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Showing posts from 2008

Happy New Year

Thanks for all of the support in 2008. I hope to continue the bike event coverage, gear reviews and bike related stories in 2009. We are planning Bike the C-Bus 2009 and we hope to see everybody out on the ride. Thanks Editors

Columbus Outdoor Pursuits - updated website

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Site is here...

First Ride of 2009

Hilliard • New Year's Day Ride • January 1 11:00 am Class A, B, C. Get your first miles of the new year with Tom & Debbie Davis! 20-40 miles, depending upon weather. Ride to Dutch Kitchen or McDonald's in Plain City. Meet in parking lot at Heritage Rails-to-Trails. Directions: 270 to Cemetery Rd. exit. Go west to Main St. Right on Main. Left on Center St. Tom & Debbie Davis 614-296-9981.

Ride the City interactive map

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Welcome to Ride the City, a website that helps you find the safest bike route between any two points in New York City. The concept is pretty simple. Just like MapQuest, Google, Microsoft, and other mapping programs, Ride the City finds the shortest distance between two points. But there are two major differences. First, RTC excludes roads that aren't meant for biking, like the BQE and the Queens Midtown tunnel. Second, RTC tries to locate routes that maximize the use of bike lanes and greenways. Remember that Ride the City is in its beta testing phase. Send us your route suggestions and it will make the site even better. check out the site . I think Yay Bikes! is planning on something like this for Columbus. Very cool. I think we should be moving more toward interactive versions instead of printed maps with the proliferation of phones with mapping capabilities.

Duracell powers New Year's Eve in NYC via bikes

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Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC)

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The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) is a membership supported advocacy organization working to improve the bicycling environment and quality of life in Los Angeles County. ABOUT LOS ANGELES COUNTY BICYCLE COALITION Founded in 1998, Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) works to build a better, more bike-able Los Angeles County. LACBC is the only nonprofit, membership-based organization working exclusively for the millions of bicyclists in Los Angeles County. Through advocacy, education and outreach, Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition brings together the diverse bicycling community in a united mission to make the entire L.A. region a safe and enjoyable place to ride. OUR VISION LACBC envisions a new Los Angeles that is a great place for everyday, year-round cycling; a Los Angeles with healthier, more vibrant communities, where the air is cleaner, streets are safer and quieter; a Los Angeles where people can live, work and thrive. WHAT WE DO Los Angeles County Bicyc

Paul Dorn's Bike Commuting Tips

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BIKE COMMUTING: A BETTER WAY TO TRAVEL High gas prices. Expensive car payments. Traffic delays. Road rage. Expanding waistlines. There are many great reasons to consider traveling to work by bicycle. It's an effective, healthy, inexpensive, and fun alternative that is attracting more and more commuters all over the world. Today, there's a lot of information on bicycle commuting available on the Internet. When I first created this bike commuting tips site, there were very few sources of information on just how to do it. And the more you know, the more enjoyable bike commuting becomes. Most of the people I know travel by means other than the bicycle. For the most part, they're still internal combusters. Automobile drivers. It's the norm, isn't it? In a society like ours--where more money is spent advertising automobiles than is spent on the entire national mass transit system, where everyone's background assumption equates travel with driving--it isn't easy to

Tomorrow is a rest day. Today I broke 3500 miles for the year.

I decided to do the Columbus' most dangerous road ride. I headed north on New Albany Reynoldsburg to Kitzmiller. Headed west on Central College until Sunbury. Sunbury south to Morse. Morse over to Cleveland. Cleveland to Long. Pitstop at Zanzibar for coffee. Long to Nelson. Nelson to Broad. Broad back home. Finished with 38 miles. Averaged 16.4mph. Got yelled at heading south on Cleveland. It was a SUV that really needed to get to the red light faster than I was riding. Finished with 3502 miles for the year, which is the most miles I have ever put on a bike(s). I had the chance to participate in a variety of rides this year including the night rides, HATTARICK, TOSRV, Pedal Pittsburgh, Bike the C-Bus and a wide range of the COP events.

3rd Thursday Ride - 15 JAN 09

3rd Thursday Ride - 15 JAN 09 - Map & Itinerary Cleveland Ave, weather permitting.

