James Bikes Green- human-power to the people

Cargo Bikes

2012-02-15T15:03:00.000-08:00

The beginnings of a locally made cargo-bike movie.

Fisherman's Wharf

2012-02-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

I've referenced the Fisherman's Wharf in SF as an example of ridiculous street design. One of the top tourist destinations in the US, hundreds of pedestrians spill off the tiny congested sidewalks on Jefferson St.

Thankfully the absurdity is coming to an end. A new design will create space to walk!

Dirty Diesel

2012-02-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

I've been sick for a while so the recreational riding and blogging has been light.

Now I'm back and feeling sick in a different way.

Lung Cancer Study on Diesel Delayed: The link between diesel and lung cancer has been studied, but diesel thirsty industries have prevented the research from being revealed.

Speaking of dir-tea. The Tea Party is protesting smart growth around the country, claiming it is part of a UN conspiracy to eliminate property rights and heard the population into cities.

Add the ongoing saga on the federal transportation bill...

going to my happy place: dutch bike parking

At least we got Volkswagen supporting People for Bikes-

Thanks to the German car company for supporting biking in the US!

2 Steps Forward, 1 Giant Leap Back

2012-02-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

2 Steps Forward: The success of bike-shares worldwide.

China's 50,000 shared bikes (video)

Minnesota's "Nice Ride" bike share (video)

DC bike-share

One Giant Leap Back: Have you heard about the new transportation bill in congress?

It eliminates all funding for cyclists and pedestrians, undoing decades of progress.

Dangerous by Design, America needs complete streets.

The bill constructs new highways instead of fixing outstanding problems like bridge repair.

It's not too late, take a few seconds to contact your representative here:

Transportation America

League of American Bicyclists

Safe Routes to Schools National Partnership

Dixie ES

2012-01-27T19:21:00.000-08:00

I've been riding to Dixie Elementary in the Lucas Valley this week.

looking towards the bay from Lucas Valley

The Lucas Valley is home to George Lucas, but named after rancher John Lucas.

12 mile round-trip with a few hills

View Larger Map

4th Grade Curriculum

2012-01-21T15:12:00.000-08:00

I'm working on our 4th grade "Bike Safety Unit".

The benefit of biking.

Air quality demonstration.

My work is play, gotta love elementary school!

Mt Tam, Coast View

2012-01-18T16:57:00.000-08:00

From the top of Mt Tam I plummeted 2,500 ft to Muir Beach.

The approaching storm blew away all our smog and the views were especially sweet.

glassy Pacific

Three climbs: Tam, Diaz Ridge, and Alto Bowl.

30 miles in 2.5 hours, map.

Infographic

2012-01-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

Graphics, images, maps. An infographic is my new favorite fact sheet.

Air Quality

Whose riding a bike.

Why you insist on everyone driving 25 (or less).

Driving Linked to Obe$ity

Cycling Linked to less obesity

Fat: America's untapped energy reserve...

EU and Portland reaps benefits.

*Portland's "Huge Investment" cost the equivalent of 1 mile of highway*

Who gets all that money we spend for gas?

America is growing around these "megaregions".

Paradise Loop

2012-01-15T16:42:00.001-08:00

Put down the Paradise Loop in a little over an hour.

View Paradise Loop in a larger map

Headlands

2012-01-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

Heather and I rode to the headlands today. Here's the map.

beautiful day for a ride

When we got home, we switched bikes and went to the marsh and grocery store.

Point Reyes Elephant Seals

2012-01-13T11:38:00.000-08:00

At Point Reyes National Seashore the elephant seals are birthing their pups.

Currently there are over 200 elephant seals on the main beach and new pups everyday.

main beach, last year (JBG)

After watching the main beach for a while, we like to check in on the others.

mother (head up) defending her new pup

Closer to the lighthouse we saw whales within minutes, probably grey.

a warm sunny day at the beach

Pt. Reyes is truly a treasure. The landmass is drifting north from south of San Diego, nearly half of N. American bird species and 20% of California plant species are found here, and wildlife viewing is guaranteed.

