No Bikes On The Bridge!

Hello!

I'm going to cut to the chase with this entry. There will not be a protected ped/bike lane when the City of Milwaukee restores the Hoan Bridge, a celebrated (by most) Cream City icon.

I've had several conversations with cyclists and non-cyclists regarding the proposal to put bicyclists and pedestrians into the thought process of restoring the bridge. I've heard decent conversations supporting and against said proposals.

The arguments against the proposal have come, oddly, from bicyclists. My fellow cyclists generally think the money the City would have used for the updates ought to be used to improve, repair, and add to existing bike lanes. While I understand the point of view, I don't think those taxpayers are seeing the big picture. 1) Bicyclists aren't the only people-powered taxpayers in the mix. I'll get to the second missing part of the big picture in a moment. I would like to hammer out something regarding this first point.

My biggest problem with drivers and driving in the USA is the fact drivers behave as though they are reason roadways exist. This is not the truth. They may be only reason highways/speedways exist, but roads existed LONG before the automobile first sputtered its engine. And what were we using to maneuver ourselves at a quicker pace than walking? That's right the Velocipede and, finally, approximately 13 years prior to Benz and Ford rolling out their first production models, the Penny-Farthing & Safety Bicycle.

When I heard cyclists voicing their desire for the money for updating the bridge going into existing bike lanes instead, I heard the thought process of drivers. Pedestrians, Skaters, and Rollerbladers also deserve to be considered when the City is using OUR money for roads and protected lanes... much in the same way bicyclists deserve to be considered when designing driving lanes and stops.

Moving on to 2) We've go to begin taking the bicycle serious somewhere. I thought a major historical site and local icon was a fantastic start gate. The Hoan Bridge is the Golden Gate Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge of Milwaukee. One of the coolest things to do when on either coast is to visit and walk/skate/blade/bike their respective iconic bridges. Why not bring that kind of thing to our City? I mean, Cream City has a gorgeous Eastern horizon view. But you only have a split second to enjoy it while speeding past in a car. Imagine how nice it would be to STOP & ENJOY this natural resource while traveling from one side of the city to another.

And, for those cyclists who train for tours/races here, imagine having a serious grade to climb connected to the Oak Leaf Trail. As someone who doesn't mind pushing myself on even the most leisurely rides, I definitely would rather take my chances on that hill than on the busy and less protected flats of 1st or 2nd street.

It makes me wonder whether, maybe, local politics had something to do with striking the idea of protected lanes for peds/bikes. You know... "OCCUPY THE BRIDGE"? If so, we've lost something greater than protected lanes. We've lost a serious connection of the people to their CITY. Our bikes, blades, skates, boards, and feet are serious. They are integral tools in us exercising our freedoms. These forms of transportations require nothing but food and some minor upkeep (exercise and dirt cheap tune-ups) to utilize. That's POWER on a very personal level cars don't afford us. And, on a morbid note, the only time a car connects you to the City is when you're left on the pavement after a horrible accident, mechanical failure or loss of expensive fuel.

In these troubled economic times people are increasingly using bikes for commuting and exercise. It's time our local government considers this fact more when planning road/street/bridge expenditures. The present Oak Leaf Trail is a very good thing, but nowhere near the end-all of meeting the needs of taxpaying cyclists and pedestrians.

The Netherlands did not become the cycling haven it is today overnight. It took cutting edge planning and bold action to step/roll/skate/pedal away from a strictly car culture. Take note as you click the post title above.

Merry Christmas (and any other holiday you may be celebrating this time of year)!

Peace... Love... & Joy

- @

"There is nothing like walking to get the feel of a country. A fine landscape is like a piece of music; it must be taken at the right tempo. Even a bicycle goes too fast." - Paul Scott Mowrer

Winter Wonder-City!

Hello!

With "the season of giving" in full swing, I thought I would share another story about riding on these Cream City streets. What new anecdote do I have to impart to you? I'm glad you asked.

Stopping at lights/STOP signs in traffic can be somewhat tricky. Many... make that most... sources/guidelines (including the Department Of Transportation) suggest the best place to be while at a stop is away from the curb. Curb leaners stand the chance of getting caught with the dreaded "right hook".

The right hook is what happens when a driver makes a right turn, and clips you because said driver didn't notice you at the stop. The closer you are to the curb, the more invisible you become. As you can imagine, the busier the traffic you're riding in the more oblivious to your presence drivers become. This translates into the more visible you should be by positioning yourself where you know they are more likely to notice. Furthermore, when there are three or more vehicles ahead of you at the stop you should actually position yourself in traffic (behind the vehicles). This is a great segue into one my newest bicycling adventure.

