RAT - 2013

      Y'all have probably heard rumors of a Spring bike ride across the state of Tennessee to the Virginia Creeper Bike Trail.  It's not a rumor.  We're calling it the RAT - 2013 for Ride Across Tennessee. We managed to put together a core group of retirees or semi-retirees to pedal about 350 miles over six days from Bruce's house to the Virginia Creeper just north of Bristol Tennessee.  We have one SAG vehicle that holds six bicyclists returning from Virginia and promises of a second if needed.  Each bicyclist will be asked to trade off driving the SAG for about 15 miles.  It will carry all our over-night gear, emergency supplies, and refreshments for along the route rest stops.  It is also available if bicyclists get tired pedaling and want to relax the legs for part of the journey.
      The dates, routes, food stops, and evening stays are planned in detail and available for viewing at our adventure website http://RAT2013.blogspot.com .  For security reasons the site is private, but if you are interested contact Bruce Day and he can set you up to view and contribute to the planning. 
      Warning, this is a Turtle-Style trip; we will be in tour-mode and will ride about 65 miles each day.  That means riding at a comfortable pace, stopping along the way to view the sights, and taking lots of photos.  This trip is similar to the adventure several of us did last May with Aussie Bob from Bruce's house to Cincinnati. Several other FOGBEES are contemplating pedaling a couple of days on the route and have planned their own transportation.
      This video, prepared after our 2012 ride to Cullman Alabama gives a little clue why we love bike touring so much.  Click Here  We were the headlines in the Delina Newspaper on the next day.  Obviously. its a slow sleepy town, BUT was a hit on Tennessee Crossroads show on WNPT.

Happy Valentines Day to the Fine Fogbee Gals!!

Fogbees Become Promoters

We've become promoters for Team Green!! Does anyone know who's the person in the photo?

Sarah, click here for full photo.  Tom

MS Jack and Back 2013 Edition

Hear ye, hear ye !  'Tis time to register for the MS annual to Jack and Back event.  Currently, rooms are available at Tullahoma Executive Inn, but are going fast. No longer do you register directly with the motel.  Rooms must be booked through an agent authorized by MS office.

Contact Us

877.865.2018 (9a-5p EST)

customerservice@t3travel.com

T3 Travel
11803 Kingston Pike, Ste. 114 Knoxville, TN 37934-3809 USA

So get on it and register with the FOGBEES team and get your room if so desired.

World's Top Ten Bike Rides

      Fox News thinks it has the list of the Worlds top ten bike routes.  Check out this link. If been to a few of these places and did the Going-to-the-Sun road in Glacier National Part, fortunately by car.  I trailed along behind a couple of bicyclists as they climbed "the divide."  I told myself repeatedly, Glacier is a spectacular park and the last in mainland USA not overrun by tourists, but I am thankful I am NOT doing this by bike.
      I think Dave Shumaker has the bike touring bug as do several other FOGBEES.  I was asked about the tour I created on Nova Scotia, which could be used as a bike trip.  Anybody have any other ideas for a bike tour?

2013 Bike Summit

Bicyclist Killed

Murfreesboro has had another bicyclist killed a couple of nights ago.  He was on the road at 9PM. We are now trying to determine the causes of the accident.  Our good friend Sarah Lovett is Chairperson of the Rutherford County Bicycle Safety Committee established under the authority of the County.  She and the police have included us in their investigation.  At this time no charges have been filled against the 22-year old motorist. We'll report as soon as something more definitive become available.  Our issue is -- are there any lessons for FOGBEE night-riders.

USBR 23 Route Determination

What:     Help determine USBR 23 route for bicycle touring
When:    6:00 PM,  Tuesday, February 12th
Where:   Oasis Bike Workshop Oasis Center (Corner of Charlotte Ave and 17th
               Avenue North ),  1704 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37203 (enter the
               Oasis Bike Workshop in basement from 17th  Ave N)

The United States Bicycle Route System (USBRS) is a partially implemented network of interstate bicycle routes designed for long distance bicycle touring. USBRS routes are selected for their safety, comfort, scenic beauty, and access to exciting destinations and useful services. In many states, the USBRS is actively being mapped, signed, and put to good use. Bike/Walk Tennessee is working with TDOT, local municipalities and neighboring states to bring the USBRS to Middle Tennessee.

THE GANG SPINNIN WHEELS

Someone posted a while back a search for a used trainer.  I have one if the need still exists.

Something to look forward to this spring!

The Spinsters

Great to see Tom B. and Marsha at Spin tuesday. (Mike K. had to leave before pic)

We love to SPIN:

Another PUC

Spinnin in the new year...

Great spin tonight

Ritt Studios production of Christmas ride

Demetrius and Sarah have done us proud.  you can see it by clicking the Christmas Ride link on the right panel or by clicking here. 
Great job guys. 

