You'll find most people posting in the Winter Challenge, which is the link to the right.
silence.....
Everybody must be deep in winter riding concentration. Keep it up peeps, spring is just around the corner!
The Nebraska Department of Roads is starting the widening of the I-680 bridge over the Big Papio and Lamp Park Trails this week. Both trails will be closed from just north of the I-680 bridge south to Pacific Street. This project is to begin Thursday, January 9 and continue until approximately March 15, 2014. Trail users heading south on the Big Papio Trail from Blondo Street should be aware that there are no public access points to the trail south of Blondo Street. View map here: http://www.cityofomaha.org/parks/images/stories/Trails/Big%20Papio%20Lamp%20Trail%20Closures-2014-01-07.pdf
For those of you fortunate to have cycled in or near Asheville NC or Greenville SC, here's what good cycling support, at the city level, looks like. Absolutely beautiful region for cycling. No wonder Hincapie calls it home.
http://www.greenvillesc.gov/ParksRec/Trails/Bikeville.aspx
The meeting was recorded. Where's it posted? I was quite impressed by both the number of speakers and the quality of their presentation. Bravo to all in attendance.
http://www.omaha.com/article/20140107/SNI01/140109199
Safety was the focus of the hearing. The timing for this concern wasn't revealed: no accidents, no documented complaints, a bit of anecdotal concern. Check here for comments by many who attended.
https://www.facebook.com/events/694407473925640/
Does anybody that went to the Bellevue Bridge meeting know why the sudden interest in banning bkes? What changed in recent history that made someone decide it was time to ban the bikes? Just curious.
You can bet your bike on it,but I wouldn't unless you want to get rid of it ,which I know you don't my comrade on wheels!!!! RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!!!
I'm a victim of the "Sports Illustrated Cover Curse:" the day I make the front page is the day I drive to work. All for a good cause though: this evening the city of Bellevue was hosting a meeting of the Bellevue Bridge Commission, concerning banning cyclists from the Bellevue toll bridge. Lots of articulate people presented sound arguments in favor of keeping the bridge open to cyclist.
Riding tomorrow. The first Tuesday of every month is Offutt's Two Wheel Twosday, when we meet on the trail near Twin Creek and ride in together. It'll be interesting to see who shows up. I've managed to stay relatively, uh, unfrozen so far, with the exception of the .003 mm of exposed skin between my glasses and the top of the face mask; slathering a bit of Vaseline on seems to help.////// Thanks for the nice remarks.
Let it be known that two people from Offutt cycled to work today - Me and Bill Medcalf. I'm sure Kelly Smith threw is leg over his Moonracker this morning as well but I can't confirm that. What about it Kelly?
IDK about Bill but my commute was awesome considering the depth of the coldness this morning. This was my PR for coldest temp I've ever ridden in. I give major kudos to the layered cycling clothing I've put together. I was moderately warm my commute into work only experiencing mild coldness in my toes for the last 3-4 minutes of my ride. Now I embark on the ride home, into the headwind. I'm sure I will have more effort going north than I did this morning with the strong tailwind pushing me down the Keystone to Offutt.
Keep the rubber down and stay warm my friends!!!
Nice write up in Livewell Magazine Mark.RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!
Mark Crown is da man...nice article in today's paper! You are an inspriration to us all.
Did you bike commute today (6th) or 7th due to wind chill? I will bike commute to 10 degrees air temp depending on the wind chill. Thick wool and layers only go so far for me!
I did ride Swanson Sat - beautiful snow riding!
Be safe!
Thanks Jack. I posted some comments on the Facebook page and took a survey concerning my use of the bridge. If we went to a system more like the Netherlands, where the larger/faster vehicle (car) must yield to the smaller/more vulnerable (bike or pedestrian) maybe folks would be more polite and safety conscious. And their laws are structured in such a way where the non-cyclists (motorist) is assumed to be at fault, and has to prove otherwise. Yes, I know their infrastructure, urban density, fuels costs, familiarity and history of cycling is different; but we should accommodate, perhaps even encourage, alternative, efficient, healthy, low cost alternatives to cars. And I really like cars and driving. Cars are not the answer to EVERY transportation need.
Hey I've got a question for anybody out there. Have any of you sent a message/question to Omahabikes.org through their website? Does anybody know what happens next and when?
See http://www.omaha.com/article/20131229/SNI01/131229474 // Note in particular statement by Bridge Commission Chairman Don Fester: "The bicycle community is probably going to want to keep bicycles on the bridge, so we want to hear from that side and see where we should go with this." See also Facebook page Bellevue Bridge Speak Out: https://www.facebook.com/events/694407473925640/permalink/694407477258973/
Mark - good points. I have the same concerns and don't really understand why there is/would be an issue with allowing bikes to cross the bridge. Thanks
The Bridge Commission is addressing an important transportation issue. I wonder what the arguments might be for prohibiting access: slowing traffic (Traffic is usually light, the drivers courteous), wear and tear (Um, it's a bike, not a semi), revenue (cyclist pay to cross, and the cost-to-surface degradation ratio is, what, zero? Once the interstate bridge is open south of Offutt, they may be begging people to use the toll bridge.), safety (Who's safety? Cyclists? Are cyclists creating a hazard?). It'll be interesting to see the arguments for and against restricting use. We typically use that bridge a dozen times a year on various loops to Glenwood, CB, and eastern Iowa.
Delete Sheila "Hmm...What'sAtTheOtherEndOfThatRoad" Marsh
One minute ago
@ Scot & Fritz. Nice---enjoy!!:)) --I got, still get, a lot of "ARE YOU CRAZY " looks- nothin' in my stocking. Sure is good for the laughs, though. :)) I couln't wait until Christmas. I purchased some gear in preparation for the low temps a while ago and have been, for the most part, overdressed ever since!!! LOL! Merino mid-layer top & bottoms--Smokin!
@Scott - none of the items you mentioned, but still was given some very nice bike gear by a thoughful wife/family and friends.
Some spectacular riding weather yesterday, today and tomorrow.
@Heidi - thanks for the heads up. Will try to attend. Are they held in the Community Center?
Bellevue Bridge Commission Meeting
6 January 2014
The voice of the cyclist community is needed at a Bellevue city council meeting on the 6th @ 6:30 pm. There is a push to ban access to the Bellevue Bridge to cyclists. Regardless of whether or not you use the bridge, the ban may set a precedent that could extend to other roads/bridges/etc.
Scott, Hope you had a great Christmas. All three are essential go-in-the-snow tools that I've used a lot already this December. I did get another pair of woolies in my stocking. Greetings to the Phy Mu bunch.
What a great ride home tonight! Oh, how I miss the sun. Did everyone get studded tires, merino wool socks and lobster claw mittens in their stockings? ; )
A Merry Christmas to all and to all a good ride!
Fritz, tailwinds make even sub-zero rideable, headwinds, oh brother, that really cuts through and chills. Mid 30s on Thursday will seem warm. Good to know you're still rolling along.
Mark - I have to confess, what I felt the most was the wind at my face going home yesterday and the wind at my face going to work this morning. Quite the wind chill... Looks like chances are good for a white Christmas, so Merry Christmas to all of you!
I just logged into the Winter Challenge, and it looks like y'all are still going strong. I hope we can all stay connected, one way or another. Did you feel it today? C'mon, you had too! The days are now getting longer. O-o-o-oh, it felt so much warmer. Merry Christmas to all you friends, old and new!
To All ....... Have A Merry Cristmas & A Happy New Year.
Christiane, you are spot on! Sorry Julie or I didn't respond sooner, we were packing up and moving our office all day Friday! Check out the "Omaha Winter Bike Challenge" page (http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/13053856) and log all your winter transportation miles there! AND there is message board under the leader board! Thanks again, Chris! :) Have a great holiday, everyone!!
@Fritz & Everybody. This isn't technically the "Omaha Winter Bike Challenge" page. (Check your URL. Does it say www.endomondo.com/campaign/national? Mine does.) In the event that this page gets mothballed, we could use the comment board on the actual "Omaha Winter Bike Challenge" Endo page until the 2014 NBC page is up & rolling. Just a suggestion... Check it out: http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/13053856
and a MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GREAT RIDE!!!!
2 Phil: Good job!! Merry Christmas to you & yours;)
Mark G - I didn't know Castelli had a Bilbo Baggins apparel section. Good on ya; whatever keeps you motivated and riding. ///////// Kinda lonely on the commutes. Cyclists are few and far between, and those I do see I don't recognize under facemasks or behind bright headlights. It is at treat, though, to pull into Aksarben Village and roll around all the bright lights and Christmas decorations. //////////// Hope you all have safe and happy cycling through the holidays and into the new year. 2013 has been great! Lots of good: rides, friends (new and old), food, beer, wine, roads, laughs, struggles, adventures...
Hi Madison and Julie - many of us recieved this message from the National Bike Challenge: "Beginning January 1, 2014, the National Bike Challenge will be inactive. You are encouraged to visit nationalbikechallenge.org and sign up for updates on the Spring 2014 launch. We guarantee you will not want to miss the roll-out!
We look forward to having you be a part of the 2014 National Bike Challenge. Keep on riding! "
Will we be able to track/log miles on this local site after Dec 31?
This morning marks my 100th bike to work this year! Off the next 2 weeks so am done with work rides this year.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Howdy folks! Took last week off riding. Too dang cold for me!! You guys are serious troopers and many Kudos to you. Mr Crown....The sandal experience. Worked pretty well but you need to make sure straps are big enough to not cut circulation to toes. Four pairs of wool socks in sandals and I was good in the teensthe past couple mornings!
Thanks for the link Mark, I'll check it out. I also completely agree on the sentiment that there are far more drivers who are courteous and give me plenty of space than ones who buzz me.
Hey, how was the Christmas lights ride on Saturday? Both my and Cecelia's Xmas parties on the same night. Yeah, like I have a full social calendar. Not. Ride sounded fun.
A friend here at Offutt has a Dinnotte, and it's visible in daylight. Omaha Bicycle has a two-watt combo, can't recall the brand. Here's a good wrap up. Seems like I upgrade every other year.
http://bicycles.blogoverflow.com/2012/03/tail-light-review/. /////////////
Ken, Glad you're OK. Had yet another driver not stop and wait their turn at a four-way stop tonight, she even wagged her finger at me as if I was in the wrong. On the positive side, several times a day drivers go out of their way to be courteous
It was eastbound L street by 77th. Normally I use the sidewal, bridge and access road here but the sidewalk/bridge was still a mess of snow and ice. I've traversed this many times for and been buzzed perhaps a couple of other times (i.e. a few feet away) but this was the first really close call. I'm starting to wonder if my neon yellow jacket is a cloak of invisibility today as I also had to stop mid stride while walking across the street at 33rd & Farnam this afternoon too. Nothing like an SUV turning into you.
@ Ken - Glad to hear you (barely) survived! What road were you on when this incident occurred? It might be good to know so other cyclists can be cautioned.
On a personal note: This is the very reason I don't have a cycling mirror on my helmet or bike. I would rather not know what is about to happen so I will not tense up my body to prepare for the impact. Once again, I'm happy you are okay!!
Thanks Scott. My panniers stick out just a couple of inches wider than my handle bars but I still have no idea how his sideview mirror missed me. No doubt it was only by an inch at the most. If I'd been able to see it the moment before I likely would have needed to head back home to change shorts. Needless to say though, that incident has ben far more effective at keeping me awake and alert than my coffee!
@ Ken - What a way to start a morning! How did they not clip you handlebar? I wonder if they were sneaking peaks at their phone as they toodled along. Glad you're OK and didn't need to do any laundry. ; )
Had my closest call in 7 years this morning when my pannier was grazed by a motorist going 40 mph who "didn't see me" (yes, he pulled over and told me). I guess a neon yellow jacket with reflective strips and 3 blinking lights wasn't adequate. Guess I'll be making a trip to Trek for another light ot 2.
Interesting article on cargo bikes. Wouldn't mind having one. Another OW-H article stated Blue bike usage up 92% over 2112, and bikes will be available through the winter. Enjoy the balmy weather.
http://www.omaha.com/article/20131216/LIVEWELL02/131219218/1161#for-cycling-families-cargo-bikes-become-the-mode-of-transportation
6 degrees this morning...as a former ranchman and wilderness hunter used to say...Bully!
Hi Mark,
I agree, the paths have improved considerably and, with the temperatures where they are, I'd expect them to improve this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon. I have been doing just fine on my nobby-tire el cheepo bike; wouldn't recommend any thin tire bikes just yet though.
For those of you waiting for the trails to clear, Keystone is getting close. Bridges have patches of ice and snow, underpasses have ice on the north/shady side. Keystone north of L has more ice/snow patches due to shadows and wind breaks. Long stretches of clean pavement from L to Capehart. Still can't recommend a road bike. There's no way I could escape my neighborhood without studded tires, but on dry pavement rolling resistance is atrocious! They do make a nice clicking, whirring sound, though.
Midtown Side Streets: Thin packed snow, patches of black ice.
Keystone Conditions. Aksarben to L: Ice and snow patches, bridge snow covered. L to Q: light dusting of snow, icy patches. Q to Cornhusker: long stretches of snow covered trail. Cornhusker to Capehart: Ice and snow patches. Underpasses are OK, for now, not much snow or re-freeze. Most bridges from Ak to Offutt have snow on them, I made a path on the N/S bridge at Twin Creek and the big one north of Cornhusker. Recommend knobbie or studded tires.
Very true Mark. In a nutshell never assume what you can't see is dry. Simply because one side of a trail is dry does not mean the bottom or other side is too.
THANKS TO THE CITY OF BELLEVUE and BOBBY RIGGS. Kudos to the city of Bellevue for clearing the bike lane/shoulder along Capehart to Offutt AFB. Mike Wagster sent an email yesterday to Bobby Riggs requesting action, and it was accomplished in time for the morning commute.
Ken - That is a great feeling to "warm up" to 20 degrees. A lesson to (re)learn every winter: carefull of the refreezing of melted snow that tends to accumulate/flow down to the underpasses and may not be burned off even on sunny winter days.
Ken, I agree - the jump in temperature from belowzero/single digits to the 20s almost feels like a heat wave. It was fairly comfortable rolling in this morning.
Thanks Fritz. Been a coupla days since I've ridden in, and I miss the old gang of "opposite commuters." See ya tomorrow, though. If you see Mike Wagster slowly rolling along on his green Kona, wave and be kind: he just finished his first Half Century. In years! Happy Birthday!
The Keystone was cleared for my return route yesterday including the bridge just north of L street. Very clean including underpasses at least between L and Ak Village. The 23 degree temp this morning felt like a veritable heat wave!
I'm impressed with how well Bellevue cleaned the Keystone. The wood bridges have not been cleaned, but that's a little more labor intensive (can't use the sweeper to clean them).
Good on all you folks riding on. Be safe and continue to pass on trail and road conditions. Usually the trails are cleared days after the roads. Sometimes they're left to thaw on their own. I can't ride until Wed, till then you Keystoners have fun.
I wonder if we can hire KELLY to put a blade on his fat bike and come plow the trail and maybe the Capehart bike lane, too.
Fabulous but slow ride in today, and here's hoping Mayor Jean gets a plow on the Keystone before the return ride.
Good point Allison. It's a good sign, though, that the conversation is taking place.
Personally I think the first step would be to get busses in our area period. Right now they only service Omaha and the immediate surrounding areas. Then we can move on to shared transportation.
How many of you would use "shared" transportation, if it made it easier to multi-mode, that is, ride a bike to a bus/trolley/street car, load bike, then ride the shared mode, then unload and use the bike at your destination? I'd give it a try. I like riding and driving, but I don't like riding OR driving from midtown to west O; neither is fun or efficient. And what about changing the conversation from "public" vs "private" transit, with all the political baggage that goes along with it, to "shared" and "optimal" transit, or something along those lines. It's not bikes vs cars vs busses vs trains, it's not "vs" it's "and"! The auto-centric response to these transit proposals will undoubtedly focus on costs, and the limited benefit to less than 2000 riders per day. "Harumph, the west Dodge Expressway handles xx,xxx drivers per day!" The auto develpment/production/supply/infrastructure "eco-system" has a huge economic impact; something cycling does not.
We can't just show how multi-modal transit can spend money, ya gotta show how it will MAKE money. Money's the bottom line in our culture. What do you think? http://www.omaha.com/article/20131203/NEWS/131209596
Thought provoking article on the future of personal travel. Really like the last paragraph's idea of "strain" and "constriction." Think of the west Dodge Expressway and how it reinforced, perhaps even rewarded, the cultural preference of living in the suburbs and driving great distances to work. $100M for that project. Instead of having people adapt over time (move closer to work, thereby vesting and investing in the core urban area's neighborhoods and infrastructure), we simply created a monstrous auto-pacifier.
http://www.bmctempo.com/what-is-the-future-of-personal-travel-and-the-daily-commute/
HEEYYY YOUUSS GUYYYS: Thanks so much for the glove advice. Learned much and found some good combinations to boot! Obtained valuable lesson of my own on Monday; it rhymes, too: LEATHER--STIRCKTLY FAIR WEATHER!!
@ Mark G---SocksnSandals!!??? Keep me posted:)
Hmmmm... I wonder if that's how Hannibal's toes made through the alps frostbite-free!
Mark - sandals sound kinda odd, but if they help keep your feet warm, and good control of the bike, why not? My commuter cycling shoes are a half size larger than my road shoes, just so I have extra room in the winter. On the coldest days it's knee-high ski socks, shoes, then shoe covers. Some folks use chemical hand warmers in their shoes, but that would be expensive for daily use. Make sure you keep your core, head, and legs warm so blood isn't restricted from your extremities. Happy Thanksgiving to all you two-wheeled pals!
Check out the news on our riverfront trails, with Julie Harris providing support. Thanks Julie.
http://www.omaha.com/article/20131126/NEWS/131128914/1687#omaha-city-council-votes-to-spend-101-000-on-plans-for-baby-bob-bridge
I wear multiple pairs of gloves sheila but will permanently switch to mittens soon. Not like I have to change gears:) Just brake!! My issue is feet. I usually wear 2 or 3 pairs of socks in my shoes. What eventually happens is that the shoes get too tight, cut off circulation, and cause my toes to go cold anyway!! I have read about a guy that wears down to 7 degrees, sandals. This way he can wear multiple layers of wool socks above a base layer of merino wool. I am going to try this. As long as they dont get wet!!
Thanks Ken - That "sweaty hands" lesson was learned, as many cyling lessons, the hard way. Getting hands back into damp lobster gloves is like trying to get into a short-sheeted bed.
Mark, your comments are spot on. I have several different gloves as you not and learned those lessons , especially the difficulty of getting thicker gloves on and off sweaty hands the hard way.
Sheila - I have several types of gloves, and each has, about, a 15 to 20 degree range of optimum comfort: fingerless gloves (From "hot" to 55 degrees), thin long-fingered gloves (60 degrees to 40), thick(ish) gloves (50 to 40, add liners to extend range to 35 degrees), thick winter gloves plus liners (40 to upper 20s), lobsters plus liners (30 to "damn cold"). Using liners in winter gloves helps as an additional insulating layer, helps wick away sweat, and makes the outer glove infinitely easier to get on and off; if you wear cold-weather gloves above their optimum temperature your hands will sweat, and girl, it's tough getting hands in and out of gloves when the liner is damp, grabby, and gets all bunched up. For early winter/spring commutes I might ride in with one type of glove, and ride home in another; same with head coverings, socks, etc. Be flexible and adaptive, keep safe operation of the bike and (relative) comfort as your top priorities, and have fun! /////// Just returned from a long weekend in Florida, for a niece's wedding. Amusing cycling conversations on Floridian perspectives of what constitutes a "climb" and cold weather.
Tomorrow will be my last riding work day for distance. (A break from the wind) Going on vacation for the rest of the week.
Happy Thanksgiving to all the Bicycle Riders. Be safe and watch out for slick spots.
Thanks Robert :) Toasty trails!
I meant serfas mittens but the spell check keeps changing it to serfs. I usually get tired of fighting my spell check and just let it do what it wants.
@Sheila - below 20 degrees I go with my lobster claw mittens. I bought a less expensive pair of regular serfs mitts and they work fine but I got the pearl izumi's on clearance over the summer. They offer a little more control with the split finger design. Both keep the fingers warm but get really sweaty and wet inside though, so I bring my full finger gloves I use for everyday but hot summer days for the ride home unless its still below 20 then I just turn the lobsters inside out and have a lobster bake on the radiators at work.
DeleteSheila "Hmm...What'sAtTheOtherEndOfThatRoad" Marsh
One minute ago
@ Ken Thanks bro!
@ Rich: Wow - Great article --Thanks for sharing it. Mucho kudos to MN schools!!!
Our Wellness Coordinator at Physicians Mutual sent this link that I thought I would share with the group ... very inspiring. http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/minnesota-elementary-school-adds-bikes-to-the-curriculum
A fabulous morning for a ride and it was awesome to see others out as well!
As for finger warmth, what's worked wonders for me on the most brutal days is a glove liner I picked up at Peak Performance and ski gloves from Canfields (sorry don't have brand names available at the moment). Any discomfort (sometimes very early before my heart rate gets up a little) is fleeting.
@ Phil & all : The first half of my ride I'm battling icey fingertips. Any tried and true gear out there that will help with this issue?
I did short, fast rides around Standing Bear Tuesday and Wednesday and the wind was a challenge. But I'm way too wussy for this weather. Enjoy, you animals!
I wussed out yesterday, only 'cause I hit the gym in the morning! Made up for it today. Wool and Windproof clothing are our friends. What a great ride!
RODE AND SMILED!!!!! Was a bit windy,but more crosswind than anything going out Maple St. More fun this morning as went into tranquilty park mtn bike trails.Mooney liked much!!! RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY.!!!!
The headwind knocked me down two gears yesterday morning!
The Keystone from Culver's in Bellevue to Harrison St was quite the challenge with nothing to stop the wind and ice pellets blowing in my face. Watch out on the wood bridges if you're biking tomorrow; they are icy.
I walked to work this AM- The cross training's been good to me:)
I didn't ride to work this morning but I did go out for ride. The hill climb between 114th to 144th around the south side of Dodge was absolutely brutal against the 30mph wind. Also, on that short path north from Pacific that goes by Lamp park, the wind getting funneled under the I680 bridge nearly took me off my bike. Never experienced a gust that strong.
Not ride? Who would want to miss a gorgeous day with 30 mph headwinds in the morning and rain, perhaps a little sleet and snow for the return ride? Today didn't even merit fat tires!
Sound off -- Did you ride into work today? I did not... But I'm quite sure that Kelly Smith did!!
Kudos to those that braved the weather!!!
And another thing, lately the bicycles are out-numbering the motorcycles down at Offutt; between the Field House and the HQ, it was about 22 to 5 one day last week. That's really fun to see.
The bike racks in Benson were full on Saturday--great to see. The Omaha Bicycle Co was hoppin' too. //////// Speaking of bicycle friendly businesses, which I guess I am, Tussey's Casual Grill (On Mormon Bridge Road) is a great place for breakfast and brunch, when the winds are from the north and you're heading home from Fort Calhoun, Boyer Chute, and beyond. Great food and service, and a place to park your bike on the patio (visible from inside.) A slightl uphill return to north Omaha, to aid digestion. A bit too early for adult beverages, but nothing finer than sharing a meal with friends after a good ride.
I'm still hoping for the future Field club E/W connection/ Meanwhile, traffic on Leavenworth's becoming more and more tolerant, but I'm hypervigilant/hypercautious, still. Wishing for a more predictable environment in which to commute b/f to work.
:)
Thanks for the supporting info Julie!! It's good to see 32nd Ave bike lane is actually part of a master plan. Keep up the great work and thanks for straightening me out!!
Very well said, Mark Crown!
32nd Ave is actually a key connector in the 20 mile bike loop: http://www.activateomaha.org/downloads/BikeO%20Diagram%20v4.jpg
I don’t want to diminish the advancements that have already been made! In fact, I applaud them! It’s great to see that Omaha and the surrounding metro areas are moving forward to support cycling as a viable means of transportation. However, we as cyclists identified a need for more east/west thoroughfares more than five years ago. There has been some progress with Leavenworth, Harney, and Farnham streets becoming more bike friendly; but there are many more areas of town where east/west designated bike lanes can be created using secondary neighborhood streets, etc. This is where the planning, development and money needs to be directed!!!
Agree with Wags and Sheila. This won't happen over night, or even in the near term. But look at what's happened in the past few years: painted bike lanes, Fort Crook bike lane, on-street bike parking in Benson, increased number of cycling commuters, Blue Bikes, more trails, more bike-friendly destinations (i.g. Aksarben, Benson, Dundee), more bike-friendly business, support of city council members (Chris Jerram and others) cycling advocacy in city government (Carlos) and Live Well (Julie and Madison). Even the small efforts pay dividents: every day you ride your bike safely and courteously, you may be impressing one more driver/voter/supporter. Good to see such enthusiasm. ////////// Somewhere along the line we'll have to tackle the tough problem of legislation. http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2013/11/cycling-v-cars
w/M Wags-- Who is ENTIRELY CORRECT!!!
This is great news about the proposed protected bike lane! Hopefully this will be just the beginning of many more protected bike lanes throughout the city. However, this proposed bike lane doesn't connect to any existing bike trails and leads to basically no where except Hanscom Park. The city still needs to address the need for more east/west corridors which connect the bike trails to specific popular destinations in West O, Midtown and NoDo.
Thanks Madison. An article in this morning's W-H Midlands section also covers the bike lane, "bike track." The headline got me really excited when I saw "bike track." I thought, "Do they mean velodrome? Wow!" Nope, but better: actual hard-scaping, physical infrastructure to support cycling, not just paint. There's a Hanscom Park Neighborhood Assoc meeting next Tuesday to discuss; Ford Birthsite and Field Club neighbors included.
Check out this story about the proposed 32nd Ave protected bike lane! http://www.ketv.com/news/local-news/city-considers-new-bike-lane-proposal/-/9674510/22962788/-/bvivul/-/index.html
///
If you live in the area think about attending the public meeting on *November 20, 7pm, inCommon (1340 Park Ave)
Check out what Benson's up to, one more reason to stop by for a cuppa Joe:
http://www.omaha.com/article/20131113/LIVEWELL02/131119607/1685#benson-on-track-to-become-omaha-s-bike-friendly-business-district ///////////////
And did you catch the Midlands (page 3) article yesterday about the Dundee Chain Gang's good works with our police department. Way to go Gang!
Robert Y - You're right about the utility of non-cycling apparel, especially for underlayers: if it keeps you warm, you can safely operate the bike, and it keeps you riding, it's all good. Canfields is great for winter gear, they have a large selection of smart wool socks, balaclavas, gloves, mitts, liners, etc. Though cycling-specific gear can be beneficial, especially on days with big temperature swings within a ride, like this past weekend; I love me some cycling pockets to fill with all the extra stuff you shed. You can get the same utility with a fanny pack, which I've been known to use when acting as my wife's domestique.
YOU ALL ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY! CARS BE BAD! BE SAFE OUT THERE!
Bike commuting by it's very nature is economical and straight forward, finding gear that works can be just as economical and straight forward. Whatever keeps you riding is the best gear, when it's 11 degrees outside plus nobody's checking your tags to see if it's top end.
COSTCO sells wool socks that look very close to smartwool socks but at $16 for 4 or 5 pairs they don't break the bank. Canfield's sells Indera base layers (long underwear) 2 layers of poly & poly/wool blend for under $50 versus the $200 for a set of smartwool bottom and top.
Biking to/from errands makes mundane trips a little less so, especially with beautiful weather like Saturday's on my trip to Lowes ... and on a new bike to boot!
The commute last night & this AM ---Glorious fun! Didn't feel a thing, but toasty. Nothing like being prepared! I agree w/ Mark C re: 700 x 38s Bontrager Hardcase- they're just another reason to ride-n-smile.
Paul - Vittoria Randonneurs get good reviews. My year-round commuter tire is Kevlar-reinforced, 700 x 38 Bontrager Hardcase; Specialized (Armadillo) and Continental have tires of this type I’ve used in the past; I buy what’s on sale because they all ride like garden hoses (firm, a bit harsh). But I haven’t had a puncture in years, which is really important when it’s 15 degrees. When the roads are icy, either from frozen precipitation or that slick, shiny, black, morning ice you find on neighborhood streets, I switch to studded tires. I used to swap tires (15 to 20 minutes) the night before, based on forecasts, and yet I’d occasionally have the wrong tires on the next morning—riding slicks on icy roads, or studs on dry roads because I didn’t want the hassle of changing them out… again. And, let’s be honest, bikes in winter get messy and aren’t as clean as they should be, so swapping tires is a pain. Three years ago I bought some used rims at ReCycle, and now tire/wheel swaps take minutes, so I just wait until morning to select tires/wheels for the day. “Caddy, hand me my slicks. This looks like a dry day.” Swapping tires/wheels also extends the life of the studded tires, since you won’t wear out the studs on dry pavement. Good comment below about riding skills in winter, slow down before the turn and don’t lean the bike as you would with good traction. Speaking of riding slow, combine studded tires, extra clothing, darkness, denser air, headwinds, lower level of fitness, cold muscles, and a more deliberate riding style, and it feels like the only thing missing is the “beep, beep, beep” of garbage truck in reverse. /////// Saw Rich Neiman at Lowes picking up a few things on his brand, spankin' new Surly. Beautiful green frame, brown/leather tape, bar-end shifters. Errands on bikes are fun; one of my favorites is to Homers for new music; yeah, I can get stuff on iTunes, but nothing beats a record shop with listening stations.
Warm weather is entirely overrated for biking.
A little water from last weeks rain + fully jacketed shift cable + 10 degree day = instant single speed :-) This weather shows you where you really need maintenance on your bike.
Actually felt colder last night on the way home than this morning on the way to work. Of course, the extra pair of wind pants might have had something to do with that. The wind yesterday was pretty strong, and had to go into it to get home.
That was chilly this morning but better than driving!! Nothing like the first real cold ride to let you know where you stand with the gear!! Need a little better balaclave, switching to mittens over gloves( dont have to change gears on the singlespeed!!), and going to start wearing my boots! Although, it is going to warm up later this week so I wont need to worry about those again for a minute:) Enjoy your rides folks!
A little taste of Winter this morning,happy to be out there turning the pedals over and breathing fresh air. As to being surrounded by four walls.
Beautiful chilly morning, the new beard does help the face. As soon as Blondo is complete b/n 144th and 132nd, I will be on trails 99% of my work commute! Smart wool is our friends on these days. Be safe and enjoy!
Glorious 10 degree ride in this morning with light wind.Not too harsh!!!!Bring on the snow,Mooney likes snow!!!!RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!!!
Nope I sure dont!! I got extra sweatshirt, and my baselayer for the ride home!! You will just have to spot the bike and know it is me:)
Curious about what changes are coming to the updated bicycle commuter map? Julie and Madison will be hanging out with the draft copy Tuesday, November 12 from 4:30 -6:30 at Jimi D's (6303 Center St, just east of the Keystone Trail). Stop by to say hi, have a beer and give feedback on the map!
Mark G--Dude, U don't mess around w/ old man winter--I barely reconized you. :)
Robert - no or not much snow, but the temperatures dropping into the teens tonight. Get your cold weather gear handy; you'll need it tomorrow morning!
Okay. I feel the challenge coming on. How about everyone else. Cold weather is in the forecast. Bundle up and be safe.
@Paul. I rode 3 days per week on the keystone, South O and Field Club trails throughout the winter. 0700 starts. I rode on my stock 32c Vittoria Randonner. They did fine on wet, slush and snow pack. Ice was dicey at best with me holding my breadth and locking my arms as I crossed icy patches. I wiped out 3 times on smooth ice from the previous days melt water (twice on one trip during a snow storm with 3-4 inches falling).
I now have a pair of Nokian 32c tungsten steel studded tires sitting in the garage. I'll mount them when the trail gets covered. I'll likely leave them on then until spring. Many of the winter riders last year were emphatic about the improved safety studded tires provided, but don't fool yourself that you can corner or break like when on dry pavement. I also bought extra studs and a stud installer because the manufacturer mentioned it is common to lose 10 or more studs during initial break-in.
Winter riding is enjoyable, helps keep the pounds off and you get to see great sunrises and sunsets.
Okay people, I am interested in hearing the vairous recommended tires for winter riding on bike path, roadway, and gravel riding like MO PAC trail or similar. I will be using a Trek 7.5., right now I have the LT2 Bontrager Hardcase Plus(punture proof) 700X38. For those of you who ride on the bike trails during winter 6:00pm - 8:00pm on weekday- Any advice? I am capable and able to endure most anything, that may help keep the advice open ended/"no limits".
@ Mark G: Meee tooo! I dug the crunch of frost under my wheels the other day :)
I am now referring to the trail as the Keystone Trail wildlife refuge. Right in the middle of the city seein all kinds of wildlife!! Love it:)
Keep riding Mark. And keep those eyes open in winter, to wonders outside, and within.
This is nuthin to those veteran winter riders but seeing frost on bottom of frame when I got to work today was an eye opener!
Mark - thanks for posting the WH article link
That is the proper attitude Mr Crown!
This is perfect weather for our transition into winter--after a few rides like this, the "dry" precipitation of snow will be a relief. We're one day closer to Spring!
A wet ride indeed Mark. Not looking forward to tonight's ride home; but what lies ahead could be interesting.........snow??
Gonna be a wet ride home! Too bad it is not warm. I don't mind getting wet in warm but not cold! Oh well got my slicker and footbags. Only thing wet should be legs and they should be fine!
Check out the World-Herald article co-authored by Julie Harris on multi-modal transportation.
Robert, thank you. At this point, the miles I log on the Summer NBC eventually roll into the Winter NBC and our Omaha Winter Challenge. Guessing this will end Dec. 31 and then I will do the New Workout two step.
Also looking forward to putting more studs back on the bike (winter riders are the first studs/studettes on the bike)!
Winter riding keeps me sane and happy, like Sheila says!
This is a mess! - Riding still makes me smile, thank God
Phil
The link to the National Bike Challenge disappeared last year after 31 Dec. I dug/floundered around endomondo and found the site was still active even though there was no link on the home page. People kept posting on the national board so that was interesting. If you don't use GPS and log your miles manually (like I do) they won't show up on the Winter Challenge, you have to do the new workout two step. It's a hassle but it works.
Looking forward to mounting my new studded snow tires.
Endo Winter Challenge needs to mirror the Summer Challenge, with the ability to log a default or other rides...why the discombobulated process of new workout? Hope the summer challenge stays up all year, but I suspect it will end Dec 31.
If you're signed up for the Winter Challenge any miles you log on the mobile app will be counted. If you don't use the app just hit the "new workout" button on the top of the page and enter the info from your ride.
As long as this national challenge stays up, you can use it to log your winter miles. Your miles show up on all challenges regardless of where they are logged in this system. I did that last year and it worked out great (no messing with their goofy new workout page)
I cannot figure out how to log winter miles either.
OK, are we logging our miles like last winter by going to new workout, and then to new workout with no route?
That's exactly the information I was looking for. Thanks Scott!!!!
@ Danny: I wrote Dennis Bryer (Omaha Parks & Recreation), about the same thing a couple weeks ago. He said, "We’re still in the land acquisition process with two land owners. Once we get those settled we can proceed with going out to bid on the 2nd phase. We do have a contract to demolish the storage unit buildings located at S. 42nd and “D” Streets. That should occur in the next few weeks." Till then I'll keep riding 36th, F, 44th and Dayton. Hope this helps.
I have an older trail map that shows a tentative trail connecting Field Club Trail to the Keystone trail just south of I-80. I know they've finished part of it but does anyone know when that connection will be made?
Iowa DOT Wants Public Input to Develop Plan for Bicycles and Pedestrians
Interested in learning how to safely (and warmly) bike commute this winter? Check out our event! https://wintercyclingclinic.eventbrite.com
@mark/Scott: thanks for the info. I'll be checking out those routes over the winter on weekends. I'll also bring a small plastic shove for when I ride the west Papio. The underpasses are getting knarley with soil and gravel--- put snow on that and accident waiting to happen!
The Bellevue Loop is open!. And they re-poured all of the broken sections including the gap just east of Ft. Crook except for the part where you drop down off of the levee to go under Ft. Crook. They did a good job too -- makes the old sections feel like a washboard.
@Paul, Mark's suggestion of Highway 50 could also take you south of Manley, head west on Highway 1, then south on 322nd Street through Wabash and then catch the MOPAC Trail. The trail will take you to O Street at the State Farm campus. I've run MOPAC for M2M relay and biked from Eagle to Lincoln and back. Can't say I've done the highway part.
How Safe is Cycling by the NYT: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/21/how-safe-is-cycling-its-hard-to-say/. Despite the clickbait title it's rather interesting. The article talks about how it's difficult to judge because of the number of accidents that go unreported.
I have two shovels: a small 18 inch wide one that slips in my top-opening pannier/bag, and a cut-down version of an old snow shovel where I narrowed it by cutting about 4 inches from each side so it'll fit in the bag, too. Now's the tough time of year for bag space because I haul lighter-weight clothing to work and the heavy-weight stuff home, if the weather warms up during the day. Come winter, I wear the heavy stuff both ways, and the bag has plenty of room for a shovel.
@ Mark - How do you carry the snow shovel on the bike? I have a rack with two bag setup, and I use most of the space in both bags during the winter because of indoor soccer season. I wouldn't mind carrying a shovel to help keep some of the ice clear. I might carry some salt for the underpass areas, a little more weight won't matter to much with the amount I already carry.
A brisk 32 degrees today...I agree it's delightful! Looking forward to the Winter Riding Clinic.
Paul - A friend has ridden to Lincoln several times this summer. Highway 50, south (good shoulder), to 34 west.
SHEILA!!! What are you singing??? STOP THAT NOW!!
Since winter riding is all about just riding, and (for me) not about mileage or speed, a plastic snow shovel is useful for clearing the built up snow at the bridge heads. A few minutes of shoveling will be easy if done early, and make the ride better for all. As you bump/chatter/bounce over the snow pile, and wonder "Hm-m-m, I wonder who will clear this to make it easier for me." Look in the mirror. Winter riding is a whole other sport, and it's fun!////By the way, there's another guy riding around with a shovel, who cleared under I80 last week. Super effort, whoever you are!
@Scott. Pretty much every section of the trail system is utilized throughout the winter. Pick any trail on any day after a snowfall and you'll see tire tracks (usually heading to/from Offutt.)
@Livewell, Has anything been captured in the last two Winter Challenges about the routes being used by riders? Just so if the city can allocate some resources, they might know where they might be most needed? What trails, bridges or thoroughfares?
OHHHH- The weather ouside is freightful, but to ride is so delightful. And there're lot's of places to gooo. Let it snow. Let it snow. We're on the go. :))
Once you join the challenge you can share the challenge page on Facebook or via email. Please share away!! @Paul, I'm working on a location right now for the winter cycling clinic!
@ Fritz/Julie/Madison: winter bike clinic? interested in hearing last years history - and upcoming?
WINTER CHALLENGE!!! -->
@ Julie and Madison - Winter Challenge - good idea, please do set up an Omaha-specificsite. I echo Mark Crown's remarks. As a biking community, let's try to not make this overly competitive, but more about encouraging folks to ride. The winter biking clinic held last year was quite useful to me; having another in the next month or so would be helpful for riders that are unsure about biking in the snow/cold. My 2cents.
Randy Reed, the man who rode his bike 11,000 miles in five months
Article: http://bit.ly/16O3Jrj
Can't get behind big red. But, all you wheel-grindas make me proud!!! Above: An article describing the journey of one out of many.
w/ Mike & Mark !
@ Julie and Madison: I tend to agree with Mark Crown. Let's begin to move Omaha and Council Bluffs forward on the State and National level cycling scene. We've proven we can hang with the big boys by NE finishing second in the nation in the Summer NBC!! It's been great to compete against other local work centers, rec teams, etc. for the past 7 or 8 years but I feel all of us need to begin thinking how to advance the whole community towards an even more bike-friendly status. The utilmate goal should be putting Omaha & CB on the same scale as Portland, Minneapolis, and Boulder just to name a few cycling cities. However, IDK how we could effectively advance this idea into reality? I guess that's where y'all, the professionals at Activate Omaha, now LiveWell Omaha, comes in to provide guidance.
Paul - stand by. My locker is right next to a guy that's done that. I'll ask.
I am looking for routes to ride from West Omaha anywhere starting like around 156th street to Eastside of Lincoln. Suggestions?... with details
Paul - You're right about Lake Z. We did the Tour de Lacs this weekend, including Lake Z, Walnut Creek, Wehrspahnn. The colors are spectacular.
Julie and Madison - I think an Omaha-specific challenge would be fun, and if we can leverage the data to reflect our support and interest in multi-modal transportation (read: cycling) at the national level that would be step forward in gaining public/$/infrastructure support by business and gov't agencies. I'm still thinking back to the great support and enthusiasm for the summer NBC: imagine what the picture would look like to metro chambers' of commerce, businesses on the fence in support of cycling, or hesitent wanna-be cycling commuters if we consolidated and had one NBC team sitting very close to the top of the national rankings. Wow! That would make a statement!/////////////For those unfamiliar with winter cycling, don't be intimidated, just try to ride once or twice a week, no matter the distance If you ignore the lust for mileage some folks have during the summer, and concentrate on just having fun and being safe, winter cycling is a blast!
really enjoying the change of ride, going from a road bike 700X23s to hybrid with 700X38 agressive tread for the winter riding. Zorinsky lake at sundown is a nice perk -- mirror top.
Dan - yes! Omaha has been invited to apply for this grant, which is a great sign. Hopefully good things to come. :)
Is Omaha in the process of applying to be one of the six US cities to receive a Green Lane Project Phase 2 grant? While Omaha has made great progress in the past few years with sharrows and bike lanes, getting a major east-west non-motorized artery to connect what is in place will only enhance the transportation options available in what was once a car-centric metropolitan area.
Join us for a bike tour of solar projects in Omaha, including the award winning solar project at MCC and Nebraska's first solar Habitat for Humanity homes. Click the link for more details: http://bit.ly/19Qr8Zk
Wagster had posted this before, but I thought I'd provide the link to sign up for the Winter Biking challenge:
http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/11251965
It starts November 1st, and goes thru May 15th.
Chris - I'm with you about navigation, fortunately we have enough routes we can just pick a direction based on the wind and discuss speed and duration as we warm up. Going with a group or someone that knows the way is preferred. After "mumble, mumble" years we're able to come up with loops or out-and-backs that fit our time window or allow an early returnee to go solo on the way home because we'll come back the same route--we play by the "no rider left behind" rule. Sometimes we'll split the group in two and have a small loop inside a bigger loop so we all end up together in the final miles. Happy weekend, all!
@Matt. Are you talking the Capehart trailhead and gravel lot? Yeah, I almost got taken out by an excavator one morning...
It was just too funny. No worries, they don't call me Sheila "What's At the Other End of THATRoad" Marsh for nothin. I'm gonna hold ya to that, though. :))
Hey, bet that's how you find all of your great destinations. :))
Last week the entire 13th St parking lot was covered in the broken up concrete from the Bellevue Loop. It took them about two days to remove it all, and there's still some there. For those roadies in the mix, beware they really chewed up that parking lot with their heavy equipment. Doesn't phase my Surly... ;-)
@Sheila. Turn-by-turn directions don't work for me, either. I usually stick to established routes that I learned on previous group rides. I navigate by landmark. When people start rattling off highway or road names, especially a lengthy series with directions that have to be mentally reversed on the return leg, that goes in one ear and out the other. I'm also not a big fan of "pick a direction and ride" - especially not for the un-initiated. It's easy to take an unfortunate turn down an innocent-looking county road and wind up a hood ornament on Billy Bob's 3/4-ton pickup. (cough, cough, Platteview Rd. in Sarpy Co.)
Sheila - Don't worry, we'll drag you around these routes sooner or later. Too bad rain kept us from one spectacular loop a few weekends ago. Here's a route that always works, no map required: go outside and stick your finger up to gauge the wind direction, mount the bike, pedal a while into the wind away from your starting point, keep going for an hour or two, look up yonder then head that direction, keep going until you start to daydream of real food like burritos or big, juicy cheesburgers, start to plot your way home, then turn lickety-split to put the wind at your back, then yakkity-yak you'll be right back.
What? There is no Reverse, IA? Lemme see that map!
@ Mark C: Thanks for the info. bro: Unfortunately, and this is just for the chuckles, I'm totally visual. Consequently #1 went--south on 75 to blahblah, and like that bunny we all know, kept on going and going...; #2-- proceded nick-knack patty-wack give the dog a bone (getting multisyllabic, now)yakkity-yak west to Bellevue; nos. 3 & 4 jubillantly progressed north to yadda yadda yadda Wabsh Trace to Kerry Bridge then reverse. BAM! --Got that one. Been there! LOL
With the trail to Hayworth closed, those of you that want to head south have a few options: 1-south on 75 to Plattsmouth (not recommended due to road construction and dirty/inconsistent shoulders); 2-Veterans bridge over to Iowa and keep heading east under 29, then head south on Wabash Ave to Glenwood/Minealo or cut it short by heading back west on Bunge Ave/370 and the Bellevue toll bridge; 3-Veterans bridge and head north towards the Wabash Trace parking lot, then take the road west to the trail back to the Kerry Bridge;4-Or reverse #3. These all require a fair amount of road riding which can be moderate to heavy late Saturday morning, or light on Sundays. Now if you want to go north, oooh la la, the colors and roads are beautiful northeast of Council Bluffs and north towards Fort Calhoun—that’s where I’ve been heading lately. And north to Bennington and beyond is always a treat.
@All. Thanks for the Bell Loop scoop. I will consider it off limits for the time being. In the meantime, I have an absurdly circumbendibus route to get from the Keystone to downtown Bellevue or the toll bridge if necessary.
@ Christaine; Wagster speaks truth. I even rode around to Harlan Lewis Road thinking I might be able to get back on trail by the water treatment plant...No Go. Trail was blocked there, too. However, there were folks there on the banks of the creek fishing. No thanks.
Hey Wags: Welcome back. Loved the photos on FB. Hey wha't the stat on that "super" ride you proposed! Any further developments?
Re: Bellevue Loop South--Would be nice if they just removed the concrete and replaced it with a tarred surface/ or mixed gravel But that's in my world :))
@ Chris: IDK the status of the Bellevue Loop other than the barricade is back up at 13th St near Cape Top Truckers. This time the barricade is FULLY across the trail and looks very intimidating like they really mean business to stay off the trail. I suspect they are replacing the cracked concrete but just not sure…
@ Mark: If my Italian riding was that sweet I would’ve stayed there to continue riding instead of returning to the flats of NE. And the story I’m telling is that the woman had the flat and she flagged me down to help her!!
Olde Towne Cyclery - If you're going to stop by, let Todd know so he'll have enough(todd at otcyclery dot com), though I doubt he'll have bouncer at the door if you don't
Wagster - Welcome back, we expect great tales of riding, eating, drinking, and general carousing. It can begin "There I was, standing on the side one of Tuscany's many beautiful gravel roads (Strade Bianche), with a flat. A woman approaches on a Pinarello Kohb waves, and skids to a stop... "
Does anyone know the status of the Bellevue Loop South of Capehart? Is it rideable or torn up? (Grateful if it's getting fixed finally!)
I second Mark C's comments. Todd at Olde Towne Cyclery has also been very supportive of Team Northrop Grumman (also in Bellevue). Given the temp drop, chili sounds good... if we eat *then* ride, remind me to stay in front of the pack! ;-p
This info was posted on the National Comments section; I thought the locals that don't read the National side would like to know this info:
========================
If you live in North America & plan to ride through this winter check out the Winter Warrior's Challenge. This challenge is for snow and ice riders. If you use (or really should use) studded snow tires on your bike any time during the challenge you are in. We had 18 riders last year. Average distance was 880.6 miles in Nov, Dec, Jan, & Feb.
Todd, at Olde Towne Cyclery in Bellevue, is having a chili feed at the shop on Saturday. Show up and have some starting at 12 until it's gone. Mission and Madison. Good shop, and Todd's been very supportive of local cyclists, particularly those of us at Offutt.
Moab - great comments...absolutely not for beginners, unless you stay to Kessel Run in Fruita, perhaps Dino Flow and the Moab Brand trails. You MUST ride within your ability!
Re-emphasize my comment to talk to the Bike Way group if you are interested for next year.
That said, would love to ride Jewel, L&C, Calvin Crest, Platte...with any of you some weekend.
Phil "no Moab 2013 injuries!"
@Wags. I forgot about Chutes & Ladders. Also super fun. I walked the cliffside mega-drops on Horsethief Bench. That looked like suicide to me. We watched a local take it with ease. My jaw dropped. I'd like to try everything (in Fruita & Moab) again now that I have several years of MTB riding under my belt. I feel bad that I skipped Porcupine (or The Whole Enchilada). It's like going to Paris and not seeing the Louvre...
@ Chris: Yes, I forgot about Zippety and agree that too was fun trail. Chutes and Ladders is also a very fun trail to ride b/c it winds in and out of the creek.
I got most of my scars while riding Horsethief Bench as I attempted the drop into the trail. I got almost half way down before I lost control and crashed fairly hard. Luckily I didn't hurt myself too much and my bike was okay also. But at least I gave the drop-in a shot!!
Slickrock was fun and very scary at the same time. The good news is that I ended up riding the whole trail without any major incidents even though some decents were right on my threshold of riding ability.
I would love to go back and ride these areas again... and even ride from Fruita to Moad via the 142 mile Kokopelli Trail; of which the last few miles going into Moab run along the Porcupine Rim Trail.
@Wags. Joe's Ridge in Fruita is spectacular. My fav side-trail off Joe's was Zippety-Do-Dah. It was so fun, I caught myself yelling "Wheee!" as I crashed on a descent. (For the record, chicks typically don't dig scars on themselves.)
I'm embarrassed to admit that I passed on riding Porcupine Rim (Moab) with the group. Slickrock spooked me so badly the day before, I hired a guide and went rockclimbing instead. That was bucket-list worthy, too! As we were driving back from climbing, I saw the BW guys on the road returning from the Rim. They were dirty, a little bloodied, and at least one bike was thrashed. Thus proving my point yet again - not for beginners!
@ Chris: Great summary about riding in Moab and Fruita. I've "been there, done it" and it's not for the novice rider!! I came away with several new scars while riding both locations. But the chicks dig my scars b/c they tell a story of how brave I am to tackle such terrain... LOL!!! BTW -- My fav trail in Fruita is Joe's Ridge and my fav in Moab is Porcupine Rim.
@Allison. Nah, the WWZ zombies would just pick around the metal HW in my leg. Kinda like gnawing the gristle off a pork chop bone! Ooh, fall fest. Totally bikeable!
@Phil. You should probably caution people about the intensity level of Moab. Not for beginners. (This coming from someone who did Moab/Fruita with BW and had a come-to-Jesus moment at Slickrock. Arguably, I was a newb and in over my head.) Several trails are rated 11 on a scale of 1-10. When there are skull-n-crossbones on the route map, they're dead serious. Crashes are usually of the epic variety. Billboards down the main drag advertise orthopedic surgeons and ERs. It's not a nature stroll in Tranquility - it's "Dear God, do I have my will in order before I try this?" Just saying.
@Chris - Yup, the 19th is the Papililon Extreme 5K. Not sure if any of the Northrop folks are participating. Your ankle is a mixed blessing: the WWZ zombies would leave you alone. ;)
Also, downtown Papilion will be messy on October 19th (first annual Fall Festival).
Aah, the beauty of the zombie inoculation is that there is no need for speed; the zombies just sense a kindred spirit and go for the other living.
Just back last night from a week of fantastic mountain biking in Moab, Utah...wow. Rode 'The Whole Enchilada' this year...can't wait to go back next October with The Bike Way group again. Like bike commuting, road rides are good training...but truly out in nature is always the best.
If anyone is interested in Moab next October, ask at The Bike Way.
@Ken. I don't mix alcohol & the undead. Drinking negatively affects my zombie avoidance handling skills - acceleration, top-end speed, cornering, braking, critical stuff like that. (Oddly, booze has the opposite affet on my MTB skills. Insta-bravery.) Clearly you have not seen World War Z. Those zombies are fast!
Sunday, Carrie & I joined, John, Matt, Jason, Renee (yes, I finally met the seriously dedicated and inspiring commuter, Renee Carter), Kelly and a host of others for the Trek BBQ Fondo(what I call it) to Walnut Creek. We stopped by the Aksarben Farmer's Market before we sailed toward the lake. AFM's got ot be the best in the area--a visual and gastronomical feast. The small-talk's not bad, either. Of course, Carrie & I hated to return home before the street-lights came on; so, we dropped in on some visting and local loved ones.
The day-Repeatable! The camerdererie--Priceless!
Christiane, to avoid the zombie apocapypse, you simply need to be inoculated by consuming a zombie or 2 at the Mai Tai Lounge (73rd & Blondo location). I've had at least one booster drink per year for about 30 years and I've never been attacked by one.
@Allison. Thanks for the heads up about Walnut Creek. Is that the Extreme 5K day? Might be fun to watch!
I second Chris. I accidentally rode through M2M Saturday morning. The runners were pretty stretched out, so the trail wasn't too packed. It was fun watching everybody run in costume. I think my favorte was Mr. Potato Head.
Another heads up: Walnut Creek will be closed this Saturday, October 19th.
@Mark C. Team Human, most definitely. I excel (accel?) when chased by anything for a taste for human flesh (usually farm dogs, but I figure the skill carries over well.) "The first rule of Zombieland: Cardio."
Chris - we rolled through Aksarben this morning, on our way to Bennington, looked like folks were having lots of fun. Beautiful Fall colors. There is a Zombie Run at Mt Crescent late this month; a few from work are running--choose human or zombie.
I rode out & around Springfield this AM and criss-crossed the M2M course several times. With a distance relay, runners really stretch out along the course, so it's not so bad to share the road/trail with them. It also gave me a reason to cheer on a ton of people out enjoying such a fabulous morning.
Conversely, I'm glad Frank O & I didn't follow Ray & Matt B down the primrose bikepath this morning. It sure would be nice if there was a place to check for events scheduled along the trail system - so we can join or avoid them accordingly. (Although it would be totally awesome to accidently roll through a zombie run. Now THAT would make my day.)
M2M starts in waves out of Memorial Park at 0500, south through Elmwood, on the trail at Pacific, south to the Papio Trail (Culvers and Twin Creek) then up the trail west to Papillion and Walnut Creek Lake. A Staging Area is at Aksarben. ////// The Trek Breast Cancer Awareness ride starts at 1000. M2M should be out of the way by then... hopefully.
Oh dude! Trek is doing the breast cancer ride on the keystone at ten! Gonna be a packed trail!
Heads up to folks planning to ride the Keystone Trail south of Aksarben Village. The Market 2 Market relay race starts at Memorial Park and runs down the trail. Their signs are already out tonight on the trail. It would probably be best to steer clear of it until 11 am.
@Fritz It was good to finally meet a Northop rider. You guys seem to have a solid lock on the C Division. We at Phy Mu are envious.
Julie and Madison (et al): Great job and ideal venue for the shindig. Thanks!
It was a pleasure meeting all you folks who were at the Brazenhead last night.
@ Heidi - my sentiments exactly - so nice to put faces to names.
nice little gatering at brazenhead last night. Good to put some faces with names and have some nice beer, too! Thanks, Julie and Madison!!
With my five fingers on my feet are as tough as hobbit feet!!
w/Scott--I thought it was just me. LOL
Is it just me or does anyone else have "hobbits" come to mind when seeing Mark G standing around in his 5-fingers?
@ Christiane - I almost always have my two bags on the rack and my lime green shirt or orange coat! I rarely travel light as I have to carry all that PT gear and soccer stuff with me throughout the week. Most of the guards know me on a first name basis, and laugh at me as I ride up in the middle of January. I think they know most of the other year round folks as well. I like the D route, adds a bit more distance to the ride and has less traffic to deal with than the other route (or at least a second lane so the drivers don't get confused on if they can pass).
Only 11,022 more transport miles? Geez, Kelly & JV, quit slacking off... <JK!!!!>
@Mark. Re: the "D" route... It's not long, it's just scenic. (sarcasm)
Chris - I too take the whole lane as I approach the signal, with lanes A and B going straight, and C and D turning right, I ride in the middle of lane B. The vast majority of drivers know where they're going and drive in lane A, so B is usually empty. Some folks take the bike lane to the right of lane D and roll the long way behind the HQ just because they don't want to change lanes and get in traffic. Never had an issue... so far. If you think the guards look at you funny now, wait till you roll up with icicles hanging off your balaclava.
@Jeremiah. Based on your ave mph in your profile, you are a fast son of a gun. Do you wear full team kit and travel light (no bags?) I watched a roadie smoke that turn last week - was that you? (FWIW, I was providing "coverage" from behind with my big ol' SUV.)
@Jeremiah & Tom. I use the STRATCOM gate. (I avoid Kenney even when driving.) You're right, the bike lane after the STRAT gate is questionable - I assume good intentions, but it puts cyclists in real danger when it ends abruptly on the inside of a double right turn (esp given "musical lanes" going on with traffic right there). I take the whole lane well before the turn, then get over on the straightaway. Trust me, I learned a long time ago that sometimes you just have to take the lane. I'm not shy. This morning, the guard looked at me, shook his head, and told me I was a brave, brave soul for biking on base. I replied "Not brave, just crazy." But aren't we all a little crazy???
For tomorrow's Shindig, some folks will be riding north from Offutt and should be at Aksarben around 1645, then continuing to roll north. We'll exit on Cass, then head west to 78th St. Anyone else riding up? ////// Julie, I'm just as interested in how many "trips" people took.
Hey Sheila, you're part of Team Omaha. You live in Omaha + you ride a bike = Team Omaha! Too bad the rain kept us from riding together on Sunday; Cecelia, Carrie, and I took a very short ride to meet Brian at Lisa's Radial for breakfast.
@ Christiane: Happy you're enjoying your new home away-from home- I knew you'd be Okay, though. I wish I had a reason to commute to Offut everyday-even if it's just to be a part of the team. Nevertheless, FDR will do:)
Happy Trails!
@Christiane you must be going through the STRATCOM gate. I get mixed results biking through the Kenney gate(Flag gate). No bike lane there.
@ Christiane - If you come in the Stratcom gate, be careful using the bicycle lane after the gate; people tend to drift their cars into the bike lane around the first curve. I usually take the right hand lane, and can keep up with traffic. Most of the traffic on and around the base are used to all the cyclists and are pretty courteous to us.
With all of the money y'all saved this summer riding instead of driving, there should be plenty of beer money to go around! ;)
1st commute to Offutt this morning. I'm rather amazed at how courteous drivers are to cyclists on base - even during morning rush hour. It was an unexpected surprise. (This coming from someone who was expecting a game of real-life Frogger on base.)
@Robert - We'll miss you. I'll take it upon myself to raise a glass and toast you. Maybe you can sweet talk Julie into finding a deserving rider of your unclaimed beer ticket (hint, hint)
Due to my work hours; I am unable to join in on the group gatherings. I see alot of bicylists only in passing. I have decided to try a new method: I saw two cyclists in passing heading East on 40th; crossing Cummings. Could that be anyone from NBC Team? Time was approximately 1:45 pm today.
@Peggy and Mark (Todd and Chris also!) - it was nice to see you at Amatos and nice to put your face to your name, Peggy!
On a related note, it was a glorious morning to ride into work today! I had a perfect layers to temp ratio, which doesn't happen for me very often.
I just sent a mass email to everyone we have info from about the Wrap Up Shindig on Thursday. Please spread the word to your fellow teammates and friends! We'll be getting rid of a ton of cool AO stuff; for a $5 donation, you can go home with an armload of goodies, including a cool pint glass from which to drink you next beer. :) Please join us Thursday!!
Chris, my pleasure. Welcome to Team Offutt Cyclonauts! We will guilt you into switching teams. :-)
Chris, and the Amato bunch--enjoyed breakfast Saturday.
@Madison - Thanks for the details!
@Peggy - It was lovely meeting you, too. Let's definitely do that again!
@Matt Bittner - Thanks for taking me for a "dry" run on base on Sunday - on decidedly the ickiest day of the season thus far (cold + rain + headwind... Mother Nature, come on now!) Thanks for showing me the ropes and making me feel like part of your Offutt team.
I enjoyed meeting Chris, Todd, Fritz, and Mark at Amatos this am. We need to have more of these meetups.
@Chris, No RSVP necessary...just show up! (The FB event is more of an information placeholder) Here is the info:
Thursday, October 10, 2013
5:00pm until 8:00pm
Come out and celebrate the awesome accomplishments we reached during the Bicycle Commuter Challenge! We will be giving out awards, socializing, and selling "vintage" Activate Omaha gear! There will be light appetizers and a handful of free drink tickets. Be sure to tell all of your co-workers and bike buddies!
Life can be so sweet- In the cylclist lane on the street!
ENDORPHINS ROCK!!!!!!!
@Julie. For those of us who are anti-Facebook, do you have an alternate RSVP option for the wrap-up shindig? I have a sinking suspicion I may be the only FB holdout left in the civilized world - if that's the case, please tell me where to send the carrier pigeon. Thanks.
@All. I'll be at Amato's this Saturday. Can't wait to meet many of you in the flesh (okay, likely swaddled in several layers of spandex, wool and/or neoprene). I'm also up for a ride afterwards - as long or as short as we can collectively stand. I realize we didn't work out a possible route - so freestyle??? (Some hot beverage waypoints may be in order...)
Preach on Kelly Lee Smith!! Biking and the incredible health benefits it brings (not to mention the $ saved!) absolutely saved my bacon last Dec too! Because of the great health I was in when "the unexpected" came (as you so aptly put it) I was able to recover FAST...breaking all rehab records and amazed my doctors & medical professionals alike. LET THE ENDORPHINS ROLL, BABY!!
Paul, your story brought back a less than stellar memory of one of my A.M. commutes from a few years back. I had the dubious honor of a being "kissed" by a bee which required a visit to the doctor's office to treat some pretty nasty swelling (fortunately no airway blockage). A couple of Benadryl have since been added to my emergency kit. I unfortunately can't make Amato's Saturday, but I'll be there in spirit. Hopefully I'll see most of you at the Brazen Head.
Ride On!
For folks with employers like Phy Mu (ΦΜ), that block Facebook, just copy/paste the link into an email to your home.
@Peggy - thanks for letting the Amatos folks know about our Saturday plans. Right now it looks like a ~dozen folks. I plan to bike there, but will probably need to head directly home after breakfast.
w/ Kelly---AMEN!!! AMEN!!!
@ Venkat: Glad you're ok.
W/ ALL: We have an awsome cycling community--We're never really alone out there. We assist, we encourage, we watch out for eachother--and we love to ride.
@ Jerry : I haven't forgotten to watch.
Is there a good enough reason not to smile?
Hi I had a flat tire yesterday on Keystone trail.One Gentleman man helped me by putting some air.This helped me to get into Blondo street.Then I walked two miles to reach home.I would like to thank that Gentleman for his help. I will fix the tire today.
COMPETITION,NO,CHALLENGE,YES!!! A CHALLENGE TO RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY AND TO KEEP OURSELVES ALIVE IN THIS CRAZY WORLD WHERE WE NEVER KNOW WHAT IS COMING NEXT.WE KNOW WHO MAKES THAT DECISION.MY BIKE SAVED MY LIFE MANY TIMES OVER.RIDE BECAUSE YOU LOVE IT!!!!
We talked to Sam and the staff at Amatos today and they saw no problem with a big group for breakfast Saturday. I wasn't sure about a number, but I assume it won't be completely overwhelming! I plan to be there and keep an option open for a ride afterwards if weather permits. Today was perfect, although it was my first time to negotiate the Keystone detour. Didn't love it but it wasn't awful either.
That sounds good Ann - see you there!
I'm in for Amato's at 8, but probably won't ride long afterwards... BYOK (Bring Your Own Kid) Mt Biking at Tranquility 11 - 2!
@Paul: I wonder if you could have self-Heimlich'd on your top tube? And, if so, if you could have somehow videotaped that? "Trail-wise Safety Tips," now on YouTube. (Kidding. Glad you're okay.)
.... Sunset last night - so there I was needing a heimlich maneuver, felt like the size of a small locust or perhaps a humming bird had flew into the back of my throat, riding on the asphalt roads next to all those corn fields going north of elk city.... finally was able to hack and c- hack and cough, (but was determined to ride -- the evening sunset was spectacular, not going to stop), hack and cough, and attempt to self induce regurgitation -- no success, (but was determined to ride). I did get odd looks from the guys working the haul truck parked next to the corn field. Another ride and another experience. SO the insect/bird(joking) was swallowed, I coughed much during the ride, but was determined to ride into the night...... another good chuckle while on a ride
@Peggy - I appreciate you giving Amato's a 'heads up' about Saturday and I also agree with you about riding on Saturday - probably iffy. Thanks!
Look forward to meeting all of you that show up!
@Sheila - Hey now!!!
@Jack - We will just keep logging miles til we get ahead of vermont!! They will never know our sneaky loophole in the endo challenge!!
According to this LAB NBC press release, Lincoln was the national winner in the "Communities" category; Nebraska finished 2nd in the "State" category; UN-L finished 3rd in the "Universities" category; and Randy Reed of Lincoln finished 4th in the "Individual" category. http://conta.cc/1fGHEOJ Way to go!
@ Mark G-- Nebraska gets 2nd!!
Now repeat after me-- I will not bother to dispute anything a WOMAN SAYS!! LOL LOL
Doesn't it seem weird that miles that we log today are still counting towards the NBC totals? It is over, right?
Amato's on Saturday sounds great. I'd like to meet all of you "animals" that I've been watching on the leaderboard all summer. Ken and I are "good buddies" with Sam Amato. It's very likely we'll be in there for brunch at the end of our Wednesday ride tomorrow and can give him or Ann the "heads up" also. I like meeting at 8 and then seeing what the weather's doing before hitting the trail. The forecast if "iffy" and I'm kind of a woosy fair-weather biker.
@Doug, I'm not sure, but I can give Amatos a 'heads up' if the response here warrents doing so. Thanks for asking
you think Amatos can accomadate the crowd?
@Scott - we're still working on the final details, but there will be bike parking. It will not be attended, so people need to plan to lock up.
@Scott- Hang out on back patio and we can all throw our bikes over the wall inside it with us!! Partly serious about that!! HAHA!!
@Scott: to create the final margin of victory (5.1 points per 1,000 citizens) required 9,314 additional points by Nebraska riders. To make up that deficit would have required 29,004 additional points by Wisconsin riders. So, I believe the answer is that we beat them by 9,314 real Nebraska points or 29,004 real Wisconsin points. [disclaimer: I was an English major (but I slept in a Holiday Inn Express last night.]
@Madison - will there be someplace to park bikes there? I haven't been to that strip in a while but don't recall accommodations.
@Jack - how many real points did we beat WI by?
It will be nice to finally put faces to names, Sheila and Mark! Looking forward to it.
@ Mark G - that was a close finish between NE and WI. How does Vermont get so many points? I didn't realize they were such avid bikers there. I thought Colorado would have done far better...
Im in for saturday morning!!
Woo Hoo Nebraska gets 2nd!!
w Fritz: Amato's 8 AM/10/5--Sounds like a great idea! Anyone else? :))
Leaderboard now working. Nebraska beats Wisconsin for #2 in the nation!!
Folks – I wanted to ‘second’ Chris Ley’s idea. How about we have an end-of-challenge meeting / ride this Saturday (10/5). Let’s meet at 8AM at Amato’s (near Aksarben) and those that want to ride afterward can launch out after breakfast – about 9AM. If you just want to meet some of your fellow riders and have breakfast, then feel free to head home afterwards. I’d like some feedback to know who is interested and plans to go. Hope to see you there
Blast, where are the final results?!
I was just hoping to see a final standing.
I keep getting an error when pulling up the leaderboard today.
As the Challenge curtain draws to a close, what do you do tomorrow? RIDE ON! See you next year!
http://www.youtube.com/watch
The challenge may be finished, but WE'RE NOT!----------See YOU on the trail :))
Don't look now, but NE is ahead of WI for the entire challenge period...for the moment. Let's see if it holds through the night. : /
Mudhollow Road in Iowa?
"Curiouser and curiouser" ;)
@Mark C - well said, 'nuff said. It's been a delight to read you posts, musings, and observations. All of us enjoy your zest of simple pleasures. Thank you!
It’s been a great summer! I started with a Top Ten, but the list kept growing (lots quiet time during early rides.)
1. Starting the Challenge on May 1, making solo tracks in the snow.
2. Spring road and trail clean up
3. NBC meet-and-greet ride, and filling the wagon with snacks for the kids in BRAGG
4. Fort Crook bike lane ceremony and ride in Bellevue
5. The can-do attitude of the cycling cowboys for Bike Rack Round-up for metro schools
6. Getting over 20 Owl Ride Ranger volunteers—thanks Cyclonauts!
7. Forty-two, yes 42, bikes on the racks one summer morning—a new record!
8. The positive attitudes of local riders—yeah, I’m talking about you Venkat and the Phy Mu bunch, Sheila, Mark G, Kelly, Christiane, Chain Gangers, Wags, Carrie, Jerry F and other “opposite” commuters that give me the handlebar wave every morning and night
9. The enthusiasm of the Dundee Chain Gang, Bellevue Bike Club, local shops, Activate Omaha, and our own Offutt Cyclonauts
10. Julie and Madigan’s support of cycling in the community, and Julie joining us for Offutt’s Two Wheel Twosday
11. Nebraskans taking the Challenge to improve their health, commute by bike, and being advocates and positive ambassadors for cycling
12. Hearing a great tune while kitting-up, and having it stick in your head for the whole ride. Or having enough of it stick so you can sing the refrain, mumble some of the other words, and drum happily on you handle bars. Thanks a lot Alabama Shakes.
13. Donuts on Two Wheel Twosday
14. “Back Stage access” at Wheat Ridge Cyclery—jerseys from 7-11, Motorola, the Olympics; pro race bikes; road signs and jersey numbers from the TdF, Giro, Spring classics, US national championships. That was really cool!
15. Discovering Mudhollow Road in Iowa, complete with a 15 foot dragon, a Hindu goddess, the occasional plein air painter, a cool, dark, and green creek, and lots of llamas. The perfect road for an Autumn ride or the filming of Sleepy Hollow.
16. Riding the Copper Triangle with friends, to include Cecelia and Debbie climbing three mountain passes and tacking on some extra miles to complete their first century. (Mike too, but he’s ridden centuries before.)
17. Mount Evans… with Mike, freezing rain, thunder and lightning, mountain goats, and totally worn our brakes.
18. Friends guiding the Air Force Cycling Team peloton from Offutt to the start of RAGBRAI
19. The continued pleasure of riding with friends, and making new ones. Thanks for letting me tag along.
20. High-speed descents with people you trust, hard climbs with people that make you laugh.
21. Over thirty signatures on the red Cannondale to include Jean Stothert, Carlos Morales, Julie, lots of local riders, Cyclonauts, and one guy from Brazil.
22. Post-rides at Aksarben: coffee on the patio at Jones Bros; ice-cold smoothies at Juice Stop; walking through the farmers market on Sunday; sunset dinners at Jimmy D’s; rolling past festivals, bands, parties, beer and wine events at Stinson Park; the blessed relief of finally turning east into the neighborhood after a winter commute home into a wet, freezing, howling nor’wester.
23. Sharing a dining table/coffee/beer/laughs/a pull into the wind with friends, anywhere, anytime
I rolled by to early. Bout 515. Oh well! Have fun!
@ Wags: You always were a trooper!! LOL
We haven't officially created an "Omaha Winter Challenge" yet, but we will e-mail everyone with the information when we have it all worked out!
are we supposed to keep logging for a fall challenge?
To all you awesome bicycle RIDING AND SMILING,BABES AND BEASTS ON BIKES,what a great job of putting on the miles by all! Bring on the Winter Challenge!!!!! We all know what the benefits to ourselves and our home we call earth are when we use HUMAN POWERED TRANSPORTATION. LIVE LONG AND RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!
@ Mark G: I'm sure it will royally suck which is why I'm subjecting myself to the torture instead of sending you!! LOL
I've created a Facebook event for the Wrap Up Shindig if you'd like to share it with your teammates and friends! https://www.facebook.com/events/658910167482972/
@ wags - oh yeah bummer! Checking out rome will just absolutely suck! Lol.
@Mark and Scott - I will prolly stop by and say HI! just for a moment. Jimi D's....63 Center right?
Cecelia and I will be there around 5:45--she's rolling south to meet me, then we'll fly north.
@ Mark - sure tonight. I remember we were looking at doing something shortly after the End of Endo but Rich and I thought why not a short one on the "day of".
Aahh Madison... Bummer, I will still be in Rome (Italy) at that time!!
Scott - Tonight?
The Commuter Challenge Wrap Up Shindig will be October 10 from 5-8ish at Brazen Head!
@ Scott: I think Chris Ley and some others were planning to do an ENDO celebration get-together on Oct 5th. Check with them for details!
Is there any interest in an informal Handlebar HH to toast the end of the challenge? Maybe Jimi D's to sit outside and decorate their fence with bikes? Speak up! We know you're out there.
I saw you Kelly riding around town...I call it a Kelly Sighting. On Surly. You animal!
Hey guys!! Last day!! Congrats to everyone for challenging yourselves and pushing through those hot days of summer to make it to the end of the challenge. Collectively, we should be proud of our performance. To hold 2nd or 3rd as a state is wonderful. Good work all!!
It has been a wonderful year for bicycle riding. Other than those very hot days; but Gato Aide bottles and breaks took care of the body. Next year I will achieve Diamond status and meet new friends. Those of you who enter the winter challenge ...I'll be right there with you. I think this year is not going to be as mild as last year. Wow ... I can already feel the challenge forth coming. Once again; to all bicyclists .........Keep On Wheeling.
@Mark, if things are like last year, your stats don't start over until Livewell (formerly AO) starts the next Challenge. I can still view all my miles back to May 2012 when we started using Endo.
@T Wharton, I'm cheering for you to reach 5K by Monday!
Two days left!
Since this board will disappear after Monday are we going to have the end of endo challenge details posted on Monday?
@ Mark G Ok, Ok. I was trying to join the in the enthusiasm of vapid competition, but alas, you've reminded of just how boring it is. I repent!
Not to be downer but neb is second in sept. Still 3rd for challenge period.
NE =2nd place nationally!! Heehee!
We @ First Data did a combo 5k Walk/Run;16/32 benefit Ride for the Child Saving Institute heading south/ then over the Big Pap. Got a half day to play, make new friends, reinforce old aquaintences, all, in support of a good cause. Very cool. Some of us got spun around by the ITP. An intrepid few sped onward anticipating the magic carpet-ride to the finish. It was a blast (no pun intented)! As the wailing southeastern smashed forward, lashed sideways, and bucked beneath, I kept thinking--my heart, core and limbs are going to be all the stronger for this. Thanks invisible training partner.
Now, let's gitty-up home!
Ride'n n' smile'n---erdarnday!!
Be it wind,rain,hills,snow,or whatever obstacle in our way,We as true believers in cycling as the best mode of transportation and I know in my world is a way of life and living what I love.We will al it all times RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!
Oh...that was @Wags -
Its kinda funny. I am really curious after a month of commuting on the high geared singlespeed with the headwinds, if it is going to make much of a difference speed wise on my geared bike.
@ Mark G: AMEN!!! I've always considered the NE wind as my invisible training partner, pushing me to become stronger.
@wags - I do a half circle to and from work. So I pay the toll and reap the rewards both morning and night. Although I really do not mind headwinds. They really do make us stronger riders.
Jerry - Thanks for the detail. I hope it's found and returned. Have you thought of making up a "lost dog" flyer and distributing to the shops? They may be willing to post it, and the more people looking, the better. //// Those of us with group emails to our clubs/teams could send out an "all points bulletin" to be on the lookout. We did a great job surveying the bike racks in the metro, we might be able to spot your bike and report to the police.//// Scott - Good thing I only live 2+ miles away. I was tempted to stay for round two. Good thing I didn't--Wags and I intersected at Twin Creek, and he said they stayed there "LIV'n it up" until after 10:00. Shoulda stayed till after midnight, then Spencer could get credit for riding Thursday AND Friday!
@ Lil: Thanks for the shout out but I'm still #12 in local rankings; way behind several other local riders who have 6,400+ points! And special thanks to you and Spencer for teaching me what I needed to know!!!! LOL
@ Mark: Everybody riding from Offutt will have a nice tailwind pushing us on our ride home. But on the flip side Offutt riders did pay our own punishment to the wind god earlier this morning when we had the south headwind going into work.
FIghting wind only makes me stronger.....fighting wind only makes me stronger....fighting wind only makes me...heart attack!! It is strong wind out there!! Happy pedaling this afternoon!
6194 p. Mike Wagster....you weren't kidding. Great job. I'm glad that Spencer and I taught you everything we know. See you on the trail.
@Mark, Aww, if we knew there was going to be a surprise beer inspection at LIV, Rich N and I could have altered our route to swing by. Fiddlesticks!
Have to vouch for Spencer. I rode with him and Mike Wagster as far as Anchor Inn in last night. Then I headed into the wind with Victor Arce. Off we went.
The bike was pretty much standard Eros configuration: Campy Veloce derailers, Bianchi seat, post, & stem, and Mavic Kryserium (sp) wheels (but they're hard to ID because all the stickers came off). It came with a Sugino triple crank, but I put a Sram Force double on it earlier this year. It also had a black frame pump, L&M tail light, Garmin handlebar mount on the stem, and Trek seat bag. These could easily be removed, but the seat bag mounted on a plastic clip attached to the saddle; it might still be there. I also put clear plastic tape over the Eros logo on the top tube to protect the paint from the bike rack. I lowered the handlebars by moving the steering tube spacers from below the stem to above it.
The bike was locked to a railing by my parking spot in the BCBS parking garage. I though that would be safer since it wouldn't visible to the public. In hindsight it might not have been such a good idea because during the day there was almost no traffic through the area. And with cars parked around it, it was hidden from veiw from most angles giving someone time to cut the cable with little fear of being seen. I think I'll go back to one of the bike racks. Some of them are away from the street, but visible from the parking lot and from the building. Also, a heftier lock is in order.
I thought about calling bike shops, but thought it wouldn't be very likely that somone would bring the bike there since they don't usually buy used bikes and it didn't need any service. I didn't think of pawn shops though. I've heard there's been a rash of bike thefts in the Aksarben area lately, so it might not be just an opportunistic theft.
w Mark G: Ditto---It was pure bliss. I arrived to work super early, so I just hung out, checked the sunrise my heart overflowing.
What an awesome quick rain this early AM!! Was heading into work, kind of warmed up, little bit of sweat goin and the short little rain was perfect for cooling off and still being dry by the time I got to work!!
Spencer was on his bike? Really? Oh, and I would take one of the Madones, sell it, and buy a real bike like a Pugs, Moonlander or ECR... ;-)
Chris - 'Ol Lance ain't got nothin' on us. ///// I came alongside an older Bianchi on my way home tonight, and took a long look at it before pressing on: a celeste Veloce with matching Silca frame pump, nice. Guy probably thought I was weird staring at him as a went by. ///// Rolled by Liv Lounge, and spotted Spencer and Wags on the patio enjoying a cold beer; had to stop and make sure they were OK, and make sure the beer was served at the right temp in the correct glass. Yup, my beer was just right. Satisfied they were in good hands, I spun home.
@Mark C. Don't go summoning demons now... Technically speaking, the National Bike Challenge isn't officially sanctioned by UCI/ WADA/USADA, which means old Livewrong isn't banned from competing for the TP! If he wins, I'm totally calling for independent lab verification of both A and B samples.
@ Mark C As they say in le Midi---YEEEEEHah!
w Wags PREACH IT Bro.!
Ha!! Hey I would still take one of those!!!
They're giving away seven Madones, bright yellow, each only ridden once on Sundays down the Champs-Élysées.
Just curious..anybody know what trek bike they are giving away at end of this?
@Mike, Atta boy Mike! That's just the way you roll!
Don't look now, but Nebraska is closing the gap on the Cheeseheads in Wisconsin for the challenge period points/1000 population. Make sure to get your rides and miles entered!
My wife asked me to run an errand for her this morning saying I should probably drive my truck so I would not be late for work. I looked at her while swinging my leg over the top of my saddle and told her I would rather ride my bike and be late for work instead of driving!!!
Stephanie - I like Charmin
@Mark G. My lonley little Honda gave a forlorn chrip...chrip as I wizzed by her on my roadie this AM.
@Celeste Bianchi stolen - BEFORE Jerry had his bike stolen. A couple weeks ago I rode upon a older middle aged fellow out near Elk City riding a celeste Bianci. Chatted with him a bit, and thought to myself, don't see many celeste Bianchis around. And as we split up, then thought to myself he probably don't see may Pinnarellos around on the back roads northwest of Omaha. just a little chuckle to myself.....
w Christiane: great points!
BTW--Riding this evening was fabulous--I love the weeks just before fall.
Turned truck on for first time in September! Hahaha! Let it run for five minutes. It was kinda smelly!
@Sheila. I think all of BCBS's campus is too public. This may provide a reason for the BCBS commuters to discuss with their facility's security team that there is a need to move bike storage out of public sight, yet still within security's view. I presume there are surveillance cameras on the property - and the rack(s) should be within the camera's coverage. Just the presence of cameras may deter some thieves. I would accept inconvenience in exchange for increased security.
Thanks Steph, always glad to be a pusher and get another (bike) addict on the streets!
Ken Curran - Congrats about getting (close/almost) to 5,000 points. Remember those days you talked to me about commuting into work? With you and Joe Simeon's peer pressure I've done it the last 3 years. Thanks for pushing me.
Tim Lange: If you get to 5000 points I will bring you a 12 pack/Double Rolls of toilet paper to the taco ride one day. We can have a ceremony and all.
Christiane's right. I've been looking at celeste and or greenish Bianchi's really hard--There are a few others around Volpes, etc, no Eroses, yet.
w/ Christne--Yes Yes! Morever, I wonder if BCBS's rack is too easily accessed from the trail?
@Jerry. And when (not if) you get the Eros back... two words: U LOCK. (When I'm in full- blown paranoia mode, I use an ABUS Granit X-Plus with a cable thru the wheels.)
@Scott, it's OK if it's our lowest pt month as long as the same is true for WI. Actually, a 7,400 point deficit for 842 active NE riders is not that much. < 10 points a head.
@Jerry. Atleast you're bike is highly identifiable. Celeste (aka Mentos minty green) does stand out, and there really aren't all that many all-celeste Bianchi's riding around anymore. (I pity any fellow Bianchi riders - they may get chased by the commuter posse.) My guess is that the perp will try to sell it, not ride it. You already know about the pawn circuit and Craigslist. But, you might consider making some quick calls to some of the LBSes that buy/sell used bikes (Omaha, Lincoln, and CB). I contacted Olde Towne in Bellevue. You may wanna call Re-Cycle... and some of the community co-ops, too.
@Scott - I blame Randy R on the chain gang for the low totals. I mean he only has like 10,000 miles. Slacker.....lol
@Jack, Aww, now you make me feel sad. I guess ridership has really dropped across the country if you look at state points by month. It looks like this may be NE's lowest pt month of the challenge. We'll see.
@Sheila : It was nice seeing you this morning. I was opposite rider to Mark C for some time,Now its your turn Sheila....
@ Mark C OMG! LOL!
@ Jerry F: Always nice to see your light burning on the trail each day.
So very sorry about your Bianchi, Jerry. My heart is broken for you. Will keep my eyes peeled (Glad Mark knew what color celeste is) any other distinguishing features?
@Scott, after a little cipherin' I conclude that our deficit to Wisconsin is 7,396.67 points. (4.05 point gap currently x 1,826,341 NE citizens / 1,000). (Fair disclosure: I was an English major. Math types feel free to whip out your slide rules.)
Fellow Nebraska riders - We are in 2nd place for Sept. holding a 10 pt lead over WI. For the "challenge period" we are a measly 4.32 pts away from taking over 2nd place from WI. Let's all do what Kelly says when he posts, "RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!" At least everyone ride every day remaining and we might just overtake them Badgers!
Ouch, sorry to hear about the loss Jerry and my eyes will be peeled. However when that happened to a co-worker of mine last year, I told her to check out the pawn shops and start with the ones closest to work where the theft occurred. She found it at the first one she visited about 2 miles from Mid Town where the theft occurred. Mark's suggestion is spot on. You might also check Craigs list too.
On a positive note though, congrats to Tim on 5,000 (tomorrow) and Phil 4,000. I'm officially hitting TP eligibility on my ride home tonight. Woo-hoo!
Morning Jerry, nice to see you on the trail this morning. Sorry to hear about the theft; yes, please give the details and any unique markings, because if I see it, I'm only three keystrokes (9-1-1) away from bringing it back. Make sure to notify the pawn shops, bike shops, check Craigslist and put a notice there too. A celeste green Bianchi...stolen...that's cruel!
Due to pending budget cuts and possible government shutdown on 1 October, the years supply of toilet paper has been replaced by a small Shamwow and half a can of Fabreze.
Keep your eyes peeled for a celeste (is there any other color?) Bianchi Eros. Mine went MIA yesterday afternoon. All that was left was the cut cable that used to lash it to a railing in the BCBS parking garage. I have compnent details if it would help. Police & BCBS security have been notified. Sorry to put a damper on all the great accomplishments listed below.
I'll hit 5000 on my next ride. Did they already give away the year supply of toilet paper?
Going to hit 4,000 to end the official Summer Challenge! Looking forward to the Winter Challenge next!
it would be interesting to see points and miles listed on the leader board. Could put miles in parens.
Congratulations to Jim Benes at Mutual of Omaha . He hit 5000 points on Endomondo. It's not over yet....Great job Jim! Keep logging miles.
@sheila .. You are right- It's me
I take street in elm wood in morning but path in afternoon. Overall I spend a lot of time on sidewalks just to avoid traffic. I will jump on a street every now and then or in a group. My main problem is the walkers on the trail system in morning. They don't wear any sort of bright clothing or have any lighting. Very difficult to see them sometimes and I really don't want to hit one.
@Sheila. Living in a house surrounded by a public golf course has taught me that most golfers are hacks. I was probably a "harder target" on the cart path vs the road!
@Mark. Aside from the interstate system, we "belong" on all roads. I'll go toe-to-toe with anyone who tries to tell me otherwise. We'll have plenty of time to sit still in our "coffins" when we're dead.
To non-cyclists, bike paths are where bikes belong, or peddled by toddlers in the driveway; it's the petrol-centric perspective of looking at bicycles as toys, fitness equipment, or sporting goods, not as transportation. Think of how horses were viewed long ago; they were in the streets, tied up outside business and shops, ridden to school, used by folks to travel long distances or pull equipment, and it wouldn't be odd to see them anywhere in town. A century or so later, God forbid there'd be one on the road or bike trail, much less in your back yard; horses are pets or "toys of the rich", by jimminy, and belong in the country. Funny thing, the invention and design of bicycles was partially inspired by the desire to give cheap, long range transportation to the masses who couldn’t afford a horse. (Why do you think we ride on “saddles” and, because most people mounted a horse from the left side, the dirty, drive-side of the bike is on the right.) So here we are, cyclists and equestrians, on the fringe our motor-driven society. Giddy up!.
@ Christiane: Hey, U- KEEP OF THE COURSE LOL!!
I take the streets thru Elmwood, too. If a path is not wide enough for a cyclist to pass a walker with sufficient clearance, is it technically a "path usable for cyclists" or are we invading their sidewalk? And yes, there are stairs and tight turns near the grotto... and some of the paths are lumpy and narrow like golf cart paths (presuming I didn't get lost and was actually ON the golf course).
