This is what a trailer is for:

3 Wheels. 4 1/2 Miles. 48 Beers. 576 Fluid Ounces.

In Memory Of Colt Benson

Our friend and cycling buddy Colt Benson sadly passed away last night. No matter what type of bike he was riding he was always having fun. In his memory we are dedicating the New Gears Alleycat Race.



That second picture is Colt watching Alex Carr light his belly hair on fire.

Gold Sprints comin' a little closer

STL Sprints is bringing roller racing to the region beginning on January 14. We might have to see about a road trip for these.

America's Bicycle Interstate System

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2008-12-09-bicycle-route-system_N.htm

There's no ice so you have no excuse

I've told most of you that you're doing this:



It's Parker's last night in town before he goes back to Arizona for the winter AND we'll be celebrating Josh Ryan's birthday which is Wednesday. Thing starts around 10:30pm.

See you out.

Just a Reminder

Cyclocross this Sunday! See the post below for more info.

If there's too much snow on the ground

Yeah I know, at first snow here we're all out on our bikes or falling off of them but there are probably some places where there is too much snow or some people who don't like riding in the cold weather. Whatever this guy's deal is he's used his indoor time wisely:



Kinda looks like Sasha Barr to me.

I won! I WON!!

So Burd posted up some pics of some sneaks over at Bootleg Sessions with a little contest. I sent in a picture and it turns out I WON the contest! Here's the sweet little MS Paint'd pic I posted:



I'm supposed to be getting a prize package so hopefully that'll come through before the New Gears Alleycat.

Bikes and Memphis

Hi all--

Last month, the Sustainable Shelby Draft Implementation Strategies was released to members of the Sustainable Shelby Initiative Planning Committees. The strategy guide is a list of "and here's how were gonna do its" based on feedback from 7 committees that brainstormed on how to make Shelby County a sustainable county. I represented the bicycling community on the Traffic and Transportation Committee, and so I wanted to share with you the strategies that are aimed specifically at creating a city where riding a bicycle is, well, more easy than it is today.


First, the MPO will work for an award that recognizes the city's bicycle amentities:

1.1.6: U.S. cities that are attracting and retaining talent are also bike-friendly communities. All
jurisdictions within Shelby County by December 1, 2009, will have applied to the League
of American Bicyclists, with help from the Metropolitan Planning Organization's (MPO)
bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, to become a "Bicycle Friendly Community."
10 & 34

Read more here about the process involved in winning a designation.


Turns out the bike is great for calming traffic:

1.5.6: Traffic calming design elements are essential to great neighborhoods. These elements
include raised crosswalks, curb extensions, street trees, on-street parking, bicycle lanes,
medians and narrow lanes and should be placed into the Memphis and Shelby County
Unified Development Code (UDC), especially along areas identified in the UDC with
pedestrian and urban frontage zones. 35


This is the big one, ladies and gentlemen. This staff person, who will work for the city, will be the point person for how Memphis develops as a bicycle town. We are at a moment when bicycle planning can be done in the spirit of tokenism, that is a spirit of concession, or it can be done with a spirit of genuine determination to affirm the importance of bicycles in urban areas. I think the person in this position will affect the direction we take:

5.16: Livable cities are also bikable cities. Our community needs to ensure that more attention
is given to the role of bicycles as alternative transportation and vehicles for community-
building. By June 1, 2009, the Memphis Urban Area Memphis Planning Organization
(MPO) will hire a Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the greater Memphis region.
The coordinator will advance the potential of new bicycle initiatives, ensure that bicycle
needs are integrated into plans, and support programs of grassroots bicycle
organizations 10


The following reccomendation has to do with affecting the private sector:

1.6.17: Major employers should respond to and encourage more biking to work. They should
provide shower facilities for employees who bike to work. The Unified Development Code
should allow for a reduction in the number of required parking spaces if a business
provides an approved bicycle rack. 40

This statement reccomends that the best and most up to date bicycle plans be included as a part of the long range transportation plan for Memphis. The Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) has already created a plan, and updated that original plan. This plan now appears in Chapter 9 of Memphis' Long Range Transporation Plan. It's titled "Bicycle and Pedestrian Component." Ill send it to you if you want it.

1.6.18
More concerted action and attention to complete streets will better address bicycle and
pedestrian needs. By July 1, 2009, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning
Organization's Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator will update MPO's Bicycle and
Pedestrian Plan to incorporate changes to the plan suggested in 2030 Long Range
Transportation Plan, ensure that the plan contains the latest design guidelines for bicycle
and pedestrian facilities, incorporate elements of the different jurisdiction's updated
zoning and subdivision codes and comprehensive plans, and ensure the implementation
of the recommendations found in the plan and identify bicycle lanes that can be easily
striped.
10 & 34

This is a solid reccomendation. I also want to point out that I read something very interesting--well, interesting to those of us who enjoy the rancor of Memphis politics. The debate now is around "Practical Consolidation," and what that would mean. Well, the police seem to have a hard time working together, it sure aint practical to integrate the schools, but it appears that the two engineering Departments constitute a practical point of consoliation for the Memphis/Shelby Count governements. This is good.

I think that is what this "Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization" language is about--it might represent the combined efforts of the city and county engineering and planning divisions, as is done currently with the Office of Planning and Dvelopment.

1.6.19: All jurisdictions within Shelby County should provide by July 1, 2009, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator with their upcoming paving schedules and other relevant public works projects so that the
coordinator can work with the different jurisdictions to help install appropriate bicycle and
pedestrian facilities identified in the MPO's Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.
10

This is a huge one yall. Inter jusridictional means "from the local governement."

