Congratulations to Tennessee

TEAM TENNESSEE scores a big gain in League of American Bicyclists ranking of the most Bicycle Friendly States. The 19-point jump in position relative to other states is unprecedented and recognizes that we're trying to do something right. Follow this link for all the details. http://bikewalktn.blogspot.com/2010/05/congratulations-to-tennessee.html

Ride of Silence - Nashville

Distance: 7.4 miles
WHO: Anyone with a bicycle and a helmet
WHERE: Centennial Park main entrance off West End Ave in Nashville ROUTE MAP on May 19, 2010 at 7PM. More info click here

Endorsed by Congressman Earl Blumenauer, 3rd District, Oregon, one of the two most famous bicycling congressmen in Washington, DC. Read his "Be Bike Partisan" for his Web page for what Earl continues to do on behalf of bicyclists in the USA. Pictures from 2009

Joey Holland

Hey everyone,
I know a lot of you know Joey so I wanted to share this with you all. He was involved in a very serious crash yesterday at our race event in McMinnville and due to the extent of his injuries had to be airlifted from the race course to Chattanooga. Some details are below but I would ask that you keep he and his family in your prayers. Frank Bowyer has been in the most contact with him and has been keeping us updated.

Frank Bowyer Update on Joey: Just talked to Joey on the phone. He does not remember the crash...probably symptom of the head injury. Due to the head injury, he is on anti-seizure medication. He will have surgery tomorrow (Sunday) on his broken femur. The femur is broken near the hip socket. After that surgery, the doctors will asse...ss the broken collar bone. As of now, the doctor is expecting to operate on it, too. He has a slight headache, but he thinks that's mostly attributable to his allergies. His back is fine, no injury there. He will be in Chattanooga at Erlanger (see David Hardin's post) until at least Thursday. When we talked, his boice sounded kind of slurred, so I'm not sure if that's a symptom of his head injury or just how he was laying in his hospital bed. I'll continue to keep you updated as I find out more information. Please continue to keep Joey and his family in your thoughts and prayers.


Frank Bowyer Update on Joey: Pretty serious crash during race today in McMinnville. Joey suffered broken collar bone, broken leg, head trauma and possible injury to back. The head trauma was the reason for his transport to Chattanooga. Shelley (his wife) was able to talk to him via phone and he's fine. He, of course, has already as...ked if his bike is okay...so that's a "normal" cyclist's response to a crash. Shelley and Jamie are on their way to Chattanooga to be with Joey. Please continue to keep Joey and his family in your prayers for a speedy and full recovery.

Frank Bowyer Several people have expressed interest in visiting Joey while he's in Chattanooga. He's in Erlanger Surgical ICU (Bed #9). They have strict visiting hours and rules. Visiting hours are 4:00am - 5:00am, 10:00am - 11am, 4:00pm - 5:00pm and 8:30pm - 10:00pm. Keep in mind that he'll be in surgery tomorrow, but I don't know... the scheduled surgery time. You might want to call first before going to be sure the hospital is allowing non-family members to visit. The # is 423-778-7000.

Thanks!!
Mike Poole

2010 Spring overnight tour May 15,16 to MBSP update, Lite option added.

Web Site UPDATED with Sked's, Maps, and CUE Sheet w/Luggage Plan
LAST UPDATED 8:00A 5/15/10

In keeping with the keep on trucking attitude espoused in the marvelous video in the prior post, the Spring Tour is still on. Ashland City police confirm the roads we plan to take are ok through Ashland City to White Bluff, Stratton's is open for Saturday worst case, there is McDonald's for Sunday. The Riverview is definitely closed to the ride. I've no reason to think Montgomery Bell has any problem.

5/12/2010 UPDATE - Lite Option added
It was great to get out with the gang again today but it showed me how weak I've become after a winter and most of the spring with no riding. Someone expressed concern for riding 60 miles and the idea of a Lite version was born.

1. Long riders: Ride from Sam's Sports Bar at 9:00 am

2. Short riders from H'ville: Convene at Sam's Sports Bar at 10 am and drive to Ashland City. Others leave from wherever and Ashland City Police have given permission to park behind Ashland City Police Station.

3. All: meet at Statton's Diner about 11:30 am for lunch and then ride to MBSP.

4. Need Luggage transport to MBSP? Bring it by my house before 9:30 am Saturday or have at Sams at 10A. Read comments.
Bruce

Budget CALL TO ACTION for Greenway funding

Governor Bredesen included restoration of the Real Estate Transfer Funds (local and state parks, wet lands and agricultural programs for clean water) in both his FY10 and his supplemental budget proposals. Unfortunately, the counter budget moving through the Senate as again taken those funds to help balance the budget. Without these funds it will be much harder for local cities and counties to create parks for the citizens of Tennessee to be active in.

