Sunday, January 31, 2010

Nice New Yorker?

Central Park Today.....Breaking Story!
New Yorker Takes photo of me, Just by asking!

 
 

Great day in the park. 23 degree's,Bright Sunshine and No WIND!
To the Italian on that Fabulous Carbon PINERELLO!
Thanks for the ride!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

18 Degrees and Shopping

 In an attempt to get some riders out for a spin I posted a ride on Facebook. I got one response but way too late.

So I decided to go shopping. I love taking the Organic Engines Pedicab Trike! Man, Dan makes one amazing machine. Thanks Dan. I could probably shop 4 four family's with that thing and its so much fun to ride!

My hands froze getting these pictures and apparently the lens must have fogged when I left the store,they always ask, DELIVERY!
No thanks ,always gets some pretty funny looks walking out with 3 or 4 bags that weigh about 75lbs!

I roll right up to the front door of my building and unload ,next to me there are usually others unloading as well from their S U V's ! 
Guess I seem pretty ridiculous to them

I can't believe the lens was fogged 


Lots of Goody's


Shopping can be
FUN!

Urban Mobility Project

Friday, January 29, 2010

Great Cycling Films....if you just won't Ride!

 With a freezing cold weather forecast in store for the weekend I can recommend a few good cycling films...

 The Triplets of Belleville was a great surprise!


Sylvain Chomet’s The Triplets of Belleville revolves around a determined grandmother and her equally determined dog, who’ll do whatever it takes to rescue the lady’s grandson, kidnapped during the Tour de France. This quirky animated feature is reminiscent of Jacques Tati’s comedies

Good for kids Too!



One of the best cycling films ever made!
Also Great for Kids..we're expecting a copy from Netflix any day!

The 40 Year Old Virgin

 
 Very Funny 
Not for the Kids

LONE WOLF - Hudson River Bikeway, NYC

At 23 degrees and 30mph winds didn't see too many cyclists out but I ran into this fella,
Sasha. On his way to Brooklyn over the Brooklyn Bridge.
Not only is he going he's also gonna ride home tonight when he temps will drop into the Teens!
Seems pretty well geared up and having a good time chatting with me!


I dubbed him The Lone Wolf and just as I took the photo another cyclist rode right by us!


Thursday, January 28, 2010

Bike Snob - SNOW...WAY ! Hudson River Bikeway NYC

Happy Hour
A Cyclists answer to NYC gridlock



Glad I got to ride. I could not believe how many cyclists were out this morning.
Some tuff bicycle commuters out there today.
No Bike Snobs
Snow How!
Real commitment and lot of fun to ride with.Hope I didn't make you late for work!

Bikeway Transformed
I just could not let all these riders go by without taking their pictures!
  
  
 
 
This guy could not believe I rode my skinny ass tires in the snow !
 
my view
It was a pretty smooth ride but the first time I hit the brakes.
we skided out.No big deal I just put my feet out to stay upright!

The Bikeway was unexpectedly turned into a Winter Wonderland for a few hours.
Glad I got to ride. Its really pretty comfy in there.I could not believe how many cyclists were out this morning.
Oh yea ,Thanks to the Jogger that I stopped to take my picture!


Urban Mobility Project
shelly.urmo1@gmail.com

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Toga - Happy Hour ............Hudson River Bikeway,

Amazing grace a true cyclist so SMOOTH. Great looking TOGA racing gear and a beautiful Colnogo Road Bike!
Just out for a spin on his way home from work to Staten Island.Cycling after work is real freedom that most other types of commuters just don't know about.

Here's FRANK



Yea,he's pushing 60 and as you can see he's Cycling has kept him in amazing condition.Since you were so intrigued by my bike here's a link that will show how fast Recumbents are!

There he goes.....

 Speed Records Click Here
http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2007/03/bikerecord_0330




Great to meet you!
Urban Mobility Project

Freekin Bikes!


I noticed a recumbent locked up at W 36th st. I always wondered who the owner could be.Today as I started my ride home I saw him go by. I rode up as he was locking his bike. We spent a few minuets marveling at each others bike.Then he asked if I had ever heard of Freek'n Bikes?

 He told me that its a group that works with kids in Brooklyn and they need a new home.I told him I would post it here it is for you to read and maybe give them some help!
They have given over Four Hundred bikes to needy kids!


 

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Innovate or Die - Aquaduct: Mobile Filtration Vehicle



TRIKES
not just for transportation.
Specialized Bicycles holds this incredible event every year! 

Innovate or Die! 
Beyond Cycling 
 



Progress! - The Hudson River Bikeway NYC

WTC


New section of bikeway at the new Goldman Sachs Building
between Vesey st and Murray Streets



Vesey Street going south

Right in front of Goldman
Security came running out to tell me I can't take pictures.I told them
I was Just making a phone call.



