Working for the weekend

Well, spin class at Blue Sky went about as well as I expected it to: it was a lot of fun, and because I did everything I could to make it challenging, I felt reasonably worked out when the class was over.

I also wowed anyone who was looking (probably not anyone) with my mad roller skillz: riding without hands, doing the out-of-the-saddle efforts, and one-footed drills during the cool down. Like I said, I'm not sure if anyone actually saw my antics, or cared, but I was impressed with myself. I'd also like to think that I gave the rest of the class something to aspire to. Also, I was wearing my pink Anthem women's team bibs, just to sure that everyone noticed me, and that I looked extra ridiculous. Me, an ego maniac? Never. Seriously though, the women's bibs by Champion Systems have an identical chamois to the men's bibs, and the fit is close enough for me.

More likely, everyone was thinking: "who's that guy showing off in the corner?" Whatever. It was fun to do my hour-long spin with some company, it definitely went by faster than it ordinarily does.

So that was fun.

Tops from the week:
1) My Washington D.C. visit, and thanks to all the friends and family who made it great!
2) Shame spirals, and essays on them.
3) Spin class, but you already knew that from reading above.
4) Thanksgiving, the best of all holidays, is nearly here!
5) My 25th birthday is nearly here too! Call if you want to party Saturday night...

Bottoms from the week:
1) Razor burn... oops.
2) It's only going to get colder.
3) Missing my flight on the way home Monday, although it wasn't the worst thing that's ever happened.
4) Rebellin.
5) There was no need for it to rain tonight. Seriously.

Spin class?

This is about as much fun as spinning could be
The glory days of Skidmore Cycling
And you couldn't beat the view!

It's almost spinning season -- those short, cold days of winter where riding outside on a daily basis is simply not possible.

The only time in my life when I can recall truly enjoying regular indoor rides was in college, when the Skidmore Cycling team would gather on a near-daily basis for spin sessions in the pent house of Johnson Tower. Even then, riding a trainer wasn't exactly fun, but at least there was some camaraderie involved.

Since then, with a few exceptions, I've been training on my own almost exclusively, watching movies and desperately trying pretend that I'm not bored out of my mind.

Since we're not really into training mode yet (that comes sometime in December), I've been making a habit of hour-long spin sessions on days where I simply can't make the time for a ride outside. Tomorrow, though, I'm going to try something completely new: a spin class at Blue Sky.

The class, which runs from fall until early spring, is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays after the shop closes, so I'm going to join in the fun tomorrow -- it'll be better than riding the rollers alone at home, right?

Most of the people in the class seem to be a little bit below my level, but these classes, from what I understand, tend to be exactly what you make of them, so I figure I'll be just as worked after the class as the first-year triathlete on the trainer next to me.

Of course, I'll have the added challenge of my rollers, which I'm using exclusively at this time of year. So, I'll be looking to impress my peers in the class by doing one-leg drills and sitting up on the rollers. I'll also be looking not to embarrass myself by riding off the rollers and falling over -- which I feel would likely have the effect of toppling a few others along with me. Yeah, that wouldn't be good...

Getting closer to staying warm

I wore tights, booties, a jacket and ski gloves on my ride this morning. It was the first time this year that the temperatures warranted such heavy clothing. Although I'd initially thought I'd over dressed when I went outside and found the temperatures to not be quite as cold as I'd thought, but there was still a rim of ice clinging to some puddles in the gutter.

In general, I do abide by a wear-booties-when-you-see-ice rule, so I opted to forgo a costume change and went forth.

I suppose it is a little nutty to be out riding a bike when the mercury is hovering around 0 degrees Celsius, but it was a wonderful sunny day, and I wasn't due at work until the afternoon, so what else was I going to do? Besides, Dante pointed out that it's a "balmy" -20 in Sterling, Alaska, right now, so I suppose it could be worse. At least we don't have any snow yet.

As it turned out, I was a little overdressed, but it turns out that might be the key to a happy winter riding season: I tend to under dress a little, which leaves me riding the border of comfortable and cold for most of the ride, and usually freezing by the time I get home.

