Sneakeasy's Joint

The Cycling Dude is Reborn!

On Sept. 1, 2003 I put The Cycling Dude blog on an indefinite hiatus, unsure when it would return, where, or how.

The time has finally come to breath new, invigorated, life into my blog child, and that is why there will no longer be any cycling posts on Sneakeasy's Joint.

The Cycling Dude is an MT blog, but is more than that. It is the 2nd part of the growing website known as SNEAKEASY'S JOINT, and becomes the place where I'll be doing all my Road Bicycling related writing, and linking, from now on.

It is my sincere hope that you, dear reader, will enjoy my writing, and reporting, and make good use of all the various links that will become a part of the fabric of this blog.

You can reach the place through the link on the left of Joint's Main Page, or through here:

The Cycling Dude

Enjoy! :-)

After Xmas Bike Ride on PCH

While most folks with a day off were either watching football, or dashing off to make returns, or shopping for after Xmas deals, I spent the afternoon of the 26th riding my bike along a cool, breezy, partly cloudy Orange County Coastal highway known as Pacific Coast Highway, PCH, or just Highway 1.

I know, I know, How un-patriotic of me not to be a couch potato, or to help fuel the economy, and to top it off I LOVED everything I got for Xmas, but what can I say?

I don't have ESPN, and can't afford to shop until I drop. :-)

Is God A Tandem Cyclist?

...With each of us the other rider on the bike travelling on our own personal journey?

The following was sent to me in an e-mail, by a friend, and I thought I'd just post it, with no comment on my part [ beyond asking if anyone thinks a Bicycling analogy can be applied to the Diety of any of the other Major Religions, or to Atheism, and how? ], and see what any readers may think about it:

Clear Channel Clears Air

Recently I wrote about a controversy involving Radio DJ's urging folks to be less than friendly toward Bicyclists, and the outrage this produced.

This is a most welcome follow-up that I received in an e-mail news update I get periodically from The League of American Bicyclists:

O Canada, Glorious and Annoyed

I wish to thank Todd, of the Canadian weblog, Holycola.net, for his piece called 3 cities, 3 shows, 1 message, which linked to my story, last month, concerning the Clear Channel DJ's who had something against Bicyclists.

The Cycling Challenge From Hell

Every year, in Los Angeles, bicyclists, young and old, sane and mad, gather for a most unusual and challenging event.

It is simply known as the Fargo St. Climb, and is quite the spectacle.

A couple of years ago I attended my first event, and was awed not only by the street itself, but by the guts of the people who dared to try to climb it, and full of admiration for those, including an 8 yr. old boy, who made it to the top.

The view from the top is spectacular to say the least.

Jim Baross Jr. posted a link, on a message board I frequently read, to the story of the record holder for most climbs in one day, as told by the record holder himself.

Look at the pictures, read the story, and then ask yourself this question:

Am I crazy enough to try this?

One of these days I may answer yes to that question, who knows? :-)

The Fargo Street Hill Climb - Fat Tires Take on Steep Pavement

Have You Thrown Something at a Cyclist Today?

If so, shame on you!

The question going around Cycling circles, these days, is:

Is Clear Channel Radio anti-bicycle?

On Oct. 1 the Raleigh News-Observer published a shocking story that brings back memories of my own encounters with angry, misinformed drivers of cars, and idiot pranksters out for a lark (Bicyclist to Car Owners: Can't We All Just Get Along?).

Reporter BRUCE SICELOFF began his piece as follows:

"G105 radio host Bob Dumas told listeners last week that he just hated to see bicycle riders on the road. He laughed at stories about running cyclists down, and he talked up the idea of throwing bottles at bikers. It wasn't funny to cycling enthusiasts across the Triangle. This week they are lobbying government officials and local advertisers in a campaign to punish radio station WDCG and its corporate owner, Clear Channel of San Antonio, and to promote bicycle safety." "One caller said her dad had purposely hit a biker on the road on the way to church one Sunday and kept on going," said G105 listener Holly N. Proctor of Cary on Tuesday of the Sept. 21 and 22 broadcasts. "That got laughs. Bob thought that was funny."

The full story is here: Radio host infuriates cyclists.

Hermosa Beach Bike Path?

There is a Bike Path along most of Los Angeles County's beachs from Malibu, south, to Long Beach.

Cyclists, skaters, walkers, and joggers are the species of athletically minded critters who share the path each day.