I haven't been in Elmwood park for a long time but it seems like there are stairs on those paths? I may not be remembering this correctly.
Rich, I agree -- and also ride in the street through Elmwood.
Thanks, Jack ... helpful information. I often question when biking on Happy Hollow or through Elmwood park if legally I should be on the paths rather than the streets. What classifies as a bike path versus a sidewalk is not always clear cut. Areas like Happy Hollow and Elmwood the paths are full of pedestrians -- runners and walkers, many times with baby strollers or dogs on leashes -- which makes the paths difficult to bike on safely so I usually choose riding on the street.
@Allison. I routinely encounter the drivers not looking before turning (often on their damn phone) every week . My problem intersection is Cornhusker & 96th, esp in the morning. (Dammit, people, how important is that stupid text?!?) I stop close to the curb and frequently wave & yell (not hostilities, just "Hey, look, over here!") at drivers before I venture into the road (and that's with the crosswalk signal). BTW, I routinely wave thanks when they *do* see me.
Jack - Thanks, that's great information.
Jim - You're right, two rear blinkies are better, and keep spare batteries at work. A small piece of tape also keeps the lense and light from jarring loose; twice this year, friends' lights have bounced off, and we were lucky enough to find them. I lost two over the years before I started securing them with tape.
Slashdot debate: http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/09/24/1230210/georgia-cop-issues-800-tickets-to-drivers-texting-at-red-lights. Original article: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/cop-claims-hes-issued-nearly-800-tickets-texting-a/nZ34P/.
Speaking of bad driving: there's an interesting debate on Slashdot today. A cop handed out 800 tickets to people texting at stop lights. One side is arguing this is a cheap, too-literal interpretation of the law. The other side (pedestrians and cyclists) are arguging this is a good thing, as they've been almost hit many times by drivers who accidentally/unknowingly start creeping through the intersection. Have you guys ever had issues like that?
Thanks for the FYI, Heidi. Trail boobytrapping is a recurring problem (esp. in the fall). Last year, pranking landed a cyclist in the ICU (log placed across trail, rider with no lights). Now that we are losing daylight, be extra cautious when approaching dark underpasses or blind turns (look for objects across the path) or any areas with vertical structures close together (fences,railings, bridge supports, pole/signs) where people can string clear packing tape or line to "closeline" trail users (more common than you think). My favorite recent prank "incident" involved 2 teen boys faking like they were pulling a rope tight across the trail right in front of me. I stopped hard. Thankfully the gang (5-6 not-so-little jerks) didn't have any worse plans for me once they stopped me. (Now I'm extra wary of teens out late on the trail.)
If you see something hazardous or people acting suspicious, consider reporting it to police. And remove any obstacles you find and toss them far off the trail so nobody gets any more bad ideas.
@Rich Niemann - I doubt that your enraged driver was aware of this, but Nebraska does have a mandatory side path law. See NRS 60-6317(3) http://1.usa.gov/18ntfzr. In plain English, if there is a path (such as a bike lane) adjacent to a highway (broadly defined to include any street or road, (see http://1.usa.gov/19AXj9C) ) a cyclist is legally obligated to use it and may not use the highway unless he or she is riding on the shoulder. So, applied to the Elmwood Park situation, there are two bike trails (one on the west and one on the east) that run parallel with the street. Legally, we're obligated to use them rather than the street. (Sucks, don't it?.) But again, I doubt your driver knows that. I think the law that causes the most confusion and anger on the part of motorists is 60-6317(1) which says that we're supposed to ride as near to the right-hand curb "as practicable" except when passing, making a left turn, avoiding conditions that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge of the road, when the lane is too narrow for vehicles and bikes to travel safely side by side or when riding on the shoulder. Most drivers seem to believe that bikes are supposed to be on the extreme right edge of the street/road at all times so that the cars can pass them (or run them off the road) with little effort. Bicyclists who "claim the lane" for their own safety (as endorsed by the League of American Bicyclists) are often condemned by drivers as "being in their way" instead of being where they properly belong (i.e., at the extreme right of the road). http://bit.ly/nawTMW
On rear "blinkies", make sure you have at least two - there have been several times when I get to work to discover one of mine has shut off because of a dead battery.
@ Rich Niemann - You're not alone bro. You did the right thing by doing the best you can and not retaliating. I've even tried to let the driver know that I see him by waving him around. Needless to say, it didn't work. I admire your cool head. Keep riding, stay safe.
@ Venkat: Was that you heading east on Leavenworth this AM? It was still dark. Next time I'll say hi.
@ Mark - I agree on the vest. I've worn one for two years now. Bought mine at Menards for about $10 bucks. Because it's mesh it doesn't add much bulk in the summer and is big enough to fit over my winter layer and drawstring bag on my back. A cheap "insurance policy".
Kenda makes commuter tires that have reflective sidewalls. The ones I got, Kenda Kwick Trax the reflective glows superbright when lights hit them. They are another good option.
Hi vis construction vests are super bright and reflective. I wear one and recommend them highly!
Couldn't agree more Rich. While 99% of drivers are fine, the few road ragers are pretty frustrating. The extra effort of pulling on the stearing wheel to go around a cyclist must aggravate their tennis elbow (likely caused by picking up a remote too many times, not something as active as tennis). Nothing like getting yelled at to get on the sidewalk even in areas where there is no sidewalk and getting passed within 2 feet with nobody coming the other direction or so they could leave 6 feet or more to the car on their left. It's painfully obvious people like that have an IQ of about 1/3 their age and cannot be reasoned with. At some point their own actions will be the chlorine to their own gene pool and we'll likely get a laugh out of it on Youtube or Maerica's Dumbest. Ride on!!!!
Here is a quick report from Lowell Peterson, co-founder of BRAGG: Thank you again for supporting BRAGG. The NBC Social Ride which took place on Aug 18 resulted in 32 boxes of food that we are still feeding the kids with on Wednesday evening. The Dollar amount donated was $136.50.
=====================
YES!!!! All of you have made a difference thanks to your generosity. Keep riding safe my friends and take time to help others when the opportuntiy presents itself!!
I ran into a case of road rage last evening that left me angry, upset and a bit bewildered.
A return trip home after running an errand after work last evening took me eastbound on the side path off the Keystone trail along Pacific Street and into Elmwood Park. Part way through the park a car was approaching from behind so I pulled over to the right as far as I could assuming the car would pass. The driver did not pass but instead laid on his horn and yelled obscenities at me and to get that f***'n bike off the road. This continued, horn honking and screaming, through the rest of the park until I turned off on the road by Happy Hollow. Image, a biker with the audacity to use a street through a public park!
I chose to ignore the driver, not even acknowledging his presence assuming engaging the driver in any way could escalate out of control.
I don't get it ... how the trivial "inconvenience" of having to pass a biker on the street can muster that much anger in someone.
Good observation about safety. This is the time of year when our commutes slowly drift into darkness, week after week. Ensure you have at least one bright blinker properly aligned and facing the rear, a good headlight (not some gimmicky, tiny thing), high-viz clothing, and plenty of reflective tape and material on both you and your bike. When it comes to lights, newer is better because battery technology, LEDs, and focused lenses have made lights better and cheaper in the past few years; my heavy, old, $300 halogen is positively wimpy compared to a new, lightweight, 300 lumen, $65 light. Same with rear blinkies; lense and LED technology have made new ones blindingly bright. What looks bright in the store or when you fire up the light in the basement, might not be optimal. Don’t go cheap—what’s your insurance deductible, the cost of missed work, the cost of a new bike? Being pro-active with lights and high viz clothing is comparatively cheap. Set your bike up as you would ride it with lights flashing, prop it up outside, and step back a several hundred feet or so—this is what a driver sees. Turn the bike lights off and, once again from a hundred feet away, aim a flashlight at your frame from different angles, to get a picture of what a driver sees—I know lots of us have really cool frames and don’t want to dork them up with reflective tape, but visibility is critical; my Cannondale is red, and the red reflective tape just blends in during the day time, you can get white, and even get black reflective tape. Wheel lights are cheap and pretty cool looking too; I have a blue one in front, and yellow on the rear; when I’m rolling I look like a low-budget Tron extra.
on the papio this morning i noticed some tape or saran wrap across the trail under I 80. it was on the ground and fortunately not harmful to me. Pranksters love doing that kind of stupid stuff. Keep eyes peeled under the underpasses, esp where the trail comes close to the roads. Heidi
Paul,
That is exactely the tire I use on my Trek 8.4 DS Hybrid for winter commuting.I rode over alot of snow last winter, not sure if anything works on ice other than studs.
Rich N gave me the card last week. Thank you all for the beautiful card.
You are right Mark, I was escaped from one accident at 117&Blondo yesterday evening. One lady is making her right turn in the traffic signal with out watching the bicycle. (Though I have a signal to cross the intersection). Be careful guys..
@MarkC: Yes, Capo Neoprene ISO booties. Wonder how Goldbond foot powder would help with the sweaty foot?
GROUP: what are comments on using a LT3 bontraeger 700 X 38C for colder weather use on my Trek 7.5?
Group: Comments on the TAZ 1200 Light & Motion?
Hey all! 3 pedestrians and a cyclist all hit by cars in the past four days. Be careful out there and use those defensive cyclist techniques.
Mark C - love the 'wrost ride outdoors in better than the best ride indoors' philosophy. After the hot Bike MS century on Spet 7, I so treasure the cool weather.
Be safe as it gets darker! This morning at 6am, I passed a rider on the Keystone with dark clothing, no lights, no helmet...almost impossible to see until my light hit him. At least he's out riding, but lighting is critical.
Northbound was a blast!
That was a fun tailwind Christiane! First half of my ride was into it on the single speed that desperately needs an extra two teeth in back. But.....Made for SUPERFUN second half of ride with the wind!!
@Sheila, thanks for the trail update.
If you hear a strange noise along the trail tonight, that's just this little piggy squealing "Wheeeeeee!" all the way home. 20+mph tailwind. Wheeeeeeee!
FYI
Section of Keystone Trail to close Monday through Nov. 30
A section of the Keystone Trail will close Monday at 6 a.m. through Nov. 30 so an existing pedestrian bridge near Nebraska Furniture Mart can be replaced.
The portion of the trail that will close starts just south of West Dodge Road and runs to the pedestrian bridge that is west of 72nd Street near Nebraska Furniture Mart.
Walkers, runners and cyclists are advised to take an available detour.
Those traveling south on the Keystone Trail should exit the trail at West Dodge Road and head east to Rose Blumkin Drive, then south to the Keystone Trail. Those traveling north on the Keystone Trail should take Rose Blumkin Drive north to West Dodge Road, then west to the Keystone Trail.
Oo-o-o-oh, Paul, I see a Pinarello in your profile picture. Capo sure would look nice, if you want to stay fashionable.
Paul - Do you mean "neoprene?" Like scuba suits? If so, I have an old pair, with felt-like lining that I rarely, if ever, use. Good: Warm and waterproof. Bad: Waterproof and do not breath, I wore them in only the coldest temps, and they made my feet sweat, which led to cold feet. If they're just some stretchy lycra, pullover booties, then they'll be OK. Go with what fits and is relatively easy to put on. Bring your shoes in to the shop before you buy, because some sizing is way off, and you'll want to try them on. Here's my progression of foot wear from summer to deep winter: Thin poly pro / thin wool / thicker wool / thicker and taller wool / thin wool with booties / thicker and taller wool (ski boot socks) with booties. Some folks switch to winter cycling shoes. If you have road shoes with vent holes on the bottom, cover the vent holes as temps drop. Keep riding as deep into the season as safety and sanity allow: the worst ride outdoors is better than the best ride indoors.
@Bob Yager,I also have a woman that no matter how my day is,I know she will be there for me as she has been for 28 years,Thank You God!!! @ Jim Benes,congrats on acheiving DIAMOND STATUS.Omaha cyclist rule the roads.RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY.!!!!!!
Question: Anyone use those Capo neprene shoe covers for colder weather rides? Comments/advice?
Congrats to "Diamond" Jim Benes, way to go!
One week left in the challenge folks! Hope everyone got out to enjoy that beautiful weather we had this past weekend. Speaking of cars, I should probably turn mine on. It has been sitting in driveway for almost a month!
I rode almost every day to work in June and every day in July. Now my daughter's school is back in session and I have carpool responsibilities. I do enjoy the routine with my 13 year old, but the traffic in Ralston is terrible (relative to the South O trail). I want to thank my wife Amy for picking up the carpool duty as much as she does so I can ride. She says it keeps me from the edge. The past year at work has been very difficult, but I get to ride my bike home to a good women, and that my friends has gotten me through every darn day.
Cars R Coffins Mike!RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!
Mike W. I hear ya! Good post!
Mike W. - amen brother
I'm a little late on making this post but I wanted to share my experience anyway.... Yesterday (Friday) morning I had to haul some furnature from our storage unit to our home in the early morning hours before work. By the time I got finished with this errand I was running really late to work so I decided I better drive to work instead of ride my bike. What a mistake!!!! After riding my bike to work everyday this summer since June I forgot how frustrating it is to drive in rush hour traffic (even in Bellevue, NE) and also how hard it is to find a parking slot at work. I'm so happy when I ride my bike (even when it involves riding to work). This challenge is the reason I now live a less stressful life and enjoy my commute to/from work!!!
If I had an ounce of creativity left in me, I'd try to come up with an End-O-Challenge Alley Cat instead... wouldn't that be cool? Bike treasure hunt thru town. Maybe next year... (dreams big)
Chris - i Ithink you're on the right track. Aksarben is a good location to meet. Not sure about Amatos, but I'm game. thanks!
To our Amatos regulars - do you think they can handle a flock of bikers at 8am on a Saturday?
Okay, gang. We need to settle on some details for the End-O-Challenge ride on Saturday AM 10/5!!! Anybody want to propose some start & end destinations, as well as possible routes? First things first, where are we starting & when? I'd like to propose a centralized "keystone trail" start and maybe head into the urban core, uh, I mean "heart" of Omaha... maybe a lazy meandering loop around town. Anybody up for breakfast at Amato's (near Aksarben) at 8:00am? (Just brainstorming here... feel free to chime in with possibilities.)
@Scott. How cool is that?! Sounds like PM is a nice workplace. Our team has been doing little prizes throughout the challenge. Taillights, waterbottles... stuff like that. The team rider with the most points at the end gets a RoadID gift card (a gift I hope nobody has to use!) I'm also hoping to host a little team ride to somewhere like Red Mango or Jones Bros to acknowledge everyone's dedication this season.
10 days left folks! Pedal hard! Party ride at the end!
At ΦΜ (Phy Mu or Physicians Mutual) we’re putting together our plans for our End of Endo Season Shindig. We’ll be recognizing our Rookie Female/Male riders, Most Improved Female/Male riders, Most miles Sport/Transport/combined, and Most trips Sport/Transport/combined with certificates. We’ll also have new special awards: The Golden Pedal, Golden Saddle, and Golden Spoke travelling trophies (criteria TBD).
Found It
Mark Gibbons
I e-mailed the folks for Embrace the Loess Hills Ride asking for registration.
Here is their email address: [email protected]
This is the info she said they would need emailed to them:
name:
phone:
address(optional):
choice of route: 30 or 73
Do you want a t-shirt? (I think they will cost $10.) ... What color?
... What size?
If you want to pass that info along to anyone interested, it will help us plan so we know how many mouths to feed, etc.
And we can be more prepared.
http://www.bikeiowa.com/EventPop/7569/embrace-the-hills
Mark G/ALL- What's the name of that Loess bene Ride taking place this Sat?
Mark G - Or you could just ride in the rain, and drag your brakes as you go--that'll smooth 'em out. (Or in my case on Mt Evans, wear them down to the nub.)
Mark G/ Lonny J Check it: You've got the "Pot O'Gold"!
@ Sheila and Lonny - I did see the rainbowthis morning. It ended up 'touching' two points on the ground, but I didn't see a double rainbow. Still, quite a good sight
Thanks Mark - I figured I would give them some time as I had researched and messed with toeing in and cleaning and such. Maybe it will go away. However if after a little while they do not I am going to see if Omaha Bike Co in Dundee can do it :)
Mark G - If the brake pads are new (not old and dried out), ensure the pads are properly aligned (parallel, square with rim surface) with the rim and of the proper rubber compound for the rim brake surface, the rim is clean (no oil or built up grime), the pads are clean (again, no oil, grime or embedded grit. Pick out the embedded grit and use a fine sandpaper to smooth the surface), and then try toe-ing in the pads so they ever-so-slightly contact the rim in front first. Toe-in requires actually bending the caliper itself, which can be dangerous with aluminum. Please, if you're uncomfortable adjusting the brakes, please take the bike to a shop--it's an easy and cheap fix. As pads are worn in, the squelling usually stops, so you could just be patient and annoy your friends until that happens--I mean annoy them with squelling brakes, I make no other assumptions or inferences. Hope this helps. See ya on the trail!
To be fair, my wife usually gets the call on way home from work when she is already stressed from the day and the traffic. I would prolly be annoyed by it too!
I hate that situation Lonny. They just LOVE coming and picking us up!
I did see the double rainbow riding thru Ralston. Georgous! Thought it would be a lead in to a great day. Then once on the keystone before L street. I got a flat. Changed to a patched tube. That tube wouldn't hold air. Gave up, called the wife to come pick me up.
It was dark when I came in. No rainbow here but a super bright moon!!!!
Who, besides me, got caught in a sunshower and peeped the double rainbow this AM? Smashing!
Kept thinking: "Couldn't take the time to savor wonders like these if I were stuffed in a car."
What I learned after my first day on singlespeed....Oh man it lights up your quads!! Mon through friday on single speed could very well lead to faster saturday and sunday times on geared bike. But I do have to say I enjoyed the experience overall. Plus, I need to figure out patience for adjusting brakes. Cannot get rid of squeal for the life of me!!
Man, did anyone do a ride last night? I made a short trip from Ralston to Aksarben Village last night after 9 pm. The moon was up and bright. I had all kind of "moon" songs going throught my head, Blue Moon, King Harvest's Dancing In the Moonlight, Van Morrison's Moondance, The Police-Walking on the Moon, and the Rolling Stones-Moonlight Mile. I only met one other rider and a jogger. If you have a chance, experience that (with lights of course).
Looking ahead to the 2014 gubernatorial race and realizing that this forum won't be around during that election season, I thought it might be worth mentioning to folks here that one of the GOP candidates is an avid bicyclist. Pete Ricketts is a member of the Dundee Chain Gang and a regular early morning rider on the Keystone Trail who rides year 'round. Being a frequent riding companion of Pete's for the past year, I can say without hesitation that he is a good guy and probably the most courteous and observant of traffic rules of any rider I know (actually stops at red lights). One of the cool things about riding with others in a group is that wealth, power, social rank, prestige, etc. all get stripped away, and it just comes down to what kind of person you are inside and what you can do on a bike. Pete passes both of those tests with flying colors. I'm not looking to ignite a political discussion here, but I just thought readers might like to know that there's a rider in the governor's race.
And of course, not too long after I post that message, Endo is back up at STRATCOM. If Endo kept a static site, it wouldn't be an issue.
Peggy - Have no fear, we'll get something in the works for the "Endo de Challenge." It may be informal and lack a great deal of fanfare, but a week or so back we were talking about the 5th of October, starting the ride with coffee or ending it with beer in Benson. ///// Good Lord women, omelets "mid ride"?!!! I guess we're lucky to live only two miles away, and are able to swiftly roll in, then slowly wobble out, after a big breakfast.
Just as an FYI, we lost access to Endo at STRATCOM. Again.
Am I a horrible person for wishing the Ralston Arena's budget primarily went towards fixing the car parking problems, versus the bike parking problems? I live 5-10 minutes away from the Arena. I have to avoid the area during major events because the streets lock up with cars. On the flip side, fixing the bike problems seems easy: install a few racks. Not so much with the car problems.
@Stephanie. Thanks for the email for Ralston Arena. Hopefully we can convince them that a bike rack would be a worthwhile investment in the long term. Bikers are a loyal bunch - and we tend to come back with friends. Just ask the Mineola steakhouse.
@Peggy. Those pancakes at Amatos are totally awesome!!! It still would be sweet to have a bike rack there. That brick is hard on bar tape (even when being careful).
Speaking of leaning bikes... I've had multiple people grab my bike, including once at Amatos... (Is this a popular thing to do at gas stations? I'm thinking it's just a way for creepy dudes to force interaction with a lone female in spandex refilling her waterbottles. Hmmm...) People grab my carbon bike and do the one-handed lift thing. I've learned to "roll with it" (if u know me, this is free entertainment), but I fear they'll knock the bike over when setting it down (front wheel pivots, bike falls over). This is why we need more bike racks. So I can lock up my bike to keep people from "lifting" it - literally and figuratively.
So, fellow bike challenge "firiends," whom I suspect I see regularly on the Keystone, are there any plans to celebrate the end of the challenge, especially those of us who have acheived "status?" It would be fun to actually meet you guys!
We bike to Amato's also and feel fine just leaning the bikes up against the wall. Point of trivia - I am the "inventor" of the berry ricotta pancakes, but can't eat them anymore because I'm carb intolerant. But the omelets with extra butter really hit the spot mid-ride!
I talked to the gentlemen in charge of Ralston Arena last year and mentioned the number of cyclists that would like a bike rack set up. He said it wasn't in the budget for the year they opened. I would suggest if more people would send an email to this address maybe they would get one or two. Parking is already horrible for cars....it would be nice to have a corral there. [email protected]. We in the past have parked our bikes at the Anchor Inn and then walked over. Chained them to their patio fence.
@Mark C. Bless Jones Bros for being bike friendly... but the Aksarben shopping center proper needs to put that bike rack back so bikers can park in order to patronize the other shops, as well as the farmer's market... (else I'm pushing my bike thru crowds or leaning my bike against the glass at Juice Stop - which I'd rather not do). I also bike to Amatos (cough, cough... no rack) for their berry ricotta pancakes & coffee... Lastly, I heard a rumor (not substantiated!) that Mojo's in Aksarben might be closing. Bummer. They had good wings and moscow mules... and a great big fence to park against.
@Scott. It's not just the 72nd St. corridor that's devoid of bike parking... but it is rather curious when establishments *right off the trail* don't put racks in. (Wheatfields on Pacific - I'm pointing my gloved finger at you.) The lack of bike parking at a public venue like the Ralson Arena indicates thoughtlessness in planning/design. I guess I won't be biking there for concerts, ice skating, or sporting events... I *was* honest-to-goodness considering starting a "party" ride to see our kindred wheelwomen, the Omaha Roller Girls, once their 2014 season starts up again at Ralston Arena (Feb thru June)... (Dinner/drinks before, roller derby action after!) But we need somewhere "legit" to lock up our bikes on premises (a light pole just doesn't cut it.)
@Christiane - extra points if we look like frosty the snowmonkey after a ride?
The folks at Jones Bros have never complained about leaning our bikes against the railings. And they give a 5% discount to cyclists. Love stopping post-ride, sipping coffee on the patio, watching the bee-hive that is a weekend morning. The rack may have been moved to reconstruct the short wall in front or for the Corp Cup; I'll ask on my way home./////// Chris, you can always roll over to the Joslyn and take in some fine Italian paintings. Or stop by Amato's near Ak for a gut-busting breakfast; Sam and Ann are good folk.
@ Ken - I second that disappointment. That whole 72nd Street business corridor is a void of bike parking. But the city of Ralston says it's OK to park at the arena for free to pull you bike out and ride the trails. Ralston Keno has a small rack on the north end of their building but have signs all around only patron parking. Go figure.
@Mark. We had a winter challenge last year... rather unofficial in nature. The "prizes" consisted of not getting hypothermia and not getting run over by a snow plow.
I notice when you look at leaderboard you can choose the month. They recently added October November December. Does NBC do a winter cycling challenge as well?
@Ken. Hmmm, I'm wondering if a letter/email might bring the issue to their attention.... I think what we *need* is a group picture to send to businesses that shows our fine group of cyclists with the following caption in bold letters - Dear <fill-in-establishment-name>, if you install a bike rack, they will come... and spend $$$ at your business.
Anybody notice that we lost the big bike rack at Aksarben in front of Jones Bros??? Perhaps we're supposed to park over by the parking garage (well out of sight). If I can't park my bike, I'm not stopping & shopping...
@Mark G. Nothing like having new wheels! Zoom, zoom...
@Mark C. Espresso? I can't find anyone who can pull a decent shot in this whole county (Sarpy). Campy + Surly is a bit of an unholy alliance... To do the bike justice, I think its maiden voyage should be a Thursday lunch ride to Sons of Italy for mostaccicioli & meatballs.. and then play hooky from work (Zoo?) for the rest of the day.
Touching on a hot topic from a few weeks ago, I found out last night that the Ralston Arena does not have a bike rack. Pretty sad when a nice new public venue with a trail that runs right in front of it and 2 others within 3 blocks doesn't have one.
Go Team USA volleyball!
Wheelset on fedex vehicle!! WooHoo!! If you see an orange and black bike tearing down the trail tomorrow don't worry!! It's just Marky on the rebuilt singlespeed!!!
Also,Welcome back Venkat!!!!!!
@JIM BENES- Ya know,I don't have any ride support to do next few weekends,so as much of my free time as possible will be on the Moonlander! Also got the new grandson Ephrem Jude and 2yr. young Eilon Augustine,and 4 yr. young Selah Joy to enjoy life with.So I guess will have to see.Just love to RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY! Omaha and Bellevue and all Nebraska cyclists rule! It is you that ride and smile that allow us in this wonderful business to do what we love to do.All of the bike shops in Nebraska are supported by some of the best humans beings around.Keep on pedaling and hope to see as many of you as possible at our fall Fondo in October,more info soon.I LOVE BIKES AND THE PEOPLE THAT RIDE THEM!!!!!!!!!
And if you put Campagnolo on it, the first ride must start with an espresso.
Chris - Ahh, now you're talkin'! That sounds like a beauty of a build. Molto bello. Ciao, Marco ////////
Matt - I notice and admire the Truckers and XChecks, I'm just saying we'd welcome another Surley. And the ol' yeller (and red) 'Dale started as a cross bike and is now ignobly weighed down with commuter stuff. Now when I try to bunny hop it, it sounds like a two-car pile up, parts clanging and banging.
Thanks for rollin' out the welcome wagon, Matt & Mark! I'm actually looking forward to being part of the Offutt gang. I get passed this way and that by Offutt riders anyway, so now I can hop on the train... And, yeah, Glitter Dreams all the way! Gonna do a frame-up build on the Straggler so I can pimp it out even more. Thinking Campy b/c I can... And I noticed the dropouts, too. Gonna have some fun with this bike...
Chris, Mark really doesn't pay attention. There are two Cross Checks and two LHTs in the racks at Offutt. I would say he doesn't get out much, but when you're a roadie, real bikes pass you by and you just don't realize... :-D
Venkat's back
a-spinnin diamonds on the double---
Hey laaa.
Hey, laaa
Venkat's back!
Welcome Back Venkat!
Venkat's back! Venkat's back!! Venkat's back!!! All is right with the world (and on the trail.)
Chris - We'd be lucky to have you working with us. Nice looking sled; love the drop outs, not many bikes have adjustment screws in the dropouts (my old Trek 760 does, and they just look old school.) Going with the Glitter Dreams? That would look great with some white tape, or whatever color the "Surley" on the downtube is. Unless you're a "tape must match the seat" girl. We'll keep a spot on the rack open for ya! Best wishes.
@Matt. The Straggler will be a gift to myself if I manage to stay gainfully employed come 1 Oct (at risk for layoff). Fingers & toes crossed. If I'm lucky, I will likely be working at Offutt, so I get to join the hallowed ranks of the the Offutt commuter squadra! If you can't tell, I'm trying to stay on the bright side of life <whistles poorly like a dork>...
Christiane, Surly rules! If the Straggler came out a couple of years ago, I would have bought it instead of the Cross Check I ride. Oh well, at least I'm still riding a Surly. Next up will either be a Pugs or an ECR (when I win the lottery ;-) ).
Venkat is back from India! Welcome back, Venkat!!!
@KELLY LEE SMITH - are you going to make double diamond? 8804pts as of this morning and 14 days to go. You can make 10,000!
Thanks Chris! And a way belated congrats to you (as you blast through 6000) and all you other trailblazer diamond folks!
Congrats to teammates & friends Fritz VanWijngaarden & Frank Olson for reaching diamond level!!!
@Mark. I will always <3 my Lemond, but my next steed will be a Surly Straggler (new disc-brake Cross Check)... for loaded commuting & random gravel excursions.
@Mark. Glad to see ol' Greg is stil kicking. Also glad he's not going the direct sales route with the new LeMonds (sans Trek)... I'm a big supporter of LBSes.
Christiane Ley - New stable mates, in the future?
http://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2013/02/21/lemond-plans-re-entry-bike-market#.UjTqwBZWH6U
@ Julie & Madison- were your old emails deactivated? I wrote last week or so. I didn't get a bounce back...is it in a black hole?
Thanks for the reminder about the Corp Cup Run. I avoided Hwy 6 this Sat AM (gameday traffic) and will avoid the Keystone near Aksarben on Sun AM.
...and over 360 with Gold status. That's a lot of riding. (I can't watch the NE game any longer.)
Congrats to the Diamond winners! Here's something equally impressive: we have over 120 that have attained Platinum status for the Challenge period. OUTSTANDING OMAHA!!!
Remember the Corp Cup starts and ends at Aksarben this Sunday morning.
Jack...with the situation in the morning, and lots of the chaingangers not making the 8 ride at Stinson, do we have a fearless leader to lead the ride?
Thanks Jack!! Congrats to David Morgan as well!
Here ol' Mark Gibbons was busy handing out Diamond congrats to others and was being all mum about the fact that he'd just rolled past 5,000 himself. Congrats, Mark! And also to David Morgan who surpassed the 5,000 point mark this morning.
Way to go Cecelia!
Congrats on reaching 5,000 Cecelia (and everyone else who has reached that plateau for that matter). The beer and bbq is an excellent way to celebrate too!
This mornings ride showed that we are going to need to pull out our jackets soon. Get ready for riding in all elements. I am actually looking forward to some quiet mornings with snow falling while riding. Not too soon but stay positive about it!
CONGRATULATIONS Ceclia!! Way to rock that new dragon DIAMOND(s)!
Hey, I rode south with Fred (Info Group?) this morning; says he commutes south all the time, usually 30 minutes earlier, that's why I never see him, we're out of synch. We've ridden together a total of, maybe, 30 minutes over the past many years. I only know him from the trail and on a bike. Frequently saw him in a UNMC kit pulling his toddler in a trailer, heading south as I cruised home, north. His son's now ten! A 30 minute friendship spread out over almost ten years. That's pretty neat.
Congrats Cecilia!
The road and wind beckon, and pulls us away; it's love, friends and family that pull us home. The last mile home is always a ceremony. (Plus we had BBQ and beer!)
@Cecilia. Congratulations on diamond! You picked a lovely night to hit 5000 - even if it occurred during the least ceremonius mile of your journey.
Diamonds! The 5000th point was the mile from the grocery store to home, after a ride down the Keystone to meet Mark after work. We stopped for ribs, potato salad, and a six pack of Shock Top. Enjoying a perfect night, with a cool breeze, and cold beer
Gorgeous evening for a ride!
Gorgeous evening for a ride!
Wow, everyone needs to get out earlier! :-) I'm on the trail usually around 0445 and have to avoid skunks - at least one every morning (the most was six one morning) - frogs, toads, rabbits, deer, you name it. Monday morning I had the fright scared out of me because there was a Nighthawk on the trail I didn't see until it flew right at me - I had to move my head to the left very quickly to avoid being hit.
I have seen squished frogs on trail before but never any live ones. I figured there never were any because of the pesticide and herbicide use in the cornfields next to the trail.
Last night was the first time I EVER encountered frogs on the trail. In all 13 years I've rode I have never had to dodge frogs. Skunks, turkeys, geese, possums, and those beaver like creatures...always something new. Thanks for making me laugh about all the skunk stories. Now I don't feel like they are picking on me alone.
@ Tim L. "Speedy Gonzales" of course.----LOL
I have a skunk on my morning route in western Douglas county. He/she crosses the road about 100 feet in front of me, then stands on the side of the road and watches us go past. Never turns around to spray, just watches. He's done this for about month almost every morning. I've named him Pepe. Don't know what he's named me.
@Lil - I ran into one of those skunks in Seymour Smith on the back side of the soccer fields on Monday evening. I had to swerve to avoid running it over
@Mark G. I saw a group of turkeys this morning on the Keystone by the stand of trees just south of Harrison (on the river side of the trail). I've counted up to 16 of them in this group in this area twice before. Earlier this week I ran into two skunks - the second one sprayed my back tire as I passed him between L Street and the bridge on the KStone - amazing that I didn't get hit.
Ugh! Skunks. The one I ran across monday was at Milts golf course. Really cool thing was seeing tons of turkeys yesterday afternoon. In fact there were 4 or 5 of them just of the trail right before the I-80 bridge on Keystone last night about 515. Did not even care about the cyclists.
They are the smart ones, they know they cannot get shot there by us turkey hunters!!
Skunk alert(s): I have two very unfriendly characters on the Keystone Trail. 1 is frequently in the GStanley Hall neighborhood trail (Lavista) and the other I keep finding in the Harrison crossover to Seymour (between the softball/soccer fields). May want to watch for them. They appear to be territorial as this is the third day I have come across them.
SU, the WUS will be for the former BOCC/current NBC and will feature AO SWAG we need to 86 before we become LWO. ;)
Hey AO,Is this year's WUS (Wrap Up Shindig) for BOCC or NBC? OMG IDK ; )
@ Mark G-- You're right that is a good'nuff reason to push the clod-hopper. Yup scrubbed old trusty up, lubed her down. I bought myself a some maintenance supplies for both of my babies last Friday. Although a little heavy, Trusty's given me many years of service--w/o issue, unlike that stupid car.
@ Carrie: Dang! I didn't think of that--I could have duabbed some Tide on the trouble-spot it before my departure. I was spinning like a "Speed Queen", too!
@Sheila- Did you wear you DIRT Jersey? The rain may have been able to get that stubburn stain out! You Go Girl!
@ Ann G. & Paul J: You wanted a century ride, well here's one for you -- SUNDAY, 9/15 – Bike Masters Bike Shop Fall Metric (62 mile) or Full Century (100 mile) Ride – The gang at Bike Masters have a great century route. This ride will roll from Bike Maters at 129th and Fort ST @ 8:30 am.
Dont forget to relube that chain Sheila!! Although you already know that :)
Little wet coming into work today, not bad though. Great temperature though!! Little muddy under the bridges heading west but hey, that gives good reason to be on the mountain bike right?
Got rained on during the walk home--It was fun. Got there, hopped on my cross, took the IA side. Whata'ya know, an instant bike wash on the way back! I like rain in the summer.
@Ann,it is always a pleasure to do ride support for my favorite group of human beings riding their two wheeled,human powered machines of life.It is all you people who spend time on a bike who allow us in the business to do what we love and live to do!!!!!!!! I thank all cyclists for giving me that opportunity!!!! LOVE ALL WHO RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!
Got onto the first step of my back porch before I felt the first raindrop...nice breezy ride home
Looks like we could get some rain. I'd rather not have it come on the way home, but I think we could really use it.
Ride safe on way home folks. Looks hot out there!! Say hi if you see me slogging on the red mountain bike!!
Second the motion on a great MS ride. Ken and I had a wonderful century and the water stops were excellent. Hope to do it again next year but also hope someone orders a little bit cooler temps for us "old folks."
Ann G, thank you. Our fanstastic volunteers really enjoyed the riders too! Great to have you on Bike MS!
It was a sad evening Scott! Have to put the lemond up for a bit till I can replace two tires I purchased 6 weeks ago. Back to slog in on the kona for a while. Oh well. Thank goodness I have a backup! I think the single speed and the lemond will be up n running at the same time. May actually finish out NBC on the tank. It will make me stronger!
What a sad sight I saw tonight. A poor bandanaed cyclist wearing five-fingers, walking his bike along the Keystone Trail. He looked as if he may have had a close call earlier in the day. He said his tire shredded. I asked him where he was heading and if I could help. He said he was heading to Harrison where his wife was picking him up. He said, "You know how happy she'll be to pick me up!" I watched him walk off in the heat and waved at him along with the levee grasses and weeds. I straightened my helmet and looked toward Cornhusker. I started out again. Man it was hot when you stopped moving!
Heyyy fellow MS Riders! Shout out to Team HP who had the BEST water stop! Thanks for being so friendly and supportive, riders and volunteers alike. And especially KELLY SMITH, who's cheers helped me up every hill. This was my first Bike MS, but I'll be back!
Me too - looking for a century!
Looking for Century rides( ride or race) in the area before the year comes to an end.
Happy Monday! An AO Update for you over here! --->
My god it is hot out there but I still biked it. My ginger skin is well past ready for some drizzle. Best of luck to everyone who still has to ride home.
@Sheila - Very Close!! I survived though :) Now I just need to survive my ride this afternoon. I took the weekend off from riding. Just did my one mile each day saturday and sunday. Man, the legs felt great this morning!!
@ Mark G Phew--close one :0
The K-Stone south this AM was spectacular. The September sun was her kindest thus far and her partner, the wind--fresh and forgiving. Even more pleasant than the weather was my chance encounter with Mark & Cecelia Crown and their friend Debbie, all of whom I joined for a great workout. On the way back, my sisters schooled me on the nuances of group riding. Thanks all! Rding with you was just the start I needed.
@ Carrie & Peggy: Congrats on achieving Diamond status!!!
@ Mark G: Sounds like you had a close encounter! I have seen many skunks out on the trail system usually very early in morning or late evening. Luckily, I've avoided being sprayed just as you avoided it!!
@ All MS Riders: Congrats on completing a tough century ride on Sat. I wish I could've ridden with you but I couldn't be there physically (only mentally).
Ever been sprayed by a skunk while riding? One crossed the trail not ten feet in front of me this morning. Swerved hard left to avoid cause it popped its tail up! Did not hear it spray so I must have narrowly avoided it!
Bike MS - hot, humid, hilly...tough 100 miles yesterday, and congrats to all who rode this event. I first rode Bike MS in 1989, about 15 times now. Leading Team HP Omaha is a great privilege and I thank all who participated. We are able to ride and help others! Consider riding Bike MS next year!
Congratulations Peggy.
Congratulations Carrie! That's allotto miles.
Congratulations Peggy!!! Another lady to the Big D level YAY!!!
I reached Diamond Status today also - not sure exactly where - but also did the MS Century ride. It was a great ride - well organized and supported and a beautiful route.
w/ Carrie---Yes we do!
Diamonds are girls best friend!!!!
What a beautiful ride this morning rode to the pedestrian bridge where we met Segway John and found out he gives Segway tours. Then on towards CB and down the Wabash Trace with Dirt Diva, all the way to Silver City where we celebrated Diamond status with homemade snickerdoodle cookies, banana bread, and gatorade from the farmers market ladies, the way home was HOT but a ton of fun! Even dirt girls love Diamonds.....lol!
Congratulations to Ms.Carrie McGill who acquired Diamond Status today in noneother than-- Silver City, IA! Yaaaaaay!
SHINE ON T.T.
Carrie - Diamond?
Road report: 75 south to Plattsmouth. Hadn't tried this since 2012, so thought I'd check it out, since I took this out of my weekend ride list in 2011 due to construction. The road is drive able, a few lane changes and road narrowing sections due to construction. Southbound shoulder is rideable but littered with gravel and some debris, at one point the shoulder disappears and you're forced on to the road. Heavy/big truck traffic. Tried to return from Plattsmouth on 75 north bound shoulder, but shoulder is narrow or non-existent, so went to the south bound shoulder, against traffic. Turned west/left on La Platte for the ride back towards Omaha. Maybe Sunday traffic would make this old route more enjoyable; for me, I'm waiting until the construction is finished.
Dang Chris, I read that too late. Sounds like fun.
Below is a repost from Burklee Green (from Lincoln, NE) that was up on the National board. I figured it was worth mentioning here, too...
"Saturday is Lincoln Bike Kitchen's Grand Opening Celebration!. We start at noon with games and races for kids and adults, around 4 we'll fire up the grill with burgers & veggie dogs, and music starts after 6. All day there will be activities, nibbles, a raffle, and FUN!!! Come on over to 1st & Garfield this Saturday, September 7th. We'd love to see you, and introduce you to Lincoln's all-volunteer bike co-op!"
@MarkC - all good. I love violent agreement.
Jack - I think we're in violent agreement here. I was referring to the rather fleeting presence of a news article, as valuable as that may be (and it does have value). You'll get no disagreement from me on either your words or intent--my incoherence is magnified by the back and forth nature of an online comment board. In person, I can be even less cogent! Love the discussion and big ideas. See you on the road (or a shop.) Have a great weekend!
@Jack Mayfield, I will pose the question at our communications meeting on Monday. It might be better suited toward the end of the challenge, but I definitely agree we have some awesome numbers to share!
@Mark C -- I rarely (never) disagree with you, but maybe this time. Temporal? This particular Challenge may be, but the numbers coming out of it are part of a much larger story about the growth of cycling. In large part, that's why this event was created -- to raise awareness, which is one of the first steps in social change, If we don't promote what's going on, we're missing a huge opportunity to help non-riders understand who we are and why we're passionate about this. All of the things that you describe are important, but we can't be insular about that stuff. We need to be evangelists. We should never hesitate to tell our story with words as well as our deeds. If a news story causes one person to say, "I should do that," then it's worth it. If it causes a driver to have a little better attitude when he sees a group of riders on the road, then it's worth it. Little by little, piece by piece, step by step.
I agree with Jack. The media angle's a good one, but is fairly temporal; the story will come and go. But we won't. Every day we hit the roads and ride the trails, every time we ride safely and courteously, whenever we help a fellow cyclisti in need, tutor a novice, put our nose in the wind to drag home a dog-tired friend, smile and wave to drivers and fellow cyclists, and assist Activate Omaha's advocacy efforts, we're acting as the best embassadors of our sport. WE"RE THE STORY! Keep telling it loud and proud.
@Madison & Wags. Both heading to Italy soon? Buon viaggio!!!
@Jack & Scott U: I don't mind being #2 or #20. I just know that our little Nebraskan biking community is mighty fierce. We need to get more Nebraskans on bikes. (I know just about everyone has a bike in a garage/attic somewhere covered in cobwebs...)
On an (east) side note: I feel a little bad we don't get to include CB, IA folks in our challenge rankings/discussion - I feel like we're all on the same team and would value their interaction here.
Madison or Julie, Nebraska being #3 in the nation and hitting 1,000,000 miles seems like newsworthy stuff to me as does 54% of those miles being "transport cycling" miles as does having two local teams in the top 13 nationally (out of more than 2,000 teams) as does having an individual rider (Randy Reed of Lincoln) #6 nationally out of > 30,000 . If one of the goals of the challenge is to promote cycling, any chance you all could start shouting the good news to media types?
Christiane has done the math the right way, dividing miles ridden by number of riders. Unfortunately, the NBC ranking system divides the number of miles ridden by the population of the state or community. Don't ask me why. As a result, Kennard (with one rider) ranks above Omaha in the local "Communities" standings. Offutt AFB, btw, is #1, which would probably be the case regardless of how they did the math. Nebraska still trails WI in the Challenge Period standings, but is #2 in the September standings.
Cecelia and I are planning a trip to the Dolomites next summer. I think it was Davis Phinney or Bob Roll who said, "The Dolomites are proof that God is a cyclist." We hope to do Maratona dles Dolomites. In the mean time, I'll keep fueling up on Italian cuisine, riding my Tommasini, and drinking good wine... a guys gotta be prepared.
@ Madison: I just checked out the Cinque Terre area. WOW... you're going to have a great time exploring that area by foot and hopefully bicycle!! Take lots of photos and videos to share with us.
Shall we start a pool - when (yyyy/mm/dd hours:minutes:second) when Nebraska reach or exceed 1,000,000 miles. Better hurry and get your entry in, it will probably be today or tomorrow! We only have about 3500 miles left!
Hey @ Christiane, with my 4th grade math I found Nebraska riders on average have commuted 273 miles while Wisconsin riders have rode 180 miles and Vermont nearly 163 miles. Being a volunteer sustainability coordinator at my work, I like seeing numbers like this. As Kelly says "RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!!"
Lauren, it WAS YOU! More accurately, ALL OF YOU Nebraska cyclists! We're ahead of Florida, Texas, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, North Carolina, all sorts of states one thinks of when thinking of cycling. This is like Utah ranking #2 in a Surfer Challenge.
Well i just added my points, and we're now in front of wissconson!! whoop whooo number 2!!
And no i don't think my little points alone bumped us up but probably everyone's morning commute on this beautiful day :)
I say brunch ride? Both beers and breakfast goodness!
LOVE Italy, Mike! The Italian Alps sound awesome! We leave for Italy on 9/10 and hope to do some recreational riding while we're in the Cinque Terre!
Bad News: I'm going to Rome (Italy) on 10/5 so I will have to miss the Endo de Challenge fun ride.
Good News: I will be having my own Endo de Challenge fun ride in the Italian Alps on 10/7 with my Army buddy that I used to ride with 10 years ago!!
CHEESE!! I LOVE CHEESE!! Moldy Cheese, Dilly Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Holy Cheese!! It is all delicious!!!!!
I'm thinking a breakfast/brunch ride sounds awesome... Let's mark Sat 10/5 as our tentative endo-the-challenge ride date... keep the suggestions rollin' though... they crack me up!
There will be a Commuter Challenge wrap up party! Details to come...
@ Mark C/ALL-- Vermont Cheddar. Okay, that's two votes for a "Cheese Ride" !!
They say we're craaaaaaazay! Probab leee eee eee ee
Like foxes....ON BIKES!!!. LOL
Well what do you know, on the first Sat of Oct, I will be returning from 10 days in VT, So I just may have to bring something Vermonty back to share with you cool riders because you are all so awesome! // We love ya Kelly! We just want to be as crazy as you....LOL
I share your sentiment on the post ride beverage choice. Then again, a good brew as a pre ride or mid ride supplement works for me too. Beer, it's not just for breakfast any more! I've enjoyed reading the banter and hope to make the endo challenge ride and meet everyone.
While breakfast is my most favorite weekend meal, I love riding than washing the ride down with tasty beers. I think the endo ride timeframe should maybe be determined by how far we want to ride. The nice thing is if we start and end out of benson there are either breakfast stores or beer stores so benson would be flexible!
Chris Ley - Good idea on the endo-the-challenge ride. Let's see, who's in front of us... Vermont, so we'll need something Vermonty to eat, and well, Wisconsin means cheese. Vermont could involve maple syrup, or, wait, wait, Ben and Jerry's ice cream! Other ideas? Ride in the morning to breakfast of coffee (Benson?), ride in the evening and finish with beer (Benson, again?) We could ask Sarah if we could go out and back from her shop. Discuss....
CARRIE,CHRISTIANE,SHEILA,YOU LADIES,OR AS I LIKE TO SAY,BABES ON BIKES!!!!!!! YOU THREE ROCK! ALSO ,GREAT TO HEAR THAT THE FANTASTIC FOUR ROCKED OUT ON THE TWO WHEELED,HUMAN POWERED,AND PICKLES TOO,LOVE MACHINE CALLED THE BICYCLE !!!!!!!!! RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!!!
@ Carrie: darn skippy. I'm on that.
@ Christiane- I'm down. Anyone for 1st Sat of Oct?
Okay, if my 3rd grade arithmetic serves me correctly.... As of midnight 9/5, Nebraska has 1967 registered riders logging in 993,891 miles (so far) for the challenge period. That means each NE rider has ridden an average of 505.3 miles during the challenge. Now, Wisconsin has 6,995 riders logging in 3,072,742 miles so far. That means each WI rider has ridden an average of 439.3 miles. SOOOOO, we may not be beating Wisconsin on the national leaderboard, but Nebraska riders are officially more kick-ass (15% more, technically speaking.)
Okay, sooooo....we need to plan some kind of end-of-challenge meet-up ride. I'm hearing "crickets" from the AO side of the board (look to your right), so let's get the party rolling on our own. Suggestions???
Pickles and pickle juice must be something magic because he rode over 3,000 miles in one month on that magic!
Pickle Juice---the miracle energy source!!!
@ Mark C- DIRT DIVA is Sheila, I am TINY TURBO, Mike is PICKLEMAN and Steve is FAT SNACK and together we are the FANTASTIC FOUR! This stemmed from our KC ride. Sheila had a spill and fell backwards and rolled like an experienced champ who knows how to roll. I got my name from my legs spinning like an overwound time peice to get pics of them riding towards me, Mike got his name from the constant need of pickles and Steve got his name from a comment he made himself. You gave us the name of the Fantastic Four! We had such a good time!
And once you ride with others with fenders, you're thankful they have them. Nothing like following a non-fendered bike in the rain and trying to find the sweet spot away from the dirty rooster tail./////Hi Fritz, sorry to cut our talk/ride short last night, but I had a better offer (Cecelia) show up, heading south. That was a double, nice surprise: your story about the toothy dog photo, and Cecelia suprising me after work.
@Mike Wagster - thanks! It was great meeting you on the ride also.
@Mark Crown - thanks for slowing down and chatting on the ride home yesterday.
Sheila - It was me heading home with Cecelia, who came south to meet me; didn't have much time to say much more than "hi" since we passed in the underpass. Come clean, the DIRT DIVA (Carrie?) and TINY TURBO (Sheila?) are... ? Or are there some other cyclistas we should be aware of?//// Rain rides are a blast, even more fun if you're prepared. I saw half-a-dozen bikes on the racks with fenders, and thought "That's a great sign of people rethinking how to use a bike, as transportation, not just as a sport or fitness machine." Even only a few years ago, roadies avoided fenders like the plague, they didn't want to look like Freds. Many years ago I was the same way--gotta be light and fast, I told myself. Usually meant, light and fast, and terribly wet, with a filthy bike and jersey. Now, when it rains, I just grab the rain jacket and a cap, and roll out; when I get to work I fill the water bottle with hot water and squirt off the messy bits on the bike; once home, I hose down, dry, then lube the sled, and I'm ready for the next day. Yeah, rain rides are fun!
What could be better than riding with the famous DIRT DIVA and TINY TURBO? // Had a great ride into work this morning even in the pouring rain it was still wonderful! I am almost dry, my feet are pruned....LOL! AWESOME!
@ Whoever I wizzed by yesterday it was great to hear your voice. That's the only drawaback w/having lighter equipment/ you ride lower/faster and miss faces. Was it Mark C & Carrie/ Mark G n Kari? C & K always rock pink, both guys call me Sheelah. Carrie & I are heading for the Wabash Sat. AM anybodys's welcome. Who knows, we might get a surprise visit from, noneother than, the "DIRT DIVA" ;) LOL LOL
Life is beautiful!!
Mark G - I'd start here. Sounds like a fun project.
Need some knowledge folks...trying to match bullhorn bars (reasonably priced) with some reverse brake levers to go in bar ends. Seems like the bars are all too thon. Anyone know of some matchups that will work with center pull brakes?
Mark G - I never did catch him, he got off left then passed over on Harrison, that's when I noticed a humongous rear hub, and said "Huh?!" Googled electric bikes when I got home--there it was. Pretty cool; sure would make commuting in non-cycling clothes easier.
Thanks, Phil. Will do. I have a young friend/former student whose dad died of MS. Mike is now working at Wayne Cyclery in Grand Island and has of course started biking and asked my SO and me if we wanted to join him for the ride and do some training on weekends together. We decided not to form an official team. The original plan was to do the century - but, man, the weather is not looking fun for 100 miles in the Loess Hills! Still plan to give it a go....
@Mark - Let me guess...when you caught him you thought "Chris Farley trains for Ragbrai on this trail?" I guess Chris Farley and Adam Sandler used to go party on the Brai before Farley died....I am guessing he did not actually ride the ride.
@ Mike W; Now, that's carrying recycling a little too far.
Roll On!
Unknowingly tried to chase down an e-bike a few years ago--a guy in surfer shorts and Chuck Taylors, casually pedalling ahead of me, around 26 mph. Two thoughts went through my head, and I could only entertain two given the amount of oxygen to my brain: first, if I catch that guy, he better look a lot like Fabian Cancellara, and second, man I'm in really bad shape. Just about killed myself.
@ Madison: I guess I should have clarified my statement by stating it was in reference to the National Challenge giveaway, not local giveaway.
@ Bob: I'm sure you would enjoy "loaning" me some TP. I know how much you value a good wipe!! LOL
@ Fritz: It was great meeting you and riding with you this morning!
Interesting read: The Coming Battle Over Electric Bicycles http://bit.ly/1dPfjEZ
@ Peggy H - see you Sat at Bike MS! Stop by our HP Team Tent and say hi! Are you on a team?
Phil Wandrey
Wags--I have some paper in my transit bag I can loan ya!. You never know.....
Sorry, Mike! We're giving away gift cards, no TP here!
Crap - I didn't win the toilet paper (again)!!!!
Hello Everyone! Local prize winners have been e-mailed!
@Benny - pulling a kayak (palindrome!) with your bike!? You should get double or triple points for doing that!
ooops, thanks guys. for what its worth, i was pulling a kayak :)
Go Peggy, go!
203 points away from platinum! Definitely will happen, especially with the MS century on Saturday.
Benny could be riding with Mark G -- a few hours at 60mph, and the miles really add up! Kidding, of course--probably a miss placed decimal. Hope folks are enjoying an early glimpse of Autumn. ///a shout out to Scott and Paul at midtown Trek, who replaced a cassette on one bike (plus cleaned the drive train) and swapped an old headset on another--all while we waited. Now THAT'S service!
@benny foltz: double-check accuracy of 9-1 entry? If correct, hats off to ya.
Hope everyone's weekend is well!
Sure will! Man my knees are sore!
60 mph. So I guess you'll keep that 70 tooth big ring.
Okay so endomondo tracked my miles but did not track my time. It says I rode 12 miles in like 12 minutes.....60 miles an hour! Awesome. I am not gonna edit that just cause it is funny. Call me the hulk!!
110 miles in 2 days for a 1000 mile month.......gotta put some work in!
As we approach the final month of the NBC, don’t let up, keep spinning! More importantly, keep sharing the love of our sport with others, and encourage others to start riding, continue riding, and to ride better. Jens Voigt gave a good interview recently in which he described his current place on the team and in the peloton. He talked of his early days, when he was a neo pro, and how he supported the more accomplished riders and how they mentored him. He mentioned how in the prime of his career, the new riders then supported him, and the older ones with lots of savvy but a little older legs pulled him along, carrying water bottles to him, giving him wheels to follow, and giving him wheels (literally) when he had mechanical problems in a race. Now, towards the end of his career, he’s still very competitive, yet knows he has to pick his spots; and as an older rider, he’s glad to carry water bottles and to be able to pay back all the favors and support he received in the prime of his career. A great example of paying it forward, and paying it back. No matter your ability, experience, cool kit (or lack there of), or type of bike, as we roll through September and into the Fall, continue to share the joy of cycling. See you on the road!
Carrie, you should know better. Just take a hint from Sheila: it will take a fancy bike AND cool shoes to kick his butt. Or at least you'll look good trying. Have fun on your adventures this weekend. //// Congratulations to Wags for attaining Diamond status.
@ Carrie: I love that you want a bike that will kick my butt. However, it will take more than a fancy bike to kick my butt!! ;-)
anybody out there planning on riding with the omaha peddlers this weekend on the Wabash to Coin, Ia? Ride out on Saturday, back on Sunday.
@ Wagster -CONGRATULATIONS Mike! I was talking to a guy over @Extreme Wheels this morning and he knows who you are from all your gravel riding! I told him I want a bike that will kick your butt.....LOL!
Hey, congrats on reaching DIAMOND, Wags!!!
@ MarkGib heeheehee :-
LOL!
I like platforms and Boots in the winter!! I did check out the Chainlove site. that is kind of a cool concept.
@ Mike Wags. Hold up. You're asking me to down shift and switch lanes while in "SHOPPING MODE"!!! (lot's of tire-screeching, the smell of rubber buring; names, NOT MINE, fill the air. Phew.... that was a close one!
Congrats on Diamond Stat Mike! :)) Bring da TP!!
@ Mark C re: winter shoes. OK platforms & my Sorel A-Pacs--good'nough for me :))
Whoop whoop - - I just achieved Diamond status!!!!!
I fully concur with Bret re: Nashbar. Another good spot--believe or not --Amazon- various vendors ship thru them, so you get to compare prices and enjoy free shipping on items over $25, goods often arrive faster than estimated. The shippers they feature have a standard of fantastic customer service. I read all of the comments and compare. Lastly, http://www.departmentofgoods.com/. I've been shopping with them for at least five years- great prices on quality clothing/gear -Gore, Louis Garneau( I keep telling everyone about the padding in thier elite shorts; Sugoi, and all the "ellies". (I buy the closeouts)/ nice selection on cold/wet weather gear. They're Backcountry's online outlet store. They've never disappointed me.
And there are a lot of shops with an ebay presence; I've bought lots of old gear, factory closeouts, OEM stuff on ebay. (Like a chain ring for Suntour Suberbe Pro. Try finding that locally!) /////// Performance bought out Nashbar years ago, so you're dealing with the same company. //////////////
One big plug for our local shops. We have a wide variety of gear and manufacturers to choose from in our local shops: CAPO, Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Sugoi, etc. Nothing like going to a shop to try on and feel the genuine article. I buy most of my clothing off-season. I love rolling through a shop in July and finding last year's wool socks on sale---SCORE! And you can talk bikes in a shop--SCORE again.
Gonna peep Chainlove.com sounds good. A new one for me.
I have found some of the best deals on all stuff bike (tires, tubes, clothing (including winter), lights, glasses) at Bike Nashbar (www.nashbar.com). 'Pretty sure they’re owned by same folks as Performance Bike - I see a lot of the same/similar "store branded" items on both sites, but Nashbar is usually much less expensive. They'll usually have free shipping (orders >$50) at least once a month.
I've been pleased with everything I've purchased - except one very undersized jersey ---the thing I hate about buying online --- be sure to read comments when available regarding sizing. Also - excellent customer service (they exchanged the jersey).
Locally, of course, there are the fine Trek Stores and I have found some really good deals on BikeMasters green-dot sales.
Oooh, Matt's right. I got a couple of Castelli kits really cheap. And a nice winter jacket too. Hadn't watched the site for a couple of years (used to be called something else...)
If looking for a deal, watch Chainlove (http://www.chainlove.com/). Granted, you have to watch the site constantly (or subscribe to their RSS or browser feed) as they change deals every one-to-ten minutes or so, but you can come away with some great steals. A lot of the items are close-outs but still viable. One my my deals was an LG mid-weight jacket that was normally $200 for $30.
Tom - That's one of the many reasons to love winter cycling, no pressure to go fast. That and the solitude, sense of adventure, fresh air, and it's like a private, secret club of folks that love to be outdoors. It's also fun to walk into work with a back pack of cycling stuff, and hear "You rode TODAY?!!!"
@Christiane Ley When it gets below 35 I switch to platform pedals and warm boots. Not worried about how fast I go just about staying warm especially when it gets into the single digits out. Would like to try some winter boots with SPD but a bit pricier than I would like to spend.
Don't even ask me how I remember this stuff; Grewal is from the era I got interested in cycling. Concerning Sheila's need for winter boots, check out Alexi Grewal rockin' it old school, love those boots. Tilford is still tearing it up.
http://stevetilford.com/2010/09/25/alexi-grewal-interesting-dude/
I could not agree with your statement more Sheila! Hahaha! Just kidding!
@ Christiane-- It's great to listening/reading your opinions. It's a welcome break from listening to my own! ;))
@Sheila. Shouldn't ask such silly things. I'm way too full of my own opinions! Here goes...
My shoes: they're an old men's Lake Cycling model that's no longer produced - a precursor to their MX series, I think. Mine are rather binding/uncomfortable, but they do the job and I got a deal online. My buddy Frank swears by his Lake MXZ300 series boots. (Seriously, I've listened to him crow for 2 seasons about how his feet were oh so dry & toasty whilst mine were constantly wet & numb.)
My advice (FWIW) - Ladies, it's totally OK to buy men's shoes (otherwise slim pickins for women.) I recommend going with a MTB style shoe for max tread (and use SPDs), avoid anything with lots of laces or straps (collects crud), bonus for Gortex and/or Vibram materials, and size waaay up (2 sizes?) to accomodate thick socks/heat packs. And don't cheap out (buy good on sale). When you can't feel your feet and you're 2 hrs from home, you would give anything to have sprung for the better boots. Oh, and it's totally OK to switch to platforms and rock a sweet "yeti-style" snow boot. (I don't b/c I'm apparently too stupid to pedal w/o cleats anymore.)
I'm considering upgrading to the Lake MXZs (to shut Frank up finally). Also check out Lake's CXZ series (road), 45NRTH's Wolvhammer (ooh, ahh!), Northwave Celsius Artic GTX, SIDI's Diablo GTX, or LG's O Degree Ergo Grip, to name a few. (Mixed feelings about the Shimano MW81, Mavic Frost, and Specialized Defroster offerings - some seem kinda lightweight or just plain fugly.)
Christiane: What manufacturer did you favor and how about a review? :))
@Jack. I recommend biting the bullet and purchasing winter cycling boots. (The best time to shop is during spring closeout sales, but I realize that doesn't help much now. I have low-end Lakes and I'm considering upgrading.) I've spent a few winters struggling with regular shoes (SIDI's) using a combo of wool socks, plastic bags, neoprene inner socks, neoprene outer covers, and chemical foot warmers... When I finally got some winter boots, it was a significant improvement. And no more slush foot (when you have to cleat out in slush/snow/meltoff and no manner of bags and covers keeps the ice water from seeping up thru the shoe.)
Thanks, everybody! Man, it sure feels like we're really *earning* those points this week with the heat!
Mark C...almost identical since I have kids 8,10 and 12. My wife bought a bike last summer and it's been out once. I still encourage her, but there's no real interest.
@ Mark G. Brilliant! LOL!
@ Christiane: Congratulations on achieving 5K, Girl Power!!!!!!
OK Phil, here's what I did when the kids were small. I'm fortunate to live within half a block of four other roadies, all with children (relatively) the same age. When the kids were young, on weekends, we would roll out before dawn, 0530 in the summer and return before the chaos started, around 1000, very rarely as late as 1100. On Sunday that worked well because my family went to 1030 Mass. If I missed the window of early departure, there was no way I could fit in a ride during a weekend day.
During the week, it was commuting, based on children's activities (medical appointments, school plays, sports, clubs, illness and home from school, etc); I frequently rode from work to cross country/soccer/swimming meets. So maybe I rode two or three days during the week. And lots of spinning/rollers in the basement, and running during the winter. Cycling with young children is different: not so many hard-man, all-day rides, few races; a lot more commutes, short training sessions, rollers/trainers, Scout rides, trail rides with kids, trips to the store. You ride when you can, not when you want. And you substitute intensity for time in the saddle. Get a bike that will allow you to ride in any weather, because sometimes you'll have an open few hours, and you don't want the bike to hold you back. Now, I have one college grad son, and one college junior son, so I can pretty much ride when I want. I'm also very, very lucky to have my wife, Cecelia, take up cycling about five years ago; she came to the sport on her own, no forcing or cajoling on my part. Truth be told, the bike was why I went out, she’s why I kept coming back. “The grand tour is just the inspired man's way of heading home.” Paul Theroux
Not that I'm selling this, I was looking for wheels for Wags. Here are two Trico bike cases, $150 each--these are usually around $300, and they're bomb proof.
Keystone was pretty quiet in the five o'clock hour. Pretty hot.
@ Wags: last winter I just used my reg shoes with thick wool socks and shoe covers. This year, I'm looking at getting a pair of shoes/boots made specifically for winter riding. On the short list are Shimano MW81, Lake MXZ 303 and Northwave Celsius. All pricey, but cold toes suck.
@ Phil _ My secret is I dont have kids, and if I try hard enough I can drive my wife crazy and she kicks me out to go ride!! LOL
Mike W, and others...you people married with families? Getting out for organized rides just the past 3 Sundays stresses out my family, much less Sat and Sundays. What's the secret?
Good Job Christiane!!!!!!
Way to go Chris!!!! //// Mike, check on Craigs List for wheels, when I'm NOT looking to buy there seems to be lots of them. In 2011, I bought a really nice, used set from Re Cycle for about $125, they had two sets to chose from, even bought an old Performance mag trainer from them for $35, yes really, $35. I slapped on a new cassette, and boy, do I love swapping wheels versus tires; no matter what the night's forecast called for, by 0600 the next morning, it frequently changed and I had on the wrong tires "Whadya mean it didn't snow?!!! *!#!* wrong tires again!" Your Mean Green rig can also run some fenders. As I've said before, I really love bad weather and riding in winter--very low stress, and high fun.
Yeah Chris!!! Way to go!!!!
I'm right behind you but will soon be ahead of you (I hope).
Congrats to Christiane for hitting 5k! :)
@ Jack: Funny you say that... I have been gearing myself up all summer for my winter commuting. I'm only lacking a decent pair of cycling shoes/boots to complete the whole package. Any suggestions? A bonus would be an extra wheelset so I don't have to change tires going from dry to wet conditions.
@ Wags - things that sound really crazy to most people seem incrementally less so as you work your way up the ladder to the point where they seem very do-able. Riding in the winter is sort of like that.
@ Mark & Jack: Thanks for the accolades!! A friend told me during the Heatstroke they overheard two other cyclists talking. The first one said he really wanted to ride Gravel Worlds but he also wanted to ride Heatstroke so he decided to ride Heatstroke b/c he couldn’t do both. My friend laughed telling the other person why choose just do both rides like that guy (pointing to me). He didn’t believe that I rode GW the day before and was here riding the Heatstroke too!
Well guess what? There is another tough ride coming this weekend when Carrie McGill, Shelia Marsh, Steve Montgomery, and I ride our bikes down to Lee’s Summit, MO (southeastern KC metro). Our first day will be ~117 miles and second day will be ~130 miles. Keep all of us your prayers as we ride down there. I’m sure we will have plenty of stories to tell when we get there…
Wow, Wags! That's quite a weekend! Impressive!
Way to muscle up Wagster!! Nice work sir!! It is always so easy to stop after a wreck that is making you extra sore. That is some true dilligence you showed!!
@ Phil: Gravel Worlds was tough due to the high winds and the heat. On Mile 16 I wiped out on some thick, loose gravel scraping up my left knee as I fell over; but squirted water over it and kept going! At Mile 60 my right hamstring began cramping but I kept it in check and within pain tolerance. At Mile 84 I really wanted to quit because the heat and winds were so ferocious. But somehow I put all the negatives behind me and finished the 150 miles in 13 hours, 54 minutes. I beat my goal to finish before sunset and I achieved my personal best time for that distance on gravel roads!!
I also rode Heatstroke 100 the following day… You probably didn’t see me because my pace was slow. But I rode the whole 109 mile course without much incident. I need to give personal thanks to Carrie McGill and Steve Montgomery for helping me get through what seemed like endless miles, hills, high winds, and high temps. All of us were exhausted when we finished!
Mike Wagster, how did Gravel Worlds go? Did I miss you at Heatstroke?
Nice work Venkat!
Venkat: Glad to hear from you and happy to know that you're still in the saddle even in India- Whoa! We think we have traffic issues. Best regards to you and yours. Can't wait to see your pictures.:))
@ mike g: i don't know what any of that means, but it sure sounds like durability n that 's a good thing. Can't wait until It's time to sing my rendition of "Pretty in Pink" ;)
Good call mark! Thanks for the pump up tonight and nice ride into town with ya!
That's way better than a rattle-can paint job. Powder coat will make that one tough punkin. Since it's French, you must call it "une potirons". Or "citrouille." Remember to roll your "r".
My new profile pic is pumpkin head. My 76 peugout I just got back from powder coat. Excellent job done by new wave powder coating. Two tone fork n frame with glass bead stripping for 100 bucks!
Venkat, dude we were starting to think you forgot all about us. No, really we miss your points. I'm still riding around Seymour Smith without you.
Venkat - Greetings! Glad to hear you're well and cycling. Looking forward to your pictures.
Glad to hear you are experiencing the thrills of biking in India. You are braver than I am!
Finally I did some biking in India... I rode 2 times last week.. Both the times i have used the bicycle for commuting purpose. I will post my bike picture soon. Routes are not that good, Heavy traffic.. Not an easy task biking here in India. I will keep you posted.
Commuter Tip - Bring your water bottle in to work, fill about 1/4, and put in freezer, at an angle, for the ride home. Also, stick a note somewhere reminding you to grab the water bottle (ask me how I know.)
BTW...Careful out there this week guys! Keep the water bottles full and catch some cool downs under the bridges some. It will make a huge difference!!
@Mark. Thanks for asking the Loess Ride about donations - I figured wouldn't hurt to ask. If anyone's gonna drive there, might as well haul some food donations. (When I drive, I always try to make the trip count a little more by carpooling or combining errands... or in this case running food.)
The forecast for the 7/8 MS ride looks great - highs in lower 80s or upper 70s.
Mark G - Thanks for keeping us informed on the Loess ride.
I posted the rest of the suggestions for food for the Loess Hills ride. @Christiane - I also asked them if they are taking donations or non-perishables. Will post answer on here when I get it.
Heatstroke finally lived up to it's name this year, wow, a tough 85 miles today. Windy, hot, humid, hills...but then had watermelon and pickles at SAC! Looks to be this way for a week of so. Great routes, great signage, great support, great riding friends.
Hope weather breaks for Bike MS on Sept 7/8.
And I only drink water.
I don't eat. I'm ketogenic so I only eat 2 meals a day, never while biking, and usually just wait and have my first meal of the day after a ride, no matter how long. Eggs and bacon usually.
Oh weird. I put the comment up n it reset the pts for me. Guess I should talk more right?
Endo bein weird again. I know it takes time to update sometimes. The app recognizes my 57 miles yesterday and 21 today, however, the bike challenge has not credited my pts for yesterday or today and it says I only rode 10.86 miles today. Huh?
What an awesome morning we had today!! Got up and rode over to CB via BK Ped Bridge. Then made it up to Lewis & Clark Memorial before heading back home for a total of 48 miles roundtrip. It was great riding with two friends along the way!! Thanks Steve M. & Rocky L.
Now I'm off to Lincoln to ride Gravel Worlds tomorrow... I'm looking forward to conquering the distance and the hillls. Wish me luck!!
The best post ride nourishment is still liquid bread (a.k.a. beer). Then again, it works for me as a pre-ride and mid-ride supplement too!
Website states that the Embrace the Loess Hills ride is raising funds for the fledgling Matthew's House food pantry (in Mondamin). Someone oughta ask if they are also taking direct donations of $ or non-perishable foods, too... just a thought.
@Mark: Also keep in mind the ride is Sept 21st, so you'll need to budget your daylight accordingly.
Agree with Chris, those are all good. Cold pickles, that's a nice change of pace. Chocolate milk is also a post ride favorite, but may be tough to keep chilled. /////// Hey, I checked the distance, if'n anyone thought of riding up to the ride: 50+ miles, you'd have to leave awful early.
Some items that are exceptionally good for very hot weather cycling events: pickles, pretzel rods, crackers, gatorade mix (good source of sodium+chloride); PB, bananas, oranges, mixed nuts/seeds, dried fruit esp. apricots & berries (good source of potassium & magnesium); and almonds, soy crisps, and fortified cereals/breads (good source of calcium). It's not just about replenishing the carbs, it's also about the e-lytes (which get depleted rapidly thru sweating).
thank you for ideas. I passed it on.
w/ Mark C "At the finish, iced Cokes=carbs and caffeine." Great idea!!
Banana's n bagles, water & some kind of sport drink usually works. Some rides had local apples.
Fig Newtons.
Cheap and good? Bananas, cut up fruit, fig newtons, cut bagels, fruit/granola bars. Power Bars, and the like, are an expensive, pre-packaged, Gucci way to get the same carbs, so avoid them in a lower budget fundraiser. Cut/quartered PB&Js! Two big Gatorade containers,one with ice water, one with a powdered sport drink; individual bottles are more expensive. At the finish, iced Cokes=carbs and caffeine.
The folks at Embrace the Loess Hills have asked me a simple question. They said there is lunch at the 15 mile point and snacks at Pisgah. That is the beginning and the 30 mile point. They asked me what kind of snacks they should have. I am looking for input. It sounds like this is a fundraiser ride (I Think), so some ideas for cheap but good snacks are needed. Let me know and I will forward them to her!
@Mark G. This forum stayed up last year during the winter challenge. Keep a link directly to the NBC (http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/national) because Endo dropped the link last year. All the good comments stay active, it's a little smaller group and the insanity level is a little more concentrated (@Kelly Lee might argue that it's truly pure sanity on a 10 degree January (darn) day not being in a demon mobile). The miles, statistics and workout log all stay active, so does your team stats.
It was a real blast last year. There were 50 degree swings within 24 hours, I was blessed to be on a bike on both those (darn) days.
I bought studded tires on clearance up at OBC this summer. Summer can hang around as long as it cares to, fall could last forever, but to quote Game of Thrones..."Winter is Coming", and to quote @Kelly Lee "ride and smile every darn day"
I e-mailed the folks for Embrace the Loess Hills Ride asking for registration.
Here is their email address: [email protected]
This is the info she said they would need emailed to them:
name:
phone:
address(optional):
choice of route: 30 or 73
Do you want a t-shirt? (I think they will cost $10.) ... What color?
... What size?
If you want to pass that info along to anyone interested, it will help us plan so we know how many mouths to feed, etc.
And we can be more prepared.
http://www.bikeiowa.com/EventPop/7569/embrace-the-hills
@ Shelia: Good to see you as well... two thumbs up on taking on the headwinds!!! "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." - Friedrich Nietzsche (a.k.a Kenye West) LOL
Would love to do the Heatstroke 100 but I am a church musician and Sundays are work days! I wish so many organized events weren't on Sunday mornings. Had to miss the Corporate Challenge as well. I am doing the MS century since it is on a Saturday.
@ Mark C, Carrie M, --Always a pleasure anytime I see you guys on the trail. I was so amped after that chance break with you guys on Tues last that I laughed at that "I'M GONNA DO EVERYTHINGBUTHELP" wind as I continued south(for a 2nd round).
@Wags Good to see you this AM. I now use your --"The wind is my training partner" mantra. It's true!
@ Mark G RE: Loess hills 73 mile ride sept 21 If it's the The Fall Classic, I plan on it.
@ Shelia: Talk to Carrie McGill about hiking. She is a member of a local hiking group. I've gone hiking with her (and them) a couple of times and it was a whole lot of fun!! I bet it's even more fun with the cool mornings and autumn colors in full force?
@ Chris: Thanks for the words of wisdom. I heard the same about GW... with some saying it's tougher than DK200. I guess I will just have to suffer to find out if that's true or false. I always try to ride within my limits. Notice I said "try"? Yes, the wx forecast of Sun looks like it may prompt a Heatstroke. Luckily, I will be riding with somebody who is attempting her very first century ride. She usually rides slower than me so when I ride with her I will ride at her pace, making it a spinning recovery ride.
Mark G - March isn't going to be a breeze either. I fully support the idea of finding a place where we can continue chatting.
@Wagster. Be extra careful out there this weekend. I hear Gravel Worlds can be quite brutal (many start, few finish)... and the Heatstroke (your recovery ride?!?) might be a scorcher on Sunday. Good luck at both events.
w Scott & ALL: YeeeeHAaaaa! Winter Bike Challenge here I come! I'd planned on walking much of the winter, too. I'd like to attend some hiking trips throughout the fall & spring. Perhaps some of you would like to undertake some group hiking trips. --Food for thought :)
No October doldrums for us--there's too much scenery to WIzzz by!!
That might work Scott although there is some gap. I am not very computer savvy. Don't even have one in my house so not really sure how to setup a forum.....
@Mark - AO's Winter Bike Commuter Challenge runs from Nov. 1st to March 31st and used this site for tracking.
Mark G - I was thinking the same thing. Omaha Bikes has an annual membership fee, and the blog isn't quite as user-friendly as this, although it seems easier to categorize conversations. This would be a good time to find a community forum to go to, year-round, and we could migrate over there in September. ///// Carrie's husband, Brian, is driving and providing support--how nice is that?!
There are 4 people traveling to KC on Aug 30 & 31: Carrie McGill, Shelia Marsh, Steve Montgomery and myself. Yes, we will check out some KC BBQ while we're down there. What better way to replace those burned calories than with burnt ends??? Here is our planned route for those interested (and those not):
Day 1 (~117 miles): http://connect.garmin.com/course/4430777
Day 2 (~129 miles): http://connect.garmin.com/course/4432154
SO I was thinking folks....Oct 1 is going to be kind of a crappy day as this wonderful forum for discussion and things will be gone. Is there an omaha bike forum we can all go to and stay in contact for some winter rides??
Riding to KC? Good work guys!!
It was rather hot--a ride to just keep the legs moving and get home. O-o-ooh, Rib Fest is setting up at Aksarben. A great occasion to wear a different type of bib. Carrie, Wags,, and now (drum roll, please) Sheila are riding down to KC. It should be mandatory that they do some homework by checking out other BBQ as a baseline. Mmmmm, BBQ!
http://www.aksarbenribfest.com/#!/page_home
@wagster - u will be one tired dude!
That is a great idea mark. I don't have any other commuters at my work however I can make a desk drawer a rescue drawer. I may start creating that this week. Thanks for the info. Seemed like keystone was abandoned tonight. I assume too hot and windy for lots of folks. Kari and I were sloggin away!
Mark G's problems brought something to mind, and I thought I'd add a little commuter-specific information. About three(?) years ago we started stocking a Rescue Locker; bit by bit, tool by tool, we all added leftovers/new/gently used tools and tubes to this locker for use by commuters. Here's what we have in stock now. You could initiate a similar concept at your place of work using a large tool box or storage tub. Todd, from Old Towne Cyclery, added several bits (cleats, multi tool, and some other stuff) Hope this helps. Now's a good time to set things up for next year's Challenge. ////////////////
Tools (return to locker)
1
@ Chris: I hope to knock out a total of 293 points this weekend... 170 points for my effort at Gravel Worlds and 123 points riding the Heatstroke. I'm probably going to be one tired puppy after it's all over!!!
@Peggy. Great Plains Bicycle Club is hosting the Heatstoke 100 century ride this Sunday 8/25 (starts/ends at SAC Museum in Ashland). You could knock out 123 points in one day! http://greatplainsbikeclub.org/heatstroke/
@Mark. 4 scabs? I've heard worse (ahem, Ray Anderson).
@Matt. Riding before dawn or after sunset is rather otherworldy and serene... up until you see something large and eerily Sasquatch-like lumbering across the trail ahead...
@matt - u might see me between 545-600 around milts! @Christiane - I actually think I may have put a new hole in my tube the last three times I put tire on. The tires are super tight getting g back on rim! One tube now has four scabs on it! Time for new tube!
Had to change my working hours this week, and am coming in later (and leaving work later). Passed Jerry and Christiane yesterday evening; and have been riding in with Mark C in the morning. I definitely miss when I normally ride, because seeing any other human on the trail is a rare event at oh-dark-thirty in the morning.
I just calculated that if I just ride my bike the minimum requirement every day between now and September 30, I will reach diamond level! Of course, I plan to ride much more than that but it's exciting to see 5000 points so easily within reach.
@Mark G. I've had a LOT of people telling me about getting flats due to cuts/tears/cracks near the tube's valve stem. It's nearly an "epidemic" lately. (I'm guessing the brands are all made in the same Taiwanese factory somewhere...and no QC to speak of.) I also wonder if sharp edges around the rim's valve hole might contribute to the problem (but that doesn't really explain the sudden uptick in valve stem related flats). People tend to overlook this area of the tube when diagnosing a flat and it's nearly impossible to patch... Just something to ponder.
a little elitest. I meant, dont know where not elitest came from!!
Ah. Never looked at what rim tape is on them. Bike used to belong to a racer so I bet he switched it. He was meticulous. I will check. Air? Are u sure you r not making a joke? I used my air pump in Dundee so it was prolly a little not elitist to other air. Sinceus dunddeinites are called that sometimes! Lol
@Mark C. I just replaced the tape on my commuter rims for this same reason. Velox is the only way to go. I couldn't believe the cheap rim tape they put in my mid-tier Bonty Race X Lites - like cheap paper tape. I was getting prominent spoke hole dimpling and it was on the verge of slicing through. Hopefully that averted a few future flats!
@Mark G. Slogging. Gah. If you ever see me out on the trail on my full suspension MTB, it's because the road bike is out of commission. My buddy Frank always wants to mountain bike to Tranquility, do a lap or 2, and then ride home (easily 70mi). I give him a lot of guff - incessantly whining over the whir of the knobbies on the pavement (Are we THERE yet? What's taking so LONG? I hate going SO slooooow. Waaaaahhhh...) Needless to say, he's rides there and I drive. (Then I lap the snot out of him cuz' he's then tired... the only way I can "gain" an advantage. Bwahahaha.)
Mark G - The culprit is usually: the tiniest pinch/snake bites where the tube was pinched either due to low air pressure and hitting a bump or getting part of the tube squished between the rim and sidewall; lousy rim tape, allowing spokes to poke through, if it doesn't say "Velox" I rip it off and replace it, even on new bikes.The stuff that comes on most rims is cheap and easy to install with a focus on ease of production, not protection. Funny how with all the advancements in frame materials, wheels, electronic shifting, aero frames, etc, that Velox,old-school rim tape is still the best (for me, anyway.) It could also be the air you used: the air up in Regency is a bit thinner and more rarefied than the thicker, tougher air found near the trail and bike shops;)
Well for some reason neilliether one of my two repaired tubes will hold air on roadie. Back to the drawing board. In the meantime will be sloggin it on the dirt jumper for now. Don't think I m complaining though, I m grateful to have backup bike!
By the way, my photo is Cecelia, me, Mark, Renee, Debbie, and Mike after a fun ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway, last summer. Absolutely gorgeous and pristine roads. We got drenched, tho you can see the sunshine in the background. Another day we rode to Mount Pisgah. So any ride involving Pisgah Iowa sounds OK by association. Thanks Mark G for the info.
Mark - that's a new one. Looks fun. We'll talk it over this weekend.
Anyone planning on the embrace the loses hills 73 mile ride sept 21?
Ah thanks Christiane! Tonight I participated in a little activity I call "sloggin it". Take one part super low geared and heavy dirt jumping mountain bike and ride it thirty miles...a good chunk of it into a stiff wind. You will move forward but you will be slogging along. 32 teeth on your big chainring means lots and lots of peddling! Huckleberry Finn would say you should try it along with whitewashing!
Mark G's got crazy skills. He looked so comfortable "sloggin" as he calls it, I thought he was on his roadie.
Slog on, Gib!
As I recall, gibbons (especially ones sporting green helmets) are rather speedy and have excellent bike handling skills.
Or a primate on a bike.
@ Allison - Road Hazards = Annoying Canadian Snow Geese on trail. And gnats in the morning :)
For what it's woth, many of my motorcycle skills blend seamlessly with bicycling skills: knowing how to ride in a group, keeping an eye out for road hazards/cars/pedestrians, how to make yourself visible to cars, etc. But Chris has definitely been giving me a buch of good bike-specific pointers. She's an awesome teacher! I'm looking forward to future smaller group rides. It's nice to be part of such an accomodating group. (And sorry again for being a slow newbie.)
Allison's like a biking sponge. She just soaks it up! Quick study, too.
I agree about some shop rides--some turn into the Wednesday World Championships. You're doing it right by encouraging Allison to ride the CCC, which is a big mix of different riding abilities. Even yesterday's small, three/four person group is a good experience: learning how to follow wheels at a safe distance, pointing out obstacles and road hazards, getting comfortable riding side-by-side, how to safely slow down when others are close. And you probably taught her a few things about riding into the wind, too. It takes time, and sometimes a new rider can feel like the information is coming at them like a fire hose. Keeping it fun is key. Speed afficionado--I like that.
Yes, but slow knuckleheads are less ballistic.
BTW, Mark, there are plenty of slow knuckleheads, too. Personally, I love a harrowing, white-knuckle speed session (like a fine cabernet) and somewhat object to being called a "speed demon" (Démon, moi?!? Mais non.) Perhaps "speed afficionado" is more appropriate. (When I reach the level of "junkie" you can stage an intervention.)
Bike Way, Greenstreet, Trek, Bike Masters... Many Omaha/CB shops & clubs have weekly group rides of varying difficulty. From my own experience, several shop rides are "fast company" and not particularly welcoming to beginner riders. (Unless expressly advertised as a beginner ride.) Clubs are typically more accommodating & diverse in their group ride offerings and are better known for fostering comaraderie and teaching newbies the "ropes".
To anyone considering trying a group ride for the 1st time, I think it's important to ask *lots* of questions beforehand or possibly go with a friend. In regards to elan - that only comes with experience. I have yet to meet a new rider who doesn't undergo some degree of initiation into pack riding (and no 2 groups are ever alike.) I realize it's not all about speed, but speed is a driver for many group rides and it can cause problems/frustration for new riders, so they should know what to anticipate in terms of speed/duration/difficulty. No one likes to be unpleasantly surprised. Above all, it's supposed to be fun!
Good call on adapter. Had no idea they made those adapters. Keep that in the seatbag I am getting from Natl Bike Chall with a tube, levers, and co2 cartridge and I am set!!
Mark G - I'm too far south to help. Next time you're in a shop, grap a presta-to-schrader adapter--tiny and less than $2, usually near shop registers. Then any pump or gas station with an air station will get you rolling again. If you have, or can borrow, a frame pump, the little rubber gasket is usually removable/reversible to switch from schrader to presta. There's just gotta be a cyclist up your way. You can do the equivelance of standing in a parking lot with your hood up, and jumper cables in your hand--stand by the side of the road, with your wheel held over your head, the Mavic neutral support car will be right there.
The Bike Way also has shop rides, including mountain bike.
If anyone is in the regency area today and has presta bike pump I sure would appreciate borrowing it! I blew flat and switched out but forgot to close the valve when I put lid on. OOPS!! Just tryin to not have to drive home before my ride this afternoon!! Need to get myself CO2 cartridge!!
Enjoy your stay venkat!!
It was fun riding with you, Mark! Thanks for tagging along.
My visa got approved. We are going our home town today. Probably I will resume my biking from tomorrow . I will be coming back to Omaha on Sept 15, 2013
Hello to you mark c! That was quite the wind to ride into this evening towards offut. I survived though and got 30 mile in for the night!
Hi to Mark Gibbons and Jerry Francis, heading north tonight. Road with Christiane and Allison, up to Jones Bros; me heading home, they heading for cupcakes.
Luke - Chris and Wags have you pointed in a good direction. Start with a shop group ride, arrive early, if possible and talk to the folks to determine the ride protocols--pretty low key. As a new rider, there are a lot of customs that may be assumed by older riders; don't be afraid to ask questions, it's all about SAFETY for a new member, their safety and yours. It's not all about speed, there are plenty of fast knuckleheads. You want to ride well, with a sense of elan and concern for others; with dedication, training, and a bit of learning, speed will come naturally. Contact the clubs and find our when they have an event you can assist with--most are very sympathetic of cyclists just like you, and are very helpfull--we've all been "the new guy" at one time or another. Welcome to the club!
The LaVista Trek store (72nd & Giles) has a Tuesday night shop ride (road bike) that departs the store at 6:00pm (5:30pm early spring & late fall). A/B groups.