Earl's Cyclery - South Burlington VT

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Earl's Cyclery & Fitness, founded in 1953, is a specialty retailer of bicycles and fitness equipment. Earl's has been selected as one of the "Top 100" Bicycle Dealers in America, and for the last three years, has been chosen, "Best Place to Buy a Bicycle" by Burlington Free Press Reader's Choice Awards. Our Service Department, nicknamed "Home of the Bike Doctors" is schooled and certified in the most difficult of bicycle and fitness equipment repairs. Earl's is counted on by various hotels, fitness clubs, and schools for fitness equipment repairs, including maintaining the University of Vermont fitness equipment. Bicycle Brands: Trek, Gary Fisher, LeMond, Kona, Bianchi, Orbea, Raleigh, Masi, Felt, Electra, Haro (Youth and BMX/Freestyle) Intense Cycles, Pinarello, Seven Cycles and Yeti. Their shop was being renovated when I visited. They are expanding floor space to almost double their current size. Nice staff. Very friendly. The site..

ROADSWORTH

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STATEMENT In the fall of 2001 I began painting bicycle symbols around the streets of Montreal, mimicking those that are used to designate the city‘s bike paths. Being a cyclist myself and having spent a lifetime sharing the road with people who by virtue of their steel, glass and rubber carapace had the power to do me seriously bodily harm (and almost did on several occasions) I felt that it was time the cyclist be given his fair share of the public pie. After all, politicians have been encouraging us for years and presumably at the public‘s behest to adopt alternative modes of transportation as a palliative to the numerous ills associated with congestion, smog and green house gasses. I had been hearing this line of "encouragement" since I was young enough to comprehend "adult-speak" and I‘m sure it was being spouted long before. However, I had to date, found little encouragement in breathing car exhaust, having to share the road with eighteen wheelers and the prosp

Ideas for making bicycling irresistible in Washington DC

proposed additions to the DDOT DC Bicycle Master Plan (BMP), inspired by the Active Transportation initiative as conceptualized by the Rails to Trails Conservancy First submitted: 4/17/2008 Modified a number of times subsequently, including incorporating comments provided by a handful of people, including Washcycle. the rest of the story...

Roll - Easton

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Stopped in to roll: in Easton and ended up talking to Stuart, owner of the shop. They sell Giant, Independent Fabrication, Vicious Cycles, BMC, Swobo, Paul Frank and Biomega. Petty good selection of accessories and clothing. They provide free fitting as well. The site... Editor's Note: Our favorite cyclist does NOT work at Roll.

Network of interstate bicycling routes gradually taking shape - Dispatch

Sunday, December 28, 2008 3:27 AM BY CALVIN WOODWARD Associated Press WASHINGTON -- At first glance, everything seems out of place on the map of a new interstate road system. I-95 runs down the stunning sweep of the Pacific Coast, not the congested Eastern Seaboard. And you'll get your kicks on Rt. 76. Mapmakers gone wild? Not quite. The rest of the story...

Cool Folding Fixed Gear Bike - Update

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Bike Weight: 10 kgs Frame: 7000 Series Aluminum Drive Train:Kevlar Greaseless Belt Drive (up to 50,000 miles) Wheels: Alloy 16" Rim Brakes: Disc Brakes Speeds: Single Speed Folded Size: 45" x 20" x 9"(114cm x 51cm x 23cm) Grip: Gel Bottom Bracket: Welded Luggage Rack: Plastic or Alloy new option Weight Limit: 100 kgs Height Limit: 153cm – 193cm I think this would be cool to have in town to ride to work or between work locations. Brian and I were at Easton on Friday and we stopped at Roll. They claim to be the largest dealer in the country for these bikes and the distributor is located here in Columbus. The Strida website...

Fellowship of the Wheel - Vermont's Hobbits?

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Our mission is to advocate for, create, and maintain mountain biking opportunities and leadership in Chittenden County, Vermont. We are a passionate and ambitious organization that relies on a collective group effort to accomplish our goals and make our activities successful. more...

