I came across this story yesterday which talks about a few of Trek's products going "chainless." Instead of having a chain drive the system, it is belt driven which is a lot quieter, easier to maintain and potentially less messy. The bikes are geared toward the commuter crowd and have a pretty high cool factor.
I had a chance to see the District in August at Trek World and it would be my personal "If I could buy one bike this year just for fun" bike. It's got a great look to it and suits my evolving "lifecyclist" approach to bikes quite well. If only I had an extra $850, room in the garage and a valid reason to buy one other than the fact that it's cool.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Choice Day
I had a chance to go to Xander's school and do a "choice day" activity about bikes. Choice Day is an opportunity for kids to sign up for different activities that are led by ACE (All City Elementary) parents. Each activity is open to 2 kids from each class and they have to commit to it a few weeks in advance.
The challenge for me was that my activity involved me brining both of my bikes, Xander's bike (We the People Bold 18"), my work stand, snacks and swag. I was hoping to get in a few minutes before the activity to get set up, but the classroom was still full of kids, so I brought it in and set it in the hall. I think it took me four trips to get everything. Once the kids were released to their activities, I finally had a chance to set up with the kids already there.
I started out with a presentation on issues facing our world like obesity, pollution and access to clean water and talked about how the bike is a simple solution to these complex problems. I took my cue from John Burke (President of Trek Bikes) for this section and added a few things of my own. The hard part was making it applicable to kids from kindergarten to fifth grade.
After that, we talked about how we can have different kinds of fun on different kinds of bikes. We talked about the differences in the three bikes that I brought with (BMX, single speed mountain and road) and how each bike can be ridden. We talked a little about safety and I showed them how to properly size a road/mountain helmet and a BMX helmet. We talked a little about maintenance in regards to tire pressure (how to check and fill) and chain care. The kids were able to get a little hands on with the pressure gauges and bike pumps and asked a lot of good questions.
We then broke for snacks and I handed out swag that had been provided by Trek Bikes (socks, buttons, stickers, pencil bags made of recycled inner tubes) and Scheels (water bottles and MirraCo promo posters). I was fairly happy with how it went and know a few things that I would do different if I were to do it again. I think the fact that we ended with snacks and a lot of free stuff for the kids to take home made it a hit with them.
For more info on bike advocacy and how the bike addresses problems from obesity to global warming, visit Trek's advocacy site www.1world2wheels.org.
The challenge for me was that my activity involved me brining both of my bikes, Xander's bike (We the People Bold 18"), my work stand, snacks and swag. I was hoping to get in a few minutes before the activity to get set up, but the classroom was still full of kids, so I brought it in and set it in the hall. I think it took me four trips to get everything. Once the kids were released to their activities, I finally had a chance to set up with the kids already there.
I started out with a presentation on issues facing our world like obesity, pollution and access to clean water and talked about how the bike is a simple solution to these complex problems. I took my cue from John Burke (President of Trek Bikes) for this section and added a few things of my own. The hard part was making it applicable to kids from kindergarten to fifth grade.
After that, we talked about how we can have different kinds of fun on different kinds of bikes. We talked about the differences in the three bikes that I brought with (BMX, single speed mountain and road) and how each bike can be ridden. We talked a little about safety and I showed them how to properly size a road/mountain helmet and a BMX helmet. We talked a little about maintenance in regards to tire pressure (how to check and fill) and chain care. The kids were able to get a little hands on with the pressure gauges and bike pumps and asked a lot of good questions.
We then broke for snacks and I handed out swag that had been provided by Trek Bikes (socks, buttons, stickers, pencil bags made of recycled inner tubes) and Scheels (water bottles and MirraCo promo posters). I was fairly happy with how it went and know a few things that I would do different if I were to do it again. I think the fact that we ended with snacks and a lot of free stuff for the kids to take home made it a hit with them.
For more info on bike advocacy and how the bike addresses problems from obesity to global warming, visit Trek's advocacy site www.1world2wheels.org.
Sport Rant Follow Up
After not getting to watch Broncos or Vikings for a few weeks, yesterday brought on the other difficult scenerio of having both on at the same time. I spent the entirety of the early NFL schedule flipping between Atlanta where the Broncos played a close game and won and Tampa (City of, not the Bay because it's hard to play football underwater) where the Vikings played a close game and lost (congrats Tim).
Interestingly enough, the Colts (my third fav) were playing at the same time as these early games which meant I was totally invested in early games but not in the late ones except where division and wild card standings are concerned. I did get to watch the last few plays of the Colts win when CBS cut to the game, but would have loved for one of the three to be televised in the later time slot. Oh well. The Steelers/Chargers matchup was a hard fought, entertaining substitute and I enjoyed watching the Chargers fall to two games behind the Broncos.
