Biking Bis
A blog reporting on bicycle tours, with particular focus on the Pacific Northwest, advocacy, and cycling. Also lists of state bicycle tours and bike rides in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
Updated: 50 min 24 sec ago
Federal criminal probe against Lance Armstrong closed; USADA still investigating
If you believed in Lance Armstrong through all the mud-slinging, government leaks and "60 Minutes" disclosures, I suppose you feel vindicated today.
Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles told the Associated Press that they've closed a criminal investigation into doping allegations against the 7-time Tour de France winner.
A statement from the U.S. attorney's office said Armstrong would not be criminally charged, but did not explain why. This is a breaking story as I write this; I expect more explanation will follow at VeloNews or CyclingNews.
Apparently Armstrong isn't free and clear yet, however. US Anti Doping Agency head Travis Tygert said they are still pursuing ...
Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles told the Associated Press that they've closed a criminal investigation into doping allegations against the 7-time Tour de France winner.
A statement from the U.S. attorney's office said Armstrong would not be criminally charged, but did not explain why. This is a breaking story as I write this; I expect more explanation will follow at VeloNews or CyclingNews.
Apparently Armstrong isn't free and clear yet, however. US Anti Doping Agency head Travis Tygert said they are still pursuing ...
California teen wants to be youngest solo global bike traveler
While others her age are just getting used to life after high school, Erin Nelson is taking on the world on her bicycle.
At 18, she left her home in Turlock, California, in November 2010 and pedaled across the US, Europe and Asia on an around-the-world bicycle trip that now finds her in China. [See her video below.]
Why an around-the-world bike tour? She wrote an early blog about some many people living lives of contentment:
"I don't want to be happy being content. I want to be happy because I'm making the most out of my short life so when I die I don't have regrets ....
At 18, she left her home in Turlock, California, in November 2010 and pedaled across the US, Europe and Asia on an around-the-world bicycle trip that now finds her in China. [See her video below.]
Why an around-the-world bike tour? She wrote an early blog about some many people living lives of contentment:
"I don't want to be happy being content. I want to be happy because I'm making the most out of my short life so when I die I don't have regrets ....
Attempt to put bicycling funds back in transportation bill fails
An amendment to restore funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects in the federal Transportation bill failed Thursday morning.
Bicycle and pedestrian advocates earlier this week urged their members to contact Congressmen to support the amendment to the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act.
Committee member Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon, made an impassioned plea to retain bicycle projects in the bill, ...
Bicycle and pedestrian advocates earlier this week urged their members to contact Congressmen to support the amendment to the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act.
Committee member Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon, made an impassioned plea to retain bicycle projects in the bill, ...
Park closures in California could hinder bicycle travel
When I reached the West Coast after bicycling across country in the 1980s, one of the coolest things I discovered was the fact that many parks had hike or bike camping.
The state parks where I stopped on the Pacific Coast Bicycle Trail, for instance, all had a reduced-rate area set aside for travelers on foot or bike.
As I rode up the coast, I remember several nights sitting around the fire ring sharing route news and swapping lies with fellow cyclists.
Now these parks are seriously threatened. In an attempt to balance its budget, California has plans to close 70 parks in the state; X's mark the parks on the above map ...
The state parks where I stopped on the Pacific Coast Bicycle Trail, for instance, all had a reduced-rate area set aside for travelers on foot or bike.
As I rode up the coast, I remember several nights sitting around the fire ring sharing route news and swapping lies with fellow cyclists.
Now these parks are seriously threatened. In an attempt to balance its budget, California has plans to close 70 parks in the state; X's mark the parks on the above map ...
Specialized adds new models to bike fork recall
Specialized Bicycle Components is adding two bicycle brands to its voluntary recall of bikes with a brake that can snap off from the carbon fork.
The new recall involves 460 bikes from the 2012 Tricross Sport and Tricross Comp models. The bikes were sold at authorized Specialized retailers between June and September 2011 for $1,250 to $2,000.
Last September, Specialized ...
The new recall involves 460 bikes from the 2012 Tricross Sport and Tricross Comp models. The bikes were sold at authorized Specialized retailers between June and September 2011 for $1,250 to $2,000.
Last September, Specialized ...
