<body><iframe src="http://www.blogger.com/navbar.g?targetBlogID=26989330&amp;blogName=danielo+writes+stuff+here&amp;publishMode=PUBLISH_MODE_FTP&amp;navbarType=SILVER&amp;layoutType=CLASSIC&amp;homepageUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.danielo.org%2Fblog%2Findex.htm&amp;searchRoot=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsearch.google.com%2F" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="30px" width="100%" id="navbar-iframe" title="Blogger Navigation and Search"></iframe> <div id="space-for-ie"></div>

danielo & sagan haul a bike up the hill

Monday, July 21, 2008



Here's how Sagan and I got Steph's bike up to her at work on Sunday. Our longest train yet is me, Sagan on a tag-a-long, a kid-trailer attached to that, and Steph's bike with front wheel locked into the trailer, with rear tire trailing. Worked like a charm.

(this post mirred at danielo.posterous.com)

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

danielo & sagan hit the races

Sunday, July 20, 2008

On Saturday, Sagan and I went downtown for the Boise Twilight Criterium, which he and I can report was AWESOME. He rode in the kid's ride with Kristan Armstrong, then we went back downtown for the women's and men's rides. Some pics:

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

(this post mirrored here)

Labels: ,

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

danielo suddenly realizes the problem

Friday, July 18, 2008

Perhaps you're not listening closely.

When I say "Maybe you don't need an automobile," and you hear, "Maybe you can live your present selfish and unplanned lifestyle without the crutch it's built around," -- that's evidence that you must have axle grease in your ears.

I am fairly certain that you can't, actually, continue to live your car-addicted lifestyle and give up your automobile addiction. You also can't give up snorting cocaine and still snort cocaine -- that doesn't make sense. But I am also certain that you might very well not need that automobile. Maybe you just need to embrace the fact that a better life, free of automobile addiction, is not only feasible, but also rewarding, and perhaps even exemplary.

And before you start your whining about how hard it would be, I refer you to my previous post, and to the summary of it:

YOU'RE NOT A BABY, QUIT YOUR WHINING AND BUCK UP.

Walk. Ride a bike. Take the bus. Carpool. Vanpool. Just leave the goddamn car at home!

(this post is mirrored here)

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

danielo suggests a new campaign message

Thursday, July 17, 2008

I think I'm just tired of it all. I'm tired of "oh gosh, the gas prices are so horrible," and I'm tired of "these days I hate driving." Here's what I think: I think that every single American adult with an IQ of at least 60 knows that personal automobiles are selfish, excessive, and harmful to the environment. I think those same people know there are numerous options available to them besides single-occupancy vehicles. And I think it's time we stopped letting people act like helpful infants, and instead insist they start acting like responsible adults.

LEAVE YOUR GODDAMN CAR AT HOME. And before you whining automobile addicts start your typical avoid-the-topic blather ("but I don't know how to get to work, I don't know the bus routes, it's too far to ride a bike... blah blah blah"), here's a news flash: YOU'RE NOT A BABY ANYMORE, and it's not the world's job to change your diaper. Buck up and FIGURE IT OUT.

Labels: ,

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

danielo & son collect trash

Saturday, June 14, 2008


My son and I embark on a new project starting next weekend. It's something I've had in mind for quite awhile, and now that his bike skills are getting better, we're ready to begin. Click the image above for more info. We're in need of a couple of of supplies, if you might like to donate:

(1) A couple of long-arm "grabber" tools, something along the lines of these. We're not looking for new, or pretty, tools, just functional ones.

(2) Large trash bags, preferably heavy-duty to handle the assortment of litter we collect.

Please write to us at litterbusters@danielo.org or leave a message at (208) 419-0955. We're near the North End in Boise, and prefer to be able to pick up the items nearby.

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

danielo wonders if you want this very nice jersey

Friday, June 13, 2008

Do you want a super nice cycling jersey? Do you live in Boise? Will you trade me for some chocolate? If so, this is your day.

I have a men's Fausto Merino Wool Blend jersey from Ibex clothing. Retails for $125, is purple/blue in color, and sized XL. It's a nice-looking jersey, to be sure.

I won it recently from Bikehugger via a Twitter contest, and after it arrived yesterday & I put it on, I couldn't get it off fast enough. I believe it to be very well made, and of an extremely high quality. However, the fit of the thing feels like sticky death to me, and I hate it. It's been worn, by me, for about 30 seconds. Other than that, it's brand-spanking new. Meanwhile I'll stick to t-shirts.

