As we celebrate the national bike to work month, I want to take a pause and reflect what a year of commuting to work on bicycle has accomplished. What a fantastic year it has been, for starters I was one of the lucky recipients of a Jamis Commuter Bike from Bicycling magazine as a result of my essay on "how riding a bike could change my life" being on of the selected ones for the award. I have since, modified the bicycle to make it more suitable to my commute, with a new set of halogen lights for those winter nights, an air horn to alert cars of my presence, fenders to prevent splashing water all over me when it rains, and a pannier that can carry my suit and shirt across the rear rack securely.
One of the biggest accomplishments this year is to celebrate this month and the anniversary by very proudly declaring that I made it through unscathed, injury free, and was never hit by a car; although I have experienced some close calls. However, it is a resoundingly positive balance, I became stronger, more energetic and believe or not... more motivated. I have been able to see neighborhoods from a completely different stand point, occasionally I relish a good dog chase and am proud to report that so far, I have always outsprint them.
Unfortunately, there are days that I cannot ride because my job will require that I drive all over town for meetings and other engagements, usually returning to my office to finish up the day. On those days when I must get behind the wheel and drive, going home is always an unwelcomed event, knowing that no matter what time, I will have to waste a good deal of my life encased in a metal box trying to get home. On the other hand, when I ride, I look forward to the trek home; there is no set route or time limit, just a good old bike ride where the reward is reaching the humble abode in time for dinner with the family.
Usually, however, my primitive brain takes control of the ride and it becomes a pseudo time trial where I try to beat the best time ever, this changes everything … street lights become sprint opportunities, gas stations are short cuts and curbs are meant to be jumped, in the end, it all boils down to the fact that I become a teenager again and the ride rules my world and a world ruled by rides is a much better world.
The travel to work on the bike is a completely different dynamic, contrary to the evening commute, there is a time limit. Although I am not driven by a time clock and I can arrive at work pretty much a whatever reasonable time I please, there is always the underlined desire and effort to set an example for the rest of the team and this drives me to maintain high standard to which I must hold myself so I can expect others to follow suit.
May 21st will be the official Bike to work day, and under the motto of one less car on the road, it is incumbent upon everyone to find a way to leave their vehicles behind that day and ride their bikes in to work. I am expecting to hear all the excuses in the book as to why this is not possible, and frankly, I don’t care, there is only one way this can happen and I can only do my part. In the wake of the terrible oil spill in the Gulf, I have seen a large number of postings of people who claim to want to do something to help and make a difference.
This is our opportunity, throw that leg over the top tube of that bike, and hit the road, your bike powered by your own effort, will take you places that you will never otherwise see.
See you on the road!!! And if you must drive, remember: 3 feet please, it’s the law!!!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Cyclist Killed on the Rickenbacker Causeway
A full week has passed since Mr. Christophe Le Canne was killed by a drunk driver on the Bear Cut Bridge while on a training ride near Key Biscayne.
After a week of pondering and going through a whole spectrum of feelings such as anger, sorrow, and mourning, I have finally come to grips as to how to best express myself in the wake of this tragedy.
During the week, the Cyclist community in Miami has spoken, loudly with both actions and words, we have attended council meetings, written to our local politicians and kept the attention front and center to make sure something like this does not happen again.
A lot has been said about the person who killed Mr. Le Canne and fled the scene with the bike still lodged under his car for miles, the inadequate response from rescue mainly due to the actions of the 911 dispatcher who called a rescue unit from miles away, the budget cuts that have resulted in less emergency services in the area and more.
This morning thousands of riders answered the call and made a pilgrimage ride to site of the tragedy, a plaque has been placed along with flowers and a "ghost bike" and even though this may somehow soothe our mourning feelings, the fact still remains that Mr. Le Canne met an untimely passing and his wife is now a widow and his daughter has no father.
In the face of these unfortunate events, true character rises, for starters Mr. Le Canne's family in the wake of such an immense loss, still display and their wonderful humanity and place the spotlight on the people of Haiti by requesting that all and any donations be made in the name of Christopher Le Canne to the Read Cross towards the tragedy in Haiti.
So two stories emerge from this: On the one hand, a pampered, sheltered brat, gets behind the wheel of his car after drinking for hours and on his way home veers out of his lane into the Bicycle lane and hits a cyclist with his car.
