2 Wheel Commute

Can you say Lemming

2010-03-30T22:15:00.003-05:00

So how do you make an easy ride hard? Today was going to be an easy ride as yesterday was filled with brutal love in the form of hills on soft MMR roads. So today was going to be flat. I even asked which direction would be best east, south, or west. Mike in his way of wanting to abuse others (knew there was something about him that I liked), sent me north about 15 miles with the wind. Not bad until you factor in the hills. That then was followed by the return route which was even hillier and still had the wind in my face. What a way to explore the new area. Thats Mr Lemming to you.

Bike maps via Google

2010-03-10T10:51:00.002-06:00

Polo Season Opener

2009-10-03T09:09:00.002-05:00

Getcher beaters ready. Polo @ Swanson tomorrow - 1pm after CX.

Pedal Powered Sam

2009-08-03T22:32:00.004-05:00

Love it... he's got no sense of boundaries on the bike. Dirt, concrete - makes no difference. Sweet jumps are next.

Ragbrai 2009

2009-07-28T19:35:00.002-05:00

God, I love that ride!

Pre Rag Ride

2009-07-28T19:29:00.002-05:00

Went with iTod and Kurt for a 50 mile Northy the Saturday before RAGBRAI. We were pulled over by the Washington Co. Sheriff & "Junior" for riding on the road next to the Boyer Chute. Ridiculous. Fun ride though.

What a place to ride

2009-06-13T23:58:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful day for a ride.

~40 miles in Leadville, CO.

No new tale to tell

2009-06-08T22:05:00.003-05:00

Moo.

Near Manawa

Josh and I on the north loop.

Facebook took over my online contribution bandwidth. Mostly because it's down with my mobile attititude. Once blogger gets its act together and develops a nice iPhone app that allows multiple photos with wysiwyg editing - I'll post more crappy pictures like these. Contain yourself.

For now, I'm brainstorming a nice summer backyard bike theater ride. In my new big backyard up the street from Josh. 5 minutes from the top of the Keystone.

Breaking Away?

Helmet Cam - Bike Polo on Ice

2009-04-11T07:29:00.001-05:00

Bike Polo on Ice

2009-03-22T23:13:00.000-05:00

We need more ice time.

Ice Polo

2009-03-17T21:31:00.003-05:00

So the story goes, a chicken on a bike played polo on ice...

Video coming soon of the shenanigans on St. Paddys. T-bone had the helmet cam on while we hit the ice at 1st intermission at the Lancer game. Wicked, wicked fun. Meantime, check out some polo links:

Legit Bike Polo

Hardcourt Bike Polo

Boston Bike Polo

Hard Court Polo Practice

2009-03-08T18:55:00.002-05:00

2 v 1 today... SA, T-Bone and I got some training in today.

Colorado Can Cup

2009-03-08T09:35:00.002-05:00

Beer. Bikes. It's a perfect relationship. Symbiotic even. Add mallets, a ball and some friends. I'll be eagerly awaiting the results and hoping for some video from the Colorado Tournament just held this weekend...

Oskar Blues gots it goings ons.

(Not so) BRR

2009-02-06T08:01:00.003-06:00

Heading out tomorrow morning to Perry with Josh and maybe Kurt. See you there...

Winter Polo

2009-01-24T01:37:00.000-06:00

tunes: Vampire Weekend | A-punk

Polo @ 1

2008-12-28T10:27:00.001-06:00

T-Bone gave me the gear before heading out to Portland... I'll be there at 1pm with Shad.

Omaha Bike Polo

2008-12-12T22:41:00.001-06:00

Good crew last week. 12 strong, alternating players on dabs.

Snow's coming...

Is this a mockery of Bike Polo?

2008-12-12T12:44:00.000-06:00

What next?

Bike Hero

2008-11-22T23:19:00.001-06:00

Amazing.

Polo Tomorrow... 52 an' sunny - no excuses.