Transportation bill torpedoes bicycle and pedestrian funding
The money for a lot of those bicycle lanes and paths we've come to enjoy over the years could become extinct in a new bill introduced on Tuesday in Congress.
The American Energy Infrastructure Jobs Act is the new multi-year Transportation funding bill, but unlike its predecessors, it doesn't include a penny to pay for bicycle or pedestrian projects.
Bicycle and pedestrian advocacy groups are calling on members to contact their congressmen to put bicycling and pedestrian funding back in the transportation bill.
It seems like we're continually being contacted about threats to bike funding, but that's the nature of Capitol Hill these days. People who bike and walk don't have teams of lobbyists to look after their interests; they have to speak for themselves ...
The American Energy Infrastructure Jobs Act is the new multi-year Transportation funding bill, but unlike its predecessors, it doesn't include a penny to pay for bicycle or pedestrian projects.
Bicycle and pedestrian advocacy groups are calling on members to contact their congressmen to put bicycling and pedestrian funding back in the transportation bill.
It seems like we're continually being contacted about threats to bike funding, but that's the nature of Capitol Hill these days. People who bike and walk don't have teams of lobbyists to look after their interests; they have to speak for themselves ...
Pennsylvania passes safe passing bill to protect bicyclists
A bill sits on the Pennsylvania governor's desk that would make the state the 20th to require that motorists give bicycle riders 3 or more feet when passing.
In Pennsylvania's case, it would be the first to require a 4-foot margin. It also makes it a crime to turn into the path of a bicyclist.
John Boyle, research director for Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia: "We're really happy that the bill has been passed, and we hope that there is an education campaign at some point in the future to help motorists understand exactly what the bill means ...
In Pennsylvania's case, it would be the first to require a 4-foot margin. It also makes it a crime to turn into the path of a bicyclist.
John Boyle, research director for Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia: "We're really happy that the bill has been passed, and we hope that there is an education campaign at some point in the future to help motorists understand exactly what the bill means ...
RAGBRAI and BAK announce 2012 bicycle tour routes
If you're curious about the 2012 routes for RAGBRAI XL (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) or BAK (Biking Across Kansas), then you've been waiting for this weekend.
Organizers of both popular across-state bicycle tours announced their routes, a combined 946 miles of bicycling for anyone lucky enough to do both.
Between the two, they have 77 years of experience ushering bicyclists across their states in hot summer sun, thunder showers, and occasional windstorms -- all the while ensuring the cyclists can consume copious quantities of pie.
This is the 40th anniversary of RAGBRAI (July 22-28), a mass bicycle tour of 10,000 people. Perhaps to celebrate the occasion, the ride will be among the least challenging...
Organizers of both popular across-state bicycle tours announced their routes, a combined 946 miles of bicycling for anyone lucky enough to do both.
Between the two, they have 77 years of experience ushering bicyclists across their states in hot summer sun, thunder showers, and occasional windstorms -- all the while ensuring the cyclists can consume copious quantities of pie.
This is the 40th anniversary of RAGBRAI (July 22-28), a mass bicycle tour of 10,000 people. Perhaps to celebrate the occasion, the ride will be among the least challenging...
Beating the bike lane grit left behind by snowstorms
If you're heading out this weekend for your first bike ride since the recent snowstorms, be prepared to do some bike cleaning when you return home.
The sand and gravel spread to improve traction in the snowstorm -- along with all kinds of road debris like tree twigs and glass chards -- has found its way to the sides of the road where we tend to ride.
If the road is wet, this stuff sticks to your bike like glue. It will grind down all the parts of your power train and wear grooves in your bike rims when you brake.
Even if it's dry, the glass works ...
The sand and gravel spread to improve traction in the snowstorm -- along with all kinds of road debris like tree twigs and glass chards -- has found its way to the sides of the road where we tend to ride.
If the road is wet, this stuff sticks to your bike like glue. It will grind down all the parts of your power train and wear grooves in your bike rims when you brake.
Even if it's dry, the glass works ...
Where bicycling boosts local economies -- two more cases
Two studies released this week -- one in Iowa and the other in bike-friendly Boulder -- once again prove that bicycling is good for local economies.
The new studies support similar reports from Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and elsewhere that bicyclists are capable of opening their wallets and spreading around some cash, sometimes at a jaw-dropping rate.
