The Washington Area Bicyclist Association is trying to arrange valet bicycle parking for the Jan. 20 inauguration of Barack Obama.
WABA wants to set up three valet stations within walking distance to the National Mall so cyclists can drop off their bikes and hike on over to the inaugural events.
Visitors also will have bicycles in SmartBike DC self-service bike rental program, left, at their disposal. District officials warn, however, that some of the 10 stations might be located in the security perimeter and passage in and out could be difficult.
WADA is working with the district to find the bike valet sites where cyclists can drop off their bikes, receive a claim check …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2008/12/11/bicycle-valet-parking-for-obama-inauguration/
Irish cyclo-tourists Simon Evans and Fearghal O'Nuallain began an around the world bicycle expedition in November. They say it's the first Irish circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle.
The cyclists figure that they'll ride through 30 countries on their 17,000-mile trip that they're undertaking to benefit Aware, an Ireland-based organization to support people with depression.
I've read that regular exercise is a good way to fight depression, so I suppose you could say that they're practicing what they preach. Since many people get the blues over the holidays, it might be a good time to check in with them …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2008/12/11/two-irish-blokes-on-a-worldwide-bicycle-tour/
Imagine living in San Luis Obispo, California, and having Team Columbia based in your hometown.
Although cyclists George Hincapie, left, Mark Cavendish, Kim Kirchen, Michael Rogers and others race and train around the world, there must be times when they ride on the local roads around San Luis Obispo.
One of those occasions will occur on a Saturday the week before the Tour of California, when team owner Highroad Sports sponsors Pedal to Pier, beginning at 8 a.m. Feb. 7, at Avila Beach.
Mere mortals (recreational cyclists) can join members of Team Columbia …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2008/12/11/for-one-day-you-can-bike-with-team-columbia/
Irish cyclo-tourists Simon Evans and Fearghal O'Nuallain pause at a roadside in France. From RevolutionCycle tour; picture at revolution cycle at flickr.com.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2008/12/10/irish-cyclists-pause-by-roadside-in-france/
The Raccoon River Valley Trail in west central Iowa has been dealt a setback in its bid to becoming the nation's longest looping trail.
Already 56 miles long, another 33 miles of trail-building was in line for a state grant until it was diverted to help pay for disaster relief from Iowa flooding earlier this year.
The trail partly uses the old “Milwaukee Road” railroad right-of-way (same at the John Wayne Pioneer bicycle trail in Washington state). When complete, it will be 89 miles long, including the 72-mile loop.
Iowans are very familiar with the famous line from the movie “Field of Dreams”: “Build it and they will come.” Local bicycling advocates say the new trail will be a boon to bicycle tourism in the region …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2008/12/10/disaster-relief-in-iowa-delays-trail-completion/
An old railroad trestle in Iowa carries the Raccoon River Valley Trail bike path. From Raccoon River Valley Trail website.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2008/12/10/trestle-in-iowa/
I didn't count, but it seemed that 1 in 5 SUVs that passed me on my bike ride Saturday morning either had a tree strapped to the roof or sticking out the back.
If I had seen this guy bringing home a Christmas tree on his bike, I would have stopped and applauded.
He's riding …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2008/12/10/bicycling-home-with-the-christmas-tree/
The latest wit and wisdom from Portland's Joe Kurmaskie, the Metal Cowboy. I've picked some of my favorite “You-might-be-a-cyclist if's:”
— You own more tights than a children's theater performing Peter Pan.
— You ring that bell for legitimate safety reasons, but the joy it brings seeing morning dog walkers seize up and scatter like quail is a nice fringe benefit.
— When styling professionals ask what product gets your hair to do that, you answer, “Helmet.” …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2008/12/09/metal-cowboy-you-might-be-a-cyclist-if/
That tired old proposal about bicycle license fees has been broached again, this time from James F. Vesely, editorial page editor at the Seattle Times.
He proposes that bicyclists pay a $25 annual fee for owning a bike. It would make us members of the world of transportation, he writes, “rather than free riders on the tax rolls.”
Like so many of the previously misinformed, he writes about the benefits of bicycle pathways and bicycle lanes that are bestowed upon bicyclists by “the remarkable generosity of Puget Sound taxpayers.” …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2008/12/09/another-call-for-bicycle-license-fees-in-seattle-and-king-county/
Los Altos Hills City Council recently banned bicycling on El Monte Road. Interestingly, a pair of markers remain from a recent century bicycle ride. Photo from gmcpheeter at flickr.com.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2008/12/09/no-bikes-on-los-altos-hills-road/
Adventure Cycling Association Trail biking Rails to Trails Conservancy League of American Bicyclists
Recent Comments