Bicycling in a world built for CARS!

I dig the commute in the rain.

2012-02-04T16:11:00.001-08:00

The commute into work in the rain was fun.

The temp was 66 degrees and it wasn't a cool rain. I thought this was winter. I got pretty sweaty on the way.

Commute-A-Sarus

The trail is nearly done.

2012-01-14T07:18:00.001-08:00

The cotton belt trail is nearly finished. All That is left is the last little bit. Maybe a section of ten or twelve feet on either side of the tracks next to precinct line road.

Commute-A-Sarus

New pedals for the road bike!

2012-01-12T10:36:00.001-08:00

My old pedals weighed 377grams.

My new pedals weigh 254 grams

122 grams less! Cool I can bring an extra bar an a half of chocolate!

Awesome!
Commute-A-Sarus

Only the hardest ride I've ever done!

2011-12-07T12:48:00.001-08:00

I am all registered up for the 2012 Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.

I am raising money this year with team Livestrong. Please help me sucker punch cancer and have a good ride!
My Team Livestrong Page

Montgomery Ward Hawthorn Crusier

2011-11-20T17:06:00.001-08:00

Strange chain link design!

A cool old cruiser but a tank. It probably weighs 50lbs.

Commute-A-Sarus

New bike lanes on 4th street

2011-11-20T16:41:00.001-08:00

The bike lanes on 4th street are almost totally installed. The city lacks the bicycle guys that go inside the lanes. This new lanes stretch from downtown to Sylvania ave.

I enjoy having a lane dedicated to bicycle on the uphill side but on the downhill side I liked more wiggle room to avoid the huge holes and cracks while barreling down the hill out of downtown. It is a great improvement. I welcome it and hope to see more around Fort Worth!
Commute-A-Sarus

Cordon multi-target photo-radar system leaves no car untagged (video)

2011-10-31T18:52:00.001-07:00

maybe this will help with the social responsibility aspect of operating a car!

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Cordon multi-target photo-radar system leaves no car untagged (video)

via Engadget by Amar Toor on 10/31/11

Go easy on the gas, Speed Racer, because Cordon is on its way. Developed by Simicon, this new speed sensor promises to take highway surveillance to new heights of precision. Unlike most photo radar systems, which track only one violator at a time, Simicon's device can simultaneously identify and follow up to 32 vehicles across four lanes. Whenever a car enters its range, the Cordon will automatically generate two images: one from wide-angle view and one closeup shot of the vehicle's license plate. It's also capable of instantly measuring a car's speed and mapping its position, and can easily be synced with other databases via WiFi, 3G or WiMAX. Plus, this device is compact and durable enough to be mounted upon a tripod or atop a road sign, making it even harder for drivers to spot. Fortunately, though, you still have time to change your dragster ways, as distributor Peak Gain Systems won't be bringing the Cordon to North America until the first quarter of 2012. Cruise past the break to see some footage of a field trial that's currently underway -- cars tagged with a green dot are traveling below the speed limit, those with a yellow marking are chugging along within an acceptable range above the limit, while vehicles with a red tab are just asking for trouble.

Continue reading Cordon multi-target photo-radar system leaves no car untagged (video)

Cordon multi-target photo-radar system leaves no car untagged (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Destination 47 Degrees!

2011-10-19T06:16:00.001-07:00

An early fall ride welcomes a latte!

Commute-A-Sarus

Bike Ride from Near Southside to Downtown – Video

2011-10-16T17:43:00.001-07:00

This is where i ride allot. Notice how the cars behave, and the cars parked in the bike lane. Great video Kevin!

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Bike Ride from Near Southside to Downtown – Video

via Fort Worthology by Kevin Buchanan on 9/19/11

Fort Worth Bicycle Ride – Near Southside to Downtown from Kevin Buchanan on Vimeo.

I took the camera out this weekend, mounted it to the front of my bicycle, and shot some video of a ride from the Near Southside to Downtown via Magnolia, South Main, Vickery, Jennings, Throckmorton, 3rd, and Houston. Here's the result, compressed into 2 1/2 minutes and accompanied by music from Britt Robisheaux.

A few notes:

There's a couple of gaps due to a recording length limitation + having to re-set the video rig. Didn't perform too bad for its first time out, though.
The city really needs to re-pave a lot of roads in the Near Southside. The jittery jumpiness is usually because a lot of these roads resemble the surface of the Moon. There are potholes and cracks in some of the bike lanes bigger than, well, a bike.
Fort Worthians aren't yet totally good about not parking in the bike lane, as seen in a couple of places in the video (particularly bad by St. Mary on Magnolia just east of Hemphill, despite the presence of several "no parking" signs and, uh, a police station across the street).

Anyway, here it is. Thought it might be fun to put this up to go along with bike ride videos from other cities.

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No Handed Bike Moves (re-posted from Urban Velo)

2011-10-16T17:33:00.001-07:00

This video made me smile!

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No Handed Bike Moves

via Urban Velo by Urban Jeff on 10/7/11

"Golden Tree" by Martin Brooks from Ninian Doff on Vimeo.

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New sneaks for Pixie Fixie!

2011-08-30T08:13:00.001-07:00

ArtistCarola got new tires on her fixed gear. They are Origin8 Elimin8er 700x25c and PINK. Totally crazy, don't you think?

Commute-A-Sarus

Update: Cotton Belt Rail Trail!

2011-08-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

Colleyville and Hurst are nearing completion of the Cotton Belt Trail through their cities.
ArtistCarola and I went on a, short bike ride/breakfast date, to La` Madeleine's, this morning and I took the opportunity to check out the progress being made on construction of the trail.

