Friday, August 31, 2012

Bike on over to the Northerly Island Visitor's Center

Family Fishing Days


9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Northerly Island Visitor's Center

1400 S. Linn White Drive

Chicago, IL , 60605

Enjoy free fishing fun at Northerly Island!

Fee: free

Catch a big one, or a small one, at Family Fishing Days at Northerly Island. All supplies are provided, including fishing rods and bait, as well as experienced and friendly instructors. Fishing takes place just outside the front of the Northerly Island Visitor's Center. Bathrooms are available at the visitor's center, and metered parking costs $1 per hour. This event is ADA accessible. Catch a fish and a lot of fun at Northerly Island.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

A Bicycle Built for you: Chicago's hand-built bike movement

Check out this interesting read in the August 27, 2012 issue of Crain's



http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120825/ISSUE03/308259989?template=mobile&X-IgnoreUserAgent=1

I can't get the link to work, but try pasting this into your browser. 

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Hero Surgeon

When Dr. Catherine Baucom found herself stuck in traffic in Baton Rouge, La., the hero surgeon leapt into action to ensure she made it to surgery. Dr. Baucom dropped into a nearby friend's house and asked to borrow a bike. The only one available was a kid's bike, but the nearly six-foot-tall medical professional donned a pink princess helmet and hopped on. During her half-hour bike ride to surgery, Dr. Baucom was stopped by police, who escorted the surgeon, still pedaling, the rest of the way. Dr. Baucom’s patient was grateful for her efforts, with Dr. Baucom saying of her patients, "I felt like I needed to get there for them."

Thanks to MSN for this story

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Bicycles and Art

Deineka’s work, although figurative, is strikingly modernist in style with its large flattened areas of bright colors. Trained not as a painter but as a graphic artist, he also produced popular posters with collectivist themes, glorifying work and the future of the Soviet Union. Deineka’s paintings introduced convincing depictions of the Soviet “New Person” dreamed of by Russian revolutionaries. To meet state-imposed guidelines, the heroes and heroines of Socialist Realist painting were required to be recognizable and appealing to the public and the embodiment of a social thesis. The New Person in the painting of the 1930s was inevitably healthy, typically smiling, and often engaged in vigorous activity.


Collective Farm Worker on a Bicycle is considered one of the key works of early Socialist Realism. Socialist Realism of the 1930s was a highly symbolic visual language filled with both romance and lyrical distortion of reality. Deineka and his colleagues strove to transmit the idea that a new and improved society would be achieved through the application of collectivism and technology. Nowhere was the basic premise of Socialist Realism—the promised bright future—more apparent than in paintings showing life on the collective farms. Here the sun shone, modern farm machinery was available (although in fact the proportions of collective farms provided with tractors in the 1930s was not high), and the anguish of collectivization was nowhere to be seen. Deineka’s painting put an idyllic gloss on country life, showing the land and its people transformed by technology and modern farming techniques. A truck visible in the background and the shiny bicycle, still rare commodities in the Soviet countryside, would have been easily read by contemporaries as desired symbols of modernity.



Monday, August 27, 2012

Happy Birthday, Pee Wee!

Burning Man

August 27th - September 3rd

Once a year, tens of thousands of participants gather in Nevada's Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. They depart one week later, having left no trace whatsoever. Burning Man is also an ever-expanding year round culture based on the Ten Principles

burningman.com

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Bicycle Power, Up North

There are no cars in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Aside from a few trucks, snowmobiles are the preferred form of transportation for much of the year in the hamlet high in the Canadian Arctic.


And given that only 1,477 people live in Cambridge Bay, and that the population lives on about a quarter of a square mile, probably no part of it is unknown to its residents.

All that would suggest that Google Street View has limited value there. But a pitch to Google from an Inuit man brought a tricycle fitted with Google’s camera system to the streets of Cambridge Bay on Monday as part of what the company expects to become a long-term project in Canada’s Far North.

The Inuit man, Chris Kalluk, said he approached Google with the idea of bringing Street View to the Arctic last year as a way to educate the rest of the world about the region. “People that have never been in the north, past trees, in communities you can only get to by airplanes; they just don’t know,” Mr. Kalluk said by telephone from Cambridge Bay, where he has lived most of his life. “They wonder if we live in igloos and travel by dog team. I spoke with an elder the other day who said that the land belongs to all the people, so everyone should be able to see it.”

Fishing and hunting trips, often covering long distances, remain an important part of life for the Inuit in Cambridge Bay, or Ikaluktutiak as its known in the native Inuinnaqtun language. But because magnetic compasses do not work in the far north, paper maps were rarely used for navigation in the past.

“People got around by recognition,” said Mr. Kalluk, 28, who is a geographical information systems coordinator for Nunavut Tunngavik, an organization that manages land claim settlements between the Inuit and the federal government and runs wildlife management programs. 

