BBQ Ride

Thanks to all the Fogbees that came out in the heat to ride today (17 of you I believe). It was a pleasure to share some of my favorite roads with my favorite riders. Hope to see you all again soon.

-Christy

MPO - Bik/Ped Counts (Sumner/Davidson)

Good Afternoon -

As part of the MPO Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Study, we will be conducting bicycle and pedestrian counts on September 8th (rain date Sept. 10th). These dates correspond with a national bicycle and pedestrian count effort being coordinated by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Council of ITE (Institute of Transportation Engineers). This effort has been ongoing since 2004 and data has been collected by over 90 communities across the U.S.

In order to prepare for the event, we would like to get input from you on 3 locations in each county (10 for Davidson) to conduct counts. We would like to focus mainly on easy wins - areas where we know we will see bicyclists and pedestrians. However, we would also like to make sure that we include at least one area in each County where the infrastructure and/or bicyclists/pedestrians aren't there yet, but may be in the future. For example, the Madison area may see an increase of bikes/peds in the future in response to redevelopment tied to the new Madison SP plan. Also, there are areas like Nolensville Road where the infrastructure is absent, but there are many bicyclists and pedestrians regardless.

We are in the process of identifying locations for each county, but we wanted to give you a chance to provide your input on where the counts should take place.

Finally, we may need your help recruiting volunteers for this effort. Each count will take 2 volunteers per location (1 for the 7am-9am shift and 1 for the 4pm-6pm shift). So for 3 locations, you will need 6 people.

Our hope is that we will be able to conduct these counts at the same locations on an annual basis so that we can collect trend data. Please respond by Friday, June 26th with your ideas for possible locations and any volunteers you would like us to contact.

Thank you,
Leslie A. Meehan, MPA; Nashville Area MPO, 615-862-7211, www.nashvillempo.org

PLEASE COMMENT ON LOCATIONS & VOLUNTEERS

Phil's Surgery

Today is Phil's surgery on his knee. To wish him well, Gary has prepared a JibJag Best Wishes, which he has asked us to post. You can view it by clicking on the following link.

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/apllwom38FMCGraZ8yCT

JUST SOME THOUGHTS

I wanted to congratulate all the Fogbee riders (my count was 17 riders) who participated in Bruce's Castalian Springs ride yesterday. It was the hottest day I can ever remember riding on and it was pure torture/pleasure. There were mostly lite/medium riders and I was very impressed on how well the group rode. You all did great. Having everyone at Big Looy"s water hole at the end of the ride showed the camaraderie that the Fogbees are well known for. Good job everyone and Happy Fathers day.

Do You See the "Butt-erfly" ?

Thank you for the many heartfelt inquiries about my health and well being. Being the Cannonball, a fall here and there is of little consequence. Unfortunately, the knee I've been nursing and complaining about for the past 6-8 weeks has proven my undoing. I'm scheduled for arthroscopic surgery next Wed. at 3:30 p.m. with Dr. Burton Elrod ( Titans team doc...jealous Doug ? ) at Baptist Hospital.

Three to four weeks post op I should be able to spin once again if all goes well. Wish me luck and keep the beer cold !

Happy Father's Day from GARY

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Thanks to GARY For Party

Gary threw another great party providing great entertainment and BBQ from Shane's. Most of the 24 cyclists that rode with us to Thomas Drug store made an appearance along with Phil and KJ who crashed earlier that day. The lumps on Phil's head, neck, and hip didn't hinder his dancing, whereas the other FOGBEES, except for Gary & his limitless energy, seemed dazed and not much in the dancing mood. My excuse? As Bryan asked me earlier in the day "What was it like talking with Mozart and Bach?" Gary's choice of music wasn't from my century.

All that dancing did in ole Phil (aka Busted Spoke) - his knee has swollen so bad he is now having an MRI on it at Baptist Sports Medicine.

UPDATE (6/17/09): Phil has torn his knee up bad enough to require surgery in the next week (appox). He won't be peddaling for the rest of the summer.

Biker Humor

I don't think this guy has what it takes to be a Fogbee

FOGBEE Party Time - June 13'th

Reminder

One of the strengths that make the FOGBEES different from any Cycling Club is the comradery built in the social gatherings after the ride. As you plan your rides please don't forget to include that major part. FOGBEES also have a club house. Doug & Gary and talked with Valery at BL to open early for our "Club Meetings." Who knows. This part has led to weddings.

Wedding Photos

On last week’s ride we were reminded we never posted any wedding pictures. Here are a few of the better ones. Thank you all for keeping us in your thoughts and for your well wishes.

FOGBEE Tandems

New FOGBEE Chapter?

