Adios

Today will be my last regular post here on this blog. I have created a new blog for my logging and you may visit at http://bikemetrolouisville.blogspot.com/.

Hope all is well......................

"Jazz is dead".....Miles Davis

Nice 2 Day Totals + Monday

I opted for the photo on Sunday rather than text what I personally had ridden over the weekend, I thought the election carried more weight than me on my bike. Any rate, I rode near 70 miles over the weekend in really nice conditions. Stayed on this side of the bridge and steered clear of the traffic both days on Blackiston Mill Road, but must say that it was a nice surface to ride upon.

Monday I started out after work only to get soaked to the bone before having to call my taxi for a pick up at the Floyd County 4H Fairgrounds. Then went to my work and road the exercise bikes for over twenty miles and felt like I had had a good workout, even though it was in doors.

FYI... The Silver Creek Bridge is supposed to open on November 15th if the weather continues to help out the workers.

Night View

Jorg & Olif Now Available In The U.S.

*story borrowed from

I know isn’t directly related to Portland, but I’ve been following the local bakfiets and Dutch city bike news lately and I know a lot of Portlanders (including myself) love these things. So here you go. Jorg & Olif, the stylish Canadian company who re-brands and modifies authentic Dutch city bikes has just announced that they have established a North American shipping operation. No retail store yet, but at least now you can get the goods without paying the crazy shipping costs.
They’ve even got this handy order guide (links to PDF). And, depending on if you’ve been naughty or nice, Christmas orders are due by November 5th.
The bikes are available in 1, 3, or 8 speeds and range in price from $795 - $1,295 respectively. I guess the Electra Amsterdam has its first direct competitor.

A Progressive Cycling Community

When I wanted to start this blog, this is the kind of site I had a vision of creating. With a little luck and lots of help it just might happen.
http://www.bikeportland.org/

FYI

This weekend

The last two days I have been riding in Louisville. Today I rode on the soon to be completed bridge spanning Silver Creek, it is not "open to peds" but no one was around and the devil came out of me one more time.

Saturday
My wife is taking a class at Holiday Manor on Saturday mornings, so despite the cold and gloomy conditions, I went with her, well I took my bike and rode back. By taking advantage of my Louisville Bike Book, I combined two of the rides and had one great ride back to NA. Total ride was 37 miles.

Sunday
Rode to Louisville and back today across two bridges and just over 14 miles in Old Louisville, Germantown and Downtown Louisville. From my house to the Clark Memorial Bridge is 9.8 miles. Fantastic sunshine and splendid fall color was a plus.

bicycling for louisville

Barry Zalph has a very nice program going on in louisville about cycling and the benefits of it for health and community. They have a website, bicycling for louisville.

On another note. Watched a guy ride between a line of cars on Charlestown Road. The traffic had the red light. He rides between the cars and blows right through the light. No attempt at a signal or anything. He darts out then crosses over 3 lanes of traffic. Not cool at all.

If we want respect on the road, things like this need to halt. Not only was it not cool, but the safety issues are huge. I don't want to be the target of hostille drivers due to other peoples actions.

Bike Depot In Louisville

Our friend Jeff sent us this in hopes of making a contribution to the cause:

If you haven't already been there, thought you guys might be interested in http://bikedepot.org/. I've been by it several times on the way to art events but not in it. Checked out their web site and ran across the following gem amongst others:

"Question: How come when you're riding a ten speed bicycle, when you're not pedaling the bike makes a clicking noise?
Mike Walker from Deming, NM Answer: Mike, get this straight from the starting gate. I do not ride bicycles. Ever since I realized how ergonomically efficient the bicycle is, I knew that I would be doing a disservice to our petrochemical and nuclear energy industries by participating in this form of mechanical subversion. If you could build a bicycle that somehow consumed gasoline or uranium, well, maybe I could be persuaded to hop on, but until that time I will either ride in an automobile or stay put, thank you. To answer your question, that little clicking noise is a gauge put on your bike by the Communists who made it. It is counting off all the lost oil revenue, the money not going into American coffers because you chose to ride a Communist produced instrument of subversion. If that makes you feel a bit guilty as you ride, relax, it should."
--Ask Mr. Science Comrades!

PS...They carry Marin Bikes and that is what my buddy TR rides in CA, NICE BIKE!

Ed

The Graham Phillips Trail

This afternoon after work I road what this site will from this day forward will refer to as the route known as the Graham Phillips Loop. Also we shall have hopes of the Floyd County Commisioners to rename Quarry Road to The Graham Phillips Trail. This ride takes in Corydon Pike, Edwardsville Hill, The Graham Phillips Trail, Old Vincennes Road, parts of downtown NA and cruising along the Ohio River.

Graham has recently moved to this side of the river and bought a home on Quarry Road, so why not honor such a cool guy with one of everyones favorite rides.

It was a fanastic day to ride and enjoy the fall splendor and warm temps, prompting me to go back in the summer riding digs. Guess we should feel lucky after such a cool and wet past week.

Quick Ten

Got out this afternoon around 15:30 for a quick ten miles. The pavement was still very wet, but managed to make it back without a slide out on some wet leaves. I wanted to ride so bad yesterday that I ate crow and went to my work and road one of our bikes in the fitness center for about forty five minutes. It was so boring and it was a bitch trying to stay focused enough to keep going. My buddy Tim suggested a spin class when the weather gets bad and I my try that when the days prohibit me from exercising.
Cheers

34 degrees

Colour me crazy, but I like riding when it is cool weather. For me it is much easier to deal with than the thick humid polluted air we have here in the summer. Dressing properly makes it worth the effort to still get in some miles. Your body really keeps you warm, generating the heat necessary to keep riding. I left this morning when it was thirty four degrees a little before 08:00 when the sun was shining making it real comfy. Made my way around NA doing eighteen miles of much the same route as the Reign of Terror Tour this past summer.

First Big Chill Ride

Made my way out in the cold this afternoon, but only for thirteen miles. I hate riding in the wind, especially cold wind. The sunshine was nice and made it all worth while. Will be riding over to the Lupulin Land Harvest Hop Festival 2006 at RichO's on Saturday, check it out for an alternative to Harvest Homecoming or the BistroNA.

Dropping Twelve

What amazing weather! That rare window of ideal conditions was actualized yesterday, the setting sun makes weekday cycling problematic (at least in tandem) so yesterday witnessed N and I criss-crossing New Albany, enjoying the crisp morning air, the sun-singed foliage and thrill of simply being alive. Such makes me recall Fred Ward's stellar performance in Henry and June, engaging the mortal head-on, removing his feet from the pedals as his bike spins downhill amidst the sublime French landscape. I know, I'm a dork.

Sunday Oct. 8th

Took another long ride to Louisville this morning, sorry Dave for not giving you notice, it was on the spur of the moment. Cruised from my house to Clark Memorial Bridge, up River Road to Indian Hills Trail, Old Brownsboro Road and then a little jaunt on Brownsboro Road. Down the hill to Mockingbird Valley and then left onto Mellwood Ave. Crossed Zorn and then continued Mellwood to Story Ave. Took the Butchertown Greenway and then back onto River Road before making my way up to Main Street and then back across the CM Bridge. Cruised around through Old Clarksville and part of what will hopefully become the new Greenway on this side of the Ohio River. Back down though NA and past the Baylor Mansion, up Spring Street Hill and then home.
*photo taken 9.9.06 at the Power For The Peaceful Festival 2006

CYCLERS CAFE IN LOUISVILLE

I stopped in the Cyclers Cafe on Lexington Road in Louisville yesterday to see what was there, well friends I think that it is another must stop while out cruising on the bike or go for a beer and food and hangout. The owner and staff are all cyclist and go out of there way to want you to be apart of their little niche here in the Louisville area. The food was great, the beer list is long; unlike what the menu lends you to think and just a grand atmosphere for those of us who enjoy cycling.

NOTE: There is a 25 mile ride each Tuesday that leaves from the Cyclers Cafe parking lot at 6:00pm.

photo borrowed from http://www.cyclerscafe.com/

Riding to Louisville today circa 4:00pm from Kye's if anyone is interested.

Sunday

Hopefully I was not the only person to take advantage of this banner fall day, getting out for some perfect riding weather on this the first day of October. I made my way to Louisville via the Clark Memorial Bridge and followed the new bike lane of Third Street down to the Cardinal Drive at U of L. Over through Germantown and then the Highlands. Through Cherokee Park and then down Lexington Road and through Butchertown before going back downtown and then across the bridge and back to NA. A grand ride of 38 miles that has given me yet another route.

