FOGBEES

2012-01-29T18:50:00.002-06:00

Easy Monday night ride. 6:30 PM at Goodlettsville Publix Lot. Please post if you want to ride or I might not swoop by.

New Bike Safety Video

2012-01-28T15:24:00.001-06:00

Most visitors don't keep track of new additions to the FOGBEE Blog. We would like to invite everyone to watch the new video we posted from the League of American Bicyclists. Click on the BIKE SAFETY tab and scroll to the bottom of the page. Of course you may also want to watch the great videos from the League of Illinois Bicyclists and Music City Moves just above it.

Spring Over-Nighter

2012-01-28T14:45:00.000-06:00

. . We didn't have our usual Spring over-nighter last year because the weather was so crappy. However, several have already asked, "what do we plan for this spring?" Very likely the weather is going to be significantly better than last year so we are targeting a ride for April 28'th and 29'th. That will allow those who wish to do the new Spring BRAT to do both.
. . We are tossing around a number of candidate destinations: The Silver Comet, the Virgina Creeper, something in Louisville, the Spring BRAT (instead of our own), and ride from Bristol to Knoxville. Some even want to repeat the Little Miami ride.
. . So what do you want to do? How about some suggestions. SOON so everyone can schedule and plan.

Cystic Fibrosis Cycle for Life Committee Meeting

2012-01-28T14:33:00.000-06:00

. . The Committee Meeting for organizing the 2012 Cystic Fibrosis Cycle for Life ride has been moved from February 12'th to March 11'th at 2PM in Gary's office. Our new marketing Director from Cystic Fibrosis Tiffany Kerns has a conflict for February 12'th.
. . If any FOGBEE would like to serve on the Planning Committee or has ideas on how to improve the event please send me a note. Last year's committee elected to have the annual ride on the fourth Saturday of October. We will again be at Sycamore Springs and Gary has agreed to have his spectacular Halloween Party that evening so its going to be a gala event. It'll be a Ride and Party Hardy.
. . Lastly, the long ride was one of the most scenic in the area and well planned by Bruce and Miley. We received lots of kudos. But it was tough, especially the approach into Hartsville! Maybe too tough. So we will be looking to level out that section as best as possible in Tennessee and shortening it. Cystic Fibrosis has also asked us to add a 20-mile route.

Super Bowl Party

2012-01-28T14:10:00.002-06:00

Watch your e-mail on our FOGBEE ListServ for information about a Super Bowl party.

TDOT Design Meetings

2012-01-20T16:22:00.002-06:00

Nashville Metro MPO asked for FOGBEE representation at

1) Highway Design Public Meeting on February 28, 2012, in the Gallatin City Hall, 132 West Main Street, Gallatin, TN 37066, to discuss the SR-109 project from North of the Cumberland River to SR-109 bypass in Gallatin, in Sumner County as shown on the general location map.

2) Public Informational Meeting on Thursday, February 16, 2012 to discuss the SR-109 (Portland Bypass) project in Robertson and Sumner Counties. The meeting will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Portland High School Cafeteria, 600 College Street, Portland, TN 37148.

Life Happens

2012-01-19T20:46:00.002-06:00

In my never ending quest to keep my fellow Fogbees abreast of how old we really are..take note..it's a sad day as Johnny Otis the creator of the Hand Jive song has died.. :(

JOB Announcement

2012-01-19T11:39:00.001-06:00

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is hiring a state advocacy organizer in Tennessee who will build and maintain a network of diverse partners to achieve three main policy objectives: (1) Leverage funding for bicycle and pedestrian construction projects including Safe Routes to School and Transportation Enhancements funds, (2) Facilitate additional street-scale improvements through Complete Streets policies and other mechanisms and (3) Advance joint-use agreements. Policies must benefit lower-income communities and improve the built environment to increase physical activity to help reverse childhood obesity. Applications are due on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. PT. The position begins on March 1, 2012.

RAGBRAI 2012

2012-01-18T04:26:00.001-06:00

It's RAGBRAI time and Charlene (aka Spinjunkie) is putting together a group to attend this year's event.

Hello Friends! Go here first: http://ragbrai.com/about/ and read. :-)

By now, you've heard me talk about the epic bike tour called RAGBRAI. "Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa." Ragbrai is the oldest and longest bike tour in the world. 2012 is their 40th year! The route changes every year and always travels West to East. Imagine Ten thousand cyclists from all over the world pedaling across Iowa, experiencing the small town life, eating more kinds of pie than you thought existed, friendly local people, pork chops, corn, wait for it...CORN! I've done Ragbrai in 2005, 2007 and 2009. Check out my Ragbrai Albums on my Facebook page for a peek inside this 7 day 500 +/- mile bike tour.

Some of you are already on board with us for this bike vacation of a lifetime...or at least decade. Feel free to forward this email to your cycling friends! I would love to take a big group of Ragbrai "Virgins" with us July 22-28.

Pork Belly Ventures is the largest Ragbrai Charter company in Iowa. There are many charters that offer their services during Ragbrai and many cyclists DO opt to carry their own gear and plan their own accommodations (front yards of homes in overnight towns), BUT we use Pork Belly Ventures alacart services; everything from bus transportation from the airport to the start town, from the end town to the start town, bike transport via semi truck, 7 day tent set-up and tear down service, nightly entertainment/bottomless cold beer at the end of a long day in the saddle, (some of you are saying, "sign me up" right now) some evening meals, hot coffee in the morning and the list goes on. Some of our 2007 "Virgins" have come back to the corn every year since!

If you plan to do Ragbrai with us or are "thinking" about it, be sure to contact Pork Belly Ventures (email at the bottom) to get on their email list. The 2012 Route will be announced January 28, then PBV will email out their invitation letter with details of services and prices.

If you're new to this event and want more information visit: Ragbrai official website: http://ragbrai.com/

and Pork Belly Ventures: http://www.pkbelly.com/

Ready to "Commit"? Go to: https://entries.ragbrai.com/

1. Follow Step One, click on "Create a profile".

2. Step Two, choose a group to join. Our group is called TRIHEAT

why join a group? Ragbrai registration is a lottery (May 1, 2012). If you register for the lottery as part of a group, then if one of us gets in, we all get in. This is ideal when we have a lot of friends who want to go together, although registering as a group doesn't increase your chances of getting in, it just means if one gets in, we all get in. (yes, you get your money back if we don't get in through the lottery, BUT we ALWAYS get in...so you can put Ragbrai on your calendar in INK!)

3. Step Three, submit entry.

Note: mail your registration check payable to me (include any fees for apparel or extras ordered). I am the TRIHEAT group Contact and will need to mail one check for our group by the end of February. The 150.00 registration fee does not include any Pork Belly Ventures services. The 150.00 registration is just for week long Ragbrai wristband privileges.

Forward this email to all your FOGBEE'S! Would love to have a big group from Hendersonville going! You all will have a Blast!

Charlene Alcorn, RRCA Certified Running Coach, www.triheat.com

Membership List

2012-01-16T16:16:00.000-06:00

Several members are asking to access to the Membership List. We have ONE log-in for EVERYONE, rather than trying to administer another list of member account ID's. Click on the Membership List in the sidebar. When it asks for your ID and a PASSWORD, your ID is ALLFOGBEES@gmail.com. We have mailed everyone the password on 1/13/12. These instructions are repeated in the "How To" tab.

2012-01-15T19:56:00.000-06:00

Weather is iffy, but if no rain I plan to ride Monday night. Will swing by Goodlettsville Publix/Firehouse Subs at 6:30 PM Monday night.

I will post a cancellation by 5:30 if weather makes this inadvisable.

Plan on 20 to 25 miles.

UPDATE

2012-01-14T12:34:00.000-06:00

Its a little late, but we have completed the update of our Membership List and Blog Author List. Members can view the membership list by logging into Google as ALLFOGBEES@gmail.com. You will need a PASSWORD, which we have changed from that used with the prior list. We will send everyone that password via our LISTSERV (aka Google Group) to which y'all just subscribed. PLEASE don't share it with non-members.

We have moved member's record who have not responded to the December LISTSERV invite to the EXPIRED worksheet in the Membership List. If you see someone on that page and know they should be on the ACTIVE worksheet, have them send us an note and we will attempt to re-authorize their account.