The Cotton Belt Trail is a rail trail that runs from southwest to northeast and follows the historic Cotton Belt Railway from browning drive in North Richland Hills to William D. Tate Ave./ Ball St in Grapevine.

Formerly there were two breaks in the trail keeping it from being a continuous trail.

One break is over Bear Creek on the Grapevine/Colleyvillle/ Southlake borders.
View Cotton Belt Trail in a larger map

The other was the segment over Little Bear Creek from Colleyville at L.D.Lockett Road through Hurst to Precinct Line Road. This is the segment of the trail that is now about to be no longer a missing segment!
.
View Cotton Belt Trail in a larger map
The trail is not quite finished yet. The only portion of the paving not finished is the last ten yards by Precinct Line Road. I don't envy the workers working in this Texas heat.

They have certainly done a wonderful job.

The Bridge that goes over Little Bear Creek is a beautiful peice of work and certainly befitting the City of Hurst's portion of this trail. I hope there will be much fanfare when the official opening happens. I know this portion of the trail will be put on many of my journeys around north east Tarrant county!

Here is a link to more Pictures

I wish it would rain! Sigh!

2011-08-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

I like riding in the rain. Most people think that doing anything out in the rain is miserable. I however disagree, after a summer of no rain and INSANE heat I have found myself pining for riding in the rain.....

This summer i have found myself hugging the A/C like my life depended on it....Darn, I wish i had ridden more! I feel that I may not be ready for this years HH100. OK, I'm doing it anyway...But i am weenie-ing out and only riding 100K. I know, I know, too easy but I am, after all, only human.

I think I'll go and learn a rain dance!

Hey there is a new bike blogger in the DFW!

2011-08-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

I got an email from a young lady who has just started to blog about her riding in our Texas. On her blog she writes in a very entertaining style You should give it a read!

VeeSee

Pedestrian! Two Points!

I'm a 24-year-old bike commuter braving the mean streets of Dallas, Texas where the cars have grown at the same rate as the people. Trying to be green in a state that runs red leaves me with a lot of stories to tell—-a blog is a hell of a lot better than annoying my coworkers.

Give VeeSee a shout and let her know that she is not alone in her riding!

Bike Thief Takedown

2011-08-09T14:00:00.001-07:00

This gives me hope!

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Bike Thief Takedown

via Urban Velo by brad on 8/7/11

This one has been making the rounds for a couple of weeks and shows a couple of useful lessons for those of us riding around and locking up fancy bikes we want to keep as our own. One, thieves are many times quick to back down and retreat when called out. Second, it shows just how easy it is to cut a cable lock, much like we talked about back in Urban Velo #22, Why Cable Locks Suck. Careful out there, and hope that this person is watching over your bike while you're at work.

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Le Tour is now on NBC!

2011-07-02T12:30:00.001-07:00

Check it out.

NBC now owns Versus. This means that finally a big network will broadcast the tour. Vive le tour!

Commute-A-Sarus

Two dead squirrels seen.

2011-05-31T20:17:00.001-07:00

Poor squirrels. Save a squirrel, ride a bike.

Commute-A-Sarus

Blame it on the Headwind

2011-05-30T12:46:00.001-07:00

The commute in to work today was VERY windy!

Winds SSE 20-30 MPH

Commute-A-Sarus

Riding in Washington

2011-04-22T15:29:00.001-07:00

I am on Vacation. I have had the pleasure of riding my bicycle while visiting my family in Washington.

As you can see it is VERY hilly in this part of the state.

The scenery is just amazing!
To bad I ended the ride having to call in ArtistCarola to rescue me. But that is another story.
Commute-A-Sarus

Another Moonlight Commute

2011-04-14T00:09:00.001-07:00

2:00 Thursday morning.

Commute-A-Sarus

Spring gallery night at The Firehouse Gallery

2011-03-26T19:42:00.001-07:00

Tonight is spring gallery night and ArtistCarola is showing at the Firehouse. Live jazz music provided by The Cats.

YouTube Video

Commute-A-Sarus

Playing with my shadow

2011-03-24T10:30:00.001-07:00

I am back in the groove!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I Finally got an iPhone

2011-03-23T21:33:00.001-07:00

They finally got cheap enough for penny pinching comutasarus!
Man this is cool!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sweet Chop job!

2011-01-13T17:18:00.000-08:00

The raddest franken-bike ever seen.
--->here is the link to the post.

Lets go camping yo!

2011-01-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

Is it my imagination or does this rock?
I could so go camping in this!

SWEET!

Colleyville's Phase 2 of the Cottonbelt Rail-Trail is under construction!

2011-01-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

FINALLY!

The Cotton belt will be a continous trail from Browning dr, in NRH to John McCain in Colleyville.

The Colleyville Courier has the scoop.

--->Link<---

View Cottonbelt in a larger map

Fourth Annual Great Bike Swap

2011-01-04T20:22:00.000-08:00

Do you have a shop full of bike parts? Check!
Are there spare frames hanging from your back fence? Yepp!
Have you run out of space for the many bikes you have? Shure!
Did you get a new carbon fiber seat post and don't know what to do with the old one? No!

Sell it!

SWAP IT!

The fourth annual great bike swap is coming soon! This year will also feature a cross race and criterium put on by Holland Racing. Check the website for details http://greatbikeswap.com/

I am Getting Fat and Slow!

2011-01-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

Winter has not been kind to me. Or the Holidays have been too kind; Its all in your perspective. I have been working a fair amount so finicially I am well but I have not been eating right or riding near enough. Part of the distractions have been the new Barn and the violin that I was given for Christmas. Regardless the end result has been a heavier me. So to the typical new years resolution...LOOSE WEIGHT!
With weight loss comes speed so: "Lighter Me=Faster Me"
Weight 208--->175lbs = 32lbs
Wish me luck!

