Biker's Choice Grand Opening 11/1/08

Saturday, November 1st, at 9:00 am. Bikers Choice will celebrate a Grand Opening of its new location at 709 West Main. Activities are to include 30 and 60 mile bike tours, refreshments, and prizes. Walk through of the new store. Pre-ride refreshments will be offered in the morning, and light post ride refreshments will be offered between 11:00am and 1:30pm.

Kissing the Pavement

In my continuing saga to find bike pictures that make you cringe I found this one.
Gary

Bell Witch Ride

Awesome, awesome, awesome ! Again I'm amazed by the opportunities to ride in relatively unspoiled beauty just outside my door. Phil and Lisa you out did yourselves picking the route we road today. The white tufted blue sky and warm comraderie were the perfect recipe for a most pleasurable trek. Tell the truth, Lisa, did you think at any time about swapping your bike for your convertible ? The Depot is now on my favorites list as well.

FOGARY Gets Rave Review

Thanks to FOGBEES Gary Williams for leading a fun filled, invigorating spin session at the Y last night. We were missing the familiar faces of several of you who usually participate. You're absence was noted ....... and you WERE talked about !

Let's support one another and especially Gary as we seek to maintain our legs and waistlines ( mine hasn't changed a bit in 4000 miles of riding ) through the dark , cold , rainy days of winter. Spring rides will beckon us sooner than we might think.

See ya next Thursday @ the Y for our next weekly FOGARY. And remember, if you take the GARY out of the FOGARY you just got fat and old. Let's support him !

The YMCA Spin

To further elaborate on the last post, there are several Fogbees that, during late October to daylight savings time in March, spin at the YMCA in Hendersonville. This includes myself, Doug, Mike K., Brett, Tom E., Allen, Phil, Bob, Andrew and a few others. We spin with others in a class on Tuesday's at 5:30 pm (we reserve a bike by calling the Y 24 hrs beforehand). We also started spinning together (Fogbees) last year on Thursday's at 6:30 for at least one hour. It developed into me bringing music and the group having a great time. We are doing this again starting tomorrow at 6:30 pm. I am NOT an instructor and I do not lead a class. I bring music and we ride together and we kind of follow each others lead. We do not, and can not, exclude other Y members although our prior experiance tells us that, at this time slot on Thursday, there will be mostly Fogbees. We would love to see the Fogbees Lites at this spin and there is no "leave in the dust" issue bc we each do our own pace on the stationary bike and we talk, joke and socialize with each other. We also get a good workout out of it. Of course, you do have to join the YMCA to spin but it's a great facility and you may be able to join monthly (You will have to ask about that with the staff). If anything just try it out once and see if you like it tomorrow as a guest. Anyway, see you all either at the Y or on Saturday.

Jersey Order in Production 10/23/08

Click here to view Jersey Order on Web Page. All artwork/layout approvals done; submitted to Production on 10/23. Our contract price from Louie Garneau is LESS than budget.

All is in the hands of our CPA - Doug Depew who will calculate the refund (about $4/ea) that we give you with your Jersey at delivery a little before December 19'th.

Tom_E

Tuesday and Thursday are back to the Y (Gym)

Due to the lack of sunlight we are back to the gym during the week until spring. Remember to reserve you bike a day ahead of time. Normally the FOGBEES spin 5:30 on Tuesday.

On Thursdays, Gary will host the FOGBEE one hour spin at the Y at 6:30pm, no reservation needed (YMCA membership required), but we would appreciate a post each Wednesday or Thursday morning so we know the interest level.

Gary is certified in CPR and will have his spin certification soon. We had a great time last year and plan on more great spin music this year, including ABJ. Gary will take requests on the blog, 24 hours before class. Come keep your legs in shape!!

Posted by the Secretary of Spin

I Need Help.

Several of us on the Hendersonville Greenway Committee are working with Shannon Hornsby (Walk/Bike Nashville) to get a Safe Routes to School Grant for Hendersonville, but we need the assistance of a Civil Engineer to "speak the language" when we make our proposal to the County and City. Does anyone know someone who can help us?

