December 01, 2005
In which no-one pulls the wool over my eyes
Six months after promising a long-awaited return, wooly cycling-gear iconoclasts Swobo are back in full effect. Their comfortable if anchronistic cycling clothing is unassuming, but best of all, it is awesomely well-constructed and lovingly made. Well, this was certainly true of the gear they made through '01, when Tim sold the company and the brand became dormant. Other cycling-gear manufacturers have tried to fill the gap, including one erstwhile fellow peddling knickerbocker leggings at $140 per at the recent San Francisco Bicycle Expo; longtime specialists Kucharik; and sundry others like REI and deFeet. I try to adhere to the adage, and am wary of ventures which require new clothes, but I adore to pieces (literally: I have worn their cosy wool cycling gloves to rags) the various lush pieces of Swobo gear I have. And now I can replace my long-lost Kucharik beanie with a swank piece of new Swobo. Swobo swobo swobo swobo. Swobo swobo swobo swobo. Swobo swobo? Swobo swobo. Swobo swobo swobo swobo. It's fun to say, and it's fun to type. Swobo swobo swobo swobo. Swobo swobo! Swobo swobo.... Read more
November 30, 2005
In which Aram conquers all; Or, Burly, Part Two
Aram, true to his word, ascended haleakala on a fixed gear bike. I do'n't know why he has the FBI Witness Protection black bar in the photograph, but I'm pretty certain that is he triumphant (and above the cloud-line!). The already-impressive ride hit me with a double-whammy when I realised that, after he got all the way up, he had to get back down. Now that is burly. Hey! Burleigh would be a nice name for a glam-rock band. Wonder if we could practice in Greg's basement?... Read more
November 26, 2005
In which the word is 'burly'!
Gerry Kraynick has choice words, of course, for the riders of the Dirty Dozen hill-climb in Pittsburgh. "You go past some of these guys and think what's wrong with these people," said Mr. Kraynick. "My idea of nice ride is finding the best 13 hills to go downhill." The Dirty Dozen -- the name deceives us for the sake of superstition: the ride actually consists of thirteen grueling climbs, including Beechview's 37º Canton Avenue -- began about twenty years ago, and relegates to second place the ten nine ascents of Fillmore St, a mere 18%, that form the main challenge of the San Francisco Grand Prix. "Back in the early years (the 80's) a macho attitude prevented any rider from using gears lower than a 42x24. In recent years, the ride has gotten easier due to lower gearing and several of the hills being paved (asphalted) which used to be rough cobblestone or wavy blacktop killing what little momentum the rider had." I am a little shame-faced to note that Negley between Fifth and Dunmoyle, one of the toughest climbs I ever finished in Pittsburgh, checks in at a sissy 18% for two blocks or so, and does not figure in the Dirty Dozen route (great illustration!) at all. Sycamore St, for many years the heart of the Thrift Drug Classic professional race, fits in the Dirty Dozen just past the half-way point. Ad-propos of gruelling climbs, Aram reports that he made it up the exhilarating 35 miles and 10,000 vertical feet, from beach to peak, of some volcanic mountain in Hawai'i. Details to follow ...... Read more
November 15, 2005
In which we are on a downward cycle
San Francisco Supes are all atwitter about fiscal improprieties in the Barclays Global Investors Grand Prix (nee San Francisco Grand Prix) When this race, billed as "America's toughest bicycle race", moves to Topeka, it will be in time to clear our sights for the Tour of California. And in the even shorter term, we can push our pedals over to Golden Gate Park this weekend to check out Grand Prix Clark Natwick cyclocross event. Somehow it's not quite as thrilling when sponsors, merch, and ca$h enter into it, but hell! it's cyclocross. Gotta find a cowbell before this weekend .... Thanks to jimg for pointing it out.... Read more
November 08, 2005
In which I told you so
------------------------------- ** Saturday, November 12th ** ------------------------------- BEAT MUNI CHALLENGE! 10:30am, Glen Park BART Station In this bike ride, we will experiment with the age-old question: is cycling really faster than Muni? As everyone knows, beating Muni is often a cinch, but can you match the fabled 24 line? If you can beat this line, you can beat any line. The person who passes the most busses gets a free lunch. Meet at Glen Park BART and we'll ride together to the start of the 24 line. Wear a helmet. Contact brandonbaunach@dbarchitect.com for more info. A terrible, terrible map of the 24 route is on the 511.org site. Do you remember that stifling summer when MUNI automation meant that Mayor Willie Brown walked the stretch of Market between City Hall and the Embarcadero faster than any of the LRVs?... Read more
November 04, 2005
In which we defend against the rainy season
As the rain begins falling in San Francisco, some comments on fenders: Kent Peterson and his amiably-recycled coroplast; Drew on wooden fenders, cheerfully recycled from discarded window-frames; the River City Bicycles' Full Wood fenders are beautiful to behold.... Read more
November 02, 2005
In which multicast is our king
Stuart Cheshire, designer of Zero-Configuration Networking (that's RFC 3927 to you IETF fans out there) quoted Antoine de Saint-Exupéry today with respect to protocol design: "You know that you have finished not when there is nothing left to add to the protocol, but when there is nothing left to take away from the protocol." Saint-Exupéry was an aviator, and I suspect that he was referring specifically to aircraft design when he said that "La perfection est atteinte non quand il ne reste rien à ajouter, mais quand il ne reste rien à enlever." I think the same applies to bicycles!... Read more
October 31, 2005
In which we sing the Internationale
Two of my colleagues stood outside my office, poring over the bicycle parked in front. They finally came in and commented on "What an international bike you have!" 'tis true: an American-designed, Chinese-built frame hung with a French chainring and crankset, Japanese cog on an American hub laced to a much-beloved French wheel (with an Italian tyre in the rear, French on the front). The pedals are a Japanese copy of the classic Italian track pedal, with French leather straps. My California panniers mount to a gorgeous lightweight German rear rack. The stem and bars are a mix of Italian and Japanese components, mounted on an American headset. The corks stuck in the handlebar ends are American and French. And the saddle is, of course!, English.... Read more
October 23, 2005
In which it is a solemn occasion
A Memorial Ride for Michelle Mazzei takes place on Canada Road today. A "distracted" driver drifted into a bicycle lane where Michelle was riding, killing her. Her school has a memorial page with links to news stories.... Read more
October 17, 2005
In which we check the record
The Bikes on Transit database has a new home and plenty new features. The San Francisco County Transportation Authority will hold another public session on the Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit Corridor tomorrow: ( more after the jumpity jump jump )... Read more
October 13, 2005
In we go faster, and pay people to help us out
Alec posted some exciting photographs of the human-powered vehicles speed trials a few weeks ago. My favourite is the slightly-blurry snap of Sam Whittingham in the Varna Diablo, the current land-speed-record holder. Aram pointed out that for the slower amongst us, the Better World Club provides roadside assistance, triple-A-stylee, for bicycles (!!).... Read more
October 05, 2005
In which The Governor tells pedestrians and cyclists to keep it local
The Governor vetoed AB 748, which would prohibit tolls for cyclists and pedestrians on state roads. He also vetoed the bill to maintain the current level of state funding for the Bicycle Transportation Account. The Governor's veto means that the funding for bike facilities, bike parking, and signage, et al., will decrease to $5 million/year, from the current $7.2 million per annum. The Governor's veto does note the benefits of cycling and walking, but suggests leaving management of the toll to the local districts. My response: I strongly support Assembly Bill 748 and any efforts to prohibit bicycle tolls on all public bridges and roadways, and I was disappointed to learn that you vetoed it. You are sending a message to Californians that cycling has the same environmental effect as driving, and, implicitly, that cycling and physical activity are not especially important. Not only does cycling promote useful physical activity, an interaction with one's community and environment, it is less wasteful and costly than driving. As fuel prices continue to rise, I am dismayed that you do not come out strongly in favour of low- and no-emissions, renewable transportation. Walking and bicycling reduce traffic congestion, vehicle emissions, and oil dependency. In addition, bicycling and walking provide the kind of physical activity necessary to fight the growth in obesity, diabetes, and asthma. AB 748 will encourage Californians to take advantage of the most sustainable and healthy modes of transportation possible, and ensure that they are not penalized for cutting down on traffic and harmful pollution. I ride across the Bridge several times each month, to commute and for recreation. Were the toll in place, I will be less inclined to do so: I will ride elsewhere. Placing a monetary toll on activities which are good for tourism, the environment, and place little additional stress on the bridge infrastructure is simply not a good idea. I also use my feet as my primary mode of transit, wherever I am. I walk and cycle to work, to almost all my errands, and around my neighbourhood. I strongly oppose the Golden Gate Bridge District's efforts to penalize people who walk and bike on the Bridge. Please support AB 748 and a healthier, safer Bay Area. Please reconsider your veto, and send a positive message that walking and cycling are special to California.... Read more
September 12, 2005
In which we are not equal under the law.