BigBikeBarn Update

2010-12-11T15:09:00.000-08:00

After having the barn built I had to set in to the task of arranging it how I wanted to outfit it. The basic arrangement of organization is separated into three parts, tools, parts, and supplies.

Right now I have parking for four bikes hanging from the roof.

In the loft there is storage for three frames, which will be expanded to five when I get the chance.

I have a beer fridge now and a new roll around toolbox. This helps with the organization of all the tools.

All the parts bins and boxes are in two places: small parts are in the parts bins above the workbench, and large ones are in the loft. after doing a few bike repairs this setup works nicely.

I have even found that being able to sit down when truing a wheel helps to speed things up a bit so one of my work benches has been shortened down to sit down height.

The coolest bike lock ever!

2010-12-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

Where I have been and what I've been doing: BigBikeBarn!

2010-11-17T16:28:00.000-08:00

After years of working on bikes, in the living room area of my house, my wife has gotten fed up with bicycles being randomly placed in various placees around the living area of our home. So the BigBikeBarn has finally been built. I doubt this will completely cure the odd bicycle taking over her living space but hopefully it will reduce the number of incursions of maintenance sessions into the daily operations of our home.

This Barn has been needed for a really long time and has been a kind of dream of mine to have a "man cave" to call my own. It is a 12x16 Tuff Shed that was built on site. I think it will be big enough for me to work on bikes but not so big as to allow me to collect more stuff than I can work on at any given time. The easy part was getting rid of all the stuff that clogged up my little metal shed and cleaning up the build site. I now have the long and arduous task of outfiting the Barn with all the things needed to organize all my tools, parts and workspaces in the way needed to make it into a working BigBikeBarn.

I have installed laminate flooring and a proper metal door. I need to install the wiring then insulate it and sheetrock or paneling. It must have an air conditioner and heater. I have got my work cut out for me, but that is what winter is for isn't it.

Anyone Up For A Hill-Climb?

2010-09-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

This Weekend we will be heading out to the ,west Texas, Davis Mountains to ride in the Cyclefest Tour and Hill-climb. We will be leaving on Thursday to "acclimate" ourselves to the elevation (Fort Davis, Texas Elevation — 4,892 ft). The tour on Saturday will be 75 miles long and there will be three good climbs. The max elevation on the tour is about 6300 ft. While not Colorado it is still a great ride to help your training. I have done this tour twice but this will be only my second year riding the hillclimb on Sunday. We will be staying at the Davis Mountains State Park . We will be camping out and enjoying the wonderfully mild weather. This ride is perhaps the most beautiful and challenging in all of Texas.

A Nice Slow Ride To The Coffeehouse.

2010-09-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

We had a nice ride to Keller tonight. We rode to Starbucks and had some coffee and cake. My bride was the "Bella Bambina" leading the ride there and she kept a good pace. The temperature tonight was a balmy 85 degrees. The light riding this week is in preparation for The Fort Davis Cyclefest that we are traveling to this weekend. Wish Us Luck!

Riding to Dallas and Back!

2010-08-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

My legs were feeling heavy after Hotter'n Hell this past weekend, so I needed a long slow ride. Carola needed a new bike light and REI had the one she wanted on crazy sale. I called around FTW to see if anyone could beat the price and no one could match it, so off I went on an adventure. I have never ridden on this route further east than Grapevine so I was a little apprehensive about riding over in the big D. I thought, this will be an adventure if anything, and I loaded up Carola's new bike with all the needed food safety gear and set off.

I made it to the north end of DFW airport when I got a flat. The Continental Country Ride tires have great flat protection but when an inch long finishing nail punctures the sidewall there isn't much you can do.

I made it to REI and shopped for a little while but I knew that I would be getting home late if I stayed much longer. It was already dark when I started home. I love riding in the city at night. I had a blast. The rest of the trip was an enjoyable ride and I think I will take my bride with me next time.

The haul was good and the fuel was even better!

Lets Ride and Make The World Happier!

Hotter N' Hell Hundred!

2010-08-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Criterium Races

This past weekend was the Hottern' Hell Hundred in Wichita Falls Texas. My friend, wife, mother-in law and I went up early on Friday and set up camp. We went to the exhibition and watched the criterium races.
I had the goal to ride a sub five hour century and I ended up with a time of 4:50:38. I am pleased to say that I hung with the lead group (in front of the "Official Pace Group") for 60 miles. I ran out of water and had to stop off at the Burkburnett rest stop to refuel/ tighten my handlebar stem bolts. At that time my average speed was 27mph. I was able to catch on with the second chase group and hang with them for about 20 or so miles. I started feeling some light cramping in my left calf muscle so I peeled off at the next rest stop. After a whole bottle of Pickle Juice and a refill of my bottles I was off but not in a group. I rode solo for about seven or eight miles when I was over taken by and latched on with the "Official Pace Group". It was an interesting experience riding in a group with "full race support" watching them slow for a "feed zone". The race leaders would ferry bottles from the team motorcycles to the riders that needed refilling/refueling. They used radios to control the pace of the group, keeping everyone in a tight pack. It was neat seeing the organization of all this happening while still moving along between twenty and twenty-five miles per hour.

