Concluding Bike Month & LGRAB Olympics

We're wrapping up Bike Month in Chattanooga and I couldn't be more pleased with May's developments.

My friend at Outdoor Chattanooga is spearheading monthly fun rides. A group of us brainstormed about interesting routes and rides to take in the next few months. I'm ecstatic! Our cycling community seems to have a gap between Riverwalk riders and the racing, athletically-centered types. The last few "fun" rides we've had, namely Brews Cruise and the 3 Rides 3 Hoods: Jane's Roll, brought out quite a crowd.

Some ideas we've been tossing around include:

• Grocery store/farmer's market tour
• A tour of local swimming holes
• A commuter bonanza for September that will cover major schools and businesses in and around downtown
• Bicycle route review
• Food drive during Thanksgiving

 I recently completed my second task for the first round of LGRAB Olympics, as well! I took my co-worker, a non-cyclist, on a ride last night. He's been looking for a bike for a few months now and finally bought a nice old Schwinn that's in excellent condition. I've been talking to him about commuting to work for months, too!

After helping him tighten a few things on the Schwinn, we attended a Safe Streets Cycling class from the League of American Bicyclists at Outdoor Chattanooga. We then rode to the store for a celebratory beer and we're planning on a few more practice rides before we tackle crossing the river and riding to work. Huzzah! I remember how exhilarating my first ride was... it's inspiring to help someone else rediscover the pure JOY of getting around on two wheels!

I highly recommend ANY rider to attend a class like that. The video we watched really emphasized the need to CONTROL THE LANE when necessary. I didn't learn techniques like that for years, and they have really shaped the way I ride around town. You're more predictable to cars, and it eases some of the tension and stress of riding in traffic. Look it up, check it out and find the nearest certified classes in your neighborhood. And... bring a friend!

One Ways and Vehicular Cycling

The past week or so, Yehuda Moon taught a vehicular cycling class. While I am a proponent of vehicular cycling, some days I have to comply with Chattanooga's sometimes very awkward "bike lanes" and greenways downtown.

Take for example Riverfront Parkway. On our Jane's Ride a few weeks ago, I learned that the wide sidewalk on that road is "mixed use" for bicycles and peds.  Knowing this, I set out to find a new, somewhat safer route to J's new apartment, which is at the top of a small hill and surrounded by one-ways downtown. You'd think this would be easy, right?

Given my 8-speed slow-climber Bianchi Milano, wrong.

There are a few factors here that raise the issue of having PAINTED bicycle lanes in certain places downtown. On the other hand, I should just stop whining, ride my faster bike, Beyonce, and stick to my vehicular cycling values.

I attempted to go past his apartment and hit the greenway/riverwalk. The Milano is made for treks like this. Unfortunately, I have some anxiety about tight switchbacks. To avoid these and that damned glass bridge, I tried crossing Riverfront around Lookout/2nd. Bad idea. With no car to trigger the light and no walk button (LJ, use a walk button!?! Bee-zarrr) at the crosswalk, I scurried between 18-wheelers barreling down Riverfront. From the Hunter Museum, I faced three conquerable switchbacks... but I had to cross Riverfront AGAIN—at a crosswalk with a walk button (I was cursing to myself by this point).  From there, I had to make a right turn and another left (finally, like a car) and go up two more blocks of hills to J's building.

Lesson learned? Just ride up Georgia Ave. during rush hour. I might be slow and those cars might be fast, but it is simply the most effective, efficient way to get there. However, this is just one (very) tiny example of some of the barriers that keep people from cycling. I've been a daily commuter for nine months and some areas are still intimidating to me. But those nine months have helped me learn that with practice and familiarity comes confidence.

Georgia Ave. traffic, look out! Here comes LJ.

Radishes and Rides Home

It's not always common that my "commute" communes with another cyclist. After a brief downhilll roll from J's place, I was headed back toward the bridge when I spotted Colleen. We chatted till I got home, and I felt it was a fortuitous occasion. I've been experiencing an acute shift in emotions recently, and sometimes it feels good to open a discussion. Especially on two wheels.

