Bicycle Commuting Now

Bicycles in Iceland

2008-06-07T04:34:00.003-04:00

Well here I am in Iceland and I don't have a bike to ride. I am located at a forest house in the Þjorsardalur forest, southern Iceland district. We went into Selfoss yesterday to shop for groceries and supplies for the house, and saw lots of bikes. People use them regularly here in the cities it appears, but not so much out in the countryside. I wonder why?

Well maybe because, it is so far from place to place once you get out of the city limits, and what else, the roads are so damned narrow! No berms when you get outside the city! Out of all the tourist type activities I have witnessed so far, bicycling doesn't seem to be one of them. I have seen horseback riding, ATV riding, 4x4 SUV driving, but no bicycle touring going on.

People also seem to be very trusting here. All the bikes I saw outside of buildings and stored in town where just sitting idle and unlocked! Very trusting i say again.

Well, one goal while I am here is to try and find some used bikes to install at the forest house. What fun it would be to just use them to wheel around, maybe along the forest roads? I'll let you know how this quest turns out. I can't really spend much money from my travel budget for this, and things are quite expensive here so it may be tough to acquire any bikes. If anyone is reading from Iceland and has some extra runaround bikes for cheap or free you'd like to donate to us student volunteers, speak up please. Or if you know of any groups, organizations, flea markets etc where they might be acquired, well that info would be greatly appreciated as well.

Bikes in Storage

2008-05-28T11:34:00.002-04:00

Well, it comes down to this. I am traveling for a bit this summer, and have moved out of my apartment, and I am going out of country. So the bikes of mine (sweet little bikes of mine, they gonna let their love light shine!) are in storage. My main bike was literally the last thing I put away, as I held onto it to use until the very last moment. I will miss them, though of course, not in the same way as the people I love. I'll probably still post here though, as in Iceland, there may very well be biking opportunities or related stories. Anyone been to Iceland by the way and want to pass on your story? If it is bicycle related I'll even post it as a guest blogger post.

I am even hoping to get my hands on a used bike while at the forest house I'll be living at to ride around the country roads, or maybe there is already one or two sitting there waiting for riders, after all, lots of itinerant travelers come and go for this internship position, and you would think someone had gone through the trouble of having some bikes on hand? We'll see. peace.

Listening to: Sigur Ros

Left for Good

2008-05-22T13:07:00.003-04:00

Well, I guess this is an example of what can happen when you are lax about locking up your bike properly. What I do when parking in any public place is use the dual lock method. Lightweight cord lock around frame, and rack, and through front wheel; then U-lock through rear wheel, frame and rack. This protects everything.

As you can see, this unfortunate soul only had their front wheel locked up, and someone made off with the rear wheel, which according to my knowledge is the second most expensive part of a bike to replace after the frame when you consider it contains the wheel, frame and cog set.

I had at first thought maybe this rider just had a flat and took the rear wheel home to replace it, but alas, I've been keeping an eye on this beauty as I walk by on occasion crossing the S.U. campus, and it has been in this location and in this condition for about a whole year now. Vandalized and abandoned, wonder when the S.U. staff will remove this bike?

Along for a Walk

2008-05-09T21:32:00.002-04:00

While riding home on Thursday, I spied my friend Nate walking his bike along the side of the road. Naturally I pulled over to check in and say hi, see what was up, though anyone could have guessed it was a flat necessitating his pushing his bike home. And it was, he didn't know what caused it. Just rode into campus in the morning fine, then come to get his bike for the return trip in the late afternoon, and flatness greeted him.

So I hadn't seen Nate to chat in a while, and this was a good opportunity to do so. Our routes are the same, at least they were today as I was not veering off the main road but just intent on getting home. So I walked him to his apartment house before continuing on further to mine.

This just reminds me though of one of the reasons why, when distance and time is not a factor, that I have been choosing to walk rather than bike. We speed by each other most of the time when on bikes just as if we are in cars. Sure there is the occasional pulling up to a stoplight at the same time and exchanging a few words, but nothing like walking and talking for 20 or 30 minutes will get you. And in general I find my mind works better when my legs are doing their job. Whether it is just chatting, or believe it or not, studying for an exam, or practicing a presentation, getting the whole body in motion energizes the mind, and I find at least, energizes a conversation as well.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-04-27T20:56:00.004-04:00

First off, I apologize for te broken picture links on the main page here at bcn. Somehow they have just started failing to work, so I need to go check with the site where they have been hosted. I'll get to it soon I promise. It's just been very busy, busy, busy with Earth Week festivities and planning, and finals week coming up.

On a lighter note, I found a brief extra half hour to print out some graphics and have a friend (Marcia) laminate some spoke cards for me the morning of the Earth Day event yesterday (Saturday). We only made up about 9 cards (all the laminate I had on hand), but it was enough unfortunately as only one person showed up on bike, with child in tow no less via trailer. Anyway, here;s a quick pic, nothing special, just our group logo and website, and the event flyer in miniature. We'll get more funky next time for sure.

Be sure to visit alchemicalnursery.collectivex.com

Earth Day at Lipe Art Park

2008-04-25T20:55:00.000-04:00

Can you feel my speed?

2008-04-21T22:46:00.002-04:00

Word has it that you don't need to stop at traffic lights or stop signs, nor do you need to yield at yield signs, if you are riding a bicycle. This would have made a good April Fool's post, no?

It ain't true of course. Myself, on a bicycle, I often am buzzed by bicyclists who are not stopping when they should be, and end up almost running into me. Case in point, the other day I am stopped at a 4-way stop sign, and proceeding to make a right, when the bicyclists coming straight from the left blows his stop sign and we are forced to swerve away from each other. If this bothers me, and other fellow bicyclists, do you imagine what choice words car drivers are having for these folks? Way to garner that good will for sharing the road, my fellow cyclists, keep up the good work (sarcasm in case you didn't get it)!

So I get passed many, many times when I am sitting at a red light, and a cyclist comes up along my right side and blows through the light without even slowing down. Incredulity rises within me at moments like these, and I take it upon myself to hunt them down and blow past them on the next straight-away, just to prove that all that not-stopping ain't getting them anywhere quicker than me, who was stopped, and just because it makes me feel good to hammer it down and fly by. Jerk. ; > )

Spoke Cards!

2008-04-16T11:53:00.002-04:00

Anyone out there make, collect, trade spoke cards? I am thinking about making up a few to hand out at the Earth Day event to commemorate it to those who arrive by bicycle. Tell me about your experiences with spoke cards.

Bereft

2008-04-16T11:39:00.004-04:00

Well this entry isn't specifically about bike riding, but I like to think that this blog has more breadth and depth to it than that. I just basically wanted to talk about this feeling of being isolated that I experienced twice in the past two days, and it all relates to technology - the cell phone specifically.

Yesterday, I was walking around Lipe Art Park, refamiliarizing myself with the layout in anticipation of my role there for the Earth Day event that is coming soon (I will write an entry on that in a day or so). I walked to the end of the park and crossed an overpass above S. Geddes St. finding myself in a derilect area of abandoned squats, graffiti canvases, and abandoned tires and other trash. A few paths wove here and there, a dead skunk lay staring up at me as I moved along.

And at some point I realized that this is a different experience for me being that I had my cell phone in my pocket. I did not feel quite like I was in "another world" as I might have in the past exploring edgy types of landscapes. I don't know how I feel about this quite yet.

In any case, I left the house this morning without my cell phone, totally unbeknownst to me. This is the first time I have ever done that, maybe not that amazing since I have only had a cell phone since last September, but never-the-less I was hit with an astounding "oh my God" when I realized half way to my destination that I didn't have it with me. How would people contact me, how would I contact them? What if I broke down on the side of the road? This disturbs me.

This relates to bicycling in that it is a commentary about how we interact with the world. Riding a bicycle or walking brings us closer to our surroundings, does having a cell phone someone take us away from those surroundings in some way?

Step Right Up and Win a Prize!

2008-04-15T06:57:00.003-04:00

I've never won a bicycle in my life, you know as a prize, but I certainly feel like I should have, I mean who doesn't, who doesn't feel that sense of elect? "I should/will win that bike because I deserve it". And I'm talking bikes now because this is bcn of course, but also because bicycles seem to be one of the prizes that so many contests turn to in their time of need. I have a applied for so many raffles, contests, etc that had a bicycle as a prize, just two most recently in fact.

One I don't even remember where I applied, it is such a commonplace thing to do so. The other was a sponsored raffle drawing by a company vendor at Natur-Tyme health and natural foods store. And the thing is, I don't need a bike. I love the one I got baby. But we always want to win something don't we. So that brings me to the speculation of how many bicycles are sitting in garages going unused because people enter contests for them who are not going to use them?

I for one, would use a bike I won or find a good home for it if it didn't fit for example. I am sometimes on the lookout for a good second bike, not that I don't like the blue Giant I have, just that it is a tad too small for my frame. Can you not imagine the 45 year old housewife shopping at the grocery store, entering the contest, telling herself she will start riding the bike, then having it sit in the corner for years to come? Hopefully, she has children or grandkids to bestow the treasure upon.

I'm just wildly speculating here, it is early, I am up up and can't get back to sleep, not even to dream about a shiny new bike.

Ironic?

2008-04-11T10:24:00.002-04:00

Wow, looking at my last entry. Has it been that long since I have posted. I probably don't have many readers anymore, so I might have to start from ground zero again, that is if I keep up with my postings this time around.

Anyway, I thought it was ironic that the first time I got my bike out to ride this Spring, was to get back from the auto garage where I dropped off my car to get an ABS sensor replaced. I took it to Fehlman Brothers over on James and Midler, and had to bike back up to Westcott from there. Anyone recommend a good auto shop closer to Westcott?

Truth is I have not been riding my bike much, because I have been walking. It is only a 20-30 minute walk to school and work (depending on how fast I go, and what part of campus is my destination), so I really enjoy that time and the exercise over a quick 5 minute pedal. I usually listen to a tech podcast, or maybe an alt-country or roots rock show on my phone MP3 player. Sometimes I listen to my own thoughts or the world around me. Sometimes I solve all my problems with my striding legs (can you feel my speed?).

Though if I am ever late it is nice to have the bike at the ready. It's been sitting in the basement all winter, which is a good space, not damp or anything. And all I needed to do was pump up the tires to pressure. I have some other stories and experiences to tell about already this Spring though, so I plan on being back blogging again real soon. Stay tuned.

Phones

2006-10-31T17:16:00.000-05:00

In addition to the ever ubiquitous ipod, I should also mention the ever present cell phone on the ear of pedestrian as they are crossing the road. Same issues as with the ipod listener last post. I really shouldn't have cleaned my rims this morning because during my procrastination of the past few weeks, my squeaky brakes have been the simplest warding-off pedestrians device I had. Saved my voice, no need to carry a whistle or horn, just squeeze those brakes and whoever is in front of you on a cell phone, won't be able to ignore that loud squeal. The girl last night literally jumped in the air and stared at me like a deer caught in the headlights, which she was as it was after dark and I had my lights on. I didn't have to say a word to her, my bike did all the talking.

As far as phones go, I don't have a cell, and what a bitch society can make it sometimes. All I wanted to do from Baker Hall last night was call home and let Sue know I was going to be over an hour late because of this intensely long and drawn out GIS project assignment. No luck. Couldn't call out on the house phones, didn't have a cell phone, and no pay phones in site. Maybe I just didn't know how to get an outside line on the campus phones, but the IT guy I asked said I couldn't do it, and they didn't work to get an outside line like the phone in my office space does either. Shouldn't it be a safety issue of some kind that phone access to off campus is available without having to own a cell phone? I'll have to see if I can find anything else out about this issue I have.

Tales from the Road

2006-10-27T08:35:00.000-04:00

Here I was thinking about the future of my blogging this morning, and considering I haven't written here for a week and just what oh what would I write about today - when the fine citizens of Syracuse gave me some things to tell home about.

First, a fine example of how car drivers on the hill do not know how to interact with bicyclists (and I think because the majority of us do not ride in a manner in which drivers know what to expect from us, see my report on the critical mass ride earlier). Approaching a four way stop I see a car approaching from my right and coming to a full stop. I then come to a stop obviously after the car did and even after they should have already proceeded past the intersection. But them, having seen me on a bike, and not expecting me to stop at the intersection, dawdle for a few more seconds and we are forced to look at each other perplexed - me for why she has not driven through the intersection yet and her for why am I stopping at the stop sign?

Second, I am traveling uphill and at a bit of a slow pace, in a wide lane which is extended for bus traffic to pull up to an advancing public transport stop, when I spy a white university pickup swerving from the oncoming traffic lane, not only into my traffic lane but all the way over to come to a dead stand still park not more than 50 feet ahead of me, facing me and directly blocking my land of travel. Granted it wasn't a problem because the traffic on the road is calm and light, and that is probably only one of the reasons this fella decided it was alright to park the opposite direction in my travel lane - but come on some consideration please.

Finally, thanks to the ubiquitous ipod, and this is something I encounter almost every day, I nearly take out a pedestrian who is mind numbingly crossing the roadway as I come out from around a 90 degree turn in the road. They are middle of the block not near a pedestrian crossing, looking straight ahead, and ipod zombie shuffling to their own pace. I could have swerved in front of them or in back of them, well I chose in front of course - might as well let them know I am there and that they could pay a little more attention to traffic than Timberlake, of which by the way bicyclists have always been bringing sexy back!

Whither Wheel Goest?

2006-10-20T17:11:00.000-04:00

I noticed a stolen rear wheel from a bike parked over on the SU campus the other day. It was near the art building, and was the bike was locked up onto a rack in plain view. It appears that the owner had only threaded a thin cable lock through the frame, and maybe the front wheel, but had opted out of any protection for the rear. We all know the story, if you don't then listen up - next to the frame the rear wheel is the most expensive part of your bike generally. If you don't want it stolen then use protection man! A U-lock through the rear spokes, collecting the rear frame and the bicycle rack is great. What I also do is use a medium thickness cable lock as a secondary deterrant and lock the bike to the rack with it as well, and include the front wheel for the sake of it (only takes 5 extra seconds).

I actually hope that it was not a stolen wheel and can just imagine that someone had a flat or some other malfunction, and just chose to carry the rear wheel home or to the shop instead of transporting the whole bike. Then once repaired, came back to join up the wheel with the waiting bike right where they left it tied up to the rack on campus. But if it was stolen. better their's than mine.

Syracuse Critical Mass Ride

2006-10-08T19:11:00.000-04:00

I was excited to see that someone had gone through the effort to organize a critical mass ride in Syracuse (see Link for Flyer). Granted I don't usually get excited about mass exhibiting like this, preferring to make more subtle avenues, but I am interested in my rights to the roadways and thought I would check out the ride and lend my support as a part of the mass.

I must say there was a pretty good turn-out, much better than I expected. Everyone met at the steps of Hendricks Chapel on the Syracuse U. quad at 5 pm, but due to some promotion mistakes, we had to wait around till 5:30 to leave as different times had been posted in different places. We headed out north towards and through Marshall St, then back towards South Campus, and then north again through Westcott, then turn-around and back south along Westcott, then back to the Syracuse Campus ending at the student center.

It was a good ride all-in-all. We stayed together well at first, even with some skateboarders in the group. Folks were doing good jobs of protecting the riders from cross traffic at intersections by blocking the side streets. The route went through a combo of university property, some quieter residential areas, and the main drag from main to south campus where traffic was backed up quite a bit by our ride. It felt great to be part of such a large group of riders, it felt safe to be on the street, I mean really safe as a part of this bubble, and I had never experienced riding so slow in the middle of a traffic lane before (we had to keep a pace doable for the whole group ya know).

But what I didn't like was some of the following: not stopping at red lights when we encountered them (I have no problem with the group going through lights that change red from green while we are in the middle of the intersection transverse, but when a stoplight is red and the first rider reaches it the mass should stop); passing cars on the right and the left both while travelling in the traffic lane and while they were stopped at lighted intersections; riding on the wrong side of the street and headlong into and around oncoming traffic; yelling aggressively at people in thier cars who are minding their own business; and yelling loudly to anyone listening "We Own the Streets!" (we don't solely own the streets, and neither do the car drivers, we share them, and should be considerate of each other).