Today's Examiner discusses community-planned intersections: Most importantly, the studies will seek input from the community on those improvements and then offer suggestions on how to make them a reality within five years, by identifying funding and resources for the project, said project manager Julie Kirschbaum, who works with San Francisco County Transportation Authority. "We want to create a tool kit so neighborhoods can help themselves," said Kirschbaum, adding that there could be many more similar projects in the future. "And we want to focus on showing real returns for implementation." Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval, whose district includes Mission Terrace and the Excelsior, has lobbied hard for the project and other traffic-calming measures. He said the area is especially dangerous because both Mission and Geneva streets are used as thoroughfares. Five years? That's all we've got? I mean: that's how long it takes to implement traffic-calming solutions? In other intersection-related news, an Oregon bicyclist was charged with manslaughter: A bicyclist was charged with manslaughter after he ran through a stop sign and struck and killed a 71-year-old woman, police said Monday. Jean Calder died at Good Samaritan Hospital after she was struck Friday night as she crossed a street at an unmarked crosswalk, Corvallis police Capt. Ron Noble said. Christopher A. Lightning, 51, was charged with manslaughter and reckless driving. "A car and a bicycle are both vehicles and if they are operated in a way that could be criminal, then charges are filed equally in both situations," Noble said. "He was going right through a stop sign." Lightning was being housed in Benton County jail with bail set at $57,500. He will be given a court-appointed lawyer at his arraignment in Benton County. I do not believe that a motorist would be incarcerated or even charged for a similar offence. I know this to be fact in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties.... Read more
September 09, 2005
In which the disbelief continues
While cycling home from the bus-stop yesterday evening, I saw yet another fixie (a converted late-model Bianchi Pista) hauling ass down Market St., with a freewheel and no rear brake. Although technically feasible, the rear-brake-less fashion is a frightening and stupid trend. There are a lot of fixies, off-the-rack and custom, speeding up and down Market these days. It's a little ridiculous, especially with all the playing cards tucked in the rear spokes.... Read more
September 05, 2005
In which we circumcycle Stanley Park
Anna and I pedalled our way around Stanley Park in Vancouver.... Read more
August 31, 2005
In which the traffic circles stage a comeback
The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition fondly recalls some traffic calming measures in District 5 and thinks that the short-lived traffic circles were just the beginning. They call for the city to build a bike boulevard along this "quiet, residential" street, along the lines of what the City of Berkeley has done. After the inept design and construction of the traffic circles in the Lower Haight, I am none too eager for the City of San Francisco to undertake this. A bicycle boulevard treatment applied to Page St. could dramatically reduce the volume and speed of traffic, and reduce or eliminate stop signs, making bicycling along Page much easier, safer, more efficient and pleasant. It would not "close" the street to cars- drivers would still be able to access every point along Page, but using this neighborhood street as a speedway or auto cut through would be a thing of the past. For example, a driver would not be able to use Page St. to get from Golden Gate Park to Market St. (Oak St. is a better alternative) as they might be required to turn left at Masonic and Divisadero. This would dramatically reduce through traffic on Page while maintaining resident and local access. I do not like the Lower Haight traffic circles. Best intentions and all that, but no: these were a failure from the minute they were constructed, shabby pieces of workmanship in narrow intersections and without clear signs.... Read more
August 30, 2005
In which we ask for whom the bridge tolls
The Golden Gate Tranportation District plans to impose a $1 toll for cyclists and pedestrians on the Golden Gate Bridge. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition strongly opposes this plan, as do I: A bike/pedestrian toll is at direct odds with San Francisco’s transit-first policy, which encourages sustainable, non-congesting modes of transportation, such as biking, walking and public transit, over individual automobile trips. This proposed toll would send the exact wrong message about the priorities that San Francisco voters have approved. A bike/pedestrian toll is environmentally shortsighted. We know that auto trips are a major generator of air and water pollution, and a major problem for the Bay Area. To discourage people from choosing sustainable modes of transportation, such as biking and walking, will result in increased pollution. This is unacceptable. A bike/pedestrian toll is an inequitable “user fee.” As an SFBC member pointed out recently in a “Letter to the Editor” in the SF Chronicle, bicyclists could, at most, be charged pennies, based on their weight and related wear-and-tear on the Bridge. For instance, if the average vehicle weighs 4,500 pounds and is charged a $6 toll, then the average bicycle at 20 pounds should be charged 2.5¢. Flipping this equation around, if a $1 toll is levied on bicyclists, this would equate to a $240 toll on auto drivers. I sent a letter to Senator Migden: I strongly support Assembly Bill 748 and any efforts to prohibit bicycle tolls on all public bridges and roadways. Walking and bicycling reduce traffic congestion, vehicle emissions, and oil dependency. In addition, bicycling and walking provide the kind of physical activity necessary to fight the growth in obesity, diabetes, and asthma. AB 748 will encourage Californians to take advantage of the most sustainable and healthy modes of transportation possible, and ensure that they are not penalized for cutting down on traffic and harmful pollution. I ride across the Bridge several times each month, to commute and for recreation. Were the toll in place, I will be less inclined to do so: I will ride elsewhere. Placing a monetary toll on activities which are good for tourism, the environment, and place little additional stress on the bridge infrastructure is simply not a good idea. I strongly oppose the Golden Gate Bridge District's efforts to penalize people who walk and bike on the Bridge. Please support AB 748 and a healthier, safer Bay Area. The San Francisco Chronicle published a nice feature article on cheap and friendly transit on two wheels in San Francisco, and the New York Times reported that the NYPD arrested 49 cyclists during last Friday's Critical Mass.... Read more
August 25, 2005
In which we get there from here (Or, In praise of portland)
Once again, the pdx puts two and two together in a wicked way. This page details a bicycle-trip planner using freely-available online tools. The Cycle! Bicycle Advocacy route planner uses Google Maps to provide cycling route information. The Bay Area Bicycle Trip Planner offers less invigorating, but more functional, route planning.... Read more
August 24, 2005
In which we scramble through the stacks
1st San Francisco Public Library Bike RaceSat., Aug. 27 race starts at 1 pm, the Bike Kitchen, 18th and Alabama* Check it out, bookish bike worms — this well-read road race takes thealleycat concept to a circuit of SFPL branch libraries — teams of racers must pedal from branch to branch and check out an item at eachof ten libraries (Richmond and Sunset branches are obligatorystations), returning to the finish line with a magical mix of borroweditems and receipts. On-site Registration 11:45-12:45 pm, $3/rider (towards cash prizes) —pre- register via email and pay only $2 the day of the race. For moreinformation or to register, contact Adrian Leung atsflibrarybikerace@yahoo.com A few years ago, the Dutchess and I rode 'round to all the branch libraries (this was before West Portal closed for renovation). Took purt near the whole dang day, and I wasn't even checking out books at each stop.... Read more
August 19, 2005
In which I am Salim's complete lack of surprise
A nice write-up about two ex-ess-eff messengers who started a courier service in Boise ID asks the question "What would surprise people to know about you?" Their reply? "People might find it surprising that we both ride track bikes. They are fixed-gear, one-speed bikes with no brakes."... Read more
August 18, 2005
In which I request bicycle parking at Waller and Fillmore
After seeing the bicycle rack at the south-east corner of Fillmore and Waller vandalized (probably during a theft: the bolts securing the u-rack to the concrete sidewalk were pulled completely out on one side!) and subsequently removed, I began to wonder how the city of San Francisco treats these racks. I requested a replacement rack via the San Francisco Department of Parking and Traffic's Bicycle program site. About two years ago, I placed a similar request (over the telephone: the web site had not yet appeared) when a speeding car took out the bicycle-rack outside Jack's Oak Fair Market at the corner of Oak and Scott. The replacement rack did not arrive for almost six months, but Jack was gracious enough to allow me to leave the bicycle inside while I shopped (invariably for Mexi-Snax tortilla chips, coffee ice cream, or Payday candy bars).... Read more
August 17, 2005
In which we abate mosquitoes