Cedars of Lebanon Triathlon 5-18-2013

Marsha, my daughter Heidi and I have registered for the Cedars of Lebanon Triatholon for team FOGBEES May 18. Make this your New Year resolution goal.  Registration is $55 before Jan.1 and $65 after, so register TODAY!!.  So we can start together use 1hour 15 minutes for total time and 7 minutes for the swim, for club affilition use FOGBEES Triathlon Team.   We will arrange a post tri social event!  Please post so we can record participation. Here is the link for registration :  http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview.aspx?fEID=14312

Fogbees Xmas Light Ride 2012

FOGBEE Christmas Ride 2012

Happy Holidays

This has been shared by David Irvine. ENJOY!

It Was a Great Party

. . Hendersonville got to see 24 FOGBEES and their friends at their finest.  A spectacular ride and generous gift collection.  Thanks go to Chairman Bob who made this year's Christmas Lights Ride  better that the previous, to Doug who got us the perfect place to celebrate post-ride, and to Gary who led us to make Christmas memorable for at least nine children.
. . Last year, I selected our "Best in Show," but so many riders exceeded the previous great displays that I'll have to nominate everyone.
. . Lastly, remember that little elf that followed the group around.  She took pictures and videos everywhere and plans to put it all together in one big commemorative.  Can't wait to see what Chief Santa Elf Sarah creates.  Merry Christmas to all and thanks for a great ride.
Some images from the Day contingent are on Shutterfly. Click Here. 

What a great tribute to the Fogbees spirit!

What a SUPER GREAT job the Fogbees did for the Toys for Tots, Tweens and Teens Christmas gift program. Just really unbelievable how many of you took the time to make a child's Christmas Happy and Magical just like the one's we had when we were children. Because of our generosity we made a real impact on the lives of  NINE children and their families. I want to thank everyone who gave a gift and appreciate Mike Kaiser for helping deliver to the Juvenile Court two great Mountain bikes that Phil Vickery got donated for us. We gave a total of FIVE bicycles to the program. Ms. Eula Vaughn, the Program Director, was so grateful for our contribution. This was so much fun to participate in and I enjoyed taking part of the day off to deliver the toys to Gallatin. We filled up a whole room full of gifts! This is just another reason I love being a Fogbee.

Help Us Share the Joy of Christmas

The article in this Sunday's newspaper the Tennessean, CLICK HERE to read it, explains why we ride.

A group of bike riders wrapped in Christmas tree lights with Santa pulling up the rear will be collecting toys for kids. Called the Fogbees, the group will ride in Hendersonville on Saturday, Dec. 15.
This is the third year for this festive bicycle ride and the second year the group will ride in conjunction with Toys for Tots, Tweens and Teens, sponsored by employees of the Sumner County Juvenile Court. by Sherry Mitchell

Yes, we are still collecting toys.  We want to have many toys for every child.

Gender Age of the Children

         1. Female 4 1/2 years old

   2. Female 18 Months

 3. Female 8 Months

   4. Female 6 years old

5. Male 5 years old

      6. Female 15 years old

  7. Male 13 years old

      8. Female 13 years old

      9. Female 12 years old

JUST ONE WEEK - NEED TOYS

Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the town

Not a bicyclist was riding, snow had come down

The toys were piled by the tree with much care,

In hopes of Gary that more would be there.

The FOGBEES were planning with thoughts of a ride,

With lights on their bikes, they weren’t going to hide.

And Phil dressed as Frostie, and Bruce as an elf,

They formed a long line with Santa himself.

When out on the road there arose such a clatter,

Motorists stopped to see what was the matter.

Along each car window little faces did appear,

Some even thought they were seeing reindeer.

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,

Gave lustre of mid-day to bicycles below.

When, what to a wandering eye should appear,

But a long line of FOGBEEs riding without fear.

With many old pedalers, so lively, but some sickly,

All knew in a moment, it must be a FOGBEE.

More slower than turtles intensely they came,

Their leader whistled, and shouted, and called them by name.

Now Ronnie, now David, now Phil, now Bruce and Gary,

On Bobbie, on Eddie, on Annie and Sherry.

To the road by the Walmart, to every store in the mall,

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all.

Dec 15th Christmas Light Ride 5:30 PM

This is the 4th year for this event and it is a lot of fun.   We are going to do this as a simple charity ride for the Sumner County Juvenile Court Toys for Tots and Tweens program.    The FOGBEES are sponsoring 9 families this year for Christmas.  We ask that if you are going to ride that you bring a unwrapped toy to the ride or to Gary's office before Dec 12th.  These toys will then be given to the The Juvenile Court to be distributed to the families in need. You can donate even if you don't plan on doing the ride.

If you have any questions about what this event is or how to decorate please click the Christmas Light Link on the Blog Home page.

Ride Information
We will start at 5:00pm from the old Kmart parking lot in Hendersonville.  This is located behind La Loma Mexican Restaurant at 245 E. Main St in Hendersonville.  After the ride we will have refreshments at Rio Bravo http://www.riobravotn.com/Directions.html
Toy Drop Off Information
Toys can be brought to any of the Fogbeee events leading up to the Christmas light ride or be dropped off at Gary's Office Between December 1 and December 12.

