tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688538260877753632024-03-12T21:04:04.795-07:00☸ V's 2 Cents on 2 Wheels ☸Summer 2010: Biking from Jacksonville, FL to San Francisco, CA and building affordable housing with Bike & Build. Through Bike & Build, young adults become a catalyst for positive change in the world by raising awareness to the affordable housing cause and embarking on an incredible cross country adventure- but it doesn't end there, the journey continues as I ride for causes around CA!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-55746990647023494672011-12-22T12:32:00.000-08:002011-12-22T12:32:59.243-08:00Bike Thief...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Merry Christmas and a Happy Fist to the Face.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mzWfkySsK0/TvOTqK_CrBI/AAAAAAAAC3c/f6KU0Ayutwg/s1600/santa_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mzWfkySsK0/TvOTqK_CrBI/AAAAAAAAC3c/f6KU0Ayutwg/s320/santa_2.jpg" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa's got a black belt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Okay... alright. Breathe. Let me get the nice bit out of the way so I can get one check mark on Santa's good list before I set that on fire too. (Just kidding! Or am I? Only Santa will know...)<br />
<br />
This bicycle thief is a pro. Pier 39 is a busy place. The thief had to have a focused plan and execute it flawlessly- that plan was to steal my locked up bike. Lovely. Truly. This thief had to have self restraint and determination, a focused intention- the other bikes next to mine were untouched: lights and even helmets and other accessories were left for someone else's heist. Go figure. Take the locked up bike. Nice. So, well done bike thief. I take my helmet off to you. Good work, @$$hole. I hope a car finds you in the best possible way.<br />
<br />
I think I started burning the nice note a little prematurely there. But anyway, that counts for the year's nice points. I gave a genuine, heartfelt compliment to the jerk for his work. Sure, I burned said compliment and threw it out in front of oncoming traffic... but you can't escape the fact that it was a good job. The thief got the bike... and hopefully a car door, too.<br />
<br />
I'd be a little less jostled if the bike wasn't a primary mode of transportation. Elevating this situation to the next level, I'd argue that the thief stole my life. Granted, I still have my two feet... which I made sure to murder outright by running across Costa Rica.... so I'm a bit handicapped at the moment. I've been thinking of alternative modes of transportation like utilizing the very limited bus system, but the weekend schedule is more crippled than my feet. I went so far as to consider roller-blades. Yeah. That's right. Roller-blades. The thought just screams desperate. I need to figure out where to go from here and how I'll get there. It's going to be a painful journey in every possible way. One foot in front of the other, one step at a time... and bike thief's beware, the wheels are turning.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-42470328821986398432011-11-03T20:14:00.000-07:002011-11-03T20:17:48.569-07:00Bye-bye Big Blue<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/30666_778265362866_5500929_43499134_827526_n.jpg" width="150" /></div>
Big Blue was stolen today. She was a good bike. Now she's someone else's good bike.
Whoever and wherever the bike bandit is, I just want to say: Well done! And wear a helmet- preferably not the one you stole with the bike because it's already been through a couple crashes... Oh, and you might want to have her tuned up- she's nearly 7 yrs old now. Obviously, you should purchase a new lock, too.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<br />
Goodbye, Big Blue. My bum will miss your cushy seat and fat tires.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-4350325638557358562011-09-21T15:26:00.000-07:002011-09-21T15:33:00.982-07:00ThinkBike San Francisco Rolls Out Ideas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The two day ThinkBike summit in San Francisco was an inspiring bi-national endeavor focusing on methods to improve conditions for biking in the city. Local leaders, transportation planners, and community members coordinated with the Netherlands Consul General and Dutch transit specialists addressed key topics in bicycle safety, utilization, and functionality in their survey of three study areas:<a href="#market">Central Market</a>,<a href="#polk">Polk Street</a>, and <a href="#market">"The Wiggle"</a>.<br />
<div>
<br />
<b><a name="market"></a>Central Market</b><br />
<a href="http://www.sanfranciscodays.com/photos/large/market-7th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.sanfranciscodays.com/photos/large/market-7th.jpg" width="200" /></a>This specific portion of <a href="http://www.sanfranciscodays.com/market-central/">Market Street</a> is part of <a href="https://www.sfbike.org/?route30">SF Route 30</a> (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=112263781774383408078.0004463fb140b0d006eb8&ll=37.77777,-122.450867&spn=0.08363,0.117458&t=p&source=embed">map</a>) but lacks designated bike lanes. While traffic volume is relatively low on Market Street itself, the cross streets are heavily utilized connecting commercial centers to highways. Intersections are dubious at best for even the most cautious and experienced bicyclist.<br />
<br />
<b><a name="polk"></a>Polk Street</b><br />
<a href="http://www.sanfranciscodays.com/photos/large/cole-hardware-polk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.sanfranciscodays.com/photos/large/cole-hardware-polk.jpg" width="200" /></a>The northern section of <a href="http://www.sanfranciscodays.com/polk-north/">Polk Street</a> consists of one lane of traffic in each direction with parking on both sides of the street. It is considered a commercial corridor, running parallel to <a href="http://www.sanfranciscodays.com/van-ness/">Van Ness Avenue</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_101">US Route 101</a>). Particular attention will focus on determining if a separated bicycle facility would be possible without being blocked by double-parked vehicles or impeding current traffic flow.<br />
<br />
<b><a name="wiggle"></a>The Wiggle</b><br />
<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Wiggle.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="By Schwoagl (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="The Wiggle" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/The_Wiggle.png/240px-The_Wiggle.png" width="240" /></a>This mile-long route, aptly named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wiggle">The Wiggle</a>, winds through residential and commercial neighborhoods to minimize hilly inclines for bicyclists. It offers westbound riders an attractive alternative to mashing up Haight Street hills by "wiggling" up much more manageable inclines.<br />
<br />
"Since the purpose of the wiggle is to even out/avoid the steep incline getting into the upper haight, on the way back you can just as well sail down Haight St — check your brakes, or your fixie skid marks or what ever." (<a href="http://sf.wikispot.org/The_Wiggle">San Francisco Wiki</a>, 09/21/2011)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<br />
Bicycle safety in the city is a major concern and deterrent for would be bicyclists. However, with the installation of dedicated bicycle facilities and the rising number of bicyclists on the road. Riding a bicycle in the city is an incredible safe method of transportation. Bicyclists can improve their own safety by following road rules and wearing safety gear. However, drivers can greatly improve bicycle safety by being aware and considerate of bicycle traffic providing 3 feet clearance when passing riders on the road. San Francisco is improving and expanding dedicated bicycle facilities and general bicycle awareness and tolerance is quite good in the city.<br />
<br />
Utilization goes hand in hand with functionality. Simply building a bike lane does not guarantee its use. Efficient corridors must be identified and then improved upon for optimal bike usage. Bicycling should be a more viable mode of transportation in the city than driving. Functional, efficient routes which can be utilized by bicyclists from 8-80 years old are pivotal in this movement. Hills can be daunting, traffic can be frightening, but with improvements in infrastructure coupled with an informed and enthusiastic community, San Francisco is truly one of the best bicycle cities in America.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-2763599652913883402011-09-18T17:30:00.000-07:002011-09-19T14:19:21.645-07:00Waves to Wine 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://main.nationalmssociety.org/digitaldownloads/2011-Bike%20MS%20Wallpaper_Final-E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://main.nationalmssociety.org/digitaldownloads/2011-Bike%20MS%20Wallpaper_Final-E.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It was a wonderful weekend riding my bicycle beside the 2000 other cyclists during the annual Bike MS: Waves to Wine Ride. Now in its 28th year, the two day event is famous for its picturesque routes with various mileage options, appealing to both new and experienced riders alike. Saturday's 100 and 75 mile route took riders on a breathtaking tour from San Francisco and across the Golden Gate Bridge, over Mount Tamalpais and up the California coastline on scenic Highway 1. A 40 mile option weaved around Northern California's wine country, merging with the 100 and 75 mile routes for the finish in Rohnert Park. On Sunday, riders rolled out on a beautiful 75 or 50 route through classic vineyards and golden rolling hills.<br />
<br />
Armed with tools, a spare tube, an emergency number, and a cue sheet, I
was a Ride Marshal for the weekend, acting as both a good will and
safety ambassador for the National MS Society and Bike MS while on the
road. Over the course of the event, I helped fix a flat, examined a
squeaky pedal, enforced safe riding procedures, and made sure that
people along the route were well taken care of while enjoying the ride.
It was a nice change of pace to have the extra responsibility while on
the road and to share the experience with my Ride Marshal buddy since
I've grown accustomed to riding solo. Needless to say, I was worn out
after the two days of marshaling, but I couldn't have had a more
worthwhile weekend on my bicycle. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/get-involved/events/bike-ms/digital-downloads-bike-ms/image.aspx?id=8168&width=468&height=60" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/get-involved/events/bike-ms/digital-downloads-bike-ms/image.aspx?id=8168&width=468&height=60" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0Rohnert Park, CA, USA38.3396367 -122.701098438.3147282 -122.74058040000001 38.3645452 -122.6616164tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-31284982546733339842010-12-07T19:47:00.003-08:002010-12-07T21:31:44.499-08:00Hubs n' Wheels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1178.snc4/155047_853772336286_5500929_45942511_2253633_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1178.snc4/155047_853772336286_5500929_45942511_2253633_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Today was day 2 at the United Bicycle Institute in Portland, OR where I am attending their bicycle repair and overhaul mechanic certification course. Yesterday we focused on the assembly and disassembly of hubs and discussed the finer details of their purpose and function; while today was dedicated to building a wheelset using our assembled hubs.<br />
Hub day was pretty straight forward. Introductions and book keeping took up the first hour of class, but we quickly dove into a discussion on the importance of accurrate measurement and the development of current bicycle hubs. <br />