Basic Street SKills

2012-01-12T21:36:00.000-08:00

Tonight I taught my first bike class for adults, "Basic Street Skills" offered by MCBC.

Thanks to Sausalito City and Police for attending and providing the room.

In other news:

State Assembly Undermines Bill to Let California Cities Build Safe Bikeways. StreetsBlog

Portlandia

2012-01-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

Sometimes cyclists are ridiculous. That's why Portladia's bike clip is funny.

Sometimes drivers are ridiculous, the difference is momentum, P = MV.

A car going 25 mph has the same momentum of a biker going 500 mph.

Coast View Trail

2012-01-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

Talk last night of racing the Sea Otter Classic again has me feeling the fire on this ride.

view from veteran's bench

View Coast View Trail in a larger map

Pine Mountain

2012-01-07T16:38:00.001-08:00

Today we rode a loop over Pine Mountain and along San Geronimo Ridge.

sporting my new MCBC jersey

This ride had challenging climbs and rocky terrain.
The rewards are great views and some fun rolling ridges.

looking towards Tomales Bay

MyTracks GPS App

View Pine mountain in a larger map

Future FAIL

2012-01-04T18:47:00.000-08:00

We were told that "the future" would provide highways that improved our quality of life.

We built expensive highways with our taxes and purchased their cars. Unfortunately the benefits never arrived, Future Fail.

Pine Mountain

2012-01-01T15:20:00.001-08:00

Start the year right, burning holiday calories. I rode to Pine Mountain.

fresh pavement on the Corte Madera Creek Path

Pine Mountain feels like back-country, rocky at times with expansive views.

viewing the saddle of Pine Mtn

Map: 2.75 hours, 30 miles, 4,000 ft.

San Quentin

2011-12-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

This week I've been working with the San Quentin State Prison bike shop.

Established 1852

The inmates maintain and store our middle school fleet of bikes.

We replaced cables, broken parts, and setup a few bikes for women.

SQ bike shop

Tamarancho

2011-12-27T16:18:00.000-08:00

I tackled Tamarancho with my new tubeless wheels, my bike is complete.

Not only did the tubeless tires roll great, the trail was in great shape as well thanks to the rain-free La Nina winter we are having.

a rocky section of trail

I tested the Google MyTracks app that maps the GPS signal from my phone.

Ferry to SF

2011-12-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

Heather and I rode to and from the ferry station. Twas a lovely night.

We went to watch people fall, err... I mean skate at the outdoor ice rink.

ice rink on Embarcadero

I found this packing-tape. If only rolling out a bike lane was this easy!

SF packing tape

Speaking of rolling out bike lanes, the Enfrente Path in Novato opened.

My new route to Novato schools!

Coast View

2011-12-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

Another loop along Coast View Trail. My legs were still feeling the steep hike up Christmas Tree Hill Monday.

I had a smooth run down to Muir Beach.

Good YouTube video.

Man Cave gets Tubeless

2011-12-20T21:09:00.000-08:00

I have a new used wheel-set. It is tubeless and about 1.5 pounds lighter.

Stan's NoTubes Crest

Which is now waiting in my "man cave" to be installed on my mountain bike.

no more bike work in the living room

We currently have 6 bikes at the house, being able to organize and access all my tools and parts is great. Using the repair stand I got for my b-day is even better.

Off to the bike cave!

3 Cities Cycling

2011-12-20T18:07:00.000-08:00

Visit cities cycling in South, Central, and North America.

Paseo de Tod@s Guadalajara 11/3/11 from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

Streetfilms- Celebrating #BIKENYC 2011 from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

Riding Bogota's Bountiful Protected Bikeways from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

Briones, Baltimore and Blithedale

2011-12-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

This weekend Heather and I went hiking with the dogs in Briones Regional Park.

Toyon Canyon Trail

When we got back to Marin we did a hike looping past a nearly dry Dawn Falls.