Bike Polo Omaha

2008-11-17T21:26:00.006-06:00

Season opener is in the bag. Seven showed up for a good time, and didn't get let down. Getcher self out to Swanson on Sundays. Play at 1 pm - bring a beater bike and beverages. Mallets and gear provided.

Apologies for the crap vid. Shooting video with a camera in one hand, a polo mallet in the other and staying on 2 wheels while taking a shot or two gets bumpy...

2 Wheel Vote

2008-11-04T20:36:00.002-06:00

There's something so right with riding to your polling place.
God bless America...

I Heart Chairs

2008-11-04T20:31:00.002-06:00

Snapped this picture after voting this morning. You've seen this guy... I admire his dedication to the 2 wheel commute, but --

What's up with the chair, man?

Sunday Breakfast Ride

2008-10-19T20:37:00.002-05:00

Big can

Tom

Hydration Techniques

The 5-mile stop

Days are getting crisp. Get the rides in while they're still golden. Here's the gps track from Waterloo's Depot to Standing Bear.

Fall Roadhouse

2008-10-19T20:32:00.000-05:00

The Long Cut Taco Ride

2008-10-05T21:10:00.002-05:00

Luck wasn't a lady tonight... more of a slow leak than anything

It's the diggy-diggy doc, y'all

Yeah, yeah... we get the hint

Sssssssssss...

Looking skyward at the S. Tower over the MO

Joe C. and I rode downtown after work to Farrels to meet Shad after work for a couple drinks and 2 Wheel stories before rolling down to the ped bridge. After the quick spin across the Missouri, Joe took a left, while Shad and I took a right. Couple more big beers at Ameristar to make sure we had enough calories and we're off. Finally pulled into Mineola after dodging drunk cyclists in the dark all the way south on the Trace.

Last ones in. Last ones out. Greeted by a flat front on Shad's Cannondale after we finish up our pitchers and tacos. Hmmm... pump it up and see how slow of a leak we're in for? Yup. We'll pump it up 4 or 5 more times before the night was over. Last one was on the bridge before replacing it after it stopped being a slow leak.

Nighty-night at 2:30 a.m.

Ped Bridge

2008-09-29T22:29:00.004-05:00

East Tower

Underbelly

North

Had to do it. Snuck down after work to peep out the ped bridge. Fired up the gps and posted some tracks to trailguru:

Mid town crossing to Riverside Grille - check out that max speed!
Ped Bridge IA to NE
Then back home

Found out that the gps/trailguru app taps battery life. Also found out that there's a lot of folks on that thar bridge. Don't let the photos fool you there's people... just be warned - the people don't know trail etiquette. Walkers will literally carve in front of you, kids are playing all over it, and there's no "sides" east or west. Don't get me wrong - it's great to see folks out there using it.

Just go slow.

10/2 Taco Ride Callout

2008-09-25T23:18:00.003-05:00

thanks cityrag.blog.com

Missed every single Thursday ride to Minny so far in 2008. That ends next week. This here's the callout for anyone down for taking the long cut to the Taco Ride - via the Ped Bridge. So head downtown after work on 10/2 and meet us at Farrel's about 4:30 to group up and kick it off. Probably try to leave by 5:30.

Should be about 45 miles round trip from downtown Omaha. But that's a wild ass guess. Might take a night cap at the Dubliner for their cheap-o Thursday night specials if we get out of Mineola in time and in one piece.

Next up: fun.

TrailGuru - Commute Home

2008-09-25T23:04:00.002-05:00

Nabbed an iPhone 3G for my b-day a couple months ago, really diggin' it. The applications you can download are getting better and better. I've had one on my wish list that integrates w/ the gps on the phone and puts my saddle time on a map, including speeds and altitude and other nifty things.

Bingo - TrailGuru to the rescue.

I dorked out, downloaded the app over lunch, and turned it on for the ride home. It's a peach. Check out my tiny commute home here.