In front of every individual was a front and rear hub which we were tasked to disassemble, clean, and inspect at our workbenches. After a quick overview of proper hub assembly, we put the pieces back together, more or less the way they were at the beginning of the day- maybe with a few extra pounds of grease.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs403.ash2/68097_854127115306_5500929_45949887_7726999_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs403.ash2/68097_854127115306_5500929_45949887_7726999_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Class was dismissed early, just before 5, and a few of us from the Friendly Bike Guest House joined Dave, a recently found Portlander, for food and drinks at Amnesia, a local low-key brewpub with an excellent IPA and tofurkey. We warmed ourselves up at a table and enjoyed the drinks, food, and company. Even though we were out of class, our conversation cycled 'round bicycles. After Eric and myself expressed some grief at not having wheels here in Portland, Dave offered to lend us bikes during our stay. Awe struck by his generosity, we meandered through NE Portland after dinner and picked up our new wheels. Eric got a sleek steel roadbike with pink camo handlebar tape while I received a blue cruiser with coaster breaks- it's the sweetest ride since ever.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1120.snc4/148197_854231456206_5500929_45950943_2021065_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1120.snc4/148197_854231456206_5500929_45950943_2021065_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Wheel day was today. With introductions out of the way, we got straight into building our symetrical 32 spoke 3-cross wheelset. The first half of the day we prepared our hubs by loading spokes into hubs and lacing our wheels. After lunch we added tension to the spokes and then trued and dished our wheels to ensure optimum roundess and a quality build. For better or worse, much of my time was spent trying to true wheel with a cracked rim... why does every bicycle around me crack? Of course, once our wheels were inspected our task was to disassemble them. The wheel build is one of the more time consuming and sometimes frustrating aspects of this class, but most everyone pushed through and had a wheelset by the day's end.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-36229297073514027132010-12-05T20:39:00.000-08:002010-12-05T20:39:38.067-08:00Greetings from Portland, Oregon!Today was a flurry of activity as it was my first day in one of America's most bike friendly and "up-and-coming" cities. The weather was unexpectedly sunny but the sunshine was deceptive as it was bitter cold. Even so, I trekked about the Mississippi, Rose, and Pearl districts, traversing my way on foot while musing over the abundance of bike lanes and cyclists that used them. While discovering Portland's neighborhoods I happened upon a number of venues and local hotspots that I hope I can devote some quality time to in the future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXIkv8ZVdYm2UhS08wQRP1qIoXJaMQtUGScGanZ6waUj6n_gLRj_sc5EWY105Np9NGmgpofo77SmCj3F4N1s-SCAzjjAJhpFecXwQSkNeInHv26UHXHjUO0BbCMGiJJwm7HQSpAskmnc/s1600/bfgh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXIkv8ZVdYm2UhS08wQRP1qIoXJaMQtUGScGanZ6waUj6n_gLRj_sc5EWY105Np9NGmgpofo77SmCj3F4N1s-SCAzjjAJhpFecXwQSkNeInHv26UHXHjUO0BbCMGiJJwm7HQSpAskmnc/s1600/bfgh.jpg" /></a></div>I'm staying at the <a href="http://friendlybikeguesthouse.com/">Friendly Bike Guest House</a> for the next two weeks. The guest house is one of the nicest places I've stayed while traveling- it's spacious, clean, and it has a basement with a home bike mechanic setup. Not only that, it's just a stone's throw away from the <a href="http://www.bikeschool.com/">United Bicycle Institute</a> where I'll be attending a Bicycle Repair and Shop Operation two week intensive class. With such a nice place to stay, I wish I had made a vacation of this trip!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-23751757379450715382010-12-01T11:34:00.000-08:002010-12-01T11:34:22.234-08:00The Best I Ever Had<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs941.snc4/73470_843652576366_5500929_45725045_2537854_n.jpg" width="200" /> </div></div><i><i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TBublGERS4&feature=player_embedded">Ah, freak out!</a></i></i><br />
<br />
<i> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1480274210">I never will forget the day we met</a></i><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnihRlwl-Bc" style="font-style: italic;">Girl I’m gonna miss you</a><br />
<br />
<div style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhs3Rj71gpo">But now you're gone, gone, gone- whooooa...</a></i></span></div><br />
I hope you were mildly entertained by the music videos above- at least more so than when the LBS confirmed that the crack on Tank!'s top tube was more than just a paint chip- or when I discovered the horizontal crack on the side of the TT just below the one in the picture. Lovely.<br />
<br />
So there I was... riding a compromised frame and since carbon fiber deteriorates from the inside out, it was difficult to gauge just how insane I was while riding Tank!. Though, after a few days to letting the idea of my bike snapping in half marinate in my mind, I finally decided to let the bike rest and went on the search for a replacement frame or bicycle- whichever was more financially feasible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHIBzgI8pyJc23f4f07pS3txQourL6ASpxuMIiUjaT0956vPvAaIOrkU9iHnbs6kx8nsEQMCRlxVjP06Ud6_vBBymnr9uJZeTo4DqecJH07a_9cjr_hQZnUZYWvw7Id81u4yHnPkG2Gk/s1600/spec_ruby_comp_x3_blue_tint_wht_10_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHIBzgI8pyJc23f4f07pS3txQourL6ASpxuMIiUjaT0956vPvAaIOrkU9iHnbs6kx8nsEQMCRlxVjP06Ud6_vBBymnr9uJZeTo4DqecJH07a_9cjr_hQZnUZYWvw7Id81u4yHnPkG2Gk/s320/spec_ruby_comp_x3_blue_tint_wht_10_m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I wandered the west coast (not so far and wide from San Francisco). Combing the local bike shops, I retold my sob story. I received some empathy, a few sales pitches, and advice on where to get a Giant frame, though in the end I settled on a replacement bicycle- a wicked closeout deal on a 2010 Specialized Ruby Comp (above).<br />
She's pretty... and blue... and not cracked; the last 2010 Specialized Ruby Comp in the company and in the smallest frame size- perfecto!<br />
<br />
I knew the bike would be a good fit since a salesperson had me ride around on a 2011 Ruby just for kicks and giggles- we both knew I wasn't dropping a few grand on a bicycle right then and there. But we both didn't know I'd find a closeout on last year's model in the exact same frame size!!! It's ridiculous. It's phenomenal and I'm pumped to have a bicycle that won't break in half while I'm riding. She's no Tank! but she'll do.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
This blue angel is en route to my LBS and should be ready for pickup on Friday. I'll use Tank!'s pedals and my scuffed up shoes from Bike & Build for the ride home. I just hope the shop doesn't judge me too much when I roll out. New pedals and shoes are an investment that has taken the back burner what with having to replace Tank! and all... I'm just looking forward to getting back on the roadAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-78625733721773635302010-10-13T01:24:00.000-07:002010-10-13T01:32:39.890-07:00Marin County Bike Lanes and Paths Inventory: Day 1<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Marin County was one of 4 communities across the United States, selected for the <a href="http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/ntpp.htm">Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program</a> in 2006. The program designated <a href="http://www.marinbike.org/Campaigns/PilotPgm/FundedPilotProjects.pdf">$25 million</a> to each community to build a bicycle and pedestrian network that would <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">demonstrate the extent to which bicycling and walking could represent a major portion of the transportation solution. Over the past 4 years, Marin county has made improvements to its existing bicycle and pedestrian network and added new bike lanes and bicycle detectors as well. </span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">My job over the next few weeks is to inventory all of Marin's bicycle lanes and paths which includes multi-use paths, bicycle lanes, and shared roads which are categorized as <a href="http://www.cityofvacaville.com/departments/public_works/bikepaths.php">class 1, 2, and 3 bikeways</a>, respectively. For better or worse, bike routes will flip flop between classes or have multiple riding options, like a multi-use path beside a bike lane. It is my task to inventory these nuances while making note of the mileage in order to update the <a href="http://www.marinbike.org/">Marin County Bicycle Coalition</a> (MCBC) with the county's current facilities. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">I decided to break up the county into its cities and tackle each one, one at a time. I opted to start with <a href="http://www.ci.novato.ca.us/">Novato</a> and work my way south so that on my last day I'd ride across the <a href="http://www.goldengatebridge.org/">Golden Gate Bridge</a>... finally... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Spelled out, It's a daunting task, but no more so than <a href="http://bikeandbuild.org/">cycling across the country</a>- <a href="http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/route.php?route=SUS&year=2010">who does that anyway</a>?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><b>Day 1!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLVbSy4kG4I/AAAAAAAACMs/7SB9t_wyxEs/s1600/IMG_20101012_095321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLVbSy4kG4I/AAAAAAAACMs/7SB9t_wyxEs/s200/IMG_20101012_095321.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">I cycled north along the Pacheco Hill multi-use path connecting <a href="http://www.cityofsanrafael.org/">San Rafael </a>and Novato for bicycle and pedestrian traffic and parallels <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Highway_101_in_California">Highway 101</a>. The multi-use path ends at the intersection of Alameda Del Prado and Nave Dr, but the northbound bike lane doesn't begin until <i>after</i> the intersection and the 101 on-ramp/off-ramps, so cyclists must be aware of merging traffic as they ride on the road.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLVjdY3w4lI/AAAAAAAACNI/1qVup6Gi_HU/s1600/IMG_20101012_101422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLVjdY3w4lI/AAAAAAAACNI/1qVup6Gi_HU/s200/IMG_20101012_101422.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Once I cleared the highway ramps, the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Alameda+Del+Prado&daddr=Alameda+Del+Prado&hl=en&geocode=FWiSRAIdXEmy-A%3BFQrXRAIdyC2y-A&mra=ltm&dirflg=b&sll=38.065122,-122.539058&sspn=0.004088,0.007467&ie=UTF8&ll=38.05975,-122.532921&spn=0.016354,0.029869&z=15&lci=bike">Alameda del Prado bike lane</a> began. This class 2 route continued uninterrupted until the T intersection of Alameda del Prado & Ignacio Blvd. I then decided to follow the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Ignacio+Blvd&daddr=Ignacio+Blvd&hl=en&geocode=FYzXRAId0i2y-A%3BFf4ARQIdFp-x-A&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=16&dirflg=b&sll=38.062622,-122.535152&sspn=0.008177,0.014935&ie=UTF8&ll=38.064784,-122.536225&spn=0.008177,0.014935&z=16&lci=bike">bike lane on Ignacio Blvd</a> westward where it ended at the <a href="http://www.marin.edu/">College of Marin</a> Indian Valley Campus. From there I looped back and returned to the Alameda del Prado & Ignacio Blvd intersection. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">I wanted to cover as much ground as possible without overlapping too much. So I pulled out the <a href="http://www.marinbike.org/Map/Index.shtml">MCBC map</a> and after some consideration, I decided it would be best to divide Novato up into at least 2 days- I'd continue Day 1 riding the perimeter bike lanes and then tackle the downtown area and its local bike paths another day.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLVn8BYjNzI/AAAAAAAACOE/B6eHDhdJgiw/s1600/IMG_20101012_111222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLVn8BYjNzI/AAAAAAAACOE/B6eHDhdJgiw/s200/IMG_20101012_111222.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I had a few unexpected adventures over the course of the day. I discovered a class 2 bike lane in Bel Marin Keys that wasn't on the MCBC map. That was far more exciting than I'd like to admit. It was a thrill to ride on </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_37" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Highway 37</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> and across a "narrow bridge" that made me cringe as cars zoomed past. And I’ll never forget riding down Marin's most dubious bike path complete with cracked pavement, defaced signs, and railroad tracks just to top it off. Although, for the most part, my day was spent riding very deliberately and slowly while stopping every few miles to take a snapshot of an intersection or jot down notes.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLVp0JfzCoI/AAAAAAAACOg/SGWKzI0iPJE/s1600/IMG_20101012_114608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLVp0JfzCoI/AAAAAAAACOg/SGWKzI0iPJE/s200/IMG_20101012_114608.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Day 1 was a little shaky. Honestly, I didn't realize how long it would take to do a thorough inventory of the area's bike lanes. It's far more time consuming than I had anticipated because I hadn't factored in the time it would take to document my progress during the ride. Slight oversight... I'll do better on Day 2!</span></span></div><div><div><div><br />