Thank you NYT for this article 



Saturday, August 25, 2012

PedalPub Chicago

The PedalPub® is the Bike with the Barrel!® The mission is to provide a fun, safe, environmentally-friendly way for groups of eight to sixteen adults to get some light exercise and fresh air while touring interesting parts of town on a big Dutch-made bike. They actively partner with local businesses and non-profits interested in bike safety, the environment, and fun!


For a chance at a free "test run" tour - join our "Friends of the PedalPub®" Email List. Write them at chicago@pedalpub.com



Friday, August 24, 2012

SCARCE Recycling Extravaganza

The next Recycling Extravaganza at SCARCE will be August 25, from 8-11.


Note: Limit on Paper Shredding is 3 boxes/car

Also accepting:

•books (any type)

•holiday lights

bicycles - working or non working

•bicycle accessories - helmets, baskets, trailers, etc.

•school and office supplies

•keys - household, luggage, car

•canning equipment

•Ink & Toner cartridges

•Cell Phones

•Eye Glasses

•American Flags

•Wine Corks
http://www.scarceecoed.org/recycling/scarce-recycling-extravaganza.html
•Crayons - new, used, broken

•Altoid Mint Boxes

•Yarn

•Craft/Art Supplies

•LP Records

799 Roosevelt Rd  Building 2, Suite 108  Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 

http://www.scarceecoed.org/recycling/scarce-recycling-extravaganza.html

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Redmond, Washington

Heading West for a vacation?  Consider Redmond, Washington, the Bicycle Capitol of the Northwest and one of the five best places to live per Money Magazine.  

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Shipping Party - Today

We will load a container of road bikes and cruisers for our partners, the New Orleans Community Bike Project. 

Today from Noon - 4:00.  Try it, you'll like it!

Ride your bike to the Pritzker Pavillion at Millenium Park to see My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket formed at the tail-end of the 1990s, when Jim James’ group Month Of Sundays folded, and he began recording new songs with ex-members of local rockers Winter Death Club. At Above The Cadillac Studios – in reality, a shed on the grounds of guitarist Johnny Quaid’s grandparents’ farm – the group took shape, drawing upon their rich knowledge of classic rock, country, soul and psychedelia, and spinning these influences into fresh, life-affirming rock’n’roll and aching, haunting balladry. My Morning Jacket made their early reputation off the three sublime albums they recorded at Above The Cadillac – 1999’s The Tennessee Fire, 2001’s At Dawn and 2003’s It Still Moves – and legendary live shows that proved here was a truly magical group for the ages. It Still Moves marked a move to the major labels for the group, while its heavy touring cycle prompted the amicable exit of Quaid and keyboardist Danny Cash from the ranks.


“The new record, Circuital, is named after the title song,” explains Jim James, of My Morning Jacket’s sixth studio album. “On that song I sing about ending up in the same place where you started out. And that makes a lot of sense for this album… I hate the phrase ‘going back to our roots’, but for this record we came home and made it in Kentucky. And it just felt a lot like it did when we were first starting out...”

Showtime is 6 PM sharp. Early arrival on the night of the concert is encouraged. Bags and coolers will be checked at entry. Prohibited items will be confiscated. The concert will take place rain or shine.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Soles and Spokes Workshop: Designing for Bicycle Safety

The CMAP Soles and Spokes workshop, Designing for Bicycle Safety, is full. However, if you would like to be placed a waiting-list, please email John O'Neal at joneal@cmap.illinois.gov.

The APA-CMS panel discussion on "Bicycle Planning in the Chicago Region" is still accepting registrations. To RSVP for this, please email cms@ilapa.orgor contact tvanadilok@TeskaAssociates.com.

The workshop will take place from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm at the CMAP offices in the Willis Tower in Chicago, with an additional optional discussion "Bicycle Planning in the Chicago Region" discussion from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This one-day workshop focuses on new bicycle facility design guidance and recent design innovations. The day will include:

A keynote address by Martha Roskowski of the Bikes Belong Foundation's Green Lane Project. This project is working with Chicago and five other cities to help build a world-class cycling network on city streets. Randy Neufeld will also speak about the Chicago effort, and what it could mean for the region.

A six-hour course taught by John LaPlante, PE, PTOE, "Designing for Bicycle Safety," providing an overview of the new AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, with an emphasis on the safe and effective design of on-road bikeways. 6.5 PDH units will be provided.

Lunch-time presentations of local case studies exemplifying good practices in bicycle facility and bicycle program development.

Additional late-afternoon American Planning Association/Chicago Metro Section panel discussion "Bicycle Planning in the Chicago Region" (additional fee applies, APA CM Credits pending). See www.ilapa.org/CMS.html.

