Bike Park?

A story about some kids doing things the right way. (Not that I always feel that is the best way to go about things). A young group of trick bicyclists went to a park board meeting to try to get permission to use the local skate park.

The board members were very positive, noting that parks in other towns do manage to share skate parks with bicyclists but did warn that the government cannot be accused of ever moving quickly so it would likely be months before approval.

I say good on these kids for going through the proper channels. This at least gives them some credibility when they are caught riding there anyway (which the article notes that they do.)

-Matt the Weatherman




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OMG I want this vest!

Mykle System Labs






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Green Light

For your weekend viewing pleasure, John Legend's new single "Green Light" featuring Andre 3000.



I love how Andre 3000 leaves the party the next morning on a bicycle in his suit. So much cooler than a convertible. (Bear with the beginning of the video, it is a little awkward, but the payoff is worth it.)

Have a great weekend, I'm giving you the green light.

-Matt






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Dear Abby: Are you freaking kidding me?

From Fritz at Cyclelicious:

DEAR ABBY: I want to thank all the wonderful people who make biking to work possible. I am a mid-40s professional and never thought I could do this, but I am. My goal was to bike at least once a week to work -- 15 miles each way -- and I have been doing it since May and loving it! Thank you to the drivers who respect bikers, the municipalities who planned for safe cycling, and the companies that provide showers and lockers. It has been so much fun. I never thought I could do this because of work schedules, kids' activities and weather, but with a little thought it works. It's good, fun exercise. Help the environment, save energy and get fit, America! -- GEORGE IN MIAMI VALLEY, OHIO DEAR GEORGE: I'm pleased that you are enjoying your healthy new lifestyle, and I'm all for physical fitness. However, I hesitate to encourage large numbers of people to embrace your challenge until both cyclists and motorists are better educated about the rules of the road. Communities need to act now to provide safe bicycle lanes and paths for people trying to conserve gasoline. Awareness needs to be raised among drivers about the rights of bikers. The television and print media could be a significant help in this effort, and I hope they'll take the opportunity to inform their audiences.

Is she serious? I mean...really?

How can she possibly expect for any bicycle infrastructure to be built if no one is out there riding their bikes? We can't even get bike lanes built in the "liberal haven" of San Francisco (story here and here) where literally tons of people (seriously if you add up their collective weight) ride everyday. They can't find enough room for them on the trains and yet we are supposed to use fossil fuels and cause traffic on the freeways until the government decides that maybe the best thing for us is to build bike lanes and racks and the rest of the necessary infrastructure.

Really. It is taking every ounce of decorum that I have to not burst out in a stream of expletives.

Please feel free to send your thoughts to Dear Abby at the address below. And leave out the profanity, I understand she's not to keen on that stuff.

Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

-Matt the Weatherman




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Kidical Mass - Wrap Up

Wow, what a weekend! I'm only just now getting around to writing about Kidical Mass. On Saturday we went an picked up all the new bike stuff we ordered from REI including my new gloves! My hands are much happier now. On Sunday we went and picked up my 5 year old twin cousins and took them to the zoo and then had dinner with their parents (my uncle and aunt) that night.

Kidical Mass was a blast. In all there were about 45-ish people (I didn't count, but you can tell by the pictures in my last post). Lots and lots of trailers, one tow behind tandem and a few kids riding their own bikes. Everyone was super friendly and the route was nice and easy. The traffic did a good job of not giving us trouble and whoever was picking a route did a good job keeping us out of traffic.

My wife, (who refuses to ride a critical mass) had a ton of fun as well. Probably more than I did. She was almost as excited as the kids about the ice cream shop that the ride ended at (she's so cute!).

Oh and I guess I should mention The Daily Scoop where the ride ended. Fantastic little ice cream and cupcake shop in South Park. A number of unexpected flavors of ice cream (which I unfortunately cannot recall) and a small little shop with locally produced clothes and jewelry.

If I had to find one problem with the ride, it would only be that far too many of the adults chose not to wear helmets. I understand that it is not illegal and that it is their choice (even if I find it to be a poor choice), but I would hope that they could suck it up for 2 hours once a month to set a good example for the kids riding (for whom it is illegal to ride without a helmet).

All in all, however, it was a wonderful time and I can't wait until next month's ride!

-Matt the Weatherman




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Kidical Mass Photo Dump

Here are my photos from Kidical Mass in San Diego.
If you or your kid is in one of these pictures and you want a copy, email me and I'll set you up with a copy.
Alternately, if you aren't comfortable with these pictures being online email me (fitzophrenic-at-gmail.com) and I will gladly take them down.























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Kidical Mass - Correction

Thanks to Natalie who left me a note in the comments correcting me on the start location for Kidical Mass. We will be meeting across the street at Pershing and Upas. Hope to see you all there.

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KIDical Mass!

San Diego will have its first Kidical Mass this Friday night at 5:30pm. Well, actually every third Friday of the month (so you can still go to Critical Mass if you want). This event is being set up by the lovely ladies at Pedal Mamas.

The ride meets at Bird Park in North Park (at 28th and Thorn) and ends at Daily Scoop in South Park (Juniper and 30th).

Kidical Mass was started by a group of moms (similar to pedalmamas) in Portland, Oregon. You can check out their website here: www.kidicalmass.org

And yes, the wife and I will be there. You should be too!

-TheWeatherMan




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Critical Mass - San Diego

For those of you still curious about Critical Mass, especially in San Diego or why I only occasionally attend (based on what kind of mood I'm in), here is a story from the SD Union-Tribune on last month's Mass.

Once a Month, County Cyclists Claim the Streets

Sometimes, I'm in the mood to be raucous and go crazy, but more often than not lately, I've just rathered to stayed home.

On the upside there is another public group ride coming up Friday that I will post about tonight. (Or tomorrow if I'm lame.)

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