Category Archives: OTHER

“Bikes Use Bike Signal Only”

Eugene has added a temporary sign, the one that flashes words, saying “Bikes Use Bike Signal Only”. This is great for cyclists and motorists who have yet to realize there is a newly placed bike only traffic signal last Thursday located at 18th/Alder. I am not sure when the light was actually placed or when they will remove it. But I think this is a good idea to help bring awareness to the new signal. To read more about the newly placed bike only traffic signal, read my article here; Eugene’s First Bike Only Traffic Signal

I made a short video of the sign.



Eugene’s First Bike Only Traffic Signal

On Thursday, Eugene got its first bike only traffic signal at the intersection of Alder crossing 18th. It looks like a standard traffic signal with green, yellow and red lights but in the shape of bicycles. The signal right now is considered temporary, only until they get a yellow housing for it, as well as its own mast. It’s a much needed addition for this intersection of the recently redesigned Alder. It allows cyclists to cross 18th safely without the worry of being cut off by cars. Alder is now a one way for cars going south, and 2 lanes for bikes going north and south on the other side of the road. This is an intersection with lots of traffic especially coming away from the university on Alder. I have encountered a couple times where cars would try and turn left in front of me, even with multiple cyclists waiting next to them in the bicycle lane. Hopefully Eugene starts adding more of these bike only traffic signals at other busy intersections. North of 13th of Alder could really use them and it seems like they plan on that from the looks of it.

Some background on the bike only traffic signal: In June the Governor signed SB130 into law which adds bike only signals to Oregon’s list of traffic control devices. (You can read more about the bill here: Bike Portland and Oregon Live) Portland was a big push behind this bill and is working to get its first couple bike only signals in. Portland has been a great help with the innovation of bicycle infrastructure in the US.
 
     

*UPDATE: Video of the Alder St Cycle Track

PSA: Reflective is Cool

This was going to be a simple review on using iron-on reflective tape to enhance your visibility while riding. But with recent news of many cars hitting cyclists, I have decided to do my part to try and keep cyclists safer on the road.

I am young. When I first started riding I never even wore a helmet. I first thought they didn’t look “cool”. (I had one, I just didn’t wear it until I moved to Oregon). This article is NOT about whether you should wear a helmet or not. That all depends on how you are riding and where, and it’s up to you. I will say I now think helmets look cool, and is a great place to put reflective tape or even small lights. I wear mine, and now feel weird if I walk out of the house without having it on, even when I know I’m not riding my bike.

I’ve come a long way since my early years of riding, and have now started using most all safety items. Even thought I never thought I would.
In order of when I started using them:

  • Front blinking light
  • Any number of blinking rear light depending on where and how long I am gone.
  • Helmet
  • 200 lumen front light
  • Any number of blinking rear lights depending on where and how long I am gone.
  • In wheel orange lights
  • Reflective tape on helmet, bike, and anything else. More Here
  • ANSI Class 2 Reflective Vest (something I never thought I would do)
  • 115db Air-horn
  • Bicycle Bell (yes, I got a bell after the horn)
  • Iron on reflective tape for jackets

All these things help you be seen and hopefully keep you out of danger by other cyclists, pedestrians, and car drivers. This was really just going to be about adding some reflection to your person right now. There are a number of ways to help you be seen while riding.

Photos and more about staying visible and safe after the page break.

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OHBS & Cyclocross in Bend

The Oregon Handmade bicycle show and Day of the Dead Cyclocross Festival was held this past weekend in Bend. More information about it HERE.

Angel and I went there and had a nice trip there. Here are some photos from our adventure. More below the break.

Angel at the lava fields on McKenzie Pass

Ahearne Cycles at Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show

Starting line at Day of the Dead Cyclocross Festival

More collections of photos from the trip below the break.

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iPod

The Apple iPod is 10 years old today. My first iPod(only 5years old) was a 60gb 5th Generation that I purchased with money from my first real job. I have loved my iPod for so long. It has never failed me. This iPod has listened to many days of audiobooks and podcast with me, and hopefully will continue on for years.

iPod 5th gen & iPod6th gen

Left: my iPod 5th gen Right: my girlfriend's iPod 6th gen

I am lucky to now also have an iPad that I use for everything and an iPhone, but I still prefer the iPod for ease of audiobook/music listening.

Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show 2011

The Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show is happening at GoodLife Brewing Co. in Bend, OR this year on October 29th & 30th. I have gone to the show the past 2 years in Portland. This is always a great event where builders from the Northwest can come and show off their great bikes they have built. With over 30 exhibitors, this event is put on by Oregon Bicycle Constructors Association. I will be posting photos from the event.

