Columbus Rides Bikes!

The Dixon builds on the simple and functional Otis platform, with the addition of 6 more gears and a rear disc brake. Just like the Otis, the shifting is intuitive and easy with the elegant twist-shifter. If you have steep hills to climb, the additional gears will make it easy. We jumped at the chance to be the first kids on the block to get the all-new SRAM I-Motion 9. The first 9-speed internal gear hub on the market, it shifts precisely over a wide gear range, under load or standing. The benefits of internal hubs are mostly hidden, which masks the beauty, simplicity and zero-maintenance of not having two derailleurs; and multiple chainrings, cogs and shift-levers. The Swobo purpose-designed alloy frame and fork are light and tough and are designed to withstand urban abuse. Threaded eyelets on the forged dropouts and on the square-section chainstay and seatstay bridges accept racks and fenders. We designed the frames for a discrete fit of the rear disc, to accommodate rack and fender

Arnold Sports Festival to Partner with Fat Rabbit Racing in the Creation of the Inaugural Arnold Cycling Challenge The Arnold Sports Festival 2008 will present a new Olympic sport in 2008, The Arnold Cycling Challenge, a short distance criterium road race Sunday morning March 2 in downtown Columbus. Jim Lorimer, Producer of the Arnold Sports Festival commented, "The Arnold Sports Festival grows annually and this event will present an exciting new element of athletic acumen to the Weekend." "The Arnold Cycling Challenge will be a test of speed and endurance on a criterium course," said Craig Thompson, CEO of Fat Rabbit Racing. "We will welcome the top male and female cyclists from across the country to participate in this high caliber event." Thompson added, "The Arnold Cycling Challenge will kick off the 2008 cycling season for Ohio and indeed the Midwest. Our cyclists will have to begin their training earlier in the winter months and the element of t

ACB-Ohio Tandem Bike Rally to be held September 21, 2008 Kokosing Gap Trail, Mount Vernon, Ohio The American Council of the Blind of Ohio, (ACB-Ohio) is hosting its second annual tandem rally-fundraiser. Visually impaired stokers and sighted captains will have three routes to choose from, 30 flat miles on the trail and 30, and 60 mile-routes on rolling terrain, each starting and ending on the beautiful Kokosing Gap Trail. The two more challenging routes will include the gently rolling hills and some more challenging ones through the beautiful Amish countryside, while the flat route will stay on the trail, which is noted as one of the prettiest and most well maintained rails-to-trails bike paths in Ohio. Sighted tandem teams and single bikes are also welcome. Many Ways to Participate: Bring your tandem and your stoker and enjoy a beautiful ride and meet some other folks who enjoy tandem cycling. Bring your tandem and meet your stoker for the day, who might be visually impaired. Many bli

I have restarted the weather poll after someone complained that the coldest temps were not listed. This person, not to be named, first initial A, stated that he/she rides until tires become brittle and his/her hands have frozen to the handlebars. LOL So, please cast your votes (again).

Canadian Entrepreneur, Peter Sandler, President of Therapy Products and Inventor of the E-V Sunny Bicycle developed the first all Solar electric bicycle driven completely from power derived from the Sun’s Rays. The E-V Sunny Bicycle has light absorbing Solar panels built right into the Wheels, creating continual power from the Sun’s Rays, and maintaining a constant charge to the batteries. The bike is propelled by a 500 watt front hub motor. The variable speed electronic controller drives the bike to speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour. Overall weight of the bicycle is 75 lbs. and comes with 17 amp hr. batteries and a built in battery charger. Cost of the E-V Sunny Bicycle is $1295.00 and comes with a 90-day warrantee. The cost of the kit starts at $795.00, and the Company provides after sales servicing. Orders are now being taken for delivery in September of 2006; contact the Company through their email at info@therapyproducts.com , Toll Free at # 1 800-567-9926 or their web site w

The Civia was recently introduced and includes the Shimano Alfine Component Group Civia designed the Hyland from the ground up, combining leading-edge technology and aesthetics into a bike of uncompromising performance and beauty. Simple yet elegant features like post disc mount brakes, sliding dropouts in the rear triangle, and a specially developed cable shaft make the bike as pleasing to ride as it is to see. From frame to fork we chose the best materials to fit the function. Hyland’s lightweight aluminum frame is stiff, fast, durable and corrosion resistant. And when the time comes—many miles down the road—it is also fully recyclable. Sturdy and light, the carbon fork absorbs road shock and helps smooth your ride. Stainless steel headtube badge and hardware please the eye while resisting rust and corrosion, assuring years of worry-free performance. The Hyland’s innovative hydroformed down tube features the cable tunnel; a recess for hydraulic brakes and cable housing that also prov