The Iowa report finds that recreational bicycling creates nearly $365 million in direct or indirect economic benefit to the state; $1 million a day. Bicycle commuting adds another $54 million a year.
In Boulder ...
The new studies support similar reports from Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and elsewhere that bicyclists are capable of opening their wallets and spreading around some cash, sometimes at a jaw-dropping rate.
The Iowa report finds that recreational bicycling creates nearly $365 million in direct or indirect economic benefit to the state; $1 million a day. Bicycle commuting adds another $54 million a year.
In Boulder ...
Pedal the Plains: an unlikely flat bicycle tour in Colorado
You can probably guess from the photo at left that the hundreds of miles of flatness across Kansas and eastern Colorado were taking a toll on my sanity on a cross-country bicycle tour some 20 years ago.
Those are the Rockies in the background, however, and this bike tour was about to take on a whole new, vertical complexion.
While many cyclists flock to the Rockies for several multi-day bike tours every year, cyclists who prefer flat terrain may feel left out.
No longer. The Denver Post, host of the Ride the Rockies, announced its new Colorado ride this week called "Pedal the Plains."
Although there aren't a lot of details available ...
Those are the Rockies in the background, however, and this bike tour was about to take on a whole new, vertical complexion.
While many cyclists flock to the Rockies for several multi-day bike tours every year, cyclists who prefer flat terrain may feel left out.
No longer. The Denver Post, host of the Ride the Rockies, announced its new Colorado ride this week called "Pedal the Plains."
Although there aren't a lot of details available ...
Nitto aluminum "riser" handlebars recalled in US and Canada
Several importers are recalling 2,000 faulty aluminum riser handlebars made in Japan by the Nitto Co.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging owners to stop riding bicycles equipped with the handlebars and contact the dealer where they were purchased or Euro Asia Imports for free replacements.
The handlebars can break, causing the cyclist to lose control of the bike and fall. There are two reports ...
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging owners to stop riding bicycles equipped with the handlebars and contact the dealer where they were purchased or Euro Asia Imports for free replacements.
The handlebars can break, causing the cyclist to lose control of the bike and fall. There are two reports ...
Cycling strong at 80
An 80-year-old retired California school teacher did something on his birthday that too few seniors do -- he got some exercise by taking a long bike ride.
Ray Houlihan's bicycle ride took him 103 miles around his hometown of Turlock on a December day. He's completed 15 centuries over the past 20 years or so.
"It's just like the mountains. They're there and you want to start riding them" ...
Ray Houlihan's bicycle ride took him 103 miles around his hometown of Turlock on a December day. He's completed 15 centuries over the past 20 years or so.
"It's just like the mountains. They're there and you want to start riding them" ...
Comparing states and big cities for bicycle commuting and safety
Oregon has the highest rate of bicycle commuting in the 50 states, but South Dakota is the safest state for cycling.
Those are just a couple of findings in the extensive Benchmarking Report for 2012 issued this week by the appropriately named Alliance for Biking and Walking.
The report ranks the state and big cities on levels of bicycling and walking, the comparative risks of those pursuits, and funding for non-motor vehicle transportation.
In most categories, Seattle and Washington state ranks in the top 10 or 15, and the region's Cascade Bicycle Club is singled out for its efforts to encourage bicycling....
Those are just a couple of findings in the extensive Benchmarking Report for 2012 issued this week by the appropriately named Alliance for Biking and Walking.
The report ranks the state and big cities on levels of bicycling and walking, the comparative risks of those pursuits, and funding for non-motor vehicle transportation.
In most categories, Seattle and Washington state ranks in the top 10 or 15, and the region's Cascade Bicycle Club is singled out for its efforts to encourage bicycling....
Deteriorating condition of bicycle parked in New York City
Time-lapse photography demonstrates the life-expectancy of a bicycle on a New York City street -- about 270 days.
Quite frankly, I'm surprised it lasted that long.
The demise of the bicycle locked up in the Soho district by the staff at design company Red Peak doesn't start until about 180 days into the experiment when the water bottle disappears.
Oddly, the U-lock disappears ...
Quite frankly, I'm surprised it lasted that long.
The demise of the bicycle locked up in the Soho district by the staff at design company Red Peak doesn't start until about 180 days into the experiment when the water bottle disappears.
Oddly, the U-lock disappears ...