Day of the Dead Cyclocross Festival 2011
This event is happening during the same weekend as the Day of the Dead Cyclocross Race, which should be a great time as well. It’s happening just over a mile from the OHBS at the Old Mill District.  There are a couple other bicycle related events going on as well, full list HERE.
This should be a great time for everyone.

These events will be held at:
Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show
GoodLife Brewing
70 SW Century Ave 100-464
Bend, OR 97702

Day of the Dead Cyclocross Race
Old Mill District/Deschutes Brewery
520 S.W. Powerhouse Drive,
Bend, OR 97702

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Drift Roberts and Smile Train

We have a friend staying with us right now in Eugene. Drift Roberts, a young stand up comic, is walking from Portland, OR to Los Angeles, CA, which is roughly 1000 miles, at the rate about 25 miles a day. He started October 15th and is going through November 23rd, spreading the word and raising money for Smile Train and its cause. Smile Train’s mission is to provide free cleft surgery to hundreds of thousands of poor children in developing countries. (more info HERE)

He spent some time with us in Eugene. I showed him Eugene by bike and we spent time riding around and just relaxing. We hiked up to the top of Skinner’s Butte, then ate some biscuits and gravy at the Wandering Goat. It was a great time; we enjoyed having him around.

If you are interested in helping out or just want to know more information about Drift Roberts and Smile Train, you can follow his journey on these sites:
Smile Train Website
Smile Train Walk Twitter
Drift Roberts on Twitter
Drift Roberts on Facebook

Drift Roberts, up at the top of Skinner's Butte

Drift Roberts, up at the top of Skinner's Butte

Yehuda Moon, Kickstand to Kickstarter

Yehuda Moon on Kickstarter

Yehuda Moon & Kickstand Comics is a great comic started by Rick Smith. The comic is about life around the Kickstand Cyclery.  The comic has been around since 2008; in that time it has grown to many more characters, story lines, another contributor (Brian Griggs), and even being published in Bicycle Times Magazine. Sadly, in September of 2011, the comic came to a halt. You can read Rick’s reasoning yourself on the Yehuda Moon site. It is still a little unclear what Rick plans to do in the long run. We all wish he might still continue, even if it is more infrequent (the comic was updated every day!), but just today it seems he has decided to public the last 3 volumes of the series (Volume 2, 3, and 4) with the helpful backing of Kickstarter. You can purchase Volume 1 in the store directly. If you have enjoyed these comics, this is a great way to show it, and have it forever. I know we all wish Rick well, and hope to maybe see something again in the future.

More about the Yehuda Moon and Kickstarter HERE

Signed drawing of Yehuda, and charred piece of the origanal Kickstand

Signed drawing of Yehuda, and charred piece of the origanal Kickstand

If you haven’t heard of Yehuda Moon you can still get started reading them, They are all online still, here is a link to the first strip. Yehuda Moon 01-22-2008

Yehuda Moon 01-22-2008

iPhone 4S

iPhone 4S

iPhone 4S, side

Like many others today, I received my iPhone 4s. I plan on trying out and reviewing a lot of the Bike Computer/GPS apps that you can get for the iPhone. Along with some different bike mounts/cases. This will hopefully good comparison of what bike apps for the iPhone, to help people chose the one that is right for their needs.

With all these Apps and accessories you can get the iPhone is a perfect choice for cyclists. This phone has great GPS/Mapping capabilities, battery life, and a great 8mp camera with 1080p video. It would be great to do everything on bike tours.

I have enjoyed the phone so far. Just waiting to get some cases to feel safer using it on the bike before starting the reviews. Here are the first videos I took with the iPhone when I was riding along the river on the bike path.

iPhone 4S Video – Caterpillar Footage

iPhone 4S Video – Caterpillar Footage 2

GM Reality Sucks Bike Ad, Giant Has Their Own

Recently GM had placed this add in many college newspapers across the country and has taken a lot of flack for it. The ad depicts an embarrassed young man on a bicycle covering his face from an attractive female sitting comfortably in a GM car. With the Quote “Stop pedaling… start driving.” at the bottom. GM has decided to pull the ad and they are apologizing for their offensive ad. (via there Twitter)

GM "Reality Sucks Ad"

GM "Reality Sucks Ad"

Giant Bicycles has recently released a more truthful ad as a follow up to GM’s misstep.

Giant Reality Does Suck

Giant Reality Does Suck