A few days ago, on my work commute, I decided to take a less peaceful route to work. This route is one I've been using as Old Man Winter makes his way into town. Basically, I ride to a nearby (home) bus stop and take the bus to a stop within 2-3 miles from work. I get off at that stop and ride the remainder of the distance to work. Reads fairly nice, doesn't it? That's because I haven't written in the bit about there being no painted bike lane on that particular street yet. And, with no painted lane, I need to be bold enough to hold my place on the road.

Well, I do just that. And, at stops, I make certain I'm at least the recommended three feet from the curb. Three plus feet from the curb places me and my bike just poking into traffic, and nearly impossible to fall victim to the right hook. I peek over my left shoulder at one particular stop, and notice a car approaching from behind with right turn light flashing away. There is no turn lane at the stop, so the car is forced to stop behind me.

I must admit to feeling a bit of concern about practicing defensive bicycling methods in rush hour traffic. But I remind myself this is the most crucial time to put this knowledge to good use. I, and other cyclists, are most vulnerable to inattentive drivers when said drivers are in a hurry. I also remind myself of the fact no stop lights in the city of Milwaukee are longer than a (reported) 90 second wait. A minute and a half isn't going to make much of a difference to anyone at this time of day. Right? Well, my motored counterpart isn't operating from the same set of rules/guidelines/safety practices as I am on this particular morning. The driver lays on the car horn. I, attempting to stay in my "happy place", do not turn around. Something tells me I know exactly why I don't want to turn around. And... if you've read any of my previous entries... you, too, know why I don't want to turn around.

The driver, once again, lays on the horn. I turn around in hopes, maybe, I dropped something and the driver simply wants to be a good neighbor. No... no such luck. As soon as my head is turned in the direction of the car, the driver begins motioning AND shouting for me to get on the sidewalk. The car window is up, so I can only hear a muffled shouting on my side of the glass. Phew! Thank God for little blessings. I think, "You should walk over and shrewdly instruct this person to check out bicycle road rights/rules on the dot.org". I think better of it when a scenario of the car driving over my bike plays out in my mind. I shout, "I'm a vehicle on the road. I have the same rights as you", and shrug my shoulders. I mean, what else can I do? The driver can't hear me through the glass, and I'm not prepared to walk over to attempt a drawn-out debate. I can only hope hope this individual is angry enough to mention it to a person whose opinion she actually values, and that truly person knows the rules of the road. Maybe they'll visit the DoT website together?

I turn to face the direction of travel. I hear another car horn. This time I will not turn around... it's not the same car. I think to myself, "Oh no! The natives are getting restless". With all the tension over the political and economic direction this state feels we should be headed, a person on a bike must seem (to some) as a proud, defiant liberal... especially when riding in the month of December. I mean, who does that... Right? What self-respecting Capitalist would give up absolute comfort to engage in a fun, healthy, and fiscally conservative form of transportation? Are these people two of the out-of-control, hardcore political conservatives I've seen and read about? Will they debark the vehicles to burn me at the stake, like a witch in Salem? Against my better judgement, I turn - expecting a stronger dose of scolding. To my delight it is a coworker, and she brings a little sunshine to my cloudy commute in saying "Good morning, Amado".

She, then, begins honking the car horn and signaling to the other driver. The driver won't look in her direction. She simply cuts a burning gaze in the direction she wants to turn. The light changes, and we're all THANKFULLY moving again.

For the umpteenth time since getting back on two wheels, the guidelines I am so studious about reading and memorizing pay off. I look up toward the heavens and say, "Thank you". And I recall Bicycle Times, the DoT website, and every other source I use to learn my rights and gain knowledge regarding my safety. My bicycle, while fun to ride, isn't a toy. It is a (FREE-WOOHOO) registered, moving vehicle. My lights alert pedestrians, as well as drivers, I'm on the road. My (front & back) brakes help me stop when the need arises. My personal state of awareness allows me to navigate safely through MKE and beyond. If I (on my bike) want to be taken seriously on the streets of Cream or any other city, I ought to conduct myself as a serious mode of transportation... especially while traveling in rush hour traffic.