Today, by contrast, I was comfortable right up until getting back home. It was kind of nice, and a lesson I'll have to keep in mind as the mercury continues to plunge south, and as fall gives way to winter.

On a side note of pure vanity, I hate the bootie aesthetic, which turns even the sleekest cleat into a fuzzy blob hanging from the end of your ankle like a bent Q-tip. But, I suppose that's the price I pay for warm-ish feet in winter.

While we're on the topic of odd-looking winter riding accessories, now that I've learned the joys of warm hands, I think I'm going to invest in a set of these. How's that for doofy? I think we've just discovered a key trait to my personality: although on-the-bike looks are very important to me, I am willing to trade them for comfort in certain situations. And this from the guy who wears shoe covers in 90-degree heat. Who knew?

Tweed-tastic

Just as my training has fallen away to make room for the off season, it seems that I'm also struggling to maintain my Sunday-Thursday blogging. I have a good excuse for missing last night's post. I was visiting friends in Washington DC, where I experienced an effective Internet black hole from Friday evening until this morning, when I got the the airport in Baltimore.

Word has it that DC does have the Internet, but I seemed to have a hard time connecting. The good news is that a dearth of web-powered interconnectivity appeared to have little or no effect on my ability to catch up with, connect with, and otherwise enjoy the company of the large number of friends I now have living in the nation's capital. This is, of course, a roundabout way of saying that while I always feel bad when I miss a post, my time usually set aside for blogging on a Sunday evening was given willingly last night to other purposes, because sometimes it's necessary to put friends and family I don't often see ahead of this blog. I'm sure you understand.

Anyway, as you've doubtless inferred by now, I spent the weekend in Washington DC, and spent two consecutive days off of my bike for the first time in a long time. How does it feel? Despite not sleeping much this weekend, I was all jittery with energy when I got off the plane in Albany (five hours late, as I missed my flight this morning). So, after driving home from the airport, dropping my bags, and saying "Hi" to Marissa, I immediately got dressed and headed out to the Battlefields.

There are many things I do well on a bike, but my greatest challenge continues to be not riding. The hardest part about the late fall and winter seasons, for me, is getting up the motivation to ride when it's cold and windy outside, and the only alternative is to sit on a trainer or rollers. So, while it can be difficult to take two days off (of course, this time, it wasn't that difficult since I was having such a good time in DC), it might be worth it, as I seem to be more psyched to break out the fleece-lined spandex when it is time to ride again.

Of course, that doesn't address other issues, such as the early sunset, but what can you do? Part of my mania to ride today was also fueled by the fact that it was in the 70s yesterday in DC, and I was walking around in short sleeves. Amanda took great pride in wearing a skirt. Everyone with a bike was out riding, teasing me. It was a little frustrating. Tantalizing, perhaps?

The only cycling-related activity in which I participated while away this weekend was a "Tweed Ride," and even that was only tangential. One of Amanda's room mates participated in this slightly odd theme ride, which seems to have been lifted straight from Portland. The ride is exactly what it sounds, a bunch of people wearing tweed clothes and other '20s-era attire, riding around the city.

Amanda and I meant to watch, but didn't get our act together in time, and just went to the after party instead. We weren't wearing any tweed and thus felt a bit out of place, so we retreated for brunch after a quick walk-through. I wish, though, that I'd had a camera with me, as the bar was quite a sight -- tweed and turntables make an interesting combo. I also knew that the ride would be of interest to BSNYC. So, in my ongoing quest to get a shout-out on his blog, I forwarded the Washington Post story (linked to above) to him.

Of course, I wasn't the only one. The quest for 'snob recognition continues.

Some promoters don't have it so easy

Here's a great video that was forwarded to me by a couple different people today:




All that being said, I have been very lucky with the volunteers that I've had for the two races I've helped to promote, and I can only feel bad for anyone who has to deal with unpleasant characters such as the ones in the movie.

I'm heading to Washington DC in a few hours to visit a cohort of friends and family I have down there, a trip that I'm very excited about. I'm also excited that I decided to fly, rather than drive, as it will cut my total travel time for the weekend by about 60-percent.