Baltimore Canyon Open Space

We returned on Blithedale Ridge and down the staircases on Christmas Tree Hill.

Coast View

2011-12-17T13:14:00.001-08:00

Up Blithedale Ridge to West Point Inn where I saw Holly out on a ride.

I'm stoked to have lived biking distance to the ocean for the past decade.
First in Hawaii, then Humboldt, now Marin. Do ocean views ever get boring?

looking towards a sunny Muir Beach, my next destination

I love Old Stage Road, it's rocky in a bike friendly way.

blue rocks on the side of Mt Tam

25 miles 3,200 feet

Mt Tam

2011-12-14T18:59:00.001-08:00

En route to top o' Tam I saw the Corte Madera Creek Path was about to reopen!

Once on Eldridge the miles blurred as I churned the cranks.

sunny and warm at 2,500 feet

a new sign at the summit reveals what the fog enshrouds

I kept up a good clip for 20 miles and 3,000 feet in under 2.5 hours.

up Eldridge, down Rail Road, hop over Blithedale Ridge

I'm still dialing in the bike, looking at tubeless wheels and tires...

Bolinas Ridge

2011-12-11T17:07:00.000-08:00

After weeks of clear skies, trails are dry and inspiring some late season riding.

iconic rest spot on Bolinas Ridge

From Samuel P. Taylor State Park, up Shafter and down the spine of Bolinas Ridge.

view of Tomales Bay

Ride described at GateTrails.com

Tubeless Tires

2011-12-07T15:30:00.000-08:00

I usually refrain from"getting mechanical", but I almost can't believe this video.

TCS with Moeschler and Weir from WTB on Vimeo.

The fact that no compressed air, not even a full size pump is needed to mount these tires means that tubeless is ready for the masses!

Tubeless means that there is no "tube" to go flat. The air is held in the tire.
Small punctures (glass, thorns) are sealed instantly with sealant.

Are the days of leaky old tubes hanging around almost gone?

Tubeless excels at low pressure and is not popular with roadies, but for mountain bikers low-pressure results in a super smooth ride with great traction!

Once you've ridden tubeless off-road, it's hard to go back.

"I'd rather have rim brakes than tubes in my tires"- MTB pro Carl Decker

Coast View

2011-12-03T17:32:00.000-08:00

Heather and I got in a long ride along the clear coast.

Down Dias Ridge.

Up Deer Park.

Down Coast View Trail.

The North Face Endurance Challenge was hosting a 50 mile trail running event.

San Pedro Road

2011-12-02T15:59:00.000-08:00

Teaching classes, 40 miles on the bike, all with sunshine and a warm breeze.

My route between Venetia Valley and Glenwood elementary included China Camp.

China Camp State Park, home to bay views and fun trails.

Good day.

Bike Rodeo Trailer

2011-11-29T20:03:00.000-08:00

Last bike rodeo for for the semester. This time at Tam Valley Elementary!

school's new bike racks on a November morning last week

I spent some time organizing our sweet bike rodeo trailer.

rolling into Park Elementary, Mill Valley

Carrying 20 bikes and lots of gear.

Coast View

2011-11-25T15:02:00.000-08:00

I got in a good 26 miles along Mt. Tam and the Marin Headlands.

coastal trail and HWY 1 switchbacks, foggy Pacific

Ocean vistas inspired me to climb Coastal Trail/Coyote Ridge from Muir Beach.

Google-Map

Appetite Seminar

2011-11-24T14:29:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving I volunteered for the Appetite Seminar.

Tom Boss from MCBC

a muddy, happy crowd

Bicycle Rush Hour

2011-11-23T12:44:00.000-08:00

The regular morning traffic in Utrecht, Netherlands has become viral video.

This new video features the same intersection at regular speed instead of 4X.