The San Francisco Examiner reports that the city employs six bicycle messengers as part of the mosquito-abatement efforts. The Chronicle has a simliar story, noting the name of the curiously effective pellets: The pellets, a larvicide called Altosid, target only mosquitoes and will not disturb fish or other animals, health officials said. Cyclists will drop about 150 to 200 pellets a day and will distribute them multiple times to various catch basins throughout mosquito season, which runs through October.... Read more
August 04, 2005
In which we spread the love
theodocious ferocious sings the praises of Darwin, who will surely take care of all the idiots-come-lately in San Francisco (and Manhattan/Bklyn, and Philadelphia, ...) what ride the fixed-gear. It's the killer lifestyle.... Read more
July 31, 2005
In which we pedal a century
jimg posted an excellent write-up of our century ride last week. I would like to emphasize how excellent the lunch was: not only did we have the meal at the half-way point, mile-age wise (50.1 miles, by some odometers), but after all the heavy climbing was complete, including the awful Marshall Wall, and I enjoyed having a plate of fresh-shucked oyster (sans biere, alas, but still!). Next time I'll crank up the Wall in anticipation of more oyster, and plan for the beer in company. This was the first century I have ridden in three or four years, and an exceptionally pleasant one. The bridge was fogged-in both times we rode it, and the sonorous foghorn sounded its warning. This photograph shows our regroup just before the Marshall Wall. jimg called it "the middle of nowhere" because we had'n't seen any other riders or cars for several miles, since the one-horse town of what's-it-called, and weren't likely to see for the next several miles, until we reached Tomales Bay and Highway 1.... Read more
July 27, 2005
In which I protect the noggin
The fate of my last four helmets: one stolen from a northbound Caltrain; one cracked (sun? accident? who knows); one stolen along with the Dutchess et al.; one has the styrofoam peeling away from the shell. Time for new noggin insurance. I got a (couple: always have a spare, for guests or in case of larceny) of new helmet(s), and promptly received a compliment as I was pedalling furiously down Market St. Really: a man waiting for an inbound bus on one of the centre islands yelled something at me, and I slowed to hear him repeat the "Nice helmet, man!" with a sincerity that surprised me.... Read more
July 21, 2005
In which others write of walking to work
I do not walk to work, but many others do.... Read more
June 24, 2005
In which Critical Mass reaches critical mass
I just heard Critical Mass ride past, and I was thrilled. The legal adage "possession is nine-tenths of the law" illustrates part of my new-found enthusiasm for Critical Mass. As private cars become increasingly favoured,, even in this so-called transit-first city of San Francisco, I become irritated that the de facto ownership of the public right-of-way goes not to pedestrians nor to cyclists, nor even to public transit or cartage, but to private automobiles. San Francisco makes plodding efforts to build transit corridors, but continues to expand freeways, rebuild roads designed for cars, and shunt cyclists and pedestrians off to less-convenient and half-baked schemes for getting around. Probably the only advantage that a pedestrian or cyclist has in this city are its stairways, beautiful, and inaccessible to cars. I first rode in a Critical Mass when I moved to Pittsburgh in 1995. The entire experience was forced and without vibrance. I tried again in the Bay Area, and was intimdated by the sheer volume of cyclists (and Venice-Beach-style freaks) who turn out at Justin Herman Plaza every Friday, and especially the last Friday of each month; I also rode a stilted Peninsula Critical Mass ride down El Camino, from San Francisco to San Mateo. That ride seemed more intent on flagrantly and illogically flouting traffic laws. For years afterwards, I shrugged and told myself that I ride in Critical Mass every day, when I am on the streets and using (asserting?) my rights as a cyclist. Lately I have realised that cyclists must forcefully assert the right to be on the streets, to take the lane, to refuse intimidation either by private motorists or by poor civic planning. Civic planning: SPUR has been calling for system-wide reform for thirty years. At this point, I doubt that their message gets across to the hopelessly foundering Board of Supervisors. The San Francisco Charter includes such lush and promising language as: 2. Public transit, including taxis and vanpools, is an economically and environmentally sound alternative to transportation by individual automobiles. Within San Francisco, travel by public transit, by bicycle and on foot must be an attractive alternative to travel by private automobile. 3. Decisions regarding the use of limited public street and sidewalk space shall encourage the use of public rights of way by pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit, and shall strive to reduce traffic and improve public health and safety. 4. Transit priority improvements, such as designated transit lanes and streets and improved signalization, shall be made to expedite the movement of public transit vehicles (including taxis and vanpools) and to improve pedestrian safety. Now I am again excited about Critical Mass: it is joyful and over-the-top, and reminds cyclists and non-cyclists alike that we need to share the roads. For autos, every day is their Critical Mass.... Read more
June 21, 2005
In which a bicycle is locked up
This sequence of still photographs assembled into a Flash movie and set to Vivaldi's Four Seasons (witty, that) illustrates a phenomenon similar to the one John Glassie documents in his recently-published photo-study, Bicycles Locked to Poles.... Read more
June 19, 2005
In which I go to Spain and wear a helmet
Spain adopted a mandatory helmet law for cycling outside of cities in 2004. Helmets are not compulsory in towns and may be removed while climbing steep hills. France has a lively discussion on helmets going on. The best summary is probably this page on the Mieux se Déplacer à Bicyclette site. They analyze deaths in Paris and in France as a whole and conclude that helmet usage is a personal question but can save lives. I began reading Randy Cohen's The Ethicist column in The New York Times Magazine when a friend pointed me to his discussion of (motorcycle) helmet laws. Although he tends to the snappy and glib, he was spot-on in saying that the financial and social cost borne by people other than the helmet-wearer offsets the personal liberties infringed-upon by requiring helmets. I still shudder when riding with someone who isn't wearing a helmet. I think I value my noggin and what's inside, and will take all reasonable precautions to protect it. On the other hand, I rarely wear gloves when cycling, and I learned a hard lesson a few years back when I tumbled down a briar-covered hillside in Joaquin Miller Park. Some of this may have its root in my cracking open a Kiwi helmet when I was 11 or 12, and walking my 10-speed bicycle across a busy intersection when an elderly Unitarian barrelled around the corner of Beechwood and Wilkins and sent me flying. Of course, not everyone who wears a helmet is doing so sensibly: I cringe when I see people flying down Haight St. with their helmets perched ever-so-saintly on their heads, but fail to stop at the intersection (controlled by a STOP sign), or wearing headphones, or both. Fer crying out loud: I've seen people eat a chrome meal at that intersection, and it ain't pretty. Somewhere I have a picture of me in Barceloneta, 2001, on a bicycle but without a helmet.... Read more
June 18, 2005
In which I ride across a bridge, again
After last week's exhilarating and brief ride north'ards, jimg and I headed up an' over Camino Alto and then up an' over White's to have a snack (alas, too cold outside for that really appetizing bottle of Lagunitas IPA! -- next time!) at the Woodacre Deli. I found myself not at all tired, but each climb or long flat stretch had me working the ol' cardiovooscular system on all cylinders. We wound up at Box Dog Bicycles ogling the odd assortment of tandems. Especially the dark-green track tandem. This was also the second weekend running that I was smoked by someone riding a fixie. Last weekend Jimg handily schooled me from start-to-finish, and especially while heading back up Conzelman Road. This week, while I was huffing and puffing up the south side of Camino Alto, I heard a cheery "How ya doin'" over my left shoulder, and I turned to see a fellow clad in a flannel shirt, with a canvas bag over his bag, riding a beat-up old frame and pushing a single gear at full steam. I did not see him again: he pulled away from me so quickly that though I strained to reach him at the next curve, he was lost from sight.... Read more
June 15, 2005
In praise of the chainguard
I wonder why chainguards disappeared from most bicycles. A nice, sturdy chainguard on my commuter bicycle would make a huge difference to keeping my cuffs clean, and also maintain a sand- and muck-free chainline. Many older and "leisure"-style bicycles have chainguards; why doesn't my Bianchi? And to balance a rare, positive thought, I read all over the internet today that Karim Cycles got busted for running a fencing ring. Bicycle theft on the Berkeley campus should go down appropriately.... Read more
June 14, 2005
In which I suffer pangs for Pittsburgh
Okay, Pittsburgh holding a BikeFest!, replete with an umbrella circus, trumps Bikesummer in Los Angeles. I've never ridden the Bicycle Oval in Highland Park, and am somewhat jealous that Da Burgh has a nice track within riding distance of where I'd want to live (were I to live there). And here I am in San Francisco, an impossible distance from an 8.30 Saturday start at Hellyer Velodrome.... Read more
June 12, 2005
June 11, 2005
In which I exit with an octopus.
