What you see on a morning commute.

Talk about an ambiguous title.  It's been a while since I relaxed a little on the ride in.  Seems like I'm always in a hurry to get to work due to clients, projects, deadlines, etc.  Today was not one of those days. 

I rode in along Mill St. and as I was coming by Renown (on the "bike route" with no bike lane), I was happily reminded that if some inattentive driver does hit me right here, I'll probably be in the ER even faster than the unlucky guy arriving by this method.

That's not supposed to be as morbid as it sounded.  I wasn't thinking about getting hit or the lack of bike lanes on the bike route.  The truth is I was just looking at the sky, thinking about how nice the weather is this fall....and then helicopter.  So, I took a picture.

What I should say is that if you choose this route, it's not too bad.  I ride it regularly, and despite the lack of bike lanes, most drivers are patient and respectful even on this busy road.  So don't be afraid to give it a try if you need a direct route East-West across town.

Dark Days for Bicycle Riders....what a title!

Just found this over at ktvn.com:

Kind of ominous, for something that starts out talking about how Reno is expanding biking facilities and increasing the number of cyclists.  It does however bring up some important lighting issues.

For the record.....Goat Heads suck!

Yeah, that flat I fixed yesterday morning.  It held through the day, but by the time I got home it was going soft again.  Found about 3 more goat head spines in the stupid thing upon closer inspection.  Soooo....that's why the 4 minute patch job is not really that cool!

Opps....wrong one.

Ok....this one is the problem.

Extra....Extra....Crack smoking mayor removes bike lanes....Read all about it!

Last year I posted this:

Toronto's Mayor is an A**hole.

I saw this over on Bikeportland.org this morning.  I have to repost just so you know these people are out there.  This is the type of misguided politician who makes me want to be an advocate for cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.  Guy looks like he needs to be riding or walking to work a few days a week anyway!



He's actually aggressively spending money to remove existing bike lanes throughout Toronto.  Let's hope that at some point in life he is force out of his BMW and made to use the limited (and apparently shrinking) pedestrian infrastructure he so vehemently despises. 

Shortly after this little episode the standup mayor was accused of doing crack cocaine.  What a guy.  He then spent a ton of his time and Canadian tax dollars to defend himself.  Yesterday, he finally came clean, admitted he might have "tried" crack in a drunken stupor.  (He's been associated with a high level drug dealer at least 4 times, so I guess he liked it.)  Notice he's not resigning.....just apologizing and trying to make it go away.

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Anyway, this is the type of guy who spends public $$ to remove bike lanes......a crack smoking moron! 

Flat tire blues?

I think at some point we've all been here.....

Yep, I knew it by the end of the ride last night.  That slightly bouncy feel with each peddle stroke that means the rear tire is going down.  Yet another goat head....seems like I'm on a roll with these things. 

So being the industrious guy I am....I left it for this morning.  This is usually a mistake for me, as I definitely require a cup of coffee and a bit of time to come around in the AM.  Today was no exception and by the time I should have been rolling for work I took a look at the tire.  For reference there were at least 2 other (of my bikes) within 5 feet of me, so I could have just chosen an alternate ride and been on my way.  Instead, I preformed the speediest patch I think I've ever done.  4 minutes.  Yep, for me that's speedy.  Just pop the tube out the side of the tire....quick rough up with sandpaper....slap on a no glue patch....pop the tube and tire back on....pump.....and ride.

So far so good, it got me to work.  Let's hope it holds for the ride home!

Private Party...with Peavine.

Sunday morning I decided to hang out with an old friend....Peavine....and more specifically Keystone Canyon.  It has been some time since I made the trek.  I'm not really sure why, it's only 1/2 mile to the start of the ride from my front door.  For whatever reason I just haven't been out on the mountain bike.  I didn't even remember to bring the phone or camera so the only evidence is from the garmin.

It was a perfect morning for it.  Totally clear skies and the view back down the valley made me think I really need to do this type of riding more often.  Less commute more fun perhaps!  And maybe, just maybe, riding some hills will make me just a little faster for that next cyclocross race.

Where did everybody go!?

Ok kids, I know there hasn't been much real content here lately.  I did the vacation thing and then work slammed me for the last couple weeks....but hopefully all will be returning to normal.  That's not what the title is meant to imply however.  Its asking why the bike lanes went from "full" in the fall to empty in the early winter!?

The bike lanes are lonely these days!

 Now I know calling the bike lanes in Reno "full", is like saying Detroit has congestion in the inner city....but you guys were out there riding more than ever this year.  Now the morning commute is just me and a couple others.  So, what's the deal!?  I know the temperatures dropped but that can be solved with just a few layers, so here's what you do....

See I had to take a picture of myself in a mirror....couldn't even find a guy riding to capture me in the real world!

Yep, you dress like this.  You probably don't even have to go to the store to buy any "accessories" to do it.  Here's the official list of "winter" riding gear in the photo.

1) Regular jeans....yep, that's it.  Maybe include a pant cuff clip.
2) A jacket (shell type) with or without insulation.  You probably think you want insulation.  After 5 minutes of riding you won't!
3) Under the jacket....From base layer out....I've got a cotton t-shirt (yep, just cotton), a patagonia base layer (eg. synthetic long sleeve t-shirt), windstopper fleece vest (very light weight).
4) Under the helmet....I've got a thin beany type hat....basically anything you can get under the helmet.
5) Gloves.  I use the Pearl Izumi light weight windproof glove.  Very thin....and yes, my hands do get cold a bit.  In real cold temps I put on fleece wind stopper gloves over these.

So that's it.  If you live in Nevada....you probably are wearing this stuff to drive to work.  So just walk out the door and ride.  It's a bit cool for the first 5 minutes (lets you know you're alive) and then you'll be unzipping, trust me!

So, come on people, give a late fall commute a try!!