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
Friday, June 30, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
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.
Monday, June 26, 2006
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.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Weekend Cycling
*icon borrowed from www.cicle.orgThis 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.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
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
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
Monday, June 19, 2006
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, June 17, 2006
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.
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, June 14, 2006
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.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Sunday, June 11, 2006
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
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
Saturday, June 10, 2006
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
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
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Reign Of Terror Warm Up
Tonights ride after coming down Spring Street hill to downtown NA.
NA Farmers Market
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.
L- W 7th St.
L- Market St.
Back to NA Farmers Market
Finished the ride back up Spring St. hill to home.
Showered, changed and had dinner and NABC Croupier at Bistro NA.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Bridge out!
I rode past the Spring Street bridge on Sunday for a look-see. The necessary makeover is ongoing, and looks to be only about a fourth of the way along.
Obviously, no way to sneak across there, so it was back up the ramp and eastbound on 62. Here's a view looking back toward New Albany. The frame object leaning against the guardrail is the remnant of a gas grill.
Needless to say, traffic can be very heavy, and the shoulder is not clean in the least. I've been pushing the bike for the two hundred yards between Beharrell and S & S.
Upon closer examination, there's actually a big chunk of the bridge entirely missing.
Obviously, no way to sneak across there, so it was back up the ramp and eastbound on 62. Here's a view looking back toward New Albany. The frame object leaning against the guardrail is the remnant of a gas grill.Needless to say, traffic can be very heavy, and the shoulder is not clean in the least. I've been pushing the bike for the two hundred yards between Beharrell and S & S.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Saturday Morning
*art work borrowed from www.cicle.orgL - Old Vincennes Rd.
L - Quarry Rd.
R - Corydon Pike
L - Hwy 62
R - Corydon Ridge Rd.
L - Edwardsville Park
L - Corydon Ridge Rd.
R - Baylor Wiseman Rd.
R - Hwy 64
L - Corydon Pike
L - Main Street
L - West 7th Street
L - Spring Street
and then home......
Friday, June 02, 2006
JP's Dutch-built bike.
Our friend and patron John Paul stopped into the pub last Saturday astride his new Dutch-built commuter bike. I asked him for a photo, and he was happy to oblige:
Verily, you don't see many of these outside the Low Countries ... and often, not even there. It's a three speed, seemingly weighs a ton, and seemed to be giving the rider a supreme workout.
Here's the skinny, as provided by John:
"Dutch (Holland) built, Azor Heavy Duty ... $1,042, plus UPS freight shipping from St. Augustine to Louisville: $189.00."
Dan Sorger -- The Dutch Bicycle Company
6 Aviles Street,
St. Augustine, FL 32084 USA
904.824.3416
Thursday, June 01, 2006
How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
Published May 31, 2006by www.cicle.org
Contributed by Harv
On May 26th, the film, "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil" was shown at Carlotta's Passion, an art gallery in Eagle Rock, California. Instead of how Cuba survived peak oil, this film is more about how Cuba survived the collapse of the Soviet Union and their subsequent cessation of support. It serves as a valuable lesson for us regarding life in the post carbon era. As I pointed out to the audience, the situation for the rest of the world at present is represented by the peak oil bell curve, with the upside of the curve haven taken 100 years, and the downside to zero oil will take at least another 100 years. But Cuba received a karate chop to their fossil fuel supply with the Soviet Union pulling out all support. The rest of the world could be dealing with similar severe shocks much before actual total oil depletion.Enough about that, we are interested in what Cuba did with their transportation system and their use of bicycles. Since the film was not primarily (and only poorly even secondarily) about this, I had to squint into the background of the video and listen for appropriate dialog.Cuba was never a modern consumer of automobiles. For many years they made do with cars from the 1950's and earlier, due to the embargo of imports from the U.S. since 1962. Cubans have become very clever at keeping these relics running and were thus somewhat prepared for the near total collapse of the transportation infrastructure. But not enough prepared.Enter bicycles. Did Cuba suddenly embrace a bike culture and pedal around the town and countryside smiling and waving? No they didn't. What happened was that 1.2 million bikes were imported from China and another half million were manufactured in Cuba and all were distributed to the population which now numbers 11 million. No carbon fiber 30 speed bikes here, just single speed, 50 pound steel clunkers. Cubans grudgingly swung a leg over these transportation devices, sitting upright and slowly pedaling their way over dusty and bumpy roads alongside the make-shift buses and oxen drawn carts. I did notice, however, a significant number of three-wheel multi-passenger pedicab type devices. At least as many of these as two-wheelers were shown in the urban scenes of the film.Bicycling was looked upon as a necessary chore for Cubans. Not something they took to with enthusiasm. Rough dirt roads, long distances with heat and humidity did nothing to enamor Cubans of their bikes. Health benefits were mentioned as a side effect of bicycling and the diet changes which came with the development of the new organic farming lifestyle born of necessesity. Urban bicycling in Cuba is nothing like that of China, the Netherlands, or even that of the U.S.But the lesson is learned. People will do what they have to do in the event of a real emergency. Cuba has been the world's laboratory for this. We have only to observe and project ourselves into the situation, even though our situation is, and will be, very much different than theirs. We will go through many mini-crises, ups and downs, interruptions of supply, and unfortunately long and expensive wars. We probably will not have a sudden catastrophic blow to our fossil fuel supply as Cuba did. We can survive what is coming. Like the Boy Scout motto advises, we can 'Be Prepared'. Unfortunatey our government cannot be part of the solution while it is still part of the problem. Our government and general population in the U.S. will continue to be only reactionary while we(alternate transportation advocates, permaculturists, environmentalists, etc) are proactionary. Our only hope is to expand the pool of preparedness by undergoing lifestyle changes. Many of us are already well into this process.
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