The Cycling Dude

Award Winning Bike Doc About Stupid Hippie Capitalists Finally Gets Trailer

I get e-mail:

Hey There,

As you may or may not know, KLUNKERZ won the '2009 Cycling Film of the Year' at the Endurance Sports Awards at Sea World in San Diego.

 

It's pretty crazy, considering how long I've been out there with the film, but with no marketing or advertising budget it takes awhile (even years!) for people to find out about these things:). Such is the way with independent filmmaking.

 

Anyway, I realized that I never really put a decent trailer together, so know I've finally done it.

 

It's very homegrown in style, not unlike the film itself.

 

With this in mind, it is my hope that you enjoy it for a few minutes, then pass it on to some good friends.

 

I want to say a special thanks to everyone who has supported me on this ride. It's been a very long journey and, with any luck, it's not nearly over. Thanks again, everybody. 

Ride on,

Billy Savage

writer/producer/director

KLUNKERZ

I have just watched the Trailer, and wish to share it with you, the readers of The Cycling Dude.

 

 

In January I had the honor of being invited by the director to a screening in Escondito, Ca.

 

It was eye-opening, and a joy, and a pleasure.

 

I not only got to meet, and briefly chat, and get my picture taken with, Billy, and 2 of the Mountain Biking Legends profiled in the film, but to do some road cycling on the way home afterward.

 

As I wrote about the film at the time:

 

Northern California is an interesting place.

 

The Gold Rush & its aftermath, gave birth to the American obsession with shiny rocks, and California's Prostitution, Real Estate, Journalism, and Entertainment Industries (Samuel Clemens, among others, came there as early as the 1860's), among many others.

 

Everyone knows what happens in San Francisco, sometimes before it happens, but just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, in Marin County (Now home of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition.), something happened that spent a long time under anyones radar.

 

A bunch of hippies, and hippie wanna-bes, were happily traipsin' around in the small towns, hills, and mountains, on, and around Mount Tamalpais, on modified pre-WW2 bicycles.

 

I know, I know...you are scratching your head, and going What the, um, heck? ;-D

 

This was the 60's & 70's! Why weren't they out there war protesting, and smoking pot with bare-breasted women, like normal hippies?

 

I don't know about the protesting, but the movie makes abundantly clear that these particular young people did not neglect either pot, or bare-breasted women. ;-D

 

This is the story of that day, pictures, and all, including my review of the film, and the bike ride afterward:

 

KLUNKERZ: A Recreational Cyclist, and Commuter, Meets MTB Legends

 

 

 

As the Wheel Turns: The Latest Video from the Futures Channel & Easton Bikes

I get e-mails. ;-D

Hi Kiril,

My name is Jenna and I work at The Futures Channel.  I thought you and your readers might be interested in a new movie that we are releasing on Monday, "Building and Testing Wheels."  As the title infers, the short documentary provides insight into how bike wheels are made and tested  at Easton Sports.  It's pretty interesting and insightful.

We would love to get as many people as possible to watch the movie so please feel free to share.  Any links you'd like to post would be more than welcome!  I've also included our press release below.

I hope you enjoy the movie!

Sincerely,

 

Jenna Bowles

 

Head of Distribution

The Futures Channel

 

 

I watched the film, and found it to be a fascinating inside look at the creation, and testing, of wheels for racing bikes.

Here is the Press Release, with links:

Reinventing the Wheel… Literally! 

A new online documentary from The Futures Channel shows how engineers are using science, math and innovation to make some of the most durable bike wheels on the market.  

Burbank, CA (The Futures Channel) February 23, 2009: Whether it’s running marathons, taking photographs or writing novels, many of us dream of getting paid to work at our favorite hobbies.  For Adam Marriott that dream is a reality.

 

“Really, it all stems from a love for bikes.  I love riding. I started working in a bike shop in college… I’m now Product Manager for Easton Sports,” says Marriott.

 

Marriott is featured in Building and Testing Wheels, the latest movie released on TheFuturesChannel.com.  It offers an inside look at what it takes to make strong, durable high-performance wheels at Easton Sports' R&D facilities in Van Nuys, California.  In the short documentary, Adam Marriott demonstrates an innovative technique using sound to ensure the wheels are true and explains that, “Mathematics plays a daily role in everything we do, whether it be production or the testing process or the actual design of the products.”

 

Viewers also meet Niko Henderson, a test lab engineer. He says that the key is testing the wheels to extremes—all on state-of-the-art, one-of-a kind machines. “Imagine a 280 lb rider riding for a 1000 kilometers on a bumpy road the whole way, in this case 4.4 million bumps,” Henderson explains in his interview. “We test the wheel like this in order to learn about the durability of the wheel.”

