Chased by the devil

Local cycling enthusiasts had a sneak preview at last Sunday's race of EL DIABLO. Being relatively new yet to cycling as sport, I wasn't up on the original devil, one Didi Senft.

Though not quite as smokin' as our notorious socal demon David Lee, an interesting character....long time cycling/racing enthusiast and fixture at the Tour de France, first donning the devil suit in 1993 because:

"They always called the final kilometre of a criterium [stage] the red devil's lap. I never saw a red devil, so I became one."

Mr. Senft is also known for building gynormous bikes. He's had at least 10 entries in the Guiness Book of World Records including the worlds largest and longest (bike), a recumbent double-decker tandem, and a giant rickshaw. Rad.



Photo here of Riley McAlpine, smiling through the pain as she took 4th, an amazing feat as she was riding solo against a field of teams looking to shut last years winner out. You go girl!

The road to a safer PCH

Thanks to La Grange club members for pushing this forward:

Shown here, last friday's gathering of cylists and government officials for a media event to kick off the PCH "Share the Road" signage. The decision to place a series of "Share the road" signs along the perilous PCH came after many meetings between reps from local cycling clubs and local/state officials, several of whom were at the press conference in the Topanga Beach parking lot.

Including: Chief Deputy Director of CalTrans District 7 (L.A. and Ventura Counties), State Senator Sheila Kuehl, County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, State Assembly Member Fran Pavley and Duncan Lemmon, President of La Grange.

Vibile signage is certainly a step towards reminding drivers that cyclists, less protected than your average SUV, have a right to safer coastal views while sucking in all that CO2.... by not driving AND breathing those fumes in, were doubling our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Devil meets the princess

June 25th, one of the most exciting regional bike races right in our back yard!

Last years highlights:
*A cameo appearance by Mephistopheles - recognize the sizzling South African in red?
*A beautiful, sunny socal day, AND,
*A stellar performance by Riley, who won the grueling race.

Lord only knows what this year will bring......I'll be there for sure, anyone wanna ride/carpool out there?

Bicycle Film Fest

The annual wheeled reels come to town. Went last year, a few months after I first entered the world of road bikes, having primarily commuted/ridden my Xtracycle before.

Films range from bike advocacy, to pro-cyclist related, to just about anything featuring our favorite form of peaceful transportation. Not to miss if you are in any way shape or form a bike lover.

Midnight Ridazz

Been meaning to try this ride since I learned about the Midnight Ridazz last year, but reluctant to ride out to Echo Park alone at night.....until now.

Found a group that rides out from Venice/Culver City, and headed w/ them to join about 500-600 others for a safe, chill tool around town.....such an incomparably different experience from cruising around in a car. You just see and feel more on a bike.

Check out this list for info about Midnight rides, general bike related happenings, etc. To come, a wheeled LA taco tour.

A less fuelish path...

Another LA times article pointing out that soaring gas prices are helping people rediscover their LEGS as a form of transportation, as well as other motorized two wheeled options - scooters, motorcycles, and such.

The legs, i.e. powering a bicycle, are THE most sustainable and enjoyable form. Fuel up with your favorite edible or espresso, and just GO, sans petrol, sans gym fees, and best of all, sans road rage.

and sans lycra, doesn't this look like more pleasant traffic????

the bicycle lounge is here!

Some images from our hangout after last nite's ride of silence. Wish I had taken some pix on the ride, but just wanted to focus on the experience and not deal w/ camera.

Super nice, cruising around Santa Monica at dusk with the safety of a large pack - in silence. There were riders in full lycra getup and street clothes, on Xtracycles and road bikes, experienced cyclists and brand newbies.

Given the nature of the ride - commemorating fallen cyclsts, the tone was somewhat somber - which we balanced out afterwards by hanging out in what is quickly becoming the "bicycle lounge", Riley's new garage/art studio. A place for Team Riley members, friends, and bicycles of course, to hang out and chat.

weds nite ride + bici lounge

I posted earlier about the ride of silence this weds. nite, a social spin to commemorate fallen riders.....

A new addition to evening plan: following the ride we're going to gather at Riley's new art space on Montana, to sip, hang out, and enjoy these long, warm nights.

Ride leaves from Helen's in Santa Monica at 7:00 p.m, come on out cyclists/commuters all.

Cyclists Inciting Change...

Thru Live Exchange -- C.I.C.L.E.

The name definitely touches me. Was thinking today about the vast amounts of time I spend at computer, time that could be much better spent with other humans. Plenty of organizing/mobilizing has taken place across the ages just fine sans internet, the old fashioned "personal" way.....

So "live exchange" resonates. And just dig this site in general, slowly coming to discover that theres quite a few bike advocacy groups in this seemingly bike unfriendly city. With enough bike lovers around, the city will have no choice but to come around.....

stroke of velo valet luck

On this morning's La Grange recovery ride, a buncha riders peeled off to check out a launch party for the new REI store in Santa Monica. Didn't pay much attention.

