Mini Vacation

Temperature at departure = 57° F (14° C)

I'd mentioned before that there was a strong possibility that they'd be re-routing bike traffic on the Indian Creek Bike Trail due to a closure between Foxhill North and South parks. Rode the detour this morning.

Here is the corner by Suburban Lawn and Garden where you hop on the sidewalk on the east side of Roe.



Below you'll see the second of three stops you'll have to make -- this one is the 435 off ramp where it is wise to watch the four lanes of traffic that are eager to be on their way and aren't used to seeing bikes here.



The pedestrian bridge over 435 was unsettling. It is narrow and the chain link didn't do much to convince me that the 8 lanes of traffic speeding by underneath me weren't more than a mis-step away. Truth be told, it was a little new excitement for the commute.



I figured I owed myself a nice ride in today after my daughter's graduation last night. Took a modified long route and didn't bother tracking my average MPH or how far along I was. I don't know that I'll ride it again -- the stretch along Antioch from 139th to 123rd was busy with grumpy drivers. I rode in traffic for a while and then submitted myself to the sidewalk for the remainder of that section. All in all a very fun ride this morning. Some people take vacations to have this kind of fun. I just leave for work a little earlier and take a mini vacation on the way to the office.

Arrrgh ... Wheeee

Temperature at departure = 64° F (18° C)

One of the things I really like about riding up a big hill: the other side.

BDIs

Temperature at departure = 66° F (19° C)

Overland Park, KS.

After decades of congressional debate and international controversy, the Bug Wars Defense Initiative was utilized for the first time today. While some viewed the results as a failure, others in the administration are confident that today's action will be seen as a successful deterrent in the days to come.

In a press conference concluded just moments ago, General P. Mantis described this morning's action.

"At approximately 08:25 we deployed a GPS (Gnat Path Screen) where a number, which I cannot divulge, of our brave, fighting gnats formed a defensive screen across the Indian Creek Trail. The purpose of the screen was to deflect a large, I believe the term is ... psycho-list away from its destructive path towards our homeland. I would like to offer our humble thanks to the families of those gnats who gave their lives in an effort to fly into the eyes and mouth of the enemy and although it made it past our defenses, I am sure that their sacrifice will serve as a warning to stay off our trail in the future. Thank you."

Bike To Work(out) Day

Temperature at departure = 56° F (13° C)

I am taking the day off to catch the 6th grade talent show and to head to KSU to pick up Peter and bring him home for the summer. Still, I didn't want to miss the last B2WW Overland Park breakfast so after an unexpected trip to the high school I made it to the Matt Ross Community Center a little late.

I got a chance to talk to Fernando (who was the guy to the far right in yesterday's picture). Cool guy. I was, too late to see Lisa again as she had to get to work -- wanted to let her know that I got my miles posted for the OP Team in the Carfree Challenge. Oh well.

That's it for now ... another errand on the bike on the way to the talent show. Oh, 2 other commuters spotted this morning for a total of 7 for the week.

Is it Official?

Heading home last night I noticed the "Trail Closed" signs had been taken down on both sides of the section of the Indian Creek Trail I've written too many times about to try to link again...

Today I approached the section by Antioch with the hope that the orange plastic fencing would still be gone and the way clear. I apologize for the quality of the audio here, I was using my Sony Cyber-shot. Towards the end I say something along the lines of having to put the camera down so I can use both hands on the handlebars. I was pedaling along at a pretty good clip by then.



I'll toss in a couple stills where the path runs back under I-435. This is a pretty fun stretch to ride down and isn't too bad riding back up. I can't believe it's been so long since it was closed down.









Again, these were all taken on the fly...

Overland Park Bike to Work Week Continues

Temperature at departure = 54° F (12° C)



I made it to Overland Park's second 2008 Bike to Work Week breakfast and got to put a star next to my name from yesterday's list. For tomorrow's I'll put a check-mark... As I rolled up I got the chance to meet Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for KC, MO Deb Ridgway (on the left), the guy who one the recent GoByBike challenge, Lisa Cox who works for the City of Overland Park & is (I believe) heading up the OP side of things as well as another bike commuter. I'm sorry I didn't get all the names. By the time I'd grabbed some breakfast, a pouch made from recycled bike inner tubes and talked with the others, two more commuters came by. I must say it was a real pleasure getting to meet Deb -- who is an incredibly nice gal who sincerely knows her stuff and Lisa who is also very personable and may have to work with my son this summer.

