In 1817 Baron von Drais invented a walking machine that would help him get around the royal gardens faster: two same-size in-line wheels, the front one steerable, mounted in a frame which you straddled. The device was propelled by pushing your feet against the ground, thus rolling yourself and the device forward in a sort of gliding walk. The machine became known as the Draisienne or hobby horse. It was made entirely of wood.
MoBikeFed board member Morgan Bearden, has recently been doing some cooking:
The Director of the Diabetes Education Fund (DEF), Morgan Bearden, volunteered to cook for The Central Missouri Diabetic Children's Camp, Camp Hickory Hill, in Columbia, Missouri (www.camphickoryhill.com) for two weeks in July.
"Three meals and three snacks per day made for some long hours, but it was all worthwhile", said Bearden. The goal of the camp is to teach diabetic children to take care of themselves. . . .
The major fund raiser for the DEF is the Tour of the Ozarks, a bicycle excursion through the Missouri Ozarks. Riders may choose from 12, 25, 50, and 100 mile routes that are fully supported with food, drinks, helpful volunteers, and support vehicles. The seventh annual Tour of the Ozarks will be held on September 18, 2004. For more information on the Tour of the Ozarks, visit the web site at www.touroftheozarks.org.
"I called the people in Lake Saint Louis and asked, 'How do we register for the wheelchair division?'" Morgan said. "They said, 'We don't have a wheelchair division, but we'll do everything we can to get you in the race.'"
Thus was born, after more than two decades, the wheelchair division of the Lake Saint Louis Triathlon, scheduled for Sept. 4.
The annual nighttime bike ride through downtown St. Louis is the Gateway Council's (St. Louis' chapter of Hostelling International USA) largest fundraiser. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the two-wheeled classic. . . .
The Gateway Council has arranged for every building and institution (hint, hint) bordering the nineteen-mile route that dates back to 1904 to remain lit up until 3 a.m. This is a subtle, and no doubt beautiful, nod to the 1904 World's Fair, where electricity was a new development that dazzled fairgoers throughout that magic summer.
And even at the Ramble's conclusion, adventure is in the air. The ride ends at the City Museum, St. Louis' greatest current adventure, with an afterparty and continental breakfast courtesy of Saint Louis Bread Co.
Lauren Chapin, the KCStar's food critic, rode RAGBRAI this year with an eye on the pies:
Consuming mass quantities of pie while traversing the state from west to east has become as much a part of the annual summer bike tour as the bike repair shops, portable toilets and cornfields. According to survey results from the 2003 RAGBRAI, a slice of pie is the third most popular snack food — behind bananas and homemade ice cream.
Because food is fuel and fuel is essential to bike between 56 and 100 miles a day for seven days, I decided pie would be my diesel.
The KCStar's columnist Mike Hendricks has recently signed up to do the MS150:
Yes, I'm "in training," as they say.
For the first time ever, yours truly has signed up to ride the MS150 Bike Tour. Actually, my wife and I both have, along with a couple of co-workers who helpfully talked me into it.
To benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society, we've promised to do what Armstrong does on the Tour de France, only at a much, much slower pace and for a good cause. Adding the ride to Sedalia, Mo., from Kansas City on Sept. 11 to the next day's ride to Knob Noster, we'll cycle 150 miles.
A Springfield News-Leader article details the causes and solutions for a common problem facing college students--weight gain:
In a study of 60 first-semester college students released last year, Cornell University professor David Levitsky and his colleagues found that, on average, the students gained about 4.2 pounds during their first 12 weeks at school. . . .
"We're not active enough," [David Oatman, a professor in the health, physical education and recreation department at Southwest Missouri State University] said. "Some people will live three blocks away from campus, and rather than get on a bicycle and ride their bike to school, or walk, they'll complain about not being able to find a parking space."
First time on the bike was anything but fun. "Don't touch the left brake, go slow, stay in one gear, close to the curb," I kept telling myself. Where was my old Saint Christopher's medal? You know that thing that everyone says about riding a bike? How you never forget how to do it? Well, forget that stuff! . . .
The second time out was pretty amazing. After 10 minutes, I decided to go for 30. "Try shifting," my husband suggested.
"Up or down?" I asked.
"It doesn't matter; just shift and feel the difference."