If you want it, live in Boise, and will trade me for some chocolate, let me know, and we'll arrange a meeting. First-come first-served. I'd consider shipping it out of town, but would prefer not to. We'll cross that bridge if and when we come to it, okay?

ADDENDUM: I'm not looking for $125 worth of chocolate. Maybe in the range of $5 would be suitable. $10 if you're super generous, or work for a chocolate factory.

ADDENDUM ADDENDUM: On second thought, if you work for a chocolate factory, you ought to pony up a bit more chocolate than the average Joe.

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

danielo thinks employers should spread a bit of love

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Our local rag got a mention here, regarding an article about employer support (or lack thereof) for cycle commuting. It got me thinking. At my work, there are no bike-specific accommodations or facilities. However, I don't really need any. There is a place in front I can lock up and a covered area in the back lot for when it rains. There is a shop bathroom I can sponge off in on hot days, and a hook I can hang my clothes on.

But you know what would absolutely thrill me, and would cost my employer absolutely NOTHING, yet which I have never received?

A word of appreciation.

My employer is, I suspect, quite typical. They offer a sort of passive support for what they perceive to be a quirky habit. As long as I am indistinguishable from those who drive, they permit my quirkiness.

Why don't more offer an appreciative tone to employees that choose not to drive? Why don't more employers recognize the benefit these non-driving employees offer to their business? Do they fear that the acknowledgment may lead to demands for further accommodations like locking areas or showers? Are they just clueless? Most likely, yes to all of the above, particularly the cluelessness.

We cycle commuters are a resilient, self-sufficient bunch. We have to be. That's sort of the spirit of living a car-free (or partially car-free) life: one must learn to do things differently, and to plan ahead more than car-addiction requires. I have never even considered demanding showers, bike racks, or anything else at my work, preferring instead to adapt to what is available. After two years, I've got things pretty well laid out, and I'm comfortable.

But it would absolutely tickle me pink if just once, my employer acknowledged that my choice is more than a quirky attitude, and more than a rebellion against status quo. It's also providing a tangible benefit to my employer, and to my community, and to the world at large.

I think all employers would be wise to show more support for their non-driving employees. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the simple, cost-free, endeavor of acknowledging the benefit of not driving to work every day would do more for promoting car-free commuting than installing showers or bike racks. People respond to feelings, and it would feel very good to be recognized for being a responsible person.

How shall employers be encouraged to make this simple effort? As a cycle commuter, it would feel rather silly for me to ask for a pat on the back? Maybe advocacy organizations like our own TVCA could develop a short pamphlet to send to employers. Would it work?

Here's my suggestion for a simple pamphlet/flyer:

Do any of your employees cycle, take transit, car/vanpool, or walk to work? Have you thanked them lately?

When employees choose wise commuting options, employers benefit. The health benefits of walking & cycling lead to enhanced workplace mood, increased productivity, & decreased insurance claims & sick leave. Van/carpools & transit reduce impact on transportation infrastructure, reducing maintenance costs paid by taxes. They also reduce the impact of personal vehicles on your business's parking facilities. With ever-increasing fuel costs, employees who leave their cars at home get to keep a larger portion of their paychecks, & that makes everyone happy.

Do you have any employees commuting wisely? How much would it cost you to offer them a simple "thanks" today?

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

danielo and sagan have new rides, and you'd be jealous if you saw 'em

Monday, June 09, 2008


That's Sagan with his new custom-built "chopper" bike in black/gold. We picked it up at the vintage bike swap near our house this weekend, from the very nice Clancy, who built it for his kids (thanks, Clancy!). S was hesitant at first, as the steering is a bit fishier than his previous bike, but after we got home, it wasn't 15 minutes before he was riding it smoothly. It has a "bike pipe" attached to the back, that amplifies the "card-in-the-spokes" effect, and can be turned on/off. I wish I had one!

He's not the only one who got a new bike -- I picked up an 80s-era Raleigh Technium off Craigslist for a great price, and have been thoroughly loving it. I don't have a picture of it because every time I set up to take one, I just jump on the bike and ride it instead! I'd been watching Craigslist for a few months for a street frame in my size and prize, and this deal popped up on payday. Huzzah!