I can't really count the people at the breakfast as commuters encountered on the road/path during my commute because they weren't riding at the time. Today's count of other bike commuters = 0. So far this week I've met up with 5 and all of those were during yesterday's ride which I extended by an extra 18 miles. [sigh]

Thanks again to everyone who is working on these Bike to Work Week events in Overland Park. Here's hoping for a big finish tomorrow.

More Work on the Indian Creek Trail

Forgot to mention this morning that it looks like they're making good on their promise to close part of the Indian Creek Trail around I-435 between Roe and Mission. I passed and ignored a "Trail Closed" sign when I swung to the east at Suburban Lawn & Garden and it looks like the section running under 435 will be under construction soon.

Last August I got a note from the Overland Park Manager of Parks and Forestry that said:

"In 2008, we may have a closure/detour of the Indian Creek trail in our Foxhill South & North park areas. This is the stretch between Mission and Roe. There is a major flood control and bridge construction project planned for this area. No timeline has been created but it will likely occur in mid 2008 and continue into 2009. The last time we had to close this stretch, we detoured users over I-435 via the pedestrian bridge that parallels the Roe street bridge."

The sidewalk on the east side of Roe does look like the only option; it runs over 435 (separated from the traffic) and hooks up with 109th street, which, going east, meets back up with the trail at Foxhill South Park. The downside is you'll be riding on a sidewalk and will have to cross 4 lanes of traffic on the off ramp.


View Larger Map


I wonder if this is possibly related to the tax incentives the Overland Park City Council approved on Monday...

"The council formed Transportation Development Districts, or TDDs, for the projects that are planned north of I-435 between Mission Road and Nall Avenue. Retailers in the districts will charge an additional 1 percent sales tax on purchases, with the proceeds used to pay for public and private infrastructure related to the developments. The revenue will fund a $2 million bridge over Indian Creek and a $3 million flood control project along Indian Creek."

Snacked up and ready for the day

Temperature at departure = 49° F (9° C)

I took the extended bike path route this morning and left early so I could catch the Bike to Work Week event at the fire station at 138th and Switzer. Mine was the only bike there when I rolled in; granted, I was there around 8:00 and it was to end at 8:30. I checked the list and there were ~10 names -- not bad since this is the first year they've had an event here.



That's Kelly, the organizer of this event. Kelly is a great guy for a number of reasons:

He is a firefighter, so he risks his lives for those of us in Overland Park.

He is a cyclist.

He hosted this event.

He put up with my incessant yammering.

He brought chocolate milk.

If this were England, he would be knighted. Seriously, thanks for putting this on for us. It was appreciated. I hope to see some other bikers at tomorrow and Friday's events.

On the way in this morning I counted 5 other bike commuters. Okay, I rode an extra 18 miles, but these 5 were the first other commuters I've seen this week, so they still count.

Another Bike to Work Week

Temperature at departure = 46° F (8° C)

Sure, it was a little cool this morning, but I had hoped to see more cyclists out for Bike to Work Week. Today I encountered 0 other cyclists. Looks like we might have a re-run of last year's B2WW. I hope not.

There are three events scheduled for Overland Park that I'm going to try to make. Each one will be a bit out of my way (Wednesday I'll have to ride the 24 mile route to catch a free breakfast). Still, I'm looking forward to seeing a few fellow bike commuters.

Found via Eric's kcbike.info calendar:

Wed, May 14, 6:30am – 8:30am
Overland Park Breakfast Break by Fire Station #3 at 13801 Switzer. Morning snacks on the way into work.

Thu, May 15, 6:30am – 8:30am
Overland Park Breakfast Break at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell. More free snacks.

Fri, May 16, 6:30am – 8:30am
Overland Park Breakfast Break at Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty.

Aquaman

Temperature at departure = 56° F (13° C)

I have come to the conclusion that when there is a question as to whether or not it is going to be raining during my commute, I will listen to the local meteorologists predictions and assume the opposite will occur.



Three rides within the last week have proved the point. Two days (including today) we were told the rain was over and it came back in the middle of my ride. One day they said there was an 80% chance of rain so I rode and it was dry the whole day. Like I said last Friday, riding in light rain isn't that bad, but I need to get some appropriate gear.

