Clipmarks | Bicycling Clips

East Bay bridges ready for bicyclists

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:46:24 GMT

clipped by: Lexica
clipper's remarks: Gotta check out some of these rides...

The key missing link for one of the Bay Area's great bike road trips is complete.

The new bike lanes on the Benicia-Martinez and Carquinez bridges provide connections for a loop ride of 25 to 50 miles. Or use one of two parks, Martinez Regional Shoreline or Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, as launch points for great, short rides to the bridges.

Whether choosing an easy ride or a tough challenge, the payoff is a shoreline ride with spectacular views.

The most ambitious ride here is the Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop. I have not done this entire trip yet, but experts at bike shops call it a rewarding challenge. The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council is collaborating on completing a dedicated trail, but there are still gaps where you have to scramble on roads in traffic.

Tags: bikes, bicycling, bay-area, bike-rides, bridges

Sports First Aid Kits

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:36:59 GMT

clipped by: remymarten
clipper's remarks: Oh yah! I did't even know that they invented special kits for golf players! it's amasing

Clip Source: firstaidkitsstock.com

Sport events require an availability of certain components in sports first aid kits. When playing football, volleyball, and basketball it is more probably that the injuries will be like bruises, grazes, cuts. So you will need to have cold packs, elastic bandages, adhesive plaster, agents for wound dressing, and cotton wool in your first-aid kit. When you go in for cycling, bicycling you may obtain blisters, cricks and sprains. If sport events are taking place outdoor in summer you should take care of having sunscreen in the first-aid kit. As you know when going in for active sports you should be prepared to treating not only one person at a time so the stock of medicaments in your sports first-aid kit should be sufficient.

Tags: first aid, first aid kits, sport

blog: Copenhagenize.com - for the love of bicycle culture

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:52:03 GMT

clipped by: Lexica

Clip Source: www.copenhagenize.com

Each and every day 500,000 citizens choose the bicycle in Greater Copenhagen. This blog highlights who they are, why they do and how it was made possible.

Forty years ago Copenhagen was just as car-clogged as anywhere else but now 55% of the population choose the bicycle for all trips. 37% trips by commuters to work and school are by bikes. Copenhagenizing is possible anywhere.

Visit our streetstyle sister blog, too:

COPENHAGEN CYCLE CHIC

Tags: bikes, bicycling, copenhagen, advocacy

Biking 150 miles for a cause - in a dress and high heels

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:02:51 GMT

clipped by: Lexica
clipper's remarks: More:

It all started when Tsai began to work in a hospital many years ago. A native of Taiwan, she was trained in Japan in the art of shiatsu massage. So while working at the hospital, "I started to put my hands where they hurt," she says. Tsai began regularly giving massages to cancer patients, until one day, about 26 years ago, she massaged a patient with MS. It was then and there that she first heard about the bike ride and decided to participate.

"In Taiwan, riding a bike is very common," explains Tsai's grandson, Alan Sim, who also participates in City to Shore -- 2009 was his sixth year. "So she grabbed her little one-speed bike and was doing the ride."

And why the nice dress and high heels? Tsai says that's just her normal biking outfit.

"I went to church, so I always dressed up and would ride my bicycle," she says. "So that's why I do it that way -- I do it that way naturally. That's the way I ride my bike."

Clip Source: www.cnn.com

Amidst the sea of jerseys and bike shorts at New Jersey's City to Shore -- a 150-mile bike ride to benefit multiple sclerosis research -- one unlikely rider stands out.

A tiny 84-year-old woman wears a neat, green turtleneck dress and an embroidered jacket. On her feet is a pair of high-heeled pumps. Her salt-and-pepper hair peeks out from the helmet that indicates she is, in fact, a participant in the bike ride. Her old-fashioned one-speed bicycle is purple, with a large wire basket on the front that carries her belongings and her number for the ride.

Lan Yin Tsai doesn't give the impression that she could go five miles on that bike, let alone 150. But that's what she's done -- for the past 26 years.

over the years, she has become a symbol of hope and determination for City to Shore participants and MS patients.

"I always try to tell people, whatever you can do, keep doing it, keep doing it," she says. "And that's why I do MS. When I start something, I don't want to just quit."

