Sussex County Delaware Bike Ride Notice 10/11/10 Roll Off at 10AM

Weather is looking great for a ride tomorrow!

start time: 10:00 AM
from: M&D Bird Farm
Distance: 25 + miles
Pace:16+ mph
Call Jay if riding 302 258 7374

Bicycle Hand Injuries & Winter Bicycle Riding

Since I'm left-handed, my right hand is often used as a notepad.

Now that I'm logging about 2000 miles a year with bicycle commuting instead of driving a car, my hands are beginning to complain.

Last night I took myself out to dinner to celebrate my 65th birthday.  It was a clear night, but unseasonably cold for Delaware and the temperature dropped to the low 30's by the time I left the restaurant and pedaled four miles in the dark to my home.

Cyclists know about hand pain when cycling for long distances or in cold weather or just because you happened to turn 65. The tingling.  The sharp hot pain as if someone is poking your hands with a cattle prod.  It's ugly and enough to discourage cycling under such conditions.

With only a mile left to go on a dark, cold night, my hands threw in the towel and stopped working despite the cashmere-lined, lamb skin gloves I was wearing.  And despite the paddle shaped hand grips on my handlebar that takes the pressure off the heel of your hand.

Here's the scoop on such injuries from two sources, one from THE HUGHSTON HEALTH ALERT and one from SPORTS INJURY BULLETIN.  Both sites offer some very good information about the causes of hand pain and possible solutions.

The Hughston Health Alert offers the following graphics to explain why it HURTS.

So, what are we to do about hand pain when cycling?  Complaining doesn't help and only serves to alienate your friends who aren't cyclists.  Drugs are only a temporary reprieve and not much of solution.

There are always the bar mitts by CozyWinters.

There is always taking some tips from Molly on winter electric bike riding.  This should be a very strong hint at what I bought myself for my birthday that will arrive next week.  Be still my heart.

Another solution that I'm pursuing to alleviate the hand pain comes from Grab On Grips.  Mike Tillay of Grab On Grips loves two things, God and his bicycle grip business.  Bicycles and God happen to be my two favorite things as well, so I'll be emailing him about his reference to Romans 8:28.  Glory Be.

Historic New Castle, Delaware Bicycle Photography Ride December 11, 2010

Elderberry Bicycle Photography Ride in Historic New Castle

 Saturday, December 11, 2010

1:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Ride begins at Battery Park parking lot (corner of W. 3rd St. & South St.)

Join us for a leisurely day pedaling around New Castle Delaware for their Spirit of Christmas events.  Scheduled events sponsored by New Castle City includes:  House tour, musical groups, special museum events, plus items for sale in the church fellowship hall at 25 E. 2nd St. Santa's Workshop at The Velocipede.

Dust off your camera and lenses, pack them in your panniers with an extra layer of clothing and take your time discovering all the hidden photogenic treasures on New Castle's cobblestone streets.  

Walk the same steps that our forefathers walked.  Packet boats from Philadelphia met stage coaches and railroad for Frenchtown, Maryland, chief line of communication from north to Baltimore and South. Andrew Jackson, David Crockett, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, Lord Ashburton, Sam Houston, Louis Napoleon, Stonewall Jackson, Indians (led by Osceola and Black Hawk) en route to visit “Great Father” in Washington all passed this way.

To register for the ride, contact Caroline Honse, VP BikeDE Advocacy group.

Delaware Road & Trail Map for Bicycles - Online & Interactive

BikeDE Advocacy Group Creates a Delaware Online Interactive Road & Trail Map for Cyclists

The most commonly asked question that members of BikeDelaware Advocacy group get from the public is, "Where can I ride safely in Delaware?"  Most non-cyclists in Delaware avoid taking up cycling because they mistakenly think the roads in Delaware are not safe for either adults or children.

BikeDE wants to correct this misconception by providing a thoroughly researched rating of roads and trails that will help people decide where to ride for leisure or commuting to work or shopping.

Every road in Delaware will be rated by cyclists for cyclists.  Ratings will be designed to match a cyclists riding ability level with roads and trails that match their needs and skills in riding a bicycle.