Bike News Glut

This is what I get for not checking my RSS feed for a few days.

More folding bikes on London trains are creating more rush-hour resentment. I love this quote:

"A Brompton folding bicycle, it's the bowler hat of modern commuting"

From WEEK-TV in Illinois, "Please Don’t Squeeze" – starts today and is funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Division of Traffic Safety to the League of Illinois Bicyclists (LIB). The radio campaign aims to educate drivers about the new law requiring motorists to give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing.


The Denver Post discusses Share the Road license plates, Bicycle Colorado and gives some handy advice on riding safely.


In central Texas, the King's Daughters Clinic and Texas Medical Association are teaming up to give away 700 helmets and 4 bicycles to boys and girls in the community.


Green Bay Cyclist builds "Franken-bike" while volunteering in New Orleans and decided to ride it home. Cool video.


From Charlotte, NC: With gas prices up, you'd think more people would be out on their bicycles for their commute.

"Not so, says Ethan Grossman, who opened Black Sheep Cycles three years ago."

The LA Times has a nice article about the Trek Lime.


And with 136 stories to go, I'm giving up and marking them all as "read."

Duck Season, Wabbit Season

Temperature at departure = 62° F (17° C)

I don't know what possessed me to take a short hop over to 95th between Metcalf and Nall, but I did. As I was headed to the east the SUV in front of me rolled over a pair of mallards. The male and female looked dazed, but not seriously hurt as I slowed down a bit so I wouldn't hit them. This did not improve the mood of Mr. Furious in the SUV behind me.

Temperature rising, vision blurring, rage taking over ... he summoned his super powers and HONKED HIS HORN! Yeah, that taught me a lesson by golly. Anyways, the ducks moved off to the sidewalk and I smiled and waved to the driver as I turned the corner on Lamar. I'm sure he was thinking of a great comeback...



Back on the path and I was dodging rabbits right and left -- along with wild turkey and woodchucks. Weird morning.

Ill Advised

Temperature at departure = 55° F (13° C)

Since we had rather severe weather overnight, I checked the forecast this morning prior to deciding whether or not to ride my bike. If you commute by bike in Overland Park, or anywhere for that matter, you do the same...

Weather.com - Mostly cloudy today (no rain in the forecast).
KMBZ-AM (using Channel 9's meteorologist) - The rain is over.
Channel 4 - The rain is out of here.

It looked like the streets were drying out, so I headed towards the high school to drop off a check and then continue on into work.



Of course, when I left the school building to retrieve my bike from the otherwise empty rack, it was raining lightly. I pulled out onto 107th, headed towards Lamar when a wind gust blew me off the road and into the gutter. I decided against riding the rest of the way in traffic (which had been my intention) and headed towards my beloved Indian Creek Trail.

The ride was a slow one. There were several areas where the water covered the trail by a couple inches; thank goodness for disk brakes. So, this is the first time in my adult life where I've ridden in the rain. Wasn't a bad ride, but if I'm going to do it again I'm going to need to find some different gear.

Oh, one last thing -- even though the weather wasn't optimal, I was joined at two different stop signs by other bike commuters. They both commented on my $0.00 9/10 patch. Anecdotal evidence indicates that there are more people in my area commuting by bicycle.

This Wind is for the Birds

Temperature at departure = 66° F (19° C)

If you are riding your bike south in Overland Park, or anywhere in the Kansas City area today, there is no need to use your brakes; simply stop pedaling. 28 MPH winds, gusting to 38 MPH. I did NOT take the long way today.



Okay, this little guy is driving me nuts this morning. He keeps hitting my window and won't go away. Since he is a woodpecker, I don't know that the hits he is making will hurt him, but I hope he moves on soon.

While I'm at it, the wreath next to our front door is once again home to a robin's nest. Every time we open the door momma bird flutters like crazy and heads over to a tree to start scolding us. I wonder how many will make it this year...



We get bird's nests here twice a year. I kind of like it, but it freaks out a couple of my kids.

High and Mighty

Temperature at departure = 54° F (12° C)

It was a beautiful morning and I decided to take the long way again. About 12 miles into the ride I became very philosophical as I realized I was looking around at my surroundings more and looking at the bike computer less. I mused to myself that the nice thing about riding this route for my commute a second time allowed me to focus less on figuring out where I was going and more on the things around me that I'd missed before -- like that tennis court and swimming pool. It was so weird that I didn't remember those from Monday. And then the path ended abruptly.

