Official Fogbee Bottle Opener

These guys make headset spacers/bottle openers. They will custom engrave for an order of 12 or more.

One reviewer said "Yes, I am now the proud owner of bottle opener with a bike around it."

http://www.ahrensbicycles.com/

More Rumbling on TV

In case you missed the latest report on Rumble Strips on Highway 100.

http://www.wsmv.com/video/22569181/index.html

TDOT says they have closed the breakdown of communication that allowed the above rumbling to happen. We shall see!

Please Help with PRO-BIKE Legislation

NOW is the time for you to ACT and do something very easy for bicycling advocacy

This evening the directors of Bike Walk Tennessee unanimously voted to adopt a resolution in support of Tennessee state legislation HB3131 / SB3057. This bill authorizes bicyclists, after coming to a full and complete stop and exercising due care as provided by law, to proceed with caution through traffic lights. This is due to the inability of many traffic signals to detect a waiting bicyclist. The law has long been available to motorcyclists, and this bill will provide similar treatment for bicyclists. READ HOW WE NEED YOUR HELP

2/18: Bill passes Senate unanimously. Now headed to House Safety Committee

HIGHWAY 100 GETS RUMBLED

First impressions suggest our attempts to find reasonable compromise have failed. A popular bike route - Hwy 100 - got rumbled. Click HERE to view pictures. Comments?
From: Jessica.L Wilson, February 12, 2010 7:51 AM
To: tom@evanscenter.com

Tom-
I've gotten several inquiries about this project and talked to Pat about it earlier this week. Unfortunately, this particular project was part of a contract let back in Sept. 2009 before we had our new system in place. If you have questions or want to talk about it more then feel free to give me a call and we can discuss it- its usually easier for me to talk over the phone rather than type everything out.

Thanks!
Jessica L. Wilson
Transportation Planner 4
TDOT Long Range Planning

Internet Training

Bob, has asked for face-to-face help on his Blog (Assignments 1 &2). I told him to bring his laptop over this Saturday 2/13/10 (weather for peddling not looking good) and we would work on it.
If anyone else wants to join this work session, please Comment to this Post and we'll work out the timing.
Since Gary and Bruce have doe great jobs with the blogs, I have decided to add one more section for Blogs - adding JibJab (Gary's favorite), YouTube, and other embedded HTML to a Blog.

cassettes

Thinking about getting an Ultegra 11-28 cassette. Any opinions? And what types of cassette are you running? Just looking for some info so I can have an informed decision. Thanks - Scott

Bicycle Legislation - IN PROCESS

Dear Friends:

As cycling enthusiasts, I wanted to bring to your attention legislation currently before the Tennessee General Assembly that may be of interest to you. As you most likely know, bicycles are often too light to trigger many of the traffic signals throughout the state. This creates an unnecessary and unpleasant delay for cyclists as they are forced to wait for vehicles to trigger the lights. I’ve recently introduced a bill to address this small but potentially aggravating issue.

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The bill, SB 3057, will allow cyclists in the state to proceed cautiously through red lights when they are rendered inoperable due to the bicycle’s weight. This is certainly a small change in state law; but, hopefully, it will improve the quality of cycling throughout the state. If you would like to see the bill being considered before the Senate Transportation Committee, you can watch it live Tuesday, February 9^th, at 11:30 a.m. at http://www.capitol.tn.gov/ , or just come to view the proceedings in Room 12 at the Legislative Plaza in Nashville, Tennessee. You can also watch an archived version of the hearing on the same site at anytime.

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If you’d like to hear more about other current Tennessee issues, you may sign up to receive the Woodson Weekly, a weekly periodical of legislative news relevant to Tennesseans, at jamiewoodson.com.

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As you know, cycling is an American tradition. It is a cherished pastime, and a great way to stay healthy and enjoy the outdoors. Tennessee values its cyclists, and we want to help them continue to enjoy their experience.

Yours in Service, Jamie Woodson, Senate Speaker Pro Tempore

Fogbees Triathlon Challenge

A slight change of plans. The GJCC Triathlon has been canceled, but do not fear we have a alternative. There is a tri event in McMinnville, TN on Sat May29,2010. The link below is updated with information to this event.