Registration by 8/21/2012: $35.00;

Registration after 8/21/2012: $45.00;

Illinois APA/Chicago Metro Section Event: Additional $15.00

Note: Registration for the APA/CMS panel discussion "Bicycle Planning in the Chicago Region is $15.00, which can be paid at the door or added to any Soles and Spokes workshop registration. Soles and Spokes workshop registration is not necessary to attend the APA/CMS event.





Monday, August 20, 2012

Seth Geyer Photography

Forward us a photo of your bike in a beautiful setting and we'll post it on our blog. 

Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Wrigley Field Road Tour

The Wrigley Field Road Tour is an annual 100-mile charity bike ride led by Chicago Cubs Board Member Todd Ricketts and SRAM Executive Vice President, F.K. Day, to benefit the global work of World Bicycle Relief and the local work of Chicago Cubs Charities. This year, the ride starts and ends at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, and will conclude with an unforgettable party on the field including live music, bouncy castles for kids, and of course food and drinks. Whether a first-time century rider or a seasoned pro, The Wrigley Field Road Tour is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a beautiful century ride and experience the magic of Wrigley Field, all while making a world of difference.

Wrigley Field Road Tour...100 Miles to Go

Aug 19th 2012, 8:00 a.m.

All riders receive a jersey, t-shirt, catered lunch, entry to our post-ride party on Wrigley Field & goody bag.

Riders who raise $1,000 or more will be entered into our premium prize drawing and be able to bring one guest to the post-ride party on Wrigley Field.

Limited Spots Available!

REGISTER AND START FUNDRAISING TODAY

Registration and Minimum Fundraising Amount: $500 (due at registration

Saturday, August 18, 2012

The Urban Assault Ride

The Urban Assault Ride™ is the biggest Bicycle Obstacle Event series in the nation! Here's how it works: You and your teammate will set out on a city-wide quest for 'checkpoints' on your favorite two-wheeled steeds. At each checkpoint, you'll drop your bikes and complete a funky/adventurous obstacle course, then remount your bikes and hit the streets for more.


The goal is to complete all the checkpoints in the shortest amount of time. You choose your own route and checkpoint order. This means that the most clever are often the victors. Of course, it may also help if you can pull a mean big-wheel powerslide and fly across an inflatable slip-n-slide ;)

After your pedal-powered adventure, your team will cross the finish line and enter a massive celebration of New Belgium Brewing Co's whimsical ways, bikes, and big wheels. The after party is just as much fun as the ride itself, thanks to the craziest raffle prize contest you'll ever experience.

Pick a partner and they will see you there!!

Chicago, IL - Sunday August 19, 2012 Benefitting Break the Gridlock

ChiTown - the most URBAN of the Urban Assault Rides. The Windy City will be even WINDIER when our Urban Athletes fly down the streets!

Price: Only $30 -60/person! (Sign up early for the best prices) You'll get a 100% cotton t-shirt, a couple of free beers at the after party, some great swag from our sponsors, and entered into some contests to win even more great prizes!

Online Registration closes Friday, August 17th, at 4pm.
Packet Pick Up: (Saturday 8/18 11am-2pm) (LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP!!!)
Murphy's Bleachers 3655 North Sheffield
VIP Package: $10/person
Includes:
•100% Cotton Urban Assault Ride T-Shirt

•Custom Urban Assault Ride waterbottle

•Surly Junk Strap

•Super Quick Check-In on SUNDAY morning (you DO NOT need to come to packet pickup on Saturday with the VIP Package)

Start/Finish: (Sunday 8/19 at 9am)

Murphy's Bleachers 3655 North Sheffield


Friday, August 17, 2012

The Ultimate Pedaling Machine

The name BMW usually conjures up images of fast cars driven by hipsters and powerful motorcycles, but lately they've been showing us their greener side. The latest concept in this push is the i Pedelec, a folding electric bike for city commuters.


The i Pedalec is designed to be a companion to the i3 concept car we saw last year, with charging ports and space for two i Pedalecs inside the i3'S trunk. Once you're on the road, the i Pedalec's electric motor is only used to provide a boost for your pedaling, leaving you to do a lot of the work. Depending on what hills you encounter and your weight, the battery is good for about 15-25 miles, which should be plenty to get you from the train station to your office.

The bike has been designed so it folds in just a couple of seconds, at which point it can still be pushed along by hand while rolling on its wheels. That's a good plan considering its hefty 44 pound weight. Built from carbon fiber and aluminum, the i Pedalec includes some nifty high-tech features like regenerative braking that charges the battery as you slow down, and hydraulic disc brakes.

Most concept cars never actually end up getting built, but I think it would be really cool if BMW decided to built this even if they don't go with the companion i3 concept car.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Back to School Bicycle Safety Tips

Summer break will be over in a few weeks and your child may be riding to school on their bicycle for the first-time. There are a few tips and practices that you and your child can do to help ensure that their trip to school and back is safer and accident free.