Down at the Ferry Building, we saw Matthew making up all sorts of creatures (and hats, and flowers, and mediaeval weaponry) from ballons and a hand-pump. He bit off the ends of balloons, twisted lengths of the brightly-coloured plastic into odd shapes, and charmed the young 'uns, all while keeping the crowd of onlookers entertained with his patter. Asked by one of the crowd, "Where'd you learn to do this, kid?" he answered, without missing a twist, "Prison." He kept up his spiel while passers-by interrupted, and would occasionally ask somone waiting for a particularly elaborate hat, "Do you mind if I make a flower for the pretty girl?". And then we saw naked cyclists, once, twice, three times. Part of World Naked Bike Day in protest of oil-something-or-'nother, not quite as appealing as the good sports at The Fixed-Gear Enthusiass, a nicely-done site that may not be safe for work.... Read more
June 10, 2005
The count
Today I went through one patch kit, two tyre irons, and four tubes, all within the first sixty miles. Riding with Birdsong, Rob, and Loops, I barely made the first two miles before I ran through some glass and punctured the front tyre. I replaced the tube -- which had not come off the rim in so long, it adhered to the tyre and had to be peeled out! -- and that promptly blew out from dry-rot around the valve. Birdsong a.k.a. "Bat out of hell" tossed me his spare, and we were on our way. Just as we saw the sun peeking through the heavy fog at San Bruno Mountain, I pulled over at the head of the Sawyer Camp Trail with a flat on the rear, a nice snakebite puncture. I used two self-adhesive patches, and we were off again. At the other end of the Sawyer Camp Trail, I got a second snakebite when we turned towards Cañada Road and road over some steel plates. I stopped at the head of Cañada Road and a generous roadie not only gave me a tube and loaned me a floor pump, but then gave me a second tube, saying, "You may need it." He pointed out that the second snakebite no doubt came from an under-inflated tyre: "You can't get up to 110 PSI with that thing," indicating my Zefal HPx. I tootled along merrily and caught up the gang cooling their heels outside Robert's, and we sped down Whiskey Hill Road (a misnomer if ever there was one: no hill, and definitely no whiskey!) to the Stanford Campus. On the other side of Palo Alto, just before crossing the freeway, I got another puncture in the rear tyre, and pulled over to change it. And a mile later, a thumb-tack or push-pin or something went neatly through into that tube. I walked the remaining mile in to the office, showered and changed, and collected my thoughts. As I have intended to put new tyres on the Reparto Corse, I caught a lift with Vikram over to the Freewheel and got me some new 700x23 serfas, all-black, as dictated by the new chic. And I made it home under my own steam, hurrah. I still ca'n't believe I broke two tyre irons, but, then again, they were nylon.... Read more
June 07, 2005
In support of your Local Bike Shop
Against my better judgement, this evening I headed willy-nilly for the new branch of a Big Chain Bicycle Store (no pun intended). I should have known better! After talking to three completely disinterested clerks (one had me rifling through their parts bin looking for the chainring I needed), and spending half an hour doing nothing but cooling my heels while they ignored me, told me I needed to speak to a manager, that they needed to speak to their manager, that they had to help someone else, et cetera, I grabbed my bike, my wallet, and decided to wait and head to American or The Freewheel later this week. I had really wanted to change out the drivetrain on the Kogswell, from a 45x14 (88" effective) to a classy 42x16 (71"), but I learned me a lesson but good. I rolled out of their parking lot and headed to Zeitgeist ("Warm beer, cold women") for a quart. On the way I viciously cut off a suit riding a Segway down 4th Street. I pulled up to Zeitgeist ("Leave drunk, or don't leave at all") and the bouncer waved me in. I settled down with a nice jug o' Racer 5 and caught up with Clint, whom I have not seen in years and years. Everything turned up roses.... Read more
June 06, 2005
Biciverano
Bike Summer hits Los Angeles this year. In 1999, San Francisco hosted Bikesummer loveliness.... Read more
June 01, 2005
Monkey got your back?
jimg pointed out this awesome photo: Alas, the monkey is now gone, purloined, shanghaïed, removed.... Read more
May 31, 2005
ED's ed
Leah Shahum, Executive Director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, has an outstanding editorial in today's San Francisco Chronicle in which she notes that, although the city of San Francisco will host World Environment Day 2005 this week, we are far from exemplary in putting people first in our transit and urban planning.... Read more
May 25, 2005
Drink before you're thirsty
The time-honoured advice, "Drink before you're thirsty, and eat before you're hungry" indeed rings true. On a day as warm and sunny as today, when I, sudoriferous as ever, found that construction on that nice long bike-friendly stretch of Cañada Rd. means delays of as long as 20 minutes while a pilot car (bearing a sign with the legend "Cyclists do not pass") slowly leads traffic in one direction, and then another, delays due to a drainage upgrade (if I read the sign correctly). I had not been on that stretch of road in three or more years, even though my commute takes me quite close to it. I think that if I ride vigourously (20% faster: 18 kph, rather that my usual 15) I might complete this ride in three-and-a-half hours, which is only slightly longer than the usual commute. I need to leave home around 6.30, in order to avoid the construction delays on Cañada, which begin at 9.00; and this should also steer clear of the rush-hour of walkers and rollerbladers on the Sawyer Camp Trail. ... of course, I always feel more ready to ride when the weather is as glorious as it has been this week. Last week's riding was quite muddy and damp.... Read more
May 23, 2005
One Less Fixie
Seeing as how, as part of my "one front wheel" scheme, I have sold the stock Bianchi Pista wheels, I needed to sort out the replacement wheels. Birthday-boy jimg supplied two washers to accomodate the thin fork ends of the Pista (he compared them to the substantially-thicker Sub-11 fork-ends on one of the frames hanging in the workshop, and I realised that the Pista is a poseur bicycle indeed): these washers enabled the 120mm Phil flip/flop rear wheel to fit securely on the Pista. The front wheel, however, posed another problem entirely: the tyre, stiff as an leather saddle, refused to seat on the rim. One vise, two tyre-irons, and several sore hands later, it was in place, but we managed to puncture the inner-tube in the process. I suggested shelving the works until daylight: I'll ride either the Reparto Corse or the Kogswell tomorrow. I did sell the wheelset for a fistful of dollars and a nice "One Less Fixie" sticker, which I suppose would look perfect on a car (ah, yes: the web site advises "these really look best on your h2"). If I had this bike, I would eat more pizza from Arinell: P.S. I love chain-guards.... Read more
Miscellany about bicycles
Yesterday I took stock of the bits and pieces of bicycle scattered through the house, workshop, and storage rooms. I wonder whether my "one front wheel to ride them all" approach will work: a low-flange Phil Wood hub, laced 4x to a box-section MA-3 rim. Beautiful, simple, and strong. I couldn't fit the tyre onto the rim, though, so I was happy to unearth the old pair of Suntour Sprint road hubs laced to older Mavic rims. I threw one of those onto the Kogswell and rode off this morning, only to see, by morning's light, that the tyre on the front was agèd to the point of rot. Nevertheless, with good fortune I made it all the way to work without incident. At Mahayana (aka Salon des Biciclettes, a proper bike shop), where I picked up a length of Velox rim tape yesterday, I always get a chuckle out of the sticker on the side of the cash register: I park in bike lanes, like a dumb-ass. We always joke that we should print up a batch and slap 'em on cars parked in bike lanes. I'd run out just on the way to Civic Center, I swear: there are always so many dumb-asses idling in the bicycle lanes on Market between Van Ness and Eighth.... Read more
May 19, 2005
Is that a bicycle when it rains?
