trailwork and ride at calvin crest this sunday

http://thor-trails.blogspot.com/2009/11/want-to-ride-calvin-crest-sun-nov-22.html

Calvin Crest mtb trail will not be open to the public till next year. If you want to ride there before then, you need to join us this Sunday.

fri @ 2:15 @ gifford park

From OAJules:
Don’t forget that there is a nice event coming up on Friday at 2:30 at the MAT headquarters at 22nd/Cuming. This will be a chance to say thank you to Senator Ben Nelson for his help in securing the funding for the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge. This was also the funding that was used to get the bike racks for all of the MAT busses, and they want to do a demo with some bikes.

I am organizing a mini group ride for that afternoon – a large (ish) group of cyclists all arriving at once would be a great visual for the event!! I’m proposing that we start at Gifford Park (33rd/Cass or so) and take Burt Street (the old Mayor’s Ride route) down to MAT. Let’s try to be ready to roll out at 2:15, so plan accordingly for your arrival time, whether driving or riding there. Please let me know if you plan to ride so that I know about how many to expect.

cranksgiving - food, fun, finished

Bryan R. gave raw number of 1700+ lbs, 50+ riders, $500+ cash donations. Thanks to all the riders who rode, bought, and gave. Thanks to the volunteers who checked in food, cooked food for everyone, and transported the food. This sends good vibes and blessings to those who need a helping hand at this time of their lives.

monday mtb ride at tranquility - 11.16

Forecast doesn't look good for tonight, but until the rain is on the ground or imminent, we plan to ride.

Leave the shop at 6, ride by the kiosk around 6:05.

tnr tp tonight

from RF:
Thursday Night Ride for Nov 12 is at Tranquility! Trails are perfect and weather is awesome for November! Come on out! Meet 6pm at the kiosk/trailhead off 120th & Fort, ride starts at 6:10pm. Of course you'll need lights from the get go. Food to follow, perhaps La Mesa or Old Chicago?

cranksgiving this saturday 11.12.09

From http://cranksgiving-omaha.blogspot.com/

Time: The race starts at noon, but you need to be there around 11:15 to check in, sign the waiver (in which you promise not to get killed -- or at least not blame us for it) and get your bike ready. The shopping list will be distributed at 11:50, and the Le Mans start is at noon. You'll like the Le Mans start. It's fun. Really.

Lots of good info at the link above.

All the food and items collected go to the local Food Bank. Cranksgiving is a reason to ride; for many, a chance to ride in small groups; and collect food for those in need.

monday mtb ride at tranquility - 11.09

I will be at the IBMA meeting tonight but others plan to leave the shop at 6 and ride by the kiosk about 6:05.

Enjoy the ride!

Bike Masters road racing

For those of you who may be interested in road racing, Bike Masters will be sponsoring a shop club team for 2010 and beyond. We will continue to sponsor our mountain bike racing club. These teams will race under the banner of Bike Masters Cycling Club and wear the signature green jersey. Brandon F. has agreed to be the captain of the road team. Dale R. will continue as head of the mountain team.

Please contact Dan or Dave at the shop if you are interested in racing under the Bike Masters flag.

These teams will emphasize having a good time, riding with your friends and making new friends, promoting cycling in the community, and good sportsmanship. We will be working out the details of the team sponsorship benefits very soon.

Thanks,
Dave
Manager
Bike Masters

trailwork this weekend at calvin crest

http://thor-trails.blogspot.com/2009/11/trailwork-at-calvin-crest-sat-and-sun.html

An opportunity to serve and improve the local mtb scene. Fortunately, our mtb trails are built and maintained with volunteers. Those who use the trail and take ownership in its construction and appearance consider it a labor of love. Please consider spreading a little love this weekend at Calvin Crest.

like it, love it, gotta have it

Do this so you can eat those ice cream specials at coldstone.

Indoor cycling season has started with two weeknight rides, Mondays and Wednesdays. Spinervals Coach Troy gets you warmed up starting at 6:00 and you're cooled down, loaded up, and out the door before 8.

All are welcome.