The Finish

I had some discomfort on my inner right thigh and reached down to investigate only to find that my seat bag strap had rubbed a hole in my shorts and was now rubbing a hole through my skin. I reluctantly had to leave the pace group at the next aid station to get my leg seen to and to refill/refuel for the final push into the finish. The doctor at the station understood my hurry being pressed on time at 4:37 since the start and only at mile 92. With 23 minutes to go, 8 miles and get my leg dressed, time was very close. I needed to average 20 mph but I was tired and there wasn't a paceline in sight. I was desperate. The head winds were killing my speed, the best I was able to make was 19.5; not quite good enough. Then suddenly from behind a small group of ten or twelve riders started to come around me on my left. "I'M SAVED!" I thought and latched on to the first wheel I could muster and held it until the last turn. I was in a total zone of aggressive male, almost growling as I planned my sprint into the finish. Judging my strength after 100 miles and the length that I can sprint. 100meters after the USCF finish I started my sprint into the finish. I was off like a rocket propelling myself past the finish in a burst of anger and elation. My heart was pounding like a drum even after I stopped. I unclipped and walked my bike towards the finish line village. I picked up my finishers pin and went straight to the fire hose to cool my body down. The water was refreshing but I needed to sit down. I found a shady place and sat on a chair, drinking water till I felt like I would be able to walk back to the campsite and get a shower.

A Finisher!

My ride, while a major accomplishment for me, doesn't compare to my mother-in-law's ride. This was her first century and she is not quite as youth-full as I am. I am really impressed with her endurance. She looked very strong crossing the finish line. I am proud of her.

Why I like Sonic as a bike destination!

2010-07-13T01:50:00.001-07:00

Sonic is a very good place to ride a bicycle. They have picnic tables, slushies and they are pretty much everywhere that I ride. Yum a cherry lime-aid!

ArtistCarola has a Showing!

2010-07-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

My favorite artist (my wife Carola) is having an art showing at a local coffee roaster/shop in the north Fort Worth area. She and I will be there displaying some of her paintings, drinking coffee and listening to the music of Ebenezer.
Dunn Bros is a small coffee shop with a relaxed atmosphere and good coffee. They roast their coffee on site, so the coffee is always fresh.

5040 North Tarrant Parkway

View Larger Map
See you all there!

My Wife is an "Aero-geek"

2010-07-07T17:19:00.000-07:00

My wife does triathlons. I've done a few, but she is more into it than me. It was time to equippe her road bike wit all the "Aero-geek" accouterments. Bernie at Trinity Bicycles hooked her up with a Syntace base bar, some cane aero levers, Syntace aero-bars and Dura-Ace ten speed shifters. She says that the setup is very comfortable and I think she feels faster. I haven't gone on a ride with her to see if she is indeed faster but the bike does look like it is.

Riding in the rain is fun!

2010-07-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

It is always a delight to get to commute in the rain. It somehow makes me feel more connected to nature.

Rain by Shel Silverstein

I opened my eyes

And looked up at the rain,

And it dripped in my head

And flowed into my brain,

And all that I hear as I lie in my bed
Is the slishity-slosh of the rain in my head.

I step very softly,
I walk very slow,
I can't do a handstand--
I might overflow,
So pardon the wild crazy thing I just said--
I'm just not the same since there's rain in my head.

What do you do when your pump will not fit?

2010-06-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

The bicycling family, that we are, needed to go to "Stuff-Mart" to get some "Stuff". On our way home my son punctured his rear tire on some glass (broken beer bottles are a direct result of the open container law) that was on the edge of the road. We didn't have a tube for his bicycle (700x23C) so I thought i would just patch it. But when I got out the pump out to inflate the tube I realized that the cheap pump that I had would not attach to a presta valve. BUMMER! This means I need to get creative.

So I:

attached his front wheel, to the rear, on the non-drive side of his bike, outside the frame,
towed his bike with the Ute,
hung his rear wheel hanging from his handlebar,
had my daughter ride the back of the Ute,

and

had my son ride my daughters bike.

We were back moving and back home in no time at all.
Adapt, Overcome, and Execute!

The Most elaborate Beer Run Ever!

2010-06-15T00:09:00.000-07:00

Have Keg, Will Pedal from marty benson on Vimeo.

The Bicycle is Getting More Mainstream!

2010-06-14T23:36:00.000-07:00

This illustrates the fact that riding a bike is cool, and it is a step in the right direction for the bicycle to be accepted by the "macho" young crowd as a fun thing. But what does it do to get them away from there love of the car? It is still cool though!

Somebody needs to give a class!

2010-06-13T18:19:00.001-07:00

I guess when its not your bike you aren't afraid not to lock it up properly!

Hello Bakfiets!

2010-06-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

The Ute Becomes A Tow Bike!

2010-06-07T22:11:00.000-07:00

Have any of you ever towed a car with another car? Most people have done that! Then has anyone towed a Bike with another bike?...

The "Tow Bike"

Today I had to go to run the simulator at work, so that meant six hours of video railroading, and time spent indoors. Well anyway...my job is not usually predictable at all, but today was a rare occasion that I knew where I was to be at a given time. A colleague of of mine had mentioned to me that he had a bicycle that needed a good home ( read: one with a bicycle mechanic). So the Ute and I volunteered to take in the poor rejected little hybrid. Because of the predictability of todays "schedule" ( I don't get to use that word much) he was able to meet me and deliver the bicycle.
The Ute worked as a "Tow bike" very well; except for the wobble and jiggle from the load constantly shifting and feeling like I was dragging a boat anchor behind me. I made it home though! It was fun!

Today Called for some Coffee

2010-06-03T23:09:00.000-07:00

We needed to go shopping at the Boy Scout Store today to get my son ready for summer camp so as always we rode our bicycles. Today my little daughter rode her bicycle too. The Boy Scout store was near to Roots, a great coffee shop in North Richland Hills, so we had to stop for coffee. The kids had frappes and the wife and I each had a press of coffee. (in real mugs) This was a really enjoyable day.

