tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21393414718368238832024-02-19T01:35:54.389-05:00NYC BikersLife is meant to be lived on the back of a bike. At least the fun parts. This blog is an effort on my part to convert the world into bikers, starting with my friends living here in Fresh Meadows! Even if I have to do it single handedly, I will civilize the bikers of New YorkEnrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-23641088566565038862012-08-17T08:27:00.000-04:002012-08-20T14:31:27.481-04:00Summer Streets 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=201595418775508999122.0004c700ff8b0d2b9c808&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=40.740754,-73.902283&spn=0.12486,0.219727&z=12&output=embed" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
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<small>View <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=201595418775508999122.0004c700ff8b0d2b9c808&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=40.740754,-73.902283&spn=0.12486,0.219727&z=12&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">Summer Streets Ride Aug 11, 2012</a> in a larger map</small>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting in line for bike schwagg!</td></tr>
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There is a well known fact that the first 3 Saturday's of August New York City closes Park Avenue to motor vehicles from, 7AM to 1PM. It is a program that was first famously initiated in Bogota, Colombia only there it was called Cyclo-via. In NY this awesome event is called <a href="http://ow.ly/d21zU" target="_blank">Summer Streets</a> and this year it is running until Saturday August 18th. I strongly urge you to go out and take advantage of the awesomeness that is Summer Streets before it is gone until next year!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The zip line was totally booked by 745AM</td></tr>
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It is an incredible feeling to see Park Avenue taken over by pedestrians, rollerbladers, and cyclists. Even though last Saturday there were a tad too many angry cyclists, it is still a great event for free drinks and some neat schwag! Me and TBD biked about 22 miles, crossed 3 bridges, and biked in 3 boroughs. Next stop, New York Century I presume.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Manhattan Bridge from Brooklyn B.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Union Square Farmers Market</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We got there too late for the zip line as sign up was closed by 745AM. Get there early if you want to partake in that and remember it is near the south part of the ride by the Brooklyn Bridge, Though I arrived at Park Avenue around 630AM, I started at the north and took a long time to meander south.<br />
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It was totally my fault, but I was enjoying lack of killer cabbies careening at me. I was enjoying NYC the way it used to be. The way it should be. The way it will be. I was enjoying New York City without cars. </div>
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If you do anything summer related this year, go to Summer Streets. I promise you that you won't regret it.</div>
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Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-25026283136673850952012-07-19T17:30:00.000-04:002012-07-19T16:47:56.376-04:00Bicycle Gangs of the Lower East Side<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is a rough and tumble city full of sadistic cabbies, hipsters on fixies in a hurry, and Lycra-cad angry bikers trying to maintain proper cadence. Even Google mocks my slowness. Google, when giving you biking directions, assumes you are going to bike at least 10mph. On my roadster, which is my bike of choice 90% of the time, I average about 7.5mph.<br />
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What's a vulnerable "slow" biker to do for protection and safety from harassment, violence, and assault whilst biking the dark, foreboding streets in Gotham? You do what the oppressed masses have done for centuries - you join a syndicate, a mafia, a cartel, a church, a union, a rock band, also known as a gang. I joined a beer and food loving BICYCLE gang! Just don't stand between the gang and an ice cream after a ride or you will feel their wrath!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bike gang social club. Notice security outside.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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You feel safe in your gang because we all know there is safety and thus power in numbers. A car may attack a solitary biker, but a car is afraid of 10 or 15 bikers together. They really are - you can see the fear in their eyes when they slowly realize we are taking over. If you want to join the bicycle gang <a href="http://ow.ly/cmyuG" target="_blank">click here to visit their Facebook page</a> or <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_351427252" target="_blank">click here to visit their Meetup pag</a><a href="http://ow.ly/cmyBg" target="_blank">e</a>. I promise you once you do, you will come back for more bicycle punishment and gang initiation rites like... Waiting at red lights even though no cars are coming or crossing over bridges multiple times or even the dreaded triple food stop!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beatles had rum and coke...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes the gang runs by night.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes the gang runs by day.</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-57250301744118859552012-06-19T14:57:00.002-04:002012-06-19T18:07:36.797-04:00Bicycle Riding the Way It Should Be, In Groups!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I always say that my number one priority for getting people to bike ride is a selfish one, namely my SAFETY! The more bike riders there are out there, the safer I am. Of course the nice by product of that is that everyone else, pedestrians, bikers, and motorized vehicle drivers are safer too. Amsterdam is a perfect example where car-bike accidents are rare and when they happen you can usually blame a dumb tourist. Here is some video of me social biking Amsterdam with some friends. See how orderly and happy the streets are?<br />
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Many studies show that bicycle riders on a street lower the amount of accidents. I could do my due diligence and add citations. Since I know my audience (love you mom!) is uber sophisticated or just believes everything I say, I'll let you Google it yourselves to fact check my facts, just assume I always tell the truth, or instead allow me to wow you with another video. Bread, circuses, pictures and video for my fans now!<br />
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It's fairly easy to get my friends to bike ride to the nearby parks or the store around the corner (it's not THAT easy - I succeed somewhere around 20% of the time that I ask and I am being generously positive in saying 20% of the time). Trying to get people to bike ride in populated areas like Manhattan or Boston is slightly harder. In my whole life it has probably been less then 10 times that anyone has gone bike riding with me in Manhattan or other highly populated area. They have always been wonderful experiences, but very rare in my adult life. I can't really describe it but there is a joy that comes from bicycle riding with others. It relaxes, it entertains, it's safer, it makes the hills almost disappear, and it's just so much fun!<br />
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Now, because of the <a href="http://ow.ly/bG4Ml%20" target="_blank">NYC Bike Train</a>, <a href="http://ow.ly/bG4uo%20" target="_blank">Social Cycling New York City</a>, & the <a href="http://ow.ly/bGenT%20" target="_blank">Bayside Social Cyclists</a>, that will all change. No longer will I be forced to bike alone. On a regular basis I can get my biking with friends fix fulfilled. I recently rode with <a href="http://ow.ly/bGBTg%20" target="_blank">Social Cycling New York City</a> and it was a great bunch of riders doing it for the love of biking. If you are too far to join the Meetup, then start one in your town and take the world over with bikes, 1 block at time. Bikes won in Amsterdam so I don't see why they can't win in New Amsterdam!<br />
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</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com2Oudezijds Voorburgwal 221IV, 1012 Binnenstad, The Netherlands52.3702157 4.895167952.2926567 4.7372394 52.447774700000004 5.0530963999999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-49582547831124802462012-06-07T12:27:00.000-04:002012-06-15T20:00:04.353-04:00Oh The Difference a Bike Ride Can Make<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For years now I have been primarily riding my 3 speed English roadster. Although I love the upright and comfortable riding position, as well as it's carrying capacity for errands, I average about 6mph on that lovely beast. It weighs about 37lbs and has a classic ratio of 75-100-133 split on the 3 speeds.<br />
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Slow bike riding is great and much, much safer but sometimes you need to get somewhere fast or you have a large distance to travel or you have hilly territory to pedal. My Trek has a ratio split of 41 to 108, which combined with the light weight, provides incredible hill climbing ease (without the "granny" gear). Whatever the reason, a light road bike is sometimes the best option. Last Saturday was such a day. Sam the Eagle needed my car, and having just had my road bike fixed days earlier, I decided to deliver the car to him and bike ride back home.</div>
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On my way to the Eagle's nest, I saw a street fair where they were selling grilled corn! I dropped off the car and made my way back to 86th Street and 3rd Avenue. After eating grilled corn on the cob, chicken on a stick, meat on a stick, 3 cups of lemonade, and a mozzarepa - combo corn tortilla and mozzarella cheese - I biked home.<br />
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The Trek weighs about 18lbs and has clips for my feet so not only am I pushing on the pedals, but I am pulling on them too. This allows the full use of all leg muscles and also provides a more complete workout for your legs. I haven't gone this fast in a long, long time and I loved it!. I averaged almost 13mph the whole ride home and I peaked at about 26mph on the downhill portion of the 59th Street Bridge.<br />
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Using a nifty program on my Blackberry called <a href="http://ow.ly/bnkua%20" target="_blank">MapMyFitness</a>, I was able to record my ride and create this 3D movie. You'll be able to tell where I was going fast and where I wasn't. Add terrain to your map view and it will be obvious why. Enjoy!</div>
<iframe height="350px" scrolling="no" src="http://www.mapmyfitness.com/routes/render_route_video?route_key=255133865604493264&site=mapmyfitness.com" width="100%">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyfitness.com/routes/view/98770977"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;MapMyFITNESS Jun 2, 2012 12:51&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; and more routes in New York, NY on MapMyFITNESS. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyfitness.com"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find route&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe>
</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-29035349703680300462012-05-08T18:10:00.001-04:002012-05-08T20:14:11.295-04:00New York Bike Expo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnNv5RurIKcC6bXmCdY5wzdcHgqcWanVSwiOuwH1nzFsnlosxU0kxxpoXbEGlGPdMt1-rgzfzBMUqt0G3f2LEyTQdc-PkpKQsSwed0VX8N3Dw6983Htfx_MuQCimfBdCwkciVOQK-8kE/s1600/IMG_3154+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnNv5RurIKcC6bXmCdY5wzdcHgqcWanVSwiOuwH1nzFsnlosxU0kxxpoXbEGlGPdMt1-rgzfzBMUqt0G3f2LEyTQdc-PkpKQsSwed0VX8N3Dw6983Htfx_MuQCimfBdCwkciVOQK-8kE/s320/IMG_3154+%25282%2529.jpg" width="272" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnVpPvpaNDziuJlg32NP8kSNLZWO4lR0cvpi6h2Y0ctnpDck3gtoFvpQPpKyCP-nzNkAZECtGVGXqxd0MP1E9f8PZfe9epii2YMnwiQJRuys6Xd5snGmrq_RgaB42hGRf308A_5UFv8c/s1600/NYCBikeExpo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnVpPvpaNDziuJlg32NP8kSNLZWO4lR0cvpi6h2Y0ctnpDck3gtoFvpQPpKyCP-nzNkAZECtGVGXqxd0MP1E9f8PZfe9epii2YMnwiQJRuys6Xd5snGmrq_RgaB42hGRf308A_5UFv8c/s320/NYCBikeExpo.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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This past weekend I attended the NYC Bike Expo with The Bike Diva. It was mostly a sign-up area for the Five Borough Bike Tour with some vendors and informational segments, but it was free and totally worth the time to be around so many bike people. I was able to get some terrific pictures and there was also a spin class on the water that TBD attended.<br />
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This was her view while spinning away -<br />
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Nonetheless I had a great conversation with Bruce Weinreb, who is a sales Director at Worksman Cycles. This company has a reputation for building great quality bikes right here in New York City. I never realized how affordable their prices are and purchasing from them would be supporting a local manufacturing business, which is always good.</div>
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Their bikes are built the old fashioned way, with lugged steel frames. As much as I love my Pashley, this bike might be of slightly better build design as their rear rack is welded on instead of bolted on. I have had problems with my rear rack shifting with use over time. TBD needs a good commuter bike and we may go visit the factory in Ozone Park, Queens to check some bikes out.</div>
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The coolest thing I saw was the commuter bike train being set up by <a href="http://ow.ly/aMlwG%20" target="_blank">NYC Bike Train</a>. Let me preface by saying that I truly believe that if more people biked in the city instead of drove, this city would be a better place to live, work, and play. I also believe that there is safety in numbers which is one of the reasons I started this blog. I want to encourage people to bike when they never thought it possible before. I want people to realize commuting by bicycle is a viable option that is good for you, good for the environment, and good for our civilization.</div>
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I have gotten many people to start biking when they never thought they would and I continue to encourage my non-biking friends to do it. The biggest excuse I get is, I'm scared to bike in Manhattan. That is a valid excuse. I've been biking for about 30 years and I'm scared sometimes on the NYC roads. That is why this bike train is AWESOME! I urge you all to follow them on Twitter <span style="font-size: small;"><b>@nycbiketrain</b></span> or start similar initiatives in your towns.<br />
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Biking alone is great, but biking in a group is awesome because it is safer, less stressful, and social. As one of the presenters said, you impart the experience of the train conductor to those less experienced in the train. It's a great idea I wish to push to everyone I know. Join a bike train!<br />
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Please click "<span style="font-size: large;">Read More</span>" below for some pictures.</div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><u>More Pictures from the New York Bike Expo </u></span><br />
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</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-55170468447941799262012-04-04T21:11:00.000-04:002012-05-06T00:15:48.979-04:00The Bicycles of Cali, Colombia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzs1DIiISkP1KhP5rgWGG1sW9GZHhxHUm8Vbbj9qqtZs8hiJHPLTok50d2JsVEV3QU0w1JiLLL0mNKPS30bPydh2OZT2_CvhfhwIrBQ7q7D2TOBw_B1V7e7AetJmYX3a2_QqMHJAUCKA/s1600/IMG-20120320-00256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzs1DIiISkP1KhP5rgWGG1sW9GZHhxHUm8Vbbj9qqtZs8hiJHPLTok50d2JsVEV3QU0w1JiLLL0mNKPS30bPydh2OZT2_CvhfhwIrBQ7q7D2TOBw_B1V7e7AetJmYX3a2_QqMHJAUCKA/s400/IMG-20120320-00256.jpg" width="400" /></a>There are a lot of bicycle riders in the streets of Cali, Colombia. There are a lot more then in the streets of NYC. It probably has something to do with the large degree of poverty in Colombia. There are few means of transport that are cheaper and more reliable then a bike.</div>
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Most people in Colombia seem to use their bikes for commuting and single speed roadsters are common in the flat mountain valley that is Cali.</div>
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But even BMX bicycles are common means of transporting people and goods for sale. The gentleman below is apparently selling brooms off the back of his BMX.</div>
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Tricycles are also very common as they can carry more stuff and are more stable. There were a myriad of sales people selling anything you can imagine. This is the milkman making his "special" delivery.</div>
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There is nothing tastier then fresh bread. Well, this particular baker sells his wares off the front of his trike. His wheat bread is all natural and delicious! Although he looks angry, I asked his permission before I took the picture.</div>
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This was an attempt to take the picture without a flash on a different night when it was raining. As you can see, I wasn't very successful. </div>
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Selling ice cream off the back of a trike was also very common. </div>
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This dude's megaphone plays Fer Elise. You don't believe me? See the video.</div>
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These two dudes are selling something called mazamorra. It's a creamy and milky drink that is served cold and has bits of corn floating around in it. It is kind of bland in my opinion and I don't find it particularly appealing but Colombians LOVE IT! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHkMeAcnVM_KeJhkALdhJwiYKUklqnrzCe78qOvKc_NNNA4_qjAsAYviQ3ATmEt50xejufr4Nzb01z9f69p0ft2Q0Pne7b2q1VTl9iClPWs44VyxicwLwY-eq9Y1oYN1a5pgDV4tO18o/s1600/IMG_0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHkMeAcnVM_KeJhkALdhJwiYKUklqnrzCe78qOvKc_NNNA4_qjAsAYviQ3ATmEt50xejufr4Nzb01z9f69p0ft2Q0Pne7b2q1VTl9iClPWs44VyxicwLwY-eq9Y1oYN1a5pgDV4tO18o/s640/IMG_0707.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes trikes were used to carry cargo such as dishwashers, fridges, or dryers. Unfortunately I did not have a camera handy or was in an unsafe place when I saw them so I have no pictures. The closest I came was an empty one.</div>
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Then there was a night watchman that I would hear every night honking his horn. He was out there in the wee hours of the night, rain or shine. Finally two nights before I was to leave I was able to take some pictures of him and video tape him.</div>
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</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-17855334380556562762012-03-16T06:17:00.000-04:002012-05-05T23:47:08.685-04:00Biking up to Hacienda El Paraiso in Palmira, Colombia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As some of you may know, I have been in Colombia now nearly a month chilling with my mom and helping her out after some major surgery she had undergone. She is feeling much better and I have more time so I figured I would post some of my pictures of bicycle riders in Colombia. Taking out a camera in Colombia is not the safest of things to do in some places, so I missed a lot of pictures.<br />
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I was of course desperate to bike ride in Colombia, though I was told that it was not safe nor recommended. When I arrived I saw a lot of people bike riding, which further encouraged me to get a bike. In the days before my mother's surgery I was able to speak with some construction workers that were labouring across the street. They had some sweet bikes so I asked them if they knew where I could get a sweet bike like theirs. They told me 8th Avenue. I asked my mom if I could walk there and she said it was too dangerous over there. She was sure there were other places where they sold bicycles.<br />
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Later that day my mom's friend came by to say hello and he mentioned he used to be a pro biker in his younger days. I asked him where I could find a bike to rent or buy. He also said 8th Avenue. The next morning me and me mom walked to 8th Avenue. Needless to say it was too dangerous for me to take out even my cell phone and take pictures.<br />
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The former pro-biker, at hearing of my love of biking invited me to his families ranch in a nearby city and to Hacienda El Paraiso.<br />
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There we could bike ride up a small mountain to a river where we would celebrate my mom's birthday. Below are some pics of the attempt. I say attempt because we never made it to the river on the bicycles.<br />
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My fat butt broke both bikes on the way up the mountain. The rear dérailleur started acting up and the gears were not changing properly.<br />
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A look of terror come's across this man's face as he realizes his vintage 1972 Cannondale is about to die. <br />
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With both bikes broken we tied one bike to the roof of the truck we were in and I rode the rear bumper of the truck. It was finally safer to take out my phone and camera to take pictures. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPTauLknFvd1Bf3AcEY1xVjdkYvzDcGB9MC6g6L6g-2lD40imEZif32duZw9OAA9-KqGNCmzp8AY72Jd3FdepEzTzU9Bq4v5hiB7WF57kSDVvHecWXK4F92ygDf4DihUDelrhzPGsbxY/s1600/IMG-20120224-00070.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPTauLknFvd1Bf3AcEY1xVjdkYvzDcGB9MC6g6L6g-2lD40imEZif32duZw9OAA9-KqGNCmzp8AY72Jd3FdepEzTzU9Bq4v5hiB7WF57kSDVvHecWXK4F92ygDf4DihUDelrhzPGsbxY/s640/IMG-20120224-00070.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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In the end we made it to the river by car for some relaxation, sancocho, and a swim. <br />
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</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0Calle 29 # 11D-2 a 11D-100, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia3.4482672315622622 -76.51565015316013.4477717315622622 -76.5162671531601 3.4487627315622622 -76.51503315316009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-68820011265566285372012-02-01T23:59:00.002-05:002012-02-02T16:07:09.680-05:00February 1st and I'm Biking in Shorts?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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Is it possible that yesterday was February 1st (my birthday), and I was bike riding in shorts?<br />
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It's true - it was 61 degrees and I went with Queen D to drop off my laundery and pick up Bike Diva's laundry.<br />
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With the laundry safe and sound on the back of my bike, a bottle of diet pepsi and the Diva's "special" laundry detergent in the front basket, I'm off for the 2 mile bike ride back to the <a href="http://4sq.com/wbvVDS" target="_blank">Maison du Jouir</a>. Protein gets out protein!<br />
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Once safe at le Maison du Jouir, I proceeded to set up my telescope in the backyard (an awesome gift from the Diva) and looked at Venus, Jupiter, the moon, Mars, and Saturn until the clouds came and the cannoli birthday cake (a gift from Diva and Queen D) beckoned. Notice the star Sirius eight behind the telescope. It was a great birthday thanks to some great friends and cooperative weather.<br />
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This will be the last post of 2011 so good-bye 2011 and off to bigger and better things (although this year was pretty rad with <a href="http://goodtimessoftball.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Good Times</a> winning their 4th Championship in 6 years)! This year my new media agency, <a href="http://www.720teck.com/" target="_blank">720 TECK</a>, will be launching several exciting projects for us and for clients. One project that is near and dear to me is<a href="http://www.thegrandagora.com/" target="_blank"> The Grand Agora</a>. I have worked on many client's ecommerce sites before, but I have never OWNED my own. Like I said, this is going to be an exciting year.<br />
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Sam the Eagle is having a New Year's Eve party tonight so I needed to pick up my clean clothes from the laundromat (just to get them dirty at the party - I hope). It is December 31st and it is about 50 degrees so I thought it best to take my bike. I asked my housemmate, <a href="http://about.me/valeriecorvington" target="_blank">Queen D</a>, to take some nice shots as I biked away. She kindly obliged and here are some of the results.<br />
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I need to drop off some dirty laundry and pick up some clean laundry so I have something to wear tonight at Sam the Eagle's New Year's party. I brought in about 30 pounds of laundry on the back of my bike<br />
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If the weather is nice it is always better to get the exercise then to drive. Remember where that gasoline you are putting in your car comes from. It comes from Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Venezuela (among a few other places). None of these places are particularly friendly to us, yet we flood them with American dollars to wage war against our interests!<br />
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Save some dollars, burn some calories, and do something good for America - ride your bike!</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-21198799315109276892011-09-18T17:55:00.002-04:002011-12-15T19:52:59.167-05:00Going to the Fall Classic in Style<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am on my way to play some softball. I could have taken my car, but instead I decided to warm up before the game by taking a bicycle. The fall is fast approaching and we need to take advantage of every warm day left this year.<br />
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Photography credits go to <span class="screen-name screen-name-Fishthenet pill">@Fishthenet!</span> <br />
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</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0162-12 73rd Ave, Flushing, NY 11366, USA40.7273939 -73.8064868.1109634000000028 -133.572111 73.3438244 -14.040861000000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-47056612987246140072011-08-17T11:19:00.000-04:002011-10-06T11:21:38.051-04:00Random Bike Pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6npjq39qG_WDBoz2_VnG9chhkJHOBLibf5XdC49CkvIconEx0rX-PIyMScCxgsr40vbOEFq0ESzzWD6NWAewcWTCRLdsri3sXE19OJdNqpLgVwtzT7CIHAxetdHa180Lzsi49tm83aEo/s1600/3281_576370022880_18908108_34913893_4527723_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-9141580899013363762011-07-02T23:34:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:15:58.379-04:00Bicycling to Dyker Heights, Brooklyn from Fresh Meadows, Queens.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">On a breezy and sunny summer morning I set off to prove to myself that transportation on bicycle is a valid alternative to driving or public transport here in NYC. As you may or may not know I live in Fresh Meadows near St. John's University. I had business to attend to in Dyker Heights Brooklyn (which is near the Verazano Bridge).<br />
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If I drove and there was no traffic I could arrive there in 29 minutes. Anyone that has driven on the Brooklyn-Queens-Expressway or the Long Island Expressway can attest there is nothing express about them, ESPECIALLY during morning and evening peak commuter times. Time in traffic is one hour and 30 minutes. Hmm - doesn't seem very efficient, does it? The cost for 40 miles of driving, at 20 miles a gallon equals about $6 total gas cost to travel there, not counting wear and tear on my vehicle as well as the possibility for tickets (which is very high in this city).<br />
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Can the public transportation do better? Doubtfull but let's see what Lord Google says. The fastest way to my destination using buses and trains is one hour and 24 minutes but in involves the LIRR which brings the cost to about $10 each way, $20 total. For $5 I can take one hour and forty-one minutes but I have to take one bus and 3 trains. Fun stuff, NOT.<br />
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Finally on my trusty bike, according to Lord Google, it takes one hour and tweny-six minutes, costs me nothing, I get free exercise, and I get to do a little exploring of Brooklyn.Of course these times are assuming a brisk 10mph average. I hover more around 7mph on my English roadster (which is all I would trust to not get a flat) so my time to arrive is increased. Since I was going to a meeting and I didn't want to look totally disheveled I went even slower and arrived in about 2 hours but still, I spent no money and I hopefully lost a little weight. If traveling to Brooklyn is better by bike, then travel to the corner market has to be better by bike!<br />
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Bicycle riding in Brooklyn seems very different then bicycle riding near my house in Queens. Over here it seems like everyone is a Lycra monster counting their cadence. In Brooklyn a lot of people have roadsters and most people seem to be riding their bikes because they need to get somewhere, not because they are practicing for the Lance Armstrong team. In Brooklyn there are lots of beautiful girls riding beautiful bikes having a beautiful time.<br />
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I was also able to experience, for the first time, two great green-ways on Empire Blvd and on Ocean Parkway (which by the way happens to be the oldest bike path in the country or city, I don't remember). There are few feelings better then flying down a totally separate bike lane without worry that you are going to be flatten by an incoming NYC bus. On the 17th of July I am planning an excursion with some friends to further explore Brooklyn by bike and I welcome all of you to come along. I think this time I will hit Coney Island. Now that's awesome!</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-64971576409140981572011-06-15T02:08:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:17:00.764-04:00The Tricycle Saga.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So for some time now I have been trying to convince the Diva's mother to bike to work. Fearful of bodily harm she confused that a two wheel bike was not for her. She insisted that it wasn't she was unable to ride a two wheeler - it was just that the possibility of falling prevented from possibly taking the busy avenue to her work.<br />
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I hate to admit it but she has a point. When riding around town on a two wheel bike there is always an increased danger of fall and falling equals pain and pain equals the dark side. That is when I came up with the brilliant idea that she should take a tricycle to work. Unfortunately, to my chagrin, the Diva's mom insisted she would do it but for fear of mockery. Imagine, she proceeded, me on a tricycle going down Bell Blvd or Northern Blvd! She insisted trikes where for kids.<br />
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Sorry but that that silly rabbit was right, trikes are not just for kids! Trikes are for everyone and they have the added bonus over bicycles of increased carrying capacity, increased stability, and increased visibility to cars around you. I mean what driver would miss a tricycle peddling down the boulavard!<br />
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So in order to convince the Diva's mom to trike to work I will begin chronicling all tricycles I see. First off we have this beauty. It belongs to an older Jewish gentleman in Brooklyn. who was slightly physically disabled. I saw this tricycle parked in front of a store and I started taking pictures. The owner approached me and told me all about his bike. This one is electric and pedal assisted and according to the owner, he often takes it for 35 mile trips.<br />
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This next one passed right by my house. I had to chase the owner down in order to get the picture. This 21 speed tricycle was being manned by a kind women in her 40's or 50's obviously demonstrating the viability of transport via trike.<br />
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I have seen many other tricycles but only recently have I begun their documentation. I know that with enough time I will be able to convince the Diva's mom that taking a tricycle to work is fun, good exrcesise, and a money saver when it comes to wear and tear on ones car and gas for one's hung of metal.<br />
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TO BE CONTINUED>>></div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-21212993972188999452011-05-30T01:56:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:20:56.611-04:00"Phase one in which Doris gets her oats."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If you read my previous posts you met the new member of the family - a Royal Scot born in February of 1967. That's even before the Beatles's Sergeant Pepper's came out. That poor little Royal had years of dust on it so I gave it a bath. I gave it a bath in WD40.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQOUmED_L2boeWK_E6hqn1jz_s7_Bw3F3cZY7sa5ZwxNnZ44f571Ml8eS24x4jk4nQOz-l-S6A98d8l0FmTX0S3ZCdUmE-8byxh0iU0P07uhsNKweghwJHQNsGFNQK53V3uxZYF8Hw9w/s1600/IMG_2117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQOUmED_L2boeWK_E6hqn1jz_s7_Bw3F3cZY7sa5ZwxNnZ44f571Ml8eS24x4jk4nQOz-l-S6A98d8l0FmTX0S3ZCdUmE-8byxh0iU0P07uhsNKweghwJHQNsGFNQK53V3uxZYF8Hw9w/s640/IMG_2117.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Step One is to wash the bike in oil. WD40 will do the trick.<br />
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You want to lather the back, the fenders (any place with rust) totally with oil so you can wipe it down later and you want to let that soak in, penetrate, bake in the sun.<br />
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As you can see in this picture below you will get oil on the rims and will LOSE ALL ABILITY TO STOP! To not ride this bike until you fully remove all the oil or you may get into an accident.<br />
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After you have covered the bike in oil let it sit in the sun for a few days. It is important that the oil soaks in as much as possible.<br />
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It looks better already! Now the bike has to bake for a few days. Check back in a few to see what the final result looks like! I can't wait for the Diva to see it.</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-71883447031613383132011-05-16T02:02:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:19:24.887-04:00A Royal Scot Joins the Family<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
The bicycle situation at home is starting to get a little crazy. Right now at the house, there are more bikes then there are people. The 6 bikes by last count where 1 fixie, 1 road bike, 2 mountain bikes, and 2 roadsters. There are plans for building an outside bike shed on wheels to protect our babies from the rain but negotiations are still ensuing.<br />
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Of the 6 bikes at the house I have purchased or own 4 of them (my road bike, my mountain bike, my roadster, and the the Diva's purple mountain bike). The Diva continuously complained about pain in her wrists from her mountain bike. At first I thought she was being a diva but after I was forced to borrow her bike for commuting to work for a few days I realized she was right. Her purple Walmart Schwinn with the flowers on the seat might be fun for off-roading but because of the aggressive forward position, it was no fun for long distance cruising.<br />
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Because I love my Diva and because I must convince her to abandon her car in all but the most necessary situations, I combed the Craigslist ads for the perfect bike. After much searching I found a diamond in the rough - a 1967 Royal Scot.. We drove (yes drove) to meet the previous owner and to see if the bike was the right fit and if she liked it. Here are some pictures which were kindly furnished by the previous owner in his Craigslist ad -<br />
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Well, she didn't like it. In fact she hated the bike before she even got on it. I begged her to give it a chance and she did taking it for a bike ride around the neighborhood. I nervously waited for her return and proudly smiled when my Diva came around the corner. To my great sadness though she came saying NOT to buy the bike. She was convinced this was not the bike for her. The handle bars were too low, the fenders looked like they were about to fall off from rust, the brakes did not work, the front rims seemed bent, the crankshaft pedals were bent, the gears did not shift, someone dripped paint all over the finish, it creaked and heaved when it moved (like Billy's grandfather begging to be killed), the fenders rubbed against the cracked tires, and worst of all the bike felt "unsafe". At least that was the official word from the Diva - even the guy trying to sell me the bike told me not to buy it.<br />
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Of course I listened to no one and I bought the bike. I rode it home part of the way and I walked it home most of the way. I knew deep down inside there was an inner beauty only me and Boutros Boutros-Ghali could see. Perhaps my good friends at <a href="http://www.bellbikes.com/">Belitte Bikes</a> would confirm my suspicions. Perhaps they would tell me I was a fool and this bike was worthless. All I know is there are now 7 bikes at the house, we still don't have bike parking, and the Diva hates her new toy. All I need now is to go bike riding with the Diva and we get a flat in the middle of nowhere. That would surely destroy my dreams of happy and relaxed biking for hours and hours with the Diva cross country.<br />
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Of course this battle is not over. I will bring this little Scot back to life and I will make the Diva love it - I hope. Stay tuned for more details on operation Restore Royal...</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-56344802260600814672011-04-29T00:45:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:49:48.394-04:00Does Green Goo Really Work?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So it has been 10 days and my flat has turned into a small leak. Everyday I wake up to go to work and everyday I have to put a little air into my tire. I am sure there is something inside that is causing a recurrent flat. Regardless, no bike shop wants to touch a slimed up tube and I haven't had the time to try and figure out what is causing my tire issues. It seems to me that only thing that is keeping me in business is this slime.<br />
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Apparently this slime in the tubes reseals small holes and punctures. Although it is annoying having to pump air in my tires everyday, it is more annoying to have to change a flat. I know eventually the joy will end but so far so good.</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-36624735605818470612011-04-14T01:22:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:50:17.444-04:00The Pashley's First Flat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So last night I got a little buzzed on Duvel and decided to bike ride to the supermarket and buy some BBQ items. I purchased way too much stuff to safely carry back, but carry back I did. Since I was a little drunk I decided bike riding at high speeds on the street was unwise so I broke the law again and rode on the sidewalk nice and slowly. I kept jumping curbs all while transporting a huge amount of groceries. I came home, unpacked my stuff and started to BBQ sometime around 10PM last night.<br />
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I woke up this morning, got ready for work, and finally went out to hop on my bike for a trip to work. I found that there was green goo all over the floor under my bike and my tire had several splotches of green goo. WTF?! Then I realized what happened - in my drunken haze the night before I must have gotten a flat and not realized it. Well, this bike has been ridden well over a thousand miles and probably close to 1500 without one flat. My road bike can barely do 100 without a flat.<br />
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Nightmares of tube patching, tire changing, and lots of sweating crossed my mind. But the green goo - that's supposed to patch a leak. I took out my bike pump, pumped up my tire and held my breath. So far the bike has held air all day long. Could it be this green goo actually works? I guess we will see tomorrow if the rear tire holds air.<br />
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Good night all.</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-78168741161589528232011-03-19T03:11:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:51:41.256-04:00So What is a NYC Bicycle Rider? - Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Amsterdam! It opened my eyes forever and no - not for the reasons you are thinking you deviant. Amsterdam is the land of bikes. There are bikes everywhere and cars - they actually stop to give you right of way! Oh, and the bikes are uber comfy with racks in the back and the front to carry stuff. I actually carried my luggage from the train station to the our rented townhouse on my bike. Brilliant!<br />
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Amsterdam! Where bikes have their own lanes, their own traffic lights, and throughout the Netherlands and Belgium, bikes have their own interstate highway system. It's crazy but true - the bike highways have exists and kilo-millage signs that run parallel to the car highways but are separated by tons of steel and wire.<br />
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More bikes are stolen every year in Amsterdam then the city has people! The people I saw tended to be very fit because of the active lifestyle and it is not unusual to see a whole family out for a bike ride on a sunny afternoon. During the week in the mornings, rain or shine, you can see young girls on pink barbie doll bikes going to school. <br />
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The bike is King (or Queen fore even Beatrix bikes to work) in Holland and Belgium, as it should be. Pedestrians get out of the way for oncoming bikers because everyone knows how annoying it is to lose momentum on a bike. EVERYONE in Amsterdam that can physically ride a bicycle does. In fact, some statistics show that in Amsterdam it is more likely that a trip will be done by bike then by car. 30% of people ride their bike to work everyday with an additional 40% riding their bikes to work occasionally. That is more then half your population riding a bike to work which helps keep biking safe because the dude you door-slam could be your boss.<br />
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Amsterdam revealed the truth to me. Amsterdam showed me that I COULD ride my bike in the rain (even though my dad always said no) without getting a streak of mud across my back. Amsterdam made me believe that I could ride my bike safely with class, dignity, and proper posture. In Amsterdam I realized that life was more fun on the back of a bicycle - especially when it had fenders, lights that ran on pedal power, racks to carry stuff, a fully covered chain-case, a double kickstand, and the all important "get the hell out of my way" bell. I also learned in Amsterdam that 3 speeds is all I need.<br />
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Now that I found my Nirvana I wondered how I could bring back this little slice of heaven to the states. Was New York City ready for a Dutch cruiser bike? Only time, and possibly this blog, will tell.</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-73216161244876680452011-03-01T03:18:00.000-05:002011-10-06T10:49:23.424-04:00So What is a NYC Bicycle Rider? - Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am a New York City bicycle rider and I own 3 bikes. I own my old, trusty Trek 1000 that still gets comments `cause its so nice (not). I mean, it's a good quality bike and it's been well maintained so it runs great but it is past its prime. I've had that thing since the 80's and it is all I knew of bikes (except for my old BMX and assorted kid tricycles) until I borrowed a friend's mountain bike here and there.<br />
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Fast forward 20 years later and all I've ridden day in and day out is my road bike. It is very fast and very nimble which makes it a great racing bike. Unfortunately I never race (unless some other dude tries to pass me on one of my leisurely rides). Then it is a race I usually lose.<br />
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Still, I loved my bike and I loved riding it, except when it rained because my back got all wet and the brakes didn't work so well on a wet rim. Oh and I hated to ride it in rough pavement for fear of damaging a rim or popping a tire. Oh and I didn't like it off road for obvious reasons. I also felt unsafe bent don't near my brakes, but I felt unsafe sitting upright unable to quickly hit my brakes. And the road bike handlebars were not good for carrying groceries so going to the supermarket meant bringing a backpack. Last but surely not least, even though I loved and still love my Trek road bike, I never liked the fact I was going to get chain grease on my leg.<br />
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My girlfriend gave me a mountain bike about 5 years ago. That bike was very similar to my road bike (since I don't race) except it was slower and could go off road (duh). The handlebars were better for groceries but I still really needed a book bag. Another positive was that it got flats much less then my Trek.<br />
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I spent my days mostly on my Trek probably out of habit or because Dr. K would yell at me for riding my mountain bike. Only if I was bike riding with The Diva would I take my mountain bike. Even with all the negatives I loved and still love that Trek. Then something changed my life for ever...</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-62705541740796251422010-10-22T08:52:00.000-04:002010-10-22T08:52:40.592-04:00Copenhagenize.com - Building Better Bicycle Cultures: Copenhagen in Madrid<a href="http://www.copenhagenize.com/2010/10/copenhagen-in-madrid.html">Copenhagenize.com - Building Better Bicycle Cultures: Copenhagen in Madrid</a>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-83239973959779475722010-09-25T10:39:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:48:19.955-04:00MTA Vehicles the Way They Should Be!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This little gem was submitted by my friend at <a href="http://fishthenet.info/">http://fishthenet.info</a>. Even the tag line is hers but I agree - these are what the MTA vehicles look like in my dreams!<br />
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In all seriousness, this guy has pretty much guaranteed his bike will NEVER be stolen. EVER! Good job buddy and nice bike.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=293d201a4f&view=att&th=128bc77f3640a1bf&attid=0.1&disp=inline&zw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=293d201a4f&view=att&th=128bc77f3640a1bf&attid=0.1&disp=inline&zw" width="640" /></a></div></div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-69750612646074400912010-08-27T02:27:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:45:07.197-04:00The Continuing Saga of Bro Bro and His Bicycle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">An emergency phone call was placed on Saturday afternoon by Bro Bro to E. He found the perfect bike (rides great, 3 speed, comfortable, full covered chain case, rear fender and rack) for $75 at the local flea market- you couldn't go wrong. Until you realized it had no FRONT fender. I told him to pass but he wanted that bike. I said dude - pass.<br />
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The way I see it if that bike doesn't have a front fender that bike is no better then the $25 derailleur equipped 10 speed you can find on Craigslist any day of the week. Sure Bro Bro won't get grease on his pants and sure he can carry a girl or groceries on the back rack, but let us face reality - the first time he goes over a puddle too fast he will rue the day he purchased that bike. Why you ask? Because he will be covered in stagnant city water or mud or worse, DOG POO! And why will Bro Bro be covered in dog poo? Because he choose to ride without a front mud guard.<br />
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Thankfully for my blog, this saga continues. I did find what is being advertised as a $100 dollar dutch style bike. Here is a link - http://times-up.org/index.php?page=bike-co-op#TimesUpBikeRecyclingProgram. It is a single speed with a coaster brake but for a $100 it seems perfect as a beater bike. Me and Bro Bro might head out to check this place out on Wednesday. I will try to post some pics and add some links if we actually go.</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-81989730780244678292010-08-01T21:58:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:46:03.894-04:00The Hunt for Bro Bro's Bike.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In an effort to move Bro Bro into more civilized transportation methods I have been enlisted to find him a bike. Of course, not just any bike – he wants a fully loaded and functional commuter bike for $150 or under. He wants a fully encased chain, fenders front and back, a carrying rack in the back, and a comfortable riding position.<br />
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Considering we live in the US and not in Holland or Belgium, his requests are not going to be easy to make come true. Not many bike shops will sell a commuter bike for under $600 new with most pricing these fine beasts upwards of $1000.<br />
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If he were looking for a new bike and money was no object my first recommendation would be the Mercedes of bikes, a Gazelle. Built at the same factory in Holland for over 100 years, their quality is so phenomenal that they have been given the title of "Royal" bike company by the Royals of the Netherlands.<br />
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In a close second would be a beautiful Batavus which is also assembled in Holland. If Gazelle's are Mercedes then Batavus is the BMW of Dutch bikes. Much like Americans in this country tend to gravitate around Chevy or Ford (but not both), Dutch kids often group into Gazelle followers and Batavus followers. One could only dream that in New York City people would be so passionate about their bikes that they would form rival groups in competition for "coolest" bike in town.<br />
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My third option, were money no object in acquiring Bro Bro's bike, would be a Pashley. I own a Pashley and the bike is a dream - it's fast, relatively light for a roadster, and with all the bells and whistles of the Dutch bikes. In fact, the Dutch bikes copied the English roadsters of yore and then, in typical Dutch fashion, improved upon the idea and made it their own. Unfortunately Pashley's are really, really expensive which makes one sad to ride it in the rain or snow. Well, it makes me sad to ride it in the snow and the rain. That is a sadness I don't want Bro Bro to feel. <br />
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Thus we move to our fourth option - Craigslist, eBay, and other assorted second hand bike sellers. One could go crazy jumping from eBay to various geographically local Craigslists or one could could to this great site I found. I'm almost hesitant to give the link because I know it will increase my competition in find that perfect commuter bike but since Mr. E rocks the house... <br />
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Here is the link:<br />
http://bike.jaxed.com<br />
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This site will allow you to search for hundreds, nay thousands of bikes, in a clean interface. It searches eBay, Craigslist, and various other parts of the cloud for specific key words. You can filter by brand, or as I am doing for Bro Bro, "Three Speed" or "3 Speed" with no manufacturer listed. I'm not getting any Pashelys, Gazelles, or Batavus for $150 and under but I have found some descent deals. Now it's up to Bro Bro to get off his ass and make some phone calls.</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-32704535393328671452010-07-12T15:07:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:43:54.986-04:00Bicycle Video on the Interstate Highway System of the Netherlands or the Future of America<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As my readers know, back in March Ray LaHood (Transportation Secretary of the United States) put out a policy statement that changes forever the way federal transportation funds are distributed. No longer will pedestrians and cyclists be considered second class citizens in the distribution of funds. From now on all appropriations will be distributed equally between motor vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Furthermore the federal government's goal is to complete an interstate bicycle highway similar to the one in this video taken just east of Leiden, Netherlands.<br />
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This could be the future of bicycle riding in the United States. Sweet! <br />
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<object height="525" width="660"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QV3PMaNrg0k&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QV3PMaNrg0k&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="525"></embed></object></div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2139341471836823883.post-55154131192057941882010-06-07T22:33:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:55:14.192-04:00America's Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities accodring to bicycling.com<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">------------------------<br />
1. Minneapolis<br />
2. Portland, OR<br />
3. Boulder, CO<br />
4. Seattle<br />
5. Eugene, OR<br />
6. San Francisco<br />
7. Madison, WI<br />
8. New York City<br />
9. Tucson, AZ<br />
10. Chicago<br />
11. Austin, TX<br />
12. Denver, CO<br />
13. Washington, DC<br />
14. Ann Arbor, MI<br />
15. Phoenix/Tempe, AZ<br />
16. Gainesville, FL<br />
17. Albuquerque, NM<br />
18. Colorado Springs, CO<br />
19. Salem, OR<br />
20. Scottsdale, AZ<br />
21. Louisville, KY <br />
22. Chattanooga, TN<br />
23. Long Beach, CA<br />
24. Cary, NC<br />
25. Milwaukee<br />
26. Boston<br />
27. Philadelphia<br />
28. Pittsburgh<br />
29. Charleston, SC<br />
30. Arlington, VA<br />
31. Sioux Falls, SD<br />
32. Boise, ID <br />
33. Kansas City, MO<br />
34. Columbus, OH<br />
35. Tulsa, OK<br />
36. Grand Rapids, MI<br />
37. Billings, MT<br />
38. St. Louis<br />
39. Cleveland<br />
40. Greensboro, NC<br />
41. Lexington-Fayette, KY<br />
42. Omaha, NE<br />
43. Salt Lake City<br />
44. Miami<br />
45. Indianapolis<br />
46. Fargo, ND<br />
47. Anchorage, AK<br />
48. Baltimore<br />
49. Little Rock, AR<br />
50. Rochester, NY<br />
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To prepare this list, we referenced the Bicycling and Walking in the United States 2010 Benchmarking Report, prepared by the Alliance for Biking and Walking; the League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly America project; data from Mediamark Research, Inc., Dun & Bradstreet and The Nielsen Company; and advice from national and local bike advocates.</div>Enrique E. Facundohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696566845178597868noreply@blogger.com0