This was submitted by Duncan... I did not make the ride. 4 guys met at wex -- jeremy, ben, duncan, and jim (who just stopped by to say hello) -- spinning off @10:30? -- just as the sleet was starting up -- over to summit, and down to carabar, where webmaster-ray was known to be nursing his tummy... uh, locking incidents ensued and eventually resolved?... ben peels off for home, so j.&d. continue thru downtown for high-beck pizza... trip dist. approx 5.6 miles (wimps!)... half-dozen other nice bikes found tethered to front gates -- vegan foosballers found inside... mucho action also around the pingpong-table, w/strangers happily challenging strangers... a "good time" had by all. Conversation topics ranged from bikes, to romance, to sorrinesses, to next week's 50F. forecast... and then a very sloppy ride home. thanks to high-beck tavern for their continued hospitality! ed. note. - the weather may not be as kind to us as early forecast indicated. The temps may drop

Lightweight Clean Maintenance Free High Durability High Efficiency No rust No lubrication Quiet Smoother running Instant engagement Carbon Drive Site... Here they are in action on Spot Bikes

I looked around and tried several racks before settling on a Receiver Hitch mount from Coastal Tech. I used a Saris Bones rear rack. Saris claimed that it fits, but the rear legs are not long enough to raise the straps off the rear spoiler. I recently checked the site and they only list the Guardian Racks. From their site; Coastal Electronic Technologies, Inc. has developed a (1 1/4") & a (2") receiver hitch which will simply "bolt on" using already existing holes, without any drilling or modifications necessary. Installation takes less than 25 minutes and once installed, a world full of accessories can be inserted, making your Prius much more versatile. It is sold for $149.00 and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. Complete instructions with color photos are included for fast, easy installation. All of the hitches and accessories are quality, powder coated units which you will use for many years to come. You can add a 2" or 1.25" rack from a variet

The news story...

Xing Columbus Discussions About Getting Around Columbus, Ohio

Link here... I think I am on episode 5 or 6.

A little icy. A little cold. I was a little reluctant to ride, but I thought it would be a good chance to see what a commuter would experience if they were forced to ride under these conditions. It was icy. Riding on the crusty ice on the berm seemed to help. I attended the winter weather seminar by Chris Luers a few weeks ago. He made a point of warning us to avoid the painted lines and words on the streets when it is wet (or icy). I made a boo-boo. Right out in front of Columbus State I hit the T in STOP. I slid sideways in slow motion. Then someone grazed my helmet with the rear derailleur. No harm. We headed over to High Street which was getting treated by the street crews and became a little better. Traffic was lighter than normal because of the weather. We slowly made our way up to the starting point. At one point some pedestrians started yelling at us. They kept saying something about the police. I believe they may have mistaken us for bike officers. I ultimately yelled tha

Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home Another special Green Drinks event. This time, we are going to the movies at a Columbus landmark - Studio 35. The film is Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home, a documentary about a suburban family that collects their waste for three months and then follows it through the system. We think it sounds like an interesting experiment (to watch) and hope you do to. The specifics about the event are: What: February Green Drinks - Movie Event When: Thursday, February 21, 2008, 6 -9 p.m. Where: Studio 35, 3055 Indianola Ave. Why: Learn about the often unpleasant end of life phase of our consumer society Note: admission to the movie is $5. However, pairs of tickets are being given away by WWHO-TV, WCBE (90.5 FM) and WCRS (98.3/102.1 FM, our new community radio station) This event is supported by Columbus Brewing Company, Weisenbach Specialty Printing, and WWHO-TV. Hope to see you on Thursday! Team Green Drinks

Through the years I have purchased many bikes from Andy and Cindy at Wheelcraft. They carry Trek, Klein (when available), Gary Fisher, Calfee and many other bike manufacturers. I have visited many bike shops though the years and I still have never ran into a local bike shop that has as much selection as Wheelcraft. Plus, Andy will answer your bike questions through the BikeExchange website