First bicycle expedition to the South Pole
The last place you'd probably consider for taking a bicycle ride has been conquered.
The hostess of a children's TV show in England is being touted as the first person to use a bicycle as part of an expedition to the South Pole.
The adventurer, Helen Skelton, 28, also traveled 329 miles by kite ski and 68 miles by cross-country ski to complete the 500-mile journey across Antarctica in 18 days.
The bicycle she pedaled for 103 miles across the frozen continent was a US-built Fortune Hanebrink all-terrain bicycle ...
The hostess of a children's TV show in England is being touted as the first person to use a bicycle as part of an expedition to the South Pole.
The adventurer, Helen Skelton, 28, also traveled 329 miles by kite ski and 68 miles by cross-country ski to complete the 500-mile journey across Antarctica in 18 days.
The bicycle she pedaled for 103 miles across the frozen continent was a US-built Fortune Hanebrink all-terrain bicycle ...
Weather-related bike-riding conditions improve in Seattle area
This stretch of road might not be recognizable here, but many Seattle area recreational cyclists have no doubt ridden it.
This is a WSDOT photo of Route 202 between Fall City and Snoqualmie Falls taken Thursday after the ice storm swept through the area. (See a summer-time photo below.)
That icy coating followed a snowstorm that already had caused chaos on Puget Sound area roads. In addition to the slick road conditions, the freezing rain on top of snow weighed down trees that toppled across power lines and onto roads.
The conditions here led to the closure of Route 202 ...
This is a WSDOT photo of Route 202 between Fall City and Snoqualmie Falls taken Thursday after the ice storm swept through the area. (See a summer-time photo below.)
That icy coating followed a snowstorm that already had caused chaos on Puget Sound area roads. In addition to the slick road conditions, the freezing rain on top of snow weighed down trees that toppled across power lines and onto roads.
The conditions here led to the closure of Route 202 ...
3 states seek to join 19 that require 3-foot passing around cyclists
Updated Jan. 20, 2012 -- Bicycle advocates in Pennsylvania are pushing for a bill that would require drivers give cyclists 4 feet of clearance when they pass.
The legislation, HB 170, passed the Pennsylvania House last May, but got pigeon-holed in the Senate's Transportation committee. Supporters want to win Senate approval and the governor's signature this session.
If the bill is approved, Pennsylvania would be the 20th state to require that motorists give bicycle riders 3 or more feet of clearance when passing. The law also confirms a cyclist's right to the road and makes it illegal to right hook a bicycle rider.
California advocates also are seeking new 3-foot legislation this year after last year's veto ...
Giant problem -- bike maker recalls 900 bicycles
Giant Bicycle is recalling 900 road bicycles because the carbon fork can crack, creating a dangerous situation for the riders.
The recall involves the Giant Defy Advanced and Avail Advanced model bicycles.
The company and US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends owners stop riding the bikes immediately and contact an authorized Giant bike dealer for inspection and replacement ...
The recall involves the Giant Defy Advanced and Avail Advanced model bicycles.
The company and US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends owners stop riding the bikes immediately and contact an authorized Giant bike dealer for inspection and replacement ...
Making your bike snow-friendly
Snowmageddon. Snowpacolypse. Call it what you will, but this predicted snowstorm in Seattle is turning out to be the real thing, not SnowHyperbole.
I've ridden in the snow here in the past. It's nice. I threw the knobbies on my Rockhopper and went for a spin. No traffic. Really quiet. [No riding today, though. Wife's working from home and my daughter is home from school, so I'm minding the store, so to speak.]
Traction is an issue in the snow, even with the knobbies. I've gone down and lost grip with my rear wheel many times.
Short of buying a Surly Pugsly or other specially designed snow bike, here are a couple of ways to make your current ride more snow-friendly. Check out ...
I've ridden in the snow here in the past. It's nice. I threw the knobbies on my Rockhopper and went for a spin. No traffic. Really quiet. [No riding today, though. Wife's working from home and my daughter is home from school, so I'm minding the store, so to speak.]
Traction is an issue in the snow, even with the knobbies. I've gone down and lost grip with my rear wheel many times.
Short of buying a Surly Pugsly or other specially designed snow bike, here are a couple of ways to make your current ride more snow-friendly. Check out ...