Finally, as indicated in the title of the blog, I live in Milwaukee WI. Unfortunately, the city salts to deal with snow & ice. I'm not too keen on dealing with salt on my bike or riding 15+ mile commutes in single digits above, or double digits below, zero weather... which means I'll soon park the bike until the March thaw. My knit cap is off to all the riders who ride throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota winters. The winters of the two states are notoriously brutal... known even in parts of Europe. The missus is from Europe, and the only European she's met who didn't shrink at the thought of an upcoming Wisconsin or Minnesota winter is a coworker... from Russia.

But parking my bike until March 1 will also give me time to tweak my bike a bit AND work on some much neglected art projects.

Stay warm & tolerant!

Peace

- @

"Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind; it requires the same effort of the brain that it takes to balance oneself on a bicycle." - Helen Keller

The City & The Sprawl!

Hello!

This week, as true winter weather draws nigh and the city (trees and other vegetation) is stripped naked, I've been thinking a lot about URBAN SPRAWL. Well, this evil spawn of "modern times" is always on my mind. By this, I mean to point out the fact I ride through A LOT of urban sprawl daily... en route to work. In my pack is a copy of David Byrne's Bicycle Diaries. I took a break reading that book to read And The Hippos Were Boiled In Their Tanks, which is the collaborative work of William S Burroughs & Jack Kerouac. Both books are (in their own ways) examinations of the human condition, our immediate environment(s), and the effects of one on the other. Hippos does this in a retelling of the event credited with acting as the catalyst of the Beat movement. Bicycle Diaries achieves its examination with a sort of Johnny-on-the-scene recording of what the author sees/thinks as he travels cities of the world on a bike. And this examination more directly relates to this edition of my ramblings.

*Note to reader: What you are about to read is a culmination of many commutes, and it represents the better route to work. The bright side to this story is I get to experience this in reverse on my way home. - @

The beginnings of my daily rides are pleasant enough. Despite the fact Milwaukee doesn't quite have its collective act together when it comes to urban cycling, we're slowly moving in the right direction. We have painted, not particularly well protected or maintained, bike lanes sprinkled throughout the city. And there are reasonably planned Oak Leaf Trail entrances/exits from many of our major city streets. Though it's evident our local government isn't looking to commuting by bicycle in Cream City as a viable means of personal transport... yet... there are a decent amount of areas to park/lock your bike in the downtown and immediately adjacent areas. So, the beginning of my commute is through a semi-dense city with a long history of... and long breaks from... bustling. It is evident people actually LIVE here.

Many of the local businesses of my childhood are gone. The good news is new businesses quickly occupy the vacant space in a dense city. There is always someone with what he/she believes is a killer, new idea. Seeing the "Opening Soon", "Now Open" and/or "Open" signs as I make my way to the nearest Oak Leaf Trail entry fills my heart with a warm feeling. I may not be the most social animal on the planet, but I love knowing I live in a breathing, beating and ever-growing community. It's one in which I can patronize locally... watering the seeds we call "killer, new ideas".

Once I'm in the trail, I join another segment of our bustling society... cyclists and pedestrians. It's a community of which I am extremely proud to count myself among. These are people who either begin their day with an early stroll/run/roll or a ride to their place of education/employment. They have, are or will contribute to the vitality of this city. And do so without necessarily adding to the pollution a "civilized" network generates. These are MY people. They've made a choice for which not everyone is up.

As we all ease and zip past one another (with occasional G'morings, 'ellos and nods), I can't help but take in the sights to my left and right. It is the history of my city from the viewpoint of a buried train track those who came before me once utilized to do just what I'm doing. I imagine them making their way out of the downtown area and thinking about expanding the city to these parts... The East Side/Riverwest... Shorewood... Whitefish Bay! And they managed this expansion without completely cutting themselves off from the city center and lake (Bayview mirrors this vibe on the southeast side of the city).

The trail spits me out near Bayshore Mall. It's a mall at which I've never felt guilty spending my hard-earned cash. I don't get the feeling I'm spending outside my community, although (technically) I am. I'm glad they've designed it to look like a small city, though. It appears a little more like the shopping arcades of Europe... without the amazing historical sites and people living above the shops.

On my way to reconnect with the trail, I must cross a fairly busy street. To make matters worse this street runs parallel to one of the key components of successful sprawl... a highway. For lack of a more profound manner in which to express what I feel when I see a highway, they kinda suck. Don't get me wrong. They have their place and usefulness. But, as if life wasn't hard enough to keep up with, highways get us from point A to point B faster. Sometimes I wonder whether highways are an evil tool used to shroud the blight on society that is urban sprawl. It's as if builders and planners sat down in some dark, secret, underground cavern and agreed, "If we can just get them to drive fast enough, they won't notice we're totally destroying the land they value so much to the point they won't even value it anymore".