The Trek Store in Papillion also has group ride info.
@Luke. Check out the Bellevue Bike Club (BBC). http://www.bellbikeclub.org/
I just started cycling and am looking for info on group rides in Papillion or Bellevue. Is there a website that has information on group rides in the area?
We had an awesome weekend to ride Sat & yesterday!! I hope everybody had a chance to get out a ride…
Special thanks go out to the 27 riders that came out for the first (should I say annual?) NBC Social Ride benefitting BRAGG. Thanks for your support and friendship.
I also want to shout to Bob Mancuso for hosting another fantastic Corporate Cycling Challenge yesterday. I’m sure he will post some numbers for the ride.
This week’s weather continues to look favorable so get out and enjoy the paved roads, gravel roads, and the mountain bike trails. Just be sure to ride safe, keeping the rubber side down!!!
Always happy to share the bike love! I have met a lot of amazing fellow cyclists/cyclistas this weekend. Feeling very blessed to be a part of our special little (and growing) bike community.
Thanks Christiane for assisting a newer rider. I enjoyed the chat about techie stuff and how to keep bikes happy.
Venkat - Have a wonderful time with family. Our ride Saturday had 27 riders, and we all signed a card for you for your Diamond achievement (Scott is holding the card for you.) The morning commute won't be the same without you.
Bob M: appreciate the route change to avoid the rough stuff...another fantastic day.
Phil Wandrey
Hewlett-Packard Omaha
I have reached to India safely.. Most probably I will resume my biking from Thursday. I am planning to do at leat 5 Mi every day ..
What a FANTASTIC morning for a ride of whatever distance a cyclist chooses,on road,off road,or both!!!!!Felt soooooo good to be on my MOONEY riding with cyclings finest!!! RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!
Thanks again to Christiane and all the NG folks for helping me reach a personal distance record (25 miles) at the Corporate Cycling Challenge! :)
Recipe for a perfect ride:
- 27 cyclists and friends for a morning's ride
- A wagon full of nutritional snacks for young students/cyclists, plus cash. (Thanks!)
- A loopy trip around Council Bluffs
- Cross the Missouri, twice
- Smile and have lots of fun
- Post-ride cafe for coffee, pastries, and other treats
- Mix well, at 15mph
- Go home when done\\\\\Think about making this an annual ride Saturday, before the CCC. And what, pray tell, should this ride be called? What could possibly precede the CCC. Why the BBB, of course: the BRAGG Bike Bonanza. Or some other name. ////Thanks Lowell and Miah for working with the children. \\\\Thanks Mike for the meet&greet idea, Carrie for the route, and all the cyclists for their contributions and safe riding.
http://omahabikes.org/get-involved/b-r-a-g-g-is-on-the-lookout-for-positive-mentors-who-can-share-their-passion-for-trail-running-and-riding/
It was very nice to see all the faces that go to these names....It was also very cool riding 3 trails I have never ridden before...what an adventure...Thanks everyone, you're the best!
Beautiful morning with 20 something new friends. It was truely a pleasure meeting so many of you this morning. Great job organizing Mike W.; Kudos Mark C for giving the gathering a cause. Now we need a dinner ride to someplace.
Jack - sounds like DCG departs Dundee on they're own schedule. Wags 0630 at Culvers, sweeping through Ak at 0700, arriving at BLC at 0730. Met Venkata this morning with 4 miles to go--congratulations. //// Ran into one old acquaintance and one new at Mojos, saying they're riding tomorrow too.
Thanks for the info, Wags. Just a point of clarification, the Dundee Chain Gang is meeting at 50th & Underwood (Alegent parking lot) at 7:30 AM Sat and riding from there down to BLC. I haven't heard anything about a DCG ride from Aksarben to BLC at 7:30. That doesn't mean it couldn't be happening, but I'm inclined to the think that there may be a bit of a communication disconnect here. Per various emails from Craigie this week, the Chain Gang will be riding in from the 'hood. All good; we're looking forward to it. Thanks for putting this together Mike. We appreciate all of your time and effort. You have my vote to be in charge of the annual BRAGGride (which sort of sounds like RAGBRAI in reverse).
This is a friendly reminder about tomorrow's NBC Social Ride benefitting BRAGG. Be sure to bring any non-perishable food items you wish to donate. Here are some other final details:
For those interested in riding to the ride… I will be leading a group on the Keystone departing from Culvers Bridge at 0630. We will roll through the Aksarben area about 0700 picking up additional riders then proceed downtown to Blue Line Coffee. BLC management knows we’re due to arrive at their location around 0730, so be ready to show them some love and support by buying some coffee and/or pastries. If you wish to leave Aksarben later than 0700 the Dundee Chain Gang is leading a group that departs at 0730.
Once we arrive at BLC, Mark Crown will establish a drop off location to fill his bike cart with all of your donated goods. Lowell will also be accepting cash and personal checks (payable to BRAGG) if you wish to give money instead of food. No credit/debit card donations will be accepted. If you wish to donate using credit/debit card then speak to Lowell about details on how to make that happen.
Our social ride will be approx. 22 miles taking us over the BK Ped Bridge, into residential/downtown CB, down to Wabash Trailhead, and then return to BLC via Lake Manawa & CB trail system. Click here for detailed map (http://goo.gl/maps/tvWh4).
Be sure to bring cameras to preserve those memorable moments. After the social ride is finished we will group ride back to Aksarben and Culvers.
Safety notes: Wear proper cycling attire and follow traffic laws. This is an informal no-drop ride, NOT a race!! Cyclists participate at their own risk. Our goal is to maintain an easy 12-14 mph pace. Keep eyes out for the group splitting up as we cross major intersections, etc. Regroup on an as needed basis.
All is looking good! See you Sunday for the .... Corporate Cycling Challenge Bicycle Ride in Omaha Nebraska - Sunday August 18, 2013 --- the largest one day bike ride in the Midwest is back... over 4,000 bicyclists. Should be a great day!!! You can still sign up the morning of the event..... come early -- Event is Sunday August 18th, 2013. See web site for details... www.corporatecycling.com.
Congrats Venkat!!!
Whoohoo... Congrats to Venkat for achieving Diamond status a day before his month long vacation to India begins!!! Well done!!!!!!!
Thank you all for the wishes. I did 3316.79 miles in little over three months. I am very happy with my performance. Frankly speaking I started bicycle riding after 20 years. Last time I did biking when I was in High school in India. And I enjoyed riding my bike riding a lot and this improved my health a lot. I lost almost 35 pounds of my bodyweight in last 3 months.
I would like to thank my family and my friends who helped me during my journey starting with Scott Ussery, Rich Niemann,Raj Narayan, Diana Clark, Vamsi Kethu and Jed Parry. I could not achieve this without your help.
@ Kelly Lee Smith: Glad to see you back in the saddle. Hope to see you at the meet n greet Sat morn.
@ Mark G See ya Sat!
@ Venkat - If you don't mind, I've got an AKA for you--"Venkat 5000" ROCK ON!!!
@ Mark C: C'est formidable!
Miles of Smiles to you all !
Cyclists PLEASE - remember to be visible on those morning rides. Light/bright/reflective clothing and some lights. I barely noticed 2 nearly invisible cyclists on my way to the bus stop this morning. Take care and be safe!
@Venkat,YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GREAT JOB THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck in India.RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY.
Good to back on my two wheeled love and life machine on a regular basis.I am not used to taking any time off my bike, and after rib damage kept me off a few days,this weekend better watch out.WILL NOT!!!!!!!!!!! BE SITTING ON COUCH WATCHING SHARK WEEK,COOL BY THE WAY,But tv is not my thing.Hope to see lots at the CCC.RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For those riding to the ride, here's a quick, easy, and cheap way to make a light weight and disposable messenger bag. You'll need four plastic grocery bags. Double-up two of them for strength. Take another bag and loop and cinch it through two handles of the doubled bag. Do the same with the fourth bag through the other handles of the doubled bag. You should now have a doubled grocery bag with two long "tails" extending from each handle. Tie those two tails together, leaving enough room to allow you to slip one arm through, then over your head. You may have to adjust your knots a bit. Load the bag, and sling it around to the small of your back. It will require some trial and error to balance it properly. Now, when you call home after another epic adventure, and your loved one says, "Swing by the store for a couple of steaks, a bottle of wine, and a baguette." You can say, "Tres facile, mon amour." Get two bottles of wine, you've earned it.
Lookin forward to seeing all on Saturday. Chain gang will be rid in from Dundee down to meet ya'll at blue line from what I hear!
Thanks Mark-- I will try to get 5000 tomorrow, Saturday I have early morning flight:So I want to finish up tomorrow--
O-o-o-o-o-oh, Venkat's at 4954!
David just adopted a bridge--congratulations! Thanks for jumping in, and getting this fixed for all of us.//// Really looking forward to the ride on Saturday. Have no idea if we'll have 2 or 20 people show up. Remember to pass the word--this is a low key, high fun ride.
@ David: Thank you for contacting NRD to repair the timbers!! This is what the Adopt a Trail program is all about.
@ Jack and others donating to BRAGG: Cash and check donations will be accepted by Lowell at Blue Line Coffee before the social ride begins. Please make checks payable to BRAGG. Credit card and debit card donations will NOT be accepted that morning but they can be processed if you visit the Trek store in Papillion when Lowell is working.
Regarding the rotten timbers on the Keystone Trail bridge just south of Pacific. Papio NRD followed up with the City of Omaha and a work order was put in last week to get the damaged timbers replaced -- timbers have to be special ordered. Thanks Mark for the contact information.
Thanks, Mark. If one did wish to make a monetary donation, to whom should the check be made payable?
@ Jack: I just asked BRAGG organizers for an answer. Here is their response:
Individually packaged stuff works best so we can hand them out to kids before they bike...
Through BRAGG, Miah and Lowell provide food for the kids before their weekly rides. They provide fresh fruit, and supplement that with breakfast/granola bars. They also need monetary donations, but we wanted to avoid this feeling like a pay-to-ride event, especially since the CCC is the next day./////
We have three goals for the ride: ride bikes, make friends, and help BRAGG. Either one of those, alone, would be fun--this is a trifecta!
Keystone commuters - be aware of the slick mud going under Cornhusker...
@Mark C; Wags: for the BRAGG Wagon, in terms of non-perishable breakfast items, are we talking about stuff that the teacher can hand out in class (which would pretty much limit it to bars) or is stuff like oatmeal, boxes of cereal and larger bulk items OK?
David - Start here:
http://nrdrec.org/area.php
Anyone know who to contact regarding the wooden decking on the Keystone Trail bridges? The small bridge by First Data on the Keystone trail, just south of Pacific, has several boards that are rotten and the holes seem to grow larger each week.
Chris - I like your idea. Don't know if I'll be riding that loop on Sunday. Nice "grass roots" event booster. Maybe others can follow your lead next year.
CCC reminder: Team Northrop Grumman (NG) will be lightly "tailgating" prior to the first ride start (7-8ish). We'll setup in the lot near Rick's Boatyard (grey SUV). Feel free to setup nearby or simply stop by and say "hello".
Thank you Mark,Mike and Sheila..I have plans to do biking in India. My father has bought one bicycle for me. I will continue riding in India..
@ Mark W I second that !
@ Mark & Tim Thanks guys re: Tubless info. The more I know the better.
Another question: Considering: Boyd Vitesse custm rims--All wisdom welcome.
Thanks:)
Go Venkat! Saw you this AM! You can do it!
@ Mark C On point as usual. Thanks for the reminder re: donation for Sat. I know what you mean about the deserted pool at Karen Park. It seems haunted when empty-nothing sadder. It must be a matter of funding-no LGs. Nevertheless, it was going strong on Sat or Sunday-I forget the exact day. I was headed toward the bridge and happend to glance over wondering what all the fuss was about. Lo and behold! The pool was spilling over with splashing and sqealing kids! All was right with the world that day. :)
Sweet idea Mark C!!!
Venkat - You could roll up to 4999 points, and save your Diamond mile for India. Now, that would be memorable! I'll bet no one has logged any NBC miles in India.
Thanks Tim. Anecdotally, my friend rides his year round, all over the country, all altitudes and speeds and has never had a problem. As I mentioned earlier, I wouldn't hesitate using them--better ride quality, reliability, and a very minor up-tick in mounting difficulty. I rode with another guy this week who uses them and he said they're very similar to his sew-ups/tubulars in ride quality, which is usually the gold standard. Gawd, haven't riden tubulars in 30 years, so I have no rememberance of ride quality. Only have the memory of stockpiling flat tires until a cold winter night in mid-January when I'd get motivited/bored and tackle them all at once: pull base tape, cut, snip, spread, pull, patch, powder, tuck, sew, stab inner tube, cuss, start over... OK, that's one, only four more to go.
Sheila - I've used tubeless since February this year. I have Ultegra tubeless rims, Stans sealant with Bontrager R2 TLR tires. They are faster and smoother (using lower pressure) then the Michelin Pro 4 service course I had on the same wheels. No punctures all summer other then the front tire getting a 1/2 inch wide slash by glass. It didn't leak but was deep enough to cut cords so I replaced it for safety reasons. There still sealant in the tire after five months. There was also a little wire through the tire, never leaked. Mounting tubeless is a choir. Use soapy water to lube the tire. After it's been mounted on the rim a while it comes off easily. Don't use a conversion kit on a regular rim. You can get away with it on mtb tires because of lower pressures. You need tubeless rims and tubeless tires. Tubeless road rims have a hooked bead that helps seal the tire bead and tubeless tires, among other things, have a bead to fit into that.
I just crossed the 4,000 point barrier this morning with 4,002 points currently. I declare I WILL achieve Diamond status before the end of this month!!!
I am pulling for you Venkat!! You can achieve your goal of earning Diamond status before your vacation if you break it down to a simple plan as Mark C. suggests. Talk to your family, tell them how important this goal is and ask them to help you make it a priority!! Reward them after achieving your goal by taking them out for ice cream!!
Venkat - Diamond is within your reach. 20 points for each day (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, and Saturday) gives you 100 points. You only need 87 miles spread out over five days--ride around the block on Saturday before you leave. Accumulate lots of miles early in the week, then make sure you ride every day--you can do it! Safe travels!
I am leaving to India on Saturday for a month vaction. I want to attain the dimond status before Saturday. I am on 4813 points. I still have to get 180 points to get dimond. Lot of last moment shopping and arranging the luggage is still left.
Only five more days until the Saturday Social. Carrie bought a box of 60 granola bars for $8.49 @ COSTCO!////
Keystone News: Seen this weekend--Jerry Francis conducting a little one-man trail maintenance near Caperhart. Sheila heading north to work on Tuesday, and the ever-present Venkat this morning. Chain Gang steaming north towards Aksarben. And one of the saddest sights of every season, an empty pool at Karen Park; like the blooming of tulips, the glistening, cool water in that pool is a sure sign of Spring. When I roll by, and it's empty... Coming up--the best riding days of the year, when legs are strong, hearts are pumping, and the sometimes competitive aspect of the summer wanes; it's the opposite of March, when you have "Summer" goals, and "Winter" legs, now you have "Summer" legs, and easy "Autumn" goals.
I am hoping to be there! Trying to move prior commitment.....
Mark, thanks. Will see you at Saturday's meet and greet ride. We'll spread the word amongst the Chain Gang and hope to have a nice turnout.
Jack - I'm glad you've had a terrific riding season. Hope to cross paths again this summer.
Thanks, gentlemen. We've had such great riding weather this summer (including this weekend), that it's been pretty easy to rack up the miles and points.
Way to go Jack!!!
@ Jack - congrats on 5000 pts sir!
My buddy swears by tubeless on road and MTB. I'm sticking with clinchers on the road, but think it's a good setup on MTB. I personally didn't like getting stranded out in the middle of nowhere and getting covered in sticky sealant slime trying to fix (boot) the tubeless tire, but that's just me. (The damage was so bad, we had to wheel swap - so I won't diss on the tubeless tire's effectiveness for surviving minor damage - I hear tubeless excel in that regard.) I have read that you're supposed to "maintain" your tubeless sealant monthly (not something you can install and forget...) So, I think people need to keep in mind that it requires a different approach.
@Ann Gentle: Yes the roads not only on Leavenworth & Saddle Creek are as smooth as can be; but out in the North East area as whill. It is good to see some road work and not just patching.
@ Mark C Thanks bro.--helps a lot.
Thanks Mark C/ Mike W for coordinating the Aug 17th fun. Can't wait!
Mark C: Thanks for posting the details for the NBC Social Ride to benefit BRAGG! I'm looking forward to meeting everybody from our NBC community, the social ride, and making my donation to help BRAGG.
The only announcement I want to add is that our meeting time at Blue Line Coffee is set for 0730. This will give us time to support Blue Line, a Bike Friendly Business, and fuel up before our ride begins at 0800.
For those interested in riding to the starting point: I will be leaving Culver’s Bridge at 0630 and Stinson Park at 0700. Use this map to determine where you want to meet: http://goo.gl/maps/pCGQ2
Sheila - I wouldn't hesitate going tubeless; that's what I'm going with on my next set of wheels. As you've read, ride quality is better because you can run a lower PSI. Reliability is on par with clinchers. On-the-road repairs are rare: remove the offending sharp object and re-inflate, or put in a tube like you do now. I ride with a guy who's been tubeless for about three years: no problems, great reliability, smooth ride. One ride we heard a "tick, tick, tick" coming from the back of his bike, I went behind him to check it out, couldn't see the issue, so we stopped. A nail had embedded itself in the tire and was wacking the seat stay. He removed the nail, and gave the wheel a spin to ensure the sealant would fill the puncture. We heard a little, three-second "pfff-f-f-ft", and the tire sealed right up; we couldn't even tell where the puncture was when we got home. He's had another on-road repair that wouldn't seal, and used an inner tube just like you would with a standard clincher. I'm not a "first generation" buyer, someone else can be the beta tester: I always wait for the kinks to be worked out and technology to be refined, and the hype and hyperbole to die down: now's the time to swap. Bontrager has an all-inclusive system, which may put your mind at ease since all the parts were designed to work together. Hutchinson tires are super. Don't know much about Stans. I'll eventually go with Campagnola two-way fit wheels.. It takes me a lo-o-o-ong time to decide on my next bike build; electronic shifting is still a no-value added, high cost option, but tubeless wheels are a definite on my next bike. Hope this helps a bit.
2 All: Anyone using tubeless on his/her road. I've been doing some reading and chatting; would like to know what your recommendations are re: brand, installation and your experiences re: ride and repair. Thanks
The link to the Omaha World Herald, Live Well article about BRAGG didn't paste below, here it is:
http://www.omaha.com/article/20130805/LIVEWELL02/130809540/1161
Here's the news you've been waiting for!
What:
To all: details on the 17 Aug ride as soon as I get home and type it up. For now, "Save the Date" 17 Aug, 8:00am
WoW...............I have crossed 3000 miles today..
Carpool to bike pool this morning! Beautiful ride!
@Scott, thanks for the update.
Once the Blondo street widening is completed between 135th and 144th, there will be a connector on the Blondo street sidepath between the Big Papio and the 144th Street trail. The widening is supposed to be completed this November, I believe. Weather will obviously play a part in how far that project gets to completion.
Thanks, Carrie. On furlough = out riding (hopefully).
@Jack M- They are finalizing details now but both are on furlough today so Monday we may have the details.
@Mark C., Wags: any details on Aug. 17 meet & greet ride?
Awesome newly paved intersection at Saddlecreek and Leavenworth, so smooooth!
If they ever finish the 144 connector trail, then we have a valid E-W route. Now it takes a combo of trail and street. I come in (at night ) on I st. & F St. Not sure that would be a good route in daylight.
Rode out to village pointe last Saturday and parts of pacific to out there were sketchy!
@Christiane - that would be good to find out where. Maybe letters to stothert? She was at Bellevue bike lane opening ceremony. May have been strictly pub and not be pro cyclists though. I like the way big papio is but they need to send a shoot out farther west.
@Mark. I was just kvetching with a friend about lack of E-W trails, too. Some of us down south (Papillion/LV) have been desperately hoping for an extension from 96th out farther west along the creek towards Chalco, but alas I haven't heard much news about trail development that direction. (I presume it's an issue of $$$ and land rights... and good ol' suburban apathy.) There are also several places in the metro where a few short "connector" trails would really open up the system. So, the question arises - where do we go to find out what's on the planning board (if anything) and how to we let our collective desires be known? "Community planning" should not be an oxymoron.
Thanks Christine/Mark/Julie
5 hours ago
@ Mark C Thanks for the links--I wonder if great ideas like these are being presented to local schools and parents as a means of addressing the safety concerns of both.
Does anyone know if there are plans for a more diverse East West trail system. Or am I just missing it? I know we can take the big papio to the lower 100's and the west papio to about 96. Any ideas if they are planning leggs that go farther west? Or if they are going to add more to the trail system north of democracy park?
In response to various comments below... first, check out --->>>
Principals get skiddish about biking to school for a variety of reasons: they are concerned for the safety of their students, they are concerned about the liability of bikes being stolen from school property, etc., etc. Parents are concerned for a wider variety of reasons. We work with schools and parents to try to knock down as many barriers as we can. There are some rockstar schools in Omaha that are doing some great things, and we are working on a number of fronts to break down the barriers so that we can increase that number. It is a complex issue with a lot of emotion attached to it; no two schools are a like in their issues or environments.
@Sheila & Mark. There is an optimistic article in the current issue of Bicycling mag (sorry, can't find link) that highlights some grassroots movements like Safe Routes to School and some school districts where positive change is happening (Austin was highlighted, naturally). I'm a big fan of "bike busses" for kids... and adults, for that matter.
Sheila "Hmm...What'sAtTheOtherEndOfThatRoad" Marsh
Yesterday at 20:45
Query: What happened that made schools ban bicycle riding to and from school?
Are there any parents that currently have children in Omaha area schools participating on this blog? What are your feelings either way? Admins. or teachers what are your views? What are your experiences regarding this issue?
Thanks Chris, I remember that article (Sheesh, it could benefit from some tight editing.)
Here's some good news:
@Sheila. Please check out this article: "Why Johnny Can't Ride"
http://www.bicycling.com/news/advocacy/why-johnny-cant-ride
I think it explains the problem better than nearly anyone else could.
I would like to say that I rode my bike to school every chance I had as a kid and especially when attending Technical High School!All kids should have a bike and be allowed to ride that joyous machine if they would like.Would also like to say great job by all of you cycling phenoms who start and end each day by getting on that heavenly,be it one,two,or three wheeled ultimate mode of transport called the BICYCLE!!!!!!! Lets show all these other cities what Omaha and Nebraska are all about when it comes to living!HAPPY TRAILS RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!! Hopefully will see some of ya on the Heatstroke 100 Or the Ms150
This topic causes me to want to rant, but I wont. I am a former teacher, albeit for a very short time period, where do the schools even begin to think they get the authorization to ban riding a bicycle to school??
And thanks to Adopt A School Partners for working with our schools. Kudos to Joslyn, too, for bringing bikes back.
Kids are still required to take Phys Ed classes in school, right? I'd think 20-30 minutes of bike/scooter/skateboard safety shouldn't be that hard to include in the gym curriculum once a year. And it shouldn't take hardly any more resources to do so (they're already in PE! I'm sure they won't mind the break from running laps to talk rules of the road, hand signals & helmet safety.) Just saying...
Banning cycling to school (outright or implied) for safety reasons is a specious argument. The hazards to a bicyclist is virtually the same as a walker, but clearly we don't ban walking to school - or do we now?
I understand the reality that schools exist on busy roads, but where are safety measures to ensure ALL kids cross the road safely? Does it really matter if they are biking or on foot? The safety measures should be the same.
I'm rather stunned that some schools have gone anti-bike and we have to work to change it back. Check out the last issue of Bicycling magazine - it's got a decent article about bike-to-school initiatives across the country.
bicycle safety is #1.
To support the tbicycle rack project and biking to school, there needs to be consistent bike safety courses introduced at the schools, perhaps at the beginning of the school year and right around early May to help the youngsters prepare for the summer. AND offer summer bike safety courses throughout the city. Yes this means a ton of resources. Getting this information out to the masses/schools/kids in a timely and widely distributed fashion is equally important.
@Jack - If my memory is correct, Joslyn is located right on Blondo Street just west of 108th. There is only a small neighborhood subdivision to it's NW with the rest of it's student population coming from the apartments directly south (across Blondo) and the Lee Valley subdivision to the SE (across Blondo and 108th). They probably chose to ban altogether rather than allow only those who didn't have to cross major street. I'm not saying it's right but is probably the safest.
Yep, sad but true. Our bike rack inventory is nearly done, but is looking like 60%+ of OPS elementary schools do not have bike racks... this doesn't officially ban biking to school, but effectively results in that outcome. There are student handbooks floating around out there that specifically ban it, however. We're chipping away, slowly but surely.
So, do any other area schools ban children biking???
Wow, I didn't realize biking to school had been outlawed anywhere in the metro. >>>
Biking to school was a part of my childhood... I can't imagine denying that small freedom to today's kids. As far as I can tell, our communities haven't gotten any less safe. (I would argue they are more safe than when I was a kid.) So what the heck happened in the last 20 years? There's a marked increase in adolescents developing typically adult-onset diseases like type II diabetes, hypercholesterolemia & hypertension from poor diet and lack of exercise. But biking to school - that's dangerous to their health!
Bicycling to Joslyn Elementary was banned? WT....?
@Mark G. Just try my super-awesome, no-fail, rain avoidance trick - sing out loud (or hum) Blind Melon's "No Rain" for the *entire* bike ride home. I usually get stuck on the same lyric, but who cares... I figure anyone within earshot is equally crazy/unlucky and my Shannon Hoon impression is the least of their worries...
Mark G - I always keep a cycling cap at work just in case it rains; I wear glasses and it makes a huge difference in keeping the rain off my specs. When caught unprepared for cold rain on the ride home, I've used clean trash bags as rain capes: cut arm and head holes and slip it over/under a jersey; sure you look like a goof, but it slows the moisture penetration to the skin, and the thermal conductivity (ten cent word) of water against your skin. If you're fenderless, it also make the jersey easier to clean. Got caught last week in a cold rain, and did a dumpster dive for a clean bag or piece of plastic to lay across my chest, under my jersey, for a descent; we all did. In the old days, newspapers sponsored races, and the kids hawking the papers were scattered about, some of them along definitive climbs; the racers would reach out, grab a paper, and stuff it under their jersey in preparation for long, fast descents, then toss it once they reached the bottom. Try doing that with your Assos vest!
Let hope for no rain around 5 ish!! I have a shorter commute than others so I dont want them to get stuck out there in the storms!!
Appreciate the input guys. Sent him the link
Yup, use the link; there is no "trail of breadcrumbs" from the national page, or at least not from what I could find. Make sure they get the name, locale, and zip correct or they may end up on their own one-person team. (Ask me how I know.)
@Mike - Endo said to invite them so we can get entered into the drawing for the extra jerseys at the end of this month after they ride 25 miles. Do you know if at the sign up they can enter if someone sent them?
@ Mark G: Send them to basic verbiage to what the challenge is all about and ask them to sign up via NBC website (http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/national).
How do we invite a friend to the challenge? I know to hit the invite to get them to accept a challenge or to join the bike team but there is no Invite button for NBC...suggestions?
Great safety advice from a national board war horse:
"When I do pedal around town, I always make sure I'm seen; even if that means I get honked at or get a dirty look. Far better those two things happening than getting hit!!!
Ride like you belong, as someone here (sorry can't remember who), always says!!
Pedal On!!
Peace"
Carrie, Wags, and I did a bit of scheming on our ride in this morning concerning the NBC ride coming up. Jump on in if you have any good ideas. As Rockie would say to Bullwinkle, "Here's something we hope you'll really like... " Stay tuned.
It was pleasure meeting Mark C,Mike and Other Offut team members you this morning. Yeah.. It was little tough ride . But We(Scott and Me) have reached to our destination safely.
Shout Out to Venkat! Nice to finally, formally meet you this morning. And thanks for joining our Twosday ride for a short mile. Best wishes and tail winds, my friend.
Was reading the national board this AM found this.
Why you don't ride close to parked cars.
http://news.sky.com/story/1124343/lucky-escape-after-car-door-opens-on-cyclist
Mike W - I would be interested to ride in a meet and greet on the 17th
It was a great week! I'm so proud of Cecelia and Debbie, who started riding about 5 years ago. Their first "road" rides were through our neighborhood to the Keystone, or the occasional Wish Ride. Early rides over to Iowa started at the Kerry Bridge; they'd drive down and unload their bikes, Mike and I would ride down Leavenworth to meet them (Leavenworth, at that time, was considered steep.) Now, they're climbing the Rockies, and bombing long descents in the drops. Cecelia, and friends, now have an annual "girls trip" to her home in southern Colorado... without the guys! (The nerve!!!) It's a thrill to see new riders mature. Share the joy!
http://www.ketv.com/news/local-news/police-teen-hits-bicyclist-with-car/-/9674510/21328838/-/79p8uk/-/index.html
Remember to watch out for the four wheeled vehicles out there. I always assume they dont see me. Defensive riding!! Stay safe out there guys!!
Wow, Mark C and co - what a ride!
What a spectacular weekend we had for riding!!
Mike "Wags" - We'll talk tomorrow, but I thought I'd toss this out to the crowd as an idea for the Aug 17 meet-and-greet ride: what about working a local shop(s) into the mix, start at shop A (coffee) and finish at shop B (Gatorade), a way to give back and generate some good will. Have to check with the shops, of course. Mike your idea is a good one for connecting us, and we can make more connections, like tossing a pebble in a pond, let the connections ripple out. Step, by tiny step, we can strengthen our cycling community. Super idea Wags!
Way to go Ceclia & Debbie!!
@ Cecelia C -Way to git CRANKSTA! Congrats on your first 1-0-0 Wishing you even more GIRRRRL POWER fun--Have beautiful day.
Flo-Rydas..
...still CRUSH'N
@Mike Wagster .....Fantastic .....Many times I see a bicycle rider and just give a friendly wave; wodering if he/she is a rider for NBC. I'm all for a meet.
@Mike Wagster ..... Ditto....... I think that would be fantastic.
Congrats to Cecelia! Those mtn. rides are memorable ones.
OK, here's how Cecelia rode 100 miles, the hard-man, er, women, way: rode 7 uphill miles from Frisco to Copper Mountain for the start of the Copper Triangle, rode the Triangle which included three mountain passes for 80 spectacular and tough miles, rolled back to Frisco for 7 more, saw she needed only 6 more for her first Century, and charged on with her friend Debbie for a cool 100. By far the toughest thing she's ever done (of course, besides marrying me.)
@ Mark C. : As long as you guys didn't hear your bike or clothing becoming electrically charged then you're safe. When you get back I'll have to share my "On a CO peak when a storm rolls in" story. Somewhat similar to yours, but I was hiking.
@ Mike C.: What a fabulous, scary, but fabulous adventure for which you were well prepared-- thank God for those grays;)). Sounds like you guys are having a good time! Enjoyed your story, especially the finale--"Tomarrow, we ride again." Love it! I hope to ride in the clouds next year. Here's to today!! Happy trails:)).
The road work on the Pacific St bridge over the Big Papio has moved to the e-bound lanes. The sidewalk on the North side of Pacific and the ramp to the n-bound trail are open. No more squeezing by the dumpster in the apartment parking lot.
Mark- Don't keep us in suspense....we need chapter 2!
Mark Crown - Congrats on Bagging Evans. Enjoyed the recount. Heidi
Anybody out there know when the next cycling 101 class is put on by the league? I want to start riding the streets more..... Also, is there a group of people out there who would be interested in participating in a committee of sorts for Bike Safety to focus on "problem areas" of the city? I want to see some of the input from this summer get some recognition and hopefully some action by OPD and other patrol agencies. Interest? Suggestions? Heidi
So Mike and I rode only 57 miles today, but what a 57 it was! Idaho Springs to the top of MountEvans, over 7000feet of climbing, to over 14,000. Still haven't acclimated to the altitude, but have learned exactly where my "red line" is, within a couple of heart beats; a few too many and it's wooziness on the way to lights out. We have jersey pockets stuffed with wind shells, long-fingered gloves, wool caps, and other bits to deal with life, or lack there of, above the clouds; the young turks depart a few minutes before us wearing local team kits and little else, save arm warmers and a vest. We old guys look like we're climbing Everest, minus the sherpas. Our death march starts with the first pedal stroke, and continues for the next 28 miles, with bad roads cursing the final 10. Miles go by slowly and I try to calculate our arrival at the summit, I stop such thinking because it starts to drag down my morale, and causes my pulse to elevate even more. I promise myself to stand and stretch every mile, then every half mile, then whenever I damn well please. As we climb the scenery means nothing without oxygen to the brain, besides I'm checking out the deteriorated road awaiting our descent; watch out for that hole, that crack, that hole, hell it's like a minefield; a couple of guys come flying down who must not have paid attention on the way up, I hear "Shit!" and the solid kachunk of wheels hitting a pothole square. The downhill side has no shoulder, and in parts the mountain has reclaimed slivers of road that the Colorado DOT has marked with orange cones; thanks DOT I'll grab one as I slip over the side so my wife can find my body. Towards the top I reward myself with a snack at each mile marker, as an incentive and because to eat more would exhaust me. There's the summit! Only two more switchbacks to go. We're greeted by mountain goats, and damp clouds flowing over the peak. Thunder in the distance and a Ranger announcing a lightning warning means it's time for a few quick pictures, and a scan of Colorado for 360 degrees. We kit up for the descent, and start rolling in a slight rain. Gravity makes acceleration instant, the road conditions are horrible, so it's dodging, darting, braking, and cursing. In minutes the thunder, rain, and lightning are upon us. No, strike that. The lightning is next to us, around us and below us: we're in the storm cloud. Cold rain, sleet, and wind make the roads even worse. Mike and I agreed to space ourselves out, so we each could use the whole road. I stop to adjust my cap, on the uphill side of the road, facing traffic, and am soon joined by two other cyclists, who dump their bikes and clamber under a rock ledge. The storm rages! These guys are a shivering mess--no gloves, no knee warmers, no vests or jackets. We have the look of castaways, and discuss strategies for getting down. Nothing makes sense, and no one is coming to the rescue. After ten minutes, we remount and attempt to creep down the mountain on a road that looks like black glass. I'm dragging the rear brake for all it's worth and 15mph is the slowest I can go, a controlled stop seems out of the question. I dare not look right, over the edge; you tend to steer where you're looking, and I don't want to go there. Switchback after switchback, in an ice-cold thunderstorm. Up ahead I see Mike waving his fluorescent yellow jacket outside a Ranger station. I approach, grab a handful of rear brake, with a touch of front, and pull into the small parking lot, grind to a stop, dismount, lean my bike against the wall, and duck inside. Inside Mike is wide-eyed, with a hint of fear and relief. The two guys I shared a rock overhang with arrived minutes earlier, and said I was right behind them; I was to start, but stopped to adjust the visor on my cap. A Ranger inside offers the other two Lycra Popsicles his fleece jacket and a parka. Mike and I wring out our gloves, and then do the same with our socks. We now look pretty smart hauling around all that extra gear. The rain turns to drizzle, we hop about to get our blood flowing. It's a good chance to escape, and we bid our fellow cyclists adieu. Cold, damn cold. The pavement is much better on the lower half of the mountain, so we're off the brakes more. The air becomes warmer as we descend, and starts to dry our clothes. The road is drier too, so we start to open up. A prudent 35mph seems reasonable; no use taking risks now, after what we've been through. We're now banking the turns and powering through the flats, swapping the lead, and happy to cover the final ten miles in a two-man pace line. We pull into Idaho Springs, and coast up to the car. We're both grinning like we cheated death, and are excitedly swapping stories, as we rummage through the cooler for food. We take turns loading bikes and changing into dry clothes. As we tighten the bikes on the rack, we notice the seat stays are black, and the rear brake pads are worn to a nub. On the way home, we call our wives and prep them for some epic story telling. A quick stop by the shop for a set of new brake pads, and homeward. Our wives pull into the driveway a few minutes after us. We hug, start to unload the groceries, and give them the fire hose treatment on our adventure. They hang out in the garage as Mike and break the bikes down for washing and maintenance, and listen to our story told in stereo. After about ten minutes of heroic tales, they retreat to prepare dinner, as we continue prepping all four bikes for the next day's ride. The garage is silent now, words are no longer needed between us. The silence is disturbed only by the sound of spinning gears and the clinking of tools coming and going out of the toolbox. Tomorrow, we ride again.
@ Mark G: That sounds interesting--Deal! Meet u @ Stinson trail head @nd 7- Sat. Hey Kari, F, u out there?
@ Sheila - Well, I am going to do a ride from Aksarben down to Big Papio up to Pacific and ride pacific out to Village Pointe Farmers Market Saturday morn. Maybe about 7 AM. Anyone is welcome!
We're giving out gift cards in the local challenge, if you didn't get an e-mail from me you still might win something on the national level!
@ Mark--Seatbag Ride!----YAAAAAAYY!...,when?
I like your PUN though of CRAP!
@ Sheila - Thanks!! We can have a seatbag ride :)
Everyone could use free TP!!!! Better luck next month :)
CRAP!!--Again. NO TP RIDE !!!! LOL
@Yayyyy Mark G.
Five additional NBC bike jerseys are being given away at the end of Aug!! Check the National News for details how to qualify.
Aug. 17. Let's do it.
Crap!!! I still didn't win the year of toilet paper!!! LOL
Congrats to Mark G. on his win!!!
I LOVE FREE STUFF!!! :)
Mike W - Might be able to. Will have to schedule my hunting either that sun or sat....depending on what buddy can do.
I just e-mailed the 10 local monthly prize winners! Check your inboxes!
@Mike W. the Endo ride sounds great ! Sat. Is a good day for me. I usually work that day but I can take it off If I give 10 days notice.
@ Mike W: NCB SocRide, sure/ Aug 17, that's the day before the CCC, right?
@Mike, Mark, Jim, Heidi thanks for the winter wisdom. I wondered if there were winter Flo-Rydas--good to know.
Omaha Endo Riders: Have you ever rode down the Keystone or some other local trail passing another cyclist going the same or different direction and wondered if that person is somebody logging miles for the NBC? I know I've wondered this multiple times because I always seem to see the same people riding each day.
So now it's time to put a face to the names we see on Endo... I am proposing we meet for a fun, easy, social ride in mid Aug so we can recognize each other on the trails. My suggestion is we schedule our Endo NBC ride on Sat, Aug 17. Time, location, and route can be discussed between now and then. I guess the first order of business is to see who’s interested? Request your feedback if interested.
Mark - having a jacket in bright yellow, with lots of reflection and armpit zips kept me riding through October and into November. there are a couple of mfgrs out there making them Pit zips really made the keeping core temps comfortable easy. Heidi
@Jack - I got Shimano sh-mw81's. I don't worry about snow, slush, puddles, or wheel spray anymore. Have also heard good things about Lakes. Make sure you get them at least one size larger than your summer shoes so you can wear a set of thick wool socks.
To all my bicycle riding friends at Carlson Hospitality. Miss you guys and miss riding for the team. Since my relocation I have added an additional 4 miles per day in traveling to work.
Ride safe and keep the miles coming in. God Bless ...be safe. If you run in to harold tell him hello. I lost his phone #. Let him know I travel Leveanworth Sunday through Wednesday. I just don't know exactly where he lives. Thanxs
This was posted to the NBC news column today. I'm sure we have some local riders that deserve to be profiled:
--------------------------
We're looking for a few good Challengers who would like to share their bicycling journey! Each week, the National Bike Challenge writes a Challenge Profile blog. Also, please send us your bicycling pictures! We're putting together a photo spread and we want to see pictures of you with your trusty bicycle. If you want to inspire your fellow riders, or just want to show us your sweet ride, send us an email at [email protected].
Ride On!
@Jim - what kind of winter bike shoes did you get? Lakes? Now that we're out-of-season for winter gear, I need to be looking for some deals on winter bike shoes.
Winter Riding:
I’ve been riding year round for the last four years. The best investment I made last year was true winter bike shoes - waterproof and insulated. The rest is just lots of thin layers - doesn't have to be cycling specific (love my ski mits), but does need to be breathable. A windproof outer jacket in an obnoxiously bright color is a must (reflective is best), and some type of windproof layer for your legs. I agree with Jack about over-dressing. Last year on a zero degree morning, I added a heavy layer and about dropped of heat exhaustion half way to work.
Also don’t forget lots of lights for your bike. You will be riding in the dark and a single blinkie in the back isn’t enough for drivers to see you.
Thanks Jack! I was kind of thinking the extremities were where it was really at. Kind of figure I will be taking the direct 6 mile route to work in the slushy winter weather due to lack of speed instead of the luxery 12 mile loop I take in the mornings now
@ Mark G: IMHO winter riding is all about fingers and toes! If they're happy, you can keep riding. If they're not, it's misery. Keeping the rest of your body warm is usually pretty easy; the extremities, not so much. Good gloves with liners, warmer shoes, toe covers, shoe covers, wool socks and the occasional Hot Hands pack all help. Another consideration is figuring out how not to overdo it on keeping your core warm. You'll want to be on the cool side starting out. Too toasty at the beginning means you'll overheat down the road. Having a lightweight, windproof but breathable jacket as an outer layer is really helpful across a whole range of temps since you can layer beneath it. On your legs you'll probably start out with knee warmers or knickers in the fall, progress to full-length tights and then for colder than 25, Pearl Izumi Amfib tights are hard to beat. Various balaclavas are available for head and face protection. Expect your times to be slower!
Argh... 3rd time's a charm... Thanks, CARRIE for catching that; forgot to delete Field Club from the list.
@Mark C. Thanks for your eloquent statement about sharing the trail. I appreciate your gift with words and I agree whole-heartedly. Thanks for sharing.
From Mark C- Field Club/yes/2x16/excellent/ 30 feet side entrance.
@ Mark G (ref geese of trail): Q - What happens when you buzz a goose on the trail and squirt your water at him as you pass, hitting him in his face & mouth as he's hissing at you? A - The goose gets even more pissed and helps you (me) work on your fast twitching muscle group by forcing a quick interval sprint trying to avoid the wrath of the airborne goose chasing me!!! I strongly advise anybody else against this action!! LMAO!!!!!
Mark - So glad to hear that you're going to keep at it, even when it starts to get colder! AO will be sponsoring a Winter Cycling Clinic later in the fall to cover all of this type of info. We'll keep everyone posted on the date as we get organized!
Just curious what thoughts are on this....Will be kind of a newbie to the cold weather riding this winter. I got all in shape and skinny last summer just to stop riding in late fall and get fat again. Sooo, I am determined to push my riding through the winter, (In fact, building the peugoet just for this purpose). So my question would be what is some good lightweight cold weather riding clothes? Appreciate any suggestions!
I rode the Tour de OPS yesterday afternoon. Here are my results for Groups F & G:
School/Racks/Capacity/Condition/Proximity/Hazards/Photo
Ashland Park Robbins/No/-/-/-/-/-
Chandler View/No/-/-/-/-/-
Educare/No/-/-/-/-/-
Gateway/Yes/60/Good/10' to Main & Side Doors/None/No
Gilder/Yes/15/Good/15' to Main Door/None/No
Gomez-Heritage/Not surveyed
Highland/No/-/-/-/-/-
Indian Hill/Yes/20/Good/10' to Main Door/None/No
Marrs Magnet/Not surveyed
Pawnee/No/-/-/-/-/-
Additional (non-OPS) schools surveyed:
Bryan High/No/-/-/-/-/-
Bryan Middle/No/-/-/-/-/-
Gross High/Yes/20/Good/20' to Main Door/None/No
Holy Ghost/No/-/-/-/-/-
Rumsey Station/Yes/80/Good/15-30' to Main & Side Doors/None/No
St. Bernadette/No/-/-/-/-/-
UPDATE on school bike rack inventory will be posted shortly ---->>>>
Congrats to Renee Carter for achieving Diamond Status!!
Mark crown-nice work on 5000 pts sir!
@Mark C. - you should be a (rider) writer ...lol
Just wondering ....I have been riding for years and never received a prize. How is one selcted for a prize other than accumulating points? Not a big thing. I will continue to ride and enjoy my surroundings and dealing with mother nature. Now that's what gives me an utimate rush. I Love Bike Riding.
I did not get Ponca Elementary....sorry
Here is the latest bike rack scouting report;
Pinewood Elementary - 1 new bike rack in front doorway
Wakonda Elementary - No Racks
Springville Elementary - No Racks
Minne Lusa Elementary - No Racks
Miller Park Elementary -No Racks
Sherman Elementary -No Racks
this should take care of groups B & C
As does Renee Carter.
Mark Crown everyone. A man who has > 5,000 points.
Mark Crown everyone. A man that always has good insight!
Wow, a guy goes on a little vacation and the Comment board looks like an explosion at a type-press factory. All good and valid comments concerning trail use. One of the beautiful sites on our trails is a crowded Sunday morning when the trail, our trail, is filled with runners, walkers, cyclists, roller bladders, kids on shiney new bikes out with dad for their first spin (so you slow, point to their bike and say "Cool bike!" Making the child grin from ear to ear.) As cyclists we're the fastest things out there, and as Spider-Man learned, with great power comes great responsibility. As we approach others we're in the dominant position, we're in control of what happens next. One of my favorite thoughts is from the Prayer of Saint Francis... to not seek to be understood (can't you see I'm passing you.), but to understand (they're out for a jog, chatting with friends, trying to enjoy the sunrise with their child.) Others are blind to our approach, we control what happens next, we can make the encounter anything we want... I prefer to make it a mutually beneficial one, I pass carefully, and we all move forward.
Thanks, Scott. That's too bad. 'Seemed like a cool app, but is actually just a waste of time until they get their kinks figured out.
@Bret The city's mobile app as well online tools have problems. A friend who's office is with the city wrote me this:
"Our online system is hit and miss… I used to have the Omaha app and noticed that my concerns were not being taken care of… so I resulted in asking people to send me pictures and I will physically either take care of it myself or get our parks dept to make it a specific maintenance request. Even when I report things I have a hard time tracking if it gets completed or not."
Thanks, Mark G. I know I can be an opinionated hot-head. I like everyone on here - so why am I ranting at someone/anyone??? ;-)
So, so, so grateful to all of you! We're getting close!
@Christiane - I saw your rant I think. LOL I did not think it was bad :)
And one interesting observation - I noticed I became noticeably less "aggro" when I ditched the music/earbuds. I stopped listening to music for safety/awareness, but the peace and calmness and increased social interaction was a wonderful "side effect".
@ mike g - geese. Speed up to push through them and accidentally hit one and the results are catastrophic for both parties. Slow down to get through them and the back of your brain keeps seek g "when geese attack"!
Honestly I think the problem is we can announce and try to use good judgement but we just have to remember that it is hard to judge what the other person is going to do. On your left and they move to the left. We mainly just have to use caution.
I wrote a rant and then deleted it. It's not worth causing tension on this board. I'm a speed freak. I used to buzz people everywhere (road, trail, you name it). Usually just other bikers, but still. I was (am?) a "holy terror" when left unchecked. And then karma caught up with me - big time. I realized that some day we all find ourselves being the "obstacles" ourselves... and sometimes we need a little help or patience from others... and sometimes we're the ones having the "off" day. A kindness goes a long way. So, let's perpetuate more good, less bad.
There r definitely buzzers out there Christiane. I think everyone has done it at one point or another. Maybe accidentally or maybe not. I know I have done it at points. You can actually tell the walkers that have been buzzed multiple times. They r the ones that jump 3 ft to the right when you holler you r coming from 20 ft back. I have been on both ends of it and know how freaked out the walker can get. I do like your perspective of outgrowing the trail. It makes sense for sure.
@ Mark G: OMG the geese are by far the worse trail hogs!!! Plus they leave behind an aweful mess at times.
@Christiane - I agree, I try to thank the walkers a lot when they move over! I think it is just polite. Most of the dogs I run across I do have to admit their owners usually go all the way off the trail for me. I am a bigger guy though. Would hurt to get run over by me!! If only we could get those geese to understand moving over for us!! LOL
BTW - I most often ride with ear buds in listening to my fav tunes but I also keep a keen sense of my surroundings to the front and rear of me. So it's possible to do both - you just need to be cognizant of it. And like Christiane Ley, I sometimes remove the ear buds just to enjoy the sounds of the trail, especially in the early morning hours when I know the birds are singing.
I feel the same way Mark G! I encounter this on a daily basis when I ride into work using the Keystone Trail. I don't worry about scaring people as I pass if they have ear buds in b/c I know I've done my part with announcing I'm passing. The worse of the culprits are people walking their dogs allowing them the full freedom the leash cord provides. Don't misunderstand, some pet owners have trained their pet to sit when a cyclist passes and when I pass them I commend them on the obedience of the animal. But other owners don't care what their dog is doing or how it affects other trail users. For those people I slow down enough to pass safely and don’t sweat the reason... after all, I am riding on a multi-purpose trail.
@Mark G. Guilty confession - I was one of those jackholes who always had their earbuds in. I have been earbud-free since May (with a few lapses - it's a tough addiction to break! even then, it's 1 bud on low.) My experiences on the bike really changed when I turned the "noise" off.
To be honest, I think a lot people have the attitude of "I do my own thing, everyone else be damned" all day long and the trail/road is just an extension of that. I don't know if it's intentional (such as a rampant sense of entitlement or they just don't care about others) or it's unintentional (they're naturally oblivious or they don't accurately gauge the level of distraction).
My philosophy - I don't like distracted drivers/runners/walkers/riders/dogwalkers/etc so I start by not being one myself. I also avoid 'picking fights' with people who are - because that goes nowhere fast.
When I'm on a multi-use trail, I try to "share" as best I can - even if that means giving others excessive leeway. And I try to anticipate the lane hogs, the speed bullies, the blockers, the drifters, the unpredictables, the zoners, the dog clothesliners, and the total spaz-outs. (I'm guessing y'all know these trail "types". Feel free to add.) I also pop waves and make attempts to thank people when they "share nicely" back. I think all we can do is set a better example ourselves and hope it catches on...
Been a while since I have been on here. Had some time off from work. My thought of the day is this: Why do people not pay attention to their surroundings? On the trail I have had countless encounters where I holler that I am passing and people do not move because either A) Their headphones are in both ears or loud enough that they cannot hear or B) They are too involved in their conversation with their partner to hear you announce yourself. Then you slow down tremendously to pass them and they get all surprised or scared and then yell at you. I feel bad in those situations, but dont they share SOME responsibility of knowing what is going on around them? I may get roasted for this post but it is very frustrating!!
@Mike W, Mark C, Sheila and all. Sorry I've been slow to respond. Thanks for sparking the discussion about traffic danger zones. I appreciate the feedback/guidance and will jump on board if we can come up with a good reporting/publicizing mechanism like Omaha Bikes or some other public forum.
Regarding my traffic close-call Friday: I reported my incident with Bellevue PD (non-emergency) as you mentioned. It was a very brief exchange. The dispatcher said she'd "pass it on". I normally shake these things off, but that doesn't help any of us in the long run. I feel like the longer I stay quiet about reckless/threatening driving towards cyclists, the more I become complicit with it. Change doesn't just happen - we have to make it happen.
I may also be able to get Group F as well but no promises it will be today.
I will get Group G this afternoon.
I can get groups B& C Tuesday night with the exception of Ponca
I went by Field Club earlier. Field Club/yes/2x16/excellent/ 30 feet side entrance. Thanks for the update Julie,that's an impressively short list!
You are all rockstars. AND, even in my 6+ years of working to encourage more kids to walk and bike to school, I am flabbergasted at the number of schools with no bike racks. :( I'm going to post an update on what schools we still need to get --->
Yeah Carrie!
I looked over at Omaha Bikes, and it looks like it could be a repository for cycling safety entries. Does one have to be a "member" to blog. The Blog categorizes entries by type, a new one could be "road safety and hazards." A $ membership fee may be a hurdle for some. Sending observations or complaints to a single point of contact may impose a burden on that one person to post all the complaints and observations: we should strive towards sharing info and using social media to our advantage. How do we crack into Omaha Bikes? The platform is all ready up and running.
More bike rack info;
Fontenelle Elementary- 3 new racks in front
Hartman Elementary - No racks
Florence Elementary- No Racks
Dundee Elementary- 1 rack at North entrance - good condition
Belvedere Elementary- No Racks
Franklin Elementary - 1 rack in front - new condition * Correction*
Reminder ----- gain more miles and be sure you are signed up ----- You are invited.... Corporate Cycling Challenge Bicycle Ride in Omaha Nebraska - Sunday August 18, 2013 --- the largest one day bike ride in the Midwest is back... over 4,000 bicyclists - be sure to sign up with your company, club or team, or as an individual -- Event is Sunday August 18th, 2013. See web site for details... www.corporatecycling.com.
Thanks Mike W
Anyone know if anything is ever actually done with the reports submitted with the "Omaha App?" (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/omaha-mobile-app/id513752824)
Looks like a really cool app if anyone would actually ever do anything with it. You can submit reports of heat swells or other street/sidewalk issues, trees/brush that needs trimmed over sidewalk, and many other things, but I see several reports out there from 2012 that are still open. I've submitted a couple and they get moved from "RECEIVED" to "IN PROGRESS," but that's about as far as they go.
I did some scouting for bike racks at elementary schools this morning and this is what I found;
Rose Hill Elementary: No racks
Druid Hill Elementary - No racks
MLK Elementary- No racks
Western Hills Magnet Elementary- 1 good rack in back by a door
Walnut Hills Elementary- No racks
Benson West Elementary- 2 new racks by back door
Franklin Elementary- No racks
Harrison Elementary- 4 racks in back new condition
Carrie McGill
Team Offutt Cyclonauts
I'm never sure if people see when we post new items on the News side...Note that I just posted over here! :) ----->>>
Here are two tongue-in-cheek articles I stole from another Endo user:
Six Ways to Kill a Cyclist: http://tinyurl.com/d8pd6fv
Six ways a cyclist with a death wish can become a hood ornament: http://tinyurl.com/n2h7m4t
I think a group approach would be best b/c the Danger Zones could cross jurisdictional boundaries; I'm just not sure where we could log the Danger Zones so everybody could have access to the info? I don’t think Omaha Bikes website supports such activity. Maybe Activate Omaha would allow us to report Danger Zones to them so they can be consolidated and reported? Any thoughts on this Julie Harris?
IRT Pacific St construction area: I suggest using the traffic lights on 105th St next to Cancer Survivor’s Park to cross Pacific St then go into the apartment complex parking lot to gain access back to the trail. I have done this a couple of times with no problems encountered.
If we are keeping track of the Danger Zones, one needs to be noted - it's temporary until we can go under Pacific street by the big papio on the big papio. I had a driver almost hit me as i walked my bike across Pacific and on another occasion had a driver pass me in a no passing on 105th where i turn to get on the trail just east of the construction. This area is truly an accident waiting to happen until the under pass is opened again. I know there are others from the posts here. What would be the best way to approach OPD? I think as a group instead of just taking each individual incident to the OPD Thoughts? Heidi
I first read this 2 years ago, adopted this practice of "Claiming the Lane" when riding, and have not had a single negative encounter since then. However, you NEED to keep in mind to obey ALL traffic laws and be very intentional with your intent to signal turns or merge in traffic. Otherwise you are setting a bad example and create even more safety risks. Ride safe and keep the rubber side down!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top 5 Reasons to Claim the Lane (and why it’s safer)
1. Drivers give you more room – The day I started claiming the lane is the day I stopped getting regularly buzzed too close by cars. As mentioned above, when you are all the way to the right then cars will almost always try to squeeze by. When you claim the lane, they are forced to slow down and wait for an opportunity to pass you which means they take plenty of room to do it.
2. You are more visible – Drivers are used to looking for other large, metal boxes. And they're used to looking in the middle of the lane ahead of them. When you hug the side of the road you are often outside their field of vision. By claiming the lane you are much more likely to be seen by oncoming traffic.
3. You avoid dangerous debris and obstacles – the sides of roads are usually covered in debris. Stuff that can slash your tires and/or fly up and hurt you. There are also things like sewer grates and uneven shoulders to worry about. By claiming the lane you avoid all of this.
4. It's an easier, more enjoyable ride – When stuck squeezing the side of the road or riding on the sidewalk, feelings of stress abound. Constantly watching the terrain ahead of you, swerving out of the way of obstacles, slowing down for pedestrians and many other things that you are forced to pay attention to are reduced when you claim the lane.
5. You are making a statement – While not as important as the previous safety related reasons, this has a long term effect. On many roads bicycles are seen as an annoyance that shouldn't be allowed in the road with other "real" vehicles. By claiming the lane you are making a statement that we belong on the road and have all the same rights as cars.
@ Christiane: Sorry for the late response but I don't check Endo on the weekend. I agree with Mark Crown in reporting the trouble spot(s) to local police. Give them the specifics of each encounter you have (street name, location, time of day, type/color of car involved, etc.). Politely remind them of NE Law LB1030 which basically states, "The law requires motorists to give at least 3 feet of space when passing cyclists, pedestrians, and those operating motorized wheelchairs on the road." Ask them if they can have a patrol car monitor the area for unsafe activities. If you have a digital camera you may also want to find a way to safely record your commute. This will give you physical proof of any hazards you may encounter.
Logged in as Cecelia again. Not used to sharing.
Scott and Robert - I went by Karen western: rack in good condition, right near the front door.////thanks Douglas.
@Robert, Way to come through with the Ralston schools. I figured you'd do it. I'll try to take a look as I go by Karen Park(Western) next trip.
Group A school bike rack inventory is done.
Edison does not have racks
Dodge has 1 newer curve style in front
Masters does not have bike racks per se but has 6 square frames that could be used although they are right on top of the sidewalk
Boyd has a long rack in the grass on the NW corner It is rusty
Adams has a long rack in the back by the dumpsters and it has rust.
I love all the enthusiasm of the "bike rack Magellans." It's inspiring to see all the results roll in. For those that haven't tried, pick a few schools and navigate your own course;easier and more fun than you might think.//////Super job Scott and Robert!
I hit the rest of the Ralston schools on my grocery trip, with the exception of Blumfield Elementary.
Ralston Public Schools
Rack Y/N
Chris Ley - I agree with reporting such incidents; how else are authorities to know of trouble spots. Which brings me to a thought someone expressed earlier on this forum: we have a lot of active and insightful discussions here on Endo, I hope it's not lost. Wouldn't it be nice to have a more permanent home for such discussions; a place to host all the bike rack info, or where we could log and comment on cycling trouble spots, sort of an audit trail we could show authorities to say "See, I'm not the only one having trouble there.". Perhaps Omaha Bikes? /////Congrats to John Vargas.
Add LaVista West
Rack-Yes, 28 capacity., Condition-Fair, Proximity-30', Hazards-No
@Jack Mayfield, Thanks!
Thanks for the report, Scott!!
Cecelia, friends, and went here today. Part bike shop, part museum for fans of 7-11 team and Ron Kiefel. Lots of Kiefel race jersies and bikes on the wall. Even got a behind-the-scenes tour of the back were all the wrenches were busy as elves before Xmas. Best fit studio I've ever scene. Worth a visit. .//// I see below I posted under my wife's log on... Oops. We're sharing an iPad. Thanks again Scott.
http://ridewrc.com/articles/tour-de-wrc-ig446/
That's the spirit Scott! What a fun way to get some extra miles. Half the fun was mapping a good circuit.///////
Congrats Jack.
Twelve Papillion LaVista Schools to cross off
School
John Varga earns Diamond.
Green Streets & Activate Omaha / Open StreetsOmaha invite all Saturday morning riders to the bike hub on Farnam St. downtown at Open Streets Omaha. There will be sag social until 10:30am. See you there!!!
Ahoy Papillion riders, if you are interested in being part of a discussion with the city of Papillion to explore what it would take to become a Bike Friendly Community, please email me at [email protected].
Okay, I had a very close call with an speeding driver again today on my commute to work. (I'm okay, but about had a heart attack.) This occurred in a common problem spot, but one I cannot avoid without walking my bike a distance along the road. I'm starting to think I need to start reporting the more egregious incidents to local police. (I have never reported before.) My intent is mainly just to say to police "Hey, this is happened to a cyclist here, at this time, and you should be aware that this might be an issue, especially if it's a repeated occurrence or a possible danger area." TO ALL: What are your thoughts about reporting dangerous cyclist-motorist incidents to authorities? I'm looking for practical/reasonable advice and a general concensus of how we should be informing law enforcement of problems. Thanks!
Thank you, Mark!!!
Eight more to cross off the list:
School/rack /capacity/condition/proximity to main entrance/hazards
Washington/yes/30/new/50ft/no hazards
Jackson/no rack
Liberty/no rack
Field Club/yes/2x16/excellent/30ft, side entrance/no hazard
Jefferson/no rack
Norris Middle/yes/2x24/poor/30ft, back entrance/no hazard
Karen Western-Ralston/yes/30/good/20ft/no hazards
OLL Catholic/yes/2x30/average/100ft, up stairs on upper level/no hazard.
/////// List them so others won't chase them down. I had fun on my own Tour de OPS!
Mikek, I agree. Seems to me the media is playing it up again. I saw not facts in the article pertaining to the situation as why this happened.
Thanks to everyone helping with our crowd sourcing bike inventory!! Mark C is correct; we definitely need OPS, but will happily take any and all reports of other schools/districts in the metro area.
Enlightening and sorrowing story as to why we, as cyclists, need to follow the laws and ride responsibly: San Francisco cyclist guilty of manslaughter in legal first
http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2013/jul/24/san-francisco-cyclist-manslaughter
I believe the primary focus is OPS, based on time available and scale of the effort. If we can get others too, that's probably a good thing. I threw in Holy Cross and Mercy because they're right down my street. I'll get Jackson, Liberty and Washington tonight, maybe Norris Middle School. Y'all better get moving, before they're all gone! Spread the word to your friends.
@Mark C & AO: Dumb question - is the school bike rack inventory effort Omaha Public Schools specific or Douglas-Sarpy Learning Community specific (ie, metro wide)??? Thanks.
Check out over there==========>>>>
Julie needs help with bike rack information at our schools. Get more miles on your way home, and roll by a couple of schools to find out: if they have a rack, bike capacity, its condition, proximity to entrance, any hazards to young cyclists. Check out the map here, and take the long way home. http://www.ops.org/district/SCHOOLS/SchoolMaps/CityandDistrictMaps/tabid/1364/Default.aspx
I hit four last night on the way home.
Beals Elementary - no rack
Belle Ryan Elementary - no rack
Holy Cross Catholic - no rack
Mercy High School - no rack
@ Mark C: Please forgive me-- I know perfectly well that your first name is Mark----jimminy crickets, Sheila!
Mark C:--Thanks for your leadership!
I'm a fan of all of you who haul brooms and scrappers to the underpasses to help keep Omaha ridable.
@Shelia M., concur with your Armstrong comments.
@Christiane L., agree RAGBRAI is about all the cyclists
@Mark C., another eloquent spot on observation!
I'm a fan of a friend who takes a long pull at the front, on a cold, rainy day. Or the cyclist who helps a new rider remount a dropped chain, or gives a new tube to a guy with a flat and no patch or tubes. The cyclist that brings joy to the end of a long hard day by buying a round of cold beer. Or the friends that share laughs and breakfast after a long, hard ride. Or the owners and waiters of Dixie Quicks, Louis M's, Jimmie D's, and other restaurants that see us coming in sweaty lycra, greet us like old friends, and bring a pitcher of ice water as we sit down. I'm a huge fan of my wife who no longer complains about rides in the rain, says "That was fun!" after white-knuckle descents, and now searches for hills to become stronger. And I'm a fan of many folks on this message board, trying to make our community better for cyclists.
Lance's bio: "It's Not About the Bike". RAGBRAI's bio: "It's Not About Lance, It's About the 10,000+ Other Cyclists." Enough said.
I'm a die-hard fan of Lance Armstrong. Let's get real! He's the BEST of the dopers! As far as his distancing himself from embarrassment/shame: a defense mechanism-we all have them.
He's a great athlete, but a lousy scapegoat. Jeeze, he can't be great at everything.
Interview with Lance Armstrong at RAGBRAI: http://dmreg.co/15dSV0W He can't seem to be able to say "my actions" or "what I did." He keeps referring to what he did as "the story" or "a polarizing topic" or some such vague thing separate and apart from himself. That kind of verbiage will not win back many fans.
w/ Mike C: LgMBO-- At least you got it eventually-I thought it was a fraternity--well close enough! :)) Fun funny tent story
Speaking of rain-- got caught this morning on the ride in---- REEEFRESHING!!/ and somehow easier against the wind. Whooda thunk it? :))
@ Mark G I feel a TP group ride coming on. LOL.
@ Mike C It won't get messy- I promise :)
Hoping to ride this evening so I can unlock 2500 ribbon.....Bring on the free TP!!!
One of my funniest experiences at RAGBRAI was a thunderstorm, with rain and winds so strong, I had to lie on my back with my arms spread to my side holding the tent down, and my legs straight up trying to keep the tent up; the five-foot tall tent was bent over so it was about a foot high, with the top inches from my nose. A lot of hysterical laughing and wet sleeping bags that night. Good times.
Sounds like the Ragbrai folks got dumped on last night!!
You know when you get a mental block, staring at a vanity license plate? "Phy Mu?" Phy Mu?" Is that a type of Vietnamese soup, like "Pho?" Then it hits you. Oh-h-h-h-h, Physicians Mutual.
@Bob M. A hardy group of Phy Mu commuter riders will be there. What kind of weather do you have on ordered for the day?
@All. Thanks for the comments about gravel riding. Been talkin' to a friend about it, too. I may be investing in a cross bike shortly so I can experience it for myself.
@Mike Wagster: I just looked up the Dirty Kanza & Odin's Revenge (along with a list of other enduro gravel rides) - that's insane!!!
Hello all -- Reminder --- You are invited.... Corporate Cycling Challenge Bicycle Ride in Omaha Nebraska - Sunday August 18, 2013 --- the largest one day bike ride in the Midwest is back... over 4,000 bicyclists - be sure to sign up with your company, club or team, or as an individual -- Event is Sunday August 18th, 2013. See web site for details... www.corporatecycling.com.
First day of Ragbrai was great!!
Gravel Riding--it's all of the riding I ever did as a kid on the back roads of Wenonah, New Jersey and later in PA until my early 30's. It's the riding we did before marketers made bike riding sound so complicated. I would have enjoyed the Gong Ride--sorry I missed it--Gonna make my own.
After I got my 1st fatty,Pugsley,I started hitting the gravel county roads which are everywhere with some of the tougher climbs around as well as wide open peaceful riding.Nebraska side or Iowa side,love both. Doesn't matter what,where,when,or why,competitive or casual,just RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!
Jerry. I just saw your goose attack comment. About a year or so ago I was riding the Hennepin Canal Trail in Illinois, near where I grew up. As I approached a family of Canada geese, one of the parents jumped up and launched directly at me. If I hadn't laid down on the handle bars it would have gotten me
@ Christiane: I was introduced to gravel grinding in March 2013 and I've absolutely fallen for this genre of cycling. So much so that I’ve already competed in the Dirty Kanza 200 gravel race on Jun 1st, Odin’s Revenge gravel race on Jun 29th; and on Aug 24th I will compete in Gravel Worlds race. For me, the appeal of riding on gravel is that it requires all the technical ability of mountain biking and combines it with the speed and endurance of road biking! Matt Bittner is correct saying that it takes (almost) full concentration to keep the rubber side down when riding on gravel. The surface of gravel roads vary to such an extent that a rider needs to read the road conditions ahead and makes decisions for which line to take all without interfering with other riders. Sometimes you choose a good line and the rolling is smooth and fast; while at other times you struggle to keep your balance and speed because the gravel is thick and loose. But the most appealing aspect of riding gravel is that it opens up a greater amount of places to ride!! Nebraska and Iowa are still considered farming states and both states contain many hundreds of miles of gravel roads between the farms. These gravel roads are typically less travelled, they go every direction imaginable, and they wind through some beautiful countryside getting you away from the hustle and bustle of urban (and even county) road riding! All of these characteristics are why I enjoy gravel grinding and will continue to ride it as long as I can ride a bike. I highly recommend trying it at least once.
To be honest the GONG ride was my first foray into "serious" gravel. And I enjoyed the heck out of it! It's just something different and takes a different kind of concentration. While on trails you have to worry more about the other person. On gravel you have to worry about everything. Not just the other person, but also the road. Yes, it sounds like more work, but it's just a blast!
Plus the GONG organizers had everything down-pat and in place where needed. Sure, it was a self-supported ride, but if you go in with that mentality, then you'll have no issues at all.
And we saw everything on that ride - skinny tires up to a Surly Puglsey. Sweet!
So, what's the appeal of gravel grinders? (Genuine "ears perked" curiosity.) I don't have a gravel bike ('cross bike?) and wonder if I suddenly need one. As a dyed-in-the-merino-wool roadie, I usually look at gravel as a means to an end - as in "Damn, gravel. Do I take the 1-mi of gravel or the 25-mi road detour? Hmmm...."
Looking for a different kind of ride? Check out the GONG RIDE! Gravel roads at night. Pretty awesome! Lots of fun! Like the owl ride but in the country.
New route (for me), thought I'd share. West on Mahogany Rd out of Underwood IA, south on L34, west on Juniper Rd/Badger Rd, then south on Lincoln Highway through Crescent. Beautiful, panoramic vistas, super-steep bits, low traffic. About 60+ from midtown Omaha, depending on how you loop it in town. Been up and down toward Crescent before, staying close to the river and Loess Hills, but hadn't ventured east much from there. Lots of fun!
Looking for something to do on Saturday? Well, Open Streets Omaha is still in need of volunteers: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA8A82AAAFF2-downtown
If you aren't able to volunteer consider the 10am kick-off announcements at 14th & Farnam as a point on your Saturday ride. Activate Omaha, Community Bike Project, Omaha B-Cycles, Trek, Bike Rack, Metro will all be in the bike hub. Should be a lot of fun!!
Well, gee. Nothing on radar, so I went for a quick spin - got hailed on once, rained on twice, and saw three huge rainbows. Kinda fun nonetheless.
A small group of five crossed the river to do the first day of the RAG, looped home via L34 and Crescent; beautiful roads and panoramic views. A stop at Dixie Quicks. Today's national ice cream day, so we had to have oatmeal and ice-cream (for the uninitiated, it's a must have at DQ's). Saw the police come through and start rolling-up the route.
@Phil & Mark G. I was also very sad to come home after the RAGBRAI expo/kickoff. It felt like I was the only kid not going off to summer camp. :-(
@Mark G. I've learned that if a bolt/part has a torque rating or it involves carbon anything - then I properly torque it. Over tightening can cause part breakage, bolt snapping, and stress fractures. It's also possible to crack carbon parts in an instant. Under-tightening causes parts to come apart or wear rapidly. Any time I see someone hand cranking a bolt, my heart twinges (oh, carbon bar, gaaaahhhhh)... I had my new cassette come "apart" suddenly on a fast group ride right after I had it serviced. The shop didn't torque the lockring. It was a very dangerous situation. The shop was all "oops, sorry about that" - so now they don't work on my bikes anymore. Moral of story: don't learn about correct torque the hard way, like me!
Everyone but Carrie and Valerie missed a great ride last night, the GONG Ride. It was a blast! Definitely more fun than some boring rode-ride like RAGBRAI. :-D
Carrie, Cecelia, and I rode south from Aksarben to rally with the Air Force Cycling Team. Met several other Offutt folks to shepherd them over to CB for RAGBRAI, and enjoyed the Expo before the ride back across the Kerry Bridge, then home. Always fun to ride in a big group wearing the same jersey.
Feel your pain Phil.
Happiness is riding with great friends, from home to CB for Ragbrai Expo.
Sadness is riding back home alone 'cause they are riding Ragbrai and you are not.
Thanks for the stem advice guys. I am actually using this one as test. Then putting my original back on until I can pick up an actual new one. Tip on the torque wrench is key. I did not know they had specific torques for them. I always just screwed the four plate screws tight. Never thought of them snapping.
Jerry and Chris - If the road crew is gonna leave a gravel gap, at least make the gravel white so we can have our own little Strada Bianchi.
http://www.atwistedspoke.com/13613/
Tree down across the trail coming into Seymour Smith Park from Harrison.
Mark G - Chris is right about the four bolt pattern stem, which spreads the load on the plate better than two-bolt stems. As you swap bits around be VERY careful to get the torque correct: to save weight some bolts are aluminum, or as Julie Andrews might say "alloo minny um." Not good, no matter what your dental plan. And the screws from a used stem may have been over-torqued by the last guy. Stems are NOT the place to save weight or go super-Gucci. Most shops sell an inexpensive torque "key" just for low torque applications--when we travel we toss one in our kit for bike rebuilds.
5 for 5 rides to work this week! The stars (meaning, the weather & my schedule) only align like this about once a year, and I'll take it! Have a great weekend, everyone!
Good point Christiane. It is a 4 bolt faceplate. I am going to inspect it and make sure it seems solid. Ride just a couple rides on it and if it works then buy a new stem with those measurements. I just dont want to buy a new expensive one to find I would rather have a different size.
@Jerry. Thanks for the Bell Loop trail update. I don't know what's up with the dirt gap section, either. Yah take concrete out, ya put it back. Seems logical.
@Mark. 3T stems are good, just don't go used. 3T stuff is typically extra lightweight, so I wouldn't go for used on a load bearing part for that reason. If it's a "forgie" (older 3T 4G) with a single-bolt clamp or a 2-bolt faceplate setup, I wouldn't do it.
@Sheila. Still laughing about the gnat+eyeball=love-at-first-sight comment...
Yesterday afternoon, I saw a couple workers on the Bellevue Loop by the Capehart Rd trailhead and went up to talk to them. They were just finishing the concrete work on the sections they tore out last week. They said they would probably remove the forms today and that section of the trail would be "open" on Saturday. They didn't do anything to fix the big gap just East of the Ft. Crook overpass though.
@Christiane - Well I am kinda going with cheap till I find size that feels right. So I found this 3T 4G 90 mmm on ebay for 15. If that does not feel right then I will try another cheap one. Then when I find what I like if I feel an upgrade need I can do it then :)
I did get attacked by a goose a few years ago. It was on the Keystone trail by the old Chili Green golf course just south of Center. Mom, dad & 2 babies were crossing the trail. Dad was chasing after another cyclist about 15-20 yards ahead of me and I made the mistake of riding between mama and the chicks. She flew up and hit me on the shoulder with either her chest or a wing. Knocked me off balance for a second, but no harm done.
@ Mark G. Beaver: Just chillin' on the trail ---heee hee.
@ Mark G Dude, are you rid'n in the tall grass? -- So may ticks. Glad I haven't found one, yet. Time to get some deet. YEACH--Now I'm iching all over--for real; gotta take lunch.
@ Christine--I know what u mean about the turtles :))
@ Christine- Oh yeah gnats= enie meanie major pains- hate when they get stuck on my face anywhere. And, don't have a light on-- I swear they must be thinking--" Hey lookit bright EYE over there -- yeah, the healthy one! She's winking at ME. I'M GO'N IN!!!
@Mark. I rock a Deda stem on my Roubaix. Salsa makes some mighty spicy ones. Thomson is sweet, too. If you're swapping, pls stay away from a 2-bolt (my Dimension was recalled due to "catastrophic bolt failure". Egads.) 4-bolt is a must.
@All, I will give back the board now. Sorry.
@Mark. Mighty serious stem change ya got there! 120>90 (30mm) is a big change (not being sarcastic). Have you considered a 100 flip-floppable stem?
@Mark. Gee, thanks. Now I'm squirming in my chair. And what's with the freakishly huuuuge turtles lately??? They're like little Abrams tanks crossing the trail.
Christiane..ticks are bed this year! Been getting them on the keystone even. I think I have found over a dozen this year on me.
@Shiela. I think those red/black bugs are boxelder bugs (I call 'em Husker bugs - never seen 'em before I moved to NE). The big brown crunchy beetles are junebugs.
@Sheila. Gah, I hate those, too. Ironically the gnats make me the most gneurotic. Gnothing like getting home and finding gnats (some still alive) plastered to every inch of your body. Awesome pickin' em out of your eye. And if I find a tick or spider on me (from mountain biking in the woods), it's a real freak show. We're talking full spazmodic dance, clothes flying, girly shrieking... And that's in the trailhead parking lot!
@sheila..last year saw otters several times playing in creek around Karen pool. Beaver was just chilling on the trail one evening by Karen a few weeks ago. He was a little guy. @ Mark C...yes my father would concur that there is just something wrong with said boy! @ Christiane making a big stem change. Going 120 to 90. And yes...back stretches are key!
Got one for ya. What are those large, sliggish red/blk, hardbodied beetles that swarm on the Louis n Clark mid to late august? They hurt when they slam into you.
Re: Geese Just make noise or hiss back. They usually keep on going.
w/ Mark C Ohh ho hooo got jokes, today !!!! LOL :))
@Matt. Don't forget the wooly worms (save the woolies!) Heaven help riders if they ever encounter a dragonfly swarm. Or grasshoppers. Nothing like a massive (hard, justifiably angry) dragonfly to the face. Yeouch!
@Lauren. Those geese are vicious! And they've been camping there for a while now. I try to make noise as I approach to encourage them to move away. I can't blame em, tho. We bikers are threatening and approach quickly. I just wish they'd find a more goose-friendly spot to chill.
@Mark Gibbons. Re: twitchy steering. I made several changes at the same time - saddle, stem, bars (FYI: not smart in hindsight - hard to tell what causes what.) Twitchiness seems to be related to shifting the rider (center of gravity) forward. FWIW, I upped my core strength (yoga, P90X), dropped a few lb, and my back problems went away. I now use my abs more (don't laugh!) to hold my body up, which puts a lot less strain on my spine & arms. Go figure!
It looked like a Rattlesnake. I came out from under the underpass near Walnut Creek and suprised the snake. It popped up and I heard a distinct rattle and also though I heard an angry hiss. I too thaught it may have been a bull snake but I looked up how they rattle and they use their tail to vibrate dry leaves or grass sounding similar to a rattle.
On a few rides, there have been turkeys, seen by others, but not us. When we roll past, people point and say, "Hey look, a couple of turkeys." ////// Congrats to Kelly.
yesterday while riding the keystone a flock of canadian geese were "crossing" and half we on one side of the sidewalk half on the other with one almost in the center....I didn't know what to do but keep riding through. The one in the almost center hissed and flapped his wings at me!! YES, HISSED!!! Luckily I sped past, but for a second there I thought the geese were going to attack me on my bike--- whew scariest trek up to aksarben ever!
Mark Gibbons - Your o-dark-thirty ride reminds me of a line that may have been muttered in the movie Breaking Away, when the dad turns to the mom and says "Ma, you know, there's something not quite right about that boy."
@ Matt B When's a good time to see coyotes or foxes early morn or eve? Are the coyotes the one's leaving all the scat on the trail or is it fox?
ohh I love the grosbeak's song. We're very fortunate out here.
Luke! Where did you see the beavers & otters? I see turtles, eagles, hawks, brown & green/garden snakes, falcons, hairy woodpeckers, snowy egrets, bitterns, night herons, green herons, fly catchers,turkeys, pheasants and weasles, etc. all of the time. & Boy redwings are really fiesty. Saw a pair harrassing a vulture--he couldn't fly far enough away. The best --A Great Blue Heron--while on west pap near 96th. Magnificent!
Probably a Bullsnake.
Really? A rattlesnake? Did not think they were around here. Oh! I have seen otters and beavers too!
Not a bad idea, listing the critters we've seen. Skunks, opossums, racoons, rabbits, deer, coyote, fox, weasel, mink, mouse, moles on the mammal side. Multiple types of frogs and toads, also a Snapping Turtle, plus snakes on the "non-mammal" side. Great Blue Herons, geese, ducks, eagles, hawks, turkey and other types of birds (lately I've enjoyed watching a nesting Red-Breasted Grossbeak in the wooded area near Culvers). Gnats, gnats, gnats, and more gnats in the morning. Another source of protein! During the fall there are grasshoppers, crickets, katydids and Praying Mantis on the trails to avoid.
I saw a snapping turtle last week. On Tuesday I saw a rattlesnake on the path up to Walnut Creek.
5005 points - Kelly becomes our first Metro rider to reach the Diamond level. Ranked #42 in the USA!
On the keystone and papio, I have seen all kinds of wildlife - both human and animal. My favorite is seeing deer but have also seen turkeys and some rodents that weren't mice or rats but not sure what they were.... Isn't a bike ride a great way to start the day?
Apologies for this long post but have to share. We as cyclists get to see and appreciate things that our 4 wheeled adversaries do not. Example. This morning I woke up early for some reason so decided to go put some miles down (could not turn endo on until 15 miles in as it doubled my ride last night). So I ride down to the bench by culvers. Get there about 10 to 6. Am sitting there and here a russle behind me. Turn around and a mama turkey and ekght babies come out from the grass and are on the trail going up that small hill right behind the bench. You know they came to within 15 to 20 feet behind me and she was never scared. In fact they let me sit and watch till about 620. almost a half hour! It was awesome. I did not get to ride the 35 as planned since I got sidetracked by the turks but it was well worth it!! Enjoy your rides today and dont forget to notice the little things!!
For some reason woke up at 415 this morn. Figure the only thing I can do with this is ride 30 then ride to work, rinse n repeat after work for 70 mile day? Yeah. That'll work.
Ty All....
Venkat - You've really come a long way. You've become a regular "opposite" commuter for me, and it's always good to see you on the trail. Congratulations!
Chris - After swapping the stem, did you move your seat back to compensate? A short stem will alter handling while holding the bars, but moving your seat back could alter your center of gravity, and may make the bike less stable as you sit up, or try to ride no-handed. Just curious.
Calling all bike fanatics! The Open Streets Omaha Downtown event on Saturday, July 27 will have quite the "bike hub" with presence from Activate Omaha, Omaha B-Cycles, The Bike Rack, Trek, Community Bike Project Omaha, bike parking and Metro. We are encouraging cyclists to make the 10am announcement at 14th & Farnam a destination on their Saturday ride so we can have a strong bicyclist presence at the event in front of the media and city officials.
We also still need volunteers: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA8A82AAAFF2-downtown
For more information find us on facebook, twitter and at OpenStreetsOmaha.org
peace, love and open streets!
Done Deal!!!! GOOOOOO KELLY/
GREAT JOB, Venkat!
Here's a link to Chris Burbach's Noticed On My BIke Ride blog: http://bit.ly/1dHACmB He's soliciting photo submissions from other riders.
The w-h online edition today pointed me to reporter chris burbach's blog of "on my way to/from work on by bicycle". Hehas been providing atleast one photo/entry per day the past 11 days. Check out what a fellow commuter notices when not trapped in a metal box.
@Venkat - Awesome work!! Keep it up. You are going to qualify with that blue ribbon 5000 pts soon!!
@Venkat. Congrats! I think we should officially declare you a fellow "bike enthusiast" now!
@Mark Gibbons. One word of caution on shortening stem length - I went with a super short replacement stem (from stock 110 to 80mm 83/97 - yeah, I know) on my Lemond and it became outrageously twitchy handling-wise. (It still is - I don't ride no-hands on that bike anymore!) I recommend consulting with an LBS person with good fit experience (i.e., not just anyone who will sell you the part) for suggestions on stem length/rise/bar angles, etc. Something to consider: If you're game, you can also try an adjustable stem for a while and play with the geometry (can't make it shorter, but you can up the rise). There are also a lot of flip-flop stems out there which give you 2-4 rise options.
Yahoooooooooooooooooooooo... As of today I rode 2028.57 mi. I have crossed 2000 miles in little over two months. Here are the stats as per endomondo. I am enjoying a lot my bike riding.
March : 3.15
April :61.34
May : 254
June :1064
July :647(as of today)
For those that haven't planned their weekend rides, think about rolling over to Council Bluffs to see the RAGBRAI Expo on Saturday. On Sunday the "circus" packs up and moves to Harlan. If you haven't done RAGBRAI, or are thinking about it, this is a great opportunity to check it out. On Saturday, vendors will be set up and have all sorts of odd, cool items to see and buy.
We threw our bikes on the bus today and rode for $0.50! Today is the last day of the Ozone Awareness Days for this week, but there will be two more 4 day stints this summer! AND we spotted 15 other bikes on our ride through Midtown/Dundee this morning!
Hey, Federales ... we are having massive email issues (as in, we aren't receiving any) and we suspect that this caused break in the communication about this morning's ride. I just sent an email to you via my personal gmail account, so watch for that so that we can reschedule! :)
Hello all -- Reminder --- You are invited.... Corporate Cycling Challenge Bicycle Ride in Omaha Nebraska - Sunday August 18, 2013 --- the largest one day bike ride in the Midwest is back... over 4,000 bicyclists - be sure to sign up with your company, club or team, or as an individual -- Event is Sunday August 18th, 2013. See web site for details... www.corporatecycling.com.
Kelly's 58 points away from Diamond! Ride and smile, guy!
Thanks Christiane. Yes I can fully tell I need a stem about two thirds the length and I truly think I am good. I was a little sore going into wind this evening but it goes away really quick. We shall see. New stem for sure though
@Mark G. For similar back aches way back when, I shortened my stem on my Lemond (which are known for loooong cockpits!) It helped. I also switched out bars to a shorter/shallower bar. And I also switched saddles to a Fizik which gave me more fore/aft movement room (can really schooch up or slide back to help my back). I also endorse a good bike fit - I paid for a fit a long time ago and the data/adjustment continues to be very helpful (helped me when I ordered my Roubaix & parts for a frame-up build.) Don't forget more holistic options - Stacia at One Tree Yoga (west) is extremely cyclist friendly - she offers a great Yoga Basics class on Sunday at 12.
Me, a roadie and two friends out for some JRA time. On the same West Omaha residential street, same block, same time. I almost didn't know what to think, except "Yay, bikes!"
Appreciate the feedback guys. I may check into it. Honestly I have had no back issue until yesterday. After a week of not riding roadie but it now has slightly shorter crankarms now and my first ride after the week without it was 46 miles. I may wait a few days, keep riding and see if I get back to normal. If not then I will have to look into a fit. If I do a fit I want to be able to adjust things on the lemond to make it fit rather than go new bike route. I know height wise is good, just always felt a tad long. Seat adjustment may be a good thing too though. Thanks again!!
Mark G - Ooooh, more information. Definitely get a bike fit--a bad fit may result in a sagging spine (stressful), an overly arched spine with no room for adaption, or an upright spine (stacked vertebrae that don't react well to bumps). I wouldn't hesitate to bring your doctor in on the conversation, in fact I encourage it. And ask your doc about yoga and pilates; I have a friend with back pain that had great results with pilates.
@ Mark G --Mike's right about stretching--miraculous.
@ Mark C-- Never too long. Always on point.
Greatly appreicated!
Shorter stem. Not shorter fix. Sorry.
I may try a bike fit. A little spend. I may be extra sore today as I have not been on my roadie for a week till yesterday. Normally no huge issues. I know it is a tad long that I may correct as simple as shorter fix. I have three herniated discs and arthritic back so quick changes tend to need a little adjustment.
@Mark G as for your other question, I haven't figured out a way to go back to points. Just miles, duration and workouts. I snapshot our team's standings once a week so we're able to compare year over year and other breakdowns.
I had a bike fit at Bike Way. It was a very thorough process and help me mostly with knee pain. Yes, it was worth the money
@Mark sounds like you need a professional bike fit. Bike way has one--
http://thebikeway.com/articles/body-geometry-fitting-pg86.htm.