Today I got a good morning's wear on my Burley rain jacket, and began wondering if there really is something to riding a bicycle with gears (lots o' them). All in all, a great Bike to Work Day (rain or shine!).... Read more
May 16, 2005
It's good to be back
Swobo are back in effect! ... almost. Now that I am fashion-conscious, it's time to get some warm an' wooly cycling clothes. Swobo's disappearance (was it five years ago already?) caused lamentation, not only for the loss of their spectacularly beautiful and functional clothing, but for their home-grown attitude and local presence. I also like their logo (apropos of which: while riding a 22 Fillmore past Dolores and 16th yesterday afternoon, one of the women seated next to me hollered out that she saw a lamb! Just like that! Walking with the dogs! And, lo and behold, 'twas a brown-eared little goat or some-such, in the company of two handsome dogs and a human couple).... Read more
May 12, 2005
As we vanquish the manxome foe
Striped bicycle lanes come as a mixed blessing -- a double-edgèd vorpal, if you will -- in San Francisco. They provide an ostensible safe haven for cyclists, a path away from the door zone, in a lane clear of motor vehicles and separate from pedestrian traffic (never mind that this morning an absent-minded walker stepped off the kerb directly into me as I pedalled up to Van Ness Avenue!). However, cyclists might become inured to the hazards of cars turning right across their visible right-of-way; cars sometimes resort to using bicycle lanes when frustrated with heavy traffic, as on Guerrero before Army St. Enforcement barely addresses this violation: after all, possession, nine-tenths and all that. Cyclists must use the lanes once they become available, and must reïnforce the public perception of bicycles as having the right to a full lane. Yesterday the City of San Francisco finally designated a continuous bicycle lane on Market St., after years of wrangling. And traffic turning right onto 10th St. was queued down the length of the new lane. The lack of a continuous bicycle lane on Market St. has long frustrated me, because of the volume of car and bus traffic makes cycling difficult and, for the inexperienced cyclist or driver, very dangerous. Market St. is a wonderful, flat and well-paved path from the waterfront and parts east to my neighbourhood, but pedalling in perpetual paranoia of a motorist turning abruptly right, or of the 71 Noriega roaring across the bicycle lane where Haight meets Market makes for an unnverving experience. The sections of Market where the bicycle lane vanishes to make way for street parking or a turn lane result in a confusing experience (perhaps not as much for motorists, who have the right of way by dint of weight and presence); they also result in erratic behaviour by cyclists (do I move to the sidewalk? do I nervously stick close to the kerb? what do I do?).... Read more
May 11, 2005
These are the people that you meet Pt XI
What a convivial ride to work I had this morning: while I was pedalling through the city, I stopped at a red light with a handful of other cyclists. The fellow on my left, riding a fire-engine red track frame, looked at me and said, "Great day for riding, isn't it?" I concurred, and said, "They almost always are." Then, thinking about the ride home last night, added: "Sometimes the roads make for rough going." He laughed and agreed. What happened last night? Well, jimg and I met up at Giordano Bros. to sample their wings (dry but yummy) and rode home on roads reminiscent of Pittsburgh: full of potholes and patches. At Menlo Park, I saw a familiar fixie get on the train, armed with a cup full of Borrone coffee: Mike and I chatted for a bit, and then rode together from San Antonio to Shoreline Amphitheatre. The weather was warm, and comfortably so. Someday I will run in to Kent Peterson, who does nothing but ride bicycles and obsessively write about it.... Read more
May 09, 2005
Get it together, Part II
After missing the Five Boro Bike Tour, you'd think that I'd have my tickets all set for the LA River Ride. But no. Next year.... Read more
April 29, 2005
A different city
To kick off the merry merry month of May, New York hosts the annual Five Boro Bike Tour. I do'n't have my act together for this year, but riding over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge sounds glorious. The faithful will attend the Blessing of the Bikes tomorrow morning at St John the Divine (and perhaps go down the block for some wings and a pint afterwards). What would it take to organise a Four Bridges bicycle ride in the Bay Area? The Al Zampa bridge already has a bike lane; a token bicycle path is in place on the Dumbarton Bridge; the new Bay Bridge (a "bridge of superlatives") will feature a bicycle lane, at least half-way (!!); all that remains is to close the Golden Gate so that cycles can pour across it. CMWC is on -- on th' other side of the Hudson, that is (nicely pinched and ps'd map!).... Read more
April 19, 2005
There is no frigate like a fixie
After losing the second Dutchess, I've been trying out the Kogswell (photos to come) and the Bianchi Pista (photos to come). The Kogswell, a beautiful buttercream colour with a matching honey Brooks saddle. The geometry is classic, 80s 10-speed: luxuriously long chainstays, gentle steerer tube, and a beautiful rake on the fork. The concession to modernity comes in the rear fork ends, which are track-style (but with two sets of eyelets, for fenders and a rack!). Unfortunately, I picked up a 58cm frame, which is a little uncomfortable with stand-over (I'm shy of six foot). I think I can remedy this by cutting the steerer down (it's stacked with spacers presently), and putting a shorter stem on it. The kogswell is a looker, too, and t'ain't none like 'er in the area. As for the Pista: Whoah nelly. I have the earlier chrome model, which features the tricolore decals. This bike is not meant for commuting! it's for the track. Or for long stretches in Golden Gate Park. Riding it with a brake seems wrong, although I'd be foolhardy to do so on the streets. It's a smooth, quick ride, but not yet comfortable over long distances. I even saw some kid riding one while I scooted down to the bus this morning -- though he had a noisy freewheel and two cool-kid 'cross brakes. No love, no recognition: everyone's got one of these bikes.... Read more
April 16, 2005
Light 'em if you got 'em
Greg has very enthusiastically mentioned his hip new bike lights, and after pedalling 'round town with him last night, I picked up a set of the new Cateyes. They are small, but bright. Their claim to fame is that they mount almost anywhere, with elasticized cords that cinch around a bicycle frame, through a helmet vent, on a handlebar, et cetera. And they're magnetically-activated, which is, well, a gimmick. But they sure are convenient. Being seen is the hardest part of cycling in a city. Car drivers rarely look to the side, where a cyclist is likely to be riding between parked and moving traffic; nor are cyclists especially visible, as most municipalities have no regulation concerning bike illumination. San Francisco's Department of Parking and Traffic publish a brochure showing how to light up, and have been promoting cycle safety on the side of buses, ironically enough. A few years ago the SFPD nailed me as I was pedalling up Steiner past Herman. Their cruiser didn't stop at the stop sign controlling westbound traffic on Herman, and nearly collided with me as I travelled north on Steiner. They pulled me over, asked for ID, and started to write a citation for not having (of all things) side reflectors (I was sporting both front and rear LEDs). And just as the officer was getting to the meat of the ticket, a call came over the radio. The officer glared at me as the radio sqwaked, and tossed my ID back at me. "Lucky for you we've got bigger fish to fry!" he said as he jumped back into the car and roared away.... Read more
April 06, 2005
Scott and Haight, Part II
Eastbound cyclists and skateboarders rarely heed the stop sign at the bottom of Haight, where the street meets Scott. Sometimes this has dire consequences. The car did not fare well, either. Three prowlers, two police motorcycles, two hook-and-ladder trucks, and one ambulance later, the cyclist was taken to hospital. He was at least alive: five years ago, I saw a cyclist receive severe cranial injuries at this same intersection.... Read more
April 03, 2005
One hot week pays for all
It's true: I have left San Francisco and moved to Portland to be my own boss. Hell yeah. (Thanks jimg for the link!)... Read more
March 31, 2005
NYC beats down on cyclists
... are being held in NYC this summer: Cycle Messenger World Championship web site. Mmm fixie. The dates (originally 30 June through 4 July, yeee-haw) are now up in the air as the NYPD have not granted approval for that weekend. I was amazed to see a sign in the window of the meeting place on Houston explaining that advertising Critical Mass was illegal: the Parks Department huffily claims that gatherings of more than 20 people require a permit. I was tickled to see the menu board at florent bearing the day's special omelet and a subversive advert for the previous night's Critical Mass.... Read more
March 23, 2005
A junky way of getting around
In this fawning article, entitled "Four Bike Heroes", Larry Gallagher stumbles on a very good reason to bike or walk through San Francisco: In this stretch, one stands an extremely good chance of inadvertently witnessing someone either injecting something into or extruding something from his or her body. In a car, one is exposed merely to the constructed problems of congestion, freeways, and toll plazas (cf. the Examiner's current series on traffic).... Read more
March 07, 2005
Deer me!
After almost three months of not cycling in to the office, I finally got off my duff and into the saddle this morning. Spectacular! I even saw deer frolicking in the meadow. How bucolic.... Read more
February 28, 2005
Pay to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge?
I need to come up with a good argument to stick in the comments box here, where the Golden Gate Bridge Authority is requesting feedback for its proposed bicycle / pedestrian toll. I love the Golden Gate Bridge, but do not want to pay a toll to amble or pedal it. Why?... Read more
February 21, 2005
Beerstorming
From Cody comes this suggestion: write mountain-bike haiku suitable for a pint glass. nature and bike, one egg, nuclear, face are three plants you must avoid Win a Case of Dirt Rag Pint Glasses By: Jeff Guerrero Here at Dirt Rag we've come up with more than a handful of ideas in the basement over a pint or two?we call it "beerstorming." While our latest idea came about without the aid of hoppy performance enhancers, the notion still smacks of malty genius. Our own fermented intellectual editor has been kind enough to summarize: Here?s the idea: a poem, a verse, a haiku or just a few short lines of beer and bike meditation to be printed on an entire run of Dirt Rag pint glasses. In an email to editor@dirtragmag.com, with ?Beer Storming? in the subject line, send in your own idea. Make it funny or catchy or just plain brilliant! If we choose yours, we?ll send you a case of pint glasses with your phrase printed on each one!... Read more
February 10, 2005
I've got a new rose
jimg pointed out this awesome video of choppers, frankenbikes, and mayhem.... Read more
February 08, 2005
The more the merrier!
From Brad comes word that another bicycle shop has opened nearby: BOX DOG BIKES GRAND OPENING Box Dog Bikes is a new worker-owned bike shop in the mission. Box Dog Bikes specializes in used bike sales and repairs. Join them Friday, February 11th at 7:00pm for a grand opening celebration. Meet the owners, peruse our huge frame selection, pet the box dog, and party the night away with fellow SF bikers. Music and snacks too! 494 14th St. near Guerrero.... Read more
February 06, 2005
Gears are cool! We've got gears in our school!