A Wonderful time Riding

2010-06-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

The past couple of days has seen my family riding all around Tarrant county. Yesterday my wife, two boys and I (my daughter was riding on the Ute with me) rode down from our home in the north Haltom City / Watauga area to downtown Fort Worth .
View Ride downtown in a larger map

It was about a ten mile ride to get downtown but our little peleton handled it great. We stopped at The Corner Bakery downtown picked up cinnamon rolls and bagels then went to Trinity Bicycles to see how Bernie and Bryan were doing. Also my wife wanted to rent a Kona Dr. Lisa to test ride so she would have a better idea of it would fit and handle. Then we went for over to 7th street to do some shopping at Backwoods and Target. We rode down to Panera Bread on University drive to get some lunch before heading over to the Kimbell Arts Museum to view their permanent collection. By the time we were through at the museum it was getting pretty late and the sky was threatening rain, so we headed back over to Trinity Bicycles to return the Dr. Lisa. We decided that we needed to take the TRE/short ride home due to the weather. We headed over to the Inter-modal Transportation Center and caught the next train to Richland Hills station.We rode from there to home beating the rain by about twenty minutes.
View TRE Richland Hills To Home in a larger map

Camping was a Blast!

2010-06-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

The Trinity Bicycles cycle-touring introduction trip was a total blast! Initially it was hot heading out to the lake, but as the day wore on some rain came in and cooled all of us down. We were wet but happy campers none-the-less. My wife and I were very excited about the trip, we took all of the kiddos, and my bride's mother even came. With such a big family peleton of our own there were some logistics involved and even a bit of group riding instruction was necessary to help the children maintain their position in the line. Most of the route was off street trails, park roads and city neighborhood streets, so it was pretty low-stress.
After a slow three hours of riding we had arrived. We set up camp and went swimming. For dinner my bride ( who is definitely a gourmet camp cook) prepared shepherds pie for the family. The night was pleasant and good times were had by everyone. I enjoyed hanging out with fellow bike nerds talking shop about the wonders of two wheel happiness.
If you have never been camping on your bicycle I would recommend it highly. There is something liberating about getting there under your own power and carrying all that you need. It can make you feel like you can conquer the world without the aid of all the many trappings that surround us.

Goin bike camping

2010-05-30T14:28:00.001-07:00

Trinity bicycles is hosting a cyclotouring campout tonight at benbrook lake! We all rode out from the shop at three. We will see when we get there...going is easy and slow with the whole family.

On my way to Church.

2010-05-30T07:56:00.001-07:00

The beauty of the morning and the peace God gives plays a duet with a bicycle.

Time For the Yearly Pilgrimage

2010-05-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

Every year we make a big list of stuff to get from Ikea and make the drive over to Frisco to load up our truck with stuff.
Today is that pilgrimage.....Wish us luck!

Sweet! Bonus!

2010-05-21T11:12:00.001-07:00

I love it when i find stuff i can use!

What does a Full Buggy of Groceries look like on a Bicycle!

2010-05-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the consolidated guy birthday party (Me and both my sons birthdays are within ten days of one another) my wife went to our local "stuff-mart" store and loaded up the Ute with a full buggy of stuff. When she was there, she called me and said that she may have bought too much "stuff" and may need me to rescue her with the cargo trailer. She, however, found my bungee cords and lassoed things down on to the top. I believe she could have carried more using the old "shopping bags on the handlebars trick" but I don't know if she knows that one. As you can see from the pictures the Ute bags are pretty full. The bike has room for more stuff if I got a front rack and a big folding crate for the deck. But that might be a little too much weight!

4 Bikes, 5 Burgers ?

2010-05-19T16:47:00.001-07:00

Somebody is getting a free ride!

Hauling Granite with a Bicycle.

2010-05-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

We needed to go to home depot to get some decomposed granite for our garden pathways!

I built the "little trailer" out of our old kid carrying trailer by stripping it down and building a deck out of strips of plywood.

This was 200lbs on the "little trailer". It handled it great. The garden turned out very pretty!

Ways to get Groceries

2010-05-18T10:48:00.001-07:00

There are two good ways to get groceries. 1-By Bicycle 2-Grow your own!

Doing a triathlon this morning

2010-05-16T02:47:00.000-07:00

I will be (shudder, shudder) driving over this morning to participate in the Classic Rock Rotary Sprint this morning in Rockwall, TX. I hope I do well due to the fact that I was up pretty late last night at the Arts Goggle. Wish Me Luck!

Looks like the Ute found a Girlfriend!

2010-05-15T13:39:00.001-07:00

Me and my wife are pedaling around the near southside today and stopped by Jennings Street Yarns to pick up some yarn for socks! I hope she knits me some for winter!

Arts Goggle May 15, 2010

2010-05-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

It’s all about Arts Goggle this Saturday from 4PM – 10PM. Stroll through the Near Southside and its shops and restaurants for art, music, and food – best of all it’s free. Make plans to check it out.

All the details can be found on the Fort Worth South website where you can download the flyer and schedule.

Trinity Bicycles is hosting my favorite artist: Carola my sweet bride.

View Larger Map

National Bike Month Is Upon Us!

2010-05-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

If you haven’t heard, we’re in the middle of National Bike Month.

Bike to Work Week is May 17-21, and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 21st.

The T will be holding a bus, train, and bike-rack presentation on Friday May 21st at the Intermodal Transportation Center, from 7-9 am.

A strange thing seen while riding!

2010-05-13T17:41:00.001-07:00

Here is proof the cellphone is taking over.... also I will post where i have been the last few days soon.

