Once I got home, I changed, packed some food and headed to Griffith Park in Claremont with the family. It was a beautiful day, and the kids played for a few hours while Jamie and I relaxed, listened to music and read.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Glendora Mountain Road and then a Family Bike Ride
Once I got home, I changed, packed some food and headed to Griffith Park in Claremont with the family. It was a beautiful day, and the kids played for a few hours while Jamie and I relaxed, listened to music and read.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Jesus Loves Bicycles
It takes nearly a full day to reach just one village with the Good News of Christ when missionaries are confined to walking. Giving a bicycle allows for multiple villages to be reached in one day, and provides more space to carry Gospel materials.
Monday, May 28, 2012
To Potato with Antonio
Sometimes plans don't pan out as expected. A week ago I rec'd a FB message from a fellow racer asking if I was interested in a ride to Potato on Saturday. Its been awhile since any type of MTB ride so I was all in. I invited Eric and his group, Mike L (and his buddy Scott), Antonio and the friend from FB.
Eric and his group arrived at our meet up location early and was pressed for time. They took off early. Mike L and Scott arrived a few minutes late and we decided to wait 10 minutes for Antonio. My racer friend from FB never showed up. After 10 minutes of waiting around Mike L, Scott and I decided to head up Marshal Canyon.
Shortly entering Marshal Canyon, we crossed paths with Antonio. Antonio continued to Oak Mesa looking for our friend from FB. I told Antonio FB Friend is a no show but he insisted on seeing for himself. I told Antonio we'll see him up Marshal Canyon.
Mike L, Scott and I headed up Marshal Canyon fairly quickly but Mike L was having some trouble keeping up. He's been off the bike for a few months and getting back into the swing of things can be difficult. Scott and I rode up a few miles into Marshal Canyon and stopped short of the "Three Bitches" before deciding this is a good place to wait for Mike L. The "Three Bitches" are three sections of fairly short but steep climbs. I think either Romeo (whom I haven't ridden with in ages) or some dude from SC Velo coined the term.
I tell Scott I am going to ride back to Mike L and soon enough Antonio was coming around the corner. A few seconds following Antonio was Mike L. He's bonked. Antonio and I decide to break apart and ride together up Marshal Canyon to Potato. The ride was fast (at least for me) and we were at the top of Potato in no time.
At Potato, we snapped a few pictures, and spoke with a very chatty Park Ranger before heading down for a loop around Burbank to Cobol Canyon.
Eric and his group arrived at our meet up location early and was pressed for time. They took off early. Mike L and Scott arrived a few minutes late and we decided to wait 10 minutes for Antonio. My racer friend from FB never showed up. After 10 minutes of waiting around Mike L, Scott and I decided to head up Marshal Canyon.
Shortly entering Marshal Canyon, we crossed paths with Antonio. Antonio continued to Oak Mesa looking for our friend from FB. I told Antonio FB Friend is a no show but he insisted on seeing for himself. I told Antonio we'll see him up Marshal Canyon.
Mike L, Scott and I headed up Marshal Canyon fairly quickly but Mike L was having some trouble keeping up. He's been off the bike for a few months and getting back into the swing of things can be difficult. Scott and I rode up a few miles into Marshal Canyon and stopped short of the "Three Bitches" before deciding this is a good place to wait for Mike L. The "Three Bitches" are three sections of fairly short but steep climbs. I think either Romeo (whom I haven't ridden with in ages) or some dude from SC Velo coined the term.
I tell Scott I am going to ride back to Mike L and soon enough Antonio was coming around the corner. A few seconds following Antonio was Mike L. He's bonked. Antonio and I decide to break apart and ride together up Marshal Canyon to Potato. The ride was fast (at least for me) and we were at the top of Potato in no time.