Also, anybody care to join me at Walk/Bike Nashville Birthday Party?

New FOGBEE Web Site

To assist those who wish to promote our Club, I have build a FOGBEE Web site using many of the links that were once part of this Blog. Our site (click here to visit) is larger than most Cycling Web Sites, but can still use contributions from you. Got some ideas? Got some movies we can put on YouTube? Found some problems with our pages? Please comment.

Little Miami Photoshow.

Below is a link to a photoshow done from my images of the Fogbee trip to Ohio. It's called part 1 because my images stop at Corwin. I see Tommy has some later shots but there appear to be no shots at the Fish Market. If anyone has more images of later on the trail and that evening, please let me know and I'll fetch them for a part two.
Bruce
Little Miami Ride Part 1

HALLOWEEN PARTY UPDATE!

HEY FOGBEES! IT'S NOW LESS THAN 3 WEEKS BEFORE OUR BIG FRIGHT NIGHT PARTY ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 AT GLEN OAKS CLUBHOUSE IN HENDERSONVILLE. PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS RIGHT NOW SO THEY CAN MAKE PLANS TO BE THERE! I'M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING A GREAT TIME WITH EVERYONE AND I EVEN CONVINCED CINDY (MY WIFE) TO GO OUT AND GET A COSTUME ON SATURDAY!
REMEMBER FOGBEES TO PAY MARSHA, DOUG OR MYSELF YOUR $15 PARTY FEE IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO. THIS WILL PAY FOR THE CLUBHOUSE RENTAL, DOOR PRIZES AND DECORATIONS!
WE HAD A GREAT TIME IN AUGUST AND THIS HALLOWEEN SHOULD BE EVEN MORE FUN. START ON YOUR COSTUME BC NOVEMBER 1 WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU CAN SAY "FRANKENSTEIN" 3 TIMES FAST!

Medical Update

Hi All. I have recently begun riding with the Fogbees and have gotten to know a few of you fairly well. With that said, I wanted to provide a quick medical update. Some of you know that I suffered an embolic event (TIA) this summer and have been undergoing tests to try to figure out what caused it. They found a small hole in my heart that they repaired surgically this week. The good news is that the surgery was a complete success and I am back home doing well. The better news is that the doctors have cleared me to begin riding again in a couple of weeks. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers and I look forward to riding with the group again very soon. I hope you don't mind me sharing.

Chad Moss

Ride from Hartsville Next Wed

I will be leading a 60 mile ride from Hartsville next Wednesday, October 15. It's partly Fall Foliage and partly Avery Trace Scouting, but mostly a nice ride in a new place on what is my "weekend" this week. There are country stores about miles 15 and 40. Proposed route can be viewed at mapmyride Fort Blount West.
Plan to leave Big Looys Hendersonville 8:30 am and get back about 4:30 pm.
Bruce

If We Rode Bicycles

If you think about it, a bicycle is the solution to all of the world's problems. If we all rode bicycles, it would eliminate our increasing dependency on oil. If we all rode bicycles, we wouldn't have to worry about a faltering automobile industry bringing down our economy with lagging sales and layoffs. If we all rode bicycles, we wouldn't have to worry about health care costs outpacing our wages by 5 times or more; everyone would be healthy and wouldn't need to use health care for much other than annual physicals. If we all rode bicycles, we wouldn't have an obesity problem in children and adults. If we all rode bicycles, the world would spin a little slower and families could have more time together. If we all rode bicycles, bike lanes and greenways would be a no-brainer. The Chinese used to ride bicycles and everything was doing just fine...now that they are westernizing, the world is going to hell in a hand basket...so everyone needs to go back to riding bicycles. I think David would support this idea.

Frank Bowyer IV

CLUB PROMOTION

The best way to promote an organization is through its Web Site, not through Blogs, MySpace, Facebook, or other personal Internet sites. Google FOGBEES and you can see what others use to find us. Surprisingly, our best links are through MapMyRide and Multiple Sclerosis sites. . . Click here to read more . . .

Back from Jack 'n' Back

Comments transfered to Web Page

Ward 5 Residents, Please read...

