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Apr
18
0

Watch the Cart!

By Frank | Filed in Opinion

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.

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Apr
16
1

Tony’s Used Bikes

By Frank | Filed in Photos

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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Apr
13
0

Seat Needed

By Frank | Filed in Opinion

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.

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Apr
6
1

Nova Scotia Coastal Tour

By Frank | Filed in Rides

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

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Apr
4
0

First Photos of my New Bike

By Frank | Filed in Photos

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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Apr
3
1

Too Realistic

By Frank | Filed in Photos, Safe Routes to School

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

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Apr
3
0

Seaview @ Goldenrod Needs a Crosswalk

By Frank | Filed in Opinion, Photos

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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Mar
29
2

Too Many Banks, Too Few Bike Racks

By Frank | Filed in Photos

I’m the newly appointed executor for my mother’s estate; it’s keeping me quite busy. I’m also Treasurer of my neighborhood HOA, so I make many short trips to the bank and the Post Office as I deal with probate in NH and FL and depositing annual dues from the residents. All this tedium has raised my awareness of quick errands.


Bank of America doesn’t offer online banking for Estate accounts, so that means lots of trips for simple tasks. Yesterday I combined a trip to B of A at Marguerite & Coast Hwy, with a stop at Wells Fargo at 3600 E. Coast Hwy; I’m in and out in minutes, but neither has a bike rack available. I’m reminded of how we can all so easily secure a car by simply locking the doors.

You probably saw, earlier this week, when Union Bank said, “No hats, no sunglasses, no hoodies,” so you can imagine the freak-out when I rolled my bike into B of A yesterday. I come in attired in a florescent yellow jacket, helmet, weird rear-view mirrored glasses, and gloves – a space alien on a bike. Nonetheless, I’m greeted by an available teller and step right up to the counter. I need a statement printed and I thought I’d memorized my mother’s new account number, but when I quickly turn away from the teller to retrieve my iPhone from the bike bag, I could feel everyone in the bank tense up, not knowing what was coming out of the bag. They wish there were bike racks outside…

So as I think of quick errands in CdM, these spots come to mind:
Banks: BofA, (2) Wells Fargo’s, Farmers, Citi, Union and others
Post Office
Ace Hardware
Rite Aid

If these spots had bike racks, would more people be inclined to ride?

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Mar
26
0

Pro Walk/Pro Bike, Here I Come

By Frank | Filed in City planning, Safe Routes to School

I registered early to save a little dough

After meeting Fred Kent, President of the Partnership for Public Spaces and sponsor of the upcoming Pro Walk/Pro Bike conference in Long Beach I jumped on the early-bird registration.

Join me and many other Southern California bike advocates, September 10-13, 2012. Register today.

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Mar
25
1

Saturday at Fashion Island

By Frank | Filed in Photos

“There’s some over there, but people leave their bikes overnight, so the company has been removing them at all their properties,” said the security guy in response to my questions about bike racks.

That was an ominous beginning as I went looking for bike racks at Fashion Island today. It’s about 2.1 miles from my house, so after a great week riding the bike I thought I’d walk. The route takes me over the Goldenrod bridge then into Corona del Mar Plaza where I stopped to inquire about bike racks there.

Better than nothing, but as I walked through CdM Plaza I noticed the employee parking lot — no bike racks for employees, so this little bike rack is one of two. I made a mental note to check the other one on the way home as I continued up the hill.

I know there are only two bike racks in all of Fashion Island, too, but I only know where one is, so that’s my primary objective. I approach from the south and see these bikes locked up outside Macy’s:

If these weren’t gorgeous ‘fashion’ bikes I’m guessing security would be out there with the bolt cutters. But what’s the bike rider to do? Fashion Island is under-served when it comes to bike racks.

I’m hoping I’ll spot the new trolley the Irvine Company has added to the experience; it doesn’t take long.

For those that don't want any exercise, there's the trolley

This idea of mine has been germinating for about a week — I rode over to CdMHS earlier in the week and on the return trip I stopped in for a little bite of breakfast. As a security guard walked by I asked him about bikes, “Bikes aren’t allowed on the property, but we do have two bike racks.” Wow, two bike racks, I smart alec’d to myself.

“You can stop by the Concierge Desk and make a request for more bike racks,” he suggested as we parted. That’s a constructive idea and I don’t remember this advice until today when, coincidentally, I’m standing at the directory just steps away from the Concierge Desk. A nice concierge lady comes right over to ask what I’m looking for and I know I surprise her with my inquiry, but she’s not flustered for a second, “Would you like to fill in one of our Comment Forms? It’s a good way to let the company know.” That’s when I remember, so I take her up on her offer and spend a moment filling in the form. My favorite question is the last one:

If there was one element that would have made your visit more enjoyable, what would it be?

“Arriving without a car and feeling welcome,” I write without a moment’s thought. As I hand her the form, “Can I have a copy?” Everyone aims to please at the Concierge Desk and as I walk away I feel like I’ve made new friends.

You can buy a car at Fashion Island, but it's hard to park your bike

Bikes are a fashion statement, but don't try to ride yours to Fashion Island

Here's one of the two bike racks. How do you keep the bike from falling over and damaging a wheel?

The other bike rack is underground, outside of Nordstrom's
Cyclists want to park their bikes close to their destination, not hidden in a garage. This out-of-the-way location is more suitable for bike theft.

Because there aren't enough bike racks, just like everywhere else in Newport Beach, people get creative like this bootleg bike rack

Back at CdM Plaza, people come for cupcakes by bike.
Notice how the bikes are close to their riders; that's what people want, not bike racks hidden underground

Bike racks can be fun

It seems obvious that shoppers are expected to come by Bentley, not by bike. Yet people are coming by bike and feeling more or less the way I do, under-served. My bike isn’t flashy, hopefully it doesn’t scream ‘steal me’, but I prefer to park it where I can see it or at least where it won’t get damaged or stolen. The Irvine Company has a winning formula for everything else they do, especially at Fashion Island; here’s hoping they’ll read my Comment Form and consider adding more bike racks. At Corona del Mar Plaza where parking at peak times is so precious, plus its proximity to the Flower Streets, a little more prominent bike parking might have an even bigger impact. As bike advocates always say, “If you build it, they will come.”

See the comment stream at Newport Beach Patch.

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