</div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-17888844794339013662010-10-09T23:04:00.000-07:002010-10-09T23:04:28.285-07:00Wheels For Meals Ride 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLFKuTyJisI/AAAAAAAACLo/dD5NVQgUblk/s1600/IMG_20101009_064537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLFKuTyJisI/AAAAAAAACLo/dD5NVQgUblk/s200/IMG_20101009_064537.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">This morning, I woke before the sun and drove across the bay to the <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/shadow_cliffs">Shadow Cliffs Regional Park</a> for the <a href="https://www.wheelsformealsride.com/">2nd Annual Wheels For Meals Ride</a>. I discovered this gem of a ride through the <a href="http://www.cyclecalifornia.com/">Cycle California! Magazine</a>, and was glad to have found a good cause relatively close by, promising a great day of riding. Despite being a relatively new event, the Wheels for Meals Ride was extraordinarily well organized and supported- I was thoroughly impressed with the ride, its cause and the people that helped to make this day happen. After <a href="https://www.wheelsformealsride.com/routes/70-mile/">70 miles and 3000' of climbing</a>, I'd happily ride again next year in support of homebound seniors.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLFJUqZ8WnI/AAAAAAAACLA/Iibr9sljPu4/s1600/IMG_20101009_082457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLFJUqZ8WnI/AAAAAAAACLA/Iibr9sljPu4/s200/IMG_20101009_082457.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">The sun had just peaked over the horizon when I began the route's first major ascent up <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Tesla+Road,+Livermore,+CA&sll=37.645228,-121.584663&sspn=0.161204,0.308647&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Tesla+Rd,+Livermore,+California&ll=37.639519,-121.573677&spn=0.161217,0.308647&t=p&z=12">Tesla Road</a>. The effect of the climb and the gorgeous views could be compared to a cup of coffee. The climb woke up every limb and early morning chills were quickly remedied as I made my way up the winding road while h</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">uge wind turbines seemed to sprout from the hilltops surrounding the area. I did my best to take a snapshot as I descended... but it was a little tricky considering I hit 40mph on a road that coiled itself around the hillsides. Luckily, there was a short straightaway where I managed to take a picture.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLFKRv9irTI/AAAAAAAACLY/QAkah1dmyOs/s1600/IMG_20101009_074735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLFKRv9irTI/AAAAAAAACLY/QAkah1dmyOs/s200/IMG_20101009_074735.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">The 70 mile route brushed the edges of <a href="http://www.ci.tracy.ca.us/">Tracy</a> before looping back towards the hills and up <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Patterson+Pass+Road,+Livermore,+CA&sll=37.60308,-121.747913&sspn=0.080648,0.154324&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Patterson+Pass+Rd,+Livermore,+California&ll=37.681647,-121.572304&spn=0.161125,0.308647&t=p&z=12">Patterson Pass</a>. The climb tested my physical limits more so than previous rides; the little blue bird on my shoulder blade was singing loud and clear. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">I could definitely feel my back, but thankfully I made it to the top and descended down to the vineyards below </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">without any incident</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLFIgW6YjNI/AAAAAAAACKs/2sFB_i0z6VI/s1600/IMG_20101009_115929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TLFIgW6YjNI/AAAAAAAACKs/2sFB_i0z6VI/s200/IMG_20101009_115929.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Once back in the valley, all three </span></span><a href="https://www.wheelsformealsride.com/routes/" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">routes</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> criss-crossed and united for the last leg. The ride ended back at the Lakeside Picnic area in the Shadow Cliffs Regional Park, where riders were provided with a scrumptious BBQ lunch. Families, avid cyclists, young and old all celebrated the day's ride and a successful event for <a href="http://www.feedingseniors.org/">Alameda County's Meals on Wheels</a>.</span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-8636346016652022942010-10-08T15:01:00.000-07:002010-10-08T15:01:04.420-07:002010 Surf City AIDS Ride<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TK92nFP4mNI/AAAAAAAACJk/W-5KAQTF8LM/s1600/IMG_20101003_071014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TK92nFP4mNI/AAAAAAAACJk/W-5KAQTF8LM/s200/IMG_20101003_071014.jpg" width="148" /></a>A brisk breeze greeted me at 5 AM Sunday morning as I loaded Tank into the car for the 2 hour drive down to Santa Cruz where the annual Surf City AIDS Ride was held. I drove south, through the East Bay to avoid paying a toll on the Golden Gate Bridge and eventually found myself cruising on Highway 17 which takes you straight into the heart of downtown Santa Cruz. The drive slalomed down the coastal mountains, where I dodged road kill and intrepid deer seemingly every turn. By the time I reached my destination, adrenaline had all but replaced the blood in my veins.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TK9acycS8iI/AAAAAAAACJM/fw-3XL4MSYw/s1600/IMG_20101003_082808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TK9acycS8iI/AAAAAAAACJM/fw-3XL4MSYw/s200/IMG_20101003_082808.jpg" width="200" /></a>A thick fog blanketed the coast obscuring the sunrise and stubbornly sustained itself throughout the entire ride. The first leg of the route hugged the coastline, where riders rode along the beach and coastal roads serenaded by surf. Then the route looped through northern Monterey's rolling hills and farmland where the sun was just starting to shine through the fog.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TK9Zyb1xBfI/AAAAAAAACI4/EffVSF7gEE8/s1600/IMG_20101003_125216.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TK9Zyb1xBfI/AAAAAAAACI4/EffVSF7gEE8/s200/IMG_20101003_125216.jpg" width="200" /></a>This was one of the best supported rides I've participated in to date. The Surf City AIDS Ride boasted a number of well stocked and musically charged rest stops and SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles were out and about ready to help riders in a jam. I'm used to yo-yoing with other cyclists between rest stops, but this is the first time I've played tag with SAG. Even in the age of smart phones and GPS, it was mentally reassuring to know that help was nearby and that I was still on the right route!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingN_JgwvIS2vze5L0IKKCGbdm8H5KLMs5s3e4Z3PjsVnqcopZf9K_JjPRxuPwl6aaeZ3zq54kM4GSQYhGWF7Pdqq_Nnnfr03glrGzGvzcHUEcwqMyVAqba4MEP1sIexK5jP5ZUVH8VdE/s1600/2010_SurfCity_60Mile_webimage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingN_JgwvIS2vze5L0IKKCGbdm8H5KLMs5s3e4Z3PjsVnqcopZf9K_JjPRxuPwl6aaeZ3zq54kM4GSQYhGWF7Pdqq_Nnnfr03glrGzGvzcHUEcwqMyVAqba4MEP1sIexK5jP5ZUVH8VdE/s320/2010_SurfCity_60Mile_webimage.png" width="237" /></a></div>The 60 mile route threw in a few surprise miles. At the end of the day I logged 64.3 and I had stayed true to the route, following the yellow arrows faithfully. The arrows led me back to San Lorenzo Park where the starting point had been transformed into a finish line festival. Vendor booths dotted the path and a stage had been set up where a band was just beginning to play as I rolled in to the park.<br />
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I slipped into some basketball shorts and traded my shoes for flip-flops before finding a spot on the grass to relax and enjoy the post ride events. Cyclists and locals alike lounged on a hill opposite of the stage, listening to the music and cheering riders as they crossed the finish line. I could have happily spent the rest of the afternoon in Santa Cruz; but I had a friend to visit, a tattoo design to deliver, and a few hundred miles to drive before the day was out. So I listened to a few songs, congratulated a few people at the finish line, and then scrambled to the car to continue my journey southward.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Az7USvKPtkc/TK9Zyb1xBfI/AAAAAAAACI4/EffVSF7gEE8/s1600/IMG_20101003_125216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-41726906014333279602010-10-07T09:46:00.000-07:002010-10-07T09:46:55.462-07:00The 2010 Konocti Challenge<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.konoctichallenge.com/images/Photos/gallery/photos/193_9339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://www.konoctichallenge.com/images/Photos/gallery/photos/193_9339.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lakeport sign welcoming cyclists!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On Sunday, I had the opportunity to ride the 100km 2010 Konocti Challenge- a beautiful and, as its namesake implies, challenging route around Clear Lake. The ride began on the lake's western shore before sunrise, winding around the perimeter of the lake and up a few moderate climbs- one of which is fondly nicknamed "The Wall" by locals.<br />
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Curiously enough, my first challenge was just getting to Clear Lake, a 2 hour drive from where I live. A 4am wake up was required to compensate for travel/exploring time. Luckily, the directions to the starting point in Lakeport were relatively straightforward, perfect for driving at dark-thirty-in-the-morning.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTXd8OD5Kal7QT2rtCNsIoeVb82CV-fqOXhgP2Y6FmKrFt0F807-w8eiKE4WVayQFEhQzL5EVRDsjCa-q6oBGiGp3T7tfmxTuiN_XIwz8ZlRR1uLCsauwUQKInTVZISMehuhQ3yDySI4/s1600/IMG_20101002_071821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTXd8OD5Kal7QT2rtCNsIoeVb82CV-fqOXhgP2Y6FmKrFt0F807-w8eiKE4WVayQFEhQzL5EVRDsjCa-q6oBGiGp3T7tfmxTuiN_XIwz8ZlRR1uLCsauwUQKInTVZISMehuhQ3yDySI4/s200/IMG_20101002_071821.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise from the eastern shore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I arrived, checked-in, and received a map, cue-sheet and elevation profile for the day's ride. The 100km total climb was 2,200' with low and high points at 1,330' and 1,820' respectively. Without a moment of pre-dawn to lose, I took off following the lake's perimeter northward with whispers of sunrise shimmering from the western shore.<br />
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Around mile 45 I hit "The Wall" a steep, short segment of a longer 9% graded climb. The ascent received its endearing namesake because it hits right after a welcome, but ultimately deceiving descent. I lost all momentum a few meters (if that) into the climb. It was a good time.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBgtpu06bUuvi9CYNAPh1s7Gi0JRpu8bunMbsRmgBlsK3RVQRru4tlX0HYvi8Ii5Lih7OYegOC53UkfNwndljHAl5hCqKwlheE8tdwuR-HaTEkrDLOD1UTtv8R1Fn9e3IwbX2b72WK5g/s1600/IMG_20101002_091241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBgtpu06bUuvi9CYNAPh1s7Gi0JRpu8bunMbsRmgBlsK3RVQRru4tlX0HYvi8Ii5Lih7OYegOC53UkfNwndljHAl5hCqKwlheE8tdwuR-HaTEkrDLOD1UTtv8R1Fn9e3IwbX2b72WK5g/s200/IMG_20101002_091241.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clear Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There were a few sweet descents with incredible views of the lake. In fact, for safety reasons, I had to stop and take a picture mid descent rather than ogle without regard to the twisting road ahead. While the roads were relatively traffic free, this particular descent was a slightly technical, winding its way down from a peak to the lake's shore.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBF6G6RpJSbei9DYA7zMmhwZjgBtQtp19-VzeXKWyA9DhtdJyHO7519CU3OB8H7frinFDOWsRKIXOk9sScPpGhyLSGwZDnO4StN4KU0_YAONQi133wvdytvpX3OBz49qZ7kbnYnK2_FE/s1600/IMG_20101002_103633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBF6G6RpJSbei9DYA7zMmhwZjgBtQtp19-VzeXKWyA9DhtdJyHO7519CU3OB8H7frinFDOWsRKIXOk9sScPpGhyLSGwZDnO4StN4KU0_YAONQi133wvdytvpX3OBz49qZ7kbnYnK2_FE/s200/IMG_20101002_103633.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sporting the B&B jersey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But what would a ride be without its rest stops? The 100km had 4 themed rest stops along the route and at the end of the ride, riders would vote for their favorite. The rest stop winner would receive funds for their particular charity, so each one was chalk-full of goodies and good times vying for rider's final votes. While I never tarried long, the second to last rest stop was right at the crest of a climb so I opted to get of the saddle and mingle, giving my bum a rest and letting my legs stretch out for a bit. This particular rest stop, was run by a charity which sends care packages to soldiers abroad, and since it was the one rest stop I actually stopped at, it received my vote in the end.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSdTH4qDvdVpoh5-oRbn0Rz_U0J6zYgvNctHbHUP_d0NSd8Qc2HtfiIYOydRau7r1e1MIGJ8tP_JByk3O-mJGkGUkMsEnxO-4G3__BaEupLOefTXY1gj5VcGSWbMuyDiil_y7JuEV5IU/s1600/IMG_20101002_121508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSdTH4qDvdVpoh5-oRbn0Rz_U0J6zYgvNctHbHUP_d0NSd8Qc2HtfiIYOydRau7r1e1MIGJ8tP_JByk3O-mJGkGUkMsEnxO-4G3__BaEupLOefTXY1gj5VcGSWbMuyDiil_y7JuEV5IU/s200/IMG_20101002_121508.