At Potato, we snapped a few pictures, and spoke with a very chatty Park Ranger before heading down for a loop around Burbank to Cobol Canyon.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Saturday Night in Santa Barbara
Jamie and I decided on an overnight getaway in Santa Barbara. After my ride, we packed the car and headed to Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara was great. We rode up and down Cabrillo, ate at Bropheys and watch my aunt's band perform at Tony Rays. What a great getaway.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
Bespoked Bristol 2012
This years UK Handmade Bicycle Show. Held in Brunel's Old Station exhibition centre over three days on March 2012.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Buds Ride
I was swallowed up and pooped out the back. This happened twice during the Buds ride. Is it just me or are these guys/gals ridiculously fast?
I saw Michael from The Claremont Cyclist, that was nice, but it was in passing.
I did four laps.
I saw Michael from The Claremont Cyclist, that was nice, but it was in passing.
I did four laps.
Verde BMX UK Trip 2012
Dave Thompson, Kevin Kiraly & Verde TM Will Stroud made a trip to the UK to visit and tour with Verde's UK team - Toby Forte, Martyn Tambling, Will Herrmann & Scott Summerhayes. We spent a week driving around the South of England dodging the rain and riding when the weather allowed.
Special thanks to Toby Forte, Shiner Bicycles, Ride UK, Nathan Beddows, Crucial BMX Shop and all the cool locals that we met and let us ride their spots & trails.
Make sure to check out the Verde UK trip article in Ride UK issue 143.
www.verdebmx.com
www.shiner.co.uk
www.rideukbmx.com
Music:
Song 1 "Oscillate Wildly (Instrumental)" by The Smiths
Song 2 "Lucidity" by Tame Impala
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
The Courier Effect
Genre: Documentary
Year: 2010
Director/DP/Editor: Andrew Crighton
**Screened in over 25 cities internationally via The Bicycle Film Festival**
Shot in Barcelona, Berlin, and Paris
Special thanks to Mo, Mike Macca, Mahrou, Dirk and everyone else I met on my journey
Monday, May 21, 2012
More Tour of California, Stage 7 Ontario
I had so much fun Saturday. There is something magical, powerful and purely exhilarating about bicycle racing. I am so grateful TofC planner decided on Mt Baldy this year and last. Baldy is a monster climb and just outside my back yard.
Here are a few pictures from Diane. Diane was working at our Splash Dogs booth in Ontario and was able to shoot a number of pictures. See them all here ...
Here are a few pictures from Diane. Diane was working at our Splash Dogs booth in Ontario and was able to shoot a number of pictures. See them all here ...
King of the Hill
I really want to do something like this up GMR. Any takers?
Team Kayuh Kuat Kuat presents the first ever King of the Hill. A total of 38 riders participated in this time trial race up Mount Faber.
Music:
El Michels Affair - Too Late to Turn Back
Bad Brains - Banned in DC
El Michels Affair - This Song's for You
Team Kayuh Kuat Kuat presents the first ever King of the Hill. A total of 38 riders participated in this time trial race up Mount Faber.
Music:
El Michels Affair - Too Late to Turn Back
Bad Brains - Banned in DC
El Michels Affair - This Song's for You
Saturday, May 19, 2012
2012 Amgen Tour of California, Stage 7 Mt Baldy
What a great day of racing. I headed out at about 8 am on my fixed gear. 46 x 16 and ready to attack Mt Baldy. The ride up was hard.
When I arrived at the first KOM, it was pretty bleak. Not much was going on but that changed as we got closer to noon. By noon, it was packed with tons of spectators.
Madness, by the time the racers reached the first KOM, it was pure mayhem. So much fun!
After, I headed down GRR with the hopes of reaching the Maintenance Shed were some friends were waiting with cold drinks and food! The plan was to watch the racers snake up GMR. I was a tad too late, because GMR was closed off at East Fork. I wasn't able to pass until the racers came thru, which was an hour and a half later.
Just above East Fork, Chris Horner was in the lead.
KOM Madness. The first KOM is my favorite spot. So many people and so much mayhem.
Look it is Mark from Incycle. He wore this costume last year.