Ed, need help? Give me a shout. Drums, PA

Anyone for the Silver Comet and the Chief Ladiga July 17, 18, 19

All, This is a ride we have discussed for several years. I have personally ridden the Silver Comet and it is a great trail ride complete with a through the mountain tunnel at mile 31 (right in the middle.) We would drive to Anniston AL on Friday and ride on Saturday. What I want to propose is a touring ride of various distance. The full ride would consist of the Chief Ladiga trail of 33 miles that meets the Silver Comet for another 63 miles, or a ride of 96 miles. The Comet has some off rail trail near the Alabama border with some hills, which would be early in the ride, After that the Comet is fairly flat with minor grades. With this mileage and the potential heat of July, we would start early, take our time and enjoy the trail. For riders not wanting the full Monte, we could have drop off rides like the full Comet (there is a drop off a mile up from the border for 62 miles. For an even lighter ride there are several towns the trail passes through or near for additional drop offs. The ride would terminate in Smyrna GA at mile 0. We would have to have drivers from Anniston to Smryna. We would try to arrange some fun for the drivers while we are riding, and I would arrange a Saturday night outing in the Atlanta area and try to get a group rate at a decent area hotel. Marsha and I would probably bow out after dinner and go to Canton GA to visit our daughter and new grandbaby. Here are the web links, and I would like some feedback on interest. The Comet is a great trail experience!

http://www.silvercometga.com/

http://www.chiefladiga.com/

Tour de Cure

. . First Tour de Cure in Springfield drew a little over 200 cyclist, a little less than organizers had planner for, but was an excellent event. Well planned, well organized, it is likely to become a major atttraction for cyclists in Middle Tennessee. And as you can see from the above photo, the FOGBEES had great representation as one of the most prominent clubs. (Phil has got his photos on Snapfish)
. . The many volunteers provided bell ringers, cheer leaders, food/drink, and mechanical support at Rest Stops situated every 12 miles. Plus an army of SAG vehicles patrolled the routes to ensure everyone was safe. They provided both a breakfast and a great wrap-up lunch with prime rib, BBQ ribs, shrimp, hamburgers, and hot dogs.
. . Dave Miley and Mike Poole probably turned in the best run, averaging nearly 18 mph over the 100-mile route and Nicole completed her first 100-miler in 7 hrs and 50 minutes. The rest of us peddled at a more relaxed pace through some remote and scenic areas in nearly 80-degree, cloudless skies.
(Phil's PhotoShow http://www.photoshow.com/watch/JX9yI2KV).
. . A great time was had by all. As one of the organizers kept repeating, "Jack watch your back."
WARNING: Photoshow has issues with Chrome Browser. Use IE or FireFox.

Biking in PA

For those interested, I have posted on Snapfish a few pictures of my riding domain here in PA.  Now that things have greened up, the country side is quite nice.  I have learned that when using "Map My Ride", 15% grades get averaged out over the total ride distance so I now look more closely at the elevation chart to avoid surprises.  I have seen a number of riders up here, but no groups and now I know why.  Asking at a local bike shop, there are no organized groups so I guess I will have to form a FogBee chapter.  I think I have found what could serve as our biker bar, so that's a start.

FREE Jack 'n Back Registration - TOO LATE

This one day only, you can register for the Jack Daniel's "Bike to Jack & Back" bike MS ride for FREE! 

SORRY - TOO LATE

Please watch Jack 'n Back Web Page for further information (rooms, etc) as Team Captain Phil Vickery provides it.

3 day tour recap.

Another successful tour thanks to the help of friends and family. Especially David Irvine who allowed us to park in his drive and even brought Ole Rusty back from Henry Horton for us. Phil's yellow jacket kept the rain at bay for all of us. My images are at Snapfish

The PhotoShow is ready. You can view it at http://www.photoshow.com/watch/fg3af8ZX . Thanks to Bruce who made it happen and to Dave Irvine who went out of his way to help out with the logistics. . . Tom

3 Day Tour Warm Up

and where was Gary the night before the 3 Day Tour leg from Henry Horton State Park to Cedars of Lebanon Park ?

Spring 3 day tour, May 23, 24, 25, Memorial Weekend

The stars did not align for me to participate in the French Lick excursion and I had resigned myself to no Spring Tour this year for the first time this millennium. Then Fogbee #1 encouraged me to re-examine my priorities and my schedule. The result is a redo of last year's Three-Day Tour (includes a video) which all seemed to enjoy. Good weather helped. Click here is my proposal for the Fogbee Spring 3 day tour 2009.

Two people are already planning to not ride Saturday and join us at Henry Horton for one and two days. Each day is about 60 miles and less hilly than average for middle Tennessee. The overall pace will be slower than anything you've ever done on a group ride and frequent stops are to be expected.

