Archive for April, 2012

Bayside Road Rage on the way to the HB Bike Fest

Posted April 29, 2012 By Frank

The day started out with anticipation — this would be my maiden voyage on the new touring bike. What I didn’t know was how quickly I’d be testing the brakes.

The night before as I’m drifting off to sleep I remember assembling the front brakes; they had to come off again as I installed the front rack, but as I toss and turn on my way to dreamland I realize I must remove the brakes one more time, to move the washer that fits it tight into the bike frame. It’s a minor adjustment, but brakes are one feature I want to get right the first time.

I set off for the Newport pier where I’ll meet with my fellow bikeNewportBeach advocates Dan Murphy and Matt O’Toole. My route includes the Sharrows on Bayside Drive. The Sharrows convey that the roadway lane is too narrow, so that bikes may take the entire lane. Usually this isn’t a problem because the speed limit ranges from 15-20 mph and when I’m heading toward Balboa Island I have no trouble keeping up with traffic — it’s a gentle downhill route.

Today after I enter Bayside Drive a SUV soon arrives behind me. It happens so frequently, I can’t help but wonder — will a horn-blowing incident ensue? Not this time. No, this time I hear a female voice shouting, “Move into the bike lane!” Of course, there is no bike lane here, just parked cars and the Sharrows insignia on the road.

Maybe because I’ve just returned from a 10-day trip to Russia where I was wined and dined and treated like royalty, I don’t take her shouts all that seriously; after all, where is someone going on Bayside at 10am on a quiet Sunday morning?

In just a few seconds their impatience escalates. It’s a man and a woman; they pull up alongside me for curses, more shouts and gestures, too. They look about late thirties as I sneak a glance; to them I surely look my almost age of 60. Do I curse them back? I still can’t fathom their fit of pique so all I can manage is, “Oh, be quiet!”

My mistake. The man is behind the wheel and after pulling alongside he now makes a sharp turn into the lane ahead of me. I should’ve guessed what was coming next, but I was surprised as he slams on the brakes immediately in front of me. My reaction time — I can recall every millisecond as I reached for the brakes to make an emergency stop. They worked. My many tweaks to the brakes didn’t compromise their effectiveness; I wobbled and almost lost my balance, but remained upright as the offending vehicle sped away — probably on their way to church.

I’m not hurt, but rattled; it’s been a long time since anyone deliberately tried to injure me. This is my personal Mandeville Canyon incident; obviously, the driver doesn’t remember how Dr Christopher Thompson went to jail for the serious injuries he caused with a similar stupid move.

My fellow bike advocates all offer the same advice: shake it off, learn from the experience and stay focused on the positives of cycling. In minutes I’m on the Balboa Island ferry and soon we arrive at the well-attended Huntington Beach Bike Festival. Only 1 minute later I’m being video-interviewed by OCTA’s bike czar Wes Parsel and it’s all a happy occasion, on a gorgeous day and I’m surrounded by all my bike advocate pals. After the brief interview the cameraman returns, looking for more footage, “Tell me about that bike?” I feel like royalty for a few minutes more.

Rep. Dana Rohrbacher greets the assembled bike enthusiasts

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A Worldwide Fashion Statement

Posted April 20, 2012 By Frank

Electra Bikes are displayed all over this upscale Moscow mall

You’ve seen bikes used as fashion props in media; today I saw them at Red Square. Not is use — this town is all about the automobile — but perched on the 2nd floor balconies of a swanky mall.

Nice to see the matching Electra bike rack outside

Away from the mall there are few bikes and almost no bike racks

My early morning destination

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Watch the Cart!

Posted April 18, 2012 By Frank

LAX

I didn’t have a seat assignment for the 13 hour flight to Moscow; that’s why I’m here almost 4 hours early, and it paid off. Aeroflot started checking in about 10 minutes after I arrived. Forward, aisle, please.

So now I’m haunting the terminal. There’s no plane waiting at the gate, so I may have awhile yet before boarding.

I’ve loaded up the laptop bag with snacks; not that I expect to be hungry, more just to pass the time.