Anyway, I get back on the trail and drive through the quaint little communities set up along and nearby the Milwaukee River. I'm already feeling lonely. There aren't many people to which to say G'morning or 'ello. And when I do spot people... and attempt a connection... they often give me a look I can only compare to what my phone or computer seems to be telling me when I can't get a signal... "Sorry, Charlie". I'm knee deep in the sprawl! People are already forgetting we rely on one another to make it through this thing called life. And the further north and west (away from The Lake and city) I ride the worse the situation.

I take a moment before turning into traffic and bid farewell to the squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, raccoons and birds. We've, no doubt, been on their societal nerves since we started building beyond the nearest water source. I pedal off the part of the trail which actually looks like a trail, and make my way back onto the streets. This is where the Oak Life Trail gets sketchy. The trail is marked by little, green street signs. There are no painted bikes lanes. And the view is absolutely depressing. This is Mad Max... but in the really real world. Never mind the fact the rare person I see is locked away from his/her immediate surroundings, the surroundings themselves are crumbling before my eyes. Yes! This must be it! It's the end game for Urban Sprawl.

Revolution after revolution turns the smile on my Chevy Chase upside down. The cracks, chunks of missing concrete/tar, variety of debris, and broken glass underneath me serve to remind NO ONE is really living around this part of town. When a business closes out here no one notices. How do I know this? Oh... the huge vacant lots'o'plenty provide plenty of understanding. When people aren't living in a place people don't maintain it. Think of the absentee landlord. Now, think of the absentee landlord who isn't collecting a dime on his/her property. Add to that the fact they can't sell the land AND still have to pay taxes. Does this land owner care whether the grass is green or whether the streets and sidewalks are people-friendly? Does this developer care whether or not a vacant car lot, an out-of-business "family" restaurant franchise or a lot vacated by a department store chain is a constant eyesore... a black eye... on the neighborhood? Can you imagine riding or walking in that environment?

The neighboring communities aren't obviously (psychologically) effected, because no one really lives there. Oh sure... they eat, shower, sleep and grow there. But that isn't all there is to living. To truly thrive a community needs local businesses at which people can work and take part in commerce. People need to walk/run/roll/pedal around and spread their wings. And that's when the psychological effect sprawl has on us reveals itself... we stop walking, running, pedaling. We drive, even when the distance to our destination is less than 1/2 mile away.

Okay, I will balance the previous statement by admitting it isn't all due to The Sprawl. Part of this strange behavior is a byproduct of U.S. car culture. We drive (even short distances), and we create reasons to drive (like, traveling to another community to spend money on things we could just as easily purchase in our own neighborhood). On foot or a bike you must first consider whether what you want to buy justifies the distance traveled, because the cost is immediate rather than shrouded in a gas tank.

Back to the absentee landlord bit...

Business owners in the city, as neighbors themselves, tend to give back to their communities. Why? They understand their business will sizzle as the immediate environment does. And patrons from the community love strolling into those shops, because they feel a vested interest in making sure that place continues to be a part of their commercial family.

You don't get that palpable interaction with a business owner who buys a huge lot in the middle of an isolated community. That investor is there to make fast money and get out faster. These blocks will be abandoned when there is no money left to spend. The communities are left penniless... with blocks of painted line lots.

It's not simply theoretical -- it's happening. And it's appalling.

This is URBAN SPRAWL in all its splendor.

I don't think people, in general, have the time to consider this stuff when they're traveling at warp speed in their gas guzzler(s). They're too busy consuming to consider. We see and feel it all on our bicycles.

Ride on!

Peace

- @

"The truth hurts. Maybe not as much as jumping on a bicycle with a seat missing, but it hurts."- Naked Gun 2 1/2.

Cars... Cranks & the City!

Hello!

About once every 2-3 weeks some nutcase in an expensive automobile deems it necessary to remind me my eco-friendly bicycle is slower than a gas-guzzling automobile.