Bruce

Ride of Silence - Wednesday PICTURES ADDED

Nashville will host a Ride of Silence ride starting from Centennial Park in Nashville on Wednesday, May 20. The ride will depart Centennial Park at 7:00 PM CST. Join other Nashville cyclists in this silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while bicycling on public roadways. Visit http://www.rideofsilence.org/ to learn more about this world wide endeavor. Why does this ride exist?

- To HONOR those who have been injured or killed.

- To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here.

- To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD.
For more information go to http://www.nashvillecyclist.com/pages/cycleblog/

For pictures of this year's ride, Click following: 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fogbees_evans/sets/72157618487344267/ 

Giro D'Italia

Interesting link if you want to kill a few hours.

http://www.universalsports.com/

Brian's Creme' de la Creme' Hill Ride

Having bailed on the Big Hill Challenge & the Tour de Nash, I sought redemption this sabbath by purging my unrequited soul and following the prophet in the wilderness of hilly Sumner County, Brian Kortness. Contemplating my first ascent up McMurtry ( CannOnball's work better when shot down hill ) , I pedaled with particular angst up one side of Hogan Branch and coasted down the other wondering if I'd have to dismount before cresting McMurtry.

After climbing McMurtry, followed in succession by Mud Hollow, Cummins, and Longview, I pinched myself as I hurdled down the west facing slope of Longview realizing that, yes, fat old guys can. True, I was the last rider to the top of each hill; however, my confidence level has elevated for riding tougher terrain.

Next time Brian posts this ride, you should do it ! If this genuinely Fat Old Guy on a Bike can do it so can you.

Thanks to Brian and Tom Benim for hanging with me and inspiring me to take on the creme' de la creme' of our local hills. I look forward to another "training" ride.

Tyler

This is my son,Tyler's, goal that he scored for his High School varsity soccer team ( Station Camp). He is a sophomore and this goal made the schools highlight page. This goal was made in the Regional playoffs. Station Camp is now in the State playoffs. I'm proud of him and wanted to share this with my Fogbee friends. Of course, Tyler's athletic skill must come from his "Dad"! Don't you all agree? Thanks Gary

Daily Morning Ride

Is anyone interested in a daily ride first thing in the morning starting around 5:30-6 in the White House area?? I try to ride about 15-20 miles every morning before work... If your interested let me know and I'll start posting some maps of where I ride.

Handful of Fogbees Brave Big Hill Challenge

While some crawled back into bed, these five showed up and represented the Fogbees in Watertown. The start was delayed an hour as organizers altered the route around flooding roads. When the ride started, so did the rain and it kept up for two hours. But hey, the rushing creeks and Caney Fork and numerous cascades falling into the hollows were an added attraction. Allan and Phil, I have messages for you from others that were looking for you.

BIKES BELONG

Yesterday, the League of American Bicyclists released their annual ranking of "Bike-Friendly States", which can be viewed here:

http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/bicyclefriendlystate/pdfs/09state_ranking_list.pdf
NOT GOOD FOR TENNESSEE

Now check out this following video.

http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/portland-bike-rush-hour-on-the-hawthorne-bridge/

French Lick PhotoShow

Enjoy the show click here . Click on the FULL SCREEN at bottom edge for best experience.

Gary Humor - Unnamed

French Lick & Watertown Big Hill Challenge

It takes an extraordinary amount of time and commitment to put a trip like French Lick together. Doug and Marsha had everything perfect, well planned and well executed, including the weather, which we still can't figure out how they turned a horrible rainy forecast to near perfect cycling conditions of a blue sky and great temperatures. Special thanks to Marsha and Renee who "sagged" the entire ride, giving up their day at the spa for the cyclists.
...
I have put Marsha's, Renee's and my pictures on Snapfish (including the infamous one). Others who took pictures PLEASE share (preferably on Picasa or Flickr) so we can put together a Photoshow of the best collection.
...
MANY THANKS TO DOUG & MARSHA for FRENCH LICK.
...
Regarding the Big Hill Challenge - no hill on that ride matches the French Lick ride (not even close). Several of us did the ride last year (click here to see our review). It's a great ride which I highly recommend.

FOGBEES at 3S3M - Newspaper Shot

I was thumbing through some 3s3m photos and found this shot: http://www.timesfreepress.com/photos/galleries/2009/may/02/3-state-3-mountain/2555/
No, I didn't ride it this year....

From: Pat Clements

Looks like Mike Poole

3 State 3 Mountain

I'm truly glad to hear that you had good weather for French Lick. We kept all the nasty stuff for 3S3M. It looked promising until about 10 minutes before the start. Then it drizzled and by the time we were heading up the first mountain, Suck Creek, it was torrential, plus lightning. Lots of folks bailed out either at the start or at the top of Suck Creek and then turned around an coated back to town. FOr those who continued on to the rest stop on the other side of the mountain, it was an exercise in mass hypothermia. No kidding the rescue squad was handing out sheets and blankets and the organizers called a bus to take the poor unfortunates ( or the foolish ones who were wearing summer gear only) back to Finley Stadium.