Tags: bikes, bicycling, altruism, advocacy, aging, endurance

Travel: 36 hours in Sacramento

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:47:00 GMT

clipped by: Lexica
clipper's remarks: Too long to clip – click through for the rest, including shopping, dining, wine tasting, at least one bar that serves absinthe, farmers' markets, and bicycling.

Clip Source: travel.nytimes.com

Sacramento has no deficit of quirky cultural offerings. Situated at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, this capital city has a gentle, small-town charm, with a strong theater tradition, delightful new restaurants and a vibrant art scene. It also has a wealth of greenery — residents proudly claim more trees per capita than any city in the world besides Paris.

Riding the Jedediah Smith Memorial Bike Trail.

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

What to Do

the California State Capitol

a neo-Classical confection of Corinthian and other classic columns, parget plasterwork and mosaic floors

Sacramento has a vibrant theater scene

Get to the Tower Cafe

early, and you’ll have a better chance of snagging an outdoor table under the shady mimosa tree

The Crocker Art Museum

compact yet diverse, including works from prehistoric to modern times

Old Sacramento

is a hokey, tourist-mobbed scene. But

the California State Railroad Museum

features restored locomotives and railroad cars that you can climb aboard

Tags: sacramento, travel

Mojo Bicycle Cafe, San Francisco

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:32:23 GMT

clipped by: Lexica

Clip Source: www.mojobicyclecafe.com

Bicycles mean many different things to many different people- and that’s how we like it. Whatever your reasons for wanting to get on a bike, we’ve got love for you.

We have much more in common as cyclists than whatever differences we may have as people. Bicycling is about good mojo - and Mojo is about good bikes, so as Freddie Mercury commands: Get on your bikes and ride!

Mojo Bicycle Café is open Monday through Wednesday, 7am to 10pm; Thursday and Friday, 7am to midnight; Saturday from 8am to midnight and Sunday between 8am and 5pm.

Clip Source: www.mojobicyclecafe.com

Mojo Bicycle Café was conceived and founded by a couple of bike shop guys who decided that since they weren't getting richer, they might as well not get rich at their own place.

without the "bikier-than-thou" attitude that too often seems to permeate shop culture. It's just not that hard to be nice, and have good... mojo.

find us online and take a look at our pictures

Tags: bikes, cafes, restaurants, san-francisco

MonkeyLectric LED bike wheel lights

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:36:27 GMT

clipped by: Lexica
clipper's remarks: WANT ONE!!! This would add SO much peace of mind in terms of knowing that the often-oblivious car drivers around me would be able to see me better.

Plus it's hella cool.

Clip Source: store.monkeylectric.com

The MonkeyLectric light is a revolutionary bike light that keeps you visible. It features 32 of the brightest full color LEDs available and cutting edge visual effects designed by our electronic artists. The MonkeyLectric light sets a new standard for bike lighting with outstanding visibility and a rugged, practical design made for daily use in all weather conditions. It's easy to mount on the spokes of nearly any bike - Road, City, Cruiser, Mountain and BMX bikes.

Clip Source: www.monkeylectric.com

Clip Source: store.monkeylectric.com

The MonkeyLectric light provides outstanding visibility, and it creates full color patterns on your spinning bike wheel. The digital effects are instantly customizable - with on-board buttons you can choose the colors, patterns and mood to fit any situation. The light is perfect for daily commuters, urban cyclists, anyone that rides in the evening or at night and wants to be visible.

* Reviews and Press
* Common Questions
* Full Product Manual
* Photos of the effects and video
* Anti-theft strap

Clip Source: store.monkeylectric.com

Tags: bikes, bicycling, bike-accessories, lighting, shopping, i-want-one

London: Ding Day 2010

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:29:59 GMT

clipped by: Lexica
clipper's remarks: ding ding!

Clip Source: www.dingday.org

Ding Day is the creation of two happy cycling enthusiasts that live and commute around London on a daily basis.

We happily welcome any feedback or outside support although we are not funded or setup by any governmental or already existing campaign. Ding Day is a non-profit, very non-commercial (funded by us) initiative with the intention of creating a very enjoyable all-inclusive day for cyclist in London.

The idea is to create a fun experience for cyclists and locals in and around London, with the hope of establishing more of a sense of community amongst fellow cyclists, including commuters, parents, children, basically any cyclist young or old. It’s free and open to everyone.

It is a celebration of cycling as one of the most environmentally friendly, healthy and quickest way of getting around our great city.