Above is Stan. Below is Eric. It was nice seeing you guys!
While waiting, I ran into Mike Luna. We went to HS together. I had a great time and Mike we need to go on a ride!
When I arrived at the first KOM, it was pretty bleak. Not much was going on but that changed as we got closer to noon. By noon, it was packed with tons of spectators.
Madness, by the time the racers reached the first KOM, it was pure mayhem. So much fun!
After, I headed down GRR with the hopes of reaching the Maintenance Shed were some friends were waiting with cold drinks and food! The plan was to watch the racers snake up GMR. I was a tad too late, because GMR was closed off at East Fork. I wasn't able to pass until the racers came thru, which was an hour and a half later.
Just above East Fork, Chris Horner was in the lead.
KOM Madness. The first KOM is my favorite spot. So many people and so much mayhem.
Look it is Mark from Incycle. He wore this costume last year.
Above is Stan. Below is Eric. It was nice seeing you guys!
While waiting, I ran into Mike Luna. We went to HS together. I had a great time and Mike we need to go on a ride!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Slow Mo
7D slow motion test footage of my friend doing bmx tricks.
Everything was shot in 720p 60fps.
Edited with Twixtor in After Effects.
Lens used: Canon EFS 18-135 mm
Shutter speed unknown
Music: "Fly Away"
Composed by:Niklas Aman, STIM
Published by: Freeplaymusic, BMI
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Tour of Flanders & Paris-Roubaix Challenge 2012
The Windjammers 'Weekend in Hell' with back to back cyclo's in Flanders and Roubaix. Plenty of climbs and plenty of pavé for our men from the North. Epic weekend. More on www.the-windjammers.net
Wooden Bike!
Six years ago the Tellería brothers (Aitzol and Andoitz), both professionals in the wood industry and fans of bicycle culture and mountain sport, joined up with fellow professional Enrique Ardura. Together, they were inspired to develop a project that combined their knowledge of wood modification technology and all its potential.
Working from their joinery called Txirbil (meaning ‘wood shaving’ in Euskera, the ancient language of the Basque lands), the design team came to the conclusion that the tubular fibers of wood were perfect for creating a fast, sturdy bicycle frame. As well as having an interesting natural aesthetic, wood is resistant, can absorb a high level of vibration and can result much lighter than generally perceived.
Axalko is the name given to these new wooden bicycles, inspired by a character from the brothers’ childhood – a quick and ingenious fox who appeared in fables their grandmother told them.
An in-depth study was called for, looking at the effect the various forces would have on the bike frame in motion. Its micro-laminated finish allows for the utmost levels of resistance and rigidity. On the other hand, its hollow structure makes it really lightweight.
The core of the frame is made with ash tree wood, a species indigenous to the region and that can also be found all over Europe, including the Britain and Ireland. The bike has been favorably tested by members of professional teams as well as in two demanding races in France - the París-Roubaix and the Flandes Tour.
Like if it were a luthier atelier, most of the Axalko bike’s manufacturing process is done by hand, meaning care is taken over every detail, whether technical or aesthetic. Clients can have their model customized by choosing the colors and laminated finish. Durable, practical and elegant, the Axalko bike sets the bar high for stylish commuting.
When asked about their innovative technique, Axalko’s creators simply answer that they have bridled a technology already found in nature.
http://axalko.com/
www.confemadera.es
http://vimeo.com/channels/woodmasters
felices@communicology.es
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Five Bicycle Touring Questions for the Newcomer
Five Bicycle Touring Questions for the Newcomer
Yahoo Sports
By: Gerald Kennedy
2012-05-09
Link: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/five-bicycle-touring-questions-newcomer-000200072--spt.html
This is going to be a real departure for me because I know absolutely nothing about bicycle touring. I've traveled much of the country by car, hiked long distances and regularly paddle very long distances in small boats. Every year I paddle in a 100 mile marathon race down the Colorado River in Texas. I love to travel routes that most people never see. Exploring lakes and rivers while high powered bass boats rocket by show me that speeding boaters fail to see and experience life between point to point. Sedate side trips by car reveal that many people miss great scenery and wildlife right under their nose because they speed by to get some where else. I love motorcycles and have had one most of my life, will again, but the motorcycle experience is basically the same as a two wheeled car. So, the question is: are bicycles legitimate and practical touring, travel and exploration vehicles? I have questions but no answers.
