Biking Bis

The most prevalent wildlife in Pacific Northwest

Gene Bisbee — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:15:56 +0000

I’ve seen the occasional deer on my bike rides through the forests of the Pacific Northwest, but the “wildlife” I come across most often is the slug.

They’re a common sight slithering across trails here, leaving behind a glistening track as evidence of their passing.

I’ve never consciously run over one. Yes, I brake for …

1984 Tour: Day 4 – Give me cycling or give me death

Gene Bisbee — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:15:39 +0000

I jumped out of the sack before 6, but we still didn't leave until 8. Three packets of instant oatmeal for breakfast. It's still friggin' cold (see Bruce in sweater, left).

After pedaling around Ashland, we headed up some narrow roads to Scotchtown, the home of Patrick Henry. We ate an early lunch there and met the groundskeeper, an old guy in beatup overalls.

After leaving Scotchtown, the route started to climb. We were leaving the sandy Tidewater region and entering the firmer Piedmont plateau. This means that streams drop a few feet to the softer coastal sands, earning the term "fall line." We found another reason to call it the "fall line." .....

1984 Bike Tour: Day 3 – Still a shakedown cruise

Gene Bisbee — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:15:00 +0000

After another breakfast of instant coffee, Pop-tarts and juice, we followed the campground owner's directions to the TransAmerica bicycle route via the historical Washington-Rochambeau route.

Today was chilly riding. Bruce wore polypro bottoms and tops, sweats, turtleneck, wool sweater, gloves and a hat under his helmet. Yesterday's warmish 80 degree high makes the weather today seem that much cooler....

24 more cities are now Bicycle Friendly Communities

Gene Bisbee — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:59:37 +0000

The League of American Bicyclists designated two dozen new Bicycle Friendly Communities on Monday, raising the number of such communities to 214 in 47 states. In addition, the League renewed the bicycle friendly status of 25 communities, raising 8 of them to a higher level. Fourteen cities received honorable mentions. ...

Ride of Silence and Bike to Work Day this week

Gene Bisbee — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:30:25 +0000

All month we've been celebrating that coolest of all forms of transportation -- the bicycle. The recognition slips into high gear this Monday through Friday for National Bicycle Week, culminating in Bike to Work Day. You might be aware of bike-related promotions this week. In the Seattle area, for instance, anyone who loads a bicycle on a King County Metro bus or Sound Transit express bus this week will ride for free ...

1984 Bike Tour: Day 2 – First roadside attraction – Shirley Plantation

Gene Bisbee — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:54:21 +0000

We awoke to roosters crowing Monday morning. They walked down the hill from the house and strutted around our campsite.

Bruce and I climbed out of the tent at 5:45. It took us two hours to get ready, and most of that was just repacking our panniers so that the stuff we'd probably use first was at the top.

After pop tarts and coffee (the water heated on a one-burner Coleman stove), we were back on the road at 8. ...

Odd memories from a 1984 bicycle tour; Day 1 to Charles City, VA.

Gene Bisbee — Sun, 13 May 2012 17:34:40 +0000

My friend Bruce unearthed this old photo of us walking across the sand at Virginia Beach after dipping our rear tires in the Atlantic Ocean to start our cross-country bicycle tour in 1984.

After our ceremony, we climbed in a car with our girlfriends and drove to Yorktown, Va., where we actually started our 11-week …

Canadian cyclist in the pink at Giro d’Italia bike race

Gene Bisbee — Sat, 12 May 2012 18:06:24 +0000

Another day, another jersey change at the Giro d’Italia after Stage 7 on Saturday.

Garmin-Barracuda’s Ryder Hesjedal became the first Canadian to ever wear the maglia rosa, as his main rival lost his steam on the final climb of the 125-mile stage from Recanati to Rocca di Cambio.

The 31-year-old from Victoria, BC, has been …

Biggest mystery of Tour of California resolved; also TV schedule

Gene Bisbee — Sat, 12 May 2012 15:15:54 +0000

A big question has loomed over the Amgen Tour of California bike race that starts on Sunday: Is 3-time winner Levi Leipheimer well enough to compete in the 8-stage race? Leipheimer, who suffered a fractured fibula when he was struck from behind by a car in early April, finally answered that question on Friday. ...

Cool prizes for supporting U.S. Bicycle Route System

Gene Bisbee — Fri, 11 May 2012 23:02:03 +0000

As you no doubt know, the non-profit Adventure Cycling Association is holding a fund-raising drive all month to offset its expenses in coordinating development of the U.S. Bicycle Route System.

The association needs to raise another $2,230 before midnight Saturday to receive a matching grant from TeamEstrogen.com. To coax that cash out of your bank …