A choice needs to be made: One that requires character and true moral fiber, stay and help the person he just hit with the car or show absolutely no respect towards a fellow human and flee the scene without even hesitating, the story has been written already.
This individual made the choice that was instilled in him by his upbringing and carried on to the shelter of the place that created him: His Home.
Once there however, Police caught up with him and once again his true arrogance came to light by not only resisting arrest but refusing to own up to his actions and refusing to give a blood sample that clearly showed he was intoxicated beyond the legal limit for a driver. The rest of the story will be written by our legal system and this person will get what he deserves.
However, he has already set in motion some even more powerful forces that in some Asian beliefs call Karma and that is inescapable.
Mr. Le Canne is no longer with us, but his wife and daughter are and despite the fact that they will have to carry on with the unimaginable pain of having lost him in an untimely fashion, they will also honor his memory by living an honorable life, and here is where the big difference lies. By living a good life, Mr. Le Canne left this world a better place than how he encountered it, and for that Sir; I honor your memory -
A lot of good will come out this event, we owe it to Christophe Le Canne, to those who will come after us, to the cycling community, and to our city. As long as we keep the focus and direction of our actions towards the common good, Mr Le Canne will still live within us.
Rest in Peace Christophe Le Canne, we'll take it from where you left off and carry on !
After a week of pondering and going through a whole spectrum of feelings such as anger, sorrow, and mourning, I have finally come to grips as to how to best express myself in the wake of this tragedy.
During the week, the Cyclist community in Miami has spoken, loudly with both actions and words, we have attended council meetings, written to our local politicians and kept the attention front and center to make sure something like this does not happen again.
A lot has been said about the person who killed Mr. Le Canne and fled the scene with the bike still lodged under his car for miles, the inadequate response from rescue mainly due to the actions of the 911 dispatcher who called a rescue unit from miles away, the budget cuts that have resulted in less emergency services in the area and more.
This morning thousands of riders answered the call and made a pilgrimage ride to site of the tragedy, a plaque has been placed along with flowers and a "ghost bike" and even though this may somehow soothe our mourning feelings, the fact still remains that Mr. Le Canne met an untimely passing and his wife is now a widow and his daughter has no father.
In the face of these unfortunate events, true character rises, for starters Mr. Le Canne's family in the wake of such an immense loss, still display and their wonderful humanity and place the spotlight on the people of Haiti by requesting that all and any donations be made in the name of Christopher Le Canne to the Read Cross towards the tragedy in Haiti.
So two stories emerge from this: On the one hand, a pampered, sheltered brat, gets behind the wheel of his car after drinking for hours and on his way home veers out of his lane into the Bicycle lane and hits a cyclist with his car.
A choice needs to be made: One that requires character and true moral fiber, stay and help the person he just hit with the car or show absolutely no respect towards a fellow human and flee the scene without even hesitating, the story has been written already.
This individual made the choice that was instilled in him by his upbringing and carried on to the shelter of the place that created him: His Home.
Once there however, Police caught up with him and once again his true arrogance came to light by not only resisting arrest but refusing to own up to his actions and refusing to give a blood sample that clearly showed he was intoxicated beyond the legal limit for a driver. The rest of the story will be written by our legal system and this person will get what he deserves.
However, he has already set in motion some even more powerful forces that in some Asian beliefs call Karma and that is inescapable.
Mr. Le Canne is no longer with us, but his wife and daughter are and despite the fact that they will have to carry on with the unimaginable pain of having lost him in an untimely fashion, they will also honor his memory by living an honorable life, and here is where the big difference lies. By living a good life, Mr. Le Canne left this world a better place than how he encountered it, and for that Sir; I honor your memory -
A lot of good will come out this event, we owe it to Christophe Le Canne, to those who will come after us, to the cycling community, and to our city. As long as we keep the focus and direction of our actions towards the common good, Mr Le Canne will still live within us.
Rest in Peace Christophe Le Canne, we'll take it from where you left off and carry on !
Monday, October 26, 2009
The True Commuters
I enjoy riding my bike in Miami, I truly do, and as a rider I wear many hats. I am a roadie, a commuter and a trail rider. As a result, it is possible for me to see my great city from the vantage point of my bike saddle.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to shun my auto in lieu of the bike, and by the same token I also get to see the city and its cyclists from the point of view of a driver, and herein lies the paradox. In the morning my drive takes me from West to East - from east comes the true commuters and these guys get it !