Then there is Hermosa Beach.

For at least 30 years a debate has raged in the beach community over whether the sand along the Strand should be disturbed by the addition of a lengthy strip of concrete for the use of bicyclists, and skaters.

Everybody has an opinion, and they aren't afraid to stick up for it.

On hermosawave.net there is the online edition of a community paper called Easy Reader. It covers all the news that's fit to cover in this beach community and surrounding areas.

On 9-11 there appears an excellent, 2 part, cover story by Robb Fulcher that thoroughly goes over the issue and the ongoing debate.

Of Bunnies, Bagpipes, and the Back Bay

One of the things I've discovered this past week that has given me new found energy to start the day, and to get my behind back into gear for more frequent blogging, is the Bike Trail around the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Preserve.

My bike ride, starting from my home, is almost 13 miles round trip, and takes an hour and 15 min. (barring distractions such as stopping to talk with morning exercisers, or grabbing a bagel).

8 of those miles are on a trail that winds its way around the Bay, from the NW to the east, south, and southwest along trail, and bike lanes.

The Bay is beautiful, peaceful, cool, and calm early in the morning ( 7-830am ) with only other cyclists, and some walkers, and joggers as company.

Of course, in addition to us humans, and the dogs some folks take for their walks, creatures of the animal kingdom abound here. In addition to all sorts of birds, I have seen squirrels, and today, bunny rabbits.

Those bunnies are brave souls, let me tell you, to dare to cross the road with all of us cyclists whizzing by at 15 miles an hour.

If one of us ran over one of the little critters, no doubt some lawyer for PETA would haul us into court for reckless driving, or something, and try to wiggle out of explaining why their client didn't stop, and look both ways, before crossing the road.

I thought bunnies were more intelligent than chickens..... :-)

The highlight of this mornings trek, though, had a Scottish tinge to it.

There I am pedalling along when suddenly the haunting sounds of a bagpipe come to me across the Bay.

Thinking I was imagining things I stopped to listen......

Nothing....

I continued on, and stopped when I heard it again.

This time I waited, and was rewarded with the sound coming across the bay along the road I was traveling down.

It was beautiful. The melodies were familiar, but I couldn't put a name to the tunes.

As I pedalled onward, listening as I went, i finally saw the player, walking along the side of the road toward me.

I stopped to watch, and when he came abreast I engaged him in a brief conversation, telling him I enjoyed his playing.

Seems he's a fireman who takes his instrument out for occasional walks along the Bay, to air it out, and give it something to do other than sit unused at home.

I'm sure anyone along the Bay today, and any day he's there, is mighty grateful that he does so. :-)

In Europe, Bicycles REALLY Do Grow On Trees!

I found this phenomenon very interesting indeed.

On the subject of Bike Racks folks in France have come up with a neat idea that can be found all over the Continent these days apparently.

The BIKE TREE is a solar electro-mechanical modular dohicky that lifts a bike up to a height of 4.9 meters ( anyone have a clue how that translates into something civilized like FEET? ) off the ground and under a shelter.

Only the bike owner can fetch the little darling back down thanks to their SMART CARD ID & PIN #...

It's a 24 hr. a day rental system that promotes zero emission urban mobility by the use of private and rented bikes.

Full details, with videos, and pics can be found here: THE BIKE TREE.

The pics and videos tell and show you about the system.

These things can be fixed to buildings or can stand alone in groups big enought to be called a type of pavillion.

The startling thing is that this has been in exisitance since 1996.

Anyone out there caring to share their experiences with this device feel free to post a comment.

Indispensable Resource On Bicycle Parking

A person could spend forever wallowing in the Bicycle Parking section of Bicyclinginfo.org, not to mention the whole site itself.

Needless to say this site & it's companion site Walkinginfo.org will be added to my LINKS post haste, and visited as soon as time permits.

Also, though it pains me as a Lakers fan to do so, I must say that alot more Trailblazing is going on in Portland Oregon, these days, than just on the basketball court.

Evidence of this can be found by visiting here: Bicycle Parking Facilities Guidelines, and exploring the other links available there.

Is U is, or is U Ain't a Vehicular Cyclist?

Or are you a Trail and Path supporter, as well, like me? :-)

An excellent website & message board that advocates a concept & point of view that needs to be heard & understood by more cyclists nationwide is Chainguard.

