February 28, 2007
Photos From Japan
I just returned from a trip to Japan. It wasn't a bike touring trip, though I wish it were; I've heard great things about bike touring in Japan. I had the opportunity to spend a day riding around Aomori, which is on the coast in the northern part of the main island. I modeled my riding style on those around me. I found myself riding sidewalks and riding slowly. People of all ages ride bikes, and there were plenty of seniors with large packages and kids, riding around like it was no big deal. Part of this is that they ride step-through frame bikes. They're solid bikes, very sturdy, and they call them a Mamma Chari. I also saw a few three-wheeled bikes.
Click on any of these photos for a larger version
Bikes are used to carry a lot. Each bike has a least a front basket, often a front basket and a rear child seat. They also mount mini child seats on the top tube so that the parent's arms are around the child while riding. You know those images of other countries where people are carrying bales or hay, refrigerators and other impossibly large objects? Well, I didn't see any of that, but I did see people with large boxes on the back.
Overall bikes were everywhere. They seemed to exist well with cars. Mostly cyclists rode on the sidewalk, sometimes in the street. Japanese drivers are not prone to honking or yelling, so it was hard to guage what they thought of cyclists, but the cyclists, for their part, seemed to be very cautious and respectful road users. It was not uncommon to see a long line of bikes in what would otherwise be a series of car parking spots (like this photo).
I was impressed with the low-key riding style. Again, the Japanese ride slowly. They seem very relaxed. They also don't wear any special gear - which is a little surprising given that they're a nation that absolutely loves uniforms and special gear for specific projects. Skirts, suits, high-heeled boots - you name it, they wore it while riding. I never saw a set of rain pants or a rain coat - even through it rained a lot when I was there. Cyclists frequently ride with one hand on the handlebar and the other holding an umbrella. It's a really graceful riding style.
Overall, bikes are very much a part of the pulse of Japan. They move people and cargo everywhere on a daily basis. They are embraced as a reasonable, standard mode of transportation. Riding a bike seemed as natural as driving a car. I look forward to a time when biking in our culture is as accepted.
Comments (10) | Posted by orbike at 12:19 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 26, 2007
Advanced Bike Parking
The steadily-rising price of oil, and, in some places like London, a congestion charge for cars entering the city center mean more and more people are traveling by bike. As we know, it's cheap, quick and relatively healthy, but bike parking isn't always as ample or adequate as we'd like. Oh, that utility pole support, sure I could lock to that. Gas meter, not a good idea, but why not there's nothing else around. And don't even get me started on having to leave your bike widely exposed to the elements. So with that in mind, James Steward and Natalie Connell are deserving winners of this year's UK's Young Entrepreneurs Of The Year Award for their Cyclepod.
One fan of the cyclopod had this to say, "An intelligent, space-saving design, the pods vertically store eight bicycles within a two-meter diameter, which is half the room needed by traditional storage units, according to the makers. The design also lets cyclists lock both the bike's frame and front wheel so they can't be stolen, and the umbrella will at least keep the rain off when you're not riding. There's no faulting the modernist design either, which is already cropping up in certain parts of London, and at the headquarters of multinationals like Pepsi. "
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 7:48 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 23, 2007
A 50-Mile Family Ride
Karen Kimball says her family's New Year's Resolution was to ride a 50-mile ride together. The seven-person family set out to an area west of Coronoa, Californa. One of the kids drove SAG. One mile into the ride, they Karen already had a flat.
[ Read the whole tale ]
Does your family bike together? What is like for you? How far have you gone?
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 9:42 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 22, 2007
Greetings from Japan!
It may seem like I'm here, in Oregon, telling you about a bunch of cool bike stuff, but in reality in I'm Japan. I'm sure when I come back I'll have all sorts of interesting observances to share with you. I'm enjoying walking around the city and taking in the sites, and the bikes! I won't get much of a chance to ride when I'm here because I'm in Aomori where the streets are covered in snow and it's 20 degrees. How's the weather in Oregon?
Comments (6) | Posted by orbike at 9:58 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 21, 2007
Chainrings Galore
I was recently looking for an image of a chainring and I found this cool website with chainrings galore. I know, a chainring isn't something you necessarily pay much attention to, but take a close look at this site and you'll be wondering why your chainring is so dang boring. Bikes are bring pimped out more and more these days. I think creative chainraings are the next step in taking bike design to a more advanced level.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:07 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 19, 2007
SRAM Force Recall
A limited number of SRAM Force front and rear road brakes, which may have faulty titanium mounting bolts, are being recalled. This is an update to the initial recall, which only included the front brake caliper on the SRAM Force series. SRAM Corporation has announced it will expand the Force front brake recall to include the Force labeled rear brakes. This issue has since been corrected, and does not affect all Force front and rear brake mounting bolts.
