Somehow we both won

Casually I was riding down broadway and suddenly a runner zoomed past me. How dare he speed past me? I could bolt down the sidewalk and leave him in the cold. Somehow we started to have a friendly little competition, racing back and forth. Obviously I could have crushed him and his chicken legs, but I wanted to keep it interesting. I let him pass me for a block or so and would zoom past him. Like the audacious runner that he is, he tried to keep up. It was funny, it was like toying with a puppet. Anyway, it was fun. It was fun to be in a competition again, seeing who is faster, seeing who would win. In reality we both won. I had fun toying with the runner, and he had fun...uuh maybe catching his breath?

Ripped Again

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Every bicyclist knows the feeling of denim slicing through their cranks. I myself only own one pair of jeans without a ripped right pant leg. You either embrace the look as a DIY ventilation system, or use a rubber band to tighten the slack. I prefer the cool breeze, but for some I offer a sustainable solution.

An artist on Etsy recently released the Recycled Bicycle Pant Strap. The straps, old inner tubes, solve the problem of the ripped pant leg, while keeping fashion in mind. The rubber allows minimal slippage, and the Velcro adjusts to any size ankle. She even recycles dresses, adding a wonderful color splash to the simple leg accessory. Leg straps aren’t a new invention, but this cyclists deserves serious props.

This bicyclist/artist claims her greatest joy roots in making things that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Instead of going to the bike shop and paying 20 dollars for a goofy, factory made rubber band, check out the Recycled Bicycle Pant Strap on Etsy. She only charges 4 dollars and offers an assortment of other funky, reclaimed objects.

Alternative ideas for pant straps include hair ties, ski straps, or a coarse piece of hemp rope. Unless you excel in sewing, you may want to find a solution that works for you. Straps save your pants and keep your right calf warm. You can trust me on this issue, my wallets made from inner tubes and my computer case is foam egg carton covered in corduroys.

Bring it Back

Remember the good ol' days when we used to put playing cards in our spokes? Yeah weren't those the days when we had nothing to worry about? I think we should bring back those days. Let's try to find some cards get a hanger clip and forget about worries in life and ride carefree. The sound of the card on each spoke is music to the ears. It's something we all haven't heard for a while and we HAVE to bring it back.

Displace, Displace!

http://www.king5.com/news/local/WSP-seeks-witnesses-to-bicycle-accident-on-SR-202-near-Redmond-80515797.html

Say you're in the same situation with this poor poor rider, what would be running through your mind? I for one still have bad memories from my near fatal crash. You think about how lucky you are, but you always get back on. It's important to be a safe rider. Being a safe rider means following street signs and what not, and it also means being aware of your surroundings. Even if you're riding safely it doesn't mean others are being safe. It's unfortunate that this rider had to go through this incident. Let's remember to just be safe in a 360 degree perspective. Happy cycling!

Start Making Sense

Check out where you can pick up Bicycle Diaries at: http://www.davidbyrne.com/art/books/bicycle_diaries/

You may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile, unless you’re David Byrne. I recently discovered lead man from the Talking Heads new book, Bicycle Diaries. For anyone who didn’t hear their parents blasting Talking Heads well into the mid 90’s, you may want to stop reading, and start downloading some albums before continuing with this post.

David Byrne’s quirky sense of humor and brilliant consideration for visual presentation never ceases to amaze an audience, but it’s what he does on two wheels that may be his “simplest” endeavor. His new book explores his perspective of the world through the lens of his bicycle rides. Byrne’s a diehard; he rides the mean streets of the Big Apple, and when out of town, focuses much of energy exploring cities. On one journey, he parallels parts of Detroit to post war Europe, emphasizes the crumbling infrastructure of a misguided culture. He reminds readers how beautiful a slowed down world can be, and how depressingly noticeable dilapidation becomes when not speeding by at 65 mph.

Byrne offers alternatives to a motor powered world, but remains sensitive to regional solutions. The book does not solely harp on political motivations, but rather an artistic interpretation of various landscapes and cultures. More, and funkier bike racks play out in Byrne’s mind, while seeing new possibilities for roadways and bike lanes. His love affair with the bicycle has shown him a world he may have missed in a limo or tour bus. Bicycle Diaries contributes serious dialogue to bicycle advocates. So you may ask yourself where does that highway lead to, but for David Byrne the journey overshadows the destination.

What would you do for a Klondike Bar?

Really, I think the question is what wouldn't you do for a Klondike bar? It's a delicacy, it's minty, it's a hint of heaven in your mouth. Why do I bring this up? Have you ever craved something so much that you would do anything to get it? Would you ride through a half foot of fresh snow to King Soopers to get a box of ice cream treats? I'm betting you would because you're probably a die hard rider, and that's fantastic. What if you came home from the store with your ice cream treats and your body was soaking wet with slush and motor oil? Would you still ride? Share some of your die hard stories...

Of Course There's a Santa

I got home and there were Christmas lights glistening in our front yard. I walked inside and there was no Christmas tree to be found. I searched every nook and cranny but no, there was no tree. So I figured this year was a little slow and I wasn't expecting much from the padres. Like always I got a pat on the back and a "good job, keep it up!" The night before Christmas I didn't hear Santa's obese self come down the chimney, I didn't even hear a mouse...I slowly got up with no expectations and I find a pair of Bontrager XXX Lite wheels in the living room. Tears almost crawled down my cheek, I don't know if it was from the happiness or from my stubbing my toe on the stairwell. Nonetheless, Santa prevailed and I love my gift.