Basically, I was there to show people in cars that bicyclists have the same rights to the road as they do, that we can coexist peacefully, and that I am not a threat to them; but this group managed to undoubtedly alienate many car drivers during this mass ride, and probably even scare them, and they certainly did not give good example of the kind of riding behavior that car drivers should be able to expect from bicyclists. I was going to hang with the group a bit further as they made way towards Armory Square as part of an extension to the main ride, but the group was getting more out-of-order, crossing intersections haphazardly, slicing through parked cars on all sides, and causing some drivers to honk and show signs of contempt towards us bicyclists. I left soon enough and peacefully made my way home.

I don't quite know what to say further. Was the ride a success or a failure? I am sure everyone of the ride would have a different opinion. Perhaps I just wasn't aware of what the purpose of the ride was? If it was to alienate and be aggressive in general causing a lot of muck-muck, then I am not down with it. I have mixed feelings as to how I should support this group, if at all.

Week in Review

2006-09-20T19:22:00.000-04:00

Not much to talk about from the past week. The weather has been shifting, and I've gotten wet a few days. My route is all flat or uphill in the morning, so I usually have a gentler and easier ride downhill when I am tired at the end of the day (though I often kick it just as hard when I am keeping up in traffic or racing the next light if trying to beat the worse weather home, but often I take it chill). Anyway today when I got to the bottom of 'the hill' I hit my flatland portion of the ride only to be confronted with a total head wind, so much for a casual pace home. I was pumping through those gusts like I was on an uphill it felt.

I contacted my grad student association president about trying to arrange better changing facilities on campus for bike riders. Right now my only option is to change in a bathroom stall which I am thankful for at least, though it is cramped and often dirty. I can go next door to the SU campus, but that is not so convenient when it is 8:00 in the morning, I'm wet, and needing to get into 'nicer' clothes and be on time for my 8:25 teaching assistant gig. Two men's room stalls have been 'out of order' since the semester started and I don't think anyone would miss one if the toilet was removed, and a bench, a shelf, some extra hooks, and a raised mat were installed. Does that sound reasonable?

Lost my Cool, then Got it Back

2006-09-12T20:03:00.000-04:00

Have you ever experienced that feeling when you know someone or something has just come up behind you, its usually when that someone or something is quite bigger than you. It made me think of scenes from Sci-fi movies when your in the theater and the heroes in the small ship start to feel this deep low rumble and the massive enemy ship comes up behind them. you just know its there and you didn't expect it to be, and maybe wish it wasn't there.

Well today I was at a stoplight, center of the right hand lane, and a car squeezes by me on the right. Boy was I pissed, and I knew it was coming, I could feel its presence moving up on me before I even saw it there. As it passed I reached out and slapped its side , I mean really , it didn't hit me but it had no right getting so close. The driver stopped rolled down the window and yelled how she saw me and was able to pass me, but I let her know she only squeezed by a hair past me.

I mean, I don't have to take that. I have already been hit once and toppled to the pavement during my cycling life when a car tried to pass me on the right in a single lane by partially crossing over the double yellow lines and then had to get back over into my lane and squeezed me on the left, hitting my handlebars and sending my flying. This time I was stationary, but I'm not taking that . No passing me on the right, no squeezing by with your multi-ton metal crate, and no invading my space, and I let em know this time.

I'll take some blame, maybe I was too much center lane, and should have been more just right of center, but they still don't get a free pass for such a close cut. Later I checked out the zen meditation session on campus at Hendrick's Chapel and got my cool back, for now.

Song of the Day: Listen, the Snow is Falling by Galaxie 500

Weathering the End of Summer

2006-09-11T20:10:00.000-04:00

Dang was it cold this morning. I wasn't expecting it. I know it is September, but I should have realized that the end of summer in Syracuse is like the beginning of fall in Pennsylvania where I am originally from. The thing is, the kind of cold hitting now is in that special zone, when if yuo're a bike rider you don't notice it until your cruising down the road. The cold doesn't hit while your walking your bike out, or buckling up your helmet and pack, or loafing down the drive to enter the street. But when the wind starts hitting you from the speed you are generating, well the fingers were frigid, and a chill was hitting me hard.

No sweat though, a few more turns of the crank and the blood starts heating up, and at that point a nice equilibrium sets in. Clothing choices right now are wierd too. I don't want to wear long pants or gloves or a windbreaker, becuase my morning route is all uphill or flat land, and I know I am going to get warm by the end even though it is only 20 minutes. So I still go now with the shorts, and tee-shirt and suck up the initial chill adn wait for the heat to kick in, but I know it won't be too long till those gloves come out.

Song of the Day: Road to Joy by Bright Eyes

Perception of Bicyclists Speed Awry

2006-09-05T20:03:00.000-04:00

I've probably rambled about this before, but people who don't ride bikes have no clue how fast a person on a bike can travel, and it affects thier responses to you on the road. I've had people honking at me to get out of thier way just after a stoplight turns green after they first came upon me waiting there, and then a few stop signs further on and they are hopefully feeling like jerks for bugging me because I have left them behind quick after each stop.

Today, I had a car who made a right-turn-on-red directly in front of me, and I swear unless they were blind and had no clue I was there (this is the most scary to think about), they chose to pull out because they only saw poor little slow me on my bikey who they could get out ahead of, when in reality I had to slam on the brakes as I reared up on the car's backside as I was cruising through my green light at the intersection.

Anyway, I need some dry lube and maybe a few other little things, so have to check out my first bike shop in Syracuse. Anyone have any suggestions? I was probably going to Advance Cyclery since they give a discount to students, and I am officially one-part student among other things.

Observations Friday

2006-08-04T18:10:00.000-04:00

Venturing off of my so-far typical path from Hawley-Green to the SU/ESF campus, I headed east first to the Syracuse Real Foods Co-op on Kensington. Getting there I veered off of Euclid Ave. as soon as possible due to the fact I've heard a number of "hit cyclist" stories about that area since getting to Syracuse. Realistically, it is a fairly wide road, with numerous stop signs and stop lights, that is probably fairly safe and just given a bad name due to the higher number of college student riders that use that street. The other fact is that it is a major thoroughfare for going between the university hill area and eastern suburbs of Syrauce, without having to get on Rt 690.

My other reason is just that I wanted to explore a little, I had driven down Euclid numerous times, and I wanted to get a lay of the land of its outskirts. So I turned south and headed up Berkely Dr. to Broad St. through quaint residential neighborhoods with little traffic and wide vegetated medians between opposing traffic flow through a few blocks of travel. One downside for some people may be the steady 3-block climb to get to Broad, pick your poison I guess, but you can't get away with never climbing a hill while on your bike.

From Broad it's an easy left turn up Miles Ave. to the co-op. I parked my bike in front and hooked up to the bike rack which although functional, could use a boost of protein powder from the health section. This skinny as a rail rack was also literally hanging from the the storefront where it was connected with a grand ole steel chain, and loping unbalanced along the sloped sidewalk. Like I said, functional is the best place I can go here.

I enjoyed shopping the co-op as always when I decide to splurge for some great food items. I got some cracked wheat bread, a gunch of spices for making soysage at home, bulk goods including granola, cous-cous, nutritional yeast, and falafel mix; then I really splurged by buying some meatless Italian sausages, some frozen organic blueberries for smoothies to go with the .29 cent/lb past-ripe organic bananas I picked up, and finished my traipse with a rice dream vanilla nutty bar to eat on my ride out.

From there it was a few side streets to hit Euclid briefly then turn down Westcott to the Petit Branch library off of Westcott on Victoria Place. This is the library branch most accessible to us location and hours-wise. We sometimes drop items off for return at the Northeastern Community Center satellite location on Hawley, but they have no selection for just browsing as Petit does for us. The bike rack here is larger to accomodate a good 10 or so rides if necessary, and located on a large expanse of flat and wide sidewalk right next to the entryway. Today I was picking up some DVD reserves including AEonflux, Ocean's Twelve, Dogtown and Z-boys, and the weather man, as well as a Calexico cd. We defenitely use the library more for CDs and DVDs these days than for books.

Mostly, traffic was friendly. Suprisingly, some joker starting honking at me as I was travelling downhill on a single lane road going at least 25 mph through a residential area, where they wouldn't have been able to go much faster. I probably held them up by about 10 seconds overall and they really had to try to pass me which they did just feet from where they then turned off onto a side street. The rest of the ride home then fell in with my normal route and I was on totally familiar and comfortable territory.

I saw one other biker today, on my way out, and they were riding for exercise and riding sake, not for commuting purposes. No other bikers were present at the co-op or the library. A handful of bikes were parked on campus, but it's summer and those numbers will hike up steeply once the fall semester starts.

Manners?

2006-07-29T18:04:00.000-04:00

Well so far my fellow roadsters have been fairly ploite to me in the Salt City. Travelling downtown I had to deal with a good bit of traffic, but they were all very polite, staying in line behind me, not trying to pass innappropriately, and nary a honk or harrassment, though I could just about feel a few cars breathing down my neck, some inches of consideration please? Anyways, It doesn't hurt that there is a stop light or stop sign every block, so they can figure out they aren't getting anywhere any quicker by passing me between blocks (or trying to).

The same can't be said for my neighborhood though it seems. Already had a honker inbetween block stop signs travelling from Catherine towards Mcbride. Where did he think he would get so much quicker by getting around me when the stop sign coming up was only another 300 feet or so. I freaking hate impatients like this. Stock response from me, turn my head, make eye contact and smile, what are they gonna do then? Hopefully since he had a drivers license and passed his last vision test so he could read my bikes are traffic sticker on my rear fender, and he can kiss my rear fender if he feels like doing this again!

Don't Mar the Historical Facade Boys!

2006-07-28T22:50:00.000-04:00

One of my first trips to somewhere other than work was to CL Evers Co., the new high-scale (supposedly?) grocery downtown on Clinton Square. Sue has been away with our car housesitting for a brother, and I needed some groceries, and thought I'd check it out. Well in all truthfulness, the selection was wank. No tofu, no veggie burgers, no ginger root, overpriced boxes of Fantastic Foods cous-cous, no nutritional yeast, no low-fat peanut butter, and I stopped looking there. I could have done almost as good at my corner grocery here at Hawley-Green and only payed almost as much in prices.

Besides all that rant, the folks working there were nice, and when checking out I noted to the cashier another customer stopping by on a bike, and had they thought of putting up a bike rack? She said they actually had, but since they were located in a historical building, the city didn't allow them! I'll just let you make of that what you inevitably will, I'm too tired tonight for ranting about the obviousness of stupid policies encountered in everyday life.

They had the hella cutest little metal wire shopping baskets for carrying around the store though!

Notes After an Absence

2006-07-28T22:45:00.000-04:00

Something must be motivating me to write this blog again. Could it be...hmmm lets see...the fact I am riding my bike again after a long time not?

A funny thing happenend to me on the way to Syracuse. well not so funny, I forgot to put my bikes in the moving truck!

Wife and I were living with friends on a farm in rurual southern new york, far away from stuff, and I wasn't riding my bikes really. So they were kept out in the garage that I never hardly went into. Then when we actually got to move day it was raining, and we were rushing, and we had so little time to get packed up, drive here, and unpack by ourselves the two of us, that I didn't grab me two bikes.

After a long sequestered winter in the 'cuse we finally took a trip back to the Brink late spring and I got my bikes, and after being away for 4 weeks in the Adirondacks, I am back in the 'cuse and back on my bike. Simple really. Who knows where this goes, if anywhere.

Moving On!

2005-12-30T11:48:00.000-05:00

Folks, this ride has pretty much come to an end for my Harrisburg readers. It is official I have moved to Syracuse NY to further my education among other things, and I won't be posting about Harrisburg, if about anything these days on this blog. Not that I don't have other cyber-publishing thoughts now and then that we will have to wait and see where they go. This site will remain a part of the cyberspace library though as I feel it has some good info for new and returning bike commuters in Harrisburg.

The email address associated with this blog will be shut down permanently in the near future as it has been overrun with SPAM. I'll try to forward my new address to those of you who communicated with me on a more than once basis, but if I don't you can leave me a comment here, and when I check it now and then, I'll get you an updated email if you'd like to continue correspondence.

I do plan on coninuing my bicycle commuting in Syracuse. I have even more limited apartment space here though, and I am currently trying to figure out my best set-up. In Harrisburg I kept my bike locked to the large wooden columns supporting my porch roof in a nicer family neighborhood. Now I live in a quite more urban area with higher crime, and the landlords are adament about not keeping personal items in common space. So I have the option of bringing my bike up to my apartment; or as I hope to do set up a plan with the landlord to try and allocate some common space to bicycles as I have seen one or two others who live here riding sonce I have moved in.

I still believe Harrisburg has a ways to go to welcoming community oriented ideas like bicycle commuting into it's fold, and I hope that the torch will continue to be carried by others in the locale. Hell, feel free to even use the bcn name and logo if you like, perhaps that will help lend some continuity between your efforts and mine that will help build the foundation for more bicycle commuting in Harrisburg. Let me know if I can help any other efforts along.

Final Song of the Day: "Say Something" by James

bcn two REVIEWED BY THE CYCLING DUDE

2005-08-17T15:34:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't had the chance to peruse a copy of bcn two: the zine, and was wondering what was up with it, The Cycling Dude has just posted a review that will fill you in a little more on the contents with a few snatches of quotes to whet your appetite. Kiril also includes some of his own commentary and observations. See the Review Here.

I still have a few copies left if anyone is interested. Free as always, but trades for your zines more than welcome. Contact through franklen(nospam)blog (at@) fastmail (dot.) com.

Just wanted to mention a cycling event I recently witnessed here in Tioga County New York where I am temporarily bivvied. Calling itself Bike Tioga, the local Rotary club sponsored a county wide riding event to showcase the numerous biking routes in Tioga sponsored by the state. I found out about it though only after I saw some riders along the side of the road with numbers on thier backs, and a few bright yellow signs along the routes, so either the marketing was lacking or I just was looking in the wrong places.

What I read later indicated that it was not a race, just an event, so the numbers were more or less just for identification, and registration purposes of the ride, and not to see who came in first! As I drove through Owego a little later I saw the Bike Tioga registration tent set up in the small park adjacent to the Susquehanna River, and the bridge downtown that crosses it, and a few smiling faces were defenitely showing how valuable biking can be to a community.

SONG OF THE DAY: "Henrietta Universe" by Hubcap

A Flower Called Nowhere

2005-07-26T13:54:00.000-04:00

You really gotta check this blog out, it's called A Flower Called Nowhere, and is full of "bike commuting and smirking malcontentedness". Many of Stacey's posts speak deeply to me about living life fully, playing in the rain like a kid, taking no bullshit, and rejecting the values of mainstream overworked and bought culture. Inspirational for sure.

Oh and he has a yellow bike, with radical stickers like mine too, neat. Sometimes you gotta find some niche in life, and those spaces can get really deep before you find a voice that speaks the same tongue. Within all the bike commuting sites out there, this is one that speaks the tongue of the malcontents, alternative culture seekers, and living with purpose not just for acquiring the big car and house. Much appreciated thought.

SONG OF THE DAY: "Full Fathom Five" by The Stone Roses

Music Meme from Bicycle-Eye

2005-07-04T20:36:00.000-04:00

Never did this before on my blog, but I'll Play along.

1. Total amount of music on computer?
An infinitesimally small amount. I'm not into the digital music thing yet, but there are a few albums ended up on there from when I copied them to share. I used to load some up on my computer at work, when I was in my last full-time office gig, from CDs I brought from home.

2. CD you last bought?
Well I guess Loretta Lynn's Van Lear Rose even though it was bought for me by Sue, but will have to do since I can't remember the last I bought for myself. Might have been Frogholler's Railings.

3. What is the song you last listened to before reading this message?
Some Classic Rock deal flipping through the stations on my way home from family today after getting off the talk radio stations and just before getting home, can't remember the name, or don't know the name. Last I listened to on the way to family last Friday was James' Hymn from a Village from thier live album first disc. Am not counting all the patriotic stuff heard over the weekend.