As everyone can see the list of people wanting to enter this event has grown. It is recommended that you sign up early as this event fills up fast. As of today Bob G. and Phil V. are registered. There will not be any organised training for this event, but several of us have been swimming at the YMCA in Hendersonville.

Click Here for McMinnville Triathlon information

Tips for Beginners

McMinnville Triathlon
May 29 , 2010 - Memorial Day - Monday
200 meter pool swim / 10.5 mi bike / 2 mi run / walk

Other Blogs

It's a COLD, deary, day. Time to look at some blogs. How about Hockey for OLD Men? Can you believe that Mr "Can you post this for me" has created this. I still think he is paying someone.

We also have Tennessee Bicycle Interstate Routes. Also quite good, but I've seen him do this stuff before so I don't question it's author.

What does anyone think?

I wish I could show some more, but the others have nothing new since December.

Even though I haven't completed the assignments, these guys have accomplished everything I wanted to do with Blogs. Time to move on to Working with MapMyRide.

Today's Winter Entertainment

Copenhagenize.com - Winter Cycling from Copenhagenize on Vimeo.

New Bike Lanes - Nashville

Hi, I found your organization online and wanted you to be aware of some new bike lane traffic markings that our company has recently installed in Nashville. When completed later this month, Davidson Street near downtown on the east bank of the Cumberland River, will feature a bi-directional dedicated bike lane with 42 new green field bike symbols. The symbol is manufactured by Flint Trading Company. The layout was developed by Collier Engineering in Brentwood and approved by the Metro Public Works.

We hope your organization enjoys using these improvements.
Scott Adams, Project Manager

Saturday's Ride

Buffalo Dip

Here is the recipe for the Buffalo Chicken Dip that I brought to the Fogbees Party on Sat. Some of you requested it so here it goes. Enjoy!! Good dip to take to your Super Bowl Party. Go Colts!

2 10 oz cans of chunk chicken, drained
2 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup ranch dressing
3/4 cup pepper sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot)
1 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese

Heat chicken and hot sauce in skillet until heated through.Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in half of cheddar cheese. Transfer to crockpot. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and cook on low until bubbly.

It's a PARTY

Click on picture to enlarge or click here for Gary's Smile Box.

Rumble Strip Update

In November 2008 Bryan brought the Rumbling of SR109 to our attention. Bruce and I made a few telephone calls and pulled together an impromptu meeting with TDOT, Leslie Mehan (MPO), Glen Wanner, Pat Clements, Tim Nichols, and Jeff Sammons to voice our complaint. Subsequent to that meeting Big Bob became a movie star as TDOT rep's watch him maneuvering the rumble on SR109. Rumble Strips became a big issue across Tennessee and led to the formation of the corporation Bike Walk Tennessee (with help of Bruce, Tim, David Irvine, and Tom) to give Bike Advocates across the State a unified voice on issues such as this.
Today, in our Statewide Bike/Ped meeting TDOT announced approval by Federal Highway Administration of new Rumbling Standards that would have stopped what is now on SR109 and acknowledged our efforts that led to this change. The new Standards are the most Bike Friendly we have seen in any state.
The bottom line to all of this is - getting involved in government does work! Every voice and every time we participate in public meetings counts. Try it sometime. Don't depend on the few.

Saturday's Party on? Can I do the Charleston?

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

I'm GETTIN OLD!

AS MANY OF YOU KNOW I AM VERY FOND OF MY "SPAGHETTIoS" ORANGE JERSEY AND RIDE WITH PRIDE IN THE SUMMER WITH THAT JERSEY ON. I SADLY REPORT THAT DONALD GOERKE, AGE 83, THE MAN WHO DEVELOPED "spaghettiOs" for the CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY DIED YESTERDAY. 'UH-OH, SPAGETTIOS"!