If you once were able to post to the blog and no longer can, that means we do not have a current active email address for you. We really didn't want to cut anyone off, but want to keep the author's list to only those people who might actually want to post or comment on the blog.

We have included a list of the FOGBEE Internet Administrators on the "How To" page of this blog. They are people who have volunteered to service our stuff. We are always looking for help. If you have internet skills, we need you. PLEASE send us a note at FOGBEES@gmail.com

BRAT has new SPRING Ride.

2012-01-14T10:11:00.000-06:00

Join us for the BRAT spring ride (River & Lakes Tour) April 20th-21st to knock the dust off your bike and get the winter blues right out of your legs. Come see what makes the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee so great. If your not sure you can handle our 7 day event in the fall the spring ride is a great chance to see what a multi-day tour is like.
FOGBEES might want to consider this as their SPRING overnighter. Thoughts? Click here for more info.

WHY Fat Old guys keep riding bikes

2012-01-10T11:39:00.000-06:00

After Spin goodbye to Jennifer !

2012-01-05T00:04:00.003-06:00

As usual we will Spin Thursday night at 6:30 pm at the Y. We had 12 Spinners Tuesday! Several mentioned taking Jennifer to Sams afterwards to wish her well and say goodbye as she's leaving for Virginia (I think)this weekend. Even if you don't Spin come by Sams around 7:45pm and say hello. Jennifer has been a loyal Fogbee rider for years and a devoted Spinner. :)

Update

2012-01-01T13:16:00.003-06:00

. . Most of the "heavy lifting" on the conversion of FOGBEE Blog and various websites has been completed. We are also about to update the Membership List based on those who responded to the Google Group Invite. About 14 invitations have not been approved by members, some people we know. However, Google does not permit us to register. They must do it themselves.
. . Our goal is provide the best website of any club in America and we are on our way to make that a reality. ALL of it is available to us for FREE thanks to Google. Please take time to review what we have and offer suggestions.
. . Miley asked for an optional format for phones. This morning we added that feature.
. . Bob wanted members to be able to have their own page. We can do that also. The website is wide open for EVERYONE to contribute directly via Web 2.0. But we need people to volunteer to be trained as administrators for the various sections of the website (see the How To page).
. . We have been archiving all our Photoshows on YouTube. Its a terribly time-consuming process and Bruce took charge of the work. For more info on that see our website navigation in the right sidebar. Look under Resources, Photo.

2nd Annual FOGBEES Christmas Parade a Success

2011-12-24T13:47:00.003-06:00

The FOGBEES outshone themselves as seen in this shot of Bruce Day.

For a portfolio of pics, go to our Shutterfly via the blog / website icon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL , AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT !

Christmas Lights Ride

2011-12-24T09:55:00.004-06:00

Light Up Your Ride

2011-12-22T13:50:00.003-06:00

The rain for Thursday evening appears certain! We will ride on Friday evening (12/23/11) instead -- same time, location, and route. Hope to see y'all then. Jolly Ollie says, "Be ready for Karaoke night and the singing of Christmas carols."

BE READY TO START TO RIDE AT 6:30P

Gary had a great batch of toys to take to the Christmas Program.

Looking for lights for your bike. Best selection in town is at TARGETS and WALGREENS. Neither Lowes or Home Depot have any.

Click here for instructions to apply lights to a rotating wheel.

To see all the POSTS on the Christmas Lights Ride CLICK HERE.

Now a little song from Gary and the RAIN-BEES to put you in the mood.

THE FOGBEES HAVE HEART

2011-12-21T19:11:00.004-06:00

Thank you to the Fogbees who contributed to an overwhelmingly successful Christmas gift giving cause for those children who were in jeopardy of having no real Christmas this season. You donated toys and gifts to six children in need. These toys were delivered yesterday (and today) to Gallatin for distribution to the families. Way to go Fogbees. (Note: this picture does not include about 6 other gifts that were left next door to my office that I was unaware of until this morning).

Christmas Lights Ride Regional Competition

2011-12-19T13:58:00.001-06:00

The Fogbees are the best bicycle club ever ( no dues, no drop, no ego, etc.) but the guys in Knoxville make a good showing in the Christmas Bicycle Decorating category. Are are they taking it too seriously? Perhaps, but no reason to not steal some ideas.
Link to Knoxtrans Christmas Lights Ride.

Special Note on the Toys

2011-12-15T21:51:00.003-06:00

If, for some reason, no one is at my office on Friday or Monday when you come by to leave your Christmas gift please just leave it next door (to the left side of my office) at the accounting firm. Thank you. Gary

Toys for Tots Collection by 12/20/11

2011-12-15T20:50:00.003-06:00

Because our ride is late this year, we will be collecting toys for the "Christmas Program for Tots, Tween, and Teens," instead of the "Toys for Tots." The Christmas Program collects toys for families whose children will not have a Christmas. The families selected have children of the following ages 2, 3, and 6 year old girls and 4 and 5 year old boys. There is also a 12 year old girl, but Sharyn Evans says she plans to buy for this girl. You can also help with this 12-year old, but we want to try to be sure all the kids get something for Christmas and it is easier to buy gifts that any of the younger ones can use.

Instead of bringing your gift to the Christmas Lights Ride on Thursday night December 22'nd, we ask that you

drop an UNWRAPPED gift off at Gary Williams office during working hours
before Tuesday (12/20/11) noon.

Gary is out-of-town so leave them in the office with his staff. His office is at 131 Maple Row Bldg #A101 in Hendersonville. Gary will take the gifts to Christmas Program Tuesday afternoon.

Thank you for giving a child a Christmas.

Tom

NEW SPIN CYCLES!

2011-12-15T16:17:00.001-06:00

We have new Spinning cycles at the YMCA! Yippie!

2011-12-13T20:19:00.002-06:00

Bruce Day , Tom Evans , and David Hardin represented the cycle community eloquently tonight in supporting the Sanders Ferry greenway / walk / bike trail project. A few individuals questioned the necessity of said project; however, the majority alderman sentiment appears favorable to initiating this recreational / transportation public project. One elderly female citizen painted a vivid portrait of pedestrians taking their lives in their hands traversing the guard railed passages over the lake incursions along Sanders Ferry in front of her high rise condo home. She pointed out how other seniors will utilize the walkway regularly.

The vote has been called for the ordinance by Mayor Foster and the aldermen have elected to pursue the Sanders Ferry project unanimously ! Chalk one up for the good guys.

Cycling With Aggressive Dogs Around

2011-12-13T13:16:00.002-06:00

I found this in a recent Bicycle Magazine article:

By Neil Bezdek

New York City has its drivers. Colorado suffers from an oxygen shortage. Portland is a monsoon. California can’t afford to fix its potholes. New England won’t thaw till May. The Midwest is a wind tunnel. And the Southeast, my current training ground, has dogs. Every workout is interrupted, or enhanced, by canines looking for a quick meal.

Dogs pose a real threat to cyclists. Some riders carry pepper spray, and others resort to canine-repelling sirens. But this is where I draw the line. I might shave my legs, roam around in tights, and try to keep my body weight on this side of feather-light, but I can defend my place in the food chain under my own power, thank you very much.

So next time you’re out riding and a hound threatens to make you lunch, keep the following in mind.

Don’t panic. This is the No. 1 rule for safe cycling, and it applies here. Try not to swerve, even if you’re riding alone. The closest I’ve been to getting hit by a car, on many occasions, happened after darting sideways to avoid a dog.

Fleeing sends a signal to the pooch that he’s predator and you’re prey. It also encourages the dog to give chase. As they say, dogs can smell fear.

Anticipate. Canines are harder to anticipate than cars, but not all pose the same danger. Most run parallel to their target before drifting toward it, but these pups are usually all bark and no bite. The real threat comes from the ones brave or stupid enough to jump right in front of you.
Like any other road hazard, it’s a good idea to look over your shoulder for passing cars when approaching an eager dog. And they like to roam in packs, so where you see one there are often others.

Identify the prey. In a group ride, dogs almost always go after the lead cyclist on the near side of the road. If that’s you, muster your courage and don’t slam on the brakes. If it’s not you, distance yourself from the victim and pull out your camera.