9.28.06

This day has been one of an emotionial ride. Rain once again woke us all, followed by typical fall weather. Our day here was mared by a funeral for a grand lady of 102 years of age. Viola Daniel who was one of our ex-neighbors but a major cog in the wheel of our lives will be sadly missed.

After the funeral I rode my bike for twenty plus miles in the wind and sun, fighting the wind and gear changing along the way. I have been bouncing back and forth beween variations of the same route of 15, 18 and 20 milers since coming back from vacation. Right now, it is good for me, but it will become boring after a while.

Hope all is well.
b

World Car Free Day 2006

Does anyone know what this area (especially New Albany) will be doing for World Carfree Day 2006?

"New this year, we are encouraging all organisers to make this year's unofficial theme of World Carfree Day Street Conversions. World Carfree Network and Carbusters magazine are co-sponsoring a competition to design a carfree street, parking space, or intersection. For more information on the contest and the concept of street conversions, click here."
Taken from http://www.worldcarfree.net/

Be Careful

Went out and did a twenty miler this morning, but played dodge the rocks. Mother Nature specialized in hyrdaulics this weekend and with that came everyone's gravel driveway down onto the road surface. Please ride carefully.

That twenty this morning gives me eigthy plus miles this week, the first week back from a vacation that ran my system in the ground. My body is still feeling the effects of much riding and hopefully will get back in the groove before long.

I need a new chain for my bike, any suggestions of a better brand over another?

Cheers

Just outside of Prague.

We didn't make it the whole way, but I'd say that Kevin and I managed about 275-300 km of the Greenway.

As previously alluded to, we've had an epiphany with respect to the proper balance of cycling and beer drinking.

Guess which one gained ... 

Big country, relatively small path.

Beercycling 2006 has concluded, but the stories should continue to grow and prosper in the coming years.

The view above is from the national park area near Znojmo on the Czech-Austrian border. The Greenway is somewhat rough in this area, and Kevin and I bypassed it according to the dictates of our new slogan: When the going gets tough, the tough take the train.

In spite of our long overdue recognition that we're no longer spring chickens and would rather drink beer than fight mountains (at least on a regular basis), 500+ kilometers were recorded, and the beercycling adventure will be remembered fondly.

I hope to offer more in the next few days, but right now, there's work to be tended. 

CA Trip (2)

Well friends, for all that I posted about my trip to California in May of this year, ditto it and add much more. We wound up with about 400 miles in seven days. Some of that I was on my own due to my buddy TR's work schedule at the Saint Michael Alley Bistro where he is a waiter. Never the less, it was good weather and was coupled with many fine memories of the Bay Area and the peninsula area south of 'Frisco and over the mountains to Santa Cruz.

We did a little more exploring of the north shore area between Sausalito and Larkspur which included Tiburon. We road the hilly terrian of the paradise trail. Our return that day was coming back across the Golden Gate Bridge in total fog with visibility at about 30 feet. All I could see in front of me was TR's flashing red light on his bike and could hear the massive horn blast warning the ships heading in the bay of the bridge. Just like out of a movie.

The photo was taken on 9.13.06 at a bar called Zeitgeist where it would be safe to say there was near sixty to seventy bikes there in hanging racks or just locked together out back in the backyard by patrons enjoying fine California hoppy beers and other substances. Totally different culture than we are used to here in this area.

Good to be back in Indiana

Well it was a hoot, my second bike trip to California this year, but always so glad to get back home to comfy confines of good old Southern Indiana. I'll post later on the details of my trip, but for now here is a taste of one of the "grand scale bikes" that is taking the Santa Cruz area by storm with the younger crowd. Way strange when you see them coming at you on the road.

The Left Coast

Hello all from the wonderful land of bicycling known as California. We have been some 200+ miles thus far including a trip from Santa Cruz today that brought us over the mountains in 90+ degree heat. Hope all is well and will post later in the week or when I return. Oh yeah, I'm in Palo Alto and lovin' it drinking fine California Double IPA's.
Cheers....Ed

Coffee and A Newspaper

We rode over to Louisville today to the Heine Bros. on Longest, where there is also a Carmichael's bookstore. It was great that both places were open early on a Sunday because we got our usual coffee and I was able to purchase a couple of copies of this week's Business First newspaper because my daughter is in this issue! She's on the Ahead of the Curve page which is about young business professionals. So a bike ride, coffee stop and reading about your kid, what could be cooler on a Sunday?

Total mileage today: 40

Chasing Cormac

I have been hindered as of late by September infirmity, nearly as predictable as other rituals of autumn. I did seek medical authority and thus felt a return to the living yesterday. I had spent the week reading the remaining two thirds of the Border Trilogy by Cormac McCarthy and was inspired to seek the natural. The myriad lands around Loop Island do not recall the Southwest and Old Mexico of the maestro's explication on Duty and the sundry caprice of Life. No, it actually recalls Sutree, primoridal stretch of striated Natura Firma a stones throw from inerstate traffic. The brambles and ivy have yet to concede the onset of chilly weather and I pedalled along accordingly, noting the cadres of young people fishing, homeless blokes catnapping and the presence, en masse, of New Albany's finest investigating some situation where Silver Creek empties into the Ohio. There are paths below the old railroad bridge, though the topography of such requires greater skill on a bike than I can reasonably manage. So it goes.

Finals standings

Here we are one week later and I finally found out what my national ranking is, #8. I'm happy with it, but next year it will be #1! With my national ranking, I am now on the U.S. Cycling Team that will compete next year at the 2007 World Championships that will be in Canada.

On another note, I'm pretty bummed out that there was so little coverage of the race, especially since New Albany had two riders representing the city in the main events. The Tribune, nor the other news media I contacted prior, during and after the races have responded. The CJ just ran a press release and I saw WAVE3 out there, but nothing was on the program.

What I'm trying to get at is that New Albany is home to two national champion cyclist! We've worked really hard to earn that, but unless it involves a ball and two goals, news deems it unworthy and that BMX is some underground kid sport. Did you know that the Grand National brings in about 20 thousand people to our local area? Maybe next year we might get a nod...lol..

Exit to California

Well it is my turn to exit for a cycling vacation, my second trip to California this year. I broke the bike down and placed it in the case tonight, so as not to bother with it tommorow night. Yeah I probably should have ridden one more time but I have been working a lot and need to rest my legs. My buddy TR and I will see if we can exceed the mileage we racked up in May, hopefully, and have good weather to do it in. The rainy season starts there in mid September, maybe we can get in some good days of cruising in the mountains and also trips to San Francisco and farther north towards Santa Rosa.

Tuesday

Went out for a two hour cruise up Corydon Pike and around over to Spickert Knob this afternoon after work, damn it felt so good. After making it off the hill I road alittle in the New Albany area before making my way to downtown and then up the Spring Street hill to home. Did not ride real hard, but kept a descent pace so as not to burn my self out before my trip this weekend.

2006 NBL Grands

The 2006 NBL Grand National is history. No doubt, the best Grands EVER! We had over 450 motos. That's about 2500 riders, ranging from 5 and under to 70 something I believe.

The local organization, which is all volunteer based, put on the best race I've attended. I started out a little shakey, but finished all first through my qualifying rounds in 35 and over expert and posted a 1,5,3 in the 30 and over open wheels. Today, we started out with 1/8's and kept the winning going all the way until the main.

In class, I got out a little sluggish, but was able to keep the leader insight and I played follow the leader until the last turn and tried to make my move, but I just didn't have any fuel left. Bob O'Gorman is the world ranked #3 rider and one of the classiest guys you'll meet on the national scene.

Here's a pic from Saturdays motos. I'm # 865.

Nice ride

Went out last night for a good ride in some much needed cooler weather. Road over to Clarksville and paid my Verizon bill and then took off up Hwy31 to old Hwy6o, across I-65 and then back around Payne Koeller Rd to Charlestown Road. Made my way back to downtown NA and then up Old Vincennes to home. I have one week of training left before leaving for the West Coast and will likely ride hard this weekend and taper off next week to rest my body.
b

Big time weekend

Yesterday I climbed St. Joe Knob. I thought I was past the point in life where I'd be able to do something like that. After climbing, we rode along Skyline drive and went down Mosier Knob (that was fun!), total ride was about 27 miles I think. Oh, and right when we were at the top of Mosier Knob, my odometer crossed over to 1,000 miles! I put it on this bike when I bought it last year in October.