Island Line Trail - Burlington VT to (almost) South Hero island

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Hop on the spectacular 12-mile trail along Lake Champlain. The Island Line cruises through Burlington’s waterfront and scoots out on the Colchester Causeway three miles into the middle of the lake! Public beaches, natural areas, and scenic vistas abound. A new bridge dedicated in 2004 replaced the Winooski River bike ferry! Come explore Vermont’s most popular multi-use trail. Stop into ECHO, the museum of Lake Champlain. Have a picnic lunch out on the causeway. Go for a swim. See below for a list of trailheads. Bicycling, running, walking and inline skating are all popular trail activities. Please note: the 5 miles of trail in Colchester are unpaved and are not recommended for inline skates or road bikes with narrow tires. Get A Trail Map: Pick one up at Local Motion and area outdoor shops, or order it on-line through Lake Champlain Bikeways. Trail Updates: Find out about efforts to improve and extend the trail. Advocates are exploring the concept of a Burlington to Montreal trai

Bike Recycle Vermont

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Rebuilding bikes, Rebuilding lives Bike Recycle Vermont enhances the mobility and expands opportunities for low-income Vermonters by providing participants refurbished bicycles and job training skills. Objectives Bicycle Recycle Vermont has three main objectives To provide mobility to resettled refugees and other low-income Vermonters by providing quality refurbished bicycles To deliver job skills and bike repair training to adults and children with limited means or physical challenges To reduce the waste stream by diverting and rehabilitating bicycles destined for the landfill and recycling all metal and rubber components that are no longer usable How Can I Help? Contribute! To help us reach our “Keep It Rolling” Campaign goal, consider making a tax-deductible contribution today. Volunteer! There are many ways to help. We need bicycle mechanics work, office help, donation pick-ups, and other skills. Donate A Bike! We get our bicycles from police departments, civic groups and individua

Saturday Ride 12/27/08 Recap - Faster Ride

61 degrees in December! Got out on the Klein road bike and rode from Blacklick up to Haven's Corner down to Gahanna. Headed south on Hamilton, then turned on to 5th. 5th to Nelson. Turned left onto Broad and headed back home. White pickup truck was honking at cars then at me and tried to cut me off in Whitehall. 22 miles, 17.4mph average. Dodged the rain puddles, but still ended up covered with grit and grime.

HATTARICK is SATURDAY January 3, 2009 - Be there!

8th Annual HATTARICK - Hockhocking Adena Trail To Athens Ride In the Cold for Koffee Saturday, January 3, 2009 Hockhocking Adena RailTrail from Nelsonville, OH (Hocking Technical College) to Athens, OH.....and back. Friends, this is the only ride in Ohio that's downhill in both directions. You have to ride it to truly appreciate it's nuisances. (IF you are 80+ years old, the 'and back' portion of the ride may be waived) Day Before Ride: Reminder to xxxxxxxxx to come up with a better excuse than last year's for not riding. (Better = more creative) Last year's excuses were pretty lame. Person with "Best Excuse" will receive a pair of SmartWool cycling socks. Winner must be present to win. Day of Ride: 9:15 - 9:45 AM Arrive at Hocking Tech Parking Lot Dress for the weather, take extra gloves; if you wear sandals, don't worry, you won't be alone. 10:00 AM Leave the parking lot (preferably on your bike & on the trail)

Plantlock

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PlantLock frees up cluttered hallways and stairwells by offering a solid planter to lock your bike to. As well as providing safe and tidy bike storage, PlantLock transforms the front yard to a green space. (PlantLock can also be used in back gardens, balconies, communal gardens and other maintained public places.) PlantLock constitutes an "immovable object" to lock bicycles to, weighing 75+kg when planted up. PlantLock accommodates most bicycle types on the market. Bicycle frame and both wheels can be secured to the bar with the owner’s existing locks – ideally two quality locks of different types, as recommended by SoldSecure. PlantLock requires minimum maintenance, being made from robust, durable materials. The locking bar is made from boron steel, case-hardened and tempered, to achieve robustness beyond most commercially available bicycle locks. Each PlantLock accommodates 2 bicycles, and is available in a range of subtle colours. PlantLock planting: PlantLock is available

Vermont Hospitality

We called around to find out if we could get some snow tubing in on Christmas. We called one place in Quechee VT. The owner said that it had rained and the snow wasn't that great. Plus, he was heading home to open presents at 11:30AM. But, if we wanted to come down, the switch was accessible to turn on the lift and we could tube if we wanted. We decided to stay in instead.

