Located at the foot of the Front Range of the Rockies about 50 miles north of Denver, it's no surprise that there are excellent opportunities for mountain biking near Ft. Collins. Also the home to Colorado State University (a college with @ 25,000 students), in 2006, Fort Collins was selected by Money Magazine as the best place to live in the entire USA. Thus, it came as no surprise when The Coloradan selected 4 great mountain biking trails in the area as the focus of a story on mtb trails. (Map: Rocky Mtn. NP, Denver & Ft. Collins)Save Transportation Enhancements
Transportation Enhancements Gutted
Take Action! Contact Congress
The federal Transportation Enhancements (TE) program is the largest U.S. funding source for trails, walking, biking and historic preservation.
In 2006, states were required to return part of their transportation budgets to Congress. Many states chose to do this by drastically cutting their TE programs.
On Monday, March 19, 2007, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an order implementing Congress' call for the return of an additional $3.47 billion in transportation money. Within 30 days, your governor will decide how to apply this cut to your state's transportation budget. If not fairly allocated, this could be the end of programs that fund trails, walking and biking in your state.
Please contact your Congressional Leaders now.
Imagine how cool it would be if you could walk to a self service bicycle rental kiosk near your home, office or school, pull a bike from the rack and go cycling for an hour or two free of charge. At the end of the ride, return the bike to another nearby rental kiosk and you're done - no worries about the bike getting stolen, mechanical problems like a flat tire, etc. Well, if you're in Washington, DC, San Francisco, Chicago, Portland, London, Paris or Seville, you could be seeing unmanned cycling rental stands in your neighborhood very soon.
Essentially, two giants in "street furniture" (such as bus stop shelters) and advertising (billboards) are behind the trend: Clear Channel Adshel & JCDecaux.
Why all the activity?
Users report that some stations have no room to return a bike at times (which can lead to charges acruing for unintended usage). The rental bikes are heavier and thus can be less fun to ride than other bikes. Also, there is the risk that the free bikes can adversely affect sales & service income at local bike shops; however, data indicates that the rentals are boosting bike sales by drawing people back to cycling.
Self service bicycle rentals are an outgrowth of bike sharing, a concept with its roots in Amsterdam's free White Bicycles program of 1964. Over the years, similar community bicycle programs have attempted to offer free or nearly free bicycles in inner-cities to reduce auto congestion and air pollution. Unfortunately, theft and vandalism plagued these programs until anti-theft and bike maintenance systems were perfected. (Photo: White bicycles for free use, Hoge Veluwe National Park, the Netherlands)
Here is more information that I received yesterday about the Tour of the Nations, a supported 5 day bike tour that will wind 230+ miles through New Mexico's rugged desert landscape between Albuquerque and Gallup (image right: tour topo map).
The Tour of the Nations runs from August 5-10, 2007, costs $600 and participation is limited to the first 200 registrants. This is an unprecedented opportunity for cyclists to experience the culture of the Native American peoples inhabiting the Isleta, Laguna, Acoma and Zuni pueblos. If you can go, book now before it's sold out (image right: tour brochure - click to enlarge).
If you're planning to spend some time cycling in the foothills and mountains near Pennsylvania's Blue Knob State Park (Pennsylvania's 2nd highest mountain at 3,146 feet), the owners of Hideaway Hollow asked me to spread the word that their bed and breakfast is convenient to Blue Knob Mountain (see photo right) and that they're happy to accommodate cyclists.
Patty also mentioned that a series of bike trail loops built by the local tourist bureau are within 2 miles from the inn and that the Tour de Toona follows many nearby roadways.
DemocracyBike.com is the site for Sustainable Energy in Motion Bicycle Tours, a small tour company that leads cycling vacations with a purpose.
by Larry Lagarde
According to the Guardian, Holger Meyer is the guy behind the idea. One of Google's top marketing guys in Europe, Holger was hired away from Alta Vista (anyone remember that search engine) back in 2001 and has been pivotal in building Google Germany's profitability to one of the best margins in Google's international operations. No doubt it was this track record that convinced Google to give the bike idea a go. (Photo right: Holger Meyer)
As winter is ebbing here in the USA, thoughts of bicycle touring are on the minds of many cyclists. With this in mind, here are two recent stories with advice on bike touring. (Photo right: Ride The Rockies)
- OUT OF STOCK -
• Strong, built in carry rack
Folding & Unfolding
How It ComparesInvented by Australian Jamie Herdern, the Gekko was in development for over 10 years.
