Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Anchorage Awarded LAB Bronze, Cop Hits Cyclist


This past week, two separate items have been spinning around my mind. Today they finally came together. You might say they even collided.

I just realized that the same day the League of American Bicyclists designated Anchorage, Alaska as a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community, announced by way of a volley of excited e-mails and blog posts, a local Anchorage woman, riding her bicycle on her morning commute, was hit by an Anchorage police officer.

While we'll likely never know the true cause or outcome of the collision, I hope it isn't a portent of the future of cycling in our fair city.

In light of these recent events, and in reaction to the confused tone the cyclist's husband had in his initial post of the collision on the AKspokes forum, I suggest making the time to read Bicycling and the Law very soon. You never know when something like this may occur to you or someone very close to you. It's best to be prepared ahead of time.

In closing, consider the current debate taking place in Seattle, attempting to address the epidemic of distracted and/or negligent driving with a "Vulnerable User Bill." David Hiller, Cascade Bicycle Club's advocacy director, notes something you should think long and hard about in regard to your own vulnerability and safety out on the road, "people who don't control their vicious dogs face more criminal culpability than drivers for negligence behind the wheel."

In the meantime, call your insurance company and get a UM/UIM policy.

Friday, October 23, 2009

2010 Brevet Calendar


The 2010 Alaska Randonneurs' brevet schedule has been approved by the Mother Ship.

Mark your calendars. Even more brevet goodness is in store beginning next April.

4/17/10 Kenai 200K
5/1/10 Homer "End-of-the-Road" 200K
5/16/10 Matanuska Valley 200K
5/22/10 Anchorage/Palmer/Anchorage 300K
5/29/10 Denali Hwy 200K/300K (in conjunction w/ Alaska Endurance Association's "Denali Classic")
6/5/10 Anch/Seward/Anch 200K/400K
6/13/10 Bread & Water populaire 100K
6/19/10 Gakona/Delta Junction/Tok 200K/400K/600K
7/17/10 Denali Dirt Road Randonnée 200K/300K
8/7/10 "PBP" Nord populaire 100K
8/28/10 "PBP" Sud populaire 100K
9/11/10 Glennallen/Chitna/Glennallen 200K
9/18/10 Chugiak/Talkeetna/Chugiak 300K

I look forward to riding with you next season for some challenging rides on beautiful routes.
There's a little something here for everyone; some familiar rides, a few new rides, some remote, some urban...


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Donuts, Dogs & Draughts - Saturday Morning "Training" Ride

The first Frigid Bits ride of the '09/'10 season is this coming Saturday night. So, I figure I have to start training.

Open invitation for a short, informal, Saturday morning "training" ride. We're meeting at Dino's Donuts at 9:30-ish AM, and will carbo load until our 10:00AM departure. The next stop will be for dogs at the Debarr Costco. The final leg will be to the Midnight Sun Brewing Company for some post-ride electrolyte replacement, Frigid Bits strategizing and course preview.

Ride what you have: time-trial bike, unicycle, fatbike, etc. Wear your helmet, bring a lock, and cash for grub and suds.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

It's Time for Frigid Bits!

Figid Bits winter cycling series is starting soon.

I think this is a big deal. I strongly believe in supporting creative, local events, and Frigid Bits is about as good as it can get on both accounts. Carlos has been putting this series on for years now, and he does a hell of a job.

I urge you to come find out what it's all about.

10/17/9 at 7:00PM starting from the Goose Lake parking lot. Get there early for the 6:45PM riders meeting. Show up with an operable front light and your helmet.

More details available here.