Be the aggressor. Dogs are among the few road hazards that can see you. Use this to your advantage. You can’t intimidate a pothole or shout at a patch of gravel, but the best way to fend off hounds is to take their aggression and shove it back at them.

Stand up and assume a dominant stance. As the dog nears, make an abrupt swerve toward the dog. Yes, toward the dog, but only enough to send a message, not run over the poor creature. And here’s my favorite part—bark as loud and mean as you can. This works for me every time. And it’s kinda fun.

A squirt to the face from a water bottle works, too. But for every dog it repels, it can provoke a protective owner.

Warn drivers. Cyclists already encounter enough road kill. Let’s do our best not to add dogs to their ranks. As motorists approach, I usually make a “slow down” sign (by holding out a palm and making a patting motion), then point to the dog.

Tour de Cure May 19, 2012

2011-12-12T16:21:00.002-06:00

Is anyone riding the TdC in Nashville on May 19? I registered today and didn't see a Fogbee team. If anyone else is riding or interested in riding, I created a team for us. When you register, it should ask you if you want to join a team. Put in "Team Fogbees" and then click join. I hope we have a good turnout for this.

Jason Sexton

2'nd Annual Christmas Lights Ride - Dec 22, 2011

2011-12-09T16:27:00.000-06:00

We have been asked, "Where is Jolly Ollie?"

Here is a link

Do you need help with Christmas Lights decorations for the ride on THURSDAY December 22'nd? Give us a shout at Fogbees@gmail.com. Unfortunately, Rudolph, the winner of last year's best decoration can not make it. He and Gail have been surprised with their FIRST grandchild. He preferred grand-baby sitting. That means the competition for the best decoration is wide open. Again, need ideas? Go to the webpage.

A Nice Little Hill Climbing Route for Bryan

2011-12-09T16:22:00.001-06:00

The Tour of British Columbia (TdBC) is an amateur ultra-endurance cycling challenge of epic proportions. Riders have 105 cat 5 climbs, 35 cat 4 climbs, 29 cat 3 climbs, 16 cat 2 climbs, 11 category 1 climbs totalling 48,000 meters ( more than 150,000 feet) of climbing and 5,105 kilometers of non-stop cycling between the start and finish lines.

RE-ENROLLMENT STATUS

2011-12-09T06:28:00.000-06:00

UPDATE 12/9/11 I have just sent out invitations to the remaining 26 member/families, who did not respond to our previous INVITE. I found new email address for about 9 and sent a SECOND invite to the rest. I am still getting invalid email address responses to about same ones I noted before. If you don't get an Invite, contact us as shown below.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
On Sunday we sent out 76 Invitations to re-enroll with the FOGBEES. Thus far we have received 45 acceptances of our invitation. However, Google says the following email addresses in our membership list are no longer valid:

If you recognize one of these INVALID addresses, please ask the owner to send us his/her correct address to fogbees@gmail.com

Sad News

2011-12-08T16:16:00.003-06:00

For us "OLD" Fogbees a sad note. Nashville Singer/Songwriter Dobie Gray has died. He sang a great song I'm sure you will remember.

FOGBEE HILL CLIMBING ASSIST

2011-12-07T17:46:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs5hjz9qFjk&feature=feedu

Christmas Lites Ride

2011-12-03T13:50:00.001-06:00

My prior comment about having a trailer courtesy of Caledonia, AKA David Irvine got buried. Here's what it looks like and the music set to be played. If anyone has some favorite to be added, send me an mp3 or tell me the name and artist and perhaps I can obtain it. The current playlist is 58 min so we should avoid last years repetitions. The Postman tired of the music after the fourth repeat.

Click more to see playlist

01 Deck the Halls.mp3*
02 Sleigh Ride.mp3*
03 Adeste Fidelis.mp3*
04 Gene Autry - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.mp3*
05 White Christmas.mp3*
06 Es ist ein' Ros'.mp3*
07 Little Drummer Boy.mp3*
08 little Drummer Boy_Peace on Earth.mp3*
09 Hallelujah.mp3*
10 I'll Be Home For Christmas.mp3*
11 God Rest Ye Marry, Gentlemen.mp3*
12 Silver Bells.mp3*
13 O Come All Ye Faithful.mp3*
14 Oh Holy Night.mp3*
15 Pie Jsu.mp3*
16 We Three Kings.mp3*
17 What Child Is This.mp3*
18 Hallelujah2.mp3*

The New Blog

2011-12-03T13:45:00.003-06:00

UPDATE 12/2/11: I have revised the background image as requested by Tom_B. See comments for discussion.
UPDATE 12/3/11: Fixed pixalation of lettering around the logo as requested by Gary. See comments for discussion.
UPDATE 12/4/11: Blog converted. Only a few webpages have been rebuilt. This work takes an enormous amount of time, so please be patient. I plan to do a few hours every day.
- Membership re-enrollment sent via Google Group Announcement.
-----------------------------------------------
The new blog is ready. Nothing was lost. I am now rebuilding the website.

Cycling Explained

2011-12-02T07:29:00.005-06:00

This guy is obviously not a Fogbee

Hendersonville Greenways & Trails

2011-12-01T13:12:00.004-06:00

The City has added a Greenways and Trails page to its website (click here). It provides further details regarding the Ordinance 2011-39, which is in first reading at BOMA and has appeared as a headline article in the Hendersonville Star News (here's a link to the article). The Ordinance includes funding to build a Bike Trail from Gallatin Road to Sanders Ferry Park. The article alludes to the Bike Trail as a road-widening project for Sanders Ferry. If we could get a Bike Trail down Sanders Ferry Road for $1.5 Million, it would be fantastic. Because of the heavy traffic and narrow roads on this peninsula, bike and pedestrian traffic on this peninsula is nearly impossible. It would open up Sanders Ferry park to greater recreational use.

Aldermen Stamper and Elsten voted again the Bike Trail.

Is this something we need a strong show of support for? What do you think?

IMPORTANT MEMBERSHIP UPDATE NOTICE

2011-11-29T21:46:00.004-06:00

Next week, everyone on our membership list will receive an email from FOG-MBR@googlegroups.com with an invitation to join this group. It is a ListServ which our ride and event leaders can use to send club announcements. It's private; nobody else can send email with it.

JUST CLICK THE BUTTON ON THE INVITE.

Your response also allows us to update the club membership list and to re-authorize people to POST to our blog. Families only need to respond once, unless the spouse wants his/her own separate listing. If you don’t accept our invitation by January 1’st, we will delete your record.

Unfortunately, some of our email addresses may be out-of-date (one of the reasons for the update) and during the winter months many don't read the blog. Please help by notifying others that they need to reconfirm their membership. If you don’t receive something in the next couple of weeks send us a note at FOGBEES@gmail.com . We don't want to lose anyone.

Bottle Cage Warning

2011-11-29T14:33:00.002-06:00

On my last ride my bottle cage broke. No big deal. Just remove the bad cage and put on a new one. Should be among the easier repairs. To quote The Band Perry, "Uh,Oh!"

I'd not had the cages off for five years Yes, I know, longer than one is expected to ride any one bike. I've made sure the bolts are tight during any cleaning but had never removed them. One of the bolts was rusted into the boss (what I've just learned is the name of the thing the bolt goes into.) so the bolt and boss turned freely in the frame. I wound up cutting the bolt head off, filing it smooth and then securing that end of the cage with zip ties.
The offending bike is a steel framed touring bike so it is ridden in more inclement weather than most but a review of the web shows this to be more of a problem with carbon frames. Bosses are less securely attached to carbon frames. Once it happens there is no easy fix. Frames with lifetime warranties can reportedly be sent back to the factory but who wants to do that. So make removing and lubing the bottle cage threads part of your once or twice yearly servicing. Maybe the bike shops do that as part of their service but I've never seen it in any service your own bike tutorials. While your bike is just hanging around waiting for better weather, check your cages, usually secured by a 5 mm hex head bolt.
Bruce

IMPORTANT: Web Site Rebuild & Membership RE-ENROLLMENT

2011-11-26T12:13:00.006-06:00

. . Our website was built in 2008 and much of the content is stale. Also, some of the recent Web Browser updates have buggered up the font rendering. I just had to reformat everything.
. . As I was redoing every page I noticed just how out-of-date much of it is and how badly everything needs a total redesign

. . Maintaining a website is very time consuming. I currently try to maintain about twelve and I am not doing so well, as evidenced by my lack of attention to our site. Also, many new gadgets have come along that I have been building into those other sites.
. . Before I start on the redesign, I would like to get your ideas. What have you seen on other club sites that you would like to see on ours. What have you seen on ours that you like and don't want me to delete. A redesign of the website most likely would involve reconfiguration of our blog.
. . Our membership list is also stale. I will be refreshing it and inviting everyone to re-enroll. I will send out that re-enrollment as an invite to join the FOGBEE google group. Responding to that invite gets on the updated membership list and provide us with a LISTSERV for emailing notices to members. If you don't respond to the GoogleGroup invite, you will not be added to the new membership list, loose author permission on the BLOG, and not receive members-only news via the LISTSERV.
. . If anyone is available to help with this activity, I would greatly appreciate it. My tentative schedule is
- - Complete Spec for Website Redesign: December 24'th.
- - Complete Redesign: January 31'st
- - Member re-enrollment: From December 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012
. .
. . Comments? Suggestions?