On my 15 mile commute home (from work) this evening, for example, a nice/shiny/new VW SUV driver felt the need to rev his engine as he edged his way towards me from behind -- at a stop. Ahead of me was a cyclist with no lights (after dusk) who couldn't decide whether he wanted to ride on the sidewalk or the street. As we waited for our turn to make our way through the STOP sign, the SUV jockey kept revving his engine. I wondered whether he was simply trying to challenge me in a friendly drag race. But I was ON A BIKE. Of course, I did my best to ignore him. It wasn't a difficult task. Milwaukee boasted 40-55 mph winds today, and I was riding at night in a busy part of the city during rush hour.

We finally got our chance to re-enter moving traffic when the brilliant VW pulled alongside me... and continued to rev that motor. When I glanced over my shoulder, to check traffic behind me, he sped past. And he leered in my direction with a slight sneer painted on his Chevy Chase. I'll be -- a car is faster than my pedal rocket.

As I mentioned earlier, this happens on a semi-regular basis. It's not always the same driver... which makes the happening even more remarkable. It means there is no dearth of drivers who think drag racing against bicycles proves their superiority. And, yes, it's always a male. I'm a male... a Latin one at that... I begrudgingly accept the whole men gauging their manhood based on their prowess over other men. But I was riding a single gear bike in low 30s weather during a wind advisory, and this guy's in a nice warm, fast, wind resistant, motorized coach. Nonetheless, even on a sunny, calm day... and a bike of 500 gears... I'm bowing out of a race against a car, hombre.

It's just a weird thing I go through every so often. So far, I've experienced this ritual with the same GTO 4 times, a few pick-up trucks, a Cadillac, one Hummer, and this nutty VW SUV (click the title for a giggle). "Does this happen to any other cyclists?", is what races through my mind during these surreal moments. Well... does it happen to you?!

And I thought "Roadies" were a bit loony.

Keep on pedaling!

Peace

- @

"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride." -JFK

City... Cold & Cranks!

Hello!

I had my first real experience riding in the cold this week. As the name of the blog indicates, I live in Milwaukee WI... the second coldest city in the US. It is November... winter begins flirting with the idea of hanging out a few times before it finally sets up shop.

I'd always assumed my cold-riding threshold would be at a slightly warmer temperature than I was actually able to ride recently. I recall reading about a reasonable cold weather threshold of 50 degrees. [I've found] as long as my fingers, ears, neck and shins are covered I am fairly comfortable... even below 40 degrees.

This week, we had temps in the upper 20s to low 30s. Cycling generates a bit of body heat. The heat builds with distance (and hills). I do think December 1st will end up being the date I park (and tinker around with) my trusty two-wheeler for the winter. I don't fancy pedaling a road bike through snow and well below zero wind chills. I know skipping the ride December through February will be torturous, though. Maybe that's the reason the lower 30s didn't feel so bad? Maybe that has something to do with the fact riding in (even) cold + rain puts a smile on my face? I'm fairly certain this eventuality has more than a little to do with the joy I had while cranking through flurries Thursday.

Like most creative people, I have more ideas scribbled into notebooks and thumb nailed into sketchbooks than I have time to realize them. But I've felt inspired while riding and reading/re-reading my copies of Bicycle Times magazine. Recently, the publication featured an Italian gentleman called Paolo Chiossi. The bikes he creates are nothing short of artistic brilliance. Inspiration has kicked into overdrive. You can check out his site via the title link above or in the 'artistes' section of this blog.

We've got comfortable temps and sun today. I'm off!

Enjoy your weekend!

Peace

- @

City Life By Bike!

Hello!

Why is it the simplest things in life often bring us the most pleasure? I don't mean simple as in comes easy... I mean simple as in humble.

Pleasure... humble... These are words which immediately spring to mind when I look at/think of my bicycle. Humble in its invention and its operation, is the bike.

While riding, I have extra time to sort things out. This is time I would not have zipping around in a car. I'm not anti-car, but let's be honest. The only great advantages of the automobile are; 1) shelter from the elements while traveling and 2) less time traveling (read; sort things out time). Riding in the elements isn't always so bad. At the end of a ride on a hot... or cold... or windy... or rainy... day you feel as though you've accomplished something. You learn something about your character and of what you're made. And I've never experienced a whole lot of self-reflection while blowing my stack behind the wheel. If anything, I find myself... and others... to be very negative while driving. People drive too slow or too fast or don't signal properly or don't notice pedestrians or cyclists in the streets or blah, blah. blah. So, what is done with the time saved in travel?