Real Progress At The World Trade Center Site

Just a note , Its not really finished if you go south it kinda ends abruptly and turns you on to the sidewalk of a one way street going the wrong way!

Good Pace ! The Hudson River Bikeway -NYC




Happy Hour
Cycling's answer to NYC Gridlock!





Brooklyn Gina!
Hope you find this blog....


This morning I saw what looked like a Fixie Couple from Brooklyn, 
plowin up the Bikeway,YO!
She was right on his wheel, Cool Fixies?, Cool gear and Bags.
As I rode up to them I asked, Are you together? (I know sounds more like something you ask in a club.)
 No.........He was just doing a good pace! So I told her all about what I was doing.She was good enough to
"S l o w" .... it down and give me her spin.
Turns out she worked at Martha Stuart also and now has a new job as a designer at another company (forgot the name ,Sorry) in the fashion world.
Gina started bike commuting two years ago an loves it. I think she rides from Bayridge?
If you want to clarify all this just send me an EM! .
shelly.urmo1@gmail.com


I bet she rides about 8 ? miles each Way. Sounds like a good ride!

Oh yea ....Bike New York ,Since you asked
I've done it many times.Its lots of fun.The start is jam packed and there are lots of little mishaps at the beginning.The ride gets held up in several places and at times can be a real pain. Especially getting home from Staten Island
But I highly recommend doing it. Its an Amazing way to see the city as long as you don't mind the other 30,000 cyclists!

There she goes Give her a WAVE!

...Thanks for chatting




NICE BIKE!

Some Others on my way Home

Going to a Gig?
Above




Just a happy Rider!



Saturday, January 23, 2010

Pink Trike Velokit on Martha's Vineyard



That's my friend Lucinda of Guided Cycling Tours on Martha's Vineyard.She rides A Recumbent.Catrike
I think we're going to be seeing lots more Velomobiles and Trikes on the Vineyard.
It's the perfect place for them!

I wonder if she's been on a ride with Dave and his Quest?


Friday, January 22, 2010

Home Made Foamshells - Life in the Fast Lane




JOHN TETZ


And
CHRIS SPOLLEN






Spring Break , Finally - Battery Park City NY

Good Riders
Aimee and the boys
Battery Park City
NY

 After two very cold and windy weeks Spring showed up last Saturday and we all came out of our caves.
Family Cycling
NYC



I once locked up here in the dead of winter to go to get a coffee.I was the only person on the promenade
.Security came running out and told me I couldn't park there.I guess they adapted or maybe they just don't like
RECUMBENTS!



Fuzzy Family Cycling
Battery Park City
NYC





 
They look tired.I guess they haven't been riding!
Rockefeller Park
Battery Park City
NYC




 Aimee

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Its Not That Hard to Do,,,,,At Least in Australia?





A new report, has after analysing the data, come up with a figure for the public health benefit offered by cycling. The study, Cycling: Getting Australia Moving, funded by the Australian government and prepared by Melbourne University and the Cycling Promotion Fund concluded that thanks to the increased health of cyclists, public health services are spared an estimated $227.2m AUD annually.

They also noted that per 100,000 participants, an individual is seven times more likely to be hospitalised playing football than riding a bicycle. And observed that “the more cyclists there are, the safer it becomes. In fact, if cycling doubles, the risk per kilometre falls by 34%.” The report’s authors were pleased to find that between 2001 and 2006 bicycle journeys to work had risen 22% in Australian capital cities, with Melbourne being the standout, recording over a 42% increase.
With the cost of gas off the charts, maybe Americans should start bicycling more.

Thank You David

By Rachel Bailey

David Byrne to Speak at Congress for New Urbanism Panel in May

[Homepage photo by Mark C. Austin]
“If I were David Byrne,” sang Brad Roberts of the Crash Test Dummies, “I’d go to galleries and not be too concerned.” Thing is, though, David Byrne is concerned—specifically about modern life and the way we build cities.
The former Talking Heads frontman proved himself to be a thoughtful observer of urban growth and planning last year with his Bicycle Diaries and an essay in the Wall Street Journal about his ideal city. This year, Byrne will continue his role as urban commentator at the Congress for New Urbanism’s 18th annual conference, “Rx for Healthy Places” in Atlanta, May 19-22.
For the opening night panel discussion, Byrne will join CNU 18’s chair, Georgia Tech architecture professor Ellen Dunham-Jones; award-winning park developer Charles Brewer, who is responsible for Atlanta’s Glenwood Park; and Scottie Green, who has used bicycles to energize Atlanta’s congested Buckhead area through his role as executive director of the Buckhead Community Improvement District.
“Riding his bicycles through the cities of the world… David Byrne is out front among the voices from diverse worlds who are seeing connections between how we build neighborhoods, how we get around and how well we live,” says John Norquist, CNU President and CEO.
A continued interest in modern life and its inner workings is no surprise coming from the man who penned “(Nothing But) Flowers” and “Found a Job.” Byrne has announced no plans to give further talks on urbanism and growth, but there are other ways to get your Byrne fix, like downloading his new song with Fatboy Slim and Santigold.