4. 5 songs you often listen to, or which mean a lot to you?
Yikes!

James - Out to Get You
Uncle Tupelo - Steal the Crumbs
Poison - Life Loves a Tragedy (not so much now, but oh back in the day)
Pearl Jam - Yellow Ledbetter
World Party - She's the One

Thanks to Bicycle-Eye for the game. Uh, I don't know who to tag, let's try it backwards. Be tagged if you may, cycling reader or blogger, and meme away, then let me know, and I'll post your link here. Peace.

Coloring Pages From bcnTWO a la Sue

2005-06-18T16:52:00.000-04:00

Your Bike Will Take You Places Too

A limited number of copies of bcnTWO are still available. Contact me now!

2005-06-18T16:51:00.000-04:00

BomberDuck has become BikerDuck

2005-06-18T16:50:00.000-04:00

Coloring is for the Whole Family

FRIENDS OF MIDTOWN WEBSITE AND FORUMS

2005-04-28T17:41:00.000-04:00

A new website from the Friends of Midtown is offering another opportunity for dialogue in the area. The new forums are up at that site and welcoming to folks wanting to discuss not just Midtown, but the Harrisburg region in general. And all topics are game.

A topic about unsafe bicycle riding conditions has popped up there that you might want to check out and contribute too.

http://www.friendsofmidtown.org/discuss/viewtopic.php?t=19

SONG OF THE MOMENT: "Pints of Guiness Make You Strong" by Against Me!

bcntwo ZINE COMPLETE

2005-03-16T08:12:00.000-05:00

Well, finally I can report that I have completed production of 150 copies of bcntwo, the second volume of my bcn paper zine. At 24 pages, it clocks in at 4 more pages than volume 1 (which was mostly just re-used material from this online blog), and has more original material, plus some contributions from others (whether they know so or not!).

I have found great satisfaction in producing paper copy of my bcn efforts, especially after I bogged down on my blogging due to, well, just getting tired of the whole typing, logging in, having to update regularly shtick, and the fact that for the first time in my life I have held a 100% (well maybe 95%) time desk job in front of a computer screen, and next to a window screen (but of course I have had my bicycle riding to help undermine that to a point). And of course the old cut and paste allows someone less technologically advanced (though note I didn't say incapable cause if I want to figure out how to make fancy things happen online I could with enough effort) to be able to be as creative as they wanna be in a simple manner.

I will admit though that I didn't put as much time into the effort as I could have, but we all hit a wall one way or the other somewhere. I was simply coming up against a personal deadline to get this done, and I wanted to cap off this effort with one more paper volume that I could strew around for unsuspecting housewives, mainstreamers, and politicos. The future for bcn looks dismal actually, and if I ever get back publishing online, it will likely be in a different and broader topical format, but we'll see. I have no plans to take this site down anytime soon, so I may update if I can find nothing better to do (I must have adult ADD cause something else is always coming up), and you'll be able to contact me through it if you'd like to talk about project collaborations in the future.

So please contact me for a copy of bcntwo. I am not asking for any donations this time (though they are always appreciated to cover printing and postage, cause no I didn't pull no punk Kinko's photocopying scam to get my copies, though I dream of it, but the local printshop --sorry Kinko's-- was happy at least to have my business). I'd like to send one to each of my loyal readers as long as supplies last, so email at franklenblog@fastmail.fm with your addy, and oh yeah, trades for other DIY zines, art, music, and creativity are always accepted and appreciated and served before cash donations (sorry)!!

Tired of sitting in front of a computer - franklen

HELP PUBLISH bcn PAPER ZINE VOL 2

2004-12-31T21:15:00.000-05:00

Hi compatriots, I am looking for local (south central pa) bicycle commuting stories for the 2nd volume of a paper zine version of bcn to be published in the next few months. The first volume of bicycle commuting now was published and distro'd locally last year, and was based mostly on my journaling at this site, and now I am looking for other's stories for the next volume. Please send to franklenblog@fastmail.fm

All submitters will receive a free copy of the zine when published (please include a mailing address). I am also looking for photos of bicycles and bicycling in South Central PA, and help with funds to publish (volume 1 was a 100 copy run that cost me $40) you can make donations via paypal in the left column, or just get in touch and we can talk about how we can work together on this project. Remember, this zine is distributed for free, so any donations support the project %100.

Thanks for your time. be well - franklen

SONG OF THE MOMENT: "Berks County Boy" by Frogholler

RESPONSE TO LETTER

2004-12-31T20:38:00.000-05:00

DATE: Fri, 8 Oct 2004 5:53 AM
FROM: "Gerald L. Waln"
TO: franklenblog@fastmail.fm
SUBJECT: RE: Misleading Information in Olde Towne Messenger Bicycle SAfety Column

Dear Frank, I am glad you are are reader of the "Messenger" and have taken the time to write us. I do appreciate the info and will try to use it in an upcoming issure. The October issue will soon be out and the Nov is on the drwing board. Thanks, Jerry SONG OF THE MOMENT: "Wagon Wheel" by O.C.M.S. (Old Crow Medicine Show)

Local Bicycle Safety Column Misleads

2004-09-28T08:31:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been almost 4 months since I've posted due to my blogging (not riding) hiatus. I have been tempted (to at least update) on numerous occasions, but was well enough involved with so much else that I kept putting it off for another time. And although I am still not prepared to resume blogging full-time, I felt the urge to update due to a bicycle safety column in my town (New Cumberland) newsletter that I had a few qualms with. I won't reprint the full column, you'll get the idea when reading the letter I wrote to the Olde Towne Association as follows:

""NCOT Messenger
PO Box 531
New Cumberland, PA

September 29, 2004

I have enjoyed reading the Olde Towne Messenger since my arrival in New Cumberland almost two years ago. But in the most recent September issue, something caught my eye that is of great personal interest and concern, the “Bicycle Safety” column on page 3.

My interest in bicycle safety stems from my regular bicycle commuting to work at an environmental non-profit on 3^rd Street in Harrisburg. I have even taken to detailing many of my adventures and experiences online at www.bicyclecommutingnow.blogspot.com, an online journal that receives regular traffic from both bicyclists and non-bicyclists in the Harrisburg region and beyond.

My concern with the column in the Messenger stems from my riding experience and knowledge of Pennsylvania bicycling laws (http://www.dot.state.pa.us/bike/web/bikelaws.htm ), as well as safe and effective riding techniques and skills. Many of which this column unfortunately dispels as incorrect DOs or DON’Ts.

“Keep to the Right” – Although state law requires bicycles to stay to the right when traveling, it only does so when it is practically safe to do so, not at all costs and times. For example, a bicyclist riding in the roadway should be at least 3 feet away from any parked cars on the right hand side to prevent “dooring” accidents. This effectively puts the bicyclist in the middle of the road lane, thus taking the “full lane” which they have the right to, and preventing cars from trying to squeeze by them in tight situations.

“Always let cars and people go first” – This is incorrect when riding in traffic. Bicycles are considered traffic and should interact with cars as such, thus providing predictable behavior that car drivers would expect, such as taking your turn at an intersection for example, not always letting cars go first.

“Don’t ride at night” – Riding at night can be perfectly safe for the rider and for other traffic as long as certain conditions are met. Bikes should by law have a front white light visible to 500 feet, and reflectors facing the rear and each side. It is also a good idea to have a flashing light on the rear of the bicycle to increase visibility to car traffic. Car drivers should understand and be prepared for bicycles operated on roadways at night as well as day.

“Never go between two cars!” – Once again, this is an example of the belief that bikes do not belong on roadways. In reality, bicycles are vehicles with every right to the road as cars, thus making it perfectly fine to “go” between two cars.

As you know, there are numerous bicycle riders who travel New Cumberland roads daily either commuting, or pleasure riding. We struggle daily with educating car drivers as to our rights and their responsibilities on the road when interacting with bicyclists. In the future, I would ask that you do a little more research when presenting information on any topic that effects the behavior and perception of any particular group towards a specific activity such as bicycle riding. I would be more than happy to assist you in obtaining the necessary information pertaining to bicycle riding that the Olde Town Association may be lacking.

Thank you for your time and attention,

F.R.C.
New Cumberland, PA""

We'll see if I get any response in comparison to the letter I wrote to the Borough about the malfunctioning traffic light in town quite a while back, that I still haven't heard anything about. There is probably lots more to tell, but like I said, I'm not back in this game yet. I will tell that there were bicycle rentals available on City Island this summer, that I seem to be noticing many more commuters out and about (sure to change now that summer is over), and that I am about to try changing my brake and derailleur cables for the first time ever. Should be interesting eh? I was off the bike for a few weeks when I had my tonsils out too. Don't let anyone tell you it's just a minor thing, especially when you are over childhood age. I couldn't speak or eat for a week straight, period. And then took more time to recover my strength and such. For new readers, be sure to read the next post down for the full details about my hiatus.

ON HIATUS or HEY IT'S SUMMER

2004-06-01T22:08:00.000-04:00

bICYCLE cOMMUTING nOW is officially on hiatus, not permanently I hope. I started this blog to help me keep motivated for commuting to work, but now it feels as if it takes time away from that. I should be doing routine maintenance or such, not typing right now. I set a goal to post for one year, and as of this post I'll have a year's worth of posts from July 2003 to June 2004, barely. And I should be gardening, drinking a beer outside under the stars, and walking the dog, hey it's summer.

Although I still am dissapointed by the lack of cycling advocacy in Harrisburg, by the lack of knowledge of correct and safe commuting by fellow riders, and by the antagonism of drivers, I am proud of my blog, of my commuting efforts, and my advocacy efforts, and I think, I know that I touched some. This somewhat evidenced by the flurry of comments on my previous post, that came just at a time to almost make me question my decision to take a layoff. Thanks for reading everyone.

Today, I encountered two other bicycle commuters, both going on the wrong side of the street, not stopping at STOP signs, and weaving in and out of traffic and sidewalks when convenient, no hand signals, etc. Yet, I tried to set a good example, and even joked with the one fellow when he crossed the road and fell in behind me: "You trying to take them cars head-on?" with a big smile, since he had a smile on his face and was oblivious in general. He continued smiling back something to the effect: "Yeah I'd get plastered!" Maybe not oblivious after all, yet awareness doesn't equal knowledge or action.

I am not quitting bike commuting mind you, and I may post occassionally, but I'd say that while the weather is warm, the days long, and the outdoors calling, posts will be far and few between. Thanks for reading, check back occassionally. If you've just discovered bcn, please check out the archives and links to numerous other great bicycle commuting bloggers, and feel free to drop me a line, I'll still check my email on occassion too. Bike well. - franklen

Song of the day: "Sit Down" by James (for that matter anything by James, just picked up thier live album of their last concert before break-up, what a great band, with great things to say)

Answer to WHERE IT AT #2

This is above the alley bicycle rack at the Harrisburg downtown YMCA (which I chronicled a few posts back in photo). One site where I would expect, and my expectations are met, to see bicycles and bikers in number.

MINDFULNESS

2004-05-26T20:19:00.000-04:00

There is no such thing as a mindless bike commute, sometimes that bothers me. Sometimes I want to get lost in the moment, in the flow of the experience. You can't do that on a bicycle or you may regret it. You have to pay full attention all the time, and I do.

Driving a car is the same thing. No room for errors of mindlessness, but more people do it, lost in thought during the crawling commute, staring off in the distance during the freeway conveyor belt, and they often are involved in accidents. I read recently that more than 1 million people die yearly from automobile accidents (anyone have a reference to check this for me?), that's some lack of mindfulness. Just imagine how many more accidents there are out there that don't result in death. There's not that room for error on a bicycle.

I think sometimes that prevents me from riding more than anything else when I make that decision to drive in to my secret spot, park and walk the 20 minutes to the office. Sometimes I just don't want to have to think about the trip in, just want to get in the line of traffic, and walk the safe sidewalks as a pedestrian, not worrying about signalling a turn, or the taking of a lane, or the passing of a ped, or the adjustment of my helmet. Just sometimes...

On another note, I met Mike today. Another fellow commuter, who lives near the Lemoyne interchange with I-83, and who bikes to the naval support center south of New Cumberland (about 2 miles he tells me), but not if its raining in the morning. Maybe we can get Mike to change that someday. Leaving an extra five minutes is all it would take to make sure of enough time for changing from wet to dry clothes and wiping yourself down. But really it's only necessary to do so if caught in a full rain, and that happens so rarely, especially during a 2 mile commute. This morning, the rain was coming down while I lay in bed waiting for the next snooze alarm, and threatened until I left the apartment, but held off during my 20 minutes into the office, as it often does.

Song of the Day: "Dice" by Finley Quaye w/ Beth Orton

WHERE IT AT? #2

2004-05-25T20:07:00.000-04:00

Can you tell me where this little custom made sign is located? Someone went through the trouble of putting a bike rack out, the least people can do is use it. And I still hate to see bikes parked around trees, railings, and signs in the front of a property, when a bike rack is available for use. This may seem counter-intuitive, perhaps it is good to have bikes parked everywhere so they can be seen, but I just think it looks a little sloppy, and gives bikes another bad image. Plus, we should expect proper bike parking everywhere, so if we don't use it when available, the need won't be recognized as much.

Answer to WHERE IT AT #1

West Shore is right, Ed! This "secret" little pedway runs right underneath the Harvey Taylor Bridge as it touches down on the West Shore.

MEET FELLOW COMMUTER RONNIE

2004-05-24T12:05:00.000-04:00

Nothing like a little international exchange. Thanks to Ronnie from the Netherlands for sharing his commuting story with us.

I live in a place called Hellevoetsluis in The Netherlands, Europe. Two years ago, I was in the Ardennes in Belgium on a camp site. There I met an American who had just retired, or left the rat-race as he called it. He threw his bike on the plane, flew to Switzerland and was biking his way through Europe.
The Ardennes are not really the best place to ride a bike, unless you go off road. People in their cars drive like maniacs and there is not a bike path in sight. Anyway, this man was telling me he was heading for The Netherlands because he heard such good things about our bike paths.

This made me think about what a great place Holland is to ride a bike in. Great roads everywhere, mostly flat, weather is not too bad most of the year and the people are generally very relaxed. Although the last is up for discussion ofcourse. Anyway, this man and his ride through Europe stuck with me and soon I found myself looking for a good bike. At that time, I was getting into the voluntary simplicity thing and somewhere in the back of a shop I found a great bike, a Trek. It was an old model, used for window displays and all, but the guy fixed it up and sold it at about a quarter of the price.

After that, I told my girlfriend that I would bike to work at least once a week. She started laughing and said it was about 30 kms to work. And how was I, a desk jockey, good at shuffling pappers, going to do that? Imagine that… So, the next Friday I loaded up my MP3 player, got out my old army raincoat and set off for work.

If I leave my house, I have to cross a road and then I pass a Mercedes dealership. I always wondered what people see in those huge, clunky cars. Riding on a bike past it, you get a good view of the people scurrying through the lot. The street I am then on, goes along for about 5 kms, along some old houses which were probably built around the turn of the century and some newer ones, and somehow it all sticks together.

Continuing on this road, I leave Hellevoetsluis and I reach the no-mans land between the industrialized area of the port of Rotterdam and my town. It is mostly farmland with some big McMansions between. The smart people get out off the traffic and on to these backroads, saving them from the 2 meter at a time hop. Traffic can be pretty ugly around this time of morning. Bad part is that all these crazed people drive like idiots and wearing an MP3 player isn’t helping very much.

After a little while, I get to the good part. Coming to a bridge, where 2 lanes become one. You guessed it, bumper-to-bumper time. Very funny to see all these people in their cars. Some even read a newspaper, while others just have a 1000 yard stare..

Crossing the bridge, I can see big oil terminals ahead. I go to the right, leaving traffic as it is and I come to long stretches of bike paths. The roads are lined with huge trees, which I think were once planted as wind-breakers. They do a good job at that, because a few kms later, there are no more trees and the riding is a lot harder then.