Yay Bikes

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This post is to inform everyone that I have officially resigned from the board and as president of Consider Biking, and that I now have no relationship with the organization. Have no fear—for the purpose of this community, what this means is simply that our forum has a new name (Yay Bikes!) and that it is no longer affiliated with Consider Biking. We’re working on improving the functionality of the site, and obviously the look is different now, but basically all is as it was before my yearlong travail with the group formerly known as COBAC. It was last December at this time that I was announcing to the world that Consider Biking had merged with the Central Ohio Bicycle Advocacy Coalition (COBAC). It seemed to make a lot of sense back then—COBAC brought to the table long-time bicycle advocates with legislative expertise (and nonprofit status!) and Consider Biking brought grassroots momentum via this very web forum. I thought that we’d eventually meet somewhere between top-down and botto

Columbus' own Jen Duane highlighted in Venus Zine

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Jen Duane, 28 Columbus, Ohio Occupation: Engineer at an environmental consulting firm and also a student of art and dance Bike-friendly: “I volunteer as co-chair for Consider Biking, a Columbus-based nonprofit bike advocacy group.” Make of bike: Trek Elance Customized? “Every 4th of July, Columbus hosts a ‘Doo Dah Parade,’” a 25-year-old pastime that celebrates lunacy and liberty by encouraging absurd costumes and political spoofs. “This year Consider Biking, my bike advocacy group, went with the theme ‘alternative fuel.’ People wore T-shirts with images of food or hung beer cans on their handlebars to demonstrate what fueled them to ride their bikes. I decorated my bike based on the scraper-style bike originating from San Francisco. The scraper bike normally involves intricately wrapping foil around the spokes of the wheels but has evolved to involve colorful bits of paper or fabric.” Best place for bikes and people in Columbus? “Tip Top! It’s a bar and restaurant that’s got mad Ohio

All I want for Christmas...

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I went to the bike shops in Burlington and begged for stickers and then raided my little brothers stash of bumper stickers. This is the gem of the lot.

The bike iceberg - where all the old bikes die

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Old Spokes Home Location

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Burlington VT - Do not ride on the sidewalk

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Burlington VT Bike Shop Tour Part 1

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Old Spokes Home offers a huge selection of used road bicycles, mountain bikes, hybrid bicycles, cross bikes, touring bicycles and commuter bikes. We are the place for single speed bicycles, fixed gear bikes, three speed bicycles, retro bikes, and cruiser bikes. You’ll see why antique bicycles, classic bikes, vintage bicycles, parts and accessories are our passion! We also stock a large selection of new and used bike parts as well as some antique and vintage bicycle parts for that special restoration. We speak Sturmey Archer, Raleigh and 531 steel as easily as Campagnolo, Shimano, or Titanium. We offer repair service to all bicycles old and new. Old Spokes Home This shop was amazing. Not only did they have used bikes, but also full lines of road, commuter, fixie and mountain bikes. Upstairs is a mini museum with cool bikes hanging on the walls and from the ceiling. Opposite that they had racks of the used bikes. Their website...

12/22/2008 - Columbus OH Edition

Started at 15th & Hi, proceeded to High & 15th. Total mileage 0.00 miles. Total elevation gained, 0.00 ft. Number of participants in the high 0's. Temperature 17 degrees F above 0. I won Most Ice in Beard Award. And all the other awards too. Maybe people were holed up in a tavern somewhere. I dunno. Brett : ( Editor's Note: Brett, I think you can count your mileage to and from the ride.

From Treehugger - Our Favorite Girl Celebs on Bikes

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Is it a TreeHugger photo shoot? Hollywood bike patrol? Nope, just Sarah Michelle Geller on her pink bike. Love how she substitutes a basket for a plastic grocery bag!By Emma Grady, New York, NY on November 5, 2008 7:57 PM The site with the slideshow...

12/22/2008 - Burlington VT Night Ride Video

12/22/2008 - Burlington VT Night Ride

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I drove 750 miles in 14 hours to see my little brother. After a meal and a beer we headed out to check out downtown Burlington. I borrowed a Specialized Crossroads and headed out for some fun with Jay and Brandy in tow. It was -1 degree. I rode about 3 miles total around town. Burlington has received about at least 12 inches of snow in the last few days so it is slushy.