Previous blog by one rider says: "worth the money". I hear about the benefits from riders everywhere. Or just walk in & ask em. I know a lady who has back trouble that uses an aero for better comfort. I have no personal experience accept that arranging seat height & angle, moving handle bars made all the diff for me--no back pain at all.
Sorry for another long-winded post.
Mark G - Aero bars MAY help. The key to avoiding back pain is proper bike fit, flexibility and core strength, and fitness, among other things. If your fit is off you may be too stretched out and relying on your back muscles to hold you up; or too scrunched up, a "short" cockpit due to a small frame or short stem, and you look like Sean Kelly; or your seat is uncomfortable so you move around to avoid derriere pain but comprimise a good position on the bike. You may have too much seat to bar drop, where you look like a 24 year old Tour rider, but feel like you're reaching into a hole so you never use the drops. A good shop (@Bike Rack), or experienced cyclist should be able to help you with fit and adjustments. Assuming the bike fits, you can make adjustments to your posture and riding position. You should be able to comfortably switch your hand positions around from tops to hoods to drops. If not, why not? If you find that you're frequently riding with hands on the tops, with elbows locked, ask your self why; you should be able to ride with a slight flex, which provides better control and a bit of ride cushioning. Poor tricep and arm strength, weak core, prescription glasses too small? (Don't laugh, if you can't see down the road because your glasses slide down or are too tiny so you can't see without craning your neck or sitting up, that's a problem.). Flexibility is critical for me, not just stretching core areas, but hamstrings as well--if Ive been doing a lot of climbing or pushing into the wind, my hamstrings get tight after the ride, and if I don't stretch, boy do I feel it on the NEXT ride as my tight hamstrings tug on my lumbar. Bottom Line: start with bike fit. Hope this helps, or at least gives you a starting point.
Better question. Aero bars. Seems like they would help with lower back pain as you would be transferring weight off back and onto elbows. Anyone have thoughts on this?
Anyone know if their is a way to go back n see how many total points we had on certain day of the challenge?
@Corey. Good to know. I'm chartering with PorkBelly Ventures. But will enteratain riding with anyone. I have a couple friends / relatives riding the first day but I'm on my own after that.
Lonny - I'll be on RAGBRAI all week long.
Are any of the listeners here riding RAGBRAI? It's just a couple days away and I've seen hardly any comments about it.
3 for 3 so far this week! Yippy! Looking forward to riding in the The Feds tomorrow morning!!
@Mark Crown-- thanks for the flat tire advice! I didn't know the Trek store offered those programs, and Omaha bicycle company is great-- I love their coffee. I'll ask sarah about a maintenance and coffee session set up :p
Felt soooooooo good!!!!! A little refresher during loop around airport after work.RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!
Yes, I plan on the Heatstroke 100...perhaps even ride home afterwards to make it a 135 mile day, as we did 3 years ago. Mild weather is the norm on this ride, which is crazy for Ne August. Hope to see alot of us there...perhaps a big shout out before the start for introductions.
@Mark C. Ha! about the animals in hot pursuit. I have 2 farm dogs that tag team me by the Sarpy Co. landfill. They stand lookout and move into battle position, then the large one charges dead ahead while the little one flanks. They clearly have studied canine Sun Tzu. I stink at evasive maneuvers - contemplating Beggin' Strips as subterfuge.
@Ann. Sunshowers rock! And they produce the best rainbows. Did you see one?
@ Ann: ;(( I missed it --still at work.. I love those! :))
@Ann, YES! We were walking to dinner, it was AMAZING!
The Air Force Cycling Team for RAGBRAI is headquartered at Offutt AFB. One-hundred and eleven cyclist will arrive at Offutt this Saturday for a meet-and-greet session; they'll load their overnight gear on semis, then ride over to Council Bluffs to settle in for the day in preparation for RAGBRAI's start on Sunday. Several of us locals not riding RAGRBRAI will act as ride leaders as they roll out of Offutt at 1245, head up Fort Crook and 13th Street, across the Veteran's Memorial Bridge, take the trail to 24th, then head north to the Mid-America Center. Say "hi" if you see us on Saturday.
Anyone else get caught in that freak sunshiney rain shower yesterday afternoon? FUN!
@ Christine LgMBO
Robert - While one rarely gets faster as one ages, one can always be a better cyclists: smarter, more dedicated, more confident, safer, happier, more appreciative, kinder, better form, better style, a sense of élan. Our sport has so much history worth learning. Continue to see the world with new eyes.
just got back from trek store getting cranks torqued down. trek store is awesome! game on!
Friends and I have a re-purposed expression we use when chased by a dog: I don't have to out-sprint the dog, I just have to out-sprint you.
Thanks Christiiane Ley .......I have been riding for over 3 years now; but at age 62 I have learned that you are never to old to learn. I found League's Traffic Course 101 to be quite the refresher. Once again thanks for info.
Regarding the Keystone trail closure, I had to look up where Western Ave is (discovered its between Cass & Blondo). For those who navigate by landmark like me, it's the underpass between the Roberts skateboard park and the Westside baseball fields. Seems a reasonably safe road for crossing (unlike Cass or Pacific).
@Sheila. Thanks for checking the CCC site. I thought about raiding the baggies on the ride home, too. The organizers just emailed me the PDFs - unfortunately that doesn't help everyone else much.
@Ann. Thanks for the clarification on the mtn lion. For some reason, I pictured this lion stalking you on your bike along some high-mountain trail... closing in behind you, preparing to pounce on you from behind! I think the actual story is more terrifying - talk about a compromising position! Hence I travel with bells & bear spray in backcountry (or people who are slower runners... 'nuff said.)
@ Christine: I found the link unco just now. if you can wait & ur on the K-stn- the little brwn plastic bags you see hanging on posts @ various rest stops are full of them -- the bench @ Culverson's Bridge for sure
w/ Ann That' s why you call out before u move- makes em sit up pay attention- Of course, u can always remain demure/dainty-but it could cost your life.
Thanks, ladies. Hard to make eye contact coming from behind her, but your point is well taken.
And I guess I should say that the mountain lion encounter was not on Leavenworth, but on a backpacking trip in NM last summer, and in that case I was totally at fault for hiking well behind my crew in a known cat area. Because, um, unlike RAGBRAI, no convenient corn field. That incident is called "Fatal Modesty."
And....the adrenaline surge after each near miss was incredible.
Speaking of The Force... For those riders (new & experienced) who worry that their traffic survival instincts are not as strong as they could be, please consider taking the League's Traffic Skills 101 course that's offered regularly thru the Activate Omaha crew. It's not a guarantee that bad situations won't happen, but it might make the difference between surviving a close call and successfully avoiding it in the first place.
@CCC riders. Can anybody get to the registration forms on the CCC website? I think the links are bad...
@ Christine ---Ditto!
@Ann. Yikes!!! I'm glad you made it through safe! Sadly, I'd take the mtn lion over the bad driver in a 4000+lb car. At least I have a fighting chance with the cat.
@ Mark: Leavenworth!: You never know what's going to run into you.
@ Ann glad ur Ok--Leavenworth can be like that- I know.
It's possible you were just out of sight in her blind spot. In a situation like that--I get the driver's attention -- give a big yo, try to meet eyes-let them know where I'm trying to go. Not instinctual-- had much practice.
@ Brian C- thanx :)
Mountain lion?
This morning's near-death experience: eastbound on Leavenworth approaching 50th, I watched the light turn green but the car in the right lane stay put, brake lights on. It was long enough I would have tapped the horn in a car. I had plenty of time to check, signal, move into the left lane to pass the car. Suddenly, as I was alongside, the car suddenly turned left - from the right lane, at a no-left-turn intersection. I can't explain how I wasn't hit; she must have missed me by a hair's breadth. I can tell you this: I haven't screamed like that since I turned to see a mountain lion behind me. Lesson/reminder: cars, especially those stopped at green lights, are unpredictable!.
Onabike is an enjoyable ride. I've done it twice. SAG support isn't real good. But the 63 takes you to the top of Murray Hill, the highest point in Harrison County. It's gradual climb through rolling hills to get to it. Then, it's a long winding downhill to the bottom.
I plan to do it this year with my 12 year old, and my riding buddy.
Aug 24 2013 Onabike XXI Onawa, IA Tour is where I'll be. Has anyone ever done this course? How was it?
i forgot about csg. check with wife ,see if sunday is open. register by thurs. hope i can make it!
I am interested in the heatstroke 100. I'll check out these site. Getting ready for the 100 (94) mile ride at the Cornhusker State Games.
@Mark G. I'll be doing the full 100 at the Heatstroke, weather permitting. (We've been lucky to have super nice days - not blisteringly hot - for the last several years. Spokes crossed.)
Lauren - You are correct, you encountered your "first" flat, of many you'll fix in the coming years; nothing to fear, it happens to us all and is relatively easy to fix. Both Trek stores offers free "lady's night" maintenance clinics throughout the year. There are two stores in town, one in midtown near NFM, and one down south in Papillion. Or contact Sarah Johnson at Omaha Bicycle Company. http://www.omahabicycleco.com Sarah and her friends were outside Field Club last night on Woolworth, carousing and bringing good cheer.
///// Fixing a flat is a right of passage for all cyclists, here's how:
http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/flattiretwo.htm Whenever you ride you should have a saddle bag containing the following: Tire levers ($5), tube ($6), patches ($5), bike specific multi-tool (about $20), a few inches of rolled-up duct tape for "booting" a tire, tire pump that fits in jersey pocket (OK) or on frame (better) ($25). Options: CO2 inflation kit instead of a pump, some find this easier and lighter.
Yup. That's my goal. Full century. Gonna have to put some longer days in the next few weeks.
Mark, I'm going to be out of town but otherwise I would. I rode two legs of it last year and really enjoyed the course. GPBC does a great job running their events, lots of goodies to eat, lots of signage to give cars a heads up about riders on the course. You planning to do the full century?
So encounter my first flat tire on the OWL ride last night (i've been lucky for the past 3 years I know). Thankfully the bike way SAG support hooked me up, but got me thinking, it's time to learn how to fix/change a flat.
Advice on what I need to carry to fix it on my own, and best way/place to learn?
Anyone planning on riding heatstroke 100 Aug 25?
@Sheila. I know, right?!? Hopefully with more women riders out there rocking ALL kinds of bikes, we won't get so typecast. Some women like comfort, some like to cruise, some like fast, some like to go the distance, some like to ditch the car, some like to compete, and some like getting dirty. Or all of the above!
@Mark. I would love to see your crew at CCC. Riding there is a plus! I started the SAG wagon thing to motivate folks, and it became a thing. Otherwise, I'd ride there myself!.And thanks for the links! Alas, I had already "committed" to some $$$$ Maui Jim's (dang it), but I have bookmarked that site for future purchases. And go Team Offutt Cyclonauts!
@ Christiane Ley Love the sunglasses story reminds of the my quest for a road-bike--salesmen keep trying to sell me demure looking little pink & white jobbies that look like something onto which I would install a well-cushioned side saddle
@ Mark & Cecelia --The movie: Venkat and Sheila on the Keystone --a non-stop, pulse-thumping blood n guts thriller-yes? LOL
BTW It was great seeing you two on the trail yesterday--a smile plucked from the wind:)
First "furlough Friday." Cecelia and I rode early to breakfast, did some gardening, then rode south to Twin Creek for a movie. Saw Venkat and Sheila on the Keystone. Hauled a pizza home too.
Chris - We'll toss the tailgate idea around. Cecelia, friends and I think it's a terrific idea. Carrie, Wags, Matt and I will toss it around the Cyclonauts too. Yeah, most of the people I know ride down to the riverfront, but that doesn't mean we can't bring the party with us. My red rig is in the front of the Capehart Road cleanup pix, Carrie's is in the back. I haven't talked to Carrie yet, and even I haven't thought this through, but I think a tailgate kick-off is a super idea.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Offutt-Cyclonauts/417237041702358 ////////
For cycling RX check these guys out:
http://www.sportrx.com/shopby/best_sports-cycling.html
@When to eye dr today. Getting new rx sunglasses. Technician kept showing me all these cute, delicate, girly frames. I finally asked her "So which ones will hold up the best to stuff like bugs, sweat, dirt, being run over, getting slammed into things, getting smacked by tree branches, or skidding across pavement?" She looks at me like I'm kidding (or crazy). Clearly the woman doesn't own a mountain bike - or at least not a good one! ;-)
@Jack & crew, no SAG at CCC? Well, you're welcome to come hang at NG's tailgate, then! I'll have my SUV marked with "Team NG" - come on over!
@ Mike Sch. Thnx!
Christiane, great idea. I've floated it up to our leadership. Only practical issue I see is that we're close enough to downtown that most of us just ride down to the event. We'd need to find someone who is willing to pack stuff up, drive it down there, unpack, set up, etc., all before 8:00 start. Lacking that, tailgating for our group might just consist of grouping in one place and then do some mingling/mooching. But ya never know, we might have some party hardy tailgaters in the group who want to do a spread. Great idea, though.
Team Northrop Grumman will be "tailgating" before the start of the CCC. (Lot by Rick's Boatyard) Our setup isn't very big, but it's a nice way to meet up, snack, air the tires, etc. Are any other teams interested in setting up a "commuter challenge" tailgate row so we can meet & greet a little?
I was looking at my vehicle's odometer last night (approaching oil change time) and discovered I put more miles on my bike than my gas-guzzling SUV in June. It also suddenly dawned on me that I rarely went to the gas station all month. So, yay!!! Makes me wanna go ride to celebrate.
@Naomi. Welcome aboard! RU sure U want to wait until mile 100 to get the shorts? :-)
@Naomi - I will be riding Keystone south at about 5 pm. Might be a little late for ya I dunno. I will go about 20 miles round trip.
@Naomi- I will be riding from Offutt AFB North to the Benson Area about 430 this afternoon if you want a riding buddy. Where are you on the Keystone?
Was wondering if anyone would like to do a bike ride toward the later part of the day along Keystone Trail. I'm still a new biker and I'm trying to break in my bike seat. (My reward for hitting 100 miles is a nice padded pair of shorts!)
Who is going to do BikeMS this year??? Sign up with the promo code (SUMMERSPLASH) for only $17.76!!!
Whoa Jack--Thanks. I made it a fav.
Glad to hear you are up and rolling again, Venkat!!!
Huh? That's too slick! Thanks Jack.
Ever tried to search for a previous post on this multi-page message system? Kinda sucks, but oh wait . . . check this out: http://bit.ly/1b4dTnL
Venkat - Great news! Perfect morning for a ride.
Thank you Christine/Mark C/Mark G.
I have repaired my bike at Greentstreet cycles.They are very close to my work.
Anyways I will be biking this morning.
@julie - Cycling gods smiling on you this morn!!
On my ride in this morning, every stoplight I hit was GREEN, except for the last one. Oh, and I had a tail wind! Doesn't get much better than that. :)
@Venkat. Glad it was the bike that took the hit and not you! I hope your bike is repairable.
@Mark. Todd at OTC is very sympathetic to us commuters when it comes to repairs! He may also offer a commuter challenge participant discount (worth asking!) Interesting idea about the bike repair drop off - sadly, only the mega bike shops would have the resources to offer a shuttle, much like the mega car dealerships. Loaner bikes are a nice idea, too. I also think it would be neat if we had so many cyclists that we could support a mobile bike repair service in town... like a roving SAG for everyday. I realize it's probably cost prohibitive, but one can dream!
@Venkat - Glad to hear you are okay. Sorry to hear about your bike. Speedy recovery for you and your bike!!
I am fine, But my bike has broken badly, I need to get that fixed soon.
Venkat - I missed seeing you this morning, hope you and your bicycle recover quickly. Wrecks happen to all of us, eventually. Ensure you keep the road rash clean, and check into Tegaderm bandages for better healing. Down in Bellevue, Todd (Old Towne Cyclery) is very responsive for bike repair. Near the trail in midtown, the Trek folks are good too. Or Recycle on 46th and Center. //// Hm-m-m, here's an idea: bike repair drop off in the morning with a shuttle to work and back in the afternoon, like car repair shops do.
Wow, Venkat, I hope you are okay! When you say "broken badly" - I hope you mean the bike and not you! Take care.
Today is bad day for me.I felldown from my bike in keystone trail-between cornhusker and belvue. I am survived with two scares but my has broken badly-
Mr.Dan and other guy helped me fixing my bike temporarly
I would like to thank both of them
Chris - I tend to agree, not much "gran" in this fondo; the finish is not set up like a proper race finish, more like a gathering place. I love the fact that riders of differing abilities get the chance to ride in a rather fun and festive setting; for some this is the only exposure to group riding. Organizers should decide what type of event this is: a timed event, which would require greater distances to sort out riders and a real finish line, not a mingle space or; a celebration of cycling to bring together riders of varying abilities together on a common course. It gets sorta wacky when the go-fast gang blasts through the casual cyclists near the airport, on the way in.
Woohoo! Found a new ultegra cranlarm set! Should get by Monday. Gonna put the slicks on the heavy kona dirt jumper and still get some miles til then. It is all good too the kona will be good for goin up those owl ride hills:)
hard to keep riding when you strip your crankarm!
@Sheila & Matt. Regarding the CCC, I also wish the 3 routes didn't all funnel back together. I slow down significantly thru the "bottleneck" at the end, but I always feel like I'm dodging the minefield of potholes *and* all the returning 10/25-mile riders - many of whom are not stable/predictable cyclists. 4000 riders all converging at the end - that's a lot to deal with! I seriously hope they ditched the "gran fondo" this year - encouraging people to "race" in such a large crowd of variously skilled riders was just plain irresponsible. Pardon the $0.02.
Sheila - Several Team Offutt folks will be there. About 20+ have volunteered to be "Rangers" for the ride--we'll go out with each bunch to assist with road safety. Cecelia and I are Rangers, perhaps you'll be with us. Fun ride.
BTW Will I see anyone @ the OWL Ride this weekend?
http://owlride.org/registration/
Thanks Christine - good info.
@ Matt B & Christine. Tell me about it. I've always wondered about that. There are better routes on any Sunday. Maybe we should contact them about it. Tthey may change it for 2014.
Christianne - thanks for the update, wasn't sure where to look for the info....
@Matt. Easy fix - Bring bring a fat/knobby tire bike and aim for the potholes down the center (you'll basically have the lane all to yourself that way).
It would be nice if the CCC didn't take us through Carter Lake. Those roads SUCK!
Make sure you are signed up for the Corporate Cycling Challenge in Omaha Nebraska on Sunday, August 18, 2013. The largest bike ride in the Midwest - over 4,000 cyclists! Let's get over 5,000 this year!! 3 routes - 10 mile, 25 mile, and 42 mile. Make sure your company, club, or you as an individual are signed up! Proceeds go to trail development in greater Omaha and eastern Nebraska! See web site - corporatecycling.com for details or call -402-346-8003! Thanks and ride safe!
Andy - Thanks, we're looking forward to it. And it's for a great cause (The Phinney Foundation). By the way, here's a good book about Davis' struggle with the disease, which alternates with the story of Taylor's rise in the world of track racing and transition to the road. The description of family interaction between Davis, Taylor, and Connie Carpenter make it an easy and worthwhile read.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Happiness-Pursuit-Fathers-Steepest/dp/B008PI89D4
@Heidi. According to Feb 2013 article on omaha.com, the Pacific St. construction is scheduled to end in November. They're working on the north side of the overpass now, but they will switch to the south side next. They will also be "upgrading pedestrian access" (guessing improving the sidewalks). If that's the case, then the trail underpass will be out of commission for most of 2013.
Mark Crown,
Have fun at the Copper Triangle, I rode it in 2009, 2011 and it was the best one day ride I have ever done.
Anybody have an idea of when the trail under pacific will be done? this is taking longer than I thought it would and seems longer than when the i 680 bridge was replaced. Last night a woman in a huge white SUV considered her getting thru a red light more important than my safety...good thing I looked left first. this is getting old.
Joe Savoie - I believe we rode together during 2000 or 2001 RtR, into Frisco; wife, friends, and I are heading back there for the Copper Triangle ride. Nice to see you logging miles. (Friend of Mark Kamp.)
@ Mike & All: Whoop whoop, whoopie. All the TP u can fling. Good luck Dude. If any of us wins any mo., whataya say we celebrate with a group TP Ride--Would be so much fun.
YEE HAW... I just qualified for my Platinum ribbon this morning!! Bring on the years supply of toilet paper... LOL!!! Now I set my new goal to earn the Diamond ribbon before end of October.
Dan - That's beautiful. Sure looked like fun. Thanks for sharing.
Just returned from a family vacation in the Black Hills, including a day ride on the Mickelson Trail. We rode the trail from Custer to Hill City and back. The kids claimed it was uphill both ways, which is mostly true, as the segment peaks at the Crazy Horse Monument about halfway between the towns. Nice trail, especially when it cuts back away from US 385 to reveal scenery and wildlife. Crushed rock surface. Nice map and trail guide available from the South Dakota State Parks.
BTW, I posted a YouTube video of my June bicycle tour around Lake Champlain at http://youtu.be/lFN0KFG2OM8
Nice work Kelly!
105 miles of fat tire fun,two parades,Plattsmouth,Ne. Snack break. And a small fireworks show with the grand kids tonight.Happy Independence Day ! RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!!!!
Thank you Mr crown. End up being pinch flat with two cuts on it. Found new tube at sport authority on 72. Never went there before. Nice place
Size? I have presta 700 x 23 or 25 or 28/32. A few schrader mountain tubes. Gotta be near midtown though. And lotso patches. Let's get Mark rolling again!
Anyone know if trek store is open tomorrow? Need patch kit for tube....
Yep, I was in the reflective vest riding my Panasonic Sport-1000. Way cool story.
Scott - You and a guy in a yellow jersey? Just wave me down next time. I think I see Venkat heading north in the morning. I get on/off the trail at Ak weekdays. //////// Coolest thing happened yesterday. I saw a younger rider cruising ahead and thought I'd do an interval to catch him. Yeah right. Ten minutes later, and lots of slow downs, speed ups for oncoming traffic,I finally catch him. He now knows I'm back there and picks up the pace, but not too much, just enough to make me work. A few more slow downs, and speed ups and we settle in for about five more minutes. When traffic gets heavy he sits up, and I cruise along side. He's wearing a green and yellow jersey, we chat about where he's going (work at UNMC), he's wearing a "ChristianCycling" pair of shorts and talks about how Omaha doesn't have a chapter, talks about living in San Fran, moving here in 2009. I note his accent and don't want to be rude and ask where he's from, but we start talking sports and he mentions the soccer (football) match between Spain and Brazil. Then I ask if he's Spanish. No, Brazilian. Now the bright green and yellow jersey makes sense, and it has the deep blue globe of the Brazilian flag on the front. My dad's Brazilian, and we still have family in Rio! This totally makes my day even better. We small talk for a few short miles. Before he turns off, I ask him to sign my bike. "Alessandro. Brasil !!" Brasil with an "s" just the way my dad spells it. You never know when a great ride will occur, just get on your bike and ride.
Thanks Mark. During our ride home this afternoon, my friend, Venkat, told me we rode past you near Milt's Golf course. Hopefully I'll make your official acquaintance soon. Enjoy your 4th.
Scott - Team Offutt has worked a multi-level, heck multi-year approach to team building. You may have heard me say/write, that Ray Anderson and I were the lone commuters "back in the day." So much of what was done, and continues to be done is incremental, and done by lots of smart, enthused, willing people. Adding a second bike rack one year, then years later a third, then a fourth. Working with our fitness center staff to get a few lockers set aside. Talking to the civil engineers as the new gate is designed and gets built. Befriending and stealing ideas from shops/teams/running clubs/anyone/anywhere, Setting up a "set in stone" group ride time and place so people can put it on their schedule and tell others. Preaching the same message of: safety, fun, respect for other road and trail users, representing our sport well, helping and developing new riders, encouraging other cyclists (not just our own), never leaving a lone rider behind. Spencer, Carrie, Wags, Matt, Ray, Tyler, Bob, and a bunch of others do the heavy lifting out of love for the sport. It's not about the bike, it's not about the points or miles, it's about the rider. Concentrate on developing good cyclists, and providing them what they need (information, encouragement, infrastructure, support, donuts), and you can't go wrong.
@Mark Gibbons. The Tour de Zoo promises "dinner, snacks and refreshments plus special animal encounters during the fun-filled evening." Personally, I'm TOTALLY okay with very tame, very UN-special animal encounters, thankyouverymuch!!!
@Christiane - Sweet! We can go see my aunts, uncles, cousins!! Maybe they will have snacks for us :)
@ Mark C & Christine I Knew there was a reason Shirely St was calling me. Guess I'll be rollin back to Colon, too.
And speaking of Gibbons (both the human & ape varieties)... "Tour de Zoo" on Aug 8th. Pedal around the Henry Doorly Zoo from 6:30-8:30pm. Pretty cool!
Endomondo breaks the link, so go to www.omahazoo.com, click Calendar, and go to August 8th for more info/registration.
@Heidi. I'm interested in possibly joining a team for either RTR *or* Bike Tour of CO in 2014. (Sadly, can't swing both in the same year - damn job n' stuff!)
Heidi and Sheila - RtR will accept team applications of up to 10 riders. I was lucky to have done it with friends three years in a row, with an emphasis on "lucky" because more people apply than there are slots available; they use a lottery system to select riders/teams. Beautiful and challenging ride. Put a group of friends together and go for it! Looks like you have a team of two so far. You'll love, love, love it!
@ Heidi I am very interested!
Just curious and looking forward to 2014 - I would like to know if there is anyone in Omaha who would be interested in putting together a team / group to ride one of two rides next year - Ride the Rockies or Bike Tour of Colorado. Just checking for interest. Thanks Heidi
WOW,Prizes too ! SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks all, and thanks to all at activate omaha.It must be a requirement to be totally awesome to work there.RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!
@Scott U - Send me an email ([email protected]) and we'll share what we have. Carrie is just getting our Facebook off the ground: eventually we want to have our ride schedule, safety and commuting tips, seasonal info, and a bike swap section for the stuff we all have laying around that's too good to toss but not good enough to sell (tubes and tires for wheels we no longer have, a seat that's not quite right, unused helmet pad liners for helmets we no longer own). Right now, we work through emails, word of mouth, and paper flyers. We'd love to share whatever we have/know to help Omaha move forward.
@ Mark C. Good story--Boy have I got lot's more work to do--I'm going to try Shirley at least 3 x in a row on Sat., then once a week & build on that. It's going to be very entertaining. Showtime's between 6-7AM--bring popcorn & a box of tissues.
@ Team Offutt Cyclonauts, Todd Brisboe & Julie Harris: Thanks so much for coming out to support our monthly group ride into work we affectionately call Two Wheel Twosday. The turnout for this morning was the most we've had this season with 23 riders rolling down the Keystone to Offutt AFB. For those that didn't make it we have the next Two Wheel Tuesday occuring on 6 Aug. Contact any Team Offutt member for ride details.
Hills are where you find them. Inner City: Shirley out of Aksarben will hurt you, 25th St off the Keystone is fun. Suburban: State St north of town and 96th St rollers, Pershing Drive north of Hummel Park on the way to Boyer Chute, Rural: Highway 36 rollers to Arlington, L31 to Glenwood IA, the Omaha Trace up near Fort Calhoun. /// Funny story (and name dropping, but it’s still a funny story and you’d name drop too.) In prep for our vacation in France, friends and I would search out hills to ride. One such ride, two of us got off the Keystone on the way home from a ride south, and headed up 25th, ya know, just for giggles. I told him I usually do the hill three times, once spinning, once standing, once grinding. So off we go. After three, he says “Let’s do that again, another three.” All righty. And (not so) soon we have six in the bag. “By the way” says me, “Do you know how many switchbacks there are on alpe d’huez? Each one with a sign naming a stage winner or winners?” “Uh, I dunno,” says he. “Twenty one!” And he raises his eyebrows, and says “What are you thinking?” “I’m thinking 15 more, five more sets of three.” We simultaneously shrug our shoulders, as if to say, “Why not.” Idiots. We kept mixing it up in our three verse song, spin, stand, grind, next verse same as the first. The final slogs up the hill were filled with much more laughter than wattage. And we smiled all the way home. Hills, like good riding partners, are where you find them.
w/ Carrie: Same here, we spark each other--that's a good thing. Keep crushin em, girl. Gonna tag along, if I can catch ya. :))
Christine L., Heidi L.L., Jean D., Stacey J. Kari F., Renee, all my girls-- Flo Rydas-- Snap yuh cleats in! Crank on.
The Ft Crook Ride was truly an unforgettable surprise. It was wonderful meeting everyone. Looking forward to seeing your smiling faces again. I probably will --Yaaaaay. KeyStoneahs, BelleLoopas, Westpap, BigPap -YOU ROCK
Jay P - I go to the Quail Ridge neighborhood out west right where Pacific and Skyline road intersect. It's a 9/10th mile loop. If you go clockwise, the last 1/10th is the steepest at a 25% grade (MapMyRide).
@Sheila Marsh- It was so nice to finally meet you! Keep up the hard work and riding everyday! You are an inspiration. The Ft Crook Ride was an awesome event because so many people were there to support a great achievement for Bellevue and the cycling community. To everyone that was at the event-you are all wonderful!
@John Varga- "MONSTER" you go up hills like they are flat and you are racing. My legs may never recover....It was great getting to ride and (trying to) talk to you. Thanks!
@Mark Gibbons: yes, I agree -- the ribbon-cutting was a great event as was the group roll-in from the Keystone. I was particularly encouraged by the positive comments from Mayor Stothert about the benefits of bicycling. @Scott Ussery: our team's situation (Chain Gang) is a little different than a workplace team since we already have a regular weekday ride schedule in place supplemented by a fair amount of ad hoc-ery on the weekends. As captain, I just nag at people via email to ride and log. But, I can see where a workplace team might benefit from (i) an organized ride schedule and (ii) some meetings to talk about logistics of bike commuting. There are many resources available re: the latter, including Mark Crown and the other Offutt folks who have built a very successful commuting program over time.
@Jay - A good open road hill ride down Hwy 50 to Louisville or farther. I ride from 96th & Hwy370 to Hwy50 to Louisville and back about 33 miles.
A question to team captains out there. Do you have activities planned out for the challenge period? If so, did the team help come up with them or a smaller committee? Were team and individual goals recorded to gauge progress? We've put together our plan for "managed growth" but would like to learn about other ways to grow teams, enthusiasm, and upper management support.
@markc- had to check since youasked. gibbons r considered primates or apes. different than monkeys as they have no external tail. gibbons are known as one of few apes that hangs out in trees. we both learned something tonight:)
i would have to rank ft crook ribbon cutting as a success! it was also good putting faces to names. @ mark crown - seriously cool cannondale you have sir it looks tough as nails!
@ Mark G LOL
@ Mark C _- Sounds Great
Hill training? Oh gosh no. Can't do that. No no no no no. Hills are only good to look at! Avoid at all costs! Lol.
Where do you go to hill-train?
Well, now that someone brought it up, we should have a party at the end of the Challenge. And Carrie's back, yet another reason to celebrate.
Hey Guys: Carrie's Back!
Hey Carrie, wait for me! :))
@ Kelly: Shoot nobody has to tell you to go. Awhhh what the heck---GOOO KELLY!
Well done!
I'll be joining up with the Stinson Park crew at 5:30 tonight to ride to the ribbon cutting!
Wait...there is going to be an end of challenge shindig? Woohoo!
Way to go Kelly, wear the "maillot brew" proudly! Bring it to the end of Challenge shindig, and we'll all autograph it. Before my Cannondale goes to the big velo drome in the sky, I want anyone who's ever ridin with it/me to Sharpie it. O-o-o-oh, I'm bringing a Sharpie tonight and get things started
I'll be e-mailing the winners of the local prize drawing today!
Woohoo Kelly!! I think I saw only two Nebraskans won anything. It is a good thing we have the self satisfaction prize!!! LOL.
One thing I was thinking...they should throw a couple spigots on the south side of the trail. I always, and I mean always run out of water!!
Kelly won a Sierra Nevada jersey! Congrats Kelly!
Second. I move to accept by acclamation. All those in favor?....Opposed? Motion passed. Done.
I hearby nominate Mark Crown official publicist / spokesperson for bicycling.
@ Mark: No worries friend we know what you meant----VRRROOOOOM :))
Took not room. Damn autocorrect.
Gotta love the Lemond. So comfy. Room mine out for sixty and a smile today. Can't wait for tomorrows ride on Ft crook!
@Mark Crown. It was nice meeting you, too! Thanks for doing the "dirty" work along the trail. I appreciated it. I tried to pay it forward today by sweeping glass off the 96th trail. Speaking of my Lemond, I always take G out for some climbs & sprints during Le Tour! (Luckily no run-ins with busses or errant dogs so far...)
And a shout out to Chris Ley, who I met on Friday. Great meeting you. NIce to see you riding a bike with a head badge of a great American cyclist. Allez, allez Chris!
As cyclists, and more importantly, good citizens, our actions and deeds will set us apart. I have no problem with Rodgers' opinion, ill informed as it is. As more cyclists get on the road, if we act confidently, with concern for our fellow cyclists and others who share our roads, it will become obvious what the right side of this issue is. If we treat this as a conversation, instead of a debate, if we concern ourselves with acting with integrity and pursuing what's right, treating those that disagree with us with respect, this will all shake out in the right way. I realize this is preaching to the choir, but by working together, representing the history and culture our sport with integrity, our voice will be heard. //// I hope many of you had the opportunity to enjoy this perfect riding weather. Me? Guys long ride on Saturday, couples ride ending at Louis M's on Sunday. What's not to like?
I was unaware I was not paying my fair share of road repair and winter plowing...I was wondering where all that extra money was coming from. Thanks to Kay Rodgers for explaining!
Seriously, I venture a guess that 95% of cyclists also own a car and pay our fair share of taxes like Ms. Rodgers.
Jack Mayfield - Thanks. In regards to your request to meet at Aksarben and ride south on Monday, I'll be heading north from Offutt to the rally point at Twin Creek.
All - For Monday's event. The gravel road that parallels the Keystone to 25th is OK. For roadies that are hesitent to ride gravel, we could go down the trail to 25th where there's a short 30 foot stretch of gravel and direct access to 25th; I cut through there all the time when I want to do some hill work on the way home. Both ways will require smart crossing of 25th to get rolling north; traffic tends to come three to four cars at a time, not a big, steady flow. Either way works--we'll figure it out Monday night, probably all go the same way. You'll like the new bike lanes on Fort Crook! For those that plan to stay out late and party, you can always meet the Offutt group at 6:45 the next morning, same rally point.
Very nicely said, Mark Crown. I agree with Sheila. Those idea seeds need to be strewn about, and hopefully, they will take root somewhere.
Although I have not qualified for free TP yet :(
@Christiane - Yes the self fulfilling stuff is nice and all, but I mean completely superficial FREE STUFF!!!! Like lights or jerseys, or the best one.....toilet paper!!!
@ Christine & Mark . Your responses are so well thought out. I may be late/slow, but Mr. Rodgers @ OWH Public Pulse deserves to read these. Perhaps it's too late for him(we are prejudging when we say so, though). However, others tempted to think along the same lines/ or future stakeholders might benefit from your point-of view.
@Sheila. Hah! I'll have that mile tonight rolling out of my work parking lot. I just didn't want to bridge from gold to platinum until *after* July 1. If you win the TP, toss me a roll!!!
@Mark. Mr. R. lives in the same 'hood as my grousing coworker (so I get this IN person!) Let's just assume he's not a social change agent for the greater good. I don't think that area is "healthy" in the community-building sense. Don't let the Mr. R's of the world spin you up too much! But if (ok, when) they do, aim all that energy at a target that we can change!
@ Christine R u being facetious? The mo. isn't over yet. Grind that 1 mi., girl. U can do it! There may be mounds of TP in your near future after all!
Obviously, something's amiss in Mr. Rodgers' Neighborhood. Holistically, this is about facilitating freedom of movement, transportation, and quality of life. I wonder if Mr. R. has the same opinion of someone using a sidewalk in front of HIS house, a pedestrian who is a renter no less, someone who didn’t pay property tax. Besides, governments don't pay for roads, people do, and not just vehicle owners. We all pay taxes, and hopefully the monies are used for the common good—childless couples pay for educating children, pacifists pay for our common defense and the military, property owners pay for fire and police protection even though their services may never be needed, non-swimmers pay for municipal pools, non-golfers pay for public golf courses, and I pay fees and taxes on three vehicles even though I choose to ride a bicycle to work and run errands. As citizens we all contribute to the common good of our society—it’s not always a one for one relationship between contribution and benefit. Despite the fact that I make fitness and health a priority, I’m willing to contribute to the expense of emergency medical personnel responding to individuals experiencing cardiac incidents due to weight, bad diet, and high blood pressure, and judging by Mr. Rodgers’ tone, he may be one of those individuals./// Fort Crook and many of our roads were expanded to handle increased commercial and military transportation demand—costs of expansion of the road was not incurred directly by the entities most effected like Offutt, the car dealerships, etc.; that’s not how our system works. Now, with the heavy traffic handled by the Kennedy (75), Fort Crook has excess capacity for motorized traffic, and is being reconfigured to facilitate other modes of transportation—with bike lanes Bellevue is trying to pull people back to Fort Crook, actually increase “people” traffic to and through the area. ///Gandhi - The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
Crud. I'm 1 pt away from platinum (thus booted from monthly giveaways.) Sigh. No chance at years' supply of toilet tissue or the bike roadside assistance. I guess riding *is* its own reward. (Sniffle.)
@ Sheila. I agree. I think it's better just to carry on by riding and smiling (sez Zen Master Kelly) and advocating for change versus trying to engage (welded-shut) closed-minded folks in an unwinnable battle of words. Let our collective *positive* actions speak louder...
@ Christine re: I think it's important.
Brilliant, encouraging, couldnt have said it better.
And now, to log my miles!
@Mark. When you say prizes - do you mean being rewarded with a sense of deep personal fulfillment that comes from riding bikes, being super awesome, and making the world a greener, happier, shiny-er place??? Or do you mean they actually give away free stuff??? Just clarifying. ;-)
Ooh yay! More prizes to be doled out next week!
@Scott - Great link! Already forwarded to folks!! I especially like the line "When you break the law you are endangering me, when I break the law I am endangering your....wiper blade?"
@Scott. Where's the LIKE button when you need one?!?
Just saw this on the National comment board:
http://albertmcwilliams.com/post/54015994028/youre-going-to-kill-someone
@All - I think it's important that we don't let hostile comments like those of Mr. Rodgers of Bellevue bully or otherwise intimidate cyclists from actively pursuing, if not demanding, fair and legal use of *public* transportation infrastructure. What Mr. Rodgers and many others *refuse* to acknowledge is that 1) cyclists are also taxpayers, and 2) transportation cycling helps reduce wear & tear, congestion, and pollution by taking yet 1 more vehicle off the road. (I won't even bother going into ancillary benefits like contributing to more livable & engaged communities and reducing preventable chronic illnesses that drains public entitlement programs (SS disability, medicaid, etc.)). I don't understand their twisted logic (which usually stems from irrational fear, selfishness, and ignorance) and I refuse to engage with them except when absolutely necessary. People like Mr. Rodgers resist whatever they don't understand - and they make no attempt at understanding because it conflicts with their own self-centered worldview. Closed ears = closed mind = closed heart.
@Mark @Mark: Mr. Rodgers, Jr. of Bellevue is less enthusiastic about the transformation of Fort Crook. His comments below were published in the OWH Public Pulse on 6/27.
Charge cyclists to register bikes
The City of Bellevue has essentially stolen from the federal government and state government the gas taxes and registration taxes paid by every motor vehicle owner in the city.
The governments and vehicle owners have paid for the roads with tax dollars, but now Bellevue has taken a whole lane of highway north and south on Fort Crook Road and given it to bicyclists.
I now ask the city to require bike owners to register their bikes for the same fees as we pay for motor vehicles. That way, they will pay their share for repairs and winter plowing of the roadway. If they don’t, return our highway to us drivers who paid for it.
Kay Rodgers Jr., Bellevue
1 July Kick-off Ride in Bellevue - Fort Crook is transformed! I rode north and south for several miles and felt at ease and comfortable with traffic. It's very different having the whole right lane dedicated to bicycles; it's a super shoulder, or mega lane. The route from Keystone and Twin Creek is quite easy to get to Monday's kick off, winding through neighborhoods, with one major intersection to traverse at 15th and Cornhusker. 901 Fort Crook has a huge, 30 foot, inflatable red, white, and blue eagle in front--can't miss it.
I'll recon the route tonight. See y'all Monday, 6:00, Keystone at Twin Creek.
@Jack - I may leave before that. I'm a big rider, not quite so fast! HAHAHA!!!
Thanks Mike
For those interested I will be at the bench by Culvers Bridge around 5:50; departing @ 6. I plan to use the route on this map (http://goo.gl/maps/qzs1D) because it will take us through bike friendly residential areas, keeping us away from major traffic areas; except for 15th & Cornhusker intersection. There is a short section of gravel roads using this route so if we have riders that cannot ride gravel then you will need to take the Keystone down to 25th St then ride north to get back on course. There's no need to acknowledge if you're coming or not; just simply show up and be ready to leave by 6.
@Mark - I'll roll out southbound from Stinson Park at 5:30 if you (or anyone else) wants to ride down to Culvers together. See you either there or at Culvers.
@Jack - sounds good at culvers..
@Mike Wagster & Mark Crown: if you can confirm that time and location (6:00 pm at the bench by the Culvers bridge), we'll work on rounding up some Keystoners to join your roll-in party.
1 July Kick-Off Ride in Bellevue. @Sheila - (1) You can get off on Cornhusker (fast and busy) and go east a mile or so, then south. (2) Get off on 370 (also fast and busy, but shorter distance and wacky clover leaf to navigate) with a shorter ride over to Ft Crook, and go north. Neither has a direct "on ramp" to the trail. (3) At 25th Street, take the ramp off the trail, roll through the gravel a bit, take 25th to 370 (wacky clover leaf again), then east to Ft Crook. All have shoulders. When I roll home tonight I'll actually go to 901 and work back to see the best route. ////. Mike has a good idea, Keystone cyclists could rally on the trail, near Twin Creek, and roll in together. Say 6:00pm?
@ Sheila: Try this route: http://goo.gl/maps/qzs1D I plan to ride there myself going the same way. The only major intersection to worry about is S. 15th St & Cornhusker b/c it's right next to Walmart, etc. However, I'm confident in my riding skills so I will just be extra careful in that area. If you're interested we could meet by the park bench next to the Culver bridge then ride over there together?
@ Offut/ BVW: Once I leave the K-Stone what's the best rte. to 901 Ft Crook Road?
I suggest getting the City of Omaha Roads Dept to talk with the NRD to come up with a solution. Tell them this area as well as other underpasses on the Keystone could be considered a safety hazard if a person using the trail happens to fall due to the wet mud flowing across the path.
BTW - The same problem exists underneath the Hwy 75 bridge along Capehart Rd. All water from the road system drains through a 4 inch pipe then washes down the bridge embankment into the soil, eroding the soil and causing mud to flow into the bike lanes. I think a solution for this problem would be to contact the State Hwy Roads Dept.
@Mark Crown - Thanks for the input on Kendas. Since my current tires are actually down to the cabling (or whatever it is called) had to go ahead and order yesterday. Got the Kenda Kadence. Also, thanks for clearin up the mud. Know that your efforts are actually appreciated by hundreds of folks!
That was me under I80. Unfortunately, I'm a few days late in attempting to clear the mud--it's been packed down and dried out, so now it's like concrete. I walked up the incline to examine the issue; seems like the water runs off a battered street to a support column, then down the muddy embankment, not to the nice smooth run-off area. A long term solution would involve fixing the street; short term would involve sand bags. In the mean time, it's a shovel./// Anyone have a clue as to who to contact? I'm guessing the city of Omaha since the street is the problem.
and speaking of trail adoption.... saw some cycllist under the i80 bridge on te Keystone on my way to work today. He was getting the mud up off the trail... whoever you are THANKS!
@Venkat,Again,AWESOME MORNING TO YA! So glad you got your bike taken care of by Mike at RECYCLE.He rocks!!! If I can ever help ya,please feel free to call anytime. RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!
Mark G. - In regard to "Kenda" tires, I've gone through several sets of their cross tires, and they seem to hold up well. We could start a thread about our favorite road cycling magazines (Peloton, Road Bike Action, Paved, probably in that order for me. I like Peloton best because it talks about the back-stories of cycling, the sometimes obscure stories that make cycling so great, like travel, food, wine, beer, cycling culture, old races, good testing articles, and it isn't heavy handed with the quest for new gear). I came across an issue from last year in Road Bike Action: here's their on line review for the Kaleinte. I'm partial to he Continental 3000, now 4000 because of good road feel and durability.
Did somebody say Donuts? I'm in . :) I'd love to ride along with Team Offutt on Tuesday!!! Thanks, all!
Two Wheel Twosday. Anyone on the south end of the trail, on the first Tuesday of every monty, is welcome to stop by and say hello. We meet on the Keystone Trail, at the Twin Creek bridge, at 0645. Those of you heading to Offutt and points south can ride along. Our goal is to meet and encourage new cyclists, renew friendships, and help new Offutt commuters safely transit from the trail, to the road, through the Offutt AFB gate, and to their place of work. Donuts are known to magically appear. Mark
Adopt-a-Trail. Team Offutt is moving out on the adopt-a-trail idea. We've made several phone calls and sent out some emails to lay out the ground work. Things to think about and get right: legal considerations; NRD involvement; signage; outreach to teams, shops, organizations; mapping; working with city planning/streets departments where necessary; social media and web presence; sketching out the rules (hopefully, simple) and responsibilities (simple and safe). We're at the beginning of the beginning stage. Eager minds, skilled hands, and good ideas welcome. Mark
@Julie Harris: You are more than welcome to join us for a ride along to Offutt. In fact, next Tuesday, 2 Jul, would be a prime time to do this b/c every 1st Tuesday of each month we have a group ride into work we affectionately call "Twowheel Twosday". Please send me an email if you want to join us so I can provide you more details. BTW - Great story about your ride with Beth to the CWS!!
Thanks Kelly. Yesterday I got my bike servicing done at Recycle Bike shop.
@Scott. Hopefully there will be future "trail adoption" opportunities for those of us who are chainsaw-deficient. It's best that I limit myself to equipment that can merely maim (weed whackers, hedge trimmers) or bludgeon (shovel) versus amputate/decapitate (Sawzall).
@Scott - Glad to hear someone cleared the path of that tree. Had to go under it last time I was by there.
Rode South Omaha and Field Club trails today. Boy, did they get trashed with the last storm! Trees and branches strune everywhere. Someone was nice enough to take a chainsaw to the trees that laid across the trail so now you can pass. Maybe the time for this "Trail Adoption" thing is now.
@Venkat,Awesome morning to ya,just would like to let ya know if you have not got rear wheel or bike looked at,please give me a call at Bike Rack 402-333-1031. RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY.
Kendra. Not DRA tires
Is anyone riding me DRA tires? What are your thoughts of them. Thinking of getting either the kadence or kaliente. If anyone has experience with them some input would be helpful......
Just back from a long weekend in Colorado; thought I'd check in to see the chat. Lot's of involvement! Way to go Omaha! I'll post my miles tomorrow. Colorado, down south towards Del Norte, South Fork, and Monte Vista is under a veil of constant smoke from a massive 70K acre fire to the northwest. Rides had to take into account the wind, not for the usual reason, but for smoke--so bad you could taste it, watered your eyes, and obscured the mountains. Still, riding in Colorado is a treat, as some of you that just returned from RtR know. /// A thought, as I see all the involvement, and concern about our cycling community: is there a way to continue this "forum" after the Challenge? Slide over to Omaha Bikes? This year, we have a lot of electronic espirit de corps and motivation, it'd be a shame to lose it come September. We should keep moving forward--adopt-a-trail, cycling advice, etc /// Finally, after Colorado, I have one question: Who turned on the humidifier?
So sorry to hear about the nastiness that Kelly encountered on the way to work. Keep smiling and pedeling anyway my friend!
@Kelly. Sorry to hear you got something chucked at you by a driver. All I can say is, karma is a B*. Glad you didn't let it get you down.
@Madison. For long answer, please check your email again. Short answer: Okay, I'll go! <rubs poor arm> ~Chris
Hey Christiane! Will you e-mail me at [email protected]? I'm trying to schedule our LCI Training class and I haven't heard anything back from you yet, which might mean I have the wrong e-mail for you. Thanks! Madison
@ Sheila here's more info about the opening of the Ft. Crook lanes...
The City of Bellevue and the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce will host a Kick-off Bike Ride on the new bike lanes which have recently been added on Ft. Crook Road. This ride will be held on Monday, July 1st with a brief presentation and ribbon cutting at 6:30pm followed by a bike ride at 7:00pm. Riders will meet in the parking lot of Marathon Ventures which is located at 901 Ft Crook Road North which is adjacent to the bike lane (next to No Frills in the Southroads area). This event is open to everybody and will include a 10 mile bike ride led by Bellevue Mayor Rita Sanders. This will be a great opportunity for the public to try out the new bike lanes for the first time and learn a little bit about the project.
Fort Crook Road was formerly known as Highway 75 and it held the distinction as the first divided highway in the State of Nebraska. It was originally built to connect the South Omaha city limits to Offutt AFB and it was finished December 8, 1941, the day after the attacks at Pearl Harbor.
The Fort Crook Road striping project is a road conversion which is the first road diet on a former State Highway in Nebraska. This project will convert the existing six lane roadway and reconfigure the lanes to 4 vehicle travel lanes and two bicycle lanes. As part of the Fort Crook Road Redevelopment Plan, Fort Crook Road was identified as having excess right-of-way in terms of vehicle capacity along Fort Crook Road, which is due largely to the decreased traffic counts on this road after the JFK Freeway was constructed.
This project was payed for by an 80/20 split with the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR). The City of Bellevue seized a grant opportunity through the Metropolitan Area Planning Association (MAPA) for part of its portion, which allowed for this striping project. The City and Bellevue Chamber also received financial contributions from local organizations and businesses including the Bellevue Bicycle Club, Offutt Collision Repair and Beardmore Chevrolet and Subaru. This funding allowed the city the ability to utilize the excess right of way for the purpose of facilitating multi-modal travel, and is in accordance with our Complete Streets principles. This is an exciting opportunity to make the roadway safer for all modes of travel while connecting trails and routes near the southern portions of Bellevue into Omaha.
The Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and the City of Bellevue are excited about this project as an economic development tool along Ft. Crook Road as well. More and more businesses, such as Pay Pal in LaVista and the new Ameritrade building in Omaha, are looking to locate near bike trails. Such a location helps to encourage their employees to ride their bikes to work which promotes a healthy lifestyle. The City of Bellevue is fortunate to be located right next to Offutt AFB, which has a large number of personnel that ride their bikes to work on a regular basis and we will continue to work on projects that will encourage this type of transit.
The City of Bellevue’s Public Works Department has announced that construction will begin June 17th, 2013 on reducing Fort Crook Road from a six-lane roadway to a four-lane roadway from Railroad Avenue to Highway 370. This project is designed to create bicycle and pedestrian trails by removing the outer lanes of Fort Crook Road. The outside lanes of Fort Crook Road will be striped and signed as a dedicated bike lane where the road is currently six lanes. From Highway 370 to Capehart Road the trail will continue as the shoulders of that section of Fort Crook Road will be striped and signed for a bike lane as well. Striping will be performed during daytime hours and symbols and signs will be placed during the overnight hours. This project is scheduled to be completed in fifteen working days. If you have any questions about this project please call the Bellevue Public Works Department at 402-293-3025.
@ Christine, Offut, All: We should all commemorate completetion with a celebratory ride-- Bellevue--let me know when-I'll be at the party!!! YAYYYYYY!!!!!!
Bellevue.net 6/24/13
"City of Bellevue to Open Haworth Park on July 3rd
The NRD Bellevue Loop Trail from Haworth Park to the 13th Street Trailhead will remain closed until repairs on the levy are completed."
This sounds like the loop trail will officially reopen part of the way due south. Am I correct?
I now have a small bruise on left arm biceps from a object thrown from a car heading east while I was heading west up Maple St. this morning .I still had a AWESOME RIDE TO WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bike-haters: car-potaters--Off-road, got no time for em! LOL
bikehate comments always crack me up. there is much hate in this world and this is such a minor thing to get angry about. although it is fun to troll the haters on those boards.
@ Christiane. I contributed my thoughts. Don't know if my comments have been posted, but not necessarily surprised by the comments. I'm a Bellevue resident so I have some passion in this. As I said in my posting, one thing I've learned since getting into cycling 4 years ago is that cyclist can never win -- on the trail systems and roads. Encourage others to post their comments as well.
@All. I heard that the new bike lane has been painted along Fort Crook Road in Bellevue. (Told to me by a rather grousing, displeased Bellevuan, no less. Sheesh!) I'm not letting anyone dampen my excitement of the news! (The rain on the other hand - that got me good this morning!) Looking forward to riding the Ft. Crook bike lane when it's officially opened.
http://www.bellevue.net/Home/CityNewsDetail/TabId/105/ArtMID/1532/ArticleID/305/Default.asp
FYI: Check out the comment hate on that article. Stay classy, Bellevue!
Oh I must have misread it. Well hopefully we can get into second overall soon.
@Mark True for June; NE still #3 for Challenge Period.
Nebraska took over #2!! Way to go guys! Lets keep it up!
@Matt - I just had my bike tuned up at OTC and it is a solid 4 to 5 days wait time. Todd does great work, but he has a lot of bikes in his shop right now.
Unfortunately at this time of year, I think you're going to find wait times. People tend to wait until the last minute to have their bikes tuned. A personal recommendation is Olde Towne Cyclery in Bellevue. I've always had great service from Todd. But like most other places, you'll have to wait. He too is at about a week with all the bikes he has waiting.
Thank You Mark
@Christiane - yes it is updated as of this morning. Yay!!!!
@Venkat - Two stores come to mind. Recycle bike shop on 48th and center. They do decent work. ALso, I would recommend the Trek store by NFM. Everytime I go there I walk out of there super happy. It is always a pleasant experince and their service prices seem reasonable.
I have trouble with my bicycle. I need to get the servicing done. I tried calling Bike Rack for the appointment. They said they were busy this week.Also they asked me to leave the bike there for couple of days. I don't want to do that now. Can any one suggest me good place to fix the bike. Back wheel needs some adjustments. Please suggest me.
@Mark. I think Endomondo is sluggish today. It happens. I don't think anyone's totals are updating lately. It's probably a server-side issue. I'm guessing Endomondo is lightly staffed on the weekend. I would check back tomorrow.
That was weird. Endo did not give me my pts for the day. Did they stop counting cycling, sport and are only counting cycling, transport? I know they did that on local leaderboard but they were counting sport cycling on national.
@Venkat. 3000 miles is a awesome goal for the 2nd half of 2013. I have a yearly goal of 4000, but hope for 5 - health & weather permitting. (Helpful tip: Don't forget that the clock rolls back and we "lose" an hour of daylight/warmth in the fall so "budget" your late fall/winter miles accordingly.) I wish you much luck and a strong tailwind at your back!
@Mike. We need to keep the Handlebar Happy Hour going. It's a moral imperative.
@ Venkat--Congrats! May the next 5K be just as much fun!
@ Christiane: I'm bummed about the lack of HHH as well. Maybe we can form an informal HHH soon? What are your thoughts?
@ Venkat: Awesome achievement of 1K miles in 5 weeks of riding! I'm right behind you in my monthly mileage for June; currently at ~650 miles with a couple of long rides scheduled for later this month. I hope to break the 1K barrier before end of June!
Changing subject: Yes, it was Mark Crown you saw clearing the trail. Team Offutt has introduced an adopt the trail venture where individuals, teams, workplaces, will adopt a section of the Omaha Trail system to ensure it stays clear of debris, etc. We are hoping Activiate Omaha and NRD will endorse our idea and give everybody the green light to adopt a specific section of the trail. More to follow on this subject as it develops.
Thank you Christiane, Scott. When I have started, I do not have any Idea how long I am going ride. But now I have a goal,I want to complete 3000 miles this year.
Also Yesterday i have noticied one rider (I believe it is Mark Crown) is taking care of water/mud in the Keystone trail. Kudo's to him.
@Julie - re Electric Assist Bikes - I have had the same experience in a limited fashion. The electric assist bike I rode was quite heavy (like you said - a sherman tank) and was very cumbersome to peddle. The electric assist came from the power I generated by pedaling, so IMHO, if they help people to pedal - let them count the miles...
Wtih 9 days left in the month it will be interestiing to see how many people in the Omaha area bust 1000 points. It could be a record setter - keep pedaling!
Michael S - I rode with Michael yesterday morning and 'saw' him carrying his 'saw' on his bike. He shared his intent of cutting the limbs; wow, what a difference this morning. I will try to get out there and sweep off the glass.
Great to see this committment!
Congratulations, Venkat! 1K miles in any month, let alone your first month back in the saddle, is a great accomplishment. Have your set a 2013 goal yet???
That's a great accomplishment! And you're a good rider recruiter. May your tires stay full, your chain on, and the wind at your back. Ride On!
I have completed 1000 miles today in about five weeks time. I am very happy with my performance. I strated biking last month after 18 years.
For those going along Blondo between 120th and 132nd - the limbs from the trees have been cleared and much safer route. Now if someone would take a broom and sweep up that glass along the route...
Have fun jack!
Another reason to keep riding. Gas taxes are increasing almost two-and-a-half cents per gallon in the state of Nebraska.
Greetings from the beautiful Sandhills where the sounds of tent zippers and muted conversations signals the start of Day Three of the 2013 Tour de Nebraska. Today's ride will be 76 miles from Callaway to Holdrege, into a headwind. Yesterday's ride from Loup City featured some incredible Sandhills scenery. Great vibe among the 211 riders. Host communities have been extremely welcoming to a herd of bicyclists. Life is good.
great ride fromLiv Lounge tonight! Relaxed atmosphere, good times. Thanks to Dave for putting that ride together.
@Mike. HHH is no more??? What bar doesn't love a colorful flock of middle-aged folks bedecked in spandex and clackety cleats descending on their fancy ultra-lounge patio on a hot summer Tuesday night??? You're bringing me down, M.
@Sheila. My thoughts exactly. I'm sure this form letter is very similar to the one issued to silence the folks clamoring for Haworth to reopen. I can't speak about the levee, but the trail itself is in virtually the same "condition" as before the flood - cracks included. As long as the barrier remains, I will respect the NRD's prohibition.
@Mike & all our other trail sleuths! Thanks for investigating the trail closure and especially to Mike for soliciting a response from NRD. It appears that there are big gaps in progress on repairing the trail (likely revolving around funding). I guess that happens - this just seemed like an exceptionally long delay. The reality is that the trail system isn't a priority compared to the flood control levees and other infrastructure. I think we can all understand that distinction. I guess I was being too optimistic in expecting the trail to open in conjunction with Bellevue's Haworth Park (estimated Memorial Day 2013). In the meantime, I will gladly keep exploring the rest of the metro!
Thanks for the post Mike:
Key Phrases: "The Corps of Engineers" and "little control"
OK
Mike - thanks for posting the Bellevue Loop response.
Here is the response I just recieved from NRD (Natural Resources District):
June 20, 2013
Mr. Wagster:
The Bellevue Loop Trail is closed due to the following reasons:
1. In 2012, after the 2011 flood, the NRD was removing debris (sandbags, etc.) from the levee where the trail runs. In addition the NRD was removing silt from adjacent ditches, on top of trail, etc. This process extended thru July 2012. In addition, Bellevue was cleaning up and repairing the adjacent Haworth Park area. It is unsafe to have trail users and equipment cleaning the trail, etc. at the same time. In addition, trucks hauling debris, etc. were on this same trail.
2. The Corps of Engineers started levee repairs in late fall 2012 (after we acquired more land rights, which took a few months) and still has an open contract with 2 contractors to complete the work, including operating equipment on the trail. As a result of wet spring the work has been delayed a few months. We expect that work to be completed in next month or two. We have little control over their schedule.
3. The City of Bellevue has recently acquired bids for replacing over 200 cracked trail panels, some of which was caused by the flood event equipment use and subsequent cleanup and levee repairs. The NRD is cost sharing on this trail repair. Bellevue anticipates this work will be done by late August. It is unsafe to have removed trail sections and trail use at the same time. Our desire is to have a "safe" trail prior to reopening it. It will be reopened as soon as trail repairs are completed.
We recognize that the trail closure has been frustrating to trail users, but we all have to remember that the levee experienced a historic flood and it takes time to recover. Thank you for your patience.
Martin P. Cleveland, PE
Construction Engineer
Papio-MRNRD
8901 S. 154th Street
Omaha, NE 68138
402-444-6222
402-315-1707 (direct)
402-895-6543 (FAX)
More info for NRD can be found at: http://www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov/partnerships/nrd/papio-missouri_nrd.html
Delete Sheila Marsh
One minute ago
@ Christine-- I wrote the Bellevue Mayor with your comment- didn't sign your name, just said many of us feel the same. Also, reminded her that , whien at the Mayor's Ride, she was presented as an enthusiastic proponent of a bike accessibility for Bellevue & Metro. I'll post her response.
FYI -- I just sent an email to seven NRD and Bellevue officials asking them why the Bellevue Loop remains closed and when they expect to have it open. I will post their reply once I recieve it.
@ Christiane: I know and have witnessed many people that have ridden past the barrier. They report that the trail is completely clear with the exception of a small area about 200 yards east of the Fort Crook underpass. IMHO there is no reason that the Bellevue Loop should be closed!! I will contact the City of Bellevue and NRD to query why the Loop is not open.
I like the idea of an un-official group ride. It would be fun to meet the high mileage people such as yourself. I don't think Omaha Bikes is sponsoring HHH rides anymore; at least their website doesn't show any scheduled for 2013.
MEET-UP & RIDE, ANYBODY???
Okay, gang. I'm tired of riding by myself... same route, same scenery, same cracks in the pavement... it's gettin' old - and it's not even July yet.
So, I think we need to have an informal social ride sometime in the near future - a totally UN-official Omaha commuter challenge meet-up, so to speak. Anybody game for something like that, possibly before July 1st? I'm not sure if HHH is still going (4th Tuesdays), but I'd like to actually roll around Omaha with folks... Holler if you are interested in planning something w/me. Thanks.
The Bellevue Loop has been closed for nearly 3 years now. We've gone thru a flood and a drought and all other trails have long since been reopened. Notice there's little information about the state of maintenance/repair on the Bellevue Loop. Is anyone else not OK with losing that entire section for 3+ years??? I ride to the barrier and turn back (don't want to break any laws) and it upsets me EVERY single time.
@ Christine: The City of Omaha Page wasn't exactly clear who concerned citizens should write re: Biking-Omaha. So, I wrote Omaha Bikes for advice yesterday morning asking what we could do to keep the momentum going. I'm thinking that the response can be found in the "Omaha Bike Update" (see sidebar)
@ Mark C like the idea. Will be glad to help out between Aksarben & L on the North side.
Lots of mud under bridges on the big papio between pacific and q street.... i will volunteer to adopt that segment. Not sure what the under passes look like on the big papio north of pacific. Any takers for that part?
For this application I kind of wish there was an e-shovel.......
So I'll just "bump" it my self. And let me add, it's kind of fun, and devoid of controversy--there's no such thing as an e-shovel, but there is a me-shovel.
All - We've put forth an idea to Active Omaha and the City of Omaha (Carlos) to have teams, local bike shops, organizations, and active cyclists adopt-a-trail; similar to volunteer groups cleaning up highways. This would only involve general housekeeping like sweeping, clearing mud, perhaps shoveling snow off a bridge; all when safety and conditions allow; no structural fixes or "skilled" labor. We're waiting on feedback. But y'all can chime in and let us know what you think of the idea. //////////// P.S. We've already done this thrice: Once along Capehart Road, and twice under I80, the train bridge, Cornhusker, and a few other places. Hauling brooms and shovels on a bike is easier than one would think - and you get lots of strange looks.
I would adopt the Bellevue Loop if it wasn't closed for no good reason. Also, I couldn't keep up with trash collection at the La Platte Rd bridge. Can't figure out if it's "run off trash" from the Papio creek or if it's the fishers. Would like to think it's not the fishers.
Also, did anyone see the news story about NFM and the City of Omaha constructing a $600K bridge at NFM? Isn't there already a bridge there?
@Mark Crown. It's kind of a bummer that your comment about a possible "Adopt A Trail" concept got quickly buried in the thread today. (Would bump it if I could... Maybe Julie can mention it over on the AO thread >>>) I hope the idea gets some traction in the Omaha area - especially with the help of AO and City of Omaha. I think it's a great idea!
@Corey. Good points! I considered the whole "what else conveys an advantage?" question, too. My carbon road bike is waaaay lighter than the MTB, cross, or hybrid "tanks" on the bike rack. Sometimes I feel like (okay, I know) I have the unfair advantage!
Great discussion here folks. All good points. And I must admit, I have not ridden one so I am just speculating!!
I don't think another category for ebikes would be appropriate. The idea seems like it was predicated on the notion that ebikes require less effort to ride than regular bikes. I'm not too sure that's true, (see Julie's post on the right), but let's say for sake of argument that it is. That would mean that those who only ride on flat roads at say 9 mph have an unfair advantage over someone who rides several hills at 20 mph. It wouldn't be too much of a stretch to then start asking to weigh the points based on amount of climb and average speed. That doesn't seem to be in the spirit of this "challenge".
As Julie pointed out (over on the sidebar >>), those e-bikes can bring their own challenges. I agree that we should all "ride and let ride" or as Kelly says "RIDE and SMILE EVERY DAY!"
I, for one, am very grateful I don't (yet) need that kind of "assist" and don't mind sharing the points, er, I mean love! ;-)
@ Tim - The Big Papio Trail underpass at Pacific Street is currently closed for bridge reconstruction, and AFAIK, there is no approved detour through that area (other than walking over grass into the Regency Apartments parking lot). They are getting close to completing the westbound side of the bridge (will be closing off the bridge all day Sunday to pour the new deck on that side), and will probably have it reopened by early next month. Once that happens, the sidewalk on the westbound side will be accessible from the trail, and can be used to detour over to the 105th Street light, cross to the Cancer Survivors' Park, and catch the continuation of the trail to the south. I've had to use alternate routes myself because of this mess; my normal routes more or less follow Pacific from points west toward the BPT.
I agree with both points on this discussion about ebikes. I like Christianes point about getting people out to ride any amount at all is very valid. That was why I commended her. I really thought it was valid. I did not want to come off as too competetive but I kind of view the NBC as a fun competition between us all. That said, I think the E-bicycles kind of tarnish the competition aspect. So the hybrid idea of Mr Wagster should be implemented in my opinion next year. Have one category for traditional peddlars and one for e-bike/asst bike peddlars. That way the competition is level while not excluding those that ride assisted bikes.
I would like to weigh into the conversation on e-assisted bikes... I agree that Christiane has a valid point concerning the reasons why e-bikes might be used for riding; especially with regard to handicap persons who need assistance. I’m pleased to see people out riding, regardless of their physical abilities. But at the same time I also feel that e-bikes are not equal to traditional pedal bikes because they assist the person with riding; whether they’re used to make climbing a hill easier or extending the distance a person rides. The whole point of the National Bike Challenge is to get people riding to improve their health and well-being.
However, the challenge is also about competing against other riders, workplaces, and communities for bragging rights. And if e-bikes are being used then the rider is not putting in an equal amount of work as compared to those that ride traditional pedal bikes. Therefore IMHO I feel they should have their own category for next year's challenge and not be counted as equal to traditional pedal bikes.
Christiane - Fair enough argument :)
Scott - I dont know if they do drawings every week or not. I have been meaning to go this year but have not yet. I went last year once and it was pretty informal. No need to check in at the varsity if I remember correctly. Need to be present to win? Not sure, but Liv has great beers, so why not be !! Hehehehe!
@Lauren & Mark G. I'd like to weigh in on the whole e-bike thing.
As I understand, most e-bikes are "pedal-assist" bikes (i.e., not 100% externally powered) - meaning the rider is typically providing some % human power. For example, the bike provides 25% external power & the rider provides the rest. The rider can also provide 100% human power, as well (no assist utilized). So, e-bikes are still bicycles if the person must provide some degree of human power to propel forward.
I think e-bikes belong, and my reasoning goes like this... If an e-bike gets someone riding (when otherwise they wouldn't ride at all), then why shouldn't their miles count? E-bikes are a great resource for limited-mobility people - so they can participate with full-mobility people! Same goes for people with extreme bike commutes... at least they are riding, even if it's with pedal-assist. I'd hate to see a blanket rule saying "no e-bikes or other pedal-assisted bikes" because it's anti-thematic to our cause and excludes riders - which may exclude the differently-abled or disabled. The mission of this challenge is to get more people (of all abilities) out biking and reducing out collective dependence on combustion-powered vehicles - and e-bikes support that.
If it really upsets people, perhaps Endomondo could add yet another ride classification (pedal assist) - that way pedal-assisted bike riders get acknowledgement for their rides and the community knows that pedal-assisted bikes are being utilized. (And perhaps it will raise awareness that people are utilizing e-bikes for transport and may even lessen the stigma against them.) Frankly, I'm good with just 1 category: bicycling.
IIMHO, we should aim for inclusion, not exclusion. In the long run, the points don't mean a thing... but more bikes and more bike *riders* mean everything.
Does anyone know how the Liv to Ride ride works? The Aksarben Village website says it runs Thursdays from 6-8 pm. Do you register, what are the drawings, where are they held? Need be present? Do you check in at the Varsity when you reach there?
Mark G - Congratulations on recycling a classic--the rake/trail of those old bikes really shows the mindset of the builder.
Fergusons ( fergusonsbikeshop.com ) on Leavenworth can get a bike painted for about $600 (wet paint, high quality) or $200 (powdercoat, still pretty glossy and tought as nails). And Sheldon Brown's site (RIP) (Harris Cycles) is a great resource and place to get lost in cycling jargon and esoteric information. //////////////////
All - We've put forth an idea to Active Omaha and the City of Omaha (Carlos) to have teams, local bike shops, organizations, and active cyclists adopt-a-trail; similar to volunteer groups cleaning up highways. This would only involve general housekeeping like sweeping, clearing mud, perhaps shoveling snow off a bridge; all when safety and conditions allow; no structural fixes or "skilled" labor. We're waiting on feedback. But y'all can chime in and let us know what you think of the idea. //////////// P.S. We've already done this thrice: Once along Capehart Road, and twice under I80, the train bridge, Cornhusker, and a few other places. Hauling brooms and shovels on a bike is easier than one would think - and you get lots of strange looks.
@Heidi. Thanks for explaining what you've noticed. I saw that the Omaha Bikes blog has been rather inactive recently, too, and that worried me. It's a good organization and I hope it continues. I agree that we need to keep our mission going regardless!
I did attend the meetings for Omaha Bikes over @ Mammel Hall and was told that the group wouldn't be meeting as in the past. There is still a website but I don't see much in the way of updates/blog additions. I think the intent is to start meeting again but the better person to ask would probably be someone at Activate Omaha. I simply don't know what the future is for this group.
I, as a citizen cyclist would like to see that we either formally or informally provide the needed input to those who want to cycle but for whatever reason, think they can't. This blog seems to me, a great way to reach out to those who know the "best way" to get around by bike. Hopefully we can educate others (not sure how) about some of the better routes as opposed to leaving them to fend for themselves. Google maps has some great suggestions but really think some of them are just plain dangerous. 90th street is one such route..... i wouldn't ride it Heidi
Thank you Jad. I kind of figured I would keep all the hardware when I take the fork off, so the stem should still work I would think. And then just equip it with Velo Orange french thread headset. I believe it is original stem.
@ Lauren - I agree with you completely. Mopeds and electric assisted bikes are not the same as good old pedal pushing.....
Christiane - Thank you! My main goal is keeping the old fork. I canput a new fork on it but the old french bikes had a long sweeping front fork that is just not made now. Really adds some style to bike. I am taking the fork off to redo bearings and I want to get the frame dipped flourescent green :)
@Mark Gibbons. I converted a French threaded Gitane to a three speed a couple years ago. I installed velo-orange's French threaded bottom bracket. They make quality things and it has worked wonderfully. The bike had a replacement fork that was English standard so I did not need a headset. The only problem with the French standard fork is that you will need a french diameter stem. (A French stem is slightly smaller then the English standard 1'' or 22.2). The Sheldon Brown website will give you the details and is a great place to start for your forum/facts question.
@Heidi. When you said "Omaha Bikes isn't meeting now but that doesn't mean we can't continue to do the good work of that group" - forgive my ignorance, but what does that mean exactly? Is everything okay at Omaha Bikes? Thanks for the clarification.
Question-- as someone brought it up yesterday while I worked the bike valet.
Are electric assisted bikes able to be considered for mileage the same as self-propelled bikes (good old peddle pushing)?
If not, rumor is at least one person is using this type of transportation and logging it as normal commuter miles. I suggest if this type of bicycle isn't welcomed by all to be counted equally as "commuter miles" from a self-propelled bicycle, this issue should be addressed; if not this year then at least next year.
Thoughts would be welcomed, or a clarification of the rules for logging commuter miles/bike miles in general. As I think if it's electric assisted...then it's really not legit peddle power, and shouldn't be logged the same way. That's like logging running while you're on a Segway (in my opinion anyway).
@Mark Gibbons. I suggest talking to Todd at Olde Towne Cyclery in Bellevue. He rebuilds/mods a lot of vintage bikes of that era, including 1-spd conversions. If he doesn't know, he could probably point you in the right direction...
@ Tim - I know the Big papio trail will hook into the keystone. It goes all the way from just west of Hefflinger park.
@ Anyone - I am converting a 1970's peugout to a singlespeed. I have found french threaded bottom bracket and headset made by a company VeloOrange. It sure sounds like they will work, but has anyone on here worked with them or know of a good forum to go onto to ask?
Does anyone have a route from 103rd & Blondo to the Keystone?
I believe our "movement" starts with getting people on bicycles and riding and showing the city that yes, you can get around Omaha on bikes and there are other safe routes in Omaha (besides our bike paths). I would like to hear about some of the "routes" that offer east/west alternatives to the standard Dodge St, Pacific St, Center St that everybody takes. Omaha Bikes isn't meeting now but that doesn't mean that we can't continue to do the good work of that group. Just to get us started, I would like to suggest 2 routes that could be bike boulevards: 144th to 120 on Eagle Run Drive to Stonegate and 90th to 72nd on Arbor/Martha/Woolworth/Hickory. There have to be others out there you all are riding -WHAT ARE THEY? Let's get those routes collected and posted somewhere. Thanks so much for any consideration you can give this effort. Heidi
Points,No Points,All you velocipede riding,alternative transportation lovers,and anyone else who wants to join us. keep on RIDING AND SMILING EVERY DARN DAY!!!!!! And we will all live longer,stronger,happier lives for it.ENDOMONDO,ACTIVATE OMAHA AND ALL THE AWESOME PEOPLE INVOLVED ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AGAIN,RIDE AND SMILE.KELLY L. SMITH
Yup, it's working. Just deleted today's ride, saw the updated, lower points total. Then added it back in, for the new total.
@David - Does it appear in your "Log Miles" page, over in the left column, if not it probably didn't get updated. And don't worry about breaking Endo; I've monkeyed around with it in the winter just to see how it works, adding trips, adding miles, more trips, subracting miles, then subracting trips, all on one day. It works pretty well, just really slow sometimes. Try adding another 1 mile trip and see what happens; if it didn't take your first "Log Miles" entry you should see a 21 point bump in the standings: 1 point for mileage + 20 points for the day's ride = 21 points. Once again, you won't break it; if you come back tomorrow and see double points for today, and say "Doh, that ain't right!" you can still fix it by deleting a ride.
@David. Endomondo is flaky (more so last year - it's gotten a lot better!) I'd give it time. You still rock - updated points or not.
Hey, anybody else having trouble getting their points updated today? I recorded my mileage 20 minutes ago, and my total points remain the same, and my position on the board hasn't changed. What's up?
@Sheila and Everyone Else! I think it would be nice if we could get an official meeting with the Mayor Stothert, arranged via one of our bike advocacy groups like Activate Omaha or Bike Omaha (that would give our voices more "weight") - and then have a bunch of cyclists ride together to the Mayor's Office for the meet-n-greet. (Something to consider, Carlos & Julie & Madison!)
I think the *new* Mayor needs to see (in person) that we exist and there's a lot of us... and that we deeply care about alternative transportation issues in the metro.
@Dylan. You know, someone needs to test out those B-cycles... I wonder how fast someone can push 'em on the flats. (Downhill might be deadly, though - I think they weigh more than a Prius.)
@Todd. Glad to hear that you dodged the raindrops this morning - by fate, chance, divine intervention, or perhaps pure luck. Usually it doesn't work out that way, but hey!
@ Kelly Lee Smith--Glad we gotcha!!!
@Sheila. That sounds like a good idea - keeping bikers & pedestrians "visible" with the Mayor's Office! When you find the address where to send letters, post it here. I normally am not a big fan of lobbying in the grand political sense, but we kinda need to keep our little, but vibrant grassroots thing going somehow - and if that means doing a little local "lobbying" to foster our collective interests, then will do.
OFFUT AFB Cyclonauts and The Dundee Chain Gang--Rockin' the Roads!!! Numbers 10 & 17 in the nation, respectively. Great Job!!
@ Christine--Keeping my fingers crossed, too.
@ All- If others are feeling the same way, maybe we could all write Stothert's Offc.; get letters published in the newspaper-- let her know that we're still here; that this is not a phase O's going thru, but a Metrowide TRANS-formation. I'm writing--that's that! Who's with me?:))
Dan and Christiane - Thanks for the inputs on urban cycling. As a midtowner, many weekend rides end up rolling through Aksarben, and we'll frequently stop for coffee at Jones Bros or Wohlners. On warm, sunny mornings you get a beautiful picture of what good urban design looks like: people walking, children playing and splashing at Stinson, the Farmers Market bustling, and bikes coming and going everywhere. The mood so vibrant, the pace relaxing. // I actually like cars a lot, but each mode of transporation has it's role in moving people. Downtown Chicago/New York, you couldn't give me a car, it's cabs, busses, trains for me. My son spent 4+ college years in Chicago without a car--just a CTA pass and a beater bike. Vacations are usually by car, unless it's to the coasts. One mode of transporation to meet all urban needs is like playing golf with nothing but a driver... or putter. Multimodal is the way to go. And Omaha appears to be going in the right direction.
Great commute this morning. Good thing I did not check the weather as I might have decided to not ride. Had a bit of a detour this am as I had to give blood on the way to work. As it went I was down to 25th street and heading south toward Erhling Berquist to the lab for my draw when it just started to sprinkle. By the time I worked my way through the line at the lab (had to wait 10 min for them to open at 0700) then just 5 minutes to get it done. Finished and headed back outside. It was wet and clear for the Moment. I got wetter between the Clinic and the Base from road spatter than from anthing falling from the sky. Nice ride and just thank the Good Lord for the detour that keep me dry.
We have a lot to be thankful for in the Omaha metro regarding our biking/pedestrian infrastructure. Sure there's a lot more that could be done, but we have seen noticeable improvements over the last 5-10 years. I moved to Omaha from KC, which is not very bike friendly. I meet people from out of area and they think I'm kidding that we have good riding here. I hope Omaha Mayor Stothert continues some of the initiatives that former Mayor Suttle got rolling. Fingers & spokes crossed.
And since I was out east, drove the gas powered vehicle to northern New York to bike around Lake Champlain. Fantastic scenery, some monster climbs, and great commraderie with my 70+ year old father and my cousin visiting my great-great grandfather's hometown in Quebec. The two disappointments: not seeing many other touring riders and the maps and route markings haven't been updated apparently in the past 10+ years as political priorities change. The group that published a bike friendly map around the lake doesn't have the funding to overcome copyright issues to distribute a map. New York State, which published a fantastic bike route map under the Pitaki administration hasn't updated it since. The Vermont state road map doesn't show county roads that are part of the signed route. And Google Maps shows roads that don't exits. Notwithstanding, great riding. Hopefully the bicycle gains Omaha made the past few years won't be wasted.
Just returned from Pittsburgh where bike lanes and routes within and in/out of downtown are prominent. During breaks at my conference, I got a few miles in each day on the paths along the three rivers. The coolest thing was the number of people on bikes at 10pm coming from the evening concert reopening of the fountain at the 3 rivers point: young adults in droves (and even some "more experienced commuters" like me) returning to their Aksarben Village and Midtown Crossing-type neighborhoods 3-5 miles away. If cold weather hilly Pittsburgh can do it, so can Omaha.
@Ann Gentle and all other rollin to colon riders.Had a awesome morning to ride and a great bunch of riders for a great cause.I always look forward to being around to help wherever and whenever possible.There is nothing better to this man than doing ride support.ONLY TIME YOU WILL SEE ME DRIVING A PETRO FUELED BEAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY. Well,GRANDCHILDREN ALSO RULE!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously though, that would be so much fun
@christiane - B-Cycle alleycat, GREAT idea!!! I love it. Who else is game to do a B-Cycle race?
P. S.
Will send pix ;)
@ Christine--LMBO! I knw wat u mean re: thinking twc. The watermelon & eggs didn't shake u, huh?! Hey, that gives me an idea. I just discovered a new use for the baby trailer the kids aren't using--- SOMMMMbodyaa stop meyyyyyyy!
B-Cycle racing--u'v discovered a new sport :)) luv it!
I kid u not, some New Yorkers have found a way around paying for the the B-cycles already, by using them as stationary bikes. New Yorkers--gotta luv 'em.
Even better, B-cycle Alley Cat race... would be rather insane, agonizingly slow, and of questionable legality, but such concerns usually don't dissuade most urban cyclists.
*Disclaimer: This is sarcasm. No racing the B-cycles, please. (If you do, post pics.)
If someone rides to the nearest b-cycle kiosk, locks up their personal bike, rents a b-cycle, and then "transport" rides somewhere and back, they should get quadruple bonus points... or, at the very least, bike-geek bragging rights. Just saying...
@Sheila. Too funny. The one upside to shopping-by-bike: less impulse purchases (Do I really need that cute floor lamp on clearance? Uh, not that bad.) My SO has caught on to my "transport" trips to SuperTarget and he knows we live at the top of a hill, so he starts asking me to bring back obnoxious items in my tiny backpack: gallons of ice cream, big jugs of laundry detergent, 30-gallon Rubbermaid totes, 12-packs of soda, watermelon, eggs... I drew the line at the rotisserie chicken.
HEY GANG! We know you all have your own bikes, but we (Omaha B-cycle and Live Well Omaha) want to encourage everyone to get out and try bike sharing! We have two stations in the downtown area during the College World Series. One at the Chamber Plaza on 13th and Howard and the other on 13th and Mike Fahey (across from the stadium) If you catch us during staffed hours we will give you a FREE ride pass. More people on bikes makes Omaha a more bike-friendly place! Come down and say hello!
And I have to say a big shout out of thanks to KELLY (I know that was you) and all the SAG support on RtC yesterday. More cowbell!
(I know how to fix it. It just made me laugh.)
Thought I was changing my ride from "Transport" to "Sport" for Rollin' to Colon yesterday, but somehow would up with part not measured, part "Transport," and about 10 miles of "Aerobics." Pretty funny.
@Christiane - Can't remember who said it, or the exact wording: The bicycle's noblest purpose is transportation. That's one of the "challenges" of the Nat'l Bike Challenge: to think differently about transportation and cycling. Congratulations for thinking differently, and think of the points as a bonus.
@ Christine -- Guilty- Ha! if I had a driveway and a mail box at the end of it, I'd be dangerous. Seriously, though, that's what it's all about. I don't always feel like dodging traffic for those short jaunts, so, I'll walk instead (after having been duly chastised lst yr. for hopping into my car for a 3 mi or <). Besides, it's just as good 4 me. Way to set an example, Christne! Your best points, yet!
@Carrie Best of luck with your back.You are so tough and pretty,you'll be back in no time.God Bless. Ride and Smile
I felt genuine guilt for riding to SuperTarget (less than a mile from home) for transport points today - so I punished myself by buying 2 gallons of juice, several pounds of produce, and a box of granola and stuffing them in my tiny Osprey backpack and taking the up-hilliest route home. Ironically the box of granola pushed me over the edge (damn pointy corners).
Christiane, where's the "like" button when you need it? ROTFL!!
Welcome back Kelly! Rollers are fun--still don't know how people can do them no-hands though.
@Carrie - E-e-e-easy does it with back strain. Hope you have a quick recovery.
Learning to ride rollers - often learned in conjunction with patching drywall & painting.
@Carrie. Wishing you a strong and speedy recovery.
Thinking of you Carrie and hope you feel better quick!
@ carrie. So sorry Carrie. Please take care.-Hope u'r back heals really quickly.
@ Mark - Pure wisdom- thanks so much- gonna use it.
@ Kelly - Sure is good to hear from you man. Roller-need that, gonna do that.
Flo-Rydas Keep Crush'n
O-Rydas......Crank on!
I want to send a giant thank you out to all the bikers,runners Tami and Tina(?) and people in cars who stopped to help me this morning as my back decided it did not want me to move another muscle on the way into work this morning. Morphine makes everything better...Keep riding!
Gotta love ladies on bikes!!!!!!!!
Want to improve both spin and the ability to ride a perfect straight line.ROLLERS rule,and not near as boring as a trainer.Ride and Smile Every Darn Say!
Christiane - Indoor cycling is "pick your poison". Some like the thumpa-thumpa social disco of spinning class (not me.) Some like trainers (torture devices). Some can tolerate rollers (10 to 20 times a year for me, tops, in the dead of winter.) Throughout the year, I have fun focusing on being a better cyclist. When out, for what can be a normal commute or trip to the store, pick a skill or facet of cycling you'd like to improve. In fact it's the short 45 to 60 minute commutes that I use to get "better", with the longer weekend rides focused on fun/racing/socializing. Improve your spin with high RPM drills, one-legged pedaling, or alternate 60 seconds of lifting/pulling/pushing. Early or late in the season, when the sun casts your shadow off to the side, check and improve your posture and position on the bike. Embrace headwinds as an opportunity to fine-tune your position in the drops. Break down the skills into understandable, manageable buckets and pick one from a bucket to work on riding to work, and another set of skills riding home. Here are some of my "buckets": safety and rules of the road, aerobic capacity, strength, posture and position, aerodynamics, pedal efficiency and spinning, power output, developing top end speed, descending (kinda tough on the trail), climbing efficiency (ditto, gotta hit the road), understanding/discovering your anaerobic threshold and raising it through the spring and summer. And that's just what you can learn on the bike; there's a whole lot to learn off the bike, like history, mechanics, picking vacation destinations, or piecing together your dream bike. Oh, and let's not forget part of being a better cyclist is setting a good example and encouraging new cyclists. I'm, ahem, a young 56 and still learning and enjoying the process/journey after 30+ years of cycling. There's always something new to learn. (Last weekend I learned Leo’s has a nice breakfast, up in Benson—made for a slow ride home.) Have fun, share the joy!
I did spin class at the Papillion YMCA for a year. Not a devotee. (The 5am Y clique was like Heathers/Mean Girls in spandex... just saying.) I can maintain a high RPM (90+) on the spin bike, but I forget everything when I go "outside". Same thing happens on my trainer stand (assuming I use the damn thing even once a year.) Rollers are not to be spoken of (death traps that they are...)
The only thing that's really helped is commuting - I go at my own pace, I try to enjoy myself, I pay attention (more) to my form, and I'm not out trying to catch the mythical A group (like a greyhound never catching the mechanical rabbit). My cadence is slowly improving - it's just not ideal and likely never will be... much to the dismay of my knees (and my physical therapist).