BIKES AROUND TOWN

2004-05-20T07:56:00.000-04:00

Here's a few shots of some bikes spied around town recently. It's a good thing to realize that I haven't run out of photo opportunities of bikes in the radius of my semi-usual routes to work. This means there are a few people out there riding to be proud of. And that there's even more photo possibilities waiting just over the horizon to share with readers and citizens of Harrisburg.

I don't think this is the only way into this parking area, cause the other vehicles present (that you can't see in this shot) wouldn't fit through this gate. But it is a cool shot I think, and a great parking spot for whoever rides that bicycle into work. Locked to a bike rack in a private parking lot, with the area gated off and locked from the main sidewalk on Second St. I walked by many times before I peered in and found this two-wheeler.

Here's another bike rack being put to good use, though you may ask "why are the bikes parked sideways, thus not allowing room for more bikes?". Well this is in a fairly narrow alley at the YMCA downtown, and if they were parked perpendicular on the rack it would not let ped traffic easily through the alley.

A little touch of color to brighten up the day as you look at the ballasts lining this walkway near a downtown primary school. I'd feel safe walking or riding on this walk, though I still don't think that it's safe enough to leave your bike unlocked like this one.

CYCLE COMPUTER MUSINGS

2004-05-19T20:29:00.000-04:00

I just noticed today, not for the first time in the past 4-5 months, that my cycling computer was not working properly. I know why. The magnet on the spokes that provides the info the computer needs to synthesize an output to me that I will understand, miles per hour, distance, max speed, etc, etc, is out of alignment and I have been too lazy to line it back up. I don't care, really. If I did it would have been fixed weeks and weeks ago.

When I got this bike from my brother, I replaced the battery in the computer, reset it, and aligned the magnet. It was cool at first to gage how far my different routes were, and to see what my max speed in certain situations was, so I could calculate if I was really holding up traffic, or if the blowhard honking at me from behind in the 25 mph zone when I was travelling 25 mph deserved a second thought from me. But the novelty wore off quick, and now I think I may just remove the little piece of technology, before someone sees it on my bike somewhere I have parked and decides it might be worth something and takes a tool or two to my machine.

I know alot of people are totally into the numbers, especially if they are training, but for me the commute is the commute. I can do a decent job of estimating my travels if I want. I know the ride to the office is about 4 miles, I know how many days a week I hit it, and I have a good enough feel now for my speed in uphills, downhills, and flat straightaways. So I can do without it probably.

I only have this misgiving that someday a cop will pull me over for going too fast and will ask me if I know how fast I was going, and I won't be able to look down and say "sure I do", but I don't really ride fast enough most of the time to make that an issue.

In other news. I retightened my pedals, cranks, derailleur brace and other various screws and bolts, and it seems as if the regular clicking on each left down stroke has gone bye-bye. It really was probably the left crank that needed retightened the most as I must have turned the bolt 20 half turns before the torque got high enough. Something tells me though that I shouldn't have needed to adjust it so much, but we will see how things pan out over the next few days.

ROUTE DISCUSSION

2004-05-18T19:50:00.000-04:00

This from Friday's comments about Bike-to-Work week:

What great timing! I am getting a Raleigh 3-spd tuned up this weekend to start commuting to work next week.

Front St > Linglestown > Either Industrial Rd or 6th

See ya on the road!
Brian

I've actually ridden Front St from downtown (starting on the Riverfront Park pathway) all the way out to Fort Hunter Park (where I dropped in on an ultimate frisbee game), and found it a typical road in many regards. I think I remember the shoulder being quite adequate so that shouldn't be an issue. If your coming from the North, just be careful to allow yourself plenty of time and space to merge into the left hand lane for turning onto Linglestown Rd.

As far as Linglestown goes, it has always been quite busy when I have driven it, but have never biked it. Good clearance on the sides though and two lanes make it an easily rideable road.

Now Industrial Rd or 6th depends on your comfort around the big rigs, which of course dominate Industrial Rd. I have ridden Industrial Rd from the Farm Show complex over to Wildwood, and I always get off the road and go through the HACC parking lots and service roads when I can. The northern most parking lot leads to a gravel road which connects with the safety buildings up at HACC entrance #5 (I think), and I've seen a red fox back there twice (not a route for road bikes though). Otherwise the shoulder is quite wide closer to the I-81 underpass so I'm comfortable there. And of course north from that point, it is simple and desirable I would think to jump on the Wildwood lake path that parallels Industrial Rd (actually part of the Capitol Greenway system). I haven't ridden Sixth Street in particular, but in general, alot of those types of streets in the urban residential sections of town I 've ridden are lined with parked cars, making you take the full lane, so be prepared for some honks and hollers if you choose to do so, plus you've got more stops at signs and lights, and miss out on the beauty of the other options along Industrial Rd.

Song of the Day: "Curbside Prophet" by Jason Mraz

BIKE TO WORK WEEK

2004-05-14T08:08:00.000-04:00

I certainly can't let the opportunity to promote Bike to Work Week pass by. Of course, I think the reasons are obvious, less reliance on gasoline and the associated prices, regular exercise built into your day without having to pay for a gym membership, the opportunity to build and experience community to a greater degree, saving money on parking and car maintenance, etc, etc. And that's just the practical stuff, not to mention the spiritual and ethical.

So check out www.bike-to-work.com, or www.bike2work.com for all the details for Bike to Work Week, May 16-22. Here's a sample:

"Bike to Work wins U.N. Best of Practices recognition. This spring in Barcelona, Spain the Santa Cruz Bike to Work/School effort will be on display at a Best of Practices forum. We were the only U.S. program selected."

And to make life easier on any beginning cyclists out there, I offer my services over the next week to help you plan your route and answer any questions you may have. I know that often there are places along a route that don't fall into any nice categories, missing shoulders, one-way streets, excessive speeds, etc, so drop a line and I'll be happy to give my advice, or offer alternatives for your commute. I will be busy much of the weekend recertifying my Wilderness First Responder training, but will try to check the site a few times for comments, and my email as well. Happy riding and commuting.

WHERE IT AT?

2004-05-12T20:59:00.000-04:00

Biking or walking around town always gives a new perspective, and often ends you up in places you hadn't expected. You also might be surprised to find little corners of being, and amenities for pedestrians that you wouldn't find if you were in your car. Here's an example. This passageway, so long ago marked "NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES", is still under use by both walkers and bicyclists. The paint may have faded but the purpose hasn't, and with the proliferation of vehicles and dangerous roads these days, it is more relevant than ever.

So who knows where this is at? Any takers? C'mon and show your knowledge of the byways of Harrisburg, and fill in our fellow bikers to this little passageway.

Here is the entrance to the passage with a single little ballast holding down the fort.

"Go Towards the Light", and you'll make it safely to the other end.

WEEKEND MECHANICS

2004-05-09T20:54:00.000-04:00

Took the opportunity this weekend to try and figure out how to adjust my index shifting and my alignment of my chain through my front derailleur, where it was rubbing the inner parts on each revolution. I started by shifting to the middle chain ring, and trying to adjust the inner wire tension by turning the barrel adjuster on the shift lever. This had no effect as it was already at its max position. So I loosened the inner wire at the derailleur pinch point, pulled tension with a pair of pliers, and that provided enough length to be able to adjust the barrell, and the derailleur moved inward and the chain cleared.

But then, when I tested the inner and outer chainrings for shifting and clearance, I had trouble with both. After lots of messing around at both ends of the chainrings' range, I decided the following, give up on the inner ring. I couldn't get all three to adjust perfectly, and so since I rarely use the inner chainring, I sacrificed it, and adjusted the outside chainring shifting and clearance. So now I effectively have two chainrings that work. Not a big deal for my use, but I still have the fact that something is not back to normal, and if it is the bottom bracket that is the wrong length, I have no desire right now to get it exchanged and switch it out again. I know that my chainrings are slightly warped as well, so maybe thats the culprit too. I think the only way I might get it all cleared up is to change out the whole drive train, not a pleasant prospect.

Well, I am rideable at the moment, and with gardening season, canoe sojourn season, and summer travel season in hand, I don't have any extra time for bike repairs. I also came to realize how difficult it is to try drive train repairs like I was doing this weekend without a repair stand. That might be a good investment in the next year.

MOOOVIN'

2004-05-05T08:51:00.000-04:00

My Bike Moooves Me Places !!!

TALK RADIO AT ITS WORST

2004-05-05T08:04:00.000-04:00

Granted, this link is not to a radio station in the Harrisburg area (instead coming from WNNX Atlanta), but it gives a good indication of the insensitivity that many people hold towards bicyclists on the road, and how that can be manifested and grown out of control. I don't know what these dj's are thinking, but so many of thier arguments seem flawed, though I am not about to take the time right now to disect them. But for him to advocate smoking some weed, getting in your car, and having fun by nudging cyclists off the road (audio clip #2) is just plain wrong. If anyone suggested and undertook playing bumper cars with another vehicle besides a bicycle, noone would stand for it.

The clips are mp3 files so you'll need an appropriate player. You probably have one with your cumputers built in windows media player, if not do a search for free mp3 player on the web and you'll find one to download and install. The files also take a little while to load so be patient, and be prepared for your stomach to turn when you hear these idiots laughing about all this.

BICYCLING AT ITS WORST

THE CYCLING DUDE

2004-05-03T08:29:00.000-04:00

The Cycling Dude has picked up on my frustrations about cyclists who don't know or follow the rules of the road, and who put themselves and those around us in danger. Thanks for the encouragement, Dude! Check out his comments here.

So, Frank, cheer up! You are not alone in the Bloggerverse, and with a link listed here others will learn of, and appreciate, your efforts, and opinions. :-)

Ditto, Dude!

Although it is so easy to keep sharing these bad examples. This weekend, I saw maybe 6 or 7 cyclists out (2 or 3 were commuters on Friday evening going home from work). Two casual riders on Saturday were heading out on the wrong side of the road, right into traffic and without helmets (and one without lights late at night as he crossed through a stop sign without stopping either). The other which disturbs me more, was a roadie done up with a nice bike, spandex and looking the part, pumping fast down the road in front of my house, and hugging the parked cars along the right side of the road, thus encouraging squeezing from car drivers. C'mon girl, smarten up, set an example by taking the lane and make the roads safer for us all. Oh yeah, and if you are going to swerve in and out of the parked cars to get nearer the curb in cases, at least use hand signals to let drivers know when your coming in and out.

Anyway, back to the Cycling Dude, you should check the site out cause there is a good collection of biker blogs being logged there that you can further check out, and the site is just plain well done. The biker blog universe is growing, and the bcn universe locally is getting a few more hits from the paper zine as well. Peace.

SUNDAY NIGHT MECHANICAL PUZZLER

2004-05-02T19:47:00.000-04:00

Posted this at Bike Forums tonight, thought I'd cross-post here to see if anyone has any help.

"Front Derailleaur and Chainrings out-of-line After BB Replacement"

"So after I took all the time to learn how, and to replace my cartridge bottom bracket, I hop back on this week to regain my commute, and I start to hear a slight click on each downward left side pedal. It contined the same for the next day and when I" tried to discover the issue by simulating a pedaling on my porch I couldn't hear the sound. On closer inspection, I notice that my chain is slightly rubbing up against the derailleur cage at a certain cycle where my chainring has a slight bend to it. I can't adjust the derailleur in any further because the screw is at its limit.

Am I stuck at having to get new chainrings, or a new front derailleur, or is it the bottom bracket (a wrong fit)? Any help is appreciated, thanks."

Song of the Day: "King of All the World" by the Old 97's

FINAL DISTRIBUTION

2004-04-29T20:26:00.000-04:00

Final distribution of the paper zine version of bcn has taken place over the last few days. Copies have been dropped off at :
Neato Burrito locations in both Harrisburg (2nd Street) and New Cumberland
Avatar's natural foods grocery in New Cumberland
Midtown Cinema on Reilly St in Harrisburg, and
Bushey's Cycling in Lemoyne.

Please support these businesses and institutions that support biking and cycle commuting.

Unfortunately, I was pretty much turned away from the Downtown Harrisburg branch of the Dauphin County Library System. I was polite and asked to post my zines in the entryway where lots of other brochures and posts were located (maybe next time I shouldn't ask). I was told that it had to be a non-profit only, which I am though not officially, and then when I showed my zine and described it, I was told no. And when I asked "why?", was told that there was no space, which was clearly not the case. I then succeeded in getting a copy placed aside for the director to look at, but haven't heard anything in the last week. What a community institution huh?

Song of the Day: "Take It to the Limit" by The Eagles

TWO STEPS BACK

2004-04-28T21:12:00.000-04:00

It almost seems as if all the work I have done over the last year trying to advocate for bicycle commuting, and trying to educate the few I may have been able to reach, has been useless, as continuously on a day-to-day basis I am outnumbered by bicyclists who are flagrantly disregarding the rules of the road. I can't overcome these bad examples it seems, and I have to face the numerous car operaters daily who think I should be on the sidewalk, who have animosity towards me because of the rudeness of numerous bicyclists on the roadway, and who don't understand how they should act towards me because of the overpowering number of bad examples they see constantly.

Today, I was sitting at a crosswalk preparing to cross to the sidewalk opposite which parallels a twisting backed-up section of shoulderless roadway I use during rush hour, when up from the side of me out of nowhere appears a bicyclist who: 1) obviously moved past the long line of stopped cars by passing on the right on a shoulderless bridge, thus causing safety issues for himself and the car operaters who aren't expecting anything on thier right in this situation; and then 2) he proceeds to cross the intersection right through a red light, with total disregard for the road rules. Somebody help me here please!

HARVEY TAYLOR BRIDGE

2004-04-27T18:24:00.000-04:00

You may have noticed the re-construction of the Harvey Taylor Bridge over the past year (you couldn't have missed it if you spent any time in and through Harrisburg). I don't know what the Bridge and the adjoining ped ways looked like or were designed like before the re-construction, because I moved here during the event, but I had the opportunity to explore the bridge recently and was pleased to see that the adjoining ped ways were wide enough for two, even if one of those two were bikes. And the surface of the ped ways even lets us know that. Unfortunately some of the half-hearted attempts at laying down a layer of some sort of concreteish material in the form of a biker and a walker are already starting to fall apart. The nice bright yellow dividing line down the middle of the pathway however, is strong and clear, and should leave no doubt in anyone's mind that they shouldn't walk or ride down the middle of this space. That's good news for all of us that often wonder what the person in front of us is going to do when we start to pass and give the old "passing!" shout out. Also good news is the substantial barrier dividing the ped way from the roadway, security for sure. Overall, I like crossing the H.T. Bridge more so than the Market or Walnut as it gives one a gloriously epic feeling, being higher up and looking upriver at a view of unbroken river and islands, unequaled at the further downriver bridge crossings.

A long view of the Harvey Taylor Bridge into harrisburg with the rounded State Museum building seen in the background. The biker is Paul, whom I just met during our morning crossing of the HT Bridge. He had just started commuting recently, way to go Paul!

Here you can see what I mean as the little biker dude has already lost his head and part of his wheel.

That glorious view I mentioned earlier, unbroken and inspiring.

MEET FELLOW COMMUTER JAY

2004-04-22T08:11:00.000-04:00

I also bike daily 5 miles round trip to work at the Borough of Ephrata's WWTP. I am their Environmental Resource Manager. Have been riding since about 1998. It was hard for the first month or so but now I miss when I can't do it due to inclement weather or other commitments. I seem to have more energy & am more alert because of it. It seems foolish to get in a car to drive to the Rec Center when riding a
bike can do the same thing. (If I drive it takes me 7 min. vs. 15 min. on my bike) As traffic gets heaver I find I can even make better time than the cars. Yes, more people could do it if they wanted to.

My sons also have a commute story to share as they have the same distance (only in a
different direction) to school. It would take them an hour by bus or 10 minutes by bike. This may also save the school district money by not having to bus them, as we home school them, and they go straight to the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center at Brownstown.

Jay R. Snyder

SPRING WARDROBE

2004-04-20T20:37:00.000-04:00

Take a gander at the new features of my little dear. All spruced up for spring, mostly, but could still use a general sweep down.