By left-mouse-clicking on a road, a pop-up window will appear with information about the road that will be updated as conditions of the road changes.

Additional information will be provided for families looking for places to take children of all ages for safe, off-road bicycle riding.  Delaware can boast of many such family-friendly places to ride.

Areas that may have safety issues or other causes for concern will be noted.

The map is created through Google Map "My Maps" and can be viewed in multiple formats such as satellite version, map version, or terrain version.  A printed version will also be produced annually for distribution by BikeDE.

Over 130 roads and trails in New Castle County have already been rated.  BikeDE plans to have all New Castle County roads and trails rated by the end of January 2011 and Kent and Sussex counties completed by April 2011.

A link will be provided to the map for general public use by February 1st and posted on this website and the BikeDE website.

If you would like to assist with rating the roads and trails, please contact Caroline Honse, VP of BikeDE.  She wants to assure anyone who helps with the project that they will be surprised with finding new and exciting places to ride.

If You Stripe It, They Will Come - The Bicycle Infrastructure Controversy

On Facebook, John Brooking wrote:

We simply want to ride our bikes wherever we need to, right now, without

asking for special structures to be built or painted for us. We are

traffic, and we ride as lawful drivers. We are your co-workers, friends,

and family. We are you. Please join us!

We don't need bike lanes.

A very lively discussion resulted in what might be surprising to some people.  Not all cyclists want bike lanes and bicycle infrastructure.  Not all cyclists care one way or the other.  Not all cyclists have thought the issue all the way through. Not all cyclists are rational...on either side of the issue.  Not all cyclists are polite.

I don't agree with John, but I'm grateful for his post since it challenges us to not make assumptions based on what we think is probably a good idea or what fits in with our comfort level of biking.  Don't assume all cyclists want the same thing and don't assume that all cyclists have actually studied, or are interested in studying all points of the compass on bike safety.

It also points to the fact that there can be no one answer to the bike lane or not bike lane question.  It will always be a regional matter that depends on the road conditions in that area; what the local government is able or willing to do about it, and what the residents want and if they are willing to spend the time and energy to follow through on working in an useful way to implement what is best for their area.

Delaware, from Governor Markell all the way down to most residents are interested in having a state that provides safe access and use of our roads for all "traffic" (pedestrian, cyclist, motorist).

I'm glad I live in Delaware.

I've given up my slot in the John Brooking discussion since it's pointless to debate the issue with those who just keep stating over and over again that "you just need a little practice biking on the road" to know you don't need bike lanes.

Here are some links to studies done about road modifications for cyclists.  It is a good starting place if you wish to begin further study on what's been published.

Bike Lanes: Pros & Cons from Michael Bluejay's BicycleUniverse.info

International Bicycle Fund:  Infrastructure Policy, Planning and Design Digest

Study done in Cambridge, Massachusetts

University of Texas Study

BicycleInfo.Org Case Study Report

U.S. Department of Transportation - Accomodating Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel:  A Recommended Approach

Bicycles Rock the Newark Night Festivities in Delaware

The throngs of people, the threat of thunderstorms, the bipolar humidity, turbulent wind that nearly blew the tent displays down did not deter this young man from talking to us about his passion.  BICYCLES!

Newark, Delaware recently awarded the Bike Friendly Community award by the League of American Bicyclists, closed down Main Street for a town-wide festival of vendors, organizations, and non-profit groups to share a day with thousands of Delaware residents.

Bike Delaware Advocacy Group (BikeDE) shared information with cyclists and families looking for information on where to bike in Delaware, how to bike in Delaware safely, and where could they find other cyclists to bike with on slow, medium, or fast bike rides.

A sweet Dad offers his fashion-conscious daughter advice on the correct placement of a reflective bicycle safety anklet she got from our shared tables of Bike Delaware Advocacy, Newark Bicycle Council, and DelDOT Bicycle Committee.

Another young lady thought my bicycle might be a lot more fun to take home than a safety anklet.