Ravenwood Greenway Update

This fine Thursday afternoon I pedaled 22 1/2 miles roundtrip from my house to PP Dam via the greenway routes. The part by Ravenwood CC is completely paved with nice smooth asphalt. The railing which will separate the greenway path from the roadway has not yet been installed. At the intersection with Lebanon Road a greenway turnoff is under construction which goes to the old wrought iron bridge; the crushed stone has been placed but no asphalt yet. At the other end of the bridge (nearest Kohl's entrance) earth-moving equipment was busy constructing a 180-degree bend to route the greenway back under the old and new bridges. Once across Lebanon Road I took a look at the other end of this work in progress. From Kohl's parking lot there is now coarse asphalt pathway going to concrete pavement under both bridges, then graded pathway with crushed stone base course up to the end of the old bridge where work was currently going on. When completed this will be a safer way to get on the other side of Lebanon Road. However, it will be a corkscrew with sharp curves and short steep grades on both sides, esp on the Ravenwood CC side; gearshifting and pedaling thru this smoothly will take a bit of learning I predict.
Cheers!
DTI

Silver Comet Tour May 7 to May 9

The survey indicated 62% could go on the tour May 7 to May 9. In addition, I had 3 verbal withdrawals for May 23 as this is the Komen Ride and high school graduation weekend. 75% of those responding want a morning ride on Sunday, so I will arrange that also. Now is the time to start training. this is a long ride.

I need tentative commitments so I can try to negotiate group room rates. Please post if you plan to ride. More to come soon.

Woman's Jersey For Sale

For sale:

Louis Garneau FOGBEES Jersey (October Batch)
$45 Women's Large Never worn~~wrong size

Laurie Gibbs, lorg@aol.com
cell: 415-2942, home: 826-9577

cold weather advice

O.k., this has probably been done before, but I would love to hear some very cold weather riding advice/tips. I will save everyone the easy one.....just stay home! Miley has called me out on this one already.

My advice, wrap tape around the tips of your shoes (inside of booties) to keep out the cold wind. It really does work.

Filing a Missing Fogbees Report

Fellow Fogbees, I need your help locating a few Fogbees who did not show for the Frozen Toes Ride earlier today in Bethpage. (We all know who they are from the posts below). I can only suspect foul play, because I'm sure a New Year's hangover or cold air would not keep them from this special once a year event. Despite our worry, Jimmy and I, along with Joey and 8 others, pedalled in the new year. Unless I get word they are safe and sound, I'll contact the authorities after the 24-hour waiting period.

Silver Comet Spring Ride Survey

Only 19 respondents on the Monkey so far. Please TAKE THE SURVEY - It is short!!

It is never too early to start planning a ride event. For several years we have talked about riding the Chief Ladiga and Silver Comet Trails that Run from Anniston Alabama to Atlanta Georgia. I personally have ridden the entire Silver Comet and it is a beautiful all trail ride. I am attaching a survey to this to get some initial feedback. Once you have taken the survey, please post. Please copy the link below into your browser and answer the questions.



Click Here For Survey

Frozen Toes Ride on New Year's Day

Is anyone planning on riding the frozen toes ride with Joey Holland tomorrow? I believe it leaves Bethpage utility at 10:00 a.m. with a 30 mile and 44 mile option. It looks to be 35 degrees and windy.

If anyone has the route details and plans to ride, please post them.

Chad

Happy NEW YEAR

Don't share the road.

There's a time to share and and time to hog. This from the Orlando Commuter deserves a look.
">How to ride on a narrow 2 lane road.

Missing NewBee

Greetings All,

I hope all of the Fogbees have had a wonderful Christmas.

Just wanted to give you a quick update on where I have been... I have been dealing with various leveles of back pain. Ranging from numbness in my toes, to burning sensations in my quads, and glutes. In the end, I had a bulging disc that ruptureed, and am now scheduled for back surgery on the Dec 30th.

I am dreaming of the day that I could once again ride with the Fogbees.

See you all in the Spring!

Mark Comte

Davidson St. RR Xing Now Safe

Riding between Shelby Bottoms and Downtown is much safer now that the Davidson Street RR crossing has been improved. The large, jagged crevices along the rails, combined with the angle of the crossing, posed a serious hazard between two popular greenways for many years. I was thrilled to see this improvement Wednesday on a ride home. Thank you Nashville, CSX, or whoever is responsible!