1.6.20 Shelby County should promote an inter-jurisdictional dedicated funding source for bicycle and pedestrian improvements in its CIP and yearly operating budgets by January 2010. 10

On the "philosophy" of sharing the road, and of the Bike Coordinator's job:

4.1.6: A stronger "share the road" philosophy is needed in our community. By January 1, 2010, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's Bicycle and Pedestrian
Coordinator should work to create a "share the road" website as a platform for
pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists on how to safely operate on the roadways.
35


Sharing the good word, of the new "philosophy"

4.1.7: The Metropolitan Planning Organization's Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator should
partner by January 1, 2010, with health and educational institutions to create a safety
education campaign by using resources like The Roadway Safety Foundation's education
grant, radio advertisements, newspaper articles, and online media to educate the public
about how to act safely whether they are pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorists.
35

The "Green Office" would have roof top parking for bikes!

5.1.1: For reasons equal parts symbolic and pragmatic, a center for sustainability should be
built that becomes ground zero for all things sustainable in our community. "The Green
Center" would be home to the Office of Sustainability, but more importantly, it would be
home to a sustainable business incubator, a venture fund for green businesses, a one-
stop shop for sustainability practices and resources, and for green technology displays.
In addition, The Green Center should offer space for nonprofit green organizations'
offices so they could co-located in ways that would allow them to share administrative
costs and to develop new partnerships and programs through cross-fertilization of ideas
and energies. Special emphasis should be given to a location that allows for adaptive
reuse of an existing business with the potential for a green roof, special parking for
vehicles using alternative energy, bicycle commuters, etc. The Green Center should be
the single place where the inspirations of the sustainability movement in our community
converge with our aspirations for the future. 48


So now that you are all snoozing, this is a really great document with lots of potential. Why? Barring something totally crazy and unforseen, A.C. Wharton will be our mayor in 2011, and he was the man behind this plan. It was well done, and includes alot of language favorable to the bike. Thanks to all the folks who came and voted at the Sustainable Shelby Meeting in July. Job well done--now the work begins.

The Greening Greater Memphis people are hosting an event this Tuesday at The University of Memphis. If anyone wants to ride over together, meet up at Revolutions Bike Shop in First Congregational Church at 5:30.

You thought about it, you talked about it, you asked for it, so here it is!

Please join us at the Greening Greater Memphis

Presentation of its Strategic Plan Outline

Framing Action for the Future

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The University of Memphis Fogelman Executive Center*

5:00 – 5:30 Hors d'oeuvres

5:30 – 6:30 Strategic Plan

Thanks to all who participated in the August stakeholder meeting.

Come see where Greening Greater Memphis is headed next!

R.S.V.P. Please reply to this email by Monday, December 1, 2008 or call Ashley Harper at (901)722-0022 to confirm attendance.

Happy New Gears 2009

It works like this: meet at East High Track, ride nine laps, having a beer before, during or after. When your nine laps is complete you will get a manifest for the rest of the race.

Pay attention to the bag, lock and extra $3.

Email fixmemphis@yahoo.com if you would like to volunteer.

Martin Luther Cross 2008

Announcing the 2008 Martin Luther Cross cyclocross race at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Memphis (map below). 10 am Sunday 21 December. No cost to race, no prize but glory to the winner (unless I can scare up some schwag). 2 km, UCI-legal course (eg., only one barrier section) with both fast and technical components and a wicked run-up.

Leave a comment if you're planning on riding or if you have any questions.

MLK park:

View Larger Map

Approximate route of course:

View Larger Map

Call for Volunteers

We're looking for people to help run checkpoints for the January 1st Alleycat. This may or may not involve dressing in a costume, taking pictures, getting (re)drunk, or explosives. If this sounds like something you can do then send an email to fixmemphis@yahoo.com.

Dear Person Who Gave Me A Used Sucker

as a spoke card: Thank you. I take pleasure in karma; knowing that someday soon you will be graced with some insignificant inconvenience. Perhaps it will involve sweets, like maybe you will step in some gum or sit on a piece of chocolate, so that it looks like you have a skidmark on your pants. Or maybe it won't involve sweets and someone will piss on the door handle of your car. Whatever happens, I wish I could be there to see the look on your face, that look that says, "Aaarrggh, KARMA!!!"

Fuji Track Frame on Craigslist

A gent by the name of Kenny just moved back from Japan and brought this back with him:



It's a 53cm frame, track dropouts. Wheels not included, but some quality components otherwise. Check the specs here and give him a call if you're interested.

Keep Pedalin' Sean

Some of you were fortunate enough to meet a wonderful man named Sean who drove through town 'bout a week ago. He has a little blogsite with which he is documenting his cross country journey. Well he finally got around to posting pictures of his Memphis visit and the Thursday Night Ride. Here are a few of my faves:





Thanks for all of the beers and margaritas, Sean! Have a safe trip and we hope you'll come back someday.

Couples Trackstanding

Rolling Up:


Hands on saddles:


Switch to wheel, putting leg through frame:


Leg through frame on crank pedal, other foot on other bike's pedal, foot on chainstay:


Deciding how to switch bikes:


This really works better with more people, and I've atually switched to someone else's bike.

Just to clarify: We are not attacking Lew

According to this website: http://roadbikememphis.com/ Memphis Bargain Bicycles (the company that Lew runs) is under attack by someone he assumes is me. While in the past we (myself and Gorman) have had issues with Lew's pricing we have agreed to resolve all issues with a phone call.

I just want everyone to know that we are upholding our end of the accord and also that myself nor Revolutions nor First Congo Church is responsible for any attack on Lew, his character, or his company after our agreement.

I also want to add that my name is spelled Cort, not Corey. It's not a common name and I can understand the confusion.

From the folks who brought you the moonwalking bear

dothetest.co.uk has come up with another cycling awareness test, or rather tests. Here's my favorite:



The other two can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubNF9QNEQLA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cd63P54PaI

These were all produced by Transport for London, a government organization that handles London's transportation issues from subways to congestion and penalty charges (which I assume are the equivalent of traffic tickets) to cycling awareness. The website is extremely easy to use, not like our government websites that look as though they were designed by 1994. And cycling takes a very prominent role on their agenda. They plan to have a hire cycle network (similar to Paris) in place by 2010. That alone makes me want to go to London.