We need your calls now to your Senator and Representative (you can find them and their contact info at www.capitol.tn.gov). The Message: Restore the Real Estate Transfer Funds to Parks! We need more places for people to be active!

We have been told offices are only counting calls/emails from their own district. You can make the difference in seeing this money returned to Tennessee's citizens as parks or swallowed up in the general budget. Make your contact today.

Chastity H. Mitchell, Esq.
Senior Director, Advocacy

Sharon Baylor death while riding bike

I wanted to let everyone know that I read the articles about this tragic story and wanted to share some information. Sharon Baylor was a very active bike rider in Lincoln County, Tn. and an advocate for riders. She was struck by a pickup truck last week while riding with at least 10 other riders. She was "sweeping" for the group so no one would be left behind. The pickup truck struck her from behind as it rounded a curve and could not see her bc of what is described as a "combination of shade and sun". The group was wearing reflective vests, had lights and helmets but this did not prevent her death. The driver of the pickup will not face any charges. (WHNT NEWS, May 10,2010). Very sadly her husband, Mike, died when he had a heart attack riding bikes in April of this year. What a terrible situation for this family. We have been very fortunate so far but we should not let our guard down about the dangers of bike riding.

Fueling on the Road: Fluid Rules for Cyclists

As a beginning cyclist I "hit the wall" or cramped up on a ride far more than I want to remember. I thought the following might be of interest.

Many cyclists do not fuel properly, and it makes a big difference in performance. Here are the facts and guidelines that every cyclist should know.

Tragic Death of Sharon Bayler

This weekend we had the tragic death of Sharon Bayler, 52, in Lincoln County. The Board members of Bike Walk TN are trying to determine how this incident could have been avoided because it doesn't appear anyone involved was at fault. Although accidents still occur when everyone does everything right, please take precautions.
1) Remain alert at all times to traffic on all sides. Use a rear view mirror.
2) Learn to ride as far to the Right as practical. When possible give motorist 3 feet, to pass you.
3) Bicyclist may have the right to be on all non-interstate roads, but that does not mean we should. Choose your routes wisely.
4) Size determines privilege. Bicyclists will loose all battles with motorists. The roads were designed for them, not us. Ride defensively.
5) Always wear clothing that makes you easily seen (e.g. FOGBEE Jersey) and always use lights (front and back) and reflectors when visibility is low.
6) Be extra cautious on routes in which motorist's vision may be impaired by the sun, which in Sharon's case was at 2PM.

Sumner County Comprehensive Plan

Take our survey about transportation needs in Sumner County!
Because two of our workshops were canceled last week to discuss transportation issues in Sumner County, we want to make sure we still hear from residents about travel needs. Please take our survey regarding transportation infrastructure in Sumner County. We want to hear from you!
Take the survey>>

GREAT Ride

Thanks to Bryan and Gary for a great Graffiti Road ride with a huge turn- out (guess nearly 40) and to Bruce who made sure it is remembered.

Because its Nashville

Five Feet High and Rising

Goodlettsville Bike/Ped Plan

The final Goodlettsville Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan will be presented at a public meeting tonight at 5pm at the Goodlettsville City Hall? The plan can be viewed at www.bikepedplan.com.

Leslie A. Meehan, AICP | Senior Transportation Planner

Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

Register for Rock -n- Roll
Register for Jack -n- Back

BBQ Ride

There has been some discussion of another BBQ ride. I'm thinking June 5. Thoughts?

Because some have proposed doing the Tour de Cave this year, Christy is considering shifting the BBQ ride to the 19'th. Please comment to let her know what is best for everyone.

Rock-N-Roll Ride

Registration is now open for the FedEx "Rock-N-Roll" bike ms ride. The Desoto Civic Center is now the official start and finish line sponsor, located on I55 fifteen minutes south of the Memphis Airport or twenty minutes south of downtown Memphis.

The ride begins in Southaven, MS and rolls down to Tunica, MS and the Harrah's Tunica Resort. This ride offers a variety of rolling hills and flats through the back roads of Mississippi. Relax for FREE at Harrah's resort and try your luck at hitting the Jackpot!

Rest stops with refreshments are every 10-12 miles. SAG & Medical are along the route.

All hotel rooms need to be secured by August 19'th through Shelley DuBose at 615-690-5344 or shelley.dubose@msmidsouth.org.

Bob Miller, FOGBEE Team Captain

For those staying in town on May 15'th

Brett's the Ride Leader to click here

Sumner County Comprehensive Plan

What should Sumner County look like in 2035? Interested? Click here.

The next Technical Input Meeting will be Tuesday, May 18, at 2 p.m. at the Sumner County Administration Building, Room 112.