On my bike, I find myself wanting to engage with others in simple ways. I enjoy exchanging GOOD MORNINGs with walkers, runners and other cyclists. I enjoy the sun prickling at my skin. I enjoy the wind cooling me as my revolutions heat me up. I enjoy listening to nature... man, I'm a weirdo. I enjoy watching squirrels, chipmunks, birds and rabbits do what they do. These are things we consciously or unconsciously avoid while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle "shelters" us from it all.

PLUS...

I've read and heard other cyclists claim to have their brightest ideas while riding. I don't doubt it for a second. But they believe it's the simplicity of controlling a bike -balance, pedal, steer, lean- which has transformed them into geniuses. I don't/can't/won't buy that! It's the H-U-M-I-L-I-T-Y. We are at the mercy of the elements, the capabilities of the bikes, and our conditioning. That level of S-I-M-P-L-I-C-I-T-Y creates an open, or more importantly, E-M-P-T-Y mind. A humble/simple/open/empty (through a deeper connection to your surroundings) mind is a ripe place for learning. And what could be better than learning how you want to live out your day/week/month/year/life? Now, that's pleasure.

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving” -Albert Einstein

Enjoy your ride, genius!

Peace

- @

City... Cycle... Times!

Hello!

I recently picked up issue 13 of Bicycle Times magazine, and was pleasantly surprised to see they published an email I'd sent. It recalls the 'first rain' ride I posted about in July. It is the first thing I've had in print in some time (as I focus on my personal life)... so I thought I'd share. If you aren't familiar with the magazine, it's a good time to pick it up. The current issue is the first printed on 90% recycled paper... on the presses of a Wisconsin-based company. There is always great information/advice for the novice, and great point-of-interest bits for the seasoned cyclist. The magazine contiues to publish some pretty cool art as well as Yehuda Moon strips.

This week brought a new elemental experience... STRONG WINDS. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Of course, I've dealt with lighter winds... that probably prepared me for it. We've also had some colder temperatures as of late. But it simply makes the ride more comfortable (back doesn't get as sweaty under the pack). I'm sorting out the what-to-wear (for comfort and warmth) nonsense now. Why did this seem so easy when I was 14... on my Mongoose?

It's time to get back in the saddle.

Enjoy your weekend!

Peace

- @

City... Cycle... Create!

Hello everyone!

I'm currently reading two books... one of which came as a recommendation from Cory (the bike fixer). David Byrne, of Talking Heads fame, wrote a book called The Bicycle Diaries. It's very similar to the book called The Motorcycle Diaries... written by Ernesto "El Che" Guevara. In lieu of writing a book about bicycles, Byrne has put together the thoughts which come to him while touring the world on his bicycle(s). It's an introspective book filled with observations from the saddle of what is arguably the most useful machine ever invented. But this is not a preachy or soapbox-type of read. And the best part of The Bicycle Diaries is you don't need to be a cyclist to relate to Mister Byrne. You simply need a realistic point-of-view and a strong sense of reason.

The second book is called The Bicycle Book: Wit, Wisdom & Wanderings. This is most definitely a book for people who love bikes AND enjoy illustrations (comic strips). The book is quite simply a collection of bicycling essays, editorials, comics and interviews compiled by Jim Joyce. It's a fun and, at 152 pages, short read. In fact, I enjoyed the book so much I cracked open the Alley Cat anthology to which I contributed in 2007. I wish I would have known Eric 'The Vegan Ninja' Lappegard, the person for which the book was dedicated. I wish I'd have rediscovered my love for the "safety bicycle" prior to his passing. I wish I could have created comics with him... possibly comics about cycling.

Anyway...

Reading these books add to the appreciation I already have for my two-wheeler. And riding my bike to work and/or round-about town gives me extra time to appreciate my life (the missus, parents, siblings, extended family, friends, art, music, film, travel, etc). With only a month or two of decent Wisconsin riding weather left in 2011, I'm relishing every second I'm able to spend on the saddle of my Jamis. I hope you're relishing every second of your life too.

Happy reading!

Peace

- @

City... Cranks & Cinema!

Hello!

Since getting back on a bike, I find myself spending a bit of time looking for books and films related to life on two wheels. Just as the title suggests, here are some cinematic triumphs you may want to look into. The emphasis in these films, for me, is real life... really living... on a bicycle. There are lots of other films focusing on bicycling as a sport. This short list includes none of those films. I'm not interested in me... on a bike... as a sporting event, although I must admit to enjoying sport bicycling as a spectator. But I'm, personally, more interested in bikes as a part of daily life (at work and play). Anyway, this is my list of top films with bicycles as an integral part of the the plot or p.o.v.