Is it safe to bicycle tour?
This is a big question. I've started back to riding bicycles several times over the years. Each time I was yelled at, thrown at, and had cars whiz rather close by. This does concern me. I'll research and see what happens. Bicycles ridden by adults along the highway or back roads are more accepted and common now, but there are a lot of crazies out there. A reverse situation is those riders who insist they have the same rights as a car on the road. Legal or not, a bicycle will never win a confrontation with a car.
What kind of equipment is available?
As a kid I modified and switch components on a variety of bicycles to build sleek fenderless hot rods. Schwinn forks were the hot item because they could stand up to the abuse of ramping. I guess you could call these old hybrid bicycles the fore runners of the modern day mountain bike. My friends and I stuck up our nose at the relatively new 3-speed skinny tired English Racer. I know so little about modern bicycles that this is going to be big learning experience. I think it will be enjoyable. An interesting side note is that I use bicycle brake cables for rudder control systems on kayaks.
What are the physical considerations?
I suppose this has to be decided by every individual. Most of us are not in really good shape. The riding regime would need to start slowly and build up to determine touring capabilities.
Can an older person tour?
I have a friend, an older guy, who regularly competes in mountain bike competitions and 100 mile bicycle races. I'm 10 years older than he is! Arthritis is a concern, but I'm in pretty good shape and regularly paddle very long distances. I'm not going to race and have no problem with resting when necessary. I guess the question will be answered in practice. Bicycle riding is a low impact sport much like kayak paddling. This should work great for older bodies.
Are there popular touring routes?
Well, son of a gun! A quick search reveals that more than 40 states are working on U.S. Bicycle Routes. The same search reveals many popular routes. I know of many roads and routes in central Texas and other states that should be good for bicycles. I think this may work out!
I haven't told my wife about this. There is absolutely no possibility she will join me in any type of touring--except to visit a quilt store. For the most part she calls me a crazy old fool for my numerous adventures. I don't disagree with her, but I'm not going through the pearly gates without exploring the route along the way. Maybe a bicycle will help--maybe not. Experienced bicycle riders and tourers are very welcome to give advice and express their opinions in the comment section below. I need to know! Join me in this journey.
Yahoo Sports
By: Gerald Kennedy
2012-05-09
Link: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/five-bicycle-touring-questions-newcomer-000200072--spt.html
This is going to be a real departure for me because I know absolutely nothing about bicycle touring. I've traveled much of the country by car, hiked long distances and regularly paddle very long distances in small boats. Every year I paddle in a 100 mile marathon race down the Colorado River in Texas. I love to travel routes that most people never see. Exploring lakes and rivers while high powered bass boats rocket by show me that speeding boaters fail to see and experience life between point to point. Sedate side trips by car reveal that many people miss great scenery and wildlife right under their nose because they speed by to get some where else. I love motorcycles and have had one most of my life, will again, but the motorcycle experience is basically the same as a two wheeled car. So, the question is: are bicycles legitimate and practical touring, travel and exploration vehicles? I have questions but no answers.
Is it safe to bicycle tour?
This is a big question. I've started back to riding bicycles several times over the years. Each time I was yelled at, thrown at, and had cars whiz rather close by. This does concern me. I'll research and see what happens. Bicycles ridden by adults along the highway or back roads are more accepted and common now, but there are a lot of crazies out there. A reverse situation is those riders who insist they have the same rights as a car on the road. Legal or not, a bicycle will never win a confrontation with a car.