Vision and objectives: Attached outline

Please feel free to attend and participate in any of the upcoming workshops.

a. May 3: Fairfield, CANCELED, N Sumner Elem. School, Bethpage

b. May 4: Shackle Island, CANCELED,Beech High School, H'ville

c. May 10: Bethpage, 6 pm, Bethpage United Methodist Church, Bethpage

d. May 11: New Deal, 6 pm, Oakmont Elem. School, Cottonwtown

e. May 12: Gallatin, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, Sumner County Adm Bldg

Tour de Cave

I came across this ride and thought it might make a good Fogbee Ride.

Not too far away and would put us on some new roads.

Date is June 5. Click on the title to go to the web site.

Another Nashville cyclist hit by car

In the wake of poor Yik that was hit a couple of weeks ago, here is another story of a local cyclist being hit from behind while commuting to work. Please please be careful out on the road!! Wear the proper gear...lights, reflective stripes, etc as well as being defensive. Don't trust that the person driving sees you.


Story

Wednesday Lite Ride

. . . Rhonda has volunteered to lead the Wednesday evening ride again. It is a great ride for new cyclists to experience group riding. Typically she does a 20 miler commencing at 5:30P and leaving from Sumner Station. She is also good at keeping track of all her riders, so everyone should feel comfortable.
. . . Because these ride are in the evening, sometimes lasting until dusk, be sure to have lights, both on the front and back, and light-colored or reflective clothing. When a west-bound motorist has to ride facing the setting sun, it is very difficult to see other cars on the road, let alone a cyclist.
. . . Watch for Rhonda's posts on this blog.

Perfect Day, Perfect Ride

I have placed other pictures that Jeff shared on our Shutterfly account

Season Opener - April 10'th

The weather forecast for Saturday APRIL 10'th is PERFECT

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There's no better way to test out those dormant legs than doing the
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Annual FOGBEE Greenway Ride.

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EVERYONE IS INVITED. It's a ride that everyone of every skill level can enjoy, even the Weenie Patrol. David Irvine has been scouting the repairs on the greenway and says, "She's good to go!"
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It will be great to see everyone after a much too long winter. You have no excuse to be absent. Bring a friend, bring a spouse, invite other bike club members. We'll have car caravans to the various "pickup points" and veteran FOGBEES to help those of all skill levels.
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PLANS, MAPS, CUE SHEETS can be had by clicking here

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If you need a ride from Hendersonville - PLEASE COMMENT. Driver's PLEASE acknowledge cyclist pickups so we know everyone has been accounted for.
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Doug_D although unable to ride will be managing the after-the-ride party back at Blackstones

Hogan's Branch

I'm happy to report that Hogan's Branch paving has started as of Friday April 9, and the first wheels to touch the new asphalt were Jennifer's and Tom's bicycle wheels.

Might want to avoid this road for a week or so until they finish up, but then let's do laps on it.

Best Wishes to Donna and Randy,

. . . Donna and Randy are going tandem tomorrow (April10) in Destin. A couple of years ago Randy had a massive heart attack from which most doctors were surprised he survived and gave him little chance of recover. But Randy is a Tri-Athlete and was is great shape. He has proven the doctors wrong on all accounts. As they say, "Bicycling beats angioplasty!"
. . . Donna met Randy about a year early this this event on a Triathlon. They have ridden with us on several occasions. The most memorable was their starring role in the Monterey Ride.

CMM Lead Cyclists Needed

I'm coordinating the Cycling Support Crew this year for the Country Music Marathon, April 24.

I'm looking for experienced cyclists to volunteer to serve as "Lead Cyclists" the morning of Saturday, April 24 from 5:20am till as early as 9:15am or as late as Noon (Cyclists supporting celebrities) Most will be finished by 9:30am so you can still get in your Saturday morning ride. Experience as CMM Lead Cyclist in years past is not necessary but cycling experience and excellent bike handling skills are required.

I'm looking for 25 Cyclists to serve as CMM Lead Cyclists. (need 6 more)

"This is an experience unlike any other. It starts with a very empowering pre-dawn ride from LP Stadium through the streets of Nashville-, up Broadway and West End. The "rush" of having 30,000 runners chase you at the start, the hyper-technical ride of keeping up with your assigned Elite Runner or Celebrity...." -Dan Belser

Perks include: T-shirt, parking pass, access to the VIP pre-race tent at the Start Line, Lead Cyclist Credentials allowing them access to most race festivities including the finish line festival and possibly the headliner concert Saturday night.

Interested cyclists should email me at spinjunkie@comcast.net with the following information: Name:, Cell number:, Age:,T-shirt Size:,Cycling Experience:

Charlene Alcorn

"You are an Ironman!"