With many of the 40,000 or so bicyclists that bike the 400 State Trail starting or ending their ride in the little town of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, you'd think the folks of Reedsburg would be happy to provide a couple of tent sites for cyclists. Surprisingly, a story that appeared today in the Wisconsin State Journal tells how unfounded paranoia recently defeated such a proposal.
In a public meeting 2 weeks ago, locals expressed fears of criminal cyclists coming into their town and molesting local children. One resident went so far as to propose that criminal background checks be run on everyone looking to use the proposed tent campsites.
Viewed by many as one of Wisconsin's best long distance cycling routes, the 400 State Trail (click on map to enlarge) is part of a 100+ mile system of interconnected trails in Wisconsin. As the trail runs northwest from Reedsburg to the town of Trempealeau, it's name changes from the 400 State Trail to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, the LaCrosse River State Trail and finally the Great River State Trail.
My Aerlite B arrived in a sturdy, heavy-duty cardboard box. The components were well cushioned and protected for shipping. I examined the frame, wheels, cables, brakes, etc. Everything was in perfect condition. I was impressed by the quality of the components. The welds on the magnesium frame were smooth and solid, and the locking mechanisms on the handlebars and frame were firm and worked easily.
The real thrill, however, was in the ride. The bike glided along effortslessly as I pedaled down the street. The magnesium frame is fantastic at absorbing shocks, and I found the seat and ride very comfortable. The gears worked smoothly and efficiently and were well spaced for a variety of speeds. I could hardly tell I was riding a folding bike.
After experiencing the ride I folded up the bike and easily lifted it into the trunk of my car then drove over to a friend's house. Upon arriving I took it out of the trunk, unfolded it, and in a few minutes my buddy was riding it. He immediately asked me to order one for him. We often ride together, and we're looking forward to having two folding bikes that we can take with us on trips. We like to expore different cities, and there is no better way to see a city than on a bike.
This is one great bike, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quality, light-weight, compact folding bicycle.
Bob D
Brecksville, Ohio
Back around Christmas, I was speaking with Dave Widing of Montague Bicycles. Dave shared with me that they were working on some exciting new products and would soon be launching a new line of full size folding bikes. Known as SwissBike, these are full size folding mountain bikes based on Montague's famous X bike platform.
Earlier this week, I followed up with Dave about the SwissBikes and learned that 2 of the 3 models in the line are now shipping so I'll be getting one to ride and review here. Hopefully, I'll have the bike (a SwissBike LX; click on the photo to enlarge) in time to take with me to Gallup, New Mexico when I do an advance ride of the Tour of the Nations route and the great single track in the mountains above Gallup (a.k.a. the High Desert Trail System) with Matt O'Mara of Adventure Gallup and Beyond.
(Image Right: Map of the High Desert Trails; click to enlarge)FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New SwissBike™ Unfolds To Be The Perfect Mountain Bike
This new mountain bike combines high-performance with a patented folding technology that makes access to, and enjoying cycling easier than ever!
CAMBRIDGE, MA - Spring 2007 - Montague Corporation, the world leader in full-size bikes that fold, announces the launch of a new line of bicycles bearing the SwissBike™ brand. These full-size, high performance bikes fold in half like a Swiss knife for easy storage or transport using a patented technology originally developed for the U.S. Marines.
The SwissBike is perfect for cyclists who demand the performance of a full-size mountain bike, but also need the convenience of folding for travel, commuting and storage. SwissBikes are unique as they combine elegant design and precision engineering to provide cyclists a high level of convenience without sacrificing performance.
There are three models of SwissBike. The SwissBike XO is the flagship model, sporting the Sram XO drive train, and Montague's patent pending CLIX™ wheel retention system, www.clixqr.com this model is made in Switzerland at the foot of the Alps, and can climb any mountain or tackle any trail with ease. The XO has an MSRP of $1,995.00. For those who like the folding feature but are on a budget, the LX (MSRP $795.00) and the TX (MSRP $645.00) offer the same Swiss knife-like folding with Shimano's 21-speed and 24-speed drive trains and Montague's patent pending CLIX™ wheel retention system.
"The SwissBike range of bikes offers a great ride for all levels of riders," said Jonathan Vandenberg, Sales Manager for the SwissBike. "We have incorporated all of our patented technologies into the SwissBike to provide the cyclist with improved performance, convenience and safety. At the same time these bikes are fun, healthy and good for the environment."
The Montague Corporation is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is dedicated to advancing cycling through the development of inventive technologies that provide its customers with an unprecedented combination of safety, performance and convenience. Visit www.swissbike.com or call toll free (617) 491-7200 for more information about Montague products and technologies.