Sunday, Sagan and I took our new rigs for a spin and ended up going 7 miles round trip, which was the longest he'd ever gone in one trip. It's gonna be a fun summer.

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

danielo built a bike rack

Tuesday, May 27, 2008


The 9-foot ceilings in the new house offered a perfect opportunity for me to build the bike rack I'd admired online (at mike.sapak.info). Materials were less than $18, and after about an hour of hand-sawing and drilling, the sucker is solid and functional. Still needs a coat of paint. Better pics at sapak's site, my camphone is crappy.

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

danielo's ride isn't cool enough

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Boise man hasn't pumped any gas in a year!

OMFG RU serious?!

"People stop me all the time. They're like, do you really buy no gas? And I'm like ‘no, don't buy any gas.’ "

(And I'm like, "Yeah, that happens to me all the time, too.")


Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

danielo thinks bikeboy hit the nail on the head with his advice to new cycle commuters

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Bikeboy nails it here: Gear Obsession. His advice to cycle commuter newbies: try it out for awhile before dropping a grand on the latest and best.

"Get a good set of smooth-tread tires installed on that mountain bike of yours, and ride it for a year or maybe even two. Make sure that bike commuting is indeed for you, before investing a substantial amount of money into a newer bicycle."

What you'll learn after a year or more of commuting -- if you stick with it -- is that the high-priced gadgets and fancy carbon-fibre bikes are largely fluff, and the fluff is marketed to newbies. You can find at garage sales, in your garage, or possibly even in a nearby dumpster, nearly everything you need to make your daily commute fruitful, regardless of what you're riding. Don't get me wrong -- there is a place for some of those gadgets, but you won't know which ones are actually worth the money until you've put in your time in the saddle. And when you do, you'll be in a much better position to enjoy the money you decide to spend on extras.

Additionally, there are a plethora of websites featuring bike hack ideas that make many of those gadgets seem downright obnoxious. One of my favorites, and I'm embarrassed I haven't promoted them before, is BikeHacks.com.

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

danielo has an idea for a bicycle race with a bike commuter theme

Thursday, May 01, 2008

UPDATED 5/5

Idea: A 10-mile bicycle race focusing on the utility/commuter aspect, featuring things that reflect the hazards of commuter cycling:

Mile Marker 0: Start in bed. Get up, shower, and dress. Fix flat tire from night before, and head out.
Mile Marker 2: Stop and hitch on a pull-behind trailer.
Mile Marker 4: Stop at supermarket, buy 5 10-pound bags of potatoes; load 'em into trailer.
Mile Marker 6: One tire on trailer is punctured with nail.
Mile Marker 8: One front spoke is cut.
Mile Marker 10: END - carry potatoes, trailer, and bike up two flights of stairs into apartment, without getting any dirt/mud on carpet. Winner by time.

Suggestions for improvement?

[Photo credit]

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

"Katakura Porta-Silk" folder

Monday, April 21, 2008

Ah, the beauty of CraigsList!

Today I bought a fixer-upper. A short ride from a coworker with a pickup and $10 later, I am the owner of a strange little folding bike, a Katakura Porta-Silk. There's precious little about it online, but from what I can tell, it was manufactured in WWII Japan as a paratrooper bike. It will need a substantial amount of TLC. In two weeks, I'll be living in a new place with a yard (huzzah), so this will make a great summer restoration project.

The handlebars are transversely spring-loaded for shock absorption, so they flex in a "butterfly" style -- i.e. they spring out to the sides. They're rusted solid now. The seat leather is toast, but I might try to find a leatherworker to build a new one on the existing skeleton. It even has a rear rack!

This sucker is SOLID, and probably heavier than my full-sized commuter bike. It's hard to imagine jumping out of a plane with one, much less landing with it.

Clicking the little pics herein will take you to larger versions snapped with a camera phone - so don't expect high quality. And here's the most informative page I found about the bike, with some better pics: pbase.com/jchiarella/portacyclebicycle.

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

Less Park, More Parking

Sunday, April 13, 2008



This is the $411,000 Pedestrian Safety Project underway in Julia Davis Park in downtown Boise, Idaho. The problem, of course, is the need to keep pedestrians safe from vehicles, so they're making wider sidewalks and more parking. There's something fundamentally stupid about replacing trees and grass with asphalt and concrete in order to "enhance pedestrian safety." Creating more parking spaces to accommodate more vehicles, at the expense of actual park, is insanity.