Their bikes are simply that ... I ride, a mode of transportation that takes them from their home to their jobs, mostly in the service industry in the establishments out west. This are not tricked out bikes, they are those which you pick up at Walmart for less than a hundred bucks. But they get them to and from work reliably and best of all ... for free.
These commuters will not risk life and limb, because well, it's just not worth it. As a result and in the process, they teach us a lesson... or two.
For starters, the majority of them wear reflective vests, they stop at every intersection, look over their shoulder before crossing every street or driveway, lest they get cut off by a careless driver and slowly make their progress towards their final destination to avoid sweating too much before the start of their shift.
As I return from East to West during my evening commute (on my bike) I come across these fellow riders as they they return home as well - I go west, they go east and we are all commuters.
Despite the fundamental differences between our reasons to commute, I feel fortunate to have other options, but by the same token paradoxically I would almost hope that I had no other option but to commute on my bike.
Now, every time I ride by a Burger King, Mac Donald's or any other fine establishment and I see a bike ....or several chained to the street sign in front - I know that they belong to my fellow commuters and as we pass each other in opposite directions we nod in mutual respect and carry on.
These guys are the real thing, and we owe it to them to continue with our plight so that they, even more than us can benefit from a more bike friendly society.
After all, it makes me feel vindicated when my Taco Bell meal is prepared and served by a rider ...just like me.
Ride on !
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to shun my auto in lieu of the bike, and by the same token I also get to see the city and its cyclists from the point of view of a driver, and herein lies the paradox. In the morning my drive takes me from West to East - from east comes the true commuters and these guys get it !
Their bikes are simply that ... I ride, a mode of transportation that takes them from their home to their jobs, mostly in the service industry in the establishments out west. This are not tricked out bikes, they are those which you pick up at Walmart for less than a hundred bucks. But they get them to and from work reliably and best of all ... for free.
These commuters will not risk life and limb, because well, it's just not worth it. As a result and in the process, they teach us a lesson... or two.
For starters, the majority of them wear reflective vests, they stop at every intersection, look over their shoulder before crossing every street or driveway, lest they get cut off by a careless driver and slowly make their progress towards their final destination to avoid sweating too much before the start of their shift.
As I return from East to West during my evening commute (on my bike) I come across these fellow riders as they they return home as well - I go west, they go east and we are all commuters.
Despite the fundamental differences between our reasons to commute, I feel fortunate to have other options, but by the same token paradoxically I would almost hope that I had no other option but to commute on my bike.
Now, every time I ride by a Burger King, Mac Donald's or any other fine establishment and I see a bike ....or several chained to the street sign in front - I know that they belong to my fellow commuters and as we pass each other in opposite directions we nod in mutual respect and carry on.
These guys are the real thing, and we owe it to them to continue with our plight so that they, even more than us can benefit from a more bike friendly society.
After all, it makes me feel vindicated when my Taco Bell meal is prepared and served by a rider ...just like me.
Ride on !
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Mt. Dora Bicycle Festival
I've been wanting to go to this festival for over 6 years and counting, and there was never quite the right time. So this year we decided to make the commitment and so come October 9th, we hit the road with great enthusiasm.
This event totally exceeded our expectations, there is just something really powerful about descending upon a place where hundreds of fellow riders converge. You feel like you belong and the anticipation of long, enjoyable rides is simply overwhelming.
So we wake up really early and ride the 2 and half miles from our hotel to the center of town and as any fellow rider can attest, there is a very cool feeling about riding in a place where you have never been before. Everything looks and feel different and you simply have no idea of what lies ahead but can't wait to travel the miles on your own power to find out.
We arrive in the middle of town with a few minutes to spare before our ride 50 mile ride to the Yalaha Bakery out in Yalaha, Florida. The scene of hundreds of cyclists on super cool bikes, we are ready to join them and ride out to some place we've never been before.
The rides were simply flawless, clearly marked and easy to follow on beautiful country roads and rolling hills with a couple of challenging hills to tackle, life got better by the mile.
The organizers and volunteers are simply the best, great demeanor and always, always, always willing to help and inform. The residents of Lake and Orange County are the most respectful, patient and courteous motorists I have ever encountered.