Then today, we went to Louisville and ended up at the Heine Bros. in Douglass Loop. Total ride today was 50 miles. A half-century. Never thought I'd ever do that either.

Set some goals and move towards them, you just might surprise yourself.

I'm outta here. See you later in September.

Keep riding!

This Is What A Bicycle Coalition Does To Help Make Change.

Cycling supporters on a roll in S.F. Bicycle Coalition has political clout and backing of public.

Rachel Gordon San Francisco Chronicle http://sfgate.com
Monday, August 21, 2006

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (www.sfbike.org), revived 16 years ago by disgruntled cyclists, has emerged as one of the most potent political forces in the city.
The organization, founded in 1970, went into hibernation through the 1980s and was reborn in 1990. Now -- with a paid membership of 5,800 and its top executive sitting on the board overseeing San Francisco's public transit, parking and traffic operations -- the bike coalition is moving aggressively to enact its goal of making the streets of San Francisco a bicycling mecca "where cars are rare and travel slowly.''
In the past decade, the city -- responding to the demands of the Bicycle Coalition -- has added bike lanes, required commercial developers to provide bike parking and equipped Muni buses with bike racks.
But as the crusade moves forward and cycling in San Francisco gains in popularity, a pushback can be felt.
The coalition's lobbying for a proposal to make a portion of Golden Gate Park car-free on Saturdays won a narrow victory at the Board of Supervisors this spring, but Mayor Gavin Newsom applied the brakes with a veto.
And in June, a San Francisco Superior Court judge put the city's bike plan on hold. The plan, which won unanimous backing by the supervisors and the mayor last year, maps out an ambitious five-year strategy to make it easier and safer for cyclists to get around town.
Critics sued, charging that the city did not conduct a review that adequately analyzed the plan's effects; for example, the city may have to remove street parking and traffic lanes to make room for cyclists.
The judge's ruling effectively prevents city officials from moving forward with much of the plan until the court rules on the merits of the litigation. The hearing has been set for Sept. 13.
Despite the setbacks, bicycle advocates in San Francisco aren't deterred.
"There is broad public support for better biking conditions,'' said Leah Shahum, who runs the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. She said a new poll of 400 likely voters by David Binder Research found that nearly 3 in 4 respondents favored creating more bike lanes in San Francisco.
The fact that the monthly Critical Mass ride -- an event organized independently of the Bicycle Coalition at which anywhere from dozens to thousands of bikers take to the streets on the last Friday of the month -- hasn't erupted into chaos for nearly a decade probably has helped move public opinion in that direction.
"The bike coalition is at the cutting edge of urban environmentalism. It reduces our reliance on foreign oil, cuts down pollution, helps ease traffic congestion and makes the city more livable,'' said Supervisor Jake McGoldrick, who represents the Richmond District in a famously liberal city where politicians work hard to put green-friendly credentials on their resumes.
In addition to lobbying for more bike lanes, the Bicycle Coalition is urging city officials to better maintain streets now pocked with potholes, to do more to prevent bicycle thefts and to enact measures to slow the speed of cars.
Jim Town, a 26-year-old math teacher, uses his 15-speed bicycle -- and Caltrain -- to commute from his home in San Francisco's Western Addition to his job in Palo Alto. He thinks San Francisco is a good place to ride, especially when bike lanes are available.
"I feel like I don't have to assert myself as much when there's a lane; drivers are more respectful,'' said Town, who only had one bad experience with a driver who was in a hurry to make a right-hand turn when they were both stopped at a red light. "I find that bicycling is a good way to get around; it's often faster than driving when there's a lot of traffic.''
The 2000 U.S. Census found that about 2 percent of the commuters in San Francisco pedal to work or school. City Hall set a goal to push that to 10 percent by 2010.
Advocates say that can't be done without the completion of a citywide bicycle network that likely would mean less room on the city's streets to drive and park cars -- a prospect that adds fuel to the tension in the city between motorists and bicyclists.
Rob Anderson is fed up. An active blogger (www.district5diary.blogspot.com), he sued the city to stop implementation of the bike plan. Anderson started a group -- he won't say how many members it has, but by all accounts there aren't many -- called "Ninety-Nine Percent.'' The name is intended to highlight the fact that only a sliver of residents rely on bicycles and that the vast majority still drive, use public transit and walk.
The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition "has completely free rein at City Hall. No one challenges them,'' he said.
Chris Albanese agrees. He owns Antiquario, a store on the 1600 block of Market Street. In May, the city removed parking from the front of his shop to put in a new bike lane. He said that merchants in the area, who feared a drop in business, were given little notice to protest, and that those who did could not get a fair hearing. The city's creation of new parking spaces around the corner, he said, hasn't helped.
"The removal of the meters has all but eliminated new business and has greatly inconvenienced my established customers,'' Albanese said. "But the real story here is not my loss of business. It's about the bike coalition's overwhelming and undue influence on public officials and public policy.''
There are few who would dispute that the Bicycle Coalition wields influence. In addition to being one of the biggest, if not the biggest, advocacy groups in the city, it has leaders who are politically savvy and media-friendly.
They work within the system -- Shahum's appointment to the Municipal Transportation Agency board of directors is just one example -- and have been working to build alliances with other well-organized advocacy groups, such as Rescue Muni, Walk San Francisco and the Sierra Club.
Bike coalition members don't hesitate to contact elected officials at City Hall, and the organization makes it easy by supplying preprinted postcards with the message of the moment.
During the bike coalition's first "Bike to Work Day'' in the 1990s, Supervisor Tom Ammiano was the only elected official to participate in the event. Now, most of the local pols do. Even Newsom, who hesitates to put on hats for fear of messing his gelled hair, dons a helmet for the photo-op ride to City Hall during the morning commute.
Bike coalition leaders also have shown that they're willing to compromise and are in it for the long haul. Take, for example, the proposal in the mid-1990s to ban cars on Market Street. The business community revolted, and bike advocates backed down. Now, however, "we are pushing to have fewer cars on Market Street,'' Shahum said. One of the ideas is to force cars to turn off Market Street at several downtown intersections to discourage drivers from using the busy corridor.
Another example is the proposal to limit auto traffic in Golden Gate Park on Saturdays, something that had been done on Sundays and holidays.
After Newsom killed the legislation, backers of the "Healthy Saturdays'' plan contemplated putting the issue on the November ballot, but backed off at the last minute when Newsom said he would work on coming up with a negotiated compromise. And if that doesn't happen, Shahum said, there is always next year's fall ballot -- which just happens to be when the next mayor's race will be decided.
The Bicycle Coalition endorses candidates, and getting the group's nod of approval is coveted.
"These politicians want to look green, and there are only so many things they can do at the local level,'' Shahum said.
McGoldrick, the supervisor representing the Richmond District, said supporting the bike coalition's agenda isn't an issue of quid pro quo. Instead, he maintained, the group's agenda resonates with the progressive majority of the Board of Supervisors and a large segment of the public.
"I don't think it's so much politics as policy,'' he said.

Up, Up and Away!!

Well folks, the hour is approaching and the travelers, if they close their eyes can almost hear the nose wheel of the plane locking in the down position and see the airport runway in Frankfurt rising up to met them!

I dropped by the pub on my way home today to find Roger going over intricate details to leave behind for the Richo's crew one more time! After much ado, I was able to pry him away for one shift beer + 1 + 1... oh well, you get the idea.

Graham came in excited over closing on his house today (he's a hoosier now) and getting his bike broken down and fitted in the shipping box for the flight.

Kevin swears that his cell phone gets turned off whenever he walks out of the shop tomorrow evening ( at least for customers who may be tempted to have an emergency)!

As for the rest of the bicyclists involved, I'm sure they too are in the throes of last minute details.

To all of them I say go forth and enjoy not only for yourselves but for all of us as well. Ride, drink, eat, and bring back tons of pictures!

We in the rear guard will do our damndest to see that in your absence, nothing here gets so screwed up that you can't fix it when you get home!

Have a safe and enjoyable journey and please, don't give us a thought while you're inbibing!

The sights we see while riding bicycles.