Bicycle Thieves:
This '40s Italian Neo-Realist film is extraordinary. The film is about, and was filmed on location in, post-WWII Italy. Without giving too much away, it involves a war-torn family, a job requiring a bike, and the different ways class impacted Italian nationals directly after the war ended. I don't think there will ever be a finer bicycle film made... in any country or era.

Pee Wee's Big Adventure:
This '80s uber-classic must be the cult favorite of all who either love the '80s, love their bikes... or both. If you haven't seen this film (and you are USAmerican), you ought to beat yourself about the face and head. Yeah... it's surrealist comedy... not real life. But it's close. And who could resist Pee Wee's antics? Certainly not this bicyclist.

Malena:
This is another Italian film set during and just after WWII. It is a contemporary period film which touches on class systems... the effect the Roman Catholic faith and hardcore Nationalism had on the people of the time... and a boy becoming a young man (among other things). It's not about a bike, but the point-of-view of the main character is most often from the saddle of his two-wheeler.

Beijing Bicycle:
This is a Chinese-made film which touches on many of the themes covered in Bicycle Thieves. It's not as good as the best bicycle film of all-time, but it's interesting to see how little the world (and humans, in general) has changed. Seeing the sheer amount of bicyclists in this film is mind-blowing. The depiction of a bicycle as a means to earn a living, an efficient commuting machine, a status symbol, and a "toy" adds much where the direct narrative is lacking.

And that is "my" update for the month of August.

Happy viewing!

Peace

- @

Cream City Critique!

Hello!

So, I've found myself on the slow boat again.

I was websurfing for books on bikes a couple'o'weeks ago, and found three seemingly interesting books; Bicycle: The History (for the fetishists and/or geeks), Pedaling Revolution (for the politiks and/or anti-establishment hipsters) and Bike Snob: Systematically & Mercilessly Realigning the World of Cycling (for cycling teens & adults and/or counter-culture enthusiasts). As a huge fan of counter-culture movements and a bike-riding adult, I went for Bike Snob first.

This book contains a very brief history of the bicycle, along with the ins/outs of what we refer to as "bicycle culture". The author adds comedy, a bit sarcasm and personal anecdotes to keep the reader pensively flipping to the next page in fits of laughter. Truth be told, whether you're currently riding a bike or not, you've noticed all the people and situations covered in the book... that is... so long as you've had any exposure to bikes.

Also included in this volume are some sweet illustrations by Christopher Koelle (poor attempt at a comics tie-in) and a plethora of quotes from notable public figures.

BikeSnobNYC's observations regarding the world of bicyles (more... the people who ride them) ring true. This guy knows his subject matter like Captain Kangaroo knows furry sidies. As an added bonus, a lot of the stuff between the covers lends itself to understanding the consumer in us all.

There is a link to his blog in this entry title and under the "Resources" banner of this blog.

Enjoy your ride!

Peace

- @

City... Cranks & Comics!

Hello everyone!

I've been commuting to and from work (a few days a week) since getting back on a bike a few weeks ago. On my off days, I use public transportation... and read about riding bikes (along with other interests). The biggest challenge of people-powered commuting isn't the ride itself. It is making the commitment to actually doing it at all. After driving to this particular job for 2 1/2 years, and knowing how long it takes in a car, I was a bit intimidated.

Can I do it? Am I willing to give up an additional 20-30 minutes (each way) of my life to get to the workplace? What am I going to do, if we get locked into a heat wave or something?

Well, I can do it and have done consistantly. I'm not giving up an additional 20-30 minutes a day to get to work... I'm using that time to enjoy the fact I'm not 6 feet under.

The Beatnik, nature and I got together again on my lengthy work commute. I enjoyed the sprinkles as I made my way North and West on the Oak Leaf Trial. Oddly enough, I later enjoyed the more than sprinkles, thunder & lightning... kinda. By mile 12 I was grinning with every revolution. And, finally, when I reached work I knew I experienced something for the first time as an adult. I enjoyed bicycling... after a handful of decades out of the saddle, and in my running shoes.

The heat earlier in the week was one thing... you just want to get out of it and into a cold pint or iced water. Riding in the rain... once I locked into the reality of the trip... was like reverting back to my aged 5 (ish) self and seeing my orange Kent parked under the Christmas tree. That bike was so amazing, although I didn't realize it at the time. I was just happy Santa (my parents) saw fit to get me that bike! But it was... Christmas in Wisconsin. I had months to wait until I could take it out for spin. I recall my brother and I trying them out in the house when we thought our parents were none the wiser. And I know we would have taken those orange Kents into the lily-white snow had we been given the choice... training wheels and ALL!