Please support incumbent Tommy Elsten in the Ward 5 Alderman election. If you wish to support Tommy financially or just want to show your support with a sign in your yard, please e-mail Hamilton Frost at hfrost@hvilletn.org. Also, please read the linked article for more information about the race. Thank you and please, remember to vote on November 4.

http://bikinhville.homestead.com/tmp/you_have_a_voice.pdf

Transportation Planning Meetings

Yesterday, I was informed of several regional transportation planning meeting for Robertson, Sumner, and Wilson counties. Because of the late notice I missed last night's and will miss tonight's. Click here for attachment of the communications I have had on these meetings. If you wish to get involved and insure adequate facilities for cycling or other transportation modes, here is your chance to advocate on our behalf.
Tom_E

Walk/Bike Nashville Membership Drive

. . . Are you a member of Walk/Bike Nashville? Do you know others who might become members of Walk/Bike Nashville?
. . . As we approach our 10th Birthday and prepare to celebrate at our annual meeting on October 23, we have set a hefty goal: increase our membership by 46 persons. We have 23 days to reach our goal - that's 2 new members each day. Help us reach our goal. Please pass along this email and urge your fellow walking or bicycling friends to join Walk/Bike Nashville today!
Why Join? Click here to read more . . .

Shannon Hornsby, Executive Director - Walk/Bike Nashville
615-585-2014

btw...our 10th birthday celebration is at 6pm on October 23 at the Nashville Farmers Market. Join us for cake!

Injury Update

Hey Gang,

Not being used to writing an injury update, I contacted the Great Communicator, New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. His suggestion follows at the end.

But seriously, folks, I really want to share my admiration for being a FOGBEE right now.

First, I apologize to all FOGBEES.

While this was an accident, the cause was due to my inexperience in clips. Making road experience my introduction into clips was a completely irresponsible act. While I may have a broken hip, it could have been much worse given a different set of circumstances. And, had my actions caused an injury to another FOGBEE, my pain would be much greater. As it is, I feel guilty of falling into Jennifer. Had she been fully engaged, injuries could have resulted for her as well.

Even with the inexperience, everything had been working fine. I had clipped in and out all the way from White House. At the cross street of South Cedar and TN25, the left clip hung up and would not disengage. I think I got spooked and just fell.

Most of you are unaware that I have a personal blog dedicated to cycling, Have Bike . . . Will Travel. I am adamant on cyclists’ embracing their responsibilities to the cycling community. I let the community down, if only temporarily. If the busted hip is my penance, so be it. It is a lesson to be learned, and it will be learned.

Second, I am such a blessed and lucky man that the accident occurred as it did. My belief is to acknowledge blessings in life and use those blessings to become a better man. This accident will provide another wide range of opportunities at which to succeed.

Tommy and Rhonda: your conduct as medical professionals was an awesome sight. Given what I learned from the injury this week, without your quick actions, and that of the others who followed your lead, the risk of further orthopedic or internal damages may have resulted.

Phil and Lisa: for stepping up and ensuring my equipment was safe. As we pulled away from the scene, someone, I think it was Tom E., hollered not to worry about the bike. Because of who we are, as a group, the thought that my bike and equipment would not be safe ever entered my mind. Regardless, I am deeply appreciative of you guys. I’ll pick up the stuff ASAP.

Also, to Tommy and Rhonda and Phil and Lisa: thanks for the BEE basket. Everybody I explained it to in the hospital thought it was terrifically clever.

Bob: from the outset, big guy, I think you knew it was more serious than I wanted to believe. You kept plugging away with the humor and kept me in good spirits. I felt fine, but probably looked like death warmed over in a low powered microwave.

To all other FOGBEES who have not been mentioned here, I appreciate every one of you so much. We are a unique and classy group of folks and your friendship is cherished immensely.