The Futures Channel is the leading producer and publisher of real-world documentaries about careers and applications of science, technology, engineering and math.  From wildlife biologists to space architects and skateboard designers to robotics engineers, The Futures Channel’s movies show students places they might otherwise never see, fascinating professionals they might otherwise never meet, and careers they might not even know exist.

Amy Agramonte, a teacher from Georgia who screened Building and Testing Wheels, said the movie “hits the mark.”

“We discuss the ‘why’ we learn what we do every day. My students enjoy seeing that what we learn in the classroom is applicable later in life. Also, seeing a movie with real life uses of recent science standards (sound, force and friction) is very exciting,” said Agramonte. “Whenever I show Futures Channel movies, the discussion after the movie is an essential piece for my students.”

Greg Pearson is a senior program officer at the National Academy of Engineering and co-editor of Technically Speaking:  Why All Americans Need to Know More About Technology.  "Building and Testing Wheels is an excellent illustration of how important technology is in our everyday lives and how science and mathematics knowledge combine with engineering design to produce useful products,” Pearson said.  “Showing how science and mathematics are applied to solve real-world problems helps students see the relevance of these subjects to their own lives."

The Futures Channel was founded in 1999 with the goal of “using New Media technologies to create a channel between the scientists, engineers, explorers and visionaries who are shaping the future, and today’s learners who will one day succeed them.”  In the last 24 months, there have been over 18 million student views of Futures Channel movies during math and science classes.

Watch the movie: Building and Testing Wheels

 

Read more educator feedback.

 

 

Learn more about The Futures Channel.

Also Visit Easton Bikes’.

 

 

 

BikeBlogging Finally Gets Brain in Gear!

Well, actually Bicycle Retailer And Industry News decides to bravely go where it never thought it would go before!

BRAIN Blog is being billed as a collaborative effort, of the BRAIN staff, that will share a steady stream of news analysis, commentary and expanded multimedia event coverage, not to mention tapping into reader opinion about what's affecting the industry now.

Editor Megan Tompkins expresses her fears and skepticism about the world of Blogging, and the other tools of the New Media, while also acknowledging the great influence Blogs, and by extention BikeBlogs, often have.

For dyed-in-the-wool print media folks like us, entering this space is a bit scary. It forces us to write on our feet, turn off (or at least turn down) the editorial filter and reveal a more personal side of the industry and of ourselves. Moreover, we have to figure out how to incorporate this free-flowing approach into what we already do well—covering industry news.

While we’re smart about publishing and savvy about news reporting, we’re not experts on this new media stuff.

No expert? Joint the crowd! ;-D

When I began blogging, in 2002, and then with this blog in 2003. I had to learn so much, and count my blessings that I had a friend to help me get on my feet those 1st 2 years.

They will have no problem learning what works for them and, unlike me, and many others in the BikeBlogosphere, they have the time, resources, and connections to use the wonderful platform of their place in the Cycling Industry to stake out an important place in the BikeBlogging Community.

As I wrote, earlier this morning...

I am proud to say that BikeBlogging has come into its own, the last 3 years, with many bloggers, because of their knowledge, time, connections, and resources, doing things with their blogs, and thru podcasting, and YouTube, that I can never do, and thus reaching masses of people that I can never reach.

 

Brain, right out the gate, has the potential to contribute much to our community.

 

I've added links to the blog, and the main website, to my sidebar.

Read her piece: BRAIN Enters a Brave New Media World

Visit the Blog here.

A Tip of the Hat to Cyclelicious! ;-D

 

 

Geeks of the World Unite!

In May, a journey will begin, a journey with a purpose....

Carlos and Joe, 2 Geeks with a message, on a mission. ;-D

Starting May 20th 2009, we (both geeks) will ride bicycles 3000+ miles across the USA to make a point.

 The point we want to make? 

If WE can do this, we think other geeks can at least ride to work.

Our goal is to persuade 1,000 geeks to bike to work instead of driving.

Join us on the adventure!

To learn more about their planned journey, from New Jersey to Oregon, check out their website: Real Geeks Ride.

Are Helmet Laws turning Aussies off of Bicycling?

Are they lazy?

Are they Cost Conscious?

Are they afraid of making the wrong fashon statement?

Statistician and avid cyclist Dorothy Robinson has pondered this conundrum.

She reckons that repealing laws passed in the 1990s requiring cyclists to wear helmets would get bikes out of garages and onto the roads.