Yep, sometimes I am an idiot. I took a wrong turn and added an extra 0.7 miles to this morning's ride. Doofus. After getting back on track, and in keeping with last night's post, I shifted down to make it up this hill.



The camera is being held level and although it may not look like much, this hill is a challenge.

For those of you who occasionally use the Indian Creek Trail ... the detour I previewed a couple weeks ago will be opening in a few weeks. I got the following from the engineering firm that is working on the project:

"The bike/hike trail is scheduled to open once work is completed north of the noise walls in the area and the major work on the bridges over the trail, possibly within then next two weeks, depending on the weather; unfortunately more rain is in the forecast, which could slow progress. As of this morning, the contractor is placing sod along the trail and painting the noise walls."

Soon. Very soon.

In Praise of Lower Gears

Recent changes to my routes have meant more hilly terrain during my rides. During this time I’ve used gear combinations which I have never used before. I should say that I never dared use before.

For some reason, over the last few decades I’ve come to think of using higher gears as the manly choice. Heaven forbid someone catch me slipping down to “granny gears.” Somehow, in my mind, I settled upon the idea that higher gears meant a better workout and lower gears were the wimpy way out. College Boulevard, just west of State Line, changed all of that.



View Larger Map

I’ve mentioned the hill a couple times in the last few weeks – 0.3 miles uphill with a 29% grade at one point. My first trip up that hill found me set in my ways and struggling to muscle out the climb. It wasn’t fun. During my second trip I down shifted and remember my inner monologue going something like “well, that’s why they made those gears…” I made it to the top of the hill quicker and with, seemingly, less effort. Sure, I was pedaling like a mad man, but my speedometer showed an increase of 1.5 MPH over the previous day’s hammer-fest.

Seeking to justify this change in attitude, I harnessed the power of the internet and searched for “Bicycle RPM Gears Fat Strength” and came up with some very interesting information. According to this wonderful article at Active.com, “Why fast pedaling makes cyclists more efficient,” higher pedaling speeds are more economical and burn more fat. High pedaling rates also preserve glycogen in fast-twitch muscle fibers, meaning more energy available during the closing moments of a race.

In one case the cyclists pedaled their bikes at 50 revolutions per minute (rpm) while using a high gear. In the second case, the athletes pedaled in a low gear at 100 rpm. The athletes were traveling at identical speeds in the two instances, so their leg-muscle contractions were quite forceful at 50 rpm and moderate -- but more frequent -- at 100 rpm.

As it turned out, the athletes' oxygen consumption rates were nearly identical in the two cases, and heart and breathing rates, total rate of power production, and blood lactate levels were also similar.

However, athletes broke down the carbohydrate in their muscles at a greater rate when the 50 rpm strategy was used, while the 100 rpm cadence produced a greater reliance on fat.

And then there’s Lance. The Wikipedia entry on Lance Armstrong mentions his riding style.

Armstrong has a low lactate threshold and can maintain a higher cadence (often 120 rpm) in a lower gear than his competitors, most noticeably in the time trials. This style is in direct contrast to previous champions (such as Jan Ullrich and Greg LeMond) who used a high gear and great strength to win time trials. It is believed that a high cadence results in less fatigue in the leg muscles than a lower cadence requiring more severe leg muscle contractions. Ultimately the cardiovascular system is worked to a greater extent with a high cadence than with a lower, more muscular cadence. Because the leg muscles are taxed less with a high cadence pedaling style, they recover faster, and the efforts can be sustained for longer periods of time. Armstrong dedicated a significant portion of his training to developing and maintaining a high cadence style.

So there it is, I’m going to embrace hill climbing and do my best to maintain my typical average MPH while using a lower gear for a few weeks to see if I notice a difference.

Some Bike News

Came across the following and thought I'd pass them along:

Seattlepi.com has a nice article up discussing how riding up hills makes for a better workout. I typically try to plan my route to be as flat as I can make it ... but I agree that the ocassional hill is a nice change.

"It's a lot like skiing once you get into it," explained Undem. "There is a lot of technique."