As for the injuries: I have a surgically repaired broken hip that will take six weeks of no-impact rest. I am home (as of Wednesday), my daughter lives with me while going to school, and I have other family close by. I have access to a walker, crutches, a wheelchair, a golf cart, and a hoveround (I kid you not; all of this is in my family). I have a bit of pain, but I also have LORTAB, the great equalizer. The doc says the bones look good and thinks my active lifestyle will facilitate the recovery exponentially.

Oh yeah, here is Coach Belichick’s injury report suggestion:
Nik the Stik: Hip Pointer: Day-to-Day

Finally, to DJ Gary: can I request Hippy Hippy Shake for the Halloween gig?

Fogbee Lite Injured

Injury UPDATE

Just got email from Tim. He is home and doing ok. He plans to post a blog update soon.
Bruce 9/25/08

Tim (AKA: Nik the Stik) suffered a fractured femur on the milkshake ride today. He was transported by ambulance to Skyline Medical Center and is scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning. The plan is for Tim to be ambulatory with crutches and/or a walker by Sunday evening, although his leg will be non-weight bearing for a minimum of 6 weeks. Additional info to follow as it becomes available.

Tommy

Chief Ladiga / Silver Comet Trail...

If anyone has thought about riding these two trail systems, I highly recommend it!!!!
This past weekend, 12 of us left Anniston on the Chief Ladiga Trail (actually in Weaver, AL) Saturday morning and took it to the GA state line where it joined up with the Silver Comet Trail. They actually just finished laying the last 2.5 miles of concrete a few weeks ago on the Silver Comet so there is no longer a detour (but bring your climbing legs for that section.
We then took the Silver Comet all the way to the end in Smyrna, GA. We spent the night at a LaQuinta Hotel and rode back on yesterday. Pretty much everybody rode completely self-supported. We logged about 105 miles each way (including mileage to hotel/Subway in Cedartown, etc.) and it was definitely a trip that I will remember for a long time.
I was amazed at the amount of the work and money that has been put into these 2 projects. Somebody had told me that GA had spent over 24 million dollars on the Silver Comet. The quality of the trails was outstanding and they extremely clean (the GA side was definitely nicer though, all concrete. Alabama side was asphalt). Anyway, just wanted to let everybody know that if you haven't ridden these yet, plan a trip. We had awesome weather, but a trip while the leaves are changing color, that might have made it even better.
Brooks

Help with a Website

Hey Gang,

Shannon Hornsby at Walk/Bike Nashville has asked for my help in taking a critical view of their site, comparing it with similar sites, and offer suggestions to improve the content.

I'd like to extend that offer to all FOGBEES because ideas of many are better than ideas of a few.

Although WBN is not strictly a biking organization, and although they are more concerned with the Nashville area proper than the greater MSA area (including rural sections of Davidson County), I think we share the same passion for the future of transportation options for the area, especially cycling.

If you have a few minutes to take a peek, here is the site:

[In draft, the link wasn't showing up so you may have to paste it to the browser from here: www.walkbikenashville.org ]

You can comment here or send me a email to nik59@yahoo.com. I will making a list of all comments and talking with Shannon in the next month. I would like to be able to cite several FOGBEES ideas and hopefully facilitate our two groups working in concert on future projects.

Tim

Halloween Party

Please click on the invitation on the LEFT to view a larger image.

Party for FOGBEES and their friends.

Call Marsha to help.

GARY

Hello From Philly

Sounds and looks like the Little Miami weekend was a great, although damp success. I really hate that I missed it. The weather in Philly this weekend was a bit better (92 on Sunday). I have put some pics of the Schuylkill River Trail (Valley Forge to Philadelphia) on SnapFish in the Fogbees album. LOTS of bikers up here (two large supported rides this weekend), but still some of the same unappreciating drivers you have in Sumner. So far the rides are nice, my travel bike is holding up well, but I haven't found a Big Looy's yet. However, the Yeungling brewery is just up the road so I'll have to check it out.

Little Miami images

Click on Snapfish link on the right side pane to access albums.

LITTLE MIAMI, OHIO WAS A GREAT TIME!