Trinity Bicycles Hosting New Art!

2010-05-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

I went downtown with my favorite artist (my bride) and helped her hang some of her artworks in Trinity Bicycles in preparation for the Near Southside Arts Goggle. My wife who has painted for most of her days on this Earth has only recently decided to try to make a profession of her talents. I am all for the idea in that it fits in perfectly with one of my own "rules for a fulfilling life" (rule:12 Always work toward bettering yourself by: developing and discovering your talents.) The old sawyer grocery store building in which Trinity bicycles has opened lends itself very well to the presentation of art work. During the day there is plenty of natural light and the high ceilings lend a true gallery feel.

To view her website click here.

My Brain Wanders While My Legs Spin

2010-05-05T18:15:00.001-07:00

The ride this evening to the farmers market was pleasant, allowing me time to reflect on the sounds of my American suburbia.
Have you ever noticed how the internal combustion engine sounds angry? The agressive throaty growl of a sports car or the steady rumble of a semi truck, they still sound angry. I wonder if all these sounds effect our attitudes. I hope i wont let it effect mine. END ROAD RAGE!

New Light for the UTE! Yessss!

2010-05-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

Rover

Dual Cross Pro

My old trusty Cygolight Rover though a pretty bright light, it was very heavy system. Also after several years of use the NMIH battery isn't what it used to be. It doesn't hold the charge quite as long or burn quite as bright as it used to. It still works but it is getting toward the end of its lifespan. So enter the new light the Cygolight Dual Cross Pro Led Li-on this light is a huge step up from my old light. not only is the light smaller , the battery is much smaller and lighter too. Where this light excels is in the amount of brightness they get from L.E.D's. It seems unreal how a light so small can put out so much light. I think I made a good buy...especially when it was on sale!

Trinity Parks new Unimproved Sidewalk!

2010-05-04T09:42:00.001-07:00

These new fences are total crap...whoever designed them didn't intend for people to bring a bike through them... ARRGH!

Wet Seat...and everything else!

2010-05-04T04:54:00.001-07:00

I think i might need to get a cover for my bike...the dew took way too long to dry off after getting off work this morning.

Dinner! Yuk or Yeah?

2010-05-01T16:52:00.001-07:00

Indian food Yum? It looks like baby poop but tastes good!

Kona Ute Electric?

2010-04-29T22:56:00.000-07:00

This is a repost from commutebybike.com. I totally got excited when I saw the Pictures!

Kona Bikes Goes Electric

by Bike Shop Girl

Recently on Kona Bikes Facebook, and their Newsletter, Kona has released snippets into their newest lineup – Electric Bikes. Following close behind Trek’s Ride+ Bikes, Kona is quick on their heels with a new spin on their well received cargo bike, the Ute.

Three Models

There are three models in this new Electric line : Ticket, Token and Electric Ute. The Ticket and Token are respectably, standard and step through models of the same bike. The Electric Ute has a larger battery to allow you to haul on your cargo electric bike.

The most remarkable thing, we should see these bikes within the next few months. Kona completely kept the secret on these bikes.

The Wind is Fierce!

2010-04-29T15:23:00.001-07:00

I feel like a snail in this wind! Commute On!

White capping waves on the Trinity!

2010-04-29T14:57:00.001-07:00

White capping waves against the current. oh the joy of a windy (30mph) commute.

Reminder: Path Less Pedaled In Fort Worth Tonight

2010-04-28T14:43:00.001-07:00

This is a repost from Kevin over at fortworthology.com . My son and I will be there tonight see you all there!

Sent to you by Commute-a-saurus via Google Reader:

Reminder: Path Less Pedaled In Fort Worth Tonight

via Fort Worthology by Kevin Buchanan on 4/28/10

Don't forget – tonight is the night when Laura and Russ from PathLessPedaled.com are stopping in Fort Worth for a chat about their cross-country bike journey. They'll be at Trinity Bicycles in the Near Southside from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM – that's at 207 South Main, not far from the T&P train station.

Things you can do from here:

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Fort Worth Bike Route 360 is a Dirty Mess

2010-04-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

You would think that right next to the barn that the park the street sweepers, the street would be clean...You'd think! But its not. The problem that is created by the city not keeping an established bicycle route clean and clear of debris, is that it forces riders to ride closer toward the center of the lane just to keep their bicycles from slipping and sliding around. Also the mud does clog the storm drains and cause standing water in the rain. I would rather not have to wrap myself completely in plastic just to get to work. Road grime is difficult enough to keep out of a chain, so riding through mud flowing on top of the streets is nearly impossible.

Riding with My Com-padre!

2010-04-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

My friend Eric and I went for a ride around downtown Fort Worth... It all started like this; he texts me and asks if I would like to go for a ride. I live on the north side of town and he lives on the south side(about 20miles apart) so we decide to meet in the middle. We decided on the north end of the Trinity Trails at the intersection of Bike route360 and Bike route 41. I get there but no Eric...? He texts me and says he made a wrong turn so we arrange a new meeting place, meet up and go for a spin downtown.

Eric at the Panther City Fountain!

We toured the various monuments and parks before heading to the 7th street area for Coffee at Starbucks.

Eric Locking up our rides at 7th street.

Eric an I had a very fun day touring about the city, maybe next time our little peleton will be larger!

A Good Ole' Morning Ride to Work

2010-04-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Working on call; it is a rare occasion that I will get called to be at work in the morning like the rest of the world so today was a special treat!

The river was up and made some really pretty rapids!

This is perhaps the most beautiful street on my route!

I have found that taking pictures while riding a bicycle is difficult when you cannot see the view-finder.

The park is beautiful in the spring!--->

This is the Ute in pure urban style!