As my 5-year old son and I walked through Julia Davis park this weekend (when this picture was taken), I explained to him that the trees were being ripped out to make room for more cars. Automobiles were literally clogging every available space in the park that day. We agreed how much nicer it would look with fewer cars, more bikes, and more trees. As we walked by someone loading their kids into a car, he yelled at them "you should ride your bikes!"

I nearly peed my pants right there.

danielo is also here: wondrous web, twitter, bcu.

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

Power Grips: $15 and 5 Miles Later... (+ a contest)

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

On April Fool's Day I bought an unopened package of Power Grips I found on Craigslist for $15. I'd been eyeing the product for months online, and as it would have been nearly $30 shipped, this price was right.

I installed them last night, and discovered two things: (1) They live up to their claims and popularity, as they are sturdy, easy to install, easy to use, and provide a very solid grip; and (2) I hate them. I nearly stopped on my way to work today to remove them, but held out and did so in the parking lot instead.

The Power Grips taught me two things. The first is that I have poor foot placement. When in the straps, it felt like my heels were swiveled out too far, but when I'd look down, my feet were straight. I must ride with my heels in a bit when un-strapped.

The second lesson was that I don't keep my foot position constant when riding. Having my feet immobilized in the straps drove me batty. The straps are super easy to get out of, and reasonably easy to get into, but I hated not being able to shift my foot position on the pedal while riding. I never realized how much I rely on shifting my foot placement until I was unable to do so.

So I am now in possession of a pair of minimally-used Power Grips, and I suspect there's someone nearby who'd like to give them a shot. So, I'm pleased to announce the first ever Professional Jackass Blog Contest! If you want 'em, just leave a comment here telling me why. I'll pick the most amusing or interesting (or crazy) commenter to get 'em. I'll accept entries until I decide to stop, which will likely be my next payday (so I can afford to ship 'em somewhere).

danielo is also here: wondrous web, twitter, bcu.

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

Easter is: a bamboo rack and a blister.

Sunday, March 23, 2008



I got nostalgic this weekend. I loved lashing when I was a Boy Scout -- and I was good at it. So I lashed together a bamboo-pole rear rack on my steed. It lived long enough for this picture, but then was quickly dissembled. I discovered that (1) it didn't look nearly as good in real life as it did in my head; (2) jute twine is harsh on the hands; and (3) bamboo is slippery, and the joints, however tightly bound, still slipped enough to give way with even minimal force.

I am also here: Wondrous Web, Twitter, BCU.

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

Cycling t-shirt: "You're Welcome"

Wednesday, March 19, 2008



I've had this idea for a cycling t-shirt for awhile. I'm gonna get some made up and post 'em here for sale/giveaway. Huzzah!
I am also here: Wondrous Web, Twitter, BCU.

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

an imbalanced game

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

"Think of the motorists!"

This article in the Chicago Tribune is nothing new. I'll save you the time reading it by summing it up: "Bicyclists are all scofflaws, and I'm tired of them thinking they're above the law." It's been said a thousand times by a thousand drivers in a thousand cities. And as with the previous thousand times, it misses a fundamental point.

There is an inherent, and HUGE, imbalance in the game of mixed transportation. The imbalance is rarely acknowledged, probably because it's uncomfortable for drivers to hear. It's rather simple, really: a cyclist takes one life -- their own -- into their hands every time they take to two wheels. A motorist takes the lives of dozens, and very likely hundreds, of other people into their hands every time they drive. However nice it sounds, it's not as simple as "why can't we all just get along" when one player is wielding a deadly weapon.

When a person sets over two tons of metal and fire in motion, they assume a grave level of responsibility. All talk of cyclists' smugness, arrogance, and dangerous riding fades into silliness when you consider the brutal, street-level math. If a cyclist gets in a hurry, she may kill herself. If a driver gets in a hurry, she may kill lots of people.

"Think of the motorists"?! What kind of joke is this? Automobiles occupy nearly 100% of my thoughts while I am cycling. If it were otherwise, I'd be dead already. It's hard for me to take seriously any complaint about the minor inconvenience I present to drivers, as compared to the inconvenience of dying. Perhaps, dear driver, you'll grant me that your ability to easily, quickly, and violently kill me is of slightly greater consequence in the big picture than my ability to annoy you.