Gary Williams Office Address
131 Maple Row Blvd., Suite A-101
Hendersonville, TN 37075

Here is a list of the Kids we are taking donations for PLEASE COMMENT IF YOU PLAN ON BUYING SOMETHING FOR ONE OF THE KIDS SO WE DON'T DUPLICATE EFFORTS. I hope we as a group can make a brighter Christmas for each of these kids.

Gender Age
1. Female 4 1/2 years old
2. Female 18 Months
3. Female 8 Months
4. Female 6 years old
5. Male 5 years old
6. Female 15 years old
7. Male 13 years old
8. Female 13 years old
9. Female 12 years old

Great ride tonight with the Nightriders

6 riders tonight and then Sams..nice way to end the day

Natchez Trace Ride this weekend

This was posted on Bike Walk Tennessee's Facebook account by Spencer Connell. Posting here in case there is some Fogbee interest.  I don't have Spencer's contact information handy but can chase him down through Facebook if anyone is interested. http://www.facebook.com/spenceraldenconnell

One of my closest friends, Robert T. Fischman, will be finishing up his bike tour from Seattle to south California, over to New Orleans, and up the Natchez Trace this weekend. I am trying to get as many bikers as possible to meet him Friday evening to camp and finish the two day ride.

We will meet at the Colbert Ferry campground (mile marker 327:

http://www.nps.gov/natr/colbert-ferry-bicycle-only-campground.htm )

I won't be biking down, so I'm trying to get some car-pooling together with financially incentivised drivers. If you know anyone with a car ( i have a bike rack we can use ) that would be willing to drive, let me know!

The ride will be just over 100 miles split into two hilly 50 mile days. We will go slow and drink a lot of wine.

Turtles Leave Their Mark on Graffiti Road

For more details visit the FOGBEE photo site by clicking here

A new face at the Fogbee spin

A Franchise Waiting for Investors?

Where's the brakes in this break through? It also missed an obvious consideration that all stable designs employ. Clue - physics and ask Tom Benim.

Antler man

a strange person has been sighted on the roads ..Bee on the lookout!

The Fogbee spin group gets bigger...

    

5 spinners tonight( Mike K not pictured) Debbie is a regular on Tues. and future Turtle rider.

Robertson County online survey

Attention! All Robertson County Fogbees. You know who you are. You are among the most ardent Fogbees. Now is your chance to have your voice heard in planning your future.  As improbable as it sounds, your opinion does matter.  Attending a meeting is best but online is better than nothing, which is what most folks do.

Speak up!! Tell them you want shoulders on all new roads. Or whatever are your needs for improved cycling. You live there and know what would work. Tell them because  they don't know what you need.    Put a face on that crazy person they see on their streets.
Bruce

Robertson County Comprehensive Growth & Development

www.RobertsonChamber.org/Growth

For Release: November 20, 2012           

 Contact:        

 Margot L. Fosnes

 615.384.3800   

 mfosnes@robertsonchamber.org

President, Chief Economic Officer

 Robertson Co. Chamber of Commerce

                                                                

Online Survey Available for Input on Growth and Development Plan for Robertson County and the cities of Adams, Coopertown and Cross Plains
Survey is in Addition to Four Community Workshops Scheduled December 3-6

Springfield, TN – Residents now have the opportunity to provide needed input on the Robertson County Growth and Development Plan from the comfort of their home or office. Project officials have established an online survey to make the process as convenient as possible. The survey can be found under “Give Us Your Feedback” at www.RobertsonChamber.org/Growth.  There is also a series of workshops scheduled December 3-6, providing additional opportunities for feedback.

“We can’t stress enough how important the input of residents and business owners is for the success of this project,” said Jonathan Garner, chair of the project’s steering committee. “This plan will affect everyone in some way, so providing ample opportunity to have issues addressed is very important to us.”
               The survey provides a series of 13 questions that allows the participant to answer in his or her own words. Questions range from where new housing should be located to which new industries may be good additions to the local economy. There is also a feedback section to openly address any issue not presented in previous questions. 

Residents are also encouraged to attend one of four Community Workshops to learn more about the plan. The workshops are scheduled for Monday, December 3 through Thursday, December 6.  Consultants with Littlejohn Engineering Associates, Inc. will lead the discussions. See a complete listing of the dates, times, and locations for each workshop on the following page.
                                                                             

Bike/Ped Focus on New TDOT Website

Pedestrian and Cyclists Praise State and TDOT

Gov. Bill Haslam, Commissioner John Schroer and TDOT have received accolades from several bicycle and pedestrian groups across Tennessee for program efforts and a focus on non-traditional transportation projects. (pdf)
Fogbees involved with state advocacy: Bruce Day (BWT), Tom Evans (MPO), and Dave Shumaker (USBRS). Leadership help is requested from other Fogbees. 

Good ride

Welcome Jeff C. to the Fogbee Nightriders. It was a great 26 miles tonight with a late night stop for refreshments and pizza at Sams.

Get Spinning!

Worked up a sweat after one hour......