I JUST WANTED TO SAY HOW MUCH CINDY AND I ENJOYED THE OHIO TRIP. THE BIKE RIDE ON SATURDAY WAS FANTASTIC. It really was a great trail ride and I will never forget how much fun it was to ride for miles and miles through dense woods and parks and to visit all the small towns along the way. I appreciate everyone who made the trip and look forward to the next "Great Ride". Thanks to everyone and I just want to say this is one of the reasons I am part of the FOGbees.

We would like to wrapup this outstanding ride with a photo scrap-book on our Web Site & Snap Fish. Please comment if you have pictures to share & how/when we can get a copy.

PARTY ON GARTH!

Looks like Allen, Brett, David, Tom E. and Mike are in for the party. Ken will probably come and Phil looks to change some plans to also be there. So, the party is a go! If you want to help, call or contact me or Doug's wife, Marsha, who is the official "top dog" organizer of the event. I will have invitations for everyone to keep and give to friends next week. Thanks

I need the rest of the FOGbees to respond to the Halloween Party invite I sent on the Blog last week and to let me know by Friday if you would be coming to the party if we had one on Nov. 1. If I do not get at least 15 favorable responses (I have 8 so far) by Friday I will probably go ahead and cancel the plans to have it. Please let me know on the blog or contact me or let me know on one of the rides. Thanks

Well, I've been reading all this Fogbee/Fogbee-lite/Ultra-light stuff and it looks like we are turning into a pretty big bike club. Seems like we need a party to get everyone aquainted again so I was wondering if the whole group would like to have a Halloween Party on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at Glen Oaks Clubhouse. Organization should be easy and I'll throw in the cost of the room as my contribution. Pot luck works and costumes are optional for the shy natured persons. We would need 15-20 riders to come on board for the party and,as before,guests are very welcome.These parties work best with about 50 people in attendence. I also would be willing to DJ again. I need a response in 7 days as I have been asked to DJ a party on that day and I'd rather party with Bike riders! Tell me what you think about this idea. Thanks everyone.

Cycling Safety with Numbers and Courtesy

As you know my philosophy with biking has been BE VISIBLE. Ride from locations where motorists will see us frequently. The FOGBEES intentionally ride down Gallatin Road for that reason. It is great to see Team Bikers Choice, ALL in uniform, also on our main thoroughfares. Now a national survey has verified that I am not a delusional Fat Old Guy on a Bike. Read from the BLOG below.

http://bikecommutetips.blogspot.com/2008/09/study-more-cyclists-means-safer.html

Tom

This article makes me think about Williamson County. There seems to be a lot of animosity between motorists and cyclists down there. Since I work in Brentwood, I have a lot of coworkers who live in Williamson County who, knowing I'm a cyclist, somehow feel the need to complain to me about the large groups who hog up their roads and block traffic for miles, or a cyclist who was rude to them in some manner. An important aspect of the article that was left out is that as the number of cyclists increases, the more important it is to show respect to motorists. I think the Williamson County problem of motorists vs. cyclists is the militant, "this is my road, too," mentality from several rude cyclists in that area who maybe take the Share the Road concept a little too far. We have to be sure that we don't act that way up here. Courtesy comes from "all" who share the road. As always, education is key!

Frank P. Bowyer, IV

Frank, It’s the responsibility of the Club to make sure its members BEHAVE and courteously follow the laws. We all have our independent cyclists who do what they want when they want, but hopefully enough peer pressure will convince them that they are only harming their friends. May I POST your note to our BLOG?

Tom

Sure. Most of the people I know (non-cyclists, that is) in Williamson Co hate cyclists and I just don't want that to happen here in Sumner Co. Education is also key for newbies, so they don't get hurt. Remember, according to law enforcement, it's never the driver's fault when there is an accident involving a cyclist. That needs to change too. Our clubs are key to education and exemplifying/enforcing good habits, both on and off of the road (greenways, trails, etc).

Frank P. Bowyer, IV

Sunday Sortie

A special thanks to Bob for leading our maiden Sunday excursion around the peninsula. I look forward to future leisurely loops for these tired old legs.