Louisville Bike Lanes

Used one of the new bike lanes yesterday on the way to school. i have to tell you, it was pleasant to ride in my own lane and not have to worry too much about getting picked off. If you haven't tried them out yet, I recommened it!

tommy

Riding In Indianapolis This Past Weekend

This past weekend I logged over 100 miles in two days riding the many trails, pasths and bike routes of Indianapolis and Marion County. Yes I did the Monon Trail, but more importantly I rode the Pleasant Run, Fall Creek, White River/Central Canal Trails, Fort Harrison State Park's Harrison Trail as well as many bike routes that were very well marked throughout. Traffic shared the road and I did not have that first asshole yelling to get off the road or get on the sidewalk as we encounter around here.

For those who do not know, I used to call Indy my home and

still remember how to get around the area quite well after 30+ years. To still be able to find and enjoy the great parks, such as Garfield and Washington(that used to be home to the zoo). My favorite park is the Wes Montgomery Park located on 33rd Street east of the downtown area. It is just like Wes's music, laid back and comforting.

For the beer cyclist, yes I wound up in Broadripple for beer each day; BBC and Brassiere Brugge were explored.

Marathon Weekend Success!

Yesterday, Derby City BMX hosted the Marathon Weekend of racing. It started of great, then mother nature decided we needed a break and gave the track a good soak. It was looking doubtful, but the weather broke and we had a wonderful day of racing.

The Pro/Am featured a purse of $1500 and the 30 and Over Open Wheels had $350 on the line. Jeff Upshaw was the Pro/Am winner and the 30 and Over winner was Me (Tommy Board.)

This was a tune-up race for the big one, that will take place Labor Day Weekend. Many thanks to all the volunteers that made this happen!

BMX Action!

here's a little snip of what goes on at the track

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkUVtBNdwn0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaGN4IxJ0Js

New Albany Bicycle Coalition

It's that time of year!

For 23 years, Louisville has hosted the National Bicycle League's (NBL) Grand National, on Labor Day Weekend. It's probably one of the best kept secret events in Louisville, due to a football game taking place during the same weekend. I wanted to invite all of you, IF you have time, to come and see what has been going on at E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park for the past 23 years and realize the impact of a BMX track could have on New Albany. I've attended a couple park board meetings and when I made my case for a BMX track here in New Albany, you could almost see the glaze fall over the park board members eyes. Many of our local riders (Clarksville, New Albany) are ranked at the top of there classification. Myself and Weston Pope are in contention for national titles. Here's a link to our local track, which is an all volunteer organization. If it were not for the parents and riders, BMX would not exist in Louisville. It's a great family sport, where the entire family can participate. BMX is probably one of the only sports, where you DON'T sit the bench! So come on out!

www.derbycitybmx.org

This Blog

Today we added two other genres of cycling to this bike blog. Tom brings yet another spin with his love of another form of riding a bicycle, where as Jon and his lovely bride are what most folks do with a bike and that is to just get out and cruise, explore and enjoy via two wheels. You do not have to get on the bike in spandex, ride the roads and rack up miles and hills and be extreme to enjoy and participate with accounts of cycling enjoyment to be on this blog. If you ride back and forth to work, share it. If you go out and ride around the neighborhood after dinner, share it. This blog is for the enjoyment of bicycling.

Today my ride took me to Louisville, where I rode around on the streets of downtown and the west and southend, as well as Germantown in the early morning hours for thirty miles and then my father-in-law brought me home to NA and we enjoyed breakfast, coffee and many laughs.

Friendship and the love of riding and its true life experiences is what it is all about.

Peace..........Ed

New Albany Bicycle Coalition

New Albany Bicycle Coalition

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tommy Board. I've lived in New Albany for about 4 and half years now, after being Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Navy. I was a Cryptologist (collector,) meaning I listened to a lot of morse code! Kris is my beautiful bride of almost 7 years and we have 2 awesome children!

My passion, besides my family, is Bicycles! I love 'em! Road, MTB, but most of all, BMX! Something BMX just blows my hair back. BMX racing has allowed me to remain young at heart and healthy!

I look forward to sharing stories from past experiences, racing and advocacy for cyclist.

Christopher Lloyd

as a dweebish child I used to play with calculators and act as if it were a time machine, finding myself trapped in distant times and working through clumsy quotients and percentages to make my way back to the mid seventies.

this afternoon my wife and I made way eatsward on our bikes and made our way to Louisville through a series of shrugs and why-nots. we enjoiyed a respite by the river and then plaugged back noticing that the mileage was approximate to my time-travel machinations of oyouth, what a joy that engendered though my wife has thoughts of retiring around the rout of the Russian navy at Port Arthur. We made it back and Crispin Glover was restored his prosperity.

It Was Very Hot & Humid - 8.9.2006

L - Old Vincennes Rd

R - Quarry Rd

R - Old Vincennes Rd

L - Old Hill Rd

Cross Paoli Pike and follow Woods of Lafayette to Scottsville Rd

R - Scottsville Rd

R - Skyline(I think that is the name of the road)

L - St. Marys Rd

R - Campion Rd

L - Aiken Rd

R - VonAllman Rd

L - North Skyline Dr

R - St. Joe Hill

R - Highway 111/Grant Line Rd

R - Hausfeldt Ln

L - Green Valley Rd

R- Cherry St

R - Old Vincennes Rd

Rain training.

Graham, Tim and I had half a great ride this morning, starting at Classico and traveling up and back the Riverwalk.

departed at the Clark Memorial and started to make a run for it, but the rain came and I waited through 30 minutes before deciding to get wet.

Now I'm home with coffee, and must go to work -- with the truck (thanks Lloyd) and not the bike.

Dressed up like a car crash, the wheels are turning but you’re upside down.

Well, what a fun filled, accident prone tour we rode today. Graham, Kevin, Roger, Tim and myself rode the Edwardsville/Mosier Knob loop this morning. All started out well, we all cruised up the hill on Corydon Pike, making it past the railroad crossing before a train passed by. Took a break at the top and then made our way to the Hobknob Coffee Shop for a nice break and conversation. That is when the ride turned weird. Something lodged in my chain near St. Mary’s Road causing me to freak out and lose control into a guard rail, doing my best Red Skelton impression. Nothing hurt other than scraps, horribly purple bruises and loss of a whole bunch of my pride. Kevin made some quick, needed repairs to getting the chain back on while I cleaned my wounds and then we were off riding again. Passed the shrine of the late Urban’s that was located next to St. Mary’s Parish and had a nice history lesson from someone who used to buy beer there at an earlier age. We made our way up the back side of Mosier Knob and had just past Skyline when we heard what sounded like a vehicle crash. Sure enough and pickup truck had hit something on the road and flipped it into a ditch. When we arrived, the driver had gotten out and seemed okay less a gash in his head. Thanks guys for calling 911 and getting someone headed to help. That done it was an easy trip down Mosier Knob and then we all headed home with enough excitement for one day.

Saturday - 8.5.2006

Took advantage of the fine break in the weather this morning, riding to and around in Louisville. Crossed the Clark Memorial bridge each way and cruised in the Butchertown, Highlands, Irish Hill and East Main Street neighborhoods. The ride was just what I needed to rid my brain of work and nasty HHH weather that is taking its toll on everyone in our region of the country.

Wheeling Around Louisville by Joe Ward

I found this jewel at Carmichael's Bookstore location of Bardstown and Longest on Saturday and could not pass it up. After I got it home and really started looking at the routes and details of each ride, I was glad I made the purchase. It is a personal taste in riding, but give me the city to ride on early Saturday or Sunday morning before traffic is crazy is what makes me tick and what better way to really see and get a feel for what Louisville is all about. Yes there are also routes of Southern Indiana included, too.

Adding To NA Confidential's Post: Why Not Here Down At Loop Island Crossing Of Silver Creek

This is in addition to RAB's post on his NAC article titled 8664: On bridges (real & imaginary) and vision. This photo was taken by me in Mishawaka, Indiana in 2004. Why can we not get our leaders on board to do something this nice?

Myself(red jacket) & Terry Rusboldt In Potrero Hill - May 2006

How we operate: Beercycling in Central Europe, 2006.

As discussed here previously, in recent years, I've become joyously initiated into the wonderful world of beercycling, generally (not always) in Europe. The core beercycling gang began these trips in 2000 (Belgium) and 2001 (Belgium and Germany), both times renting bicycles locally. In 2003 (Germany and Austria) and 2004 (Belgium) we took our bicycles with us, as we will again this year.

Here's the updated prospectus for the forthcoming trip. I offer it here in the hope that some readers might be able to join us in the years to come.