Ride a Kinetic fluid or Giant magnetic trainer before you buy.

monday night lights

Ryan helped light up Katie's(?) group pic.

Nice ride last night, cool temps, no wind, full moon, conversation. First lap clockwise required more pedaling. Riding up southhill descent berms, cut, and camelbacks were challenging. Add in the night perspective and it was not the familiar, nonthinking, comfortable counterclockwise ride. Then rode the north half counterclockwise to bring back the familiar trail and maximize the coasting. A couple of us stopped for refreshments at Paul's.

On the way home down Fort St about 20:30, I had a small suv pull up along side and yell "on your left --- get a car". I didn't have time for a response but as I kept pedaling I thought, it's sad he doesn't understand how fun (liberating, invigorating, dare I say spiritual) riding a bike is. Some people think you have to use a car or you're missing something. Of course they're the ones missing something by not riding a bike. 8-)

monday mtb ride at tranquility 11.02

Tranquility should be in great shape for the ride Monday night, leaving the shop at 6. Will be by the kiosk at the Fort St parking lot around 6:05 for those who want ride along. We regroup several times per lap.

Lights from the start will make this the first full night ride. We will ride clockwise to change the trail experience now that lights make it easy to spot oncoming riders. I enjoy the view of city lights from the two hilltops.

exploring neighborhoods, Doug's status

Beautiful day from the get-go. Though I wanted to mark some more trail at Calvin Crest, I had committed to our small group meal after church. So I rode to church, then out to John and Donna's house, planning a general route from the bicycle commuter map. Ended up choosing streets that looked good and meandering out that way. Took me an hour to go from 114th to 168th but there was no time pressure and it was all good.

Saw this creative use of plastic milk jugs to create a skeleton.

Stop by Doug and Mary's on the way home. I heard from Paul that Doug was going in for more surgery in Nov but he actually had it last Tuesday. Doug was sleeping and I talked with Mary. Doug went to his doctor who fused his first broken neck back in '95. C3-7 are now fused. Looks like C5 and C6 were in bad shape and causing pain. Doug mentioned after the surgery that the tingling in his arms is less than before surgery. After 13 months of chronic pain from an endo at Manawa, Doug doesn't care about neck mobility, just having less pain. He is in a hard neck brace till the end of Nov. Pray for healing and a better quality of life for Doug and Mary than the past 13 months.

Anyone doing Spooks on Spokes tomorrow?

Tomorrow is Halloween. Many of us will be getting our kids dressed and ready to make their candy collecting rounds tomorrow night. But before you get your kids ready to trick-or-treat, maybe you should get some time in on your bike. That way you can eat an extra peanut butter cup (or 10) without feeling too guilty about all those calories.

If you’re available from 10:30am till 3:00pm tomorrow, you can bring your bike here, and participate in the second annual Spooks On Spokes ride. The ride/race will take place throughout this general area.

Similar to an Alleycat race, this event incorporates all types of urban and suburban riding. Part of the adventure is the unknown. You won't know what you're in for until the race begins. Expect mildly difficult terrain, mileage and challenges. Terrain will be mixed, therefor road, mountain or comfort bikes will work. Expect the unexpected, but expect the event to last between 2 and 4 hours depending on your skills.

The event starts after each person is given a manifest. The manifest consists of a list of checkpoints they must find. There will be a 15-minute period to ask questions before the race begins. Each item on the manifest will be revealed after solving a puzzle or riddle. After studying the manifest all participants are released at 11-AM to begin the adventure. Event ends at 3:00-pm Sharp! Categories are: Teams of 2, Geared and Fixed/Single Speed bikes. Participants choosing to compete as a team must remain within 50-feet of one another at all times. Halloween costumes are encouraged, but not expected or required. Your choice.

Be sure to check out the official website for all the details.

Drop me an email at underdahill AT gmail DOT com if you want to meet up at Bike Masters in the morning to head over to the start area. I'm up for some coffee on the way there if anyone is interested in that.

corporate challenge commuting survey

I got this even though I didn't participate in the Bike Omaha Corporate Challenge. But I took the survey and for question 6 answer: other - didn't participate in the BOCC, so they can remove my input if needed.

