MetroCyclist

Reflections on the Ride to Work

Michael — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:48:17 +0000

My usual commute takes me from southwest Minneapolis north on Bryant Avenue. I cross Lyndale on the pedestrian/bicycle bridge, go past the Methodist and Episcopal churches to Loring Park and then east on 15^th into downtown. There are several things I was conscious of Thursday morning on my way in to work; here they are in no particular order. (more…)

How to…

Michael — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:00:32 +0000

It has been amazing to see the number of folks riding to work in the morning. To encourage those who might still be thinking of commuting by bicycle, I thought I would repost this description of how I do the commute thing.

The system I have for getting to and from work is fairly simple:

My usual commuting bicycle is an old single-speed that I have put together from a box-full of old parts sitting around my basement and garage. It’s not an expensive bike at all and, in fact, you really shouldn’t let the cost of the bike prevent you from commuting. (more…)

The 2008 Lake Pepin Three-Speed Tour

Michael — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:35:08 +0000

The Lords and Ladies of the Riding Realm took to saddle (mostly Brooks leather) and made a weekend of a ride around Lake Pepin. Once again, it was quite an event as Raleighs, Dunelts, Phillips’, Rudges, Robin Hoods and their riders left Red Wing promptly at 9-ish. Even a 1938 Saxon tandem made the journey. (more…)

The Kindness of Strangers

Michael — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:28:46 +0000

This is a follow-up to my reflections on the limitations of using vintage parts (see post below for an explanation as to how this all happened).

I found myself sitting in the middle of 15^th Street bleeding, bruised and bewildered. I had experienced a catastrophic equipment failure that left me with a good case of road rash and an inoperable bike. Within seconds people responded with tremendous kindness and concern. (more…)

The Limits of “Vintage”

Michael — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:34:25 +0000

I have always enjoyed reviving old bicycles and rescuing old components. In fact, the newest bike I own is probably approaching 25 years at this point. Oh, I replace components that wear out – my current road machine, a 25-year-old Bianchi has had new wheels and a new crankset within the last ten years – but I still ride a 52-year-old Phillips with mostly original equipment (new rims on the wheels, but that’s about it). I have been tinkering with bikes for close to forty years now and have enjoyed keeping some of those wonderful old machines on the road. (more…)

Is Minneapolis Retreating from Bike-Friendly Streets?

MetroCyclist — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:55:23 +0000

In a move that will likely lead to increased bike-bus crashes, and rider injuries and fatalities, the Minneapolis City Council has approved the elimination of the dedicated downtown bike lanes on Marquette and Second Avenues. It voted instead to shift bike commuters to Nicollet Mall (undoing the 1997 Council vote that moved bike traffic off Nicollet Mall because of safety reasons.) (more…)

Ironman 2008

Michael — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:42:22 +0000

Well, the 2008 edition of the Ironman Bike Ride is history. It was a day for an Ironman – temperatures were in the mid-20’s at the start of the day and there was a light wind coming out of the west-southwest. But it wasn’t raining or snowing and the winds from Saturday had died down, making it a chilly but otherwise nice day for a bike ride. (more…)

Volunteers Needed!

Michael — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:47:48 +0000

The days are getting longer and spring is just around the corner – sort of. It’s a little hard to think about spring when the temperature is in the single digits and I’m watching blowing and drifting snow out of my office window. Well, spring is coming pretty soon anyway and it’s time to begin planning Bike/Walk to Work Day, except this year the organizers hope to make it a week-long series of events, (more…)

Sheldon Brown, cyclist extraordinaire, 1944 – 2008.

Michael — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:20:56 +0000

The news is flying around on the internet that Sheldon Brown passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2008. MetroCyclist joins the larger cycling community in extending its condolences to his family and to his co-workers at Harris Cyclery in West Newton, Mass. We mourn his passing as a lover of all things bicycle and a passionate advocate for bicyclists. His contributions to the world of bicycling are too numerous to mention. (more…)

Winter Riding Tips from the Friendly Folks at the City of Minneapolis

Michael — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:31:23 +0000

Well, even though some folks at the City of Minneapolis have decided to shut down two of our downtown bike lanes, there are still others who have our best interest at heart. Those nice folks have put together some good winter riding tips. Here they are: (more…)