RenOpen Streets is Oct. 17th!!!

I know that this has been posted by Reno-Rambler and others already....but I'd be remiss if it didn't repost it!  The event is Oct. 17th from 10 am to 3 pm.  Details here.  So come on down and run, ride, stroll, play some frisbee, hula hoop, roller blade, or just hang out and hit up some of the great businesses and restaurants! 

March Slow Roll Bike Ride.

There were bikes....we rode slowly....much fun was had!

The gathering @ Reno Bike Project.

The bikey family on matching Schwinn Suburbans with Trailer in tow.  P.S.  Brian send me your email!

Taking a break after the hill climb up to Whitaker Park (in the university neighborhood).

No babies were killed during this ride....but some of them can sleep through anything!!

If you read this and feel bummed out that you missed it....join us next month!

Bicycle friendly events.

All right, I know that I harp on getting out and riding a bit on this blog.  I also know that some of you might even think about it, but there's always a BUT.....that keeps you from doing it.  For some of you it's where you live vs. where you work, that their aren't showers at work, that the roads are busy, or that you're not comfortable in mixed (car / bike) traffic.  These are all valid concerns.  But with a little planning I'm going to give you an event that might just give you an excuse TO ride.

I'll try to come up with some suggestions over the next few weeks.  For today (Tuesday)....meaning I'm giving you 3 full days to prep....I'll suggest Food Truck Friday at Idlewild Park.

A few reasons this might work for you to bike to. 

1)  Centrally located for much of Reno.
2)  It's not work and it runs for 4 hours, so you don't have a tight time table and no one cares if you sweated a little on the way there.
3)  The streets that lead hear from every direction are low speed, low traffic, and most have bike lanes.
4)  You get reward....great food, music, and beer!
5)  There is a ton of bike parking.
6)  It's a really congested even for parking a car.....you'll save 10 minutes time just by riding.

So give it a try this weekend.  You'll have fun, burn the calories you eat and drink, hear some good music, and get to experience a great event by bike!

Reward truck!!

Rain!?....Run!?....Ride!?

What is this stuff falling from the sky?  Seems like something from an episode of Portlandia.  Although, now that I think about it, I remember this stuff from my years growing up in the Midwest as well....RAIN!

Sooo...I'm pretty sure this is Mother Nature's revenge for me deciding to sit on the couch yesterday evening (and convincing wifey to do the same), rather than going for the scheduled run.  I had seen the weather forecast for some rain, but we all know how bad the local weathermen are at getting that call right in Reno.  Anyhow, at sometime in the 6ish am hour wifey, myself, and dog headed out the door for a few miles of fun.  The sprinkle started by the time we hit the end of the block and 2/3 of a mile later at the start of the singletrack it was a "refreshing" (a.k.a. cold and stinging) rain.  Surprisingly, we actually saw at least 3 other runners and one walker out on the trail! 

After returning home, it was hot showers for all (well, ok a towel down for dog), a quick round of smoothies, and digging out the rain gear for the ride in.  Another lovely bicycle commute in the morning!  Thankfully, the Xtracycle has fenders so it really was a pleasant ride.  The colors are popping all over with the recent cooler weather so I tried to stop and take a few photos.

A little rain always seems to bring the color out!

Sorry this one is fuzzy....those bright red maples still make it worth it.

So don't let a little water and cooler temperatures dim your riding prospects, sometime these off beat rides are more fun than the multitude of "perfect" commuting days we get here in Reno!

Last weekend's Ride.

Nothing interesting happened on the ride today (as is often the case).  So, here's what wifey and I and a few friends did last weekend.

Yep, shocking I know, we took a bike ride.  To surprise you even more....it was to various bars around town to drink beer. 

This was however an organized ride sponsored by Under Cover Ale Works with Susan and Rich (owners) at the helm, so I'm not apologizing. 

Basically, it was just a social ride to hit up locations that are currently stocking their beer.  These locations would include, Campo (on the river), Craft (on Martin and Virginia), Lincoln Lounge (on 4th), and Becks Brewhouse (on McCarren).  We managed to hit 3/4 on the tour before wifey and I split off and headed out for some prearranged dinner plans.  All in all a good way to spend a lazy Saturday. 

On a side note....At some point this fall/winter we'll be heading up in the camper to crash out at their brewery (it's only an hour away).  They are setting up a disc golf course on their property and don't particularly care if you camp in their parking lot!  So if you like beer or disc golf make it a road trip.....it will be worth it!

Fun Bicycle Event News!

Just ran across this at the Poedunks mountain bike site (it's a new link if you haven't checked it out).





Looks like a fun event.  If you have time be sure to get involved!

Little cyclists are everywhere!

I went for a short ride on lunch today.  I was kind of bored with my normal routes so I cruised through the business park and then down McCarren to the south east.  And before you start in....yes, you really won't be bored if you try to ride this section of McCarren.  Definitely, not recommended for hesitant riders!  Anyway, I had it stuck in my head I wanted to check out the skate park.  Not sure why, that's just what was in my head.

As you can see it's really pretty big....big enough for the xtracycle to make some turns.  Yeah, it wasn't pretty but it was fun!  Oh, yeah, check out the cool chain link art on the right!

The part I found really cool is the next generation of bicycle riders is already out and about.  There must have been twenty kids just tooling around in the bowls, snake ride, and freestyle areas.  Scooters, push bikes, and even a few on little bmx bikes trying to make some moves!  Hopefully, a few of them will remember just how fun it is to ride a bike twenty years from now.