I don't know if you peeked outside today or not, but around 4PM the skies cleared and the temperature rose past 60 degrees. I rode with someone south on the Alum Creek Greenway Trail. We headed south and rode to the Confluence Trail Head. From Livingston to the trailhead is 8.1 miles. I took some pictures of the Refugee Road crossing. This is completely unacceptable. I rode through the mud and was clogged up my frame and almost lost my shoes when I had to stop in the middle of it. At least the city could lay some gravel down. Sunday Trail Ride 02/17/2008 Ride Report On the way back we continued north past Livingston through Bexley. The trail continues past Nelson Park and heads under 670. At that point the trail continues East and West. We headed West towards town. At Leonard it turns left and follows the road. We turned off as it neared and I-71. We finished up with 23.5 miles. Averaged 13.5mph. 61 degrees and sunny, until the sun went down.

MARCH 15, 2008 RACE STARTS @ 3PM, REG: 1:30PM. LOCATION: 889 WILLIAMS AVE., COLUMBUS OH, 43212.

Two Wheeling A boy, his bike and their city. Check it out...

Canal Winchester The city has paths from Waterloo Street almost to Rt. 33 and along Dietz Drive from Washington Street to Gender Road. It features a spur along Thrush Drive north to Groveport Road. A state grant will provide for a third path from downtown along Groveport Road to Rager Road. Dublin When Dublin began to grow, bike paths became part of good community planning strategies. The city also sets aside $150,000 per year to fill in gaps in its 88-mile bike-path system. Gahanna The city has 2 miles of paths, with plans for the Big Walnut trail from Morse Road on the north to Pizzurro Park on the south. It also plans to connect from the Big Walnut trail to those in Whitehall, Columbus, Westerville and Metro Parks. Grove City There are 16 miles of bike paths now, and the city is working toward 25 more. Connectors to other cities' paths are planned. Groveport The village has an unpaved path about 1 mile long from Blacklick Park to Rager Road. There are plans to connect with Three

Cities hoping to transform paths into one vast system If you're a city official in central Ohio listening to the recreational demands of your residents, you're likely hearing this: "Where's the bike trail?"

2008 NAHBS Bike

Check out the gallery section... There are some beautiful bikes being built by small builders across the US.

This one's for you Ben! Article in Pez Cycling Yellow helmet halfway down article.

The full story is here...

If you like beer and you like maps, then you may have found the right place. beermapping.com is a project by someone who likes knowing exactly where he is and how far he needs to go for good beer. At this point, there is only one individual working on the code that is making the Beer Mapping Project function. But that one person is supported by many friendly craft beer lovers who offer suggestions for new maps and they help by submitting new locations, adding new reviews, uploading pictures for locations or contributing to the forums. Use the Contact Us link if you have something to say about the Beer Mapping Project, or if you think you could help out. Beer Mapping Project is utilizing Google’s Mapping API that is offered free for anyone who is not making a profit or charging users to use the maps that are using it. Each location is pushed through a geocoder service (beermapping.com is now getting geocodes through Google’s API) in order to get the latitude and longitude for the partic

Calfee Design has been making these for several years.

Make Magazine

Cold: 18 - 21 degrees Snow: 1-2 inches of snow fell. Riders: Four - Ben, Duncan, Jeremy, me Mileage: Four point five miles Beer: Two pitchers Pizza: Many slices Ping Pong: A couple games Pics: Sure we got em! We rode down through campus and through the side streets through the Arena District. Along the way we rode through Goodale Park. Then down Front Street. Whoops! No traffic though.

Gehl Architects have developed a unique working methodology that is based on the principle that people’s priorities are the most important driver in the planning process for cities. Creating a quality environment for people is paramount and must be considered before anything else in order to achieve a lively and sustainable public realm! First we consider LIFE Then we consider SPACE Then we consider BUILDINGS Therefore our planning and design solutions aim to enrich the lifestyle envisioned for each project. Once the human dimension is established, we form a spatial strategy for public space. Finally we work to shape the built environment, ensuring that the relationship between people and buildings supports public life. This people oriented philosophy, focusing on design solutions that can improve quality of life, is our number one objective with any project.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/home/home.shtml Number 9 on their list for transprtation initiatives • Complete the City's 1,800-mile bike master plan • Facilitate cycling

