The Pondering Cyclist

Posted on May 15, 2013 in Writings | 2 comments

Sunday, May 19th 2013: The first annual Greater Dallas 100

You can see the Facebook event page here.

GPS Map here. I, for one, am very excited to ride the Greater Dallas 100. Like the name implies, the route is a century around the Metroplex, around Beltline Road.

Many cyclists in Dallas believe that the city is getting an unfair reputation as being unfriendly to bicycle riders. So, a handful of Dallas area cyclists are working on a new bike ride in the DFW metro area called the Greater Dallas 100.

But this isn’t your ordinary t-shirt Century ride. No, this ride uses a special format: There will be no entry fee and neither a Start or Finish line. The idea is that since Beltline loops around the greater Dallas area riders from around the Metroplex can travel to the nearest point to them on the route and start there. It’s made this way so groups can ride this route the way they want to. In either direction.

I like the idea, personally. I believe that especially when you combine this with DART’s light rail system you can make a good time of it. Be adventurous and go out, do your own route but still with other people!

Interested cyclists will travel from their home by bicycle or car to the nearest point of Belt Line Road. Then, they will ride on Belt Line Road in any direction they choose. They can ride a short route by going out and back – or they can do the full loop for 100 miles. The Greater Dallas 100 is self-supported and self-determined – it is YOUR ride.

This ride is also a good opportunity to show area cyclists what is being done for cyclists and cycling infrastructure in different parts of the Metroplex. Both good and bad you’ll see these communities from the saddle of your bike. Parts of this route are on wide and fast multi-lane roads and others are on off-street bike paths. It’s a true mix of urban cycling terrain.

I believe that this ride has the opportunity to show people in these communities how popular cycling is. People who rarely, if ever, see a cyclist in their neighborhoods. By doing this it can spur a change in cities which haven’t traditionally invested revenue into developing cycle paths and infrastructure!

The Greater Dallas 100 will provide a platform for the City of Dallas and the other municipalities to promote their cycling plans, bike lanes/trails, health/fitness initiatives, DART, clean air, multi-modal transportation efforts, exercise and regional tourism.

Let’s turn DFW into the most cycling friendly area in the Nation. We can do it!

You can find the GPS Map here.

Posted on May 8, 2013 in Writings | 0 comments

Did I win?

He yelled this after following his bike – crashing – across the finish line. We can only immagine what caused this but that isn’t what matters.

I think he got it, myself, or maybe I think his attitude deserves it. Who knows.

But good job, buddy, get back out there and keep riding the miles. Let the road rash heal and pin your  number back on. Make it count.

Go for the W!

Posted on Apr 16, 2013 in Writings | 0 comments

With inspiration fromCopenhagen Cycle Chic, visually embracing how urban cycling and style converge in our everyday lives, we began Dallas Cycle Style to promote Dallas cyclists flaunting their style.

Dallas Cycle Style has showcased Dallas’ own “Southern, fashion-forward” style since 2011. Since then its Facebook Group has blossomed as a place for the cities bikers to come together, chat and share.

From the original Cycle Chic in Copenhagen I’m a fan of #3

 This weekend Dallas Cycle Style will have its 2nd Annual Cyclist Census Bicycle Party and I for one am looking forward to the excitement. It’s an excuse for all of us two-wheel lovers to come out and mingle. This community we have in bicycling is one strong bond and it’s one reason I love the bike so much. It’s great that this machine and our passion can bring together people which would otherwise have nothing in common.

Posted on Apr 11, 2013 in Writings | 0 comments

“We’re bringing the expert, the elected officials and press to you. We need the cycling community to show up in force.”

Dr. John Pucher

This weekend we have an amazing opportunity to listen to one of the world’s leading experts in the planning and policy field. And the best part? He’s an entertaining and engaging speaker!

The folks at BikeTexas brought him here to share what he knows about bicycle infrastructure and urban planning as well as bringing a few key people up from Austin to show support for the Complete Streets bill which is currently being discussed on the capitol.

Want to join? Register herer

Posted on Apr 9, 2013 in Writings | 0 comments

“You can do an amazing amount of your short-distance traveling on a bike, instead of in a smogmobile. If you live in a small town, or a suburb, or even in a quieter neighborhood of a big city, you can learn to take routes that mix good transportation and ecology vibes with enjoyment and escape from the humdrum. Do at least part of your daily commuting and/or shopping via bicycle, and it will break up the routine, like recess used to when you were a kid.”

Bike Tripping

Google says that this is a book which “explains the economical and ecological advantages of bicycling and offers guidance in selecting and using a bicycle for short trips and cross-country tours”. Yeah, well it does do that.

But really this is a book which can help you change your life. This is a book which talks about S24Os before the term even existed.  It tells you how to start using your bicycle and including it into your daily life. How to depend on it. From commuting to traveling by bike.

The above excerpt mentions suburban areas and quieter neighborhoods yet now, 40 years later, we see that the greatest gains in cycling and bicycle commuting are happening in denser urban areas.

Dallas cyclists on the Ride to City Hall

Because a cyclist can travel at about the same speed as other vehicles in these areas – if not faster – they are gaining in popularity. Establishments are even starting to cater specifically to cyclists needs! However it is important that we look not only to the faster, more aggressive cyclist. Our towns and cities need to focus on those less able – the very young and those that are older.

I was talking with a friend of mine the other night about cycling infrastructure. He is of the opinion that cyclists need to assert their space in the lane. I agree with this but feel that not everyone can ride at the speed which that lane might be designed for. This is why off street trails, sharrows, bike lanes and even sidewalks are important. It might be better if we thing about the SPEED of transportation (walking/slow biking, faster cycling/scooters, cars/trucks) rather than MODE.

Then there’s the bicycle travel side of the book. Riding across a state, a week tour; riding across the country, months and months on the bike. It changes you and it’s the most amazing thing one can ever do.

May is the national Bike Month and Friday May 17th is Ride Your Bike To Work day. Let’s all get ready for this and think about doing more of our daily or weekly trips on the saddle of a bike!