How can we get Memphis (or MATA) to care about us this much?

Ridin?

Hey y'all, I received the following email, from the eponymous Chop Saw today:

Hey, I'll be in memphis on tues. nov. 18th, anybody ridin/beer drinkin?

While I won't be, I'm sure some of you will. I sent him over here, so post any ideas in the comments and hopefully the magic will happen.

Kermit's CX championship pics

Cole mashes Joel's FG cyclocross style.

via Kermit's flickr.

Sunday - Cyclocross Championship

Outdoors Inc. is hosting the 22nd annual Tennessee Cyclocross Championship at Greenbelt Park on Mud Island this Sunday, November 16th. I'm not sure if anyone will be riding fixed at this race but you can still come out and cheer on your friends. Chase will be riding a test bike from Blue Bicycles so when you see him be sure to yell some words of encouragement. He's kinda self-concious about his beard (we're doing this whole No-Shave November thing) so be sure to say something about that. Maybe point out that he looks like an albino lion.

Registration is at 8am and races start at 9am. Details are here. It's going to be cold so bundle up and maybe bring some hot chocolate in addition to your beer and cowbell.

Keep it smooth, y'all

It looks like the roller/trainer season is upon us. Rain and 40º temps (the horror!) for the next few months may keep a few of us inside. Anyway, here's some inspiration for those long hours - keep it smooth, y'all.

Fixed Gear Components at Peddler

It's been a while but we're finally restocking our MKS Sylvan Track Pedals and we're also getting a few Soma Oppy XX Four Gate toe clips in black and the double straps to go with them.



We also have a lot of other stuff in the store. If we don't have it we can always order it, as can any other shop in Memphis. Because it's better support the LBS than to pay the shipping yourself.

Peddler Bike Shop Open House

As some of you know the Highland-Walker area has started a "Night Out" where local businesses are open until 9pm. This is to give the people who work all day a chance to see what's going on in the shops on Highland and Walker. The Peddler usually hosts a bicycle ride that leaves from the shop at 6:30 and travels to Overton Park and back. However this time when you come back there will be Lenny's subs waiting for you. BYOB, of course. I know it's pretty cold but we have plenty of arm warmers, knee warmers, thermal tights and balaclavas to keep you toasty.

And have you ever noticed the shop next door to Peddler: Soma? Well, the lady who owns that is back in town and has been open as of late, so I imagine this will be a great oppurtunity for everyone to see what her shop is about.

Cycleterror Pictures!

The set can be found here.

Better Start Training

A couple of weeks ago I read an article (it might have been this one) about the Rapha Gentleman's Race and was trying to think of something similar we could do in Memphis. Of course the options are few due to our vertically challenged geography. But as I was having some beers and pizza at Memphis Pizza Cafe one afternoon I got an idea; and maybe you can guess where I'm going with this: "We can combine all of these things and have a great race!" So I started planning in my head the route to the 4 MPC's then Emily showed me the menu and there are actually 5 locations!

I went home and sat down with google maps and mapped out a general route that covers 57.7 miles and thought about some general rules:

- Race takes place on Labor Day or some holiday when everyone is closed and the weather is nice
- Team race: all team members must cross finish at the same time (thought about making it a co-ed team race, but I don't know how many girls will be down for this)
- Drink a beer at each location
- Early registration is a must as teams will be chosen at random

You can see by the way the locations are staggered that it won't be a very difficult ride. This is also not a fixed specific ride, none of our alleycats are, but I know that a lot of people haven't done 60 miles on their fixed gear, much less a geared bike. I'm posting about this now because Josh Ryan mentioned doing a longer race today and I was all "I got that shit mapped already!" and secondly to get everyone's input. It's difficult to organize a race by yourself, as a few of us know, and the reason for this blog is to build our community. So let us know what you think.

Couldn't have said it better myself...

Hipster Nascar

Thanks to Gorman for hosting the party last night! My Celebration sweater has never had more fun.

Thank You New Orleans!!

Denis, Erica, Emily and I just rolled in from New Orleans where we had a fucking blast! Our new friend Paul put together one of the most elaborate races: witches brewing in a cauldron, Jason, riding as the "headless cyclist", dancing to "Thriller", getting mummy-wrapped, digging through someone's guts... And those were just SOME of the checkpoints. Denis will have to tell you more about it because my weak gear and my weak legs couldn't hold his pace. Thankfully I didn't get lost. What was amazing was the traffic; the cars are so used to pedestrians and cyclists. We were weaving in and out of cars and buses and people and going wrong ways on one-way streets; so much fun! And the cops didn't give a shit! (as opposed to Memphis, where the first part of our alleycat several of us got pulled over for running a red light!) However the streets are terrible; they should just be called potholes with a little bit of street in them. Regardless, Denis finished 1st out of towner and 3rd overall!

We called it an early night Friday then spent all day Saturday riding around the French Quarter (Emily really liked weaving through traffic!), eating great food and Denis and I picked up on some polo matches while the girls shopped. We each won two of our three matches. We finished the day with beignets at Cafe Du Monde and a chill moment of the levee.

Pictures of the race, costumes, and everything will be up soon. Thanks again to everyone who welcomed us into their community, especially Paul, Russell, Willie, Daniel, Gabe, Lando and everyone who's name I forgot!

Devil's Advocate Results

So from my memory this is how the race ended:

1st: Josh Ryan
2nd: Cort (1st fixed)
3rd: Zac Taylor

Girls:

1st: Alona Lerman
2nd: Emily Greenberg (1st fixed)
3rd: Ray (sorry girl, I don't know your last name)

Thanks to pilot for the snapshot of the afterparty line-up. If anyone has pictures please label them with "Memphis", "Devil's Advocates" "Halloween" and "alleycat". Then let me know 'bout it.

Thanks to Denis and Chase for putting it together. It was tremendous fun!