There are stupid drivers and stupid cyclists because there are stupid people. But when the game is being played in real time on the streets, things are not equal. No amount of whining about bicycles is going to wash away the imbalance. No editorial is going to make the annoyances felt by a driver sound anything less than psychotically misguided when compared to the risk of death.


I am also here: Wondrous Web, Twitter, BCU.

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

BREAKING: cyclist accident today

Thursday, March 06, 2008

3/6/08 11:53am Boise, Idaho - I just learned that mere blocks from me on Orchard Street, just south of Emerald, there's been a cyclist vs. truck accident, and my eye-witness of the accident scene says it doesn't look good. Nothing showing up on local news online yet.

2:24pm UPDATE - Channel 2 is the first place I've found a mention of this: LINK TO STORY. At this point, not much info. 50-year old man, serious injuries, but not life threatening.

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

Boise Bike Swap - buy a bike, but don't try to park one outside!

Saturday, March 01, 2008

I asked the man who took my admission today at the Boise Bike Swap whether the conspicuous lack of bicycle parking was intentionally ironic. He laughed. I wasn't, for once, trying to be funny.

Is it crazy of me to have expected some accommodation for cyclists here? How about a bike valet service, like at the Hyde Park Street Fair? How about just some basic bike racks with advertisements on them, donated by local bike shops?



My other blog!
Wondrous Web
by Dylan & danielo

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

It's not ironic when you're a cynic.

Friday, February 29, 2008

My trip home took me by the line outside the Boise Bike Swap -- and through a veritable ocean of cars parked in the surrounding blocks.

*sigh*


My other blog!
Wondrous Web
by Dylan & danielo

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

Guide for Safe Cycling on Mixed-Use Paths with Warm Weather Zombies

Monday, February 18, 2008

The Zombies are back out again, and if current trends continue, it looks like there may be a lot of Zombies this year. As such, I offer the following as a public service to my fellow cyclists:

Guide for Safe Cycling on
Mixed-Use Paths with
Warm Weather Zombies
by danielo

As warm rays of sun tease Warm Weather Zombies from their winter slumber, mixed use paths -- a favorite haunt of Zombies and their offspring -- become dangerous for cyclists of all skill levels. The creatures wander aimlessly on these paths, oblivious to others around them and creating hazardous riding conditions for cyclists and other faster path denizens. This handy guide to spotting and dealing with Warm Weather Zombies will help assure that your mixed-use path excursions are fun, safe, and reasonably free from dangerous Zombie encounters.

Recognizing Warm Weather Zombies

Spotting Warm Weather Zombies (WWZs) is fairly easy. They nearly always walk three or more abreast, and are incapable of remaining on one side of the path. When walking singly, WWZs are often lead by small dogs on long leashes, the mutts wandering even more aimlessly than their brain-dead masters, their leashes creating a trip-cord of sorts across the oncoming side of the path.

Zombies often travel with their offspring. The youngest Zombies are typically in strollers. The tiny vehicles can be spotted parked cross-ways in the center of the path, maximizing its path-blocking potential. A parent Zombie's head is often buried inside the shuttle as it searches for shiny objects to distract the youngster, whose antics irritate adult Zombies as much as the Zombies irritate right-thinking humans.

Older Zombie offspring are often seen crudely riding small bicycles, and are usually far from their parents, completely unrestricted by courtesy or good sense. The adage "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" has perhaps never been truer than when applied to the offspring of mindless Warm Weather Zombies.

Avoiding Zombie Incidents

When approaching WWZs from behind, even the most experienced cyclist must be especially wary of their unpredictable and erratic behavior. Although popularly recommended, it is highly dangerous to shout at, or otherwise startle a Zombie before passing from behind. Though normally sluggish, a startled WWZ can lunge in front of a passing cyclist in a mere millisecond. It is advisable to approach silently and pass the Zombie as widely and quickly as possible without alerting it to your presence, lest a shout of “on your left” be interpreted as a call to move left, virtually guaranteeing a collision. The WWZ may verbalize it's frustration at seeing you pass by loudly grunting in your direction. You will learn to brush off this insolence, comforted in the knowledge that you have successfully avoided a run-in with the dreaded creature.