Robinson noted that in the two years after the law was passed, bicycle use was halved.  

Cyclists find the laws a bother because helmets are expensive, easily stolen, mess up your hair and are of marginal help in reducing injuries in traffic accidents.

No one looks better in a helmet.

The reasons are probably as numerous as the cyclists. ;-D

No-one looks better?

How would you look after an accident w/o a helmet?

Yes, one might not help much in certain accidents, but...

I prefer to use a helmet rather than have no protection at all.

For more - Monsters & Critics.

Robinson wrote her piece in 2006, I learned, from a Google Search, and one must either be a member of the site, or buy the article to read it in full.

No Radical Safety Improvement in 2009 Class of Bicycle Helmets?

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute has released the following:

Helmets for 2009
 
We have posted our review of helmets being sold in 2009.

It covers trends, new developments and individual models.
 
In brief, there is no radical safety improvement this year that would
compel you to replace your current helmet. Almost all of the helmets
we describe meet standards and offer good if not excellent protection.

There are new helmets in 2009 that are worth a look if you need a new
one. There are more new models appearing with the rounder, smoother
profile that we think is best when you crash. The legally required
CPSC standard ensures good protection in the US market. Without
comparative test data we usually do not know if a model exceeds the
requirements of the standard and offers superior protection. We hope
for a new article from Consumer Reports during 2009 with some test
data on the current crop of helmets.

The rounder, smoother "compact," "city," "urban" or "commuter" models
that we recommend are still growing in number, and most manufacturers
have at least one in their lineup now. The higher priced helmets have
big vents, but no verifiable advantage in impact performance.

There are no new radical impact materials in bicycle helmets this
year. Strap adjustment fittings--buckles and side pieces--badly need
improvement. Most of them slip too easily. Ring fit systems, the "one
size fits all" solution, have taken over for most of the less
expensive and mid-range models.

We still recommend looking for a helmet that:

1. Meets the CPSC bicycle helmet standard.
2. Fits you well.
3. Has a rounded, smooth exterior with no major snag points.
4. Has no more vents than you need. More vents = less foam.

We have a long list of rounder, smoother helmets for 2009, and
sections on Value Helmets, Extra Large Helmets, Extra Small Helmets,
Helmets for Rounder Heads, Helmets for Narrow Heads, "Women-Specific"
Designs, Made in USA Helmets, Models available outside the US,
Cooling performance, Prices and a very long section describing almost
all of the helmets you will see on the 2009 market.

As always, we appreciate feedback!
 
___________________________________________

The Helmet Update - Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
Randy Swart, Editor - randy@helmets.org
4611 Seventh Street South
Arlington, VA 22204-1419
(703) 486-0100
info@helmets.org 
Website
 
Previous Newsletter Issues

Helmets are an important accessory for all Bicyclists, and the institute is one of the many great resources out there for useful information.

Former Pol has D'oh Moment While Out for a Bike Ride

So there's this former Fort Lauderdale city commissioner, see...

Recently he had his bike snatched while trying to help at a car crash!.

Tim Smith said he saw the traffic accident while cycling.

So he leaves his bike on the sidewalk and rushes to help.

After finding no-one to be hurt, he went to retrieve his bike, and noticed something very peculiar...

 No bike!

To add insult to injury, Smith — as a commissioner — was one of those responsible for a citywide bike registration program that helps the cops track stolen bikes...

But, um, when he called the police to report his own stolen bike...he had to admit it was not registered.

Can you say OOPS! ?

I KNEW you could! ;-D

From AP Story = Man who aided bicycle theft plan has bike stolen

New Specialized Concept Store to open in Palos Verdes

In the words of the Press Release:

PV Bicycle Center was already arguably the best bike retailer in the entire South Bay area of Los Angeles. Well known for having a state-of-the-art Specialized certified professional bicycle fitting studio, enthusiasts are more than willing to take the scenic trip up Hawthorne Blvd to visit with proprietor Steve Bowen and talk about the racing or touring scene.

Yeah, so?

Maybe some folks were whining...What have ya done for us lately? or something... because there have been some changes in them thar hills lately. ;-D

They have moved 1/2 mile from their original location into a new, state-of-the-art stand-alone retail space located at the intersection of Hawthorne & Silver Spur,  at the 4B Peninsula Center, in
Rolling Hills Estates.

On the weekend of November 21-23 there will be a Huge Ass Shindig to acquaint SoCal Cyclists with what the place now has to offer.

Something about a "Completely New Retail Experience in this latest Specialized Concept Store."