Dutch speed-skater turns to cycling because of Paralympics
According to a KCStar article: Jeroen Straathof, who went to Lillehammer in 1994 as a speed skater, has reappeared in Athens as a team pursuit cyclist. In the rarest twist of all, he also attended the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney.
Straathof, who has no disability, owns a gold medal from the Sydney Paralympics. He was allowed to be the lead position on the tandem of blind cyclist Jan Mulder - whom he met through Van Leeuwen.
permanent link to article: "Dutch speed-skater turns to cycling because of Paralympics"
posted by Brent Hugh at
8/24/2004 08:05:00 AM |comment on this article
Track cycling is one of the most exciting and maddest sports in the world.
And, believe it or not, it's been on the go for over 100 years!
The beginning of track racing was as far back as the 1880's. . . .
There are a total of 12 track events at the Olympics - eight men's events and four women's. These can be broadly classified into sprint races and endurance races.
It was AWESOME to finish – my first multi-sport event, a personal success! . . . My training regimen? Commuting to work by bicycle! Of course, if I plan on doing this again, I may have to add some running to that!
(Day 21) From Alton, IL, we rode over a new bridge over the Mississippi River that is beautiful and that was built with wonderful bicycle/pedestrian lanes on both sides. Access for bicycles is very easy and the views of the river from the bridge are spectacular.
(Day 24) This day was marked by some very pleasant encounters with people. First, we stopped to view the "Pierced Rock Natural Bridge", and two bicycle riders came along to explain how this famous landmark had been lost to the local people for many years because the river had shifted leaving this natural feature buried in the vegetation of the hill on which it stands. Only recently, the Missouri Park Service has uncovered this landmark and put a marker on the KATY Trail so that people who pass this way can view this remarkable rock formation.
Here is Transport for London's advice to bicyclists and truck drivers (translated for the American audience):
"Why are Truck drivers always Hitting Cyclists?" As a cyclist it's nice to think you are always in the right - but have you ever considered that you might be in the wrong place? In fact, you might be in the most difficult place for a truck driver to see you.
9 out 0f 10 drivers involved in a fatal collision with a cyclist say they never saw them.
"Are you blind?" If a truck driver hasn't seen you, it's probably because you have moved into their blind spot when they weren't looking.
There are blind spots on each side of the vehicle - if you are cutting inside, or over-taking as it turns, you can be knocked off or crushed.
"Look out!" Many trucks need to pull out to the left before turning right - be aware of what they might be about to do.
Cycle lanes and advanced stop lines are there to help you - but take care not to get trapped by a truck as it turns.
The simple advice is hold back - a truck might be turning at any corner. Never cut inside.
Advice for truck drivers, on the other side of the leaflet:
"There are too many darn cyclists on the road" More and more people are cycling in the U.S., helping to reduce congestion
Every day, cyclists are involved in accidents - if it involves a truck, it is easy for the cyclist to be badly injured or killed.
As a truck driver, you know that you always try to give cyclists space - but what can you do when you don't see them coming?
"Why didn't you look where you are going" Cyclists are often on your nearside - in the cycle lane or moving towards an advanced stop line.
Many don't realise that, when they try to pass you, there is a point where you cannot see them because they have entered your blind spot.
This often results in them cycling directly into your turning path - with a potentially disastrous outcome.
"You better watch it" The important thing is for you to indicate early, check your mirrors, and keep checking as you turn - in this way you have the best chance of seeing a cyclist before it's too late.
Brende truly believes that our modern world - loaded with time-saving devices -actually causes people to constantly complain that there's not enough time. His theory: These beloved machines are creating more labor than they're saving. . . .
His commercial world includes making soap, which Brende peddles at the Soulard Market, and operating a rickshaw, his low-tech taxi service. It focuses on tourists, moving between restaurants and hotels. . . .
The day we met Brende, he arrived on his bicycle, which he calls a "recumbent," shaped somewhat like a laid-back lawn chair. It's another example of Brende's new world - a cycle that "puts you in a much more natural, seated position. It conforms to the shape of your body, and can be ridden faster and with more power than the new cycles of today."
People tend to think “the overweight people live in another state,” said Janet Callarman, community initiatives director with the Salina Area United Way.
That’s not the case, though. And the release of data concerning obesity in Saline County children should help bring the issue to the community’s consciousness, she said.