I had a face-off with the veggies in my fridge tonight, too! Inspired by my recent gift subscription to food network magazine and culinary creator Grace, I uncovered another way to use radishes. Apparently this is going to be a fairly regular item in my CSA. Whether they're good for the soil, good for me, or someone farming at Crabtree just LOVES them, I have a lot of radishes, and while they're not my favorite, they will not go to waste.

Marinating radishes, however, reduces the bitterness. Using a neat little Korean slicer, compliments of Grace, I sliced up a handful of radishes and doused them in lemon juice, salt and pepper. A few minutes later and....voila! What tasty, thin slices I have for tomorrow's sandwhich—which is a smorgasbord of leftover seitan, cilantro pepper sauce, butter lettuce and marinated radishes. Maybe not the most killer combo, but I am nevertheless excited.

I think I'll aim to increase my milage again. For some reason the past few weeks became increasingly busy and filled with many after-work events. I managed about 10 miles just around my house and downtown today. Here's to doing more tomorrow.

Summer Games and Slaw

Inspired by—who else?!—Colleen, I'm going to be part of the Let's Go Ride A Bike Summer Games!

My first entry, a group ride, still awaits photos. But I have from now till June 6 to complete one other task:

• Go on a group ride
• Leave a friendly note on a bike, or say hi to a cyclist at a red light
• Schedule a bike date with a friend or partner — dress up!
• Recruit a non-biking friend for a ride
• Take a ride with your family

So many options! I would really like to aim for the last task—taking a ride with the family. My dad and stepmom are quite the athletes. Dad still logs about 6 miles every day, and he met his wife at a road race. While neither participate in the same kinds of triathlons as a few years ago, Dad rides his bike from time to time—they have matching road and tri bikes—and will probably commute to work if I coax him into it enough.

In fact, I doubt he's ridden to work since the bridge re-opened. Dad rocks this mid-80s Bianchi commuter. I wouldn't be surprised if it's an old Volpe, very similar to my own commuter workhorse.

Friday night I went on a small group ride of sorts. After watching some interesting presentations at Chattanooga's PechaKucha night, the city's sixth event, J and I were joined by two others and headed out to St. Elmo. After a few wrong turns and hills, we made it and were rewarded by some new friends who made AMAZING pot stickers. Big noms before the four of us pedaled back downtown and stayed out too late.

Yesterday Grace and I fully utilized my CSA from Crabtree. I'm in week two of produce. J and I are splitting it with friends/co-workers who live on the Southside. So far, I've gotten lots of greens (mustard, kale, chard, arugula, beets), some cute little strawberries, radishes, garlic shoots and the odd, single kohlrabi.

Using all the veggies takes some effort, though greens are easy to pair with many dishes. Yesterday for breakfast I whipped up a fritatta with

• mustard and beet greens
• onions
• mushrooms
• goat cheese

Grace and I were furiously rinsing, chopping, salting, tasting (repeat). She brought over two jars of sprouted lentils, and I HAD to use last week's kohlrabi. We went ahead and made a delicious slaw-like salad.

So after a day of sweating and moving, Grace brought over spring roll wrappers and homemade seitan (YUM!) and we whipped up the most amazing spring rolls stuffed with the day's slaw, which included:

• grated kholrabi
• chopped chard
• some beet greens
• apple
• sprouts
• grated carrots
• vinegar, salt, seasonings

It was a fresh, light oven-free way to end the long day. I need to secure some spring roll wrappers of my own this week. That is a fabulous way to make a delicious AND filling meal with CSA bounty.

Warning: A Tragic Commute

Commuting by bicycle exposes the rider to many sights and sounds. My little 2-mile ride to work didn't fail to deliver on this cloudy Friday, either.

After last night's prevailing thunderstorms, J and I anticipated a small breakfast on the bridge—our weekly tradition with Q and C. As we approached our friends, I noticed a few police cars on Riverfront Parkway by Ross' Landing. We sipped our coffee and also noticed two emergency vehicles parked blocking traffic on the Market Street bridge.

It must be a jumper, we concluded, describing past jumpers from the Walnut St. bridge and Olgiati.