Moral of the story - don't pick up bad habits in the first place - they are a b* <ahem> beast to unlearn. And rollers are the tool of the devil. And never wear a jersey to spin class - even if you biked there.
Well, I often say I feel like I'm 12 again when I'm biking! So, here's to cycling keeping us young in body and spirit! I'm a believer!
@ Big-gear mashing Christiane: I think a great way to learn to spin faster is to go to spin class in the winter and get comfortable spinning at 100+ rpm. Doing so certainly picked up my cadence outdoors and changed my approach to hills. Aspen has a cool thing: membership with group classes is $30 / month (no long term contract) but you can put your membership into standby mode for 6 months / yr (i.e., during prime riding season) and pay only $7 / month then. Great deal for riders. Spin world is kind or a weird place if you're a "real" rider (or what spin class regulars refer to as an "outside" rider), but there are some things to be learned there that can be beneficial outdoors.
Hey guys-- I'm 56 w/ two GRANDchildren ( I fully expect to show them the ropes). Been transporting, before it was cool, for a blissful 27 years---came to the sport side 10 years ago----Im hopelesly in luv w/ cycling. It's kept me happy, strong & healthier than most of my peers and some younggins, too!
FLO-Rydas ---keep CRUSH'n O -Rydas Crank On
I turn 51 in 2 weeks; have 3 kids ages 8,10 and 12. Been riding for 27 years and feel better than ever, racking up more miles now.
Kids are starting to show cycling interest this summer too.
So true Heidi, I have 2 young kids in baseball, basketball etc. and finding time to ride is very tough.Thats why I started commuting 6 years ago just to get some miles.
Since we all seem to be "out there" with the ages, I would like to note that with 3 kids, all very close in age, it wasn't until they were old enough to drive that i really started to even have time to ride with any consistancy - 57 for me.
Thanks so much Mike, I will be looking for you and Dave this afternoon.
Peggy, I second what Christiane says, so many times I have been amazed at what others can do. I am a young 45 and feel like 30, plan on riding into the sunset in about another 60-70 years. Keep riding on girl! Good for you Ann!
@Peggy. I'm 36. I've been humbled enough times by "masters" age friends that I've learned to never underestimate a cyclist based on his or her age (or size/shape, for that matter). Many riders get stronger (and wiser) as the years and miles roll on...
@Peggy I'm 42 and hope to be riding when I'm 102! I'm a slowpoke, but love to ride & do it year-round.
I'm moving up the leaderboard now, too, with the better weather, so put me on the list of women - I'm 22 locally and happy to be getting close to being part of the elite group of riders listed earlier! I'm curious about the age of the other riders, being "of a certain age" myself and interested in age range of the other women riders. (Hint I'm in the 60 and up group myself)
@Mark & Sheila. Thanks for the advice. Even my recovery rides tend to get a little ambitious. (I blame Strava and my inability to turn the damn app off.) I'm a notorious big-gear masher (ave cadence 70), so I just need someone to ride next to me and shock me repeatedly with a dog e-collar every time I start grinding...
@Carrie - Good lord, woman!!! (re: the winter trail clearing w/the BOB) That's insane - in a good way!
@ Heidi -- Dave Petty and me will be doing the bike valet parking with you tomorrow afternoon. IDK the exact location for this year but last year it was directly in front of Goodnight's Pizza and right next door to Greenstreet Cycles on Mike Fahey St. between 13th & 14th St. Click on link for map details: http://goo.gl/maps/IKKbU
See you tomorrow!
@ Carrie: Now that's committment! Go Carrie!
Christiane - Remember "ride hard, rest hard." Take your rest as seriously as you take your training and riding, and soon you'll be flying. // Carrie's a rolling endorsement of women cycling. Shoulda seen her when we cleared the Capehart shoulder of winter debris. Did she drive down from Benson? No-o-o-o-o. She rode down with her B.O.B. trailer, hauling a broom and other stuff. Awesome!
I signed up to help out with the bike corral/valet parking for tomorrow at CWS. What is the exact location for tomorrow? Is it different from the other days?
Carrie, that would be awesome! Can't wait. I'm inspired! Got my sights on a few candidates. Wish me luck.
@Christine re: high miles- Eat right-rest well, crank t'platinum- u can do it!
@ Mark u'r always encouraging- thnx. On ya left :)
To all my Girls. FLO-Rydas ---keep CRUSH'nnn!!!!
And thanks for the shout out. We have a nice bike community growing here!
It makes me grin ear to ear when I see the women climbing up the leaderboard!!! This high mileage is doing a number on me, personally, but I'm gonna try for a strong June...
Go girls, go!
Sheila, I am working on getting more women riding, so far I got 5 more women to buy a bike and ride this year and it is only June! By the end of summer, we could have at least 25 women in the top 100 spots, wouldn't that be nice!
Shall I sat it? Yes!
@ Chrstine Ley, Heidi Leigh Lynam, Renee Carter, Carrie Mc Gill, Angie Elkenberry,
Girl POOOOWWWEERRRR!!
after ten ays off and aweek in georgia it felt great get back in the saddle again!
Hey- luv u'r new team name OAFB. Keep up the good work Cyclonauts!!
Thanks for the reminder, Lonny! Here's the link - please sign up to help, if only for 1 shift! it's a great way to give back. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4EAAA72DA75-bike1
There's quite a few open slots to help with the bike valet at the CWS. Here's a chance to give back and enjoy the CWS environment.
Thanks Mark, I am determined to continue cyclling every day at least few miles and good number of miles weekends.
Vamsi - I hope you enjoyed your ride. Thirty-three miles is a great distance, especially on your first day cycling. Enjoy!
This was my first day biking. Venkat padala and myself covered 33 miles today and we are planning to do same thing tomorrow also.
Found light on the trail this am. If this is yours, please tell me who makes the light and if you have an idea which trail.
National Rankings: #3 Nebraska is closing the gap on #2 Wisconsin. Top Nebraska teams in national rankings: Offutt #14, Dundee Chain Gang #15, Great Plains #16 out of 1,898 teams nationally.
Hi All! We're ready to open Volunteer Sign Up for this year's Bike to the Ballpark project. Please spread the word to your teammates, friends and family - this is a fun and easy way to be part of the atmosphere of the CWS while also providing a service that helps make Omaha more bicycle friendly. Click on this link to find all of the details! http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4EAAA72DA75-bike1
Hope you guys and gals on BRAN are having fun!
Biking Breakfast top 10...Leo's up in Benson then a cup of americano at Omaha Bicycle Co. Leo's Island platters put everything I love, hashbrown, biscuits & Gravy, eggs etc all piled together. OBC is a great local bike shop with great tips from Vince and getting the what's up from Sarah. The trip up is one of the best. Jump off of the keystone and head through Elmwood Park pick up Happy Hollow Blvd to Country Club Ave and figure the rest out until you get to Benson. The fact that I also get to visit my grand daughter along the route makes it all pretty wonderful. All in less than 20 miles round trip.
OK, now John Varga jumps to the top. What makes me think that won't last long, once Smith logs in after his commute in to work... he's taking the long way into work, by way of Argentina. Love everyone's spirit!
Just thought I'd mention the current leader on the board is Mike Wagster, who rode 200, yup, two hundred miles in the Dirty Kanza on Saturday. He won't brag, but someone's gotta point it out. 200 miles on the dirt roads of Kansas. Dayum, that's impressive.
E-mails have been sent out to the May winners of the LOCAL challenge. We followed the point scale for bronze, silver, and gold (transport miles)! Check your e-mail everyone!
Went for a nice guys&gals ride this morning. Stopped at Tussy's in north Omaha for breakfast, after enjoying that long downhill on 36. Super food--waffles, fresh omelets, biscuits and gravy... Oh, and a very slow ride home. Dixie Quicks has the same challenge of a slow ride home. Other great post-ride breakfasts: Lisa's Radial, Amato's, Louis M's (ooh, the green chile). Others? Do share.
Today, a 2 hour ride, 'stop to play' trip with all three daughters...wow, a perfect adventure!
Ahhh, right you are, Nate. Thanks.
Jack and Mark, if you want to view totals instead of just June, be sure to select "challenge period" for your view instead of the month at the top of the leader board listing. Drop downs right above everyone's names.
I notice that too, Jack. I got up early to check the weather, and saw someone rode a mile, very early in the day, and jumped to the top of the leader board with 21 points. I thought, "You go girl!" Awesome!
Interesting . . . for Leaderboard purposes all of the points totals reset to zero on June 1. Was that really supposed to happen?
Grouse n go? Ride n snipe?
We ride light, pack'n tight.
Ride n smile.....
smile and ride........
Thank you for the clear underpasses friends.
@Matthew Bittner and Mark Crown . . . Offutt team is a class act. Thanks for your work on the underpasses. Excellent idea about the adopt-an-underpass program. We should all pitch in and do our part. I'll mention it to our fearless leader, Craigie. (One of our guys did clear a path through the ice last winter on the permafrost stretch north of the I-80 bridge.)
Thank you so much for clearing the sludge!!!
We had fun clearing the trails up north, and down south. We also had an early Spring road crew clear Capehart Road. The people not only cleaned with brooms, shovels, etc., but also ended up having bananas and donuts as their reward.
Maybe we should start an "adopt an underpass" program?
Phil: It is great to have your kids liking the biking experience as much as you do.It's something I can share with my daughter as something different and enjoyable then all the other sports.
Andy: finally getting my 8,10 and 12 year old daughters out this year. Their comments > I love the gears, I feel so free, how far can we go, can we go along Bob Boozer < make me so proud. I look forward to a Ragbrai with them soon too.
Great to see!
I second Jack Mayfield's thanks to the rider(s) who has/have removed the slick mud from several underpasses. I noticed that the Keystone Trail under Cornhusker was much cleaner. And it was a spectacular morning for a ride!
RIDE AND SMILE, in the words of a well know and well respected legit person.......
The I80 shoveller was part of Team Offutt-North. The Southern roleurs are taking care of Cornhusker and Capehart. // For logging miles, we all know this is a challenge, both to ourselves and as a cycling community; a challenge, to increase the number of riders, act as cycling embassadors, encourage safe riding, change the community's mindset to look at cycling as a means of transportation. The miles are just one indicator of a thriving cycling culture, and perhaps one of the most boring measures of success. Where'd you go, what did you do when you got there, who'd you ride with, learn anything new, how was the weather, whadja eat after the ride, pass on any good tips, learn any, did you practice that new pedaling technique, how's your spin, got any tips to make intervals more interesting, any ideas on how to improve our trails, good routes to pass on, are the apple trees in bloom on the Trace, what's it like riding with that Cat 1 guy? Once you ride enough, the miles are merely part of the process. Imagine this conversation "So you went to Paris? How far is that?" So back to logging miles, like a fast, tight paceline, let's trust each other. Some of us log early in the day accounting for both trips of a commute, some log days late because they forgot or are busy, and some log early. Like a good paceline, trust allows us to swiftly move forward together.
yes, Kelly is legit. NOTE: logging your miles has a common standard which is to log miles during or after, not before the ride. Otherwise we may have a not "so legit" person logging before they ride--- then what do we do?
RIDE ON KELLY!
What a spectacular morning to ride!
Also, thanks to the rider who was shoveling the slop off the Keystone trail under the I-80 viaduct this morning (and perhaps other places).
If anybody knows Kelley they know all his miles are legit. He rides his Moonlander or Pugsly everyday, in 100 degree, the 0 degrees and the snow. Plus he is the best bike wrench in the city. ..... RIDE ON KELLEY
Don't shoot the messenger, but for whatever reason I was checking my placement on the leaderboard. Then I decided to look at the top ten people and see who many miles they ride per ride. Well looks like the top leader Kelly Smith has already ridden tomorrow morning. Just say'n........
@ Scott & Andy--Thanks for the guidance guys.
@MarkCrown - many thanks for organizing the underpass clean up! Greatly appreciated.
Andy - Have fun at RAGBRAI. Make sure the Air Force team gives her lots of stickers. Wearing the AF jersey, riding two-up in a long, long line, into the final town was one of my most memorable cycling experiences.
A couple of quick points: 1 - Andy I like your picture. Cycling at that age is transformative; a child's first opportunity to travel the world beyond their own neighborhood; good on ya. Remember getting your first bike. "Wow. I can go anywhere!" 2 - Our Two Wheel Twosday, group ride into work, is always the first Tuesday of every month, 0645, at the Keystone/Twin Creek bridge. We try to encourage new riders to try commuting to work, point out safe ways to ride in traffic, and group riding etiquette. You Lock-Mart folks are free to join us or stop by to say hello. That goes for our north-bound friends as well--give us a wave as you blast by. Finally, 3 - Team Offutt is gonna do something about a few of the messy underpasses on Friday (Cornhusker, and a few others). If you've ridden a fender-less bike through that muck you get a nice racing strip up your backside. "Hey look! He's/she's riding for Team Muckbutt." Some of us are bringing brooms and shovels for use on the ride home. Feel free to join us, or just don't run us over.
(Edited and reposted)
It's hard to tell, but that's my 8 yr. old daughter before the first day of Ragbrai last year as we rode 37 miles together with a runabout trailer bike. This year she is going on her own to the lunch town the first day,I know she can do the 22 or so miles.
The Keystone exits west onto The west papio trail down by Culvers after Cornhusker.I think it takes you up to 96th, not sure if anymore is finished.
The Keystone doesn't actually exit at Giles. It's probably Harrison then routes you onto 66th St past the LaVista Sports Complex where it then turns into Giles. The climb to 72nd is a grind. After 96th it's a good downhill and flat to 114th. You'll have another good climb on 114th heading south. Shouldn't be too scary.
Omaha has anyone ever biked the keystone to from AksVill to Werner Ball Prk? Per GMps, I can xit @ Giles/ go2 114th/ tk it to Bllprk way? Is that a safe route?
@Kari yes all the way through September. You will be able to keep track of almost all your miles this season. You can set a goal for yourself and see if you made it.
Kari, I hope you continue to accept the challenge. And it doesn't end in September, the joy of cycling should be for the rest of your life.
@Mike, thanks Mike for the ride info.
I JUST realized the competition is through September. Wow. Guess I'll have to keep at it past Friday, LOL
Goooooomaha!!!
And a big shout out to Ray Anderson, riding solo this year after being such a crucial member of Team Offutt for so many years. Ray's early efforts getting extra bike racks, getting the locker program off the ground, assisting new riders, and setting the standard for a year-round cyclist continue to have a huge impact on the Offutt team. So Ray, even though you're riding solo, you're still part of our formation, just a little bit further off our wing.
Wisconsin, and that Madison cycling culture, wow! That's huge! Equally impressive is to be out in front of California and Colorado, and North Carolina. Vermont being highly ranked is pretty neat, too. // Spring is in bloom, and the wonderful days of summer are ahead--encourage a trail rider to explore and experience our wonderful country roads, mentor a novice rider on our great trail system, and get a new or hesitant cyclist on a bike. Keep moving forward Team Omaha!
Randy R. Reed of Great Plains Bicycling Club (Lincoln) is currently ranked #8 nationally with 2,093 points. Way to go, Randy! Nebraska is currently ranked 3rd among the 50 states, trailing only Vermont and Wisconsin.
Makes me feel like a 12-year-old who just got out for summer vacation.
U know what's really great about riding--the greetings; the smiling faces. Folks just happy to be out there. It's fabulous.
@ Carrie Re: It's just fun & stress relieving---Couldn't agree w/u more. I can't remember the last time I carried any nonsense home from work--Besides, it's a drag--badum bum!
Laughing all the way :)
@ Christine
Be riding up that road,
Be riding up that hill
No problems.
Well... Id' like to think so anyway ;) What say all?!
Christiane- I would say commuting by bike to Offutt is because it is too hard to find a parking space...LOL! but really, It is just fun riding and releiving stress before and after a long workday. Keep up the great work!
Anybody notice the sizeable gap between gold (750) and platinum (2500) level? Like seeing a monster of a hill on the horizon... kudos to everyone halfway (or farther) to platinum in the first 30 days of the challenge.
Offutt always amazes me. I see several of them out there riding all year long. They motivate me to keep riding, too...
Offut afb still sitting at 15 in nation. Nice work folks!
@jack~thanks for sharing! we do have a great cycling community!
From July 2013 issue of Bicycling magazine, p. 49: "If you haven't heard, Omaha, Nebraska, is now a hotbed of bicycle commuting, with a bike-share program and an elegant cycling/pedestrian bridge spanning the Missouri River." Nice.
@Paul, I live near 150 & blondo, I regualarly do the west papio. But I've also rode to the keystone. Blondo starting at 135th has wide sidewalks. (I use the champions GC as my cross route) then you can jump on the big papio @ 118th which hits the keystone @ about Q street. or ride to west roads and then do the neighborhoods to the keystone at about 84th.
Paul - There are many shop rides that roll out on weekday evenings; most have notices on their shop web site. They're perfect for learning new routes and roads. Most have a ride leader who will help introduce you to riding in a group. Also, take advantage of the various fundraiser rides throughout the year; with a large group comprised of riders of varying abilities, you're sure to find someone who rides at your pace, and many of the routes are patrolled by law enforcement during the ride. The trails in Omaha are great ways to get in shape and accustomed to the area; they're also perfect for getting to roads north and south of town. The roads north of town (to Bennington, Blair, Arlington, Fort Calhoun) and over in Iowa are super on weekends, but if you're a bit unsure about hitting the roads, see above, meaning shop rides, fundraising group rides, etc //Christiane and Karl are right about our trail system, we're lucky to have such nice trails. Oh, since you're new to cycling, and since no one mentioned it, if at all possible, start your ride going into the wind, otherwise you'll happily spin downwind, and be shocked by the amount of work it takes to get back home; rides home should always be with a smile and the wind at your back. //Enjoy, and write back here if you have questions, someone will point you in the right direction.
Thanks for the link and ride info. The link is very helpful with details!
You can also find large, full-color, fold-out print copies of the Omaha Metro Bike Map at many bike shops around town. IMO, it's pretty enough to put up on the wall as bike-geek art.
Here's a link to the Omaha Metro bike map. Comes in very handy for plotting routes and discovering new trail segments and parks. (Hope the link works!)
http://www.activateomaha.org/downloads/OmahaBikeMap2010-05-05.pdf
@Paul- Aksarben to Bellevue is about 20. You can go further onto the Loop to even it out at ten each way. I ride it most days. Wind can be a bear, but it's a nice level ride
I am new to biking this year. I jump on the bike trail by Blondo and 168th, then down around Zorinsky Lake and back up to Blondo. Am looking for suggestions 20 and 30 mile training rides.
I have never rode the Keystone. Where is a good/safe place to park and jump on the trail for a 20 mile training ride?
Petroleum is SATANS ENERGY DRINK!!!!!!!!!!! Darn 4 wheeled devils.CARS-R-COFFINS RIDE AND SMILE
We don't need no stinking gas.
Unfortunately my recent spike of Red Mango & Crane Coffee "bike fuel" expenditures cancels out my "gas fuel" savings...
If you have a flex fuel vehicle, ethanol is 1.30 cheaper than gas right now. E85 is 2.89 per gallon as compared to over $4 per gallon. http://www.e85omaha.com/ tells you where to find e85 in town.
At almost $4/gallon, I'm "saving" $8 per day. // Remember great bike destinations this weekend include Council Bluffs concerts (Beach Boys, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings), and the Sunday Farmers Market at Aksarben.
Doesn't it feel especially great to commute to work by bike when gas is almost $4.00 / gallon?
Another good wind/weather forecaster is the NOAA.gov site. Once you've entered your zip, look below the main 7-day forecast for the Hourly Weather Graph or Tabular Forecast.
@ Christiane, A man has got to have his pride!!! Ride and Smile !!!!!!!
I thought about drafting off someone on my way home last night - but the little guy on his strider bike was having none of it.
I've discovered my rain shield (aka clear plastic cover) for my Lazer helmet makes my head more "aero" in high wind - now the rest of my body is a total drag, but hey!
@Christiane YES! The wind has been so tricky! Mix of cross/head wind no matter what direction I went on the Keystone/Bellevue Loop last few days. Guess it's good training, though? Pretty bad when you can see the pain the faces of the riders going the opposite direction...You know you're in for it on the way back :( LOL
@ Christine & Mark: And, today we get wind-socked some more!
@Christiane Ley, teams are optional this year. Totally up to the individuals. As long as you put in your correct WORKPLACE we will be able to pull reports based on transport miles. We'll do local prizes monthly based on points from transport miles, then award workplace winners (different divisions based on workplace size) from transport miles at the end of the challenge!
Anyone have a goat Mark G could borrow to finish his backyard?
I wouldn't be surprised if the wind flips direction today just to toy with everyone.
You want reliable wind information, just ask me where I'm going--the wind is from that direction.
The app WindAlert is good a current and predicted wind speeds. I view the wind speeds at Offutt and Eppley to get realist data.
Worst part Christiane is the darn mower broke in the middle of the backyard!! Oh well. If I could just have a goat!! Mark Crown....I am on an all white lemond with no markings. Say hi if you see me!
Thanks for sharing - good stuff!
Hey Chris, I recommend the National Weather Service - if you go to: http://www.weather.gov/ type in your zip code and bookmark it, you have the general forecast. For the detailed forecast go to the Aviation Weather Center: http://www.aviationweather.gov/ . On the left side under Forecasts mouse over TAF/FA and click "TAF Request Forms." Type KOMA KOFF (Omaha and Offutt) in the 4-letter station identifier, check the "Translated" radial and click "Get TAFs and METARs." If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask.
Wunderground app is great for seeing current wind conditions at tons of private reporting stations (including one called Homer-Dogs Backyard), not just airport.
I use two: wunderground (best for historical and current conditions, forecasts OK too) and accuweather.
Mark G, damn lawns. If I can only teach the dog to mow - 2 birds/1 stone. I'm trying to figure out how to fetch meals on my bike so I don't have to cook and clean up, too - but Dunkin' for breakfast every morning might literally kill me (more afraid of the traffic vs the crullers).
Informal group poll: Who provides the best weather data around???
Starting to recognize some faces on my southerly commute. Already know/met Jerry Francis at an Active Omaha shindig last year. Shout out to Joe Simoens, who's heading north around 7:00ish each morning on the Keystone--I recognized your helmet from the Endo picture. Mark (Red Cannondale, yellow fenders, pannier (or two))
Is there a way to correlate when people are logging miles against the day-before forecast weather and the actual weather?
I feel ya Christiane. I wanted to do fifty pts a day but stupid things like rain and responsible homeownership keep getting in the way! Stupid lawn!!
And grrrr... I watched the news last night, said 60% chance of T-storms AM and PM - and then nuthin. Bummed I didn't ride in, but would have been even more bummed if I got caught in a storm with no "SAG" to call, either. I commend all you true die-hards out there...
Just curious - are folks ditching the teams this year? We've got folks under the workplace only, under the workplace+team, and some that are AWOL from the workplace, but on a team... (<<likely from joining the similar but wrong workplace.) We're having all sorts of fun just trying to get all our "eggs" in the same "basket".
Thanks Madison. Memorial Day weekend coming up--be safe and have some two-wheeled fun, Team Omaha.
@Mark Gibbons, this year there really is no way for participants to see JUST transport miles in the local challenge. The local leader board show ALL miles. We have a way on our admin end to pull a transport miles report and that's what we'll use to compile winners, both workplace and individual! Keep logging EVERYTHING though, we want Nebraska to do great in the National Bike Challenge as a whole! Go team!
@Mark-- thought about going for a ride last night..then it thundered..and I thought better of it! Glad you made it home safely! Bet a lot of people had the same thought as you!
Nothing like being a ways out on keystone and have lightening kick up! Get home fast!
@ Offut Team> Fabulous!!
We're very fortunate, in several ways. Close to the trail, which, as you know, runs to midtown and beyond, and has a spur that goes into Papillion. A corps group of cyclists that have been at this a while, who through inspiration, motivation, or dare I say, perspiration, have encouraged others to ride to work (and do their best to take away the intimidation factor.) Outstanding support and facilities: four bike racks near the gym and two near the headquarters building, showers and lockers, and a great gym supporting staff. We have a monthly, rain or shine, ride to work, we call Two Wheel Twosday, that meets on the trail on the first Tuesday of every month; this is a great way to meet new cyclists, talk about cycling concerns, and renew aquaintences; sometimes someone even hauls in donuts,bananas, or coffee for the group. A, sorta, monthly flyer with seasonal information and riding tips we put in lockers, post to bulletin boards, or stick on bikes. This didn't happen overnight; it happened slowly, small piece by small piece. There were years when there was only one bike rack, and only one (mine) or two (Ray Anderson's) bikes on the rack. // I share this with the gang so if anything sparks an interest, or gives someone an idea, then please run with it, share it, pass it on. Share, encourage, promote, and above all communicate your love of cycling.
Hey, great job, Offutt AFB team. Currently #15 in the nation out of 1,729 teams.
Great turn out at the Mayors Ride! Enjoyed seeing everyone. Ride safe and have a great weekend.
My motivation - I don't want to let my team down. We've lost several riders (including our team captain) this year to RIFs, transfers and attrition (some of which are sequestration-related) so I've been riding more to support my team. Biking has been a good outlet for work-related stress, too.
Right!? Women arguably use more than men. Those they regularly throw it at houses/trees will require even more! I mean, wait...what?
I wonder what they constitute as a years supply....certainly amount varies per individual.........
Year Supply of Toilet Paper!? Whaaaat!?! When did I miss that announcement!? *gets on bike and rides around aimlessly to log miles*
What keeps you motivated on The Challenge? What keeps me going is a shot at winning that year's supply of toilet paper. Ride on!
Chad - Oo-o-o-oh, you're in the wonderful world of Endomondo. If this is for your daily commute, the ride you'll log most, try this: get to your profile by clicking on your picture (or "see Profile"), then "Workouts", then "Edit" over on the right side, and change your default mileage
Does anyone know why is changes my mileage from 10.4 to 9.27 when I log it? It is set up and 10.4 but changes it everytime.
Madison, where do we find the local stats. Is it a different spot then just switching the endo app from national to local? I did not realize there were local prizes too.
I don't usually ride on Friday. Mayor's Ride? Bacon? Mayor's Ride? Bacon? Bacon wins! I'm trying really hard not to make a pork joke.
Trek will have a "Bacon Station" at Keystone Trail and Mercy Rd in Aksarben Village from 7-10 AM on Friday for Bike to Work day. http://www.youtube.com/watch
Nice to see the bike rack here at work full and people finding other places to secure their rides!
http://stratomatica.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-full-rack-and-some-sides.html
I rode Mon and Tues. Yesterday in the heat was okay until an hour afterwards when both my legs cramped up and I spent 5 mins in intense pain. But the bike ride was still worth. It's time for the sports drink.
Hope to see a good turnout at the Mayor's Ride.
In the local challenge prizes and end results are tallied from transport miles only. How is everyone's Bike to Work Week?
Had a great,fantastic.adventurous,and hot ride after riding to vote.Field Club Trail to South O,Jewell Park ,Swanson Park for some offroad action, Keystone Trail North back to Benson.A total of 78 Miles of pure cycling love on a day off.Ride and Smile!
I biked to vote...made the place smell good, with this heat!
Christiane,Here's a technique I use to track chain wear. I used to track "my miles", using the various odometers on my bikes. I also kept a paper tally of my miles. Now "my miles" are on my home PC, and the "bike/chain" miles are on the bike. Every time I swap a chain I zero out the odometer for that bike. Now there's no guessing--wanna know how many miles on the chain? Just check the bike. With a bunch of bikes in my wife's and my rotation, it sure is easy this way. // Cool story. I saw LeMond race the red jerseyed Russians riding their red Colnagos, in the Coors Classic in the early 80's; even have the old race program. LeMonds were/are really nice bikes. Still love those old steel Colnagos.
I biked to vote! :)
Christiane - Superfun!! I got mine from a dude who used to race it. Traded my boat for it. It is powdercoated solid white with carbon seatpost, stem, and fork. I was riding a 35 yr old peugout. Needless to say I could tell a difference. It was like going from a cool volkswagon beetle to a sleek new camaro!! Luv that thing:)
To Mark Crown: FWIW, my chain was skipping badly yesterday because I have woefully neglected my poor bike. I checked the derailleur hanger, the shifter cable, and then the chain and cassette for excessive wear when I got home. She rarely "complains" unless something has finally worn out, so she'll be getting a nice new cassette & chain here shortly. And on that note, I (very unofficially) declare next week "Show your bike some TLC" week.
From the National FAQs:
- Points are awarded throughout the Challenge and are cumulative over the duration. They are awarded in the following two ways:
- 20 Challenge points are awarded for each day you ride at least 1 mile
- 1 Challenge point is awarded for each mile ridden
- Rides can be logged at anytime over the month but must be logged by 11:59 pm of the last day of each month.
- Does my ride to the grocery store count? How about my weekend fitness ride? Every time you get on your bike the miles count. Whether they are for fitness, fun, or transportation make sure to join and log them on nationalbikechallenge.org. Miles pedaled on a stationary bike or trainer do not count.
Comment: It does appear the Challenge accounts for all/any miles, no matter what the purpose of the ride. Some folks are all "sport" and others are all "transport" miles. For me, the challenge has several purposes: encourage people to ride through friendly competition and a sense of camaraderie, gather information for cycling advocacy efforts, and broaden our cycling community.
As always, get out and ride. And just as importantly, help others get out and ride.
And to Mr. Crown - I totally agree! The bicycle is a magnificant machine - beyond transportation, it provides us with a "vehicle" for freedom, independence, health, competition, comraderie, inspiration, escape, or even sanctuary. For some of us, it provides all of the above.
It is said that Einstein thought of the Theory of Relativity while riding his bicycle.
Hi, Mark. I'm always happy to hear from a fellow Lemondophile. I have a Lemond Reno from 2005 (pearl white with red graphics). The Reno was an entry-level model - aluminum, carbon fork, tiagra 9-spd. It was my first road bike - and it made me fall in love with cycling. It's now my trusty commuter bike.
Brett, sport miles count just as much as transportation miles. The program will just not give any credit for dollars saved or CO2 saved with sport miles. I myself am not too concerned about knowing how many dollars I saved so I just leave it on sport most of the time.
So this may be a stupid question but I'm going to ask anyway, do miles logged under sport cycling count toward our points as well, or only trasportation miles? I know stationary bikes don't count but I couldn't find anything prohibiting sport/req rides. Ride safe everyone and stay hydrated today...
Christiane. Not Christi Anne. Stupid autocorrect!
Riding is fun, but almost as fun is the coffee stop or cafe where we can talk about our love of cycling and adventures. Since Christiane brought it up, who cannot marvel at the beauty of our fine machines, their refined and elegant complexity. Taken as a whole, they certainly are much more than the sum of their parts. The evolution of the derailleur is a study of ingenuity and innovation. Check out Bartali reaching down to shift gears http://www.campyonly.com/history.html // When shifting gets sloppy, you can make minor adjustments using the barrel adjusters on the down tube. Cable snaps, shifter freezes up or breaks? It's possible to turn your bike into a trusty single-speed by using the limit screws to lock in a gear that's tolerable to get you home (Ask me how I know). Local bike shops and experienced wrenches are quite adept at the art of fine-tuning derailleurs and shifting. // I'm glad Christiane got rolling again. Learn more here: http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/rear-derailler-adjustments-derailleur
Christi Anne..what kind of Lemond do you have? I have a Zurich made out of the Reynolds steel and absolutely love it!
I was having rear derailleur issues this morning. Thought I was gonna have to walk the last 4 miles (thankfully not). Not the kind of multi-modal I was hoping for (1/2 by Lemond, 1/2 by Sidi).
I did Park and Ride. Parked my car in the driveway and rode by bike to work.
Thanks for the info, Mark.
Happy Multi-modal Monday, everyone! Did anyone bus-bike or park and ride?
From the president of the BBC, Rick Sanders, husband to the Bellevue Mayor.
“Please calendar this late-breaking ride announcement; the annual “Mayor’s Ride” Friday, May 17, 8:15 a.m. at the Bob Bridge. Bellevue contingent will have a police escort from the Bob Bridge to Bellevue. Riding both ways encouraged. Parking at Richmont Village and depart at 7:00 a.m. sharp for those doing the round trip.”
Offutt group, still woriking the schedule/rally point
That would be "Bianchi." Mi dispiace.
Does anyone know where the Offutt/Bellevue group is meeting/departing from at 7:00am Friday for the Mayor's Ride? I'd rather not make the trek from Sarpy to the BK bridge solo and would like to hook up with the Offutt/Bellevue group, if possible.
Thanks for your help, Mark. I pointed them to the link you provided and we figured it out from there.
Jerry Francis - I see you jumped on the Leader board; good on ya! For winter I have two sets of wheels, slicks and studded tires, which make swaps quick. I used to swap tires, with only one set of wheels, but that was a pain. I notice you have a Bianci and Colnago (?), which might not have room for larger tires. I am envious when I see that celeste green flash by, and that Colnago looks like a classic, early 80s? Can't tell much at our closing speed. Sudded tires are awesome, and quite a workout on dry pavement. Wool in winter is the trick.
Hi Mark,
Good to see all you Offutt riders every morning and afternoon.
I did ride a few times over the winter, but skinny tires don't do weii in snow drifts and ice patches left when the melted snow re-freezes over night.
Also, I still haven't found a way to keep my fingers & toes from turning into icicles below 25F. Gortex gloves provide wind protection, but not enough insulation. Likewise for Bar Mitts. Snow-mobile gloves are just the opposite. However, they are big enough that I can pull one off far enough to make a fist to thaw out one hand at a time. I've hear that wool gloves inside Lobster Claws work well. Maybe I'll try that come November.
I second the idea of newspaper bags as rain/wind protection. Just be sure the right one doesn't billow out and catch on a chain ring. They aren't much help after that.
Make sure to keep an eye on the NEWS section for all kinds of Bike to Work Week updates!!! --> --> --> -->
@Dylan. Kudos on your Best Distance Award. Good stuff!!
Christiane, The tough part is getting them to the right place--I haven't found a good way to search-and-find the Challenge from the front end of Endomondo. Use this link: http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/nbc2013 They'll be asked if they want to "Join" the Challenge. Make sure they get your team name/work place/community/zip code exactly right, or they might generate there own one cyclist team.
Pardon the PSA: This Wednesday, May 15, is the annual Ride of Silence. The Bellevue ride departs from the Culver's trailhead in Bellevue (36th & Raynor) at 7:00pm. The Lincoln ride departs from the Jayne Snyder Trails Center (21st & Q St) also at 7:00pm. Ride is free, 10-12 miles, and very slow pace. The Bellevue ride includes a full police motorcycle escort. Please come and help honor cyclists who have been killed or injured cycling on public roadways and help raise awareness for urban cycling safety. And on a more uplifting note, may everyone have a safe and exciting Bike To Work Week!
I have a new rider for our team. Has anyone had any luck signing people up and pointing them to this challenge? I'm trying to type up instructions and I'm not sure if there are any special steps to point to this challenge via Endomondo (given the recent oddness). I tried searching for it to make up steps and I'm struggling. Thanks for your help in advance!
Hope you find a nice nouveau cycliste for your Bike To Work Week TV spot, Julie. I was scouting around work here Northrop Grumman, but no luck... Would a guy in a cute wig work? I realize the beard is a bit of a giveaway...
Hopefully we will get a large contingent of people to ride Leavenworth! Spread the word and get more people to ride! There are rumors that Lincoln is talking smack about Omaha we need more people to sign-up and more people logging miles. I know I have not been as diligent about this.
Leavenworth is my "go to" street to get to the Old Market, the Kerry bridge, and points north along the river. And, when coming home, you can work your way through midtown towards one of Omaha's prettiest switchbacks, on Turner Boulevard, as it works it's way up to Woolworth and Field Club. ////
Looking for a reason to ride? Mark your calendars for May 27 at River's Edge Park in Council Bluffs, where acclaimed soul and funk group Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings will give a free concert. Those of you that saw her perform at Aksarben in 2011(?) know no one works harder than she does. Think you worked hard riding over to see her? Uh uh, she'll leave you exhausted just watching her. No, I have no vested interest, just trying to encourage others to ride over the Kerry and have fun riding. A bunch of friends and I are rolling over, with our chairs and stuff in a bike trailer.
I thought no one rode on Leavenworth? :-D
Sorry I have been MIA y'all... sounds like we need to work on a bike awareness campaign on how to deal with geese on the trail. Mathew, you in for being the spokesperson for this? Just glad everyone is okay. Yes the Mayor's ride is May 17th 2013, we are congregating at the base of the Bob K bridge on the Omaha side at 8am. Just confirmed the bike rack will be providing minor tweak/last minute things before the ride. Thanks Bike Rack! And a couple of other shops will be present at our little pit stop at Turner Park. I am actually really excited about this year's ride especially since we will get to ride down Leavenworth! As a final reminder please tell your friends, enemies, neighbors, and everyone you can to try to come out! And make sure to keep posted on all the great things taking place from the Bike Fashion show on May 17th in the Bancroft Street Market, http://openstreetsomaha.org/ our next event is May 25th in South O, the FREE bike education classes put on by Activate Omaha http://www.eventbrite.com/org/3738720117 . As usual feel free to contact me with question at: [email protected] Have fun while traveling ride a bike!
Matthew - that's quite the story - thanks for sharing!
Hi All - me again ... We have a media opportunity for next Tuesday and need to find a woman who would like to try bike commuting. If you have a friend/relative/coworker/spouse who has indicated an interest but hasn't taken that first step to get started (and would be willing to be on TV), can you have them contact me at jharris (at) activateomaha (dot) org? Thanks! Julie
Okay, here's the gist of the goose. I was traveling south on the Bellevue Loop, right before Caphart. As I approach the rise back to dyke level, there were three geese (all Canada) sitting on top of the rise, blocking the entire trail. I braked hard, but they still didn't budge until I started yelling ath them. Two of them took off toward the creek; the third took off toward Hwy 75. It the looped around and started to head right toward me (I was stopped at this point). I paniced a little when it started to head toward me, and jumped completely off my bike (but still had a hold of it). It flew through the "triangle", knocking off one of my water bottles and knocking me in the leg. Then it had the audacity of honking at me. Sheesh! :-D
All - Mayor's Ride is Friday, May 17 as Mark stated below. We've blasted out a few places and will continue to ... watch for a schedule outlining a whole week of bicycling goodness coming in the next 36 hours or so!!!
Friday, May 17,2013
Mayors Riding:
Jim Suttle, City of Omaha
Tom Hanafan, City of Council Bluffs
Rita Sanders, City of Bellevue
Meet at the Bob Kerrey Bike/Ped Bridge at 8:00 am
Loops up through Mid Town Crossing (Turner Park) then back.
From Carlos Morales:
"We are meeting at the base of the Bob K bridge again and letting people
congregate.
"Mayors' plan to be there around 8:15am the latest to work the crowd and to
get photos
"8:20 a.m. we have our delegates some a couple of words as to the increase
in biking and the changes in the area that are making biking a greater
option, talk about the metro region and the great support from the
bicyclists
"8:30 a.m roll out (here each mayor will lead their ride to their
respective routes)
"Enjoy the ride!
Note:There's an Offutt/Bellevue group that will ride north @7:00 and then back south after the ceremonial loop.
@ Dylan. Well said! When you love your bike your bike always loves you back.
A bad day on your bikes beats a good day off your bike.
I see the local Endo site is starting to blossom just like the trees and flowers.
I got attacked last week by a goose on the Papio Trail south of Grover. I was enchanted by 2 adults and 7 goslings as they crossed the trail when one adult turned and flew at my head. (Another reason to wear a helmet). No harm, no fowl.
Question; Has anyone seen a time and place for the Mayor's Bike Ride? May 17th was the date given at the Activate Meeting. I E-mailed the Omaha's Bike Czar last week but never got a reply.
@Mark Crown - HA! Just blew water through my nose
Rode in to sunrise through the fog, Rufus Wainwright on the speaker. Hallelujah, hallelujah indeed.
I've run over squirrels, been chased by dogs, circled by vultures, eyed by a pack of coyotes, herded by antelope, but Matt, that's a new one. Musta liked your Surly. Didja hear the story about the cyclist that was hit by a goose? He didn't get "down."
So, a cyclist and a goose walk into a bar.
@Matthew Bittner - Can we get a play-by-play on this, please?
@Matthew Classic! Thanks for sharing. Proves the point that one experiences life more fully on a bike. And here I thought the main goose hazard for bicyclists was all of their droppings on the trails.
Okay, I just have to share with the group. I'm still laughing about it, actually. I was hit by a Canada Goose this morning. It flew through my bike's triangle after I had stopped. Good thing there were no cameras!
@ Dylan,Amen to that!!!! To all others,get on your life machines and RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY! The bicycle can be our church on wheels,powered by each of us who were created by the man above. God Bless.
Good job Karl. Don't know ya but good job leading the team! Is anyone gonna catch that guy? Gonna be tough!
Didn't have a very good day, but I got on my bike to ride home and man... Good to know my bicycle is always there for me. Doesn't matter what kind of mood I'm in or if I did a good job throughout the day or not. Its always waiting for me at the end of the day, even if I didn't lube its chain, or wipe her down, my bike always makes me feel better. I hope everyone else who may have had a bummer of a day had a better one after they got on their bike to ride home. Ride safe, stay happy, and keep riding ya'll. Much love, and god bless.
@Jack - Thanks! Waiting it out worked....I shouldn't have been so impatient. Glad to be around again this year. Yesterday was a PERFECT riding day. Little wind, great temps.
Hi to Jerry Francis. Good to see you riding north every morning. Kinda missed you over the winter. Mark (Red Cannondale, yellow fenders). And Ray Anderson, was that you this p.m. heading south, saying "Hi." By the time I turned, I couldn't make out who it was.
Happy Monday everyone! Are you looking forward to some warmer (maybe rainy) weather this week! Just a reminder, Activate Omaha is putting on FREE Bicycle Commuting 101 classes this week and next! Go to http://activateomaha.eventbrite.com to sign up! Keep up the great work, everyone!
@Matt - Just a hunch, but I'm thinking that if you go out and do a ride and log the miles, both you and your team will show up on the Leaderboard. Looks like you haven't logged miles since April 29. System is a little weird when it comes to people who signed up before May 1 but haven't logged miles after. Maybe give it a try and see what happens.
@Kelly Ohhhhhhh, you're the dude with massive thighs that I see in the Bike Rack SAG truck on benefit bike rides! Awesome. Hats off to you, my man. Way to spread the bike love!
Or is there a contact?
I created a team for my company....can't see it in the list of teams in the Activate Omaha group - any suggestions?
Thanks Jack. Yes,I am a very true believer in the bicycle as a alternative mode of transportation,and it is a whole lot of fun!!!! I also believe cycling saved my life by making my heart strong enough to overcome a heart attack and two stents in an artery.The only,and I mean only time I drive the four wheel devil is when I am doing ride support or sag for one of the benefit bike rides that Bike Rack supports.I love bikes and the wonderful people who ride those machines of life!!!! Ride and Smile
@ Kelly Lee Smith - kudos for being at the top of the Nebraska leaderboard. Looks like you're a very committed "bike as transportation" guy.
Ride and Smile Every Darn Day!!!!!!!!
Okay, fine. You’re a nice guy who’s just misunderstood. I get easily offended when people say not nice stuff in my general vicinity. Can we call it a done deal and move on to a bike topic that's more appropriate for the group, please?
Christiane - I made a comment regarding the entire Endomondo community. Then you come back at me directly pointing me out individually and your talking about things irrelevant to my initial remark. You are making this out to seem like I harrased you, when in my initial comment I never mentioned your name or singled you out.. you twisted the meaning of my comment into something other than it was. And yes i deleted my earlier post because you lashed out at me and more or less wanted me to feel like the worst person in the world because I said "questionable!? That people ride big miles early in the morning on crappy weather days? That is naive of you to think that". So i deleted it, because yeah it wasn't the nicest way to get my point across, and I did feel bad. So, Again, I am truly sorry if I hurt your feelings with that comment. But, yes, lets move past this! Love, Peace, and Bike Grease! Ride Safe!
I didn't flame you. I simply defended why I ride. You hurt my feelings by mocking me and calling me "naive" (which appears to be deleted now). I don't want to fight. I'd like to let it go now. Peace.
Christiane - I'm terribly sorry if my comments offended you.. I did not intend them to be insulting. I'm sorry if you took it that way. I don't think I was "flaming you" like you did to me with your following comments.. I mean you really let me have it there.. I was just expressing my opinion, which in your eyes must have been the wrong thing to do. I apologize for that, I really am sorry if that offended you. Anyways, I'd love to do a group ride too! And I'll always take cookies if someone doesn't want them! Ride safe!
Mark - thought about the old school tire carry, then succombed to the nice knapsack offer from The Bike Way. Also, Neoprene booties and wool socks are unbeatable.
Group ride sounds lovely. Would be nice to do something as a community of riders and not just a collection of teams on a leaderboard. Considering the chill lately, coffee wouldn't be bad. Cookies, meh. Dylan can have mine. If it's not total yick out tomorrow, I'm game. (Assuming I'm not persona non grata at the moment.)
Are there any Endo folks out there who want to do a group ride starting at Wohners any day or time. I' ll buy the cookies.
FYI, Dylan, I ride because I lost my entire family to heart disease & stroke. I only have 1 living relative - my baby brother (and he's falling apart). I believe that every minute on the bike is another minute in the "please, God, let me outlive my parents" piggybank. My bike saves my life. This is my mantra every ride.
I outride everyone I know (save for my racer friends)... and I don't do it for points. I do it so I won't die from congestive heart failure or a brain aneurysm. So, don't talk to me about $#@*&#@ cookies.
Phil - Didja do the figure-eight and wear the tires around your shoulders? That's old school, my friend.
Ann - What do use for liners?I haven't found a better foot-combo for cold rain riding than: wool socks, newspaper bag, shoes, and neoprene booties. Warm rain is tolerable, but cold rain requires good prep. Wednesday night was actually kinda fun... if you dressed properly. Always willing to learn new tricks.
Dylan - Agree. The challenge is meant to motivate and encourage. It's not a competition, unless, of course "competition" lights your fire to ride and make this a better city for other riders.
Jack - I think it defaults to "2" because this particular challenge is supposed to encourage cycling as transportation, where one goes out-and-back. I always log my commute when I arrive at work, figuring that I gotta get home for part two of the ride; sagged home just once in 20+ years. Nice Colnago logo. Good article in a recent magazine profiling Ernesto and the building of the C59 in his basement (can't remember which Road Bike, Peloton, Paved, one of those).
It's not okay to flame people for asking a question. Jack was kind enough to answer my question without resorting to insults. It was day 1 and there was some weird stuff going on with Endomondo. And now I've discovered that folks enter rides ahead of time. That produces odd numbers. Maybe I'll start doing that, too, and save myself some time.
How about showing a little more politeness and sportsmanship to your fellow riders, Mr. Page? And please don't lecture strangers about what it takes to be a better rider. No one is in a position here to judge others' dedication or motivation. Not cool.
Dylan, exactly! Just go ride....like today, I rode to The Bike Way for new tires. Sailed there and then hunkered down for the north ride home, all the way thinking how blessed I was to ride today. That is all.
Hey, instead of bickering over points/entries, get out and ride. points on the internet don't make you a better rider or more dedicated commuter than someone else. And even if people are double entering or whatever your excuse is, what better way to silence those people by getting out and ridding more REAL miles? c'mon people. just ride your bike and smile. If you need someone to give you a cookie every time you ride, your in it for the wrong reasons.
Thanks, Jack. That helps. Not sure why Endomondo assumes 2 rides anyway. Personally, I like to keep my ride metrics separate (1 direction is always faster than the other, and I like to alter my routes so 1 direction is usually longer). If the 2-ride default setting means others can log into this infernal site half as often to track miles, then good for them!
@Christiane: not sure about others, but when I click on "Log Miles" to manually enter miles, the default number of trips is 2. If I don't manually change that to 1, whatever miles I enter will be counted twice. Some people may not realize that they need to manually set the number of trips to 1. That could explain the double entries.
I use way nicer* shoe liners than Mark. Got me through the winter in my Keen sandals on all but the snow-bike days. *(NYTimes newspaper bags)
Regarding my question earlier: if folk are logging to/from rides all at once, that's understandable (hence 2 identical rides show up at 8:00am). It looked kinda questionable - big points so early in the AM on a bad-weather day. If the app isn't double-recording and folks are simply "batch entering" rides or "pre-entering" their ride home, then I have no issue.
My second year, third challenge, using our beloved Endomondo. At times it may be clumsy to log miles after a week has "closed". And it's difficult to find the summer Challenge, unless you have a direct link, which begs the question "Why can't I search for it withing Endomondo?" And there are other clunky attributes of this tracking system. Keep in mind the spirit of this challenge, to encourage fitness, cycling, getting active.
Here's a few cycling tips to share: Wohlner's at Aksarben has inner tubes for sale and a floor pump. If you get caught at work without rain gear, a clean trash can liner makes a "poor man's" rain cape if you cut out head and arm holes--wear it over/under your jersey, and World-Herald newspaper bags make decent shoe liners (Don't laugh, it'll save you on a 60 minute ride in freezing rain.)
Best place to start your ride from? Home. Second best place? Aksarben Village, early Sunday mornings. Ride hard and get back to fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, croissonts, and funky music.
Thanks Madison and Julie!
Today would have been a good day for fenders. Looks like my daily posts could be themed "what Ann shoulda." Still, it wasn't slippery, it wasn't that cold, and I beat that # 11 bus HA
@Madison Haugland - FWIW, here's my theory about why not all Riders are "showing up" on Leaderboard: Right now we have 519 riders registered but only 84 are listed on the Rider leaderboard. I think the only people who are showing up on the Leaderboard are (a) those Riders who registered before May 1 AND have logged miles after May 1 and (b) those Riders who registered after May 1 (regardless of whether they have ridden or not). In my case I had registered and logged miles before May 1 but didn't show up on the Leaderboard until I logged miles today (May 2) for a ride that I completed today. So, I'm thinking there's probably not an issue with Endomondo, just some funky logic built into the system.
(If you're like me, at this point you're thinking, but wait, during the warm-up period, the system added Riders to the Leaderboard immediately after they registered regardless of whether they had logged any miles. That's right -- because they registered AFTER the warm-up period had started. If they had registered before the warm-up period started, they probably wouldn't have shown up until they actually logged miles.)
I don't see the National Bike Challenge on the app, but I know from doing the warm-up challenge it should roll over. As long as you joined the National Bike Challenge online, and the account is the same online as the app, I think you're okay.
Can anyone see the National Bike Challenge under the "challenges" section on their iPhone? I can't yet. I could see the winter bike challenge. Odd. Thoughts?
Stephanie- How did you make comments to individual people?
Wouldn't you know. Cold, rainy, and windy on the first day!! Gonna have to play catch up later this week. I have crashed too many times on the wet roads. Prolly should slow down for corners more in that situation!!
We are having a glitch too not seeing all our team members. I sent a message to Katie and she said to look tomorrow as people start logging miles they are re-listed.
Dumb question: Why do many riders show duplicate entries on their ride logs for the day? (pick some of the top riders and you'll see the doubles) Am I missing something? If you use the Endomondo app on your phone (or sync with a GPS device) do you get double entries for rides? I log manually (prefer Strava for GPS tracking) and don't get double entries like that. So puzzled! If any kind soul would explain this to me, it would de-mystify the issue and help me understand what I'm seeing (so I can de-torque).
Hey Gang! We're having problems over here at Activate Omaha seeing everyone too. It says we gave 484 people signed up, but I can only see 30. It's probably an internal Endomondo problem from the influx of people signing up TODAY for the National Bike Challenge. Let's just wait it out and see if the riders and workplaces show back up. Like Christiane said, be sure to be directing people to www.nationalbikechallenge.org to sign up not just Endomondo!
I'm also baffled by what's going on with Endomondo lately. I logged onto Endomondo directly and find absolutely no evidence of the 2013 National Bike Challenge - not in my challenges list, can't search for it, and so on. I did find a "National Bike Challenge" challenge, but it doesn't point me to this one. I got to this page by pointing my web browser to nationalbikechallenge.org. Don't be surprised if your teammates start asking "what the heck?" when they can't find the challenge.
OK, what's going on here? Yesterday we had 10 people on our team. Now that the Challenge Period has started, we have 2. Do we have to somehow sign up again for the Challenge Period? (All 10 team members are shown on our Endomondo page.) The Endomondo integration with the Local/National pages is mondo-confuzo.
I was blown to work today, which means the ride home will be more challenging. Can't complain since it wasn't raining...yet.
Is it possible to pedal forwards but move backwards? OMG THE WIND! My formerly-green eyes are now gravel colored. Would have been smart to wear goggles this morning. Does it sound like I'm complaining? NOPE. On a bike + on a bike + on a bike = AWESOME.
May Day,May Day,RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!!! Lets all be safe and aware on the road. Safe commuting to all.Oh,this also,LISA,JULIE,AND MADISON ALL ROCK AND ROLLLLLLLL.Thank you to Activate Omaha for all they do.
Okay, for those who were curious. Once I "removed" the people from "my" team, I was able to delete the team, and then joined the correct one. I guess it makes sense. :-D
I second Scott's comments!!
YES! And I like the new graphic.
Is everyone excited for the challenge to start tomorrow?!
But then the person you designated as captain is stuck.
@Matthew Bittner: I know that you can designate a new captain for your team (go to your team edit page to do that). So, I'd think that after you do that, you can change teams. BTW, it took me a while to figure out that you can ride for your Workplace and for a team that is unaffiliated with your Workplace. Points you earn go to you, your team, your workplace, your community and your state. FWIW.
The weather doesn't look promising for Wednesdays NBC start.
Golly, I'm glad I changed my mind about heading out there, yesterday--I can't belive it either. Hmm anyone got any ideas on whom we should talk to about this issue?
Does anyone know if you can change your team, if you're the captain of an already established team?
@Jack - I hear you. I think another part of that that is impressivie is the type of riding being done. Nebraska is almost always the highest percentage riding Transport. Anyone else smell what the Skinner Bakery was fixing this morning? SO GOOD! I wish they had an "Aid station" on the South Omaha Trail serving danishes and coffee. ; )
Did you know .... that for the state rankings the total miles logged by the riders in a state is divided by the state's TOTAL population, not the number of riders in the state participating in the Challenge? So, a state with a strong rider base and low population (e.g., Nebraska) has a good chance of winning! Vermont did it last year. Let's get out there and recruit folks to ride for Nebraska.
I hope that spring is finally here. Let's hit the trails.....
I agree with Phil and Scott. A beautiful day.
@Phil - Ain't that the truth. And no wind...yet.
My oh my, what a beautiful day, to ride into work.
Love that we don't have to have the mini teams this year - Go UP!
Interesting article on OWH today - "Talking with Omaha Bike Coordinator" i.e., Mr. Carlos Morales. I think we can all relate to points brought up in the discussion.
http://www.omaha.com/article/20130412/NEWS0802/704129953/1677
Ooh, I never noticed the diamond rank before (5000 pts). What should come after that - Uranium? Unobtainium? Kryptonite?
Thank you to Julie and Madison for the BOCC captains' meeting this morning. Very helpful & informative! Looking forward to the main challenge starting May 1st. Good luck to everyone this year!
After the Captain's meeting, I similarly moved my profile zipcode from home (Papillion) to work (Bellevue). In the Community standings, I show up as Bellevue and not Omaha. (FWIW: It looks like Offutt AFB is it's own separate "community" too.) So, I think that even though we're in the same Omaha metro area, we aren't all filed under "Omaha" together. Bummer!
From the discussion at the Captain's meeting this morning, I changed my profile zipcode from home (Papillion) to work (Omaha) and it did move my rides at the Community level.
Hello Everyone! Please spread the word about Friday's captains meetings! 7:00am at BCBS of Nebraska or 12:00pm webinar! Information is posted to the right of this feed!
Here we are into April and the trails are still closed under the I-680 bridge. Also, I don't get why the Big Papio Trail closure needed to extend all the way under the Pacific Street Bridge? Couldn't they have at least left trail access open from Pacific to points South/East? (i.e., close from just north of the Pacific access ramp.)
From the webinar they said from the "Local" challenge, click on "Leaderboard" at the top; then select "Teams" view; over on the right side of the screen above the jersey there should be the message "Create or join a team here". Click on it. Next you'd click "Join a Team" and select the criteria or enter the team name and click "search"
So I joined the Spring/Summer Challenge...how do I join a team that I have been invited to join? I can't seem to figure out where I click to go from "riding solo" to joining the team. I followed the link I was sent from the team captain but it already says I have joined as "riding solo"...
If you mean the Winter challenge, it's:
Ack!! The link is gone. Will Activate Omaha be posting that link again or can someone list in a comment?
This will be a great challenge for my summer!
@ Mark C Thanks bro.--helps a lot.
Thanks Mark C/ Mike W for coordinating the Aug 17th fun. Can't wait!
Mark C: Thanks for posting the details for the NBC Social Ride to benefit BRAGG! I'm looking forward to meeting everybody from our NBC community, the social ride, and making my donation to help BRAGG.
The only announcement I want to add is that our meeting time at Blue Line Coffee is set for 0730. This will give us time to support Blue Line, a Bike Friendly Business, and fuel up before our ride begins at 0800.
For those interested in riding to the starting point: I will be leaving Culver’s Bridge at 0630 and Stinson Park at 0700. Use this map to determine where you want to meet: http://goo.gl/maps/pCGQ2
Sheila - I wouldn't hesitate going tubeless; that's what I'm going with on my next set of wheels. As you've read, ride quality is better because you can run a lower PSI. Reliability is on par with clinchers. On-the-road repairs are rare: remove the offending sharp object and re-inflate, or put in a tube like you do now. I ride with a guy who's been tubeless for about three years: no problems, great reliability, smooth ride. One ride we heard a "tick, tick, tick" coming from the back of his bike, I went behind him to check it out, couldn't see the issue, so we stopped. A nail had embedded itself in the tire and was wacking the seat stay. He removed the nail, and gave the wheel a spin to ensure the sealant would fill the puncture. We heard a little, three-second "pfff-f-f-ft", and the tire sealed right up; we couldn't even tell where the puncture was when we got home. He's had another on-road repair that wouldn't seal, and used an inner tube just like you would with a standard clincher. I'm not a "first generation" buyer, someone else can be the beta tester: I always wait for the kinks to be worked out and technology to be refined, and the hype and hyperbole to die down: now's the time to swap. Bontrager has an all-inclusive system, which may put your mind at ease since all the parts were designed to work together. Hutchinson tires are super. Don't know much about Stans. I'll eventually go with Campagnola two-way fit wheels.. It takes me a lo-o-o-ong time to decide on my next bike build; electronic shifting is still a no-value added, high cost option, but tubeless wheels are a definite on my next bike. Hope this helps a bit.
2 All: Anyone using tubeless on his/her road. I've been doing some reading and chatting; would like to know what your recommendations are re: brand, installation and your experiences re: ride and repair. Thanks
The link to the Omaha World Herald, Live Well article about BRAGG didn't paste below, here it is:
http://www.omaha.com/article/20130805/LIVEWELL02/130809540/1161
Here's the news you've been waiting for!
What:
Here's the news you've been waiting for!
What:
Here's the news you've been waiting for!
What:
To all: details on the 17 Aug ride as soon as I get home and type it up. For now, "Save the Date" 17 Aug, 8:00am
WoW...............I have crossed 3000 miles today..
Carpool to bike pool this morning! Beautiful ride!
@Scott, thanks for the update.
Once the Blondo street widening is completed between 135th and 144th, there will be a connector on the Blondo street sidepath between the Big Papio and the 144th Street trail. The widening is supposed to be completed this November, I believe. Weather will obviously play a part in how far that project gets to completion.
Thanks, Carrie. On furlough = out riding (hopefully).
@Jack M- They are finalizing details now but both are on furlough today so Monday we may have the details.
@Mark C., Wags: any details on Aug. 17 meet & greet ride?
Awesome newly paved intersection at Saddlecreek and Leavenworth, so smooooth!
If they ever finish the 144 connector trail, then we have a valid E-W route. Now it takes a combo of trail and street. I come in (at night ) on I st. & F St. Not sure that would be a good route in daylight.
Rode out to village pointe last Saturday and parts of pacific to out there were sketchy!
@Christiane - that would be good to find out where. Maybe letters to stothert? She was at Bellevue bike lane opening ceremony. May have been strictly pub and not be pro cyclists though. I like the way big papio is but they need to send a shoot out farther west.
@Mark. I was just kvetching with a friend about lack of E-W trails, too. Some of us down south (Papillion/LV) have been desperately hoping for an extension from 96th out farther west along the creek towards Chalco, but alas I haven't heard much news about trail development that direction. (I presume it's an issue of $$$ and land rights... and good ol' suburban apathy.) There are also several places in the metro where a few short "connector" trails would really open up the system. So, the question arises - where do we go to find out what's on the planning board (if anything) and how to we let our collective desires be known? "Community planning" should not be an oxymoron.
Thanks Christine/Mark/Julie
5 hours ago
@ Mark C Thanks for the links--I wonder if great ideas like these are being presented to local schools and parents as a means of addressing the safety concerns of both.
Does anyone know if there are plans for a more diverse East West trail system. Or am I just missing it? I know we can take the big papio to the lower 100's and the west papio to about 96. Any ideas if they are planning leggs that go farther west? Or if they are going to add more to the trail system north of democracy park?
In response to various comments below... first, check out --->>>
Principals get skiddish about biking to school for a variety of reasons: they are concerned for the safety of their students, they are concerned about the liability of bikes being stolen from school property, etc., etc. Parents are concerned for a wider variety of reasons. We work with schools and parents to try to knock down as many barriers as we can. There are some rockstar schools in Omaha that are doing some great things, and we are working on a number of fronts to break down the barriers so that we can increase that number. It is a complex issue with a lot of emotion attached to it; no two schools are a like in their issues or environments.
@Sheila & Mark. There is an optimistic article in the current issue of Bicycling mag (sorry, can't find link) that highlights some grassroots movements like Safe Routes to School and some school districts where positive change is happening (Austin was highlighted, naturally). I'm a big fan of "bike busses" for kids... and adults, for that matter.
@ Mark C Thanks for the links--I wonder if great ideas like these are being presented to the local schools as a solution to safety concerns of parents.
Sheila "Hmm...What'sAtTheOtherEndOfThatRoad" Marsh
Yesterday at 20:45
Query: What happened that made schools ban bicycle riding to and from school?
Are there any parents that currently have children in Omaha area schools participating on this blog? What are your feelings either way? Admins. or teachers what are your views? What are your experiences regarding this issue?
Thanks Chris, I remember that article (Sheesh, it could benefit from some tight editing.)
Here's some good news:
@Sheila. Please check out this article: "Why Johnny Can't Ride"
http://www.bicycling.com/news/advocacy/why-johnny-cant-ride
I think it explains the problem better than nearly anyone else could.
Query: What happened that made a school or schools ban bicycle riding to school?
Are there any parents that currently have children in any of these schools participating on this blog? What are your feelings either way? Any admins. or teachers out there? What are your views. What have your experiences been regarding this issue?
I would like to say that I rode my bike to school every chance I had as a kid and especially when attending Technical High School!All kids should have a bike and be allowed to ride that joyous machine if they would like.Would also like to say great job by all of you cycling phenoms who start and end each day by getting on that heavenly,be it one,two,or three wheeled ultimate mode of transport called the BICYCLE!!!!!!! Lets show all these other cities what Omaha and Nebraska are all about when it comes to living!HAPPY TRAILS RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!! Hopefully will see some of ya on the Heatstroke 100 Or the Ms150
RE: Schools Bike Riding: Any Mom/Dad, School Amdim. perspectives out there?
( now that I spelled it right) LOL
This topic causes me to want to rant, but I wont. I am a former teacher, albeit for a very short time period, where do the schools even begin to think they get the authorization to ban riding a bicycle to school??
And thanks to Adopt A School Partners for working with our schools. Kudos to Joslyn, too, for bringing bikes back.
Kids are still required to take Phys Ed classes in school, right? I'd think 20-30 minutes of bike/scooter/skateboard safety shouldn't be that hard to include in the gym curriculum once a year. And it shouldn't take hardly any more resources to do so (they're already in PE! I'm sure they won't mind the break from running laps to talk rules of the road, hand signals & helmet safety.) Just saying...
Banning cycling to school (outright or implied) for safety reasons is a specious argument. The hazards to a bicyclist is virtually the same as a walker, but clearly we don't ban walking to school - or do we now?
I understand the reality that schools exist on busy roads, but where are safety measures to ensure ALL kids cross the road safely? Does it really matter if they are biking or on foot? The safety measures should be the same.
I'm rather stunned that some schools have gone anti-bike and we have to work to change it back. Check out the last issue of Bicycling magazine - it's got a decent article about bike-to-school initiatives across the country.
RE: Schools Bike Riding: Mom/Dad. School Amdim perpesctives?
bicycle safety is #1.
To support the tbicycle rack project and biking to school, there needs to be consistent bike safety courses introduced at the schools, perhaps at the beginning of the school year and right around early May to help the youngsters prepare for the summer. AND offer summer bike safety courses throughout the city. Yes this means a ton of resources. Getting this information out to the masses/schools/kids in a timely and widely distributed fashion is equally important.
@Jack - If my memory is correct, Joslyn is located right on Blondo Street just west of 108th. There is only a small neighborhood subdivision to it's NW with the rest of it's student population coming from the apartments directly south (across Blondo) and the Lee Valley subdivision to the SE (across Blondo and 108th). They probably chose to ban altogether rather than allow only those who didn't have to cross major street. I'm not saying it's right but is probably the safest.
Yep, sad but true. Our bike rack inventory is nearly done, but is looking like 60%+ of OPS elementary schools do not have bike racks... this doesn't officially ban biking to school, but effectively results in that outcome. There are student handbooks floating around out there that specifically ban it, however. We're chipping away, slowly but surely.
So, do any other area schools ban children biking???
Wow, I didn't realize biking to school had been outlawed anywhere in the metro. >>>
Biking to school was a part of my childhood... I can't imagine denying that small freedom to today's kids. As far as I can tell, our communities haven't gotten any less safe. (I would argue they are more safe than when I was a kid.) So what the heck happened in the last 20 years? There's a marked increase in adolescents developing typically adult-onset diseases like type II diabetes, hypercholesterolemia & hypertension from poor diet and lack of exercise. But biking to school - that's dangerous to their health!
Bicycling to Joslyn Elementary was banned? WT....?
@Mark G. Just try my super-awesome, no-fail, rain avoidance trick - sing out loud (or hum) Blind Melon's "No Rain" for the *entire* bike ride home. I usually get stuck on the same lyric, but who cares... I figure anyone within earshot is equally crazy/unlucky and my Shannon Hoon impression is the least of their worries...
Mark G - I always keep a cycling cap at work just in case it rains; I wear glasses and it makes a huge difference in keeping the rain off my specs. When caught unprepared for cold rain on the ride home, I've used clean trash bags as rain capes: cut arm and head holes and slip it over/under a jersey; sure you look like a goof, but it slows the moisture penetration to the skin, and the thermal conductivity (ten cent word) of water against your skin. If you're fenderless, it also make the jersey easier to clean. Got caught last week in a cold rain, and did a dumpster dive for a clean bag or piece of plastic to lay across my chest, under my jersey, for a descent; we all did. In the old days, newspapers sponsored races, and the kids hawking the papers were scattered about, some of them along definitive climbs; the racers would reach out, grab a paper, and stuff it under their jersey in preparation for long, fast descents, then toss it once they reached the bottom. Try doing that with your Assos vest!
Let hope for no rain around 5 ish!! I have a shorter commute than others so I dont want them to get stuck out there in the storms!!
Appreciate the input guys. Sent him the link
Yup, use the link; there is no "trail of breadcrumbs" from the national page, or at least not from what I could find. Make sure they get the name, locale, and zip correct or they may end up on their own one-person team. (Ask me how I know.)
@Mike - Endo said to invite them so we can get entered into the drawing for the extra jerseys at the end of this month after they ride 25 miles. Do you know if at the sign up they can enter if someone sent them?
@ Mark G: Send them to basic verbiage to what the challenge is all about and ask them to sign up via NBC website (http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/national).
How do we invite a friend to the challenge? I know to hit the invite to get them to accept a challenge or to join the bike team but there is no Invite button for NBC...suggestions?
Great safety advice from a national board war horse:
"When I do pedal around town, I always make sure I'm seen; even if that means I get honked at or get a dirty look. Far better those two things happening than getting hit!!!
Ride like you belong, as someone here (sorry can't remember who), always says!!
Pedal On!!
Peace"
Carrie, Wags, and I did a bit of scheming on our ride in this morning concerning the NBC ride coming up. Jump on in if you have any good ideas. As Rockie would say to Bullwinkle, "Here's something we hope you'll really like... " Stay tuned.
It was pleasure meeting Mark C,Mike and Other Offut team members you this morning. Yeah.. It was little tough ride . But We(Scott and Me) have reached to our destination safely.
Shout Out to Venkat! Nice to finally, formally meet you this morning. And thanks for joining our Twosday ride for a short mile. Best wishes and tail winds, my friend.
Was reading the national board this AM found this.
Why you don't ride close to parked cars.
http://news.sky.com/story/1124343/lucky-escape-after-car-door-opens-on-cyclist
Mike W - I would be interested to ride in a meet and greet on the 17th
It was a great week! I'm so proud of Cecelia and Debbie, who started riding about 5 years ago. Their first "road" rides were through our neighborhood to the Keystone, or the occasional Wish Ride. Early rides over to Iowa started at the Kerry Bridge; they'd drive down and unload their bikes, Mike and I would ride down Leavenworth to meet them (Leavenworth, at that time, was considered steep.) Now, they're climbing the Rockies, and bombing long descents in the drops. Cecelia, and friends, now have an annual "girls trip" to her home in southern Colorado... without the guys! (The nerve!!!) It's a thrill to see new riders mature. Share the joy!
http://www.ketv.com/news/local-news/police-teen-hits-bicyclist-with-car/-/9674510/21328838/-/79p8uk/-/index.html
Remember to watch out for the four wheeled vehicles out there. I always assume they dont see me. Defensive riding!! Stay safe out there guys!!
Wow, Mark C and co - what a ride!
What a spectacular weekend we had for riding!!
Mike "Wags" - We'll talk tomorrow, but I thought I'd toss this out to the crowd as an idea for the Aug 17 meet-and-greet ride: what about working a local shop(s) into the mix, start at shop A (coffee) and finish at shop B (Gatorade), a way to give back and generate some good will. Have to check with the shops, of course. Mike your idea is a good one for connecting us, and we can make more connections, like tossing a pebble in a pond, let the connections ripple out. Step, by tiny step, we can strengthen our cycling community. Super idea Wags!
Way to go Ceclia & Debbie!!
@ Cecelia C -Way to git CRANKSTA! Congrats on your first 1-0-0 Wishing you even more GIRRRRL POWER fun--Have beautiful day.
Flo-Rydas..
...still CRUSH'N
@Mike Wagster .....Fantastic .....Many times I see a bicycle rider and just give a friendly wave; wodering if he/she is a rider for NBC. I'm all for a meet.
@Mike Wagster ..... Ditto....... I think that would be fantastic.
Congrats to Cecelia! Those mtn. rides are memorable ones.
OK, here's how Cecelia rode 100 miles, the hard-man, er, women, way: rode 7 uphill miles from Frisco to Copper Mountain for the start of the Copper Triangle, rode the Triangle which included three mountain passes for 80 spectacular and tough miles, rolled back to Frisco for 7 more, saw she needed only 6 more for her first Century, and charged on with her friend Debbie for a cool 100. By far the toughest thing she's ever done (of course, besides marrying me.)
@ Mark C. : As long as you guys didn't hear your bike or clothing becoming electrically charged then you're safe. When you get back I'll have to share my "On a CO peak when a storm rolls in" story. Somewhat similar to yours, but I was hiking.
@ Mike C.: What a fabulous, scary, but fabulous adventure for which you were well prepared-- thank God for those grays;)). Sounds like you guys are having a good time! Enjoyed your story, especially the finale--"Tomarrow, we ride again." Love it! I hope to ride in the clouds next year. Here's to today!! Happy trails:)).
The road work on the Pacific St bridge over the Big Papio has moved to the e-bound lanes. The sidewalk on the North side of Pacific and the ramp to the n-bound trail are open. No more squeezing by the dumpster in the apartment parking lot.
Mark- Don't keep us in suspense....we need chapter 2!
Mark Crown - Congrats on Bagging Evans. Enjoyed the recount. Heidi
Anybody out there know when the next cycling 101 class is put on by the league? I want to start riding the streets more..... Also, is there a group of people out there who would be interested in participating in a committee of sorts for Bike Safety to focus on "problem areas" of the city? I want to see some of the input from this summer get some recognition and hopefully some action by OPD and other patrol agencies. Interest? Suggestions? Heidi
So Mike and I rode only 57 miles today, but what a 57 it was! Idaho Springs to the top of MountEvans, over 7000feet of climbing, to over 14,000. Still haven't acclimated to the altitude, but have learned exactly where my "red line" is, within a couple of heart beats; a few too many and it's wooziness on the way to lights out. We have jersey pockets stuffed with wind shells, long-fingered gloves, wool caps, and other bits to deal with life, or lack there of, above the clouds; the young turks depart a few minutes before us wearing local team kits and little else, save arm warmers and a vest. We old guys look like we're climbing Everest, minus the sherpas. Our death march starts with the first pedal stroke, and continues for the next 28 miles, with bad roads cursing the final 10. Miles go by slowly and I try to calculate our arrival at the summit, I stop such thinking because it starts to drag down my morale, and causes my pulse to elevate even more. I promise myself to stand and stretch every mile, then every half mile, then whenever I damn well please. As we climb the scenery means nothing without oxygen to the brain, besides I'm checking out the deteriorated road awaiting our descent; watch out for that hole, that crack, that hole, hell it's like a minefield; a couple of guys come flying down who must not have paid attention on the way up, I hear "Shit!" and the solid kachunk of wheels hitting a pothole square. The downhill side has no shoulder, and in parts the mountain has reclaimed slivers of road that the Colorado DOT has marked with orange cones; thanks DOT I'll grab one as I slip over the side so my wife can find my body. Towards the top I reward myself with a snack at each mile marker, as an incentive and because to eat more would exhaust me. There's the summit! Only two more switchbacks to go. We're greeted by mountain goats, and damp clouds flowing over the peak. Thunder in the distance and a Ranger announcing a lightning warning means it's time for a few quick pictures, and a scan of Colorado for 360 degrees. We kit up for the descent, and start rolling in a slight rain. Gravity makes acceleration instant, the road conditions are horrible, so it's dodging, darting, braking, and cursing. In minutes the thunder, rain, and lightning are upon us. No, strike that. The lightning is next to us, around us and below us: we're in the storm cloud. Cold rain, sleet, and wind make the roads even worse. Mike and I agreed to space ourselves out, so we each could use the whole road. I stop to adjust my cap, on the uphill side of the road, facing traffic, and am soon joined by two other cyclists, who dump their bikes and clamber under a rock ledge. The storm rages! These guys are a shivering mess--no gloves, no knee warmers, no vests or jackets. We have the look of castaways, and discuss strategies for getting down. Nothing makes sense, and no one is coming to the rescue. After ten minutes, we remount and attempt to creep down the mountain on a road that looks like black glass. I'm dragging the rear brake for all it's worth and 15mph is the slowest I can go, a controlled stop seems out of the question. I dare not look right, over the edge; you tend to steer where you're looking, and I don't want to go there. Switchback after switchback, in an ice-cold thunderstorm. Up ahead I see Mike waving his fluorescent yellow jacket outside a Ranger station. I approach, grab a handful of rear brake, with a touch of front, and pull into the small parking lot, grind to a stop, dismount, lean my bike against the wall, and duck inside. Inside Mike is wide-eyed, with a hint of fear and relief. The two guys I shared a rock overhang with arrived minutes earlier, and said I was right behind them; I was to start, but stopped to adjust the visor on my cap. A Ranger inside offers the other two Lycra Popsicles his fleece jacket and a parka. Mike and I wring out our gloves, and then do the same with our socks. We now look pretty smart hauling around all that extra gear. The rain turns to drizzle, we hop about to get our blood flowing. It's a good chance to escape, and we bid our fellow cyclists adieu. Cold, damn cold. The pavement is much better on the lower half of the mountain, so we're off the brakes more. The air becomes warmer as we descend, and starts to dry our clothes. The road is drier too, so we start to open up. A prudent 35mph seems reasonable; no use taking risks now, after what we've been through. We're now banking the turns and powering through the flats, swapping the lead, and happy to cover the final ten miles in a two-man pace line. We pull into Idaho Springs, and coast up to the car. We're both grinning like we cheated death, and are excitedly swapping stories, as we rummage through the cooler for food. We take turns loading bikes and changing into dry clothes. As we tighten the bikes on the rack, we notice the seat stays are black, and the rear brake pads are worn to a nub. On the way home, we call our wives and prep them for some epic story telling. A quick stop by the shop for a set of new brake pads, and homeward. Our wives pull into the driveway a few minutes after us. We hug, start to unload the groceries, and give them the fire hose treatment on our adventure. They hang out in the garage as Mike and break the bikes down for washing and maintenance, and listen to our story told in stereo. After about ten minutes of heroic tales, they retreat to prepare dinner, as we continue prepping all four bikes for the next day's ride. The garage is silent now, words are no longer needed between us. The silence is disturbed only by the sound of spinning gears and the clinking of tools coming and going out of the toolbox. Tomorrow, we ride again.
@ Mark G: That sounds interesting--Deal! Meet u @ Stinson trail head @nd 7- Sat. Hey Kari, F, u out there?
@ Sheila - Well, I am going to do a ride from Aksarben down to Big Papio up to Pacific and ride pacific out to Village Pointe Farmers Market Saturday morn. Maybe about 7 AM. Anyone is welcome!
We're giving out gift cards in the local challenge, if you didn't get an e-mail from me you still might win something on the national level!
@ Mark--Seatbag Ride!----YAAAAAAYY!...,when?
I like your PUN though of CRAP!
@ Sheila - Thanks!! We can have a seatbag ride :)
Everyone could use free TP!!!! Better luck next month :)
CRAP!!--Again. NO TP RIDE !!!! LOL
@Yayyyy Mark G.
Five additional NBC bike jerseys are being given away at the end of Aug!! Check the National News for details how to qualify.
Aug. 17. Let's do it.
Crap!!! I still didn't win the year of toilet paper!!! LOL
Congrats to Mark G. on his win!!!
I LOVE FREE STUFF!!! :)
Mike W - Might be able to. Will have to schedule my hunting either that sun or sat....depending on what buddy can do.
I just e-mailed the 10 local monthly prize winners! Check your inboxes!
@Mike W. the Endo ride sounds great ! Sat. Is a good day for me. I usually work that day but I can take it off If I give 10 days notice.
@ Mike W: NCB SocRide, sure/ Aug 17, that's the day before the CCC, right?
@Mike, Mark, Jim, Heidi thanks for the winter wisdom. I wondered if there were winter Flo-Rydas--good to know.
Omaha Endo Riders: Have you ever rode down the Keystone or some other local trail passing another cyclist going the same or different direction and wondered if that person is somebody logging miles for the NBC? I know I've wondered this multiple times because I always seem to see the same people riding each day.
So now it's time to put a face to the names we see on Endo... I am proposing we meet for a fun, easy, social ride in mid Aug so we can recognize each other on the trails. My suggestion is we schedule our Endo NBC ride on Sat, Aug 17. Time, location, and route can be discussed between now and then. I guess the first order of business is to see who’s interested? Request your feedback if interested.
Mark - having a jacket in bright yellow, with lots of reflection and armpit zips kept me riding through October and into November. there are a couple of mfgrs out there making them Pit zips really made the keeping core temps comfortable easy. Heidi
@Jack - I got Shimano sh-mw81's. I don't worry about snow, slush, puddles, or wheel spray anymore. Have also heard good things about Lakes. Make sure you get them at least one size larger than your summer shoes so you can wear a set of thick wool socks.
To all my bicycle riding friends at Carlson Hospitality. Miss you guys and miss riding for the team. Since my relocation I have added an additional 4 miles per day in traveling to work.
Ride safe and keep the miles coming in. God Bless ...be safe. If you run in to harold tell him hello. I lost his phone #. Let him know I travel Leveanworth Sunday through Wednesday. I just don't know exactly where he lives. Thanxs
This was posted to the NBC news column today. I'm sure we have some local riders that deserve to be profiled:
--------------------------
We're looking for a few good Challengers who would like to share their bicycling journey! Each week, the National Bike Challenge writes a Challenge Profile blog. Also, please send us your bicycling pictures! We're putting together a photo spread and we want to see pictures of you with your trusty bicycle. If you want to inspire your fellow riders, or just want to show us your sweet ride, send us an email at [email protected].
Ride On!
@Jim - what kind of winter bike shoes did you get? Lakes? Now that we're out-of-season for winter gear, I need to be looking for some deals on winter bike shoes.
Winter Riding:
I’ve been riding year round for the last four years. The best investment I made last year was true winter bike shoes - waterproof and insulated. The rest is just lots of thin layers - doesn't have to be cycling specific (love my ski mits), but does need to be breathable. A windproof outer jacket in an obnoxiously bright color is a must (reflective is best), and some type of windproof layer for your legs. I agree with Jack about over-dressing. Last year on a zero degree morning, I added a heavy layer and about dropped of heat exhaustion half way to work.
Also don’t forget lots of lights for your bike. You will be riding in the dark and a single blinkie in the back isn’t enough for drivers to see you.
Thanks Jack! I was kind of thinking the extremities were where it was really at. Kind of figure I will be taking the direct 6 mile route to work in the slushy winter weather due to lack of speed instead of the luxery 12 mile loop I take in the mornings now
@ Mark G: IMHO winter riding is all about fingers and toes! If they're happy, you can keep riding. If they're not, it's misery. Keeping the rest of your body warm is usually pretty easy; the extremities, not so much. Good gloves with liners, warmer shoes, toe covers, shoe covers, wool socks and the occasional Hot Hands pack all help. Another consideration is figuring out how not to overdo it on keeping your core warm. You'll want to be on the cool side starting out. Too toasty at the beginning means you'll overheat down the road. Having a lightweight, windproof but breathable jacket as an outer layer is really helpful across a whole range of temps since you can layer beneath it. On your legs you'll probably start out with knee warmers or knickers in the fall, progress to full-length tights and then for colder than 25, Pearl Izumi Amfib tights are hard to beat. Various balaclavas are available for head and face protection. Expect your times to be slower!
Argh... 3rd time's a charm... Thanks, CARRIE for catching that; forgot to delete Field Club from the list.
@Mark C. Thanks for your eloquent statement about sharing the trail. I appreciate your gift with words and I agree whole-heartedly. Thanks for sharing.
From Mark C- Field Club/yes/2x16/excellent/ 30 feet side entrance.
@ Mark G (ref geese of trail): Q - What happens when you buzz a goose on the trail and squirt your water at him as you pass, hitting him in his face & mouth as he's hissing at you? A - The goose gets even more pissed and helps you (me) work on your fast twitching muscle group by forcing a quick interval sprint trying to avoid the wrath of the airborne goose chasing me!!! I strongly advise anybody else against this action!! LMAO!!!!!
Mark - So glad to hear that you're going to keep at it, even when it starts to get colder! AO will be sponsoring a Winter Cycling Clinic later in the fall to cover all of this type of info. We'll keep everyone posted on the date as we get organized!
Just curious what thoughts are on this....Will be kind of a newbie to the cold weather riding this winter. I got all in shape and skinny last summer just to stop riding in late fall and get fat again. Sooo, I am determined to push my riding through the winter, (In fact, building the peugoet just for this purpose). So my question would be what is some good lightweight cold weather riding clothes? Appreciate any suggestions!
I rode the Tour de OPS yesterday afternoon. Here are my results for Groups F & G:
School/Racks/Capacity/Condition/Proximity/Hazards/Photo
Ashland Park Robbins/No/-/-/-/-/-
Chandler View/No/-/-/-/-/-
Educare/No/-/-/-/-/-
Gateway/Yes/60/Good/10' to Main & Side Doors/None/No
Gilder/Yes/15/Good/15' to Main Door/None/No
Gomez-Heritage/Not surveyed
Highland/No/-/-/-/-/-
Indian Hill/Yes/20/Good/10' to Main Door/None/No
Marrs Magnet/Not surveyed
Pawnee/No/-/-/-/-/-
Additional (non-OPS) schools surveyed:
Bryan High/No/-/-/-/-/-
Bryan Middle/No/-/-/-/-/-
Gross High/Yes/20/Good/20' to Main Door/None/No
Holy Ghost/No/-/-/-/-/-
Rumsey Station/Yes/80/Good/15-30' to Main & Side Doors/None/No
St. Bernadette/No/-/-/-/-/-
UPDATE on school bike rack inventory will be posted shortly ---->>>>
Congrats to Renee Carter for achieving Diamond Status!!
Mark crown-nice work on 5000 pts sir!
@Mark C. - you should be a (rider) writer ...lol
Just wondering ....I have been riding for years and never received a prize. How is one selcted for a prize other than accumulating points? Not a big thing. I will continue to ride and enjoy my surroundings and dealing with mother nature. Now that's what gives me an utimate rush. I Love Bike Riding.
I did not get Ponca Elementary....sorry
Here is the latest bike rack scouting report;
Pinewood Elementary - 1 new bike rack in front doorway
Wakonda Elementary - No Racks
Springville Elementary - No Racks
Minne Lusa Elementary - No Racks
Miller Park Elementary -No Racks
Sherman Elementary -No Racks
this should take care of groups B & C
As does Renee Carter.
Mark Crown everyone. A man who has > 5,000 points.
Mark Crown everyone. A man that always has good insight!
Wow, a guy goes on a little vacation and the Comment board looks like an explosion at a type-press factory. All good and valid comments concerning trail use. One of the beautiful sites on our trails is a crowded Sunday morning when the trail, our trail, is filled with runners, walkers, cyclists, roller bladders, kids on shiney new bikes out with dad for their first spin (so you slow, point to their bike and say "Cool bike!" Making the child grin from ear to ear.) As cyclists we're the fastest things out there, and as Spider-Man learned, with great power comes great responsibility. As we approach others we're in the dominant position, we're in control of what happens next. One of my favorite thoughts is from the Prayer of Saint Francis... to not seek to be understood (can't you see I'm passing you.), but to understand (they're out for a jog, chatting with friends, trying to enjoy the sunrise with their child.) Others are blind to our approach, we control what happens next, we can make the encounter anything we want... I prefer to make it a mutually beneficial one, I pass carefully, and we all move forward.
Thanks, Scott. That's too bad. 'Seemed like a cool app, but is actually just a waste of time until they get their kinks figured out.
@Bret The city's mobile app as well online tools have problems. A friend who's office is with the city wrote me this:
"Our online system is hit and miss… I used to have the Omaha app and noticed that my concerns were not being taken care of… so I resulted in asking people to send me pictures and I will physically either take care of it myself or get our parks dept to make it a specific maintenance request. Even when I report things I have a hard time tracking if it gets completed or not."
Thanks, Mark G. I know I can be an opinionated hot-head. I like everyone on here - so why am I ranting at someone/anyone??? ;-)
So, so, so grateful to all of you! We're getting close!
@Christiane - I saw your rant I think. LOL I did not think it was bad :)
And one interesting observation - I noticed I became noticeably less "aggro" when I ditched the music/earbuds. I stopped listening to music for safety/awareness, but the peace and calmness and increased social interaction was a wonderful "side effect".