Winter Cyclists Pics from A CUP OF JO blog

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These pics are from another blog - A Cup of Jo

Rant: Bike shops and winter clothes

I went to three bike shops today looking for full winter bibs. I have a pair now, but have lost weight enough that the chamois does not sit well (no pun intended). All of the shops had summer gear readily available. Nobody had full windproof bib tights in stock. I wasn't even addressed by a salesperson at one of the shops. And then they wonder why people shop online. Bah!

The 2008 Dirty Dozen Results

2008 DIRTY DOZEN RESULTS The 26th annual Dirty Dozen was held on Saturday, November 29th, but it was the first time I didn’t ride. Back problems have put my million mile goal on hold. In late October, I had surgery for a herniated disk only to find out I had re-herniated it shortly afterwards. Good weather (mostly sunny skies and a high temperature of 42 degrees F) allowed for a record turnout of 147 riders including 84 (57%) rookies. There was a record 15 riders over 50 years old including 3 over 60. A record 11 women showed up for the 3 place, $300 prize list. 3 former winners rode: Defending champ Steevo, 2002 winner Justin Pokrivka, & 1986 winner Bob Gottlieb, and they all scored points. With 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th places from last year not returning, Steve Cummings had his easiest win ever - able to lead and win hills by as much as he wanted. He became the first person to win 5 consecutive DD’s. He won 10 hills, had it mathematically won after the 9th (Canton) hill, and won

Third Thursday Ride Report - 12/18/2008

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I decided to join Brett on the Third Thursday ride. We started at Bikesource in Westerville. We headed west through the side streets jumped on the trail (a little icy on the bridges) and made our way over to Cleveland Ave. We rode directly down Cleveland taking up a lane. We stopped at the designated stops. Unfortunately we did not have anyone else join us. 12.25 miles, averaged 15.3mph. Total mileage 17.5 miles.

Columbus Alive article on Winter Riding

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WILL SHILLING PHOTO Cold warrior Thursday, December 18, 2008 6:58 AM By John Ross Riding a bike in winter is a completely different animal, as I discovered after a recent spill on an icy section of East Avenue. To keep you from the same frosty fate, here's some advice for surviving colder months on two wheels, with thanks to bike enthusiasts Aaron Beck and Zach Henkel, the staff at B1 Bikes and volunteers at the Third Hand Bike Co-Op. more...

Ultra Motor A2B

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This Light Electric Vehicle offers the fun of a bike with the power of an electric motor, all wrapped up in a quiet riding and decidedly stylish design. It's perfect for those who want an economic transportation solution that is good for the environment and good for the soul. Designed for urban or suburban commutes, this Light Electric Vehicle offers lightweight aluminum construction with full suspension. Add in its comfortable,oversized seat and you have a powerful ride that's easy to handle. When you don't feel like pedaling, the A2B offers unassisted power on demand for up to 20 miles at a cruising speed of 20mph. Plus, the A2B can be easily upgraded to double its range to 40 miles with the addition of a secondary battery pack and increase its carrying capacity with the addition of baskets and rear carrier bags. The site... Editor's Note: I went home yesterday and stopped by Quick Service Bicycles in Martins Ferry, Ohio. They have the A2B on the floor. Runs about $27

CREATING A ‘CULTURE OF CYCLING’ IN BOULDER, CO.

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Posted: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 11:26 AM By Jack Chesnutt, NBC News Producer BOULDER, Co. – As real estate agent Matt Kolb recently toured several properties he wore a helmet. It wasn’t a hard-hat fit for a construction site but a bicycle helmet. Kolb sells homes from the back of a two-wheeler. "Boulder is in the top-five bicycle-friendly cities in the world," said Kolb. "On a bike, you can get anywhere in town in 20 minutes or less." more...