The Rebirth of Bashing

The Devil's Advocate's Alleycat is scheduled for Thursday, October 30th. Registration at 8:30pm at Revolutions Co-Op; ride at 9pm same place. In previous races you've been able to select your own route. This race is different. It's set up Basher style, meaning that the course is marked with arrows. At some points there may be two or more arrows and you will have to choose. If you've chosen wisely you WON'T see a sign that says "Turn Around." A Basher race is the perfect way to combine skill and luck; and at the end everyone parties. Bring a messenger bag and a pumpkin. Official flyer will be up hopefully Monday.

The Death of Crunk

...well, at least until next year. Tomorrow night, TUESDAY, will be the last in the series of Cyclocrunk races for 2008. The weather should be super nice so even if you don't have a cross bike or don't have the gumption to race (and I'm partly talking to myself here) then you can come out to Tobey Field, across Central from the Liberty Bowl and watch the race at 7pm. Bring beers and a cowbell. I'm going to try to be there but I might have to ride a Speialized Tarmac on the Peddler Tuesday Night Ride (I know, poor me). Check Cyclocrunk.com for pictures and info.

Highland Walker Festival

This is really going to be fun. The Peddler is having an open house at 7AM followed by a morning bike ride at 8. The ride will take you up East on Quince, North on Kirby and back to the shop via Shady Grove.

The rest of the day is filled with beer drinking and vendors showcasing sustainability. Revolutions will have a booth; if you're always busy during Revolutions normal hours you can drop by their booth and learn about their great program and even become a member.

For more information visit the Highland Walker Street Festival Myspace.

New Velocity Deep-V Colors

While waiting for the Thursday night ride to ensue I checked out Fixed Gear Gallery's coverage of Interbike and saw some fucking sweet new Deep-V's:



Those are probably my favorites because I'm such a hippie. The rest can be seen at velocityusa.com. These should be available now and they are all 32 hole non-machined side wall (NMSW), which means you can't run brakes on them. They are powdercoated images and not stickers (like my Dart Frog junt). I know the Peddler Bike Shop can order some for you and I'm pretty sure other LBS's can as well. I can't wait to see the beautiful creations that you guys and girls start riding around Memphis.

$300 Fixed Gear!

Schwinn is offering probably the most base fixed gear bicycle available for 2009.

Pros: Sealed hubs (The Langster doesn't offer this), the 1 1/8 threaded headset can be converted to threadless with a little bit of money (which I would recommend after seeing Chase's bent fork*)

Cons: Semi sealed BB, crankset is cheap

Projections say the bike should be available now, but at this price good luck getting your hands on one. Here are all of the specs.

See what other people are saying over at urbanvelo.org.

*Caveats: Chase was jumping down a 3-set and his fork is about 20yrs old.

Bicycling 101

Hey everyone! Sorry this is going out so late but whatever...

Revolutions is starting it's Fall Semester of cycling classes tomorrow.

Saturday October 11: Bicycle Safety in the Streets
Should I ride with traffic or against it? Should I ride on the sidewalk? Can I take a left hand turn in traffic on my bike? Is it even legal to ride in the road? How can I safely navigate Memphis’ city streets? Answers to all these questions and basic street safety procedures will be covered in this workshop.

Classes are $10 and usually fill up quick. Check the calendar to the right for a class you'd like to attend and send an email to revolutionsbikeshop@gmail.com

I'm personally holding out for Bicycling 101: SUMMER SCHOOL! in the hopes that Mark Harmon can turn my group of ne'er-do-well and slacker friends into C students.

Going to New Orleans for Halloween

Totes gonna rep Memphis in the zombiecat. If anyone wants to join there are two seats in the car but you have to sit with your bicycles on your lap.

Demon Days

My friend Paul in New Orleans is organizing this one. It should be quite entertaining. Widespread Panic is playing in NO the same weekend. I hope we'll be able to distinguish the zombies from the acid-cracked hippies. More info at nolabikerace.com

Memphis Downs winners Denis Raml and Chase Hardin are putting together a Memphis race for Thursday the 30th. More info on that coming soon.

Where is Section 211?

Kermit texted me to google bailout bill section 211 and while there are many websites showing the text from said section, I can't find it in the actual bill.

Somebody help!

If you have no luck either, this is what it supposedly says:

“(a) In General- Paragraph (1) of section 132(f) is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(D) Any qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement.’.

(b) Limitation on Exclusion- Paragraph (2) of section 132(f) is amended by striking `and’ at the end of subparagraph (A), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (B) and inserting `, and’, and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

`(C) the applicable annual limitation in the case of any qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement.’.

(c) Definitions- Paragraph (5) of section 132(f) is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(F) DEFINITIONS RELATED TO BICYCLE COMMUTING REIMBURSEMENT-

`(i) QUALIFIED BICYCLE COMMUTING REIMBURSEMENT- The term `qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement’ means, with respect to any calendar year, any employer reimbursement during the 15-month period beginning with the first day of such calendar year for reasonable expenses incurred by the employee during such calendar year for the purchase of a bicycle and bicycle improvements, repair, and storage, if such bicycle is regularly used for travel between the employee’s residence and place of employment.

`(ii) APPLICABLE ANNUAL LIMITATION- The term `applicable annual limitation’ means, with respect to any employee for any calendar year, the product of $20 multiplied by the number of qualified bicycle commuting months during such year.

`(iii) QUALIFIED BICYCLE COMMUTING MONTH- The term `qualified bicycle commuting month’ means, with respect to any employee, any month during which such employee–

`(I) regularly uses the bicycle for a substantial portion of the travel between the employee’s residence and place of employment, and

`(II) does not receive any benefit described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1).’.

(d) Constructive Receipt of Benefit- Paragraph (4) of section 132(f) is amended by inserting `(other than a qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement)’ after `qualified transportation fringe’.

(e) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.”

Caps

Rivendell is offering this sweet Sugino cycling cap on their website. Rivendell Bicycle Works:



Sugino cranks are rather dope so I thought you all might be interested in this. Mine's on the way. I've also scooped one of those Nitto T's.

GreenForAll Event-Tour the Greater Memphis Greenline

A show and tell of the proposed rail/trail project, it's benefits and
plans. Come see the trail and how it relates to 2 locations. 11:30 am
Sat, Sept 27 where the trail intersects with Shelby Farms Park. Meet in
the parking lot where Mullins Station crosses the railroad tracks
(slightly west of Farm Road)-there will be signs. Then at 1pm meet
again at High Point Pizza 477 High Point Terrace at Philwood near Summer
in the High Point Terrace neighborhood center for a tour of the
rail/trail as it passes through a neighborhood. As to the Greening of
Memphis, this trail along with the Wolf River Greenway and
bike/pedestrian developments, will enhance the walkability/bikability of
Memphis. Come see the economic value of a greenway in jobs, business
and recreational opportunities. Green Jobs include all of the jobs
associated with building, maintenance and use of the GMG from planning
to construction, maintenance, administration, local shops, recreation,
picnicing, gardening, playgrounds, arboretums,retail and other jobs as a
result of the public use of the GMG and the parks. Additional benefits
include reduced transportation, less carbon impact, more efficient
transportation, as well as less health care cost as a result of the
exercise, etc.

Call Steven Sondheim 761-1793 for information.


[via the venerable tatrehead]

Cycling laws... Again.

A while back JMG posted the City of Memphis cycling laws:

http://fixmemphis.blogspot.com/2008/07/memphis-city-cycling-code.html

And here are the TN State Cycling Laws:

http://bikememphis.com/TCA.htm

The only conflict I can see is that City Laws say to ride single file and State Laws allow riding two abreast.

Memphis Downs 3 Race Results & Pictures!!

Thanks to everyone that came out for the events and an extra special thanks to all of our sponsors, especially Chuey Brand who did not make it onto the flyer. The results for the races are as follows:

Memphis Downs Garage Alleycat

Denis Raml - 18pts.
Chase Hardin - 17
Josh Gorman - 16
Matt Rogers - 15
Joel Glasgow - 14
Kermit Dyer - 13
Zach Taylor - 12
Isaiah Flowers - 11
Josh Ryan - 10
Eric Garcia - 9
Patrick Wilson - 8
John Evans - 7
Zach Crandall - 6
Emil Orth - 5
Parker Davis - 4
Ryan Mitchell - 3
Andy Jameson - 2
Anthony Siracusa - 1

For Bike Polo:

Kermit, Josh Gorman, and Cort - 4pts
Matt, Mike, and Andy - 3pts
Denis, Martin, and Jason - 2pts
Anthony, Chase, and Parker - 2pts

Skids:

Josh Gorman - 7pts
Chase - 6
Cort - 5
Parker - 4
Denis - 3
Ray - 2
Eric - 1

Footdown:

Denis - 11
Chase - 10
Kermit - 9
Cort - 8
Josh Groman - 7
Parker - 6
Ray - 5
Eric - 4
Emily - 3
Andy - 2
Matt - 2

Overall Points Winners:

Chase Hardin - 36pts
Denis Raml - 35
Josh Gorman - 34
Kermit Dyer - 27
Matt Rogers - 20

Ray swept the girls competition and came out with some beautiful prizes.

Hope everyone had a great time and we'll see you for the next one!






The entire set here!

And one more change of address

The Fun and Games event for tonight will be happening at Revolutions Co-Op. It's a wonderful place for footdown and skids as we learned at the MASH Premier. The weather looks great so we'll see you at 6pm.

Yet another change of address

Bike Polo will be behind the Peddler on Highland tonight. Bring $5 if you haven't paid for everything. Mallets are taken care of.

Oh, and everyone who came to movie night got a point.

See you at 7!

Memphis Downs Movie Night Change of Address

Unfortunately the Media Co-op has had theft problems that resulted in there no longer being a Media Co-op. Therefore, we have moved the location of the Movie Night to a big and empty house.


Don't forget to ride your bicycle on acount of the streets will be closed off for the Cooper Young Festival race. Directions to the best night of your life are as follows:
1930 Nelson
Heading East on Nelson, turn left at the fourth house on the left.
The house is at the intersection of Barksdale and Nelson, right across the street from the "8 til' 8" shop. The house is mauve-colored stucco with white shutters and green stars on those white shutters. Hot tree in the front yard.

B.Y.O.B. and L. and Popcorn

Prizes! Well, so far...

Snowflake wheel, wool jerseys, hats, T-shirts, hoody, dvds, u-lock holsters, top tube pads, cycling caps and we're still waiting on a few more packages.

Same rights, same rules

Memphis Downs was run so well last year that not only are we doing the same garages but I'm even stealing Josh's rules with the exception of the finish.

Checkpoints, thoughts and rules for the first ride

245 Washington
49 S. Front Street
505 Zach Curlin
Comfort Inn
Cannon Center/Hilton (lowest level)
Third and Monroe, West of Autozone Park
869 Madison
Commerce (Market) Square Parking
340 Innovation Drive
Parking Can Be Fun

afterparty/finish: ???*

Instructions for manifests will be announced at the beginning of the ride. Riders are advised to wear a helmet and have proper lights and reflectors on their bikes. We also require that all traffic laws be respected - especially speed and weight limits.

This ride requires that all participants act in an honorable manner. If you think it is cheating, it is cheating, so don't do it. Go to every garage, please. All podium positions and three random riders will be selected for post-ride blood tests. All riders currently under investigation by the UCI, WADA, CONI or their respective national anti-doping committees will be barred from participation.

The points for the winners of the Memphis Downs will work like this: Riders receive points in each ride for the order in which they finish. The first place finisher receives as many points as there are riders in the specific ride. For example, if 37 riders ride tomorrow night, the first place finisher receives 37 points, the second place rider receives 36, etc. For bike polo, points will be awarded on a team basis and teams of 3 will be drawn at random. If there are 5 teams, the winning team will receive 5 points each, second place 4 points each, etc. Skid contest and footdown work the same way.

There will be prizes for each race as well as prizes for overall cumulative points.



*PAY ATTENTION*

Last year we did numbers on top of the garages, this year it's letters. You will have to unscramble the letters of the various checkpoints to determine the finish destination.


Check back for updates, some shit will probably go awry.

No Flat Track, Bike Polo Instead

In an effort to get more practice in for the Downs we will be playing Bike Polo behind the Peddler on Highland today at 7pm. We will divide into teams and anyone who shows up will get a chance to play. Tell everyone!

Bicyclist Assaulted by Police Officer in Memphis Last Night

Last night I saw a bicycle rider attacked by a police officer.

Around 11:30 p.m., a group of riders headed south on Second Street to the intersection of Second and Beale. With foot traffic very light and no police prohibition at the edge of Beale, the riders rode down Beale to Third Street. Upon seeing further bike traffic as prohibited, the riders turned to head south to bypass the busy section of Beale St. When the cyclists reached Third and Beale, a police officer turned and began waving his arms. To avoid the policeman, who would have otherwise been struck by the bicycles, riders headed south on Third up the sidewalk.

After six riders passed the officer, he became angry. As the seventh rider passed the officer, the policeman grabbed the cyclist by the shoulder and threw him to the ground. Shocked, I slowed to a stop, worried my friend had broken his arm. When my friend pulled himself from the concrete, the officer stepped as close as he could to my friend, who was now bleeding, and screamed into his face: “Didn’t I tell you to stop?”

Officer Woodward, badge number 842, had the number “06” pinned to his lapel. After the officer ceased yelling, I asked the him if we were free to go. “You are!” he screamed. “But not your friend! He’s getting a citation!” And after a moment’s pause, he screamed “You’re all getting citations! For hanging around!” We calmly replied that we were concerned that our friend was injured, to which the officer said nothing. After 30 minutes, my friend who was assaulted by a police officer and the three of us that stayed around to be sure he was alright ended up with tickets.

While we waited, three eyewitnesses offered their phone numbers to us and offered to testify against the police in a court of law. Our court date is set for the 21 of October at 1:30 p.m.

The citation reads that we had been warned many times before, and had been seen on Beale riding bicycles before. I have never once been warned about riding bikes on Beale St., and had never in my life seen any of the police officers on duty that night. The police report was falsified.

This type of un-checked violence from police to citizens is not new. This summer, a transgendered woman was assaulted by local police inside a police precinct, and security forces on Beale have been in the news repeatedly for using excessive force.

In court, we will challenge the charges. We are now investigating a suit against the city for assault and excessive force. Our friend almost broke his arm, and whether it is right or wrong that bicycles are not allowed on Beale St., violation of a pedestrian or bicycle law does not warrant violent force to subdue citizens.

On Saturday, September 27, a ride will leave from Revolutions Community Bicycle Shop at First Congregational Church and proceed to Beale Street. We will dismount from our bicycles and walk the entire length of Beale St.

Please forward this message along to interested parties. For more information or to share similar stories, please contact Anthony Siracusa: 901.949.1201 or sirac@rhodes.edu

MEMPHIS DOWNS 3!!! Interactive flyer!

Please print this, color it, and put it up in your shop, business, favorite restaurant or bar or wherever!



And mark your effing calendars!!

Revolutions Video on CA!

From Anthony:

The Commercial Appeal has published a video about Revolutions and the work we are doing there each week. Go to the Commercial Appeal's home page and look to the right. It's in the CA TV box.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/

Heads Up, Mallets Down

This is from UrbanVelo.org, a wonderful webazine:


The Novice's Guide to Bike Polo
By BillDozer - www.messnyc.net

While the proper institution of Bicycle Polo was begun over a century ago in the wilds of Pakistan, and maintains much of the refinement and dignity of it equine forbearer, we of the city environment have mutated and bastardized this gentlemanly game into something that suits our more reckless and drunken lifestyles.

About five years ago in Portland, a few of us bike messengers, upon learning of this new pastime from some peers in Seattle, decided that we should establish standard rules for play. Although rules seemed counter-intuitive to the haphazard and utterly disorganized nature of the game, it was agreed that should disputes arise, there should be a standard against which they are judged, so as to keep the game going—the most important thing.
We arrived at the title: Little Beirut Style. Now, each city has a few of their own localized rules, in keeping with the DIY ethos, but these are the skeletal basic rules, to guide the novice into a simple understanding of that sport over which we are so fanatical:

THE COURT
Regulation court size is a single tennis court, fenced on all sides. Approximate dimensions are thirty five feet wide by seventy feet long. Basketball courts, handball courts, or any enclosed court will do in a pinch.
The court shall be set up with a goal on each end, marked by traffic cones or some other post visible from all points in the court. The goal does not need to have an upper limit, nor a net. The posts shall be set one bike length apart. The goals are placed approximately six feet in from the edge of the court, so that there is a playing area behind the goal.
The half-court line must be marked.

THE GAME
No time limit. First team to 5 wins. When the game is tied at 4, we call it “Beer Point.”
Each player must have a bike and a mallet. The Mallet may be held in either the right or left hand (generally right is easier), but must remain in the same hand for the entirety of the game: no switch hitters.
To start the game, the ball is centered. A count-off of “1, 2, 3, GO!” is given, and teams sprint like hell from their goal line to try to take control of the ball before the other team does.
Mallet-to-mallet contact is permitted, as is “hooking” another player’s mallet.


Body-to-body contact is permitted, but hands may NOT be used. Just like in football, you can use your elbows, arms or shoulders to push, shove or ride someone into a fence or bystander... but you may not grab or push with hands.

Players may handle the ball in any direction they wish, and are not subject to rules to establish “right of way.” Stealing is part of the game. What are we? Gentlemen?