Fogbee Picture Featured on Adventure Cycling Website

Check out this link.


Tennessee Route System

The first image is of the Fobees on their way to their first overnighter in Red Boiling Springs in 2007. Taken by Ed Thomas with his unique over the shoulder technique.  His picture was chosen from many submitted from TN. Way to Go ED!  Ed reports he will be back to gloat the first week in May.
Bruce

US Bicycle Route and Music Heritage Trail

Recently, I sat in on a meeting with bicycle advocates from Bike Walk Tennesse, Outdoor Chattanooga, Elle Colquitt from Mini Adventure Series, transportation consultants from RPM Consultants, and the Tennessee bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, Jessica Wilson, to talk about a myriad of opportunities for Tennessee bicycle routes, including a Music Heritage Bike Trail from Memphis to Nashville. . . .
. . .This will make route development much easier as will the work by an extraordinary bike route developer named Bruce Day. . .
. . .Another state is primed for implementation. As they say, "Tennesse is America at its best!"

Click here to read Adventure Cycling Blog, plus a picture of FOGBEES on first Red Boiling Springs ride taken by Ed Thomas.

A possible three foot citation in TN?

David Irvine has been scouting the routes out of Nashville from his home to Ashland City and sends this report.  The road involved, Trinity Lane, is not the way he reccommends.

"****then further down after the road changed names to West Trinity a jerk came by me close enough to activate my auto-reflex one-finger salute, when a Metro patrol car came by the next moment and stopped the guy about a hundred yards in front of me.  I don't think he was speeding, he was just oblivious to my presence on the road, so I think I may have witnessed the enforcement of the 3-foot rule; certainly hope so."

Bruce

Fogbee Pancake/Fried Chicken Ride?

Yesterday the owner of the Lunchbox (Next door to the convenience store near Buckingham on LHP) came out to talk to us. He said he had some great fried chicken inside.

We could do Bryan's 43 mile loop and stop there for refueling, then an easy 7 miles back to Beech. The only complication is that he closes on Saturday and open only from 8 to 2 on Sunday. Or we could come back after getting our cars.

We do have a habit of leaning our bikes against his storefront. So, for good public relations, let's try to patronize the places where we are so visible. http://thelunchboxtn.com/

The Lunch Box

Yik Update

I just talked with Yik's wife. He is out of ICU and in a regular room at Vandy.. The swelling has gone down considerably and only the bruising on his face is the majority of discomfort... Though his leg is broken the Dr said it's in the right place so they don't have to do surgery. He only has to wear a boot for awhile. He has been up walking today and is coherent most of the time with brief spells of confusion. He doesn't remember the wreck very well which is probably a good thing. Savanah his wife is really appreciative for our thoughts and prayers. Please continue to keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayer and also please be safe out there riding....

Fall Natchez Trace Ride Idea.

I think i am gonna start planning a ride in September for the Trace... I'm thinking a 2-3 day ride. Start in Nashville on a Friday and ride as far as we can for about 2 1/2 days, and have someone pick us up on the 3rd day and bring us back. We'll camp or do B&B's along the way. I'll set up areas for food, showers, and sleep. Let me know if your interested and I'll put a date to it soon.

GREAT RIDE

Thanks for a really fine ride on Friday on the Natchez Trace Parkway. It was spectacular and it should definately be on our list of long rides or two day rides this year. It is only 45 minutes from Sam's and if you liked the new North 109 section ( a few miles) then you will love 440 miles of this road!

Accident Last Night

Does anyone know who was hit on Lower Station Camp last night? They were life-lined to Vandy. I don't know many more details but there is an article in the paper.

Yik Yang was hit by a box truck on Long Hollow Pike near Lower Station Camp. He is in critical condition at Vanderbilt. Yik rode with the FOGBEES last Saturday.

Good Friday Natchez Trace Ride

How about a ride out and back on Natchez Trace on Friday? Suggest 9 AM start... ride south for 2 hours and back for 2 hours.

Can't get lost! Groups of various paces can start and finish about same time if we all ride same time to turnaround.

Park at the northern terminus parking lot. Milepost 440

Lunch after at Loveless Cafe perhaps.

See link to see where the start is, but generally one can take I-40 down to Old Hickory Blvd, and then turn right on Route 100. The entrance to the Trace is near Loveless Cafe. If anyone more familiar with the area can give better directions, please do.

Please post to get or share rides. I can take one. Suggest riders and drivers meet at Sams and plan to leave at 8:00 AM.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/tn/nashville/241988206

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood at Bike Summit

Two weeks ago, (read more) Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood climbed on a table and told a group of bike advocates that federal transportation planners were finished raising the almighty auto above cyclists and walkers.