Today really was an outstanding day for a bicycle ride. Peter and I rode to the Golden Gate Bridge, thence through Crissy Field to Frog Hollow for a cup of Blue Bottle coffee. I also ate a delicious ham-and-cheese savoury: a little more than two bites, and with a pastry ever so buttery. On the way back home I was having some trouble adjusting my seat-post, since my handy Park tool was confiscated at LAX a few months ago. I spun past Carlos' Salon des Biciclettes, but they're never open on Sundays. I turned right at the corner of Fillmore and Haight and voilà, I see Refried Cycles (Bicletas Refritas, keeping with the 'hood's multi-lingual cycle-shop theme). Benjy and dog Linus were behind the counter, and helped me out with the loan of a tool. They're open on a schedule complementary to other shops (closed Tuesday; most other shops close Monday, or in the case of Salon des Biclettes, Sunday and Monday), and he was very happy to direct me to other nearby shops where I could buy the various parts I needed. I ended up ordering them through him, partly because I'm lazy but mostly because I like having more bicycle shops in the area. They even have a nice seat in the window, so you can stare out at the tree-stump carving on the sidewalk. And I rode the Bianchi today, replete with gears. I needed it, too, up the shamefully short one-block grades around the bridge. How did I ever race up and down that route on a fixed-gear? Heavens.... Read more
January 27, 2005
January 26, 2005
It's the Einstein Flip
The International Year of Physics, as the United Nations has officially designated 2005, has already had its zany moments of physics fun, with more to come. This month, Ben Wallace, 18, a professional stunt cyclist, flew off a ramp in the London Science Museum and did a back flip 12 feet in the air while folding his bicycle sideways - a maneuver designed by a Cambridge physicist who said she was inspired by a tale that the 26-year-old Einstein had invented his theory of relativity while riding a bicycle.... Read more
January 23, 2005
Contagious media
Joshua Kinberg's case was dismissed (technical details). Kinberg, a student a Parsons, built a bicycle that uses a biodegradable, water-soluble chalk to print political messages on the sidewalk. He was arrested during the protests against the Republican National Convention.... Read more
January 13, 2005
Get your freak(bike) on.
Chicagofreakbike has an amazing collection of chopper, tallbike, trashbike, and et cetera photographs. Hotcha! (and thanks, jimg, for the pointer). This led me to thinking about the Blackstone Bicycle Coöp near my old stamping grounds in Chicago, and a link on that site led me to the Bike Furniture shop. And that reminded me of another link jimg sent: the Oklahoma Bicycle Society.... Read more
December 21, 2004
Steal this bike
Someone stole Reed's bicycle. The most recent issue of Tube Times discusses bike theft in San Francisco, but doesn't talk about the open-air parts market at Civic Center, right in front of City Hall.... Read more
December 16, 2004
workbike
Over the summer, I cleaned out the basement, and gave away a half-dozen bicycles that I knew I wouldn't use (but were still eminently serviceable). One of the recipients, Kim, said that the bicycle has changed how she gets around the neighbourhood. And today at work, I saw an old Raleigh Sport fixed-gear, replete with fenders and a rack, propped against a cube wall. Turns out the owner moonlights as a wrench at a lbs.... Read more
December 08, 2004
The strength
Ironically, Kryptonite locks, long the emblem of the urban cyclist, had a flaw: they could be opened with a common-or-garden ballpoint pen (biro to you!). They set up a RMA process for consumers to exchange vulnerable locks for a new model. I got my long-awaited return label from Kryptonite yesterday, entitling me to 9 pounds of locks. I'm returning the two New York short-shackle locks, the sort you see messengers tucking into a back jeans pocket) and the longer U-lock I bought when I got my first bicycle in Chicago.... Read more
November 30, 2004
3 Rivers, 2 Wheels
Although they have one of the most irritating web sites ever, Bike Pgh! offers tools, a lending library, and advocacy for the City of Three Rivers. See if you can get the link about bike racks to work. I was pleasantly surprised to read that the city has a bike plan.... Read more
Was it worth it?
After weeks of hearing Greg sing the praises of public transit, I finally rode Caltrain's Baby Bullet express service today; it's the first time my bike and I have actually ridden this service. My door-to-door time was one hour and thirty minutes, including fifteen minutes' waiting time at the Mountain View platform, where a Stanford psychology student tried to engage me in some sort of study. If I take the limited in the evening, the door-to-door time is about fifteen minutes longer, or, barring wait time, as much as half-an-hour longer! Caltrain has a progressive policy towards bicycles on board: no additional fare and ample space for bicycles and gear. However, with the Baby Bullet, Caltrain has really let down cyclists. The rolling stock is significantly less bicycle-friendly: we have to move bicycles through the seating area to place them in cages which are significantly less roomy than the racks on the older carriages; the capacity has diminished, so that only 16, rather than 32 or 64 bicycles, fit -- as a result, cyclists line up 20 minutes early to board the Bullet, thereby negating much of the speed gain. The faster travel time of the Bullet is due to its less-frequent stops; it runs at a top speed of about 70 mph, just as the regular locals and limiteds do, but stops only four times between Mountain View and San Francisco (irritatingly, at both 22nd and 4th streets).... Read more
November 26, 2004
Keeping your brains on the inside of your body
The Bicycle Kitchen in L.A.'s Eco-Village offers advice, tools, and alley-cat racing for urban Angelenos.... Read more
November 16, 2004
Symbology
Went down to Jay's new pad today. I arrived at the address, found a bar occupying ditto and transvestite prostitutes milling about. Jay came downstairs to meet me, and led me upstairs to a patio door with a brick wall behind it. He's across the hall from a noisy Thai karaoke bar, and faces on one of the more dense and urban scenes in San Francisco. Jay hooked me up with some grocery-bag panniers, which I am going to add to the Surly. I think I'll turn that into a 'round-town/grocery bike. On the way back home, I dropped the chain on the Dutchess. A passerby hollered that he heard that shit up the block!... Read more
October 31, 2004
Suiting up for a ride in the park!
Anna and I went for a sun-shiney ride in Golden Gate Park: her first ride in several years; I was breaking in a new saddle on a new bicycle ('05 Bianchi Pista). All 'round, a spectacular morning. Traffic was extra light because of Daylight Savings Time.... Read more
October 23, 2004
He ... is ... nuts!
Three fixed-gear riders completed this year's Furnace Creek 508 race.... Read more
October 14, 2004
radiocicleta
Bollocks to the network media, the three-finger salute to your dot-com, and a big ol' Bronx Cheer to the newsweeklies: this is how you get the information (and the exercise). Listening to the beautiful purple-box Galaxie 500 anthology. Little did I know that the label that issues Zappa's back-catalogue (you can buy 65 albums for ten benjamins) would someday put out a suitably understated and beautiful box set for this lovely band.... Read more
October 12, 2004
How to be a millionaire
Did the bike-and-train thing today, with Mr Bolsinga. I don't have any kids to put through college, nor do I have to put a down payment on a house, so what should I spend my money on?... Read more
October 11, 2004
September 29, 2004
Bay Area Anti-derailleur and Single-speed Society
Riding to work today for the first time all week, inspiration overcame me. I re-worked the Bay Area Anti-derailleur and Single-speed Society web site, which consists of a single page. I took elements from gmail (clicking on a div does something!), and innerHTML wizardry from Cody. The old page will remain on the site for a while, for no good reason.... Read more
September 28, 2004
The man who killed Alan Liu
Sure, it was buried on an inside page, but the drunk driver who killed a Bay Area cyclist this spring received a prison sentence yesterday. This sets a good precedent, although the eight-year sentence is too light (the charges to which he pleaded guilty carry small prison terms), especially since the driver was without a valid licence. I wish that a prosecutor could construe this as wilfull, or first-degree, manslaughter, rather than vehicular manslaughter. The guilty party is a lawyer -- he has special knowledge of these circumstances! -- and got behind the wheel of his car voluntarily, while intoxicated. Is this comparable to firing off a gun randomly into a crowd?... Read more
September 21, 2004
Can't stop this!