At this point Bryan had already had 3 flats. On his 4th, he sagged to the next rest stop and finally got a good fix. I was lucky...when I was cleaning my bike today, i found a large gash in my rear tire and matching but similar one on the front.

We all did varying degrees of the metric century. Mike did the route as published. I got off the route (I blame the cue sheet now that I went back and looked again it never said to turn!)

Interestingly enough it was dry for the whole ride home. All in all it was a character building experience. :)

French Lick - Schedule & Route

Click here for a Printable Copy of the Schedule (Rev 4/15/09)
Visit Event Web Site (click here)
Pick your activities and have a great time on this adventure!!

Doug

. . .

Doug has been very busy. He and Marsha have visited French Lick, brought back lots of brochures, and mapped four rides - from the Regulars to the Ultra-lites. Please visit his Web Page for the latest (click here). Although Doug scanned a dozen of brochure pages for our use, French Lick Web Site is exceptional and I recommended you take LOTS of time studying it. A TON of stuff is available for everyone to enjoy. If the cyclists have gotten in trouble with spouses, this weekend will make up for scores of sins.

. . .

Fogbee Ladies Going to Frenchlick Resort-

These are suggestions as to what we can do on Sat: Breakfast at 8 am for whomever would like: meet in the lobby Spa appointments from 9-11:30 or so (if you would like to do this, please make your appointment w/ the spa @ www.frenchlickresort.com , let them know you are w/ a group, our rate is 20% off) Meet in lobby around 12:30 for lunch/sightseeing or whatever we decide !

See you soon, Peggy

. . .

If anyone is interested in having an appointment for the spa, some of us are organizing it this week. http://www.frenchlickresort.com/ take a look. email Peggy if you want to be included: pegintenn@aol.com 516-8511...thanks,

Peggy

. . .

RECOMMENDED ROUTE - Avoid Derby Traffic

Marsha and have been on both routes, we recommend this one (Click Here) for the least traffic and avoiding the possible Derby mess in Louisville. It is a scenic drive and offers 70mph on the parkway.

Take I-65 N to William H Natcher Parkway NorthContinue on the Parkway to Hawesville Exit 70A on Route 60 East.Proceed 3 miles @ light turn right on 231N (60 East) follow 60 @ the fork to the leftProceed to follow Rt 231 North to I-64 East toward Louisville. Proceed 15 miles on I-64 Exit 72 onto Indiana 145 North.There are several turns on 145, but stay on 145 until you end up at the front door of French Lick.

Official check in time is 4:00, but they will allow us in the rooms when they are clean. Remember to print your cue sheets. I will bring some extras. We have not specific plans for Friday night, but if you want to get together post your thoughts here.

New Belgium Urban Assault Ride - MAY 3'rd

“Walk Bike Nashville is proud to be the beneficiary for a new cool event in Nashville – the New Belgium Brewing Urban Assault Ride. It is a funky bike scavenger hunt where you and your teammate will ride to checkpoints all over the city, completing fun obstacles at each stop. Imagine adult big wheels, bike limbo, inflatable slides and more! Street smarts are a big part of the challenge as there is no set course - you pick your own route around town. The ride is followed by a big party with New Belgium beer, tons of prizes, and lots more 2-wheeled fun. Nashville was chosen to be one of the 10 cities on the Urban Assault Ride tour. Let’s all take part and show them why Nashville is such a cool bike and beer loving city! Get all the info and sign up at: http://www.urbanassaultride.com/ “

J 'n' B info for the non camping riders

Well guys, here's the scoop. The only MS transportaion sanctioned motel in Tullahoma still having availability Oct 3 is Gary's Taj Mahal, the Executive Inn, ole'.

I booked the only remaining non-smoking rooms still available about 15 minutes ago. I was able to reserve 7 rooms for single or double occupancy and 1 king for Bob who prefers to snore on his own. Jeff and I are good for one room. The other 6 are up for grabs, so speak up.

I'll check back first of September when they say they may have more rooms due to a rennovation process which is on their calendar prior to the ride.

Keep the wires open from now 'til October !

FOGBEE Extra Service

Met last year as members of FOGBEE-Lites. Dolly & Lenny marry next weekend. Our best wishes go to both. Cupid BOB did a lot of initial encouragement.

Daphne has just announced she is pregnant. Spent last weekend with fertility-idol BOB on the Komen Ride.

BOB runs a Lite Ride that few Clubs can match. Now we know why Nancy posted "Lites say thanks."