Burn the Calories Off Ride From the Gerst Haus 11/25

2011-11-24T09:05:00.002-06:00

Sherry and I are going to ride from the Gerst Haus Friday morning at 9:00AM to the dam and back. We will have lunch at the Gerst afterwards. All are welcome to join us.

Mike Knake

Chistmas Lights Route DEC 22'nd

2011-11-21T10:02:00.003-06:00

Here is the route we are considering for the Christmas Lights Ride. It is a little over 14 miles in length and focuses on passing through Hendersonville's major shopping areas. I expect it will take us two hours to complete (6:30 to 8:30). Bruce is pulling a wagon with our Christmas Tree and boom-box.
. . We are also considering Media Coverage this year, but are hesitant to contact them until we have a reasonable idea on who plans to participate. This ride is open to everyone. Please share your plans with a COMMENT. No need to repeat if you commented on the initial XMAS Lights POST. (If not a FOGBEE, mail to fogbees@gmail.com)

What's a FOGBEE?

2011-11-20T10:35:00.001-06:00

Much better when watched in FULL SCREEN! Click on the little box.

Fast old guy on an old bike

2011-11-18T20:37:00.002-06:00

MICHAEL SECREST BREAKS 100-MILE TRACK RECORD- FINALLY!

As the saying goes, "If you fall off the horse, get back on it." Or perhaps, "Where there's a will, there's a way." In legendary ultra cyclist Michael Secrest's case, he had to get back on his 1996 GT track bike on nine different occasions, over the span of several years, before he finally broke the 100-mile indoor track cycling record. He did this at age 58! Bravo, Michael! Here's a write-up about this incredible, multiple world record-breaking achievement from RoadBikeRider.com:

On his 9th attempt, 58-year-old Michael Secrest set a new indoor 100-mile world record on October 15, 2011. Secrest covered the 100 miles (161 km) on the Home Depot Center Velodrome track in 3 hours, 46 minutes, 16 seconds - at 26.52 mph (42.68 kph).

After a clean drug test following the ride, Secrest's record was officially certified by the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association (UMCA). His mark bested the previous record of 3:47:26 set in 1994 by Rod Evans.

As if Secrest's time weren't remarkable enough, he wrote us to share a couple of other amazing facts about this astounding record:

- It was set on a standard bike. But not just any bike. "I used the same frame that I used to set the outdoor 24-hour world record in LA, back in 1996," he said. "Imagine that. In this day of high-tech advancements on even a greater turnover than annually, I set a WR on a 15-year-old frame! I guess this can make the case that it's not the bike, it's the engine!"

- He is the oldest athlete ever to set an overall (all ages) world record.

- He is the only athlete in history to set world records in four consecutive decades. "The fact of which I am most proud is that all were achieved without the use of performance-enhancing drugs. ([I was] drug tested after every WR). I hope that maybe some of your readers may find inspiration through this fact or because of my age as not being a barrier to either continue or start riding a bike!"

Well, fellow roadies, if you can't find inspiration in a 58-year-old, drug-free cyclist setting an overall world record on a 15-year-old frame - you might not have a pulse!

Two more notes about Michael: He's also the author of "The Guy on the Bike," an autobiographical eBook that reveals details of his unmatched cycling successes and turns them into inspirational life lessons for cyclists and non-cyclists alike. He's certainly got a new chapter to add to his book.

Finally, while he's the rarest of cyclists in terms of his ability, he's all too normal in terms of his facing danger every time he rides on the road. He concluded his message with a cautionary tale for all roadies:

"I forgot to mention that just four days after setting the 100-mile indoor WR, I was hit by a car making a left turn into me while I was riding through an intersection. It was early evening and I had two rear flashers and my front strobe fully functioning. The accident left me with a fractured collarbone and two fractured posterior ribs. I'm very lucky, as it could easily have been fatal. I expect a full recovery."

2'nd Annual Christmas Lights Ride - Dec 22, 2011

2011-11-11T18:44:00.013-06:00

The Second Annual Christmas Light Ride is THURSDAY December 22'th. The DATE CHANGE was to accommodate the schedules of our original participants. We are still working out the details and there will be more to come. We are going to ask that everyone who participates to bring a unwrapped toy. The toys will be given to the Toys for Tots Program.

The ride will start from parking lot in front of Jolly Olly at 6:30PM and ride a short distance, no more than 10 to 15 miles. It'll be really slow. Jolly Olly is delighted to host our after-the-ride party. If you need help decorating, go to our webpage. Santa has many helpers willing to assist. All you need are Christmas lights and duct tape (Duct tape and Christmas lights sounds kind of redneckie to me but we are the Fogbees).

VISIT THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS WEBPAGE FOR MORE INFO

You don't have to be a FOGBEE to ride.

ANYONE WITH A BIKE IS INVITED TO JOIN US.

Greenways & Trails

2011-11-11T09:18:00.000-06:00

This month's issue features grant opportunities, communities taking action on obesity, and cities in the news. Click Here.

For Bruce & Ed

2011-11-09T11:28:00.000-06:00

IT"S THE FOGBEE SPIN-Thursday night

2011-11-09T08:10:00.003-06:00

Everyone is asking when we will spin again as a Fogbee group. We will start tomorrow at 6:30 pm. See you there.

Six Reasons to Join an INDOOR Cycling Club.

Morning Ride

2011-11-07T12:34:00.005-06:00

Now that I got your attention with this spectacular photo from Phil Vickery on his drive into Whitehouse last week, I wanted to tell you that Sycamore Springs and Demos have confirmed to support our 2012 Cycle For Life Ride on October 27'th. Don't forget to visit our webpage click here to view more of Phil's and Don's (Claussen) creativity of the Inaugural event.

Cystic Fibrosis Ride For Life

2011-11-04T11:40:00.001-05:00

. . Our inaugural Cystic Fibrosis Ride for Life raises $21,000 for Cystic Fibrosis. The committee has met and selected October 27, 2012 (4'th weekend in October is OURS) for next year's event. MARK YOUR CALENDARS.

. . The army of volunteers did fantastic, providing a long list of accolades from participants. So we aren't changing anything. The only thing we have been asked to do is -- get the word out earlier. Tell everyone! Be alert for some special offers.

. . Pictures, slide shows, and photo shows are available on our website. Click here or click on the link above in the header navigation.

They're Everywhere, Almost

2011-11-03T13:33:00.003-05:00

I am sure everyone has seen sharrows popping up on many of our state roads in Tennessee. Jessica Wilson of TDOT says “This is part of TDOT's recent effort to add bicycle facilities to resurfacing projects when it is listed in a local plan- i.e. Charlotte Pike, James Robertson Blvd., SR-17 in Chattanooga, etc...” If you don’t know what sharrows are, follow this link

http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20111103/NEWS01/111030317/Street-markings-allow-more-room-bicycle-riders-around-Clarksville-APSU?odyssey=nav|head

Jessica’s comment caused me to reflect on how a group of middle Tennessee bicyclists met with TDOT officials three years ago, almost to this date, to protest the rumbling of bicycle routes. We used rumbling of a popular shoulder on SR 109 in Sumner County as our rallying point. The outcome of that meeting was not exactly what we expected.

The strategy that we adopted subsequent to that meeting was to work WITH TDOT officials, who seemed more than reasonable to accommodate our concerns. As some will tell you, that approach was not unanimous within our group. To assure that the bicycling community could speak with a unified voice, members of this group formed the 501c3 non-profit corporation Bike Walk Tennessee with advocates from Bristol and Chattanooga to Memphis. We continued to work with TDOT and in March 2010 its engineers introduced and obtained approval from the Federal Highway Administration to use a rumbling specification that is far less destructive of shoulders to bike traffic. We didn’t eliminate rumbling and there have been some hiccups, but we achieved a compromise that in many cases also added a measure of increased safety for bicyclists.

Bike Walk Tennessee continues to work in cooperation with TDOT aided by regular communication and meetings with bike/ped coordinators and with participation on transportation advisory boards. We like to believe that the bicycling and pedestrian community has benefited. The League of American Bicyclists seems to think so. Last year, they raised Tennessee 19 points in their Bicycle Friendly State ranking and this year they gave Tennessee a Bronze Award.

In reference to the above Clarksville newspaper article, Daniel Binkley, the city projects manager said, "So I'd say (TDOT) went above and beyond to try to do what they could to work with us. I've been real happy with the outcome and I think we'll continue to see a lot of positives out of that."

Tom Evans

What a Party! Just look at who showed up!

2011-11-01T21:50:00.005-05:00

I wanted to thank everyone who attended the biggest Fogbee Halloween Party ever. Over 80 party people rocked the night away with games, prizes, a special wedding dance by "the newlyweds", a tribute to Jennifer (who is moving away) and who led the party goers on a "train" ride and all the other fun and Fogbee hospitality that prevailed that night. The food was outrageous, the costumes were great and the dancing didn't end until midnight. A slide show will be up on the blog in the next week for you to laugh at. See you next year!

Enjoy the Cystic Fibrosis Ride Again

2011-10-30T15:58:00.000-05:00

Working for YOU

2011-10-30T15:50:00.002-05:00

PATIENCE! It takes about 15 second to pull down the video from Channel 4. Click to view. Yes, there's a short commercial. That's why I get to share it with y'all. The young lady who was interviewed is Sarah. She is who rode with me at the Cystic Fibrosis Ride.

Halloween

2011-10-29T08:44:00.000-05:00

Another benefit of being a FOGBEE -- Gary's parties. Click on the picture above.

Dance for Guys & Gouls

2011-10-28T15:53:00.000-05:00

Its our Fogbee Halloween Party!
by: lawpuck

I'm Proud to say "I'm a Fogbee" (A humbling experience)

2011-10-23T19:58:00.007-05:00

Yesterday's CF ride reminded me how important our Cycle Club is and the impact we have in the community. I was proud to be part of a great event sponsored, in part, by the Fogbees. The Fogbees were instrumental in the creation of this event, including the route, the place the event was located and having input on all levels. Over 20% of the riders were Fogbees! Our Club had a HUGE (that means GIGANTIC)Volunteer turnout including Fogbees, spouses, friends and relatives helping with parking, setting up the morning ride, marking the route, Sag support, rest stops, a truck ride up to the party, etc. We helped to raise over $17,000 to help fight CF. The entire day was magnificent and the ride itself was breathtaking but hearing a young girl living with CF address the riders before the ride and show her appreciation for the event and then meeting the little girl with CF (a relative of Phil's) at the "Clown" rest stop put it all in perspective. I can only say that I can't wait for next years ride..... :)

CF Cycle 4 Life

2011-10-23T16:28:00.003-05:00

As you can see, the fall colors were "special" for our Cystic Fibrosis Cycle For Life event. Notice the two clowns on the right ! Series of photos are posted on Shutterfly for your viewing pleasure.

RIDE WAS A SUCCESS

2011-10-23T08:39:00.004-05:00

. . Y'all did SUPERB! The Nashville Amateur Radio Club who supports almost every bike event in the area said the organization and execution was as good as or better than any and it wouldn't be long before we rivaled the Jack 'n Back. He planned to write letters to top management at Cystic Fibrosis commending the event.
. . While y'all were stationed at your rest stops, Gary, Miley, and the young lady with CF did us proud with the opening ceremony. To top it off Mikal Williams sang the National Anthem perfectly. It was indicative of what the rest of the event was going to be.
. . Pat yourselves on the back. Thank you so much! Only a few more bicyclist could have made it any better.

Don't Miss Party on the Hill

2011-10-21T14:11:00.002-05:00

Here's a link to a map starting from Nashville to the Party on the Hill AFTER the Cystic Fibrosis Ride for Life. Photo courtesy of David Irvine. No, that is not Phil.

3 Days to the BIG Ride

2011-10-19T12:42:00.000-05:00

WOW! What a great turn out for our volunteer meeting last night! We have a great group of volunteers that are pumped and ready to go! Thank you for recruiting such a great team! You guys are AMAZING!

I just want to thank each of you for all you have done. We have come a long way since my initial meeting with Gary and Tom! There is no way I could have planned such an organized ride without your support! It’s going to be a great ride and for such a great cause!

Andrea K. Cook, Market Development Manager
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Deer in Tennessee are bad enough

2011-10-17T12:53:00.000-05:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Ride this Saturday - October 22'nd

2011-10-17T09:37:00.004-05:00

. . Your committee has worked hard to kick off the Inaugural CYCLE for LIFE RIDE from Sycamore Springs (click here). Bruce and Miley have pulled out their BEST route -- one that few bicyclists, including FOGBEES, have experienced. We have a private beer Party on the Hill after the ride. We have FOUR great rest stops. We have a Short and Long Ride. We have the most spectacular views in our area. We have SAG, EMT's, police support, repair stations, surprises, etc. on the route. We have GREAT weather and FALL COLORS are EXPECTED on Saturday. AND a great cause for fund raising - Cystic Fibrosis. Contribute a tax-deductible gift and enjoy a great party.
. . What we need is YOU, and then we'll have everything.

Times and dates to keep in mind:
- Oct 18, 5:30: Volunteer Meeting at Gallatin Library
- Oct 21: Setup @ Sycamore and supplies pickup at Gary's Office
- Oct 22: 7:30A @ Sycamore Registration
- Oct 22: 8:45A @ Sycamore Entrance Road is CLOSED and Festivities begin

Yes, we have maps & cues. Get at the ride or send me a request. However, Miley & David Buckman are marking the roads VERY well.

FOBEES Do the First BBB Ride

2011-10-15T17:10:00.003-05:00

The BikeBarbequeBallistics Ride came to town with panache ! Everyone found something fun and memorable about our ride out of Curtis McMahon's playground, Portland, TN.

Bike ride in Portland. (optional target shooting after the ride) OCT 15

2011-10-15T06:00:00.004-05:00

. .We will start the ride @8:30 from the BBQ Pit In Portland in the morning.

On Saturday October 15th we are planing a 30 mile bike ride starting in at the BBQ PIT in Portland. The ride will be about 30 miles and there will be options to lengthen if you want to ride farther. After the ride we will eat lunch at the BBQ pit.
. . After the ride we can to go to a local private range and target shoot. If you do not have a gun but would like to shoot there will be some extra guns for you to use. The shooting will be supervised by a State of Tennessee Certified Instructor.
. . A side note: It has come to my attention that an individual belonging to another local bike clubs thought that the Fogbees are a bunch of Rednecks because we are going shooting after a ride. I want to let that individual know that we recycle all of the targets after the shoot and no opossums will be hurt or eaten on this ride.

Directions to the BBQ PIT The route will be posted as we get closer to the ride

Route Information

Shooting information.

All of the Fogbees are invited to attend Please post if you are planning to attend
We will be supervised by a State Certified Instructor
If you bring a gun it must be unloaded until you are ready to shoot
You must have eye and hearing protection
If you do not have a gun there will be some that you can use. You should plan on buying some bullets to use in a borrowed gun. ( .22 LR, 9mm, .223, 12gauge are some of the bullets that will fit the extra guns) If you have questions please contact Bob G. or Curtis M.

Email if you have any questions

Tybee Island Update

2011-10-12T15:29:00.004-05:00

Hey, Tom B

A guys go to do something while waiting for his bride to get all dolled up.

To all, the good Lord cleared the clouds at 5:30 last night for a beautiful evening wedding on the beach, with pelicans present.

Found the ideal place in Savannah today - The Rubber Meets the Road Bike Shop, next door to the Expresso Gallery Coffee Shop and across the street from the Six Pence Pub where our 30 mile bike ride started and ended today. Coffee, bike ride and beer with my new bride- life's great!

Mike and Sherry

Tybee Island Update

2011-10-11T14:57:00.002-05:00

Saw the sunshine for the first time today. Still calling for rain tonight at 6:00PM, wedding time. Finding lots of things to do otherwise. We even got a bike ride in today.

Mike and Sherry.

Tybee Island Report

2011-10-09T15:28:00.002-05:00

Made it to Tybee Island - rain, gusts of wind to 30 mph, no sunshine, beaches closed due to high winds and waves. 2.7 inches of rain on the way. Sever Thunderstorms for the next 3 days.

All is well.

Mike and Sherry.

Photo Show to Scottsboro

2011-10-07T14:52:00.001-05:00

Bruce, David, and I would like to share our trip to Scottsboro via a Photo Show. Please click http://www.photoshow.com/watch/Kp2SS8jB and click to view in FULL screen mode. Great photos were provided by Bruce. Above picture is courtesy of David Irvine.

Bachelor Party - Thursday Oct 6'th

2011-10-06T23:04:00.007-05:00

Meet at PUBLIX Parking Lot at 5:15PM for a short ride and then brews at the Tilted Kilt. YES - ladies are invited! Y'ALL COME Video was creation of Gary.

Team Fogbees at Gran Fondo Gran Fondo

2011-10-06T21:05:00.000-05:00

Update: So far only Jennifer and I have registered for Team Fogbees with Bob Huss and Demetrius expressing interest. Unless we get 5-7 committed and registered, I will just ride as an individual.

I have registered and indicated I will be riding in the team "Fogbees"I'm looking to recruit 3 to 5 more FOGBEES who might be interested in a team to do the Gran Fondo Gran Fondo 65 mile route on October 9. We need 5 to 7 people to make a team, and (I) really need 3 strong riders that Jennifer and I can draft behind. Actually fast or slow, let' s have some fun and just ride as a Fogbee team, with our Jerseys, and finish as a team.

See the website for details. http://web.me.com/vidagreer/fly/Welcome.html

Here are the team rules. I would be the "elder statesman' unless a senior Fogbee elite should wish to join :-)

For those wishing to compete as a team, we are offering a gentleman's race format. Our rules for teams are designed for fun - here goes:

•Teams must have five members finishing together. A team cannot be larger than seven members.
•Each team must have at least one woman. A team does not have to have any male participants.
•Each team must have at least one participant age 45 or older. A team does not have to have any participants under age 45.
•The winning team will have the shortest gran fondo completion time for the five teammates crossing the line together. Don't ask us to explain what together means. You will be required to have your woman and your elder statesman finish in your group of five.
•Each team must evidence their completion of the designated, marked route by verifications to explained on race day (crossing timing pads on distinct route points, number check off on top of climbs).
•Tandem riders may count as two persons of a team.
•There is only a Team Competition for the Gran Fondo (65 mile distance) category

Tom

MS to Jack 'n' Back photos posted

2011-10-04T07:07:00.003-05:00

Excellent weather, great friends, and scenic setting all combined to make a familiar ride fresh again.

Jeff Smythe and I enjoyed the Jack 'n' Back by stopping at every rest stop, making new acquaintances, sampling the smorgasbord of wares, and soaking up the essence of what makes this ride unique.

Watching the sun set over Lynchburg with a Jack on the rocks, a rocking good band, and the best biking club in Middle TN....... it doesn't get any better than this.

Scottsboro

2011-10-03T11:01:00.000-05:00

Bruce put together another one of his EXCEPTIONAL Tours this weekend to Scottsboro, Alabama. He took over 200 pictures along the way (see FOGBEE Photo Site) and is considering offering it as a FOGBEE trip, if enough of you petition him. This picture was a view across a soybean field as we entered Scottsboro. Bruce's Tours are why I ride.

Cystic Fibrosis DISCOUNT

2011-09-28T13:18:00.001-05:00

On October 5'th & 6'th the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is offering $5 registration for our October 22'nd Cycle for Life Ride. Join the FOGBEE Team. Your committee has done a great job with this inaugural Event.
. . Also, congratulations to Phil Vickery who won the early drawing prize for getting his donation submitted.
. . CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Wednesday Lite Ride

2011-09-27T18:50:00.001-05:00

We are discontinuing the regular Wednesday Lite rides until next spring when the days are long enough that we can finish before dark. Look for pick-up rides when time and weather permit until then. Thanks everybody! We had a great season.

Stay safe,

Tommy & Rhonda

Who's Going to MS Jack 'n' Back ?

2011-09-27T10:15:00.003-05:00

Though our ranks have thinned for the Jack 'n' Back, I'm excited to be participating once more for my loved ones living with MS. Curious as to whom I might do the ride with ? I'm signed up to do the 50 miler Saturday and Sunday. I'll be staying at the Quality Inn in Tullahoma, looking for some company. What are everyone's plans ? Thought we should co-ordinate if desired or possible.

Looking forward to great weather and a gratifying ride !

It's big and fun!

2011-09-26T17:06:00.004-05:00

The most anticipated Halloween party every year is, of course, the Fogbee Party. This year will be no different. You will receive a personal email soon but go ahead and mark your calenders for Saturday, October 29th at 6:30 pm. at Glen Oaks Club House. Details will soon follow but to get you in the spirit I found this old movie clip that I believe was illegally copied by some guy named George Lucas and which made him big bucks..see you there.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

The Fogbee Tee shirts have arived

2011-09-25T16:07:00.000-05:00

.
I still have tee shirts for the following people. I am not planning on Riding the next 2 Saturdays. Please let me know and we can make Arangements for you to get your Shirts. The cost is $11.50 vs. $10.80 I forgot sales tax
Bob"s Email

Ronnie & Ann
Roger S.
Ed (I will hold until you are back in town)
Jason S.
Tom E.
Danny D.
Dolly
Mike & Sherry
Curtis (I will bring yours to you)

Shout out..

2011-09-24T15:49:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to give a Hi-Five to the great Fogbee turnout for the Brass Ride this morning and the good job everyone did on the 62 mile course. Way to go!

BRAT 2011 report

2011-09-17T21:26:00.002-05:00

Ridership was up with a total of 300 riders, some like me doing only part of a week but over 200 doing the full week. Despite the many PUC's and a vicious headwind one day, I heard no complaints about the route. SAG and rest stops were outstanding. TDEC rangers did a great job of patrolling the route without being intrusive. Cue sheets and road markings were spot on. The only slight negative was that some of the small cafe's were not happy when we came in at the same time as their regular customers. However, that was unusual and even most of the stressed places were glad to see us and invited us back.

The most frequently asked question was "Where are the other Fogbees?" Next year's BRAT will be in there area between Chattanooga and Knoxville. Another chance to test your legs while cycling in great scenery and meeting strangers who will become your lifelong friends.

A few Images.

Saturday Ride, Sept 17, 2011

2011-09-15T13:31:00.008-05:00

Click on to enlarge
BLACKSTONE RIDE starting at 8:00AM at the Blackstone. The Metro Greenway is still torn up, but we can still ride through Metro Center on the roads to connect back up with the Greenway at the east end of Metro Center.

Short riders can start from LP Field at 8:45AM. The Long Riders will meet at the Short Riders at LP Field. Another start point is in Shelby Park.
Route OUT (revised) Route BACK

Lunch and drinks following.

See you there,

Mike Knake

PLEASE -- RIDE TO BE SEEN!