There are over 10 rides that cover distances from 100 miles to just a couple of miles, so everyone can find a ride to match their abilities and desires. This festival is simply a must for any bicycle enthusiast and must be done many many many times over.
As for me... I am a fan and will definitely return every year.
This event totally exceeded our expectations, there is just something really powerful about descending upon a place where hundreds of fellow riders converge. You feel like you belong and the anticipation of long, enjoyable rides is simply overwhelming.
So we wake up really early and ride the 2 and half miles from our hotel to the center of town and as any fellow rider can attest, there is a very cool feeling about riding in a place where you have never been before. Everything looks and feel different and you simply have no idea of what lies ahead but can't wait to travel the miles on your own power to find out.
We arrive in the middle of town with a few minutes to spare before our ride 50 mile ride to the Yalaha Bakery out in Yalaha, Florida. The scene of hundreds of cyclists on super cool bikes, we are ready to join them and ride out to some place we've never been before.
The rides were simply flawless, clearly marked and easy to follow on beautiful country roads and rolling hills with a couple of challenging hills to tackle, life got better by the mile.
The organizers and volunteers are simply the best, great demeanor and always, always, always willing to help and inform. The residents of Lake and Orange County are the most respectful, patient and courteous motorists I have ever encountered.
There are over 10 rides that cover distances from 100 miles to just a couple of miles, so everyone can find a ride to match their abilities and desires. This festival is simply a must for any bicycle enthusiast and must be done many many many times over.
As for me... I am a fan and will definitely return every year.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
My First Commute
For the past few months I have been looking forward to the end of the work day with greater enthusiasm. Not because I want my day to end, on the contrary, I am having a pretty good time and the least thing I wish for is for time to go by any faster than it already is.
The reason for my positive anticipation, is the fact that I no longer brave the traffic on my way home as I have discovered the joys of bicycle commuting. Instead of sitting in idle traffic for almost an hour burning gas and wasting time, I now ride my bicycle through neighborhood and quiet streets that allow me a better view of our wonderful city.
Up until last week, my chosen mode of transportation was my Diamond Back mountain bike which along with a full set of lights and its corresponding rechargeable battery, plus my my laptop and clothes in my backpack made for an additional 15 pounds of weight to carry along. My added weight is simply regarded as increased resistance that provide for a better workout throughout my commute so it is not exactly a negative issue. The reason for riding my mountain bike was because often I jumped curbs, or cut through parking lots or other minor acrobacies required during the route that would be totally unpractical to say the least on my road bike.
Anyway, two weeks ago, our city of Miami was declared Bike Town USA by Bicycling Magazine, as a result 30 bikes were give out to those who submitted essays and were selected. My essay was chosen, and I received a new Jamis Commuter bike -
My commute has become more of a challenge, a bit of workout where I set goals throughout the route and constantly try to improve on my time or hit some mini sprints or intervals in between lights. I enjoy every bit of it all the way home - thus I look forward to it throughout my work day.
I rode my new bike home for the first time last Monday and it was nothing short of a fantastic experience. The new ride has a different feel, one of a touring bike more like a commuting bike- I can still crank it up on the straight aways or race to beat the red lights, but the feel is a somewhat different, one that takes me back to my high school days when I couldn't wait to finish my homework so I could go out and ride my bicycle.
The significance of this event is exactly the parallel I draw between the feel of riding my mountain bike and how my new commuter bike feels now - See, back then BMX was a fledgling sport and all we had was either touring bikes or high performance road bikes - so needless to say, my bike was a breed between a BMX and a touring bike, with a single gear and coaster brakes- but I tore the neighborhood up in that sucker.
Nowadays, as I ride my new commuter bike, I feel once again as if I am riding a mixed breed bike, and it feels good - I visualize myself standing atop the stairs in the second story of my house yelling down to the kitchen asking my mom if I can go out to ride my bike. My mom's response ... "Did you finish your homework?" is barely audible as I am riding away from the house towards the evening neighborhood races.
Ride on ....
The reason for my positive anticipation, is the fact that I no longer brave the traffic on my way home as I have discovered the joys of bicycle commuting. Instead of sitting in idle traffic for almost an hour burning gas and wasting time, I now ride my bicycle through neighborhood and quiet streets that allow me a better view of our wonderful city.