@ mike g - geese. Speed up to push through them and accidentally hit one and the results are catastrophic for both parties. Slow down to get through them and the back of your brain keeps seek g "when geese attack"!
Honestly I think the problem is we can announce and try to use good judgement but we just have to remember that it is hard to judge what the other person is going to do. On your left and they move to the left. We mainly just have to use caution.
I wrote a rant and then deleted it. It's not worth causing tension on this board. I'm a speed freak. I used to buzz people everywhere (road, trail, you name it). Usually just other bikers, but still. I was (am?) a "holy terror" when left unchecked. And then karma caught up with me - big time. I realized that some day we all find ourselves being the "obstacles" ourselves... and sometimes we need a little help or patience from others... and sometimes we're the ones having the "off" day. A kindness goes a long way. So, let's perpetuate more good, less bad.
There r definitely buzzers out there Christiane. I think everyone has done it at one point or another. Maybe accidentally or maybe not. I know I have done it at points. You can actually tell the walkers that have been buzzed multiple times. They r the ones that jump 3 ft to the right when you holler you r coming from 20 ft back. I have been on both ends of it and know how freaked out the walker can get. I do like your perspective of outgrowing the trail. It makes sense for sure.
@ Mark G: OMG the geese are by far the worse trail hogs!!! Plus they leave behind an aweful mess at times.
@Christiane - I agree, I try to thank the walkers a lot when they move over! I think it is just polite. Most of the dogs I run across I do have to admit their owners usually go all the way off the trail for me. I am a bigger guy though. Would hurt to get run over by me!! If only we could get those geese to understand moving over for us!! LOL
BTW - I most often ride with ear buds in listening to my fav tunes but I also keep a keen sense of my surroundings to the front and rear of me. So it's possible to do both - you just need to be cognizant of it. And like Christiane Ley, I sometimes remove the ear buds just to enjoy the sounds of the trail, especially in the early morning hours when I know the birds are singing.
I feel the same way Mark G! I encounter this on a daily basis when I ride into work using the Keystone Trail. I don't worry about scaring people as I pass if they have ear buds in b/c I know I've done my part with announcing I'm passing. The worse of the culprits are people walking their dogs allowing them the full freedom the leash cord provides. Don't misunderstand, some pet owners have trained their pet to sit when a cyclist passes and when I pass them I commend them on the obedience of the animal. But other owners don't care what their dog is doing or how it affects other trail users. For those people I slow down enough to pass safely and don’t sweat the reason... after all, I am riding on a multi-purpose trail.
@Mark G. Guilty confession - I was one of those jackholes who always had their earbuds in. I have been earbud-free since May (with a few lapses - it's a tough addiction to break! even then, it's 1 bud on low.) My experiences on the bike really changed when I turned the "noise" off.
To be honest, I think a lot people have the attitude of "I do my own thing, everyone else be damned" all day long and the trail/road is just an extension of that. I don't know if it's intentional (such as a rampant sense of entitlement or they just don't care about others) or it's unintentional (they're naturally oblivious or they don't accurately gauge the level of distraction).
My philosophy - I don't like distracted drivers/runners/walkers/riders/dogwalkers/etc so I start by not being one myself. I also avoid 'picking fights' with people who are - because that goes nowhere fast.
When I'm on a multi-use trail, I try to "share" as best I can - even if that means giving others excessive leeway. And I try to anticipate the lane hogs, the speed bullies, the blockers, the drifters, the unpredictables, the zoners, the dog clothesliners, and the total spaz-outs. (I'm guessing y'all know these trail "types". Feel free to add.) I also pop waves and make attempts to thank people when they "share nicely" back. I think all we can do is set a better example ourselves and hope it catches on...
Been a while since I have been on here. Had some time off from work. My thought of the day is this: Why do people not pay attention to their surroundings? On the trail I have had countless encounters where I holler that I am passing and people do not move because either A) Their headphones are in both ears or loud enough that they cannot hear or B) They are too involved in their conversation with their partner to hear you announce yourself. Then you slow down tremendously to pass them and they get all surprised or scared and then yell at you. I feel bad in those situations, but dont they share SOME responsibility of knowing what is going on around them? I may get roasted for this post but it is very frustrating!!
By electing to ride on a busy multi-use trail, we "accept" that other users will be out there, too. If a cyclist doesn't want to accept the "inconvenience" or "annoyance" that comes with dealing with other people (good fellow trail users or not), then perhaps the cyclist has "outgrown" the trail and should move to the road.
Buzzing people is never cool. I don't care if someone "announced" a split-second beforehand. (Think about the "physics" of a 16-20mph rider approaching a 4mph walker from behind... even when we shout loud and early, sometimes wind/doppler effect makes it hard to hear & react appropriately.)
If we are moving faster, we are obligated to yield - like it or not. I find it interesting that we expect 3 ft of passing room from cars, but some of us are okay with buzzing or "scaring" peds for being "trail obstacles"? (Sounds like a double-standard to me.)
Let's not contribute to the incivility problem, please.
@Mike W, Mark C, Sheila and all. Sorry I've been slow to respond. Thanks for sparking the discussion about traffic danger zones. I appreciate the feedback/guidance and will jump on board if we can come up with a good reporting/publicizing mechanism like Omaha Bikes or some other public forum.
Regarding my traffic close-call Friday: I reported my incident with Bellevue PD (non-emergency) as you mentioned. It was a very brief exchange. The dispatcher said she'd "pass it on". I normally shake these things off, but that doesn't help any of us in the long run. I feel like the longer I stay quiet about reckless/threatening driving towards cyclists, the more I become complicit with it. Change doesn't just happen - we have to make it happen.
I may also be able to get Group F as well but no promises it will be today.
I will get Group G this afternoon.
I can get groups B& C Tuesday night with the exception of Ponca
I went by Field Club earlier. Field Club/yes/2x16/excellent/ 30 feet side entrance. Thanks for the update Julie,that's an impressively short list!
You are all rockstars. AND, even in my 6+ years of working to encourage more kids to walk and bike to school, I am flabbergasted at the number of schools with no bike racks. :( I'm going to post an update on what schools we still need to get --->
Yeah Carrie!
I looked over at Omaha Bikes, and it looks like it could be a repository for cycling safety entries. Does one have to be a "member" to blog. The Blog categorizes entries by type, a new one could be "road safety and hazards." A $ membership fee may be a hurdle for some. Sending observations or complaints to a single point of contact may impose a burden on that one person to post all the complaints and observations: we should strive towards sharing info and using social media to our advantage. How do we crack into Omaha Bikes? The platform is all ready up and running.
More bike rack info;
Fontenelle Elementary- 3 new racks in front
Hartman Elementary - No racks
Florence Elementary- No Racks
Dundee Elementary- 1 rack at North entrance - good condition
Belvedere Elementary- No Racks
Franklin Elementary - 1 rack in front - new condition * Correction*
Reminder ----- gain more miles and be sure you are signed up ----- You are invited.... Corporate Cycling Challenge Bicycle Ride in Omaha Nebraska - Sunday August 18, 2013 --- the largest one day bike ride in the Midwest is back... over 4,000 bicyclists - be sure to sign up with your company, club or team, or as an individual -- Event is Sunday August 18th, 2013. See web site for details... www.corporatecycling.com.
Thanks Mike W
Anyone know if anything is ever actually done with the reports submitted with the "Omaha App?" (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/omaha-mobile-app/id513752824)
Looks like a really cool app if anyone would actually ever do anything with it. You can submit reports of heat swells or other street/sidewalk issues, trees/brush that needs trimmed over sidewalk, and many other things, but I see several reports out there from 2012 that are still open. I've submitted a couple and they get moved from "RECEIVED" to "IN PROGRESS," but that's about as far as they go.
I did some scouting for bike racks at elementary schools this morning and this is what I found;
Rose Hill Elementary: No racks
Druid Hill Elementary - No racks
MLK Elementary- No racks
Western Hills Magnet Elementary- 1 good rack in back by a door
Walnut Hills Elementary- No racks
Benson West Elementary- 2 new racks by back door
Franklin Elementary- No racks
Harrison Elementary- 4 racks in back new condition
Carrie McGill
Team Offutt Cyclonauts
I'm never sure if people see when we post new items on the News side...Note that I just posted over here! :) ----->>>
Here are two tongue-in-cheek articles I stole from another Endo user:
Six Ways to Kill a Cyclist: http://tinyurl.com/d8pd6fv
Six ways a cyclist with a death wish can become a hood ornament: http://tinyurl.com/n2h7m4t
I think a group approach would be best b/c the Danger Zones could cross jurisdictional boundaries; I'm just not sure where we could log the Danger Zones so everybody could have access to the info? I don’t think Omaha Bikes website supports such activity. Maybe Activate Omaha would allow us to report Danger Zones to them so they can be consolidated and reported? Any thoughts on this Julie Harris?
IRT Pacific St construction area: I suggest using the traffic lights on 105th St next to Cancer Survivor’s Park to cross Pacific St then go into the apartment complex parking lot to gain access back to the trail. I have done this a couple of times with no problems encountered.
If we are keeping track of the Danger Zones, one needs to be noted - it's temporary until we can go under Pacific street by the big papio on the big papio. I had a driver almost hit me as i walked my bike across Pacific and on another occasion had a driver pass me in a no passing on 105th where i turn to get on the trail just east of the construction. This area is truly an accident waiting to happen until the under pass is opened again. I know there are others from the posts here. What would be the best way to approach OPD? I think as a group instead of just taking each individual incident to the OPD Thoughts? Heidi
I first read this 2 years ago, adopted this practice of "Claiming the Lane" when riding, and have not had a single negative encounter since then. However, you NEED to keep in mind to obey ALL traffic laws and be very intentional with your intent to signal turns or merge in traffic. Otherwise you are setting a bad example and create even more safety risks. Ride safe and keep the rubber side down!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top 5 Reasons to Claim the Lane (and why it’s safer)
1. Drivers give you more room – The day I started claiming the lane is the day I stopped getting regularly buzzed too close by cars. As mentioned above, when you are all the way to the right then cars will almost always try to squeeze by. When you claim the lane, they are forced to slow down and wait for an opportunity to pass you which means they take plenty of room to do it.
2. You are more visible – Drivers are used to looking for other large, metal boxes. And they're used to looking in the middle of the lane ahead of them. When you hug the side of the road you are often outside their field of vision. By claiming the lane you are much more likely to be seen by oncoming traffic.
3. You avoid dangerous debris and obstacles – the sides of roads are usually covered in debris. Stuff that can slash your tires and/or fly up and hurt you. There are also things like sewer grates and uneven shoulders to worry about. By claiming the lane you avoid all of this.
4. It's an easier, more enjoyable ride – When stuck squeezing the side of the road or riding on the sidewalk, feelings of stress abound. Constantly watching the terrain ahead of you, swerving out of the way of obstacles, slowing down for pedestrians and many other things that you are forced to pay attention to are reduced when you claim the lane.
5. You are making a statement – While not as important as the previous safety related reasons, this has a long term effect. On many roads bicycles are seen as an annoyance that shouldn't be allowed in the road with other "real" vehicles. By claiming the lane you are making a statement that we belong on the road and have all the same rights as cars.
@ Christiane: Sorry for the late response but I don't check Endo on the weekend. I agree with Mark Crown in reporting the trouble spot(s) to local police. Give them the specifics of each encounter you have (street name, location, time of day, type/color of car involved, etc.). Politely remind them of NE Law LB1030 which basically states, "The law requires motorists to give at least 3 feet of space when passing cyclists, pedestrians, and those operating motorized wheelchairs on the road." Ask them if they can have a patrol car monitor the area for unsafe activities. If you have a digital camera you may also want to find a way to safely record your commute. This will give you physical proof of any hazards you may encounter.
Logged in as Cecelia again. Not used to sharing.
Scott and Robert - I went by Karen western: rack in good condition, right near the front door.////thanks Douglas.
@Robert, Way to come through with the Ralston schools. I figured you'd do it. I'll try to take a look as I go by Karen Park(Western) next trip.
Group A school bike rack inventory is done.
Edison does not have racks
Dodge has 1 newer curve style in front
Masters does not have bike racks per se but has 6 square frames that could be used although they are right on top of the sidewalk
Boyd has a long rack in the grass on the NW corner It is rusty
Adams has a long rack in the back by the dumpsters and it has rust.
I love all the enthusiasm of the "bike rack Magellans." It's inspiring to see all the results roll in. For those that haven't tried, pick a few schools and navigate your own course;easier and more fun than you might think.//////Super job Scott and Robert!
I hit the rest of the Ralston schools on my grocery trip, with the exception of Blumfield Elementary.
Ralston Public Schools
Rack Y/N
I hit the rest of the Ralston schools on my grocery trip, with the exception of Blumfield Elementary.
Ralston Public Schools
Rack Y/N
Chris Ley - I agree with reporting such incidents; how else are authorities to know of trouble spots. Which brings me to a thought someone expressed earlier on this forum: we have a lot of active and insightful discussions here on Endo, I hope it's not lost. Wouldn't it be nice to have a more permanent home for such discussions; a place to host all the bike rack info, or where we could log and comment on cycling trouble spots, sort of an audit trail we could show authorities to say "See, I'm not the only one having trouble there.". Perhaps Omaha Bikes? /////Congrats to John Vargas.
Add LaVista West
Rack-Yes, 28 capacity., Condition-Fair, Proximity-30', Hazards-No
@Jack Mayfield, Thanks!
Thanks for the report, Scott!!
Cecelia, friends, and went here today. Part bike shop, part museum for fans of 7-11 team and Ron Kiefel. Lots of Kiefel race jersies and bikes on the wall. Even got a behind-the-scenes tour of the back were all the wrenches were busy as elves before Xmas. Best fit studio I've ever scene. Worth a visit. .//// I see below I posted under my wife's log on... Oops. We're sharing an iPad. Thanks again Scott.
http://ridewrc.com/articles/tour-de-wrc-ig446/
That's the spirit Scott! What a fun way to get some extra miles. Half the fun was mapping a good circuit.///////
Congrats Jack.
Twelve Papillion LaVista Schools to cross off
School
John Varga earns Diamond.
Twelve Papillion LaVista Schools to cross off
School
Green Streets & Activate Omaha / Open StreetsOmaha invite all Saturday morning riders to the bike hub on Farnam St. downtown at Open Streets Omaha. There will be sag social until 10:30am. See you there!!!
Ahoy Papillion riders, if you are interested in being part of a discussion with the city of Papillion to explore what it would take to become a Bike Friendly Community, please email me at [email protected].
I'm from PA, there one can, regardless of transportation mode, report a speeder or other drving hazard with a 911 call supplying as much info as one could gather under the circumstances, ie. location/direction, car descript; Lic# complete or partial. Is that true here?
Okay, I had a very close call with an speeding driver again today on my commute to work. (I'm okay, but about had a heart attack.) This occurred in a common problem spot, but one I cannot avoid without walking my bike a distance along the road. I'm starting to think I need to start reporting the more egregious incidents to local police. (I have never reported before.) My intent is mainly just to say to police "Hey, this is happened to a cyclist here, at this time, and you should be aware that this might be an issue, especially if it's a repeated occurrence or a possible danger area." TO ALL: What are your thoughts about reporting dangerous cyclist-motorist incidents to authorities? I'm looking for practical/reasonable advice and a general concensus of how we should be informing law enforcement of problems. Thanks!
Thank you, Mark!!!
Eight more to cross off the list:
School/rack /capacity/condition/proximity to main entrance/hazards
Washington/yes/30/new/50ft/no hazards
Jackson/no rack
Liberty/no rack
Field Club/yes/2x16/excellent/30ft, side entrance/no hazard
Jefferson/no rack
Norris Middle/yes/2x24/poor/30ft, back entrance/no hazard
Karen Western-Ralston/yes/30/good/20ft/no hazards
OLL Catholic/yes/2x30/average/100ft, up stairs on upper level/no hazard.
/////// List them so others won't chase them down. I had fun on my own Tour de OPS!
Mikek, I agree. Seems to me the media is playing it up again. I saw not facts in the article pertaining to the situation as why this happened.
Thanks to everyone helping with our crowd sourcing bike inventory!! Mark C is correct; we definitely need OPS, but will happily take any and all reports of other schools/districts in the metro area.
Thank you, Mark!!!
Enlightening and sorrowing story as to why we, as cyclists, need to follow the laws and ride responsibly: San Francisco cyclist guilty of manslaughter in legal first
http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2013/jul/24/san-francisco-cyclist-manslaughter
I believe the primary focus is OPS, based on time available and scale of the effort. If we can get others too, that's probably a good thing. I threw in Holy Cross and Mercy because they're right down my street. I'll get Jackson, Liberty and Washington tonight, maybe Norris Middle School. Y'all better get moving, before they're all gone! Spread the word to your friends.
@Mark C & AO: Dumb question - is the school bike rack inventory effort Omaha Public Schools specific or Douglas-Sarpy Learning Community specific (ie, metro wide)??? Thanks.
Check out over there==========>>>>
Julie needs help with bike rack information at our schools. Get more miles on your way home, and roll by a couple of schools to find out: if they have a rack, bike capacity, its condition, proximity to entrance, any hazards to young cyclists. Check out the map here, and take the long way home. http://www.ops.org/district/SCHOOLS/SchoolMaps/CityandDistrictMaps/tabid/1364/Default.aspx
I hit four last night on the way home.
Beals Elementary - no rack
Belle Ryan Elementary - no rack
Holy Cross Catholic - no rack
Mercy High School - no rack
@ Mark C: Please forgive me-- I know perfectly well that your first name is Mark----jimminy crickets, Sheila!
Mark C:--Thanks for your leadership!
I'm a fan of all of you who haul brooms and scrappers to the underpasses to help keep Omaha ridable.
@Shelia M., concur with your Armstrong comments.
@Christiane L., agree RAGBRAI is about all the cyclists
@Mark C., another eloquent spot on observation!
I'm a fan of a friend who takes a long pull at the front, on a cold, rainy day. Or the cyclist who helps a new rider remount a dropped chain, or gives a new tube to a guy with a flat and no patch or tubes. The cyclist that brings joy to the end of a long hard day by buying a round of cold beer. Or the friends that share laughs and breakfast after a long, hard ride. Or the owners and waiters of Dixie Quicks, Louis M's, Jimmie D's, and other restaurants that see us coming in sweaty lycra, greet us like old friends, and bring a pitcher of ice water as we sit down. I'm a huge fan of my wife who no longer complains about rides in the rain, says "That was fun!" after white-knuckle descents, and now searches for hills to become stronger. And I'm a fan of many folks on this message board, trying to make our community better for cyclists.
Lance's bio: "It's Not About the Bike". RAGBRAI's bio: "It's Not About Lance, It's About the 10,000+ Other Cyclists." Enough said.
I'm a die-hard fan of Lance Armstrong. Let's get real! He's the BEST of the dopers! As far as his distancing himself from embarrassment/shame: a defense mechanism-we all have them.
He's a great athlete, but a lousy scapegoat. Jeeze, he can't be great at everything.
Interview with Lance Armstrong at RAGBRAI: http://dmreg.co/15dSV0W He can't seem to be able to say "my actions" or "what I did." He keeps referring to what he did as "the story" or "a polarizing topic" or some such vague thing separate and apart from himself. That kind of verbiage will not win back many fans.
w/ Mike C: LgMBO-- At least you got it eventually-I thought it was a fraternity--well close enough! :)) Fun funny tent story
Speaking of rain-- got caught this morning on the ride in---- REEEFRESHING!!/ and somehow easier against the wind. Whooda thunk it? :))
@ Mark G I feel a TP group ride coming on. LOL.
@ Mike C It won't get messy- I promise :)
Hoping to ride this evening so I can unlock 2500 ribbon.....Bring on the free TP!!!
One of my funniest experiences at RAGBRAI was a thunderstorm, with rain and winds so strong, I had to lie on my back with my arms spread to my side holding the tent down, and my legs straight up trying to keep the tent up; the five-foot tall tent was bent over so it was about a foot high, with the top inches from my nose. A lot of hysterical laughing and wet sleeping bags that night. Good times.
Sounds like the Ragbrai folks got dumped on last night!!
You know when you get a mental block, staring at a vanity license plate? "Phy Mu?" Phy Mu?" Is that a type of Vietnamese soup, like "Pho?" Then it hits you. Oh-h-h-h-h, Physicians Mutual.
@Bob M. A hardy group of Phy Mu commuter riders will be there. What kind of weather do you have on ordered for the day?
@All. Thanks for the comments about gravel riding. Been talkin' to a friend about it, too. I may be investing in a cross bike shortly so I can experience it for myself.
@Mike Wagster: I just looked up the Dirty Kanza & Odin's Revenge (along with a list of other enduro gravel rides) - that's insane!!!
Hello all -- Reminder --- You are invited.... Corporate Cycling Challenge Bicycle Ride in Omaha Nebraska - Sunday August 18, 2013 --- the largest one day bike ride in the Midwest is back... over 4,000 bicyclists - be sure to sign up with your company, club or team, or as an individual -- Event is Sunday August 18th, 2013. See web site for details... www.corporatecycling.com.
First day of Ragbrai was great!!
Gravel Riding--it's all of the riding I ever did as a kid on the back roads of Wenonah, New Jersey and later in PA until my early 30's. It's the riding we did before marketers made bike riding sound so complicated. I would have enjoyed the Gong Ride--sorry I missed it--Gonna make my own.
After I got my 1st fatty,Pugsley,I started hitting the gravel county roads which are everywhere with some of the tougher climbs around as well as wide open peaceful riding.Nebraska side or Iowa side,love both. Doesn't matter what,where,when,or why,competitive or casual,just RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!
Jerry. I just saw your goose attack comment. About a year or so ago I was riding the Hennepin Canal Trail in Illinois, near where I grew up. As I approached a family of Canada geese, one of the parents jumped up and launched directly at me. If I hadn't laid down on the handle bars it would have gotten me
@ Christiane: I was introduced to gravel grinding in March 2013 and I've absolutely fallen for this genre of cycling. So much so that I’ve already competed in the Dirty Kanza 200 gravel race on Jun 1st, Odin’s Revenge gravel race on Jun 29th; and on Aug 24th I will compete in Gravel Worlds race. For me, the appeal of riding on gravel is that it requires all the technical ability of mountain biking and combines it with the speed and endurance of road biking! Matt Bittner is correct saying that it takes (almost) full concentration to keep the rubber side down when riding on gravel. The surface of gravel roads vary to such an extent that a rider needs to read the road conditions ahead and makes decisions for which line to take all without interfering with other riders. Sometimes you choose a good line and the rolling is smooth and fast; while at other times you struggle to keep your balance and speed because the gravel is thick and loose. But the most appealing aspect of riding gravel is that it opens up a greater amount of places to ride!! Nebraska and Iowa are still considered farming states and both states contain many hundreds of miles of gravel roads between the farms. These gravel roads are typically less travelled, they go every direction imaginable, and they wind through some beautiful countryside getting you away from the hustle and bustle of urban (and even county) road riding! All of these characteristics are why I enjoy gravel grinding and will continue to ride it as long as I can ride a bike. I highly recommend trying it at least once.
To be honest the GONG ride was my first foray into "serious" gravel. And I enjoyed the heck out of it! It's just something different and takes a different kind of concentration. While on trails you have to worry more about the other person. On gravel you have to worry about everything. Not just the other person, but also the road. Yes, it sounds like more work, but it's just a blast!
Plus the GONG organizers had everything down-pat and in place where needed. Sure, it was a self-supported ride, but if you go in with that mentality, then you'll have no issues at all.
And we saw everything on that ride - skinny tires up to a Surly Puglsey. Sweet!
So, what's the appeal of gravel grinders? (Genuine "ears perked" curiosity.) I don't have a gravel bike ('cross bike?) and wonder if I suddenly need one. As a dyed-in-the-merino-wool roadie, I usually look at gravel as a means to an end - as in "Damn, gravel. Do I take the 1-mi of gravel or the 25-mi road detour? Hmmm...."
Looking for a different kind of ride? Check out the GONG RIDE! Gravel roads at night. Pretty awesome! Lots of fun! Like the owl ride but in the country.
New route (for me), thought I'd share. West on Mahogany Rd out of Underwood IA, south on L34, west on Juniper Rd/Badger Rd, then south on Lincoln Highway through Crescent. Beautiful, panoramic vistas, super-steep bits, low traffic. About 60+ from midtown Omaha, depending on how you loop it in town. Been up and down toward Crescent before, staying close to the river and Loess Hills, but hadn't ventured east much from there. Lots of fun!
Looking for something to do on Saturday? Well, Open Streets Omaha is still in need of volunteers: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA8A82AAAFF2-downtown
If you aren't able to volunteer consider the 10am kick-off announcements at 14th & Farnam as a point on your Saturday ride. Activate Omaha, Community Bike Project, Omaha B-Cycles, Trek, Bike Rack, Metro will all be in the bike hub. Should be a lot of fun!!
Well, gee. Nothing on radar, so I went for a quick spin - got hailed on once, rained on twice, and saw three huge rainbows. Kinda fun nonetheless.
A small group of five crossed the river to do the first day of the RAG, looped home via L34 and Crescent; beautiful roads and panoramic views. A stop at Dixie Quicks. Today's national ice cream day, so we had to have oatmeal and ice-cream (for the uninitiated, it's a must have at DQ's). Saw the police come through and start rolling-up the route.
@Phil & Mark G. I was also very sad to come home after the RAGBRAI expo/kickoff. It felt like I was the only kid not going off to summer camp. :-(
@Mark G. I've learned that if a bolt/part has a torque rating or it involves carbon anything - then I properly torque it. Over tightening can cause part breakage, bolt snapping, and stress fractures. It's also possible to crack carbon parts in an instant. Under-tightening causes parts to come apart or wear rapidly. Any time I see someone hand cranking a bolt, my heart twinges (oh, carbon bar, gaaaahhhhh)... I had my new cassette come "apart" suddenly on a fast group ride right after I had it serviced. The shop didn't torque the lockring. It was a very dangerous situation. The shop was all "oops, sorry about that" - so now they don't work on my bikes anymore. Moral of story: don't learn about correct torque the hard way, like me!
@Phil. I was also sad to come home after the RAGBRAI expo/kickoff. Felt like I was the only kid not going off to summer camp. :-(
Everyone but Carrie and Valerie missed a great ride last night, the GONG Ride. It was a blast! Definitely more fun than some boring rode-ride like RAGBRAI. :-D
Carrie, Cecelia, and I rode south from Aksarben to rally with the Air Force Cycling Team. Met several other Offutt folks to shepherd them over to CB for RAGBRAI, and enjoyed the Expo before the ride back across the Kerry Bridge, then home. Always fun to ride in a big group wearing the same jersey.
Feel your pain Phil.
Happiness is riding with great friends, from home to CB for Ragbrai Expo.
Sadness is riding back home alone 'cause they are riding Ragbrai and you are not.
Thanks for the stem advice guys. I am actually using this one as test. Then putting my original back on until I can pick up an actual new one. Tip on the torque wrench is key. I did not know they had specific torques for them. I always just screwed the four plate screws tight. Never thought of them snapping.
Jerry and Chris - If the road crew is gonna leave a gravel gap, at least make the gravel white so we can have our own little Strada Bianchi.
http://www.atwistedspoke.com/13613/
Tree down across the trail coming into Seymour Smith Park from Harrison.
Mark G - Chris is right about the four bolt pattern stem, which spreads the load on the plate better than two-bolt stems. As you swap bits around be VERY careful to get the torque correct: to save weight some bolts are aluminum, or as Julie Andrews might say "alloo minny um." Not good, no matter what your dental plan. And the screws from a used stem may have been over-torqued by the last guy. Stems are NOT the place to save weight or go super-Gucci. Most shops sell an inexpensive torque "key" just for low torque applications--when we travel we toss one in our kit for bike rebuilds.
5 for 5 rides to work this week! The stars (meaning, the weather & my schedule) only align like this about once a year, and I'll take it! Have a great weekend, everyone!
Good point Christiane. It is a 4 bolt faceplate. I am going to inspect it and make sure it seems solid. Ride just a couple rides on it and if it works then buy a new stem with those measurements. I just dont want to buy a new expensive one to find I would rather have a different size.
@Jerry. Thanks for the Bell Loop trail update. I don't know what's up with the dirt gap section, either. Yah take concrete out, ya put it back. Seems logical.
@Mark. 3T stems are good, just don't go used. 3T stuff is typically extra lightweight, so I wouldn't go for used on a load bearing part for that reason. If it's a "forgie" (older 3T 4G) with a single-bolt clamp or a 2-bolt faceplate setup, I wouldn't do it.
@Sheila. Still laughing about the gnat+eyeball=love-at-first-sight comment...
Yesterday afternoon, I saw a couple workers on the Bellevue Loop by the Capehart Rd trailhead and went up to talk to them. They were just finishing the concrete work on the sections they tore out last week. They said they would probably remove the forms today and that section of the trail would be "open" on Saturday. They didn't do anything to fix the big gap just East of the Ft. Crook overpass though.
@Christiane - Well I am kinda going with cheap till I find size that feels right. So I found this 3T 4G 90 mmm on ebay for 15. If that does not feel right then I will try another cheap one. Then when I find what I like if I feel an upgrade need I can do it then :)
I did get attacked by a goose a few years ago. It was on the Keystone trail by the old Chili Green golf course just south of Center. Mom, dad & 2 babies were crossing the trail. Dad was chasing after another cyclist about 15-20 yards ahead of me and I made the mistake of riding between mama and the chicks. She flew up and hit me on the shoulder with either her chest or a wing. Knocked me off balance for a second, but no harm done.
@ Mark G. Beaver: Just chillin' on the trail ---heee hee.
@ Mark G Dude, are you rid'n in the tall grass? -- So may ticks. Glad I haven't found one, yet. Time to get some deet. YEACH--Now I'm iching all over--for real; gotta take lunch.
@ Christine--I know what u mean about the turtles :))
@ Christine- Oh yeah gnats= enie meanie major pains- hate when they get stuck on my face anywhere. And, don't have a light on-- I swear they must be thinking--" Hey lookit bright EYE over there -- yeah, the healthy one! She's winking at ME. I'M GO'N IN!!!
@Mark. I rock a Deda stem on my Roubaix. Salsa makes some mighty spicy ones. Thomson is sweet, too. If you're swapping, pls stay away from a 2-bolt (my Dimension was recalled due to "catastrophic bolt failure". Egads.) 4-bolt is a must.
@All, I will give back the board now. Sorry.
@Mark. Mighty serious stem change ya got there! 120>90 (30mm) is a big change (not being sarcastic). Have you considered a 100 flip-floppable stem?
@Mark. Gee, thanks. Now I'm squirming in my chair. And what's with the freakishly huuuuge turtles lately??? They're like little Abrams tanks crossing the trail.
Christiane..ticks are bed this year! Been getting them on the keystone even. I think I have found over a dozen this year on me.
@Shiela. I think those red/black bugs are boxelder bugs (I call 'em Husker bugs - never seen 'em before I moved to NE). The big brown crunchy beetles are junebugs.
@Sheila. Gah, I hate those, too. Ironically the gnats make me the most gneurotic. Gnothing like getting home and finding gnats (some still alive) plastered to every inch of your body. Awesome pickin' em out of your eye. And if I find a tick or spider on me (from mountain biking in the woods), it's a real freak show. We're talking full spazmodic dance, clothes flying, girly shrieking... And that's in the trailhead parking lot!
@sheila..last year saw otters several times playing in creek around Karen pool. Beaver was just chilling on the trail one evening by Karen a few weeks ago. He was a little guy. @ Mark C...yes my father would concur that there is just something wrong with said boy! @ Christiane making a big stem change. Going 120 to 90. And yes...back stretches are key!
Got one for ya. What are those large, sliggish red/blk, hardbodied beetles that swarm on the Louis n Clark mid to late august? They hurt when they slam into you.
Re: Geese Just make noise or hiss back. They usually keep on going.
w/ Mark C Ohh ho hooo got jokes, today !!!! LOL :))
@Matt. Don't forget the wooly worms (save the woolies!) Heaven help riders if they ever encounter a dragonfly swarm. Or grasshoppers. Nothing like a massive (hard, justifiably angry) dragonfly to the face. Yeouch!
@Lauren. Those geese are vicious! And they've been camping there for a while now. I try to make noise as I approach to encourage them to move away. I can't blame em, tho. We bikers are threatening and approach quickly. I just wish they'd find a more goose-friendly spot to chill.
@Mark Gibbons. Re: twitchy steering. I made several changes at the same time - saddle, stem, bars (FYI: not smart in hindsight - hard to tell what causes what.) Twitchiness seems to be related to shifting the rider (center of gravity) forward. FWIW, I upped my core strength (yoga, P90X), dropped a few lb, and my back problems went away. I now use my abs more (don't laugh!) to hold my body up, which puts a lot less strain on my spine & arms. Go figure!
It looked like a Rattlesnake. I came out from under the underpass near Walnut Creek and suprised the snake. It popped up and I heard a distinct rattle and also though I heard an angry hiss. I too thaught it may have been a bull snake but I looked up how they rattle and they use their tail to vibrate dry leaves or grass sounding similar to a rattle.
On a few rides, there have been turkeys, seen by others, but not us. When we roll past, people point and say, "Hey look, a couple of turkeys." ////// Congrats to Kelly.
yesterday while riding the keystone a flock of canadian geese were "crossing" and half we on one side of the sidewalk half on the other with one almost in the center....I didn't know what to do but keep riding through. The one in the almost center hissed and flapped his wings at me!! YES, HISSED!!! Luckily I sped past, but for a second there I thought the geese were going to attack me on my bike--- whew scariest trek up to aksarben ever!
Mark Gibbons - Your o-dark-thirty ride reminds me of a line that may have been muttered in the movie Breaking Away, when the dad turns to the mom and says "Ma, you know, there's something not quite right about that boy."
@ Matt B When's a good time to see coyotes or foxes early morn or eve? Are the coyotes the one's leaving all the scat on the trail or is it fox?
ohh I love the grosbeak's song. We're very fortunate out here.
Luke! Where did you see the beavers & otters? I see turtles, eagles, hawks, brown & green/garden snakes, falcons, hairy woodpeckers, snowy egrets, bitterns, night herons, green herons, fly catchers,turkeys, pheasants and weasles, etc. all of the time. & Boy redwings are really fiesty. Saw a pair harrassing a vulture--he couldn't fly far enough away. The best --A Great Blue Heron--while on west pap near 96th. Magnificent!
Probably a Bullsnake.
Really? A rattlesnake? Did not think they were around here. Oh! I have seen otters and beavers too!
Not a bad idea, listing the critters we've seen. Skunks, opossums, racoons, rabbits, deer, coyote, fox, weasel, mink, mouse, moles on the mammal side. Multiple types of frogs and toads, also a Snapping Turtle, plus snakes on the "non-mammal" side. Great Blue Herons, geese, ducks, eagles, hawks, turkey and other types of birds (lately I've enjoyed watching a nesting Red-Breasted Grossbeak in the wooded area near Culvers). Gnats, gnats, gnats, and more gnats in the morning. Another source of protein! During the fall there are grasshoppers, crickets, katydids and Praying Mantis on the trails to avoid.
I saw a snapping turtle last week. On Tuesday I saw a rattlesnake on the path up to Walnut Creek.
5005 points - Kelly becomes our first Metro rider to reach the Diamond level. Ranked #42 in the USA!
On the keystone and papio, I have seen all kinds of wildlife - both human and animal. My favorite is seeing deer but have also seen turkeys and some rodents that weren't mice or rats but not sure what they were.... Isn't a bike ride a great way to start the day?
Apologies for this long post but have to share. We as cyclists get to see and appreciate things that our 4 wheeled adversaries do not. Example. This morning I woke up early for some reason so decided to go put some miles down (could not turn endo on until 15 miles in as it doubled my ride last night). So I ride down to the bench by culvers. Get there about 10 to 6. Am sitting there and here a russle behind me. Turn around and a mama turkey and ekght babies come out from the grass and are on the trail going up that small hill right behind the bench. You know they came to within 15 to 20 feet behind me and she was never scared. In fact they let me sit and watch till about 620. almost a half hour! It was awesome. I did not get to ride the 35 as planned since I got sidetracked by the turks but it was well worth it!! Enjoy your rides today and dont forget to notice the little things!!
For some reason woke up at 415 this morn. Figure the only thing I can do with this is ride 30 then ride to work, rinse n repeat after work for 70 mile day? Yeah. That'll work.
Ty All....
Venkat - You've really come a long way. You've become a regular "opposite" commuter for me, and it's always good to see you on the trail. Congratulations!
Chris - After swapping the stem, did you move your seat back to compensate? A short stem will alter handling while holding the bars, but moving your seat back could alter your center of gravity, and may make the bike less stable as you sit up, or try to ride no-handed. Just curious.
Thanks for the stem advice guys. I am actually using this one as test. Then putting my original back on until I can pick up an actual new one. Tip on the torque wrench is key. I did not know they had specific torques for them. I always just screwed the four plate screws tight. Never thought of them snapping.
Jerry and Chris - If the road crew is gonna leave a gravel gap, at least make the gravel white so we can have our own little Strada Bianchi.
http://www.atwistedspoke.com/13613/
Tree down across the trail coming into Seymour Smith Park from Harrison.
Mark G - Chris is right about the four bolt pattern stem, which spreads the load on the plate better than two-bolt stems. As you swap bits around be VERY careful to get the torque correct: to save weight some bolts are aluminum, or as Julie Andrews might say "alloo minny um." Not good, no matter what your dental plan. And the screws from a used stem may have been over-torqued by the last guy. Stems are NOT the place to save weight or go super-Gucci. Most shops sell an inexpensive torque "key" just for low torque applications--when we travel we toss one in our kit for bike rebuilds.
5 for 5 rides to work this week! The stars (meaning, the weather & my schedule) only align like this about once a year, and I'll take it! Have a great weekend, everyone!
Good point Christiane. It is a 4 bolt faceplate. I am going to inspect it and make sure it seems solid. Ride just a couple rides on it and if it works then buy a new stem with those measurements. I just dont want to buy a new expensive one to find I would rather have a different size.
Calling all bike fanatics! The Open Streets Omaha Downtown event on Saturday, July 27 will have quite the "bike hub" with presence from Activate Omaha, Omaha B-Cycles, The Bike Rack, Trek, Community Bike Project Omaha, bike parking and Metro. We are encouraging cyclists to make the 10am announcement at 14th & Farnam a destination on their Saturday ride so we can have a strong bicyclist presence at the event in front of the media and city officials.
We also still need volunteers: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA8A82AAAFF2-downtown
For more information find us on facebook, twitter and at OpenStreetsOmaha.org
peace, love and open streets!
@Jerry. Thanks for the Bell Loop trail update. I don't know what's up with the dirt gap section, either. Yah take concrete out, ya put it back. Seems logical.
@Mark. 3T stems are good, just don't go used. 3T stuff is typically extra lightweight, so I wouldn't go for used on a load bearing part for that reason. If it's a "forgie" (older 3T 4G) with a single-bolt clamp or a 2-bolt faceplate setup, I wouldn't do it.
@Sheila. Still laughing about the gnat+eyeball=love-at-first-sight comment...
Yesterday afternoon, I saw a couple workers on the Bellevue Loop by the Capehart Rd trailhead and went up to talk to them. They were just finishing the concrete work on the sections they tore out last week. They said they would probably remove the forms today and that section of the trail would be "open" on Saturday. They didn't do anything to fix the big gap just East of the Ft. Crook overpass though.
@Christiane - Well I am kinda going with cheap till I find size that feels right. So I found this 3T 4G 90 mmm on ebay for 15. If that does not feel right then I will try another cheap one. Then when I find what I like if I feel an upgrade need I can do it then :)
Done Deal!!!! GOOOOOO KELLY/
GREAT JOB, Venkat!
I did get attacked by a goose a few years ago. It was on the Keystone trail by the old Chili Green golf course just south of Center. Mom, dad & 2 babies were crossing the trail. Dad was chasing after another cyclist about 15-20 yards ahead of me and I made the mistake of riding between mama and the chicks. She flew up and hit me on the shoulder with either her chest or a wing. Knocked me off balance for a second, but no harm done.
Here's a link to Chris Burbach's Noticed On My BIke Ride blog: http://bit.ly/1dHACmB He's soliciting photo submissions from other riders.
The w-h online edition today pointed me to reporter chris burbach's blog of "on my way to/from work on by bicycle". Hehas been providing atleast one photo/entry per day the past 11 days. Check out what a fellow commuter notices when not trapped in a metal box.
@ Mark G. Beaver: Just chillin' on the trail ---heee hee.
@ Mark G Dude, are you rid'n in the tall grass? -- So may ticks. Glad I haven't found one, yet. Time to get some deet. YEACH--Now I'm iching all over--for real; gotta take lunch.
@ Christine--I know what u mean about the turtles :))
@ Christine- Oh yeah gnats= enie meanie major pains- hate when they get stuck on my face anywhere. And, don't have a light on-- I swear they must be thinking--" Hey lookit bright EYE over there -- yeah, the healthy one! She's winking at ME. I'M GO'N IN!!!
@Mark. I rock a Deda stem on my Roubaix. Salsa makes some mighty spicy ones. Thomson is sweet, too. If you're swapping, pls stay away from a 2-bolt (my Dimension was recalled due to "catastrophic bolt failure". Egads.) 4-bolt is a must.
@All, I will give back the board now. Sorry.
@Mark. Mighty serious stem change ya got there! 120>90 (30mm) is a big change (not being sarcastic). Have you considered a 100 flip-floppable stem?
@Venkat - Awesome work!! Keep it up. You are going to qualify with that blue ribbon 5000 pts soon!!
@Mark. Gee, thanks. Now I'm squirming in my chair. And what's with the freakishly huuuuge turtles lately??? They're like little Abrams tanks crossing the trail.
Christiane..ticks are bed this year! Been getting them on the keystone even. I think I have found over a dozen this year on me.
@Shiela. I think those red/black bugs are boxelder bugs (I call 'em Husker bugs - never seen 'em before I moved to NE). The big brown crunchy beetles are junebugs.
@Venkat. Congrats! I think we should officially declare you a fellow "bike enthusiast" now!
@Mark Gibbons. One word of caution on shortening stem length - I went with a super short replacement stem (from stock 110 to 80mm 83/97 - yeah, I know) on my Lemond and it became outrageously twitchy handling-wise. (It still is - I don't ride no-hands on that bike anymore!) I recommend consulting with an LBS person with good fit experience (i.e., not just anyone who will sell you the part) for suggestions on stem length/rise/bar angles, etc. Something to consider: If you're game, you can also try an adjustable stem for a while and play with the geometry (can't make it shorter, but you can up the rise). There are also a lot of flip-flop stems out there which give you 2-4 rise options.
@sheila..last year saw otters several times playing in creek around Karen pool. Beaver was just chilling on the trail one evening by Karen a few weeks ago. He was a little guy. @ Mark C...yes my father would concur that there is just something wrong with said boy! @ Christiane making a big stem change. Going 120 to 90. And yes...back stretches are key!
Got one for ya. What are those large, sliggish red/blk, hardbodied beetles that swarm on the Louis n Clark mid to late august? They hurt when they slam into you.
Re: Geese Just make noise or hiss back. They usually keep on going.
w/ Mark C Ohh ho hooo got jokes, today !!!! LOL :))
@Matt. Don't forget the wooly worms (save the woolies!) Heaven help riders if they ever encounter a dragonfly swarm. Or grasshoppers. Nothing like a massive (hard, justifiably angry) dragonfly to the face. Yeouch!
Yahoooooooooooooooooooooo... As of today I rode 2028.57 mi. I have crossed 2000 miles in little over two months. Here are the stats as per endomondo. I am enjoying a lot my bike riding.
March : 3.15
April :61.34
May : 254
June :1064
July :647(as of today)
For those that haven't planned their weekend rides, think about rolling over to Council Bluffs to see the RAGBRAI Expo on Saturday. On Sunday the "circus" packs up and moves to Harlan. If you haven't done RAGBRAI, or are thinking about it, this is a great opportunity to check it out. On Saturday, vendors will be set up and have all sorts of odd, cool items to see and buy.
We threw our bikes on the bus today and rode for $0.50! Today is the last day of the Ozone Awareness Days for this week, but there will be two more 4 day stints this summer! AND we spotted 15 other bikes on our ride through Midtown/Dundee this morning!
Hey, Federales ... we are having massive email issues (as in, we aren't receiving any) and we suspect that this caused break in the communication about this morning's ride. I just sent an email to you via my personal gmail account, so watch for that so that we can reschedule! :)
Hello all -- Reminder --- You are invited.... Corporate Cycling Challenge Bicycle Ride in Omaha Nebraska - Sunday August 18, 2013 --- the largest one day bike ride in the Midwest is back... over 4,000 bicyclists - be sure to sign up with your company, club or team, or as an individual -- Event is Sunday August 18th, 2013. See web site for details... www.corporatecycling.com.
Kelly's 58 points away from Diamond! Ride and smile, guy!
Thanks Christiane. Yes I can fully tell I need a stem about two thirds the length and I truly think I am good. I was a little sore going into wind this evening but it goes away really quick. We shall see. New stem for sure though
@Mark G. For similar back aches way back when, I shortened my stem on my Lemond (which are known for loooong cockpits!) It helped. I also switched out bars to a shorter/shallower bar. And I also switched saddles to a Fizik which gave me more fore/aft movement room (can really schooch up or slide back to help my back). I also endorse a good bike fit - I paid for a fit a long time ago and the data/adjustment continues to be very helpful (helped me when I ordered my Roubaix & parts for a frame-up build.) Don't forget more holistic options - Stacia at One Tree Yoga (west) is extremely cyclist friendly - she offers a great Yoga Basics class on Sunday at 12.
Me, a roadie and two friends out for some JRA time. On the same West Omaha residential street, same block, same time. I almost didn't know what to think, except "Yay, bikes!"
Appreciate the feedback guys. I may check into it. Honestly I have had no back issue until yesterday. After a week of not riding roadie but it now has slightly shorter crankarms now and my first ride after the week without it was 46 miles. I may wait a few days, keep riding and see if I get back to normal. If not then I will have to look into a fit. If I do a fit I want to be able to adjust things on the lemond to make it fit rather than go new bike route. I know height wise is good, just always felt a tad long. Seat adjustment may be a good thing too though. Thanks again!!
Mark G - Ooooh, more information. Definitely get a bike fit--a bad fit may result in a sagging spine (stressful), an overly arched spine with no room for adaption, or an upright spine (stacked vertebrae that don't react well to bumps). I wouldn't hesitate to bring your doctor in on the conversation, in fact I encourage it. And ask your doc about yoga and pilates; I have a friend with back pain that had great results with pilates.
@ Mark G --Mike's right about stretching--miraculous.
Calling all bike fanatics! The Open Streets Omaha Downtown event on Saturday, July 27 will have quite the "bike hub" with presence from Activate Omaha, Omaha B-Cycles, The Bike Rack, Trek, Community Bike Project Omaha, bike parking and Metro. We are encouraging cyclists to make the 10am announcement at 14th & Farnam a destination on their Saturday ride so we can have a strong bicyclist presence at the event in front of the media and city officials.
We also still need volunteers: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA8A82AAAFF2-downtown
For more information find us on facebook, twitter and at OpenStreetsOmaha.org
peace, love and open streets!
@ Mark C-- Never too long. Always on point.
Greatly appreicated!
Shorter stem. Not shorter fix. Sorry.
I may try a bike fit. A little spend. I may be extra sore today as I have not been on my roadie for a week till yesterday. Normally no huge issues. I know it is a tad long that I may correct as simple as shorter fix. I have three herniated discs and arthritic back so quick changes tend to need a little adjustment.
@Mark G as for your other question, I haven't figured out a way to go back to points. Just miles, duration and workouts. I snapshot our team's standings once a week so we're able to compare year over year and other breakdowns.
I had a bike fit at Bike Way. It was a very thorough process and help me mostly with knee pain. Yes, it was worth the money
@Mark sounds like you need a professional bike fit. Bike way has one--
http://thebikeway.com/articles/body-geometry-fitting-pg86.htm.
Previous blog by one rider says: "worth the money". I hear about the benefits from riders everywhere. Or just walk in & ask em. I know a lady who has back trouble that uses an aero for better comfort. I have no personal experience accept that arranging seat height & angle, moving handle bars made all the diff for me--no back pain at all.
Sorry for another long-winded post.
Done Deal!!!! GOOOOOO KELLY/
GREAT JOB, Venkat!
Here's a link to Chris Burbach's Noticed On My BIke Ride blog: http://bit.ly/1dHACmB He's soliciting photo submissions from other riders.
Mark G - Aero bars MAY help. The key to avoiding back pain is proper bike fit, flexibility and core strength, and fitness, among other things. If your fit is off you may be too stretched out and relying on your back muscles to hold you up; or too scrunched up, a "short" cockpit due to a small frame or short stem, and you look like Sean Kelly; or your seat is uncomfortable so you move around to avoid derriere pain but comprimise a good position on the bike. You may have too much seat to bar drop, where you look like a 24 year old Tour rider, but feel like you're reaching into a hole so you never use the drops. A good shop (@Bike Rack), or experienced cyclist should be able to help you with fit and adjustments. Assuming the bike fits, you can make adjustments to your posture and riding position. You should be able to comfortably switch your hand positions around from tops to hoods to drops. If not, why not? If you find that you're frequently riding with hands on the tops, with elbows locked, ask your self why; you should be able to ride with a slight flex, which provides better control and a bit of ride cushioning. Poor tricep and arm strength, weak core, prescription glasses too small? (Don't laugh, if you can't see down the road because your glasses slide down or are too tiny so you can't see without craning your neck or sitting up, that's a problem.). Flexibility is critical for me, not just stretching core areas, but hamstrings as well--if Ive been doing a lot of climbing or pushing into the wind, my hamstrings get tight after the ride, and if I don't stretch, boy do I feel it on the NEXT ride as my tight hamstrings tug on my lumbar. Bottom Line: start with bike fit. Hope this helps, or at least gives you a starting point.
The w-h online edition today pointed me to reporter chris burbach's blog of "on my way to/from work on by bicycle". Hehas been providing atleast one photo/entry per day the past 11 days. Check out what a fellow commuter notices when not trapped in a metal box.
@Venkat - Awesome work!! Keep it up. You are going to qualify with that blue ribbon 5000 pts soon!!
@Venkat. Congrats! I think we should officially declare you a fellow "bike enthusiast" now!
@Mark Gibbons. One word of caution on shortening stem length - I went with a super short replacement stem (from stock 110 to 80mm 83/97 - yeah, I know) on my Lemond and it became outrageously twitchy handling-wise. (It still is - I don't ride no-hands on that bike anymore!) I recommend consulting with an LBS person with good fit experience (i.e., not just anyone who will sell you the part) for suggestions on stem length/rise/bar angles, etc. Something to consider: If you're game, you can also try an adjustable stem for a while and play with the geometry (can't make it shorter, but you can up the rise). There are also a lot of flip-flop stems out there which give you 2-4 rise options.
Better question. Aero bars. Seems like they would help with lower back pain as you would be transferring weight off back and onto elbows. Anyone have thoughts on this?
Anyone know if their is a way to go back n see how many total points we had on certain day of the challenge?
@Corey. Good to know. I'm chartering with PorkBelly Ventures. But will enteratain riding with anyone. I have a couple friends / relatives riding the first day but I'm on my own after that.
Yahoooooooooooooooooooooo... As of today I rode 2028.57 mi. I have crossed 2000 miles in little over two months. Here are the stats as per endomondo. I am enjoying a lot my bike riding.
March : 3.15
April :61.34
May : 254
June :1064
July :647(as of today)
For those that haven't planned their weekend rides, think about rolling over to Council Bluffs to see the RAGBRAI Expo on Saturday. On Sunday the "circus" packs up and moves to Harlan. If you haven't done RAGBRAI, or are thinking about it, this is a great opportunity to check it out. On Saturday, vendors will be set up and have all sorts of odd, cool items to see and buy.
Lonny - I'll be on RAGBRAI all week long.
We threw our bikes on the bus today and rode for $0.50! Today is the last day of the Ozone Awareness Days for this week, but there will be two more 4 day stints this summer! AND we spotted 15 other bikes on our ride through Midtown/Dundee this morning!
Are any of the listeners here riding RAGBRAI? It's just a couple days away and I've seen hardly any comments about it.
Hey, Federales ... we are having massive email issues (as in, we aren't receiving any) and we suspect that this caused break in the communication about this morning's ride. I just sent an email to you via my personal gmail account, so watch for that so that we can reschedule! :)
Hello all -- Reminder --- You are invited.... Corporate Cycling Challenge Bicycle Ride in Omaha Nebraska - Sunday August 18, 2013 --- the largest one day bike ride in the Midwest is back... over 4,000 bicyclists - be sure to sign up with your company, club or team, or as an individual -- Event is Sunday August 18th, 2013. See web site for details... www.corporatecycling.com.
Kelly's 58 points away from Diamond! Ride and smile, guy!
3 for 3 so far this week! Yippy! Looking forward to riding in the The Feds tomorrow morning!!
I rode the Keystone yesterday PM and it was open at Western Ave. WhazzUp?
@Mark Crown-- thanks for the flat tire advice! I didn't know the Trek store offered those programs, and Omaha bicycle company is great-- I love their coffee. I'll ask sarah about a maintenance and coffee session set up :p
Felt soooooooo good!!!!! A little refresher during loop around airport after work.RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!
Yes, I plan on the Heatstroke 100...perhaps even ride home afterwards to make it a 135 mile day, as we did 3 years ago. Mild weather is the norm on this ride, which is crazy for Ne August. Hope to see alot of us there...perhaps a big shout out before the start for introductions.
@Mark C. Ha! about the animals in hot pursuit. I have 2 farm dogs that tag team me by the Sarpy Co. landfill. They stand lookout and move into battle position, then the large one charges dead ahead while the little one flanks. They clearly have studied canine Sun Tzu. I stink at evasive maneuvers - contemplating Beggin' Strips as subterfuge.
@Ann. Sunshowers rock! And they produce the best rainbows. Did you see one?
@ Ann: ;(( I missed it --still at work.. I love those! :))
@Ann, YES! We were walking to dinner, it was AMAZING!
The Air Force Cycling Team for RAGBRAI is headquartered at Offutt AFB. One-hundred and eleven cyclist will arrive at Offutt this Saturday for a meet-and-greet session; they'll load their overnight gear on semis, then ride over to Council Bluffs to settle in for the day in preparation for RAGBRAI's start on Sunday. Several of us locals not riding RAGRBRAI will act as ride leaders as they roll out of Offutt at 1245, head up Fort Crook and 13th Street, across the Veteran's Memorial Bridge, take the trail to 24th, then head north to the Mid-America Center. Say "hi" if you see us on Saturday.
Anyone else get caught in that freak sunshiney rain shower yesterday afternoon? FUN!
@ Christine LgMBO
Robert - While one rarely gets faster as one ages, one can always be a better cyclists: smarter, more dedicated, more confident, safer, happier, more appreciative, kinder, better form, better style, a sense of élan. Our sport has so much history worth learning. Continue to see the world with new eyes.
just got back from trek store getting cranks torqued down. trek store is awesome! game on!
Friends and I have a re-purposed expression we use when chased by a dog: I don't have to out-sprint the dog, I just have to out-sprint you.
Thanks Christiiane Ley .......I have been riding for over 3 years now; but at age 62 I have learned that you are never to old to learn. I found League's Traffic Course 101 to be quite the refresher. Once again thanks for info.
Regarding the Keystone trail closure, I had to look up where Western Ave is (discovered its between Cass & Blondo). For those who navigate by landmark like me, it's the underpass between the Roberts skateboard park and the Westside baseball fields. Seems a reasonably safe road for crossing (unlike Cass or Pacific).
@Sheila. Thanks for checking the CCC site. I thought about raiding the baggies on the ride home, too. The organizers just emailed me the PDFs - unfortunately that doesn't help everyone else much.
@Ann. Thanks for the clarification on the mtn lion. For some reason, I pictured this lion stalking you on your bike along some high-mountain trail... closing in behind you, preparing to pounce on you from behind! I think the actual story is more terrifying - talk about a compromising position! Hence I travel with bells & bear spray in backcountry (or people who are slower runners... 'nuff said.)
@ Christine: I found the link unco just now. if you can wait & ur on the K-stn- the little brwn plastic bags you see hanging on posts @ various rest stops are full of them -- the bench @ Culverson's Bridge for sure
w/ Ann That' s why you call out before u move- makes em sit up pay attention- Of course, u can always remain demure/dainty-but it could cost your life.
Thanks, ladies. Hard to make eye contact coming from behind her, but your point is well taken.
And I guess I should say that the mountain lion encounter was not on Leavenworth, but on a backpacking trip in NM last summer, and in that case I was totally at fault for hiking well behind my crew in a known cat area. Because, um, unlike RAGBRAI, no convenient corn field. That incident is called "Fatal Modesty."
And....the adrenaline surge after each near miss was incredible.
Speaking of The Force... For those riders (new & experienced) who worry that their traffic survival instincts are not as strong as they could be, please consider taking the League's Traffic Skills 101 course that's offered regularly thru the Activate Omaha crew. It's not a guarantee that bad situations won't happen, but it might make the difference between surviving a close call and successfully avoiding it in the first place.
@CCC riders. Can anybody get to the registration forms on the CCC website? I think the links are bad...
Speaking of The Force... For those riders (new & experienced) who worry that their traffic survival instincts are not as strong as they could be, please consider taking the League's Traffic Safety 101 course that's offered regularly thru the Activate Omaha crew. It's not a guarantee that bad situations won't happen, but it might make the difference between surviving a close call and successfully avoiding it in the first place.
@ Christine ---Ditto!
@Ann. Yikes!!! I'm glad you made it through safe! Sadly, I'd take the mtn lion over the bad driver in a 4000+lb car. At least I have a fighting chance with the cat.
@ Mark: Leavenworth!: You never know what's going to run into you.
@ Ann glad ur Ok--Leavenworth can be like that- I know.
It's possible you were just out of sight in her blind spot. In a situation like that--I get the driver's attention -- give a big yo, try to meet eyes-let them know where I'm trying to go. Not instinctual-- had much practice.
@ Brian C- thanx :)
Mountain lion?
This morning's near-death experience: eastbound on Leavenworth approaching 50th, I watched the light turn green but the car in the right lane stay put, brake lights on. It was long enough I would have tapped the horn in a car. I had plenty of time to check, signal, move into the left lane to pass the car. Suddenly, as I was alongside, the car suddenly turned left - from the right lane, at a no-left-turn intersection. I can't explain how I wasn't hit; she must have missed me by a hair's breadth. I can tell you this: I haven't screamed like that since I turned to see a mountain lion behind me. Lesson/reminder: cars, especially those stopped at green lights, are unpredictable!.
Onabike is an enjoyable ride. I've done it twice. SAG support isn't real good. But the 63 takes you to the top of Murray Hill, the highest point in Harrison County. It's gradual climb through rolling hills to get to it. Then, it's a long winding downhill to the bottom.
I plan to do it this year with my 12 year old, and my riding buddy.
Aug 24 2013 Onabike XXI Onawa, IA Tour is where I'll be. Has anyone ever done this course? How was it?
i forgot about csg. check with wife ,see if sunday is open. register by thurs. hope i can make it!
I am interested in the heatstroke 100. I'll check out these site. Getting ready for the 100 (94) mile ride at the Cornhusker State Games.
@Mark G. I'll be doing the full 100 at the Heatstroke, weather permitting. (We've been lucky to have super nice days - not blisteringly hot - for the last several years. Spokes crossed.)
Lauren - You are correct, you encountered your "first" flat, of many you'll fix in the coming years; nothing to fear, it happens to us all and is relatively easy to fix. Both Trek stores offers free "lady's night" maintenance clinics throughout the year. There are two stores in town, one in midtown near NFM, and one down south in Papillion. Or contact Sarah Johnson at Omaha Bicycle Company. http://www.omahabicycleco.com Sarah and her friends were outside Field Club last night on Woolworth, carousing and bringing good cheer.
///// Fixing a flat is a right of passage for all cyclists, here's how:
http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/flattiretwo.htm Whenever you ride you should have a saddle bag containing the following: Tire levers ($5), tube ($6), patches ($5), bike specific multi-tool (about $20), a few inches of rolled-up duct tape for "booting" a tire, tire pump that fits in jersey pocket (OK) or on frame (better) ($25). Options: CO2 inflation kit instead of a pump, some find this easier and lighter.
Yup. That's my goal. Full century. Gonna have to put some longer days in the next few weeks.
Mark, I'm going to be out of town but otherwise I would. I rode two legs of it last year and really enjoyed the course. GPBC does a great job running their events, lots of goodies to eat, lots of signage to give cars a heads up about riders on the course. You planning to do the full century?
So encounter my first flat tire on the OWL ride last night (i've been lucky for the past 3 years I know). Thankfully the bike way SAG support hooked me up, but got me thinking, it's time to learn how to fix/change a flat.
Advice on what I need to carry to fix it on my own, and best way/place to learn?
Anyone planning on riding heatstroke 100 Aug 25?
@Sheila. I know, right?!? Hopefully with more women riders out there rocking ALL kinds of bikes, we won't get so typecast. Some women like comfort, some like to cruise, some like fast, some like to go the distance, some like to ditch the car, some like to compete, and some like getting dirty. Or all of the above!
@Mark. I would love to see your crew at CCC. Riding there is a plus! I started the SAG wagon thing to motivate folks, and it became a thing. Otherwise, I'd ride there myself!.And thanks for the links! Alas, I had already "committed" to some $$$$ Maui Jim's (dang it), but I have bookmarked that site for future purchases. And go Team Offutt Cyclonauts!
@ Christiane Ley Love the sunglasses story reminds of the my quest for a road-bike--salesmen keep trying to sell me demure looking little pink & white jobbies that look like something onto which I would install a well-cushioned side saddle
@ Mark & Cecelia --The movie: Venkat and Sheila on the Keystone --a non-stop, pulse-thumping blood n guts thriller-yes? LOL
BTW It was great seeing you two on the trail yesterday--a smile plucked from the wind:)
First "furlough Friday." Cecelia and I rode early to breakfast, did some gardening, then rode south to Twin Creek for a movie. Saw Venkat and Sheila on the Keystone. Hauled a pizza home too.
Chris - We'll toss the tailgate idea around. Cecelia, friends and I think it's a terrific idea. Carrie, Wags, Matt and I will toss it around the Cyclonauts too. Yeah, most of the people I know ride down to the riverfront, but that doesn't mean we can't bring the party with us. My red rig is in the front of the Capehart Road cleanup pix, Carrie's is in the back. I haven't talked to Carrie yet, and even I haven't thought this through, but I think a tailgate kick-off is a super idea.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Offutt-Cyclonauts/417237041702358 ////////
For cycling RX check these guys out:
http://www.sportrx.com/shopby/best_sports-cycling.html
@When to eye dr today. Getting new rx sunglasses. Technician kept showing me all these cute, delicate, girly frames. I finally asked her "So which ones will hold up the best to stuff like bugs, sweat, dirt, being run over, getting slammed into things, getting smacked by tree branches, or skidding across pavement?" She looks at me like I'm kidding (or crazy). Clearly the woman doesn't own a mountain bike - or at least not a good one! ;-)
@Jack & crew, no SAG at CCC? Well, you're welcome to come hang at NG's tailgate, then! I'll have my SUV marked with "Team NG" - come on over!
@ Mike Sch. Thnx!
Christiane, great idea. I've floated it up to our leadership. Only practical issue I see is that we're close enough to downtown that most of us just ride down to the event. We'd need to find someone who is willing to pack stuff up, drive it down there, unpack, set up, etc., all before 8:00 start. Lacking that, tailgating for our group might just consist of grouping in one place and then do some mingling/mooching. But ya never know, we might have some party hardy tailgaters in the group who want to do a spread. Great idea, though.
Team Northrop Grumman will be "tailgating" before the start of the CCC. (Lot by Rick's Boatyard) Our setup isn't very big, but it's a nice way to meet up, snack, air the tires, etc. Are any other teams interested in setting up a "commuter challenge" tailgate row so we can meet & greet a little?
I was looking at my vehicle's odometer last night (approaching oil change time) and discovered I put more miles on my bike than my gas-guzzling SUV in June. It also suddenly dawned on me that I rarely went to the gas station all month. So, yay!!! Makes me wanna go ride to celebrate.
@Naomi. Welcome aboard! RU sure U want to wait until mile 100 to get the shorts? :-)
@Naomi - I will be riding Keystone south at about 5 pm. Might be a little late for ya I dunno. I will go about 20 miles round trip.
@Naomi- I will be riding from Offutt AFB North to the Benson Area about 430 this afternoon if you want a riding buddy. Where are you on the Keystone?
Was wondering if anyone would like to do a bike ride toward the later part of the day along Keystone Trail. I'm still a new biker and I'm trying to break in my bike seat. (My reward for hitting 100 miles is a nice padded pair of shorts!)
Who is going to do BikeMS this year??? Sign up with the promo code (SUMMERSPLASH) for only $17.76!!!
Whoa Jack--Thanks. I made it a fav.
Glad to hear you are up and rolling again, Venkat!!!
Huh? That's too slick! Thanks Jack.
Ever tried to search for a previous post on this multi-page message system? Kinda sucks, but oh wait . . . check this out: http://bit.ly/1b4dTnL
Venkat - Great news! Perfect morning for a ride.
Thank you Christine/Mark C/Mark G.
I have repaired my bike at Greentstreet cycles.They are very close to my work.
Anyways I will be biking this morning.
@julie - Cycling gods smiling on you this morn!!
On my ride in this morning, every stoplight I hit was GREEN, except for the last one. Oh, and I had a tail wind! Doesn't get much better than that. :)
@Venkat. Glad it was the bike that took the hit and not you! I hope your bike is repairable.
@Mark. Todd at OTC is very sympathetic to us commuters when it comes to repairs! He may also offer a commuter challenge participant discount (worth asking!) Interesting idea about the bike repair drop off - sadly, only the mega bike shops would have the resources to offer a shuttle, much like the mega car dealerships. Loaner bikes are a nice idea, too. I also think it would be neat if we had so many cyclists that we could support a mobile bike repair service in town... like a roving SAG for everyday. I realize it's probably cost prohibitive, but one can dream!
@Venkat - Glad to hear you are okay. Sorry to hear about your bike. Speedy recovery for you and your bike!!
I am fine, But my bike has broken badly, I need to get that fixed soon.
Venkat - I missed seeing you this morning, hope you and your bicycle recover quickly. Wrecks happen to all of us, eventually. Ensure you keep the road rash clean, and check into Tegaderm bandages for better healing. Down in Bellevue, Todd (Old Towne Cyclery) is very responsive for bike repair. Near the trail in midtown, the Trek folks are good too. Or Recycle on 46th and Center. //// Hm-m-m, here's an idea: bike repair drop off in the morning with a shuttle to work and back in the afternoon, like car repair shops do.
Wow, Venkat, I hope you are okay! When you say "broken badly" - I hope you mean the bike and not you! Take care.
Today is bad day for me.I felldown from my bike in keystone trail-between cornhusker and belvue. I am survived with two scares but my has broken badly-
Mr.Dan and other guy helped me fixing my bike temporarly
I would like to thank both of them
Carter Lake, Crater Lake--what's the difference? LOL
Chris - I tend to agree, not much "gran" in this fondo; the finish is not set up like a proper race finish, more like a gathering place. I love the fact that riders of differing abilities get the chance to ride in a rather fun and festive setting; for some this is the only exposure to group riding. Organizers should decide what type of event this is: a timed event, which would require greater distances to sort out riders and a real finish line, not a mingle space or; a celebration of cycling to bring together riders of varying abilities together on a common course. It gets sorta wacky when the go-fast gang blasts through the casual cyclists near the airport, on the way in.
Woohoo! Found a new ultegra cranlarm set! Should get by Monday. Gonna put the slicks on the heavy kona dirt jumper and still get some miles til then. It is all good too the kona will be good for goin up those owl ride hills:)
hard to keep riding when you strip your crankarm!
@Sheila & Matt. Regarding the CCC, I also wish the 3 routes didn't all funnel back together. I slow down significantly thru the "bottleneck" at the end, but I always feel like I'm dodging the minefield of potholes *and* all the returning 10/25-mile riders - many of whom are not stable/predictable cyclists. 4000 riders all converging at the end - that's a lot to deal with! I seriously hope they ditched the "gran fondo" this year - encouraging people to "race" in such a large crowd of variously skilled riders was just plain irresponsible. Pardon the $0.02.
Sheila - Several Team Offutt folks will be there. About 20+ have volunteered to be "Rangers" for the ride--we'll go out with each bunch to assist with road safety. Cecelia and I are Rangers, perhaps you'll be with us. Fun ride.
BTW Will I see anyone @ the OWL Ride this weekend?
http://owlride.org/registration/
Thanks Christine - good info.
@ Matt B & Christine. Tell me about it. I've always wondered about that. There are better routes on any Sunday. Maybe we should contact them about it. Tthey may change it for 2014.
Christianne - thanks for the update, wasn't sure where to look for the info....
@Matt. Easy fix - Bring bring a fat/knobby tire bike and aim for the potholes down the center (you'll basically have the lane all to yourself that way).
It would be nice if the CCC didn't take us through Carter Lake. Those roads SUCK!
Make sure you are signed up for the Corporate Cycling Challenge in Omaha Nebraska on Sunday, August 18, 2013. The largest bike ride in the Midwest - over 4,000 cyclists! Let's get over 5,000 this year!! 3 routes - 10 mile, 25 mile, and 42 mile. Make sure your company, club, or you as an individual are signed up! Proceeds go to trail development in greater Omaha and eastern Nebraska! See web site - corporatecycling.com for details or call -402-346-8003! Thanks and ride safe!
Andy - Thanks, we're looking forward to it. And it's for a great cause (The Phinney Foundation). By the way, here's a good book about Davis' struggle with the disease, which alternates with the story of Taylor's rise in the world of track racing and transition to the road. The description of family interaction between Davis, Taylor, and Connie Carpenter make it an easy and worthwhile read.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Happiness-Pursuit-Fathers-Steepest/dp/B008PI89D4
@Heidi. According to Feb 2013 article on omaha.com, the Pacific St. construction is scheduled to end in November. They're working on the north side of the overpass now, but they will switch to the south side next. They will also be "upgrading pedestrian access" (guessing improving the sidewalks). If that's the case, then the trail underpass will be out of commission for most of 2013.
Mark Crown,
Have fun at the Copper Triangle, I rode it in 2009, 2011 and it was the best one day ride I have ever done.
Anybody have an idea of when the trail under pacific will be done? this is taking longer than I thought it would and seems longer than when the i 680 bridge was replaced. Last night a woman in a huge white SUV considered her getting thru a red light more important than my safety...good thing I looked left first. this is getting old.
Joe Savoie - I believe we rode together during 2000 or 2001 RtR, into Frisco; wife, friends, and I are heading back there for the Copper Triangle ride. Nice to see you logging miles. (Friend of Mark Kamp.)
@ Mike & All: Whoop whoop, whoopie. All the TP u can fling. Good luck Dude. If any of us wins any mo., whataya say we celebrate with a group TP Ride--Would be so much fun.
YEE HAW... I just qualified for my Platinum ribbon this morning!! Bring on the years supply of toilet paper... LOL!!! Now I set my new goal to earn the Diamond ribbon before end of October.
Dan - That's beautiful. Sure looked like fun. Thanks for sharing.
Just returned from a family vacation in the Black Hills, including a day ride on the Mickelson Trail. We rode the trail from Custer to Hill City and back. The kids claimed it was uphill both ways, which is mostly true, as the segment peaks at the Crazy Horse Monument about halfway between the towns. Nice trail, especially when it cuts back away from US 385 to reveal scenery and wildlife. Crushed rock surface. Nice map and trail guide available from the South Dakota State Parks.
BTW, I posted a YouTube video of my June bicycle tour around Lake Champlain at http://youtu.be/lFN0KFG2OM8
Nice work Kelly!
105 miles of fat tire fun,two parades,Plattsmouth,Ne. Snack break. And a small fireworks show with the grand kids tonight.Happy Independence Day ! RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!!!!
Thank you Mr crown. End up being pinch flat with two cuts on it. Found new tube at sport authority on 72. Never went there before. Nice place
Size? I have presta 700 x 23 or 25 or 28/32. A few schrader mountain tubes. Gotta be near midtown though. And lotso patches. Let's get Mark rolling again!
Anyone know if trek store is open tomorrow? Need patch kit for tube....
Yep, I was in the reflective vest riding my Panasonic Sport-1000. Way cool story.
Scott - You and a guy in a yellow jersey? Just wave me down next time. I think I see Venkat heading north in the morning. I get on/off the trail at Ak weekdays. //////// Coolest thing happened yesterday. I saw a younger rider cruising ahead and thought I'd do an interval to catch him. Yeah right. Ten minutes later, and lots of slow downs, speed ups for oncoming traffic,I finally catch him. He now knows I'm back there and picks up the pace, but not too much, just enough to make me work. A few more slow downs, and speed ups and we settle in for about five more minutes. When traffic gets heavy he sits up, and I cruise along side. He's wearing a green and yellow jersey, we chat about where he's going (work at UNMC), he's wearing a "ChristianCycling" pair of shorts and talks about how Omaha doesn't have a chapter, talks about living in San Fran, moving here in 2009. I note his accent and don't want to be rude and ask where he's from, but we start talking sports and he mentions the soccer (football) match between Spain and Brazil. Then I ask if he's Spanish. No, Brazilian. Now the bright green and yellow jersey makes sense, and it has the deep blue globe of the Brazilian flag on the front. My dad's Brazilian, and we still have family in Rio! This totally makes my day even better. We small talk for a few short miles. Before he turns off, I ask him to sign my bike. "Alessandro. Brasil !!" Brasil with an "s" just the way my dad spells it. You never know when a great ride will occur, just get on your bike and ride.
Thanks Mark. During our ride home this afternoon, my friend, Venkat, told me we rode past you near Milt's Golf course. Hopefully I'll make your official acquaintance soon. Enjoy your 4th.
Scott - Team Offutt has worked a multi-level, heck multi-year approach to team building. You may have heard me say/write, that Ray Anderson and I were the lone commuters "back in the day." So much of what was done, and continues to be done is incremental, and done by lots of smart, enthused, willing people. Adding a second bike rack one year, then years later a third, then a fourth. Working with our fitness center staff to get a few lockers set aside. Talking to the civil engineers as the new gate is designed and gets built. Befriending and stealing ideas from shops/teams/running clubs/anyone/anywhere, Setting up a "set in stone" group ride time and place so people can put it on their schedule and tell others. Preaching the same message of: safety, fun, respect for other road and trail users, representing our sport well, helping and developing new riders, encouraging other cyclists (not just our own), never leaving a lone rider behind. Spencer, Carrie, Wags, Matt, Ray, Tyler, Bob, and a bunch of others do the heavy lifting out of love for the sport. It's not about the bike, it's not about the points or miles, it's about the rider. Concentrate on developing good cyclists, and providing them what they need (information, encouragement, infrastructure, support, donuts), and you can't go wrong.
@Mark Gibbons. The Tour de Zoo promises "dinner, snacks and refreshments plus special animal encounters during the fun-filled evening." Personally, I'm TOTALLY okay with very tame, very UN-special animal encounters, thankyouverymuch!!!
@Christiane - Sweet! We can go see my aunts, uncles, cousins!! Maybe they will have snacks for us :)
@ Mark C & Christine I Knew there was a reason Shirely St was calling me. Guess I'll be rollin back to Colon, too.
And speaking of Gibbons (both the human & ape varieties)... "Tour de Zoo" on Aug 8th. Pedal around the Henry Doorly Zoo from 6:30-8:30pm. Pretty cool!
Endomondo breaks the link, so go to www.omahazoo.com, click Calendar, and go to August 8th for more info/registration.
@Heidi. I'm interested in possibly joining a team for either RTR *or* Bike Tour of CO in 2014. (Sadly, can't swing both in the same year - damn job n' stuff!)
Heidi and Sheila - RtR will accept team applications of up to 10 riders. I was lucky to have done it with friends three years in a row, with an emphasis on "lucky" because more people apply than there are slots available; they use a lottery system to select riders/teams. Beautiful and challenging ride. Put a group of friends together and go for it! Looks like you have a team of two so far. You'll love, love, love it!
@ Heidi I am very interested!
Just curious and looking forward to 2014 - I would like to know if there is anyone in Omaha who would be interested in putting together a team / group to ride one of two rides next year - Ride the Rockies or Bike Tour of Colorado. Just checking for interest. Thanks Heidi
WOW,Prizes too ! SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks all, and thanks to all at activate omaha.It must be a requirement to be totally awesome to work there.RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!
@Scott U - Send me an email ([email protected]) and we'll share what we have. Carrie is just getting our Facebook off the ground: eventually we want to have our ride schedule, safety and commuting tips, seasonal info, and a bike swap section for the stuff we all have laying around that's too good to toss but not good enough to sell (tubes and tires for wheels we no longer have, a seat that's not quite right, unused helmet pad liners for helmets we no longer own). Right now, we work through emails, word of mouth, and paper flyers. We'd love to share whatever we have/know to help Omaha move forward.
@ Mark C. Good story--Boy have I got lot's more work to do--I'm going to try Shirley at least 3 x in a row on Sat., then once a week & build on that. It's going to be very entertaining. Showtime's between 6-7AM--bring popcorn & a box of tissues.
@ Mark C. Good story--I got lot's more work to do--I'm going to try Shirly at least 3 x in a row on Sat., then once a week & build on that. It's going to be entertaining. Showtime's between 6-7AM--bring popcorn & lot's of tissues
@ Team Offutt Cyclonauts, Todd Brisboe & Julie Harris: Thanks so much for coming out to support our monthly group ride into work we affectionately call Two Wheel Twosday. The turnout for this morning was the most we've had this season with 23 riders rolling down the Keystone to Offutt AFB. For those that didn't make it we have the next Two Wheel Tuesday occuring on 6 Aug. Contact any Team Offutt member for ride details.
Hills are where you find them. Inner City: Shirley out of Aksarben will hurt you, 25th St off the Keystone is fun. Suburban: State St north of town and 96th St rollers, Pershing Drive north of Hummel Park on the way to Boyer Chute, Rural: Highway 36 rollers to Arlington, L31 to Glenwood IA, the Omaha Trace up near Fort Calhoun. /// Funny story (and name dropping, but it’s still a funny story and you’d name drop too.) In prep for our vacation in France, friends and I would search out hills to ride. One such ride, two of us got off the Keystone on the way home from a ride south, and headed up 25th, ya know, just for giggles. I told him I usually do the hill three times, once spinning, once standing, once grinding. So off we go. After three, he says “Let’s do that again, another three.” All righty. And (not so) soon we have six in the bag. “By the way” says me, “Do you know how many switchbacks there are on alpe d’huez? Each one with a sign naming a stage winner or winners?” “Uh, I dunno,” says he. “Twenty one!” And he raises his eyebrows, and says “What are you thinking?” “I’m thinking 15 more, five more sets of three.” We simultaneously shrug our shoulders, as if to say, “Why not.” Idiots. We kept mixing it up in our three verse song, spin, stand, grind, next verse same as the first. The final slogs up the hill were filled with much more laughter than wattage. And we smiled all the way home. Hills, like good riding partners, are where you find them.
Hills!!! I shamefully pilfer a lot of shop/club routes, myself. I often borrow from LaVista Trek, Omaha Trek, Greenstreet Velo, BikeMasters, Bike Way, Great Plains BC, Blair BC, Bellevue BC, and so on... Heck, I faintly recall Mr. Varga himself hosting monthly centuries (and some doubles) out of the Bike Rack many years back. (Are those still happening, John?) When it comes to good routes, I let the local "pros" do all the route recon and I benefit greatly from their wisdom. I may not be able to "hang" with every group, nor would I want to (the Wed Nite Worlds A Group is infamously brutal), but I will gladly record their route via GPS for later personal enjoyment. I recommend this piggyback approach for riders looking for routes in unfamiliar outlying metro areas. There are also a lot of rides published on MapMyRide's website, but that requires a little familiarity with the area.
w/ Carrie: Same here, we spark each other--that's a good thing. Keep crushin em, girl. Gonna tag along, if I can catch ya. :))
Christine L., Heidi L.L., Jean D., Stacey J. Kari F., Renee, all my girls-- Flo Rydas-- Snap yuh cleats in! Crank on.
The Ft Crook Ride was truly an unforgettable surprise. It was wonderful meeting everyone. Looking forward to seeing your smiling faces again. I probably will --Yaaaaay. KeyStoneahs, BelleLoopas, Westpap, BigPap -YOU ROCK
@ Carrie: Re: John Varga's hill attack--I wonna ride like him when I grow up. Wooh
Jay P - I go to the Quail Ridge neighborhood out west right where Pacific and Skyline road intersect. It's a 9/10th mile loop. If you go clockwise, the last 1/10th is the steepest at a 25% grade (MapMyRide).
@Sheila Marsh- It was so nice to finally meet you! Keep up the hard work and riding everyday! You are an inspiration. The Ft Crook Ride was an awesome event because so many people were there to support a great achievement for Bellevue and the cycling community. To everyone that was at the event-you are all wonderful!
@John Varga- "MONSTER" you go up hills like they are flat and you are racing. My legs may never recover....It was great getting to ride and (trying to) talk to you. Thanks!
@Mark Gibbons: yes, I agree -- the ribbon-cutting was a great event as was the group roll-in from the Keystone. I was particularly encouraged by the positive comments from Mayor Stothert about the benefits of bicycling. @Scott Ussery: our team's situation (Chain Gang) is a little different than a workplace team since we already have a regular weekday ride schedule in place supplemented by a fair amount of ad hoc-ery on the weekends. As captain, I just nag at people via email to ride and log. But, I can see where a workplace team might benefit from (i) an organized ride schedule and (ii) some meetings to talk about logistics of bike commuting. There are many resources available re: the latter, including Mark Crown and the other Offutt folks who have built a very successful commuting program over time.
@Jay - A good open road hill ride down Hwy 50 to Louisville or farther. I ride from 96th & Hwy370 to Hwy50 to Louisville and back about 33 miles.
A question to team captains out there. Do you have activities planned out for the challenge period? If so, did the team help come up with them or a smaller committee? Were team and individual goals recorded to gauge progress? We've put together our plan for "managed growth" but would like to learn about other ways to grow teams, enthusiasm, and upper management support.
@markc- had to check since youasked. gibbons r considered primates or apes. different than monkeys as they have no external tail. gibbons are known as one of few apes that hangs out in trees. we both learned something tonight:)
i would have to rank ft crook ribbon cutting as a success! it was also good putting faces to names. @ mark crown - seriously cool cannondale you have sir it looks tough as nails!
@ Mark G LOL
@ Mark C _- Sounds Great
Hill training? Oh gosh no. Can't do that. No no no no no. Hills are only good to look at! Avoid at all costs! Lol.
Where do you go to hill-train?
Well, now that someone brought it up, we should have a party at the end of the Challenge. And Carrie's back, yet another reason to celebrate.
Hey Guys: Carrie's Back!
Hey Carrie, wait for me! :))
@ Kelly: Shoot nobody has to tell you to go. Awhhh what the heck---GOOO KELLY!
Well done!
I'll be joining up with the Stinson Park crew at 5:30 tonight to ride to the ribbon cutting!
Wait...there is going to be an end of challenge shindig? Woohoo!
Way to go Kelly, wear the "maillot brew" proudly! Bring it to the end of Challenge shindig, and we'll all autograph it. Before my Cannondale goes to the big velo drome in the sky, I want anyone who's ever ridin with it/me to Sharpie it. O-o-o-oh, I'm bringing a Sharpie tonight and get things started
I'll be e-mailing the winners of the local prize drawing today!
Woohoo Kelly!! I think I saw only two Nebraskans won anything. It is a good thing we have the self satisfaction prize!!! LOL.
One thing I was thinking...they should throw a couple spigots on the south side of the trail. I always, and I mean always run out of water!!
Kelly won a Sierra Nevada jersey! Congrats Kelly!
Second. I move to accept by acclamation. All those in favor?....Opposed? Motion passed. Done.
I hearby nominate Mark Crown official publicist / spokesperson for bicycling.
@ Mark: No worries friend we know what you meant----VRRROOOOOM :))
Took not room. Damn autocorrect.
Gotta love the Lemond. So comfy. Room mine out for sixty and a smile today. Can't wait for tomorrows ride on Ft crook!
@Mark Crown. It was nice meeting you, too! Thanks for doing the "dirty" work along the trail. I appreciated it. I tried to pay it forward today by sweeping glass off the 96th trail. Speaking of my Lemond, I always take G out for some climbs & sprints during Le Tour! (Luckily no run-ins with busses or errant dogs so far...)
And a shout out to Chris Ley, who I met on Friday. Great meeting you. NIce to see you riding a bike with a head badge of a great American cyclist. Allez, allez Chris!
As cyclists, and more importantly, good citizens, our actions and deeds will set us apart. I have no problem with Rodgers' opinion, ill informed as it is. As more cyclists get on the road, if we act confidently, with concern for our fellow cyclists and others who share our roads, it will become obvious what the right side of this issue is. If we treat this as a conversation, instead of a debate, if we concern ourselves with acting with integrity and pursuing what's right, treating those that disagree with us with respect, this will all shake out in the right way. I realize this is preaching to the choir, but by working together, representing the history and culture our sport with integrity, our voice will be heard. //// I hope many of you had the opportunity to enjoy this perfect riding weather. Me? Guys long ride on Saturday, couples ride ending at Louis M's on Sunday. What's not to like?
I was unaware I was not paying my fair share of road repair and winter plowing...I was wondering where all that extra money was coming from. Thanks to Kay Rodgers for explaining!
Seriously, I venture a guess that 95% of cyclists also own a car and pay our fair share of taxes like Ms. Rodgers.
Jack Mayfield - Thanks. In regards to your request to meet at Aksarben and ride south on Monday, I'll be heading north from Offutt to the rally point at Twin Creek.
All - For Monday's event. The gravel road that parallels the Keystone to 25th is OK. For roadies that are hesitent to ride gravel, we could go down the trail to 25th where there's a short 30 foot stretch of gravel and direct access to 25th; I cut through there all the time when I want to do some hill work on the way home. Both ways will require smart crossing of 25th to get rolling north; traffic tends to come three to four cars at a time, not a big, steady flow. Either way works--we'll figure it out Monday night, probably all go the same way. You'll like the new bike lanes on Fort Crook! For those that plan to stay out late and party, you can always meet the Offutt group at 6:45 the next morning, same rally point.
Very nicely said, Mark Crown. I agree with Sheila. Those idea seeds need to be strewn about, and hopefully, they will take root somewhere.
Although I have not qualified for free TP yet :(
@Christiane - Yes the self fulfilling stuff is nice and all, but I mean completely superficial FREE STUFF!!!! Like lights or jerseys, or the best one.....toilet paper!!!
@ Christine & Mark . Your responses are so well thought out. I may be late/slow, but Mr. Rodgers @ OWH Public Pulse deserves to read these. Perhaps it's too late for him(we are prejudging when we say so, though). However, others tempted to think along the same lines/ or future stakeholders might benefit from your point-of view.
@Sheila. Hah! I'll have that mile tonight rolling out of my work parking lot. I just didn't want to bridge from gold to platinum until *after* July 1. If you win the TP, toss me a roll!!!