It'd be cool if Oprah is at work at her Chicago studios July 30, because Vincent Alexandria is heading her way.
Alexandria, a Kansas City author, is a self-made crusader for literacy, especially among young African-American men. He left on his bicycle Monday to ride 560 miles to Chi-town, a trip to raise awareness, and money, for his national literacy and reading campaign. . . .
He dreamt up the bike ride to inspire the local GED students he has been teaching for eight months. “What can I do to inspire them, to show self-sacrifice, and I thought it had to be something that everybody would say, ‘You're crazy,' ” said Alexandria, 44, a writer of murder mysteries, including If Walls Could Talk, Postal Blues and the new Black Rain.
The money he raises in pledges and donations along the way will support the Brother 2 Brother Literary Symposium, a non-profit organization Alexandria founded to promote reading and literacy across the country.
Autumn Wonders Tour near Topeka, KS, Oct 16th, 2004
From Pat Smith of the Autumn Wonders Tour:
Our tour is sponsored by the Santa Fe Trail Parish southwest of Topeka, KS. This is the 4th year we have held it. It is a 25 to 30 mile ride on rock roads that are not traveled much except by the residents of this area. Early registration is $35.00 on site registration $40.00, for an additional $10.00 for a commemorative long sleeve t-shirt. Registration includes a country style meal served after the ride in the park where registration is held. SAGS and support are furnished by the local churches.
The ride will be held October 16th 2004. Comments by riders were it should be called "The Ride Through Heaven" the fall foliage will be beautiful.
Other interests are old rock fences,old bridges and Margaret's haunted maze. Visit with the people when you finish your ride. There is also overnight accommodations in historical Council Grove.
For more information, check the web site or contact Pat Smith (cpsmith@tctelco.net, (785)499-6346).
An excellent series of articles from UltraCycling.com tell how to prepare for a century--whether for your first century ever, or your fastest century yet. These articles cover every aspect, from training to bicycle fit to eating to recovery.
Training for endurance is straightforward, but not easy. . . .
It helps to do these long rides in one loop or one out-and-back. Then, if you are at least halfway and start to tire, the fastest way home is to keep going. . . . When I was training for solo RAAM, several of my 24 hour rides started near home on Friday nights and went around the east side of the Salton Sea. At about the halfway point I almost always rode through a low point but managed to continue because every pedal stroke took me closer to home.
12, 25, 50, and 100 mile routes over some very scenic and quiet roads - including the Mark Twain National Forest and portions of old Route 66.
We have a very low registration/minimum donation - $50 ($40 pre-registration before August 18). That's it - $40/$50. If you want to bring us a larger donation, that's cool too! All donations benefit the Diabetes Education Fund.
Over the past year the Diabetes Education Fund has: * Supported the Central Missouri Diabetic Children's Camp * Sent school nurses to "Diabetes in the School Setting" seminar * Provided a grant to a local hospital to cover the cost of diabetes management classes for needy diabetics
The Diabetes Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, non-profit corporation that was established for the purpose of raising funds to be distributed to organizations that teach diabetes management. The goal of the Diabetes Education Fund is to improve the quality of diabetes management through the education of diabetics and those who care for them.
NPR's report on Chicago's latest effort to encourage bicycle commuting
Chicago, which is making a tremendous effort to become the most bicycle-friendly city in the U.S., has created a "Bike Station" for bicycle commuters. The station has secure places to park your bike, showers, changing areas, a mechanic to fix any mechanical problems.
Chicago is planning to install 10,000 bike racks around the city this summer.
NPR's report points out that in an urban area like Chicago, bicycling is actually faster than driving a car for distances up to 3 miles, and about the same overall speed as driving a car for trips of 3 to 5 miles.
Mayor Richard Daley set up a commission in the early 1990s to recommend ways to improve the urban landscape for bikers. The city now boasts more than 9,500 bicycle racks, 90 miles of on-street bike lanes and more than 30 miles of dedicated paths.
"These efforts are all aimed at encouraging people to ride their bikes, not just for recreation, but for work, for school and for shopping," Daley said at the station's ribbon-cutting last Monday. "Bicycling has so many benefits — it's good for the environment, it helps reduce traffic congestion, it's less expensive than a car."
[O]n his prescription pad, my doctor wrote, "Ed Chasteen may resume bicycle riding."
Oh, glorious day!