Approaching a WWZ from the front possesses its own danger, especially if a cyclist lets down their guard in assuming the Zombie will see, and avoid, the danger in front of them. It must be remembered that Zombies are possessed by the delusion that they are ethereal, and that fast moving objects will pass directly through them. As such, it is not uncommon for a Zombie, even after making eye contact with an on-coming cyclist, to blindly step across the path directly in front of them. As before, startling a Zombie is strongly discouraged, and care must be taken to watch for signs of sudden movement until the WWZ is safely behind.

Zombies that have wandered off the paved path should not be discounted, as they pose a particularly dangerous situation for cyclists. For safety’s sake, one should always assume that a Zombie beside the path is a Zombie that is desperately watching for the worst possible moment to lunge back onto it. As when approaching WWZs from the front, it should never to taken for granted that eye contact will discourage the Zombie from lurching directly in front of an oncoming cyclist. In fact, most Zombies will automatically step out onto the path after making eye contact with an approaching cyclist, as their addled minds are totally void of the logic possessed by most humans.

WWZs are especially distracted by other Zombies, and tend to congeal together in the middle of mixed-use paths like blood clots choking a vessel. Even when ample off-path grassy areas are nearby, Zombies that decide to attempt conversation with their fellows cannot be bothered to move out of the way of oncoming traffic. Their already miniscule attention span, when befuddled by the grunts and groans of others, is rendered nonexistant, and Zombie masses are best avoided. An attempt by a well-meaning cyclist to urge the mob to move off the path will necessarily fail, and will often incite the mass to groan angrily at the cyclist. It must be remembered that Zombies are threatened by suggestions that their behavior is misguided, selfish, or inconsiderate. As such, when a WWZ clot is seen, an approaching cyclist is advised to undertake an evasive path around the cancerous mass, even when this requires actually leaving the path temporarily. In this way, the mob will remain unperturbed, reducing the risk that startled Zombies will scatter and threaten an even greater area.

Summary - Staying Safe

The tips presented here are rough guidelines. A wise and safe cyclist is one who is ever alert to the threat posed by Warm Weather Zombies. Recognizing the dangers created by these mindless, selfish creatures and actively avoiding all unnecessary encounters with the beings is vital to the survival of any cyclist utilizing mixed-use paths. The reward for adhering to diligent anti-Zombie procedures during warmer weather is the joy of reclaiming full use of the path when cold weather drives the monsters back to their hibernatory lives of laziness.



My other blog!
Wondrous Web
by Dylan & danielo

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

Artist: Michel de Broin

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Some intriguing works by Canadian artist Michel de Broin. Click pics for more info and pics of each work. Fair warning: some of de Broin's works are of the "oh come on, you can't seriously call that art?!" variety.

Keep On Smoking 2006
Peddle-powered smoke generator.



Encircling 2006
How cyclists view drivers.



Shared Propulsion Car 2005
Car powered by peddles.



Entrelacement (Tracery) 2001
More subtle commentary.

Labels: ,

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

2008 Boise Holiday Parade Bike Float

Thursday, February 14, 2008

I want to put this idea out to my fellow Boise cyclists now, in hopes of making this happen next winter. The Boise Holiday Parade is fun, but it's also a mess of motor vehicles and horses. It needs bikes. Specifically, it needs an entry called "Winter Cycling Is Fun!" or "Bicycles Aren't Just For Summer Anymore!" Something to demonstrate and celebrate the joy (and practicality) of cycling in the winter.

Picture a dozen winter cyclists on their steeds, decorated to the hilt, a few towing bedazzled trailers. Imagine a mass of cyclists and waving kids, puffs of warm breath sandwiched between rosy noses and big smiles. Picture those cyclists winning a new award: Most Educational. Is good, no?

I am willing to organize such a thing, but I need help. Obviously, I need cyclists to actually ride in the parade. But I also need help with planning and creating. Has anyone ever organized a parade entry (I haven't)? Will we need to approach a possible sponsor, like George's or another local bike shop? What sort of theme and decorations should we use?

I am hereby soliciting members for the 2008 Boise Holiday Parade Bike Float Committee. I'm willing to run with this if I can get 3 other people to join the committee.

If you're interested, please email me directly at bikeparade@danielo.org. I'd like to have at least an initial meeting, either in person or online, in the next couple of months, to begin laying out the scope of the project. If you know of others who might be interested, spread the word. The more the merrier!



My other blog!
Wondrous Web
by Dylan & danielo

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

$50 gift cert from Ultra Rob!