I was first alerted to the message board a year or so ago, & have just re-upped after being away awhile.

The 6th ed. of John Forester's book EFFECTIVE CYCLING is a must read for anyone wanting to understand what it means to be a VEHICULAR CYCLIST.

While I am a supporter of Bike Trails & Paths, I am also doing all I can to learn to be a better Vehicular Cyclist on the roadways of our nation, & believe that Bike Lanes on our streets hinder my ability to do so, though I use them whenever I come across the little buggers.

Zen and the Art of Bicycle Riding

I found this on the PHILOSOPHYBIKE list on TOPICA .COM , but have seen it elsewhere before as well. :-)

A Zen teacher saw five of his students returning from the market, riding their bicycles.

When they arrived at the monastery and had dismounted, the teacher asked the students, "Why are you riding your bicycles?"

The first student replied, "The bicycle is carrying the sack of potatoes. I am glad that I do not have to carry them on my back!"

The teacher praised the first student, "You are a smart boy! When you grow old, you will not walk hunched over like I do."

The second student replied, "I love to watch the trees and fields pass by as I roll down the path!"

The teacher commended the second student, "Your eyes are open, and you see the world."

The third student replied, "When I ride my bicycle, I am content to chant nam myoho renge kyo."

The teacher gave praise to the third student, "Your mind will roll with the ease of a newly trued wheel."

The fourth student replied, "Riding my bicycle, I live in harmony with all sentient beings."

The teacher was pleased, and said to the fourth student, "You are riding on the golden path of non-harming."

The fifth student replied, "I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle."

The teacher sat at the feet of the fifth student and said, "I am your student!"

Source Unknown

The 4th Estate Account

Well, both the LA TIMES and INLAND VALLEY DAILY BULLETIN published accounts of Wednesdays festivities, & in my mind BOTH were fair to all sides in the issue.

They quoted me accurately, & the TIMES gave an accurate account of the paranoia I encountered.

Both papers reported some of the comments of those against the path.

Since you must have a free membership to read most TIMES articles, here is the opening to the article in the INLAND VALLEY VOICE section of the TIMES by DANIELLE SAMANIEGO:

Vocal Audience Fights Bike Path

POMONA -- It's just a proposed bike path, but to some residents in this city, the Los Angeles County project to extend the Thompson Creek trail has become a war path.

Tempers flared at a meeting late Wednesday attended by cyclists and the band of Pomona homeowners who vehemently oppose the project.

"You open up that bike path, you open up a lot of problems for the people here," said Jennie Chambers, who lives on Coral Way where the path would run behind her home. "I don't want to live up against it." Resident Kiril Kundurazieff, an avid bicyclist, supports bike trails and urged the county to move ahead with the project.

"They're beneficial in so many ways," Kundurazieff said. "You're enhancing the community. I feel the city and the county should not let a few citizens keep the city of Pomona from a valuable asset."

Kundurazieff's comments drew jeers from many of the more than 55 people who attended the meeting as audience members told him to sit down and uttered comments like, "You don't live in our neighborhood!" There were several moments when county officials asked the audience to calm down.

I wish the Reporters had been more probing in their reporting of why some of the flyers were not delivered properly to residents, & why the County didn't play it safe & hold earlier Community Meetings over the years instead of taking the overwhelming support that has always been there for such projects, County wide, for granted.

By the County not holding more & earlier meetings, & not doing a better job with the flyers, people that may have been easily persuaded to work with the County now have their jock straps & panties all in a bunch.

It was obvious to me that the County reps were not prepared to handle outrage & paranoia on the level that was displayed. Several informative studies that should have been passed out to everyone BEFORE the meeting got underway, & might have assuaged some of the concerns of residents were not set out on tables until the meeting was half over, & it is hard to know how many of the angry crowd picked them up on their way out.

Both papers were especially good in describing what type of Trail was being planned, & the history of the project, & both papers mentioned that a City Councilperson showed up & showed interest in a path of some sort.

Other than wishing more of my comments, & especially the more reactionary & hostile words of the residents were reported, I'm satisfied with the pieces.

NIMBY'S to the Right of Me...

NIMBY'S to the left of me, insults & paranoia!

The place was packed, but only about 15 or so pro Path people showed up that I could tell, & almost all were cyclists.

I spoke 5 times, & 3 others spoke up once each.

The opposition was loud, insulting, & emotional, with a couple of calm individuals amongst them.