Meanwhile, a third young lady wasn't particularly interested in bicycles.  She was far happier in her Mercedes Benz stroller.  When interviewed she stated that she firmly believed in the "Share the Road" philosophy and right after kindergarten she was planning to enter law school to uphold the equality of pedestrian, cyclist, and motorists rights.

On the other side of the age spectrum was this delightful 80-something cyclist who was visiting from the Southwest.  When she returned from her vacation she was scheduled for a Sierra Bicycle Tour, though she admitted that these days she limits herself to only 10 mile bike rides.

Though sunny all day, the Newark skies were so windy that we resorted to strapping our bicycles to the poles of our tents to keep the tents from launching like hot air balloons.  The effect of $6000 worth of bicycle mechanical ballast added an artistic touch that we found very pleasing.

This young man took Amtrak down from his home in New Jersey to enjoy Newark Night festivities and then compete in the 29'ers Endurance Bike Race at Iron Hill State Park on Sunday.

Jeff Riegner, the President of the Newark Bicycle Council, is a very persuasive fellow.  I eavesdropped on this conversation.  Perhaps I misheard, but I think Jeff just talked this fellow into signing over the deed to his property to turn into more bike paths.

While that drama was taking place with Jeff, Frank Warnock, BikeDE's PR Chair was pondering the wind factor and calling for more ballast.  He's the kind of guy you want to have in your bomb shelter.

 Just as Frank, Rachel, and I were beginning to fear that we were going to spend the rest of our life on the table with no relief and no time off for good behavior, the Cavalry arrived in the persona of James Wilson, BikeDE's Analytics Chair.  As a Materials Science Graduate Student at the U of D, he quickly assessed wind speed, venturi effect, did a few calculus formulas in his head while swinging his delightful 5 year old in the air, carried on three simultaneous conversations with cyclists, deemed the tent would hold, and then took up my post so that I could determine if I was still capable of walking or talking or was I going to have a senior moment meltdown.  He's now known to us as Jamie Venturi.

Last to arrive was our President, Drew Know.  The man knows how to make an entrance.  How?  Come bearing a double dip of double deep chocolate ice cream cone for his Vice President.  That's how.  Relieved of duty on the table, I wandered in the crowd.

The crowds were very large this year and extremely friendly and well-behaved.  This gave Newark's Finest a chance to relax for a minute and listen to a highly-amplified band playing in the Newark Shopping Center Parking lot.

The band supplied VERY loud and not unpleasant music; however the most notable thing to me was that the portapotties were located about 12 feet from their monster speakers.  I suggest you try that experience just once.  Before you die.  It's like being trapped inside a very smelly, VERY LOUD drum.

By the time I made it back to the table, Delaware's Congressman Mike Castle was visiting with his wonderful smile and personable demeanor.

A few minutes later, Chris Coons, another extremely likable guy and candidate for the U.S. Senate joined us as well.

Bicycle Advocates are lucky.  Everyone, it seems, likes bicycles.  I mean really, what is more American than a bicycle, an ice cream cone, and a sunny Saturday afternoon in a town street festival?  Bicycles are not a partisan issue.  Everyone from any party can agree that improving the bike-friendly nature of our towns and states only serves to improve the lives of pedestrians and motorists as well.

James F. Hall Trail National Recreation Trail Designation Ceremony

The James F. Hall Trail is named for the late and long-time Newark Parks and Recreation Director.  The trail is 1.76 miles long and runs east to west across the city of Newark in New Castle County.  For its short length, the trail is jam-packed with a variety of distinctive features and is itself a popular downtown destination.  Open for public use since 2003, the trail accesses three City parks which feature several active recreation facilities.

It passes through a pristine wetland area and the Old Newark Train Station wich is the home to the Newark Historical Society.  The trail features footbridge crossings of two streams that are tributaries of the the White Clay Creek, designated a National Wild and Scenic River.

The trail provides safe and easy access to the outdoors for more than 28,000 residents of Newark and the surrounding suburbs, 20,000 students of the University of Delaware -- with access to student housing units and a child care facility -- the Delaware Technology Park with 40+ tenants, and the College Square Shopping Center.

