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Monthly Archive for September, 2007
In a story posted on www.laist.com, tensions between a L.A. cyclist and a Metro bus driver escalated into a showdown on Hollywood Blvd. Because the bus driver not only failed to pass at a safe distance, but vehimently refused to apologize for doing so, the cyclist decided to detain the bus while he called the police. Infuriated, the bus driver attempted to physically move the cyclist by advancing the vehicle, but in the end it was the cyclist and his wife who ended up in handcuffs.
For most people it would be enough to just make the trip to Rwanda for The Wooden Bicycle Classic. Benjo from Minneapolis, however, likes a challenge. That’s why he decided to have a completely collapsible tallbike built for the journey. One that converts from a regular road bike into a tallbike, at that.
According to Kristin Butcher over at the IMBA blog, this is why every grocery store should have a bike rack out front.
As her contribution to Urban Velo #3 tells you, Kristin’s day job has her building and riding trails all over the United States. What the piece fails to mention is that she tells dirty jokes that would make a sailor blush, and rides a bike like a bad motha… (shut yo mouth!)
Just a note for any merch orders in the coming days – the Urban Velo warehouse (Brad’s attic) will be closed and the Urban Velo shipping department (Brad) will be unable to ship orders until the first week of October. It’s Interbike time, and Brad will out in Vegas doing daily coverage for BlueCollarMtb.com along with some posts during and more after the show for here at Urban Velo.
…to contribute!
Especially artists and photographers. We need photos for our gallery and art for random use within the magazine. And don’t forget about our regular department, I Love Riding in the City.
It’s a fact of life—not everyone likes bicycles. And it’s no news that the U.S. government has been rather lackadaisical about supporting bicycle infrastructure. But it’s pretty unnerving to read articles like this one on Salon.com about U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters.
Peters doesn’t think bikes are a valid form of transportation. What’s more, she goes so far as to blame this summer’s Minneapolis bridge catastrophe on bike paths, asserting that bridge and highway maintenance funds are being “misappropriated” on trails and bike paths.
According to her official bio, Peters is an avid motorcycle enthusiast. So come on, Mary, what do you say? Two wheels, one love.
If this doesn’t get you interested in Spain’s Car Free Day, we just don’t know what will…
The Chicago Tribune asks the question, “Is Chicago bike-friendly?” and sends reporter Karoun Demirjian to find out firsthand. Demirjian and a Tribune photographer follow Randy Neufeld, chief strategist for the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation for spin in the Windy City.
Click here for the story and video.
Bicycle! A Repair and Maintenance Manifesto
A 232page, full size book by the legendary Sam Tracy. Maintenance of a bicycle without the technojargonbullshit. Entertaining read with plenty of humor and shop talk.
Community Bike Cart Design
A comprehensive guide to building your own bike cart or trailer, and then the most important fundamental question: why build a bike cart. All of the theory and practice necessary to convince yourself that you too need to construct your own bike cart or trailer
Bipedal, By Pedal!
A social history and tactics lesson about the Critical Mass bicycle movement. Initially meant to serve as a lesson for the unaware, this document is a refresher and motivator about the movement. The biggest question, “Is Critical Mass a protest or a celebration?” is explored in extensive detail.
Scallywags
Jesus and mutant bikes together as one. How to build various kinds of freak bikes and mutant bikes including a folding tall bike and wooden bikes that they build in Rwanda on a little missionary trip.
Plus, The Outcast #21, Urban Velo #’s 1 to 3, Dwelling Portably and Chainbreaker #’s 1 to 4 are all available at UrbanVeloStore.com.
This week the Bicycle Film Festival returns to founder Brendt Barbur’s hometown of San Francisco. All screenings will be held in S.F.’s oldest running theater, The Victoria Theatre, but the festivities actually kick off on Wednesday at Thee Parkside with a free “Bikes Rock!!!” concert.
Click here for information on the San Francisco BFF.
Click here for an interview with founder Brendt Barbur.
Click here for Urban Velo’s coverage of the 2007 BFF in NYC.
In a very sad story from the Star Tribune, police continue to seek information regarding the violent death of a man who had been riding his bicycle in south Minneapolis last Wednesday.
Mark Loesch, a 41-year-old IT consultant, was riding to a friend’s house when he was attacked and left for dead. According to a friend, Mark was not carrying any valuables, and his bike was recovered at the scene—implying this was a truly senseless act of violence.
If anyone has information about Mark’s death, please call the Minneapolis investigators tip line at 612-692-TIPS.
The Interbike tradeshow typically has some interesting extra-curricular activities going on, typically revolving around places and things you don’t write home about.
2007 brings us bicycle racing at the infamous Double Down Saloon as hosted by the Goldsprints NYC crew. Fixed gear bikes on rollers, racing head to head with a cheering and jeering crowd egging the action on. No worries, forkstands keep the bikes upright, beer the legs lubricated. 500m sprints, in heats of course until an overal champion is crowned.
Wednesday September 26 – First day of Interbike. 9pm. Double Down Saloon. 4640 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas. See you there.
Behold the 2008 Kona Ute.
The short story: I really want one. Bad.
The longer, better story: One size fits most, $799 complete. 26in wheels, disc brakes and low gears make sense for hauling potentially huge loads. Sensible spec keeps the pricepoint reasonable while allowing the end user some coin to customize the bike for their given purpose. The scale says 41lbs, which ain’t bad considering the bike. A touring bike with full racks and fenders runs around 30+lbs – an extra 10 for really big load carrying ability is a fair tradeoff.
I’m left wondering… Clearance for 700c disc wheels for some touring action? Is that a kickstand I spy? When are these going to be available?
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