Read the full recall article.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:40 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 17, 2007
Bicycling Mag Says Landis is Finished
From the Bicycling Magazine Newsletter: "In a recent interview Floyd Landis has admitted that he has virtually no chance of returning to racing in 2007. Find out why Floyd says he's finished." Read the article
A note from Landis' doctor: "Floyd has now passed the 3 month mark following his Birmingham hip resurfacing. He has regained full strength, power and range of motion and is completely pain free. His one leg power tests now show that the new hip is actually stronger than the other side. With normal length restored to his femur and the elimination of his chronic pain, Floyd is riding uninhibited for the first time in nearly 4 years."
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:47 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 16, 2007
Cherry Tips for Beginners
For those of you racing Cat5s for the first time, or entering the True Beginner field for the Cherry Pie Road Race on Feb 17, you might way to review this great info posted by Jim Fischer. He says, "This is by no means a comprehensive guide to doing well in your first race, but it should help reduce first day jitters. I believe OBRA also has something like this on the site...Check it out and feel free to contact me off-list with questions."
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:30 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 15, 2007
Free Treats for Cyclists
The idea behind Transportation Management Associations (TMA) is to give a specific area the ability to plan relevant transportation projects, manage funds and encourage alternative forms of transportation that will free up congestion. According to Portland's bike coordinator Roger Geller, the Lloyd District TMA (LDTMA) and Swan Island TMA are the two shining examples of how a TMA can make big change happen.
The LDTMA promotes alternative transportation in their business commuter-heavy district. They've had great results. On the next two Fridays, they're saying thanks to cyclists for "reducing congestion, contributing to better air quality, reducing dependence on oil, taking care of your health, and setting a great example to all citizens" by offering free drinks and treats from J. Cafe.
Here's the info from Program Manager Moira Green:
What: Ride your bike to work on 2/16 or 2/23 to get a free beverage and
treat at J Cafe.
Where: 533 NE Holladay Street.
When: Between 7-10 AM. If you can't participate during that time, bring your bike helmet in any time that day to get your just desserts.
How: Ride up, sign in, and choose your complimentary beverage and treat. Among your choices: Cacao drinking chocolate -- a chocolate experience to die for.
Why: This program is brought to you by the Lloyd TMA Bike Committee -- Our way of saying "THANKS" for reducing congestion, contributing to better air quality, reducing dependence on oil, taking care of your health, and setting a great example to all citizens.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:17 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 14, 2007
Cherry Pie Updates
There are 250 people registered so far for the Cherry Pie Road Race this Sunday. The weather is looking pretty good, too. Online registration is open for another few days, but the Cat4 and Cat5 fields have registration limits and they're getting really full. Here are some additional notes from organizer Jim Fischer:
If you're planning to race 5s (or 4/5 40+), better get on it.!
Also, Staging for the races will take place ACROSS THE STREET from Adair Park.
You will still be registering at the north end of the park, but we will do the neutral rollout from the parking lot at Valley Catering. They will be letting us use their parking lot for staging.
Portable toilets (6 of 'em) will be at the north end of the Park. The County has told me the permanent facilities will not be open/operational. Please do NOT water the bushes. We lost the last Cherry Pie venue due in large part to public urination.
Please, DO NOT PARK at VALLEY CATERING. We will put up barricades to keep this area clear, but I just wanted you to know why such a choice parking area has been blocked off.
If you need overflow parking, Santiam Christian school is fine with us using their lot. It's just west of the Adair Park on NE Arnold.
I will post all this to the website with maps/aerial pics, so don't fret...yet.
The pre-race announcements will be mailed out by Ted Turner, our chief referee, later this week.
Also, please thank our volunteers and officials. The Cherry Pie has more fields on the road at any one time than most other events all season. We've been pulling officials out of "retirement" for this one. We've pulled some 50-60 volunteers together to cover all the work that must happen to make things run smoothly.
If you have questions or concerns, now's the time to ask.
Thanks, and we'll see you Sunday!
Regards,
Jim Fischer
Heather Paris
Flying Puppy Racing
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:41 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 13, 2007
Best Worst Day Ride
The Worst Day of the Year Ride pretty much turned out to the best it has ever been. 1,500 cyclist came out for the day, and the event was sold out. The sun was shining and it was warm, but for about a half our some light rain came down just to remind riders they were in Portland.
Riders were sent out on course with cameras! They got some really fun shots of their friends and other riders, the scenery and the rest stops. Check out the photo gallery and see just how quirky this ride really is. See also the Weather Report, the event ride report and newsletter.
Comments (5) | Posted by orbike at 8:39 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
Race Officials Needed
Cherry Pie Road Race chief referee Ted Turner says they still need a few race officials for the race on Sunday. "Please drop me a note by mid-week. We'll work the morning and afternoon events, so plan on being available all day. However, there may be a slot or two available for an afternoon-only assignment if you can't make it in the morning."
To get involved, contact Ted: ted.turner [at] weyerhaeuser.com.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:06 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 10, 2007
Worst Day of the Year Ride Tip/Fact #4
Unfortunately it is too late to register for the Worst Day of the Year Ride, but for those of you who are registered, here are some fun facts and tips, part of a series I've been running throughout the week.