Inactivity was expanding my waistline, elevating my blood pressure and demanding sleep. Pain pills made it all bearable. But nothing was fun. Not even pleasant.
No wonder drug he might have injected could have jolted me to that blissful state brought on by those six words he wrote. My bicycle has become over the last 19 years a combination gymnasium, church, school and therapist's couch. Deprived for a month by broken ribs from these good places, I was rapidly losing strength of mind, body and soul. . . .
Every day on my bike is Independence Day. The fireworks I see and hear in my mind, my family and friends see in my eyes and smile and hear in my dumb jokes. An old man and a child's toy make an odd couple. But a divorce is out of the question.
The Conference Committee working to reconcile House and Senate proposals for the next Federal transportation bill failed to make any significant progress before Congress adjourned for the summer. It did, however, extend existing TEA-21 programs through the end of September. The stumbling block continues to be overall funding levels.
Meanwhile, America Bikes encourages people to take advantage of the summer recess to meet with Members of Congress while they are in their home districts. Next week, the campaign will post information on what to say, and what to leave behind with Members, on http://www.americabikes.org. "Let's take this opportunity to thank Congress for including some good provisions for bicycling and walking in the two bills, and make sure they know our priorities for the final version of the legislation. Whether you invite your elected representatives to a club ride or meeting, take them for a short ride around town, or meet them over the barbecue grill, remind them that when America Bikes, America Benefits," says Andy Clarke, newly elected President of the America Bikes campaign and Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists.
Amahia has had further adventures cycling around the country on a route designed by students in her history classes:
I rode to a convenience store to take shelter. As the rain ceased, I headed out. A guy in a truck stopped me: "You aren't leaving, are you?"
Jim, who raises beagle hunting dogs (KY state dog) and hunts swamp rabbits down in southeast Missouri, told me about the huge storm currently ravaging Bowling Green. 75mph winds, tornado watch, heavy rains, flood watch, hail, downed trees, power outages...this storm was loaded. I stayed put, asking the convenience store folks if they minded if I waited it out. About five minutes later, the winds picked up, the day turned to night, and the rain came sideways. I was not the only one taking shelter as the store filled with people who couldn't drive in the heavy rains and wind. The lights shut off three times, limbs snapped, the parking lot became a river and we all listened intently to the national weather service reports.
I left as the rain was letting up, three hours later.
Tour de Homecomers, Saturday, August 21, 2004--offering Rides of 15, 30 and 60 miles starting at 7:30 a.m.
All proceeds from this event will go to “Way to Go Kids,” a nutrition and fitness program for kids in 1st – 4th grades. With the rise of Type 2 Diabetes, their goal is to prevent the life-long problems that go along with poor eating habits, inactivity and overweight.
The Tour is taking place along with the Jackson Homecomers Festival, a week long annual event since the early 1900s.
The Diabetes Education Fund (DEF) will hold the seventh annual Tour of the Ozarks (TOTO) in Rolla, MO on Saturday, Sept. 18. Since its inception, TOTO has been south central Missouri's premier fund raising event for diabetes-related charities.
TOTO is comprised of four distinct routes covering twelve, twenty-five, fifty, and one hundred miles. All routes have rest stops with food and drinks, are patrolled by support vehicles, and are monitored by the Rolla Regional Amateur Radio Society.
Pam Hinton, assistant professor of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Missouri-Columbia and defending Missouri State Road Champion, is one of the contributors to CyclingNews.com's Form & Fitness Q&A.
permanent link to article: "Pamela Hinton of Columbia writes for Cycling News"
posted by Brent Hugh at
8/05/2004 10:31:00 AM |comment on this article
Native Missourian rides cross-country
Missouri native Don Loomis is riding cross country as part of the National Mayor's Ride. The Delphos Herald reports:
He’s . . . seen many beautiful landmarks along the way.
“The most breathtaking thing I have seen was in Utah,” he said. “I had ridden almost 130 miles in one stretch and I was heading into Salt Lake City. The sunset was just beautiful. The rays were peeking through clouds and lighting up the grass and then right after it went down, I got to see a lightning storm.”
Loomis departed San Francisco on June 10 and arrived in Chicago on July 30.
rode ordinary bicycles across the U.S. The report of their ride across Missouri is found on the second page of their logs and the also have a photo log. Excerpts:
