Chief Ladiga Silver Comet Trail Connection - Update

by Larry Lagarde

This morning, Edwin McBrayer (executive directory of the Path Foundation) provided a quick update regarding the project to connect the Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga bike trails (2 rail trails that together will allow cyclists to ride from Anniston, AL to the outskirts of Atlanta).

Although the state line connector of the 2 trails was completed in May, there are still 2 short but major gaps on the trails. As a result, riding both trails from end to end will probably not be possible until next spring.

Once cyclists can ride both trails continuously, the govenors of both Alabama and Georgia have expressed their interest in marking the occasion with a ribbon cutting. Naturally, a variety of other local dignitaries, trail benefactors & cyclists will be making the event and there will be a group ride too. As soon as a date for these events becomes more firm, I'll be announcing that info here so cyclists that would like to participate can attend.

Health Benefits of Cycling

As the UK wraps up National Bike Week (a cycling promotion campaign with 1500+ events throughout the country), following are some health statistics on the benefits of cycling (courtesy of BikeBiz.co.uk). Though most of the stats apply to the UK, I've seen similar stats indicating that the results in the USA & Canada are similar.

Grow Younger!
Regular cyclists enjoy a fitness level equal to that of a person ten years younger. (Source: National Forum for Coronary Heart Disease Foundation, Sharp)

Less Obesity
A reasonably fit female cyclist, riding on a flat road at 18 miles per hour for an hour, and weighing 125-pounds, would burn 555 calories. (Source: Dr. James Hagberg, exercise physiologist at the University of Maryland, USA).

"Obesity is costing the [UK] economy £2 billion. Cases of type 2 diabetes are increasing among our young people, and the projection is that if something is not done about obesity, the economy will have to bear £3.5 billion in related costs by 2010." Richard Caborn MP, Minister of sport, replying to a parliamentary question, 10th November 2003

Kids are getting fatter, partly through inactivity. Children's waistlines have expanded by two clothing sizes over the past 20 years, says research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood. The report also says that girls are getting fatter quicker than boys. Dr Mary Rudolf of East Leeds primary care trust said in the British Medical Journal: "This figure is all the more disturbing when one reflects on how many notches on a belt this represents." Waist size is seen as an important indicator because of the link between abnormal girth in adulthood and increased risk of heart disease. Waist circumferences were also "significantly larger" than in 1996 and had increased by an average 4cm over 20 years.

Less Heart Disease
Cycling at least twenty miles a week reduces the risk of heart disease to less than half that for non-cyclists who take no other exercise. (Source: British Heart Foundation, Morris)

If one third of all short car journeys were made by bike, national heart disease rates would fall by between 5 and 10 percent. (Source: Bikes not Fumes, CTC, 1992).

Fewer Road Fatalities
Regular cyclists have a similar annual risk of road death to regular motorists. In the UK, there is roughly one death per 20 000 years regular driving or cycling. In the rest of Europe, the annual death risk is lower for cyclists. (Source: Malcolm Wardlaw)

Lower Mortality Rates
The Copenhagen Study (2000) concluded that those who did not cycle to work experienced a 39 percent higher mortality rate than those that did commute by bike.

Fewer Injuries
Gardening is more risky than cycling! An Australian survey found 5 percent of gardeners but only 4 percent of cyclists requiring medical care for an activity related injury in the survey period. (Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 17th January 2003)

Everglide Folding Bike

by Larry Lagarde

Light, Radical Backpack Folding Bike
When I heard about the Everglide folding bike several months ago, I thought it was simply another wild design concept. Though it may have been true at the time, this bike is going places.

Following are several photos of a working, prototype of the Everglide folding bicycle. Winner of the 2007 Object Award for Design, the bike is currently on display at Object Gallery, a gallery in Sydney, Australia that features outstanding examples of objects designed by Australians.

Also a finalist in the 2007 Australian Design Awards sponsored by Dyson Appliances, the Everglide is a portable, collapsible bicycle that folds down into an integrated hardcase that can be worn as a backpack. Weighing in at less than 17 lbs, the bike is very light and rolls when folded. Outfitted with a shaft drive and a frictionless magneto dynamo, this sleek and low maintenance bike even holds and recharges the rider's iPod, cellphone or headlight.

According to "Big Step For 'Last Mile' Vehicle" (a story posted on 5 March 2007 in VillageVoice.com.au), the Everglide was conceived by designer Frag Woodall while he was writing a college thesis on personal transport. Mr. Woodall reasoned that more people would use mass transit if an efficient and effective personal mobility solution existed to cover the sections of the journey that precede and follow use of mass transit. "There are folding bikes on the market, but none of them address the fact that you've also got to take your belongings with you," he said.

The Everglide is made from rustfree 7005 series aluminum, carbon fiber, nylon and plastic employing "current manufacturing methods such as bonded and lugged technology." Thus far, neither dimensions, pricing nor availability info have been announced for this folder; however, let's hope that a manufacturer will step up to make the Everglide just as one materialized for the Suitcase Bike.

Special thanks for use of the photos goes to Phil Gomes, the 20 year bike industry veteran and prolific writer behind Spinopsys. Phil attended the exhibition at Object and the gallery folks there were kind enough to let him shoot the Everglide on display.

Ride For Climate USA Update - Wisconsin

by Larry Lagarde

Bike Tour Video
This is the latest bike tour video from the bicycling duo that are the Riding for Climate USA team (David Kroodsma & Bill Bradlee). Currently, they're in Wisconsin and are riding westward toward Minnesota, South Dakota and points beyond.



Along their tour, the riders have spread word that global, potentially catastrophic, environmental change is coming; yet, there are tangible steps that anyone can take now that are cost effective and will make a difference.

Given how the riders have been able to juggle riding across the continent with speaking engagements, interviews with members of the media and rides with local politicians and community activists along their route, this has to be one of the best planned, non commercial bike tours I've witnessed.

For more about this bike tour for environmental and climate awareness or to learn more about steps that you can take to reduce carbon emissions from your lifestyle, visit Ride For Climate USA.

Bike Trail Benefits c/o Dell Rapids Trail

Here's a list of bike trail benefits courtesy of the site for the Dell Rapids Trailway. Frankly, this list can also be applied to virtually any bike trail, path or route so it's worth noting here.

Benefit of bike trails:

* Safety
Allows a place to exercise that is away from motor vehicles.
* General health
Exercise from activities like walking, jogging, biking, in-line skating as well as mental health benefits from being outdoors.
* Rehabilitation programs
Provides a setting for therapy.
* Conservation
Inspires non-motorized vehicle use, conserving fuel and lessening pollution.
* Education
Historical signs, nature interpretive markers, trail guides provide an appreciation for local history & the opportunity for teaching beyond the classroom setting.
* Community cohesiveness
All generations can participate in and benefit from biking & walking.
* City economy
Trail use results creates a new draw for tourism and leads to sales of food, refreshments, activewear, sporting goods, etc.

Equally fitting is their list of beneficiaries of bike trails:

* Elderly walkers, people with physical limitations, and parents with strollers (paved surface, level walking paths, benches)
* Businesses (increased traffic from campground/ball field events)
* Nature lovers, bird watchers, hikers, picnickers, campers, fisherman, canoeists, photographers, artists (access to scenic areas)
* Tourists (additional draw to other area attractions)
* Families (free, wholesome activities)
* School children (safe pathways to schools and parks)
* School track & cross-country teams (trail available for practices)
* Exercisers (fitness & general cardiovascular health)

Larry

Dell Rapids Trailway

by Larry Lagarde

An Inspirational Tale For Trail Advocates Nationwide

Linsey Duffy and Jill Schumaker are two small town moms that envisioned improving their community by building a bike trail beside the Big Sioux River. Due to their energy and can do attitude, the community of Dell Rapids, South Dakota (pop: 3000) is edging closer to turning their dream into a reality.

With little more than an idea and a trail map, the duo convinced town authorities to support the idea. Back office support from the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation quickened the pace of the project.

Already, residents of the area have donated $200,000. Once another $800,000 is cobbled together, federal & state transportation funding will cover the rest of the $4 million cost.

Though the Dell Rapids Trailway is years from being built, this story demonstrates that a good idea and a little moxie can go a long way.

Bicycle Advocacy: A Stormy Trail - part 3

By Larry Lagarde

This is the 3rd in a 3 part series describing how a catastrophe turned me into a cycling advocate and led Tennessee cyclists to ground truth the Mississippi River Trail.

Trail Suggestions Bring The MRT Calling
Prior to Katrina, I had begun blogging about places to go bicycling and had also established ties with other blogging cyclists. Issues related to the storm kept me from blogging for 3 weeks, leaving cyclists like fellow blogger Kiril Kundurazieff (CyclingDude.com) wondering if I had died in the storm. I contacted him and set the record straight.

Kiril had been writing about the Katrina debacle and urging people to help. In reply, the executive director of the Mississippi River Trail, Inc. (Terry Eastin) wrote Kiril, asking that he post on CyclingDude.com her request for suggestions regarding how the MRT could help New Orleans by developing new local bike trails. A day later, I submitted several trail suggestions. Within another 24 hours, Terry had contacted me.

The board of directors of the Mississippi River Trail, Inc. was meeting in Memphis in a matter of weeks. At Terry's request, I attended the board meeting which was being held downtown at the offices of the Memphis Chamber of Commerce. I was the only one that rode a bike there. I didn't know anyone.

Terry asked that I speak up if I had something to say. I sat, listened and then chimed in on the topics of the website and of trail mapping. Terry liked my suggestions. She asked that I prepare a proposal that would include 3 ways that I could help the MRT. I suggested local advocacy work in Memphis as well as helping with the website and trail mapping.

Terry tapped me to serve as the local MRT coordinator for Memphis. She asked that I lead a ground truthing campaign that would inspire local cyclists to rediscover the MRT and submit their own input regarding improving the route of the trail in Tennessee.

I started from scratch. I rode portions of the MRT. I created a project time line, shot trail photos, took trail notes, made contact with local cycling advocates and civic leaders, researched online mapping, attended city planning and cycling group meetings, wrote press releases, letters to the editor and started a Yahoo Group for the MRT. I created a list of potential project supporters, worked up a time line for route selection, created an agenda for the ground truthing public meeting, roughed out 2 potential trail alignments, scheduled the meeting, announced the meeting to the press, personally contacted all the local high profile cycling advocates and even created a survey form for ground truthers. Meanwhile, I managed a household, made 2 more maternity related emergency trips to the hospital and welcomed into the world my beautiful daughter, Grace.

Three weeks after Grace was born, the initial public meeting for the ground truthing was held. From cycling shop owners to casual cyclists, the room was packed. There were a series of speakers including Terry Eastin and myself. The meeting attendees agreed to help ground truth the trail.

I parceled out sections of the MRT to different volunteers. Each was responsible for riding and commenting upon their section of the MRT. Ground truthers began riding the trail and reports were being submitted. Then FEMA stepped in.

FEMA About Face & Return To New Orleans
Like many other hurricane evacuees that were unable to return home, FEMA had been assisting us with the rental payments for our apartment. With rent in Memphis costing over 3 times more than the note I was still paying on my damaged New Orleans area home, we needed that assistance and were counting on it lasting until the end of the school year. Unfortunately, the bureaucrats at FEMA reneged on their assurances and prematurely cut off aid with little warning.

Without an alternative, we returned to New Orleans and moved in with family. I continued my cycling advocacy via RideTHISbike.com; however, in the best interest of the ground truthing project, I stepped down from my role with the MRT. My concerns were that I would be too consumed with restarting our lives in New Orleans to devote adequate time to the project.

Though a variety of Memphis area cyclists had pledged to help with the ground truthing, no one stepped in to take my place to lead the effort. Terry Eastin took over the project and I notified ground truthers to submit their reports directly to her. I did return to Memphis to ride a section of the MRT with a group of Memphis cyclists and and continued to correspond with some of the ground truthers in an unofficial capacity.

Though busy with rebuilding in New Orleans, I agreed to become a board member on a fledgling non-profit known as the Friends of the Lafitte Corridor (FOLC). An abandoned strip of land running 3 miles through the city from the French Quarter, the Lafitte Corridor had been on the minds of city planners for years. Before Katrina, the corridor was slated to become a bike trail and a bond issue had even passed to begin funding the project. Naturally, Katrina changed everything.

With the City of New Orleans on life support and desperate to rebuild, residents in neighborhoods along the Lafitte Corridor were concerned that the city administration would sell off portions of the corridor to private developers. Not only would such a development destroy a historic transportation link (the corridor follows a shipping canal dug centuries ago by the Spanish as well as a formerly vital rail link to the city), it would also squash efforts to link and revitalize flood ravaged neighborhoods.

At the beginning of the year, I accepted to serve as the vice president of the Friends of the Lafitte Corridor. In the interim, we've made great strides and have even been recognized by the Rails To Trails Conservancy as one of the most important rail trail projects in the nation. FOLC has become the charity cause for RidingTheSpine (a trio of international touring cyclists) and has received grants from a variety of non-profit associations.

We have much work to do but the future is brighter now. Though nothing is set in stone, the prospects for a better and more beautiful New Orleans are very exciting. Without a doubt, it's a privilege to be helping to rebuild New Orleans at such a critical time.

Larry Lagarde
RideTHISbike.com
Ph: 504-324-2492
Urging bicycling for recreation, commuting, health and a better future.

Bicycle Advocacy: A Stormy Trail - part 2

By Larry Lagarde

This is the 2nd in a 3 part series describing how a catastrophe turned me into a cycling advocate and led Tennessee cyclists to ground truth the Mississippi River Trail.

Reality, Shock & Despair
By the time I returned to my room, reports were already trickling in about flooding. At first, the reports were unconfirmed but that changed quickly. In shock, we watched images of massive, catastrophic flooding in New Orleans. As the storm winds ebbed, the video worsened. Hundreds if not thousands of New Orleanians were on their rooftops pleading for rescue. Bodies floated in the streets.

It was clear that no one would be going home soon but staying indefinitely in a hotel room wasn't an option either. My grandmother, aunt, a cousin and her 2 daughters drove to Phoenix, AZ. My parents and the families of my brother and a sister drove to Alabama. My wife was having preterm contractions due to the stress of the circumstances so we went to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Relocating On The Fly
The staff at the ER were able to avert a tragedy but they advised against Robin traveling anywhere and suggested bed rest. Two days later, I signed the lease on the first apartment we viewed. We immediately bought furniture and moved in.

Over the next 2 weeks, we settled into our new home. We found schools for the kids & bought them new uniforms. High speed Internet was installed at the apartment so I could run my business. Throughout the entire catastrophe, the websites of my customers remained online. Unfortunately, the same was not true for New Orleans. The Big Easy was gasping for air and commerce had ground to a halt.

With little work to do and my wife needing me close by, feelings of grief, powerlessness and depression began to cloud my days. I became angry with myself. I wanted to be part of the solution, not the problem.

I came to look upon the relocation as a veiled opportunity to start afresh. All my life, I'd told myself I wanted to do something that would improve the lives of others rather than enrich myself. Here was my chance.

I thought about how I could give something back. I had a computer, Internet access, a desire to help others and a love of cycling. Suddenly, it hit me - what better way to help others than to promote the very activity that had brought independence, joy and health to my life - cycling.

Tomorrow: Trail Suggestions Bring The MRT Calling

Bicycle Advocacy: A Stormy Trail

By Larry Lagarde

This is the 1st in a 3 part series describing how a catastrophe turned me into a cycling advocate and led Tennessee cyclists to ground truth the Mississippi River Trail.

Just An Ordinary Guy
Up until Hurricane Katrina, I was a guy minding my own web services business. I'd been hosting, designing and marketing websites since 1996. I had lots of small business clients in the local tourism industry.

Three months before the storm, I started a new website named RideTHISbike.com. The site was a proof of concept of several e marketing strategies that I believed in. At the time, clients were cool to ideas like blogging so I wanted to demonstrate what could be done. I focused on cycling because, other than work or sleep, I did more cycling than anything else.

One month before Katrina, I married a young, blond fireball named Robin. Robin and her 2 sons were still in the process of transitioning from their apartment into my home when Katrina struck.

Storm Warnings
On August 23rd, 2005, my dad telephoned to say that there was a hurricane named Katrina in the Atlantic Ocean. Though it was too early to know for sure what the storm would do, computer models were predicting that the Katrina would enter the Gulf of Mexico, strengthen and make landfall between Lake Charles, LA and Gulf Shores, AL, placing New Orleans straight in the cross hairs.