You can help prepare your child for a safer ride by:

•Making sure that their helmet fits properly. The rule is that the front of their helmet should sit as low as two finger widths above their eyebrow.

•Making sure that they are riding a bike that is correct for their size.

•Making sure that their bike has a red reflector on the back and a white light on front to help drivers see them when visibility is low.

•Reminding them to be extra careful around driveways, intersections and park vehicles.

•Reminding them to follow the rules of the road and not to take any unnecessary risks.

•Planning out a main route and alternative route to and from school for your child to take. Additionally, you can ride the route with them a few times prior to school starting to help them feel more comfortable with road traffic and their surroundings.

Your child can prepare for a safer ride by:

•Checking their bike before they ride to make sure that their chain is okay, they have air in their tires and that their brakes are working.

•Putting their helmet on before they ride.

•Making sure they ride with the flow of traffic and are always using their eyes and ears to check for possible road dangers.

•Crossing the road at intersections after checking right and left and then walking their bike across when it is safe to do so.

•Always assuming that drivers cannot see them, therefore they need to be extra cautious.

•Stay away from strangers and never accept a ride or anything that they may try to give them. They should also report the incident to their parent / guardian and a teacher.

•Finding a buddy or two to ride with when possible.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Olympic Gold

LONDON (AP)


Former world champion Mariana Pajon won the women's BMX competition, giving Colombia its first gold at the London Olympics last Friday.

Pajon, her country's flagbearer at the opening ceremony, led from the start on the challenging course and crossed the line in 37.706 seconds after a flawless run.
With David Beckham watching from the stands, Pajon hit form at the right time after being hampered by a shoulder injury earlier this season.
''I've been trying to win this my whole life. I just wanted go out of the gate and win it. It's unbelievable,'' she said.

Seconds after crossing the line, Pajon blew kisses to the capacity crowd as members of the Colombian team started to celebrate. She then was cheered by a couple dozen Colombian fans packed into a small section of the stands.

Pajon credited her win on the dangerous and technical course to the quick start coming out of the first corner ahead of her rivals. Pajon had posted three consecutive wins in the semifinals earlier Friday.

''I have tried so hard for it, and I just did it,'' she said. ''I felt really strong, I had really good gates and that's it. I really had fun on it. ... I have to wake up tomorrow and realize what I have just won.''

Sarah Walker of New Zealand claimed silver and Laura Smulders of the Netherlands took bronze.
Home favorite Shanaze Reade of Britain, who crashed out of the final in Beijing four years ago, was never in contention and ended sixth.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

WTS After Work Bike Ride

You don't have to be a serious biker to enjoy this event, so please join WTS!

WTS After Work Bike Ride on August 14, 2012

Come out and ride a tour of the near south side that will take you to places you’ve never seen from your car as well as new developments and elevations you didn’t think existed in the city. An easy 14 mile ride, with a break or two, means that you’ll have plenty of time to bike, chat and still get home in time for dinner.

Meet at McDonald’s Cycle Center at 239 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601 no later than 5:30 for bike rental (rates are here: http://www.chicagobikestation.com/rentals.htm, 2 hour minimum) or bring your own bike for a quick check up to make sure the ride is an enjoyable post-work stress reliever.

Departure at 5:40, to allow some time for a review of how to bike in a group. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Mary DeBacker at debacker@pbworld.com. They hope to see you there!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Northbrook REI - Free Bike Maintenance Basics Class



Routine maintenance on your bike can keep you riding smooth and prolong the life of your bike. This class is an informative presentation that will teach you how to lube a chain, fix a flat tire in record time. No experience necessary. Participants do not need to bring their bikes for this class.

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

888 Willow Rd
Northbrook
847 480-1938




Sunday, August 12, 2012

16th Annual Rotary Ride - Naperville

Rotary Club of Naperville/South AM will host the 16th Annual Rotary Ride on Sun., Aug. 12. All levels of bicyclists are welcome. Start at Commissioners Park, 6:30AM-3PM. Commissioners Park is located at 3704 111th St. INFO: http://rcnsouth.clubexpress.com/rotaryride.




Saturday, August 11, 2012

Bike the Trail

Event Description: Frankfort, IL: Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) has teamed up with the Village of Frankfort and Frankfort Park District to bring residents the first annual Bike the Trail Event. This family bike ride will be held on Saturday, August 11th at Breidert Green where registration begins at 10am at the parkway adjoining Old Plank Community Trail. All proceeds will benefit LWSRA’s Special Olympics programming that runs year round and features track and field, bowling, basketball, softball, tennis, volleyball, downhill snow skiing, golf, bocce and swimming for individuals with developmental disabilities in the areas of Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, Manhattan, Peotone and surrounding areas.