The Fog

2008-09-25T06:38:00.001-05:00

Holy low lying clouds, batman... did you get a load of that fog yesterday on the commute?

After work spin

2008-08-24T09:52:00.001-05:00

Corporate Cycling

2008-08-24T09:44:00.002-05:00

Start

Rolling North from downtown

iPictures

Pete, Theresa & Tom. Not in picture - Uncle Terry

Corporate Cycling Challenge

2008-08-12T06:56:00.003-05:00

Who's in? I'm down for some Ft. Calhoun stuff along with Pete and T... give a shout if you're planning on spinning. Route finds its way through some really nice hills north of town.

What you need to know.

My Spot

2008-08-03T11:31:00.002-05:00

There comes a point on every ragbrai that I feel wonderfully lost in Iowa. There's an eery, complete lack of needing anything with a carefree sense of life. My mind freely wanders to nothing. It's always while on my bike, usually alone. This was where it hit me this year. If I'm lucky - the feeling lasts for a dozen or so miles. I highly recommend trying to find your spot.

Gnome-brai

2008-08-03T11:11:00.004-05:00

Bed rest following the surgery.

Reflecting on RAGBRAI at a quaint cemetary.

Making friends in N. Liberty

Loading up the truck at O'Grady's in CB, I noticed the gnome had a bead of sweat building on his brow. It took just a half a second, after placing him on the Penske, he jumped to the ground. He knew this was going to be a scary trip. Looking down, I saw him busted in two at the knees. A collective gasp went out from Flashback. Was this going to doom the gnome's trip?

Jen O. quickly assessed the situation. "I can fix him." I had my doubts. He was busted bad. Jen would bring him back on Tuesday in Jefferson. The operation was a success. With a princess band-aid on his knee, and a Flashback tat on his pointy hat, he was ready to roll.

Thirty-six

2008-08-03T10:57:00.002-05:00

The view was great, the wine was horrible

The Sutliff Cider made up for the wine. Deeelish.

Shad's photo op

The Trucker rolled great.

Harmonica-toting huggy bears. Todd + Greg = BFF

Quick Pics from Iowa

2008-08-03T10:46:00.004-05:00

Dippin' in the MO

The Spoke Bracelet Guy (iTod on the right)

Big screen TDF action in downtown Harlan

Street performers in Harlan

Another ragbrai in the books. Team Flashback won, again.

Fat Tire Friendly Guide

2008-07-17T22:08:00.005-05:00

Make sure you have
a good beer or five
while riding up
those hills of RAGBRAI.

Look for your chance to win one of two Fat Tire Cruisers - they're not for you SS or Fixie folks - they're 3-speed. They're fun. It's for charity. From the NBB Ranger in Iowa via the offices in Ft. Collins:

The New Belgium Beer Ranger will be hosting two parties along the route…the first in Ames at the West Towne Pub, the second in North Liberty at Eggy’s. Team Wonderbike info will be on hand at both sites, not to mention lots of fun, good beer, and the chance to win a New Belgium 3-speed Commuter Bike (the first of its kind) at both parties. All the money raised from the bike raffles will go to local charities.

Best Part of Riding?

2008-07-17T18:26:00.003-05:00

Ummy (not knowing these camera things can take the moving pictures, too) with a good answer to the age-old question.

Good Enough

2008-07-17T17:38:00.002-05:00

Great turnout for Kent's Good Enough ride. 30 riders out for the fun and hills. Delish food after. Whatdya say? Good Enough for Ragbrai?

Giddyup.

Domo Arigato

2008-07-03T19:32:00.002-05:00

Just released - the entertainment for Ames on RAGBRAI. STYX, with The Nadas to open. I'm stoked. I'm also a nerd.

Party's 5 clams w/ wristband, $10 w/o. Talked with a recent I. State grad - she's thinking that the festival will be in the parking lots just N. of Jack Trice Stadium.

Did you know there's beer on Ragbrai?

Shen Ride

2008-06-24T17:10:00.005-05:00

The heavy rain left its mark

Nah, I'll take the mud bog trail, thanks...