(Cross-posted at the Potable Curmudgeon)

----

Here’s updated information about the forthcoming beercycling trip to Germany, Czech Republic and Austria.

Six participants and their arrival schedules.

Craig Somers
Craig will be in Bamberg by August 25.

Graham Phillips
Graham flies into Frankfurt Airport on Sunday morning, August 27, and he plans to proceed to Bamberg by train.

Roger A. Baylor and Kevin Richards
We’ll be arriving in Frankfurt on Monday, August 28, at 09.20 (Delta Flight 20 from Atlanta). We plan to take the train from Frankfurt to either Schweinfurt (57km from Bamberg) or Nurnberg (62 km from Bamberg) and do a first-day ride into town.

Bob Reed
Also arriving on the 28th, but specifics currently unknown.

Tim Eads
Mysteriously vowing to be in Bamberg by the evening of the 30th.

Our accommodations in Bamberg will be at the Bamberger Weissbierhaus, which is located a couple blocks down the street from Spezial (which unfortunately closed during the period of our stay, although the Spezial-Keller on the heights presumably will be operational). The Bamberger Weissbierhaus is a short walk from the train station.

See: Bamberg Beer Guide.

I’ll be faxing the Weissbierhaus accommodation some time before the week is out. Now that both Bob and Craig have been ticketed, here’s the requested rooming situation at the Weissbierhaus:

Aug. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30
Craig Somers, single room

Aug. 27
Graham Phillips, single (becoming a double on the 28th)

Aug. 28, 29, 30
Graham with Bob Reed, Kevin Richards and myself, in two doubles.

Aug. 30
Tim Eads arrives and sleeps on someone’s floor.

Budget: Any way we cut it, the rooms should cost each of us less than 30 Euros a night, or close to it.

Of course, I’m hoping for a Schlenkerla brewery tour on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. Matthias asks that this be a last-minute confirmation owing to the work they’ll have to do following the weekend Sandkerwa street festival (August 24-28; take note, Craig and Graham).

----

Thursday, August 31 remains the transfer day from Bamberg to Prague. I have contacted Maria Beer, owner of the Bavarian travel agency I used for the group trip in 2004, and asked for her advice and help in arranging the train tickets.

Here’s the scoop:

I have checked availability of the trains with German Rail this morning. Unfortunately the both trains you have figured out are not allowed to be used with bikes.

The most suitable connection with the possibility to bring bikes at the same time is as follows:

Bamberg – Hof
Dep 09:41am
Arr 11:24am

Hof – Dresden
Dep 11:40am
Arr 02:41pm

Dresden – Praha
Dep 03:55pm
Arr 06:27pm

This means – I’m sorry about this – two transfers, one in Hof and the second one in Dresden.

But it is definitely the best available connection for travellers with bikes.

The rate is total for the party of 6 travellers 189,60 EURO plus 10 EURO per person for the bike.

Total 249,60 EURO, which is per person 41,60 EURO.

At this time the bike transport for these trains is on request, please reply as soon as possible if I should confirm this booking.

Thanks

Maria

That’s open and shut.

Budget: I’m booking the tickets and paying. You can pay me back once we’re there.

----

Prague accommodations still are at the Drusus campground (in cottages or bungalows) for the evenings of August 31, Sept. 1 & 2.

Budget: 300 Czech crowns per night, per bed; less than $15 a night per person (22 CZK to a dollar).

Also, I’ve heard back from Mike of Mike’s Chauffeur Service:

Dear Sir, here I am finally with the info about hop fest in Zatec: It will start on Friday the 1st of September (afternoon) but the main programme will take place on Saturday the 2nd: 17 different breweries from all over the Czech Republic will offer their beer, there will be music of various styles being performed from Czech singers in the evening. Could be fun to be there. I look forward to hearing from you again. Sincerely, Mike.

This now appears to be on for Saturday, as in a follow-up, he suggests departing at 10.00 a.m. for the drive (1.5 hours each way). That leaves a full day Friday for Prague sightseeing.

Also: Zatec Brewery, and Czech hop history & museum.

Budget: As relayed previously, Mike has quoted a price of 4,500 Czech crowns for a minibus (8 seats + driver), which comes to about $35 per person for the day trip to the hop festival (payable in dollars, crowns, Euros).

----

Note: Craig will be headed back westward and will not be accompanying us on the biking segment in Czech Republic and Austria.

----

Mr. Stanek at Camp Drusus has indicated that it’s about 7 km from his camp to the trailhead of the Prague-Vienna Greenway, and that’s close, according to the maps Kevin received. Further information (in Czech) is at the CykloServer website.

Camp Drusus to Znojmo is 270 km/167 miles. Granted, this takes no account of terrain, but that’s only a bit more than 40 miles per day for 4 days to arrive there on Wednesday.

If we begin biking on Sunday morning, Sept. 3, it’s probably a bit far to make it all the way to Tabor (circa 120 km). At Tabor, the train could be used for Bob and Graham to go to Ceske Budejovice (and Cesky Krumlov), or they could bike there from just south of Tabor (roughly 60 km).

At any rate, whether we go together or separately, and get there by bike, train or a combination of the two (Ceske Budejovice to Znojmo is roughly four hours by train, with at least one change), we should meet at Znojmo on Wednesday. I’ve booked an apartment in Havraniky, which is a few clicks away from Znojmo, astride the trail, and adjacent to the National Park Podyjí:

Pension & Restaurant Ham-Ham

That would leave three whole days to ride toward Vienna via Mikulov (160 km/circa 100 miles) through the South Moravian wine country, so as to arrive by Sunday evening (10th).

My initial effort to arrange the brewery tour at Hostan for afternoon on Thursday has met with indifference (i.e., language concerns), but I’ve asked the owner of the pension for help. He also offers to advise guests on local wine cellar visits and the like.

Budget: No less than 350 Czech crowns per night, per bed; less than $15 a night per person (22 CZK to a dollar).

----

The remainder of the trip will be winging it in route to Vienna, where I have a room for the evening of the 10th, and will be meeting Diana on the 11th. Bob’s wife Ellen also is coming into Vienna on the 11th. I know that Graham will be training it to Brugge, Belgium, following his Vienna stay.

Central Europe’s New Breweries
Czech Beer FAQ
Czech Breweries – Style, History, Beers
Greenways Travel Club (Vienna to Prague)
Vienna Pub Guide

Debbie wrote about the view ...

Here it is, from Skyline Drive (later in the afternoon today).

I started at my mom's house in Georgetown, went down Corydon Ridge Road to 62, then cut across Quarry for the normal Knobs run, eventually descending at Mosier Knob. No deer today, but I peddled up into the Villas of Lafayette so as to cut across from Old Hill to Scottsville Road, and the scene was so monstrous that I couldn't take photos.

Ended just shy of 50 km, and felt good. Yesterday in Bloomington I visited the Bike Garage for a tune-up, and had them install a new, heavier-duty rear wheel specifically for the upcoming Tour de Czech.

Hey, that wasn't so bad!

Guess what I did this morning? I rode up Corydon Pike. And it was easy, I tell you, easy! Sure I was in my granny gear and went 5 mph, but this road is set at such a slight grade that I just got into my zone and just pedaled away up the hill. What a great day to do so too. So for the first time we were able to start at our home and also ride out in the Knobs. No burning of fossil fuels at all.

Started at our home off County Line road, down to Chapel Creek subdivision where we cut through to take a left on Chapel Lane, then a right on Kamer-Miller, and another right onto Carver Street (right across from Graceland), left onto St. Joseph for a second and then a right onto Greenfield Drive to cut through another subdivision to get to Klerner Lane, right on Klerner to IUS, through IUS to Hausfeldt. Hausfeldt to Green Valley.

Then took Green Valley into New Albany, crossed State street and went on to Cherry, then took West 7th up to Main, and on to Corydon Pike.

After we climbed Corydon Pike, we turned at the Korner Kitchen and went up North Luther road and stayed on Luther road until we turned at HWY 150, then down the little hill to stop for coffee at the Hob Knob. We did a ride last sunday and stopped there too, now my husband always wants to end up at a coffee place somewherre in our rides. I'm not much of a coffee drinker but I get the smoothies.

So after a rest, our group of three went down Scottsville road, turned at St. Mary's road, right onto Campion, right again onto Mosier Knob road (a short but steep hill here, much worse for me than Corydon Pike, though it's much shorter, but I have to really fill up my lungs for that hill).