SSCXWC 2011 San Francisco

2011-11-20T18:16:00.001-08:00

Today was the Single-Speed Cyclocross World Championship in SF.

a popular section of the track

Cyclocross means winter weather and obstacles. Today we had both.

a water obstacle

one of the log crossings

women's race starts with chaos crossing the logs

Mary McConneloug landed a top 3 finish

the mens race at the first log crossing

costumes are not required, but definitely appreciated

Heather, center with hood, cheering on Rachel Lloyd (VeloNews)

The winners were Chris Jones and Julie Krasniak.

Video coverage from Cyclocross Magazine.

Trips For Kids

2011-11-17T16:08:00.000-08:00

I've had the pleasure of working with Trips For Kids over the past few weeks.

They run a non-profit bike shop in San Rafael, and chapters across the country.

Nova instructing students from Davidson Bike Club

China Camp

2011-11-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

Heather had the afternoon off so we rode China Camp State Park.

It's hard to pass up the perfect trail conditions and sunny weather.

MCBC Embraces Mountain Biking

2011-11-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

The Marin County Bicycle Coalition started its off-road cycling campaign tonight with an open public forum.

MCBC hits the dirt running

Mountain biking has been an international sport since 1991.
It continues to grow both locally and worldwide.

One of our many high school racing teams may produce a future Olympian.

Hoo Koo E Koo

2011-11-13T14:34:00.000-08:00

Today I went for a short but steep ride on Tam.

These dirt roads have amazing views around every turn.

Blithedale Ridge

A Ranger was staking out the intersection of Railroad Grade and Hoo Koo E Koo.

apparently a dangerous intersection?

The Ranger said he was there as a "visual presence" to slow down cyclists.

I was happy to hear that there had been no incident so far today.

In "incident" news, 4 people in Marin were sent to hospitals with serious and fatal injuries from car accidents within 36 hours this week.

2 Novato pedestrains hit in 12 hours. MarinIJ

Corte Madera crash injuries 2. MarinIJ

Unfortunately car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury (CDC).

WheelEscape Veterans Parade

2011-11-11T16:23:00.000-08:00

I celebrated Veterans Day by helping WheelEscape in Marin City.

The parade had horses, cars, Tuskegee Airmen, and bicycles!

Despite the rain, a hardy crew of kids assembled to participate in the parade.

Lake Lagunitas

2011-11-08T16:20:00.000-08:00

After a bike rodeo at Old Mill ES, I got in a ride to Lake Lagunitas.

The air is cool, days are short, and a few puddles have formed. Autumn!

Marin Headlands

2011-11-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

I spun out to the Marin Headlands in Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

With the fit of my new bike dialed-in and my fitness improving, my attention could be given to soaking in panoramas.

Novato

2011-11-04T16:56:00.001-07:00

Today I rode the nearly 3 hour round-trip commute to Novato via Fairfax.

The new Novato bike path along HWY 101 is paved and ready to ride!

In the bike news:

Secret To A Long Life: Bike To The Store. NPR

The ultimate traffic training grounds!

Roll On, Oregon from Bicycle Transportation Alliance on Vimeo.

Paradise Loop

2011-10-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

Rode the Paradise Loop on a sunny Friday afternoon.

Davidson Bike Club

2011-10-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

Davidson Middle School After-School Bike Club went on our first ride today!

www.DavidsonBikeClub.com

A picture from the Kent Middle School ride yesterday with CHP.

Lake Lagunitas

2011-10-25T17:44:00.001-07:00

Heather and I rode to beautiful Lake Lagunitas.

Work on Fish Grade and Shaver Grade is done and the trail surface is prime.

Recently a local crossing-guard saved a young boy. Well done.

Coast View

2011-10-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

Sunny Friday afternoon in the coastal hills.

I'm still dialing in this bike and a pinch-flat halfway down had me missing tubeless.

Kent MS

2011-10-19T19:16:00.001-07:00

A fun field trip with the Environmental Action Club of Kent Middle School.

Briones

2011-10-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

Nice long hike in Briones Regional Park with Heather and the dogs today.

Spirit & Rip

Mill Valley Middle School

2011-10-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

The week of classes at Mill Valley Middle School is going great.

my office

Bolinas Ridge

2011-10-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

No more excuses, time to destroy my legs.

