“MS-8” bicyclists go separate ways in response to “no stop” tickets

Would you expect to be ticketed for rolling through a stop sign on a charity bicycle ride?

Eight bicyclists participating in the 700-strong Bike MS: Beyond the Beltway fund-raiser in Virginia earlier this month were ticketed by sheriff's deputies for failure to come to full stops at signs along the route.

No warnings; just a ticket that carries a fine, fees, and 4 points on their driving record.

The cyclists, whose accounts of the tickets are detailed in the Washington Post, the Loudoun Times-Mirror and a lawyer's blog, say they slowed at the intersections and rolled through only when they saw that the coast was clear ….

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2009/07/09/ms-8-bicyclists-go-separate-ways-in-response-to-no-stop-tickets/

Historic tour bicycle joins Missoula collection

Just like the Wright Brothers' first airplane that sits in the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, some transportation marvels deserve recognition.

So it is with the triple tandem built by bicycling advocate and enthusiast Bill Bliss.

The bicycle carried Bill and his two daughters, Shannon, 8, and Heather, 7, on a 4,200-mile TransAmerica bike ride in 1976 to commemorate the nation's Bicentennial. It now adorns the entryway to the Adventure Cycling Association headquarters in Missoula, Montana …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2009/07/08/historic-tour-bicycle-joins-missoula-collection/

Bicycles will roll across Seattle's I-90 bridge as traffic stops

The Cascade Bicycle Club knows when and where to find potential converts to bicycle commuting.

Their latest project will be encouraging commuters to beat the Interstate 90 bridge repair backups by using their bicycles.

The Washington Department of Transportation began working on the I-90 bridge across Lake Washington on Sunday, a job that will continue until about July 20. “Unprecedented levels” of traffic congestion are anticipated.

Although the westbound mainline bridge will be closed around the clock, the bike/pedestrian path will remain open because two temporary bridges have been installed.

The Seattle-based bicycle club, among the largest and most active in the nation, is launching its “Bridging with Bikes” program to encourage commuters to use their bicycles instead of cars. ….

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2009/07/05/bicycles-will-roll-across-seattles-i-90-bridge-as-traffic-stops/

The incredible lightness of being
an ultralight bicycle traveler

A couple of days ago I stumbled across a bicyclist who is preparing to ride from Vancouver, BC, to New York City with less than 35 pounds — including his bicycle.

This is no credit card tour, however. The cyclist, Igor Kovse, is geared for full-out camping with a tent, sleeping bag and a pad. He's also carrying tools, clothing for wet and cold weather, a camera and photographic supplies.

Whenever I'm bicycle touring, it's obvious that I'm in serious need of a gear diet. That's why I like to see how the ultralight half lives.

Apparently Igor has been traveling like this for quite a few years. He announced his upcoming transcontinental tour at the Ultralight Biking Yahoo group, and referred people to his Crazy Guy on a Bike touring page for a previous ride from Dushanbe to Delhi that lists all of his equipment …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2009/07/01/the-incredible-lightness-of-being-an-ultralight-bicycle-traveler/

Bicycling's impact on bone density

Another day, another study with something for us to worry about.

Coming on the heels of a report that tied bicycling and infertility, the New York Times reports on a couple of studies that ties bicycling with the reduction in bone density.

That makes cyclists more susceptible to breaks, such as Lance Armstrong's collarbone fracture earlier this year, above.

An encouraging note is that recreational cyclists are not subject to the infertility and bone density problems. The studies looked only at elite athletes who push themselves to the extreme in training and competition ….

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2009/07/01/bicyclings-impact-on-bone-density/

One Sunday spent noodlin' around on a bicycle

Although I don't keep to a tightly regimented training schedule for bicycling, I usually know my route when I roll down the driveway and I'll stick to it.

Occasionally, though, I just take my bike and head out with no destination in mind. I'm just going out exploring on my bike, or noodling around. Although it doesn't account for many miles in the saddle, it always results in some interesting finds.

On Sunday, for example, I headed down the pipeline right-of-way on my Rockhopper and followed it to the dead-end above May Creek. That's where I veered into the woods on a light trail. Not far along, I came upon this vintage US Mail truck rusting back into its elements in the woods …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2009/06/30/one-sunday-spent-noodlin-around-on-a-bicycle/

New study: Too much time on the bicycle can lead to infertility

How much bicycling is too much if you're trying to start a family?

Lengthy and frequent bicycling — like more than 186 miles a week — can cause “significant fertility problems” for men, says a report presented to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

But bicycling to work on a daily basis wouldn't cause a significant increase in abnormal sperm.

This isn't another urological study about saddle pressure causing male impotence. The current study from the University of Cordoba Medical School finds that tight clothing that holds heat, friction of the testes against the saddle and the stress from hours of high-energy exercise can contribute to inferior sperm quality …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2009/06/30/new-study-too-much-time-on-the-bicycle-can-lead-to-infertility/

US cyclists at 2009 Tour de France are an experienced bunch

This 2009 Tour de France — starting Saturday in Monaco — might seem like old times for viewers, as many of the seven cyclists from the US are blasts from the past.

In fact, the seven spread across three teams has tallied 47 Tours de France among them.

The biggest name is of course Lance Armstrong, 37, who returns to the peloton after a three-year hiatus. A winner of seven straight Tours de France between 1999 and 2005, he needs no introduction. This is Armstrong's 12th Tour start.

Returning to the Tour de France in 2009 for his seventh start is Armstrong teammate Levi Leipheimer, 35, who had to sit out last year because he happened to be a member of the banned Astana team. Remember Let Levi Ride …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2009/06/29/us-cyclists-at-2009-tour-de-france-are-an-experienced-bunch/

Louisiana governor signs 3-foot rule for bicyclists; outlaws harassment

Louisiana has joined the list of states where motorists are required to give bicyclists a 3-foot margin when passing.

The legislature passed the bill earlier this month and a reader informed me yesterday that Gov. Bobby Jindal signed the bill into law on Thursday.

That's not all. The bill (HB 725) contains language that specifically makes harassing bicyclists a crime:

“It shall be unlawful to harass, taunt, or maliciously throw objects at or in the direction of anyone riding a bicycle.” ….

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2009/06/29/louisiana-governor-signs-3-foot-rule-for-bicyclists-outlaws-harassment/

Willie Weir publishes more bicycle travel stories

Those of you who read Adventure Cyclist magazine are probably familiar with the writings of columnist Willie Weir.

Although he calls Seattle his home, Weir spends much of his time traveling the world by bicycle. As he tells it:

“I'm not an avid bicyclist, but a traveler who discovered the bicycle.”

Weir has compiled his best Adventure Cyclist writings into a book, “Travels with Willie,” that's available in paperback for $15 at the Willie Weir website, or as a download for a donation.

The former actor explains that the digital download book is offered in the spirit of live theater that often has a “pay what you can” performance.

“If it inspires you or someone you know to get on their bicycle and explore the world, then it has served its intended purpose.” …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2009/06/26/willie-weir-publishes-more-bicycle-travel-stories/