Then we turned onto North Skyline Drive and enjoyed the view. GREAT view today, not only could you see downtown Louisville, but you could see the hills behind it, as you go into Bullitt County. It's rare to see the hills past downtown, today was a real treat up there.

Dropped our friend off at the top of Fairview Knob and then John and I headed down Fairview knob (Barrel Shoot). Wowsers! I wore out my brake going down that sucker. It's so steep I felt like I was going to fall off the front of my bike! I will bow at the feet of anyone who actually climbs that cliff (and then I'll call you crazy).

Then right on 111, left on Chapel, to Bugaboo, to county line and back home again. Total ride 34.12 miles. I feel good about this ride.

I am woman, hear me roar!

What A Difference A Day Makes

So the lyric is penned and how true it was this Saturday. After we all have been melting like candle wax and breathing who knows what in the air, it was like a dream when I headed out to get the newspaper up at the street this morning.

After a hardy breakfast I took off on my bike and headed to Clarksville on the Lewis and Clark, up Hwy 31 to Sellersburg and then continued Hwy 31 North before taking a left on Perry Crossing Road. Cruised past Fuzzy's Covered Bridge and then back in towards IUS via Hwy 111/Grant Line Road. Took the same route that the Tour de Garde did last week through IUS, Hausfeldt Lane and Green Valley Road before heading up Cheery Street Hill to the house.

Great ride and will add it to my rotation of growing routes in the never ending NICE roads of Clark County. Will try and ride in the morning before me and my bride take a day to Indy to enjoy life for a change instead of working so damn much.
b

Hot

It has been a killer seven days for me with the work gig. I did ride on Monday for twenty five miles and paid the price of too much HHH in one day. Have not ridden since, but will get up early and ride before six or seven on Saturday morning for two hours and then see how it goes for Sunday.

Roger, Kevin, Tim and Grahmn are in training for the Euro ride and this is a killer time to be training, I know from last year trying to get ready for my 2005 California trip that was in August. Please be careful so as not to burn your bodys resistance up doing the big over do thing.

Cheers all......
Ed

Bastille Day ride a success!

Yes, it was hot, but we enjoyed a fun ride yesterday prior to the belated Bastille Day dinner at Bistro New Albany. Here's an example of Ed's sharp signage:

Here we're sagging at IUS:

See also Freedom of Navigation Exercises and Recap: Bastille Day Bieres de Garde dinner at Bistro New Albany.

Yes Dear, There Is Fine Dining In New Albany!

My afternoon consisted of a 12 mile bike ride (some of which I had to walk uphill) followed by an absolutely scrumptious meal of French cuisine and even tastier French beer at the Bistro New Albany!

I can't remember the last time (if ever) that it took me three hours to complete a meal. There were hor/d'oeuvres, celery soup, (Amy you have competition) salad, an entree, and desert with a specific beer to go with each.

There was a breeze through the courtyard which allowed us to eat outside in relative comfort, and the serving staff would rival any worldwide!

Kudo's extrodinare to Roger, the two Daves, Richard, Angie, Vickie, and all others who may have had a hand in this most enjoyable Sunday afternoon & evening! My hats off to you all.

I'm looking forward to the next such event already. My only regret was that Ed was unable to attend. Next time, just don't answer the phone.

By the way, if any one says fine dining is unavailable in New Albany, they are absolutely mistaken! Thanks again guys!

Longmont,CO

Zefal Cyclop Mirror

Finally after looking at many possible choices in mirrors, I found one that will be right for me. The Zefal Cyclop Mirror can be purchased at almost any bike shop, either via the web or locally, which is where I bought mine. It is sturdy and shock resistant and easy to install. After riding this evening, I wonder again how I rode without this important and helpful piece of equipment that eliminates looking over ones shoulder.

Rode this evening up a familiar but wet path; the Old Vincennes, Quarry Road, Corydon Pike and back through downtown NA, out to Sam Peden Park and then back downtown(stopping by my friend of Faith's house) and then up Cherry Street hill to the house.

July

Have ventured out in the July heat and humidity the last two afternoons for two rides that have totaled fifty two miles. Monday evening I rode to Utica's newest playground for the rich, Quarry Bluff and then back. Tonight was a cruise around NA just before the rains came.

*Note: If you plan to ride to Quarry Bluff and desire newly paved roads, go past the first entrance sign and at the Utica gate for the old Indiana Arsenal complex make a hard left and climb the hill to spectacular views of the Ohio River and also the old quarry. Well worth the leg burner.

French Cusine and Beer to Match---Yum!

Looking forward to next weekend's festivities. I plan on joining you for the ride and the meal. Maybe we'll get lucky and have another nice weekend like this one to do it!

By the way, is Graham going to join in the fun??

Anyway, all have a good week and I'll see you Sunday!

Bike Louisville

Bike Louisville
What a banner day of weather we have had here locally. I was watching the clock at work and hoping we did not have trouble and require me to stay on and work. We did not. Came home and tossed the bicycle in the back of my pick up, drove to Clarksville and parked at one of my companies substations located on Clark Blvd. Yeah I cheated, but I could not deal with any traffic or idiot drivers on this beauty of a day. Cruised over to the Clark Memorial Bridge and then took Louisville's Riverwalk Trail all the way to the end at the end of Broadway and Shawnee Park. Got out on Southwestern Parkway and rode past Chickasaw Park and then out to Algonquin Parkway and the Shawnee Expressway, turned around and rode back to my truck.

*Note - If I would have had a map with me, I could have stayed on Algonquin Parkway and it would have been shorter for my return trip back to downtown, via 4th street. There would have been more traffic and not as scenic.

I really enjoy Louisville's Riverwalk Trail, because it is just so damn relaxing and private. Only passed three people the whole time on the Riverwalk after getting past the Portland section of the path. What a great place to clear your head and enjoy nature.

4July,2006

Took a ride at 7:30 this morning out to Utica and back, ran into Roger,Kevin and Tim at Kye's where I was supposed to meet them for a ride to Louisville, but being the slug I am did not check my email to get the invitation in time. My bad.
My legs are feeling pretty good, even though the heat and humid work conditions are taking there toll. It has been good actually to take a break from riding everday, it appears my legs feel stronger. Strange how the body heals itself.

38 Miles this morning

But we stayed below the Knobs today. Started at our house, up St. Joe Road to Sellersburg, took a right on the road at Essroc Cement Factory's back entrance, headed north on various country roads until we reached Henryville. Stopped at a gas station near the I-65 interchange, then crossed I-65 and headed South on various country roads, past Fuzzy's golf course and back home.

Tomorrow we tackle the Knobs again.

The Hills Are Alive

with the sound of me sucking in air. Went for a ride up in the Knobs today. The weather was great (we were finished with the ride by 9:45 or so). There was actually a breeze blowing. Total ride was about 28 miles. Here's the route:

Start at the intersection of Fairview Knob Road and North Skyline. No, I did not climb Fairview Knob. One of the riding partners lives right there. Ok, so out of his driveway (we can see down the Knobs going down his drive) and turn left onto North Skyline.

L on Renn Road.
Cross Atkins Road, then it turns into Balmer-Fenwick Road)
Right on Banet, L onto Roberts Road (actually you really just go straight but again the road name changes
R onto Starlight Rd.
L onto St. John, past all my relatives, the Huber's
L at Stumler's Orchard/Restaurant (but again I don't think the road name changes there)
L onto Greenville Borden Rd.
L onto Jersey Park
L onto Navilleton
R onto Chapel Hill
L onto Scottsville (for a block or so)
R onto Hanka
R onto Starlight
L onto Roberts and back the way you came.

Caution, there are a couple of inclines on this route. :) What a workout, I feel great!

Debbie

Mark Your Calendars: Tour de Garde Ride July 16th, 2006

On Sunday July 16th there will be a scheduled ride departing from the New Albany Farmers Market located at the corner of E Market Street and Bank Street. Starting time will be available later. Below is the route that will be followed. There will be ample signs marking the route along the way. This is a very easy ride, please make plans to come and join us. Please RSVP either Edward Parish namur97@yahoo.com or Roger Baylor istanbul85@yahoo.com
Thanks Ed

Start at NA Farmers Market

R- Third St.

L- Main St.

L- Silver St.

R- Elm St.

L- Beharrel Ave.

R- Slate Run Rd.