Clip Source: www.dingday.org

London Cycling Campaign - Chief Executive

“...An antidote to road rage and street misery. Ding to spread some infectious good will and celebrate the joy of cycling.”

Tags: bikes, bicycling, bells, community, greetings

Why I'm clipping so much bike-related stuff lately

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:51:13 GMT

clipped by: Lexica
clipper's remarks: Got it last Sunday, on sale 'cause it's the end of the 2009 model year.

I LURVE my new bike!!!

Clip Source: www.jamisbikes.com

Allegros are like racehorse commuters--tightly wound for performance with components from the road bike parts bin, just like their fast-rolling big-diameter 700c wheels.

The Allegros are the fastest street bikes available this side of a dedicated road racer. Road bike geometry meets flat handlebars in the Allegro, with a lightweight performance-tuned frame welded from hydro-formed 6061 aluminum.

But don’t think this means the Allegro is all seriousness. Yes, it’s almost brutally fast. And yes, it’s supremely practical. But when you roll along on an Allegro it’s so incredibly efficient, it’s so good at banking into corners and getting you there quickly, you can’t help but smile. Or wonder how the ride’s over so soon.

Tags: bikes, bicycling, jamis-bicycles

Paul Dorn's bike commuting tips

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:29:19 GMT

clipped by: Lexica

Clip Source: www.runmuki.com

High gas prices. Expensive car payments. Traffic delays. Road rage. Expanding waistlines. There are many great reasons to consider traveling to work by bicycle. It's an effective, healthy, inexpensive, and fun alternative that is attracting more and more commuters all over the world.

Printer-Friendly Version

SECTIONS:

Introduction

Why Bike Commute?

Getting Started:
The Bike

Getting Started:
The Route

Carrying Capacity

Parking, Locks & Security

Bicycling Safety

What About Weather?

Intermodal Access

Equipment/Accessories

Bike Commute Tips Blog

Support Bike Commuting:
California Bicycle Coalition
League of American Bicyclists

BUY THE BOOK:
Bike to Work Guide
By Paul Dorn/Roni Sarig

Tags: bikes, bicycling, bike-commuting, tips

Bay Area escapes by bike: Marine Mammal Center, Marin Headlands

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:02:21 GMT

clipped by: Lexica

Clip Source: www.sfbike.org

Located in Rodeo Valley in the Marin Headlands, the Marine Mammal Center (MMC) is a perfect destination for a February or March bike ride.

When you can tell it's going to be at least four hours until the next deluge, hop on your bike for this pleasant winter ride.

The Marine Mammal Center takes in orphaned and sick animals. Starting in February, when elephant seals and harbor seals start to give birth, abandoned or ill babies begin to show up at the center.

These are awesome (awww!) creatures and surprisingly cute when young. You'll see a 300-pound baby elephant seal with "underweight" as its medical condition.

There are several routes to the center. I like to ride up Conzelman Road

Once you are in the valley, head towards the water along Rodeo Lagoon

roundtrip ride is 16-20 miles

The Marine Mammal Center is open daily from 10amÐ4pm. Admission is free, but consider dropping a couple of dollars in the donation box. More information is available online at tmmc.org or by calling (415) 289-SEAL.

Tags: bikes, bicycling, bike-tours, rides-to-do, marin, wildlife

Ivan Illich: Societal energy use and societal equity are linked

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:54:14 GMT

clipped by: Lexica

Clip Source: www.sfbike.org

a thesis by Ivan Illich from his book Energy and Equity

a connection between the volume of energy that a society uses and the degree of equity possible in that society

Relatively large amounts of energy - too much electricity, too much gas - require undemocratic, inequitable systems: huge utilities, disparate access to energy, nuclear power plants

speed is a kind of energy

a society's transportation system can be democratic and equitable only up to a certain speed: about 15 mph - the speed of a bicycle

If people expect to go faster, people should also expect inequitable production and delivery of the transportation resource

Looking at the absurdity that you have more rights to drive a huge car at high speeds on public property than you do to drive a small bicycle at gentle speeds, it's hard to argue with his point. Looking at the billions of dollars spent by our government to wage war and curb civil liberties on behalf of a few oil companies, it's hard not to argue on behalf of his point.