2011-09-15T08:15:00.001-05:00

Tom, Late last night longtime friend, retired schoolteacher and motorcyclist Charles Noble of H'ville sent me an email which included this observation about a group of bicyclists he passed Wednesday evening on Long Hollow Pike headed toward G'ville. I don't know if this group was our Wednesday evening Fogbee group but the time of day and route suggest that it probably was. His comments about being visible at twilight provide food for thought and maybe a re-evaluation of what we can do to make ourselves more visible at twilight and at all other times. If you were in that group that Charles passed, you may remember his mighty fine classic 1968 BMW boxer-twin motorcycle. Here are his copied & pasted candid comments:

On another note, tonight, I was In my 68 R69US riding south on Long Hollow Pike a few miles north of Goodlettsville when I came upon a strung-out group of about 25 bicycle riders, working their way south. It was just before dark and it was interesting to see the variation in lighting they the bikes employed. Some had bright flashing LEDs, some had tiny lights, and some had no lighting at all, and of that group, one had a strip of retro-reflective material in the back of his bike. Several were wearing hi-vis, as I wear, and some even had bright white lights on the front of their bikes. Some of the no-light people were riding with a buddy that had lights, and a few of the "unseen" were riding alone. It looks like they all would be keyed into the importance of being seen by auto drivers. When one is young, one tends to think that all drivers have vision as good as theirs. I'll be doing the lens swap-out surgery before long since my opthamologist told me at my last visit that it is "up to me now". There's got to be other drivers out there that can't see as well as I do. Ride safe. C

As Charles says, let's ride safe.
DTI

PS: I never did hear or see anything more about the bicyclist hit by a car at 5:30am last week on Whites Creek Pike. The car's windshield was smashed in so I assume the biker was badly hurt if not killed.

Protect Funding for Transportation Enhancements

2011-09-14T08:19:00.001-05:00

Please help save Transportation Enhancements in the Transportation Extension by contacting your Senators today!

It's easy and takes a minute at the SRTS site. Just click here

and enter your ZIP code to direct your input to your Senators.

This year, around $700 million of Federal transportation funds, which is less than 2 percent of total transportation dollars, will be spent on bicycling and walking. In 2012 that figure could be a big fat zero if Senator Coburn (R-OK) gets his way.

In the next few days, Senator Coburn (R-OK) is expected to try and hold up the extension of the SAFETEA-LU transportation bill unless Congress eliminates funding for the federal Transportation Enhancements (TE) program. For twenty years, Transportation Enhancements has been the primary funding source for sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, trails and more.

Sen. Coburn is threatening to let tens of billions of transportation spending expire after September 30 (the current expiration of SAFETEA-LU) over the small amount that bicycling and walking receives. If Sen. Coburn were to succeed, it would mean an immediate end to funding for Transportation Enhancements. It would also mean that our chances of sustaining any funding for bicycling and walking (including for Safe Routes to School and Recreational Trails) in the long-term reauthorization bill would be more difficult.

Members of Congress who oppose bicycling and walking funding are saying that these projects are "job-killing regulations." But, bicycle and pedestrian projects create more jobs per dollar than highway-only projects. And, bicycle and pedestrian projects help alleviate traffic congestion, improve safety, get people active, and give us all more transportation options.

Please take a minute to contact your Senators today

to urge them to vote against the Coburn amendment and sustain dedicated funding for Transportation Enhancements. Don't let them take away this vital investment program for smart, sustainable, safe transportation choices.

Thank you for your action. With your help, we can preserve funding for bicycling and walking in the extension and put us in a better position for the long-term transportation bill.

Please contact Scott Bricker, America Walks Executive Director, if you have more questions. He can be reached at sbricker[at]americawalks.org

BE SEEN -- BE SAFE

2011-09-08T11:51:00.001-05:00

. . It's that time of the year when darkness comes before many evening rides are complete. This month we have had a bicyclist seriously injured riding at 5:30A and another killed riding at 10:30P. In the latter case the dead bicyclist was breaking the law with no lights and no reflective gear. Every bicyclist's responsibility is to GO TO EXTREMES to be seen, especially at dusk or when the setting sun may be blinding motorists. Here is advice from an Arkansas LCI.

. . The number one killer of cyclists over here on the west side is running stop signs/red lights, followed very closely by riding “ninja style,” after dark without lights and reflectors.

. . We use a lot of video, both in the Smart Cycling classes and the outreach pages on the web site, to try to help getting the point across. Some examples available via YouTube:

Bicycling at Night (Long Beach, CA) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm61CYDrKf4
LCI Night Ride – How Visible are You? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epZdXfvrRmU
MASSBike : Visibility from the Rear at Night http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQDRrsHpae0
"Let's Get Visible" music video -- a little hokey, but gets the point across... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7DBf_Uxfeg
Lights & Reflectors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHmPksRKGfE&NR=1
Sharing the Road- Lights at Night http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOsNTVXMo0g
Ride On By... Law Enforcement Orientation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNrTURvciuk ROB Pt 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9pXy5aWfvA ROB Pt 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yta3yVP9Xss ROB II Pt.1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz0HSX66mNs ROB II Pt. 2

Tom Ezell

Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas

News from the Postman

2011-09-04T21:17:00.002-05:00

For all those wondering about James C, AKA the Postman, he's documenting his trip to Fort Worth, TX via the NTP on the Crazyguyonabike site. Click the link.
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/9416

Any ideas on bicycle routes, camping, etc. from Natchez to Fort Worth can be posted here or sent to his usual email.

Bicycle Stability

2011-09-04T13:21:00.006-05:00

For Tom Evans, Andrew and all the other physicist wannabes.

Click here

Out of Sight but NEVER out of mind.

2011-09-02T16:14:00.000-05:00

Hi FOGBees!
   Just saw your flyer and am looking forward to coming up to ride in it!!! :o)
   Randy and I have been riding with the Spring City Cycling Club down here working toward their infamous metric century "All You Can Eat Ride" on Sept 17th. (Actually, there are several route distances to choose from..35,50,59,67,109 the last two with some really challenging hills in them) Any FOGBee who wants to travel for a good ride with some great eats, come on down. :o)
    We sure miss the after ride fun at Louey's and Sam's with ya'll and especially having Tom sagging my slow butt on some of the rides!!! (Could have used you 4 weeks ago when 2 pitbulls came out and decided to chase me and then run in front of me. Bruised and scraped up but my bike was ok!!) I have gotten faster!! :o Bruce...I don't miss those "rolling hills" LOL!!!...well...yeah, I kinda do!
   Anyway, we are looking forward to riding your ride for CF and am proud to wear the FOGBee jersey here when I ride!
    See you in October!!
----Donna Weidenbenner

Fogbee T-Shirts Only 3 days left

2011-09-02T04:31:00.000-05:00

Click on image to see enlarged version

Well it is finally here the official Fogbees T-Shirt. Above are samples of what the shirts will look like and we have not forgotten the ladies.

I have enough shirts to place an order.

The cost just $10.80 ea. It may go down if we have more than 25 pcs. If you would like a shirt please post, or email Bob by Sep 5th

Bob's Email

Fogbee Jersey's have arived

2011-09-01T17:46:00.000-05:00

I have jersey's for the following people.

Mike Kaiser

Phil & Lisa H

Christy

Please post or contact Bob to make arangments to pick them up.

It Takes a Team

2011-08-30T10:46:00.001-05:00

AUG 31'st - LAST DAY FOR $15 REGISTRATION CLICK HERE
. . Participating in the HOT 100 yesterday reminded me how critical the support of a bike club is in the achievement of a great event. So many clubs in our area have this down to a science. I spent yesterday afternoon picking Sarah Lovett's brain on how the Murfreesboro Bike Club does the HOT 100. She has a fat manual she has put together over the years and has taught "Organizing an Event" at MTSU. She has volunteered to share much of her work.
. . Many FOGBEES have wanted to have OUR event and the opportunity has presented itself by means of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Several FOGBEES have already taken leadership positions, but it is going to TAKE A TEAM effort for this to be successful. I shared with Sarah what has been accomplished to date and she confirmed that we are on track, but please consider getting involved with your club's event.
. . What we need now is MARKETING. Few people know about this inaugural event. Even if you are unable to ride in our first Cycle for Life (for whatever reason) - - TALK IT UP. We hung posters and passed out brochures and flyers at the HOT 100. CLICK HERE to print a flyer to share with friends, family, business associates, etc.
. . Join me in being proud of the FOGBEES that recognize the importance of sharing personal time and treasure in our community and making your club successful.