PV Bicycle Center will change all your impressions about bike retail environments and set the standard for the future.  Then, during this grand opening weekend, there will be a bicycle cornucopia of events, games, group rides, prizes, free stuff, demonstrations, industry super stars, and fun for everyone in the family.

There will be rides around the area every day, and on Saturday...

From 12:00 - 5:00 there will be booths set up in a mini exhibition of leading edge products for all your cycling needs.  Expected exhibitors include Specialized, Look, Raleigh, Mavic, Kona, Fluid Nutrition, Bonk, Sigma, Easton, and Ennervit.  Learn about new product breakthroughs and ways to enjoy the sport even more than you already do.  Free samples and special sales offers are also part of the day.

PRESS RELEASE with all the details: Fun Filled Grand Opening Party at PV Bicycle Center in Palos Verdes California

Visit the PV Bicycle Center Website.

Obama on a Bike Ride, Will McCain be Far Behind?

You knew this was going to happen sooner or later, admit it. ;-D

Just count your lucky stars Hillary didn't win the nomination. ;-D

There I am watching the news, this morning, when this story shows up.

Barack Hussein Obama on a Bicycle!

The first question is: Is this just a cute photo op to show that he's one with us regular folks, or does he actually ride regularly, and care about issues important to bicyclists?

The 2nd question is: What's he doing riding a mountain bike, and not a hybrid?

UPDATE - 6/10: As can be seen by the 1st comment below...I may stand corrected! Um, hee, hee!

As regular readers have long known...I've made no secret that I'm no expert on all things bicycling.

In asking the question I was hoping to get some possible answers on exactly WHAT he was riding, from readers. ;-D

Thanks to, to LAist, for the link, and for a larger, better, picture that confirms the brand name, and for this glasses wearing Conservative, that the tires ain't knobbies, hee, hee! ;-D

The 3rd question comes from seeing the image below: Is his back tire going flat, and if so did he get it fixed?

In recent years we've been treated to Presidential candidates, and the President, tooling aroung the countryside on bicycles.

I suppose we should count our lucky stars that none of them have taken up Rollerblading, or Skateboarding. ;-D

So, is there anything on his Official Website even remotely related to Bicycling?

What about John McCain?

I am a Republican (One who has never owned a car, BTW, and walks, bikes, or uses transit to go everywhere!), and plan to vote for McCain, but Bicycling Issues are extremely important to me, and what the candidates say, have said, and have done, related to Bicycling, is extremely important to Cyclists of all varieties, and all political persuasians.

I went looking so you don't have to! ;-D

On the Obama Site I found something. ;-D

From page 3 of a document with this imposing subject: Strengthening America's Transportation Infrastructure - Investing in 21st Century Transportation.

Strengthen Metropolitan Planning to Cut Down Traffic Congestion:

Our communities will better serve all of their residents if we are able to leave our cars, to walk, bicycle and have access other transportation alternatives.

As president, Barack Obama will re-evaluate the transportation funding process to ensure that
smart growth considerations are taken into account.

Obama will build upon his efforts in the Senate to ensure that more Metropolitan Planning Organizations create policies to incentivize greater bicycle and pedestrian usage of roads and sidewalks.

As president, Obama will work to provide states and local governments with the resources they need to address sprawl and create more livable communities.

So, um, is there anyone out there who can verify that he DID make "efforts in the Senate to ensure that more Metropolitan Planning Organizations create policies to incentivize greater bicycle and pedestrian usage of roads and sidewalks" ?

What's his record in his home state?

On the Official Website of John McCain I found no Issues Subject titled Transportation, and a search for anything with the words Bicycle, or Bicycling, in it turned up...no documents.

Is there anyone out there who can tell us what he's done for cyclists, nationally in the Senate, and in his home state?

***UPDATE - 6/24***

Matt O'Toole, of the Blog of the Va. Bicycle Federation, has taken my report and pedaled a few blocks farther with it, in an interesting, and informative follow-up.

Check it out.

***END UPDATE***

BART Says Welcome to Folding Bikes in Bay Area

Larry Lagarde, of Ride This Bike, reports:

Thinking about cycling in the San Francisco area? Here's some good news for you. Bay Area Rapid Transit is actually encouraging mass transit users to take folding bikes aboard their BART light rail network.

BART recently released a video profiling a woman cyclist that uses her folding bike in combination with rides on BART to commute and get around. The video is part of BARTtv News, an effort to communicate with more potential transit users via the Internet.

Larry links to the video, and includes the transcript of the story in case it doesn't work.

This a great news for users of Mass Transit in the Bay Area.