Tags: bikes, bicycling, petroleum, equity, fairness

SF Bay Area summer escapes by bike

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:26:50 GMT

clipped by: Lexica

Clip Source: www.sfbike.org

As the summer months (and the fog) roll in, what better way to celebrate than to roll out of town! The Bay Area offers a plethora of car-free, care-free escapes, from short rides you can do in an afternoon to longer jaunts with an overnight stay. We asked SFBC members to share their favorite rides and helpful hints for getting away from it all by bike.

Three Days in Point Reyes
Wine Tasting in Livermore
Cruising the Coast to Santa Cruz
From the Pier to the Headlands
Day Tripping in Alameda
Planning Your Escape: Helpful Hints & Tips

Tags: bikes, bicycling, bike-tours, rides-to-do, sf-bay-area

Tips for biking in the rain

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:10:24 GMT

clipped by: Lexica
clipper's remarks: Very, very relevant to Bay Area bicyclists.

Clip Source: www.sfbike.org

There are two main ways to deal with biking in the rain

The minimalist wears very few clothes so there is less to get wet-just a t-shirt and bike shorts-but carries a change of clothes in a plastic bag

The maximalist is outfitted completely in waterproof and reflective materials (raincoat, rainpants, galoshes, a plastic bag over the helmet, and fenders on the bike) and simply removes the soggy layer upon arrival

With the right gear, you can feel comfortable in the rain, knowing that you'll be visible to cars and other cyclists and warm and dry at your destination

Be especially careful if it's the first rain after a long time: the oil that cars have dripped on the street gets suspended by the water and creates an extra slippery surface

more likely to get a flat tire in the rain, so bring your repair kit

Heavy rain diminishes visibility, so you'll need to be extra careful

keep your bike well-maintained and make sure your rims are kept clean for good braking

Tags: bikes, bicycling, rain, raingear

Tips for winter bike riding

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:07:46 GMT

clipped by: Lexica
clipper's remarks: More:

And what of darkness?… accident stats show that [being hit from behind] is unlikely. Far more collisions occur when a car turns in front of a bike—which means that bikes need headlights more than they need taillights. As for reflectors and reflective clothing, they only show when you're directly in the beams, so they won't prevent as many accidents as lights and bright colors such as yellow or light green (but not red, which the eye doesn't easily see in the dark).

Bluish-white LEDs arrived on the scene a few years ago, but the original red LED color is still the brightest. This makes small, battery-powered LED "blinkies" great as taillights, but marginal as headlights. A better choice is a halogen system. For city riding, it's more important to point it up, where it shines in drivers' eyes, so they see you, rather than down onto the road, which is already illuminated by streetlights and house lights. Look for something that puts out at least ten watts.
Clip Source: www.sfbike.org

Wider tires are less likely to slip on a bit of gravel
you shouldn't ride on slicks because the water needs channels to sluice off the tire
Get puncture-resistant tires, or use a liner
Permanently installed, full-coverage fenders catch significantly more water and grit than clip-ons
for heaven's sake, dry off your chain when you come back inside
Waterproof means that the fabric will withstand heavy water pressure and the seams are taped
Water-repellent just means that water beads on the surface
Riding at commute speed, you generate about 100 watts of propulsive power, and 400 watts of heat
about four times your resting heat output, and close to half the heat put out by some electric space heaters
All that heat demands breathable rain gear, else your sweating body gets wet instead of cooling off
better rain gear has vents and zippers
don a helmet liner or cover, duct-tape over the vents, and sacrifice air circulation
Or wear your helmet unadorned and let some water trickle in to refresh your scalp

Tags: bikes, bicycling, bike-accessories, safety, winter, weather

Clipmarks | Bicycling Clips

East Bay bridges ready for bicyclists

Sports First Aid Kits

blog: Copenhagenize.com - for the love of bicycle culture

Copenhagenize Archive

Biking 150 miles for a cause - in a dress and high heels

Travel: 36 hours in Sacramento

Mojo Bicycle Cafe, San Francisco

Mojo Bicycle Café

MonkeyLectric LED bike wheel lights

London: Ding Day 2010

Why I'm clipping so much bike-related stuff lately

Paul Dorn's bike commuting tips

Bay Area escapes by bike: Marine Mammal Center, Marin Headlands

Ivan Illich: Societal energy use and societal equity are linked

SF Bay Area summer escapes by bike

Tips for biking in the rain

Tips for winter bike riding