Here's a closeup of my shiny new left crank, and the still clean adaptor ring from the new Shimano bottom bracket I installed.

And in a similar vein, here's a close-up of the new chain I bought and installed yesterday. Nice and shiny, especially compared to the rusty (though still in one piece) cogs which closely resemble the patina of the old chain that I couldn't save from all the winter conditions.

My cool "Bikes not Bombs" sticker .

And my cool "Bikes are Traffic, not Targets" sticker; along with me new Flash Flag for safety.

bcn distribution continued today with copies placed at the Bridge Coffee House in New Cumberland, Mantis Gallery in Harrisburg, the Freehand Gallery in Lemoyne, and the New Cumberland Public Library.

CHAIN AND PAPER

2004-04-19T21:02:00.000-04:00

I finally broke down today and bought a new chain, a Z-Chain brand, if that tells you anything. I tried and tried, I really did to save the old chain, though it was my faulty that it succumbed to the winter elements, but I couldn't get out some super tight links and it was in such dirty shape in general, that as soon as I put the new chain on, I noticed a 100% world of change. Shifting problems were not as big, the drive was quieter, and no chain jumping going on. I guess sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. The chain did come lubed up with a wet lube, and I think I like that better than the dry lube I had bought and was trying, though maybe thats just because of the change in chains.

I can now report that the paper zine version of bcn is available and is being distributed locally this week. It is basically a compilation of posts from this blog from January and February, as I've described before, but it is meant to advocate for bicycle commuting to a larger local audience. Hopefully in the spirit of zines, it will get passed around and recopied and shared, cause I could only afford to print up 100 copies at this time. If you would like to receive a copy to share with anyone just visit the link top-left column and you'll get set up. Today copies were left at Holmes' Bike shop, where I picked up my chain, and at the Cornerstone Coffeehouse in Camp Hill, just down the block from Holmes'. More stops on the way home tomorrow. 13 locations in all, 7 copies at each location, with a few in reserve for whatever pops up.

WITF ART AUCTION

2004-04-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a shout out to support local and regional artists through WITF tv's Gallery 2004 Art Auction. All artists contribute thier items outright and the proceeds donate WITF tv, public television. My Sue donated too, check her item out here (Patchwork Set), and don't forget to bid for your favorite item on the site. You can catch the auction live on t.v. Friday 9-midnight, saturday noon to midnight and sunday noon to midnight.

WHAT'S IT TAKE

2004-04-15T21:53:00.000-04:00

What did it take to almost get my Diamondback on the road again, when I was learning the repair procedures on my own, and doing them for the first time? Here we go.

First I used my Alien chain tool to remove a link and take off the chain. This was pretty simple actually, easier than putting the chain back on as you'll see later. With the chain removed I then proceeded to take off the crank arms as well. Finally, I used my new Shimano BB tool to remove the bottom bracket. This took a good little bit of leverage but I forced through and all came off good and clean. The bb was obviously shot, and I could clearly see the differenmce when the new part came in through my lbs 2 weeks later.

The weather turned bad and I brought the whole shebang inside to the top of the entry stairs which would become my workplace, sorry Sue, thanks for stepping over and around. I then used some Simple Green to clean the chain. I soaked it overnight, and through a clothes washing machine cycle while it sat on top and vibrated. Then I cleaned each side with the solution using an old toothbrush, finally rinsing off in a new solution of degreaser and water. I then let it air dry for 24 hours , during which time I installed my new bottom bracket.

After reading through the Barnette's manuals, I learned that I shouldn't grease the threads (specific to this Shimano bb), but should instead use loc-tite with my steel threads. The installation went smooth, and after torquing to the recommended tightness I then moved onto the cranks. This was pretty simple too, just remembering to start by trying the right crank in each of the four possible positions to determine the best fit for the chainline, and then also torquing to the recommended tightness.

Finally, I rethreaded the chain starting at the bottom of the rear derailleur, going through in a backward S and then up and swinging down through the front derailleur. Here is where an extra pair of hands was necessary. I couldn't hold the chain in place while I operated the chain tool by myself, so Sue held the chain while I positioned it then operated the tool, and the pin went smoothly back through the chain sides (there's a definite lack of proper terminology going on in my retelling here, sorry), even though the manual said this is often a difficult procedure.

So after a quick lube with some dry Finish Line, I took a spin around the block, and now I need a derailleur adjustment in the front, and possibly the back, but I think I'll know better once I adjust the front. Overall this wasn't that much work or concern, but it was magnified through having to order the bb, choosing to get some Simple Green from the store, having to work in the middle of the stairtop hallway because it's been so cold and wet out, and hauling in and then away my tools from the other areas of the apartment as they were needed and finished with. We'll call it a night at that and fill in more details as I finish up the adjustments, spring cleaning, sticker application, and new Flash Flag installation. Pictures, I promise.

BIKES ON PARADE TOO

2004-04-14T20:27:00.000-04:00

Even though it's the cows stealing the show this year in Harrisburg, there are a number of bikes to check out around town too. So here is a little sharing of what you may appreciate, or what you may pass over, daily. I haven't gotten any shots this year yet of riders, cause I just haven't been ready with the camera, so here are some bikes at rest. I promise some action shots soon.

A pretty pair of bicycles outside a local art and framing store, sweet to look at, wonder if they are ridden?

A shot of a bicycle parked roadside against a light pole, through the cast iron rails of the downtown Dauphin County Library branch.

I think the street sign says it all about where a bike can take you.

GET YOURSELF A PAPER TOOL CATALOG TODAY

2004-04-13T20:41:00.000-04:00

If I could give one bit of advice to newbie commuters and DIY mechanics: Besides spending time in your lbs and asking lots of questions of your mechanic, besides searching through lots of on-line catalogs and bicycling sites and bookmarking your favorites, besides utilizing on-line communities such as bikeforums.net to thier fullest, besides getting a good repair manual for your home library, and besides just doing it; It would be to get your hands on a hard-copy paper tools and parts catalog with lots of pictures as soon as possible.

All of the afore-mentioned options are good choices, and of course I want to support paper free resources in favor of electronic and human as much as possible. But for me this isn't possible 100% and I wouldn't ask it to be so of anyone else. There is nothing in my mind like having a good fiberbound catalog in front of me that I can easily flip through and back and forth from page to page, whether in bed or at the breakfast table; and that I can see pictures of the tools I need, and of the parts that might be confusing me (a cog vs. a crank vs. a cartridge for example, might sound naive, but when your starting out into the details the learning curve is def there, and the terms are a part of it).

So just yesterday, after bike commuting for almost a year, and struggling with on-line searches for parts, stops at the lbs that are sometimes fruitless or inconvenient, and looking over my bike questioningly at times, my first bike parts and tools catalog came in the mail, bike tools etc., and I feel like a light bulb went on in my head after just one flip through. My visual mind meets my cognitive and it all starts to fall into place a little more for me; a dozen or more lubricants side-by-side on one page (and divided into wet and dry, with descriptions and tech hints); pages of fasteners that I often searched long minutes for at the hardware store, often not finding exactly what I was looking for as a replacement and having to instead substitute something that eventually worked, now all lined up and described and priced; and much much more. Do yourself a favor and pick up a good catalog today.

HAVE A GOOD HOLIDAY

2004-04-08T08:40:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy this holiday weekend. As I wont be posting much in the next few days, here are a few links to tide you over.

bikepath
a little blog I ran across the other day that details another person's commuting and transportation cycling tales.

PA River Sojourns
2004 Watershed Awareness Month
Two new blogs I am maintaining at work. I brought the blogging tool into our non-profit work world, and I hope it is successful, it's fun for me never-the-less. Check out our PA River Sojourn program in which we administer funding for statewide educational paddling trips; and 2004 Watershed Awareness Month in which we promote, advocate, and educate about watersheds in Pennsylvania. We incorporated both blogs as pop-ups, which I normally detest, but I think it works pretty well for the purpose and how we are using it. Let me know if you have any thoughts. Peace.

Song of the Day: "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby" by The Counting Crows

TAX TIME and HR 1265

2004-04-07T21:31:00.000-04:00

Posts will be light this week as I take evenings to sift through my taxes, and prepare for Uncle Sam. I don't mind paying taxes and I don't mind doing the paperwork, but it just seems a bit too complicated for the average citizen. I have a graduate degree and am good at reading comprehension, but it takes me forever to understand some of these rules and guidelines, and search down the different and necessary forms.

While we are talking about taxes, please take the time to learn more about House Bill 1265 which would extend the Bicycle Commuter Act's transportation fringe benefit in the tax code to bicycle commuters. We're talking a $65 per month tax break for bike commuters, which would easily cover regular bike commuting costs. And to be fair, it would only give the same benefits that are already available to car-poolers and mass-transit users.

LINK TO bcn GOES OUT TO 18,000+

2004-04-05T08:21:00.000-04:00

I wrote and posted an article in my org's weekly newsletter last week that promotes bcn, but also details the connection between cars and non-point water pollution. Here's the text, and you can visit the actually newsletter site (and see a picture of me and my bike) by following the link below.

POWR Staffer Reduces Non-Point Water Pollution Through Bicycle Commuting

Watershed Programs Coordinator, Frank Raymond Cetera, bicycle commutes eight miles round-trip to POWR's downtown Harrisburg office from his apartment in New Cumberland. And in the process, reduces his contribution of oil, antifreeze, grease, and metals to the roadways, as well as emitted nitrogen and other contaminants that settle in water, from daily car use.

Cetera began bicycle commuting to work as a egular part of his daily routine when he moved into the Harrisburg Metro area last year. The initial rational was health, economic, and environmentally based. Cetera was able to get in 40 minutes of daily exercise (important within the boundaries of an office job) on his bike commute without having to visit a gym, and shave ten minutes off his commute had a car been used; he was able to save up to $50 per month in parking or transit fees and keep miles off his car; and he was able to reduce air pollution, noise pollution and urban congestion from his vehicle.

"However, I was surprised to learn just how much cars contribute to water pollution, as most think of the effects of cars on air pollution initially" says Cetera. According to the Environmental News Service, a population of 5 million can contribute enough toxic run-off from streets and driveways yearly to equal a major oil tanker spill. "We all contribute to this run-off if we drive a car, even if we regularly keep our cars maintained and don't throw used motor oil down the storm drains" Cetera continues.

Oil, petroleum products, trace metals, and other toxins from automobiles kill fish, plants, aquatic life and even people. One quart of oil will contaminate thousands of gallons of water, so keeping every little bit out of the water supply is a good thing. You can help by: reducing car use, and car pooling; monitoring and repairing any leaks; and always taking used oil, batteries and other fluids to a repair shop for proper disposal. And of course by riding your bicycle.

"Trips under 5 miles are doable for everyone, and there are many resources on the web and in your library for learning proper cycling techniques in traffic, and for motivation and information to get you started" according to Cetera's experience. Cetera even has his own website, www.bicyclecommutingnow.blogspot.com that chronicles his bicycle commuting experiences.

Go to http://www.pawatersheds.org/WWeekly/issue.asp?ID=190

BIKES ON PARADE?

2004-04-02T08:42:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed some new residents of Harrisburg during your commute over the last few days. The cows on parade art exhibit has spread throughout town. These cow statues designed by local artists are of many themes. The whole shebang started, I believe, with an exhibit at the Whitaker Center last year, and then featured the dropping of a strawberry cow on New Year's Eve. Well now that the weather has turned to spring you can find these cows everywhere!

And I wonder if they planned it this way or if the two cows I came across directly today are just a random occurrence, but both seemed to have thier location matched with their theme.

This bad boy is painted as a Harrisburg city theme with landmarks and buildings from town as it sits at the City Island Walnut St ped bridge entrance to the city, and looks on at the downtown.

This puppy is covered in pennies and other pretty "gem" stones, and is right in front of a bank on 2nd Street downtown.

Now cows are all good and dandy. There is a dairy culture in this part of PA with farms and such. And this exhibit is a lot of fun, I already see people stopping and checking out multiple cows along thier way, great.But just think what this type of thing could do for say, bicycles? What if the city decided to promote bicycling, and sponsored a parade of bikes throughout town. Artists could either design original bikes, or give custom paint jobs to beaters and other bikes found around town. (Here's an example) Then they could be placed throughout to be admired by all. Maybe this is too obvious to me, killing two birds with one stone. Offering a unique and original art exhibit, while promoting an activity that could lessen downtown parking and congestion issues. But I guess I do have a vested interest in such an idea. Does anyone on city council or government in town remember riding bikes as a kid? Does anyone want the children and commuters of our city and our futures to be able to enjoy the same thing? Let's start now. Promote bicycling now, bicycle commuting now! Bikes on Parade in 2004-2005!

WALK IF YOU DON'T OR CAN'T BIKE!

2004-04-01T08:01:00.000-05:00

"...the cost of our not walking as a nation—and living a sedentary lifestyle—is staggering. Obesity and poor physical fitness are rapidly catching up to smoking as the leading causes of preventable death in the United States [this is not an April Fool's joke]. While moderate exercise can have big benefits, most of us are nowhere near meeting the minimum recommendation of 30 minutes a day.

That's where Prevention, America on the Move, the American Podiatric Medical Association, and the US Department of Health and Human Services come in. Together we're asking you to join our campaign to make Friday, April 2, the official Walk to Work Day for all Americans. "The science continues to show that walking just 30 minutes a day can have a real, positive effect on your health," says Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson. "I'm encouraging every American to walk to work on Friday, April 2. For those of you who live too far away to walk to work, find another time to walk during the day. Walk before work, walk after work, walk during your lunch break, or if you smoke, give up your smoke break and go for a walk—without your cigarettes. And take a coworker with you. Just by taking a few simple steps we can all live healthier, happier, longer lives."

If you park downtown, park on City Island and walk, take lunch break out along the river in Riverfront Park and look at all the danged painted cows, walk up and down the steps in your office building instead of using the elevator (or if your afraid of the rain)!

SUPPORT A PAPER ZINE VERSION OF bcn

2004-03-31T19:24:00.000-05:00

A draft work-up of the bcn paper zine is now complete and awaiting printing and distribution at some point over the next few weeks.

bcn began as a way to share my bicycle commuting story, and to motivate myself to get out and pedal to work everyday. Online, readers have visited from all over the globe, but bicycle commuting awareness in south central PA has not blossomed from my point of view. A paper version of bcn is intended to be shared in offices, at homes, and during car pools around south central PA, so that more than just those with internet access, or those who are actively searching for this information, can find it. It is hoped that people will pass it along, leave a copy in a different location than where they found it, and be motivated to take the commuting plunge themselves.

A paper version, unlike this online journal, is not free to produce, and as a result I am open to donations to support this effort. If you would like to support bcn you may make a paypal donation through the button at the top of the left-hand column. The author of bcn is gainfully employed and not seeking to make a profit currently from bcn, but always appreciates a hand in a goodwill effort such as this. All donations will go towards offsetting the printing and distribution costs of bcn. The premiere zine version of bcn will be available this spring, and will be a compilation of online posts. Anyone making a donation of $1.00 or more will receive a print copy via postal mail if a shipping address is provided. Email me to find out how to obtain multiple copies for distribution, especially if you are a local or regional zine distro.

1 HOUR OF TIME

2004-03-30T20:03:00.000-05:00

Spent 1 hour the other day tearing down the drive train of my Diamondback to get to the bottom bracket. I pulled off the cranks, removed the chain (with the chain tool from my Alien multi), and removed the bottom bracket. And lo and behold, the source of the creaking noise on each down pedal was indeed the bb. The inner spindle was definitely loose within the bb main body, and it being a cartridge type, I was forced to accept the fact I would need a new one.

My LBS didn't have one in stock, so had to put it on order. That was last monday, and they said the order would go out on Tuesday, with an outlook of about 4 days for the new bb to come in. So any day now would work just fine. As I just got my Harrisburg Bicycle Club membership card, I'm looking forward to the 10% discount it entitles me to at Bushey's, maybe I'll pick up a few other things I have been longing for such as a better travel pump, and a new patch kit, or maybe not.

After I had everything off I cleaned off the chain and cranks and gears, cause they were getting pretty rusty from the winter conditions. I hope no permanent damage was done, that will teach me to keep better maintenance throughout the cold and wet seasons. And to top things off, I popped three more spokes on my blue Giant yesterday. You might remember I had this problem when I started riding the Giant way back last year, cause it was so old and unused before I started using it. Well a few more spokes have reached their end, and now I gotta take some time to get them replaced soon. Looks like I'll be using alternate arrangements into work until next week.

MEET FELLOW COMMUTER ED

2004-03-29T08:24:00.000-05:00

Ed Hidden, 32
New Cumberland

D&H Distributing – 2525 N. 7th Street, Harrisburg
Commute – 18 miles
Specialized Allez Comp

I use a Blackburn Rack and Performance Panniers to carry clothes back and forth to work. It’s a little extra weight, but in the summer, I don’t have a backpack resting on my sweaty back and I don’t have to plan ahead to stash clothes at work. (I’m a chronic procrastinator so if I can’t take it with me at the last minute, I probably wouldn’t ride.)

1) Why do you commute? How Long have you been Commuting? I’ve been commuting off and on for about 3 years now. I wouldn’t even have really considered myself a commuter cause my number of actual trips doesn’t add up to a whole lot! Now I live farther away (or it seems farther since it’s up on top of one of the biggest hills on the West Shore).

2) There are many opportunities for improving bicycle commuting resources
in the Harrisburg metro area, what would you like to see? I’m not a big fan of bike lanes. Most of the times, the regional government seems to think that bicycling and pedestrian traffic should share the same paths. Which is an accident waiting to happen. A vehicle traveling an average of 14mph doesn’t belong in the same lane with 3mph traffic. Wider traffic lanes would nice. Better cared for grates and potholes on the sides of the road would help out as well.

Obviously, a tax credit has been talked about for years for bicycle commuters. I would probably start logging more miles to save some extra cash. Incentives are always nice!

3) Do you believe bicycle commuting would help relieve downtown parking
issues/rush hour traffic issues? Why? Bicycle commuting would help relieve some downtown issues, but I think you run into a problem of how would you convince enough people to make a difference. The biggest relief would be for the people actually commuting. There is nothing more satisfying then passing a long line of parked cars waiting for their turn at the traffic light.

4) Do you think promoting bicycling could provide a draw for tourists
(and an economic benefit) to Harrisburg (especially with Riverfront Park,
and Harrisburg's Capital Area Greenbelt in development)? Why? hmmm…. Riverfront is already a popular biking destination for out of town people during the season. What might be better is for shops to get more bicycle friendly to encourage people in/near the city to use a bike for trips.

5) Any other Stories and Tips you would like to share about your
commuting experience? I have to give you a big thank you for contacting KeystoneBiking with your article. It’s been inspirational for me to “get off my duff” and start riding to work again. Today I started riding to work again. I figure if you can ride year-round, then I can certainly ride now that spring has hit. It was better then my morning coffee!

A TANGENT BREAK

2004-03-22T18:22:00.000-05:00

Today may be the last day of cold this winter, and now spring. Cold that is heavy-handed and makes you think twice about spending time outside. So I decided to revel in it. After all, who knows where I may be next year, and if I am not here, this could be the last cold day I experience. So I sat on the balcony porch, sipped a glass of wine, read a book, and experienced the cold. And after cursing the cold all winter, and hoping for the warmer months, especially through bicycle commuting all winter, I was able to enjoy the cold for itself.

I won't be posting any further this week. I will be presenting two papers I wrote at the Wilson College Conference for Sustainability in Chambersburg this Friday and Saturday, so I will be taking the evenings to prepare as needed. If I don't procrastinate maybe you'll here from me, otherwise, normal postings will resume next week. One paper is on the development of a survey to determine barriers and benefits to perrenial food production in urban and suburban landscapes. The other (which will be a poster presentation) is on the development and design of two sets of trail loops signs at the Robert A. Macoskey Center for Sustainable Systems Education and Research. One loop about ecological succession and man's role in such, the other loop about sustainable living strategies.

Song of the Day: "Salome" by the Old' 97's. I just got the CD Too Far To Care that this is on, and I must have listened to it ten times at work.

THINGS TO DO (WITH PARKING)

2004-03-21T08:29:00.000-05:00

Want to use your bicycle more, but not too happy with having to park it on the edge of the road, hooked up to street signs or lampposts? Here are two spots to pedal to, that have provided bicycle parking for patrons in town. They should be commended and they should be patronized, while on your bike.

The Midtown Cinema on Reilly St is not only a great place to see a movie, with prices below typical movie theater prices, and a selection of movies you won't find elsewhere in town (Sue and I saw Bubba Ho-Tep recently); but also has a coffee bar and desert selection to make happy any sweet tooth. The atmosphere is friendly and fun, and your bike may never be far out of view, except when your sitting in the dark gazing at the big screen. The Theater has a bike rack on the side of the store, located clearly away from the street and the parking area, so that your bike is clearly out of the way from other vehicles, yet the location near the front of the store, before the vehicle parking starts, and adjacent to the large picture windows of the theater lobby provide an added measure of protection of visibility for your bicycle.

The Broad Street Market is another good choice for picking up some great produce or prepared foods that are fresh and local. Located at 1233 North 3rd Street, this "Historically fresh farmers market since 1860! Three blocks from the Capitol Complex" is a great place to visit for the sights sounds and smells. Bicycle parking is available via secured rack on the edge of the plaza between the two market buildings. One of my favorite vendors sells spices by weight, and in bulk, so you can get just what you need for that new recipe, without spending $4 or $5 dollars for a whole bottle of a new spice you may not use again.

Song of the Day: "Where is The Love" by the Black-Eyed Peas

PHOTO OPS

2004-03-18T21:35:00.000-05:00

I took an opportunity the other day, when it was a little warmer, and before the snowy/icy winter encore strode into town, to snake through town in the morning with the ole digital camera and catch some bike photos when they presented themselves. I don't have these downloaded fully and ready to post but I'll get to it some time in the next few weeks, once I'm able to snap up a few more and make a nice little bikes in Harrisburg portfolio. Perhaps this can be my first photo series, sort of focusing on an important aspect of a sustainable life that gets easily overlooked in everyday life. Bicycles and their riders are out there, granted not in the numbers they should be, nor the numbers that present themselves in other more enlightened? parts of the country, but they should be given some more notice and this is going to be one way to do it.

I think my other series of photos this summer is going to be on urban vegetable gardens. This is a beast that is in even better hiding than the bicycles, for where they are, they can't usually be seen, thus hidden in someone's yard. But once again, an important part of a sustainable life. If only folks could see that people are growing thier own food, that it is possible, that there are people who can be resources for such an enterprise in their own yards, perhaps more food would be grown. Healthy, organic, and bright food, dripping with dew and juices when picked fresh.

CARTRIDGE BOTTOM BRACKET

2004-03-16T19:40:00.000-05:00

A trip after work yesterday to my local LBS notified me that my Diamondback has a cartridge style bottom bracket. So on one hand I won't have to deal with a full bottom bracket overhaul which would probably take me an hour plus and require numerous new tools, on the other hand I probably will have to replace the cartridge and thus lose the opportunity to benefit from maintaining what I currently have. I won't know this for sure until I get into removing the bracket, or at least trying to tighten it first now that I have the right tool to do so. I picked up a Pyramid Pro brand cartridge BB tool that fits Shimano and Isis. I hadn't heard of this tool brand before though, but it was what the LBS had in stock, so does anyone know anything about Pyramid Pro?

Today the weather was a full 180 from yesterday, a late winter snowstorm that dumped 3-4 inches of wet snow rain mix on us and made the roads rough for everyone. I drove for sure out of concern for safety as I didn't see one municipal worker or homeowner or business owner cleaning off the roads or sidewalks, I guess everyone just figured it was a quick blow through that would be gone by tomorrow (as it probably will all melt away as the temps are expected to rise again in the next 24 hours).

BIKE PARKING NEEDED?

2004-03-15T19:56:00.000-05:00

Once you become accustomed to riding around town, and riding in traffic, things become easier from a commuting point of view. Of course, one must always be aware and on one's toes, as any car driver should be as well. Which is why it is nice to be able to relax when you get to your destination, by being able to quickly and easily park and lock up your bike, by being able to find a bike rack for the purpose, and being confident your bike is safe and out of the way. Unfortunately that is not always an easy thing to do around these parts. I rode cross town once for a meeting at an office building only to find a full parking garage but no bike parking options available. Except of course for the rig your own bike space which we all have to use at some point. After all there can't be a bike rack in front of every building.

However, in front of public buildings is another story. I think we should be able to expect it, and I think by the evidence in this picture it is sorely needed. Take a look at the downtown Harrisburg Dauphin County Library branch and you'll notice three bikes locked up outside along the curb to traffic signs and light posts. It is obvious that bicycles are in use here and someone should make amenities for such. Maybe it's just me, but I prefer to have my bike locked up in a proper rack away from traffic, a rack that I can recognize easily upon my arrival at my destination, as opposed to have to go searching for a stop sign or unused lamp post down the block. What do you think?

Song of the Day: "Burning Photographs" by Ryan Adams

YEAHS AND NEAHS

2004-03-11T18:30:00.000-05:00

Another Man's Commute, my article detailing my commute and certain issues surrounding it and bicycle commuting in general, is up at Keystone Biking as a feature article. I am sure as avid readers you ahave all read it before here on bcn (August 9, 2003 post), but you should check out the Keystone Biking site anyway just to say hi and build the community.

As for not so good news, from Central Penn Business Journal Daily March 11, 2004:

West Shore Chamber Doesn't Back Rail Plan

At a meeting this morning, the West Shore Chamber of Commerce weighed in against CorridorOne, the commuter railroad proposed for Central Pennsylvania. "We support the vision of having a regional rail mass-transit system at some point in the future. But we don't support the work that has been done in favor of CorridorOne," said David Bihl, chairman of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce. In the chamber's view, the push for CorridorOne appears to stem more from the availability of government funding than from a demonstrated need, Bihl said. The chamber's decision is disappointing, said John Ward, president of the Modern Transit Partnership and CorridorOne's leading advocate. But it won't derail the system, he said. Chambers in Carlisle, Harrisburg and Lancaster have supported CorridorOne. -- Joel Berg

Of course, to be fair, the Chamber admits to supporting some sort of rail system in the future, but the article doesn't give any more details about that. What I would like to point out is how can you live on the West Shore, surrounded by 3 major roadways, where lives are seemingly lost weekly from traffic accidents, and trips during rush hours can delay you seemingly forever (if you are in a car, wink), and not think there is a demonstrated need? How can you live anywhere in America and not feel a need to reduce the number of cars on the roadways, and provide alternative forms of transportation? Of course the plan stems from available funding, that's what the funding is there for. Obviously, from a bicycle commuter's p.o.v., I don't need to stress how I feel the need for fewer cars on the road which would result from available mass transit, do I?

BOTTOM BRACKET OVERHAULING

2004-03-10T19:15:00.000-05:00

Well, after reading through the Barnette's Manual chapter on bottom brackets, I've decided that mine needs an overhaul. According to the text, for anyone riding regularly and through wet conditions, this should be no less than a yearly maintenance task. Of course this means new tools for me. The manual estimated it to be a 45 minute or so task, meaning closer to one hour for a beginner. So if you consider that would be probably $20-$30 labor at an LBS, I'll only end up spending slightly more for the 3 tools I need (and learn the deal in the process). Those being, I believe, a lockring tool, an adjustable cup spanner, and a fixed cup tool. Anyone knows any more or less let me know.

Supposedly the noise being made by my pedaling is due to looseness somewhere in the bottom bracket, or from dry or out of line bearings. Either way, taking it all apart, cleaning it, re-lubing, and putting it back together are the fail-safe to fixing the problem. Barnette's says that the bottom bracket rarely fails fully as indicated by the grinding noises. And that you'll only know by overhauling the bracket, and tightening associated mechanisms such as the cogs, pedals, cranks, etc. properly. This may take a while as I figure out just what tools, where to get them, and actually get them in my hands. I'll keep you all posted.

FIRE TIRE FOLLOWS THROUGH

2004-03-09T16:18:00.000-05:00

I posted ages ago about how one of the Tire Flares I bought (from a set of 2 for the front and back wheel) stopped working soon after I started using it. I sent it back for a replacement then heard nothing for too many weeks. Finally I got a response that the customer service department was shorthanded and that they were sorry I wasn't given a proper reply. But they did agree to replace the malfunctioning Tire Flare once they came back into stock (seems the white ones are selling out). Well today it finally came in the mail, and I hereby give kudos to Firetire.com for following through appropriately. Although its not dark anymore these days during my commute, but they will surely come in handy again next year when I am looking for that extra visibility during my night commutes home.

Just to finish a quick post, I am sorely out of commission for a day or two due to a bad bout with a stomach flu, so forgive if posts are lacking in length and reliability this week. I'll try my bestest!

Oh, yeah and I did succeed in planting some bike fuel seed this past weekend as I hoped to. In the ground are snow peas, different head and leaf lettuces, about 6 seed of spinach, all I had left over in an envelope from last year, a few broccoli and cabbage seed as well. Wish them luck this early in the spring! I did cover with row cloth to give the best fighting chance from the colds, and winds. I then scattered some mustard greens and turnip greens seeds in the other two beds to finish off my first gardening day of the new year.

FREE BIKE FUEL SEEDS

2004-03-04T19:32:00.000-05:00

Cumberland County Extension is once again giving away free seeds for starting your very own bike fuel garden this year. They have annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables available that were packed for 2003 and donated by a local garden center. All you have to do is stop by the office at 1100 Claremont Rd, Carlisle PA and ask. The office is open Mon-Fri from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

I got many of my starter seeds from the extension last year, and I have lots left over to use this year, so I probably won't be making a stop in for more seeds. I did splurge ($11) and bought a few different varieties of seeds and vegetables to try that I wasn't able to get at the extension last year, such as brussel sprouts, and a non-bitter salad greens mix for example. When my order comes in from SuperSeeds.com, I'll fill you in on what I'll be planting. Super Seeds (also known as Pinetree Seeds) is great because they sell garden-sized seed packs. Enough for the home grower and priced accordingly (many packets under $1.00).

And sowing may be as soon as this weekend. The soil in my raised beds is unfrozen a few inches, enough for me to sow seed. So as long as the rains stay away this weekend, I'll be seeding some peas, lettuces, spinach, and broccoli. I might have some other cold weather greens too that could go in now, at least as green manures until I put in my warm weather transplants in May, or cover crops to keep back soil loss from spring winds. The co-planting plan could be to sow seed within the growing greens and as I harvest the greens later in the spring allow the seedlings of the summer plants to come up.

Song of the Day" My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles

FELLOW HARRISBURG METRO BICYCLE COMMUTERS WANTED

2004-03-03T19:51:00.000-05:00

Its just enough about me sometimes, don't you think? Let's have a show of numbers to let everyone know that there is more than 1 or 2 bicycle commuters out there. If you are a fellow bicycle commuter in the Harriburg metro area (or generally in South Central PA), share your story. Email me or leave your replies to the following questions in the guestbook or comments section, and I'll use them as a post in the near future.

First name
Last name (optional)
Age (optional)
Home Town
Workplace Employer (optional)
Workplace Location
Round Trip Commute Distance
Description of Bike (optional)

1) Why do you commute? How Long have you been Commuting?
2) There are many opportunities for improving bicycle commuting resources
in the Harrisburg metro area, what would you like to see? (exs. bike
lanes, more signage, monetary incentives, other?)
3) Do you believe bicycle commuting would help relieve downtown parking
issues/rush hour traffic issues? Why?
4) Do you think promoting bicycling could provide a draw for tourists
(and an economic benefit) to Harrisburg (especially with Riverfront Park,
and Harrisburg's Capital Area Greenbelt in development)? Why?
5) Any other Stories and Tips you would like to share about your
commuting experience?