@Mark. Mr. R. lives in the same 'hood as my grousing coworker (so I get this IN person!) Let's just assume he's not a social change agent for the greater good. I don't think that area is "healthy" in the community-building sense. Don't let the Mr. R's of the world spin you up too much! But if (ok, when) they do, aim all that energy at a target that we can change!
1 July Kick-off Ride in Bellevue - Fort Crook is transformed! I rode north and south for several miles and felt at ease and comfortable with traffic. It's very different having the whole right lane dedicated to bicycles; it's a super shoulder, or mega lane. The route from Keystone and Twin Creek is quite easy to get to Monday's kick off, winding through neighborhoods, with one major intersection to traverse at 15th and Cornhusker. 901 Fort Crook has a huge, 30 foot, inflatable red, white, and blue eagle in front--can't miss it.
I'll recon the route tonight. See y'all Monday, 6:00, Keystone at Twin Creek.
@Jack - I may leave before that. I'm a big rider, not quite so fast! HAHAHA!!!
Thanks Mike
For those interested I will be at the bench by Culvers Bridge around 5:50; departing @ 6. I plan to use the route on this map (http://goo.gl/maps/qzs1D) because it will take us through bike friendly residential areas, keeping us away from major traffic areas; except for 15th & Cornhusker intersection. There is a short section of gravel roads using this route so if we have riders that cannot ride gravel then you will need to take the Keystone down to 25th St then ride north to get back on course. There's no need to acknowledge if you're coming or not; just simply show up and be ready to leave by 6.
@Mark - I'll roll out southbound from Stinson Park at 5:30 if you (or anyone else) wants to ride down to Culvers together. See you either there or at Culvers.
@Jack - sounds good at culvers..
@Mike Wagster & Mark Crown: if you can confirm that time and location (6:00 pm at the bench by the Culvers bridge), we'll work on rounding up some Keystoners to join your roll-in party.
1 July Kick-Off Ride in Bellevue. @Sheila - (1) You can get off on Cornhusker (fast and busy) and go east a mile or so, then south. (2) Get off on 370 (also fast and busy, but shorter distance and wacky clover leaf to navigate) with a shorter ride over to Ft Crook, and go north. Neither has a direct "on ramp" to the trail. (3) At 25th Street, take the ramp off the trail, roll through the gravel a bit, take 25th to 370 (wacky clover leaf again), then east to Ft Crook. All have shoulders. When I roll home tonight I'll actually go to 901 and work back to see the best route. ////. Mike has a good idea, Keystone cyclists could rally on the trail, near Twin Creek, and roll in together. Say 6:00pm?
@ Sheila: Try this route: http://goo.gl/maps/qzs1D I plan to ride there myself going the same way. The only major intersection to worry about is S. 15th St & Cornhusker b/c it's right next to Walmart, etc. However, I'm confident in my riding skills so I will just be extra careful in that area. If you're interested we could meet by the park bench next to the Culver bridge then ride over there together?
@ Offut/ BVW: Once I leave the K-Stone what's the best rte. to 901 Ft Crook Road?
I suggest getting the City of Omaha Roads Dept to talk with the NRD to come up with a solution. Tell them this area as well as other underpasses on the Keystone could be considered a safety hazard if a person using the trail happens to fall due to the wet mud flowing across the path.
BTW - The same problem exists underneath the Hwy 75 bridge along Capehart Rd. All water from the road system drains through a 4 inch pipe then washes down the bridge embankment into the soil, eroding the soil and causing mud to flow into the bike lanes. I think a solution for this problem would be to contact the State Hwy Roads Dept.
@Mark Crown - Thanks for the input on Kendas. Since my current tires are actually down to the cabling (or whatever it is called) had to go ahead and order yesterday. Got the Kenda Kadence. Also, thanks for clearin up the mud. Know that your efforts are actually appreciated by hundreds of folks!
That was me under I80. Unfortunately, I'm a few days late in attempting to clear the mud--it's been packed down and dried out, so now it's like concrete. I walked up the incline to examine the issue; seems like the water runs off a battered street to a support column, then down the muddy embankment, not to the nice smooth run-off area. A long term solution would involve fixing the street; short term would involve sand bags. In the mean time, it's a shovel./// Anyone have a clue as to who to contact? I'm guessing the city of Omaha since the street is the problem.
and speaking of trail adoption.... saw some cycllist under the i80 bridge on te Keystone on my way to work today. He was getting the mud up off the trail... whoever you are THANKS!
@Venkat,Again,AWESOME MORNING TO YA! So glad you got your bike taken care of by Mike at RECYCLE.He rocks!!! If I can ever help ya,please feel free to call anytime. RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!
Mark G. - In regard to "Kenda" tires, I've gone through several sets of their cross tires, and they seem to hold up well. We could start a thread about our favorite road cycling magazines (Peloton, Road Bike Action, Paved, probably in that order for me. I like Peloton best because it talks about the back-stories of cycling, the sometimes obscure stories that make cycling so great, like travel, food, wine, beer, cycling culture, old races, good testing articles, and it isn't heavy handed with the quest for new gear). I came across an issue from last year in Road Bike Action: here's their on line review for the Kaleinte. I'm partial to he Continental 3000, now 4000 because of good road feel and durability.
http://www.roadbikeaction.com/Product-Reviews/content/65/4964/Tire-Test-Kenda,-Michelin,-Continental-and-Maxxis.html
Did somebody say Donuts? I'm in . :) I'd love to ride along with Team Offutt on Tuesday!!! Thanks, all!
Two Wheel Twosday. Anyone on the south end of the trail, on the first Tuesday of every monty, is welcome to stop by and say hello. We meet on the Keystone Trail, at the Twin Creek bridge, at 0645. Those of you heading to Offutt and points south can ride along. Our goal is to meet and encourage new cyclists, renew friendships, and help new Offutt commuters safely transit from the trail, to the road, through the Offutt AFB gate, and to their place of work. Donuts are known to magically appear. Mark
Adopt-a-Trail. Team Offutt is moving out on the adopt-a-trail idea. We've made several phone calls and sent out some emails to lay out the ground work. Things to think about and get right: legal considerations; NRD involvement; signage; outreach to teams, shops, organizations; mapping; working with city planning/streets departments where necessary; social media and web presence; sketching out the rules (hopefully, simple) and responsibilities (simple and safe). We're at the beginning of the beginning stage. Eager minds, skilled hands, and good ideas welcome. Mark
@Julie Harris: You are more than welcome to join us for a ride along to Offutt. In fact, next Tuesday, 2 Jul, would be a prime time to do this b/c every 1st Tuesday of each month we have a group ride into work we affectionately call "Twowheel Twosday". Please send me an email if you want to join us so I can provide you more details. BTW - Great story about your ride with Beth to the CWS!!
Thanks Kelly. Yesterday I got my bike servicing done at Recycle Bike shop.
@Scott. Hopefully there will be future "trail adoption" opportunities for those of us who are chainsaw-deficient. It's best that I limit myself to equipment that can merely maim (weed whackers, hedge trimmers) or bludgeon (shovel) versus amputate/decapitate (Sawzall).
@Scott - Glad to hear someone cleared the path of that tree. Had to go under it last time I was by there.
Rode South Omaha and Field Club trails today. Boy, did they get trashed with the last storm! Trees and branches strune everywhere. Someone was nice enough to take a chainsaw to the trees that laid across the trail so now you can pass. Maybe the time for this "Trail Adoption" thing is now.
@Venkat,Awesome morning to ya,just would like to let ya know if you have not got rear wheel or bike looked at,please give me a call at Bike Rack 402-333-1031. RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY.
Kendra. Not DRA tires
Is anyone riding me DRA tires? What are your thoughts of them. Thinking of getting either the kadence or kaliente. If anyone has experience with them some input would be helpful......
Just back from a long weekend in Colorado; thought I'd check in to see the chat. Lot's of involvement! Way to go Omaha! I'll post my miles tomorrow. Colorado, down south towards Del Norte, South Fork, and Monte Vista is under a veil of constant smoke from a massive 70K acre fire to the northwest. Rides had to take into account the wind, not for the usual reason, but for smoke--so bad you could taste it, watered your eyes, and obscured the mountains. Still, riding in Colorado is a treat, as some of you that just returned from RtR know. /// A thought, as I see all the involvement, and concern about our cycling community: is there a way to continue this "forum" after the Challenge? Slide over to Omaha Bikes? This year, we have a lot of electronic espirit de corps and motivation, it'd be a shame to lose it come September. We should keep moving forward--adopt-a-trail, cycling advice, etc /// Finally, after Colorado, I have one question: Who turned on the humidifier?
Thanks Alex. Buffo info!
So sorry to hear about the nastiness that Kelly encountered on the way to work. Keep smiling and pedeling anyway my friend!
@Kelly. Sorry to hear you got something chucked at you by a driver. All I can say is, karma is a B*. Glad you didn't let it get you down.
@Madison. For long answer, please check your email again. Short answer: Okay, I'll go! <rubs poor arm> ~Chris
@Sheila, Alex, BBC'ers & All. I hope to go to the Ft Crook bike lane ribbon cutting & ride on Mon. 7/1 at 6:30pm (weather & work permitting.) Anybody riding to the ceremony from the Keystone (at Culvers or farther S near 370/75)? I could use some company. (I'm also dreading possible local reaction and feel safer in a flock.) I realize we'd be jumping the opening by riding the bike lane to get there, but oh well!
Hey Christiane! Will you e-mail me at [email protected]? I'm trying to schedule our LCI Training class and I haven't heard anything back from you yet, which might mean I have the wrong e-mail for you. Thanks! Madison
One minute ago
@ Alex B- Thanx./ @Mark G
God-willing I'll be there to help celebrate and, much to the chagrin of one Bellevue bike-hater commentPOTATER, I'll be wearing my FACNY RIDE'N DUDS!!!! . Good for Bellevue, good for all. YAYYYYYYY!!!
@ Sheila here's more info about the opening of the Ft. Crook lanes...
The City of Bellevue and the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce will host a Kick-off Bike Ride on the new bike lanes which have recently been added on Ft. Crook Road. This ride will be held on Monday, July 1st with a brief presentation and ribbon cutting at 6:30pm followed by a bike ride at 7:00pm. Riders will meet in the parking lot of Marathon Ventures which is located at 901 Ft Crook Road North which is adjacent to the bike lane (next to No Frills in the Southroads area). This event is open to everybody and will include a 10 mile bike ride led by Bellevue Mayor Rita Sanders. This will be a great opportunity for the public to try out the new bike lanes for the first time and learn a little bit about the project.
Fort Crook Road was formerly known as Highway 75 and it held the distinction as the first divided highway in the State of Nebraska. It was originally built to connect the South Omaha city limits to Offutt AFB and it was finished December 8, 1941, the day after the attacks at Pearl Harbor.
The Fort Crook Road striping project is a road conversion which is the first road diet on a former State Highway in Nebraska. This project will convert the existing six lane roadway and reconfigure the lanes to 4 vehicle travel lanes and two bicycle lanes. As part of the Fort Crook Road Redevelopment Plan, Fort Crook Road was identified as having excess right-of-way in terms of vehicle capacity along Fort Crook Road, which is due largely to the decreased traffic counts on this road after the JFK Freeway was constructed.
This project was payed for by an 80/20 split with the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR). The City of Bellevue seized a grant opportunity through the Metropolitan Area Planning Association (MAPA) for part of its portion, which allowed for this striping project. The City and Bellevue Chamber also received financial contributions from local organizations and businesses including the Bellevue Bicycle Club, Offutt Collision Repair and Beardmore Chevrolet and Subaru. This funding allowed the city the ability to utilize the excess right of way for the purpose of facilitating multi-modal travel, and is in accordance with our Complete Streets principles. This is an exciting opportunity to make the roadway safer for all modes of travel while connecting trails and routes near the southern portions of Bellevue into Omaha.
The Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and the City of Bellevue are excited about this project as an economic development tool along Ft. Crook Road as well. More and more businesses, such as Pay Pal in LaVista and the new Ameritrade building in Omaha, are looking to locate near bike trails. Such a location helps to encourage their employees to ride their bikes to work which promotes a healthy lifestyle. The City of Bellevue is fortunate to be located right next to Offutt AFB, which has a large number of personnel that ride their bikes to work on a regular basis and we will continue to work on projects that will encourage this type of transit.
The City of Bellevue’s Public Works Department has announced that construction will begin June 17th, 2013 on reducing Fort Crook Road from a six-lane roadway to a four-lane roadway from Railroad Avenue to Highway 370. This project is designed to create bicycle and pedestrian trails by removing the outer lanes of Fort Crook Road. The outside lanes of Fort Crook Road will be striped and signed as a dedicated bike lane where the road is currently six lanes. From Highway 370 to Capehart Road the trail will continue as the shoulders of that section of Fort Crook Road will be striped and signed for a bike lane as well. Striping will be performed during daytime hours and symbols and signs will be placed during the overnight hours. This project is scheduled to be completed in fifteen working days. If you have any questions about this project please call the Bellevue Public Works Department at 402-293-3025.
@ Christine, Offut, All: We should all commemorate completetion with a celebratory ride-- Bellevue--let me know when-I'll be at the party!!! YAYYYYYY!!!!!!
Bellevue.net 6/24/13
"City of Bellevue to Open Haworth Park on July 3rd
The NRD Bellevue Loop Trail from Haworth Park to the 13th Street Trailhead will remain closed until repairs on the levy are completed."
This sounds like the loop trail will officially reopen part of the way due south. Am I correct?
I now have a small bruise on left arm biceps from a object thrown from a car heading east while I was heading west up Maple St. this morning .I still had a AWESOME RIDE TO WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bike-haters: car-potaters--Off-road, got no time for em! LOL
Haters: spectate'n car-potaters.
bikehate comments always crack me up. there is much hate in this world and this is such a minor thing to get angry about. although it is fun to troll the haters on those boards.
@ Christiane. I contributed my thoughts. Don't know if my comments have been posted, but not necessarily surprised by the comments. I'm a Bellevue resident so I have some passion in this. As I said in my posting, one thing I've learned since getting into cycling 4 years ago is that cyclist can never win -- on the trail systems and roads. Encourage others to post their comments as well.
@All. I heard that the new bike lane has been painted along Fort Crook Road in Bellevue. (Told to me by a rather grousing, displeased Bellevuan, no less. Sheesh!) I'm not letting anyone dampen my excitement of the news! (The rain on the other hand - that got me good this morning!) Looking forward to riding the Ft. Crook bike lane when it's officially opened.
http://www.bellevue.net/Home/CityNewsDetail/TabId/105/ArtMID/1532/ArticleID/305/Default.asp
FYI: Check out the comment hate on that article. Stay classy, Bellevue!
Oh I must have misread it. Well hopefully we can get into second overall soon.
@Mark True for June; NE still #3 for Challenge Period.
Nebraska took over #2!! Way to go guys! Lets keep it up!
@Matt - I just had my bike tuned up at OTC and it is a solid 4 to 5 days wait time. Todd does great work, but he has a lot of bikes in his shop right now.
Unfortunately at this time of year, I think you're going to find wait times. People tend to wait until the last minute to have their bikes tuned. A personal recommendation is Olde Towne Cyclery in Bellevue. I've always had great service from Todd. But like most other places, you'll have to wait. He too is at about a week with all the bikes he has waiting.
Thank You Mark
@Christiane - yes it is updated as of this morning. Yay!!!!
@Venkat - Two stores come to mind. Recycle bike shop on 48th and center. They do decent work. ALso, I would recommend the Trek store by NFM. Everytime I go there I walk out of there super happy. It is always a pleasant experince and their service prices seem reasonable.
I have trouble with my bicycle. I need to get the servicing done. I tried calling Bike Rack for the appointment. They said they were busy this week.Also they asked me to leave the bike there for couple of days. I don't want to do that now. Can any one suggest me good place to fix the bike. Back wheel needs some adjustments. Please suggest me.
@Mark. I think Endomondo is sluggish today. It happens. I don't think anyone's totals are updating lately. It's probably a server-side issue. I'm guessing Endomondo is lightly staffed on the weekend. I would check back tomorrow.
That was weird. Endo did not give me my pts for the day. Did they stop counting cycling, sport and are only counting cycling, transport? I know they did that on local leaderboard but they were counting sport cycling on national.
@Venkat. 3000 miles is a awesome goal for the 2nd half of 2013. I have a yearly goal of 4000, but hope for 5 - health & weather permitting. (Helpful tip: Don't forget that the clock rolls back and we "lose" an hour of daylight/warmth in the fall so "budget" your late fall/winter miles accordingly.) I wish you much luck and a strong tailwind at your back!
@Mike. We need to keep the Handlebar Happy Hour going. It's a moral imperative.
@ Venkat--Congrats! May the next 5K be just as much fun!
@ Christiane: I'm bummed about the lack of HHH as well. Maybe we can form an informal HHH soon? What are your thoughts?
@ Venkat: Awesome achievement of 1K miles in 5 weeks of riding! I'm right behind you in my monthly mileage for June; currently at ~650 miles with a couple of long rides scheduled for later this month. I hope to break the 1K barrier before end of June!
Changing subject: Yes, it was Mark Crown you saw clearing the trail. Team Offutt has introduced an adopt the trail venture where individuals, teams, workplaces, will adopt a section of the Omaha Trail system to ensure it stays clear of debris, etc. We are hoping Activiate Omaha and NRD will endorse our idea and give everybody the green light to adopt a specific section of the trail. More to follow on this subject as it develops.
Thank you Christiane, Scott. When I have started, I do not have any Idea how long I am going ride. But now I have a goal,I want to complete 3000 miles this year.
Also Yesterday i have noticied one rider (I believe it is Mark Crown) is taking care of water/mud in the Keystone trail. Kudo's to him.
@Julie - re Electric Assist Bikes - I have had the same experience in a limited fashion. The electric assist bike I rode was quite heavy (like you said - a sherman tank) and was very cumbersome to peddle. The electric assist came from the power I generated by pedaling, so IMHO, if they help people to pedal - let them count the miles...
Wtih 9 days left in the month it will be interestiing to see how many people in the Omaha area bust 1000 points. It could be a record setter - keep pedaling!
Michael S - I rode with Michael yesterday morning and 'saw' him carrying his 'saw' on his bike. He shared his intent of cutting the limbs; wow, what a difference this morning. I will try to get out there and sweep off the glass.
Great to see this committment!
Congratulations, Venkat! 1K miles in any month, let alone your first month back in the saddle, is a great accomplishment. Have your set a 2013 goal yet???
That's a great accomplishment! And you're a good rider recruiter. May your tires stay full, your chain on, and the wind at your back. Ride On!
I have completed 1000 miles today in about five weeks time. I am very happy with my performance. I strated biking last month after 18 years.
For those going along Blondo between 120th and 132nd - the limbs from the trees have been cleared and much safer route. Now if someone would take a broom and sweep up that glass along the route...
Have fun jack!
Another reason to keep riding. Gas taxes are increasing almost two-and-a-half cents per gallon in the state of Nebraska.
Greetings from the beautiful Sandhills where the sounds of tent zippers and muted conversations signals the start of Day Three of the 2013 Tour de Nebraska. Today's ride will be 76 miles from Callaway to Holdrege, into a headwind. Yesterday's ride from Loup City featured some incredible Sandhills scenery. Great vibe among the 211 riders. Host communities have been extremely welcoming to a herd of bicyclists. Life is good.
great ride fromLiv Lounge tonight! Relaxed atmosphere, good times. Thanks to Dave for putting that ride together.
@Mike. HHH is no more??? What bar doesn't love a colorful flock of middle-aged folks bedecked in spandex and clackety cleats descending on their fancy ultra-lounge patio on a hot summer Tuesday night??? You're bringing me down, M.
@Sheila. My thoughts exactly. I'm sure this form letter is very similar to the one issued to silence the folks clamoring for Haworth to reopen. I can't speak about the levee, but the trail itself is in virtually the same "condition" as before the flood - cracks included. As long as the barrier remains, I will respect the NRD's prohibition.
@Mike & all our other trail sleuths! Thanks for investigating the trail closure and especially to Mike for soliciting a response from NRD. It appears that there are big gaps in progress on repairing the trail (likely revolving around funding). I guess that happens - this just seemed like an exceptionally long delay. The reality is that the trail system isn't a priority compared to the flood control levees and other infrastructure. I think we can all understand that distinction. I guess I was being too optimistic in expecting the trail to open in conjunction with Bellevue's Haworth Park (estimated Memorial Day 2013). In the meantime, I will gladly keep exploring the rest of the metro!
Thanks for the post Mike:
Key Phrases: "The Corps of Engineers" and "little control"
OK
Mike - thanks for posting the Bellevue Loop response.
Here is the response I just recieved from NRD (Natural Resources District):
June 20, 2013
Mr. Wagster:
The Bellevue Loop Trail is closed due to the following reasons:
1. In 2012, after the 2011 flood, the NRD was removing debris (sandbags, etc.) from the levee where the trail runs. In addition the NRD was removing silt from adjacent ditches, on top of trail, etc. This process extended thru July 2012. In addition, Bellevue was cleaning up and repairing the adjacent Haworth Park area. It is unsafe to have trail users and equipment cleaning the trail, etc. at the same time. In addition, trucks hauling debris, etc. were on this same trail.
2. The Corps of Engineers started levee repairs in late fall 2012 (after we acquired more land rights, which took a few months) and still has an open contract with 2 contractors to complete the work, including operating equipment on the trail. As a result of wet spring the work has been delayed a few months. We expect that work to be completed in next month or two. We have little control over their schedule.
3. The City of Bellevue has recently acquired bids for replacing over 200 cracked trail panels, some of which was caused by the flood event equipment use and subsequent cleanup and levee repairs. The NRD is cost sharing on this trail repair. Bellevue anticipates this work will be done by late August. It is unsafe to have removed trail sections and trail use at the same time. Our desire is to have a "safe" trail prior to reopening it. It will be reopened as soon as trail repairs are completed.
We recognize that the trail closure has been frustrating to trail users, but we all have to remember that the levee experienced a historic flood and it takes time to recover. Thank you for your patience.
Martin P. Cleveland, PE
Construction Engineer
Papio-MRNRD
8901 S. 154th Street
Omaha, NE 68138
402-444-6222
402-315-1707 (direct)
402-895-6543 (FAX)
More info for NRD can be found at: http://www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov/partnerships/nrd/papio-missouri_nrd.html
Delete Sheila Marsh
One minute ago
@ Christine-- I wrote the Bellevue Mayor with your comment- didn't sign your name, just said many of us feel the same. Also, reminded her that , whien at the Mayor's Ride, she was presented as an enthusiastic proponent of a bike accessibility for Bellevue & Metro. I'll post her response.
FYI -- I just sent an email to seven NRD and Bellevue officials asking them why the Bellevue Loop remains closed and when they expect to have it open. I will post their reply once I recieve it.
Mike : What's NRD?
@ Christiane: I know and have witnessed many people that have ridden past the barrier. They report that the trail is completely clear with the exception of a small area about 200 yards east of the Fort Crook underpass. IMHO there is no reason that the Bellevue Loop should be closed!! I will contact the City of Bellevue and NRD to query why the Loop is not open.
I like the idea of an un-official group ride. It would be fun to meet the high mileage people such as yourself. I don't think Omaha Bikes is sponsoring HHH rides anymore; at least their website doesn't show any scheduled for 2013.
MEET-UP & RIDE, ANYBODY???
Okay, gang. I'm tired of riding by myself... same route, same scenery, same cracks in the pavement... it's gettin' old - and it's not even July yet.
So, I think we need to have an informal social ride sometime in the near future - a totally UN-official Omaha commuter challenge meet-up, so to speak. Anybody game for something like that, possibly before July 1st? I'm not sure if HHH is still going (4th Tuesdays), but I'd like to actually roll around Omaha with folks... Holler if you are interested in planning something w/me. Thanks.
The Bellevue Loop has been closed for nearly 3 years now. We've gone thru a flood and a drought and all other trails have long since been reopened. Notice there's little information about the state of maintenance/repair on the Bellevue Loop. Is anyone else not OK with losing that entire section for 3+ years??? I ride to the barrier and turn back (don't want to break any laws) and it upsets me EVERY single time.
@ Christine: The City of Omaha Page wasn't exactly clear who concerned citizens should write re: Biking-Omaha. So, I wrote Omaha Bikes for advice yesterday morning asking what we could do to keep the momentum going. I'm thinking that the response can be found in the "Omaha Bike Update" (see sidebar)
@ Mark C like the idea. Will be glad to help out between Aksarben & L on the North side.
Lots of mud under bridges on the big papio between pacific and q street.... i will volunteer to adopt that segment. Not sure what the under passes look like on the big papio north of pacific. Any takers for that part?
For this application I kind of wish there was an e-shovel.......
So I'll just "bump" it my self. And let me add, it's kind of fun, and devoid of controversy--there's no such thing as an e-shovel, but there is a me-shovel.
All - We've put forth an idea to Active Omaha and the City of Omaha (Carlos) to have teams, local bike shops, organizations, and active cyclists adopt-a-trail; similar to volunteer groups cleaning up highways. This would only involve general housekeeping like sweeping, clearing mud, perhaps shoveling snow off a bridge; all when safety and conditions allow; no structural fixes or "skilled" labor. We're waiting on feedback. But y'all can chime in and let us know what you think of the idea. //////////// P.S. We've already done this thrice: Once along Capehart Road, and twice under I80, the train bridge, Cornhusker, and a few other places. Hauling brooms and shovels on a bike is easier than one would think - and you get lots of strange looks.
I would adopt the Bellevue Loop if it wasn't closed for no good reason. Also, I couldn't keep up with trash collection at the La Platte Rd bridge. Can't figure out if it's "run off trash" from the Papio creek or if it's the fishers. Would like to think it's not the fishers.
Also, did anyone see the news story about NFM and the City of Omaha constructing a $600K bridge at NFM? Isn't there already a bridge there?
@Mark Crown. It's kind of a bummer that your comment about a possible "Adopt A Trail" concept got quickly buried in the thread today. (Would bump it if I could... Maybe Julie can mention it over on the AO thread >>>) I hope the idea gets some traction in the Omaha area - especially with the help of AO and City of Omaha. I think it's a great idea!
@Corey. Good points! I considered the whole "what else conveys an advantage?" question, too. My carbon road bike is waaaay lighter than the MTB, cross, or hybrid "tanks" on the bike rack. Sometimes I feel like (okay, I know) I have the unfair advantage!
Great discussion here folks. All good points. And I must admit, I have not ridden one so I am just speculating!!
I don't think another category for ebikes would be appropriate. The idea seems like it was predicated on the notion that ebikes require less effort to ride than regular bikes. I'm not too sure that's true, (see Julie's post on the right), but let's say for sake of argument that it is. That would mean that those who only ride on flat roads at say 9 mph have an unfair advantage over someone who rides several hills at 20 mph. It wouldn't be too much of a stretch to then start asking to weigh the points based on amount of climb and average speed. That doesn't seem to be in the spirit of this "challenge".
As Julie pointed out (over on the sidebar >>), those e-bikes can bring their own challenges. I agree that we should all "ride and let ride" or as Kelly says "RIDE and SMILE EVERY DAY!"
I, for one, am very grateful I don't (yet) need that kind of "assist" and don't mind sharing the points, er, I mean love! ;-)
@ Tim - The Big Papio Trail underpass at Pacific Street is currently closed for bridge reconstruction, and AFAIK, there is no approved detour through that area (other than walking over grass into the Regency Apartments parking lot). They are getting close to completing the westbound side of the bridge (will be closing off the bridge all day Sunday to pour the new deck on that side), and will probably have it reopened by early next month. Once that happens, the sidewalk on the westbound side will be accessible from the trail, and can be used to detour over to the 105th Street light, cross to the Cancer Survivors' Park, and catch the continuation of the trail to the south. I've had to use alternate routes myself because of this mess; my normal routes more or less follow Pacific from points west toward the BPT.
I agree with both points on this discussion about ebikes. I like Christianes point about getting people out to ride any amount at all is very valid. That was why I commended her. I really thought it was valid. I did not want to come off as too competetive but I kind of view the NBC as a fun competition between us all. That said, I think the E-bicycles kind of tarnish the competition aspect. So the hybrid idea of Mr Wagster should be implemented in my opinion next year. Have one category for traditional peddlars and one for e-bike/asst bike peddlars. That way the competition is level while not excluding those that ride assisted bikes.
I would like to weigh into the conversation on e-assisted bikes... I agree that Christiane has a valid point concerning the reasons why e-bikes might be used for riding; especially with regard to handicap persons who need assistance. I’m pleased to see people out riding, regardless of their physical abilities. But at the same time I also feel that e-bikes are not equal to traditional pedal bikes because they assist the person with riding; whether they’re used to make climbing a hill easier or extending the distance a person rides. The whole point of the National Bike Challenge is to get people riding to improve their health and well-being.
However, the challenge is also about competing against other riders, workplaces, and communities for bragging rights. And if e-bikes are being used then the rider is not putting in an equal amount of work as compared to those that ride traditional pedal bikes. Therefore IMHO I feel they should have their own category for next year's challenge and not be counted as equal to traditional pedal bikes.
Christiane - Fair enough argument :)
Scott - I dont know if they do drawings every week or not. I have been meaning to go this year but have not yet. I went last year once and it was pretty informal. No need to check in at the varsity if I remember correctly. Need to be present to win? Not sure, but Liv has great beers, so why not be !! Hehehehe!
@Lauren & Mark G. I'd like to weigh in on the whole e-bike thing.
As I understand, most e-bikes are "pedal-assist" bikes (i.e., not 100% externally powered) - meaning the rider is typically providing some % human power. For example, the bike provides 25% external power & the rider provides the rest. The rider can also provide 100% human power, as well (no assist utilized). So, e-bikes are still bicycles if the person must provide some degree of human power to propel forward.
I think e-bikes belong, and my reasoning goes like this... If an e-bike gets someone riding (when otherwise they wouldn't ride at all), then why shouldn't their miles count? E-bikes are a great resource for limited-mobility people - so they can participate with full-mobility people! Same goes for people with extreme bike commutes... at least they are riding, even if it's with pedal-assist. I'd hate to see a blanket rule saying "no e-bikes or other pedal-assisted bikes" because it's anti-thematic to our cause and excludes riders - which may exclude the differently-abled or disabled. The mission of this challenge is to get more people (of all abilities) out biking and reducing out collective dependence on combustion-powered vehicles - and e-bikes support that.
If it really upsets people, perhaps Endomondo could add yet another ride classification (pedal assist) - that way pedal-assisted bike riders get acknowledgement for their rides and the community knows that pedal-assisted bikes are being utilized. (And perhaps it will raise awareness that people are utilizing e-bikes for transport and may even lessen the stigma against them.) Frankly, I'm good with just 1 category: bicycling.
IIMHO, we should aim for inclusion, not exclusion. In the long run, the points don't mean a thing... but more bikes and more bike *riders* mean everything.
Does anyone know how the Liv to Ride ride works? The Aksarben Village website says it runs Thursdays from 6-8 pm. Do you register, what are the drawings, where are they held? Need be present? Do you check in at the Varsity when you reach there?
Mark G - Congratulations on recycling a classic--the rake/trail of those old bikes really shows the mindset of the builder.
Fergusons ( fergusonsbikeshop.com ) on Leavenworth can get a bike painted for about $600 (wet paint, high quality) or $200 (powdercoat, still pretty glossy and tought as nails). And Sheldon Brown's site (RIP) (Harris Cycles) is a great resource and place to get lost in cycling jargon and esoteric information. //////////////////
All - We've put forth an idea to Active Omaha and the City of Omaha (Carlos) to have teams, local bike shops, organizations, and active cyclists adopt-a-trail; similar to volunteer groups cleaning up highways. This would only involve general housekeeping like sweeping, clearing mud, perhaps shoveling snow off a bridge; all when safety and conditions allow; no structural fixes or "skilled" labor. We're waiting on feedback. But y'all can chime in and let us know what you think of the idea. //////////// P.S. We've already done this thrice: Once along Capehart Road, and twice under I80, the train bridge, Cornhusker, and a few other places. Hauling brooms and shovels on a bike is easier than one would think - and you get lots of strange looks.
@Heidi. Thanks for explaining what you've noticed. I saw that the Omaha Bikes blog has been rather inactive recently, too, and that worried me. It's a good organization and I hope it continues. I agree that we need to keep our mission going regardless!
I did attend the meetings for Omaha Bikes over @ Mammel Hall and was told that the group wouldn't be meeting as in the past. There is still a website but I don't see much in the way of updates/blog additions. I think the intent is to start meeting again but the better person to ask would probably be someone at Activate Omaha. I simply don't know what the future is for this group.
I, as a citizen cyclist would like to see that we either formally or informally provide the needed input to those who want to cycle but for whatever reason, think they can't. This blog seems to me, a great way to reach out to those who know the "best way" to get around by bike. Hopefully we can educate others (not sure how) about some of the better routes as opposed to leaving them to fend for themselves. Google maps has some great suggestions but really think some of them are just plain dangerous. 90th street is one such route..... i wouldn't ride it Heidi
Thank you Jad. I kind of figured I would keep all the hardware when I take the fork off, so the stem should still work I would think. And then just equip it with Velo Orange french thread headset. I believe it is original stem.
@ Lauren - I agree with you completely. Mopeds and electric assisted bikes are not the same as good old pedal pushing.....
Christiane - Thank you! My main goal is keeping the old fork. I canput a new fork on it but the old french bikes had a long sweeping front fork that is just not made now. Really adds some style to bike. I am taking the fork off to redo bearings and I want to get the frame dipped flourescent green :)
@Mark Gibbons. I converted a French threaded Gitane to a three speed a couple years ago. I installed velo-orange's French threaded bottom bracket. They make quality things and it has worked wonderfully. The bike had a replacement fork that was English standard so I did not need a headset. The only problem with the French standard fork is that you will need a french diameter stem. (A French stem is slightly smaller then the English standard 1'' or 22.2). The Sheldon Brown website will give you the details and is a great place to start for your forum/facts question.
@Heidi. When you said "Omaha Bikes isn't meeting now but that doesn't mean we can't continue to do the good work of that group" - forgive my ignorance, but what does that mean exactly? Is everything okay at Omaha Bikes? Thanks for the clarification.
Question-- as someone brought it up yesterday while I worked the bike valet.
Are electric assisted bikes able to be considered for mileage the same as self-propelled bikes (good old peddle pushing)?
If not, rumor is at least one person is using this type of transportation and logging it as normal commuter miles. I suggest if this type of bicycle isn't welcomed by all to be counted equally as "commuter miles" from a self-propelled bicycle, this issue should be addressed; if not this year then at least next year.
Thoughts would be welcomed, or a clarification of the rules for logging commuter miles/bike miles in general. As I think if it's electric assisted...then it's really not legit peddle power, and shouldn't be logged the same way. That's like logging running while you're on a Segway (in my opinion anyway).
@Mark Gibbons. I suggest talking to Todd at Olde Towne Cyclery in Bellevue. He rebuilds/mods a lot of vintage bikes of that era, including 1-spd conversions. If he doesn't know, he could probably point you in the right direction...
@ Tim - I know the Big papio trail will hook into the keystone. It goes all the way from just west of Hefflinger park.
@ Anyone - I am converting a 1970's peugout to a singlespeed. I have found french threaded bottom bracket and headset made by a company VeloOrange. It sure sounds like they will work, but has anyone on here worked with them or know of a good forum to go onto to ask?
Does anyone have a route from 103rd & Blondo to the Keystone?
I believe our "movement" starts with getting people on bicycles and riding and showing the city that yes, you can get around Omaha on bikes and there are other safe routes in Omaha (besides our bike paths). I would like to hear about some of the "routes" that offer east/west alternatives to the standard Dodge St, Pacific St, Center St that everybody takes. Omaha Bikes isn't meeting now but that doesn't mean that we can't continue to do the good work of that group. Just to get us started, I would like to suggest 2 routes that could be bike boulevards: 144th to 120 on Eagle Run Drive to Stonegate and 90th to 72nd on Arbor/Martha/Woolworth/Hickory. There have to be others out there you all are riding -WHAT ARE THEY? Let's get those routes collected and posted somewhere. Thanks so much for any consideration you can give this effort. Heidi
Points,No Points,All you velocipede riding,alternative transportation lovers,and anyone else who wants to join us. keep on RIDING AND SMILING EVERY DARN DAY!!!!!! And we will all live longer,stronger,happier lives for it.ENDOMONDO,ACTIVATE OMAHA AND ALL THE AWESOME PEOPLE INVOLVED ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AGAIN,RIDE AND SMILE.KELLY L. SMITH
Yup, it's working. Just deleted today's ride, saw the updated, lower points total. Then added it back in, for the new total.
@David - Does it appear in your "Log Miles" page, over in the left column, if not it probably didn't get updated. And don't worry about breaking Endo; I've monkeyed around with it in the winter just to see how it works, adding trips, adding miles, more trips, subracting miles, then subracting trips, all on one day. It works pretty well, just really slow sometimes. Try adding another 1 mile trip and see what happens; if it didn't take your first "Log Miles" entry you should see a 21 point bump in the standings: 1 point for mileage + 20 points for the day's ride = 21 points. Once again, you won't break it; if you come back tomorrow and see double points for today, and say "Doh, that ain't right!" you can still fix it by deleting a ride.
@David. Endomondo is flaky (more so last year - it's gotten a lot better!) I'd give it time. You still rock - updated points or not.
Hey, anybody else having trouble getting their points updated today? I recorded my mileage 20 minutes ago, and my total points remain the same, and my position on the board hasn't changed. What's up?
Hey, anybody else having trouble getting their points updated today? I recorded my mileage 20 minutes ago, and my total points remain the same, and my position on the board hasn't changed. What's up?
@Sheila and Everyone Else! I think it would be nice if we could get an official meeting with the Mayor Stothert, arranged via one of our bike advocacy groups like Activate Omaha or Bike Omaha (that would give our voices more "weight") - and then have a bunch of cyclists ride together to the Mayor's Office for the meet-n-greet. (Something to consider, Carlos & Julie & Madison!)
I think the *new* Mayor needs to see (in person) that we exist and there's a lot of us... and that we deeply care about alternative transportation issues in the metro.
@Dylan. You know, someone needs to test out those B-cycles... I wonder how fast someone can push 'em on the flats. (Downhill might be deadly, though - I think they weigh more than a Prius.)
@Todd. Glad to hear that you dodged the raindrops this morning - by fate, chance, divine intervention, or perhaps pure luck. Usually it doesn't work out that way, but hey!
@ Kelly Lee Smith--Glad we gotcha!!!
@Sheila. That sounds like a good idea - keeping bikers & pedestrians "visible" with the Mayor's Office! When you find the address where to send letters, post it here. I normally am not a big fan of lobbying in the grand political sense, but we kinda need to keep our little, but vibrant grassroots thing going somehow - and if that means doing a little local "lobbying" to foster our collective interests, then will do.
OFFUT AFB Cyclonauts and The Dundee Chain Gang--Rockin' the Roads!!! Numbers 10 & 17 in the nation, respectively. Great Job!!
@ Christine--Keeping my fingers crossed, too.
@ All- If others are feeling the same way, maybe we could all write Stothert's Offc.; get letters published in the newspaper-- let her know that we're still here; that this is not a phase O's going thru, but a Metrowide TRANS-formation. I'm writing--that's that! Who's with me?:))
Dan and Christiane - Thanks for the inputs on urban cycling. As a midtowner, many weekend rides end up rolling through Aksarben, and we'll frequently stop for coffee at Jones Bros or Wohlners. On warm, sunny mornings you get a beautiful picture of what good urban design looks like: people walking, children playing and splashing at Stinson, the Farmers Market bustling, and bikes coming and going everywhere. The mood so vibrant, the pace relaxing. // I actually like cars a lot, but each mode of transporation has it's role in moving people. Downtown Chicago/New York, you couldn't give me a car, it's cabs, busses, trains for me. My son spent 4+ college years in Chicago without a car--just a CTA pass and a beater bike. Vacations are usually by car, unless it's to the coasts. One mode of transporation to meet all urban needs is like playing golf with nothing but a driver... or putter. Multimodal is the way to go. And Omaha appears to be going in the right direction.
Great commute this morning. Good thing I did not check the weather as I might have decided to not ride. Had a bit of a detour this am as I had to give blood on the way to work. As it went I was down to 25th street and heading south toward Erhling Berquist to the lab for my draw when it just started to sprinkle. By the time I worked my way through the line at the lab (had to wait 10 min for them to open at 0700) then just 5 minutes to get it done. Finished and headed back outside. It was wet and clear for the Moment. I got wetter between the Clinic and the Base from road spatter than from anthing falling from the sky. Nice ride and just thank the Good Lord for the detour that keep me dry.
We have a lot to be thankful for in the Omaha metro regarding our biking/pedestrian infrastructure. Sure there's a lot more that could be done, but we have seen noticeable improvements over the last 5-10 years. I moved to Omaha from KC, which is not very bike friendly. I meet people from out of area and they think I'm kidding that we have good riding here. I hope Omaha Mayor Stothert continues some of the initiatives that former Mayor Suttle got rolling. Fingers & spokes crossed.
And since I was out east, drove the gas powered vehicle to northern New York to bike around Lake Champlain. Fantastic scenery, some monster climbs, and great commraderie with my 70+ year old father and my cousin visiting my great-great grandfather's hometown in Quebec. The two disappointments: not seeing many other touring riders and the maps and route markings haven't been updated apparently in the past 10+ years as political priorities change. The group that published a bike friendly map around the lake doesn't have the funding to overcome copyright issues to distribute a map. New York State, which published a fantastic bike route map under the Pitaki administration hasn't updated it since. The Vermont state road map doesn't show county roads that are part of the signed route. And Google Maps shows roads that don't exits. Notwithstanding, great riding. Hopefully the bicycle gains Omaha made the past few years won't be wasted.
Just returned from Pittsburgh where bike lanes and routes within and in/out of downtown are prominent. During breaks at my conference, I got a few miles in each day on the paths along the three rivers. The coolest thing was the number of people on bikes at 10pm coming from the evening concert reopening of the fountain at the 3 rivers point: young adults in droves (and even some "more experienced commuters" like me) returning to their Aksarben Village and Midtown Crossing-type neighborhoods 3-5 miles away. If cold weather hilly Pittsburgh can do it, so can Omaha.
@Ann Gentle and all other rollin to colon riders.Had a awesome morning to ride and a great bunch of riders for a great cause.I always look forward to being around to help wherever and whenever possible.There is nothing better to this man than doing ride support.ONLY TIME YOU WILL SEE ME DRIVING A PETRO FUELED BEAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY. Well,GRANDCHILDREN ALSO RULE!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously though, that would be so much fun
@christiane - B-Cycle alleycat, GREAT idea!!! I love it. Who else is game to do a B-Cycle race?
P. S.
Will send pix ;)
@ Christine--LMBO! I knw wat u mean re: thinking twc. The watermelon & eggs didn't shake u, huh?! Hey, that gives me an idea. I just discovered a new use for the baby trailer the kids aren't using--- SOMMMMbodyaa stop meyyyyyyy!
B-Cycle racing--u'v discovered a new sport :)) luv it!
I kid u not, some New Yorkers have found a way around paying for the the B-cycles already, by using them as stationary bikes. New Yorkers--gotta luv 'em.
Even better, B-cycle Alley Cat race... would be rather insane, agonizingly slow, and of questionable legality, but such concerns usually don't dissuade most urban cyclists.
*Disclaimer: This is sarcasm. No racing the B-cycles, please. (If you do, post pics.)
If someone rides to the nearest b-cycle kiosk, locks up their personal bike, rents a b-cycle, and then "transport" rides somewhere and back, they should get quadruple bonus points... or, at the very least, bike-geek bragging rights. Just saying...
@Sheila. Too funny. The one upside to shopping-by-bike: less impulse purchases (Do I really need that cute floor lamp on clearance? Uh, not that bad.) My SO has caught on to my "transport" trips to SuperTarget and he knows we live at the top of a hill, so he starts asking me to bring back obnoxious items in my tiny backpack: gallons of ice cream, big jugs of laundry detergent, 30-gallon Rubbermaid totes, 12-packs of soda, watermelon, eggs... I drew the line at the rotisserie chicken.
HEY GANG! We know you all have your own bikes, but we (Omaha B-cycle and Live Well Omaha) want to encourage everyone to get out and try bike sharing! We have two stations in the downtown area during the College World Series. One at the Chamber Plaza on 13th and Howard and the other on 13th and Mike Fahey (across from the stadium) If you catch us during staffed hours we will give you a FREE ride pass. More people on bikes makes Omaha a more bike-friendly place! Come down and say hello!
And I have to say a big shout out of thanks to KELLY (I know that was you) and all the SAG support on RtC yesterday. More cowbell!
(I know how to fix it. It just made me laugh.)
Thought I was changing my ride from "Transport" to "Sport" for Rollin' to Colon yesterday, but somehow would up with part not measured, part "Transport," and about 10 miles of "Aerobics." Pretty funny.
@Christiane - Can't remember who said it, or the exact wording: The bicycle's noblest purpose is transportation. That's one of the "challenges" of the Nat'l Bike Challenge: to think differently about transportation and cycling. Congratulations for thinking differently, and think of the points as a bonus.
@ Christine -- Guilty- Ha! if I had a driveway and a mail box at the end of it, I'd be dangerous. Seriously, though, that's what it's all about. I don't always feel like dodging traffic for those short jaunts, so, I'll walk instead (after having been duly chastised lst yr. for hopping into my car for a 3 mi or <). Besides, it's just as good 4 me. Way to set an example, Christne! Your best points, yet!
@Carrie Best of luck with your back.You are so tough and pretty,you'll be back in no time.God Bless. Ride and Smile
I felt genuine guilt for riding to SuperTarget (less than a mile from home) for transport points today - so I punished myself by buying 2 gallons of juice, several pounds of produce, and a box of granola and stuffing them in my tiny Osprey backpack and taking the up-hilliest route home. Ironically the box of granola pushed me over the edge (damn pointy corners).
Christiane, where's the "like" button when you need it? ROTFL!!
Welcome back Kelly! Rollers are fun--still don't know how people can do them no-hands though.
@Carrie - E-e-e-easy does it with back strain. Hope you have a quick recovery.
Learning to ride rollers - often learned in conjunction with patching drywall & painting.
@Carrie. Wishing you a strong and speedy recovery.
Thinking of you Carrie and hope you feel better quick!
@ carrie. So sorry Carrie. Please take care.-Hope u'r back heals really quickly.
@ Mark - Pure wisdom- thanks so much- gonna use it.
@ Kelly - Sure is good to hear from you man. Roller-need that, gonna do that.
Flo-Rydas Keep Crush'n
O-Rydas......Crank on!
I want to send a giant thank you out to all the bikers,runners Tami and Tina(?) and people in cars who stopped to help me this morning as my back decided it did not want me to move another muscle on the way into work this morning. Morphine makes everything better...Keep riding!
Gotta love ladies on bikes!!!!!!!!
Want to improve both spin and the ability to ride a perfect straight line.ROLLERS rule,and not near as boring as a trainer.Ride and Smile Every Darn Say!
Christiane - Indoor cycling is "pick your poison". Some like the thumpa-thumpa social disco of spinning class (not me.) Some like trainers (torture devices). Some can tolerate rollers (10 to 20 times a year for me, tops, in the dead of winter.) Throughout the year, I have fun focusing on being a better cyclist. When out, for what can be a normal commute or trip to the store, pick a skill or facet of cycling you'd like to improve. In fact it's the short 45 to 60 minute commutes that I use to get "better", with the longer weekend rides focused on fun/racing/socializing. Improve your spin with high RPM drills, one-legged pedaling, or alternate 60 seconds of lifting/pulling/pushing. Early or late in the season, when the sun casts your shadow off to the side, check and improve your posture and position on the bike. Embrace headwinds as an opportunity to fine-tune your position in the drops. Break down the skills into understandable, manageable buckets and pick one from a bucket to work on riding to work, and another set of skills riding home. Here are some of my "buckets": safety and rules of the road, aerobic capacity, strength, posture and position, aerodynamics, pedal efficiency and spinning, power output, developing top end speed, descending (kinda tough on the trail), climbing efficiency (ditto, gotta hit the road), understanding/discovering your anaerobic threshold and raising it through the spring and summer. And that's just what you can learn on the bike; there's a whole lot to learn off the bike, like history, mechanics, picking vacation destinations, or piecing together your dream bike. Oh, and let's not forget part of being a better cyclist is setting a good example and encouraging new cyclists. I'm, ahem, a young 56 and still learning and enjoying the process/journey after 30+ years of cycling. There's always something new to learn. (Last weekend I learned Leo’s has a nice breakfast, up in Benson—made for a slow ride home.) Have fun, share the joy!
I did spin class at the Papillion YMCA for a year. Not a devotee. (The 5am Y clique was like Heathers/Mean Girls in spandex... just saying.) I can maintain a high RPM (90+) on the spin bike, but I forget everything when I go "outside". Same thing happens on my trainer stand (assuming I use the damn thing even once a year.) Rollers are not to be spoken of (death traps that they are...)
The only thing that's really helped is commuting - I go at my own pace, I try to enjoy myself, I pay attention (more) to my form, and I'm not out trying to catch the mythical A group (like a greyhound never catching the mechanical rabbit). My cadence is slowly improving - it's just not ideal and likely never will be... much to the dismay of my knees (and my physical therapist).
Moral of the story - don't pick up bad habits in the first place - they are a b* <ahem> beast to unlearn. And rollers are the tool of the devil. And never wear a jersey to spin class - even if you biked there.
Well, I often say I feel like I'm 12 again when I'm biking! So, here's to cycling keeping us young in body and spirit! I'm a believer!
@ Big-gear mashing Christiane: I think a great way to learn to spin faster is to go to spin class in the winter and get comfortable spinning at 100+ rpm. Doing so certainly picked up my cadence outdoors and changed my approach to hills. Aspen has a cool thing: membership with group classes is $30 / month (no long term contract) but you can put your membership into standby mode for 6 months / yr (i.e., during prime riding season) and pay only $7 / month then. Great deal for riders. Spin world is kind or a weird place if you're a "real" rider (or what spin class regulars refer to as an "outside" rider), but there are some things to be learned there that can be beneficial outdoors.
Hey guys-- I'm 56 w/ two GRANDchildren ( I fully expect to show them the ropes). Been transporting, before it was cool, for a blissful 27 years---came to the sport side 10 years ago----Im hopelesly in luv w/ cycling. It's kept me happy, strong & healthier than most of my peers and some younggins, too!
FLO-Rydas ---keep CRUSH'n O -Rydas Crank On
I turn 51 in 2 weeks; have 3 kids ages 8,10 and 12. Been riding for 27 years and feel better than ever, racking up more miles now.
Kids are starting to show cycling interest this summer too.
My 8 yr daughter loves biking also, we do some rides to, but she is not ready yet for a 60 mile ride on the weekends.KEEP ON PEDALING!!
So true Heidi, I have 2 young kids in baseball, basketball etc. and finding time to ride is very tough.Thats why I started commuting 6 years ago just to get some miles.
Since we all seem to be "out there" with the ages, I would like to note that with 3 kids, all very close in age, it wasn't until they were old enough to drive that i really started to even have time to ride with any consistancy - 57 for me.
Thanks so much Mike, I will be looking for you and Dave this afternoon.
Peggy, I second what Christiane says, so many times I have been amazed at what others can do. I am a young 45 and feel like 30, plan on riding into the sunset in about another 60-70 years. Keep riding on girl! Good for you Ann!
@Peggy. I'm 36. I've been humbled enough times by "masters" age friends that I've learned to never underestimate a cyclist based on his or her age (or size/shape, for that matter). Many riders get stronger (and wiser) as the years and miles roll on...
@Peggy I'm 42 and hope to be riding when I'm 102! I'm a slowpoke, but love to ride & do it year-round.
I'm moving up the leaderboard now, too, with the better weather, so put me on the list of women - I'm 22 locally and happy to be getting close to being part of the elite group of riders listed earlier! I'm curious about the age of the other riders, being "of a certain age" myself and interested in age range of the other women riders. (Hint I'm in the 60 and up group myself)
@Mark & Sheila. Thanks for the advice. Even my recovery rides tend to get a little ambitious. (I blame Strava and my inability to turn the damn app off.) I'm a notorious big-gear masher (ave cadence 70), so I just need someone to ride next to me and shock me repeatedly with a dog e-collar every time I start grinding...
@Carrie - Good lord, woman!!! (re: the winter trail clearing w/the BOB) That's insane - in a good way!
@ Heidi -- Dave Petty and me will be doing the bike valet parking with you tomorrow afternoon. IDK the exact location for this year but last year it was directly in front of Goodnight's Pizza and right next door to Greenstreet Cycles on Mike Fahey St. between 13th & 14th St. Click on link for map details: http://goo.gl/maps/IKKbU
See you tomorrow!
@ Carrie: Now that's committment! Go Carrie!
Christiane - Remember "ride hard, rest hard." Take your rest as seriously as you take your training and riding, and soon you'll be flying. // Carrie's a rolling endorsement of women cycling. Shoulda seen her when we cleared the Capehart shoulder of winter debris. Did she drive down from Benson? No-o-o-o-o. She rode down with her B.O.B. trailer, hauling a broom and other stuff. Awesome!
I signed up to help out with the bike corral/valet parking for tomorrow at CWS. What is the exact location for tomorrow? Is it different from the other days?
Carrie, that would be awesome! Can't wait. I'm inspired! Got my sights on a few candidates. Wish me luck.
@Christine re: high miles- Eat right-rest well, crank t'platinum- u can do it!
@ Mark u'r always encouraging- thnx. On ya left :)
To all my Girls. FLO-Rydas ---keep CRUSH'nnn!!!!
And thanks for the shout out. We have a nice bike community growing here!
It makes me grin ear to ear when I see the women climbing up the leaderboard!!! This high mileage is doing a number on me, personally, but I'm gonna try for a strong June...
Go girls, go!
Sheila, I am working on getting more women riding, so far I got 5 more women to buy a bike and ride this year and it is only June! By the end of summer, we could have at least 25 women in the top 100 spots, wouldn't that be nice!
Shall I sat it? Yes!
@ Chrstine Ley, Heidi Leigh Lynam, Renee Carter, Carrie Mc Gill, Angie Elkenberry,
Girl POOOOWWWEERRRR!!
after ten ays off and aweek in georgia it felt great get back in the saddle again!
Hey- luv u'r new team name OAFB. Keep up the good work Cyclonauts!!
Thanks for the reminder, Lonny! Here's the link - please sign up to help, if only for 1 shift! it's a great way to give back. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4EAAA72DA75-bike1
There's quite a few open slots to help with the bike valet at the CWS. Here's a chance to give back and enjoy the CWS environment.
Thanks Mark, I am determined to continue cyclling every day at least few miles and good number of miles weekends.
Vamsi - I hope you enjoyed your ride. Thirty-three miles is a great distance, especially on your first day cycling. Enjoy!
This was my first day biking. Venkat padala and myself covered 33 miles today and we are planning to do same thing tomorrow also.
This was my first day biking. Venkat padala and myself covered 33 miles today and we are planning to do same thing tomorrow also.
Portland Design Works Danger Zone Tail Light/. keystone/belleloop
Found light on the trail this am. If this is yours, please tell me who makes the light and if you have an idea which trail.
National Rankings: #3 Nebraska is closing the gap on #2 Wisconsin. Top Nebraska teams in national rankings: Offutt #14, Dundee Chain Gang #15, Great Plains #16 out of 1,898 teams nationally.
Hi All! We're ready to open Volunteer Sign Up for this year's Bike to the Ballpark project. Please spread the word to your teammates, friends and family - this is a fun and easy way to be part of the atmosphere of the CWS while also providing a service that helps make Omaha more bicycle friendly. Click on this link to find all of the details! http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4EAAA72DA75-bike1
Hope you guys and gals on BRAN are having fun!
Biking Breakfast top 10...Leo's up in Benson then a cup of americano at Omaha Bicycle Co. Leo's Island platters put everything I love, hashbrown, biscuits & Gravy, eggs etc all piled together. OBC is a great local bike shop with great tips from Vince and getting the what's up from Sarah. The trip up is one of the best. Jump off of the keystone and head through Elmwood Park pick up Happy Hollow Blvd to Country Club Ave and figure the rest out until you get to Benson. The fact that I also get to visit my grand daughter along the route makes it all pretty wonderful. All in less than 20 miles round trip.
OK, now John Varga jumps to the top. What makes me think that won't last long, once Smith logs in after his commute in to work... he's taking the long way into work, by way of Argentina. Love everyone's spirit!
Just thought I'd mention the current leader on the board is Mike Wagster, who rode 200, yup, two hundred miles in the Dirty Kanza on Saturday. He won't brag, but someone's gotta point it out. 200 miles on the dirt roads of Kansas. Dayum, that's impressive.
E-mails have been sent out to the May winners of the LOCAL challenge. We followed the point scale for bronze, silver, and gold (transport miles)! Check your e-mail everyone!
Went for a nice guys&gals ride this morning. Stopped at Tussy's in north Omaha for breakfast, after enjoying that long downhill on 36. Super food--waffles, fresh omelets, biscuits and gravy... Oh, and a very slow ride home. Dixie Quicks has the same challenge of a slow ride home. Other great post-ride breakfasts: Lisa's Radial, Amato's, Louis M's (ooh, the green chile). Others? Do share.
Today, a 2 hour ride, 'stop to play' trip with all three daughters...wow, a perfect adventure!
Ahhh, right you are, Nate. Thanks.
Jack and Mark, if you want to view totals instead of just June, be sure to select "challenge period" for your view instead of the month at the top of the leader board listing. Drop downs right above everyone's names.
I notice that too, Jack. I got up early to check the weather, and saw someone rode a mile, very early in the day, and jumped to the top of the leader board with 21 points. I thought, "You go girl!" Awesome!
Interesting . . . for Leaderboard purposes all of the points totals reset to zero on June 1. Was that really supposed to happen?
Grouse n go? Ride n snipe?
We ride light, pack'n tight.
Ride n smile.....
smile and ride........
Thank you for the clear underpasses friends.
@Matthew Bittner and Mark Crown . . . Offutt team is a class act. Thanks for your work on the underpasses. Excellent idea about the adopt-an-underpass program. We should all pitch in and do our part. I'll mention it to our fearless leader, Craigie. (One of our guys did clear a path through the ice last winter on the permafrost stretch north of the I-80 bridge.)
Thank you so much for clearing the sludge!!!
We had fun clearing the trails up north, and down south. We also had an early Spring road crew clear Capehart Road. The people not only cleaned with brooms, shovels, etc., but also ended up having bananas and donuts as their reward.
Maybe we should start an "adopt an underpass" program?
Phil: It is great to have your kids liking the biking experience as much as you do.It's something I can share with my daughter as something different and enjoyable then all the other sports.
Andy: finally getting my 8,10 and 12 year old daughters out this year. Their comments > I love the gears, I feel so free, how far can we go, can we go along Bob Boozer < make me so proud. I look forward to a Ragbrai with them soon too.
Great to see!
I second Jack Mayfield's thanks to the rider(s) who has/have removed the slick mud from several underpasses. I noticed that the Keystone Trail under Cornhusker was much cleaner. And it was a spectacular morning for a ride!
RIDE AND SMILE, in the words of a well know and well respected legit person.......
The I80 shoveller was part of Team Offutt-North. The Southern roleurs are taking care of Cornhusker and Capehart. // For logging miles, we all know this is a challenge, both to ourselves and as a cycling community; a challenge, to increase the number of riders, act as cycling embassadors, encourage safe riding, change the community's mindset to look at cycling as a means of transportation. The miles are just one indicator of a thriving cycling culture, and perhaps one of the most boring measures of success. Where'd you go, what did you do when you got there, who'd you ride with, learn anything new, how was the weather, whadja eat after the ride, pass on any good tips, learn any, did you practice that new pedaling technique, how's your spin, got any tips to make intervals more interesting, any ideas on how to improve our trails, good routes to pass on, are the apple trees in bloom on the Trace, what's it like riding with that Cat 1 guy? Once you ride enough, the miles are merely part of the process. Imagine this conversation "So you went to Paris? How far is that?" So back to logging miles, like a fast, tight paceline, let's trust each other. Some of us log early in the day accounting for both trips of a commute, some log days late because they forgot or are busy, and some log early. Like a good paceline, trust allows us to swiftly move forward together.
yes, Kelly is legit. NOTE: logging your miles has a common standard which is to log miles during or after, not before the ride. Otherwise we may have a not "so legit" person logging before they ride--- then what do we do?
RIDE ON KELLY!
What a spectacular morning to ride!
Also, thanks to the rider who was shoveling the slop off the Keystone trail under the I-80 viaduct this morning (and perhaps other places).
If anybody knows Kelley they know all his miles are legit. He rides his Moonlander or Pugsly everyday, in 100 degree, the 0 degrees and the snow. Plus he is the best bike wrench in the city. ..... RIDE ON KELLEY
Don't shoot the messenger, but for whatever reason I was checking my placement on the leaderboard. Then I decided to look at the top ten people and see who many miles they ride per ride. Well looks like the top leader Kelly Smith has already ridden tomorrow morning. Just say'n........
@ Scott & Andy--Thanks for the guidance guys.
@MarkCrown - many thanks for organizing the underpass clean up! Greatly appreciated.
Andy - Have fun at RAGBRAI. Make sure the Air Force team gives her lots of stickers. Wearing the AF jersey, riding two-up in a long, long line, into the final town was one of my most memorable cycling experiences.
A couple of quick points: 1 - Andy I like your picture. Cycling at that age is transformative; a child's first opportunity to travel the world beyond their own neighborhood; good on ya. Remember getting your first bike. "Wow. I can go anywhere!" 2 - Our Two Wheel Twosday, group ride into work, is always the first Tuesday of every month, 0645, at the Keystone/Twin Creek bridge. We try to encourage new riders to try commuting to work, point out safe ways to ride in traffic, and group riding etiquette. You Lock-Mart folks are free to join us or stop by to say hello. That goes for our north-bound friends as well--give us a wave as you blast by. Finally, 3 - Team Offutt is gonna do something about a few of the messy underpasses on Friday (Cornhusker, and a few others). If you've ridden a fender-less bike through that muck you get a nice racing strip up your backside. "Hey look! He's/she's riding for Team Muckbutt." Some of us are bringing brooms and shovels for use on the ride home. Feel free to join us, or just don't run us over.
(Edited and reposted)
It's hard to tell, but that's my 8 yr. old daughter before the first day of Ragbrai last year as we rode 37 miles together with a runabout trailer bike. This year she is going on her own to the lunch town the first day,I know she can do the 22 or so miles.
A couple of quick points: 1 - Andy I like your picture with, I assume, your son. Cycling at that age is transformative; a child's first opportunity to travel the world beyond their own neighborhood; good on ya. Remember getting your first bike. "Wow. I can go anywhere!" 2 - Our Two Wheel Twosday, group ride into work, is always the first Tuesday of every month, 0645, at the Keystone/Twin Creek bridge. We try to encourage new riders to try commuting to work, point out safe ways to ride in traffic, and group riding etiquette. You Lock-Mart folks are free to join us or stop by to say hello. That goes for our north-bound friends as well--give us a wave as you blast by. Finally, 3 - Team Offutt is gonna do something about a few of the messy underpasses on Friday (Cornhusker, and a few others). If you've ridden a fender-less bike through that muck you get a nice racing strip up your backside. "Hey look! He's/she's riding for Team Muckbutt." Some of us are bringing brooms and shovels for use on the ride home. Feel free to join us, or just don't run us over.
The Keystone exits west onto The west papio trail down by Culvers after Cornhusker.I think it takes you up to 96th, not sure if anymore is finished.
The Keystone doesn't actually exit at Giles. It's probably Harrison then routes you onto 66th St past the LaVista Sports Complex where it then turns into Giles. The climb to 72nd is a grind. After 96th it's a good downhill and flat to 114th. You'll have another good climb on 114th heading south. Shouldn't be too scary.
Omaha has anyone ever biked the keystone to from AksVill to Werner Ball Prk? Per GMps, I can xit @ Giles/ go2 114th/ tk it to Bllprk way? Is that a safe route?
@Kari yes all the way through September. You will be able to keep track of almost all your miles this season. You can set a goal for yourself and see if you made it.
Kari, I hope you continue to accept the challenge. And it doesn't end in September, the joy of cycling should be for the rest of your life.
@Mike, thanks Mike for the ride info.
I JUST realized the competition is through September. Wow. Guess I'll have to keep at it past Friday, LOL
Goooooomaha!!!
Goooooomaha!!!
And a big shout out to Ray Anderson, riding solo this year after being such a crucial member of Team Offutt for so many years. Ray's early efforts getting extra bike racks, getting the locker program off the ground, assisting new riders, and setting the standard for a year-round cyclist continue to have a huge impact on the Offutt team. So Ray, even though you're riding solo, you're still part of our formation, just a little bit further off our wing.
Wisconsin, and that Madison cycling culture, wow! That's huge! Equally impressive is to be out in front of California and Colorado, and North Carolina. Vermont being highly ranked is pretty neat, too. // Spring is in bloom, and the wonderful days of summer are ahead--encourage a trail rider to explore and experience our wonderful country roads, mentor a novice rider on our great trail system, and get a new or hesitant cyclist on a bike. Keep moving forward Team Omaha!
Randy R. Reed of Great Plains Bicycling Club (Lincoln) is currently ranked #8 nationally with 2,093 points. Way to go, Randy! Nebraska is currently ranked 3rd among the 50 states, trailing only Vermont and Wisconsin.
Makes me feel like a 12-year-old who just got out for summer vacation.
U know what's really great about riding--the greetings; the smiling faces. Folks just happy to be out there. It's fabulous.
@ Carrie Re: It's just fun & stress relieving---Couldn't agree w/u more. I can't remember the last time I carried any nonsense home from work--Besides, it's a drag--badum bum!
Laughing all the way :)
@ Christine
Be riding up that road,
Be riding up that hill
No problems.
Well... Id' like to think so anyway ;) What say all?!
Christiane- I would say commuting by bike to Offutt is because it is too hard to find a parking space...LOL! but really, It is just fun riding and releiving stress before and after a long workday. Keep up the great work!
Anybody notice the sizeable gap between gold (750) and platinum (2500) level? Like seeing a monster of a hill on the horizon... kudos to everyone halfway (or farther) to platinum in the first 30 days of the challenge.
Offutt always amazes me. I see several of them out there riding all year long. They motivate me to keep riding, too...
Offut afb still sitting at 15 in nation. Nice work folks!
@jack~thanks for sharing! we do have a great cycling community!
From July 2013 issue of Bicycling magazine, p. 49: "If you haven't heard, Omaha, Nebraska, is now a hotbed of bicycle commuting, with a bike-share program and an elegant cycling/pedestrian bridge spanning the Missouri River." Nice.
@Paul, I live near 150 & blondo, I regualarly do the west papio. But I've also rode to the keystone. Blondo starting at 135th has wide sidewalks. (I use the champions GC as my cross route) then you can jump on the big papio @ 118th which hits the keystone @ about Q street. or ride to west roads and then do the neighborhoods to the keystone at about 84th.
Paul - There are many shop rides that roll out on weekday evenings; most have notices on their shop web site. They're perfect for learning new routes and roads. Most have a ride leader who will help introduce you to riding in a group. Also, take advantage of the various fundraiser rides throughout the year; with a large group comprised of riders of varying abilities, you're sure to find someone who rides at your pace, and many of the routes are patrolled by law enforcement during the ride. The trails in Omaha are great ways to get in shape and accustomed to the area; they're also perfect for getting to roads north and south of town. The roads north of town (to Bennington, Blair, Arlington, Fort Calhoun) and over in Iowa are super on weekends, but if you're a bit unsure about hitting the roads, see above, meaning shop rides, fundraising group rides, etc //Christiane and Karl are right about our trail system, we're lucky to have such nice trails. Oh, since you're new to cycling, and since no one mentioned it, if at all possible, start your ride going into the wind, otherwise you'll happily spin downwind, and be shocked by the amount of work it takes to get back home; rides home should always be with a smile and the wind at your back. //Enjoy, and write back here if you have questions, someone will point you in the right direction.
Thanks for the link and ride info. The link is very helpful with details!
You can also find large, full-color, fold-out print copies of the Omaha Metro Bike Map at many bike shops around town. IMO, it's pretty enough to put up on the wall as bike-geek art.
Here's a link to the Omaha Metro bike map. Comes in very handy for plotting routes and discovering new trail segments and parks. (Hope the link works!)
http://www.activateomaha.org/downloads/OmahaBikeMap2010-05-05.pdf
@Paul- Aksarben to Bellevue is about 20. You can go further onto the Loop to even it out at ten each way. I ride it most days. Wind can be a bear, but it's a nice level ride
I am new to biking this year. I jump on the bike trail by Blondo and 168th, then down around Zorinsky Lake and back up to Blondo. Am looking for suggestions 20 and 30 mile training rides.
I have never rode the Keystone. Where is a good/safe place to park and jump on the trail for a 20 mile training ride?
Petroleum is SATANS ENERGY DRINK!!!!!!!!!!! Darn 4 wheeled devils.CARS-R-COFFINS RIDE AND SMILE
We don't need no stinking gas.
Unfortunately my recent spike of Red Mango & Crane Coffee "bike fuel" expenditures cancels out my "gas fuel" savings...
If you have a flex fuel vehicle, ethanol is 1.30 cheaper than gas right now. E85 is 2.89 per gallon as compared to over $4 per gallon. http://www.e85omaha.com/ tells you where to find e85 in town.
At almost $4/gallon, I'm "saving" $8 per day. // Remember great bike destinations this weekend include Council Bluffs concerts (Beach Boys, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings), and the Sunday Farmers Market at Aksarben.
Doesn't it feel especially great to commute to work by bike when gas is almost $4.00 / gallon?
Another good wind/weather forecaster is the NOAA.gov site. Once you've entered your zip, look below the main 7-day forecast for the Hourly Weather Graph or Tabular Forecast.
@ Christiane, A man has got to have his pride!!! Ride and Smile !!!!!!!
I thought about drafting off someone on my way home last night - but the little guy on his strider bike was having none of it.
I've discovered my rain shield (aka clear plastic cover) for my Lazer helmet makes my head more "aero" in high wind - now the rest of my body is a total drag, but hey!
@Christiane YES! The wind has been so tricky! Mix of cross/head wind no matter what direction I went on the Keystone/Bellevue Loop last few days. Guess it's good training, though? Pretty bad when you can see the pain the faces of the riders going the opposite direction...You know you're in for it on the way back :( LOL
@ Christine & Mark: And, today we get wind-socked some more!
@Christiane Ley, teams are optional this year. Totally up to the individuals. As long as you put in your correct WORKPLACE we will be able to pull reports based on transport miles. We'll do local prizes monthly based on points from transport miles, then award workplace winners (different divisions based on workplace size) from transport miles at the end of the challenge!
Anyone have a goat Mark G could borrow to finish his backyard?
I wouldn't be surprised if the wind flips direction today just to toy with everyone.
You want reliable wind information, just ask me where I'm going--the wind is from that direction.
The app WindAlert is good a current and predicted wind speeds. I view the wind speeds at Offutt and Eppley to get realist data.
Worst part Christiane is the darn mower broke in the middle of the backyard!! Oh well. If I could just have a goat!! Mark Crown....I am on an all white lemond with no markings. Say hi if you see me!
Thanks for sharing - good stuff!
Hey Chris, I recommend the National Weather Service - if you go to: http://www.weather.gov/ type in your zip code and bookmark it, you have the general forecast. For the detailed forecast go to the Aviation Weather Center: http://www.aviationweather.gov/ . On the left side under Forecasts mouse over TAF/FA and click "TAF Request Forms." Type KOMA KOFF (Omaha and Offutt) in the 4-letter station identifier, check the "Translated" radial and click "Get TAFs and METARs." If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask.
Wunderground app is great for seeing current wind conditions at tons of private reporting stations (including one called Homer-Dogs Backyard), not just airport.
I use two: wunderground (best for historical and current conditions, forecasts OK too) and accuweather.
Mark G, damn lawns. If I can only teach the dog to mow - 2 birds/1 stone. I'm trying to figure out how to fetch meals on my bike so I don't have to cook and clean up, too - but Dunkin' for breakfast every morning might literally kill me (more afraid of the traffic vs the crullers).
Informal group poll: Who provides the best weather data around???
Starting to recognize some faces on my southerly commute. Already know/met Jerry Francis at an Active Omaha shindig last year. Shout out to Joe Simoens, who's heading north around 7:00ish each morning on the Keystone--I recognized your helmet from the Endo picture. Mark (Red Cannondale, yellow fenders, pannier (or two))
Is there a way to correlate when people are logging miles against the day-before forecast weather and the actual weather?
I feel ya Christiane. I wanted to do fifty pts a day but stupid things like rain and responsible homeownership keep getting in the way! Stupid lawn!!
And grrrr... I watched the news last night, said 60% chance of T-storms AM and PM - and then nuthin. Bummed I didn't ride in, but would have been even more bummed if I got caught in a storm with no "SAG" to call, either. I commend all you true die-hards out there...
Just curious - are folks ditching the teams this year? We've got folks under the workplace only, under the workplace+team, and some that are AWOL from the workplace, but on a team... (<<likely from joining the similar but wrong workplace.) We're having all sorts of fun just trying to get all our "eggs" in the same "basket".
Thanks Madison. Memorial Day weekend coming up--be safe and have some two-wheeled fun, Team Omaha.
@Mark Gibbons, this year there really is no way for participants to see JUST transport miles in the local challenge. The local leader board show ALL miles. We have a way on our admin end to pull a transport miles report and that's what we'll use to compile winners, both workplace and individual! Keep logging EVERYTHING though, we want Nebraska to do great in the National Bike Challenge as a whole! Go team!
@Mark-- thought about going for a ride last night..then it thundered..and I thought better of it! Glad you made it home safely! Bet a lot of people had the same thought as you!
Nothing like being a ways out on keystone and have lightening kick up! Get home fast!
@ Offut Team> Fabulous!!
We're very fortunate, in several ways. Close to the trail, which, as you know, runs to midtown and beyond, and has a spur that goes into Papillion. A corps group of cyclists that have been at this a while, who through inspiration, motivation, or dare I say, perspiration, have encouraged others to ride to work (and do their best to take away the intimidation factor.) Outstanding support and facilities: four bike racks near the gym and two near the headquarters building, showers and lockers, and a great gym supporting staff. We have a monthly, rain or shine, ride to work, we call Two Wheel Twosday, that meets on the trail on the first Tuesday of every month; this is a great way to meet new cyclists, talk about cycling concerns, and renew aquaintences; sometimes someone even hauls in donuts,bananas, or coffee for the group. A, sorta, monthly flyer with seasonal information and riding tips we put in lockers, post to bulletin boards, or stick on bikes. This didn't happen overnight; it happened slowly, small piece by small piece. There were years when there was only one bike rack, and only one (mine) or two (Ray Anderson's) bikes on the rack. // I share this with the gang so if anything sparks an interest, or gives someone an idea, then please run with it, share it, pass it on. Share, encourage, promote, and above all communicate your love of cycling.
Hey, great job, Offutt AFB team. Currently #15 in the nation out of 1,729 teams.
Great turn out at the Mayors Ride! Enjoyed seeing everyone. Ride safe and have a great weekend.
My motivation - I don't want to let my team down. We've lost several riders (including our team captain) this year to RIFs, transfers and attrition (some of which are sequestration-related) so I've been riding more to support my team. Biking has been a good outlet for work-related stress, too.
Right!? Women arguably use more than men. Those they regularly throw it at houses/trees will require even more! I mean, wait...what?
I wonder what they constitute as a years supply....certainly amount varies per individual.........
Year Supply of Toilet Paper!? Whaaaat!?! When did I miss that announcement!? *gets on bike and rides around aimlessly to log miles*
What keeps you motivated on The Challenge? What keeps me going is a shot at winning that year's supply of toilet paper. Ride on!
Chad - Oo-o-o-oh, you're in the wonderful world of Endomondo. If this is for your daily commute, the ride you'll log most, try this: get to your profile by clicking on your picture (or "see Profile"), then "Workouts", then "Edit" over on the right side, and change your default mileage
Does anyone know why is changes my mileage from 10.4 to 9.27 when I log it? It is set up and 10.4 but changes it everytime.
Madison, where do we find the local stats. Is it a different spot then just switching the endo app from national to local? I did not realize there were local prizes too.
I don't usually ride on Friday. Mayor's Ride? Bacon? Mayor's Ride? Bacon? Bacon wins! I'm trying really hard not to make a pork joke.
Trek will have a "Bacon Station" at Keystone Trail and Mercy Rd in Aksarben Village from 7-10 AM on Friday for Bike to Work day. http://www.youtube.com/watch
Nice to see the bike rack here at work full and people finding other places to secure their rides!
http://stratomatica.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-full-rack-and-some-sides.html
I rode Mon and Tues. Yesterday in the heat was okay until an hour afterwards when both my legs cramped up and I spent 5 mins in intense pain. But the bike ride was still worth. It's time for the sports drink.
Hope to see a good turnout at the Mayor's Ride.
In the local challenge prizes and end results are tallied from transport miles only. How is everyone's Bike to Work Week?
Had a great,fantastic.adventurous,and hot ride after riding to vote.Field Club Trail to South O,Jewell Park ,Swanson Park for some offroad action, Keystone Trail North back to Benson.A total of 78 Miles of pure cycling love on a day off.Ride and Smile!
I biked to vote...made the place smell good, with this heat!
Christiane,Here's a technique I use to track chain wear. I used to track "my miles", using the various odometers on my bikes. I also kept a paper tally of my miles. Now "my miles" are on my home PC, and the "bike/chain" miles are on the bike. Every time I swap a chain I zero out the odometer for that bike. Now there's no guessing--wanna know how many miles on the chain? Just check the bike. With a bunch of bikes in my wife's and my rotation, it sure is easy this way. // Cool story. I saw LeMond race the red jerseyed Russians riding their red Colnagos, in the Coors Classic in the early 80's; even have the old race program. LeMonds were/are really nice bikes. Still love those old steel Colnagos.
I biked to vote! :)
Christiane - Superfun!! I got mine from a dude who used to race it. Traded my boat for it. It is powdercoated solid white with carbon seatpost, stem, and fork. I was riding a 35 yr old peugout. Needless to say I could tell a difference. It was like going from a cool volkswagon beetle to a sleek new camaro!! Luv that thing:)
To Mark Crown: FWIW, my chain was skipping badly yesterday because I have woefully neglected my poor bike. I checked the derailleur hanger, the shifter cable, and then the chain and cassette for excessive wear when I got home. She rarely "complains" unless something has finally worn out, so she'll be getting a nice new cassette & chain here shortly. And on that note, I (very unofficially) declare next week "Show your bike some TLC" week.
From the National FAQs:
- Points are awarded throughout the Challenge and are cumulative over the duration. They are awarded in the following two ways:
- 20 Challenge points are awarded for each day you ride at least 1 mile
- 1 Challenge point is awarded for each mile ridden
- Rides can be logged at anytime over the month but must be logged by 11:59 pm of the last day of each month.
- Does my ride to the grocery store count? How about my weekend fitness ride? Every time you get on your bike the miles count. Whether they are for fitness, fun, or transportation make sure to join and log them on nationalbikechallenge.org. Miles pedaled on a stationary bike or trainer do not count.
Comment: It does appear the Challenge accounts for all/any miles, no matter what the purpose of the ride. Some folks are all "sport" and others are all "transport" miles. For me, the challenge has several purposes: encourage people to ride through friendly competition and a sense of camaraderie, gather information for cycling advocacy efforts, and broaden our cycling community.
As always, get out and ride. And just as importantly, help others get out and ride.
And to Mr. Crown - I totally agree! The bicycle is a magnificant machine - beyond transportation, it provides us with a "vehicle" for freedom, independence, health, competition, comraderie, inspiration, escape, or even sanctuary. For some of us, it provides all of the above.
It is said that Einstein thought of the Theory of Relativity while riding his bicycle.
Hi, Mark. I'm always happy to hear from a fellow Lemondophile. I have a Lemond Reno from 2005 (pearl white with red graphics). The Reno was an entry-level model - aluminum, carbon fork, tiagra 9-spd. It was my first road bike - and it made me fall in love with cycling. It's now my trusty commuter bike.
Not that we ride for points or anything, but to clarify: When you log a sport or MTB ride, you get credit for miles only. If you log a transport ride, you get credit for miles plus a 10 pt credit for the transport entry. (You can get 10 transport pts per day total, but not per each transport ride). All miles count for the national challenge, but the tranport miles are the focus for the Omaha commuter challenge. At least that's how I understand it and how it worked in years past. Folks, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Hope that helps.
Brett, sport miles count just as much as transportation miles. The program will just not give any credit for dollars saved or CO2 saved with sport miles. I myself am not too concerned about knowing how many dollars I saved so I just leave it on sport most of the time.
So this may be a stupid question but I'm going to ask anyway, do miles logged under sport cycling count toward our points as well, or only trasportation miles? I know stationary bikes don't count but I couldn't find anything prohibiting sport/req rides. Ride safe everyone and stay hydrated today...
Christiane. Not Christi Anne. Stupid autocorrect!
Riding is fun, but almost as fun is the coffee stop or cafe where we can talk about our love of cycling and adventures. Since Christiane brought it up, who cannot marvel at the beauty of our fine machines, their refined and elegant complexity. Taken as a whole, they certainly are much more than the sum of their parts. The evolution of the derailleur is a study of ingenuity and innovation. Check out Bartali reaching down to shift gears http://www.campyonly.com/history.html // When shifting gets sloppy, you can make minor adjustments using the barrel adjusters on the down tube. Cable snaps, shifter freezes up or breaks? It's possible to turn your bike into a trusty single-speed by using the limit screws to lock in a gear that's tolerable to get you home (Ask me how I know). Local bike shops and experienced wrenches are quite adept at the art of fine-tuning derailleurs and shifting. // I'm glad Christiane got rolling again. Learn more here: http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/rear-derailler-adjustments-derailleur
Christi Anne..what kind of Lemond do you have? I have a Zurich made out of the Reynolds steel and absolutely love it!
I was having rear derailleur issues this morning. Thought I was gonna have to walk the last 4 miles (thankfully not). Not the kind of multi-modal I was hoping for (1/2 by Lemond, 1/2 by Sidi).
I did Park and Ride. Parked my car in the driveway and rode by bike to work.
Thanks for the info, Mark.
Happy Multi-modal Monday, everyone! Did anyone bus-bike or park and ride?
From the president of the BBC, Rick Sanders, husband to the Bellevue Mayor.
“Please calendar this late-breaking ride announcement; the annual “Mayor’s Ride” Friday, May 17, 8:15 a.m. at the Bob Bridge. Bellevue contingent will have a police escort from the Bob Bridge to Bellevue. Riding both ways encouraged. Parking at Richmont Village and depart at 7:00 a.m. sharp for those doing the round trip.”
Offutt group, still woriking the schedule/rally point
That would be "Bianchi." Mi dispiace.
Does anyone know where the Offutt/Bellevue group is meeting/departing from at 7:00am Friday for the Mayor's Ride? I'd rather not make the trek from Sarpy to the BK bridge solo and would like to hook up with the Offutt/Bellevue group, if possible.
Thanks for your help, Mark. I pointed them to the link you provided and we figured it out from there.
Jerry Francis - I see you jumped on the Leader board; good on ya! For winter I have two sets of wheels, slicks and studded tires, which make swaps quick. I used to swap tires, with only one set of wheels, but that was a pain. I notice you have a Bianci and Colnago (?), which might not have room for larger tires. I am envious when I see that celeste green flash by, and that Colnago looks like a classic, early 80s? Can't tell much at our closing speed. Sudded tires are awesome, and quite a workout on dry pavement. Wool in winter is the trick.
Hi Mark,
Good to see all you Offutt riders every morning and afternoon.
I did ride a few times over the winter, but skinny tires don't do weii in snow drifts and ice patches left when the melted snow re-freezes over night.
Also, I still haven't found a way to keep my fingers & toes from turning into icicles below 25F. Gortex gloves provide wind protection, but not enough insulation. Likewise for Bar Mitts. Snow-mobile gloves are just the opposite. However, they are big enough that I can pull one off far enough to make a fist to thaw out one hand at a time. I've hear that wool gloves inside Lobster Claws work well. Maybe I'll try that come November.
I second the idea of newspaper bags as rain/wind protection. Just be sure the right one doesn't billow out and catch on a chain ring. They aren't much help after that.
Make sure to keep an eye on the NEWS section for all kinds of Bike to Work Week updates!!! --> --> --> -->
@Dylan. Kudos on your Best Distance Award. Good stuff!!
Christiane, The tough part is getting them to the right place--I haven't found a good way to search-and-find the Challenge from the front end of Endomondo. Use this link: http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/nbc2013 They'll be asked if they want to "Join" the Challenge. Make sure they get your team name/work place/community/zip code exactly right, or they might generate there own one cyclist team.
Pardon the PSA: This Wednesday, May 15, is the annual Ride of Silence. The Bellevue ride departs from the Culver's trailhead in Bellevue (36th & Raynor) at 7:00pm. The Lincoln ride departs from the Jayne Snyder Trails Center (21st & Q St) also at 7:00pm. Ride is free, 10-12 miles, and very slow pace. The Bellevue ride includes a full police motorcycle escort. Please come and help honor cyclists who have been killed or injured cycling on public roadways and help raise awareness for urban cycling safety. And on a more uplifting note, may everyone have a safe and exciting Bike To Work Week!
I have a new rider for our team. Has anyone had any luck signing people up and pointing them to this challenge? I'm trying to type up instructions and I'm not sure if there are any special steps to point to this challenge via Endomondo (given the recent oddness). I tried searching for it to make up steps and I'm struggling. Thanks for your help in advance!
Hope you find a nice nouveau cycliste for your Bike To Work Week TV spot, Julie. I was scouting around work here Northrop Grumman, but no luck... Would a guy in a cute wig work? I realize the beard is a bit of a giveaway...
Hopefully we will get a large contingent of people to ride Leavenworth! Spread the word and get more people to ride! There are rumors that Lincoln is talking smack about Omaha we need more people to sign-up and more people logging miles. I know I have not been as diligent about this.
Leavenworth is my "go to" street to get to the Old Market, the Kerry bridge, and points north along the river. And, when coming home, you can work your way through midtown towards one of Omaha's prettiest switchbacks, on Turner Boulevard, as it works it's way up to Woolworth and Field Club. ////
Looking for a reason to ride? Mark your calendars for May 27 at River's Edge Park in Council Bluffs, where acclaimed soul and funk group Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings will give a free concert. Those of you that saw her perform at Aksarben in 2011(?) know no one works harder than she does. Think you worked hard riding over to see her? Uh uh, she'll leave you exhausted just watching her. No, I have no vested interest, just trying to encourage others to ride over the Kerry and have fun riding. A bunch of friends and I are rolling over, with our chairs and stuff in a bike trailer.
I thought no one rode on Leavenworth? :-D
Sorry I have been MIA y'all... sounds like we need to work on a bike awareness campaign on how to deal with geese on the trail. Mathew, you in for being the spokesperson for this? Just glad everyone is okay. Yes the Mayor's ride is May 17th 2013, we are congregating at the base of the Bob K bridge on the Omaha side at 8am. Just confirmed the bike rack will be providing minor tweak/last minute things before the ride. Thanks Bike Rack! And a couple of other shops will be present at our little pit stop at Turner Park. I am actually really excited about this year's ride especially since we will get to ride down Leavenworth! As a final reminder please tell your friends, enemies, neighbors, and everyone you can to try to come out! And make sure to keep posted on all the great things taking place from the Bike Fashion show on May 17th in the Bancroft Street Market, http://openstreetsomaha.org/ our next event is May 25th in South O, the FREE bike education classes put on by Activate Omaha http://www.eventbrite.com/org/3738720117 . As usual feel free to contact me with question at: [email protected] Have fun while traveling ride a bike!