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats on Clear Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I finished the ride midday and was greeted by the scent of BBQ and the sound of music playing from Main Street where the Lakeport Oktoberfest was just getting started. Despite the myriad of festivities during the day, I didn't stay in town too long. I had a long drive home and Sunday's Surf City AIDS Ride was already at the forefront of my mind.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-54395866135353872842010-09-06T15:58:00.000-07:002010-09-06T16:57:23.884-07:00Post B&B Labor Day Fun Ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1j0zZAJ_Zr0ENl3Rl9hHHMEQs9I68ecNMzTj67KR6GVjggtnfoSUa4qmOMlM6Im43ffpoyiRLHVovtUEfzAuGrkubzpJm2hk-YxTNVM6UaZs6gYTG524-3OG3LJDmQC0f0owlgZMGsuI/s1600/lbd2.PNG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1j0zZAJ_Zr0ENl3Rl9hHHMEQs9I68ecNMzTj67KR6GVjggtnfoSUa4qmOMlM6Im43ffpoyiRLHVovtUEfzAuGrkubzpJm2hk-YxTNVM6UaZs6gYTG524-3OG3LJDmQC0f0owlgZMGsuI/s320/lbd2.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513947287456511554" /></a>Hey, hey, hey, <a href="http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm">Happy Labor Day</a>! <div><br /></div><div>I decided to celebrate by putting off a myriad of important endeavors and necessary life decisions, opting to go for a fun bicycle ride around the area instead. In all fairness, the undertaking required a bit of prep and research- getting to know the lay of the land and whatnot- thankfully, <a href="http://www.marinbike.org/Map/Index.shtml">Marin County Bicycle Coalition</a> has put together a great <a href="http://www.marinbike.org/Map/SideA2008_250.jpg">map</a> among other resources for cyclists. So after scrutinizing the various routes, I opted to try out a makeshift Greenbrae-Tiburon loop which utilized both bike lanes, multi-use paths, and the good old road.<div><br /></div><div>It was the first ride I've embarked on since <a href="http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/route.php?route=SUS&year=2010">Bike & Build</a>. I've been hesitant to cycle at all what with the physical condition I was in at the end of that epic journey. But today's ride was necessary. I've been wanting to ride every day since Bike & Build, but 'wanting to' is not being able to- so I said screw it and broke that cycle (points for the pun). </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, just being able to do something is no cause to actually go and do it- but that is neither here nor there. The fact is I was able to complete the 30 mile loop, and it was GORGEOUS! Today's ride was well worth discovering that my back is still broken- the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and you could see the city clear as day from this side of the bay (a rare treat). I am glad I was able to ride today and I'll keep riding short loops just to get my body settled and sorted before I attempt anything too insane. Let's hope my back cooperates and my knees don't give out!</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember folks, it's <a href="http://dl.pleera.net/184/18421/Jem_-_Just_A_Ride.mp3">just a ride</a>. (<a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Jem">Jem</a>)</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-298849701024050722010-07-04T15:16:00.001-07:002010-07-04T15:53:34.882-07:00...America, my home sweet home.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9syHGVUNtgkURlP1uH3o-vIplhbecoyU_tlocA82Ghbf-ChWgr3E4G3hHUk3kdI0nU3KeuL-ui0RFO1dRJ_7a7jzptM9CrT7xjW-x5K69XgEXzwR9-MFm1JA08tGnv5UY5v2zS10brYI/s1600/me.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 158px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490186843878238658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9syHGVUNtgkURlP1uH3o-vIplhbecoyU_tlocA82Ghbf-ChWgr3E4G3hHUk3kdI0nU3KeuL-ui0RFO1dRJ_7a7jzptM9CrT7xjW-x5K69XgEXzwR9-MFm1JA08tGnv5UY5v2zS10brYI/s320/me.bmp" /></a> <span style="color:#000000;">Howdy from Memphis, TX and Happy 4th of July! The past month has been a whirl wind of incredible experiences on and off the road with my fellow SUS 2010 Bike & Builders. We've biked, we've built, we went swimming in the Gulf Coast, we crossed state lines, taken detours, met inspiring people, and maybe even inspired a few along the way...<br /><br />Today was a bike day from Altus, OK to Memphis, TX - 72 miles. Not bad- in fact, it's one of the "shorter" days, so we were allowed to "sleep in" until 6 AM. Mileage aside, today was one of the toughest days we've had yet. From the onset of our journey, we were beset with rain and a 20 mph headwind/crosswind that nearly blew me off the road. Good fun. But even better, just as the rains let up we encountered a good 30 miles of hills, the steepest inclines we've had to ride to date. It was a good challenge making it to the host site on time.<br /><br />I also had my first flat(s) while traversing the fun hills, spending a mere hour and a half between the crests of two large hills where I got not 1, not 2, but 3 flats from a staple in my back tire not even a half centimeter long. Thankfully, not long after my third flat, the van pulled up with Chris and Lizz riding beside it. Agata, Cory, Alex, and Allison were in the van and with the positive energy and pooled experience we found the staple (and a bonus one in my front tire). Chris really saved the day by helping me out. I was frustrated with myself, being so close to the host and not going anywhere for so long- I felt helpless out there. But everything came around in the end.<br /><br />Bike & Build has been an incredible experience so far- and I think everyone has come to realize that there's more to the "Build" aspect than building affordable housing. We also build relationships with the people we meet along the way, we build friendships with some of the most talented and inspiring young adults, and through these interactions we find ourselves building a summer, a life, that is, in a word: awesome.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kuBS9ReRc1P5x3sJ4wM0bEs-4bUwfqeDUiRfYrjIrR4BP7QRBIycAC_HUUYTt4-yBlqRGKyqsHEEpShkjzcan7T6aAqyoIRp7YYMTP4ERbLpB9SPmVrPZNQBmoS9-FrdeJp5NmI80ps/s1600/col.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490187410782540274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kuBS9ReRc1P5x3sJ4wM0bEs-4bUwfqeDUiRfYrjIrR4BP7QRBIycAC_HUUYTt4-yBlqRGKyqsHEEpShkjzcan7T6aAqyoIRp7YYMTP4ERbLpB9SPmVrPZNQBmoS9-FrdeJp5NmI80ps/s320/col.jpg" /></a><br />Thank you to everyone who has, and continues to support the efforts of Bike & Build and my own personal cross country cycling adventure. You all are "the wind beneath my wings". </p><p align="center">Follow the journey online: <a href="http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/route.php?route=SUS&year=2010">http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/route.php?route=SUS&year=2010</a><br />You can read our group rider blog, track our progress, and see pictures from the ride!<br /></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-58196090279067098522010-05-24T21:37:00.000-07:002010-05-24T22:44:20.054-07:00Thank YouYou know who you are :) You've inspired me to push myself above and beyond what I thought was physically possible. When I was delirious on my way to Montauk thoughts of you gave me the strength to keep pedaling. Despite countless patches of grass that looked oh so wonderful to "accidentally" crash and fall and stop and just give up on everything - you kept me going. (I told you I got sappy didn't I?)<br /><br />You voted for the hair cut I got this Saturday. You supported me through and through, and now I'm at the edge. This is it. It's jump time.<br /><br />In a few days I'll begin the trek across the Southern United States to build affordable housing. Thanks to you, I'm able to put in just about a month's rent to cap off the $4000 goal :)<br /><br />Cheers and thank you!!!<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWnusUkxjqiAR8DqxscudpeNuOLt0PnTRCcBSCfOeYklEBjUdsXEHQdme68YP_TV5a4qDp1Ctna-R97CWEqcmSvY6nfr5GZoIjGNSk2RwbrehhP6ln7i9Sz11bQJbRFqlnW2bGEeIiJA/s1600/thanks.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWnusUkxjqiAR8DqxscudpeNuOLt0PnTRCcBSCfOeYklEBjUdsXEHQdme68YP_TV5a4qDp1Ctna-R97CWEqcmSvY6nfr5GZoIjGNSk2RwbrehhP6ln7i9Sz11bQJbRFqlnW2bGEeIiJA/s400/thanks.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475072339650240914" /></a>Last minute donation? <a href="http://tinyurl.com/help-v">http://tinyurl.com/help-v</a></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*****</div><br /><b>Mail Drops have been posted on the Bike & Build site for the route:</b><br /><i>Bike & Build groups will receive mail approximately once a week while on the road, and welcome letters and packages from friends, family, and supporters. Mail will be delivered through USPS General Delivery. Please be sure to send mail in ample time to arrive prior to the pick-up date and only through the United States Postal Service (The Post Office will not accept mail from any other carrier). Address mail to:</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Bike & Build </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Attn: CYCLIST NAME</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>General Delivery</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>STREET ADDRESS (if noted)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>CITY, ST ZIP</b></div><br /><i>Please mark the envelope or package with "</i><b><i>Please hold for pick-up on DATE</i></b><i>"<br />Late mail will be forwarded to the mail drop two weeks ahead. Late mail from the last two mail drops will be returned to sender.</i><br /><br /><b>Southern U.S.</b><br /><b>June 03</b><br />20 Ave. D #101<br />Apalachicola, FL 32320<br /><br /><b>June 10</b><br />104 Norton Ave<br />Saraland, AL 36571<br /><br /><b>June 17</b><br />New Orleans, LA 70140<br /><br /><b>June 24</b><br />Natchitoches, LA 71457<br /><br /><b>July 01</b><br />206 East Walnut St<br />Decatur, TX 76234<br /><br /><b>July 08</b><br />1 Walnut St.<br />Clayton, NM 88415<br /><br /><b>July 15</b><br />2301 E. 20th St.<br />Farmington, NM 87401<br /><br /><b>July 22</b><br />Grand Canyon, AZ 86023<br /><br /><b>July 29</b><br />51 S. Main St.<br />Eureka, NV 89316<br /><br /><b>August 05</b><br />761 Plumas St.<br />Yuba City, CA 95991</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-20908129328848485042010-05-18T00:20:00.001-07:002010-05-18T06:20:36.115-07:00145 Miles to Montauk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZEVHnN8_POJHeRKXKyNMQqCiel3BzmaPftyXfI-HnEpqcYJ6FwGj0SH4ATgnw3S14dfeDk4hzvUXZ0-cUuHjGIm5DW_YH23BBPb4_pQ3gVgImmkCI_4C1OZzWKw4PBNG3VG1wqvR3js/s1600/7.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZEVHnN8_POJHeRKXKyNMQqCiel3BzmaPftyXfI-HnEpqcYJ6FwGj0SH4ATgnw3S14dfeDk4hzvUXZ0-cUuHjGIm5DW_YH23BBPb4_pQ3gVgImmkCI_4C1OZzWKw4PBNG3VG1wqvR3js/s200/7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472532846207183042" border="0" /></a>This past weekend was something of an odyssey; from <a href="http://www.ca.gov/About.html">California</a> to <a href="http://www.state.ny.us/">New York</a> on Saturday and <a href="http://www.nycgo.com/">New York City</a> to <a href="http://www.onmontauk.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Montauk</span></a> on Sunday, I was truly all over the place. Saturday's journey was defined by overhead monotone announcements informing half-awake travelers of delayed flights. While Sunday's adventure was an amazing trek that challenged me both mentally and physically. It was definitely a weekend like no other.<br /><br />Having arrived in New York about 4 hours after the scheduled time, I was slightly frazzled and out of sorts upon landing. Thankfully I hadn't checked any baggage so I went straight to the <a href="http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-airtrain.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">AirTrain</span></a>, eventually deciding upon spending the extra $5 to take the Long Island Rail Road as opposed to the Subway back into NYC. Despite my mental decision, I took the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">AirTrain</span> to Howard Beach rather than Jamaica so I ended up saving a few bucks and losing some more time by taking the Subway.<br /><br />I didn't arrive home until about 11pm or so, and I didn't start packing for the ride to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Montauk</span> until midnight... I finally fell asleep around 2am which only allowed for about an hour of sleep before I had to wake for the <a href="http://www.5bbc.org/montauk/index.shtml"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Montauk</span> Century</a>- granted, had I arrived home "on time" I would have had about 5 hours of sleep. In any case, I was in complete denial of the day ahead.