Thursday, June 26, 2008

Cycle Jerk In NYC

Over the weekend my wife and I took a trip up to the New York area to visit family and get a few things done in the city. In between "things", I found 2 hours to myself to ride in Manhattan. I was looking forward to this all week as biking in a different city is like having an affair without having to worry about lying or STDs. Before this however, my wife who is 8.5 months pregnant was determined to have a good New York deli experience for lunch (before my ride). Not one to argue with a pregnant woman I accompanied her to an establishment that only sold food items as big or bigger than a human head.

Not the ideal pre-ride meal

Not knowing the city very well and nursing a stomach full of pastrami and corned beef I drifted towards Central Park. I had never ridden in the park and was amazed at how easily I could move through it given the kagillions of folks who had joined me.

Saturday was a beautiful day, perfect for quiet repose, a pick up game of almost any sport, or watching senior citizens cavort around a bowling green.

Remember, the urban sombrero is only a viable accessory when observing affluent non physical "sporting" events that your are ashamed to been seen observing.

I ended my NYC day spotting this fancy "rickshaw of tomorrow". The future is bright indeed my friends, and filled with extraneous plastic parts.



Monday, June 23, 2008

George Carlin



"Picture your grandmother in hell. Baking pies without an oven..."
George Carlin





Friday, June 13, 2008

Friday Photos

I would stare at this all day, but I have a job.


Camilo José Vergara
Posted by bikehugger


ettschioppa
If you stole it you would then have to figure it out.


Jason Goad


My crappy camera phone


And Finally, I call it "One Woman's Struggle"




Thursday, June 12, 2008

Dahon in Takoma Park

This guy was trucking down Philadelphia Ave into Takoma Park yesterday afternoon. No doubt on his way back from work. Rockin the Dahon with a trailer on which he had attached a hardshell piece of luggage, probably to stow the Dahon when he gets down town. Big ups for the business man.

I like to say "Dahon"

While we are on subject of Takoma Park I thought I would shine some light on the phenomenon of stop signs voicing their political point of views. It seems that crunchy granola types are not the only ones who love to inflict their opinions on others in TP.

The Veggie Stop Sign

The "Hatin' on the Colonel" Stop Sign

The Self Loathing Stop Sign


Thursday, June 5, 2008

Capitol Crescent Speed Limit?

This is a copy of WABA's latest newsletter detailing the wackiness that is going on in regards to the Capitol Crescent Trial. A 15 mph speed limit is a ridiculous idea when no effort has been made to educate the public on how to behave properly on a trail. There are trail users out their who can't figure out which lane is theirs let alone know when to call audibles, walk single file, or pull in their dog's 10 foot leash. Granted, I have had many cyclist decide that they would rather mix in a little game of high speed chicken when passing than to draft for 12 more seconds. Just like any other mode of transportation there are going to be assholes, be them on a bike, walking, jogging, or whatever. Education always helps, lets start with the basics.


The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), has called for a public discussion over the recent decision to erect new speed limit signs on the popular Capital Crescent Trail in Montgomery County. While the speed limit signs are just one part of a broader plan to help address concerns over trail safety, they have proven to be the most contentious. WABA, which was not consulted on the changes, urges all local cyclists that enjoy the trail to contact Mary Bradford, Director of Parks for the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission to express your displeasure and to urge her to open up a dialog among all trail user groups to better address safety.


Trail safety is the responsibility of all people who use the trail, whether they are cyclists, runners, skaters or people walking their dogs. However, with the new safety plan cyclists bear the brunt and MNCPPC's press release on the subject makes no mention of any efforts to educate all trail users on proper etiquette.

WABA's other concerns about the safety plan are:

  • A 15 mph speed limit implies that 15 mph is always a safe speed, though in more heavily congested sections of the trail 15 mph may be too fast.

  • The behavior of other trail users such as runners, walkers and those with dogs is unaddressed.

  • The safety plan includes no educational efforts to help address problems of trail etiquette.

  • Widening the trail in order to separate user types was not considered.

Only strong support from the cycling community will help us develop a safety plan that balances the needs of all users. Please click the "take action" link below for additional information and an email form you can use to send your comments.



Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Naked Bike Ride DC

From DCist: This would be a naked bike ride and not the dreaded "nekid" bike ride (shudder). Go on down there Saturday and protest whatever the hell you want to, just as long as you do it with your junk out.



Wdnesday Media Fix


Ever wonder how a bike thief could get away with steeling your ride in broad daylight? It' easier than you think. Try vice grips...


Tuesday, June 3, 2008

A Truely Shocking Development

The white glove beckoned me from the parking lot but what could it mean? Is this road shocker a sign of ill tidings? Or maybe it's a little nod from the powers that be saying "Good job palooka, you've really got life by the short hairs now." Only time will tell.

Stay tuned....



Monday, June 2, 2008

Bo No You Didn't