I expressed the views that I posted here tuesday, & questioned & countered the comments & opinions expressed by those opposing the Path to the best of my ability.

This meeting was supposed to be a chance for the county to discuss changes to the bike plan that would address residents privacy concerns, but the residents were not there to compromise in any way shape or form.

It came close to getting ugly on their part, every time I spoke.

The county reps pleas to be neighborly fell on deaf ears.

These folks didn't want to hear that their property value would go up, crime would go down, & public use by honest folk, including their neighbors would make the 2 mile Path an asset to the community, as a cleaned up eyesore is put to good use as a transportation & recreation corridor leading to a rail hub, mass transit stops, the LA County Fairgrounds, & the famous, old, & popular Ganesha Park.

The county has 95 miles of such paths that have been around for decades, & statistics, county, state, & nationwide show the value of such dedicated Pedestrian & Cycling Paths.

These folks figured that by trying to cower opposition into silence, & the city council into supporting them, with emotional outbursts & insults to cyclists, & shouting, that they could ignore the concept of working with the county to compromise & solve privacy issues, & thereby provide a much needed asset to the community.

These folks revealed by their words, that they would prefer to live in the next city over (some send their kids to school there), or, at the least, have as little contact with their fellows citizens ( mostly minority) in the rest of the city.

You see GANG MEMBERS, on Bicycles, are gonna storm their walls, pillage their property, & kidnap their kids at any moment!!

Not that they have anything against cyclists, you understand. It's just those cyclists who are gang members (or is it those gang members who are cyclists?) that they don't want riding past their backyards.

These folks don't have the crime problem they think they have, considering that any thug who wanted to has been able for years to climb a fence, walk down the channel & pillage to his hearts content already, & that there have been in the past, & still are worse areas in the city than theirs, including one I grew up in for 30 years.

Some of these neighborhoods (including my old one) have improved over the last decade, not because the residents hid behind their walls, but because they worked together, & with their elected representatives to change & improve the community for the better.

These folks have not done anything before now to try & prevent access to their property, other than occasionally calling the cops, & now, when the county is offering to help secure their privacy as part of the plan for the path, they want to instead put a mote around the neighborhood, & raise the drawbridge.

NIMBY'S, God bless 'em, what would the world be without them?

Both the LA TIMES REPORTER & INLAND VALLEY DAILY BULLETIN REPORTER took plenty of notes of what I said, & asked me to spell my name for them. :-)

So I look to see not only my letter in the papers, but my name & comments featured in the reporting. :-)

I will be posting links to the stories, if possible, & if not I will try to summarize the reporting.

Afterwards I was talking with at least one person who thought the LOS ANGELES COUNTY BICYCLE COALITION would be there.

I thought so too.

Afterall, even though I haven't been a member for a year or so, they still have my phone number & e-mail & sent word about this whole controversy a couple of weeks ago (I was aware already), urging all locals in their address book to rally to the cause.

I'll be honest. While I mentioned why I have issues with the LACBC, I made it clear that I think they actually really do occasionaly do some good. :-)

Next time something important happens in our neck of the woods I sincerely hope that they actually might consider showing up to lend support, & not just assume that folks on their e-mail list are still members &/ or have the time or interest to show up in their place.

I could seriously have used the back-up, though I feel I acquited myself quite well as it is.

Also afterwards, as a Lady & I talked to a county rep about crosswalks & lights at spots where the path comes to the street, things got comical.

I patted her on the back & said: "See, you agreed with a Bicyclist! Now that wasn't so hard, was it?"

The poor dear looked at me in horror, & fled as fast as her legs could carry her. :-

) Was it something I said ( sweet, innocent ol' Sneak asks)? :-)

If you want to learn more about Bike Paths, & us critters known as Cyclists, I urge you to check out the 3 Cycling links in my RECOMMENDATIONS, & to follow the links on their pages, that catch your interest, to wherever they may lead.

As someone famous once said: We live in interesting times. :-)

Extending the Thompson Creek Trail

Back around May 8th a small number of my fellow Inland Empirans expressed their displeasure over the notion that the Flood Control Channel running behind their houses might have its existing bike path extended past their properties.

Now, having been a regular rider of the exisitng path for many years I am wholeheartedly in favor of its extension especially since it would connect with the, now in the planning stages, RAILS-TO-TRAILS PROJECT along the railroad the 30+ miles between RIALTO & SAN DIMAS, CA..