Interestingly enough, the Colts (my third fav) were playing at the same time as these early games which meant I was totally invested in early games but not in the late ones except where division and wild card standings are concerned. I did get to watch the last few plays of the Colts win when CBS cut to the game, but would have loved for one of the three to be televised in the later time slot. Oh well. The Steelers/Chargers matchup was a hard fought, entertaining substitute and I enjoyed watching the Chargers fall to two games behind the Broncos.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
First "Winter" Commute
Okay, it's not officially winter for awhile yet, but riding in the snow and wind to work yesterday sure seemed like it. I don't mind winter riding too much because with the right bike, tires and clothing, you can still enjoy it and know that almost everybody else is stuck inside spinning in one place bored out of their minds. Granted, I'll do a fair amount of that myself soon, but would like to continue to commute whenever the schedule allows.
Yesterday when I got up, I was very much on the fence as to whether I would ride or not. Temps were hovering around 30 which is no big deal and it was still fairly wet from the previous night's snow. We got just enough snow to cover things up and give the impression of winter, but I didn't have to scoop the drive which is always a blessing. Again, the right gear and even the wet conditions wouldn't be unthinkable to ride in.
The thing that gave me pause was the wind. Every once in awhile it would gust, howl and whistle in any window or door that gave the slightest hint at not being completely sealed in a way that was reminiscent of storms from the depths of winters past. The prospect of riding directly into such an adversary was not a pleasant one.
I spent most of the morning in a state of limbo where the ride was concerned. I did have a little work to do on the bike installing a new stem and I decided to spend a little time working on a presentation I'll do for a few kids at Xander's school next week about the bike being a solution to many life issues like obesity, pollution, access to clean water in third world countries and access to markets for poor farmers in remote areas of the world.
As I revisited so many of the thoughts that others have had on the topic and looked at studies of obesity rates and automobile pollution, the idea of riding to work took on fresh meaning and sticking my nose into the wind became an act of rebellion against my own culture of comfort and against a society that thinks that just because gas prices have dropped a bit means that giving thought to bike commuting is no longer a necessity.
So, resolve renewed, I got dressed, packed up the back pack and headed out. I opened the garage door and big flakes of snow were just beginning to fall again. In the wind protected cul de sac where we live it was an idyllic scene that carried a romantic association from some of my winter rides from last year.
The one advantage of the wind is that many of the streets and areas of the bike path that I ride were fairly dry with only minor drifting. I had opted to keep the standard knobby tires on my Gary Fisher Rig (single speed mountain bike with 29" tires instead of the more standard 26" tires that you usually see). I do have a set of studded tires that are a little thinner that I will break out once drifts harden and ice becomes more of an issue.
Things were plugging along well as I rode the bike path along the southeast part of town. The trees took the brunt of the wind and I actually found myself a bit too warm. Once I got off the path, the wind had a clean shot at me and I began to pay for my efforts. To add insult to injury, the beautiful falling snow transformed into sleet that was driven into my face as I methodically pushed on. By the time I got to the store I was greeted by the incredulous nature of my coworkers as they greeted me with what could only be described as varying degrees of pity and admiration.
I seriously had to towel down when I hit the rest room to change. This was one of those occasions where if we had a shower at the store, I would have used it. I had purposely dressed a little warmer than I originally thought I should believing that I needed a little more time to allow my body's conditioning to the cold to develop. After all, I did ride 30 miles in my summer kit (short sleeve jersey and shorts) less than two weeks ago. What I didn't factor in was how much harder I was going to have to work against the wind and how much heat I would personally generate. I was a sweaty, gooey mess. It didn't take me too long to get myself presentable again and I set about the day's tasks.
I was quite pleased to see that when I left the store at 9:30, the wind was still out of the northwest, still blowing hard and knew I'd have an easier time of it on the trip home. I had forgotten how different it is riding at night with snow on the ground. Areas where my little 12 lumen commuter lamp barely outline the path and obstacles during the summer were quite well defined due to the luminescence of the city reflected off of clouds above and snow below. It was really an enjoyable ride home only lacking the soft snowfall which would have put me in winter commuter bliss.
So, the first test passed, my goal will continue to be to ride to work whenever the schedule and my personal safety will permit it. The payoff is always better than the cost on days like yesterday and I hope to see a lot more winter riding this year.
Yesterday when I got up, I was very much on the fence as to whether I would ride or not. Temps were hovering around 30 which is no big deal and it was still fairly wet from the previous night's snow. We got just enough snow to cover things up and give the impression of winter, but I didn't have to scoop the drive which is always a blessing. Again, the right gear and even the wet conditions wouldn't be unthinkable to ride in.
The thing that gave me pause was the wind. Every once in awhile it would gust, howl and whistle in any window or door that gave the slightest hint at not being completely sealed in a way that was reminiscent of storms from the depths of winters past. The prospect of riding directly into such an adversary was not a pleasant one.
I spent most of the morning in a state of limbo where the ride was concerned. I did have a little work to do on the bike installing a new stem and I decided to spend a little time working on a presentation I'll do for a few kids at Xander's school next week about the bike being a solution to many life issues like obesity, pollution, access to clean water in third world countries and access to markets for poor farmers in remote areas of the world.
As I revisited so many of the thoughts that others have had on the topic and looked at studies of obesity rates and automobile pollution, the idea of riding to work took on fresh meaning and sticking my nose into the wind became an act of rebellion against my own culture of comfort and against a society that thinks that just because gas prices have dropped a bit means that giving thought to bike commuting is no longer a necessity.
