Poor Bike Rack Design?

Had I not be in an automobile, stopped at a traffic light, I would have inspected the rack more closely. Clearly, there's signage and possibly instructions on those white squares at wheel height.

While on day trip to Montreal recently I spied this interesting bike rack. It is intriguing, to say the least, because for such a monstrous metal construction the rack only holds six bicycles. I wonder if there is some advantage I am unaware of because to use this contraption properly one must be able to lift their bicycle and finagle a U-lock in place at the same time—no easy feat!

I wonder if it is an experimental design. Or placed to raise awareness to unique rack design. Perhaps it's set there to start a conversation. Or was someone's thesis, surveying and video taping unsuspecting commuters scratching their heads, attempting to use the rack, all the while camera people are laughing behind the scenes. But one thing is for sure, it fails miserably as a rack for daily commuters using heavier bikes, especially bikes set up with front and rear racks, clearly evidenced by two of the four bikes in the photo.

I suspect I may be entirely missing the point of this rack—the more I observe its six-pointed stance, the arrow points remind me of something in nature or Calder-esque sculpture. Or maybe I'm reminded of Rivendell's fork blades advertised recently that indeed end in arrow-shaped axle clamps.

Montreal's public art appears all over the city—you just never know what you'll stumble across.

Riding the Trails at Sunny Hollow

Sunny Hollow Trails are only three miles from home. In recent years Fellowship of the Wheel, our local mountain bike club, has adopted and maintained this 5 mile network, once a haphazard system of walking trails on Colchester Park land, now adapted for bikes also. My husband and I walked most of the trails recently, realizing there are plenty of easy trails with enough intermediate level loops to satisfy everyone. In other words, perfect for a family ride.

On a "green" beginner trail.

I set out with our youngest son and his friend on a very hot day, however everyone was game and we brought plenty of water. It's been dry lately so trail conditions were just right. Insects have yet to emerge, another bonus.

My son and his friend rode over the 10' wide ramp. My son rode it a second time so I could snap a photo.
I was too chicken to even attempt it.

The boys led the entire way. "No offense," my son's friend said when I unintentionally started off first after a water break, "but you aren't riding a mountain bike."

I smiled. "Of course you can lead. But did you know that my bike was one of the first mountain bikes? From the 1980s. Before shocks were invented." My son confirmed this tidbit and we continued on.

Blue signs identify intermediate level trails.

The trails lack rocks and are often gently graded, even on switchbacks. There are many bridges for interesting riding with some roots to negotiate over or around. Sunny Hollow is a nice riding playground, good for about an hour's fun, and thus never crowded. We'll be back.

Bike Parties - Inclusive or Uncomfortable?

Photo credit: Experienceplus.com 

I have a love hate relationship with bike party events. I hear about them in list serves, Facebook pages, etc. and promptly forget about when each event occurs until I stumble upon on a party in progress. Usually, it's when I'm riding around and encounter a mass of cyclists, ringing bells and yelling, approaching from a cross street. You can't miss their arm waving, funny hats, lack of helmets, rolling group 50-100 strong, taking the entire lane, pedaling through stop signs, traffic lights—otherwise known as a bike party.

And yet, people are riding bicycles en mass, attracting attention, enjoying fine weather, encouraging others to join their crowd. And, I must admit, there is something admirable about a group using two wheels to get to a destination after a tour around the city, and I am momentarily swept along with their enthusiasm, riding for a block or two if we're traveling in the same direction.

But, inevitably I break away from the group. I'm practically their grandma's age, uncomfortable with hooting and hollering, and frankly they end up at someone's home or apartment, drinking beer—the premise after all of bike party. Plus, riders break all the rules of the road—the very etiquette I've taught our children to abide by for safe cycling. More than anything, it's the unlawful bike conduct that grates on me.

Don't get me wrong. This age group tend toward radical antics anyway, staging sleep-ins on public property, holding protests, or more mild gatherings like car washes to support local charities. They have enthusiasm and gumption in spades. And the more I think about it, while I may not condone their cycling habits, at least young people are congregating, cycling to the beach, to friend's houses, to the store, and have left the car behind. Or, maybe youngsters can't afford a vehicle and have finally accepted the bicycle as viable transportation. Whatever the reason, perhaps bike party suits this age group just fine, and if they end up drunk, riding a bike home or walking because they are too inebriated to stay upright, well, isn't that safer than getting behind the wheel of an automobile?

Riding in a Dress Saves Time for Other Things

I wound a hair tie around dress bottom for a worry-free, grease-free ride.

I discovered a way to wear a dress at work with minimal changing time* (switch to lightweight tights in office bathroom then slip into shoes stored in my cubicle), particularly helpful in the afternoon when I was pressed for time to get to a meeting directly after work. Transitioning to bike attire was simple, taking a mere 10 minutes from computer shutdown to pedaling away from the office. This planning tip allowed me to leave the car at home and add one more bike commute to my work week. Win, win all around!

*There are blogs devoted to stylish biking so I'm not an authority on this subject. And while I don't usually wear a dress to work, this particular instance saved me from driving a car.

Ice Out! Good Riding Times Ahead

Spring is slow to reveal itself this year. One week of 60F temperatures teases, then another week of snow flurries and highs of 50F brings us back to reality. But hyacinths are blooming, daffodils are emerging, and the grass is slowly turning green.

I've kept my eye on the lakeshore too. High winds broke up the lake ice about two weeks ago, then beautiful cup-like ice structures hugged the shoreline. Now, the water is clear, turning multiple shades of blue.

The waterfront path is full of runners, walkers, and people of all ages, enjoying what Spring has chosen to provide. And as the Canadian geese are squawking overhead, we take what nature has to give, when she's ready. I'm thankful for blue scilla peeking above the ground, for sunshine, water views, and one day at a time, as Spring unfolds.

Good riding times ahead.