One of the great things about our flood control channels in LA & ORANGE COUNTY is that the land adjacent to them is wide enough to enable other public uses to be considered along the route.

A few uninformed NIMBY'S afraid undesirables will come storming over the walls to rape & pillage are trying to force the city council to go against the County Bike Path Master Plan.

The LA TIMES ARTICLE can be read here: Neighbors oppose bike path Well, so far, the Pomona City Council is not going along with the idea, & has arranged for a Public Meeting tommorrow evening where the community can learn more about the project, & air its concerns.

Being the Opinionated dude that I am, I got the notion of writing a letter to the good Mayor, & all his City Council persons, to share my views on the subject.

Hand delivering the collection, I learned I was just in time for my little screeds to find their way into the inhouse mail delivery. :-)

In said Opus I expressed the view that the exisiting path has long been a valuable asset to the communities it serves for many years, & the extension would be a valuable addition.

I urged them to take an hour or 2 of their busy day to either walk or ride a bike along the existing path, & observe its design, & talk to those who use it, & live next to it.

I expressed the belief that those opposed to the extension, a mile+ of which is NOT adjacent to residences, have never used the exisitng path, or one like it, & if they have, & enjoy it, then they are being just a tad hypocritical in their opposition. Bike paths are beneficial in many important ways:

* They provide a safe, off road place for cyclists to ride.

* Kids from the neighborhood will be able to ride there.

* Such paths help revitalize the river exhibits A--D in support of this notion: San Gabriel River Bike Path, Santa Ana Riiver Bike Path, Rio Hondo Bike Path, & Los Angeles River Bike Path. All are decades old assets of immense value to the communities they serve.

* Such paths as those above add a needed recreational & Commuter bike facility.

*Such paths as those above increase the livability of the neighborhood.

I urged the Honourables not to let uninformed individuals keep them from contributing another valuable link to the ever growing network of dedicated Bicycle & Pedestrian Pathways that are slowly, but surely, connecting the citizens of Los Angeles County to all areas of this vast community of ours.

A condensed version (100 words) of my letter will be appearing on the letters to the editor page of at least one newspaper that has been covering the controversy.

Slow Pokes DO Have All the Fun!

Cycling is NOT just about speed and exercise, but about taking the time to stop and see the deer & Harleyholics......

It's 3:30am, May 12, 2002, and my cats are looking at me like I'd just lost my mind:

"Daddy, what in the heck are you doing up at this ungodly hour? It's not even 5am (when they start pestering me for breakfast) yet!"

By the time I was out the door, 20 min. later, they had lost all interest in my sanity because breakfast was served.

1 Foothill Transit bus, 2 MTA'S, a Subway ride, and 4 hours later, I had arrived at Westwood Park, at Ohio & Sepulveda, in West Los Angeles, just southeast of the 405 frwy. and Wilshire Blvd..

With 25 minutes until start time I got copies of the 3 route slips and tried to decide whether to ride 30, 57, or 64 miles. 6 other riders had shown up  and, after gathering opinions, I was getting a better understanding of the 2 longer rides as I began flipping my imaginary coin.

Sunday Bike Ride

I'm pooped. ok? :-)

I went on a bike ride yesterday that, when you finish reading the story I have to tell, & it will be lengthy so beware, you will either feel I am in desperate need of a straight jacket, or be so hot to trot out onto  road yourself that your family will have to lock you in the basement for a month. :-)

I slept from 2am until 1130am this morning, & spent the afternoon formulating my story from 6 pages of notes written on breaks in my journey.

I will be posting my story either tomorrow or wednesday, as I have an appointment to go take the written exam for COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSISTANT with the LA COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT. Wish me luck! :-)

Bicyclist To Car Owners: Can't We All Just Get Along?

Well, now that I've got the attention of car owners the whole block over [ What? Ya thought I was gonna say WORLD?

Heh, heh, I know that the likes of GOOGLE haven't even noticed that I existed here yet, so to say world would be highly inaccurate, ya know? :-) ], I figure it's as good a time as any to introduce you to my thoughts on Bicycling.

I have never owned a car.

This is partly due to the inconvenient fact that I can't afford one of the little darlings.

I do have a license, but that's a whole 'nother story entirely, especially since it's been 20 years since I was last behind the wheel.

Anyway, read on, and ponder: