EZ Nashville

Another TN state park where the riding is good

2010-06-07T11:13:00.001-07:00

Cabins go green at TN's David Crockett State Park

Lawrenceville-area park will save energy and water

Seven new,http://tn.gov/environment/parks/DavidCrockettSP/gallery/index.shtml"> energy-efficient cabins sporting cork flooring and native plant landscaping have been unveiled at David Crockett State Park in Lawenceburg, TN, about 80 miles southwest of Nashville.

The cabins and the park’s 1,974-square-foot restaurant will be heated and cooled with the help of a geothermal system, that takes advantage of the stable temperature underground.

The system will produce free hot water in the summer and is expected to reduce the cost of heating and cooling in the park’s buildings by 40-60 percent, while reducing energy-driven pollution.

Other new designs and technologies focus on pollution prevention, children’s health and stormwater management, officials say.

“These contemporary, LEED cabins further demonstrate Tennessee State Parks’ commitment to ensure our visitors enjoy outstanding accommodations, while leaving a lighter footprint on our natural resources,” said Jim Fyke, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner.

“The Green Cabin project included the talents and expertise of a number of individuals and we are very appreciative of their hard work and dedication.”

The cabins are expected to receive silver certification as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) project, the first of their kind in a Tennessee State Park.

Fyke was among several state and local officials at an unveiling ceremony today.

The cabins are available for rental beginning June 14. Call the park at (931) 762-9408 for reservations. www.tnstateparks.com/greenvillas">More info on the cabins is available as is www.tnstateparks.com/DavidCrockettSP">more info on the park.

The cabins, according to the state announcement, also include use of pervious concrete in parking areas to help manage automotive fluids and stormwater; ENERGY STAR and LEED-certified insulation, lighting and windows; cork flooring; recycled plastic decking; low-flow plumbing fixtures; radon restraint construction; native plants and low-maintenance trees for landscaping; low volatile organic compound paints; concrete and recycled coal ash exterior siding; and rain gardens to also help manage stormwater.

David Crockett’s greened cabins bring the total of Tennessee State Parks’ environmentally friendly-designed accommodations to 15 – joining Montgomery Bell State Park’s eight energy efficient villas, that debuted last October.

Funding for the seven new Green Cabins was made available through a $2.5 million capital project in fiscal year 2005-2006, including design, total construction costs, furnishings and fixtures.

State provided background:
David Crockett State Park, 1400 West Gaines, just off of Highway 64, one half-mile west of Lawrenceburg, was named for the pioneer, soldier, politician and industrialist born near Limestone, Tenn. in 1786.

Crockett moved to Lawrence County in 1817 and served as a justice of the peace, a colonel of the militia and as a state representative.

Along the banks of Shoal Creek, he established a diversified industry consisting of a powdermill, gristmill and distillery – losing all three operations to a flood in 1821.

Financial difficulties from these losses prompted Crockett to move to West Tennessee, where he was elected to Congress. Crockett died at the Alamo Mission in March 1836, while aiding the Texans in their fight for independence from Mexico.

- ANNE PAINE

From the Tennessean 6/7/2010

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#1

2010-05-30T06:51:00.001-07:00

#1 in NL. #2 in Baseball

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Remember

2010-05-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

While watching the race, grilling out and having a great three day holiday with the family, don't forget to take the time to remember those that gave it all so we can have our freedoms.

Summer flowers

2010-05-27T17:17:00.001-07:00

Day Lilies along the ride.

Wear a bike helmet?

2010-05-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

In the Health section of the New York Times, columnist Lesley Alderman makes the case for bicycle helmets. From the article:

Whether you ride on hectic city streets or bucolic back roads, helmets are essential armor. Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 88 percent and facial injuries by 65 percent, according to a Cochrane Database Systemic Review published in 2000. Bike riders who play against those odds do not fare well in accidents. More than 90 percent of the 714 bicyclists killed in 2008 were not wearing helmets, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

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Let there be light.

2010-05-24T07:35:00.001-07:00

Major League Baseball's first night game was 75 years ago today at Crosley Field Cincinnati, Ohio

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Koi pond

2010-05-17T22:40:00.001-07:00

A koi pond and falls next to the VA hospital in Nashville.

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First place

2010-05-16T13:23:00.001-07:00

The Reds are now in first place of the central division. Took the series against the Cardinals to move by them by a 1/2 game!

First time since June 06!

Men and their toys

2010-05-12T14:04:00.001-07:00

Do you think they have a little money tied up this stuff?

-makes my toys look real inexpensive.

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New Bike Racks in Downtown Nashville

2010-05-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

In May, Nashville cyclists will have 7 new metal art bike racks to which to lock their bikes.

These will be in the downtown core. Check out the places and types.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100428/DAVIDSON/100426030/Bike-rack-art-on-track-to-be-installed-in-early-May

Natchez Trace Parkway In Tennessee

2010-05-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

A beautiful parkway that has a 50 mile an hour speed limit. Saw many bicycles on it and also motorcycles. We got on at the Tennessee Rt 64 entrance and drove the 97 miles to Nashville. Everyone was polite and very observant of the speedlimit with two exceptions. At around 3:06 PM at around the 400 mile marker two Tennessee State troopers separated by about 5 minutes came blasting southwest on the parkway. Speed would be estimated at 75 miles an hour or more without lights or siren. If they had rounded one of the corners and came up on one of the bikers the biker would not have had a chance.This is very unsafe and foolish on the Trooper's part.

So be careful if you ride the parkway with a bike.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

2010-04-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Some great riding through the park. A wonderful 5 mile hiking trail from the Inn to the Falls.
Beautiful day today.

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Cold weather

2010-04-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

Has been very cool here. Upper 40's at night and just getting into the 60's during the day with rain.
So riding is catch as catch can.

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Paris Landing State Park

2010-04-20T09:51:00.001-07:00

A quite state park near Dover, TN. Some pretty good bike/trike riding. A little hilly. But most of TN is.

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A BAD Start?

2010-04-18T16:16:00.001-07:00

Headline: Bucs upend Reds for first sweep of 2010!
Swept by Pittsburg!
Have Lost 5 straight games!
Have lost 8 of 13 games!
All 5 starting pitchers have not won a game yet!
Third baseman is not playing because he is old and tired already!
Going to be a long season!!?

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Tax day!

2010-04-15T11:24:00.001-07:00

Tax day is also:
NATIONAL HIGH FIVE DAY
National High Five Day falls on the third Thursday of April each year, which falls this year on April 15, 2010.
Learn or perfect yours here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/how-to-perfect-the-high-five/article1530724/

Another sping day in Nashville!

2010-04-14T00:10:00.000-07:00

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Baseball time

2010-04-05T07:12:00.001-07:00

First day of Reds Baseball!

2010-04-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

Beautiful cool day for a ride. 68F degrees
Bradford pears in bloom at the end of the street.

Let the riding begin!

2010-04-02T14:13:00.001-07:00

Spring has arrived! Trike comes out tomorrow.

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Nashville Bikers attacked by Stray Dogs

2009-09-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

By NANCY DEVILLE • The Tennessean

Several Sylvan Park residents are concerned about their safety and that of their pets after several cyclists were mauled by a pack of dogs roaming the area.

It’s a big concern for Leslie Keffer, who was recently attacked on Charlotte Avenue near 40th Avenue North while riding her bicycle home from work. She tried unsuccessfully to outrun the pack of eight dogs, but was bitten three times during the chase, she said. “They had my bike surrounded, and I was just terrified and thought I was going to die,” she said. “I’m not scared of dogs, but I’m scared to be in my neighborhood at night on a bike or on foot without a weapon. I just don’t feel safe.”As a result of the attack, Keffer’s leg required stitches, a tetanus shot and a series of rabies vaccinations. The incident has also left her financially strapped, because she says she was forced to fork over thousands of dollars for medical treatment. While her bicycle is her only means of transportation, Keffer said she’s forced to take taxicabs or hitch a ride. She plans to buy some pepper spray for when she gets ready to start riding her bike again. Like many neighbors, Keffer remains on guard and hopes Metro can do something to rid the neighborhood of the problem. “I know seven to eight people that have made complaints to Metro Animal Control, and people are still getting bit,” she said.“Even if it’s not the same group of dogs, there is a stray problem with dogs chasing and trying to bite people. I moved into Sylvan Park because it was a safe neighborhood, but now it doesn’t feel so safe.”

Carl Polgar has also been bitten by what he assumes is the same pack of dogs that attached Keffer and recently another cyclist. He was bitten once while riding his bike on Nebraska Avenue. And again once he slowed down after he thought he outran the dogs. “Most of these incidents are happening at night, and these dogs are less likely to be out during the day,” he said. “If there’s no one that can act on it at night, then it’s kind of useless.”

Brent Hager, director of Environment Health Services for Metro Health, said Animal Control officers started patrolling the area Thursday and have not seen any strays.
He said officers would continue to patrol the neighborhood for the next several days.
“This is not a common problem,” Hager said. “Most of the time dogs will chase the bikes but won’t attack.” “We would like to set some traps, if there is someone in the area that is willing to let us do that,” Hager said. “They are really quite successful.”

Nashville parks enforce bicycle speed limit as walkers, cyclists clash

2009-08-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

By Jenny Upchurch • THE TENNESSEAN • August 30, 2009

A clash between "Tour de France wannabes" and "iPod-deaf roadblocks" has park police warning cyclists to slow down and walkers to stay in the slow lane on Nashville's greenways.
Park police trained radar guns on cyclists on three greenways Saturday.
They weren't there to write speeding tickets, says Capt. Rich Foley, park police commander.
The aim is to teach riders about the new 15 mph speed limit on the walk/bike paths and encourage riders and walkers to share the space.
Conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians are a big issue and seem to be on the rise, Foley said, in particular on the Shelby Bottoms trail but also on Stones River and Richland Creek greenways.
"Definitely there have been injuries, definitely there have been crashes between pedestrians and cyclists," he said.
An ambulance crew treated a 22-year-old man injured in a crash with another rider Aug. 22 on the Shelby greenway, according to Nashville Fire Department records. He was about a mile in on the trail and was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Reports of the accident ignited a fierce discussion on the East Nashville listserv, with some posters castigating cyclists as Tour de France wannabes and others lambasting pedestrians as iPod-deaf roadblocks.
Lee Pampacos Putt bikes on the Shelby greenway once or twice a week between her East Nashville home and Gaylord workplace.
"Pedestrians definitely don't like cyclists. And as a cyclist, you do want to go more than 15 mph," she said, adding that she rides slower when more people are on the path.
"It is dangerous sharing with pedestrians and dogs. I don't see it as a huge problem if everyone respected everyone."
Shelby and Two Rivers parks were connected with a pedestrian bridge over the Cumberland last year, linking almost 20 miles of paved trails. That has more cyclists on the trails and more using them for group rides, Putt thinks.
"It's the perfect place to train, in some sense, because you don't have stop signs or signals. You have the luxury of you don't have to brake. But, again, it is not the greatest place to do it with the pedestrians."

15 mph limit set
Even if they are slow, a group of cyclists will intimidate pedestrians as they ride by, she said.
"I'll yell out, 'On your left,' and do it early so people have time to react, so they don't feel like they're being pushed off the path."
There wasn't a speed limit when greenways first opened, Foley said, only a directive to use reasonable speed. It was decided this year to set a 15 mph limit.
The 15 mph limit will be posted at each greenway entrance. The signs also will warn users to stay to the right and that it is a two-way trail. They are being paid for by the private Greenways for Nashville group.
Volunteers also will place a center stripe on the Richland Creek greenway to give a visual clue that pedestrians and cyclists need to stay on the right-hand half of a trail. The first 25 feet of each entrance and blind curves will be striped. Other greenways may follow. Speeding tickets rare
Officers on ATVs have used radar guns on greenways before Saturday's blitz, which was to begin at Shelby in the morning and then go on to Richland and Stones River.
"If someone is going over the speed limit, the officer will give them a warning," Foley said.
A citation would have to be for disorderly conduct rather than a speeding ticket. That would be rarer than rare, he said.
"If you say, 'Hey, the speed limit is 15' and they do the next lap and they do 25, maybe."
Foley said the problems seem to be caused by just a few cyclists, but doesn't point to bike riders as always at fault.
"All users have to be responsible. The greenway is for both walkers and cyclists, and there are rules walkers need to follow," he said. That includes keeping dogs on a leash and supervising children. It also means not spreading across a path and not having earbuds or headphones turned up so loud you can't hear a cyclist coming up behind.
"A little bit on each side is to blame."

Bike Month

2009-05-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

May is National Bike Month
The League of American Bicyclists is promoting:
Bike-to-Work Week from May 11-15
Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 15.

Starting anew!

2009-04-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well I let a year go by without getting my trike out of the garage. This year I am not going to allow this to happen. Must get the exercise and good attitude that the trike gives me. When the rain stops this week, hopefully Tuesday, the trike is coming out and getting ready to ride.

Cumberland pedestrian bridge to open Saturday

2008-05-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Metro Nashville will open the Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The 700-foot bridge spans the river from Shelby Bottoms to Two Rivers Parkway, joining pieces of the Shelby Bottoms and Stones River greenways.

Anyone wanting to take part should park and meet at nearby Wave Country, 2320 Two Rivers Parkway, to walk, bike or skate across the bridge, according to a Metro Parks announcement.

Do Not Text and Drive!

2008-02-29T13:47:00.000-08:00

I can not believe that people are talking on the phone while driving but attempting to text while driving is really unbelievable! I know the cyclist did run a read light but,,,,,,, The judge thought that the driver should have been paying attention and not playing with a phone .

A motorist who was texting on her mobile phone when she hit and killed a cyclist has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Jordan Wickington, 19, died from head injuries when he went through a red light and was struck by Kiera Coultas's car in Southampton in February 2007.

The 25-year-old from Hythe, Hampshire, was driving at 45mph in a 30mph zone.

Miss Coultas had earlier been found guilty at Southampton Crown Court of causing death by dangerous driving.

Judge Jeremy Burford also banned her from driving.

"The serious part of your conduct was that you were sending a text on your mobile phone having just received one," he said.

"It occurred at precisely the worst time because you failed to see the cyclist who was crossing the road, having gone through the red light. Travelling as you were at 45mph you hit him and he suffered injuries from which he later died."

Mr Wickington, of Netley, Hampshire, died in Southampton General Hospital.

Speaking after the ruling his sister, Laura, said: "My life came crashing down before me. Seeing my 19-year-old brother lying dying in a hospital bed was too much to take.

"These moments were the most soul-destroying and traumatic moments of my life," she said.

Sgt Alyson West, of Hampshire Constabulary, said the ruling would hopefully discourage others from using their mobile phones while driving.

"Today's sentence will not bring back Jordan Wickington. However, it will hopefully help to deter drivers who continue to flout the law by using their mobile phones while driving.

"The answer is quite simple - don't use your mobile phone and drive.

"Nothing is so important that it can't wait until you stop or arrive safely at your destination."

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/7270751.stm

Published: 2008/02/29 13:55:45 GMT

Unbelivable

2008-01-29T07:13:00.000-08:00

Spanish driver sues dead crash cyclist for damage

Reuters Published: Friday, January 25, 2008

MADRID -- A Spanish driver who collided with a cyclist is suing the dead youth's family 20,000 euros ($29,300) for the damage the impact of his body did to his luxury car, a Spanish newspaper reported on Friday.

Businessman Tomas Delgado says 17-year-old Enaitz Iriondo caused 14,000 euros ($20,500) of damage to his Audi A8 in the fatal 2004 crash in La Rioja region, the El Pais newspaper reported.

Delgado, who has faced no criminal charges for the incident, wants a further 6,000 euros to cover the cost of hiring another vehicle while his car was being repaired, El Pais said.

The youth had been cycling alone at night without reflective clothing or a helmet, according to a police report cited by El Pais.

His family won 33,000 euros compensation from Delgado's insurance company after the firm acknowledged he had been driving at excessive speed and this could have contributed to the incident, El Pais reported.

"I'm also a victim in all of this, you can't fix the lad's problems, but you can fix mine," Delgado told the newspaper, ahead of a Jan. 30 legal decision on his suit.

The family said they had previously pitied Delgado for the guilt he must feel at killing their son but were now disgusted that his greatest concern appeared to be money.

"This was the final straw, a kick in the teeth," the youth's mother Rosa Trinidad told El Pais.

Officials want input on sidewalks, bikeways

2008-01-26T09:24:00.000-08:00

By LEA ANN OVERSTREET • January 24, 2008

Metro Public Works and the Metro Planning Department are preparing to update the county’s strategic plan for sidewalks and bikeways.

A seriesof public meetings will be held to inform the public on the county’s plans and gain input from residents who use the trails.

The first meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 31at Bordeaux Elementary, 1910 South Hamilton Road.

District 1 Councilman Lonnell Matthews said that residents concerned with the “enhancement of their community” should make it a point to attend the meeting.

“Sidewalks and bikeways are important to communities for various safety, health, accessibility and economic reasons. Sidewalks and bikeways aid pedestrians and bikers who otherwise would be forced to battle with vehicle traffic,” Matthews said.

For details about the sidewalks and bikeways plan, visit www.nashville.gov/sidewalks

Pedestrian bridge connects greenways

2008-01-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

Trail nears completion

By ANNE PAINE • Staff Writer • January 17, 2008

A new bridge arching across the Cumberland River where it bends near Briley and Two Rivers parkways is hard for drivers to miss. Fifty-foot steel towers that rise 130 feet above the water.

"It's not wide enough to drive a car across," said Nashvillian Steve Bacon, an automotive service writer, who has mulled the bridge's purpose as he's watched it grow. "It's got to be a pedestrian bridge, but what does it go to?"

The $7.5 million structure — about $2.8 million was federal and state funds — is a pivotal piece of Metro's greenway system that officials say should open by March.

The bridge will link almost 22 miles of walking/biking trails from MetroCenter north of downtown to Percy Priest Dam. "The whole system connects parks, schools, recreational facilities … and neighborhoods from suburban areas to downtown," said Shain Dennison, Metro Parks greenways director.

For more information and picture click her e.

Rails with Trail.... Cookville to Monterey TN

2008-01-16T21:24:00.001-08:00

Rails with Trail planners took a ride up to Monterey from Cookville to see where the trail would be constructed.
Information in this link.

Public input vital as Metro assesses sidewalks, bikeways

2008-01-16T20:46:00.000-08:00

This month, the Metro Department of Public Works will hold hearings around Nashville on priorities for the city's nearly 5-year-old sidewalk and bikeway program. But it could be a tight year for those who hope for an expansion of such urban improvements.

Mayor Karl Dean last fall called for a review of the plan begun by the Purcell administration to determine whether priorities should be reset because of city growth patterns and other changing needs.

At the beginning of the sidewalk and bikeway plan in 2003, Nashville had 752 miles of sidewalks, about half that of comparable cities, and few bicycle lanes. Since then, as The Tennessean recently reported, 124 miles of sidewalks have been added or repaired, 94 miles of bike lanes have been added, and 68 miles of bike routes are being built or designed. The program also added 7,203 wheelchair-accessible sidewalk ramps.

The numbers are encouraging, but suggest that Metro government has a long way to go, especially if its leaders are to fulfill expectations of turning Nashville into a people magnet prized for its vibrant quality of life.

Urban planners and municipal officials long ago identified the ability to get around a city without driving as a major factor people take into account when they decide where to live. The neighborhoods that developed rapidly at the height of suburban sprawl failed to consider the aesthetic and practical value attached to safe, convenient walking to shops, restaurants and libraries. Nashville has certainly been guilty of that shortsightedness in the past, but now has begun a turnaround. Neighborhood activists, Metro Council members, school officials, even developers call for more and improved sidewalks in areas of Davidson County where walking has been hazardous, if not impossible.

But this march toward progress may run into a major roadblock this year: the economy.

Even in previous years, the sidewalk program was underfunded. The original 2003 plan called for a $20 million annual budget. But the program never received more than $5 million-$10 million in a year, and the amount has been shrinking. Jim Snyder, Public Works' director of capital projects, told The Tennessean that $5 million will cover only repair and maintenance.

Now, with the national economic picture worsening, so may local programs such as sidewalks. In early December, Dean told Metro department heads to sketch out scenarios for cuts as deep as 15 percent for the 2008-09 budget. With the need to cover school improvements and police and fire protection, not to mention Metro jobs, sidewalk program advocates should not expect an infusion of cash this year.

That does not mean citizens should give up on the program, however. There are ways to continue improvements without extra funds. For example, Public Works is exploring ways to better target areas that most need new sidewalks or repairs, such as schools and parks. The department is also looking for tie-ins to other projects; a new sidewalk or bike lane may be attached to a stormwater project along the same right of way, for example. These approaches are promising, but will be more so if citizens take a hand in making them happen. Who knows better than a resident where sidewalks and bike lanes are needed most?

If you have ever worried about your child's safety in your neighborhood or wished you could conveniently walk or bike to the corner store, you owe it to yourself to take part in the public hearings and the subsequent comment periods on the Public Works findings.

Walk/Bike Nashville holds bike safety session in response to recent death

2008-01-16T14:07:00.000-08:00

East Nashville-based organization Walk/Bike Nashville will hold a bike safety clinic Jan. 19 in response to the death of Trenton Watson, who died Monday morning was hit by a car after darting into traffic on his bike.

The organization issued the following statement:
Advertisement

Walk/Bike Nashville would like to extend condolences to the family of Trenton Watson. We are saddened by the bicycle incident on January 7, 2008 that took such a promising young person from our community. In response, Walk/Bike Nashville, in coordination with the East Nashville community will offer a bicycle safety clinic on Saturday, January 19th. Parents and children are welcome and encouraged to participate. The first 50 children to arrive will receive a free bicycle helmet.

The clinic is from 10am-12Noon at the East Community Center in the auditorium. The clinic is drop-in style, so parents and children may join the clinic throughout the day and enjoy various on-bike modules and other educational opportunities.

For more information, contact director Shannon Hornsby at 585-2014.

Happy New Year 2008

2007-12-29T08:29:00.000-08:00

RCN Closes After 16+ Years

2007-12-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

This was posted on the Recumbent Cyclist blog this morning

"After 101 issues published, the print newsletter Recumbent Cyclist News has closed. RCN 102 was completed earlier this month, but we could not afford to print and mail it. Some of the articles are here on the blog. Further updates will also be placed here. Needless to say, we are devastated by the closing and loss of our business and livelihood. We would like to thank all of our friends, readers, supporters and sponsors. All are listed here in the sidebar links.
Bob Bryant
RCN Publisher 1990-2007"

I enjoyed reading the Recumbent Cyclist News. I am going to miss it very much.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-23T17:24:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from EZ Nashville.

Have a very Merry Christmas

May 2008 be a very good year for you.

With Many, Many Miles of enjoyable bike/trike riding.

Nashville Greenways are being finished.

2007-12-22T20:43:00.000-08:00

Just received the following letter from my friend. Looks like we have some new miles to ride and some soon to come.

Just rode the Greenway at Two Rivers Park. The new Heartland Park Greenway section has all three miles of fence built for cattle/bull safety and is open all the way to Lebanon Road!

It is a scenic high with all the trees, Stones and Cumberland River, plus farm land up to the golf course.

Also the new hand railings are installed and being painted on the Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge and is close to finish. New grass is growing on the north side Shelby Bottoms berm and the concrete is painted. Steel sections remain and the entrance ramp on the East side has to be paved to the Briley Parkway tunnel.

2008 looks really good for us bikers with all this work coming to completion.

Dennis

2007-11-21T06:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving
Lets not forget the multitude of blessings that we as Americans have and most of the time do not even consider.
In his presidential proclamation for Thanksgiving, President Bush states:

Thanksgiving Day, 2007
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Americans are a grateful people, ever mindful of the many ways we have been blessed. On Thanksgiving Day, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, the people we love, and the gifts of our prosperous land.
Our country was founded by men and women who realized their dependence on God and were humbled by His providence and grace. The early explorers and settlers who arrived in this land gave thanks for God's protection and for the extraordinary natural abundance they found. Since the first National Day of Thanksgiving was proclaimed by President George Washington, Americans have come together to offer thanks for our many blessings. We recall the great privilege it is to live in a land where freedom is the right of every person and where all can pursue their dreams. We express our deep appreciation for the sacrifices of the honorable men and women in uniform who defend liberty. As they work to advance the cause of freedom, our Nation keeps these brave individuals and their families in our thoughts, and we pray for their safe return.
While Thanksgiving is a time to gather in a spirit of gratitude with family, friends, and neighbors, it is also an opportunity to serve others and to share our blessings with those in need. By answering the universal call to love a neighbor as we want to be loved ourselves, we make our Nation a more hopeful and caring place.
This Thanksgiving, may we reflect upon the past year with gratefulness and look toward the future with hope. Let us give thanks for all we have been given and ask God to continue to bless our families and our Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 22, 2007, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather together in their homes and places of worship with family, friends, and loved ones to reinforce the ties that bind us and give thanks for the freedoms and many blessings we enjoy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
GEORGE W. BUSH

The 11 most bicycle friendly cities in the world

2007-11-14T12:29:00.000-08:00

http://www.virgin-vacations.com/site_vv/11-most-bike-friendly-cities.asp

Some are in the United States.

BTW Nashville is not one of them.

Make sure you can be seen.

2007-11-08T12:15:00.000-08:00

I was driving a four lane road with no shoulders to speak of and it was real dark. I saw this tiny little white reflected light coming toward me in my lane. What it turned out to be was a rider of a bike with dark clothing. No reflective clothing, no lights on his bike. The only thing that saved him was the tiny reflector that came with his bike.

Now as far as I am concerned this is a stupid thing to do. You are asking to be hit.

I thought I would tell you what happened hoping it will make you think about safety and being seen.

Vultures, Deer and Possum

2007-10-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

Temp: 69, windy, sunny clear

On the way to Peeler Park Greenway I topped a hill and there were 5 Vultures in the middle of the road. They jumped out of the way of the car but right after I went by they were back in the middle of the road. I have never seen that many on the ground and that close. They are really big and makes a crow look like a blackbird comparatively.

I had a nice ride through the Greenway and then went up Neely's Bend to the Peeler Park Air Field. No one was out flying their remote control aircraft, but it made for a very nice ride. Got a small dog to chase me almost 1/2 mile. I was going slow enought that he thought he could catch me and would not give up. I saw Deer and a Possum so it was a good day for wildlife watching too.

6.7 miles in the Quest for Fitness. 207 miles total

Still not connected!

2007-10-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

Temp: 75 degrees, Perfect Fall riding weather.

I took my EZ3 over to the Stones River green way. Starting at Heartland park. It is still not opened up past the bridge. I was told the owner of the land says that the fence is not correct to keep his bulls from breaking it down. So it is in court, I guess. The next time I am going up to the Cole's parking lot and ride the Stones River Green way to the Dam.
I rode what was there and around the Soccer fields until I rode 5.5 miles.

A perfect day!

5.5 miles in the Quest for Fitness, 200.35 total miles

New 2008 EZ3

2007-10-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

This was taken at the Interbike show by Bryan Ball of BentRider online

A lot of changes.

Three that stick out are:

New frame

New handlebar design

All the same size wheels

Reason for not posting

2007-10-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Because of heat, health and computer problems, I did not post but once last month. I have not felt like riding because of the heat and problems with my health.
I also have had a computer crash on me and I am posting from another borrowed computer. Hoping to get in some riding this month before it gets too cold.

A Warm Morning Ride

2007-09-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

Temp 80, dead calm, humid

Went out on this Labor day and rode 2.5 miles. Before the ride I tightened up the bolts all around.
The handlebar was getting too loose and was moving toward you at the slightest pull.
All is tight now.

2.5 miles in the Quest for Fitness 194.85 total miles

A great morning ride.

2007-08-31T10:53:00.000-07:00

temp: 75, sunny

I rode the trike for the first time in a long time this morning.( since August 2)

The weather has been so hot that it looks like the fall season already.
This is the last day of August . It has been the the hottest August in recorded time in Nashville.
14 days over 102 degrees and a total of 24 days over 95 degrees

Leaves are on the ground and many trees are dying.

Grass and some bushes are dead.

I thought it has been too hot to ride.

It had been so long since the trike has been ridden that the front tire was almost flat. So I aired up all the tires and the air horn and rode 2.5 miles keeping speed down and enjoying it immensely. Good to be back on the trike.

This is the first time I have tested out the clipless pedals. They are nice but I move the heel of my left foot around so much that it sometimes comes unclipped when I am messing around on the bike while not riding. Not annoying, but happens more than I thought. It is nice to be clipped to the pedal when you are spinning at a high rate. No fear of the foot slipping off the pedal.

2.5 miles in the Quest of Fitness 192.6 total

Walk the Whites Creek Greenway this Saturday

2007-08-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Mayor Bill Purcell will conclude his monthly walks in the park at 9 a.m., Saturday, August 25 on the Whites Creek Greenway, located at 2801 Tucker Road, Nashville, Tennessee across from the Hartman Regional Community Center at the Hartman Park Trailhead. The event, which will proceed regardless of the weather, is free and open to the public walk or ride with the Mayor.

The Whites Creek Greenway is another important step in the development of a network of greenway trails and corridors. The Whites Creek Greenway, which extends one mile from the Hartman Park Community Center toward Clarksville Highway, is a multi-use trail following a scenic route along Whites Creek.

For further information, contact:
Sandra Roberts, 880-1827

I've been there!

2007-08-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Cumberland River Bridge

2007-08-13T17:34:00.001-07:00

The first Cumberland River Bridge Span is up on the Greenway!

Picture by Dennis Carney

This bridge will connect the Shelby Bottoms greenway to the Stones River greenway in downtown
Nashville

Fitness Review Standard vs Recumbent bikes

2007-08-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

I have not been riding on these 100 to 104 degree days.
Hope next week will be better. I am missing the ride.

Here is an article about the comparison of the wear on the body caused by the different types of bikes.

Residents try to stop Whites Creek Greenway extension

2007-08-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

Whites Creek Pike residents fear path through yards will ruin privacy, bring crime.

This was the theme of todays article in the Tennessan.

The Whites Creek Preservation Society will hold a meeting tonight to discuss the greenway project. The meeting will begin at 6:30 in the old James Gang Building on Whites Creek Pike, near the intersection with Old Hickory Boulevard.

Today I'm a Weather Wuss

2007-08-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

After looking at the 100 degree prediction and seeing it 93 degrees by 11:00 AM, I decided to do my exercises and lift weights inside and forgo the outside exercise today. That is sad because I have not been able to use my new clipless system yet.

Old Folks Warning

2007-08-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

It is hot, hot, hot. They told old folks not to breath this air.
But being an older folk you must breath this air or .......

Temp is over 100 with "chill" factor and I will probably not be riding the next few days.
I sat on my trike today and adjusted the cleat tension on the pedals and practiced clipping in and releasing the cleat from the pedal. No sweat releasing because you can move your heel either way and the cleat comes out of the pedal. What produces sweat is sitting on the bike in this heat and doing much of anything! Also getting to know where the cleat is on the bottom of shoe and getting them to connect to the pedal is alot harder. But it is becoming easier each time I do it.

I hope it is not as hot and dry where you are as it is here.

Clipless pedals

2007-08-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

Well I finally bought me some clipless pedals. I have waited because I have a lot of people ride my trike and with most clipless pedals they could not do that. I discovered the Shimano pedal that is half and half. One side is a platform pedal and the other side has a SPD cleat receiver. So my family can still ride the trike and I can attach on the other side.

The other thing I bought was a pair of Shimano sandals. The SPD system I bought is less expensive than most of the clipless systems and will allow you to disconnect by twisting your feet either way. What is nice about the trike, you do not have to worry about your balance while clipping or unclipping the cleat into the pedals. These sandals also allow you to walk while off the bike. The cleats are recessed in the sole of the shoe.

I will test these over the next few days and give my feelings about them.

RAGBRAI Review

2007-08-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Dan posted some pictures and comments about a fun ride across Iowa.

Stones River Greenway

2007-08-02T15:19:00.001-07:00

Temp: 78-83, Partly cloudy

Got up and took the trike to the greenway. Got an early start because it was going to be 96 today.
Started at the Heartland Park trail head and started riding toward the bridge. The Mayor walked it a month ago so I assumed that it was open. I was traveling across the bridge and was going around 9 miles an hour and turned the corner and almost ran into the barricade. The trail is paved and looks like it is fenced and looks good but you can not continue on after you pass over the bridge.

this is looking back at the bridge after crossing

A picture looking from the bridge.

After taking these pictures, I went east on the greenway. The HILL that comes up to McGavock Pike is a 28 % grade according to my Edge 205. I do not know who the engineer was that designed that slope but he was not a bicyclist. I made it up but had to stop 4 times. The greenway goes under the road and meanders besides the golf course and football practice fields and is quite pretty. It does have a few more hills but nothing like the HILL.
It will be nice to see the whole Stones River Greenway open.
You will be able to go from the Wave Pool all the way to the Percy Priest Dam. A real nice ride. And when the Cumberland River bridge is done the ride will be from the middle of town to the dam.

7.5 miles in the Quest for Fitness. 190.1 miles total

Tennessee Tax Free Weekend

2007-08-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

The state's tax-free weekend is Aug. 3-5.

Clothes, school supplies, computers and art supplies will be sales-tax-free.

That will save you around 10 % on Bike clothes, clipless shoes etc.

The New SUV?

2007-07-29T21:50:00.001-07:00

Not about recumbents but this article is interesting.
I do not believe that the American will ever ride bikes or scooters as much as smaller European countries but our thinking is changing.

The New SUV

The Loop again

2007-07-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

Temp 88, muggy

I rode the Loop again. The final climb was a hard one. It was so hot and humid I had to stop 3 times but did not get off the Trike.

2.6 miles in the Quest for Fitness 182.6 total miles

Mirrors sure make it safer.

2007-07-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

temp 85 right before the rain.

Sorry I have been having trouble signing on to the Blog.

I got in 2 miles today. I also set up the trike so that my youngest daughter could try it out. She really likes the feel of sitting back and riding comfortably. She at first did not like the turning of the trike because you don't lean but it become more comfortable as she rode more.
I got my new mirror installed. Like I said earlier it is really scary and unsafe without a rear view mirror.

I also got a mirror that attaches to my glasses.
I am still getting use to it. It is very light and fits on any type of glasses even my wire rims. I think you could really become accustomed to this mirror because it is always right there.

2 miles in the Quest for Fitness. 180 miles total

Nashville's On-Road Bikeways and Off-Road Paths

2007-07-25T23:14:00.000-07:00

Map of Nashville's On-Road Bikeways and Off-Road Paths

Changing Cranksets.

2007-07-23T10:57:00.004-07:00

A real interesting discussion of cranksets over on The Recumbent Blog.
As you know, from a former blog entry, I changed my crank set to a lower number of teeth because of the hills.

Enjoyable ride.

2007-07-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

Temp: 81, Low humidity

I went out and tried to find a bar end mirror for the trike. The LBS did not have a long one, with the shorter handlebars on the EZ 3, I had to order one. I also ordered a mirror that attach to your glasses. I have always wanted to try one of those out. Will be in Wed. next week. I will comment on how I like them.

Not having a mirror I decided on a slow easy ride in the neighborhood. It was the most enjoyable ride I have had in a while. My hill climbing abilities are improving to the point that I can enjoy some of the hills too. I am going to have to tighten the Allen screw mentioned yesterday every day before the ride until I can find a solution.

I have posted a question on the Bentrider Trike forum. We will see if there is an answer. I talked to the LBS owner and might have come up with a solution that will require a machine shop. More on that later if I need to go that route.

Have fun, get fit, ride safe.

3.5 miles in the "Quest for Fitness" 178 miles total

Break Down.

2007-07-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

temp: 83 low humidity

Started around the loop again today. Got half way around and the idler chain came off the back axle toothed wheel again. I also realized for the first time, since this happened on hill, that your rear disc break does not work when this chain comes off.
As I was tipping over the bike to fix the chain I also broke my mirror off. OOPS.
I got the chain on but the Allen screw did not tighten as well as I wanted. So some of the BIG hill I talked about yesterday, was walked. I did not want to chance breaking the chain until I could get the wheel tightened. BTW riding without a mirror is scary and unsafe. Two things that need to be fixed is a new mirror, and someway to keep the allen screw from backing out.

Two miles in the "Quest for Fitness", 174.5 total.

Tunes to Ride!

2007-07-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

I used my speakers and my MP3 player yesterday. As you can see in the picture below it is fastened to my left handlebar along with the bag that comes with it hooked around the handlebar so the MP3 player can ride in there while playing. The bag is big enough that you can carry the player and speakers with you when you leave the trike.

The MP3 player is a 1 Gig Sandisk Sansa Express player. It has all the bells and whistles needed to play everything I want. It has the capability to add additional memory by adding micro SD cards. The color screen is only big enough to see thumbnail size pictures but that is not my use for it. It also can not be uploaded by ITunes software but Windows Media player is sufficient. On the positive side it does not cost as much as any IPOD and has a FM Tuner that works well while on the trike.

The "I Ride" speakers are well made and are powered by three AAA batteries. There is a switch for off or on but there is no volume control on the speakers. Volume is dependent on the input devise. In this set up the Sandisk can make the volume loud enough to ride and listen comfortably. It is not a boom box, but people you pass know that you have a sound system.

Good system for what I want.

A Goal Accomplished !

2007-07-19T18:02:00.001-07:00

Temp: 91, breezy and warm

I took off on a 3.25 mile ride at 6:30pm. It was around a big loop. Nice easy ride for the first 2.5 miles. Either downhill or flat ride. Then the final hills started. Remember at the first of the Summer I wanted to climb the hill from Dickerson Rd. to my house.
Well I did it tonight with out getting off the trike. I did stop once to rest for about a minute. The Edge 205 computer said that the grade on that hill is near 18% for about a quarter of a mile. Other hills on the loop are 12%, 9% and 11%. As I said I live in a Hilly area. Now my goal is to use this loop and lap it twice.
It is nice to know that my hill climbing is improving. It also helps to have tunes to listen too while riding. I will write up my setup tomorrow. I have mentioned the speakers already in a prior post.

3.25 miles in the "Quest for Fitness" 172.5 total miles.

Final Report on RAAM

2007-07-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

The Bacchetta website outlines their race-winning 2007 RAAM effort.

Cooler and less humidity

2007-07-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

temp: 80 partly cloudy

After being off a week 2 1/2 miles in these hills really was a pretty good workout.
I have yet to blow my horn at anyone. Not a lot of traffic.
Before I rode I checked the nuts and bolts and filled the tire. Waxed and lubed the bike. The back wheel Allen screw is holding tight after the Loctite treatment.

2.5 miles in the "Quest for Fitness"

Sickness, rain and heat

2007-07-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

Sickness, rain and heat
I'm sorry I have not ridden in a week.

Will try to do better tomorrow.

Bicycle Repair

2007-07-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here are two bicycle repair sites that offer a lot of information
Not recumbent but as my mechanic says, "Bikes are Bikes"

Park Tool... Repair

Harris Cyclery... repair by Sheldon Brown

Air Zound Horn

2007-07-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

The last gadget I have added to my Trike is an Air Zone Horn. This is a compressed air horn that produces 115 decibel sound. To be used only in an emergency. The bell is for other warnings.

The bottle sits in my right water bottle holder and it is easily filled to 80 lbs pressure with my pump through an attachment under the trigger on the horn.
The bottle never need moving to fill.

The horn is on the right of the handlebars and can be actuated with the thumb. Out of the way and very usable.

Maybe the drivers that don't see me will now hear me.

Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee

2007-07-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

This event is held every year in September.

