a strain on some people. But oddly enough as I go by those gas stations on my way to work. I do chuckle in my head; "ha ha SUCKERS".

I think the price of gas might clearly be a reason for more and more people to start riding their bikes to work or short little trips to the corner store. People need to realize that the bike isn't just for recreation, but also a mode of transportation for all.

I went out for lunch this day, which so happened to be right across from a gas station. One of the things that I like to do is people watch when I am out and about. So today I took notice of quite a few conversations about the cost of gas. Usually you here people just complaining about the cost and why it might be so high in price. Today it was a little different, sure they did complain but this time around they seemed to have answers. "I might start riding my bike", "I might walk", "It probably will be cheaper to take the bus." In my head I applauded these answers this group of people had to the rising cost of gas, but now act on those statements. Make a difference in your wallet and on society.

Accident

Well it has been a good winter season for my commuting. But finally I had to take a day off due to "injury."


I probably should've been smart and just walked my bike to a clear road but I do get some excitement from riding in the snow so I wasn't going to let this day stop me.


Long story short, bike slid one way and I tried to regain my balance and sort of did the splits. I was in some slight discomfort for the day. Nothing major.


I did end up walking back home, luckily I was only one block into the ride. I called and told my employer that I was in a slight accident and explained to them what happened. Well quite a few people were worried about me that day. Majority assumed the worst...an Accident, must have been hit by a Car. But I was fine.

The point of this little entry is not the accident but the things people said to me the day after.


"YOU SHOULD GET YOUR DRIVERS LISCENSE"


Not sure how this would solve anything. I would still be in the same environment...and must say I do feel that I have more control on a bike than in a car. I could probably list many things that could go wrong with me driving a car. I would still be faced with the dangers of traffic, the dangers of road conditions.


I feel safe and free on a bike. I would I want to go and change that!

Acceptance

"Americans are broad-minded people. They'll accept the fact a person can be an alcholic, a dope fiend, a wife beater, and even a newspaperman, but if a man doesn't drive there's something wrong with him."

Art Buchwald, 1968

Luka Bloom by The Acoustic Motorbike

Luka Bloom - The Acoustic Motorbike

The day began with a rainbow in the sand

As I cycled into KerryCattle grazing on a steep hillside
Looked well fed, well balanced
Close to the edge

Pedal on, pedal on, pedal on for miles

Pedal on
Pedal on, pedal on, pedal on for miles
Pedal on

I take a break, I close my eyes
And I'm happy as the dolphin
In a quiet spot talking to myself
Talking about the rain
Talking about the rain
All this rain

Pedal on
Pedal on, pedal on, pedal on for miles
Pedal on

You see whenever I'm alone
I tend to brood
But when I'm out on my bike
It's a different mood
I leave my brain at home
Get up on the sattle
No hanging around
I don't diddle-daddle

I work my legs

I pump my thights
Take in the scenery passing me by
The Kerry mountains or the Wicklow hills
The antidote to my emotional ills
A motion built upon human toil
Nuclear free needs no oil
But it makes me hot, makes me hard
I never thought I could have come this far
Through miles of mountains, valleys, streams
This is the right stuff filling my dreams
So come on, get up on your bike
Ah go on, get up on your bike

Pedal on

Pedal on, pedal on, pedal on for miles
Pedal on

Finally

With my face to that bitter wind
I bombed it into Killarney
Skin raw like a sushi dinner
And an appetite
That would eat the hind leg of the lamb of God
Even though you know
I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing
Then settle down for a quiet night
Think about what I've seen and done
And wonder

There's a reason for this

Now is the time
To speak of the problem troubling my mind
Sick of the traffic choking our towns
Freaking me out, bringing me down
Knock down houses, build more lanes
Once was a problem, now it's insane
My solution it's one that I like
It's Muddy
The Acoustic Motorbike
So come on, get up on your bike
Ah go on, get up on your bike

Pedal on

Pedal on, pedal on, pedal on for miles
Pedal on

Ah go on
Ah go on
Get up on your bike
Get up on your bike

The Road To The Future Is a Bicycle Highway By Rogr Lee

Th' RoAd tO th' fUTurEiS a BiCYcle HIghWay

Rogr Lee©

2004 Donald Roger Lee (SOCAN)

(Y' know I've seen there's) bad things coming down the pipe

Faster than the speed of hype
Things are gonna take a bite out of the world as we know it
Everything is heating up, spinning 'round, this speeding up
Fear and lies are eating up the world as we know it

And Th' Road to th' Future is a Bicycle Highway
Th' Road to th' Future is a Bicycle Highway

Feel the wind in your hair, smell the beautiful air
Wave hello to a stranger!