I rode Bolinas Ridge before returning through Samuel P. Taylor S.P.

reminiscent of Humboldt trails

one of my favorite picnic benches

Estimate: 4.5 hours and 40 miles.

Pine Mountain

2011-10-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

Rains this week foiled my time for rides.
Between showers Heather and tackled Pine Mountain.

It was Sharkotberfest at NightLife yesterday.

Unfortunately our governor vetoed the 3-foot to pass law.

Tomorrow is a Riding With Youth at St. Anselm School. Should be fun!

Mt Diablo

2011-10-01T18:15:00.001-07:00

Heather and I went for a ride on Mount Diablo.

descending Wall Point Road

The weather was perfect, warm with a cool breeze. We saw coyotes, quail, and deer.

More People Biking

2011-09-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

US Census data shows more people biking.

Bike friendly cities have seen a 77% increase in the past 10 years.

Biketoberfest

2011-09-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today was Biketoberfest!

Tour de Fat

2011-09-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

This year's Tour de Fat visit to SF was decidedly foggy.

Despite the weather, the hardy TDF fans showed up for the fun filled festival.

This year we stayed till the very end before riding back over the GG Bridge.

Dixie Bike Rodeo

2011-09-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

A wonderful day spent at the Dixie ES bike rodeo.

Highlights?

hundreds of kids on bikes and scooters
working with the parent volunteers and staff
playing "I love my neighbor" with students not riding
hundreds of high fives after wheelies

New Things

2011-09-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

I've started a new job as a coordinator for Safe Routes to Schools, moved to a new apartment, and I have a new bike.

Trek 29er (29" wheels)

The bike classes are filling in and that makes me happy. Our crew sweated out a hot one today at Kent MS where I saw Gandhi, or at least his head.

Gandhi

I've been riding, mostly to the office.

Fairfax bike route

Also short rides into Camino Alto Open Space and the Corte Madera Marshes.

summer trails, submerged all winter

Tennessee Valley

2011-09-14T21:58:00.001-07:00

Over Alto Hill and into the cool quiet fog.

I rode to Tennessee Valley where I saw a bobcat, quail, and deer.
On the return trip I saw a large fox in Alto Bowl.

trail work on Old Springs Trail

Riding With Youth

2011-09-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

Here's some pictures from a recent Riding With Youth.

lining up for the drills

crosswalk drill

during the group ride

Thanks Bridget!

Patch: Marin Lakes Loop

2011-09-10T23:08:00.000-07:00

Larkspur - Corte Madera Patch

Mill Valley Patch
San Anselmo - Fairfax Patch
San Rafael Patch
Novato Patch

a day on the bike

2011-09-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

After classes at White Hill MS, I caught up with Heather for frozen yogurt.

steel steads resting during frozen yogurt consumption

Later, back to school night at Hall MS.

Thanks Erik!

Give me 3!

2011-09-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

California will become the 19th state to protect cyclists if it passes a law requiring motorists to pass at a distance of at least 3 feet.

Despite AAA's fight, Senate Bill 910 is awaiting signature from Gov. Brown.

Also Trips for Kids has a job opening.

Tam Lakes

2011-09-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day!

Heather and I celebrated with our a new go-to ride.

We roll out the door onto bike paths before climbing to the lakes.
The loop passes Phoenix, Lagunitas, Bon Tempe and Alpine Lake.

Lake Lagunitas

Mom bikes to birth

2011-09-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

This Wisconsin mother cycled to the hospital to give birth.

Many people are shocked to hear about people cycling while pregnant or with newborns. In countries less cyclophobic babies are portaged everyday without a second thought.

Meanwhile in Tennessee, a women is threatened with arrest for allowing her daughter to bike to school.

Let them bike!

Bike Build

2011-08-31T19:06:00.000-07:00

Ellen and the Playworks staff had another great bike build today.

New bikes from GAP assembled at their headquarters in SF

Bike Build

2011-08-30T18:36:00.001-07:00

Playworks organized another bike build and give away.

