Laspe in Time

I don't want to admit that I have not been posting to my Bikingit because I have been biking.

I have been biking and surfing, sailing, snorkling, walking, tanning and otherwise enjoying the nice weather. So my excuse is that I have been doing 3 million other things and when I get back home, the last thing I am thinking about is typing away on a blog.

I shot some great footage of the tornado damage in my hood but I may save that for something else. This is the donkey kong gorilla that got put out as waste. Maybe this is a sign?

Blue bike

This is a rough sketch of the Elephant bike. I was on a road trip to Chicago and I drew this in the car. It's a pedicab with seats facing each other. Two riders pedal in front like a tandem. I am thinking that up to 6 people could fit. The Elephant would be constructed out of lightweight aluminum and recycled fabric. I think the trunk could be made out of 2 liter bottles tied together. The ears could be rubber from an old bike tubes strung together.

Got out riding this weekend and saw some live music. Saturday we worked on bikes in my back yard. What a great day to be out in the sun. It was still a cool 30-40 degrees which in my books is refreshing. Saturday night we thought we could ride but we were not the best prepared for the cold. We are really just practicing for the summer nights, rolling in T shirts and shorts.
We are slowing kicking this cold. It's Minnesota right! The cold just does not want to go.

PictureMail

PictureMail

Fun & Frozen - Boundary Waters

It was really just a phenomenal weekend out on these frozen lakes, pulling sleds and enjoying the crisp winter, We found camp easily enough. Dug out our camp site and the metal fire pits. While some enjoyed setting up camp, others tromped along the shore for wood.

*Winter camping is not for the feint of heart, or those who lack the inner heat and proper gear to brave it. Prepare for the worst and hope that you have it like this!!!

Iron works

logo for Iron Works Cafe -Goodman Community Center Madison WI

This has got to be the coolest place in Madison to eat. The building is an old warehouse that is completely refurbished. Inside are numerous spaces that can be rented. It looked like some reception was going on in the front room and also the Hot Dish hoedown was in full effect.

Iron Works Cafe serves two meals for dinner: Veggie or Meat dish. You get your choice of soda or coffee. Everything is one price. Kids run the joint. Not just normal kids. These kids have had more than challenging life's and this cafe is filling them with respectful work. Iron Works Cafe caters too! The food was fantastic. I have no idea what I was eating. It was a beef dish with yams and other tasty tidbits. I had coffee and shared a brownie with ice cream and caramel.

I am sure you can find out more about this space at www.goodmancenter.org.

pond at night

ET is BACK!!

There is a pathway for all communication.

I got a text message today right before my ride home tonight. It was cold but that was not the tough part. It was the wind in my face. "Riding home cold," was my reply.

Ride to Talyor Falls from theTwin Cities

Take the Gateway trail for 18 miles.


The trail ends and you will have to take the local roads. The ride is about 60 miles and relatively safe. Taylor falls has camping or Interstate State Park.

Its a great weekend getaway on the bike. Bring a friend!!

Face it

Looks both ways. Nobody's stopping blue tonight.

Biking just Died

Top Ten most dangerous bike intersections in Minneapolis according to Bradley Cambell.

Put on your Bike Light!

In the fall & winter 2007-08 Commissioner Sam Adams and the Portland Office of Transportation again teamed up with community partners to encourage cyclists to use lights and to remind motorists to watch for bikes.

I was thinking about all these recent fatal accidents involving bikes here in Minneapolis. I know many bikers are concerned that new riders are unprepared for biking in the city.

New bikers need to be prepared to deal with the expected and unexpected. Lights on your bike are a necessity for night riding in the city. Gloves, helmet and reflective tape add to your personal safety. A rain coats nice when it rains. I like to bike in regular board shorts or swim trunks. I do have rain pants but I sweat in them. Make sure your core is warm and you hydrate i.e. drink water!

New riders need to understand that we share the road too. Stay to the right but not in the gutter. If a car cuts you off, you swerve but stay on your bike. Hey! You are alright. This happens all the time. Keep riding. Try to be more noticed by cars. Stay away from big trucks -- if you can. Look for routes that are not as busy. Anticipate, look both ways. Wave your hands in the air. Wave them like you care.

3 parts to Water

You are hanging
ON a wall
Of rhyolite.
ON H2O.

You climbs on
time
Could be your top roping
It's alll fine

I got you right here
double checked your gear
wide awake
Thanks

Pedal GOD

This is a Pedicab out in front of the Jasmine 26 on Eat street.

Good things are best Shared

Schwinn "Twin" Tandem

One way to get others into bicycle commuting is buying a tandem bike and inviting them along. Say you will run and errand with them on your bike. Bring the bungee cord and have a few extra helmets or invite them to wear their own. Biking is really best shared.

Sow the Seed

Unidentified artist at the State Fair

This is real 3D art: a bike make from seeds!

We came for some food and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings.

I figured out something about the State Fair. It's very basic and it deals with bright lights, the sense of smell and the intimate relationship with food names and their corresponding "ooohs" and "aaaahhhs."

Whatever ca$h you bring will be spent on delightful tastes, sounds and smells, all while hanging with others with similar tastes. The fatter your wallet--The more you will fit in your gullet. Come hungry. Leave fullfilled with velvet teeth and a sense of accomplishment.

Heres $40 bucks:

1. Lufsa
2. Lamb chunks (local MN raised)
   
3. Lamb burger
   
4. Milkshake (w/Reeses)
5. Beer (a Linenkugal)
6. Foot long dog (split)
7. Root beer
8. Frozen cider in a bag
9. Pronto puff \ Corn dog (forgot which is which)
10. Fried Cheese Curds

Schwinn -Twin

Critical Mass

never have rode a critical mass.
Not sure I belong in a group of riders called critical mass. I know they would gladly welcome me with Police escorts and all. I believe they run every red light following the lead cop car. Some police ride on bikes too. It's just so much fun watching a large group of bikers. Critical Mass is a triple bypass for city streets. It cleanses the cities arteries of vehicle traffic. It clears the space. Like a nice summer rain on a hot day.