Mostly stayed on the trace with the lovely Mr. 2Wheel and some other folks ducking out of the 30 mph steady headwinds. Not much respite on the Wabash, I'm afraid. Trail was "squishy" - making it very difficult to pedal. No chance for recovery. Same story on the road with the winds, as I found out. I finished the trip out, though some raised the white flag in Imogene. My legs were roasted after a very weird 55-ish miles. AM storms on Sunday forced an early return to Omaha. Boooo.

Sunday Breakfast Rides are still O-N. Couldn't make Ummy's Splendor. Kent's Convection (aka the 'Good Enuf' ride) is coming up. I'm catching some miles after work here and there. Talking to friends about Ragbrai, getting stoked.

Ahhhh.... Summer.

NorEaster Beer

2008-06-05T22:13:00.004-05:00

How do you know Cap'n Cowbell stopped by while you were out? A case of wicked good pick-a-pack brew from NH shows up on your porch.

Sorry I missed you at the Dell, bro... see you soon.

Day 1 Update

2008-06-05T21:59:00.003-05:00

Here's a link to what I'm taking as the answer to what's up with the route on day one. Duffy's out riding ragbrai out this week. Think of that when you're at work tomorrow. I know I will.

Duffy's Blog - Day 1

On another note, Shen ride is this weekend. 60 miles down on Saturday, then back on Sunday. I need the miles. The commute isn't giving me what it used to for miles. The lovely Mrs. 2wheel is accompanying me with 2 wheels of her own - not in sag support as she's done in years past. Dig it.

Sunday a.m.

2008-06-01T08:22:00.001-05:00

1st Day Route Change for RAGBRAI?

2008-05-22T22:14:00.004-05:00

I'm transmitting this to see if anyone can confirm it. It's on very good word, from a person who wouldn't bother suggesting unless there's really something to it.

Route Change for RAGBRAI: There is no mention of this yet on RAGBRAI website, but I have heard from different people about route change on first day. I understand that the road between Mo Valley and Beebeetown is really beat up. The bartender at the Aeroplane Inn told us on Thurs of Spring Roadhouse that she thought the ride was coming by her place. Now I've talked to someone who lives on L34 who has been told to drop their drink stand plans, because of a route change. If the route goes through Honey Creek, it will have to go to Crescent. There are no paved roads between Mo Valley and Crescent, other than the road to Beebeetown. If we go to Crescent, we'll probably go up Badger and Juniper. Look out - those are both 15% grades.

Mayor's Ride

2008-05-13T21:24:00.003-05:00

Must have been buy 6 O's - get the seventh free at the alphabet store. Hmmm... now where am I going to put that extra O?

Sunday's Breakfast Ride

2008-05-05T17:50:00.003-05:00

On the way back from breakfast at The Depot in Waterloo...

For Sale

2008-05-05T17:48:00.001-05:00

I really like riding on country roads. You can find a heckuva deal out there...

Good ridin'

2008-05-01T20:34:00.005-05:00

Always nice to come across another commuter. This gentleman was on the way to Creighton...

A little early for cross season, no?

No parking in the normal spot... nice weather's bringing more folks in on bike

Solid

Ridin's good. Weather's fly. Now if the street sweepers would just get started...

Absolut - ly Expensive

2008-05-01T20:19:00.002-05:00

The bad news, gas is crazy expensive. Good news? Absolut's holding steady.

Flash >wiki< Back

2008-04-26T15:04:00.001-05:00

I updated Wikipedia's "RAGBRAI" page to include Team Flashback in the Teams and Charters section.

Kinda Neat.

Project Bike

2008-04-20T09:24:00.002-05:00

Picked this up from Craig's List the other day. 1969 Sting Ray. Needs some TLC, but I should have some extra time with classes wrapping up in just over a month.

Hmmm...