TELL ON THEM HARRISBURG POTHOLES

2004-03-02T18:57:00.000-05:00

As of today:

"Mayor Stephen Reed says potholes are already being repaired, but the city needs your help to fix them all. If you see a pothole, call the Pothole Hotline to notify the city. The hotline number is 255-3050"

So fellow bicycle commuters, don't hesitate to call if you come across any of these beasts along your route. Don't wait for the car drivers to do all the reporting cause it might not get done. Although the way people baby thier cars and worry about money to fix them (possibly from potholes) they probably do a fairly good job of calling the hotline. The difference though, is that when a car hits a pothole, the shocks and suspension take a beating, but if a bicyclist hits a pothole their body as well as their bike can take the beating, both from popping down on that seat and from taking a header over the handlebars. The weather is changing, and its nice to lolly along enjoying the springish breeze and viewing the sites, as opposed to rushing home to get out of the sub-freezing temps, but don't forget to keep an eye on the road and another on the vehicles sharing the road with you.

KEYSTONE BIKING

2004-03-01T19:40:00.000-05:00

Keystone Biking bills itself as the "on-line forum for Pennsylvania bicyclists", and although a great goal, its not quite their yet. Available forums, reader submitted stories and articles, video clips from state biking events, and a neat bike geeks section that provides hi-tech resources for bikers, are all full of promise, but need your participation as PA cyclists to flourish. Conspicuously absent is any focus on commuting, though there are a few advocacy articles of a different focus worth checking out. Also welcome would be a commuting/advocacy forum in the forums area. Hey PA cycylists, drop in and check out the site, and give your support for more commuting attention.

I switched in my new crank arm last night, no problem really, but I didn't have a socket with an 8mm hex head so that I could use my new torque wrench for proper tightening. I had an allen key with an 8mm end, but that wouldn't do. So it was a quick trip to Sears to pick up the socket, and then I finished up under the porch light, which was so possible because the temps got up to near 60 yesterday! So I went out for a test ride, and lo, the cranks were louder than they have ever been. I don't think it is the bottom bracket based on what I read, but that there must be some other loose item down there somewhere. I hope to take a look soon. But I am still off the bike due to my shoulder still not back to 100%. I am going to give it the rest of the week with no stressting to determine if I really need to re-visit the Doc or not.

Song of the day: "Farmhouse" by Phish

FLOODGATES OPEN WIDE

2004-02-27T19:30:00.000-05:00

Today the floodgates of psuedo-spring opened wide in Harrisburg. Runners aplenty to require keeping a count, random bicyclists overrunning sidewalks everywhere, and even one commuter along the Market St Bridge (the only cyclist with a helmet spotted today). And even more questionably, the car parking lot on City Island was brimming with vehicles. I don't know why, but it seems that when the weather betters itself, more people park on City Island. Is this because they choose the Island over the downtown because they want to enjoy the walk? Do they switch when it is an easier walk, to save some cash from the more expensive and closer to work lots they park in during the winter? Or is there some other possibility?

As for myself, I finished the week off from cycle commuting in, due to resting up from the bike-car incident last Friday. I hope to hop back on Monday, but I do have to work on the crank arm replacement on my Diamondback in order to make it so. My Giant will be out of commission for the time being, as it needs a new pedal from the accident. So thank goodness for the 50+ temps we are expecting this weekend. I have no excuse, except for sleeping in, taking a nap, working on computer and personal publishing projects, and more not to get out and work on my bike. And also perhaps do some spring maintenance on my car. I mean, I am not car free by any stretch, and I won't ever be as long as we are driving cross state regularly to visit family and friends. So if I gotta have a car, I gotta maintain it. We're due for new spark plugs and we'll see what else.

FRESHNESS AND INNOVATION

2004-02-26T08:03:00.000-05:00

I finally got around to working on bcn's layout, as I mentioned I would awhile back. And I think the changes are good for the time and effort I put in. I moved links and archives up and into the left column, so they are more present without having to scroll far down. I also reduced and changed font sizes in a number of places.

The biggest additions are the "nav bars" at the top and bottom of the page. Of course, there is only one page to this blog (except for the archives), but now visitors can see what is available instead of trying to scroll down and discover everything. And of course they can click for a quick link down to that section or to visit the guestbook for example.

And the innovative addition for the time being is the "Current Posting Status" bar. I must say one of my pet peeves in regard to blogs is when someone off and quits posting for awhile and leaves you no indication that either they are gone, or when they might be back. Well to go a step further, the posting status bar tells new readers what to expect as far as frequency and timing of posts will occurr. I think it is a nice courtesy to the reader, nothing less than you would expect from a newsletter or magazine that publishes on a schedule, and still allowing the blogger all the convenience and flexibility of changing thier schedule as needed, simply by changing the posting status bar info and highlights. I haven't seen anything similar on any other blogs, so I'll consider it a blogging innovation until someone tells me otherwise : )

I am working on a number of new features such as the "feature post", where I will put a past post to entice readers to check out the archives, and a "photo center" where I can better present photos from my posts in a collection for easy reference and viewing once they reach the archives. Also publishing the archives as seperate pages so I can adjust the layout template on them to match up with the main page. One question I have is how to remove the white space from between the body columns? Anyone have a clue? I've tried adjusting padding and margin, what else?

Song of the Day: "Head On" by The Jesus and Mary Chain

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH A CAR

2004-02-23T09:41:00.000-05:00

Simply and straightout, I was hit by a car on Friday. To put things more into perspective, I was swiped by a car's passenger sideview mirror, while they were attempting to squeeze past me and oncoming traffic on 3rd Street in Lemoyne. This occurred on Friday during my commute home from work, and resulted in my taking a spill near the side of the roadway. Thankfully, this section is slow moving as traffic is usually backed up and I was not seriously injured. A few scrapes and a bruised and sore shoulder hopefully are the worst of it, (my ER doc thinks so at this point at least). I also scraped up my helmet, and put a hole in my wind pants and jacket.

I don't plan on getting into any major rants of the driver here, because she was quite considerate at the incident. The driver expressed her sincere (I perceived) regret, and empathy (from being a runner), and offered to give me a ride home and pay for any damages. We exchanged contact info and I pedalled home. My bike seems ok, except for the left pedal which may be bent. Of course I reserve the right to get into much more detail if she fails to follow through on her promises (Scarlet Letter anyone?). And the police did take a record of my call when I got home about the incident.

Of course if there is ever an example for a call for better driver education and relicensing in Pennsylvania (and probably elsewhere) this is it. As I explained to the driver that I was entitled to the full lane, and that when I give the left hand downward signal I am motioning slow, she expressed complete ignorance of such rules and signalling. Remember car drivers: BICYCLISTS ARE ENTITLED TO THE FULL LANE, CHANGE LANES TO PASS. Perhaps changing our "share the road" signs to this designation, and getting more bicyclist signage up will help the matter and can be an advocvacy activity for me in the future.

Let me not dwell unecessarily on this incident, especially in this blog, but let me promise to follow-up on it appropriately.

TRUE TALES AND HOPES #1

2004-02-19T19:27:00.000-05:00

Underestimating Bicycle Speed 1

True Story: Crossing the I-83 overpass from Lemoyne in New Cumberland, the road changes from 1 lane, to 1 lane with a right-turn and a left-turn lane at the crest of the hill. As I crest the hill, I move over into the lane (which is quite wide) about 1/2 of the way, to que up in the straight lane at the stop light past the overpass. A vehicle approaches from behind and uses the left-turn lane to attempt to pass me and get in front of me at the que, obviously underestimating my speed and right to the road, because he ends up along side of me instead of in front of me as we near the back end of the que, and I have to whistle to get his attention to prevent him from squeezing me over further.

True Hope: Said driver will respect my right to the roadway and will correctly learn to estimate the speed of a bicyclist in a roadway situation; or at the least give the biker the benefit of the doubt when attempting to pass them.

Underestimating Bicycle Speed 2

True Tale: I am cruising through Lemoyne when a driver coming in the opposite direction crosses the road in front of me for a turn. Driver chooses to turn even as he sees me approaching and I make eye contact with him; driver then proceeds to take the turn quite slow and I pass near the rear of his vehicle as I continue on my route.

True Hope: Driver will learn to properly estimate the speed of an approaching bicycle from the opposite direction and will be patient enough to wait until bicyclist passes to begin to turn. Especially when there are no vehicles behind biker to further hold up the turning driver!

Song of the Day: "Sunshine on my Shoulders" by John Denver

NOISE IN THE CITY

2004-02-18T18:10:00.000-05:00

I must admit that one of my biggest pet peeves of living in a city is the noise pollution that assails my ears regularly (the light pollution that shines in my windows at night and prevents me from seeing the night sky is a close second). I often fantasize about how peaceful it would be to live here if all the cars outside magically transformed into bicycles.

When one bicycle commutes, one is able to open up all one's senses to the world around one, unlike when one is in a car smelling recirculated air, hearing the humming motor and radio noise, seeing only what is recognizable at high speeds, and feeling only the steering wheel and if one is unusual the rushing air from open windows. Unfortunately, when biking, those senses are often overpowered by the cars surrounding one on the roadway. Try to hear the birds when the engines roar around you, try to smell the sweet late winter/spring air when the exhaust assaults you, you get the picture.

What hope do traffic calming measures like neck-downs and speed humps hold for me? Thats a tough question. Prohibitions include price, community support, and emergency vehicle delays. Read more at trafficcalming.org. But what I wouldn't give for a speed hump or two right outside my window that would keep cars to the speed limit of 25mph here in town, and a neckdown that would prevent them from gunning it and whipping around cars waiting to turn that inevitabely causes hostilities and honking horns. I think another major help would come from additional vegetation and trees along the streetsides. Of course they are few and far between along the section of Bridge St. I frequent, but I can imagine them absorbing noise and air pollution on a daily basis.

Perhaps someone at St. Theresa's is already leading the charge to consider such measures, as there has been some issue as of late with drivers along Bridge St who fail to slow or stop for pedestrians, of which there are quite a few, with the schools and with the churches lining the route. Let me lend my support to any studies or considerations that are taking place, and may we have a quieter more peaceful Bridge St to look forward to.

Song of the Day: "Blue Suede Shoes" by The King

VIABLE OPTIONS

2004-02-17T20:06:00.000-05:00

You'll notice a slight change in bcn's byline above. Where it used to read something to the effect of "Day-to-day antics, hysterics and views from Harrisburg/South Central PA, (with a touch of gardening for pizzazz)"; You'll now notice that the gardening aspect has been replaced with "promoting Bicycle Commuting and other sustaining lifestyle choices as viable options in today's culture". And although I will still be including gardening as an important part of a bicycling and sustainable lifestyle that I write about, the change better reflects the holistic approach that it is important we all take to provide more cohesive and beneficial communities all around us.

I have been struggling with thoughts as to how exactly I can better promote bicycling as a viable option, with the time and resources I have available. This blog is a great opportunity, but how do I get people not already interested in bicycling to read it. How do I get those car drivers who see me every day to get out of thier vehicles and join me on two wheels? I was watching TV this evening and noticed a car commercial that attempts to show youthful extravagence, in what I view as a traditionally progressive and counter commercial culture activity of a rock band or simply cruising with their friends on a road trip, as gawking and desiring the new car over thier outgoing, happy-go-lucky, simpler life that they were enjoying before the car came into view. As if life stops at a certain point and we all become grade A consumers and move past "childish" ways. And it was offensive to someone who is attempting to live simply and happily and maintain a semblance of fun in their lives. Do those youth really desire that new SUV enough to quit spending thier time happily and to instead start working two jobs in order to make the minimum payments?

Perhaps we might turn the tables around and show the exact opposite. I can imagine a commercial that shows an SUV driving middle aged, overweight, stressed out office worker, gawking out the window at a bicycle commuter who is happy and healthy and avoiding the traffic jams, and getting home to family sooner. But what will it take to get to that point? I wish I knew. And its a blog for another day.

Back to my question on exposure for bcn however, I've thought of 1 other option, going hard copy. That's right converting bcn into a zine for gfree distribution around town. Then maybe more folks will pick it up to read during lunch, to take home and set on the family table, or to pass around the office. I have to think out the plan for this, but I think it will be a good addendum to my online efforts.

Song of the Day: "Come Together" by Primal Scream, although it's been co-opted by a commercial recently too.

TOOL INVESTMENT

2004-02-16T19:14:00.000-05:00

My tool order arrived today from Lickton's Supply Co. at Lickbike.com that will allow me to properly fix my crank arm issue (I need to remove the pedal and connect to the new crank arm, and attach the new left crank arm to the bike). In addition, I gotta check my chain, cassette and derailleurs because I have been having more chain shift issues lately. Part of that problem may just be that I need to do a cleaning and lube job on the chain and related systems, but its still been too cold. This holiday weekend didn't afford me any time either (traveled yesterday to welcome our new nephew Jaden into the world, congratulations Kim and Joe) and the temps dropped back into the 20's, but that shouldn't last long.

So my order in comprised of the Park CWP-6 Multi Crank Puller, the Park PW-3 Pedal Wrench, the Park CC-2 Chain Gauge, a set of 2 Sugino 8mm Crank Bolts with built-in Caps, and a tube of Finish Line Grease. Seperately, I bought a torque wrench from Sears' Craftsmen line as well, for proper tightening of the crank bolts and whatever else I need proper tightening for. Plus I'll get some use out of this torque wrench for car repairs and maintenance too. I'll add these to my spending totals section in the right column when I get a chance, and I am going to do a quick total of what our car expenses have been for the past year so I can do a quick compare. These tool purchases, though, are an investment and well worth the price, considering what I would have likely paid in labor if I would have taken the bike to an LBS for these repairs.

I should mention that I chose Lickton's for my order because they were the first site I came across (after checking 5 or 6 others) that had the new CWP-6 Crank Puller from Park, whereas all the other sites (including my LBS) either had only the older version (CWP-5) or a different version that wasn't as versatile in its capabilities. I also really liked the Lickton's site because the menus were really easy and intuitive and the site was neat and clean. And best of all you could see pictures of each item in stock, that's super.

STASH

2004-02-11T19:29:00.000-05:00

I broke into my remaining bike fuel stash from the 2003 garden this week. I had a few jars of frozen tomatoes still in the back of the freezer and pulled them out to make a vegetarian chili. One even had some cut up green peppers in it as well. I also used some garlic that I still have on hand from my dad's garden and from the Macoskey Center.

This next year though I'll have my own garlic as I planted a bunch this past fall. I planted a few small rows of the generic garlic that everyone has, but I also bought some different varieties to try. These were in a hardneck sample pack from the Garlic Store and included Chesnok Red, Georgia Fire, Spanish Roja, and Siberian.

Bike Fuel Recipe for Simple Vegetarian Chili:

Olive Oil
1 cup TVP (before reconstituting) and soy sauce
2 cups chopped onions
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon paprike
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
(1/4 cup chili powder optional)
4 cups chopped tomatos
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3-4 cups cooked kidney beans

Saute reconstituted TVP in soy sauce, set aside. Saute onions and garlic in good oil, add paprika, oregano, and cumin (and optional chili powder) and stir until absorbed. In a pot add the tomatoes, sugar, salt with the onion/garlic mixture (add optional green peppers now), bring to boil and simmer for 20 minutes.

Then add the beans and TVP, simmer covered 15-20 minutes or until desired thickness. Serve with cheese or sour cream if desired, and piping hot corn bread.

SNOW FALL / CMON PART VI

2004-02-11T07:55:00.000-05:00

After 2 weeks or so of cold, snow and ice, the weather has improved and one can actually taste spring in the air, though its just an appetizer at this point, and less like a real appetizer from the menu and more like the free fried noodles at a chinese restaurant, or the free chips and salsa at a mexican place. Just a tease.

I thought that I had enough riding on the streets downtown and wanted to get back into Riverfront Park, and since the city trucks had pounded down some paths in the snow, and much of it had melted it wouldn't be a problem. And I was kind of looking forward to playing in it, maybe a few slides and plowing through what snow was left between the paths.