Messengers on fixed-gear bicycles think they're so hot. On the other hand, cyclocross is hot. Beware of any enterprise which requires new clothes.... Read more
September 13, 2004
He makes the sign of a wave
While riding to work with Peter this morning, I churned through a pile of construction debris near the San Bruno Pedestrian Overpass, and immediately got a pinch flat. I dread getting flats on the bianchi, because the Wolber rims are slightly oversize. Peter whipped out a spoon and said, "This works well." And it does. Magnificently in fact. If I hadn't filed down all my spoons to use as shivs, I'd stick one in my timbuk right now. Maybe I can lift one from the café. Peter got a flat when we rode over a recently resurfaced section of Polhemus Road, where two nice bicycle-tyre-sized potholes made him almost ditch. We heard the 'sproing' of breaking spokes (a common sound on Peter's wheel these days!) and he pulled over to the side of the road and whipped out the spoon. We decided to shoot for the 10.03 train, which was about two miles away, and rolled up to the station just as it pulled away. We waited for the next train equipped with donuts and chocolate milk from a convenient nearby bakery.... Read more
September 04, 2004
Sucks to your derailleur
Chuck Shepherd writes: Least Competent Criminals: Two men were arrested in Dearborn, Mich., in July and charged with robbing a Bank One branch, done in by a glitch in their getaway plan. They had hopped on mountain bikes to make their exit (which bank robbers have used with success from time to time), but they were apparently unfamiliar with the concept of a gearshift, and both men rode away in first gear (or perhaps second), so slowly that one witness followed them easily on foot, and a bank guard got close enough to shoot one of them in the arm. They were quickly arrested.... Read more
September 03, 2004
Wrong place, right time
Protestors in NYC (that's the USA ... ) were being arrested for having a bicycle*. And, of course, Joshua Kinberg was arrested. The right to assemble peacefully is what separates us from them? They're all going to hell. I've eaten at that restaurant. Mediocre, indifferent, the fish was no good. And it's right across from the 2nd Ave Deli! How could anyone pass up a meal at that place? Mmmmm, pickles.... Read more
Multi-modal, with mousse
Aram points out the word on the street: that fixed-gear stylee has jumped the shark. Well, duh. Some guy on the CalTrain this morning was chatting up a girl with his track bike as bait. She said, disdainfully, "It looks so plain". I was riding a bike with gears this morning. A woman who spent a year student-teaching my 6th- or 8th-grade English class works here: http://citiesthatwork.com/ as an urban planner. I wonder why the city of San Francisco, despite its much-vaunted, voter-approved 1999 mass-transit plan, insists on have bicycle lanes overlap with MUNI bus stops? This only further delays bus service on busy streets.... Read more
September 01, 2004
Me and the Tenth Commandment
I want a(nother) bike. Dammit.... Read more
August 06, 2004
jimg like
jimg pointed me at these bike photos. sw33t (and some are are pleasantly risque!)... Read more
July 28, 2004
This is the bike against itself
Cody was generous enough to throw my bicycle into the back of his car and scoot us all over to the bike shop to pick up my newly-minted wheel. This wheel ain't no ordinary dealie, though: it's a duallie. I can kind of make the chain work with 14t and 18t cogs, but the bigger cog hangs precipitously on the edge of the dropouts (not fork ends!). Kill 'im already!... Read more
July 26, 2004
Pedal steel
For the first time in months, I rode a derailleur bicycle to work. The exhilaration of speed -- of being able to go quickly up hills! -- of racing down hills without have to and brake with my knees! -- wore off as I heard all the clanking and mechanical motion of the gears shifting, of the jockey wheels spinning, the chain slapping, the rear axle breaking. Oh yeah, as I was turning at speed from 24th on to Valencia, the wheel slid forward in the drops and the chain slipped off the gears as the plastic end-cap of the skewer cracked. The washer underneath didn't come off, but without the knurled cap to hold it in place it wouldn't stay tight. I've never trusted those wheels -- I was saying as much to jimg just yesterday. Well then! Time to find a new 130mm 8speed wheel.... Read more
July 25, 2004
The ill perambulation
It doesn't beat Jo Mendi, but it's close.... Read more
July 19, 2004
Stray and junkyard
NYC are patching up the Kissena Velodrome in Flushing, Queens. Couriers and track racers held races in April to celebrate the track's grand re-opening. Meanwhile, the world is my velodrome [50MB movie].... Read more
June 28, 2004
Four syllables, or five?
Ever wonder about sensors">the physics behind traffic signal sensors? The sensors measure changes in inductance, but that still leaves a lot of issues, like ferrous vs. conductive, and contributions of frame vs. wheels. If you've got aluminum rims, your frame material doesn't matter, because they operate at high frequencies, where the key component is a conductive piece of metal -- not carbon fibre, you weight weenie -- that allows an induced eddy current (e.g. closed loop). Rims get closer to the wires than the frame, align the wheel with one of the wires, so the maximum number of magnetic flux lines pass through your rim. If the sensor is a figure-8 pattern, the middle wire is twice as sensitive as the edge wires. California has codes designed to address the engineering of cyclists in intersections. Isaac Asimov wrote an excellent short story called "Unique is where you find it" about a problem posed to an eager young chemist by his antagonistic professor. There, I've spoiled the story for you.... Read more
June 21, 2004
The lowest order of insect is the litterbug.
While I was cycling down Polk past City Hall, a black Jetta was in the lane next to me. The passenger wound down the window and chucked a crumped up -- cigarette pack? parking ticket? something associated with being moral turpitude, surely -- which bounced against me. I told the man, who was inches -- inches! -- away from me, that he was inconsiderate, and he replied, "I didn't see you there." I suggested that he was inconsiderate not just of me, but of the streets, and he looked blank. I put it plainly: "You shouldn't litter, and you shouldn't throw things at people." He became angry. Traffic in the bicycle lane was moving faster than autos, and I pulled ahead.... Read more
June 06, 2004
Arresting axe-murderers means bad news for woodcutters
Dr Gridlock fulminates against sidewalk-riding cyclists: But according to [Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists] spokespeople, ticketing cyclists for breaking the law is only a "deterrent to cycling." But it seems that many readers lump all cyclists into a category that is stereotypical: the flame-breathing bike courier who rides like a kamikaze pilot. What about law-abiding cyclists who follow the rules, such as reader Ian More? He writes: "I find that when I obey the traffic laws that I get quite a bit of abuse from fellow cyclists. There have been a couple of incidents where I stopped for a stop sign and was run into by another cyclist. "My philosophy is to gain respect on the road by following the rules of the road."... Read more
June 04, 2004
We are getting soft ...
I often hear the question: "Why only a front brake?" when I'm riding a fixed-gear. Font of wisdom Sheldon Brown, of course, has the answer: You really should have a front brake. A front brake, all by itself, will stop a bicycle as fast as it is possible to stop. This is true because when you are applying the front brake to the maximum, there is no weight on the rear wheel, so it has no traction. One of the wonderful things about fixed-gear riding is that the direct feel you get for rear-wheel traction teaches you exactly how hard you can apply the front brake without quite lifting the wheel off of the ground. This is a very valuable lesson for any cyclist who likes to go fast; it could save your life. There is really no need for a rear brake on a fixed-gear bicycle. By applying back-pressure on the pedals, you can supply all the braking that the rear wheel really needs. In fact, it is fairly easy to lock up the rear wheel and make it skid, unless you are running a rather high gear. Some fixed-gear fans make a point of not using their brake except in an emergency. I am not sure that this is a good idea. Heavy duty resisting is widely reputed to be bad for your legs, and to be counterproductive for building up muscles and coordination for forward pedaling.... Read more
May 28, 2004
When you come to a fork in the road ...
Reports of larceny in the 'hood abound: this morning we walked in to Coopers and greeted Peter, only to hear the startling story of how his bicycle was parted in five minutes. He arrived to open the shop at 6h10, and locked his 26" BMX -style cruiser to a street sign immediately outside the shop. Eight minutes later he looked up from his preparations and saw that the front wheel, fork, and sundry parts had been stripped off the chromed bike. Bicycle thieves in this neighbourhood congregate, ironically, in the Duboce Bikeway, between the U.S. Mint and the urban strip mall. Shopping carts full of bike parts litter the narrow path. Peter said that he accosted a raggamuffin who was loitering nearby; the kid said that yeah, he saw someone around ten minutes ago, he could maybe find out something. Why a fork? Taking the fork has destroyed the use value of the bicycle -- Peter's transportation -- and will have very low resale value. Goddam junkys.... Read more
May 25, 2004
Yo fixie!