2008-04-19T02:16:00.001-05:00

Maybe the weirdest and most curious post on CL Omaha I've seen in "bikes" ever - you be the judge:

Alturnative transportation.

Oh, snap...

2008-04-10T23:54:00.003-05:00

I support Trek, here... words beget wars.
see the rest here.

The Bicycle Tutor

2008-04-04T06:55:00.003-05:00

Neat site I found last night as I was questioning my hack skills of bike repair:
Bicycletutor.com

Video-based instruction guide for doing everything from overhauling a threaded headset to truing wheels.

Back in the Saddle

2008-03-25T20:08:00.002-05:00

Downtown, from 38th st - my new favorite street in Omaha

Midtown Crossing Development

Flashback Rides

2008-03-25T20:00:00.001-05:00

Updated as best I could - check out the dates on the right, below...

I really miss riding

2008-03-20T20:27:00.004-05:00

The views...

The buds...

the awkward one finger on camera, one hand on bike snapshot...

The long haul...

I even miss the flats at this point...

29er Trifecta

2008-03-20T19:50:00.003-05:00

Saddle Creek & Leavenworth

Shad K (who proudly wore a Union Jack wool cap at the Dubliner)

Here's some horrible pics of the 29er Trifecta. Waited up with Josh for some folks, ended up down at the Dubliner with him, Shad and some guys from Lincoln. And Amy. Where's Bob when you need him?

(no, Bob - a different Amy)

Can you feel the pain?

2008-03-19T16:31:00.001-05:00

New IRS Pencil Sharpener

I just got tired of looking at Iowa!!

RAGBRAI XXXVII

2008-01-24T21:07:00.001-06:00

Flashback crew rides to be updated soon. 1/2 way party and "Clean yer bike" at Uncle Terry's coming up soon, so stay tuned. Look for a lot of 1-2 day riders from Omaha on the first days.
Bring it...

2wheel's New Video Anthem

2008-01-11T18:41:00.000-06:00

If you haven't youtubed, googled, netflix'd, rented, bought or just plain watched Flight of the Conchords on HBO, you're not laughing enough.

Bombers

2007-12-27T20:40:00.000-06:00

Santa rocks.

That's a box of 12 - 22 oz. bottles of the special "FIGBRAI" labels - a.k.a. Bombers.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year...

POLO

2007-12-02T14:25:00.001-06:00

Hope this gets folks in the mood... MOD, T-Bone... call it out - time/place on MTBOMAHA...

Fall is here!

2007-11-11T23:10:00.000-06:00

Fall is here lets have some fun.
Fall is the best time to ride so lets get on the bike and Kick up our wheels!
Peace and Grease
Grump!

Tour de Fat - Fort Collins

2007-09-24T06:54:00.000-05:00

Spent the weekend in Fort Fun with some friends. Was a part of breaking a Guiness book of world records for the largest bike parade. Ever. Roughly 5000 folks on crazy bikes. Freaks were out in force on this fine day. Forgot the camera, though - so I'll have to wait for some from a friend. Toured a couple brew shops, hung out in the mountain air. Biked all over.

Fun.

Sun up

2007-08-18T13:57:00.001-05:00

It's been stinking hot on the rides home, but going in to work
has been fairly nice, outside the 100% humidity.
It's like swimming to work in a hot tub.

Saturday

2007-08-17T07:08:00.000-05:00

Load 'er up...

The Heritage crossed a stream about 20 times with the hills of E. Iowa as a backdrop... Beautiful.

A bridge was out, but we could walk the bikes across.

The Trucker barely fit through the cinder slabs keeping traffic off the bridge

Those were the hills the ragbrai route winded through. Ha!

Carrie and I did our own day, and hit the heritage trail out of Dyersville heading to Dubuque. I love this trail. It's like the Wabash, on botox. It's so beautiful. So as not to have folks take care of all of our gear, I borrowed a BOB and hauled it with the trucker. Seriously smooth riding.