Monday, January 14, 2008

I forgot to mention that I won a $50 gift certificate on UltraRob's Gift Card Giveaway! I had mentioned the contest in a previous post, and if you didn't enter, thank you!

Do spend some time at Rob Lucas' site -- lots of cycling goodies within.

[photo from ultrarob.com]

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

The world has changed. You can too.

Saturday, January 05, 2008


[via]

Labels: ,

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

rolling - and not sliding - with kenda klondikes

Friday, December 28, 2007

Today I splurged on two Kenda Klondike studded tires from George's. Put 'em on after supper, and decided to take 'em out for a spin. The verdict:

WOWZA!!!

Within minutes I was seeking out worse and worse patches of ice, and firmly locking my front brakes, just to tease fate. I'd stop and try to put my feet down, but my feet would slide away -- meanwhile, the tires stuck firmly. I can't believe I've gone without them this long. And I'm glad I made the last-second decision to buy two, rather than just one. I leave for work at 5:30am tomorrow, and I can't wait!

Labels: , ,

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

anti-"dooring" signs in seattle and the pointlessness of signs in a world painted with printed messages

Thursday, December 20, 2007

This is the new signage that is being considered in Seattle, to help reduce "dooring" -- cyclists running into suddenly-opened car doors. Ugh. Another sign is yet another reason for people to NOT pay attention to the world around them, making it even more dangerous for cyclists.

On your commute home today, try to count the number of printed messages vying for your attention. I say "try" because you will fail -- you will either give up trying to count them, or you'll run into a tree. And if you can't even count the number of signs, how can you be expected to read them all? We live in a sea of signs, and we have become conditioned to ignore them because it's the only way to move around without being overwhelmed.

Signs "work" to the degree that they establish -- after the fact -- where responsibility lies. Their utility is always in retrospect -- a sign demonstrates who is to blame for an incident that already occurred.

I recall watching a helmet-cam video of a New York City cycle messenger who could (and did) reach in front of him and CLOSE car doors that opened on him. I'm quite serious -- he was like a bicycle ninja. I'm not that quick, so I just stay the hell out of the way.

And this is where I depart from the favor of my fellow cyclists -- I believe "dooring" prevention is simple, and I believe that the responsibility lies with the CYCLIST. I've never been doored because I'm never in door range.

* * *
In other news -- you should at least try to win a $50 gift card to spend over at UltraRob's Outdoor Gear shop.

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

flight of the conchords

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

It's not often I get to post about comedy and cycling in one blog! New Zealand comedy/singing duo Flight of the Conchords, recently received a nomination for a 2008 Comedy Grammy for their album "The Distant Future." Besides being incredibly funny, several of their videos feature prominent use of bicycles. Below are three that stand out. There is adult language involved in nearly all cases.

Video: "Mutha 'Uckers"


Video: "Foux Da Fa Fa"


Video: "Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros"

Labels: , ,

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

those damn xxx drivers!

Monday, December 10, 2007

How long have car addicts complained about "those damn XXX drivers" when the snow flies? Has it always been the out-of-state drivers to blame for winter driving mishaps? Here in Idaho, our favorite out-of-stater to hate is the Californian. I am listening, even as I type this, to the front office manager complain about how "they" drive too slow or too fast, because they don't know how to handle a little snow.

Meanwhile, my commute today, on our first substantial snowy morning in Boise, was gorgeous. I was slightly worried about my Armadillo tires, with their rather smooth tread, handling in the snow and ice, but I had no troubles whatsoever. I was surprised, and equally pleased, to see at least 5 sets of tracks that went before me on the Greenbelt. I passed only about 4 riders, one of whom looked to be a "forced cyclist" (read: withdrawn driving privileges), being grossly underdressed for the weather. Meanwhile, I over-layered (which is my tendency), and arrived at work a bit sweaty.

I took a route today that minimized my interaction with traffic. I don't worry too much about my vehicle. The nice thing about taking a spill in winter is that with all my bundling, there's little chance of any real injury from falling. It's the automobiles I worry about -- and not just the Californians. In fact, I have a different saying that accurately addresses the problem:

"Those damn drivers!"

Labels: , , ,

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

i love balls i mean alleys

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Google thinks I might love balls.