So, resolve renewed, I got dressed, packed up the back pack and headed out. I opened the garage door and big flakes of snow were just beginning to fall again. In the wind protected cul de sac where we live it was an idyllic scene that carried a romantic association from some of my winter rides from last year.
The one advantage of the wind is that many of the streets and areas of the bike path that I ride were fairly dry with only minor drifting. I had opted to keep the standard knobby tires on my Gary Fisher Rig (single speed mountain bike with 29" tires instead of the more standard 26" tires that you usually see). I do have a set of studded tires that are a little thinner that I will break out once drifts harden and ice becomes more of an issue.
Things were plugging along well as I rode the bike path along the southeast part of town. The trees took the brunt of the wind and I actually found myself a bit too warm. Once I got off the path, the wind had a clean shot at me and I began to pay for my efforts. To add insult to injury, the beautiful falling snow transformed into sleet that was driven into my face as I methodically pushed on. By the time I got to the store I was greeted by the incredulous nature of my coworkers as they greeted me with what could only be described as varying degrees of pity and admiration.
I seriously had to towel down when I hit the rest room to change. This was one of those occasions where if we had a shower at the store, I would have used it. I had purposely dressed a little warmer than I originally thought I should believing that I needed a little more time to allow my body's conditioning to the cold to develop. After all, I did ride 30 miles in my summer kit (short sleeve jersey and shorts) less than two weeks ago. What I didn't factor in was how much harder I was going to have to work against the wind and how much heat I would personally generate. I was a sweaty, gooey mess. It didn't take me too long to get myself presentable again and I set about the day's tasks.
I was quite pleased to see that when I left the store at 9:30, the wind was still out of the northwest, still blowing hard and knew I'd have an easier time of it on the trip home. I had forgotten how different it is riding at night with snow on the ground. Areas where my little 12 lumen commuter lamp barely outline the path and obstacles during the summer were quite well defined due to the luminescence of the city reflected off of clouds above and snow below. It was really an enjoyable ride home only lacking the soft snowfall which would have put me in winter commuter bliss.
So, the first test passed, my goal will continue to be to ride to work whenever the schedule and my personal safety will permit it. The payoff is always better than the cost on days like yesterday and I hope to see a lot more winter riding this year.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Brief Sports Rant
I have watched more Cowboys and Giants games this year than all of my favorite teams combined. Not that there's anything wrong with the Cowboys and Giants mind you, but neither team is remotely regional and there have been numerous times where either team has been featured when the Broncos were playing a late game on another network that was showing some crappy, third rate sport was shown instead. They have been pre-empted by beach volleyball (only watchable during the olympics), rodeo (sorry Marilyn) and today's offering "slamball" (really!!!???).
My beef is somewhat with the network, but mostly with our local CBS affiliate who decided to claim Kansas City as our local market instead of Denver after YEARS of Broncos football. It used to be that Chiefs fans had to put up the rabbit ears and pull a signal from Sioux City to watch the Chiefs, but now we get to watch their cover-your-eyes-awful team play as the local franchise. Granted, the Broncos haven't been much to brag about either and are currently struggling against Miami, but at least they have a winning record.
In the past, I would work around the non-airing of Broncos games by tuning in online to their local radio affliliate and listen to streaming audio for free, but the NFL shut that down two years ago and now I'd have to pay to even listen to them. Direct TV's monopoly-esque Sunday Ticket is not the ticket for me either because of the cost. We don't even have cable, opting instead for broadband internet.
Of course part of the issue is my work schedule as well. I am scheduled every other weekend, although I only wind up working one Sunday a month. I know of at least two Broncos games that I've missed due to work this season and I wind up missing the Vikings almost every weekend that I work (they are the local Fox affiliate's NFL franchise).
Oh well. I guess I'll take a nap through the rest of the current NFL sweethearts' matchup. Giants/Cowboys... I couldn't care less.
My beef is somewhat with the network, but mostly with our local CBS affiliate who decided to claim Kansas City as our local market instead of Denver after YEARS of Broncos football. It used to be that Chiefs fans had to put up the rabbit ears and pull a signal from Sioux City to watch the Chiefs, but now we get to watch their cover-your-eyes-awful team play as the local franchise. Granted, the Broncos haven't been much to brag about either and are currently struggling against Miami, but at least they have a winning record.
In the past, I would work around the non-airing of Broncos games by tuning in online to their local radio affliliate and listen to streaming audio for free, but the NFL shut that down two years ago and now I'd have to pay to even listen to them. Direct TV's monopoly-esque Sunday Ticket is not the ticket for me either because of the cost. We don't even have cable, opting instead for broadband internet.
Of course part of the issue is my work schedule as well. I am scheduled every other weekend, although I only wind up working one Sunday a month. I know of at least two Broncos games that I've missed due to work this season and I wind up missing the Vikings almost every weekend that I work (they are the local Fox affiliate's NFL franchise).
Oh well. I guess I'll take a nap through the rest of the current NFL sweethearts' matchup. Giants/Cowboys... I couldn't care less.
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