Right on the mass transit corridor just 10 miles due west of Chicago's downtown loop is Oak Park, Illinois. 30 years ago, a short section of street directly across from Metra's Oak Park station and the L's Harlem/Lake station in downtown Oak Park was rebuilt as a pedestrian mall excluding motor vehicles. Now, the village has voted to turn back the clock and revert this urban pedestrian haven into a street again.
Given the cost in taxpayer dollars and lost business revenues, the proximity of ample parking, major thoroughfares and the mass transit station across the street, it's surprising that a village that calls itself progressive towards bicyclists and walkers would take such action.
What if you could fly to Beijing where an English speaking guide would meet you, fit you with a brand new folding bike and lead you on an amazing cycling journey? What if the trip included bicycling amongst a sea of cyclists on great bike lanes to places such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall? What if the trip included an overnight rail journey via sleeper train to Xi'an where you would unfold your bicycle and pedal to see the Terracotta Warriors in all their glory? What if you could then fly to Shanghai or Hong Kong to see and cycle through these amazing mega cities and their rural surroundings? What if you had the option to take the folding bike home with you at the end of the journey?
Based on an exchange of emails with Jason Williams at Grasshopper Adventures, all the above and more can be arranged through his company without breaking the bank.
Trail Rides:
A few days ago, I happened across some colorful and fun patches advocating cycling. Made by Jim & Stephanie Gagnepain of Fort Collings, Colorado, these embroidered patches are based on Stephanie's original artwork promoting cycling.
"The prevalent attitude in this country is that the ONLY means of viable transportation is the automobile. On nice days, the roads seem to be more crowded. I saw a Letter to the Editor in newspapers, in relation to air pollution, that started with: 'We all need to drive...'. I hope to do what I can to disspell these notions in this country. I've been commuting for over 20 years, and this comment made me realize that non-cyclists don't understand why we cycle. They might think that we're too poor to afford a car, or that we lost our Driver's License. So with (these fun bicycle patches), I'm telling people that I'm happy without driving a car on this trip, that I ride the bicycle by choice, and that this lifestyle is very rewarding.
Originally I only wanted a very large 'Oil-Free and Happy' message on my back, so I put the design on a big, beautiful embroidered patch. In this way, I could have my message more visible than a bumper sticker on any car. After talking to a number of people, it became apparent that not everybody wants to make such a bold statement. So we created 'Powered by Sweat,' and some smaller versions of the designs. We try to keep the messages fun, so we don't get motorists upset. That would serve no purpose. For example, our latest design is 'Getting There is Half the Fun.' This design attempts to capture the Social aspect of Cycling, Walking, and other methods of Alternative Transportation versus the isolation that is prevalent in the single-person auto, which represents the method of transportation for most Americans."
Okay, this would be a bizarre ride. Looking strangely similar to Josef Cadek's Locust folding bike concept (the green & yellow bike to the right), the 'One' folding bike by British designer Thomas J Owen makes turns via a center pivot mechanism (see photo below right).
When the user is finished cycling, the wheels are designed to fold into the two hatbox like frame members which fold over on one another into a package slightly larger then the wheels. Apparently, the handlebar stem folds down to form a carry handle too.
Gerry Lauzon is a Canadian with a deep passion for bicycles - so deep that he's spent countless hours creating free bicycle repair and bike maintenance tips online. Gerry's step by step tips are basic and to the point. Some tips include photos or a video to drive the procedure home but all are designed to save you money and time so you can get on your bike and ride more.
For a limited time, Betst Bikes' Aerlite B is now available for the ridiculously low price of $299 INCLUDING shipping/handling. Also included at no additional charge is the optional rear carry rack; that's a savings of $100 off of the @ $400 price (bike, rack & shipping) available elsewhere!!! This deal is a RideTHISbike.com exclusive.
Although driving this scenic roadway may take just a day, bicycling it in a few days is a grueling challenge even for experienced long distance cyclists. Look at Jason Womack's experience (the cyclist that posted this California coast bike tour video). Last summer, Jason rode 500+ miles across the Rocky Mountains; yet, he met his match somewhere along Highway 1. Cycling horror stories about pedaling this route abound so I'm not surprised by Jason's tale.
Yvonne Armstrong is a 48 year old Australian cyclist that recently toured southeast Asia solo via a Bike Friday. In Vonny's blog about her bike tour, she mentioned taking a Bangkok bike tour with Jason Williams, a bicycle tour operator in Thailand. (Photo right: Vonny & Jason after their tour.)