Its the best bike!

Its Big!
Its stable!
It makes me ride slow enough to see the world!

Odd thing to see Three helicopters in the middle of the street.

I don't know what they were there for but a slight detour was in order!

The SUB (Sport Utility Bike) is WAY cool!

2010-04-18T14:25:00.001-07:00

So I am a bicycle commuter and commuting to my job as a railroad engineer requires that I carry enough gear, and food, for at least an overnight trip. Obviously I need a bike that can carry a ton of stuff; and answering the call is the “Kona UTE”! the Ute is a extremely functional bike. While not being the biggest or longest cargo bike offered it had all the things that I needed; bigger bag carrying capacity (a single grocery pannier on each side was not cutting it), upright position, loading deck, good brakes for rain, fenders, really low gearing, and the stiffness that only a purpose built cargo bike can deliver.

My Old Bike on a usual “at Night” Commute.

The Kona

The Ute excels as a commuter and basic “grocery getter”. A majority of my commuting is done at night, so I am lucky enough to get to ride when the roads are emptier than the usual times that other people commute. So far this has been a good investment!

Making her hurt!

2010-04-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I get to be an abusive husband and go for a ride with my wife when she is in the mood to hurt. This morning I got to beat her up on a ride making her chase me around the countryside in a headwind. It was really fun!

2009-12-31T15:06:00.000-08:00

Bike brake light senses you slowing down

Group riding can be a bit dangerous if the pace is fast and riders don’t notice a slowing in the front of the pack. [WyoJustin] designed a brake light system for cyclists to try and remedy this issue. LEDs are mounted in the end caps of the handlebars on a road bike. When an accelerometer senses the bike slowing down the LEDs light up, warning those behind you that you’re slowing down.

The system is made to be portable, as a lot of serious riders have multiple bikes. To make this happen, all of the electronics are housed in the handlebar tubing for easy transfer. This includes an accelerometer with built in voltage regulator, an Arduino to control everything, and a battery. Take a look at the brake lights in action after the break.

Most of the bike lights we see are for the front of the machine, but this backward-facing package is a clean and easy solution we can get behind (safely).

I got to ride my bicycle!

2009-11-14T17:49:00.001-08:00

A ride in the cool fall air
starting out a dusk
leaves crunching and fluttering beneath my wheels
cadence high = exhilaration

The Hardest Race Ever...Its in America

2009-11-01T15:32:00.000-08:00

This race is perhaps the "hardest race ever". 100 miles on a mountain bike at over 10,000 feet elevation? That is insane? I would love to do it! I don't have the chops, or at least not enough time to train. I would however tour it on a mtn bike with tent and gear over a few days. That would be a fun trip.

A Night Ride with my son.

2009-10-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

Cool night, sixty-three degrees,
Warm Latte, exhilarating wind.
Good Bonding, Happiness ensues.

Chilly Art and Butternut Squash tart

2009-10-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

Tonight my wife and I went out on the town for a well deserved night out together. After dropping the kiddos off at some friends for movies, video games, and pizza, we meandered towards the Magnolia Street area.
After checking out the art that was badly displayed at The Chat Room, we went over to Elerbe Fine Foods for coffee and desert.
Elerbe Fine Foods came highly recommended on Kevin Buchanan's Fortworthology blog so I thought we should give it a go. It was a GOOD move, the food and service were impeccable. I had the butternut squash tart and Carola had a bread pudding, both were "slap-yo-mama", mouth watering, "close your eyes to savor it" good. The atmosphere is a quiet pleasant fine dining experience, it is the perfect place to take your significant other for a night out of dinner and quiet conversation.
After having our respectve "sweet tooths" satiated we decide to stop by a place I saw while riding my bicycle up Jennings street. Gallery Art Cafe is a eclectic sandwich shop by day and a cool hip coffee house by night, there was even live music there. The Gallery part was a modest collection of very good, moderate priced, pieces that I enjoyed viewing. The Cafe part; I ordered my usual drink for late night coffee house visits (quadruple shot espresso with an equal amount of steamed half and half), and it blew your local "S-Bucks" stuff away. Gallery Art Cafe is a cool place to "hang".
Then we went to check out a place that I had seen while riding my bicycle through downtown(I see a trend developing here). ArtSpace111 is a contemporary art gallery that featured a good collection of very fine artworks by local Fort Worth artists. Tonight the sculpture garden had been rented out for a wedding reception so we looked at the artwork inside the gallery. We only spent a few minutes there, but it was long enough to make a plan to go back to see if they would feature some of Carola's work.
All in all, it was a really good date!

Why do I Crash?

2009-10-10T09:02:00.001-07:00

Because I am a goober! Because I get careless..Because I don't pay attention to hazards enough. what can I say Stuff Happens.

September and Riding

2009-09-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

So now that it has cooled off, I am planning to ride more....at least for the pleasure of just riding.

I rode off to meet my wife.

had coffee.

rode across to the mall

checked out the sporting goods store

went to starbucks to use wifi.

and rode home.

A simple ride to get around but its the little moments that make it especially enjoyable....

The smell of the air as I speed through the woods on a trail, that is seldom ridden, makes my mind wander to the vacation we took to the olympic rain forest in washington. The heaviness of the humid air as I exhale makes me slow. My heart pounds and sweat drips from my nose onto my speedometer bluring it from being read. I don't care; I am exilerated! My legs burn and my knees ache as the fixed gear pushes them up and down. Cadence 140 ---> Micah

Absenteeism

2009-09-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

Where have I been?

Answer: Trudging away like a good little worker ant.