65 new bikes were donated to kids by Salesforce and I got to help build them!

Afterwards I rode home 20 miles from SF.

Alta Trail

2011-08-26T21:42:00.001-07:00

A unique cycling perspective.

perched on Alta, trail & path aligned center

Patch: Bike the Twin Cities

2011-08-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

My new Patch article is out, "Top Five Reasons to Bike the Twin Cities".

MCBC

2011-08-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

Marin Board of Supervisors voted to invest $8.8 million in bike/pedestrian projects.

Two of the projects are in Larkspur. A geotechnical study for the Alto Tunnel and $3.2 million for a nifty bridge that will follow the old rail-line from Cal Park Hill Tunnel to the Corte Madera Marshes.

green- proposed path, red- existing path

my favorite proposed route

Did I ever mention I love bike paths? Well I do.

Paradise Loop

2011-08-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

Smooth pavement & skinny tires = fast. Another fun Paradise Loop...

The Friday Cyclotouriste Blog

No taxes on gasoline.

2011-08-23T21:55:00.000-07:00

The federal gas tax expires at the end of September.

The gas tax has not been raised since 1993. Our transportation funding is already broke and borrowing, yet there is controversy whether or not the tax will even be reinstated.

If the federal government doesn't move soon, starting in October gas will be a few cents cheaper and 90% of the funding for our highway system will disappear.

NY Times: The Clear Case for the Gas Tax

Bon Tempe & Alpine Lake

2011-08-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

Heather and I rode to Bon Tempe Lake and Alpine Lake late in the afternoon.

Bon Tempe Lake

SPUR, Carbon

2011-08-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

Crossing the Bay from SPUR on Vimeo.

Carbon calculator from The Nature Conservancy.

Traffic, people snarled.

2011-08-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

Some gunman in a hotel caused closure of a few blocks of highway in San Rafael.

Traffic immediately got crazy, backed-up, and road raged.

In other vehicular news a car plowed into Novato Target simply because the gas pedal was confused with the brake pedal.

And anti-SMART train people take offense at being called illogical.

Paradise Loop

2011-08-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

Did a quick spin around Tiburon on my version of the Paradise Loop.
There's nothing like a road bike to get you back in shape quick!

Marin Headlands

2011-08-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

Even though Heather's mtb is female specific, the spring in the front suspension was still set for for a much heavier weight. Therefore the fork did not move very much. Replacing the coil (spring) made a big difference.

sunny & cool, perfect weather for a ride

Details on the ride from my Patch "Tennesse Valley to Gerbode Valley Loop".

Honeymoon: Seattle & Victoria BC

2011-08-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

After visiting Ryan at Bicycles West we drove to the Olympic Peninsula.

Port Angeles wowed me with green bike lanes!

After a 90 minute ferry ride complete with whale breaching...
We arrived in Victoria, BC.

One aspect of Victoria that I quickly appreciated was being able to cross the street without feeling like Frogger. Patient and courteous drivers also led to numerous women biking on the streets.

her cell phone in one hand, coffee in the other: Serious Coffee

In the news, Victoria considers a light rail.

Britain got the longest guided bus line. Why bus?

Patch: Tamarancho

2011-08-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

Newest Patch article, "Tackle Tamarancho by Bike."

Galloping Goose Trail

2011-08-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Galloping Goose Trail on Vancouver Island is nearly 40 miles long.

We rode the tail end from Matheson Lake Park to Sooke Potholes Park.

tricky U-turn due to gaps between the boards

viewing Sooke Basin

After the ride we did a hike at East Sooke Regional Park.

Cowichan Valley Trail

2011-08-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

Today we rode the Cowichan Valley Trail to the Kinsol trestle bridge.

the Kinsol trestle was recently renovated

Port Angeles

2011-08-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

Honeymoon Northwest style.

In Port Angeles I met up with Ryan who was racing downhill.