Quick Pics

2007-08-17T07:01:00.001-05:00

Cowbell with the single - good to ride with that fool before his surgery
Small towns, big fun

Beer, shade, buds

Mr. Porkchop. YUM

A few photos of our RAGBRAI. Another stellar week. Nice temps, only rained 1 night, and I rode/chatted with Lance again. We were stopped by the Troopers crossing I35. The officer controlling traffic looked at me next to Lance and said

"Hey, Aaron. Who's your friend?"

XXXV

2007-08-07T18:01:00.000-05:00

More to come...

2007-07-30T21:08:00.000-05:00

To think this is what I had to look forward to during Ragbrai.

IARBGAR

2007-07-15T23:25:00.000-05:00

Cowbell & I are driving to Spencer Saturday to ride the first day backwards. Currently twisting Pete's arm, 'cause we know he'd rather ride than sit in the Penske truck up to Rock Rapids.

Breakfast Ride

2007-07-15T23:18:00.000-05:00

T&T1st day of hills for the mrs.

Cowbell on the single... 42:16 did him good all weekend

Followed the Good Enough up with breakfast in Waterloo. The lovely Mrs. 2wheel came for her first Sunday morning. She did great... she's ready for Ragbrai.

'74 Hearse...

2007-07-15T23:15:00.000-05:00

This is Team Flashback's official sag vehicle.

Good Enough

2007-07-15T23:08:00.000-05:00

I love roads like this

Underwood

Cap'n Cowbell. Minus the cowbell

Soft stop in McClelland

Nice turnout for the tune up ride. Not the 110 degrees it was last year thank goodness, but the hills didn't move an inch... they're still right there. Home brews and beef sandwiches were delish... thanks Kent & Deb...

A little short. (on miles)

2007-07-15T13:18:00.000-05:00

Well the goal was 200 miles. I got in 168, because of last Tuesday's rain ride I second guessed myself and didn't ride with a sever thunder storm warning over head.
As Murphy's law goes no rain or bad weather. So I did 94 on Thurs. (47 miles each way).
The kids had a Dr. apt. on Friday so I drove in and road back 27miles and "the wife" picked me up @ cooksville. Rode in on Saturday A.M. and drove home.
NO riding this coming week headed to the land of OZ. Planing to stop by and check on Capt'n in Alma. Just a quick Hi and By!
Till then, Peace and Grease.
Grump

Wisconsin Commute'n

2007-07-11T15:20:00.000-05:00

I've been riding my bike to work! Rumor has it that "the wife" has a Boy Friend! And this way she I won't just show up at home unannounced. For what ever reason I get to ride!
Last Tuesday was the first and I had some issues. You can read about it here if your want a good laugh. I got in about 190 miles last week and trying for 200 this week. Not much of a goal but I like starting small.
Ride On!
Grump

Roll Call

2007-07-10T18:38:00.001-05:00

Kent's Good Enough ride is this Saturday. Repeat - this Saturday. Bring Beer. Oh - and bring your bike.

Also - I need to hear from Jay and Bob to pass along plans for riding ragbrai. What's up gentlemen? Whole weekin' it like the Flashback crew? No excuses - Mrs. 2Wheel is making it!

Free Parking

2007-07-10T18:28:00.000-05:00

There's another commuter waaaay up in front.
In the covered parking garage, hitched to some crazy pipe.

Hard time at Folsom.

The ride in with snapshots of my super-secure bike spot. You need keycard access to get in the door. Or a big truck with a big chain.

Nifty.

Liquid Arts

2007-07-05T20:51:00.001-05:00

Saturday, July 7th - 5pm
Hot Shops Art Center
1301 Nicholas St

Liquid Arts Festival
Home Brew Competition

I don't have anything brewed right now, but I'll be there to taste the local creations. Cool art show following, too. Beer, Wine, & Cider for the grown ups, Root Beer for the kids.
Coffee tasting as well.

dig it

Garden Gnome XC

2007-07-05T20:32:00.001-05:00

Josh won't mind if I step out of the back yard and go for a spin around Nebraska...