The trail is hard-surfaced for multi-use and ADA accessible, lighted for 24 hour use, and allows for intermodal access to Amtrak and SEPTA rail service.

Thanks are due to the many partners that helped make the trail a reality.  The City of Newark partnered with the Newark Bike Committee, University of Delaware, Amtrak, and Delaware's Department of Transportation and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to make the project happen.

The Newark Bike Committee was an early driving force, developing the trail concept in 1996.  $1.95 million in funding was provided by the City of Newark, Federal Highway Administration TEA-21 Program, Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund, and Delaware Department of Transportation.

This section of trail designated as a National Recreation Trail will become part of a larger 2-mile trail system that includes the Pomeroy and Newark Rail-Trail, currently under development for walking and biking.  The trail will extend north into White Clay State Park and link to trails on Pennsylvania public lands.

The Unlikeliest of Friends (Motorists & Cyclists Take a Lesson!)

Surya, the orangutan, loves his bicycle but he REALLY loves Roscoe, the hound. Motorists and Cyclists take note of Roscoe/Rodney's plea, "Can't we just all get along?"

Noticed While Commuting by Bicycle in Delaware

Frank Warnock, our PR Chair of BikeDE, was commenting on all the bizarre things that cyclists see on the road while biking in Delaware.  Being a technogeek he seems to notice an inordinate number of abandoned cell phones smashed against the side of the road.

What I seem to find are mysteries.  What is it?  Why is it there?  And who on earth put it there?  Case in point.  Here are some clues.

Noted on Harmony Road near 273 abandoned by the curb.

My Transeo kept pulling to the right, wanting to go back and invite it home with us for dinner.

Beng a glass-half-full kind of person, I have decided that someone bought a real bike and has joined the growing ranks of Delaware leisure and commuter cyclists.  So now, their exercise bike, no longer needed, waits to be carted away to bike heaven.  Do you suppose there are bike lanes in heaven?  I wonder if there are handicapped trails for bikes who end up in heaven without all their parts.

New Castle, Delaware History Mysteries Scavenger Hunt Bike Ride, Saturday, June 26, 2010 3PM

Explore Historic New Castle, Delaware and the surrounding wetlands river path with Elderberry Bike Rides for a History Mysteries Scavenger Hunt suitable for bicycle riders from 12 years old to Seniors.

 

New Castle, Delaware is one of Delaware’s greatest treasures with landmark events and historic sites that shaped the future of our nation. 

 Leisurely pedal the cobblestone streets of New Castle with colonial vistas preserved for your pleasure.

  Walk the Packet Alley path in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin.

Find the spirits of those who gathered on the Green in the name of freedom or the sad gathering of an execution.

 Unearth the secrets that New Castle still holds for visitors who take a moment to find them.

 Stroll your bike down the multi-use path along the river for a calming view that will recharge your soul.

Stop for a few monents, take off your shoes and squeegie your toes in the sandy beach.

 Pedal as a group or venture out alone as you search for the answers to secrets that New Castle holds for us.  Prizes will be awarded for those who solve the most history mysteries of New Castle, Delaware.

Gather at the end of the day for a fried chicken picnic at Battery Park as the gentle surf laps against the rocks.

Ride Route maps (similar to this but with more details and close-ups), Scavenger Hunt information, and camaraderie will be provided by Elderberry Bike Rides, a community outreach program of Bike Delaware, Delaware’s Bicycle Advocacy Group.

The ride will begin and end at the parking lot by Battery Park.  The ride starts at 3PM and the picnic will begin at 4:30PM.  This will give you plenty of time to ride, stop and take photos, and get a feel for what life was like in the late 1600’s in Delaware.

Bicycle helmets are required for all riders.  Riders 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  Ride as much or as little of the 5 mile route as you are able.  This is not a race but an opportunity to bike with your family and make new friends.

To register for the ride (so we can plan the number for the picnic) please email with the number of adults and number of children for the ride.  The ride is free!  Donations of $3 per adult would be appreciated to help cover the picnic costs.  Kids eat free!

Noticed While Leisure Bicycling in Delaware

A house decorated with hats.  WHAT?  NO BICYCLE HELMET????