(Y'know there's) hard things coming down the pipe

Faster than the speed of hype
Things are gonna take a bite out of the world as we know it
Everything is heating up, spinning 'round, this speeding up
Fear and lies are eating up the world as we know it

And Th' Road to th' Future is a Bicycle Highway
Th' Road to th' Future is a Bicycle Highway

Feel the wind in your hair, smell the beautiful air
Wave hello to a stranger!

Good Deed

Well today on my commute I had the opportunity to do a good deed. These chances never seem to come about to often, so I figured I would take this opportunity.

As I am heading down the road I am noticing that traffic is getting backed up in my lane. I try to see what the problem is, as I get closer I start to notice two guys pushing a stalled car. I pedaled up closer and jumped off my bike and gave them a hand to push the car into the gas station. Luckily it wasn't to far. After getting him to the pumps I hopped back on my bike and was off, didn't give the guy enough time to say thanks...who knows if he would've even said Thanks. He was probably embarrassed of causing a back up in traffic.

I don't know what this guy may of thought about people who ride bikes...either way I hope this brings a new light to his thoughts. It might even encourage him to get on a bike...might even be a little more reliable than his CAR!!

Bike Songs

So the other day at work, someone mentions to me about the song "Bicycle Race" by Queen. I forget how it came up in conversation. But yeah that is one song that I do not have on my IPOD. But I did share with her, that is a song that I sometimes sing in my head moments before a ride. You know it is just all that anticipation of being free while I ride.



I decided to share some of the songs that I feel are Bicycle inspired and enjoy listening as I am rolling along on the pavement.


In future post I will supply the lyrics and possibly a link so that you too will be able to enjoy these songs......

For now here is the list...............

The Road To The Future Is A Bicycle Highway by Rogr Lee
One Less Car by Whitey on the Moon
My Bike by Ghoti Hook
Bicycle Song by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Surfwax America by Weezer
The Acoustic Motorbike by Luka Bloom
Girls On Bikes by Royce
Bicycle Built For Two by Mitch Miller
Bicycle, Bicycle, You Are My Bicycle by Be Your Own Pet
Bicycle Song by Orbit
My White Bicycle by Tomorrow
Bicycle by Pumptown
Bicycle by Livingston Taylor

Bike Movers

So the other day I was helping my Future Brother In Law move. It was a nice cool day, we had some snow from the night before roads weren't too bad. Of course he had a bike that we needed to get to his new place. I knew of only one way to get that bike to his new apartment...a no brainer......RIDE IT!!

So off I went...now during this ride of course I thought about something that I read on the Internet about people moving just by bikes and a lot of people and trailers. Yeah that would be great to do.

But getting back on track...as I approach an intersection, I see a fellow cyclist. He is pulling out of a driveway with a trailer full of "stuff"...then I look again....another Trailer with a TV...I Look again and ANOTHER TRAILER with some more prized possessions. He had a friend with him that had a fridge...I had to take a close look to see if that was on a trailer...but he was walking with it on a fridge cart. But yeah I was amazed to see this guy hauling all of those trailers.

I had to stop and make a quick phone call to Tracy to share this exciting news. So I thought I would share here as well.

Happy New Year to all...It's going to be a GREAT one!!

Types of Honks

Types of honks

March 2nd, 2007 by Tim Grahl

I’ve noticed two main types of honks I receive from cars during my commute:

“Get off the road!” - We all know and love these type of drivers. The ignorants who give the honk as they fly around you to make a point that bikes don’t belong on the road. Still not sure where they think we belong, but I guess that’s why they are generally stupid people.

“Hey! It’s a guy on a bike!” - This is the most perplexing to me. At least every three or four commutes I get a car that honks at me for no apparent reason. There’s no malice involved. And I can’t imagine other cyclists (that happen to be in cars) doing this as we know that it’s distracting to be honked at. So I haven’t been able to figure out exactly why these people honk at me.

Do you get this same thing?

Did I miss any honks?