Up until last week, my chosen mode of transportation was my Diamond Back mountain bike which along with a full set of lights and its corresponding rechargeable battery, plus my my laptop and clothes in my backpack made for an additional 15 pounds of weight to carry along. My added weight is simply regarded as increased resistance that provide for a better workout throughout my commute so it is not exactly a negative issue. The reason for riding my mountain bike was because often I jumped curbs, or cut through parking lots or other minor acrobacies required during the route that would be totally unpractical to say the least on my road bike.
Anyway, two weeks ago, our city of Miami was declared Bike Town USA by Bicycling Magazine, as a result 30 bikes were give out to those who submitted essays and were selected. My essay was chosen, and I received a new Jamis Commuter bike -
My commute has become more of a challenge, a bit of workout where I set goals throughout the route and constantly try to improve on my time or hit some mini sprints or intervals in between lights. I enjoy every bit of it all the way home - thus I look forward to it throughout my work day.
I rode my new bike home for the first time last Monday and it was nothing short of a fantastic experience. The new ride has a different feel, one of a touring bike more like a commuting bike- I can still crank it up on the straight aways or race to beat the red lights, but the feel is a somewhat different, one that takes me back to my high school days when I couldn't wait to finish my homework so I could go out and ride my bicycle.
The significance of this event is exactly the parallel I draw between the feel of riding my mountain bike and how my new commuter bike feels now - See, back then BMX was a fledgling sport and all we had was either touring bikes or high performance road bikes - so needless to say, my bike was a breed between a BMX and a touring bike, with a single gear and coaster brakes- but I tore the neighborhood up in that sucker.
Nowadays, as I ride my new commuter bike, I feel once again as if I am riding a mixed breed bike, and it feels good - I visualize myself standing atop the stairs in the second story of my house yelling down to the kitchen asking my mom if I can go out to ride my bike. My mom's response ... "Did you finish your homework?" is barely audible as I am riding away from the house towards the evening neighborhood races.
Ride on ....
Friday, August 28, 2009
Miami named Bike Town USA by Bicycling Magazine
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In recognition to the City of Miami's effort to raise awareness in the community and improve cycling conditions - Bicycling Magazine has declared the City of Miami - Bike Town USA -
The City of Miami has been promoting the benefits of cycling for commuting and good health by hosting several Bike Miami Days during which some streets in Miami are closed to vehicular traffic so that they can be safely used by cyclists, skaters, pedestrians and such and create a large block party where the city comes out to play and enjoy our great Florida weather.
In addition the Bike Miami Days, the City of Miami is also scheduling several Bike Summits througout the year so that members of the community can have a voice and also learn about the efforts and programs being done to ensure the success of the program.
Yesterday, August 27, 2009 - Bycling Magazine along with City of Miami and other sponsors including Metlife, Elite Cycle and Fitness presented 30 local cyclists with Jamis Commuter bikes with the purpose of increasing bicycling in the city and following some of these lucky winners to see how cycling will change their lives in the future. Stay tuned for more updates.
For more information and to stay informed on the efforts of our community to improve conditions join the Bike Miami group on Facebook -
Also a huge shoutout to Collin Worth - the City's Bike Coordinator and Kathryn Reid Moore who are both doing great work in bringing these events to the community and making them a huge success.
The City of Miami has been promoting the benefits of cycling for commuting and good health by hosting several Bike Miami Days during which some streets in Miami are closed to vehicular traffic so that they can be safely used by cyclists, skaters, pedestrians and such and create a large block party where the city comes out to play and enjoy our great Florida weather.
In addition the Bike Miami Days, the City of Miami is also scheduling several Bike Summits througout the year so that members of the community can have a voice and also learn about the efforts and programs being done to ensure the success of the program.
Yesterday, August 27, 2009 - Bycling Magazine along with City of Miami and other sponsors including Metlife, Elite Cycle and Fitness presented 30 local cyclists with Jamis Commuter bikes with the purpose of increasing bicycling in the city and following some of these lucky winners to see how cycling will change their lives in the future. Stay tuned for more updates.
For more information and to stay informed on the efforts of our community to improve conditions join the Bike Miami group on Facebook -
Also a huge shoutout to Collin Worth - the City's Bike Coordinator and Kathryn Reid Moore who are both doing great work in bringing these events to the community and making them a huge success.
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