I'm all grown up now. Well... sorta. And neither my wonderful mom nor protective dad could keep me off that bike (rain, hail, sleet or snow).

I'm sure riding in the elements isn't for everyone. I'm not even sure it's for me. But I know there are few moments logged into my memory which have filled me with such a strong sense of being alive. I just thought I'd share. Living is also an artform, afterall.

Happy week!

Peace

- @

The City on Yehuda Moon!

Hello everyone!

Ever been on the slow boat to anything?

I know I have.

Exhibit A: I've been sleeping on Rick Smith and his bicycle loving comic strip, Yehuda Moon. If not for the fact I finally got back on a bike last month, I probably would still be clueless (regarding this strip, of course). Rick Smith is also responsible for Shuck.

Check out Yehuda Moon by clicking on the title above. On the site you'll learn how you can own a copy (or more) of Yehuda: Volume 1. You should also pedal over to the Press section of this blog and check out Bicycle Times. They've printed some groovy art (from various artistes) on the covers and interiors of their magazine.

Enjoy!

Peace

- @

RLSH: City & Beyond!

Hello everyone!

I want to focus on the Real-Life Superhero Movement... which is seemingly sweeping over the world as of late. To be 100% honest, it's not all that new.

I toyed with the "real world" superhero genre in 2001-2002. I created a character called THE RANSOM. The title character of this comic, published in Cream City Comics: Inkblot, is a desk jockey looking for something useful to do with his life. Sick of hearing about muggings, kidnappings and rapes in his beloved hometown, The Ransom (emotionally) snaps and becomes an unmasked vigilante. A few years later, in 2005-2006, I created another superhero which wasn't super at all... THE DEAD CRICKET! He appeared throughout the Cream City Comics/Bud Burgy Inc.-published MUSCLES & FIGHTS series. For any readers familiar with the character and backstory, TDC is an ordinary working stiff with aspirations of being something... or someone... more significant. Specifically, he has daydreams/fantasies of himself as a superhero. In a way, The Dead Cricket! is a more humorous exercise of what I'd already examined with The Ransom... disatisfaction with everyday life and human inner rage as we see the world/civilization around us tumbling down.

But, even before those projects, the idea of a "real world' in which superheroes exist could be found in published comic books... Zorro, The Spirit, Batman, V For Vendetta, The Watchmen, Mystery Men, Sin City, and a few others immediately SPRING to mind. Television and film have brought live action versions of these characters to the screen, as well as creating animated RLSHs like; The Incredibles, Despicable Me (super-villain) and Megamind.

Well, just when you thought the superhero comics craze couldn't get any... erm... CRAZIER...

In 2004, a person known as "Kevlex" responded a question posed by Mark Schmidt asking why there were no Real-Life Superheroes in existence by creating the World Superhero Registry. The Hero Coalition, founded in 2006, was the first attempt to connect crimefighters through an online MEGA NETWORK. Since that time, various sites/forums have surfaced catering to local crime fighters around the globe. In 2008, a website was created to research and archive the activities of these self-proclaimed Real-Life Superheroes. And just what kinds of activities do these masked (and unmasked) CRUSADERS perform? They take part in food drives and community fundraisers. They walk the streets, by night, in search of crimes to prevent. And they are covered in documentaries, such as; Your Friendly Neighborhood Hero: The Documentary Film About RLSH (2008).

For me, this is the wildest spin-off of comics in the US since serious comic book shop debates and in-fighting about the goings-on in the latest issue of (fill in the blank) comic book. These well-meaning individuals have been covered on programs like GOOD MORNING AMERICA, they've been written about by US and European magazines, and they've been lampooned on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.

Whether or not I think donning a costume/uniform and patrolling the streets is a good idea... I DO NOT... is immaterial. It's nice to know people still care enough to become involved in their respective communities. But let's hope these citizens don't draw too much attention from the amazing heroes around us all the time; soup kitchen/homeless shelter volunteers, The Salvation Army, The Goodwill, educators, social counselors, EMTs, fire fighters, police officers, military personnel and other civil/community servants.

You can read more about this wild PHENOMENON by clicking the entry title.

Happy reading!

Peace

-AR