Heather and I rode the Olympic Discovery Trail while waiting for the ferry.

biking doesn't get much better

Wedding

2011-08-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

Getting married today, stay tuned for honeymoon bike rides in Victoria, BC.

Galloping Goose Bike Path here we come!

Khi's Cruiser

2011-07-31T00:27:00.000-07:00

Khi's Cannondale cruiser is the most recent addition to my MTB to cruiser series.

ultra wide bars with matching grips

Today I took a ride with my brother on his converted cruiser.

the good stuff, Mill Valley bike path on a Saturday

Why hunch over those bars when you can sit upright?

Car and Driver

2011-07-29T01:46:00.000-07:00

The American Highway is broken and broke, Car and Driver Magazine.

A future beyond traffic gridlock, Bill Ford TED Talk.

Bill Ford (great-grandson of Henry Ford) works at Ford Motor Company.

"The day will come when the notion of car ownership becomes antiquated. If you live in a city, you don't need to own a car" Bill Ford.

Mt Tam

2011-07-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today I introduced my brother to mountain biking on Mt. Tam.

climbing Tam: Sausalito and foggy SF

Patch: McInnis Park

2011-07-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

My Patch column expanding. Look for at it at a Marin Patch near you!

This week we visit McInnis Park and Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District.

marshes along the bay

Tamarancho

2011-07-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

After stopping by the office I put in a lap at Tamarancho.

Tamarancho is rocky

Raquel Nelson

2011-07-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Raquel Nelson has been released and offered a retrial!

Perhaps you heard about the Atlanta mother who was hit trying to cross the street?

One of her children died and now she is sentenced to 3 years in jail.

The driver (convicted of 2 previous hit-and-runs, legally blind in one eye, was drinking w/meds) received only 6 months in jail.

No crosswalk to be found at the crime scene.

Sign a petition to release the grieving mother here.

DVC

2011-07-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

After riding laps around the local park the young'ins wanted to venture somewhere new.

We rode to Diablo Valley College on the Canal Trail.

frog ponds at DVC

Yosemite

2011-07-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

Heather and I did some hiking in Yosemite.
My favorite part was sneaking up on the yellow-bellied marmots at Ostrander Lake.

Many more pictures at Heather's Blog.

Merced River

2011-07-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

Today I rode up the Merced River instead of down.

Merced River

2011-07-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

The vacation continues...

Merced River

rocky fun on the trail

Patch: Tam and Potrero Meadows

2011-07-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

In this Sunday Ride we visit the top of Tam and Potrero Meadows.

Visit Patch for the story.

Lake Tahoe

2011-07-07T22:44:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation has begun! Heather and I are staying a few days with her Aunt Karin and Ray in Auburn. Today we did some bike riding at Lake Tahoe.

historical society currently featuring bikes

Besides famous mountain biking trails Tahoe has bike paths as well.

Scenic bike path from Squaw Valley to Lake Tahoe

Gwinn Win

2011-07-03T13:41:00.001-07:00

Aaron Gwinn wins for the third time this year and there have only been four races!!!

Gwinn representing the US with a 4th of July shout-out.

Will he continue his domination next week in New York?

Gwinn approaching the finish.

Monte Saint Anne World Cup Downhill 2011.

Tiburon, Corte Madera

2011-07-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

I couldn't think of a better way to kick-off the holiday weekend than a bike ride with the whole cycling family. First we rode the bike path to Tiburon.

Downtown Tiburon

6 bikes in the truck at Blackie's Pasture

After a quick stop at our apartment we headed to the parks and marshes of nearby Corte Madera. It was super fun and these kids wouldn't stop riding!

Tamarancho

2011-06-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

Its been 2 months since I last tackled Tamarancho.

The rocky single-track is always a challenge.

Tamarancho

Ring Mountain

2011-06-29T21:13:00.001-07:00

I pushed my bike to the top of Ring Mountain just to ride down.

Potrero Meadows

2011-06-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Up to the top of Tam and down through Potrero Meadows to Lake Lagunitas.

Mt. Tam 2,500 ft

Potrero Meadows