BRAT

Happy Independance Day

2007-07-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

temp 74,, Partly Cloudy cool breeze

Went out for a ride this morning. Really a nice 4th of July. After not riding for a week the two miles were enough to tire me out.

Two miles in the "Quest for Fitness" Total 167.75 miles

Nashville Weather

2007-07-03T23:08:00.000-07:00

Nashville had its 4th driest first half of any year on record and the driest January through June since 1988. Rainfall totaled 15.84 inches from January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007. The driest January through June ever in Nashville was back in 1941 when only 10.04 inches of rain fell, followed by 1986 and 1988.

Stopping the Allen bolt from moving

2007-07-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

When I asked the "EZ racers forums" what I should do about the Allen bolt backing out of the big wheel on the axle. I was told to use loctite on the bolt to keep it from backing out. This evening I backed the bolt out and put loctite (green) on it and screwed it back in very tight. The green has a 5 minute time delay before setting up so that comes in handy. I will let it cure overnight before riding the bike and I will give you a critique of its longevity.

Active Tunes portable speakers

2007-07-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

I received my portable speakers from I-Ride today.
There is a review of them by Joel Waxman over at "My Recumbent Days" Blog.

I bought them so that I did not have to wear earphones while triking. They work well, sound very clear. My DVD player does not over power them. I have not received my MP-3 player I ordered so I can play music and an audio Bible while I ride. What is nice it has a small bag that will carry the mp 3 player while riding and is big enough to carry the speakers and player when you are off the bike to keep them safe. I was going to mount them on the back of the seat so they would be closer to my head but the bar is too small for the mount. Things are hard to mount on the EZ 3 because the horizontal bar is too small. So I had to mount it on the left hand vertical handlebar. Should be nice, I will review it more when I get the rest of the system.

Reds need a "different voice…a different approach.''

2007-07-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

Reds General Manager Wayne Krivsky today praised Jerry Narron but said he and CEO Bob Castellini decided to fire him because the last-place team needed a "different voice … a different approach.''

Krivsky said advance scout Pete Mackanin (pronounced mah-CAN-in), 55, will be interim manager of a team with the worst record in baseball. A search will begin for a permanent manager.

He does have a connection with Nashville. In 1990, he won the American Association Eastern Division title as the manager of the Nashville Sounds.

I have been sick the last few days and have not ridden. Looks like tomorrow will be good.

Nashville Metro Parks Budget

2007-06-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

A cyclist passes a nature center under construction in Shelby Bottoms. Denial of a proposed parks budget increase means the center and two others, plus a history center, will open later than planned and with reduced hours and staff.

from Tennessean. com

The three new $750,000 nature centers, at the Beaman, Bells Bend and Shelby Bottoms parks, were scheduled to open between August and September with staffing costs running at a combined $589,000 annually. Parks Department Director Roy Wilson will now recommend opening the Shelby Bottoms center in October, the Bells Bend center in January and the Beaman center in February, with reduced staff and operating hours. The City Paper

I would think that this would also slow down the building of greenway extensions also, such as finishing the Peeler Park Greenway. my opinion

New Greenway Ride

2007-06-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

temp: 91, hot and clear

Today after Vacation Bible School I took my bike down to the very end of Neely's Bend Rd to Peeler's Park and rode the new green way. For those that know that the model aircraft runway is also in Peeler's park, don't turn there you cannot get on the greenway from there. Go on down the Rd until you come to this sign.

There is a boat ramp there and the trail head. The Trail Head is to the left of the parking lot.

The greenway is a little over a mile now finished. In the next year there will be a loop at the end and a boardwalk on the river. It now is a very smooth ride with very little grades. Of course not many people in the middle of the day. Some fisherman were there and asked about the EZ 3. Most of them have not seen anything like it.

5.25 miles in the "Quest for Fitness" total of 165.75 miles

The Cycling Mayor?

2007-06-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

I ran across this and thought it was interesting.
David Briley is a candidate for Nashville Mayor in this next election.
This is a Bike news item only and is not an endorsement for any candidate by this blogger. ts

The Cycling Mayor? by Michael Cass
Mayor Bill Purcell drives a Saturn. David Briley would ride a Masi.
For the uninitiated (like me), that’s a bike. Briley told The Tennessean’s editorial board last week that he would ride his bike to work “as many days as I possibly can” if he became Nashville’s next mayor. He said he could ride along greenways most of the way from his Inglewood home to the Historic Courthouse.
“It’s the only way I ever get any exercise,” he said.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 19th, 2007 at 10:12 am and is filed under Metro Dispatch

After Dark

2007-06-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

Temp: 73, cloudy

"After Dark" use to be the name of a screen saver program a long time ago, 1990

This evening's ride was cool and nice. I talked with a neighbor couple that were walking with their Great Dane. With me being on the EZ 3 recumbent, he and I looked at each other eye to eye!

The Edge 205 computer worked well. I rode 2.5 miles, averaged 5.1 miles an hour, the grade in front of my neighbor's house is 10%, I know how many calories I burnt and how long it took me to do all of this. If I stop the bike the calculations stop until I start again. I am able to download the info into my PC and keep the history of my rides and totals. It is easily mounted and easily taken off the bike so it can be kept secure.

All that is worth the 94 dollars I spent for it on EBAY.

It's MSRP is $269

Now, I personally believe that is too much.

2.5 miles in the ""Quest for Fitness" total of 160.5 miles

Garmin Edge 205

2007-06-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

I am excited about a new purchase I bought. The Garmin Edge 205 is charging as I type.
It is a GPS bike computer.

The poster at wedgiefree blog has a preview of it here.
I am waiting for his complete review.
He has yet to post any thing about it other than this.

As I test it out I will put up more information, likes and dislikes.
I am excited with my new toy.

The last 48 hours Team Velokraft

2007-06-20T07:22:00.001-07:00

http://teamvelokraft.blogspot.com/2007/06/last-48-hours.html

Info on Team Velokraft in the RAAM

2007-06-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

Here is the info about what happen to Glenn of Team Velokraft.
This is Dana of Bent Up Cycles

http://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/showthread.php?p=267069#poststop

Nice ride after the rain

2007-06-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

Temp. 73, cloudy

I was able to get back on the trike after a few days layoff because of knee problems.
Waited until after the rain today and was able to ride in the coolness of the evening.

3 miles in the "Quest of Fitness", 158 miles total.

Bacchetta Wins RAAM

2007-06-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

Team Bacchetta/Military Families Foundation has won the RAAM 2007 two-person recumbent category, completing the 3042.8 mile course in 7 days 00:26. Their average speed over the 3000+ miles was 18.07 mph.

What a great effort to almost do it in the 6th day.

Team Velokraft made it a very exciting race and it would have been much closer if one of the team members was not able to race because of Dr's orders for 12 hours. Causing the other member to finish the last 350 miles solo.