Anyway, here are the weekly hits:

Tops from the week:
1) Training-rides-turned-races.
2) Off-season "training" sessions at The Local -- two this week!
3) Nice fall weather over the past few days.
4) I've got a Serotta for the last 'cross race of the year -- yes, THAT Serotta!
5) The winter beard is coming in nicely.

Bottoms from the week:
1) DOT proposal on rumble strips.
2) HUGE pile of dishes to wash before I can ride.
3) Roller sessions. Not so many yet, but winter is nearly here.
4) The ongoing debate regarding aero equipment in collegiate racing. Who cares?!
5) My luck in traveling via airplane. Let's hope today's trip goes better!

Good news from Coney Island

Some good news out of Brooklyn today. It seems the city has secured the purchase of seven acres in Coney Island from a private developer for the paltry sum of $95.6 million. First of all, I'm excited to hear that this destination of my youth will not become just another overpriced condo project.

I also have to wonder if those carneys, with their run down amusements, knew how valuable their real estate was, and if they got a peice of the action when the land was originally sold to Thor Equities.

As a kid, my Dad and I made a semi-regular habit of riding under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge to Coney Island, where we'd enjoy a hot dog at Nathan's (thus undoing the exercise of getting there), and then riding home along Ocean Parkway. I don't remember spending all that much time at the amusement park itself, but I certainly enjoyed the fact that it was there, and that it harkened back to a bygone days of simpler thrills.

As an adult, I'd visited the aquarium down the street from Astroland, been dragged to minor league baseball at Keyspan Park on at least two occasions, and ridden the Cyclone. The amusement park could easily have been tacked onto any of those outings, and I'll be happy to have some kind of an amusement option the next time I visit!

I certainly understand that private property owners will do what they can and will with valuable real estate, but it seemed a shame to let what was a wonderful space for the public become the domain of those wealthy enough to afford condos. So, that's all very good.

Parenthetically, I wish I had something to sell to the government of New York City (or any other government) for nearly $100 million!

By the way, this is post #600 on Good Bye Blue Mondays. Yikes!

NYSDOT proposes rumble strips; danger to cyclists

If you are a cyclist living in New York, this post applies to you. Apparently, the New York State Department of Transportation is considering requiring most secondary roads to have rumble strips included in any new paving projects.

Rumble strips may only be an annoyance for solo riders in most situations, but anyone who regularly riders with a friend, or in groups, would likely encounter troubles derived from the strips, which essentially become continuous potholes along the fog line. In addition to being unsafe, this wouldn't be any fun at all.

Of course, rumble strips are proven safety features on major roads, but they should only be put in place in areas where they do not pose a safety threat to some users.

The press release reproduced here comes courtesy of the New York Bicycle Coalition. The New York State Bicycle Racing Association will also be putting out a call for action on the topic, as not only would riding be effected, but bicycle races would be impacted in a huge way. I'll also not that while this a real threat to cyclists in the state, the policy revision is still subject to in-depth review by the state, and is not imminent in any way.

I don't usual take action on matters like this, because I feel a certain journalistic duty to remain impartial, but I will be writing to NYSDOT on this matter, and so should you.

***ACTION ALERT 11.9.09***

NYSDOT Proposing Widespread Use of Rumble Strips on Secondary Highways, Posing New Hazards to Bicyclists

Contact NYSDOT and Your Legislators—Urge NYSDOT Not to Jeopardize the Safety of Its Roadway Users!

CURRENT NYSDOT POLICY: Do not install rumble strips on secondary roads except in rare instances

PROPOSED NYSDOT POLICY: Installation of rumble strips will be the preferred practice in the design of all secondary roads with a few exceptions

RUMBLE STRIPS are a well-documented hazard to bicyclists. Accepted practice nationwide dictates that rumble strips be used only sparingly on roads permitting cycling.

NYSDOT is proposing an Engineering Instruction (EI), titled “Secondary Highway Audible Roadway Delineators – Guidance and Policy,” which is at variance with the practices recommended by the Federal Highway Administration, The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and other standards setting agencies. Such national agencies generally recommend if rumble strips to be used on two-lane roads if there is a documented run-off-the road accident problem—and then, used only as a last resort due to the hazards they may create for other roadway users, including bicyclists.