2007-07-05T20:29:00.000-05:00

2007-07-05T20:27:00.001-05:00

T minus 1 month

2007-06-22T22:03:00.000-05:00

Jay called... he's in. Cap'n is making a couple days.
New Belgium (from the mothership) is even riding.

Ragbrai.
Get it on.

Papa's Day Ride

2007-06-16T09:52:00.000-05:00

June 17th - Standing Bear Lake (entrance off 144th st north) - 8 a.m. Father's Day = free ticket to ride. We'll head out to Waterloo for a greasy breakfast and PBRs. Routes for 30, 35, or 40 miles. Here's a few pics from last week.

Cap'n Cowbell & Pete

Single speedn' it

Gulp, Gulp, Gulp

Cruiser Swap

2007-06-04T22:52:00.000-05:00

Swap Meet Saturday

East meets West

2007-06-04T22:08:00.000-05:00

This just in...

Omaha City Council is expected to vote "yes" tomorrow (6/4) on including a pedestrian/bicycle path on the upcoming construction on the Pacific Street bridge over I-680.

"Cyclist"

2007-05-25T21:48:00.000-05:00

From Atlantabike.org:

Admit it: there is a mindset, a group of assumptions, and a whole set of experiences that set a "cyclist" apart from the vast majority of the populace that just rides a bike. There are the serious things, like an understanding of vehicular cycling, and the mundane things, like knowing where the good places to lock a bike are. Here are the amusing things that make us laugh at ourselves...

[]more examples found here[]

2. At some point you caught yourself wondering if your bike might look good if you added fenders

3. You discover that you have forgotten to remove your reflective ankle straps hours after you have arrived somewhere by bicycle

8. You own any kind of purple annodized bicycle accessory

13. You can tell your significant other with a straight face that its too hot to mow the lawn then take off and ride a century.

14. Your bike rack and attachments are worth more than your car.

21. Someone in a car asks for directions and you give them a route that bypasses freeways and busy surface streets

Wabash Blues Cruise

2007-05-24T07:23:00.000-05:00

Saturday, June 9th Malvern to Shenandoah
Starts at 10:00 am
Parties on the Bridges along the Trace

Join Team Flashback on the
East Nishnabotna Bridge
1 mile north of Shenandoah Pool
(paved access)
½ mile south of Highway 59
Donations accepted – proceeds to Trace maintenance

Live Music, Liquid Refreshments

Whimsy
Dave Barger and Jam Masters
plus other musicians

A legend returns

2007-05-20T21:44:00.000-05:00

Meet my keg-erator. She's a rockin' 1954(ish) Philco monster tapped out, handed down from my Father in-law. This thing has seen some serious action. Not altogether unlike PBR's Cool Blue.

Unfortunately, last summer didn't see much beer flowing through it's food grade veins. That horrible chapter to this superhero's life ends soon. I'll be throwing down for new hoses, a new dual pressure valve thingy, and firing it back up.

Somebody call OPPD, they'll have to open up reactor #4 soon...

If you only have room enough for one keg,
make it something good.

The superhero you always wished you could be.

Maps are fun

2007-05-15T23:12:00.000-05:00

courtesy of flee.com

Here's a map you should be able to find in your local bike shop.

We need more yellow dotted lines.

Out

2007-05-15T22:47:00.000-05:00

Military Ave. looking South from 45th st. Flat.

East on Hamilton. Right at Olympia Cycle. North on 40th.

Past Cumming St. & past St. Cecilia's. Left on Cali.

Down large, fun hill. Pass Car(s)*. Right on 33rd.

The only "climb" of the day. The new office is the
building on the right, top of hill.

*no cars were actually passed.

Snapshots of the a.m. commute and crazy stats
about drive times in the US:

Ride your bike... it's a vacation every time.

In

2007-05-15T22:37:00.000-05:00

I leave the bike... panniers come with me.