A New Greenway in Nashille

2007-06-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

MAYOR BILL PURCELL OPENS NEW GREENWAY AT PEELER PARK
Park Features Greenway, Wetlands, and Equestrian Trail

Peeler Park is an important natural area in the Cumberland River watershed. Except for public use of the model plane airstrip located near the Peeler homestead, the property was landbanked until 2007. Development of the park has been made possible through the 2002 Parks & Greenways Master Plan.
The park, when finished will include a nature center, additional paved trails, permanent restrooms, an equestrian trailhead and parking, and a river overlook.
After a brief dedication ceremony, Mayor Bill Purcell, Councilman Jim Forkum and Greenways representatives will lead a walk on the 1.5 mile paved scenic trail.

The park is located at 2043 Neely's Bend Road - Madison, TN

Race Across America

2007-06-14T12:13:00.001-07:00

Since my left knee will not let me ride. Let me show you a small race.
How would you like to go over three thousand miles across the US in 6 to 9 days on a bike?

That is what happening at this very time. Solo bikes are into the 5th day and the teams are in the 3rd day.

Above this is one of the recumbent two man teams going through a lonely stretch in Arizona.
There are two recumbent teams racing. Team Bacchetta was running approximately 2 hours ahead of Team Velokraft. But both are in 2nd and third place among the teams.

Check out all the info on RAAM here.

In the Neighborhood part three!

2007-06-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

Temp: 73, Sunny

BTW when I give the temp it is what it is when I ride.

My daughter in law climbed back on the trike that has been throwing chains on her again. She had a nice ride of about 2 1/2 miles and the "Red's Rider 3" was nice to her today. I also went two miles even though my left knee was inflamed. I did not do any hills just a boring back and forth on flat surfaces.

2 miles in the "Quest for Fitness" 155 total.

Nuts, Bolts and Screws

2007-06-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Temp: 79, partly cloudy

I did not get to write this yesterday so there will be two today.
Now this is what I mean by the above. You are told to check the tightness of all nuts, bolts and screws very frequently when riding a bike or trike. Remember the Allen screw that holds on the toothed idle chain wheel that I had tightened by the LBS when I got my new back chain. Well I have not checked it since. The wrong thing to do. I had ridden my bike the night before and as I said my daughter rode it almost 2.5 miles too. So my daughter in law got on it this morning, Tuesday, and went down the hill all the way to the bottom (2 miles and was going to come back up and the chain came off because the wheel was loose. She did not have an Allen wrench set on the bike so she walked all the way back. Pretty frustrating. I fixed it and also rode. So check those items often!

3 miles in the "Quest of Fitness" 153 miles total.

New Riders

2007-06-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

Temp: 83, cloudy

I introduced EZ 3 trike riding to two new people. My aunt and my oldest daughter. My Daughter rode almost 2 miles and was very successful at climbing the hills around the house. She realized how much exercise you can get on a recumbent.
I rode three miles around the neighborhood. It was cloudy today holding the temperature down. Quite nice.

3 miles in the "Quest of Fitness" 150 miles total.

Early Morning Ride

2007-06-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Temp: 68, clear.

Rode an early morning ride. Only two miles but over half of that was climbing hills, The haze is gone and it is a beautiful Middle, Tennessee day. Vanderbilt is in the finals of the NCAA baseball SE regional against Michigan. They have both won a game so it is a one game final tonight. BTW If Cincinnati was leading by 6 runs in the 7th they should win it right? Wrong. Give it to the bullpen and it is a goner.

Two miles in the "Quest for Fitness" 147 miles total

Bad Air

2007-06-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Nashville has a case of air that you can see, taste, and have trouble breathing.
The old and young have been warned.
Here is the sun going down and you can hardly see it through the haze.

This has been a great day friends of mine took me out for a great birthday dinner.

Perspective (Or Lack Thereof)

2007-05-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

Alan Barnard over at The Recumbent Blog wrote an excellent article about why recumbents aren't as popular as they should be. [Link]

A Fix

2007-05-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

Temp 84, Hazy
Forest fires in Georgia and Florida, are resulting in lowered air quality in Nashville to moderate.

A friend of mine said that I should be careful or I would break the wire on my speedometer on the EZ 3 since I was carrying it on the bicycle rack. Well it did break. I looked for a wireless speedometer to replace it. But most wireless will not transmit the distance to the top cross piece on the bike's handlebar. 70 mm was the farthest it would transmit so it would be down on the bar below the water bottle. So since it did not give me any more advantage than the wired, I repaired my wired speedometer. It was broken in the middle of the wire. If it had pulled out of the head or the pickup this might not be possible. Another friend of mine separated the two small wires soldered them and used shrink tubing to make the repair water proof.

Works well. I just have to be more careful.

2 miles in the "Quest for Fitness" 145 miles total.

New Route

2007-05-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

Temp: 83, Sunny

This is the hardest route I have taken. It is only 2 miles long but 1/2 of it is uphill. I drop down hill from my house for 1/2 mile and then have to climb back to it in a series of up hill climbs in the next mile and 1/2.
With out the new Mt gearing on my front chain rings, 44, 34, 22, I would not be able to do it.

I only had to stop 3 times. Hopefully I will get able to do this time after time for a 10 mile ride before the Summer is out.

2 miles in the "Quest for Fitness" Total of 143 miles

My Mistake

2007-05-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

I went back to the Cumberland Transit bike shop and found out that the rear idler toothed wheel that is attached to the back axle, had the Allen bolt come loose and was moved to the right far enough that the chain had broken 3 lengths. Bolt tightened and a new final chain put on and it works like a top. I am still amazed how much easier it is to climb hills. No strain it is not, but still much easier.
3 miles in the "Quest of Fitness" 141 miles total

What a difference.

2007-05-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

When I got my trike out of the LBS the difference in the smaller chain rings is unbelievable. The only thing is that while testing them on a local greenway I had a problem. About 3 miles into my ride the idler chain that goes from my cassette to the back axle starting popping and then came off. It would not stay on. So back to the shop again. I believe that when adjusting the back cassette so it would smoothly go into low gear it canted the idler wheel too much and the chain will not stay on.

Will find out and take pictures and post later today.

3 miles in the "Quest for Fitness" and then a three mile walk.

New Parts.

2007-05-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

I have not been able to ride for the last two days because the trike is in the LBS, Cumberland Transit, to replace the chainrings and a complete tune up. Will fill you in when I get it back on how much better it climbs and functions

A battle Cruizer

2007-05-20T21:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a EZ -3 that has been modified a little

A little afternoon ride.

2007-05-20T14:45:00.000-07:00

Temp 81 , calm and clear

Got some exercise in before Church tonight.

3 miles in the "Quest for Fitness" 135 miles total.