What kind of equipment is available?
As a kid I modified and switch components on a variety of bicycles to build sleek fenderless hot rods. Schwinn forks were the hot item because they could stand up to the abuse of ramping. I guess you could call these old hybrid bicycles the fore runners of the modern day mountain bike. My friends and I stuck up our nose at the relatively new 3-speed skinny tired English Racer. I know so little about modern bicycles that this is going to be big learning experience. I think it will be enjoyable. An interesting side note is that I use bicycle brake cables for rudder control systems on kayaks.
What are the physical considerations?
I suppose this has to be decided by every individual. Most of us are not in really good shape. The riding regime would need to start slowly and build up to determine touring capabilities.
Can an older person tour?
I have a friend, an older guy, who regularly competes in mountain bike competitions and 100 mile bicycle races. I'm 10 years older than he is! Arthritis is a concern, but I'm in pretty good shape and regularly paddle very long distances. I'm not going to race and have no problem with resting when necessary. I guess the question will be answered in practice. Bicycle riding is a low impact sport much like kayak paddling. This should work great for older bodies.
Are there popular touring routes?
Well, son of a gun! A quick search reveals that more than 40 states are working on U.S. Bicycle Routes. The same search reveals many popular routes. I know of many roads and routes in central Texas and other states that should be good for bicycles. I think this may work out!
I haven't told my wife about this. There is absolutely no possibility she will join me in any type of touring--except to visit a quilt store. For the most part she calls me a crazy old fool for my numerous adventures. I don't disagree with her, but I'm not going through the pearly gates without exploring the route along the way. Maybe a bicycle will help--maybe not. Experienced bicycle riders and tourers are very welcome to give advice and express their opinions in the comment section below. I need to know! Join me in this journey.
Moosach bikes
Moosach bikes, the exclusive bike brand from the country of a million bikes and Dutch Design. We're building sleek new designer specimens based on vintage (road-bike style) frames from the seventies, eighties and nineties. Each re-born bike has its own name and look, depending on the frame’s history and the creators. As a small-scale brand we're, above all, exclusive: each year, only twelve of these Moosachs will be wheeled out. Models can be seen on http://www.moosach-bikes.com.
Music (CC): R Hood, Pete Philly. Please check Pete out on http://www.openloop.nl
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
4 Bike Laws to Gear Up for Bike to Work Day
4 Bike Laws to Gear Up for Bike to Work Day
Reuters
By: Andrew Chow, JD
2012-05-08
Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/09/tagblogsfindlawcom2012-lawandlife-idUS76285780120120509
May is National
Bike Month, and thousands of amateur cyclists are set to hit the streets
on Bike to Work Day — which actually falls on different days, depending
on where you live — and, for the first time this year, Bike to School
Day.
But before you strap on that helmet (you are wearing a helmet, right?) and head out the door, you may want a quick refresher in bike laws that you may not know about.
Here are four types of bike laws, and how they generally apply nationwide:
1. Bicyclists must stop at red lights. After you've stopped, however, some states allow bicyclists to run a red light if there's no cross-traffic -- but not all, according to the website Active.com. Also, if a traffic-light sensor fails to detect your bike, laws generally allow you to proceed after you sit through one complete light cycle. But check the bike laws in your state first.
2. Ride with traffic. State laws generally require bicyclists to ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic. Riding against traffic may seem "safer" because you can see the cars coming -- but it's actually a leading cause of bike accidents, according to the website BicycleSafe.com.
3. Bicycling while intoxicated. Some states treat drunken biking infractions the same as drunken driving. The key is whether a bicycle fits under a state's definition of "vehicle"; some laws only punish intoxication while operating motor vehicles. A local DUI attorney can help figure out the nuances and help defend you in court.