How to steal your own bike in Columbus, OH

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I was invited out to Bar Louie to celebrate Tania's birthday. I drove into town and headed over to the restaurant. I inadvertently walked in on a private party for members of the police force and sat down. This becomes important later on. So Jonny and Brian show up a little later. They rode down on their bikes and locked them up outside. Of course we were unceremoniously asked to leave the private party. We ate dinner, drank and hung out. Fun times. Jonny and Brian decide to leave around 8:30 and headed out the door. A minute later Brian walks in with half a key for the bike lock. The tumbler decided to fight unfairly and chewed the key in half. So, the dilemma. Two bikes locked to the post out front with a non-functioning lock. What to do? By the time they thought about buying bolt cutters it was already 8:50. Not going to happen. We considered driving to my house and getting a sawzall. We talked about asking the police upstairs. Brian yells up to some guy who is trying to hit on

Sunday Ride 12/14/08 Recap - Slow Ride

It was a balmy 45-50 degrees with sprinkles (not chocolate) during the entire ride. Started in campus and rode south on High to Greenlawn. Greenlawn to Harmon and then I criss crossed the streets in Franklinton over to Broad. Broad back into town and I criss crossed over to Long when I stopped for a coffee at Zanzibar. They had live music and a local photographer showing. Down Long to Nelson up to 5th. Out 5th past the airport (stopped to watch them land) to Hamilton and back to Blacklick through the back roads. 24 miles total.

Bike with sidecar

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Cycle Truck

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David Wilson Industries' cargo bikes are designed to make everyday life easier by reducing reliance on automobiles for simple short rides. DWI cargos' are designed and built in Seattle. Long known for its "liquid sunshine" and hills, this has proven to be a perfect testing ground for the versatility of our bikes. Engineered not just to get your cargo and gear from point-A to point-B safely, quickly and dry; but also to be easy and fun to ride. Do you own a BOB? Check out this great retrofit to double this amazing trailers capacity! James Black's New Cycle Truck, a lightweight cargo bicycle

ANGRY BEE TSHIRT

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I have Chris King Classic Hubs on a wheelset for my Klein. The do roll good... Chris King site...

WAD Bikeway 3rd Thursday Rides

18 DEC 08 MAP & ITINERARY Come on out! The first ten minutes are the hardest! Brett Allen for WAD Bikeway Association wadbikeway.com wadbikeway.blogspot.com View Larger Map

Official Dirty Dozen Women's Results - From Danny Chew

Only 6 women made it up every hill this year, and winner Patty needed 3 attempts on Canton Ave., and 2:48 marathon runner Laura needed 4 attempts on Canton! 2008 Dirty Dozen Women's Results: 1. Patty Buerkle 127 points - won $150 2. Whitney Severino 106 points - won $100 3. Carol Clemens 100 points - won $ 50 4. Lee-Ann Beatty 75 points 5. Laura (Hruby) Dick 65 points 6. Ruth Cunningham 54 points The other 6 women who started are: Cheryl McMurray Michelle Bishop Jenna LaTour Valerie Christoff (Ginger) Barbara Acker (Carol's mother) Charlene Walters A big thanks to all 12 women for showing up. Editor's note: I am waiting for Danny to publish the men's results.

Urban Guerilla Knitting

Have you seen this man? UPDATE

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We had a sighting today. At approximately 4:40PM he was seen on High Street riding a hybrid. Editor's note: He is not missing nor is he hurt. Just thought the photo was funny...

Ohio Safe Routes to Schools Program

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Program Purpose: Improve safety, encourage and enable children, including those with disabilities, to walk or ride their bikes to school. More information is here at their site...

Children's Services Bike Program - From The Dispatch

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Ann Fisher commentary: Mom puts bikes under tree for Children Services kids Monday, December 8, 2008 3:02 AM BY ANN FISHER COURTNEY HERGESHEIMER | DISPATCH Kate Koch Gatch, with husband Brian Gatch and adopted daughter Lainey, emptied a Walmart store of kids' bikes to give to Franklin County Children Services -- an item usually beyond reach for foster children. She must have been a sight -- a sight for sore eyes at a time when so many have less to give. By the time Kate Koch Gatch had lined up the 26 bikes and 26 safety helmets at the front door of the Walmart on Nov. 29, store employees and other shoppers couldn't help but notice. When they learned that she had just purchased the fleet for Franklin County foster kids, "The whole store kind of stopped," Gatch told me. "It was kind of magical. Perfect strangers came up and shook my hand." As soon as store manager Ken Wright heard that she was raiding his bike department, he offered a free helmet for every bi