Truth is, I love cycling in alleys. You can make some pretty solid arguments about cycling in alleys being unsafe, but I'm not listening. LA-LA-LA-LA-I can't hear you. I have Armadillos and your goatheads can't hurt me LA-LA-LA-LA...

I love blending into a hidden part of the city, where people store their crap and flaunt their accidental creativity. I love how alleys appear and disappear from existence when you're not looking. I love how it's the same time when you exit an alley as when you enter because they are wormholes through space. I love how they're bumpy and full of metal and weeds and garbage cans and pieces of foam rubber.

Labels: ,

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

reason #n i don't miss my car

Monday, December 03, 2007

Sunday: Brake pad replacement
Expenses: $14.84
Time: 10 minutes

[image credit]

Labels: ,

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

boise bicycle project

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Could this finally be the pleasant-to-visit bike shop we've all wished existed? I had never heard of Boise Bicycle Project, and from the little "EST.08" on the logo, it doesn't exist quite yet.

Boise Bicycle Project "... is a new organization in Boise that seeks to promote the personal, social, and environmental benefits of bicycling. It functions as a bicycle recycling center as well as a (sic) educational workspace in a diverse and non-threatening atmosphere. Through education and access to inexpensive bicycles, we strive to build a stronger bicycling community."

The BoiseBicycleProject.org website is sparce on info, but they have a MySpace page with a bit more. It is described as a "non-profit bicycle shop" with the goal of providing a "non-threatening atmosphere" for education and inexpensive bikes. By recycling parts and using donations, they will provide bikes to kids and help others acquire bikes cheaply. They envision "a perfect world, [where] everyone (regardless of income) would have access to a strong running bicycle that they could be proud of."

I can find no reference to a location of the shop, however. Apparently they had a public meeting on Monday, November 26th at The Reef, and there's a benefit concert for the group/shop at the Neurolux on December 22nd.

UPDATE: I'm moving the following comment from Clancy up into the post due to its relevance to this story: "I attended the meeting and they are off to a slow start. It is a nonprofit community bike project. When they get the fund to open the shop, it will be a place to learn, teach bike knowledge. They currently are fixing up donated bikes and giving to needy kids. "

Labels: ,

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

pakistan's decorated vehicles

Today J-Walk pointed out a collection of photos of Pakistan's Decorated Vehicles by Peter Grant Photography. Among the dazzling trucks and even boats were a couple of bikes (click pictures here to view the entire gallery, including larger versions of these).

These guys would fit in quite nicely at Tour de Fat, eh? I've always kinda wanted to buy an old beater bike and deck it out in all manner of flashy bling, and these pictures offer some dramatic inspiration.


Labels: ,

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

balaclava weather!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

When I saw 23-degrees (F) on the thermometer this morning, I pulled out the balaclava for the first time this season. I over-bundling for my commute, and was too warm by the time I made it to work. If I'd been going any further, I'd have stopped and removed a layer. But there's something deeply satisfying about pulling up outside the office and peeling off layers in the icy air before stepping inside.

This morning was also the first time I rode by someone scraping their car windshield -- another selfish pleasure of mine. My balaclava hid a cheesy grin from the scraper.

The picture here, by the way, is "The Bearded Cap" by Icelandic design group Vik Prjónsdóttir (found via, then via). I'd wear it -- if it were for sale. Anyone knit?

Labels: ,

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

do you hear what i hear?

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Do you hear what I hear?

It's the sound of the last of the fair weather cyclists hanging up their bikes. Aaaaaah, the beautiful, beautiful snow!

(photo credit)

[contribute to danielo's trip to Cincy - why?]

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

BOB trailer $150 [SOLD!]

Friday, November 16, 2007

SOLD! SOLD! SOLD!

A fellow cyclista is selling a used BOB trailer (similar to one in picture), in excellent condition, with duffel, for $150. If you want it and are in the Treasure Valley area, email me via jackass at danielo dot org and I'll connect you. If you were wondering what I might want for Christmas, consider this the perfect gift.

[contribute to danielo's trip to Cincy - why?]

Labels:

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

reorganization

Thursday, November 15, 2007

In addition to the new format/appearance, I'm cleaning up labels, so that all posts will be classified under comedy and cycling, as referenced under "what's this all about" on the right. Some fall outside those categories, so they're more of a "find 'em when you can" category.

[contribute to danielo's trip to Cincy - why?]

Labels: ,

~ ~ twitter ~ myspace ~ contact ~

scary scary