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NoYV4gLKuh8s4nNRMrA8peJFrB-9Y7aAbGoN0hdnM6HSLdf7eU3B9y27gsSyPwC2O7vMh3UxW9sfOCEToLmw06YkYsrDXRzfv0zQ4weeQMnvNyA8BdSVJhra-97aohSVCXC8MNsPSao/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NoYV4gLKuh8s4nNRMrA8peJFrB-9Y7aAbGoN0hdnM6HSLdf7eU3B9y27gsSyPwC2O7vMh3UxW9sfOCEToLmw06YkYsrDXRzfv0zQ4weeQMnvNyA8BdSVJhra-97aohSVCXC8MNsPSao/s200/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472533147616789346" border="0" /></a>At 3am, I woke to my alarm, floundered about my room in darkness and donned my bike gear that I had laid out just an hour ago. My brain was still sleeping even though the alarm jump started my body into motion. Had I not carefully laid out my clothes and backpack I definitely would have had trouble finding and sorting gear for the day.<br /><br />I checked in to the event at <a href="http://www.transitcenter.com/transitguide/hub_nyp.htm">Penn Station</a> among a handful of avid cyclists, some in groups with matching jerseys, while other solo cyclists like myself lingered on the outskirts of the activity. I received my cue sheet; and after giving it a quick glance, I took off down 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> Avenue just after 5am.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R9sbLeHDcSjHl1InHljo1HIUGo-rPROcNfw71NlZ1Fi0vRdiGu6dGaCaDO0Jc70gtClccqcbhZ_7Fn3hdIEYjWSBZgUuNBIPOlPI1FwJmCYYCs7k5NGBrcryN9S_xM1-cZ8Ls5lNZzk/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R9sbLeHDcSjHl1InHljo1HIUGo-rPROcNfw71NlZ1Fi0vRdiGu6dGaCaDO0Jc70gtClccqcbhZ_7Fn3hdIEYjWSBZgUuNBIPOlPI1FwJmCYYCs7k5NGBrcryN9S_xM1-cZ8Ls5lNZzk/s200/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472534884277662658" border="0" /></a>It was surreal crossing the <a href="http://eastrivernyc.org/">East River</a> into <a href="http://www.brooklyn.com/">Brooklyn</a>. The sun rose as I made my way across the <a href="http://www.nycroads.com/crossings/williamsburg/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Williamsburg</span> Bridge</a>, pacing myself behind someone far more awesome than I could ever imagine: a young woman who was completing the 145 miles in flip flops. Her amazing-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ness</span> coupled with the beautiful sunrise and my adrenaline set the day off on a wonderful note.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHSfwBYOc5_b0VcolM8dNHovtWB_RUlGRXgycUJosai5tAy1vlq2Oweq_4XY1rzrffvZZ2DdSKI7vaPrxa0U6VAdzfk3xv6Dxa0GWzqJ3UCHlfW-sOIZTfCEmvzVGTMJwea42vC7My_Y/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHSfwBYOc5_b0VcolM8dNHovtWB_RUlGRXgycUJosai5tAy1vlq2Oweq_4XY1rzrffvZZ2DdSKI7vaPrxa0U6VAdzfk3xv6Dxa0GWzqJ3UCHlfW-sOIZTfCEmvzVGTMJwea42vC7My_Y/s200/3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472535211287315058" border="0" /></a>The first rest stop was in <a href="http://queens.about.com/">Queens</a>, though I didn't tarry long nor did I stock up on foodstuffs (I regretted this trend later on). The second stop was in Babylon where I stopped long enough to snap a photo. Unfortunately, I lost the cue sheet while riding from the finish line, so I can't quite recall the remaining rest stops other than the very last one, at Water Mill, where I actually stopped to eat 2 bananas and an apple as I'm quite certain I had depleted all glucose stores in my muscles. Had I actually utilized the rest stops to rest and replenish sugar levels and whatnot, maybe the ride wouldn't have been as... interesting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztavQu-ViLBMv-dREOaVU-K8na253MbGMc5zoXm8OQa-8WnQVhfxA11a_gXm0xAoCSMr4X9gSUHR7RyaKZDrg88HZJyyQfc3AIbRkCpC2Kz2MgwwXdQyO2FU1cDrZuCtRiKdgNfc_v_0/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztavQu-ViLBMv-dREOaVU-K8na253MbGMc5zoXm8OQa-8WnQVhfxA11a_gXm0xAoCSMr4X9gSUHR7RyaKZDrg88HZJyyQfc3AIbRkCpC2Kz2MgwwXdQyO2FU1cDrZuCtRiKdgNfc_v_0/s200/4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472535468720867266" border="0" /></a>I discovered my physical threshold around 90 miles into the ride. That's when all sorts of interesting things happened. My leg muscles began to feel like they were constantly contracted, as if at any moment they'd implode. My lungs had that same sensation as I would have had after the last 100 meters of running a mile- except instead of being sharp and lasting a minute or so, the feeling was somewhat subdued and lasted for the remaining hours of the ride. To keep myself going, I remembered the people who believed in me and donated to the <a href="http://www.bikeandbuild.org/cms/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,118/?item_name_1=3608">Bike & Build Fund</a> as well as thinking of all the pain that people go through who can't <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affordable_housing">afford housing</a>. It was an excruciating mental and physical exercise.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCpY646RiKiQ142wxEia1BHpbLOy1QxDraIIsgZk6iRiXU-0TesimwazHc3QIWomCv7dpZhG_OKaavJbAzeWNnMpj69oaMppeHkTkhfIXjc1_FzwrBFLD2HBn1qFpkT1tRnf6vFKoqxo/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCpY646RiKiQ142wxEia1BHpbLOy1QxDraIIsgZk6iRiXU-0TesimwazHc3QIWomCv7dpZhG_OKaavJbAzeWNnMpj69oaMppeHkTkhfIXjc1_FzwrBFLD2HBn1qFpkT1tRnf6vFKoqxo/s200/5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472535637964654130" border="0" /></a>Thankfully, I found a friend to pace to, or rather, he found me- thanks to my Bike & Build jersey. Matt noticed my super snazzy gear as he was passing by and cycled alongside me for a good amount of the second half of the trek. I did my best to keep pace with him, which ironically increased my average speed for the last bit of the journey. Matt also gave me invaluable tips on shifting gears and tackling hills, which completely altered my hill strategy- okay fine! I didn't have any strategy for hills before Sunday. Needless to say, Matt was a lifesaver.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuj8HcmY3jXkB5Zgg1yI_4V0tK-WCtCb8rkCZSSiRAG0IgxmknYyVs2MEVg1sWMOB9mYMA5qk5yCQ84f8BdpvDaAZ_zs6DgM2he_aY9-GsNcYJdcfndlr9AjEIu5aTADYIKnPmWCrqY4/s1600/6.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuj8HcmY3jXkB5Zgg1yI_4V0tK-WCtCb8rkCZSSiRAG0IgxmknYyVs2MEVg1sWMOB9mYMA5qk5yCQ84f8BdpvDaAZ_zs6DgM2he_aY9-GsNcYJdcfndlr9AjEIu5aTADYIKnPmWCrqY4/s200/6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472535862791244770" border="0" /></a>I rolled through the finish line around 4pm - 11 hours after starting and completely spent. It was incredible. After parking my bike on the lawn, I took a shower and sat in the shade of a truck to munch on some turkey jerky and reflect on the journey. Everything was great. The shower, the jerky, the lawn... I was riding a wave of endorphins. It was a beautiful experience on so many levels; it was an incredible journey in so many ways. A perfect primer for the awesomeness that is <a href="http://www.bikeandbuild.org/cms/content/view/41/57/">Bike & Build</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylQvROkOtHi-hTnSWkjg0GqWlHZN53K3jl-F8YLoJz_G_Fb-v8bIAC7y2jkAbb3QPBwb29YbC5MGdm-vYfOQDKndFecApkhEChrokZo4GgeJlYoaSKh0awN8R64kisoyl2IawApryLx4/s1600/Capture1.PNG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 407px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylQvROkOtHi-hTnSWkjg0GqWlHZN53K3jl-F8YLoJz_G_Fb-v8bIAC7y2jkAbb3QPBwb29YbC5MGdm-vYfOQDKndFecApkhEChrokZo4GgeJlYoaSKh0awN8R64kisoyl2IawApryLx4/s400/Capture1.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472597935443565682" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-85379196808913599902010-05-13T07:50:00.000-07:002010-05-14T13:22:57.163-07:00Reasons To Give Whether You Love/Hate/Don't Care<a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/help-v">With less than 2 weeks before the start of Bike & Build, I admit I'm more than just slightly concerned over the fact that I've got over $1000 left to fundraise- no, let me rephrase that, it's not how much I need to raise that keeps me up all night, it's how many people have yet to respond-positive or negative- to my call for help and support. I don't quite understand it- I feel low down. If I dwell on it, I feel my heart sink.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/help-v">So before I lose any more time being sad, let's get happy with all the reasons why you should support my endeavor to bike across the country and build affordable housing:</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/help-v"><b>IF YOU LOVE ME:</b></a><br /><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/help-v">I LOVE YOU, TOO! Donate a dollar to boost my spirit and morale- You are my a reason to keep on keeping on. Believe me, when I'm riding out there for +100 miles, your good energy and support is my life line. For serious. </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/help-v"><b>IF YOU HATE ME:</b></a><br /><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/help-v">Donate a dollar to ensure a long, hot, and grueling summer. Force me to devote my summer months to physical labor, building houses, and cycling all day in hot and humid Southern US weather.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/help-v"><b>IF YOU COULDN'T CARE LESS:</b></a><br /><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/help-v">Then you wouldn't care donating a dollar. I mean honestly, $1. I know it's rough out there, a lot of people are pinching pennies - but that's why I'm doing this! Housing is a huge and necessary cost burden. Your dollar will be funding an effort to help alleviate this issue by supporting my cross-country ride and the houses I build along the way- oh... you don't care? My bad... I get all riled up about this. Any who, donate a dollar, consider it your good deed of the day/week/what-have-you. Peace.</a><br /><br /><b>IF YOU ALREADY DONATED:</b><br />You are amazing. Truly, honestly, amazing. When my muscles start to give out, thoughts of you renew my energy and sustain me to the end. It's sappy, but believe me, after +100 miles everything is.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/help-v"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZI-G62mCKnjrLD5m9MCry71taJqhFGhdbhQS0FbGtHsCVZTpltdPUZ2wSmn_LowFe2aJGATkyWkbiuJ-_djQlixkuB4sGaqg9txYE7BW7tbvqAau3zMwB4CcJKPRtW4PzouC-YipoXs/s200/hero.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471222253631787554" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-51585701464257686212010-04-26T21:51:00.000-07:002010-04-26T22:41:00.269-07:00Cleaning 0.01<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWG6MS4hN3B8wBpo2sWbd18KyDoLOpJRdTrEivlAvHy_faE5sJ63D_4mJEN9eu9HrfPme5Uw67Xx4RTDDTE-ba2-E2OZg5H9od_FftJ8NFtVcrCof9LTu5mZDJJyCxdwruMneIRFYRIUY/s1600/cleaning.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWG6MS4hN3B8wBpo2sWbd18KyDoLOpJRdTrEivlAvHy_faE5sJ63D_4mJEN9eu9HrfPme5Uw67Xx4RTDDTE-ba2-E2OZg5H9od_FftJ8NFtVcrCof9LTu5mZDJJyCxdwruMneIRFYRIUY/s200/cleaning.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464680772923830962" /></a>I made an earnest attempt at cleaning my bicycle over the weekend. Oh sure, anyone might look at the end result of my efforts and scoff or put on that parental mask of admiration over such crude work- but hey, it's all in good fun. My bike's slightly cleaner now, so that's a step in the right direction.<div><br /></div><div>My goal for this project was to clean the chain and wipe off the frame since its acquired a nice coating of road dust and grime from riding. I used an old <a href="http://ww5.komen.org/">Race for the Cure</a> shirt as my work space, placing it beneath the bike chain to catch anything gravity might claim. Using pieces of this year's<a href="http://www.raceforthekids.org/site/PageServer"> Race for the Kids</a> shirt as rags, I focused attention on the chain. It was black with gunk. After a few awkward moments, I found that an over-under degreaser approach worked best for me: pour degreaser over chain, absorb excess with the rag underneath, and scrub. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not completely satisfied with the rag's thoroughness, I solicited the help of one of my most favorite (and loathed) cleaning supplies: the toothbrush. With its help I was able to clean away a good deal of the muck... the rags and toothbrush were completely black by the end. With the majority of the grit out of the way, I applied some chain lube with the toothbrush to finish work on the chain. Lastly, I wiped down the spokes and frame, which had amassed a good deal of dirt and random road stuffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>While my cleaning efforts may have been sub-par in comparison with a person who actually knows what they are doing- I'm glad I've found a use for all these race shirts I've acquired over the years. I'm sure I'll be more efficient and exhaustive with cleaning and maintenance once I become more familiar with bicycle parts/mechanics in general... and that, like clipless pedals, will take some time.