West on Farnam. North on 40th. 'Cross Dodge.

How's the ride? Short. Bike time vs. car time = +4 min. 3 miles each way. Each one better than the next.

Activate Omaha Bike Commuter Challenge

2007-05-06T12:31:00.000-05:00

I'm in. The wellness center at work put together a team. Bike parking is going to get really scarce really quick. 28 participants... about 10-12 bike stalls.

The BCC starts with a mayor's ride on May 14th, with a short and long ride route. The Activate Omaha site isn't updated... the routes are picked. The long route goes out to Elmwood and back to downtown via Leavenworth. I'm out on that one. Leavenworth has the crappy combination of narrow lanes and pissy drivers. Wonder if Fahey's going the distance? BCC goes for 14 weeks. Prizes and schwag TBD.

Activate Omaha BCC Page

What's the Deal?

2007-05-06T12:11:00.000-05:00

picture courtesy of Bike Friday

So the story goes that a guy gets restructured out of his position at work, and spends the next 3 months looking for work, going to grad school, and hanging out with his kids. Cycling became a non-concern, and his waist line is feeling it.

But I'm back to work, and bike commuting as well. The good news: the office is a lot closer, and I save a bunch of time on the trip. The bad news: the office is a lot closer and I only get 1/4 the miles and time in the saddle. Oh... and I don't get to park the LHT inside in its own kushy cubicle. That's offset by the fact I now have a locker and showers now. Ironic, though - with a 3 mile ride to work vs. the 12 I was previously riding, I need the shower less.

Look for information on the Activate Omaha Commuter Challenge shortly...

2007-04-29T16:36:00.000-05:00

114 miles of unadulterated fun yesterday. Bob Sack and I went for a short ride. He's riding a 35# mtb with 2'' slicks training for Leadville. I'm on my On-one with a bottle of slime per wheel. Alma has a lot of puncture vine. Not a bad ride. We rode from GI to Ravanna to Gibbon to Wood River to Doniphan back to GI. Get your maps out to figure that out. I can tell I haven't been on the bike much as my arse hurt and my legs died. Overall a good ride. Let the cowbell ring

Bainbridge Island Bike Museum

2007-03-23T09:58:00.000-05:00

Seattle Skyline from the ferry

Bainbridge Island

Visiting relatives in Seattle this week... took a ferry out to Bainbridge island for some kitchy shopping and wandering. Passed a bike shop en route to a store the lovely Mrs. 2wheel wanted to check out. Cool. I'll have to check out Classic Cycles a bit later when she's knee deep in the yarn store.

Walk in a little while later and thought "hey... nice shop." They have some old bikes up on the wall to my left, and an assortment of Treks, Specialized, and the like on the floor. "Hey... those are really NICE old bikes." See a sign in the back labeled "Bike Museum". Oh snap... I'm in heaven!

Spent the rest of the morning oooohing and aaaahing over some really cool bikes. Enjoy the show, and consider this my making up for not blogging in so long.

2007-03-23T09:52:00.000-05:00

I can just imagine it. "Hey guys, I had this really cool
idea for a frame..."

Everyone rides a fixie in Seattle

High wheeler on the left

2007-03-23T09:44:00.000-05:00

Sweet Rickshaw

I like this one, too. This heralded the advances to the modern-day
bicycle. The "safety bike" is what put the high wheelers out of business.
Look at that chain!

Early track bike. Many of these beauties have their original
wood hoops on the wheels.

Smooth. Like buttah.

Here's another one where I need the museum guide again. I read that this
belonged to one of the period's best and finest riders, and he had it
made especially for him. Notice the reversed fork.

2007-03-23T09:40:00.000-05:00

Magnesium bike. Goofy.

Adjust the spectacles and look again...

How 'bout them rollers? The bike on them is a size 72...
I've never seen a longer head tube

Never seen so much white wall. Groovy cruiser section. I saw
they had taken a couple of blue ribbons in the Tour de Fat back in 2000