A player may throw their mallet in order to try to block a goal. So far, this has resulted in some fairly memorable crashes, but no serious injuries. Just don’t kill anyone.

Teams consist of three players. Any more and too many people get hurt.

The ball used is a standard street hockey ball. It is suggested that you heed the weather recommendations on the packaging (red - above 80’, orange - 40’-60’, blue - below 40’) as getting hit with a red ball in 40’ weather is right painful.

The ball is ALWAYS IN PLAY unless a goal is scored. If a goal is scored, the scoring team must retreat to half court before the ball must be brought back into play. The ball may be brought back into play before the scoring team crosses the half court line. This is called “coming in hot.”

If a player touches the ground (“dabs”) then that player must complete a 360’ turn (“circle out”) before returning to play. The player may block the ball or other players with his/her bike before returning to play, but may NOT contact the ball or any other player with his/her body or mallet until returning to play.

A goal is scored ONLY if an attacking player strikes the balls with the end of his/her mallet, and the ball crosses the goal line between the goal posts. If the ball is hit with the flat side of the mallet and crosses the goal line, the shot will be called a “shuffle” and the play will continue. The goal is awarded to the last player to touch the ball. Assists may be awarded.

If a player is behind the goal, he/she cannot pass the ball through the goal to him/herself. You may pass it through the goal to another player, but you can not bring it through the goal and score yourself.

If you have a question about a play or rule, and it’s not listed here or under the court-specific rules, it’s legal. We generally don’t like rules.

THE BIKE

No specific rules apply to the building of a polo bike, but we do have some strong recommendations.

The bicycle should be single-speed, either fixed- or free-wheel, with a single rear brake mounted on the left side (for right handed players)

We recommend that polo bikes be of the mountain bike variety, as they are more durable, and the parts are cheaper and more readily available from used bicycle stores.

Riser bars or BMX handlebars are recommended. For safety, it is also stressed that handlebars be cut down shorter than the length of an average arm. We would prefer that there be no more impaling on the polo court.

THE MALLET

The standard bike polo mallet is constructed from an ordinary aluminum ski pole, and a short piece (about 5-7 inches) of high density PVC piping, which you can get from the hardware store or steal from the gas company. The pole should be cut down to a length of about 32 – 36 inches, with the point and grip removed. Match the diameter of the narrow end of the pole to a small wood-boring drill bit (usually 9/16”), and drill through the center of the PVC pipe. Press fit the pole into the PVC mallet head. Trim off any excess pole that peeks through the underside of the mallet head, and affix the mallet head to the pole with a long self tapping screw or a bolt and nut that passes through the pole and both sides of the mallet head. If using a self tapping screw, make sure to trim off any excess poking through the other side of the mallet head – for safety.

LEARN IT, KNOW IT, LIVE IT.

I have enough ski poles for nine mallets so you just need a bike.

Let's not get too excited...

You know this is coming within the first month of bikelanes in Memphis.

Bikes 'Round the Globe

In Seattle, I've gained a new level of inspiration. Not so much from the Seattle streets--which are pretty awesome, don't get me wrong, but from having the time to explore global cycling on the internet.

This movie is a little bit cheesy, but give it a chance. I promise it'll pan out to be one of the more inspiring global cycling videos you've seen:

http://www.cycling.nl/video/cyclingfriendlycities.mpg


It's coming Memphis:

I'm not a witch

because I didn't melt on my ride home in the rain tonight.

Just a heads up: The Memphis Downs is going to be YUGE this year. September 11th-14th - Mark your calendar.

Flat track attacks

Flat track attack pictures over at Josh's flickr.

Thanks everyone for coming out.

Memphis Bicycle Design Guide

Most cities have a bicycle design guide which, well, guides engineers as they plan for bicycles in the roadways. Memphis' bicycle design guide is in the works, but you can see their initial findings here.

Meeting with Councilman Strickland and City Engineers

I am writing today to report on a meeting Nate Ferguson and I had with City Councilman Jim Strickland and City Engineers John Cameron and Wain Gaskins this past Friday. The topic for the meeting was making Cooper Young into Memphis' first bike friendly neighborhood, but as expected, the vision and scope of the meeting expanded to include planning for bicycles all over Memphis. I had brought with me the "Chicago Bicycle Design Guide," a city planning resource that the city of Chicago had put together to guide road planning for the inclusion of bicycles. It is a very thorough manual, and I thought it to be a wonderful resource for us in Memphis. Turns out, the engineers had already begun work on a Memphis design guide. They are in the final stages of development for the guide, and as soon as I see it I will send it to you all.

Instead of talking specifically about Cooper Young, which they agreed would be a great place to start striping bike lanes in Cooper Young, and which they also agreed to begin looking seriously at in the next couple months, we talked about making standards for the city and implementing these standards on every newly paved old road and every newly constructed road county wide. The engineers thought this was a good idea, and encouraged us to pursue ratification of such a standard in the new Unified Development Code which is in the works right now. I think we might get that through, and there are a number of people working on this code who might be able to help. If we can ask that all newly paved roads be required to have some sort of bike facility (if they are not too busy or too fast--think Poplar or Union) based on the new Memphis bike design guide, we will see an incredible number of bike facilities all over Memphis. Not just bike lanes, but sign shared roadways, marked wide outside shoulders, and other safety provisions.

The engineers said they have considered creating a bicycle advisory committee to the city engineering department, which I offered to help assmeble and be a part of. This would provide very close oversight of road development in the city for cyclists, and would guarantee that cyclists have an active role in the planning of city streets. Councilman Jim Strickland asked that the enigneers stay in contact with us so that we can continue our work together. On the whole, this meeting was an excellent start to an ongoing dialogue between bicyclists and city planners. This was an unprecedented meeting of minds in Memphis, and we hope it is the beginning of a new form of planning in the city.