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-4377676085266376582010-04-21T13:20:00.001-07:002010-04-24T15:53:15.665-07:00Long Island Ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavYvUH3PAd5XQo6lfI4CQzXN9GAUg27j_lOFBfdDbbSDEsHfqxvMPKYvluw7t1fNPeJXWUnGtk4PSk2mNC-ajgWoFod_QSQ0HR1S2PCQ4dI24KIgjd9TJFNh07K1C2NMwsQkgvim7BaQ/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavYvUH3PAd5XQo6lfI4CQzXN9GAUg27j_lOFBfdDbbSDEsHfqxvMPKYvluw7t1fNPeJXWUnGtk4PSk2mNC-ajgWoFod_QSQ0HR1S2PCQ4dI24KIgjd9TJFNh07K1C2NMwsQkgvim7BaQ/s200/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462692372102777410" border="0" /></a>In preparation for the Montauk Century, I went for a weekend ride to <a href="http://www.longislandexchange.com/towns/medford.html">Medford, Long Island</a> this past Saturday/Sunday. The idea was to familiarize myself with the lay of the land, as I've not invested enough time exploring "the island" for an all out trek across it. So with that mindset, a deviously roundabout route was created to get from NYC to Medford: cutting through Brooklyn, and following the <a href="http://www.longislandtraditions.org/southshore/">South Shore</a> eastward. With this routing, what should have been about 60 miles transformed into a nice little 85 mile day trip (plus the miles added on from "creative" "improvisations" to the route).<div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLc5vqL3uOWTaCs0-UFyFV3oJRJLpeeVyZZmAW9gBKOVqyM1E9ygWqVB3YegnRKFLWPIe4twsPU3v7NrUSl9MLA087gMQORU903jO3ulqdRtzDMW0jwXy8NYIJ-9x-ZpI4enXV5pgtVDw/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLc5vqL3uOWTaCs0-UFyFV3oJRJLpeeVyZZmAW9gBKOVqyM1E9ygWqVB3YegnRKFLWPIe4twsPU3v7NrUSl9MLA087gMQORU903jO3ulqdRtzDMW0jwXy8NYIJ-9x-ZpI4enXV5pgtVDw/s200/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462695397964346706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 1:</span> Saturday morning was brisk and cool, the skies murky with clouds that shook showers, but I was prepared for the weather, wearing leg warmers over the tights underneath my cycling shorts and a rain jacket on top of the arm warmers over the thermal underarmor beneath my Bike & Build jersey... Yes, I do enjoy layering. I find it fun- and useful, for though it was cold for the first half of the day, by the afternoon the clouds had scattered and it was a warm spring day.</div></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzFHgrkQzL3_y94Bj2gzB23x6K5RJ-4Su3pN5-dSZaY1YP8lNu1Z1tu-nA6Hn0IJpFtDWUMOgDn4UD-RBLi9r5n-EFS-TBJ3-QenmHyCMF7DVnmmkV5xs9AQdFhuMsoMQg3BSOFi92K0/s200/3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462698337460139490" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" /></span><div>I followed the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan_Waterfront_Greenway">Hudson River Park Greenway</a> and crossed the <a href="http://www.endex.com/gf/buildings/bbridge/bbridge.html">Brooklyn Bridge</a> over the East River- familiar territory. Once in Brooklyn, I made my way southeast and wound up at Prospect Park and just HAD to ride around it- but in doing so, I somehow lost Flatbush Avenue... which is quite ridiculous if you look at the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=40.833976,-73.944769&daddr=Schermerhorn+St+to:Flatbush+Ave+to:Unknown+road+to:Flatbush+Ave+to:Flatbush+Ave+to:Flatbush+Ave+to:Flatbush+Ave+to:Flatbush+Ave+to:New+York+27A+E+to:County+Rd+85%2FMain+St+to:NY-454+E+to:Medford+Ave&geocode=%3BFcrXbAIdNB6X-w%3BFdrFbAIdojSX-w%3BFUqDbAIdpGSX-w%3BFahUbAIdlHeX-w%3BFTYubAId4H2X-w%3BFZbiawIdGseX-w%3BFZ2eawId2hGY-w%3BFZ41awIdCIeY-w%3BFZzObAId38ug-w%3BFbK_bQIdMjel-w%3BFQYlbgIdpG-l-w%3BFczYbgIdCh6m-w&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=15&via=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11&dirflg=b&sll=40.832872,-73.943739&sspn=0.014904,0.030384&ie=UTF8&ll=40.790939,-73.753967&spn=0.954442,1.94458&t=h&z=9&lci=bike">map</a>. Looking back, I've no idea how this occured, but it did. And for the next hour and some, I was drifting about Brooklyn's roads: Church, Kings Highway, Bay Parkway, Ocean Parkway- had I known how the grids were laid out, I may have been able to pull off the improvisation, but in the end, I asked a few people how to get back on track.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCwH5lPdaw5OC2CjcdxfBDtsaoJmTdWrSYqFgzSXyyxyVyTMbDLYLSbYqOZKzRHXNWLKQCCypFgNjG0igkcsgKe2YdSabeNkcxinrNoJO83znMTowYZLY_B7VN1M1WWEfuuEiaL3Vlis/s200/4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462699077205081554" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" /></span><div>Finally following Flatbush Avenue, I skimmed the edge of the <a href="http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/jaba.html">Jamaica Bay National Recreation Area</a> and crossed the <a href="http://www.transalt.org/files/resources/bridges/marine.html">Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge.</a> The bridge is a pedestrian bridge and there were signs which stated that cyclists were to dismount and walk bikes across. I complied for the first half of the way, but seeing as I was the sole person using the bridge that morning, I decided to ride the rest of the way. No one seemed to mind as there was no one to notice.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNHZKF1tHsgh3z0bQ_yxjxYX2BUmKOWBtxL7_T7n-me2j_WZVHX0ybM65L3SAcras8BrAR7JqJnfpkkCiVdb51qE3VwspQYClp_NjJZfRJo0apOLvpfUexcJTfThiLitRu1vFZMwBNJU/s1600/5.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNHZKF1tHsgh3z0bQ_yxjxYX2BUmKOWBtxL7_T7n-me2j_WZVHX0ybM65L3SAcras8BrAR7JqJnfpkkCiVdb51qE3VwspQYClp_NjJZfRJo0apOLvpfUexcJTfThiLitRu1vFZMwBNJU/s200/5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462700388857731378" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" /></a><div>Once across, I made my way to the <a href="http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=7721">Boardwalk</a> and rode down it a ways before stopping for a late morning break. The boardwalk stretched for miles, the beach was deserted but looked inviting, and I was content snacking away, reading warning signs in Spanish, and enjoying the sound of the waves in their never-ending concert with the shore. It was a welcome contrast to the morning's madness through Brooklyn.</div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the ride was, for the most part, uneventful. I followed my directions with little incident and found my way to Medford in no time at all. Long Island's South Shore is quite flat, so the ride wasn't too challenging in and of itself. It was quite interesting riding through the towns and hamlets, the incorporated villages and whatnots- it made me wonder what sort of governing system all these places have and how it relates to the overall state... yes, as the wheels on the road turned, the wheels in my head mused over government and local politics.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 2:</span> For the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Medford+Ave&daddr=40.794513,-73.271685+to:W+157th+St&geocode=FczYbgIdCh6m-w%3B%3BFfgTbwIdArGX-w&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=14&via=1&dirflg=b&sll=40.786585,-73.274946&sspn=0.029829,0.060768&ie=UTF8&ll=40.81173,-73.534241&spn=0.477076,0.97229&t=h&z=10&lci=bike">ride from Medford</a>, I opted to go more or less straight across Long Island's mid-section so that I could cross the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triborough_Bridge">Triborough Bridge</a> and visit <a href="http://www.risf.org/index.html">Randall's Island</a> for the first time. While slightly shorter in distance, this ride was a bit more challenging, but no less enjoyable, due to the rolling hills. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSG0zryCjK-Sq6MSZYcnuNq_B_-PNaTfkeMoT_8FHTSWnZGvoVpPKvp438POXfcawoVOkO0FzKYrz6ws7bN0lXjOe2V49bEWo809P4iFJKiCUIwOUlRiQYNt8JPrn9e_nO2suw3_6yrI/s200/6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462706782453672706" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" /></span><div>Still a bit fazed from yesterday's Brooklyn adventure, I clipped directions to my brake cables- an ingenious idea from my <a href="http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/3608">Bike & Build</a> hero, <a href="http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/2611">Sonya</a>. As enjoyable as it always is, I was determined not to get (too) lost- and for the most part, I succeeded. I followed the directions to a 'T'. I was good. I was on top of the world. And about a third of the way back, I found myself on G Road just as the directions stated- except G road became dirt road became muddy state park fire road... </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtXafz55lRQ7nlUiE6Gb-hT9qfsd-qbv14x6J_B1tmSOCyL6TvnuYXnhrZirVev-wS93Mn-CyZmGBawa16Y_pxYpkX910QvN1CiK_o8aS-DnukMpffIslp8FwuZkrOK64V4ej3a-Os4E/s200/7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462710042102203794" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" /></span><div>I doubted myself, turned the directions upside-down and sideways, and cursed at myself for not printing a visual map. But I continued on, taking a break to collect myself and to take a picture of an abandoned vehicle that seemed a manifestation of my darkest thoughts, "It's over man! Bail out!" Still, the hum of a main road, what I hoped was "Old Commack", was just barely audible- so I kept on, keeping on the so called 'G Road'. After more than a few WTF moments, I emerged from the underbrush and was indeed at the "intersection" of G Road and Old Commack. I muttered a few unsayables, thanked my lucky stars, and continued on without any other mishaps.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FoT4wB4aYj6TzqcsPwCGLijWavztawVOCJOd5kyKLaUBE6z879z0WL2y-A4UXTczdrErrhdwQmUNr35QhcWIeyNSUv0gMQwUVhMleHf1y64xNGNnG5ujZ7yxEiFtGq3szgTaOyb4DiY/s200/8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462710232711574818" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" /></span><div>I stopped at a little church to admire the spring blossoms, and by mid-afternoon I was crossing the Triborough Bridge back into the city. I rode around Randall's Island a bit, and then took the Bronx Kill's Crossing north since I could not find the Harlem pedestrian walkway. This slight deviation was much more manageable as the terrain is more familiar and I found the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/145th_Street_Bridge">145th street bridge</a> with ease. Officially back in the city, I went straight home, promptly cleaned up, and then passed out after another interesting cycling adventure.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-51703224991210952192010-04-14T18:40:00.000-07:002010-04-16T13:08:51.472-07:00does that make me crazy? probably<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.5bbc.org/montauk/2010pic1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 324px;" src="http://www.5bbc.org/montauk/2010pic1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>It's not my fault. The button on the website said "click here" so I did. Now I'm registered for the <a href="http://www.5bbc.org/montauk/details.shtml">Montauk Century Ride</a>- and not the 60 or 100 mile ride either, mind you... I've gone and done myself in with the 145 mile ride.<div><br /><div>So now what? Well, I'm going to take this one sitting down, thank you. Over the weekend, I'll be riding to Patchogue, Long Island via the <a href="http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/gana.html">Gateway National Recreation Area</a>, skirting the southern borders of <a href="http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/jaba.html">Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge</a> and following the South Shore eastward. All in all, it'll be about 160 miles over two days, give or take a few extra miles due to the inevitable deviations along the way.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://familyguy.wikia.com/wiki/Ollie_Williams">Ollie the Weatherman</a> says, "IT GON' RAIN!" Perfect for testing out my weatherproof camera and the staying power of sharpie directions on my arm. Hopefully the weather will deter the fair-weather outdoors-men and women from traveling, leaving the roads traffic free! We shall see...</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-45859793620534199062010-04-12T09:15:00.000-07:002010-04-12T12:31:49.579-07:00of god and tartans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7qhjk9oDe78dBkhB3bFUw2xC1Qrg5BVod33ZCZTDDeeLK45bEw8PBPkG_Ej3m_9H9IThN0JQ_0tWDyt4L1kkGttVh7AeGrVu5SrvHdmFKr8WNu1mXY7XZusJT9pEF3D8TuiojuffiRQ/s1600/ch1.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7qhjk9oDe78dBkhB3bFUw2xC1Qrg5BVod33ZCZTDDeeLK45bEw8PBPkG_Ej3m_9H9IThN0JQ_0tWDyt4L1kkGttVh7AeGrVu5SrvHdmFKr8WNu1mXY7XZusJT9pEF3D8TuiojuffiRQ/s200/ch1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459316698845166354" /></a>This past weekend was the <a href="http://www.theblessingofthebikes.com/">12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> annual blessing of the bikes</a> at at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York city. Considering my recent close encounter of the automobile kind, I figured a little divine help was a good idea. So, I woke up early Saturday morning and hopped into my super fabulous bike shorts and bike & build jersey, put on my gloves and shoes, and strapped on my helmet for the quick morning ride.