4. Distracted biking. You've probably seen a few cyclists who bike while sending text messages or talking on a hand-held cell phone. Some local jurisdictions have enacted laws to prohibit distracted biking: Chicago, for example, passed a citywide ban on cell phone use while biking last fall, WMAQ-TV reports. Lawmakers in California are also considering a statewide bike law to ban cell phone use by cyclists, according to KCBS-TV.
So now, get out there and ride.
Related Resources:
But before you strap on that helmet (you are wearing a helmet, right?) and head out the door, you may want a quick refresher in bike laws that you may not know about.
Here are four types of bike laws, and how they generally apply nationwide:
1. Bicyclists must stop at red lights. After you've stopped, however, some states allow bicyclists to run a red light if there's no cross-traffic -- but not all, according to the website Active.com. Also, if a traffic-light sensor fails to detect your bike, laws generally allow you to proceed after you sit through one complete light cycle. But check the bike laws in your state first.
2. Ride with traffic. State laws generally require bicyclists to ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic. Riding against traffic may seem "safer" because you can see the cars coming -- but it's actually a leading cause of bike accidents, according to the website BicycleSafe.com.
3. Bicycling while intoxicated. Some states treat drunken biking infractions the same as drunken driving. The key is whether a bicycle fits under a state's definition of "vehicle"; some laws only punish intoxication while operating motor vehicles. A local DUI attorney can help figure out the nuances and help defend you in court.
4. Distracted biking. You've probably seen a few cyclists who bike while sending text messages or talking on a hand-held cell phone. Some local jurisdictions have enacted laws to prohibit distracted biking: Chicago, for example, passed a citywide ban on cell phone use while biking last fall, WMAQ-TV reports. Lawmakers in California are also considering a statewide bike law to ban cell phone use by cyclists, according to KCBS-TV.
So now, get out there and ride.
Related Resources:
- Bicycle Accidents: Cyclists Must Obey Traffic Laws (FindLaw's Injured)
- Bicyclist's Hit-and-Run Video Leads to Arrest (FindLaw's Injured)
- Tips and Techniques - Rules of the Road (League of American Bicyclists)
- Bicycle Laws (FindLaw)
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Fixing Up Some Glendora Mountain Road Time
I love to ride, I love GMR.
I was pressed for time so I was out of the house by 6:00 am in the morning. It looks like the cold mornings are a thing of the past, and I left the house in a simple jersey and shorts. No need to bring my windbreaker, arm and leg warmers. I felt so free.
I decided to ride my green fixie. My fixed gear bike is quickly becoming my favorite bike. Its amazingly comfortable and quick. Riding GMR fixed is a great challenge.
So I headed out at 6:00 am only to have to turn around a quarter mile into my ride. I forgot my special tool to remove my wheels in the event of a flat. I rarely get flats, and I didn't get one this time, but I guarantee if I forgot the tool, I'd get a flat.
I made great time and was at the maintenance shed in no time. I rested there longer than usual before heading back. It was nice up there and I let the sun warm my body. A few riders rode past, there was a small group of riders from Glendale and Los Angeles.
Bombing down GMR on the fixie was a blast. I'm getting much better modulating my speed with my legs. I sped down the mountain and just after the first saddle I came upon Kevin. Kevin had a good clip and was heading up. I hung with him for a few minutes. He looked good and didn't seem to be fatigued. He's getting stronger, and he set a goal of Fork Plus 2. Later that day he sent me an email. He did Fork Plus 2.5. Awsomeness and soon enough, we'll be eating and drinking at the cafe in Mt Baldy. I can't wait!
There were dozens of skateboarders just at the first saddle. They were chomping at the bit and ready to head down. I stopped and let them go first. From a car, a woman was telling her son to go last so she could follow him down. I followed them down. As I followed, I imagined this woman was the equivalent to a "Soccer" mom and how cool it was to have her supporting her son in this very different type of sport.
At the bottom of GMR, Christian sped past me. We said hello before I made my left on Sierra Madre and headed back home.
Riding GMR fixed is a great exercise and my legs are a bit sore tonight. Not too sore, but just enough.