Sunday Afternoon Ride--Ultralight and Newbies Welcome

Let's go ahead and just ride this  Sunday PM. 9/7 Several folks appear to be interested so meet at Big Looies at be ready to leave at 2:00 PM.  Bob volunteered to lead us on a nice 11 mile loop. 

Pass this ride on to people who aren't quite ready for longer rides. We'll try to do every week unless weather is too bad. 

Football fans will have to make their choice:) Bryan has a morning ride planned which is also going to be multiple loops. 

FOGBEE ULTRA-LIGHT?

The FOGBEE Lights concept has been a great success. Almost to the point where a new rider will have a hard time doing the distance or be intimidated by the traffic or the number or riders.

I would like to assess the interest in starting anew ride this fall. I picture it Sunday afternoon – say 2:00 PM. This time will allow us to continue into the winter months.

Route and start-stop point would be chosen to avoid as much traffic as possible. Distance would be 10 miles or so and would allow for multiple loops if individuals desire. Ride leader would pace the group to accommodate the slowest rider.

This could also be an opportunity to do a recovery ride for those who did a longee on Saturdays.

Post your replies or email Tom Benim.

September Plans

In September we have a combination of activities
- 9/6/08: Local Rides - Watch the Blog
- 9/13/08: Little Miami Tour (Plans on Web Page)
. . . . . . . : Need leaders for local ride alternative
- 9/20/08: Tour de Glade & Local ride alternative
- 9/27/08: B.R.A.S.S. (no local alternative)

SWAP SHOP

New DEALS posted on SWAP SHOP.

Hadley Bend Connector Inquiry/Response

Hey Gang,

I sent comments along to Liz Beeching at TDOT on the HBC and received a response this morning. I think she addressed the inquiry well but we could still use more folks sending comments and I included Ms. Beeching's contact info with her response.

Tim (Nik the Stik)
----------------------------

I am a cyclist who rides with a group out of Sumner County and one of our members, Dave Miley, attended the 8/14 meeting at Station Camp on the HBC proposal. Dave gave us some details on the meeting via a blog post that mentioned bicycle facilities may be a part of the project.

Having started some road cycling within the last year with an eye toward improving my commute and errand running options, as well as just getting out to ride, I am for anything, even toll roads, that will improve the opportunities for cyclists (and pedestrians) to be integrated into the transportation fabric of our state.

Some of our major arterials and collectors in the Nashville MSA, such as US 31 (E and W) and US 41, are not only horrible for cyclists but also motorists as well, with shoulders that are pitifully constructed or non-existent. Those that are ample for cyclists are so poorly maintained that cyclists do not want to ride on them for fear of major equipment damage and/or flat tires from debris.

So if toll roads are the answer, even with cyclists paying equally as drivers, or prorated down in relation to our superior road impact costs over automobiles, for access, they have my vote.
----------------------------
Thank you for your comments on the Hadley Bend Connector and tolling. Although TDOT saw some support for the Hadley Bend Connector during public meetings held this summer, there was also a strong sentiment from those against this project. The General Assembly requires strong public support for any proposed toll pilot project. The Commissioner is committed to this requirement therefore further tolling work on the Hadley Bend Connector will not occur. The issues relating to bicycle and pedestrian mobility you discuss are very important not only in tolling applications, but also on a broader level for all transportation infrastructure. While this project will no longer be studied as a potential toll facility, it may still hold value as a needed piece of transportation infrastructure. TDOT will support the Nashville Metropolitan Planning Organization's leadership in any further study of this project.

Again, thank you for your comments. I will be sure to include them in the record of public input for tolling.

Best regards,

Liz Beeching
Tolling Coordinator
Suite 700 J.K. Polk Building
505 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37243-0349
Main: (615) 253-2104
Cell: (615) 587-8246
elizabeth.beeching@state.tn.us
http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/

Fogbee Wannabe

A free roaming horse joined the Tuesday Fogbee ride as we made our way along Willow Rd. The horse was ignoring us till Phil called out to him/her. I never got close enough to see. Tom B thinks he was hoping to join us for a beer. The image above taken with my cell phone shows the horse chasing after Phil. Really, it does. Now to file this away with my images of Bigfoot.