I think input from all commuters would help inform them on most used routes. I listed my three main routes. I left off the finally connections so they didn't know my exact home and work address.

****************************
Hello BOCC Team Captains!

Under the category of “better late than never,” here is a very quick and easy online survey that we would like you to forward to your BOCC teammates. This will help us make next year’s commuter challenge even better, and we appreciate your help!

IMPORTANT: You will note that the last question on the survey asks about the route you ride to work. This is not “big brother” wanting to track your every move… rather, we would like to begin building a database of the most frequently used bike commuter routes. If we can identify patterns, this will help us identify places to recommend for future on street bike facilities (bike lanes, sharrows, etc). It will also help us find key places where target businesses could be informed of the advantages of being bike friendly, places where bike parking might be needed, and places where we could set up shop next summer if we wanted to give out donuts and coffee to unsuspecting but much deserving riders! J

We hope that you will partner with us by taking the survey. Thanks for your time!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=L0fU9FarrIjvxafkaU5qRQ_3d_3d

monday mtb pics

Greg was late for the photo shoot so we had Zac stand in for him. Zac delayed his commute home to turn half a lap with us.

You be the judge, Ryan says his better side is in the pic below. Roxy decided yoga was on the dance card last night so Ryan got to ride back home.

Todd's wife must have night vision to frame and focus the pic.

Seems everyone has different sensitivities to lower temps. Zac took his gloves off cause he was overheating. I was overheating till the sun went down; the air turned brisk and I was dressed right except the winter boots would have kept my toes warmer than just wool socks. A few others had tingly toes by the end of the ride. Another wanted warmer arms and another was pouring sweat. For all the guys who don't want to reveal how much they really like to mix and match clothing, biking in cooler temps provides a great cover.

Finally, there were several short slippery spots, usually on corners, to keep us on our toes. Nice that they would only slide for a short distance before catching traction again.
Going back to standard time this weekend, next Monday will be dark from the get-go.

monday mtb ride at tranquility 10.26

Leaving the shop at 6, ride by kiosk off Fort St parking lot around 6:05 for anyone who wants to ride along.

You might be able to squeeze one lap in without lights, otherwise bring lights so we can enjoy a night lap(s) with cool Fall temps. Cooler weather and night riding feels like we're riding in a different climate and location without having to travel there.

Enjoy the ride!

2009 leadville trail 100 at oakview thursday

On October 22nd, experience a One Night Event in movie theatres nationwide featuring the debut of “Race Across the Sky” – a documentary covering the 2009 Leadville Trail 100 bike race, one of the most intense endurance races of all time - and candid conversations with Lance Armstrong, Chris Carmichael, Dave Wiens, and other elite and amateur cyclists who overcame extreme challenges to participate in this grueling race.Race Across the Sky – Leadville Trail 100, featuring Lance Armstrong, Dave Wiens and other elite and amateur cyclists on October 22nd at 8:00pm ET/ 7:00pm CT/ 6:00pm MT/ with tape delay to 8:00pm PT. "

http://www.ncm.com/Fathom/Sports/RaceAcrossTheSky.aspx

I'll be leaving 148th and Maple St Starbucks about 6, then ride 144th st trail.

If you want to start elsewhere, drop a line here or at mtbomaha. Downtowners are heading across to CB theatre.

coffee & chrome @ blue line tonight

Downtown at 14th and Cumming. 6-8. Drawing for Chrome bag. Hear rep's dog and pony show, ask questions, enjoy some great joe and grub, ride the downtown scene.

bike bash faller is home

Concerning the girl who fell from the deck at the bike bash, encouraging news! She went home Sunday from the hospital. She sustained a concussion, 7 stitches, and some broken teeth.

The family wishes to thank everyone who helped, especially the on-the-spot EMTs.

Our family had a discussion on the way home that we are going to get CPR training, ideally commit to be trained as first responders. The park ranger, sheriff, and ambulance responded quickly, but having someone there from the start who knew what to do, and as importantly, what not to do, was very valuable.