Dad asked me if he should include a room for my young family in his reservation at the Hollywood Casino in Tunica, MS (the closest hotel he could find). Although I thought it premature, hotels beyond the potential evacuation zone were booking up fast so I said "sure".

By August 28th, Katrina was a category 5 hurricane with winds of 170 mph and was gunning for New Orleans. Around 9am, with storm gusts already caressing the city, I finished boarding up my home, jumped into my Kia Sportage SUV and hit the road. My car was crammed to the ceiling with possessions including Feisty (one of my 3 cats). The other cats were too freaked out to catch so I reluctantly left them behind.

Robin, Mateo (my 5 year old stepson), Feisty the cat and I caravaned in 2 vehicles (Eli, Robin's oldest, had already left town with his dad). For 2 nerve wracking hours, we snaked along at a pace slower than walking. Approximately 15 hours after the start of our exodus, we arrived in Tunica - thoroughly exhausted.

About 7am August 29th, my brother knocked on the door of our hotel room. There was live coverage of Katrina on television. A group huddle was called around the television in my parent's room. Early reports were that Katrina had lost strength and that the city was spared. Ecstatic, my dad announced that we should all prepare to check out; we'd be home by the end of the day.

Tomorrow: Reality, Shock & Despair plus Relocating On The Fly

Carryable Folding Bike

A little over a month ago, I broke the news of the coming Suitcase Folding Bike. Since then, I've received over 100 comments concerning that folding bicycle - some good, some bad but all entertaining. One visitor even said the bike looked like a vacuum cleaner. I didn't see the resemblance; however, with the new "Carriable Foldaway Bike", it's unmistakable.

Carryable Folding Bike
The above images are depictions of the "Carriable Foldaway Bicycle". I just learned of the bike today so details are scarce. Here are the facts as best I can tell:

Name: Carriable Folding Bike
Description: Folding bike similar to the Suitcase Bike but in a smaller form factor when folded.
Weight: 17 lbs (8 kg)
Carry Capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
Materials: Alloy frame & components; plastic shell

Folded Dimensions: Unknown
Availability: Unknown
Price: Unknown

Notes: Design includes a telescopic pull handle on one side of the folded bike and fixed mini wheels on the opposite end so the bike can be pulled along like standard rolling luggage.

Perhaps this folding bike is just another design concept; however, if it is small enough to take aboard a plane as a carry on and rides as well as a Mobiky Genius, it is bound to gain a following no matter what it looks like.

Mobiky Genius Folding Bike Video

by Larry Lagarde

After my 2 posts yesterday on RideTHISbike.com about shopping with the Mobiky Genius folding bike, several cyclists asked when I was going to post a video demonstrating the Mobiky. At lunchtime today, I did just that.

To see the video I shot to demonstrate riding, folding and unfolding the Mobiky Genius, click on the image shown below.



By the way, I also shot a video to show what it's like to ride the Mobiky. I shot the video from the saddle so there's a lot of wind noise and you won't see much of the folding bicycle; however, it's worth watching if you're really interested in the Mobiky Genius.

Shopping Via Mobiky Genius Folding Bike

by Larry Lagarde

Fun, Guilt Free Shopping
Even for someone that hates to shop, shopping with the Mobiky is a blast. People are friendlier and the errands go a lot faster. Shopping is limited to what can fit in a backpack or handlebar bag so expensive impulse buying is kept to a minimum. Errands can be run without worrying over the high cost of gasoline or guilt about polluting the environment.

Recently, I used the Mobiky Genius folding bike for shopping at Walmart, Kmart, Big Lots & Walgreen's. Here's how it went.

Over the weekend, the tires I had ordered online for our Saturn Vue arrived at Walmart. Like virtually every business in the New Orleans area since Hurricane Katrina, Walmart is short staffed. They advised me to bring the car in early and expect to wait for several hours. I brought the Mobiky so I could run other errands without a car.