Only hours later would I realize, after hearing a co-worker's witness of the woman who jumped from the bridge at about 8:10 this morning, that I witnessed a suicide.

I had spotted a piece of red material floating under Market and asked if dead bodies floated. A few policemen were watching the red as well.

"They do for a little while," my friend said.

The coast guard (river cops?) boat didn't arrive till about 8:30. That piece of red was a body.

I rode on to work, not thinking much of it at the time. There have been two other deaths in the past weeks that hit "closer" to home than anticipated. This one most certainly was the closest.

Ride of Silence—Bike Month continued

Last night marked Chattanooga's second annual Ride of Silence.

An international, slow-paced silent 12-mile ride, the Ride of Silence recognizes and memorializes all cyclists injured or killed by automobiles or in accidents. Chattanooga first started this ride last year following the March 2009 death of longtime local cycling enthusiast and advocate David Meek. His ghost bike is on Ashland Terrace at the site of the incident.

It's interesting to me, as a formally trained journalist, copy editor and writer, to let the terms "accident," "death by car" and "fatal injuries" roll around my tongue and brain. I'm sure there's some AP style guideline I'm forgetting here, especially when related to cars. Today's coverage in the Chattanooga Times Free Press used language when referring to David Meek's death that included "thrown from his bike and fatally injured." Do we have cycling style guidelines? What about cycling-specific laws and legal guidelines? This is a box left unopened by my Southern cycling wits thus far.

(I'm left with the "death by deadly weapon" phrase rattling around in my head.)


However, the Ride of Silence was a great display of caring, comassionate folks on two wheels. Afterward, Q provided pizza and frosty adult beverages for a group of us at Moccassin Bend Brewing Company. It was a nice mix of cyclists, young and old, experienced and newbie, roadie and commuter. Quint and Colleen are SUCH inspiring cyclists, adults, mentors and PEOPLE. I admire and respect them, and I really look up to them.

When I feel like the locals (ie drivers and lawmakers) get me down, I have these two amazing inspirations to look up to. They continually aim to bring people together, focusing on the positives, not the negatives—with which I constantly struggle.

OK—enough sappy talk. I've recently seen this photographer out and about in Chattanooga, and he took some awesome photos of the ride last night. Yours truly and J even made it in a few!

Check it out! And go ride your bicycle. Tomorrow is National Bike to Work day, though I'm not sure we're celebrating...we celebrate every day.

UPDATE: This post is my first entry from the LGRAB Summer Olympics! Let the games begin!

Panda Shots and Long Rides

With a little internet inspiration, I took my first panda photo. Cause taking self-portrait photos while cycling is neat. 

I took this one riding across the bridge on a foggy morning last week. It's hard to believe about three months ago J and I were taking 20 minutes to suit up for a ride—from warm cycling tights, neck and ear warmers to two pairs of glover—in the icy mornings and dark afternoons. 

Today, we rode to the market—me in a dress, J in his regular strapping look—and I just got drenched on the ride home. Blinding rain! My eyes are bloodshot from the sudden downpour. It was a blast. 


Yesterday, I did a 30-mile ride on the very scenic, rolling hills of Red Bank with two co-workers and a friend. A bit hungover, I might add, but I felt amazing and energy buzzed afterwards. 


This afternoon, J and I are going to drink bloody Marys on the porch, watch the rain and head to the cycling fashion show down the street. 


I love Bike Month—not a lot of time to post, but TONS of cycling to be had!

Celeste-ial Cruising: The Bianchi Milano

I did it. 

In the end it came down to lust and beauty—you could call it an emotional decision. 

But my good friends at Outdoor Chattanooga, as well as a bicycle enthusiast co-worker, reassured me that if I didn't buy it, they would. So if it cruising turns out to be not my speed, I'm sure this Bianchi will have a happy home right down the street. 

I'm smitten! She's got an 8-speed internal hub (which is apparently 'low maintenance'?) witha drum brake, a V-brake in the front, pretty red tires, a chain guard...and as you can see above, a beautiful paint job. 