Then later, found myself daydreaming about how nice it would be to be able to valet ones bike. I don't like leaving my road bike locked up, so when I commute via fuji, always have to ask if theres somewhere I can leave it:
"No, you can't bring your bike into a bar/restaurant/market, we can't take responsibility, its a liability, someone might trip over it" - blah blah blah.

On my way home, saw bike advocacy booths and bikes galore in front of REI, went to investigate, and was immediately greeted with, "would you like to valet your bike?"

On top of this amazing synchronicity, my claim ticket for valeted bike turned out to winning # for an REI store raffle, won this crazy bike tool - will have to learn about it.

And the main bike advocacy group, C.I.C.L.E. (Cyclists Inciting Change thru Live Exchange) is one I've had on my radar for some time, will learn more and post in the near future.

Join Ride of Silence

On May 17th, cyclists all over the world will join in a silent ride, honoring cyclists who have lost their lives cycling on public roadways.

There is a local ride leaving from Helen's in Santa Monica, 10 miles. Meet at 6:30 p.m., ride heads out at 7:00, up Ocean to San Vicente, loop and return.

As riders we are all affected.....come share in this opportunity to keep the memories of fellow cyclists strong and alive.

Organic bike cookin'

This is what we need on the westside - a bike friendly joint like the eastside Bicycle Kitchen, described in their words as:

"a safe space for cyclists from all walks of life to repair their bicycles, meet other cyclists, enrich their lives through bicycle awareness and find new outlets for bicycle culture."

They even have a ladies nite on mondays from 6:30 to 9:30 called, of all things, bitchen. I really wanna check it out, anyone up for an urban ride sometime?

Ladies Who Launch

Not directly related to bikes, but rather femme - rabble rousing stuff:

Riley here to tell you about Ladies Who Launch, an awesome networking/entrepreneurial program I recently participated in. LWL helped me propell my business ten times over in just 2 months, while meeting a wonderful new group of friends.

And having an art show, AND creating a RILEYWARE clothing line....which you biker chicks will be able to sport soon.

It's a phenomenal way to work on a new career idea, or simply a project you'd like to accomplish. Take it from me and check it out.

watts with the wasted calories?

How rad is this? A stationary bicycle that actually generates usable power. So on a rainy day, or an indoor workout sans street traffic, you can do something useful, power your tv, lights, stereo, etc.

I don't really watch t.v., but bet I could find some other uses. Not sure if you could power a laptop - maybe by storing energy in a battery?

Probably won't get to this project any time in the immediate future, but would be psyched to hear from anyone whose tried.

Photo here shows high schoolers making pedal powered smoothies during one of our organic lunches with the Byerly Bicycle Blender, definitely on my wish list.

Non-leaching water bottle

For anyone creeped out by the plasticky taste most water bottles leave, check this out. Speaks for itself....

"The Crystal Water Bottle is the only water bottle available in FDA-approved food-grade Polypropylene. It doesn't add its own flavor like your standard LDPE bike bottles do. It does not leach hormone disrupting bisephenol-A like has been shown in one study claims with polycarbonate plastics. 22 oz. capacity."

They're pricier than you're standard squisy bottle ($6.99 each) but well worth it in my humble opinion. Numerous studies in the last few years suggest that petroleum based plastic is something we should keep out of our bodies.

Just BEE a superhero

April 9th, Riley McAlpine (our local cycling hero) and Christine Kwok (featured Acura model and all around athletic stud) will be starting up their women’s fitness program, “Just Bee”, a semi-private customized program of weekly fitness sessions.

Added bonus: they’ve just partnered with Solar Harvest, a sustainable foods restaurant with healthy organic food, wine/beer, offering nutritional plans and tips.

Registration now open, contact Christine for more info: chriskfit@yahoo.com

She spins, she paints, she brings us together.

Riley's art opening tonight - a full house. I'd guess that most people there tonite know Riley in her lycra capacity, and not her artistic/creative one.....quite an amazing combo. Here we are at her show, don't MESS w/ those biceps!

What we all love most about her is the way she brings people together, linking the cycling community with some wonderful causes, like The Young Storytellers Program , and The K9 connection....

Thank you Riley!

Meet Christine, our Acura cycling model...

Check it ladies, it's our very own Christine Kwok! Go get 'em tigress!

(Wait, but she looks so cute and smiley, what's all this about fear?)

Acura LA Bike Tour

Coming up, the 12th annual Acura LA Bike Tour , a 22.7 mile spin through blessedly traffic free LA streets....a chance to experience what a more bicycle friendly city might feel like.

Team Riley? Roachicks? Anyone want to give this a whirl?

Chick rides a growin'....

Okay dudes, watch out, here come the Roadchicks.

Ladies, if you're looking for a safe pack for some fun, challenging weekend rides,
join this yahoo group to get updates on Saturday/Sunday rides to Southbay, Malibu, etc.

These are no drop rides, but will be covering some good distances, and some good climbs. Nice to see the chic momentum building!