Dog Attack

2011-08-29T14:35:00.002-05:00

I was riding this morning and got chased by 2 dogs on Weeping Willow road. I've called Sumner County Animal Control (452-2400) and reported the incident. The are going to contact the owner and enforce the leash law. If you have a similar experience I would ask you to call SCAC and report the dogs/owner. [Weeping Willow runs into Brinkley Branch rd. It's about the 4th house on the right once you make the turn onto Weeping Willow. The house number is 522].

This is not the first time there has been a problem with those dogs.

Ride safe.

Jimmy

Wounded Warrior Ride Sept 24th

2011-08-26T10:46:00.014-05:00

I know we have allot of upcoming charity rides, but I have started a Fogbees team for this ride.

The cost is Registration fee: $25 (includes post-ride Community Picnic and lunch). It is each rider's responsibility to raise $150/each in donations by September 24.

Solder Ride Info

Short ride

Long ride

Bike/Ped Count - Volunteers Needed

2011-08-20T13:50:00.000-05:00

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED
The Nashville Area MPO will be conducting regional bicycle and pedestrian counts as part of the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project on Tuesday, September 13th. The counts were first conducted in the MPO region (Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Wilson and Williamson Counties) in 2009. There were 23 count locations in all - 11 in Davidson County and 3 each in the other counties. The counts are totally dependent on volunteers who agree to participate in a brief web-based training and count for one or both two-hours periods on the 13th from 7-9am and 4-6pm.

We are asking for volunteers who may be able to help. Depending on how many locations we select and the availability of volunteers, we will need a large pool of names from which to draw. Please volunteer by emailing to meehan@nashvillempo.org by Friday, August 12th.

Also, please take a look at the existing count locations (page 2 of the attachment) and let me know if you have suggestions for additional locations. The 2009 count locations were selected based on: 1) Areas expected to have high rates of bicyclists and/or pedestrians, 2) Areas with land use plans that when developed, would be more conducive to bicycle and pedestrian travel, or 3) Underserved areas with little or no bicycle or pedestrian facilities but high rates of bicyclists and pedestrians. Depending on the number of suggested additions and the number of volunteers, MPO staff will determine how many additional locations can be included. We would like to conduct counts at the original 23 locations so that we can get baseline data.

Thank you,

Leslie Meehan, Nashville MPO

Congrats to Eric

2011-08-17T21:12:00.002-05:00

Everyone, please be sure to congratulate Eric Bateman. He rode in his first race tonight......a criterium as part of the Nashville Crit Series, and did well. Eric is young, motivated, strong, and has great form. He has a very bright future in racing and I look forward to seeing him develop.

The Fogbees is a wonderful cycling club that developes both avid social cyclists and racing candidates. I still believe the fastest 25 mile ride I have ever been on was with Gary, Miley, and Mike K. A few of the Fogbees that have gone on to race are:

Eric Bateman (team to be determined)
myself (Team BC, Merck Racing, and Team Louisville; soon Team SVMIC)
Mike Poole (Team BC; now with Team SVMIC)
Josh Lewis (Team BC)
Jon Cherry (Team BC)
Garland Stone (Team BC)

I have my sights now set on Jason Sexton! Gary has recently informed me that the Fogbees will begin charging a finders fee for all riders that move on to race.........

Help Launch our Cystic Fibrosis Ride

2011-08-17T12:43:00.004-05:00

. . Members of your FOGBEE Club are working with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to launch a new major Charity Ride. Committee members discussed it during Bob's Pool Party a couple of weeks ago.

. . Besides being for a worthy cause, this ride gives particiapnts an opportunity to ride wonderful areas in Tennessee they probably have never seen. We are riding Sumner, Trousdale, and Macon Counties with spectacular autumn views from Drury Ridge.

. . After this fully supported ride, we have a Hay Ride to take participants up and back to our “Party on the Hill” served by Demo’s and complete with FOGBEE juice.

. . I know you want to help. As a start we would appreciate it if you would share the attached information with friends, family, etc and with other organization that might have an interest. Put it on your FACEBOOK page! In about a month we will be asking for volunteers to staff the event, again with family, friends, and others willing contribute such a small amount of time for a special cause.

. . Thanks for helping us launch this worthy endeavor.

Senator Roberts appointed to Transportation Coordination Committee

2011-08-14T11:50:00.001-05:00

Remember Kerry Roberts? He's the guy that owns bike shops. Well . . .

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 11, 2011 – State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) has been appointed to a special joint committee charged with creating a five-year strategic transportation coordination plan for Tennessee. The plan will guide the state’s efforts to improve transportation coordination of state and local governments to increase effectiveness and financial efficiency. The announcement regarding the appointment was made during a meeting in Sumner County which featured Tennessee Transportation Commissioner John Schroer.

“Senator Roberts is a perfect fit for this special committee to investigate how we can maximize efficiencies within state government regarding transportation needs,” said Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, who made the appointment. “The coordination of our transportation system is key to our economic health and very important to our state budget’s bottom line. Sen. Roberts will give it the attention to detail needed to realize efficiencies and maximize opportunities.”
The committee consists of four members of the General Assembly, as well as a representative from various departments of state government and a member of the Public Transportation Association. The group will study the improvement of methods of delivery and coordination of transportation services by state departments and agencies, as well as transportation provided by local government and non-profit agencies that are funded by Tennessee taxpayers. In addition, they will study the effectiveness of existing services, the need for new types of services, improvements in the effective use of existing funding, reduction of barriers to the effective funding of transportation services, identification of new sources of transportation funding and improvement in the universal mobility for Tennessee citizens and visitors to the state.
“We have a significant challenge in front of us,” Senator Roberts said. “I am looking forward to being a part of finding solutions to meet Tennessee’s transportation needs in the most efficient and effective manner.”

Tomato Arts Festival images

2011-08-13T17:31:00.000-05:00

It was a great day. Thanks to Bryan and all the Fogbees for making it so.
Pictures here.
Bruce

Out of Africa

2011-08-13T11:22:00.002-05:00

I've been gone for quite awhile but I return home this upcomIng week. Hopefully the heat will break and I'll be able to join you. See you soon.

Embedding Maps

2011-08-12T12:38:00.000-05:00

If you use embedded code in your POST, click here to read this note. We have had some problems. I have added it to menu bar to make it easily accessible for future reference.

Bike Tires

2011-08-11T14:08:00.000-05:00

. . This info is old for veteran road warriors, but valuable for people who have just purchased a new bike. Please replace the "Bike Shop" issue ASAP with Gatorskin or Armadillo (or facsimile) tires if you want to reduce greatly the potential for flats. Those bike shop tires are like vacuum cleaners. They suck up every piece of glass on the road.
. . Unless you are in the Glydesdale class of riders and need tank tracks on your bike, buy 25-mm instead of 23-mm tires. That tiny difference provides a noticeably softer ride. Plus, the 25-mm work much better than 23-mm on hard-pack trails.
. . Always check tires before the ride. If you see cord through the rubber or have excessive knicks replace the tire. Armadillo tires have a wear-indicator. Don't push your tires to the limit. You'll thank me on that 40-mph downhill glide. Also, be sure your wheel liner is in good shape and properly position over the spoke nuts.

A reflection on the joys of Fogbee'ing

2011-08-07T10:53:00.003-05:00

and so..we met at Sams for the Milkshake ride. There were more non-Fogs than Fogs but a lively crew at that. We even had a wonderful lady from the Harpeth River Club scouting out locations for potential rides for later this month. At the WH Greenway came several unknown riders but one who knew of a mystery lady who rode on a tandem in WH and said she worked for State Farm (sherry). Great ride..about 12 of us. We get to Crossplains and sitting at the counter sipping shakes are KJ and Andrew. Where did they come from?..Go figure. The Harpeth River rider loved the place. Headed back..Brian turned towards home (as planned), where's Roger and Andrew and the guy who knew the mystery lady? gone..go figure..Also, lost several non-foggers on a long straight away... the Harpeth rider moved on..several riders went back to find the lost riders..never saw them again..go figure..and so in the end KJ and I head up New hope Road..it's raining..KJ heads home..so..I creep into Sams parking lot..One Fogbee..go figure..it was a good day..See you all riding soon..