The ride will feature three routes all beginning and ending at Breidert Green with differing lengths for all different skilled bike riders. Bike the Trail is $10 for adults and $5 for all children 13 and under. All participants will receive a Bike the Trail t-shirt provided by event sponsors Adam’s Bike Shop and First United Bank. First United Bank will also provide trail mix for all participants pre-ride. Adam’s Bike Shop will also help out with any bicycle maintenance that might be needed before the ride begins after the 10am registration. Volunteers and clear signage will be provided along the ride with the longest route featuring a water station sponsored by Feil Water Treatment in New Lenox.



Friday, August 10, 2012

Olympic BMX Results

LONDON (AP)


Former world champion Mariana Pajon won the women's BMX competition, giving Colombia its first gold at the London Olympics on Friday.

Pajon, her country's flagbearer at the opening ceremony, led from the start on the challenging course and crossed the line in 37.706 seconds after a flawless run.
With David Beckham watching from the stands, Pajon hit form at the right time after being hampered by a shoulder injury earlier this season.

''I've been trying to win this my whole life. I just wanted go out of the gate and win it. It's unbelievable,'' she said.

Seconds after crossing the line, Pajon blew kisses to the capacity crowd as members of the Colombian team started to celebrate. She then was cheered by a couple dozen Colombian fans packed into a small section of the stands.

Pajon credited her win on the dangerous and technical course to the quick start coming out of the first corner ahead of her rivals. Pajon had posted three consecutive wins in the semifinals earlier Friday.

''I have tried so hard for it, and I just did it,'' she said. ''I felt really strong, I had really good gates and that's it. I really had fun on it. ... I have to wake up tomorrow and realize what I have just won.''
Sarah Walker of New Zealand claimed silver and Laura Smulders of the Netherlands took bronze.
Home favorite Shanaze Reade of Britain, who crashed out of the final in Beijing four years ago, was never in contention and ended sixth.

''The race schedule has been pretty hard, with the back-to-back laps,'' she said. ''It's been hard to recover. I just tried to stay focused and do my absolute best, but today it just wasn't good enough.''
Reade praised Pajon for her consecutive wins in the semifinals and final.
''I don't know how she's gone today, but she's obviously a fantastic athlete,'' Reade said.


Parlee weekend @ Velosmith Bicycle Studio

Parlee weekend at Velosmith Bicycle Studio
http://www.velosmith.com/category/all/

August 10-11, 2012 805 Ridge Rd. Wilmette, IL 60091

Demo Day, Meet Bob Parlee, and Ride!

Beginning to research a new road, triathlon, or cyclo-cross bike?
Ever wonder how a Parlee Z5 or Z1 rides?

Join them on August 10-11, 2012 to welcome Bob Parlee and test ride a Parlee at Velosmith’s Parlee Demo Day!

Friday, August 10, 2012

4:00 – 6:00PM – Free demo bike fitting for Saturday morning ride. Bring your own pedals and saddle if you wish.

7:00PM – 8:30PM – Enjoy a free talk by Bob Parlee about composites, building carbon fiber frames, and the history of Parlee.

Don’t miss this annual opportunity to meet Bob Parlee and test ride some super light, super comfortable, and wicked high-performing Parlees. With a spectrum of models available, this bike fleet can’t be missed!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

7:30 AM – Experience the amazing ride of a Parlee on a group ride.

Two ride options will be available:

•30 mile ride – A conversational pace ride from Velosmith to Fort Sheridan and back.

•50 mile ride – A faster-paced ride from Velosmith through some rolling terrain and fast sections.

Have a specific model in mind already? Call them and they will be sure to reserve one for you to test ride!



Thursday, August 9, 2012

Roger DeLanghe Trophy Bike Race

Roger DeLanghe Trophy Bike Race

Northbrook, IL 60062 ... in Northbrook Aug 9, 2012 6:45 PM

This premier race is a salute to Roger DeLanghe who has made countless contributions to cycling over the years. Brutally fast, this 50 lap scratch race contest pays the top 25 riders and offers the largest total purse of the season. If a rider can finish the race, they usually end up in the money. This night of racing features the most prime laden race of the season. Crowd favorites are the 4-place “mid-way sprint prime” at 25 laps and the 2-place “gamblers” prime at 2 laps to go.


Each year the winner’s name is engraved onto one of the most impressive trophies in cycling. An image of the tropy as well as a short video of a past race is available at the northbrookvelodrome.org website under the results tab. The trophy’s home during the off-season is in the trophy case at Northbrook Park District Sports Complex on the 1700 block of Pfingsten road in Northbrook. Please join them for this special night of racing.

The Trophy Race honors the legendary Roger DeLanghe, an icon on the Midwest race scene. Since his emigration from Belgium years ago, Roger has worked tirelessly to promote bike racing throughout the region, culminating in the addition of the Quad Cities Criterium to the USA Cycling’s National Racing Calendar.

The DeLanghe Lion listing was created to honor racers who return year after year to compete in the Roger DeLanghe Trophy. Points are assigned for their all time placing and consistency rewards those are able to maintain or improve their placing.

1500 Maple Avenue

Northbrook, IL

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Squeezed by debt crisis, Greeks ditch cars for bikes

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece's dire economic plight has forced thousands of businesses to close, thrown one in five out of work and eroded the living standards of millions. But for bicycle-maker Giorgos Vogiatzis, it's not all bad news.


The crisis has put cash-strapped Greeks on their bikes - once snubbed as a sign of poverty or just plain risky - and Greek manufacturers are shifting into fast gear.

The high cost of road tax, fuel and repairs is forcing Greeks to ditch their cars in huge numbers. According to the government's statistics office, the number of cars on Greek roads declined by more than 40 percent in each of the last two years. Meanwhile, more than 200,000 bikes were sold in 2011, up about a quarter from the previous year.

Shops selling bicycles, and equipment ranging from helmets to knee pads, are spreading fast across the capital, popping up even between souvenir shops on the cobbled pedestrian streets of the touristy Plaka district.

"They're sprouting up like mushrooms," said Vogiatzis, who designs and builds tailor-made bicycles in his workshop on the Aegean island of Rhodes.

A former cyclist on Greece's national team, Vogiatzis opened his business in the mid-80s, combining his love for drawing and mathematics, but only recently watched sales boom from a modest 40 bikes a year to over 350.

"There's no more money for luxuries and that helps," said Vogiatzis, who works away furiously with two other staff to meet demand for all sorts of bikes - some lavishly hand-painted in glitter, others flaunting the Greek flag.

"People who were never interested in cycling are buying bikes," he added. Vogiatzis now exports to seven countries including Germany and the United States, and opened shops across Greece, including in Athens where competition is fierce.

A far cry from the shuttered shopfronts in the capital that have become a painful reminder of the country's worst downturn since World War Two, bike shop owners estimate that at least one store opened every month in 2011.

Vogiatzis laughed: "Every neighborhood has its bike shop just as it's got its kebab shop."

In austerity Greece, the once lowly bike is winning new fans every day, from middle-aged commuters who relied on their cars to those who poked fun at former prime minister George Papanadreou's penchant for cycling as not being macho enough.

The new national fashion has even prompted the Athens mayor to start working on a public bike hire scheme similar to those in other European capitals - a first for a city where the few cycling lanes are often dotted with pine trees or parked cars.

The lack of infrastructure and Athens's mountainous landscape have not deterred Greece's new cyclists who have begun pedaling through traffic jams, up and down steep hills and over potholed roads.

"This is not Berlin. Here it's risky but you need to start thinking what you'll cut back on - taxis, the metro," said Elena Koniaraki, 39, a music saleswoman who joked about sticking a learner's sign on her back for the first few bumpy rides.

A pay cut two years ago forced Koniaraki to give up her car under a "cash for clunkers" scheme as she could no longer afford to pay the road tax or fill up her tank. She also moved from her house in a leafy northern Athens suburb to the centre.

And to get through a cash squeeze in March, she picked up a second-hand bike for the first time since childhood.

"At first my friends would laugh at me and say: Oh, poverty!" said Koniaraki, who now cycles to work from the foothills of the ancient Acropolis, past shop-gazing tourists in Plaka and through the bustling Syntagma square.

"We've never had a bike culture in Greece. Sometimes I'll leave my local street market on my bike, loaded with bags of tomatoes, and people will stop and wave at me," she said.

With fuel prices catapulted by tax rises to about 1.72 euros per liter in July - one of the highest rates in Europe - a bike culture may just develop.

"A lot of people are starting to see it as an alternative," said Tolis Tsimoyannis, a cycling aficionado who imports fold-up bikes from Taiwan.

Tsimoyannis, who opened his business in 2006, said he saw a steady increase in demand in the previous two years, many of his customers students and people in their 40s who were struggling to make ends meet. Lately, his business has started to level out - not because of a drop in demand but because the opening of so many bike shops means they each get a smaller piece of the pie.

But even as prospects of Greece's recession-mired economy remain glum and many fear the pain from the crisis will only intensify in the days ahead, bike enthusiasts are optimistic that the appeal of the bicycle will only grow.

"The only way is up," Tsimoyannis said.

Olympic rikshaw traveler

Athletes aren't the only ones who are accomplishing amazing things at the 2012 Summer Olympics. To spread the Olympics spirit, an Olympics super fan cycled his rickshaw all the way from China to London for the Games in a feat that took him two years.
Chen Guanming, 57, is a farmer from China who started his journey to the Olympics in April 2010 to support the Olympic athletes and to spread the Olympics spirit to all he encountered along the way.
"I came to support and cheer all the people from all over the world who are participating in the sports," Chen said as quoted by the NY Daily News, "I'm volunteering, I'm not looking for a reward."
For over two years, Guanming rode his three-wheeled rickshaw across 16 countries and it was no simple task. He faced several obstacles including floods, mountains, severe temperatures and even war zones to arrive in London on July 6.
He faced such high heat in the first few countries that he passed, that he would have to wring out the sweat from his clothes. When he reached Thailand, flooding made his trip even more difficult.
Guanming's passport is full of stamps and visas, but he was unable to obtain a visa to Burma, so he had to change his plans and travel through Tibet where he had to climb mountains over 20,000 feet high on his rickshaw.
However that wasn't the worst of it. Guanming traveled through Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran to Turkey, where he was snowed in for four days in under 22 degree Fahrenheit temperatures. Being trapped in the cold and facing Thailand's floods were the worst part, Guanmino claims, according to the NY Daily News.
He finally reached Britain after taking a ferry from France on July 6.
Guanming was able to support himself with donations from friends and strangers as well as by delivering goods.
His rickshaw is covered with photos of his adventures along the way. He has pictures of himself standing in front of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
This isn't the first time Guanming has made an Olympic rickshaw journey. When China won its Olympics bid in 2001, he rode from his village in the Jiangsu province through 1,764 cities to Beijing. He spent his time cleaning litter near the Olympic Park. He was able to get a seat to the closing ceremony of the Olympics.  He was given a ticket to the opening ceremonies in London. 

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Bike-In Movie

Bike on over and join the Nature Museum on their terrace for an evening of classic bike movies! Bring your lawn chairs and snacks and relax! Nature Museum staff will lead a fun and informative discussion about bicycle theft prevention before each film. Cash bar available. Pee-wee Herman loves his bike more than anything (or anyone) in the world. After the bike is stolen, Pee-wee follows the advice of a psychic and a wild journey ensues.




Cost

Free



Monday, August 6, 2012

Happy Birthday Andy Warhol

Happy Birthday Andy Warhol

The Des Plaines River Trail

The Cook County section begins at the Lake-Cook Road overpass and continues south 23 miles to River Forest, all on packed dirt and occasional stretches of gravel. Beautiful forest surrounds you, and in some sections you follow alongside the river. In wet season, most sections of the trail remain dry, but mud holes and even flooded sections can exist. Access is available at any forest preserve parking area on the east side of the river. Most road crossings are safe, thanks to overpasses at both Lake-Cook Road and Palatine/Willow Road, as well as underpasses or traffic signals at other road crossings, although care must be taken since some road crossings occur away from intersections, such as at Dundee, Central, Milwaukee, and Rand.


Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Palos Meltdown

The Palos Meltdown is Chicagoland’s premier mountain bike event. With racing for all ages and abilities this event draws riders from all over the region. In it's fifth consecutive year, the Meltdown is held as a fundraiser for CAMBr to help build and maintain mountain bike trails in Chicagoland.

The race is held on Palos Forest Preserve's extensive singletrack trail system just half an hour outside of Chicago. The trails are flowy, fun and built with all levels of rider in mind.

The event strives to keep a fun family atmosphere while providing a both challenging and fun race experience for first timers to the seasoned elite athlete. For 2012 changes are planned to help further raise the level of fun and racing excitement!

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Eccentric Roadside Art II

Chicago Neighborhood Bike Tour and Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art team up again to present our second annual Eccentric Roadside Art Ride. On this tour we will focus on Chicago’s far north side, treating riders to a variety of murals, sculptures, architectural curiosities, funky signage, yard art, whole-house-art and a wide variety of intriguing and outlandish artistic expression. Not necessarily all outsider art, but definitely all outside art. Come with us as we scour Uptown, Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge for the funky, the crazy and the inspired art on the street.


Starting at Warren Park, the tour will meander through Rogers Park, Edgewater and Uptown, ending at end at Big Chicks, a proud supporter of Intuit, and home to a great collection of Outsider Art for a post-ride celebration, drinks, snacks and stories. Normal single ride tickets through Chicago Velo are not applicable for this ride, but multi-ride and subscription holders may ride for free.


Time: August 4, 2012 from 1pm to 6pm


Location: Warren Park

Street: 6601 N Western

Friday, August 3, 2012

CowaLUNGa

CowaLUNGa is a three-day bike tour (with a one-day, two-day option and new 18 mile ride option) held Saturday, August 4 – Monday, August 6, 2012. The ride starts at the Gurnee Mills Shopping Mall and travels into Wisconsin with overnight stops in William's Bay and Whitewater, finishing on the third day in Hubertus, Wisconsin.

This is a one-way ride with bus and bike transportation available back to the start line each evening. The one-day tour is approximately 65 miles. The two-day tour is approximately 130 miles. The three-day tour is approximately 190 miles.

All proceeds from the CowaLUNGa Bike Tour benefit the mission — to promote healthy lungs and fight lung disease through research, advocacy, and education.





The Hideout

Bike-In Movie Theater: 'Woodstock'


Imagine drive-in movies from way back when: parking on the lawn, tuning in with the car radio, sneaking in beer. Now imagine that by way of your bike: no gas money, no battery drain, no dirty windshield obscuring the art.

On Friday, August 3rd at 8:30pm, this seemingly unattainable dream will come true on the patio of the Hideout.

They will have chairs and stools or you, but please feel free to bring snacks for the show. Just don't sneak in the beer - Hideout bar has you covered all night long.

The Logan Square International Film Series and The Hideout present a special outdoor, bike-in screening of the amazing film 'Woodstock'.

Free admission for 21+ (or children accompanied by their legal guardian)

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Color Jam

From Cows on Parade to Marilyn Monroe Chicago streets have been offering  it's visitors a wide variety of art for a long time.  Be sure to ride your bike to the interection of State and Adams to see Jessica Stockholder's Color Jam.  She covered Chicago's busiest intersection in colorful vinyl in the city's biggest public installation ever.

Stockholder, who's served as chair of the University of Chicago's visual arts department since 2011, unveiled her installation on June 5th. The colors will stay up all summer. In at interview with The New York Times she noted that her greatest challenge was creating something that would stand out in such a busy part of the city.  

"I wanted to fill the intersection with color," she said. "To have a presence at this busy site that could withstand all the cars and trucks and people and at the same time interact with them."

Stockholder worked with colored commercial vinyl, the same stuff used for signage, to cover the four corners where State and Adam's Streets meet with huge pieces of red, green and blue. The colored vinyl covers everything, encompassing sidewalk and street as well as lampposts and buildings. According to Stockholder, she and her team used enough vinyl to print 50,000 records.

She refers to the installation as a "three-dimensional painting," and notes that the goal was to disrupt the natural flow of traffic through bustling Chicago intersection. Apparently, Stockholder has harbored visions of massive, disruptive installations for a while now.

"Part of me would like to make stuff that's minimal, and very well organized, and clean, and comprehensible," she said in a 2005 interview with PBS. "But I love the chaos, that's why I do it."

The installation was commissioned by the Chicago Loop Alliance.



Bike Michiana

The Amishland and Lakes bike tour will be August 3-5 this year. The Amishland ride is one of the longest running rides in the area with this year’s being the 38th annual ride. The ride takes place over three days with the ride headquartered on the campus of The Howe School in Howe, Indiana.


The home base for the Amishland and Lakes ride is The Howe School (formerly known as The Howe Military Academy). The school campus provides many amenities that are perfect for the ride; it is in the middle of Amish country, it is a short hop to the lake country of Michigan, it has dorms, a gym for sleeping bag camping, showers, a dining hall, an auditorium and plenty of space for tent and trailer camping. There are also many hotels and B&B’s in the area to provide overnight accommodations for riders.

On Friday afternoon there are two warm up routes (14 and 32 miles) with the longer route going into Shipshewana. This year there will be a mini-SAG stop halfway between Howe and Shipshewana.

The Amishland portion of the ride is on Saturday when the tour heads south into the Amish countryside over scenic and relatively flat roads. Riders have a choice of 25, 36, 50, 63 or 100 mile routes. Over the years, the local Amish have become informal participants in the event. Amish children will sit in their yards along the route and wave to riders as they go by. Many Amish families set up stands to sell baked goods, drinks and even root beer floats to ride participants.

The Lakes portion of the tour is on Sunday when riders head north into the lake country of southwestern Michigan. Distance options are 22, 34, 47 or 59 miles. The 22 mile route is relatively flat, the longer routes do have some hills. This year there will be live music by Acoustic Justice at the Sunday Sturgis SAG stop.

SAG food is a highlight of the ride with an emphasis on locally grown fresh fruits such as blueberries, watermelon and muskmelon. After the ride on Saturday there will be an ice cream social with free ice cream and entertainment featuring the Goldmine Pickers, a popular bluegrass band.

For more information see the ride website: http://www.amishlandlakes.com/

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Chicago Fire Jam Performance

Bicycle on over to the...
Chicago Fire Jam Performance on Foster Beach for the August 1st Full Moon!


August 1, 2012 8:00 pm

See Fire spinners and professional performers and pyrotechnicians all come together 1/2 Mile South of Foster Ave Beach to perform for 2 hours under the full moon.

The last performance was earlier in July and it was definitely fun that they created a huge circle, had a drum beat going, and there were organizers and safety crew to make sure it was a nice fun family event.

Family event, no alcohol, leave no trace, have fun but be respectful. There are police officers on bicycles to ensure the safety and benefit of the fire jam.

ALL details on the website http://www.fullmoonjam.org/

WEATHER CALL TIME: 4:30PM Check back on their event page & the main FB page right about 4:30pm to see if the jam is happening due to weather.