<div><br /></div><div>Despite the sunshine, the morning was crisp and cool. A few clouds speckled the pale blue sky, hinting at another beautiful spring day. It was perfect riding weather; though as I picked up speed on Riverside, I wished I had worn a jacket. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3tVY8gJiEiU7zhVHm_92_2ZqRfEyuR20I0n0whliml_IChowG_c6iR8tA-Otd4W7BfuOLuXHUUHLElqkVzD4Zr4-Pmj3fDHsxtdnBicM3KXxOTj272u87KZK5Ki_1uOHbJHsPM1FNeo/s1600/ch2.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3tVY8gJiEiU7zhVHm_92_2ZqRfEyuR20I0n0whliml_IChowG_c6iR8tA-Otd4W7BfuOLuXHUUHLElqkVzD4Zr4-Pmj3fDHsxtdnBicM3KXxOTj272u87KZK5Ki_1uOHbJHsPM1FNeo/s200/ch2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459316811901780386" /></a>I arrived at the church early, event information warned to be on-time or risk missing the blessing altogether. I spent the down time watching cyclists arrive, some brought fancy road bikes, others brought mountain bikes, frames... a man mused that he might just bring his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">derailer</span> next year, as a man walked in with a wheel.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wasn't keeping track of the time, but it must have been 9:30 when people began forming two lines down the main space of the cathedral. Reverend Tom (or more properly, Reverend Canon Thomas P. Miller) led a short service at the front of the cyclist columns, pausing now and again for praise in the form of bicycle bells- my usual aversion to the sound (or rather the aggressive cyclist) was calmed by the space and its acoustics. Pardon the horrible visuals, but I hoped to share the sound :)</div><div align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxUm_YBZln88mr34LjQF3NbNPKJPXL_7PGKI6VxOLp_cuplFF1a5UQ-_sLo5FQb0p8At9B9fzVeQk9Rp0zvNA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoP-EJXsVFNnVFLV7GxhbML_CUihjzWfh_gqGETF2A0Fxvuk_VzesESPGDOFJ_U4pf0oxb9_bvqAe38PavupcIM088Cm5hBPgAVPMohiHQXTcSm4z26t39tWHiWRBi8k3_9NKQrRHznZc/s1600/sc3.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoP-EJXsVFNnVFLV7GxhbML_CUihjzWfh_gqGETF2A0Fxvuk_VzesESPGDOFJ_U4pf0oxb9_bvqAe38PavupcIM088Cm5hBPgAVPMohiHQXTcSm4z26t39tWHiWRBi8k3_9NKQrRHznZc/s200/sc3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459318601556137618" /></a></div>After the blessing, Reverend Tom invited the cyclists to do a circuit around the cathedral's interior. I obliged and followed the cyclists once around before heading out and back home for a quick nap.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZ6DVY-iacfMX05TxiK4b3Xgz-I2vraRV_lqtQmeFhGjYLy_eRTgbbpwf4VDzor_cSIcoaP_LkM3ahBgr3BQh6a8McNoq8xUkOjq-PbUHBIJ4SIyrnWEh7f_RNPqlvaLXy873rMzJ-Y4/s1600/sc.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZ6DVY-iacfMX05TxiK4b3Xgz-I2vraRV_lqtQmeFhGjYLy_eRTgbbpwf4VDzor_cSIcoaP_LkM3ahBgr3BQh6a8McNoq8xUkOjq-PbUHBIJ4SIyrnWEh7f_RNPqlvaLXy873rMzJ-Y4/s200/sc.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459331954611273058" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Blessed and refreshed, I made my way to the <a href="http://www.tartanweek.com/">Tartan Day Parade</a>. Early, again, I meandered up and down 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> Avenue, collecting swag, talking to kilted folk, and taking pictures. By 2 PM, I was fully <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tartanized</span> (minus the kilt). I donned a white Scotland cap and tucked a small Scottish flag into my "utility" belt. Flowing heroically in the light spring breeze, my cape, a Scottish flag, was kept <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MacGyvered</span> into place by the handle of a small American flag, allowing both hands free to take pictures!<div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh352HHl3taKq1t-oGZzj3JfMktbSmZ4z3WKPEmJgDypeI0T49QwfdRsUHKR_-gvXpUMsvxJNOYrueU72u2uUXfnaesQlOnG3u6jWNvThkvvNdGyrEZOj3DjBjErSsLU1AtWQuwdfzLIlY/s1600/sc1.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh352HHl3taKq1t-oGZzj3JfMktbSmZ4z3WKPEmJgDypeI0T49QwfdRsUHKR_-gvXpUMsvxJNOYrueU72u2uUXfnaesQlOnG3u6jWNvThkvvNdGyrEZOj3DjBjErSsLU1AtWQuwdfzLIlY/s200/sc1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459320077962912178" /></a>Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I'd enjoy the sound of bagpipes as much as I did on Saturday. There were hundreds of players, and I never thought I'd say this, but I think the more bagpipes the better. It was simply wonderful- and the drummers! I was absolutely entranced by their twirling batons, it looked incredibly fun to do, but must take a good deal of hand-eye coordination to pull off in time while marching. Maybe the kilts help.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Jf5nvO4ERkBwYMxRnZbXPzAmnVLiA-E3wAJl54lnh3dY6aBPQxJBTeCMZV_yb8p9LII4uUvlTjxK_A3J4jhx6zzza6fYdtu8ZuiOKzhgWlAoNw0XP7QP7dT9_yj2Rt54iKDvXem8Cxw/s1600/sc2.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Jf5nvO4ERkBwYMxRnZbXPzAmnVLiA-E3wAJl54lnh3dY6aBPQxJBTeCMZV_yb8p9LII4uUvlTjxK_A3J4jhx6zzza6fYdtu8ZuiOKzhgWlAoNw0XP7QP7dT9_yj2Rt54iKDvXem8Cxw/s200/sc2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459321058570398882" /></a>The parade lasted for about an hour, with various groups and associations displaying their pride and showcasing their talents. One of my favorites was the Scottish Terrier owners. While I'm usually not a fan of dressing up animals... this kilted pup got two thumbs up for being super awesome. This Terrier is captaining her wheeled ship down the street. Look closely and you'll see there's a pirate skull on the back. This is one cool dog with an outfit that works.</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-13524793857487880122010-04-03T20:03:00.000-07:002010-04-03T22:54:45.780-07:00my first century (and then some)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMbTIC0O5-vYPeTaZPsu04TRfoOQgfyrG2j1JbcoNO_P2K06hCGSzT4qjTuM0c147c3yqztlN8OQfLovuMsy7lq0WKWc2c-d4tovhKpDxDjlOyZYJHH7jxRTT_x1lZnoR-PoE2WmCzko/s1600/map.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMbTIC0O5-vYPeTaZPsu04TRfoOQgfyrG2j1JbcoNO_P2K06hCGSzT4qjTuM0c147c3yqztlN8OQfLovuMsy7lq0WKWc2c-d4tovhKpDxDjlOyZYJHH7jxRTT_x1lZnoR-PoE2WmCzko/s200/map.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456115384348742386" border="0" /></a>Well, I did it, <a href="http://home.nyc.gov/">NYC</a> to <a href="http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/">New Haven</a>, CT and back in one piece and two days! It was an epic trip, the stuff of straight-to-DVD comedies, full of events that could/should never happen in real life, but somehow do... I rode logged over 200 miles in 2 days, fell a few times, crashed & burned, saw new places, met interesting people, and had an all around awesome adventure. Sure, it was a foolish, last minute decision- but I don't regret the experience garnered from this ride.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJt6dKVC6WFnSCkJvGE_fHBfhe2H174ntcLLokbr0ffAObzN8Y1FgW-jKI92-R3KduD5BY9ptosnJ0QVKgv7I_iiHPfsfHcvmvWjw7iD1rzSoqPqKKSi_U1wFyFm9Ut80kYJvHt0VjOg4/s1600/arm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJt6dKVC6WFnSCkJvGE_fHBfhe2H174ntcLLokbr0ffAObzN8Y1FgW-jKI92-R3KduD5BY9ptosnJ0QVKgv7I_iiHPfsfHcvmvWjw7iD1rzSoqPqKKSi_U1wFyFm9Ut80kYJvHt0VjOg4/s200/arm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456117182253854194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">FRIDAY:</span> I checked my favorite online maps resource for directions and wrote them down rather than relying on my memory as I did for my last but-not-quite-epic ride to <a href="http://www.westorange.org/">West Orange, NJ</a> when I nearly doubled the distance I should have ridden to get to my destination. Not wanting to pull out an actual map or piece of paper while riding, I opted for a more natural and readily accessible solution: my arm. With directions on arm, I packed my backpack with a change of clothes and vitals for the road: 2 liter camelpack water supply, 2 packs of <a href="http://www.goldenvalleynatural.com/?page=prod&ID=23">jerky</a> per day, 2 <a href="http://www.clifbar.com/food/products_clif_bar/">cliff bars</a> (apple cranberry and apricot- yum!), and 2 <a href="http://www.amazinggrass.com/amazingmeal.html">amazing meal</a> blends for each water bottle per day. Gear-wise I brought 2 tire levers, 2 spare tubes, a multitool, and a tire pump. Once everything was sorted and stowed away, I started riding around 8am, east and north through the Bronx.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/bronx/pelhambaypark/bronxvictorymemorial/01memorial.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 116px;" src="http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/bronx/pelhambaypark/bronxvictorymemorial/01memorial.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ourlibrary.net/x50/15trees.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 97px; height: 128px;" src="http://www.ourlibrary.net/x50/15trees.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I took Pelham Parkway, riding through <a href="http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/pelhambaypark">Pelham Bay Park</a>, and turned onto the <a href="http://www.westbrookfield.org/oldpostroad.htm">Boston Post Road</a> in New Rochelle. I ended up disregarding my original directions and opted to follow the old postal route, roughly the current US-1, to New Haven. I was thrilled to be riding the path that postal riders used to deliver mail to colonists hundreds of years ago- it helped to distract my mind from physical distractions like the inevitable pain and fatigue. Along the route there are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Upper_Post_Road_MP_8.jpg">milestones</a> dating back to the 18th century, however I didn't see any during my ride.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfR_56DDicr3UQK0HtxYKL3zb_6BF-eBJxz6RhpsF2ZI9HsogRgvVarS6e8Pqtx3BfG7VsL9LNR1LjajpAxT0jEsxruhBMpDyyndNc_BitW0O7drtXL2cS_L5IQDZxfMebyREE7TL7RQ/s1600/gren.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfR_56DDicr3UQK0HtxYKL3zb_6BF-eBJxz6RhpsF2ZI9HsogRgvVarS6e8Pqtx3BfG7VsL9LNR1LjajpAxT0jEsxruhBMpDyyndNc_BitW0O7drtXL2cS_L5IQDZxfMebyREE7TL7RQ/s200/gren.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456125700659137282" border="0" /></a>I stopped to take a few pictures in <a href="http://www.greenwichct.org/">Greenwich</a> and <a href="http://www.ci.stamford.ct.us/">Stamford</a>, Connecticut. They were quiet and hilly towns, though Stamford was definitely larger. Some colonial style buildings still stood and the harbors were beautiful, but I didn't tarry too long as I hoped to be in New Haven sooner than later.<br /><br />Somewhere between <a href="http://www.norwalk.com/">Norwalk</a> and <a href="http://ci.bridgeport.ct.us/">Bridgeport</a>, I got lost US-1 and had a near life experience- let me preface this moment by saying that a <a href="http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v/">Honda CRV</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCmOmPAeBdq2hyphenhyphenzSDcp5s__iYtoV-iLgcXCyum2ww90MscTX64DptEQmKj163c-zUgpy7oQ5YFb0ANww_xaOEfQkuBPH3ftrUM-p_8YoQ4wvnBuaNXPc9f_fG9VeM1hWhe2CJ76udSdM/s1600/cut.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCmOmPAeBdq2hyphenhyphenzSDcp5s__iYtoV-iLgcXCyum2ww90MscTX64DptEQmKj163c-zUgpy7oQ5YFb0ANww_xaOEfQkuBPH3ftrUM-p_8YoQ4wvnBuaNXPc9f_fG9VeM1hWhe2CJ76udSdM/s200/cut.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456135147007968290" border="0" /></a>side door has more give than my current saddle, the Selle Royal Seta W... Yes, I abandoned my directions for more creative routing and, yes, I was hit by a car- a lovely silver CRV. I added quite a few miles to the trip and the collision scratched up my right side a bit though my backpack and helmet took the brunt of the impact when I was thrown off of the bike.<br /><br />Three girls jumped out of the CRV and asked if I was okay. I honestly didn't feel anything, other than surprise, and told them it was all right- no (severe) harm, no foul. There wasn't any major damage to the bike, some paint had been chipped off, some metal scrapped, and the front brake handle had been knocked out of alignment - nothing detrimental, but out of precaution I ceased using the front brake for the day. I reassured the girls that all was well, and walked my bike to a little grassy area on the side of the road to settle and get my bearings back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqD6noJb7PnFNokO9Mpj39EExgmxVOJEqAn0sEHeg0GoC4F3NvdChbNahe1c_1-G3ajyW2JiO4qB9E45X2KE3-6HyVkx53-3-sxDdNydo62DiuvTC8iuK-ifd7zadDNIywJQ-NLjpDQkQ/s1600/nw.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqD6noJb7PnFNokO9Mpj39EExgmxVOJEqAn0sEHeg0GoC4F3NvdChbNahe1c_1-G3ajyW2JiO4qB9E45X2KE3-6HyVkx53-3-sxDdNydo62DiuvTC8iuK-ifd7zadDNIywJQ-NLjpDQkQ/s200/nw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456143743199078674" border="0" /></a>Following my gut instincts, I rode eastward passing through <a href="http://www.fairfieldct.org/">Fairfield</a> and into Bridgeport where I reconnected with US-1 by pure luck. Bridgeport was the largest city outside of New Haven that I rode through; even so, it still had a very contained and small-town feel. One of its most famous residents was the circus-promoter, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P.T._Barnum">PT Barnum</a>- incidently, the road that led me to US-1 was Barnum Ave.