Finally, this weekend Revolutions will host the last of six classes on bicycling. The class is called "Advocating for Safer Streets," and will provide a summary of the last five years of advocacy work for bikes in Memphis, give a synopsis of where we are today, toss out a few ideas for the future, finally offering practical strategies for making the streets of tomorrow a reality today. Class starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday and will run til noon. Please RSVP in advance, as there is limited space.

Many of you have seen the improvements going on at Revolutions. If you haven't please stop by and pick up a paint brush, or, just hang out and check out the space. It's an exciting time for bicycling in Memphis!

I hope to see some of you in the shop soon!

GGM To Meet August 12th

Greening Greater Memphis is an organization that brings together the leaders of "green" organizations in Memphis in an effort to implement a green plan for Memphis. The purpose of the August 12th meeting is to "[seek] feedback on a proposed organizational model and services to be provided."

The meeting is from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Memphis Botanic Gardens.

Here is a list of just some of the organizations that will be attending:

CommonSense, Inc.
Community Foundation of Greater Memphis
Greater Memphis Greenline
Hyde Family Foundations
Memphis Regional Design Center
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
Sierra Club
University of Memphis Ecological Research Center
Urban Land Institute District Council Memphis

2005 Specialized Langster for sale!

Hal is parting with his 61cm 2005 Specialized Langster. It's been ridden a handful of times so it's in consummate condition. Asking price is $500. Drop by The Peddler on Highland to test ride.

New herc shirts!

herc shirts are printed on American Apparel T-shirts in the colors black, heather blue, and heather grey (the AA Track Shirt), more colors available upon request.

To purchase a herc shirt:

Send an e-mail to Fix Memphis via the profile link to the right with your size, the shirt you want (herc logo or herc wheel), color, and your address. You will then be sent a Paypal request. T-shirts are $25 and $1 of that goes to benefit Revolutions Community Bike Shop in Memphis, TN.

Please allow some time for delivery.

We're almost there!

After the last Flat Track Attack, our total amount of monies raised for the Revolutions Bike Rack Fund is $341.00! We're just $159 short of our $500 goal! So it turns out we're actually about $659 away from our $1000 goal. We're going to be pumping up the donation drive like a flat tire.

In other news, we're lining up sponsors for the 3rd annual Memphis Downs. If you're interested in donating your time or craft just send an e-mail to Anthony, J. Gorman, or myself via the profile links to the right.

ride safe, y'all

Bicycle Commuting on the Rise Nation Wide

In case you missed it, CBS news did a neat story on the increase in bicycle commuting, focusing specifically on Portland, Oregon.

Bicycles in the Paper. Like Everyday.

Bicycling is becoming an everyday news event in Memphis, Tennessee. The Commercial Appeal has devoted print time to bicycles as much as the upcoming presidential election, though we all know bike news is way more fun than presidential news.

Yesterday, a very popular article about cycling made it onto the front page of the CA just below the fold. The main point to gleam from the comments is that those that do not bike in Memphis find Memphis a terrible place to bicycle. Those who do ride find it's not half bad, and with some basic changes, could be pretty great.

I think Memphis could be a cycling paradise in a few short years. Stay tuned for how to help!

Remember everyone,

via

It's time for a vacation

You think Florida could handle a Memphis invasion?

Everybody's Biking

For The Weekend!

This Friday at 5:30pm is Critical Mass. The ride will meet at the Poplar/Tucker entrance to Overton Park and ride from there. Not sure where. I won't be at the start but I'll call and find out where you are if I can.

Saturday the Attack continues! At what has affectionately been termed a "Ghettodrome" we will continue having our track races. In the past we've done Miss-And-Out's, Team Pursuits, Snowballs, Points Races, and Sprints. I think I might like to try this one:

Devil’s Scratch
A combination of a Miss and Out and a Scratch race. The race starts as a Devil takes the Hindmost (Miss and Out) eliminating half of the field, the remaining field get a neutral lap and then start a 3 lap Scratch race to contest the winner.

You can view a list of different types of track races here. Post a comment about which one you'd like to try.

Finally, Britney McIntosh has uploaded her pictures from the Space Race to the Fix Memphis flickr. You can really tell the difference a good camera makes. Thanks for the photos, Britney!

Roger's Going Away

Party! From Roger:

The party is tonight, Monday, at my parent's house: 676 Center Dr. - the last side street off of N. Parkway before it turns into Summer. Take a left onto Center and the house will be on your right side, down about 10 houses. We'll have the grill going if you want to bring something to throw on it, as well as something to drink for yourselves. Definitely bring Emily as well - things are starting around 7, so come on by whenever y'all can. See you then. Oh and my cell number is 901-338-6968 if you have any questions.

Unfortunately I have to wake up at the break so I won't be able to go, but I hope everyone has fun!

Success!

We would like to thank everyone that made it out to race and we would especially like to thank everyone who ran a checkpoint and most especially all of the sponsors! Additions for next time will definitely include water (sorry you all had to suffer through this heat). Check out some pictures on the Fix Memphis flickr.




The Podium:

1st Place: Denis Raml
2nd Place: Chase Hardin
3rd Place: Joel Glasgow

Unfortunately there were no out-of-towners but there were two girls that raced so they both got prizes.

W.F.L. Place: Wyn who crashed, popped a tube, got a flat, and got lost.



More pics will be linked as soon as they are up!

Prizes!

Memphis-based Sonic Temple has just signed on as another sponsor!



Here's how the prizes are going to break down:

1st Place: $100 Alien Bikes Gift Certificate, Campy Peanut Butter Wrench

2nd Place: $50 Underground Art Gift Certificate, Campy Peanut Butter Wrench, herc T-shirt

3rd Place: $50 Underground Art Gift Certificate, Sonic Temple T-shirt

Fastest Girl and Fastest Out-of-Towner Places: herc T-shirt

Places 1 through 25 will also get a Spoke Bracelet from RAML.

Notice that there is still a $100 Alien Bikes Gift Certificate which could go to ANYONE!

Ride Fast and Ride Safe. We'll see you at the Sputnik!