R- Old Mill

Continue across Charlestown Rd to Klerner Ln.

Klerner Lane into IUS (Follow signs through IUS Compound) to Hausfeldt Ln.

R- Hausfeldt Ln.

L- Green Valley Road

Continue across State Street to West St.

West Street to Cherry Street

R- Cherry St.

L- W 7th St.

L- Market St.

Back to NA Farmers Market

H.H.H.

Went out this morning real early trying to beat the heat and humidity, did 15 miles around NA and was actually glad to get home. The air was so thick you could have cut it with a knife. Today will be a good rendition of typical summer weather here in the Ohio Valley; HHH.

Yikes it's been nearly two weeks

since I have been able to ride my bike! But I was on the saddle again last night for a 15 miler. The weather was great, little of the normal humidity. The ride lifted my spirits immediately. My husband just told me we have plans to ride up in the Knobs with friends tomorrow. Starting at 7:00 a.m. I should go to bed now. :)

Debbie

Follow This Symbol On July 16th

Tonights ride after coming down Spring Street hill to downtown New Albany on Market Street.
R- 4th St.
L- Main St.
L- Silver St.
R- Elm St.
L- Beharrel Ave.
R- Slate Run Rd.
R- Old Mill
Continue across Charlestown Rd to Klerner Ln.
Klerner Lane into IUS
Through IUS Compound to Hausfeldt Ln.
R- Hausfeldt Ln.
L- Green Valley Road
Continue across State Street to West St.
West Street to Cherry Street
R- Cherry St.
Cherry Street Hill to home.

Beer Cycling, I Hope

Somehow this is supposed to say beer plus cycling or visa versa, but after farting with it for fifteen minutes I said f*#! it. Formatting sucks.

Came home from work and fixed dinner for me and my bride, waited until the weather cooled a bit and then headed out on the bicycle up Old Vincennes across Quarry Road and then down Corydon Pike. Back over to the river and up to 18th Street before rain clouds chased me home.

Finished a sixer of the newly released Anderson Valley Summer Solitice while watching LinkTV. The beer is just a mere okay and not worth the $9.99 price tag.

Weekend Cycling

*icon borrowed from www.cicle.org
This weekend was left in the balance of the season, trying to juggle domestic responsibilities and family/friend gatherings, as well as riding and getting some much needed rest, all after a +70 hour work week. Had a ride on Saturday, but opted to rest the weary legs on Sunday.

Saturdays summary goes like this: cruised downtown NA, then up Hwy 62 to Emery Crossing, over to the Clarksville and the Clark Memorial Bridge to Louisville. Made my way past the Greek Fest on the Belvedere; then by the events on Main Street sponsored in part by the Frazier Arms Museum. Headed down to Broadway then back up 2nd Street and reversed my way back to Silverhills.

Will try in earnest to get more miles in this week if work and the weather permit.

Do you have your bicycle license?

By popular demand, from the New Albany, Indiana, Code of Ordinances (TITLE VII: TRAFFIC CODE ... CHAPTER 73: BICYCLES AND MOPEDS), here are the bicycle "rules" for the city of New Albany.

OPERATION OF BICYCLES

§ 73.01 OPERATING BICYCLE AT RIGHT-HAND EDGE OF ROADWAY.
All bicycles shall be operated as near as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway.
('71 Code, §73.12) (Ord. G-64-180, passed 11-9-64) Penalty, see § 73.99

§ 73.02 EMERGING FROM ALLEY; YIELDING RIGHT-OF-WAY.
The operator of a bicycle emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall, upon approaching a sidewalk or the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway, yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians approaching the sidewalk or sidewalk area. Upon entering the roadway, the operator shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching the roadway.
('71 Code, §73.13) (Ord. G-64-180, passed 11-9-64) Penalty, see § 73.99

§ 73.03 RIDING ON SIDEWALKS.
(A) It shall be permissible for any person to ride a bicycle within a residential district of the city. Such person shall yield the right-of-way at all times to pedestrians. ('71 Code, §73.14) (Ord. G-64-180, passed 11-9-64)
(B) No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district. ('71 Code, §73.15) (Ord. G-64-180, passed 11-9-64)
Penalty, see § 73.99

§ 73.04 OPERATING BICYCLE ON CERTAIN STREETS.
No person shall ride or propel any bicycle upon any sidewalk within the city bounded by the west side of State Street or the east side of Bank Street, the south side of Main Street to the north side of Elm Street; nor on Vincennes Street from Oak Street to Main Street.
('71 Code, §73.31) (Ord. 4120, passed 3-6-39) Penalty, see § 73.99

§ 73.05 REASONABLE SPEED.
No person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing. Every bicycle shall be operated with reasonable regard to the safety of the rider and of other persons or property.
('71 Code, §73.19) (Ord. G-64-180, passed 11-9-64) Penalty, see § 73.99

§ 73.06 OPERATING UNDER INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS.
No person shall operate a bicycle while under the influence of liquor or drugs, or while physically or mentally unfit to safely operate the same.
('71 Code, §73.20) (Ord. G-64-180, passed 11-9-64) Penalty, see § 73.99

§ 73.07 LEAVING BICYCLE UNATTENDED.
No person shall leave a bicycle unattended upon any sidewalk, in the areas provided in §73.18, unless a regular parking stand is available for the purpose of parking such bicycle.
('71 Code, §73.29) (Ord. 4120, passed 3-6-39) Penalty, see § 73.99

§ 73.08 PLACEMENT OF BICYCLE PARKING STAND.
All such bicycle parking stands must be placed at the outer edge of the sidewalk, and must be removed from the sidewalks at sundown.
('71 Code, §73.30) (Ord. 4120, passed 3-6-39) Penalty, see § 73.99

§ 73.09 BICYCLE TO BE IN SAFE CONDITION.
No person shall operate a bicycle which is not in safe mechanical condition.
('71 Code, §73.07) (Ord. G-64-180, passed 11-9-64) Penalty, see § 73.99

§ 73.10 BICYCLE WHEEL NOT TO EXCEED CERTAIN DIAMETER.
No person shall operate a bicycle with a wheel diameter greater than 15 inches on any street, sidewalk, alley or other public place, unless such bicycle has been licensed by the city and the proper license is attached thereto as provided by this chapter.
('71 Code, §73.01) (Ord. G-64-180, passed 11-9-64) Penalty, see § 73.99

LICENSING

§ 73.20 LICENSE REQUIRED BEFORE OPERATING BICYCLE.
No person shall ride or propel a bicycle upon any public highway, street, boulevard or other public place in the city, unless the same shall be licensed as herein provided.
('71 Code, §73.28) (Ord. 4120, passed 3-6-39) Penalty, see § 73.99

§ 73.21 APPLICATION FOR LICENSE.
Application for license shall be made by the owner. If the owner is under 12 years of age, application shall be made by the owner's parent or guardian, in the office of the City Controller upon forms provided by the city.
('71 Code, §73.02) (Ord. G-64-180, passed 11-9-64)

§ 73.22 RECORD OF CERTAIN DATA TO BE KEPT.
The City Controller shall make a record of the number of each license, the date issued, the name and address of the person to whom issued and the number on the frame of the bicycle, for which he shall collect a fee for the city of $.50.
('71 Code, §73.03) (Ord. G-64-180, passed 11-9-64)

§ 73.23 ISSUANCE OF A BICYCLE LICENSE.
Upon receiving proper application, the City Controller is authorized to issue a bicycle license which shall be valid during one calendar year; provided, however, that it shall be lawful to retain such license of the year last past until, but not including March 1 of the current calendar year, at which time, the old license expires and a new license must be obtained.
('71 Code, §73.04) (Ord. G-64-180, passed 11-9-64)

§ 73.24 ATTACHMENT OF LICENSE TO BICYCLE.
The license shall be firmly attached to the rear of the bicycle so as to be plainly visible.
('71 Code, §73.05) (Ord. G-64-180, passed 11-9-64) Penalty, see § 73.99

§ 73.25 NONTRANSFERENCE OF LICENSE.
Upon the sale or other transfer or destruction of a licensed bicycle, the license shall either be surrendered to the City Controller, or may be assigned to another bicycle upon proper application, but without payment of any additional fee. A license issued for a particular bicycle shall not be attached to a different bicycle.
('71 Code, §73.06) (Ord. G-64-180, passed 11-9-64) Penalty, see § 73.99

Pooped Out

Dear diary,
My butt is tired. Not sore or raw from hours of riding, but just plain tired. The kind of tired you get from actually working outside making a honest days wages and doing a great, rewarding service to the community my family calls home, for that matter, most of the kind people who read this blog whenever they have time from whatever it is they do.