<br /><br />Determined not to lose US-1 again, I rolled into New Haven around 5pm, exhausted but elated to have made it in one piece. I meandered around the city since the sun was still up, and fought off the urge to go straight to bed for as long as possible... I was fast asleep before well before 9pm...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdVpDoARY6Eb1jOD3JWF6DfjfsV-3apHerA5Hax0tiTQ6Tqvc9jQGCfNhG0xXK_Ye9zvfYff9tx4NCY023CgX805-bCCRqtV7Dvn2ve0dgatX4rmIB6txuQmioF8A-lHyTzMCpzkEFlk/s1600/bike.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdVpDoARY6Eb1jOD3JWF6DfjfsV-3apHerA5Hax0tiTQ6Tqvc9jQGCfNhG0xXK_Ye9zvfYff9tx4NCY023CgX805-bCCRqtV7Dvn2ve0dgatX4rmIB6txuQmioF8A-lHyTzMCpzkEFlk/s200/bike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456150105932597282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">SATURDAY:</span> With Friday's lessons and events freshly set in my mind, I started the day around 8am, cruising onto US-1 West with the sun at my back. The ride back seemed shorter, perhaps because the landscape was familiar and I stopped less. However I did have one major setback.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2scOSqA5BWzzjyBufhr83ED7pY9vWlXRtLSirxYFLsCse31x9WU3SgChzMzbfZQpyj4jPmD1gwYsu6kQKpX0mtvuDw7JI5MPyzbDEJHu79b9yN1RPoUIt2RbzgYfpyCMcyjCCD-uXdU/s1600/bubba.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2scOSqA5BWzzjyBufhr83ED7pY9vWlXRtLSirxYFLsCse31x9WU3SgChzMzbfZQpyj4jPmD1gwYsu6kQKpX0mtvuDw7JI5MPyzbDEJHu79b9yN1RPoUIt2RbzgYfpyCMcyjCCD-uXdU/s200/bubba.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456150422384093522" border="0" /></a>Speeding down the hill entering Bridgeport, I hit a series of cracks in the road and sustained a flat tire from the wear. While trying to fill the tire, I could hear air hissing from the tube... as luck would have it, a police officer pulled into a parking spot nearby and, seeing my dilemma, directed me towards a bike shop, <a href="http://local.yahoo.com/info-10607705-chris-s-spoke-wheel-bridgeport">Chris's Spoke & Wheel</a>, just a half mile away. Figuring I could get my brake handle realigned and an overall frame check, I made my way to the bike shop. Bubba, the shop puppy, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLTHKJJ2DAcXVM4iacwdLODUHciWVBN9dVZvGxsPDG1zXc8D5cDyzL3ZetFJYmbxRbGi-_Lx-0xsOGcuswkpwNwRgxq1xC5liefkp9jm8LT6lyuluh-4OJHI135VFQxGk-CGzVLNNcd4/s1600/brpt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLTHKJJ2DAcXVM4iacwdLODUHciWVBN9dVZvGxsPDG1zXc8D5cDyzL3ZetFJYmbxRbGi-_Lx-0xsOGcuswkpwNwRgxq1xC5liefkp9jm8LT6lyuluh-4OJHI135VFQxGk-CGzVLNNcd4/s200/brpt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456138701372975074" border="0" /></a>kept me company while my bike was tuned up and checked for damages that may have been overlooked.<br /><br />With a little professional TLC, my bike was as good as new (no damage found) and I headed into Bridgeport's downtown. In the city, I met a most interesting and kind man named Thomas. He is an avid cyclist and has taken his children on cross-country cycling trips. We spoke for quite some time, though I wish I had had all day. He shared highlights from his cycling trips, gave me some tips and gear advice for the summer, and set the plans in motion for another cycling adventure: <a href="http://www.mountainzone.com/mountains/detail.asp?fid=6364256">Mohawk Mountain</a>.<br /><br />The rest of the journey was for the most part, uneventful (in comparison with Friday's madness). Perhaps this was life's way of balancing itself. Admittedly, I'm grateful- both for the insanity and the calm.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-14182945920112477472010-04-01T11:49:00.000-07:002010-04-01T11:58:11.981-07:00a new month, a new day, a new plan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://jokestore.notiecorp.com/files/Kings_Crown.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 114px; height: 100px;" src="http://jokestore.notiecorp.com/files/Kings_Crown.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>It's <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100401/ap_on_hi_te/us_internet_april_fool_s_hoaxes_6">April Fools</a>, and I've stolen the fool's crown. Perhaps it was Sony's prank for the day, but for the life of me, I could not log into the server, rendering me nearly useless and unreachable. While biding my time "researching future project ideas", I discovered that Sony takes off Good Friday, so suddenly I have a three day weekend! Having taken the fool's crown as my own, doing something foolish with my new found time was mandatory. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/connecticut/images/s/new-haven.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 153px; height: 122px;" src="http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/connecticut/images/s/new-haven.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><p>After a few foolish moments of half-hearted research, I decided upon a destination: New Haven, CT. I've never been there before and it's only about 90 miles away - a day's ride. Foolishly perfect. See you on the road.<br /></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-68407166057667953532010-03-24T13:01:00.001-07:002010-03-24T19:48:56.419-07:00Have your CAKE!!!My inactivity here in no way represents how crazy and active I've been over the past few weeks... but I'm making a conscious effort to keep this up to date now that the 2 month point has come and gone.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sarahlindsaycakes.com/_images/homeContMain1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 165px;" src="http://www.sarahlindsaycakes.com/_images/homeContMain1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm so close to reaching my fund raising goal of $4000!!! And I've got a special donation from a wonderful friend and cake master baker in Northern California. Sarah from <a href="http://www.sarahlindsaycakes.com/">Sarah Lindsay Cakes</a> of San Francisco is donating a 6" cake to anyone in the Bay Area.<br /><br />Sara writes, <span style="font-style: italic;">I can donate a 6" cake - if you can find a buyer in Northern CA I'd love to make it for you and have that person donate the cash money to you :)</span><br /><br />So if you're in the Bay Area and you need a cake for an event or special person... please consider having a super awesome cake made just for you! Sarah makes extraordinary cakes that look and taste amazing. <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/sarah-lindsay-cakes-of-san-francisco-san-francisco">Sarah Lindsay Cakes</a> can be reached at <span id="bizPhone" class="tel">(415) 409-1242.<br /><br />As always, thanks for your support for making positive change in this world.<br /><br />UPDATE:<br />Here are the details for your cake :)<br /></span>You have a choice of vanilla or chocolate 6" cake with dark chocolate truffle filling and vanilla italian meringue buttercream finish. Simple polka dot design.<br /><br />If this is popular, Sarah Lindsay Cakes will donate an 8" cake!!!<br /><br />So if you live in the Bay Area and like/need cake (who doesn't?)please consider <a href="http://www.sarahlindsaycakes.com/">Sarah Lindsay Cakes</a> and this unique and tasty way to donate to a great cause.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-1318390246846412792010-02-14T02:44:00.000-08:002010-02-20T06:29:22.890-08:00Halfway HomeNot gonna lie, this semester is proving the most challenging so far with work commitments, the demands of a full graduate course load, training for Bike & Build, and pursuing random adventures. But in the midst of all the commotion, I surpassed the halfway mark for fundraising! It's hard for me to fathom, and it really warms my heart to know people are willing to support a cause that is so immediate and close to home and yet somehow very much under the radar.<br /><br />Thankfully, this long weekend means I'll be able to sit down and design/write out my "thank you" cards to all the individuals who have helped get me this far. Remember every cent counts, if you've a penny to spare please consider making a tax deductible donation to help fund the Bike & Build effort here on my <a href="http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/3608" target="_blank" alt="Victoria Collins, Bike & Build 2010">profile page</a> by clicking the donate button.<br /><br /><a href="http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/3608" target="_blank" alt="Victoria Collins, Bike & Build 2010">http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/3608</a><br /><br /><span class="status">G972RPDRWUE6</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-768853826087775363.post-10460447895058128662010-01-06T16:58:00.000-08:002010-01-06T17:30:45.123-08:00Reflection: NOLA5 years ago, the Protestant Campus Ministry of Syracuse University led a student group to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to help with the relief efforts. We spent a week over the winter break gutting houses, forming lasting relationships with the families and the communities where we worked. It truly warms my spirit to know that in a few months I'll be back to help build affordable housing there. Full circle.<br /><br />I've been doing some winter cleaning and came across my reflection of a particular experience 5 years ago:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />I made my way to the back of Lani and Deborah's house. Past vacant rooms, with mold covered walls. In one day we had cleared out most of the house, and the bleak and dreary atmosphere we had encountered the day before, when we first opened the front door, was replaced with a vacant and haunting emptiness.<br /><br />Lani and Deborah's room still needed to be cleared of their belongings- their room was in complete disarray. Clothes littered the carpet caked in mud, books and papers were water damaged and strewn across the floor, a dresser was on its side, the drawers half open and its contents spread throughout the room as though someone in a rage had run in and torn the place apart with complete disregard.<br /><br />The windows were cracked open so that fresh air could flow into the room. We had pulled the mold curtains out so that light permeated through the water stained windows, revealing shadows on the walls where paintings had been hung- a reminder of what this room, this house used to be.<br /><br />The closet had caved in on itself- the weight of the waterlogged clothes had pulled down on the shelves above. so in no particular fashion, I began to sort through the damp clothes and boxes that cluttered the floor, putting aside anything that seemed salvageable.<br /><br />A box was stuck to one of the broken shelves. I peeled it off the wood carefully. It was heavy, waterlogged. The box fell apart in my hands as I tried to open it. Inside were card and letters saved over the years. I brought it out to the living room and put it in front of the fireplace so that Deborah could look through it.<br /><br />She looked at the box and let out a sigh. Tears began to form in her eyes as she said, full of gratitude, "You've found my life." She peeled away each card, one by one, and opened them. Most of the writing had been washed away, but she stared at the blankness as if the words were still there. Tears were flowing freely from her eyes now, I gave her a hug and went back to work, giving her some time to herself with her memories.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs9/i/2006/021/4/2/what_remains_of_memorie_by_CrypticDisdain.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs9/i/2006/021/4/2/what_remains_of_memorie_by_CrypticDisdain.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />A few minutes later I took the closet's rotten shelves outside. Looking over Deborah's shoulder as I passed I could see that the card she had in her hands was still legible. It was signed "Love, Lani."<br /><br />I'm not sure what flashed through my mind, but in an instant thought became action. I pulled off my mask, turned to Deborah and put my hand on her shoulder. "You know in Hawaiian 'lani' means heavenly." She looked up at me and something beautiful happened. Through the tears, she smiled, a smile more radiant than the sun, and she laughed a deep true laughter that pierced through the gloom and filled the emptiness. In an instant sorrow had become joy and darkness, light.<br /><br />In New Orleans, there was a lot of pain and suffering. But despite the physical destruction, within the hearts of people like Deborah and Lani, there is strength and there is hope- there is life. This trip was truly a reawakening, a rediscovery of what it means to be human.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs9/i/2006/025/d/2/Blvd_of_Broken_Dreams_by_CrypticDisdain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs9/i/2006/025/d/2/Blvd_of_Broken_Dreams_by_CrypticDisdain.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127762725314318247noreply@blogger.com0