Contact NYSDOT and your legislators to urge NYSDOT to not issue the proposed policy. Ask them to work with groups, such as the New York Bicycling Coalition, organizers of bicycling tours and events, and local cycling clubs to construct a less hostile policy that better balances the needs of motorist and bicyclist safety.

BACKGROUND: Rumble strips, as illustrated, are audible roadway delineators or indentations in the shoulder pavement that make sound when a car runs over them at high speeds. While an important safety tool used to prevent run-offs on high-speed Interstates and other limited access highways, they are a well-documented hazard to individuals on bicycles and should be used only sparingly on roads permitting cycling. NYSDOT is proposing to replace current stated policy -- not have rumble strips on secondary roads except in rare instances -- with a new one declaring "installation of shoulder rumble strips to be the preferred practice in the design of all secondary highways" with a few exceptions.

In short, the proposal would have NYSDOT install rumble strips (with certain exceptions) on secondary roadways throughout New York State, compromising bicyclists’ safety and the quality of riding surfaces on thousands of miles otherwise scenic roadways. National practice is to have rumble strips nowhere with some exceptions on secondary roadways. By taking the opposite tack, NYSDOT's policy promiscuously promotes rumble strips, going far beyond what is seen as efficient deployment. Aside from the policy's cost implications, it is unwise. It means rumble strips in urban areas, creating or adding to the din. It means rumble strips on roads with speeds too low to generate sound. Rumble strips also mean higher maintenance costs for the taxpayer. And, of course, they pose a danger to cyclists by causing spills, erratic avoidance maneuvers, or causing them to avoid the shoulder and ride mingled in automobile traffic.

A check of other states with such secondary highway policies shows they require an accident analysis be done before such rumble strip use; the proposed NYSDOT policy does not. Other states specify where rumble strips are used, have at least 5 feet of paved shoulder between them and any guardrail; the proposed NYSDOT policy does not. Other states say not to even consider rumble strips unless there are high speeds and high traffic volumes: while the proposed NYSDOT policy does have speed and volume thresholds, they are considerably lower than those of any other state. There are dozens of other such examples in this EI where the proposed policy varies from generally accepted practice.

Contact NYSDOT and your legislators to urge NYSDOT to not issue the proposed policy TODAY. Call, write, or email (or utilize all 3 methods of communication) your Assembly Member, State Senator and the Commissioner of Transportation.

WHO REPRESENTS ME?

Who's my Assemblyperson?Click here to search by Zip Code

Who's my NYS Senator? Click here to search by Zip Code

At the above sites, clicking on the highlighted names will bring you directly to the legislator’s official website where you may make comments.

How to contact NYSDOT:

Website: Click here to email NYSDOT

Or write: Commissioner Stanley Gee

NYS Department of Transportation

50 Wolf Rd. Albany, NY 12232

Prefer to mail? Simply send a postcard (28¢ each at your nearest US Post Office) to your legislators and the Commissioner. For an investment of 84¢, you have the ability to improve bicycling throughout New York State, including in your village, town or city. Or, if easier, just stuff a copy of this notice in an envelope (adding personal comments if you wish) and mail (44¢ postage) it off to the Commissioner and elected representatives.

SAMPLE LETTER:

Feel free to copy this letter, add your name, and forward to your state reprsentatives:

Dear Mr./Mrs. (your representative's name),

NYSDOT is proposing an Engineering Instruction (EI), titled “Secondary Highway Audible Roadway Delineators – Guidance and Policy,” which is at variance with the practices recommended by the Federal Highway Administration, The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and other standards setting agencies.

I'm asking you to please urge NYSDOT to not issue the proposed policy. Ask them to work with groups, such as the New York Bicycling Coalition, organizers of bicycling tours and events, and local cycling clubs to construct a less hostile policy that better balances the needs of motorist and bicyclist safety.

Thank you,

(Your name)

(Your address)