But, somehow I still find time to make my way out on the bike for a ride most everday for 1.5 or 2 hours at a time clearing my head of all that tries so very hard to bring me down. To paraphrase a very wise friend of mine, I cannot do anything about Fallujah or Darfur but what I can do is make a difference right here. My best interest is working and screwing off when I can. Time and less patience or dealing with the stupity of others or many could say dealing with myself while drinking keeps me from having pints at our local public house. For that I have traded clearing my brain of lifes pollution through riding a bicycle and then just simply drinking at home, so as not to complicate my life.

This evening was no exception as I rode to Jeffersonville's Allision Lane via the scenic route most have taken along the Ohio River and then back home. I'll not bore you with the details. All I'll say is drink plenty of fluids while exercising and think happy thoughts while riding and try not to get all cramped up from overheating.
Signed,
A supporter of Kinky Fiedman for Governor of Texas

Saturday Morning - 7:30

Thought I would leave for a ride around 7:30 before it got so dreadfully hot this morning, but before I got back home it was really humid. Tried to ride last night and was having trouble breathing due to the lack of air that is thick with pollution and moisture.
This mornings summary - rode over to Clarksville via Hwy. 62 and then up the Lewis and Clark, out Charlestown Pike to Prather. Came back to Salem Noble Road and crusied its new surface to Hwy 403. Back to Sellersburg on Hwy 31 and then to NA via Hwy 311/Charlestown Road. Took the neighborhoods back through downtown NA and then back up Cherry Street Hill to home.

Wednesday After Work

Cruised up Old Vincennes to Quarry Road and over to Edwardsville, out Corydon Ridge Road to Baylor Wiseman and then over the never ending climb of Henriot Road. Took Evans-Jacobi Road to Old Vincennes and past the alma mater of a couple of this blogs contributors. Crossed 150 and Old Vincennes back to home.

Hey, Is Anybody Riding?

Two and a half months ‘til the fun begins …

Here’s updated information about the forthcoming beercycling trip to Germany, Czech Republic and Austria.

Six participants and their arrival schedules.

Graham Phillips
Graham flies into Frankfurt on Sunday morning, August 27, and he plans to proceed to Bamberg by train.

Roger A. Baylor and Kevin Richards
Both Kevin and myself will be arriving in Frankfurt on Monday, August 28, at 09.20 (Delta Flight 20 from Atlanta). We plan to take the train from Frankfurt to either Schweinfurt (57km from Bamberg) or Nurnberg (62 km from Bamberg) and do a first-day ride into town.

Tim Eads, Bob Reed, Craig Somers
Bob and Craig have indicated that it is likely they’ll arrive in Bamberg prior to the 28th, but far as I can tell, they’ve yet to book flights.

***Note to Frankfurt airport users:
Kevin has confirmed that more than one option for long-term bike case storage is available at the airport in Frankfurt. Be aware that the different storage areas have different hours of operation, which may impact your departure.

Bamberg.

Our accommodations in Bamberg will be at the Bamberger Weissbierhaus, which is located a couple blocks down the street from Spezial (which unfortunately closed during the period of our stay, although the Keller on the heights presumably will be operational). The Weissbierhaus is a short walk from the train station.

The plan remains to stay in Bamberg on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (Aug. 28, 29 and 30). Currently, we have one single room (Craig’s stated preference) and two 3-bed rooms, one of which I’ll be adjusting to become a double, as we only have six beercyclists.

***Bob, Craig and Tim: If you are planning on staying at the Weissbierhaus prior to Monday and wish me to include your arrival information and room needs on the fax I’ll be sending the management, it would be easier than each of you contacting them separately. Let me know.

Transit day to Prague.

Thursday, August 31, is the day to travel to Prague via train. I will be contacting German Rail shortly to try and book beercyclists and bicycles for the transfer.

The primary issues for transit day are these: Total transit time, number of changes required, and the necessity to reserve space for bikes on almost any train that isn’t exclusively local. For instance, if the route to Prague is via Nurnberg, it probably will require changing at least twice, including loading onto a Czech train at the border … but the final, slower Czech train probably would be stopping at Zlicin in the Prague suburbs (perhaps three clicks away from the accommodations described below), and not having to go all the way into the center and back out to the suburb would save time.

Prague.

Mr. Stanek at Camp Drusus has confirmed our reservations for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings (August 31, September 1 & 2). To reiterate, Drusus is a campground with indoor rooms and bungalows; we are not planning on tent camping. There is a restaurant on the site, which is roughly a mile from the nearest Metro stop (for quick travel to the center of the city), and according to Mr. Stanek, the campground is only 7 km from the Greenway trail head.

The annual hop festival in Zatec, a sister town of Poperinge that is located to the northwest of Prague, is being held on Friday and Saturday. Originally we planned to take the train for a day trip, but since our original discussions, I’ve been in contact with Michael Jakubuv, the owner of Mike’s Chauffeur Service:

I will be pleased to confirm our minibus 8+1 for a day trip (4.500 Czk total rate). I will gather details (about the hop festival). Payment in cash after the trip in Czk , $ or Euros. No need of cc guarantee. In case these rates are acceptable, let me know about time for departure.

At the current rate of exchange, that’s $204, total, or $34 each, to be conveyed by minibus (and less if Kim Andersen is able to join us in Prague). To me, although the train would be cheaper, a mini-bus would be a much more time-efficient way to visit the hop festival.

I’ll continue to pursue this option with Mike.

Prague-Vienna Greenway.

The consensus is for departure to be the morning of Sunday, Sept. 3. Craig has navigated the trail previously:

The Greenways trailhead in Prague begins in the SE suburbs. It is a dirt trail initially following a riverbed that runs east of Prague. The Greenways trail goes slightly in a NE direction to begin with and then bends to the right following on the edge of a river bank to eventually go in a SE direction which is ultimately the direction of Vienna.

Taken as a whole, we’re looking at 8 full days of riding between Prague and Vienna. As noted, Craig’s done it before, and also, both Kevin and Tim have received information from Friends of Czech Greenways (see separate mailing/posting).

It is NOT my aim to micro-plan an itinerary, but here are individual factors to take into consideration as we plan.

Roger: For the sake of clarity, be aware that I must be in Vienna by the evening of September 10 to meet Diana at the airport on the morning of the 11th. Accordingly, I will be making a reservation in Vienna for me alone on the evening of the 10th, with Diana joining me at the same hotel or B & B on the 11th. If the remainder of the group wishes to plan accommodations in Vienna collectively, then I’d know where to look for you circa the 11th and 12th, as Diana and I will be staying in Vienna for just a couple of nights before taking a train to Prague.

Bob: Has indicated that his wife Ellen is coming into Vienna around the 11th, and also has said that he’d like to take the beercycling loop that includes Ceske Budejovice and Cesky Krumlov.

Kevin & Graham: Flying home from Frankfurt after the 11th, so Vienna arrangements should be flexible for them.

Craig & Tim: No information, but I’m assuming that they’ll be departing some time after the 11th, also.

What I need to know.

1 Do you want rooms at the Weissbierhaus in Bamberg, and when?

2. Is the mini-bus idea acceptable to you?

3. Do you want to plan on including Ceske Budejovice & Cesky Krumlov in the beercycling itinerary?

There’ll be further updates as information arrives.

Now, get out there and ride.

Roger

Friday Evening and Saturday Morning

Had just a great ride this morning in temperatures of the mid sixties. Headed down Old Vincennes and then to Cherry Street, out Green Valley and then up Mosier Knob. Right on Atkins Road and followed it to Wieseka Hill Road and then Right over to the top of St. Joe Hill.
Down the SJ Hill to Grant Line Rd. Rode Grant Line back to IUS and then over to Hausfeldt Ln. Back over to Green Valley and then to Cherry St. Right on Cherry, left on West 7th and then right on Spring Street and up the hill back to home.

Friday night I rode up Corydon Pike and made my way around to Corydon Ridge Rd. to Tunnel Hill church, over to Luther Road and back to Highlander Point, Old Vincennes and Quarry Road and then home.

Sunday will be a flat ride via the backroads to Charlestown, if the weather is nice.

Cheers, I'm drinking Stone IPA as I type.
b