May= Vacation

June= Work

July= More work+ the Goatneck in Cleburne

August=Even More work+ The HHH in Wichita Falls

It is now September and the weather has cooled off ( less than 95degrees) so much more riding will ensue. Riding that is just for fun, not just comuting.

2009-08-15T09:46:00.001-07:00

Found: How to blog via a mobile phone!

Music in the Wild

2009-04-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

I’m reposting this from ClimbDFW. These guys are hanging in a portaledge on a big wall in Patagonian Chile — about as remote a place as you can find. The combination of the music and the scenery is mesmerizing to me.

U.S. National High-Speed Rail Plan Announced

2009-04-22T10:35:00.001-07:00

President Obama today unveiled his plan for a nationwide system of high-speed rail lines, naming 10 potential corridors that are eligible for stimulus cash and signaling that more federal funding will follow. "There are those who say high-speed rail is a fantasy -- but its success around the world says otherwise," Obama said. "Building a new system of high-speed rail in America will be faster, cheaper and easier than building more freeways or adding to an already overburdened aviation system, and everybody stands to benefit."

US DOT High Speed Rail Strategic Plan 2009 (3MB)

C-SPAN coverage here.

I hate it when people mistreat their bicycles!

2009-04-13T18:00:00.003-07:00

I’d like to give a happy home to mistreated bicycles too.

THE BICYCLE THIEF - HD from Leonardo Dalessandri on Vimeo.

Cool Vid

2009-04-13T18:00:00.001-07:00

A Taste of The Toast from Michael on Vimeo.

This is a true example of urban cycling at its best!

Burning It Down

2009-04-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

"I feel fat!" That is what I used to say. I still feel it sometimes; you know the times when you are laying on your side and you look down at your body laying there like a puddle of flesh. I feel better now. I feel like I am doing something about it. I went to the gym and burned 543 calories during an hour and two minute workout. Then I went for a bike ride, rode 20 miles and burned 841 calories in an hour and six minutes.Clearly the bike burns it down faster but the gym helps me get that sexy musular physique. I hope that I can achieve my goals that I stated in my other blog.

We built a world for cars!

2009-04-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

Parking lots, Streets, traffic lights, freeways, and garages are all built around the car. If we had a penny for every time we had to drive around to find parking for our money pits we call cars we would be much wealthier. Or all the hours we've spent sitting at traffic lights; that time is not used for doing anything productive...waiting in itself helps people to be more patient. What if the world was built around the bicycle instead of the car? What would it look like? Could we fathom it? Would we feel vunerable or fearful to shed our protective covering? Would we be scared of the people around us? Would we be richer or poorer because of the loss of the marketplace built around the car? These questions are the ones that I will try to Get answered. meanwile I will ride my bike as much as I can and get healthier than the dude driving his Suv.

2 for 2

2009-03-05T17:03:00.000-08:00

I’ve had a chance to go out riding a little lately, what with the recession and all, and the last two times i have gone out to ride with people both those people have crashed…is it me? Cursed? Am I careless? Do I cause this? I hope that I or at least someone can learn from all this misery around me.

Point One

My wife and I went to my hometown to visit my mom and bike around…(a very windy day)and while climbing “the Wall” (a 19% grade ) my wife fell. She wasn’t hurt but was a little annoyed. She wasn’t going fast enough for any serious injury and that might just have been the cause of her mishap. Gravity! When it comes down to it, gravity is why we crash. While riding, we’re relying on the gyroscopic forces of our two skinny wheels along with our ability to balance and control our bike, as well as a bunch of other physics that I don’t care to explain. The fact is, if any of it goes out of whack,(loss of gyroscopic force) gravity wins.

Point Two

My wife’s cousin and I decide to skip spinning class and go for a ride instead. She is a rookie and doesn’t have a road bike of her own, so she will ride my wife’s orbea with a set of pedal cages. I am leading this ride and decide a “ride for pastries” will be of sufficient distance. We ride…We eat..We start for home and about halfway back I accelerate to get into the lead and make a right and totally come across her front wheel. I feel the contact, slow and look back only to see her wobble then fall/slide as if the bike had bucked her off. She seemed ok at first glance, the way she got up so quickly. After a second I saw her wince in pain. She was definitely hurt! I helped her clean her wounds and inspect for other injuries, praying all the while that she was ok and that the whole experience hadn’t turned her off from cycling in general. We finished our ride back home, all be it allot slower, and the fun then began of cleaning the debris from all her wounds and bandaging them up. It was a good thing that she was wearing her helmet because her head was the only thing that she didn’t scrape up. The whole crash was my fault because I rode with her as if she was a seasoned cyclist used to riding in a group. I didn’t announce my intentions before my turn and she didn’t know what to expect, being she had never ridden in a group before. Every one crashes sooner or later too bad because of me she had to crash sooner.

PSA #1

Crashing is a fact of cycling but often can be avoided if you have good habits and good handling skills. It's no coincidence that experienced cyclists tend to crash less than beginners. After years of racing they've developed instincts for avoiding danger.

One important habit is monitoring your front wheel so that it rarely overlaps the rear wheel ahead of you. If your wheels overlap and the other rider makes a sudden move -- to pull out of the paceline, to attack, to avoid a pothole -- your wheels will strike and it's going to be you who pays the price.

That said, should the paceline slow, there's no need to slam on the brakes in order to avoid the overlap. Rather than panic and cause trouble, coast and hold your line until you can get back behind that wheel.

Another good habit: Monitor your "outs." At any given time, you need to know what you'd do should there be a crash ahead of you. Can you escape onto the shoulder? Is there a curb or a driveway you can ride onto? Are you completely boxed in? Then you might want to find another spot to be. Like in front of me.