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When the local grocery store closed in the economic downturn of 2008, it meant market runs 3 or 4 days a week for odds and ends grew from a half-mile bike ride to about 4 miles.
Although I miss the local grocer, I enjoy getting the chance for a longer bike ride to the Safeway, QFC or farmer’s market. If the weather is decent, running an errand to the grocery store can turn into a ride of 20 or more miles.
When I’m picking up a medium load like today, I’ll attach the old Eclipse panniers that have served me since my TransAmerica bicycle tour in 1984. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2012/04/06/30-days-of-biking-a-typical-trip-to-the-market/
Back in 2007, I posted a story here about a professor who took a 6-month leave from the University of Minnesota to study how Latino immigration is changing the United States.
The unique aspect for me was that he did much of his work from the saddle of his touring bicycle. Louis Mendoza pedaled nearly 7,000 miles on his perimeter travels around the country to talk with Latinos from all walks of life.
He conducted many interviews, and they’ve been compiled into a book: “Conversations Across Our America, Talking about Immigration and the Latinoization of the United States” which is scheduled for release this summer. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2012/04/06/interviews-from-bicycle-tour-become-book/
On Day 5 of 30 Days of Biking, I set out by bicycle to discover why a park on Mercer Island — Luther Burbank Park — was named for an African-American botanist who developed new uses for the peanut.
As many of you can guess, the first thing I discovered was that Luther Burbank was white and developed new and improved strains of hundreds of plants, but not the peanut.
I had him mixed up with George Washington Carver. I’m sometimes surprised by the depth of my ignorance, but not often.
But that still left the question of the name of the park, located on 77 acres on the north end of Mercer Island with 3/4 miles of prime Lake Washington shoreline; more than that owned by Bill Gates. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2012/04/05/30-days-of-biking-luther-burbank-park/
Massachusetts-based Todson Inc. is recalling 40,000 Topeak Babyseat II Bicycle Carrier Seats because children can get their fingers caught in the grab bar hinge.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Todson said two reports of near amputations have been filed about children whose fingertips were caught in the hinge mechanism.
Parents are urged to stop using the seats until they can install a free cover retrofit kit from Todson…
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2012/04/05/topeak-child-bike-seat-recall-due-to-amputation-hazard/
San Francisco-based Public Bikes is recalling 4,100 bicycles after receiving two dozen reports that the pedals crack.
The Wellgo brand pedals mounted on the 18 models of men’s and women’s bicycles are clearly marked. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2012/04/05/faulty-pedals-on-public-bikes-spark-recall/
A new policy in Virginia requires state parks to set aside areas for bicycle tourists so they’ll have a place to pitch their tents, even when the campgrounds are full.
This is an issue near and dear to traveling bicyclists who prefer camping but don’t relish the thought of stealth camping in a patch of woods.
It hasn’t been much of an issue for me lately, as most of my bike camping involves overnight trips. If I’m heading to Washington state parks, I can choose those that have primitive hiker/biker spots, such as the one at Joemma Beach State Park on the Key Peninsula, above left.
This one was swank by primitive standards ….
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2012/04/05/virginia-parks-guarantee-campsites-for-bike-travelers/
In the summer or during sockeye salmon season, this boat launch at Coulon Park in Renton is jammed with cars dropping off or picking up their putt-putt boats.
On a drizzly spring morning like Wednesday, however, it’s just me and the ducks.
The park is a wonderful spot near the south end of Lake Washington …
Continue reading
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2012/04/04/30-days-of-biking-coulon-park/
The route for this year’s USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado will be breath-taking, and we’re not talking about the scenery.
Route details for the Aug. 20-26 bicycle race reveal that cyclists will be pedaling above 12,000 feet — higher than any route in North America or Europe — three separate times.
Because of less air pressure at high altitudes, there’s 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath than at sea level. Cyclists who haven’t acclimated to riding at high altitudes will be suffering. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2012/04/04/usa-pro-cycling-challenge-announces-high-altitude-route/
Fares are going up on the Washington State Ferry system beginning May 1 — except for bicycles.
The state announced Tuesday an across-the-board 3% increase that “applies to all fare types, including vehicle/driver, walk-on, and multi-ride cards.”
But not for bicycles. Riding a bike isn’t only a good idea when it comes to the gas pump, it also makes good sense at the fare booth. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2012/04/03/bicycles-spared-fare-increase-on-washington-state-ferries/
As much as I love bicycling, there was nothing much inspiring or exhilarating about Day 3 of 30 Days of Biking.
Monday’s glorious sunshine was long gone and the seasonal blustery rainy weather returned.
I took the opportunity to return a Blockbuster video and stop at the store on the way home.
Before the video chain downsized, that would have meant a 4-mile bike ride. But a couple of years ago Blockbuster closed its nearby store so it gives me an opportunity for a 10-mile round-trip …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2012/04/03/30-days-of-biking-a-nasty-and-wet-ride/
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