The previous owner put very few miles on the bicycle, and she gave me the little computer, too. Who knows how accurate it is...but it's neat. I may put it on Beyonce for longer rides. I have a BELL now, too, so I can make pedestrians more aware without yelling at them. As a car-free professional, I'll have an easier way to ride in style with any shoes, a skirt, in the buff (ha..haha)—you name it! It's an entirely different style of riding, and I'm already hooked.

Don't you want to test ride the new Bianchi in the family? Come on by! With a twist shifter that works even at a stand-still, it's a great beginner bike that's easy to handle, pretty light (aluminum frame) and SO FUN to ride!!!

I'm the proud owner of two Bianchis, both relatively new. Combined with J's Ole Blue (an 80s roadie) and Volpe, we boast four fine bicycles from Bianchi. Bike luuuuuuh.

Busy Week + Gear Review

Last night's ride was nothing special. My legs finally started to burn on Moccasin Bend, then we rode to the Southside for a few errands... and rode BACK to the Southside about an hour later for a friend's birthday festivities. 

It's been a busy week, between bicycling, birthdays, maternal events and other celebrations. I almost wish this weekend was still a blank slate, and J and I could sneak off to Maryville or Asheville to visit friends. Instead I'm sure I'll end up making another monstrous breakfast and visiting my Mom on Sunday after partying all Saturday night with Grace. 


Le sigh. May, you're such a busy month. 

I did utilize my bicycle, rack and fancy shmancy Ortlieb Backroller Plus Panniers for another purpose—laundry! I strapped two loads of laundry on Beyonce and pedaled to the coin laundry just around the corner. It was a huge success, and one of the bulkier loads to date. She handled like a dream.

Since I've been following some of the fashionista cycling blogs, I've been lusting over a step-through city bike. Form AND function, as some would say. After riding one of Outdoor Chattanooga's charming Bianchi Milanos (they have a step-through in the fleet) and drooling over the ones on sale at RiverCity, I found one on Craigslist...

It's a 2006-7 with a 7-speed (or 8?) internal hub. Celeste in color, ready for a cute basket on the front in my mind at least. There are a few kinks though... Maybe you folks have some advice.  

(The photo to the left is NOT the same model.)

• It's a women's 19.5" frame. I'm thinking that's HUGE. I ride a 52cm road bike though...so how huge could it really be? I'm 5'4". I guess I should measure my inseam/standover.
• I guess I won't know until I ride it, which I haven't done yet! And I really, really want to. 
• I just told myself the other day that I wasn't going to spend more than $50 on cycling stuff for two more paychecks. But I don't have a car. Imagine how much I would spend per paycheck on a car.
• The internal hub doesn't scream at me, but I'm open to new things.
• Oh god. Do I really need another bicycle?

Hey tunnel! You're not so bad!

There is something magical and wonderful about leftover burritos. Especially after a workout. 

Yesterday J and I blew off our laundry crusade for a bike ride to our favorite burrito joint—Mojo. While last week we visited the St.Elmo locale, this Monday we opted for Red Bank. And with a slight cycling-leg hangover from Sunday's epic 3 Rides, 3 Hoods ride (more on that later), we took the shortest route possible—through the tunnel. 

Who knew riding up Bell Ave. through the Cherokee Blvd. tunnel would be so speedy? It's a quick ride up and a quick ride down—my favorite part. We didn't get to use the fancy "Bike in Tunnel" flasher, however, because we had already passed it when we popped out on Bell. To come home we took the windy N.Chatt route and dropped in at my folks house before zipping down Mississippi and Tremont.

My Red Bank riding has been limited. In fact, most of my exploring beyond downtown has been limited. Maybe that's why I have such a city-centric perspective on cycling in Chattanooga (heh heh). With the advent of longer rides, more city amenities and "calf-busters" (hills?) are right out my front door. 

Sunday's ride was a calf-buster indeed! The rides went off without a hitch—about 70 riders throughout the day participated in the three neighborhood rides under partly cloudy, rain-free skies. Cameron Adams kindly took some excellent photographs of the first ride though NChatt/downtown and the Southside—check them out on his flikr page or from his blog. 


Well, my gooey, warm mess of DELICIOUS steak burrito is gone, and my hands are trembling from lifting weights at lunch. Another post another day, dear readers.