I sent out an email late morning to see if anyone wanted to join me for a ride. I slept in until 10am and I am sure everybody had planned out their day, because I only received one response and that was a negative. Saturday was one of the nicest days to be out on the bike. It was dry, sunny, but windy. So I decided to bring out my road bike. I usually keep it locked up in the basement so that it doesn't hurt anybody. I only rode it a few hundred miles last year. It is quick and twitchy. I rode out of Blacklick heading west to Gahanna. Havens Corner to 62 to Agler. North Cassady to Agler to Westerville Rd (sucks) to East Weber. Enough of the headwind. Now south on Indianola to Summit. East on East 2nd. Cleveland South to E Long. Now for the fun part. The inverse of a headwind? 20-30 mph tailwind. Woohoo! I hit 29 miles an hour on East Long and ran out of gears. I was just spinning crazy. I headed northeast on North Nelson until dead end at Airport Rd. I saw a trail to the right

This ride sounds vaguely familiar The site... When someone says "Midnight Ridazz!!" You say "RIDE ON!!" The Midnight Ridazz is formally described as a group of bicycle enthusiasts who have been riding together on the second Friday of every month since February of 2004. Originally conceived and founded by SKULL and lovingly cared for by MABELL, MUFF and a small group of planners and care takers, the rides quickly grew from the original 8 "Mammas and Papas" to current ride counts of 1300+ Ridazz. Skeptics may scoff at the irreverence of this alleged "Party on Wheels." But the party atmosphere just might be what has made this simple bicycle ride so popular in a city like Los Angeles where people barely get their mail without hopping in a car. Some attribute the movement to the high assed gas prices, or the frustration of LA traffic. Still others simply write off the Midnight Ridazz as a bunch of bored art school students. It's all of these thing

MAY IS NATIONAL BIKE MONTH The League of American Bicyclists is promoting Bike-to-Work Week from May 12-16 and Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 16. Need some ideas? Here are 50 ways (large PDF) to celebrate Bike Month. Help us Count Cyclists In this May, and every month! This is the official site for National Bike Month. Check the events section often to see what bike month and bike to work week events are going on in your community. If you would like to submit your event information to be posted on their site, email it to communication@bikeleague.org. Please make sure you write, "Bike Month Event" in the subject line of the email. Please post any events surrounding Columbus Bike to Work Week.

Ashley, a friend of mine from Wheeling, and I rode from West Newton to Frostburg which is 104 miles one way. We rode down and back over one weekend. We are planning on riding from Frostburg to Hancock, MD this year. This is a great rail trail. Very beautiful. Welcome to the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile system of biking and hiking trails connecting Cumberland, MD and Pittsburgh, PA. The connection to the C & O Canal Towpath in Cumberland, MD was completed in 2006, creating a continuous non-motorized corridor, 316 miles long, from near Pittsburgh to Washington, DC. Seven trails are organized under the Allegheny Trail Alliance and includes the Montour Trail for a 52 mile branch to the Pittsburgh International Airport. C&O Trail Resources Bike Washington Linking Up

After breaking the stock Bontrager carbon seatpost I replaced it with a Performance Forte Carbon seatpost. The replacement lasted two weeks. On the most recent night ride we were heading south from Schiller Park and suddenly my seat tilted backward. I rode partly standing and partly on the nose of the seat to finish the ride. When I got home I pulled it apart and found the ridges which allow the seat tilt were ground off. Totally flattened. So I decided to forego carbon this time around and went with the Thomson Elite Seatpost . Lovely aluminum. Solid seat mounting. Ovalized interior post. If I break this, Thomson should hire me for product testing.

It was moist. and misty. And then I cleaned my glasses off and everything was good. 57 degrees. 15 riders at the start. We headed north through campus and ended up at the bike polo field. We picked up another ten people. The highlights; Zach returned to lead the ride (his girlfriend let him out and it was above 55 degrees) A roundabout can mislead riders into thinking they are safe, until the riders decide to ride in opposite directions at the most inopportune time. Can you say, "Two go in, one comes out." Jamar (sp) now has jean shorts after his jeans were pulled through the crank and chain at Schiller Park. Thank god he wasn't riding fast at that moment. I broke another seatpost - second in two weeks. Carbon sucks, aluminum rules.

Dear Harris Cyclery friends and customers, It is with heavy hearts that we convey to you the news that Sheldon Brown has passed away. Our thoughts go out to his family at this time. The cycling community has lost one of it's most passionate members. Sheldon Brown (July 14, 1944 - February 3, 2008) was an American bicycle mechanic and technical authority. He maintained an extensive website containing detailed articles relating to bicycle mechanics and maintenance, as well as a thorough glossary of bicycling terminology. His trademark beard and plastic helmet-mounted eagle, named Igor, were matters of frequent comment.

When you ride your bike through inclement weather, then let it bake on, then repeat for a week or so, the dirt becomes encrusted. It almost, just almost becomes a permanent part of the bike. Rinse and repeat only works so well. When we ran the chain through the cleaner chunks of gunk went flying. We were able to get the drivetrain pretty clean. Clean enough to realize a chunk of the derailleur pulley wheel is missing! That may have been the flying chunks. The brakes were another story. They needed to be overhauled. Disassembled, then lubed and reassembled. Plus a new cable. Christian at the Third Hand did a great job of diagnosing, repairing and adjusting. He also had some advice for someone, "Clean your bike." I recommend Third Hand if you are looking for a rehabbed bike, or to build up your own. Or if you want to learn how to repair your own. They also have t-shirts, patches and stickers to spread the word. Website

I rode with someone north through Clintonville to Worthington. We made a loop through the Rush Creek neighborhood with the Usonian houses. If you have never been through the neighborhood it is worth driving or walking through. There is a path that crosses through the ravine and very little traffic. The houses are inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. Newspaper story about neighborhood Weather was partly cloudy in the low 40's Mileage: 25 miles

Danny Chew is well known in the Pittsburgh area for the Dirty Dozen ride. He has competed and won RAAM , The World's Toughest Bike Race! Check out his riding log. In 2006 he passed 600,000 lifetime miles. He has been riding an average of 15,500 miles a year. Here is the site...

Tricia sent out the designated bike routes in Gahanna. Unfortunately they are not well marked. But she has put them on bikely.com for all to see. If you are having trouble seeing the maps, you can remove the Explore panel by clicking the "^" tab which will hide the panel. To see the cue sheet, select Show->Cue Sheet. I think by default it comes up in Satellite mode but I prefer Map mode. These are the north/south routes: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Gahanna-route-from-Stygler-Rd-on-west-side-of-Walnut-Creek-to-Go http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Gahanna-route-from-Cherry-Bottom-Rd-to-Creekside http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Gahanna-route-from-Johnstown-Rd-to-Taylor-Station-Rd-via-Bryn-Ma These are the east/west routes: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Gahanna-Route-from-Clark-State-to-McCutcheon-Rd http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Gahanna-route-from-Havens-Rd-to-Agler-Rd-via-Olde-Gahanna-and-Cr http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path

We are in the process of organizing a tour of Columbus for September. It is tentatively called Ride the C-Bus. The website is www.ridethecbus.com GITAP - Grand Illinois Trail and Parks The BON TON ROULET or “Let The Good Times Roll,” celebrates its eleventh seven-day voyage throughout the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New York State by bicycle. A non-competitive cycling adventure, The Bon Ton Roulet will challenge riders of all ages and abilities. And when you’re done, expect exciting new friendships, a wealth of visual memories, and a great sense of accomplishment! From Columbus Outdoor Pursuits 36TH WOODSTOCK • Saturday, April 12 7:30-9AM. Jersey Baptist Church, 13260 Morse Road, Pataskala, 9 miles east of I-270 at Harrison Road. Parking and registration in back lot. Traditional first TOSRV training ride. 100/50/30 miles on relatively flat terrain. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits Budget Tour. $2 members, $4 non-members. Tricia Kovacs 614/476-9093. 41ST SPOT • Saturday, April 19 7:30-9AM

I have been riding in crappy weather for the last few weeks and have neglected the drivetrain. Not a good thing to do and I think that it is time to clean it. I use some of the Finish Line products. and found they have good tips on their website for maintenance. Bike Fit and Comfort Position your seat height, so that when you sit on the bike and have your foot at the lowest point in the pedal stroke, there is still a slight bend in your knee. Full leg extension will cause your hips to rock when you pedal. Too much bend in your knee will keep full pedal power from getting to the pedals. And, incorrect positioning will lead to discomfort and leg cramps over long rides. Position the seat forward or back, so your knee is directly over the pedal when you have your foot and pedal in the "3 o’clock" position. Handlebars should be approximately shoulder width wide and be positioned at about the same level as your seat. Maintain a slight bend in your elbows when riding to absorb shock