Run, Bike, Run

There was some question about the sign in the “Sometimes 3 feet may not be enough” was a photoshop job. So figuring that if this was going to be found it would probably be Everglades National Park. So I entered a question on the web site and few days later this delightful response came.

Dear Ron,

There can be signs like that in the park system, and parks like us due have
a number of alligators clustered in different areas. So…yes your picture
is a likely sight. Funny as it may seem, with todays drivers I’ll take my
chances with the gators. : – )

Thank you for your interest in Everglades & Dry Tortugas National Park.

Regards,
S. P.

Reception Desk,
Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks
Try us at: www.nps.gov/ever or www.nps.gov/drto

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American
people so that all may experience our heritage.

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA!

With the snow and ice that covered Western Washington today it’s hard to think that March is starting this weekend. But with March comes 2 of my favorite events.

The first of the events is the Cascade Bicycle Club’s Bike Expo on the 14th & 15th.  Held at the Warren G. Magnuson Park in hanger 30. This show is huge, with all of this years exhibitor booths sold out. There will be more than 150 exhibits ranging from local shops, training and cycling events from around the state. More at Cascade.org

The next event is the following weekend on Saturday the 21st. It’s the McClinchy Mile bike ride that is put on by the B.I.K.E.S. Club of Snohomish County. The ride starts in Arlington Washington and depending on the particular loop you take,  the distance can be 20, 34 or 47 miles. And if you feel up for it you can do multiple loops for a full century. I have done this ride before and it will be my first event to test my post surgery knee. Go to the BIKES web site for registration info.

kif_5451, originally uploaded by Russ Nelson.

The way rail trails normaly work is this. 1) Find old railroad tracks 2) Tear them out 3) Put in trail.

But if all goes by plan, the Brooks Preservation Society agreement with the Maine Department of Transportation will allow for the restoration of the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Rail corridor. Not only will passenger excursions and some freight trains, but rail bikes. Rail bikes are small and light pedal powered bikes that ride on the rails like full sized trains. Tours would be lead by a group leader over isolated sections of track to minimize problems with trains.

The pictured rail bike from Russ Nelson’s photostream on Flickr

http://waldo.villagesoup.com/Community/story.cfm?storyID=145511

The Amgen Tour of California kicks off tomorrow, February 14th,  in Sacramento California. Starting with the Prologue (with an expected crowd of 80,000 spectators) then heading off with 8 stages taking the riders from Davis and ending up in Escondido. Follow the tour at http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/

A special shout out to David Bernstein at the FredCast for starting my interest in professional road cycle racing. He has a great podcast that I highly recommend listening to.

Imagine spending 8 years on a recumbent trike. According to Christopher Smart at the Salt Lake Tribune, that is exactly what Tony Adams has been doing.  With the trike, rider and trailer weight around 600 pounds makes me believe that Tony is an honorary Clyde.

http://www.sltrib.com/outdoors/ci_11310539 

As said by Kermit the Frog, it can also be said of the Clydesdale set of the bicycling world. As large people in a skinny persons sport, can be difficult at times. Being a Clyde my entire life, I have never let my size dictate what I should or shouldn’t do. At 300lbs I took off on a 200 mile self supported tour of Victoria and the San Juan Islands.  In better times I make the 8 mile trip to and from work, usually only taking on average 10 minutes longer than when I drive. 

Over time I hope to go over things that have made my life a little easier while on my bike. From clothing to gear there is a lot to talk about.