I haven’t left my Complete Streets mentality behind – you’ve all seen them – those electric carts that transport mostly senior citizens to the gate. As I’m walking between gates I hear it before I see it – a persistent blowing of the horn at a pedestrian. (Here’s the plane!)

The obstruction keeps walking at his preferred pace, seemingly oblivious to the unnecessarily frazzled driver behind him.

Is no place safe from motor vehicles?

It makes me think of the new trolley at Fashion Island. I hope they’re not equipped with horns.

Filed in Opinion | Tagged: ,

Tony’s Used Bikes

Posted April 16, 2012 By Frank

in Portsmouth, NH

He wouldn’t let me take his picture and he didn’t want me taking pictures of his bikes — I suppose he didn’t want trouble from people saying, “I saw my stolen bike in that photo!” But few bereft owners would find much of value at Tony’s Used Bikes in Portsmouth, NH. To say that all the good stuff had been picked over would be an understatement.

I walked right by then turned and strolled in. There must’ve been dozens of old bikes lined up in his long driveway next to his house. I instantly remembered the vintage bike I found for my son last November — it was in great condition, with new tires — it was ready to roll. Tony’s bikes were not ready to ride. A casual inspection made me doubt I could get far. In spite of these clues I walked further up the driveway. There was a shed and the door was open; maybe the proprietor was busy at work.

“Hello, anybody home?” I called. I half felt like I was trespassing now — I pulled out my phone and snapped a few photos, in case a story developed. Then I was greeted by Mrs. Tony — she must’ve heard me and come out of the house — she looked pleased to see me, like they weren’t getting many customers. She was a sight and I couldn’t help but smile; her hair was in curlers for a Friday night out, I suppose. She offered to find Tony and in a minute he came out from around the back of the house; I’ll bet he was in his early 80′s, a short man with thick glasses.

I mumbled something like, “Nice shop,” and he beamed with pride. I quickly followed up, “Do you still ride yourself?”

No, not any more, he admitted. Some back surgery left him with a compromised sense of balance.

“You need a three-wheeler!” Now I was selling him a bike.

He assumed I bought old bikes and fixed them up, but I told him no, but for more than a minute that’s just what I wished I was. And Tony could’ve used the help. My problem-solving talents wanted to kick in and ever since our short time together I’ve thought he should hire some kid to fix up some of these prized relics; he’d sell more bikes.

Portsmouth, NH is a great place to ride. Next time you visit try to take Tony’s picture.

Tony’s Used Bikes
413 Islington Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801

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Seat Needed

Posted April 13, 2012 By Frank

Just got the email — the new bike is ready to ship!

You won’t see pedals in the photo; I’m sure because they know they’re gonna ship it. I couldn’t make up my mind on a seat, so I’ll be making the rounds of my favorite bike shops next week.

Coincidentally, my Erie Canal riding partner Kent and I had dinner a few nights ago. “If you get the bike in time, you’ve got to take it.” And so I will ride it for its inaugural ride in Nova Scotia.

Filed in Opinion

Nova Scotia Coastal Tour

Posted April 6, 2012 By Frank

The first whiff of Spring and I’m itching to get out on the bike for a week-long tour.

For so long I’ve wondered, what kind of cyclist am I? As of today, I’m a touring cyclist. It comes from my interest in ultra-light backpacking. I’m not drilling holes in my toothbrush, but I do count grams when hiking or biking. Over the years I’ve learned to be quite comfortable with less. Plus, I’m really good at doing laundry in a sink, which gives me something to do each night.

Followers of theFrankPetersShow might remember a trip to Ottawa last fall where I was invited to lunch at Parliament. After this lunch I was named an honorary member of the First Angel Network in Halifax. I was surprised and delighted to be so named, now I’m going to Halifax to see just what privileges come with the membership.

My friends in Halifax know how to rope me in; they’re hosting the National Angel Capital Organization’s Annual Summit in October where angel investors from around the globe will gather. And they’ve committed to a pre-Summit bike ride! That’s becoming my legacy; after being an angel investor for 14 years — I have no track record of billion dollar exits, but several great bike rides — such is fate.

So I’m getting antsy to see the bike scene in Halifax. I emailed my pals and invited myself to their monthly meeting; two meetings it turns out, one in Halifax and one in Moncton, New Brunswick. Why not combine these meetings with a bike tour down the coast?