I dropped off the Saturn, unfolded the Mobiky & rode a half mile to Kmart to exchange a defective high output (80 lumen) Rayovac LED flashlight I was testing out as a bike light (a story for another day). I rode right up to the door, folded the Mobiky and walked straight past all the registers to the Customer Service desk. By the time I was being waited upon, if a person had driven a car from Walmart to Kmart, they would just be getting out of their car. Ha!

K mart's manager needed someone to go way over to the other side of the store to see if any of these flashlights were left so I could complete the exchange. As all the employees were busy and I knew exactly where to look, I offered to do this myself. The manager said "sure" so I zig zagged through the store pushing the Mobiky confidently past shoppers and merchandise. Unfortunately, they were out of stock on the flashlights. I returned to the Customer Service counter, accepted a refund and left the store.

At the exit, a Kmart shopper named Betty asked "is that a bike" so I showed her how it folded and unfolded. She was amazed. I told Betty that the bike costs $699 and she asked for a business card - as did another customer that was walking into the store. By the time I had reached the end of the parking lot, Betty had not even made it to her car.

I knew the Saturn would not be ready yet so I decided to go browsing at Big Lots. I bicycled over to the strip mall where Big Lots is located, rode up the ramp to the store's sliding doors, folded the bike and walked in.

Being an older Big Lots, this particular store is relatively small so the aisles are narrow and overflowing with goods. Making my way easily through the cramped store, several impressed store employees commented about how a bike like the Mobiky would be great for getting to and from work. A stocker that took the bus liked the bike because it would save him on the time it took to walk to/from the bus stop (over a mile away from his home). Since bus service is also infrequent, he said the bike would be a great alternative to walking home if the bus didn't show or if he missed it.

I rode back to Walmart. Waiting at a stoplight, a guy next to me in a pickup truck didn't know what to think of me standing in the next traffic lane on this bike with teeny 12" wheels. As usual, traffic was heavy. Despite pickup truck guy's obvious horsepower advantage, we moved along at the same speed...

I turned into the parking lot for the Walmart strip mall, biked past the Garden Center and pedaled around the side of the building to the Auto Center. According to the mechanic, the Saturn was next so I folded the bike and went shopping at Walmart. Several Walmart shoppers and employees asked about the bike. I did 2 demos in the store.

With at least an hour before the tires were ready, I had time to ride 3 miles away to Walgreen's to pickup a prescription. Again, I pedaled right up to the store's front door, dismounted, folded the bike and walked in, pushing the Mobiky next to me. The prescription was not ready yet so I strolled aimlessly through Walgreen's. Several more shoppers stopped me to talk about the bike. I did another demo; a child looked on, dumbfounded.

The pharmacist announced over the Walgreen's loudspeaker that my prescription was ready for pickup. I pushed the bike back to the pharmacy window, paid for the medicine, dropped it into my backpack, walked outside, unfolded the bike & sped away.

The award winning Mobiky Genius folding bike sells for $699 (including shipping within the USA lower 48 states) and comes in a variety of colors. For fun, guilt free transportation, it's definitely a winner.

Mobiky Genius Specs, Photos & Ordering

Mobiky Genius - Folding Bike For Light Shopping

by Larry Lagarde

People constantly ask which folding bike is my favorite. Frankly, this is a tough call because there are several folding bikes I really enjoy riding. Each folder has it's strong points so the bike I ride depends upon the type of ride I'm planning. For example, for light shopping & errands within a 5 mile radius, I prefer the Mobiky Genius.

Folds Incredibly Fast
Although it has no carry rack and is several pounds heavier than some of the other folders I offer, it takes far less time to fold/unfold the Mobiky Genius folding bike. In fact, I've folded the bike in 3 seconds; it takes longer to dial a telephone number!

Moves Easily In Tight Places
Other aspects of the Mobiky make it ideal for light shopping. Even when folded, the Mobiky rolls with agility. Each handlebar end folds individually; one can remain folded for tight manuevering while the other is unfolded to push the bike along. Regardless whether the bike is folded or unfolded, the multi-position kickstand keeps the bike upright.

Naturally, real world experience is the ultimate test of any product. To learn more from my experiences with the Mobiky Genius, read what happened when I went shopping with the Mobiky at the stores of four national retail chains (Big Lots, Kmart, Walgreens & Walmart).