To get into the park though I was faced with over a foot high and a similar width of plowed snow on the edge of the road blocking my entrance, but not to be deterred I figured I'd take it headon and hop it, and I almost did, but my back wheel just clipped the pile enough to throw me sideways and I lost it on the slippery stuff on the other side. Thankfully it was more snow than ice and my snow fall was a soft one this time.

Well my Journey into work ends as I cut out of Riverfront and move up a side alley road where I emerge onto 3rd with the grand view of the Pennsylvania Capitol building looming up in front of me. Although I don't always agree with what goes on inside that building, and often feel estranged from our governments process, even when I am in such close proximity to the location, you can't help but be inspired by the architecture. Gotta take a tour someday.

A HALLUCINATING TRIP / CMON PART V

2004-02-09T18:44:00.000-05:00

Its cold and wet out as I ride into work, my head down and my thoughts numb, my intent forward and my path clear. Rolling onto the Walnut St. ped bridge I glance up and the way ahead is untraveled. One walker only, and on the cement paved sidewalk at that. My knobbies make a low rumbling vibration as I travel over the open metal grating that makes the travelling base of the bridge. Dark metal openings letting the view of the blue ice through and I meditate on the frozen river momentarily. Suddenly one of the stone column piers that support the bridge begins to enter my view. First the base as it meets the icy river, then as I move forward the stone pier looms more into my full field of vision. Head still down, soon the column takes up my field of vision absent of the river anymore. Soon the top of the column will meet the bridge itself and I will pass over the column and begin moving towards the next. I know that my way ahead is free, that the rise of the column stops underneath the bridge travelling surface, but my mind suddenly tells me different. An image takes the place of the reality, and I glimpse the column continuing upwards into my path, and myself slamming into it, and I snap out of the thought, look up and clear my line ahead. For a moment, the illusion lingers, then I smile and enjoy the sensation that my mind can be so much stronger than my actual senses. I truly thought for a split second that the column extended fully upward and thus into my path. Quite an interesting experience in the least, but I sigh as I realize what happened. And as the next column approaches I nod my head back down.....

BIKE FUEL

2004-02-07T21:45:00.000-05:00

The morning outside today had me thinking about growing my bike fuel for the summer season. That's right, the birds singing, the clear sunny sky and temps above freezing (wow) brought images of a stretching garden underneath the 6" of snowpack in the yard. I've had enough pale tomatoes and limp lettuce for the winter, I'm looking forward to deep red fruits and crisp from the soil greens.

It's been awhile since I've discussed gardening on this blog, I've really been focused on my bike commuting as I had planned. But when growing season comes around, those veggies as bike fuel gain so much importance in this quest for supporting a bicycle lifestyle that they have every right to be here. I hope that as you undertake your commute, you'll set some time aside for balancing the other aspects of your life as well. And maybe set aside a small plot in your backyard for growing some bicycle fuel.

CITY ISLAND IMPROVEMENTS / CMON PART IV

2004-02-05T18:19:00.000-05:00

Good news about improvements to the traffic flow and pedestrian access to City Island (from the Central Penn Business Journal):

City Island access to improve

The Market Street Bridge ramps to and from City Island are in line for a $1 million upgrade, according to Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed’s office. The project, slated to begin in the summer, would replace and widen the Market Street Bridge underpass on the island and expand and upgrade the entrance and exit ramps to the island. Crews also would resurface the bridge roadway and create walkways for pedestrians. Federal funds will foot the entire bill, Reed said in a statement. Work is expected to begin in mid-August and wrap up in spring 2005. Work would be done in stages to mitigate the effect on traffic. The island gets 1 million visitors a year, Reed said. Construction bids will be issued in the spring. The state Department of Transportation’s District 8 office will manage the project. -- Staff report

City Island could be a great resource for the City, if this any many other improvements like basic maintenance are undertaken. A big improvement that would benefit me as a bike commuter would be the renovation of the Walnut St Bridge connecting the West Shore with City Island. As you can see below, this view from the Market St Bridge along my route, shows the Walnut St Bridge falling off to nothing which is a result of large ice flows and buildup a few years back that destroyed a large section of the bridge. Farther north in the picture is the Harvey Taylor Bridge, my other possible crossing point over the Susquehanna.

Once on City Isalnd you notice the brand new sign welcoming folks to the park, and in the distance the Walnut St Bridge on the east side of the island. I get off Market St here and roll through the island to get over to, and use, the Walnut St Bridge to get to Harrisburg. And who can miss the large expanse of cars in the midground, commuters who park on the island and walk into town for work. Who can blame them? If you're going to drive you can save $20-$30 per month minimum on parking at City Island vs. downtown, and still enjoy a beautiful 10-20 minute walk across the Susquehanne and through downtown.

Song of the Day: "What if God Was One of Us?" by Joan Osborne

ONE WAY / CMON PART III

2004-02-04T19:13:00.000-05:00

Bridge St eventually comes to an end at the intersection that funnells all traffic from the south of I-83 across an overpass into Lemoyne. I have no other option at this point. I have to take this route as I have no other location to cross I-83 unless I go quite out of my way. The only issue is that traffic can get quite backed up when weather, accidents, or construction hit. It is in these cases that I take advantage of being on a bike and "find my own route".

Once in Lemoyne, traffic is once again funneled down towards the Susquehanna for crossing at the Market Street Bridge. Once again no other choice for me at this point, and with little if any attention given to the sidewalks on the Bridge (actually lots of attention is given to plowing the snow and ice from the roadway onto the sidewalk), I most often stay on the roadway at this point. As you can see (but in my opinion most motorists ignore or do not know how to interpret) there is a pretty little "Share the Road" sign here, the only one I see on my route.

TRAFFIC SIGNALS FOR CYCLISTS TOO / CMON PART 2

2004-02-03T19:53:00.000-05:00

After exiting the alleyway I come out onto 16th Street and prepare to turn back onto Bridge St. When I first started my commute I would stay on the west side of Bridge until 16th (as opposed to the east side that I travel now by crossing and taking the alley). One of the main reasons I changed was because the traffic signal at 16th would not pick up any signal from my bike for the change from red to green. I sat at the intersection for 2 minutes and 30 seconds one day testing out how long it would take to change. It obviously won't change, unless a car comes along as I discovered, and it changes within 30 seconds in that case. So now I can more safely and legally turn out onto Bridge St. when the light is red by making a right as opposed to a left on red (though I did that a number of times after I discovered the sensor wasn't working for me). I'll draft a short letter below for sending to the borough about this issue, and would appreciate any comments from those who have encountered this situation, or just have ideas.

After getting back on Bridge the riding is easier as the road widens out and few parked cars if any ever dot my path. As you can see after a winter storm though, the ice and snow can be an issue. So I take it slower and keep an eye on my rear with my Reflex helmet mirror. Speaking of which, I recently contacted the manufacturer of the Reflex, Cycleaware, because the adhesive holding the mirror's base onto my helmet was weakening and the unit falling off (fortunately this never happened while riding) and they were kind enough to acknowledge the problem and promise to send me a new adhesive for the base, as well as pass along some helpful hints on better securing the new adhesive base. Thanks to them. I can't as yet say the same of FireTire who have ignored my last two contacts about my malfunctioning Tire Flare. They did ask me to send it in for replacement, but since I did that I haven't heard anything, including nothing from a follow-up email.

New Cumberland Borough:

I am writing to bring to your attention a problem with the traffic signal sensor at 16th and Bridge Streets. The sensor, when approaching the intersection on 16th, fails to pick up the body of a bicycle and turn the signal from red to green. This problem should be fixed by replacing the sensing hardware, thus making this roadway useable in a safe manner for bicycles. Please inform me as to how you will address this issue.

Sincerely,

Anyone want to jump in on this letter and help out with the draft? Anything I need to add from anyone's experiences in this situation?

CMON N JOIN MY RIDE

2004-02-02T18:55:00.000-05:00

Share a commute with me over the next week as I share in pictures my daily ride. I start out by crossing Bridge St nearby so that I can parallel the busy road along an alleyway until I get up to 16th. The traffic always breaks within a few seconds of my arrival at Bridge, so that I am not left sitting at the intersection for long. I go north on Bridge for a few blocks and then turn off, and then almost immediately turn into the alley in which I only encounter a car (or more likely a delivery truck) twice or thrice a moon. The only part to be careful about is the ice that builds up and is not readily removed from the alley. But after a few days the tracks from vehicles wear down to pavement and the riding is as good as gold. Though this is where I took my one slight spill this winter.

SOME ATTENTION TO PED WAYS PLEASE!

2004-01-29T19:44:00.000-05:00

The mighty Susquehanna isn't the only thing in town covered with ice and snow these days. Though the Susquehanna is covered with big thick ice chunks from shore to shore. Here's a close-up tonight.

What I am talking about though is the pedestrian pathways and sidewalks. The trails in Riverfront Park have received no (as in zero, nadda, zip, zilch) attention since the snow storms earlier this week. Not only is it impossible to bike through the park, it is pretty dang hard to even walk through as the snow rises over your ankles a few inches with every step. And to top it off the sidewalks along the Market St Bridge have also received no attention from the city. Riverfront Park is one thing, as there are adjacent streets and sidewalks along different routes through town. But there are no alternate ways across the river, its either slog through a foot of snow and ice on the sidewalks or get out on the road which I actually saw one person doing yesterday. Thats right, because the city fails to provide safe and clear pedestrian access across the bridges, it forces pedestrians out onto the roadway with the speeding cars. This makes me mad, and disappointed in this city which has been my new home for the past year.

I guess the money budgeted for the Wild West Museum has taken away from yet another needed resident and business service in this town.

WEAR A HELMET

2004-01-28T18:40:00.000-05:00

I've always been a helmet advocate. I figure why not? If there is a chance it will help prevent an excessive injury, then I'm all for it, especially when my head is involved. Heck I cry when I hit my head on the point of the top pantry cabinet that I forgot to close when I was getting out my baking items for bread or such. I guess the safety issue is built in, I know I wore my seatbelt from day one when I was learning to drive. I mean it all just doesn't make sense, commonly, logically, or emotionally in my mind, not to be safe in these ways.

I picked this little laminated handout up at the PA Farm Show in the exhibit hall, and didn't know what to do with it when I got home, So I thought I'd share it with you. The text reads:

BIKE SMART FROM THE START...WEAR A HELMET!
How to properly fit a helmet
A. Fit the helmet low and level on the forehead.
B. Tighten the chinstrap, with the V of the side straps meeting just below the ear.
C. Adjust the pads inside so it feels snug, secure, and comfortable.

Courtesy of the SAFE KIDS Coalition

INVERSE CONVENIENCE

2004-01-27T20:18:00.000-05:00

There exists somewhere along a plane of degrees, a point where the convenience of taking the bus during snowy and icy weather becomes an inconvenience. I wish I knew how to predict, though since it is likely due to the intensity and timing of a winter storm, I would be a rich weatherman if I could. In any case, today I experienced this "point" when my bus was not only 30 minutes late, but then took 40 minutes to travel a five minute drive due to the backed up traffic and snowstorm (and then I had a 10 minute walk to my apartment).

Now what can I learn from this, if anything? Maybe I should have just walked, I would have gotten home quicker. Or maybe I should have been on my bike at this point. Really now, even if I would have walked the spots where I was concerned about safety, and walked up the hill that is super slippy, and taken the back streets once into New Cumberland, I still would have been home quicker. But at what cost? It would definitely have wiped me out physically for the night, and the conditions would have put a beating on my bike.

So perhaps this was the outcome for me this time. But if I ever get those studded tires, and if I can figure out just when that "point" will be crossed, then maybe you should just look for me on my bike.

Song of the Day: "Drown" by Son Volt

NOW SYNDICATED

2004-01-26T21:12:00.000-05:00

Blogger, and thus Bicycle Commuting Now, is now available via syndication through the new Atom standard ("Atom is a universal personal content publishing standard created by leading service providers, tool vendors and independent developers" ).

About Atom from the Blogger website:
It's both a new standard for developers, as well as a syndication format or "feed" for your blog. When a regularly updated site such as a blog has a feed, people can subscribe to it using software for reading syndicated content called a "newsreader." People like using readers for blogs because it allows them to catch up on all their favorites at once. Like checking email—without the SPAM.

Atom provides the potential to share your blog with a wider audience. When you activate Atom syndication, Blogger automatically generates a machine-readable version of your blog that can be picked up and displayed in a variety of ways, including newsreaders, web sites and handheld devices.

You can get a list of client software to enable you to start receiving feeds via Atom. The list will presumably grow, and I have no experience with any of the services, so sorry I can't give any guidance. Anyone who has any insight and would like to share with your fellow readers please do. Personally I'm not sure about this service as I don't yet know if pictures are syndicated as well when they are included in posts. I am guessing not, so that may take away from the blog experience. Plus, I am guessing that changes to sidebars and other parts of the blog webpage outside of the posts will be lost to the reader when they are not visiting the actual website. Any comments on this out there?

Alas, no commute today to espouse about. The roads are just too dangerous after last nights snow. Numerous car accidents have been reported throughout the morning, the roadways (and especially the shoulders and sidewalks) are covered, and everyone is moving quite slow. If I had an alternate route to take that would move me away from the main traffic arteries I probably would tuff out the snow, but with having to overpass I-83 and having to funnell down to and cross the Susquehanna via the Market St Bridge, my options are limited. So the bus was for me, and even though it was 10 minutes late and I had to trudge through 4 blocks of unshoveled sidewalks, it was at least a safe way to get into work and to avoid dealing with traffic and conditions on my own.

A NEW LOW IN MY LIFE

2004-01-23T18:30:00.000-05:00

No I am not depressed, I am talking about the outside temperature during my commute in to work today. Can you believe 6f with a windchill of -10f? I couldn't when I checked after I got to the office. I was pretty ok except for some numb toes from about halfway through the ride until I got into the office. But don't worry mom, nothing worse than I experienced during some of those childhood sled riding stints. And to top it off, I chose today to take my digital camera along to take some pictures of my route to share here in the future. So that meant an extra 10 minutes or so of stops and pulling off a glove, getting the camera out of my pocket, waiting for it to power up, taking the picture, and then getting back on my way. Suffice to say the ride home was much quicker and easier.

So lets have a week in review by the numbers (in honor of my -10 wind chill morning commute):
0: Number of minutes that the temperature rose above freezing this week during my commutes.
1: Tear in my windpants knee after my spill on Tuesday.
2: Tears in my left glove after one opened up right in the middle of my palm yesterday.
3: Number of sunny days that kept me motivated this week
4: Days I commuted this week (Monday was MLK's holiday remember)
5: Number of posts to my blog this week. (this is pretty typical)
12: Stops along the route today to take pictures.
1000: Times I rejoiced at feeling like a kid again, at breathing hard, and at holding at bay the demons of work, winter, and worry.

Stress Free Unhealthy Harrisburg?

2004-01-22T20:33:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe from a bicycle commuters point of view, or even any commuters point of view due to the often overwhelming traffic and numerous deadly accidents on Rts. 81 and 83, but the cities Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle have tied for the least stressful metropolitan area in the U.S. according to a BestPlaces study published by Money magazine. Commute times is one of the categories used for the rankings along with suicides, unemployment, theft, weather, alcohol consumption, self-reported mental health and divorce rates. The other winning location was also a multiple city metro area, the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area in New York.

So if Harrisburg is so stress free and a BestPlace to live, how come it wasn't ranked in the Rating Guide of Environmentally Healthy Metro Areas conducted by Organic Style magazine and reported last October? I know different criteria may have been used, but how can Harrisburg be #1 on one list and not even crack the top 125 on the other? Sate College did come in at 35 in the Healthy Cities report and Pittsburgh and Philadelphia were 118 and 120 respectively.

Somebody is fooling somebody, don't you think?

The other unfortunate part of the Healthy Cities report indicated that the mid-atlantic stretching from new york down to south carolina and west to indiana is the worst region (of the 10 the U.S. was broken up into for the study) in relation to health in America. This is an indication of pollution mainly, and the east coasts condition is attributed to industry emissions of course, as well as air pollution from the midwest. Breathe full people, ride hard and breathe full!