A commercial for Nike shows Lance Armstrong speeding past a diesel engine, a herd of buffalo, and a pack of San Francisco messengers.... Read more
May 19, 2004
The power of independent trucking
After about two hours of steadily pounding the keys yesterday, I took off my headphones and wondered why I was feeling so energetically angry. And then I looked at the iPod and realised that I'd been listening to a mix called "Surgically Precise" full of Shellac and Big Black. And I've got the 8-track playing really fucking loud. The mix also has a song ("Il Duce") from one of the very first CDs I bought: The Wailing Ultimate. I got it from the Phantom of the Attic back when they sold vinyl as well as comix. Independent truckers in the Bay Area are on strike to protest rising gas prices (an increased monthly expense of $1500). Me, I'm a-lying on my back enjoying the sunshine. To-morrow is Bike-to-work Day.... Read more
May 17, 2004
Because they were squirrels
While waiting on the Palo Alto platform for the 20h21 northbound Caltrain, a tattooed youngish man rolled up on a tricked-out downhill bike. We were talking about how or why the train was late ("possibly because they're testing new electronic switches," offered a cheerful German riding a bike-boom Fuji). The very shaved-scalp young man wandered around the platform. "That's your bike?" he asked. "That's sick!" and I felt a swelling of pride. On the train he and the German talked triathalon ("You swam Escape from Alcatraz in 40 minutes? That's sick!"), and I saw jimg climb on board at the San Mateo stop. He had been counting on the train running a few minutes late. We rode back to the Lower Haight together. Today was a good day and a bad day for trains. Caltrain has enjoyed successful tests of its new "Baby Bullet" high-speed Peninsula rail service; but the long-rumoured high-speed rail from North to South is stuck on the siding.... Read more
May 10, 2004
Old Men Who Get Fat In The Winter
A 50-year old mustachioed man, wearing shorts with the motto "Ride to Eat / Eat to Ride" ("It was a Father's Day gift from my wife," he said. "She thought it was a joke." I nodded knowingly), told me that the railroad right-of-way from Samuel P. Taylor out to Point Reyes Station will be made accessible as a bicycle path sometime this summer. Perfect for a summer weekend ride: spend the night out at a B&B, and then bike back the next day.... Read more
April 28, 2004
Mohadda mofasta
Riding a fixed-gear bicycle exhilarates me.... Read more
April 24, 2004
'swell
After several months of languishing in the workshop, the Kogswell F58 finally came into its own. I picked up a few last-minute parts (and a *cough* new saddle) at American. I swear, threading the leather straps through the clips and pedals took longer than assembling any other part of the bike. And after I finally got one pedal done (I sat out in the park, acknowledging that it would take a long time), I discovered that I had the buckle on the wrong side; I patiently re-threaded.... Read more
April 16, 2004
Before and after
From the DPT: Bicycle volumes on Valencia Street during the PM peak hour increased 144 percent, from 88 to 215 bicyclists per hour. The "before" data were collected on "Bike to Work Day" in May 1997 when an entire southbound motor vehicle lane was closed for cyclists. In March 2000, 215 bicyclists were counted on a typical weekday. Given that more cyclists traditionally ride on "Bike to Work Day," the increase in bicyclists is most likely even greater than these numbers indicate. During the "after" count, motor vehicles were also counted to determine the modal split (percentage of motor vehicles versus bicycles). Comparing total motor vehicles to bicycles made up 16 percent of the vehicle traffic along Valencia Street.... Read more
April 14, 2004
Assess signal timing?
One of the most physically challenging intersections for cyclists and pedestrians is the apparently simple intersection of Fell and Masonic. The hazards come partly from the lack of visibility for cars heading west (left-most lane of Fell St.) turning south onto Masonic: the broad intersection (five lanes by four lanes, plus parking) allows for at-speed turns; and partly from traffic heading crosstown on Masonic, timing lights between Haight and Geary (it is possible, although very difficult, to drive white-knuckled straight through from Haight, the first traffic signal, to Pine -- at which point you're as good as downtown). These hazards make the simple crossing extremely nerve-wracking. To add insult to injury, this intersection cuts through the middle of a park, and the crosswalk is part of a multi-use trail. The lame addition of a "Yield to Peds and Bikes" sign about 18 months ago hasn't affected the speed of turning traffic -- they don't see the sign until they're in the turn -- and the crosswalk doesn't have a dedicated "Walk" phase. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition have posted their endorsement.... Read more
April 13, 2004
RTFM(anual).
A few weeks ago, I found a chromed Diamondback BMX street bike lying in the street behind a Chinese restaurant in San Rafael, with a sign reading "Free Bikes" taped to the top tube. Done. Today Lupe was learning me on manuals, bunny-hopping, and scuffing (the latter on his bike, which has a front brake). After about an hour, we retired to the café for lunch; lo and behold, just as I pulled up to the door the brake cable snapped. Of course, none of this coolness was at all apparent when I walked into a meeting with a fresh mug of coffee, sat down in a comfy conference-room chair, and found out that the back was broken. I fell backwards, and the coffee spilled all over my hoodie and trousers.... Read more
March 16, 2004
Knuckle down.
Aram, logorrheic author of fixed-gear field studies, pointed out this 1925 Retrodirect cycle.... Read more
February 10, 2004
Jackasses abound.
Local to my hood o' hoods, where I was a hooligan and rode around on a phat ol' BMX bike and shot off bottle rockets, we discover that stupidity abounds on both sides of the cyclist-trucker divide: MONROEVILLE, Pa. (AP) - A bicyclist shot a truck driver in the arm during a confrontation that began when the man pedaling the bike made an obscene gesture, police said.... Read more
January 13, 2004
"Surely nothing on earth ..."
Francis X. Clines has a meditative editorial on cycling Manhattan in yesterday's New York Times. Happily, Clines points out one of the most enjoyable aspects of urban cycling: "... storefront bars can be found for cold beer or hot coffee."... Read more
January 03, 2004
Why do I scream?
This is mos defbaadasss. (So is all of this.) Tip o' the brain bucket to Aram. Compare to the sport played summer (or, dry) months in Golden Gate Park: Bike Polo.... Read more
December 14, 2003
Two wheels on line!
Magicbikes promise wide-ranging, free wireless internet access through the everyday bicycle. By using the bicycle as an amplifier for already-available Wi-Fi signals, artist and teacher Yuri Gitman hopes to broaden the reach of wireless to previously inaccessible spots: subways, wide avenues and parks, outer areas of the boroughs ...... Read more
November 28, 2003
The path to righteousness.
Riding east on the Panhandle bike path, riders can now gracefully turn north onto Baker, so as to start the Wiggle in style.... Read more
November 25, 2003
A bootiful thing, is a properly-fixed tyre.
More biking to work, alleluia. Just as I was about to pedal home for the evening, Lupe mildly pointed out that a ugly bubble of inner-tube was poking through the sidewall of the rear tyre. I only had finifs and sawbucks in the ol' wallet, so I booted the tyre with a fiver; belatedly I realised that I kept a single in my patch kit for this very reason. More incentive to take off this bad piece of rubber (two big holes in the past week, and this one on the sidewall is just Bad News). I am going to replace the tyres on the commute bike -- either the Kogswell or the Dutchess -- with the reflective-sidewall tyres that this guy on Caltrain was telling me about.... Read more
November 19, 2003
Every day is bike-to-work day.
Today I rode the fixie to work, for the first time in months. Thanks to a new pair of rat-traps from jimg, a few minutes in the shop, and a little encouragement from my lethargic body, I hopped on the Dutchess and got moving. Within fifteen minutes, I rode over something sharp and ripped the rear tyre (it's always the rear!), and had to boot the tyre in order to keep moving. Of course I didn't have a spare tube with me, but fortunately I had some big broad patches and a tube of vulcanizing fluid.... Read more
October 04, 2003
And the bike you rode in on.
Kai chose as his favourite pic of the week. It's mine too.... Read more
September 19, 2003
Bright in the night.
This morning I rode the Crystal Springs route to work -- for the first time in a month! -- and felt glorious. Later in the day I spoke with aram and he pointed out the Kogswell fixed-gear frame. Not only does it have tidy rear fork-ends (or drop-outs, whatever), but it's fully lugged! I decided then and there to get a rainy-day frame; ever since I cracked the frame of the Blue Dutchess, I've needed a spare frame. A nice relaxed road-geometry fixie setup with fenders. And the Kogswell has eyelets! Later in the evening, sitting on the stoop with jimg, who was explaining half-step gearing and his desire to build up an audax bike, we saw a bright set of lights pedal past. I called out "Nice Bike!" and the rider wheeled around and pulled up to the stoop. jimg recognised the bike, a custom Sycip, as the idiosyncratic three-speed that recently rode PBP. Turns out that the rider, Joel Metz, recently organized a race from SF to Portland.... Read more
September 15, 2003
You might think.
I used to think that I would ride four miles for every mile I rode in a car. And I did, for three years. But after getting a car and a job, I find myself driving more and more and more and more. And biking less, alas.... Read more
September 11, 2003
What a good name for a city!
As I was thinking fondly of PDX, was thrilled to receive a phone call from Justin. He shares my high opinion of The Kells, where happy hour extends to tasty burgers, plates of oyster, and Jameson's-battered wings. Sitting out front, one can watch bicyclists heading home.... Read more
August 21, 2003
PBR vs Lance.
Read an article by an Atlanta freelance writer today: http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/rant.html. The guy named his bicycle Buchephalus! That's sweet. However, I'm not sure that bicycling while loaded is a great idear. The swerving, don't you know?... Read more