Google maps is a great help in plotting the route. I just found out today at lunch that there’s a Rails to Trails route around St. Margaret’s Bay, so I can ride off-road if the weather cooperates. Speaking of weather, Spring hasn’t arrived yet. Mid-May is called the early season, which I imagine is a euphemism for something like the rainy season. My summer months here in California are getting booked up, so this early trip to eastern Canada suits me well, even if I do hit a little drizzle.

An essential touring item

This will be a solo ride, so some of the utility items, like Monkey Wipes, that I split up with my companion on the Erie Canal ride will all be in my panniers. Then there’s the issue of the bike. So far I’m thinking that it’s much easier and cheaper to rent a bike for a week in Halifax, then there’s the argument in favor of shipping the new bike, but it hasn’t arrived yet. Hedging my bets, I’ve put a deposit on a hybrid rental bike.

I dug out my Erie Canal packing list and crossed out the things that won’t apply to this tour. Things like a lock, spare tube and a pump will be provided by the bike rental company; less for me to pack, but any extra space in the panniers will get filled with long finger gloves and some extra wool layers, essential items for this early season trip.


View Halifax, NS, Canada to Blue Rocks in a larger map

Filed in Rides | Tagged: , ,

First Photos of my New Bike

Posted April 4, 2012 By Frank

Now that Spring is upon us, I’m dreaming of bike touring trips. I don’t want to be a pest, but I was curious… How is my semi-custom bike coming along? I know the first step was the custom paint job.

So I called Rivendell yesterday asking for an update. Can Keven call you back? He sent these photos.

So the process is moving along. About one more month, which I originally thought I could patiently abide, but now I go to bed each night with a travel guide dreaming of far-off destinations…

Mine's the cream one

Would've looked good with a little orange trim, eh?

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Too Realistic

Posted April 3, 2012 By Frank

With my limitations spelled out via text message, I headed off to ‘Every 15 minutes‘ at my local high school.

I recently met NBPD’s Officer Anderson, who was coordinating the event at the school. I sat in a meeting with him where kids were nominated to participate. The idea behind the event is to scare the crap out of the kids as it relates to driving under the influence. I won’t know until later this afternoon how my son reacted, but it spooked me.

I came by bike and locked it up outside the principal’s office; if I had known the simulation was so far out behind the school, I might have just rolled up. So this long walk across campus gives me a little time to clear my head. I pass by the faux tombstones with the kids’ names and pictures. This would be a good program for Halloween.

Then I spot the stadium seating, way out back behind the school. As I walk towards it a hearse pulls up and parks. Then I see the crash site — two teens have been thrown from their vehicles; it was a head-on collision and everyone involved has spent hours in makeup. It’s very realistic. Then I hear the 911 call broadcast; someone is on the scene and is calling for help. She’s hysterical as she describes the scene. I know it’s all an illusion, but the 911 operator is making it sound so life like. Sirens signal help is on the way; first to arrive are the motorcycle cops. It’s looking a little too real for me; I feel choked up. I imagine they’ve rolled up to too many situations like this. Then come the fire truck and ambulance. One girl who’s a bloddy mess is put on a stretcher and taken away; one isn’t. A boy is covered with a sheet.

That’s enough for me. I don’t want the Chief to see me crying. Why is this so scary for me? Why can’t I just file this away as ‘simulated’? Because my teen driver is sitting in the stands; it’s just a little too close to home for me.

I’m not the only one affected. There are no cat-calls, no signs of disrespect from these high schoolers. They sit riveted; staring at the sheet.

Faux tombstones

Chief Johnson and half the department are on the scene

This simulated crash was a little too realistic for me


There would be no happy ending to this tale

Filed in Photos, Safe Routes to School | Tagged: ,

Seaview @ Goldenrod Needs a Crosswalk

Posted April 3, 2012 By Frank

This is the pedestrian corridor, from town to the beach. People come off the charming Goldenrod pedestrian bridge then must brace themselves for this crossing. These parked cars block the sight lines of oncoming traffic, which during the busy summer season, is distracted and frustrated as they look for parking.

Seaview at Goldenrod in Corona del Mar

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