Some highlights: Sit more upright in the bike saddle when you're climbing a hill. Don't pull your arms back too hard or too much when navigating the upward slope. And breathe deeply as you work.

One more tip for climbers that applies to all cyclists as they roll back outside this spring. Undem said too many recreational riders forget to drink water during the ride and eat something if they are going more than a hour nonstop. Sports nutritionist will suggest a snack and water is good idea some time in the hour before your ride.

And from the New York Times: It's All About the Bike

The article refers to the Strategic Plan for the New York City Department of Transportation 2008 and Beyond, which you can peruse HERE

New York's high density and flat terrain make it an ideal city for cycling. New York City DOT is creating safer bicycle facilities and more bicycle parking to protect existing cyclists and attract new ones. Based on our bicycle counts, we estimate that commuter cycling has grown by 77% between 2000 and 2007, but cycling still accounts for less than 1% of all commuter trips in New York City. Our goal is to double the number of bicycle commuters by 2015 and triple it by 2020.

To promote cycling, we will build 200 new lane-miles of bicycle facilities by 2009 and 15 miles of protected bike lanes by 2010. We will also work to ensure completion of the city’s 1,800 mile bicycle master plan and install 5,000 new CityRacks by 2011. We are also pursuing legislation that will require large commercial buildings to provide indoor bike parking. We are committed not just to quantity but also quality. Our innovative new designs for on-street protected bicycle lanes and high-visibility green painted lanes prevent double parking and promote more awareness of cyclists. We are also reclaiming street space for bicycle parking in heavily-cycled areas that need it the most.

Also in the plan:

o Test new lane designs, expand implementation of designs that work well
o Install 37 bicycle parking shelters by 2011.
o Conduct design competition to develop a new, better–looking CityRack.

Took the Long Way

Temperature at departure = 42° F (6° C)

If I were to take the direct route to my office, it would be a 3.7 mile ride in. I normally add an extra loop of the bike path to make my morning ride 6.1 miles. Not today.

It was a chilly morning, but the sun was shining and the cooler temperatures would mean less people on the Indian Creek Bike Path. The redbud trees are in bloom, as you can see below and, to be honest, I just needed to burn off some energy or stress or whatever.



This morning's route -- 24.3 miles. Feeling better.

My Dad

That is Dad and me this last July 4th. My dad finally got to go home Tuesday morning. My brother and I were both with him when he slipped away, peacefully. I can't tell you how much I'm going to miss him.

We met with his pastor this morning and let him know that Dad's confirmation verse was Romans 12:21 "Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good." The pastor said "That was prophetic..." Yep. In fact, pastor has decided that he'll now always think of Romans 12 as Leonard's chapter. Read verses 9 through 21 and you'll get a good picture of my dad. Seriously, we started reading and checking things off the list.

Anyway, I hope you'll pardon me if I take a few more days off.

Way to go Atlanta

Temperature at departure = 64° F (18° C)

Some more quick news and I may be out for a few days.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution has an article featuring an East Atlanta bike co-op. Cool idea. "The head line reads: Non-profit bike shop gets cyclists in gear" In talking with the owner of my local bike shop, I sorta thought all bike shops were non-profit... I like the idea of being able to work on my bikes but not having to shell out for the expensive gear that it takes to do it right. I think I'd use a service like this, but don't see it happening in OP soon. The Atlanta shop is open 7-10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 2-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

SoPo Bicycle Co-op, a nonprofit bike shop and maintenance space in East Atlanta. In 12 hours each week, it offers bicycle education to daredevilish kids bored with TV, young adult commuters who can't afford cars, middle-aged parents remembering how to pedal and retirees who want a workout.

The AJC has a couple other articles today as well -- and good for them:

Bike tour gives riders closer look at Beltline

The inaugural Beltline Bike Tour, sponsored by the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign in cooperation with the Beltline Partnership, took cyclists on a journey stretching from a parking lot along North Avenue behind City Hall East, the future site of a Beltline park, to Rose Circle Park in the West End, where Beltline construction has already begun.

One of the largest public works projects in the city's history, the Beltline will follow old railroad rights of way and touch 45 neighborhoods. The corridor will include parks, trails, travel corridors and new and commercial development.

and

Of bicycles, tight pants and the distance between Savannah and the Capitol

...discusses Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle's participation in the Tour de Georgia, a from Tybee Island to Savannah which starts today.