Rock n Rack

Personal Portable Gym - Hudson River Bikeway NYC

HAPPY HOUR
A cyclists answer to NYC Gridlock!



As I was sitting at the Red light at 34th Street and the Hudson River Bikeway, I noticed I was  being stared down by a passing cyclist. He U turned and came over to introduce himself since he see's me everyday. He asked about that funny looking bike I ride ,of course! Well I was ready with camera in hand.
He also let me know he had a story ....


Kinda funny cause I had been interviewing cyclists and introducing myself to other riders.I guess after all these years everyone is very curious.


Neon Green Vest.... Red folding Dahon....Really Hard to miss !


Give him a WAVE.......here comes

Schmitty






Hi Schmitty,
Great to meet you..
I have a photo already so I can post as soon as I hear from you.
Hope you liked the blog.
   Yes, some interesting and fun stuff on your blog.

Whats your occupation?
I am a computer programmer.

When did you become a Bicycle commuter?

It started last Spring [2009] during "Bike to Work Week". I had been contemplating it for a few years. So glad I went for it.

Where are you going when I see you out there everyday?
(my neighbors always thought I was just going bike riding,

Kinda funny!)

When I see you in the mornings I am on my way to work. I ride from Penn Station to right next to Ground Zero.

How far do you ride?

In the morning I ride 8 miles. If I went straight to the office when my train gets to Penn I would get there early. The bike is my personal portable gym so when I get to the bike path in Hudson River Park, before I go South, I go North to 74th Street. Then I turn around and head to the office downtown.
In the evening I need to go straight to Penn when I get off work to catch my train so that ride is 5 miles.
This gives me a total of 13 miles per day.

Why ride instead of using our comfy mass transit system?

The reasons are many. Primarily it's the fitness I have regained.
Then there's the $aving$ from not buying a monthly Metro Card.
Being outside and seeing a world that changes every day [morning sun, sunsets, sky, clouds, river, weather, flora, fauna] instead of the same old subway car interior. 
 I just love to ride.
The E train platform at Chambers Street is one of the smelliest platforms I have ever endured. Being there twice a day is something I don't miss at all.

Why are you so determined to ride in extreme conditions?

I learned from my SCUBA instructor Di that "As long as you have air, everything else is merely an inconvenience." The way I see it. As long as I have the proper clothing on I can ride through any weather except maybe the extremely slippery conditions of ice or snow.

Do you see the same people everyday also?

There are a number of people I see a lot. You among them. It's why I stopped and introduced myself when I saw you waiting for the light. It's difficult to make many connections that go beyond a smile or a wave because most of the recognizable regulars are always going in the opposite direction. The ones I see on the bitterest of cold days or rainy days stand out because there's like No One else out there.

Is there anything you'd like to add?

I've been on and off the bike all my life. As a kid I practically lived on my bike. When I got a license to drive I stopped riding for some years. When I started working as a programmer and sitting in front of a screen all day I put on weight and began having back problems. That's when I got back into it big time, doing century rides and training with local racers. [The Triangle Ride] In 1991 I literally lived on a bike for 4 months. 

I started in Vancouver, BC hoping to reach San Diego, CA. I made it to San Diego and was enjoying it so much I continued on to Daytona Beach, FL and finally Key West, FL. When my son was born in 1998 riding stopped again. Since then there were periods of riding and not riding because it is hard for me to find or make the time with work and family responsibilities. Commuting is the PERFECT solution. I get enough riding in so that my pants fit and I feel SO much better all around, mentally as well as physically.





Red Dahon


Wow Cycling Royalty
Urban Mobility Project
Ride your Bike









Urban Cycling

By Nick A. Zaino III

David Byrne:
Bicycle Diaries


Enjoy the ride

David Byrne admits early on in his Bicycle Diaries that it may be hard to picture him club-hopping on a bike in New York. But it turns out this mode of transportation fits Byrne like an oversized sports coat.

Bicycle Diaries is more a meditation on culture than a standard travelogue, and the bike is a catalyst. In San Francisco, Byrne draws a line from the freewheeling ’60s to the “why not?” attitude of Silicone Valley pioneers. He contemplates the origins of karaoke as someone sings “Burning Down the House” at a bar in Manila. He parses what the bland architecture he sees springing up in Berlin and Istanbul says about modern progress, and relates the history of George Eastman while biking to an exhibition at the Eastman House in Rochester.

As Byrne’s thoughts wander, Diaries gives us as much a glimpse of his inner world as of the world he’s seeing. And though the book can seem random at times, Byrne always has something interesting to say.