Matthew - that's quite the story - thanks for sharing!
Hi All - me again ... We have a media opportunity for next Tuesday and need to find a woman who would like to try bike commuting. If you have a friend/relative/coworker/spouse who has indicated an interest but hasn't taken that first step to get started (and would be willing to be on TV), can you have them contact me at jharris (at) activateomaha (dot) org? Thanks! Julie
Okay, here's the gist of the goose. I was traveling south on the Bellevue Loop, right before Caphart. As I approach the rise back to dyke level, there were three geese (all Canada) sitting on top of the rise, blocking the entire trail. I braked hard, but they still didn't budge until I started yelling ath them. Two of them took off toward the creek; the third took off toward Hwy 75. It the looped around and started to head right toward me (I was stopped at this point). I paniced a little when it started to head toward me, and jumped completely off my bike (but still had a hold of it). It flew through the "triangle", knocking off one of my water bottles and knocking me in the leg. Then it had the audacity of honking at me. Sheesh! :-D
All - Mayor's Ride is Friday, May 17 as Mark stated below. We've blasted out a few places and will continue to ... watch for a schedule outlining a whole week of bicycling goodness coming in the next 36 hours or so!!!
Friday, May 17,2013
Mayors Riding:
Jim Suttle, City of Omaha
Tom Hanafan, City of Council Bluffs
Rita Sanders, City of Bellevue
Meet at the Bob Kerrey Bike/Ped Bridge at 8:00 am
Loops up through Mid Town Crossing (Turner Park) then back.
From Carlos Morales:
"We are meeting at the base of the Bob K bridge again and letting people
congregate.
"Mayors' plan to be there around 8:15am the latest to work the crowd and to
get photos
"8:20 a.m. we have our delegates some a couple of words as to the increase
in biking and the changes in the area that are making biking a greater
option, talk about the metro region and the great support from the
bicyclists
"8:30 a.m roll out (here each mayor will lead their ride to their
respective routes)
"Enjoy the ride!
Note:There's an Offutt/Bellevue group that will ride north @7:00 and then back south after the ceremonial loop.
@ Dylan. Well said! When you love your bike your bike always loves you back.
A bad day on your bikes beats a good day off your bike.
I see the local Endo site is starting to blossom just like the trees and flowers.
I got attacked last week by a goose on the Papio Trail south of Grover. I was enchanted by 2 adults and 7 goslings as they crossed the trail when one adult turned and flew at my head. (Another reason to wear a helmet). No harm, no fowl.
Question; Has anyone seen a time and place for the Mayor's Bike Ride? May 17th was the date given at the Activate Meeting. I E-mailed the Omaha's Bike Czar last week but never got a reply.
@Mark Crown - HA! Just blew water through my nose
Rode in to sunrise through the fog, Rufus Wainwright on the speaker. Hallelujah, hallelujah indeed.
I've run over squirrels, been chased by dogs, circled by vultures, eyed by a pack of coyotes, herded by antelope, but Matt, that's a new one. Musta liked your Surly. Didja hear the story about the cyclist that was hit by a goose? He didn't get "down."
So, a cyclist and a goose walk into a bar.
@Matthew Bittner - Can we get a play-by-play on this, please?
@Matthew Classic! Thanks for sharing. Proves the point that one experiences life more fully on a bike. And here I thought the main goose hazard for bicyclists was all of their droppings on the trails.
Okay, I just have to share with the group. I'm still laughing about it, actually. I was hit by a Canada Goose this morning. It flew through my bike's triangle after I had stopped. Good thing there were no cameras!
@ Dylan,Amen to that!!!! To all others,get on your life machines and RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY! The bicycle can be our church on wheels,powered by each of us who were created by the man above. God Bless.
Good job Karl. Don't know ya but good job leading the team! Is anyone gonna catch that guy? Gonna be tough!
Didn't have a very good day, but I got on my bike to ride home and man... Good to know my bicycle is always there for me. Doesn't matter what kind of mood I'm in or if I did a good job throughout the day or not. Its always waiting for me at the end of the day, even if I didn't lube its chain, or wipe her down, my bike always makes me feel better. I hope everyone else who may have had a bummer of a day had a better one after they got on their bike to ride home. Ride safe, stay happy, and keep riding ya'll. Much love, and god bless.
@Jack - Thanks! Waiting it out worked....I shouldn't have been so impatient. Glad to be around again this year. Yesterday was a PERFECT riding day. Little wind, great temps.
Hi to Jerry Francis. Good to see you riding north every morning. Kinda missed you over the winter. Mark (Red Cannondale, yellow fenders). And Ray Anderson, was that you this p.m. heading south, saying "Hi." By the time I turned, I couldn't make out who it was.
Happy Monday everyone! Are you looking forward to some warmer (maybe rainy) weather this week! Just a reminder, Activate Omaha is putting on FREE Bicycle Commuting 101 classes this week and next! Go to http://activateomaha.eventbrite.com to sign up! Keep up the great work, everyone!
@Matt - Just a hunch, but I'm thinking that if you go out and do a ride and log the miles, both you and your team will show up on the Leaderboard. Looks like you haven't logged miles since April 29. System is a little weird when it comes to people who signed up before May 1 but haven't logged miles after. Maybe give it a try and see what happens.
@Kelly Ohhhhhhh, you're the dude with massive thighs that I see in the Bike Rack SAG truck on benefit bike rides! Awesome. Hats off to you, my man. Way to spread the bike love!
Or is there a contact?
I created a team for my company....can't see it in the list of teams in the Activate Omaha group - any suggestions?
Thanks Jack. Yes,I am a very true believer in the bicycle as a alternative mode of transportation,and it is a whole lot of fun!!!! I also believe cycling saved my life by making my heart strong enough to overcome a heart attack and two stents in an artery.The only,and I mean only time I drive the four wheel devil is when I am doing ride support or sag for one of the benefit bike rides that Bike Rack supports.I love bikes and the wonderful people who ride those machines of life!!!! Ride and Smile
@ Kelly Lee Smith - kudos for being at the top of the Nebraska leaderboard. Looks like you're a very committed "bike as transportation" guy.
Ride and Smile Every Darn Day!!!!!!!!
Okay, fine. You’re a nice guy who’s just misunderstood. I get easily offended when people say not nice stuff in my general vicinity. Can we call it a done deal and move on to a bike topic that's more appropriate for the group, please?
Why post that stuff in the first place then? Fine, you weren't mocking me directly. I got it now. Silly me for thinking that and taking offense. Maybe you shouldn't be so snarky in a forum full of your fellow riders and your shop's customers. I think we've beaten the subject into the ground at this point. So, in summation: you're a nice guy who's just misunderstood. And I fly off the handle when people make rude comments in my general vicinity. I got it now. Honestly. Can we call it done and move on to better things now, please?
Christiane - I made a comment regarding the entire Endomondo community. Then you come back at me directly pointing me out individually and your talking about things irrelevant to my initial remark. You are making this out to seem like I harrased you, when in my initial comment I never mentioned your name or singled you out.. you twisted the meaning of my comment into something other than it was. And yes i deleted my earlier post because you lashed out at me and more or less wanted me to feel like the worst person in the world because I said "questionable!? That people ride big miles early in the morning on crappy weather days? That is naive of you to think that". So i deleted it, because yeah it wasn't the nicest way to get my point across, and I did feel bad. So, Again, I am truly sorry if I hurt your feelings with that comment. But, yes, lets move past this! Love, Peace, and Bike Grease! Ride Safe!
I didn't flame you. I simply defended why I ride. You hurt my feelings by mocking me and calling me "naive" (which appears to be deleted now). I don't want to fight. I'd like to let it go now. Peace.
Dylan, to be honest, I still don't understand why you chided me for asking a question. I log in and someone's calling me “naïve” and questioning why I ride. I didn’t say anything negative about you, I didn’t insult your intelligence, or question your dedication to anything. The *only* thing I asked of you was to show a little more politeness to others.
I don’t want to fight. My only reply was a defense of why I ride (a rebuttal against the accusation of “being in it for the wrong reasons”). I made a point to NOT to attack you in the process. (What good would come of that?) I think it’s done. Let’s move on, please. I hope your shop is doing killer business right now. And I'm thankful that you guys were there to support the Bike For Sight ride last weekend.
Christiane - I'm terribly sorry if my comments offended you.. I did not intend them to be insulting. I'm sorry if you took it that way. I don't think I was "flaming you" like you did to me with your following comments.. I mean you really let me have it there.. I was just expressing my opinion, which in your eyes must have been the wrong thing to do. I apologize for that, I really am sorry if that offended you. Anyways, I'd love to do a group ride too! And I'll always take cookies if someone doesn't want them! Ride safe!
Mark - thought about the old school tire carry, then succombed to the nice knapsack offer from The Bike Way. Also, Neoprene booties and wool socks are unbeatable.
Group ride sounds lovely. Would be nice to do something as a community of riders and not just a collection of teams on a leaderboard. Considering the chill lately, coffee wouldn't be bad. Cookies, meh. Dylan can have mine. If it's not total yick out tomorrow, I'm game. (Assuming I'm not persona non grata at the moment.)
Are there any Endo folks out there who want to do a group ride starting at Wohners any day or time. I' ll buy the cookies.
FYI, Dylan, I ride because I lost my entire family to heart disease & stroke. I only have 1 living relative - my baby brother (and he's falling apart). I believe that every minute on the bike is another minute in the "please, God, let me outlive my parents" piggybank. My bike saves my life. This is my mantra every ride.
I outride everyone I know (save for my racer friends)... and I don't do it for points. I do it so I won't die from congestive heart failure or a brain aneurysm. So, don't talk to me about $#@*&#@ cookies.
Phil - Didja do the figure-eight and wear the tires around your shoulders? That's old school, my friend.
Ann - What do use for liners?I haven't found a better foot-combo for cold rain riding than: wool socks, newspaper bag, shoes, and neoprene booties. Warm rain is tolerable, but cold rain requires good prep. Wednesday night was actually kinda fun... if you dressed properly. Always willing to learn new tricks.
Dylan - Agree. The challenge is meant to motivate and encourage. It's not a competition, unless, of course "competition" lights your fire to ride and make this a better city for other riders.
Jack - I think it defaults to "2" because this particular challenge is supposed to encourage cycling as transportation, where one goes out-and-back. I always log my commute when I arrive at work, figuring that I gotta get home for part two of the ride; sagged home just once in 20+ years. Nice Colnago logo. Good article in a recent magazine profiling Ernesto and the building of the C59 in his basement (can't remember which Road Bike, Peloton, Paved, one of those).
It's not okay to flame people for asking a question. Jack was kind enough to answer my question without resorting to insults. It was day 1 and there was some weird stuff going on with Endomondo. And now I've discovered that folks enter rides ahead of time. That produces odd numbers. Maybe I'll start doing that, too, and save myself some time.
How about showing a little more politeness and sportsmanship to your fellow riders, Mr. Page? And please don't lecture strangers about what it takes to be a better rider. No one is in a position here to judge others' dedication or motivation. Not cool.
Dylan, exactly! Just go ride....like today, I rode to The Bike Way for new tires. Sailed there and then hunkered down for the north ride home, all the way thinking how blessed I was to ride today. That is all.
also, big points on a bad weather day...? what?!?! Questionable?!?! People ride in all sorts of conditions. Seems naive of you to say such a thing. This was barely "bad weather" this morning anyways... Just sayin.
Hey, instead of bickering over points/entries, get out and ride. points on the internet don't make you a better rider or more dedicated commuter than someone else. And even if people are double entering or whatever your excuse is, what better way to silence those people by getting out and ridding more REAL miles? c'mon people. just ride your bike and smile. If you need someone to give you a cookie every time you ride, your in it for the wrong reasons.
Thanks, Jack. That helps. Not sure why Endomondo assumes 2 rides anyway. Personally, I like to keep my ride metrics separate (1 direction is always faster than the other, and I like to alter my routes so 1 direction is usually longer). If the 2-ride default setting means others can log into this infernal site half as often to track miles, then good for them!
@Christiane: not sure about others, but when I click on "Log Miles" to manually enter miles, the default number of trips is 2. If I don't manually change that to 1, whatever miles I enter will be counted twice. Some people may not realize that they need to manually set the number of trips to 1. That could explain the double entries.
I use way nicer* shoe liners than Mark. Got me through the winter in my Keen sandals on all but the snow-bike days. *(NYTimes newspaper bags)
Regarding my question earlier: if folk are logging to/from rides all at once, that's understandable (hence 2 identical rides show up at 8:00am). It looked kinda questionable - big points so early in the AM on a bad-weather day. If the app isn't double-recording and folks are simply "batch entering" rides or "pre-entering" their ride home, then I have no issue.
My second year, third challenge, using our beloved Endomondo. At times it may be clumsy to log miles after a week has "closed". And it's difficult to find the summer Challenge, unless you have a direct link, which begs the question "Why can't I search for it withing Endomondo?" And there are other clunky attributes of this tracking system. Keep in mind the spirit of this challenge, to encourage fitness, cycling, getting active.
Here's a few cycling tips to share: Wohlner's at Aksarben has inner tubes for sale and a floor pump. If you get caught at work without rain gear, a clean trash can liner makes a "poor man's" rain cape if you cut out head and arm holes--wear it over/under your jersey, and World-Herald newspaper bags make decent shoe liners (Don't laugh, it'll save you on a 60 minute ride in freezing rain.)
Best place to start your ride from? Home. Second best place? Aksarben Village, early Sunday mornings. Ride hard and get back to fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, croissonts, and funky music.
Thanks Madison and Julie!
Today would have been a good day for fenders. Looks like my daily posts could be themed "what Ann shoulda." Still, it wasn't slippery, it wasn't that cold, and I beat that # 11 bus HA
@Madison Haugland - FWIW, here's my theory about why not all Riders are "showing up" on Leaderboard: Right now we have 519 riders registered but only 84 are listed on the Rider leaderboard. I think the only people who are showing up on the Leaderboard are (a) those Riders who registered before May 1 AND have logged miles after May 1 and (b) those Riders who registered after May 1 (regardless of whether they have ridden or not). In my case I had registered and logged miles before May 1 but didn't show up on the Leaderboard until I logged miles today (May 2) for a ride that I completed today. So, I'm thinking there's probably not an issue with Endomondo, just some funky logic built into the system.
(If you're like me, at this point you're thinking, but wait, during the warm-up period, the system added Riders to the Leaderboard immediately after they registered regardless of whether they had logged any miles. That's right -- because they registered AFTER the warm-up period had started. If they had registered before the warm-up period started, they probably wouldn't have shown up until they actually logged miles.)
I don't see the National Bike Challenge on the app, but I know from doing the warm-up challenge it should roll over. As long as you joined the National Bike Challenge online, and the account is the same online as the app, I think you're okay.
Can anyone see the National Bike Challenge under the "challenges" section on their iPhone? I can't yet. I could see the winter bike challenge. Odd. Thoughts?
Stephanie- How did you make comments to individual people?
Wouldn't you know. Cold, rainy, and windy on the first day!! Gonna have to play catch up later this week. I have crashed too many times on the wet roads. Prolly should slow down for corners more in that situation!!
We are having a glitch too not seeing all our team members. I sent a message to Katie and she said to look tomorrow as people start logging miles they are re-listed.
Dumb question: Why do many riders show duplicate entries on their ride logs for the day? (pick some of the top riders and you'll see the doubles) Am I missing something? If you use the Endomondo app on your phone (or sync with a GPS device) do you get double entries for rides? I log manually (prefer Strava for GPS tracking) and don't get double entries like that. So puzzled! If any kind soul would explain this to me, it would de-mystify the issue and help me understand what I'm seeing (so I can de-torque).
Hey Gang! We're having problems over here at Activate Omaha seeing everyone too. It says we gave 484 people signed up, but I can only see 30. It's probably an internal Endomondo problem from the influx of people signing up TODAY for the National Bike Challenge. Let's just wait it out and see if the riders and workplaces show back up. Like Christiane said, be sure to be directing people to www.nationalbikechallenge.org to sign up not just Endomondo!
I'm also baffled by what's going on with Endomondo lately. I logged onto Endomondo directly and find absolutely no evidence of the 2013 National Bike Challenge - not in my challenges list, can't search for it, and so on. I did find a "National Bike Challenge" challenge, but it doesn't point me to this one. I got to this page by pointing my web browser to nationalbikechallenge.org. Don't be surprised if your teammates start asking "what the heck?" when they can't find the challenge.
OK, what's going on here? Yesterday we had 10 people on our team. Now that the Challenge Period has started, we have 2. Do we have to somehow sign up again for the Challenge Period? (All 10 team members are shown on our Endomondo page.) The Endomondo integration with the Local/National pages is mondo-confuzo.
I was blown to work today, which means the ride home will be more challenging. Can't complain since it wasn't raining...yet.
Is it possible to pedal forwards but move backwards? OMG THE WIND! My formerly-green eyes are now gravel colored. Would have been smart to wear goggles this morning. Does it sound like I'm complaining? NOPE. On a bike + on a bike + on a bike = AWESOME.
May Day,May Day,RIDE AND SMILE EVERY DARN DAY!!!!!! Lets all be safe and aware on the road. Safe commuting to all.Oh,this also,LISA,JULIE,AND MADISON ALL ROCK AND ROLLLLLLLL.Thank you to Activate Omaha for all they do.
Okay, for those who were curious. Once I "removed" the people from "my" team, I was able to delete the team, and then joined the correct one. I guess it makes sense. :-D
I second Scott's comments!!
YES! And I like the new graphic.
Is everyone excited for the challenge to start tomorrow?!
But then the person you designated as captain is stuck.
@Matthew Bittner: I know that you can designate a new captain for your team (go to your team edit page to do that). So, I'd think that after you do that, you can change teams. BTW, it took me a while to figure out that you can ride for your Workplace and for a team that is unaffiliated with your Workplace. Points you earn go to you, your team, your workplace, your community and your state. FWIW.
The weather doesn't look promising for Wednesdays NBC start.
Does anyone know if you can change your team, if you're the captain of an already established team?
@Jack - I hear you. I think another part of that that is impressivie is the type of riding being done. Nebraska is almost always the highest percentage riding Transport. Anyone else smell what the Skinner Bakery was fixing this morning? SO GOOD! I wish they had an "Aid station" on the South Omaha Trail serving danishes and coffee. ; )
Did you know .... that for the state rankings the total miles logged by the riders in a state is divided by the state's TOTAL population, not the number of riders in the state participating in the Challenge? So, a state with a strong rider base and low population (e.g., Nebraska) has a good chance of winning! Vermont did it last year. Let's get out there and recruit folks to ride for Nebraska.
I hope that spring is finally here. Let's hit the trails.....
I agree with Phil and Scott. A beautiful day.
@Phil - Ain't that the truth. And no wind...yet.
My oh my, what a beautiful day, to ride into work.
Love that we don't have to have the mini teams this year - Go UP!
Interesting article on OWH today - "Talking with Omaha Bike Coordinator" i.e., Mr. Carlos Morales. I think we can all relate to points brought up in the discussion.
http://www.omaha.com/article/20130412/NEWS0802/704129953/1677
Ooh, I never noticed the diamond rank before (5000 pts). What should come after that - Uranium? Unobtainium? Kryptonite?
Thank you to Julie and Madison for the BOCC captains' meeting this morning. Very helpful & informative! Looking forward to the main challenge starting May 1st. Good luck to everyone this year!
After the Captain's meeting, I similarly moved my profile zipcode from home (Papillion) to work (Bellevue). In the Community standings, I show up as Bellevue and not Omaha. (FWIW: It looks like Offutt AFB is it's own separate "community" too.) So, I think that even though we're in the same Omaha metro area, we aren't all filed under "Omaha" together. Bummer!
From the discussion at the Captain's meeting this morning, I changed my profile zipcode from home (Papillion) to work (Omaha) and it did move my rides at the Community level.
Hello Everyone! Please spread the word about Friday's captains meetings! 7:00am at BCBS of Nebraska or 12:00pm webinar! Information is posted to the right of this feed!
From the webinar they said from the "Local" challenge, click on "Leaderboard" at the top; then select "Teams" view; over on the right side of the screen above the jersey there should be the message "Create or join a team here". Click on it. Next you'd click "Join a Team" and select the criteria or enter the team name and click "search"
So I joined the Spring/Summer Challenge...how do I join a team that I have been invited to join? I can't seem to figure out where I click to go from "riding solo" to joining the team. I followed the link I was sent from the team captain but it already says I have joined as "riding solo"...
If you mean the Winter challenge, it's:
Ack!! The link is gone. Will Activate Omaha be posting that link again or can someone list in a comment?
This will be a great challenge for my summer!
You'll find most people posting in the Winter Challenge, which is the link to the right.
silence.....
Everybody must be deep in winter riding concentration. Keep it up peeps, spring is just around the corner!
Last night's ride was exhilorating, terrifying, and awesomely fun. Kelly and I both left The Bike Rack a little early for some play time in the snow. We both got a little singletrack in yesterday morning as well. good thing, we won't be seing dirt for a while now. ride safe and ride hard!
Last night's ride was exhilorating, terrifying, and awesomely fun. Kelly and I both left The Bike Rack a little early for some play time in the snow. We both got a little singletrack in yesterday morning as well. good thing, we won't be seing dirt for a while now. ride safe and ride hard!
Robert, since most people are logging their miles via the Winter Challenge, they're posting their comments there.
Robert, since most people are logging their miles via the Winter Challenge, they're posting their comments there.
Not sure why the comments have stopped. It appears people are still logging in. Today is my first ride in the snow. Going to have make some attire changes to fit the elements.
Not sure why the comments have stopped. It appears people are still logging in. Today is my first ride in the snow. Going to have make some attire changes to fit the elements.
I have three days off starting Wednesday. Everyone Have a great Thanksgiving. I hear conditions for winter bike challenge will really be kicking in starting next week. Everyone be safe and Happy Holidays.
I have three days off starting Wednesday. Everyone Have a great Thanksgiving. I hear conditions for winter bike challenge will really be kicking in starting next week. Everyone be safe and Happy Holidays.
Thanks Michael. I am busy riding in this wonderful winter winter that I'm trying to catch up on the outcome of the spring finale. Once again; thanks for the info.
Thanks Michael. I am busy riding in this wonderful winter winter that I'm trying to catch up on the outcome of the spring finale. Once again; thanks for the info.
Hey Robert, Sorry I missed your questions. That "delete" tag is there so you can remove your comments, if you wish. That's why you only see it on your own comments. As far as awards, Stratcom, UNO, Northrup Gumman, Fedral Immigration office, Ally-Poyner-Macchietto Architecture, Bike Rack Cycling & Fitness were the businesses.
Hey Robert, Sorry I missed your questions. That "delete" tag is there so you can remove your comments, if you wish. That's why you only see it on your own comments. As far as awards, Stratcom, UNO, Northrup Gumman, Fedral Immigration office, Ally-Poyner-Macchietto Architecture, Bike Rack Cycling & Fitness were the businesses.
JUST A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE VETERANS!!!!!!!!!! KEEP ON RIDIING AND SMILING.
Thanks for all the responses! I think I'll pass on the beard. Hope to see y'all Sunday.
Are there any computer experts out there? How come I keep getting a delete showing up on the top right corner of my comment?
Is there any chance of posting who won the awards for the summer bike challenge?
For the winter challenge, AO is counting "replacement" trips -whenever you're taking your bike instead of the car from a starting point to an end point is one trip, and there-and-back-again is two trips!
The summer went off a point system that balanced trips and mileage, but the winter challenge is strictly trips. So the more trips, the merrier. :)
@ Robert Sweeney - I think both trips count as commutes. You can't control when your job requires you to be @ work, so if you have to work a split shift, you have to commute twice.
This should bring some comments in: Today I rode to work to attend a morning meeting. Later on I came in to do my normal work hours. Is the meeting considetred commute or other?
I also have one, actually two. Got them for a present two years ago.
A great big bushy beard is the best thing this time of year. In lue of that, I bought this thing of the internets last year, and I loves it for the January days. Might be a little warm now, though. I'll bring it to the Winter Cycling Clinic sunday. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ZG7RGM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
do we have to do anything special to log miles to the winter challenge? or just keep doing what we've been doing?
Julie...The challenge starts at 12:18 pm???? LOL.
Mock turtle neck and fleece earband works good for me.
do we have to do anything special to log miles to the winter challenge? or just keep doing what we've been doing?
Heidi,
Click on the winter challenge address to the right and you will see a bunch of comments on what to do.(Click on workouts and then to new workout and use new workout with no route to enter your trips.)Each trip too or from work is a seperate trip.
Ann,
I have found that a set of ear muffs work much better than a balaclava for this time of year when bhe fleece balaclava is too much. It's amazing how much warmer you feel if you just keep your ears warm. They are easy to remove if you get too warm while riding.
Ann,
A Pearl Transfer balaclava has served me very well on cold mornings. Another product I use came with and order of cycling apparel from Light in the Box and it is just a tube of fabric (cottony feel with some stretchy fibers) which I use single layered or double over on cooler mornings or when my balaclava is in the wash. Hope this helps.
Julie...The challenge starts at 12:18 pm???? LOL.
Mock turtle neck and fleece earband works good for me.
Ann,
I have found that a set of ear muffs work much better than a balaclava for this time of year when bhe fleece balaclava is too much. It's amazing how much warmer you feel if you just keep your ears warm. They are easy to remove if you get too warm while riding.
Ann,
A Pearl Transfer balaclava has served me very well on cold mornings. Another product I use came with and order of cycling apparel from Light in the Box and it is just a tube of fabric (cottony feel with some stretchy fibers) which I use single layered or double over on cooler mornings or when my balaclava is in the wash. Hope this helps.
Can someone recommend an ultralight-weight balaclava? I have a fleece for when it gets really cold, but just need a little something over the ears and neck for the 20-25 ish mornings...
Winter Bike Challenge has been posted!! http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/qBF2K3IxvuY
I was wondering that also Robert S. Last week I got no comment.If we are signed up already for endomondo does that mean we are already in for the winter challenge?
Looks like there are some survey stakes that have been put up on the West side of 36th street just South of the overpass...South O Phase II hopefully
Anyone hear anything on the Winter Bike Challenge?
The South Omaha Trail's crossing signal @ 50th Street is completed and operational. Yippee!!
How do you get signed up for the winter challenge? Or are we already in from the summer challenge?
And Endo is fine for what it does - encouraging people to ride, keeping cyclists connected and informed about riding in the community, and helping some cyclists track their miles. The kudos, attaboys, and advice are beneficial as well. I have another means to track my miles and rides, but this is an adequate way to accomplish that tracking AND build our cycling community. This is a great way for new riders to challenge themselves and get advice (vice challenging others, which is what racing is for,)
By they way, this is the best time of the year to ride: expectations are low, and fitness is high, as opposed to the Spring when fitness is low, and expectations are high. Get out and ride!
Thanks Julie
Ray, I miss seeing the blue Pilot on the rack. There's any empty locker to the right of me, and the racks are getting less and less full; summer must be over.
Remember, we're keeping Two Wheel Twosday alive year-round, so roll along with us any time--you can even bring the donuts!
Tail winds and good company, where ever you ride.
Mark
Winter Challenge details coming at the shindig! Nov-March! Endomondo!
Hi Julie - Might we hear at this time if there will be a Winter Challenge? If so wouldn't it be starting in a few weeks?
SPREAD THE WORD! The commuter challenge Wrap Up Shindig will be held on Thursday, October 18 from 5-8 at MoJo's in Aksarben Village. Awards, trivia, camaraderie. Per the usual, we'll have some munchies and a limited number of beer tickets, and then you are welcome to get anything on your own. See you then!
Ray! We will miss you on the commuter challenge standings, but I know we'll be seeing you out and about on two wheels in plenty other settings. Congrats on your retirement!!
Riding with Ray these past few years in the morning - I'm definitely going to miss it. It's been truly great. Just think, though, that opens up the top-spot for someone else to fill! At least the top-spot for Offutt AFB.
So long all. Riding to work is done, not riding, just riding to work. Enjoy two wheeling, it's what's kept work tolerable for the last few years. Wish I could make the party on Oct 18th but I can't. Julie, you and your staff have run a great program
CHEERS RIGHT BACK AT YA!!! YOU ARE SO RIGHT,AS IT HAS BEEN A VERY TOUGH YEAR. AT LEAST WE ARE HERE TO LIVE AND RIDE!!!!!!!!!!! RIDE AND SMILE,HAPPY TRAILS KELLY L. SMITH.
Cheers to you, Kelly! It's been a tough year for both of us, medically speaking... Your engine & my broken leg. I was happy to see you in the SAG truck on the Heatstroke 100 ride. Just goes to show that the only way they'll get us off the bike is if they pry our rigor mortised hands off the grips. God speed, Kelly!
P.S.: GO KELLY!!!!!! We love ya!
Don't forget to come to MoJo's tonight for Handlebar Happy Hour / Commuter Challenge feedback session! We'll set up shop from 5:30 - 7pm. We'll also be in the lobby of Alley Poyner (1516 Cuming St) Wednesday from 11:30-1pm. Come on by!
Check out the National Leaderboard, Kelly is in 8th Place for Sept. And this after having a heart attack several weeks ago. He is inspirational!
GOOD MORNIN' TO ALL YOU BICYCLE RIDING AND SMILING FRIENDS! FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANKS TO ALL FOR THE CARDS ,LETTTERS ,CALLS, AND VISITS AFTER MY BODY GAVE ME A SCARE.BODY IS FEELING FINE,AND IT FEELS GREAT TO BE ALIVE AND RIDING AND SMILING!!!!!!!!!!!! LETS ALL JUST RIDE AND FORGET ABOUT THE OTHER STUFF. HAPPY TRAILS TO ALL!!!!!!!! P.S. CHRISTIANE, I AM STUCK ON MY MOONLANDER AS MY COMMUTER AND PLAY AROUND TOY.WHAT A GREAT WORKOUT.FAT TIRES ROCK!!!!!! KELLY L. SMITH
I've been out for a while and I see posts saying to keep Endo. If someone is thinking about getting rid of it, that would be a mistake. All of the good information and networking keep you motivated.
Additional Feedback Session: Can't make it to MoJo's next Tuesday night? We have one more feedback session scheduled for Wednesday, Sept 26 from 11:30-1 at Alley Poyner Macchietto Architects at 1516 Cuming (in the Tip Top building). (APM is one of Omaha's official Bicycle Friendly Businesses, and we appreciate their hospitality!) This will be informal - just drop in any time and let us know your thoughts!
We want to hear from you! Join us for an informal session to gain feedback about the format of this year's commuter challenge.
Tuesday, Sept 25, 5:30-7, MoJo's in Aksarben Village. Drop in anytime and let us know your thoughts. Or just come to say hi, that works, too! :)
Er, I meant to say, ONE thousand miles May - September. : o
Me too, keep Endo! It helps riders like me set long-term goals and track progress. Like: 2,000 miles May - September. I think I'm there! Also, all, sorry in advance for jumping up on the leaderboard (tomorrow). Just entered miles for all last week.
i love stats like these :)
Trips around the world: 0.044
Trips to the Moon: 0.005
...almost there!
Keep ENDO! If have to manually log my miles again, I won't do it. End of story. For all those calling for a return to the stone age, get a life.
HI All - a couple of thoughts here on a Looks like Fall Friday:
Remember my favorite slide at the Team Captain Info Meeting: "This challenge is not for Olympic Qualification." :) I know everyone feels very passionately, and that is part of the reason why the challenge continues to be successful.
We're going to post a couple of dates/times soon so that we can get everyone's feedback on the pros/cons of the national challenge vs. local challenge format, and I'm confident that we'll figure out the best way forward!
At the end of the day, remember that the data from this challenge - it is impressive and gets people's attention in a hurry - is worth its weight in gold to the people who are advocating for ways to make our city more bicycle friendly. I think we're all on the same team for that! Have a good weekend and we're looking forward to reconnecting with you in PERSON! :) julie
If we to enable more people to ride bike miles in Omaha we want to use Endo application. New users of a bike must feel more comfortable with a bike before they would even begin to bike to work. But if we want only to promote current users of a bike to ride to work then let go backwards and use activate omaha.
Again; it is best said in one sentence. Keep the bicycle wheels a rolling. Well said Tom Potter.
I TOTALLY agree with John! I like it when it was simply a "Bike to Work" challenge and not this bloated "Find a Way to Count Your Miles Regardless" challenge.
The Endo site was probably great for riders who wanted a tool to record all cycling mileage. However, it had shortcomings and glitches , i.e., posting prior monthly mileage, separating the 3 categories (riders were logging Bran,Taco Ride, and
Ragbrai miles as "transportation" miles) , losing miles (?). Expecting a commuter site to supplant the Activate Omaha, I found the Endo site to be cumbersome and phantasmic (not fantastic). I would like to go back to the Activate system where it's solely about commuting and if people want to log other miles they can do their Endo. For me it's the Endo of the road.
I think my question was fair game. Your logs for August looked suspicious, and they were. Thank you for taking the high road and correcting your logs for both months. I'm sorry if you felt attacked; I was not trying to impugn your character. I appreciate your candor and willingness to address the problem. It speaks greatly of your integrity.
Regarding Endomondo, many people (not just in this challenge) have pointed out odd inconsistencies in how things are tracked and updated, especially at critical times (i.e., the end of the month.) You are not alone in encountering these problems. I'm sorry that you had so much trouble in the first place. This conflict could have been avoided had the website functioned properly.
Thank you again for rectifying the situation. I wish you peace and many happy miles in the future.
My apologies for coming across too bluntly. I was trying to find a civilized way to say what needed to be said. I think it's appropriate to call out actions that appear dishonest on their face, even if that was never someone's original intent. I appreciate your honesty about the situation and I thank you for correcting your mileage. That speaks greatly of your integrity.
I admit that I did use the word "cheating" in my post, and well as stating I didn't understand your logic. As for calling you a cheat or a liar or illogical or an egoist, I think it's safe to say that there's a bit of "projecting" going on there. (And just so we're clear, that doesn't mean I'm calling you "neurotic" now, either. Quite the contrary.)
Regarding Endomondo, many people (not just in this challenge) have noted odd inconsistencies in how things are logged and updated, especially at critical times (i.e., the end of the month.) You are not alone in fighting with these problems. I'm sorry that you had so much trouble in the first place. Much of this conflict could have been completely avoided had the website functioned properly.
Thank you again for rectifying the situation. I wish you peace and many happy miles in the future.
Figured it out, August is now empty. Now on to something really important like a nice pasta dish and a glass of wine, accompanied by Allison Krause's latest--great blue grass music at the Ditmer Orchard this past weekend, by the way.
One last thing, just as last month, it appears it is not possible to correct the previous months total early in the following month. If you all have a secret, please let me know. So for now, instead of loading up July with actual totals and having the miles count in both July AND August (which I can not now adjust) I'll just wait until August opens up again. You know, when I started riding seriously over 32 years ago, I kept track of my miles, conditions, effort, workout on a calendar hanging near my bikes--believe me being dishonest about one's mileage or training fooled no one once the starting gun sounded. Life was simpler then, and no one was around to provide insults because my pen ran out of ink to record the daily miles.
As always, if you're on a bike, I'll consider you a friend. Ciao!
Mark
Ms Ley, I've already corresponded with Julie Harris telling her to exclude me from eligibility for any monthly award. I have no delusions of preserving anything, as I explained on a previous post my July miles were "honestly" logged but were not retained by Endo, I tried logging the miles to no avail. When I tried to log the July miles in August, Endo would not allow it--yet I see now it is possible. By the way, it was after consulting with several other members of this forum that they suggested adding both months together, at the time it seemed reasonable, and I tried to mitigate the abnormal August totals by posting to this board. You know the saying about the best laid plans, or good intentions...
Other than calling me a liar, a cheat, an egoist, and illogical, I assume your post is well intentioned. A simple and polite suggestion to try to log July miles once again would have sufficed on a public forum--it is for this reason it is extremely rare for me to correspond in this type of forum because meaning, content and intent are so easily misunderstood. I have been above board on this, and will try to take the high road and make amends by attempting to put the July miles where they belong.
To all other members of this friendly competition, fair winds and sunny skies.
Mark
Mr. Crown, how is logging 2 months' worth of miles in 1 month not cheating? I understand you are trying to "preserve" your grand total mileage, but you falsely entered your mileage for August, to the detriment of everyone else who logged honestly for the month. (There are monthly standings, as well as total standings.) There was nothing preventing you from logging your July miles in July, even after the month ended. Not sure what your logic was... But, according to your own admission, you didn't earn the #1 spot for August - someone else rightfully did.
Figured it out, August is now empty. Now on to something really important like a nice pasta dish and a glass of wine, accompanied by Allison Krause's latest--great blue grass music at the Ditmer Orchard this past weekend, by the way.
One last thing, just as last month, it appears it is not possible to correct the previous months total early in the following month. If you all have a secret, please let me know. So for now, instead of loading up July with actual totals and having the miles count in both July AND August (which I can not now adjust) I'll just wait until August opens up again. You know, when I started riding seriously over 32 years ago, I kept track of my miles, conditions, effort, workout on a calendar hanging near my bikes--believe me being dishonest about one's mileage or training fooled no one once the starting gun sounded. Life was simpler then, and no one was around to provide insults because my pen ran out of ink to record the daily miles.
As always, if you're on a bike, I'll consider you a friend. Ciao!
Mark
Ms Ley, I've already corresponded with Julie Harris telling her to exclude me from eligibility for any monthly award. I have no delusions of preserving anything, as I explained on a previous post my July miles were "honestly" logged but were not retained by Endo, I tried logging the miles to no avail. When I tried to log the July miles in August, Endo would not allow it--yet I see now it is possible. By the way, it was after consulting with several other members of this forum that they suggested adding both months together, at the time it seemed reasonable, and I tried to mitigate the abnormal August totals by posting to this board. You know the saying about the best laid plans, or good intentions...
Other than calling me a liar, a cheat, an egoist, and illogical, I assume your post is well intentioned. A simple and polite suggestion to try to log July miles once again would have sufficed on a public forum--it is for this reason it is extremely rare for me to correspond in this type of forum because meaning, content and intent are so easily misunderstood. I have been above board on this, and will try to take the high road and make amends by attempting to put the July miles where they belong.
To all other members of this friendly competition, fair winds and sunny skies.
Mark
Hi Everyone! Stay tuned for info on opportunities to meet and share feedback about this year's challenge, the Wrap Up Shindig, etc., etc. We want to hear from you about how you liked this new format!
Mr. Crown, how is logging 2 months' worth of miles in 1 month not cheating? I understand you are trying to "preserve" your grand total mileage, but you falsely entered your mileage for August, to the detriment of everyone else who logged honestly for the month. (There are monthly standings, as well as total standings.) There was nothing preventing you from logging your July miles in July, even after the month ended. Not sure what your logic was... But, according to your own admission, you didn't earn the #1 spot for August - someone else rightfully did.
Hi Everyone! Stay tuned for info on opportunities to meet and share feedback about this year's challenge, the Wrap Up Shindig, etc., etc. We want to hear from you about how you liked this new format!
Speaking of a "Beat Kelly" division, I think we need a "Beat Ray" division instead - one that goes 365 days a year non-stop. In the dead of winter, I swear it's his headlight I see shining as he pedals his way South along the Bellevue Loop each morning. He's more dependable than the USPS. (And if it's not Ray, I'd sure love to know who the mystery cyclist is...)
Thanks fellas, I was just pointing out most of us log only what we rode--no name calling, no doping, no trolls, no cheating, no wheel-sucking. And it was in appreciation and admiration I mentioned Jerry--we exchange smiles and waves every morning as we spin to work in opposite directions. This site serves its purpose of getting people engaged and enthused about cycling.
Ciao.
Mark
Mark, kuddos for all the miles and I have absolutely no problem with you taking credit for miles you rode. Have a great weekend.
Jerry F logs his miles once a week on Monday morning. We think Endo. does NOT record miles (in Monthly totals) if entered after the end of the month. I do believe they only accumulate the miles based off the monthly totals and miles entered by the last day of month.
He rides his miles.
Gang, If you're wondering about my miles it's a compilation of July and August; I only log the miles en mass at the end of the month. At the end of July I logged in, logged miles, logged off, and went on a two week vacation. Logged in a few days ago and none of the July miles stuck--so July miles are logged date-for-date on top of August miles. Did I ride the miles--you bet. Just like the guy who's odometer craps out in the middle of a Century--he gets credit for the 100, his computer just didn't log the miles. Endo didn't log my miles. I see my northbound friend Jerry F is at 1900--if he says 1900 I believe him, I see him every morning on the trail as I'm southbound. If the consensus is scrub my miles off, so be it. But it's no more accurate to say I rode "0" in July. Hope you all get a chance to ride this weekend. Mark
Because of the NBC I'm kicking around the thought of creating a B-bike program here at the hospital for the UNMC & Creighton residents to use between their campuses and the VA's. I understand the up front costs are around $35k so I'm trying to figure out a lower cost approach. If anyone has experience in this area or is working on a parallel approach, I'll shoot you my email and we can work off-line.
Overall what a great experience. My team totals are short almost 1,800 miles from what the summary shows in the area along with total calories, CO2 etc compared to the team activity totals shown lower on the team screen. I've asked endomondo twice to shed some light but never a response. It's not a huge deal, we've had fun and increased awareness at our hospital about the benefits of biking to work. Any one else had this problem and figured out the reason?
As team captain, I'm concerned about accurate tabulations. I've been commuting for 30 years before there were any commuter challenges. I plan to return to the old days. Kelly is indeed a phenomenon, maybe next year they can have a Beat Kelly Division.
I don't doubt there is cheating on here, but I'm sure there is a practical alternative to the honor system. My mobile app has pretty well stopped working since the last major update. I've been reduced to using Google Maps to measure my rides which tends to give suspiciously round numbers. Other people don't have smart phones at all.
FWIW, I stopped caring about what other people were riding or logging. I ride for myself... and I log to help my team out. If I were you, I'd just worry about beating Kelly - that's the *real* competition right there! Heaven help us all if he's commuting all those miles on his Pugsley!
Not everyone likes the Endomondo app either... I use a different GPS tracking app and have a lot of historical data, metrics & routes saved there. Not switching.
Also remember that some of us who don't have a mobile device just want to log in once a day to record our miles. That may look like doubling up, but it's really some of us who don't want to log each individual trip.
Thanks Mike, I appreciate your comments and insights. Although the mobile apps are great for some not everyone has or maybe doesn't want a mobile device. I think there is no solution, whenever you go by the "honor system" the less than honorable will emerge.
I understand your concerns with the site, John. I don't doubt that there are people who are "cheating" at this contest, some just to troll other riders, and some because they have some weird psycological issues, some, maybe a little of both. Many of the problems you see could be eliviated if everyone were forced to use the mobile app, which uses GPS tracking to record your workouts, but that certainly wouldn't make this contest very inclusive, and even that is prone to trolling; I gave up strava segments when I started haveing dopes drive them... But over all, I think the endomondo challenge has been a far improvment over the old cycletracker system AO was using in pretty much every way: Logging, data breakdown, visablility, options, and comprehension. I love having a moble app, I love being able to call up one to one comparisons of my buiddies to see moth thier points and milage, and I love that this is a national challenge, even if that means I have to put up with a few hundred trolls in a community of more than three hundred thousand bikers. It's been great, and I'm looking forward to next year.. when I'll know to double up my sport miles so I can make the Omaha top 10. ;)
Unfortunately, I see that the Endo site is inherently flawed with riders doubling up "Transportation" miles and even logging miles a day before they actually ride. The total points for some are dubious, the commuter equivalent of doping.
Regarding the Bellevue Loop. It's closed at Hayworth Park and Capehart & Hwy 75. However, it's open at Harlan-Lewis Rd and the entrance to the water treatment plant. Interpret that how you want. I've made my own assumptions...
Anyone up for a 3 day challenge? Check out our total milage just above... we still need 1200 miles to break 300k.
I've heard the Bellevue police will ticket you if they see you riding on the closed part of the trail, so be aware.
@Brad & Scott,
There's still a barracade at the Capehart trail-head, but I know you can get to Harlan-Lewis Rd. There's a 30-40 foot section just East of the Ft.Crook underpas that's not paved, but you can ride through (or around) it as long as it hasn't rained recently.
I've seen bikers riding past Harlan-Lewis toward Bellevue. I asked one of them & he said you could get all the way to Hayworth Park. Another biker said there was a "No Tresspassing" sign somewhere on that leg.
Just did the Tour Da Corn ride in Mitchell South Dakota. If you ever have a chance do that ride put it on the calendar next year - they have 35, 42, 62 and 100 mile route. The people of Mitchell are very friendly and we had a great time.
@Scott - the trail is closed just after it passes under Kennedy Freeway. Last I heard it was supposed to re-open this fall. Does anyone have an updated staus for the Bellevue Loop?
@ Peggy - could you tell me how far into Bellevue the Papio trail is open? I heard last summer that a large part of the trail up to Haworth Park was closed due to the flooding.
Great Job Peggy!
Just want to do a bit of a brag - for me it was a big deal, so I'm reporting that I did my first Century Ride today. I had a day with no obligations, the weather was decent (a little windy, but you can't have everything), so I decided to ride all of the branches of the contiguous trails on the Papio system. It was a great ride and now I can check that off my bucket list.
Daniel, the organizer of the CCC responded to a facebook posting about the injury. The man who was taken to the hospital broke his clavicle. I went looking for the post to quote exactly what it said, but it's been removed, likely out of respect for the rider's privacy. Still, thought you'd want to know the guy was okay.
Hi folks! I've contacted Activate Omaha and asked them for a "final ruling" on how they would like us to log the CCC miles. Whatever they decide will be posted soon (I'm guessing they'll ask us to count them as Transport, but I'll find out when you do). If you've already logged them one way, and want to change, you can do that on the endomondo side of the site. From this plage, click on "Endomondo" in the top right corner there, which takes you to your endomondo.com home page. From there, click on "workouts" then select the challenge on the calender. On the right hand side, you can click "edit" and change the workout type if you want/need. Hope that helps a little!
What a wonderful day it was for the Corporate Cup Cycling Challenge yesterday. A great day to ride a bike and I liked the changes to the route 16th street is much better than pothole road on the west side of Carter Lake (Carter Lake Dr). I was wondering if anyone knows if the rider whom the ambulance was called for at the bottom of the steep hill on Northern Hills drive is OK, It looked like a bad accident.
Lonny, I'm confused by your response. The sentences seem to contradict one another. In years past the CCC miles have counted toward the BOCC as a sort of "bonus" - I would assume that would still be the case. As such, one should categorize those miles as "transport" to be included. I'm waiting to log those miles (and waiting to give our team direction) until one of the BOCC admins chimes in on the matter...
Seriously, the CCC counts for the BOCC? Are the updates for captains only through keeping up with all the comments here? I'm afraid I've been too busy at work to follow all of this.
Great to see others ride to the CCC start! Beautiful weather, no reason to get in a metal, gas sucking beast. Tradition for us is breakfast at one of our homes, ride 15 miles downtown, ride the TDF route, to Upstream for beer and Jambalaya, then ride home. A great 70 mile ride, with no gas.
We should all ride to these rides, instead of driving!
Thanks, Lonny. Dan if I could the significant other to ride the CCC on the tandem, I'd be a happy camper. Sadly, since the girls went to school, the tandem is not seeing much action.
Miles for the CCC are to be logged as transport. All not commute miles are logged as Sport.
Jeff, I was thinking that the miles from the CCC would count as sport, as it is not replacing a car trip, such as to work or the store.
If my stoker agrees to ride on our tandem to the start of the CCC, I would count the miles from home to Heartland Park and back as transport since I would be keeping the car at home.
Scott B. Van Zyl: we at PayPal are also logging our miles on thebikefreak.com and will then continue after the BOCC. its easy to use, free, and will be having a mobile app in the near future. its similar to how miles were logged in previous years
I've never had a flat while tire liners were in on my MTB. Excellent investment.
Hi Ann so far so good with the tire liners. I think the liners coupled with Continental "city ride" puncture resistant tires are about the best preventive measures I can take. Good Luck.
Good thought, Scott. Are we counting the Corp Cycle Challenge as transport or sport miles?
Any word from Activate Omaha about where we will log miles after Aug 31, for the BOCC?
Mike, I'm interested to know what you think of the liners... keep us posted
This website and app is clunky and a pain to use.
Kathy, if you log them where it says "log miles" it only records the distance. A friend showed me that going to the Home screen and then logging them as a "workout", select sport or transport, enter miles then time and it will calculate calories.
Jeff I had a flat yesterday also. I bought some tire liners that go between the tire and tube. Easy to install. Looks like they can't hurt. 20 bucks
I noticed that my account only records calories from my phone but not from the computer entries. So I've gone 255 miles and only burned 535 calories. Wha??!! I just started using my phone app recently so that's all it has for calories but that's just not right.
First flat in a 10 years (on the way to work last night... Is the Keystone open today, the 10th?
Crud, that could mess you up for the drawings. I know I check mine mutiple times a day to check just that...did points update and to read some of the dialogue. Under our team it shows the miles listed for the day right after I log them but points update sometime later. So they must not appear in your calendar of rides/workouts. I hope you can get them all reflected. Keep riding.
manually as I have found the app to be....less than accurate for miles.
it looks like the site randomly selected one day worth of riding to add to my points so I am up to 1139 (added 45 points/1 day). But only shows 89 points for July (should be 180).So is it not an automated process (as it should be) or are there gremilins behind the scenes taking what we submit and manually adding the points when they feel like it? Kind of defeates the purpose of tracking via a website doesn't it. Maybe we should just write our miles down on post it notes and mail them in or drop them off somewhere once a month...
I manually log mine under "workouts" for distance and time and they work fine. Are you logging manually or with the app?
Anyone else seeing issues with points not being added (AGAIN). I showed 1094 points prior to logging my miles for 7/27. I've logged another ~75 miles (under cycling, transport) and points still show 1094...
Peggy, if you turn south off Military to 99th, past Masters Elementary, and south on Terrace Drive, east on Ames (the south side of Morton Middle School), up the hill to 93rd, south on 93rd one block to Taylor, cross 90th at the light and you have one block to Pilster Park and the Keystone Trail. Once you reach Pacific, you can either cut through the Venice Inn parking lot and get to Mason Street (although the street surface is a little bumpy), or go under Pacific and ride the path that parallels the south side of Pacific (although there is a long wait for the light and you have to be observant of cars turning right off Pacific into Aksarben). I commuted this route for 5 years and had little traffic to contend with. Hope that works for you. Keep riding!
I do have the map of "bike friendly" streets, but I am a true chicken in traffic and it doesn't take much traffic to make me really nervous. Biking on Military passed the entrance to McDonald's near 90th caused a panic attack. I'll look into some of the neighborhood options to see if there is a way to avoid that part of the route.
Michael: That's what I do, but I'd rather not use my car at all. But, when I bike from 90th and Fort, it is a pleasure not to have to deal with the parking at UNO challenge.
Peggy, you could haul your bike and park your car at the city parks near 90th and Fort or 90th and Maple and bike the trail to UNO. Many people who work in the Aksarben Area and even Offut AFB commute to work that way Not perfect but you don't have the hassle of parking your car at UNO.
Peggy, have you looked at the map of bike friendly streets and arteries published by Activate Omaha? That map has given me a whole new perspective of routes that I never considered or discovered on my own years ago. I just returned to my home near UNO from a ride that took me to Bennington. Once I got by Deer Creek I rode the Military Trail to Terrace Drive, turning east on Ames (by Morton Middle School), then through the neighborhood until I crossed 90th at Boyd to catch the Keystone to Elmwood Park.
Anthony, don't jump to conclusions about bike lanes because of Elmwood Park's set up. Seems to me the same situation as the Riverfront Trail north of the Mormon Bridge: a nice road with little traffic and a trail with varied quality parallelling it. What we really need are bike lanes like the new one on Leavenworth and the Happy Hollow Blvd lane north of Underwood; these are efficient uses of current pavement and help connect routes. Plus, they reflect the intent of the boulevard system that connected midtown parks 100 years ago.
Is there any effort to extend the Big Papio just the small stretch north to connect with Standing Bear? That short stretch would make it much easier for NW Omaha bikers to get to midtown/downtown. I would love to ride to work at UNO, but there is no safe route to get me to the trails during rush hour traffice. Taking Fort or Maple would be a death wish. I tried the Military Trail route, but it is way out of the way and not consistently good and then one must use the streets at a busy intersection to get to the Keystone. I would think that extending the trail along the creek up through Tranquillity Park then just west to 132nd would not be a lot of miles and would be a great solution for the "no east-west" route problem up north.
Tom, how did you find out about the Keystone? I couldn't find anything on Omahatrails.com or Omaha Parks and Recreation. Just signage on the trail?
Anthony, I tried the multi-use path at Elmwood- there are some rough sections. Thats why I'd rather ride the road.
FYI: Keystone trail closed between Mercy and Grover Streets from Aug 7 - 10.
We would ride on the sidewalk if there were not holes, cracks, curbs, garbage and broken glass everywhere. Those of us with 700x23-28 tires have a hard time keeping our tires inflated on sidewalks and trails, the road is our only option.
Saw a pickup using new bike lanes on levanworth for passing; then two cars using the bike lane as a turn lane this am
I'd push for bike lanes if I saw more bikers use them. Too often I see bikers riding on the street when there's a trail or nice wide sidewalk right along - especially through Elmwood.
Please make your voice heard on the OWH website poll about bike lanes in Omaha! Go to www.omaha.com; the poll is located on the right side of their page, about half way down. Don't let the nay-sayers outnumber us! :)
Yay, Leavenworth! Can't wait for the St Mary's / westbound !
Rode the brand spankin' new South Omaha Trail this evening after the Omaha Bikes Website Launch Party at Liv Lounge (Aksarben). What a great party and what an even greater new trail addition! Thanks so much!!!
Great job, Milton!! Keep up the great work!!!
First, Kellogg on I was making sweet stuff last night-the best smelling quarter mile! 2nd, didn't get lost using the South Omaha Trail last night but it did not seem as fast as Keystone-West Center-Saddle Creek-Levanworth; maybe when it gets all done. Congrats Mike!
Welcome back Milton.
My Endomondo is shutting down after a minute or two since version 8 came out. Today it tracked .67 miles of our 14 mile ride. It worked fine with version 7. Anyone have any thoughts on how to fix this?
Milton - may God continue to bless you! Welcome back to the bike!
Completed my first century ride on Tuesday! 109 miles and the heat was intense,around 105 degrees. Received my century patch from John Karras himself in Stratford IA. who is one of the founders of RAGBRAI. The Bike to work Challenge helped me get in shape to achieve that goal oh ya the hills in Council Bluffs IA were great training for the hills and river valleys we had to climb out of.
Welcome back Milton
Great job, Milton! For the best smells though, the Kellogg plant when making sweet cereals is enough to start drooling!
Hello bikers.I had a brief intermission from biking.I went through surgery for prostate cancer,and i am glad to say that by the grace of God i beat it and i am back in the saddle.
I prefer the aroma of the asphalt plant near Gover St.
i second that Scott!
One of the best parts of that trail is the smell coming from the J Skinner Bakery on the east end of the trail. Yum!
more trails, im in :)
Thanks for catching that, Pete... I got it changed.
Yikes. I hate it when I do that... it's the 25th for sure... which makes it a WEDNESDAY. :)
July 25 is a Wednesday--which is correct?
Mark your calendars! The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new South Omaha Trail (phase 1) will be Tuesday, July 25 at noon in Karen Park. This is the beginning of that crucial east-west trail connection we need, and we'd like to get as many cyclists there to show support and say thanks. A great lunchtime ride for those of you along the Keystone Trail!
To bike to the Owl Ride from 156th and Dodge, we rode on the Linden Estate trail, Blondo Trail, Big Papio trail, Keystone trail and South Omaha trail, then to Leavenworth to downtown. Extremely cool to have these trails connect! Kudos to all those making these things happen!
Connecting South Omaha trail to Field Club will be great!
Jeff, the city had planned to link the Field Club Trail with the South Omaha Trail by August of 2012 but, unless they really get moving, I don't see them making that deadline. Now Omaha Bikes is saying as soon as the end of the year. http://bikeomaha.blogspot.com/2012/01/advocacy-alert-keystone-connector-now.html
Jeff, It's 2.1 miles from Keystone to 45th & G.
Karl, how far does the south omaha trail take you? That could be a big timesaver!
Greg, I meant State Orchard Rd in Council Bluffs. I guess I'm more South East CB, and I'm guessing you're more North East. That's what I was wondering.
Karl... I ride from Council Bluffs so I doubt our paths would ever cross if you ride from State Orchard Rd to 72nd. Thats unfortunate though because I don't cross paths with many people either. Of course there are those people that pass me up some mornings. I need to upgrade to a road bike.
Greg....Mind if I ask where you ride from? I ride from State Orchard Rd, to 72nd & Pacific, but haven't seen many fellow commuters yet this year. Oh, and what's a RAGBRAI, if it's not hot!
Certainly glad we are getting some relief from the heat...hopefully this weather will continue for RAGBRAI
Nice and brisk this morning, riding in from east Council Bluffs. Looking forward to the ride home. I might try the north route along the river to 25th St through big lake to old lincoln hwy since its finally open from construction. Its always nice to change the route to make for an interesting ride.
Riding through downtown Omaha early this morning, I wasn't the only one thinking of breakfast... saw a great big peregrine falcon snacking on a juicy rat... right on the sidewalk, 16th & Howard. It was too cool to be gross.
The South Omaha trail has become part of my route to work instead of continuing to Aksarben Village since June. I then catch F to 36th Street to get to the Field Club. Though it adds a mile to my trip, it's much less traffic and at least 20 minutes of a shaded ride. The city still plans to put a crossing signal at 50th.
Definitely a beautiful trail. Looking forward to them finishing it, and connecting the Keystone with the Field Club.
I still wonder, though, when the West Papio will be finished...
Anyone else tried out the new South Omaha trail that runs East from the Keystone at Karen Park? A gem in the middle of the city!
Toasty 51 miler today to end my vacation! Nothing better than sweating profusely, drinking Chia Fresca and Goo, feeling a little tired...and then, BAM, a fully loaded cattle or hog truck flies by and provides the sweet aroma to wake you back up!
@Ann...absolutely time for the CCC ride Sunday Aug 19th! Love to see 5,000 cyclists together.
Also, consider joining us on Team HP Omaha for the Sept 8/9 Bike MS ride...we have 27 riders of all riding experiece and would love more of you to join us.
Corporate Cycling Challenge registration time !
Toasty today, verrrrry toasty...
Send your 4th of July cycling shots to the League in support of cycling infrustructure:
This sounds like fun! :)
Watch the keystone trail, some rather large bumps on the trail.
Too hot...way too hot
Sarah Johnson is no longer the "heart & soul" of Greenstreet. Per her twitter feed, she was terminated Thursday 6/28. I believe a large part of the staff may have departed in protest. If these are your friends, please offer your support to them as they move forward.
Somebody needs to get Todd Andrews on a bike already. “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." -Gandhi
KETV's news editor and/or reporter Todd Andrews skewed a story about expanding bike lanes on Wednesday. Todd reported that the public is "lukewarm" to bike lanes, then used a portion of a clip of my wife to contradict himself. While bike lanes are not always the best solution, Omaha is much better off for bicyclists the past few years thanks to the Activate Omaha Bicycling commuter map, bike lanes, and recreational trails. Ironically, KETV also posted today about the near warning level for ozone in Omaha and the need to reduce gasoline-powered vehicle use to keep the ozone levels down.
Let's all keep riding, keep being visible, and keep encouraging co-workers and friends to find one more opportunity a week to bike to work, the store, a playdate, or other short trip!
Hi, fellow Omaha bikers. I've recently noticed some FRESH buckling/cracking on the trails, likely due to the extreme heat/humidity. I know of a tall "peaked" buckle on 96th St trail just N of 370 and another big "peaked" buckle on the Keystone near Q St. (I suspect there are others out there, not all of which have been marked yet.) So please keep those eyeballs on the road ahead!
I was thinking about it. I was told it's a good time.
This one is no different, the ride is a benefit for the Meyer Foundation for Disabilities, serving adult disabled people in the greater Omaha metro. If you ask me worth the 30 bucks.
Well, like most other mass events like this, such as "fun runs" your registration fee goes towards the charity the event is supporting.
No, I am not paying 30 bucks to ride my bike. I ride my bike to work so I don't have to buy gas.
Anyone else doing the Owl ride this year?
Yeah, Lincoln is doing a great job (good for them!)... we can take their success with a grain of salt or we can help spread the word and get more people logging miles! I opt for the latter and take this as a learning year so that we can increase the number of people logging miles the following year (BTW some of the heavy hitters are not logging miles like, Greenstreets, Marty Shukert and others that tend to ride a lot!). Overall, tracking our miles is fun, but the greatest achievement we can have is getting more people riding on a regular basis. If anything Lincoln ranking #2 at least will give NE a mention in the national scene which is good for all of us.
Wabash ride. There is a group of us that meet at Upstream at 5:00-5:15 and head out shortly after that over the bridge if you want to join. We usually sit up in the patio. We have a different route and take the off streets. Most of us are on the Team Angry and Amnesia teams (easy to spot) and you are welcome to join us.
Jeff Bequette... I have no idea how Lincoln is topping the national chart. I think something is wrong with how they calculate the community sizes. According to the team pages Omaha has a population of 849k and Lincoln has a population of 298k. If points are scaled by community size, Lincoln has a 3:1 advantage. I also think Lincoln is doing a better job of spreading the word about tracking miles on Endomondo. Of all the people I ride with, only a couple even know what Endomondo is.
Yup... Go BRANimals.
BRANimals are rockin' the leaderboard!
thanks Todd
Before you head into the trailer park, you need to head south towards lake manawa. When you get next to south omaha bride road you ride east about half a mile. Then you will go south again under the south omaha bridge road. Take that trail south for over a mile until you encounter a wooden bridge. Cross it east. That trail takes you around lake manawa. Then continue east until you get near those huge white resevoires? Can't miss them. Eventually you will come to an overpass hat crosses I -29. Then continue down that road, pass a small school and wabash trailhead is at end of street. Probably a ten mile or so ride fom pedestrian bridge.
Ann, How do you get to the Wabash from the Kerry Bridge? We just made that ride today and went through the trailer park.
thanks
Why is Omaha competing with Fremont on the Community leaderboard and not Lincoln.. It's nice to beat Fremont all hollow.. but common it's kinda like an 11 man vs 7 man football game.....
Almost got taken out by a guy in a black pickup. I swear he tried as I heard him step on the gas. I was following all laws to. Signaled to stop at stop sign.
Hi Mildred - Make sure you stop in and check out the Trek Bicycle Store at 73rd & Giles in Papillion. Great crew there and also the bike shop sponsor for the Bicycle Commuter Challenge.
Thanks to Scott Redd for showing us the way to the Wabash from downtown... no more cutting through the trailer park! Once you're over the BK bridge, it's bike trails all the way. Computer: 15 miles from 15th & Dodge to Wabash trail head (playground).
Mildred, the best bike store in Bellevue is Old Towne Cyclery, in Old Town Bellevue, across from the Dairy Queen.
Anyone else see the 5 cop cars on the Keystone this morning (4:45 am) near the Mercy Road crossing?
My husband bought me a road bike so that I don't wear out my tires on my mountain bike from constantly riding it to work. Problem is that I don't like the handle bars and I would like to make it a hybrid by changing the handle bar to a moutain bike platform. Any suggestions where I can purchase a relatively inexpensive mtb bars, grips and gear shifters near Bellevue NE?
Two days in a row for me! Life might actually be returning to normal! yay!!
Congrats to the national prize winners! Our local prizes for the month will be figured out soon.
Nice to meet you Dan. Hope the Summer Camp kick-off went well. Mark
Had a nice chat this morning with Mark from OAFB while I took the long way to work. Thanks for slowing down to say "hi" so I could meet another person invovled in the bike challenge.
I won a specialized water bottle. So that's 2 for Omaha!
Great Job, Melanie! gives us all hope!
Hey- thought I would let the community know I won a Specialized t-shirt in the National Bike Challenge drawing for May! I have no idea what it looks like, but thought you all would like to know an Omaha person actually won something!
It seems like the whole site is running a little slow today... I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess it's because it's the last day of the month and everyone is trying to get miles logged before the cut-off. Don't forget we're all eligable for the National Prizes they give away monthly! http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/national/prizes
.
Remmeber, your points add up over the summer, so your shooting for 1500 by the end of summer to get in on the Big Drawings. :)
Thanks Sean
Andy
@andy - It appears Endomondo must be having some issues. I notice that my miles updated after this morning's ride but the 20 points for the trip didn't get added to my points total. Their system has certainly seen some ups and downs. This appears to be one of the "downs". I would prescribe patience. They've been good about getting things fixed to-date.
why are my points not updating?I had 516 yesterday and still have 516 after todays commute.
Andy
Another Team HP Omaha group ride this Saturday 6/2
7am, Starbucks @ 156th and Dodge
Group determines route(s) and distance(s).
Come join us - everyone is welcome!
@Michael Grube - Thanks for the clarification. I will go back and fill in some miles that should have counted.
That's a great idea! I'll see if I can get that done, thanks!
Thanks for the clarification Michael! I know that our workplace contact does not know this info so all teams from our workplace have only been recording work commute miles. I will have to spread the word so that we record all applicable miles.
Maybe the name of the page could be changed from "Activate Omaha Bike to Work Challenge" to simply "Activate Omaha".
Ride On.
Thanks for bringing up the question about Transit Miles, Tom!
<br>
The caveat of joining forces with the National challenge is that we must adapt the local challenge to fit within the limitations of the software. We've only got three categories to choose from: Transportation, Sport, and Mountain biking. I talked to Julie this morning to make sure we're all on the same page, and the Officially official word is that Activate Omaha would like everyone to report BOTH utility (replacement) miles and work commutes as "Transit miles" this year.
<br>
It’s true that in years past, the AO Commuter Challenge was primarily focused on those miles commuting back and forth to work on the "shortest, safest route." But keep in mind that any errands run during the work day --such as riding to meetings or to lunch-- also counted towards your miles. AO is simply expanding that rule to include all errands you run by bike instead of by car!
<br>
By joining forces with the National Challenge this year, AO has the opportunity to expand the local commuter challenge to include and track ALL bike share within the city. Accurate and complete information will be invaluable when it comes to bike advocacy and planning for city, and that’s true not just in the Omaha Metro, but in the State and nation, as well!
<br>
So Keep riding, everybody, and please log those miles! Thanks!
Ski jump on the keystone was fixed yesterday, it appears. No more launching yourself into the air. Significant repairs going on over last few days.
For the Activate Omaha Bike Challenge only the transportation miles count . . . specifically only the transportation miles to and from work! I noticed earlier that someone stated to mark any "replacement" miles (miles that you biked but would have usually driven your car - like going to work, going to the store, going to the post office . . . non leisure rides) should be marked as transportation - THAT IS NOT CORRECT! For the AOBC you should only mark you to/from work miles as transportation and all others as not transportation (all the other miles still count for the endomondo rankings). Please correct me if I am wrong!
Ride On.
Doesn't your logs for cycling:sport count in this challenge also? Or is it only for sort:transportation?
Warm fuzzy of the day that I had to share:
I often drive my car to my daughter's school with my bike on the back, drop her off, then pedal into the office. (Thankfully, she's 5. She and her friends are still young enough to think it's "cool" that I ride my bike - which it is - but I digress.)
Pedaling my way to pick her up yesterday I passed a fellow school-dad, inspired by my efforts, pedaling the other direction. He had just picked up his son and was riding home with his boy in the Burley. If only I lived close enough to make that a reasonable event...
So - I know of at least one recent convert out there. Any more?
Right on Ferdinand's tail.
Team HP Omaha group ride this Saturday 5/26
7am
Starbucks @ 156th and Dodge
Group determines route(s) and distance(s).
Come join us!
Never mind. Just took awhile for stats o update.
@Todd, Where is it saying that to you?
On the right hand side of your home page, under "what's next" check to see if it's asking you to register your workplace... I'm taking a wild stab here, cause although you seem to be registered and riding for Ameristar, Amersitar might not be registered with the challenge yet... The "Ameristar Casino and Hotel internal leaderboard" shows 0 employees, with 1 rider.
Activate Omaha will be better resource, though; since you're an IA rider working at an IA business, I can't but guess the challenge may be having trouble counting you as a Nebraksan. :)
I keep getting no applicable data??
@Lora U, I ride east and south to work (Hewlett-Packard in Old Mill), but several of us ride often on W Papio, from Piedmont/Wycliffe neighborhood and are always looking for other closeby cyclists to join us. If interested, let me know.
Our Bike MS team will start our training rides in June, most likely starting from Baker's at 156th and Dodge.
For anyone who didn't log some sport miles, go back and log your previous rides so we can capture the points that were missed. No reason to give Lincoln any more of an advantage than they already have with their tiny population (lower population regions score more points per trip/mile in the National competition).
Would definitely be nice if they finished the West Papio between Papillion and Omaha (Millard).
Does anyone bike to work on the w. papio bike trail at 168 & Blondo to Center'ish? If so, let me know, we can cycle together!
Wesley, Phil, and Michael,
Thanks for the breakdown. I too was only logging my true commuter miles as it was easy to see exactly where I stood in the Activate Omaha commuter challenge. In addition to my transport miles, I will definitely start logging my sport miles to help our cause on the national level. Thanks again!!
ok, ok, you made me feel like the end of a peleton...I will log all my miles. Although I always will be an Iowan, I love living in Nebraska and would love to beat Wisconsin.
Thanks Michael.
Hi folks,
As an explanation and reminder, we've got TWO simultaneous programs running this year.
First and foremost is obviously the "Get up & Ride" National Cycling Challenge. It is a national challenge to get 50,000 cyclists up and riding (and logging miles) this summer. It is sponsored, in part, by Endomondo.com and we're using the Endomondo fitness tracking tools to log miles. For the National Challenge, ALL your miles count... Transport, Sport, and mountain bike. I'm personally encouraging all Nebraskan's to log all those miles... We're making a great showing on the national leaderboards (#3!) and NE is nipping at the heals of Wisconsin for the #2 spot! If you follow the leaderboards, the national challenge breaks it down from the state level to city, workplace, team, and individuals.. the top riders in the nation are all retired, and spend most of their days logging "sport" miles. -The point system is 20 points for each DAY you ride, and 1 point for each mile (and they round your mileage off).
The Second event going on is the Activate Omaha Commuter Cycling Challenge, which is relying wholly on the data recorded in the National Challenge this year. They formed a partnership with the "Get up & Ride" challenge folks, who are going to give AO a download of the collected data at the end of the summer. For the Activate Omaha Challenge, ONLY your transport mileage counts, based on the same point system (20 points for each DAY you ride, and 1 point for each transport mile you log).
For EITHER challenge, everyone is encouraged to break their mileage up into transport or sport... Transport are what I call the "replacement" miles, the miles you could do in a car, but you’re doing by bike instead... Driving to work, going to the grocery store, etc. Sport Miles are obviously all the rest... From the Taco Ride to BRAN, all those sport miles count for the national challenge, and will really rack up the numbers for Omaha, Nebraska, and the nation!
Personally, I treat this as a bike-to-work challenge and am logging only my bike-to -work miles (Cycle, Transport). With my short 6 mile each way commute, I need 47 trips in 4 months to hit 1500 points. That's an average of 3 commute rides per week. First 3 weeks and already have 12 trips logged.
Made the 500 points Gold Medal today. Now to chase the 1500 milestone.
Riddle me this... How are the points earned, I can't make heads or tails and they seem to be arbitrary. The more I ride, the fewer points I earn? To answer Andy, I separate my commuter miles (transportation) to work from my recreational miles (sport). Endo tabulates only the transportation /commuter miles (this is how it was explained to me anyway).
I thought this was a commuter challenge, I didn't think you counted your recreational miles. Most people don't.I thought you just counted your miles too and from work.
@Eric, Don't think of it as last, think of it as riding sweep! Finishing last would mean to never start.
WOO HOO!!!!! I'm not last!!!!
I got buzzed by the affable Joe Simoens this morning near Pacific on the Keystone. Then I biked up Leavenworth and when I reached the light at 55th street there were three people biking through and zero cars! A great way to start the day for sure.
Darn you Wes Galusha, turning up the heat with a 60 miler after work. ;).
Took the long way home tonight via Walnut Creek, Zorinsky and Cunningham Lakes with a lot of street riding. What a beautiful night for a 60 miler after work.
After a wipe-out early Friday morning and taking a couple of days to recover, this morning was perfect weather for a ride. 5:30am, no wind, no trafic, just me and the open road. Too bad work got in the way and ended what would have been a very long and productive ride. I'll be hitting more cool morning rides this week as the temp rises.
Great commuting weather this morning. Rode within a foot or two about half a dozen bunnies and probably a couple dozen geese. I even had three geese try to catch me for some reason, but they gave up. KEYSTONE UPDATE: the heat buckle on the Keystone North of Blondo is marked now and should be repaired some time this week.
Significant wind this evening, rode north at about 10mph for parts of the ride, and then south at about 23mph. :) It sure is nice to have that wind vector going with you! I guess you burn more calories into the wind, but not near so much fun. :)
YAY!!! Julie can now actually access the local page!!!! :) Sorry to have been MIA on here, Omaha riders, but the glitch has been fixed.
Great job, everyone! Keep up the great work, keep recruiting riders and teams. Lincoln might have a early advantage, but beginners luck won't last for long, right?? ;)
You don't know how disappointed I was to find out yesterday was Thursday! I was talking up the ride to everyone how it was "tomorrow" until I got home and talking to my neighbor riding up to my house and he said he would love to ride, but had to work Fridays. Joke was on me, it RUINED my night. Sorry, PIE RIDE is Saturday, 9:00, Missouri Valley City Park/Fairgrounds.
Pie Ride is Saturday, of course. Wes must have started the weekend early. ;)
I havent' been on it before... how much is 6 peices of pie going to run me?
Pie Ride is tomorrow, as in Friday?
Wednesday - best commute ever! Gorgeous weather. Looks like perfect conditions for... tacos!
Sheer frustration, I've been tracking on MapmyRide and now I'll try the endomorph app.. Is the Mayor's ride a counter this year?
Although I hate going to meetings on beautiful days, I like having to bike commute to meetings on a day like this! I see the zoo is finally getting ready to install bike racks. Funny how I had to lock my bike to the fence under the sign stating such.
But to continue the thread, this challenge and web site has me reassessing my short, noncommuting trips. The last four trips to the grocery store have been by bike. Nothing like a gallon of milk in one pannier and a bag of oranges and a dozen eggs in another! And if my kids go along with me, all the better! And if we take the long way to the store, or go a few extra miles to get to a store that has bike racks, even better!
Bob, if you're using the smartphone app, it makes it amazingly simple. It logs the miles for you, as well as all the other stats associated with a particular ride. It even maps the ride, so you can see where you were and where you stopped, altitude/elevation, etc. It's an amazing tool. It also takes the guesswork out of what counts and what doesn't, as it's all automatic. :)
I agree...it allows competition (and encouragement) for all cycling...commuting and sport. My previous post may not have been clear...commuting miles should be logged as Transport and all other miles are Sport.
I also like to look at the various breakdowns...especially the states.
Yes, they do count for the National Challenge, Bob!
I really like this year's competition, I must say. It adds so many levels and dimensions... So many tiny little places that we both compete and fit together. Like the competition with Lincoln... Of course Omaha wants a good show there, but we also all need to encourage each other and work together so Nebraska can have a great showing in the nationals. (We need to get the rest of the state involved there, Especially Kearney/ orth Platte /Scott'sbluff -Julie!!) The leaderboards have a great breakdown ofr all this... Workplaces overall, workplaces per division, teams, individuals... All these tiny little competitions to keep us motivated, and one common goal: 50,000 riders, nationwide!
Thanks Michael, I got some air of that cement buckle on the way in this morning. I want to see if I can hit it at 30mph on the way home ;-). BTW... does anyone know if non commuting miles recorded under cycling, sport or Mountain biking count toward the communities competition? Lincoln is beating us in miles (and points), but they are recording a few more non-commuting miles AND they have a much smaller population (because our community is larger AND we are including Council Bluffs). If they do count (for the community competition), I'll start recording my "cycling, sport" miles.
Julie asked me to post a notice about the heat buckle in the Keystone Trail just north of Blondo St. If you like taking your bike over "sweet jumps" you're in luck! If, however, you're not a big fan of bent wheels and skinned elbows, slow down and use caution on the trail North of Blondo! I found it the hard way Saturday night while I was out looking at the moon. Luckily I was going slow and was only airborne momentarily.
Parks and Rec have been notified. and are on the case.
Thanks Phil.
Nebraska - 3rd in State competition!
Omaha/CB - 16th in Communities competition!
That rocks!
Activate Omaha directions were to register all commuting miles as Cycling/Transport, to ensure stats are same as past years - commuting only. This allows us to compare commuting progess easily as we compete locally, and exclude our other 'sport' miles. Look at the National Leader - at 620 points in 4 days...zero commuting, all sport miles...he's retired!
So, what do we need to choose as the discipline in order for the trips to register here? I typically use the mountain bike as mine is one and I often take an "off the beaten path" approach during my commute but it didn't look like it registered the miles.
Also, I love that Joe has ridden 176 miles this week, but apparently has burned zero calories! Joe, that is amazing. How do you do it?
I actually ended up taking the bus home for safety sake. I'd rather lose a few miles today than bite it and not ride for several weeks!
Question about CO2 & Dollars saved metrics. Since Endomondo does NOT track what your typical DRIVING commute distance is, the CO2 and Dollars saved are based off your commuting distance. For many of us, a safe commuting route is often much longer than our typical driving route. This artificially inflates the CO2 and Dollars saved metrics. For me, it's only 12 miles to work in my car via the interstate. However, I ride the trail system as much as possible when commuting, and it can add a significant distance to my commute (12driving vs 18 or more bike commuting). Thoughts?
Joe, I thought you were commuting in from Bellevue via Lincoln. ;-) Patrick, SPOKEn like a true transportation cyclist.
Rode home yesterday with a broken spoke. Then rode to work today with a broken spoke. Then bought a new spoke at Greenstreet and will ride home with it in my pocket and fix it there. Dedication or stupidity?
With the construction on Hwy 75 bridge across the Platte, soon they will close me off altogether, then I will have to commute to work via Louisville. Just mapped it at 42.8 each way.
Scott... Mineola was just where you went for dinner on the way home. That's transportation miles right? ;-)
Yes, sorry Meagan is NOW listed at team UNO. Sorry!
My commute home is only about 1.5 miles. I rode home via Mineola last night (~50 miles), but can't log that as my commute. :)
Michael, I rode a bit of my commute home last night with a guy that commutes from BLAIR. Now THAT is an impressive commute.
Oh, stop complaining, Bob, I can't even hit the top 20 with my measly 6 mile commute. I need to just bite the bullet and move to Nebraksa City, or something.
And I think Angie means "NOW listed," Meagan. :)
Darn you Joe.... I guess I'll need to switch to my 48 mile round trip route next week (which keeps me off West Center entirely). ;-)
Meagan, it looks like you are not listed with Team UNO and at the top of the pack!
I sent in a request to the Endomondo Helpdesk and they said the points weren't being tallied due to the high volume of use since Monday. I see that the points are now credited to me. Thanks for all of the feedback and help. See you on the road, sometimes in your wind shadow, sometimes in mine.
Wes, if you go to the upper part of this page, right next to where you log your miles, under the title "What's Next" does it tell you to create or join a team? If so, click on join, then on the next page check the box that most resembles the team you want to join and type a bit of the name in the search box below that, then hit "search". Finally, scroll down and click on "join" next to your team. Of course if you know all of that already then nevermind, but I suspect you have signed up to a location but have not yet signed up to your team.
nice lazy ride into work, then a frantic hell for leather race home to sell some golf clubs.
No it updated and I have 100 points on the leaderboard. There seems to be a 1-2 hour lag between when you record your ride and when the leaderboard reflects you miles.
For the record I recorded 27 yesterday and 34 today. Right now it shows that I have 100 points (27 + 20 + 34 + 20 = 100?.. not sure why it is not 101) next to my picture above where I am typing right now. However, I still only have 47 points on the "leaderboard" even thought leaderboard says it has been updated since I recorded today's miles.
Wes, what does it say above and below your name (just above here)?
I have logged 110.43 miles since Monday, with 21.94 miles yesterday and today, but still no score/points. It would be nice to think that my riding is counting towards my team.
Today's ride in a little less exciting than Monday...the little yip-yap muzzled dog was leashed and the other yipper came running at me, so I stopped until the owner corraled it. This time I stopped and told the guy to keep them both leashed. If anyone else sees this guy, tell him the same thing. If he does not cooperate, I will call The Humane Society. Again, this is on the trail west of Grisanti's, about 7am.
I deleted both my log entries for the week and added back in the 13.5x2 to see if that fixes. Evidently there is a delay before those edits show up. Hopefully that fixes it.
I have "2 trips 27.00 miles total" for today. I only have that one entry in the chart for today. My landing page also show that I have 27 mile for today. However, if I click on the LOCAL "Leaderboard" at the top and then click on my name, it shows that I have logged 41 total miles and burned 439 calories. So something isn't right. It also shows that I have 60 points on the Local "Leaderboard". That part makes sense because they use a different point system than what AO will be using. So I still have no clue why it shows me riding 41 miles so far in this challenge even though it started today, and I recorded exactly 27 miles today.
Bob et all, Regardless of how many trips you have, (trips are intended to be 1-way miles to or from work), they system will only give you 20 points for the day. If you have too many miles, check your Log Miles again. You may have too many entries, or incorrect trips (i.e. a 1 trip 13.5 miles and a 2 trips at 13.5 miles = totalling 3 x 13.5 = 40.5 miles).
Michael... I had University of Nebraska-Omaha instead of University of Nebraska AT Omaha. :-) I think I on the team now. But please let me know if I am not.
I will ride 12 miles total today (6 each way) and have 32 points (12 + 20)...so I am good.
I have to retract a bit, because I forgot to day was Tuesday. Week runs sunday through saturday and I've got 18.49 miles for the week, but the challenge didn't start until today... so I still don't understand why I have 7 points at all since I haven't recorded a ride durring the challenge yet. In acy case, Supposedly they've already got the "trips" thing covered, because it's an automatic 20 points for each DAY you ride. After that, it's just total mileage added to that... suposedly.
It's going to be a bit confusing for them to figure out if the "2 trips" was on the same day or different days (for people that ride home and back the next day to get the two trips). But hey... I'm at the top of the charts for now. Guess I can't complain. ;-)
Me too, Bob. According to the entire site, I've got 7 points and 8 miles for the week, although I haven't logged a mile since the challenge started. Yesterday I had about 14 miles in three trips, so I have no idea whats going on.
Hopefully they get this worked out in the next day or two. Rules say it's 20 points for each day you ride and 1 point for every mile... although I think they're doing some fuzzy math to count partial miles.
I'm confused. I rode in 13.5 miles today, but recorded the return trip already for convenience. So that is 2 trips at 13.5 (or 27 miles). However, it shows that I have 41 miles when I click on my name in the "leaderboard". I don't mind being first, but I'd rather it show my actual miles and points instead. Anyone else having issues recording the correct miles for today's commute?
Great ride in on day one. Now if I could just find a 60 mile route to work. ;-)
First day of challenge...ride in perfect, ride home may be wet!
Better than yesterday's ride in...attacked by little yip-yap dog on trail by Grisanti's...with a cage over it's mouth!, while the owner stood by with the leash in hand. Is there a # to call to put these people in a cage, instead of the dog?
Meagan, why aren't you showing up as affiliated with UNO?
I'm recording in metric this year. Makes the numbers look bigger.
Yay!
Angie, I am your teamate whether you like it or not!
Do I get double points if I'm riding with an 8-year-old on a tag-a-long?
Bring the game, not the talk.
Lincoln doesn't have a chance. ;-) That being said, Omaha can use all the motivation you can provide. So... Bring It!
Carlos, you are, and always will be golden with the city of Lincoln! Now get ready to have bike tires up and down your backside! ;-)
p.s. we are waiting on our Bike Friendly Community desigantion, expected to arrive any day now
Justin, Omaha will still have Bronze Bicycle Friendly Award, what does Lincoln have? Lincoln you know I love you but my heart belongs to Omaha the best biking city in Nebraska. By the way, please do not take my trash talking to heart, I have a lot of respect for all the great work being accomplished in Lincoln and hope that this challenge makes both our biking communities grow!
Go Team UNO! Who wants to be on my team?
So when we beat Omaha, what does that mean for you Carlos? :)
Carlos....you son of a gun! you are on!
City of Omaha is now online... will be recruiting more people!
Lincoln could come after Omaha all they want, deep down we all know which city will be better for biking! (hint it is the only one with a bike/ped coordinator on staff!!)
Does any one bike at night , i am looking for a partner to ride together with to and from work espically at 1115 pm at night
Nebraska Department of Natural Resources is fielding a team... two riders so far!
I have a feeling 42 will do quite well :) Though if those Jimmy John's boys sign up, we're all screwed. Cycling WHILE working!
Hey ladies! 42 has a team now too! :)
Hi Elisabeth!! Hopefully I can get a work team put together!
Nebraska Department of Education is the first State agency forming a team...who is next?
Lincoln, WOOHOO!!!
Ignore every thing in my previous post except fort the part about "Go Lincoln!" I located the app in the app store. Although it is designed for the iPhone, it installed just fine on the iPad. I just have to take it for a test roll to make sure that it'll do what we need it to do. Once again, GO LINCOLN!
My riding/commuting habits are really choppy and not prone to regularity of any kind. I don't own a smartphone that I can download the app with, thus allowing me to easily track my movements. However, I do have an iPad that I normally toss in my basket of trouble that I bring along on most rides. I also have an Edge 705. Should I start tracking my mileage with the Edge and then record it, manually, in my profile. Or is there something that I'm missing that might allow me to use the iPad for the automatic record that I'm assuming the site's app would allow? Thanks for any and all help. Go Lincoln!
Bring it on Lincoln :).
Looking forward to this extra push to help me commute more frequently. GO LINCOLN!
Lincoln rocks!
Good luck, Omaha!
Go Lincoln!
Look out Omaha...Lincoln is coming after you!!!!
@ Kelly Lee Smith - kudos for being at the top of the Nebraska leaderboard. Looks like you're a very committed "bike as transportation" guy.
Does anyone know if you can change your team, if you're the captain of an already established team?
This will be a great challenge for my summer!
@Mark Crown. It was nice meeting you, too! Thanks for doing the "dirty" work along the trail. I appreciated it. I tried to pay it forward today by sweeping glass off the 96th trail. Speaking of my Lemond, I always take G out for some climbs & sprints during Le Tour! (Luckily no run-ins with busses or errant dogs so far...)
Anyone planning on riding heatstroke 100 Aug 25?
@ Mark G (ref geese of trail): Q - What happens when you buzz a goose on the trail and squirt your water at him as you pass, hitting him in his face & mouth as he's hissing at you? A - The goose gets even more pissed and helps you (me) work on your fast twitching muscle group by forcing a quick interval sprint trying to avoid the wrath of the airborne goose chasing me!!! I strongly advise anybody else against this action!! LMAO!!!!!