TIP #4
Bring your camera. There are going to be a lot of fun opportunities to take pictures along the route. And keep an eye out for the Icy Monkey, the event's resident meteorologist. He says he'll be riding in the buff, but then again, he's a monkey so...
FACT #4
At the 2006 Finish Line Party, 100 gallons of soup were served.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 3:26 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 9, 2007
A Capped-Off Ride!
Well, it finally happened, the Worst Day of the Year Ride has sold out. After last year's wild success, everyone suspected this year the ride would sell out - and as of 8:12pm it did. There will be no day-of-event registration. If you didn't make it into the ride this year, don't worry, there's always next year.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:34 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Bicycle Fitting Workshop
It's really tempting to just keep talking about the Worst Day of the Year Ride, but I thought you might like a break from that. So, here's a very cool workshop coming up on Saturday:
Fitting expert Michael Sylvester presents a two-day 16 hour seminar on the Art And Science Of Bicycle Fitting. This class open to anyone who's interested but it's especially intended for professional bike shop employees and others who want to further their skills in this area.
Gudmestad Yoga Studio 3903 SW Kelly Suite 210 Portland Oregon 97239
COST: $325 -First come first serve and the class limited to 20 people, so call first to see if there is still room.
For more info call 503-233-4284.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:20 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 8, 2007
Worst Day of the Year Ride Tip/Fact #3
As of this morning, around 1,200 people are registered for the Worst Day of the Year Ride, and the ride caps off at 1,500. If you're not yet registered, hop to it! I am running a series of ride tips and facts about the ride throughout the week.
TIP #3
Get your rider number and maps early by coming to Packet Pickup on Saturday at the Lucky Lab on Hawthorne from 4-7 pm. This way, you can avoid the lines on Sunday. Oh yeah, and you can chill out and have a beer at the Lab while you get ready to ride!
FACT #3
96% of the Worst Day of the Year Ride participants from 2006 had so much fun they vowed to return to ride in 2007.
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 7:46 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 7, 2007
Worst Day of the Year Ride Tip/Fact #2
To get you ready for the Worst Day of the Year Ride, I am running a series of ride tips and facts throughout the week.
TIP #2
Come dressed in costume! Everyone who comes dressed up will receive a free set of Tireflys wheel lights. These cool lights are motion-activated and provide good visibility at night from the sides, but most of all they're just really fun. Costumed riders will compete for great prizes like Showers Pass rain gear.
FACT #2
700 arrows are used to mark the course. Weather permitting, Dan Henrys will also be used.
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 9:36 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 5, 2007
A Vanilla for Candi
Okay, I can mention this now because the secret's out: last night at the OBRA awards dinner, Candi Murray, a former OBRA volunteer, was presented with a certificate for a custom bike by Vanilla Bicycles at the OBRA. OBRA racers had been collecting funds and putting together a bike to honor Candi for her years of dedication to OBRA. (I wrote about her departure from OBRA and all of her accomplishments here).
Yann Blindert was the one who came up with the idea for the gift. " [Candi's] commitment to OBRA has resulted in Oregon being one of the best places to race and ride bicycles. She devoted close to the same amount of time to OBRA as we do to our careers. While I have only benefited from Candi's contributions for three or so years, I think we owe her a gift to show our gratitude. And what nicer gift could there be than a Candi Vanilla for Candi."
Candi was overwhelmed by the gift, which was miraculously kept secret while Yann and others worked to collect donations over the last few months. Here's what Candi had to say:
"Last night at the OBRA banquet I was overwhelmed with surprises and awards. You cannot imagine by delight at being presented with a certificate for my very own custom Vanilla that was put together by a group of OBRA riders and bike shops. I cannot express how honored I am. Thank you all so very much. "
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:16 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Worst Day of the Year Ride Tip/Fact #1
Oregon is all a-buzz with excitement in preparation for the Worst Day of the Year Ride, a benefit for the Community Cycling Center. Riders are coming from as far north as Seattle and as far south as Ashland. This quirky-fun ride is so much a part of our regional climate. To get you ready, I'll be running a series of ride tips and facts throughout the week.
TIP #1
Register! If you're not yet registered but you think you're going to ride, do it now. This ride will sell out at some point. You may be able to register on the day of the ride, but then again, you may not be able to. As soon as the number of riders reaches 1,500, all registration will be closed off - and that includes day-of-event registration. So get yourself registered and be prepared to have some serious fun!
It has never rained on a Worst Day of the Year Ride and, in fact, the weather has always been quite pleasant.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:44 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 1, 2007
Rider Profile: Riding with Dad
Amy Mayberry is a busy pre-med student at University of Washington. Her schedule doesn't permit her to ride her bike very often, but she's coming down to Portland to ride the Worst Day of the Year Ride.
Amy, who is 20, is looking forward to the Worst Day of the Year Ride as a way to spend some time with her dad - and take a rest from the stress of med school.
[ Full profile ]
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 12:19 PM | Permalink | TrackBack