HEY MON..IT'S A PARTEE!!!

I WAS REMINDED TODAY THAT I FORGOT TO POST THAT OUR JANUARY 23 PARTY IS A GO-GO. WE ARE HAVING A "POST CHRISTMAS/NEW YEARS BLAH BUT BEFORE THE SUPERRR/BOWL" PARTY FOR ALL FOGBEES AND FRIENDS. MORE DETAILS WILL FOLLOW THIS WEEK BUT, IN A NUTSHELL, WE WILL EAT/DANCE AND BE MERRY ON SAT. , JAN. 23 FROM 7-10 PM. WE WANT EVERYONE TO COME WITH ALL THE FRIENDS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING. I AM HOPING THAT TOM EVANS WILL SET UP A PROJECTOR WITH ALL OUR PHOTO'S FROM RIDES ON ONE OF THE GLEN OAKS CLUBHOUSE WALLS. MUSIC PROVIDED BY THE DRAFTMASTER AND IT WILL BE A BYOB AND BRING A FOOD ITEM. KJ HAS MADE A KEG OF BEER FOR THE PARTY ALREADY! LET'S CELEBRATE OUR WONDERFUL BIKE CLUB AND THE NEW YEAR TOGETHER. PLEASE ONLY POST IF YOU ARE COMING. MERRY XMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Jersey Swap?

I have one of the new L/S Jerseys that is too big for me. I will gladly swap (or sell )my XL for a L .

It has been tried on but not worn.

THE NEW LONGSLEEVE JERSEY'S HAVE ARIVED

If you would like to pick yours up please post a note so we can make arrangements. The weather does not look like it will cooperate for a ride tomorrow, but if anybody would like to meet at Sam's for lunch. I will bring your jersey to Sam's at 12:00.

Also have following jerseys from October: Mark Comte, Carla, and Joe Howard

JibJab from Gary

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Internet training

CoastDownHills and the Cannonball have SUCCESSFULLY completed the first homework assignment and set up their own Blogs. Bob Miller has ALMOST completed his homework. He says he has a Blog but has yet to invite others to it.
Just a reminder for the others, deadline for first homework is December 19'th. I'll have new work at that time. If your having trouble, sending me a note.

FOGBEE PARTY SIGHTED!

WELL I HAVE BEEN ASKED NUMEROUS TIMES ABOUT "WHEN IS OUR PARTY"? THERE ARE NOT MANY AVAILABLE DATES AT GLEN OAKS AND MOST FOGBEES ASKED FOR A JANUARY PARTY. IS JANUARY 23 (SATURDAY) AT AROUND 7:00 - 10:00 OK WITH EVERYONE? IF SO PLEASE POST ASAP AS I NEED TO LET THEM KNOW BY NEXT MONDAY. DETAILS WILL FOLLOW ONCE WE CONFIRM THE PARTY DATE. THANKS GARY..

PS:::TOM/BOB COULD YOU LEAVE THIS NEAR TOP OF BLOG FOR A FEW DAYS?

Blue Ridge 5 day tour

Carolina Tailwinds 5 day tour
Nicole and I were planning on a tour of the Blue Ridge parkway in 2010. We found Carolina Tailwinds Bicycle Tours and they look real interesting. This tour company would be happy to make this a Fogbees tour if we had 10 to 16 people interested on June 20-24, June 27 - July 01 or August 22-26.There website is www.carolinatailwinds.com and the trip would cost 1485.00 per person. I wanted to see if there was enough interest in general to pursue this with the company. If there is, then I would try to coordinate the date best for all. We do two or three day rides with great participation so this would be a great extension to our touring in 2010.Give me your thoughts, ideas or suggestions. Thanks Bob Miller.

MPO Meeting: Hendersonville Library

Thoughtful investment in infrastructure needs –to support walking, biking, use of transit– plays an integral role in helping the region to fulfill its goals for livability, prosperity and sustainability. Now, the MPO invites you THURSDAY December 3'rd to share your thoughts in helping to further plan for transit investments, specifically in Robertson, Sumner & Wilson counties. Click here for more info.