Great Times!

Thanks to the nearly 40 people who dined, drank and danced the night away at the 3rd Annual Fogbee Halloween party. Even the long lost Andrew showed up! Some great costumes and good food. Mark, your bottle of wine for best costume was given to Mike K. for "safe keeping" but you better get it before it disappears. Thanks to Postman, Marsha, Doug n Mark for helping set up---Phil, Lisa, Phil V. and Postman for staying late and helping clean up---and everyone who attended, brought food, etc. Hope to see some of you at spinning and the whole group riding again early next year.

Your Fogbee party invite for Halloween

This digital invite made with Smilebox

FOGBEES 3RD ANNUAL HALLOWEEN JAM

I have had numerous inquiries as to whether the Halloween party is a reality. The answer is absolutely. The party is Saturday, October 30th at 7 pm at Glen Oaks Clubhouse. I tried very hard to work out catering the food but its just too expensive so we will go with Pot Luck -bring a dish or dessert. Non-alcoholic beverages are already purchased but BYOB on the other. DJ DraftMaster will provide the tunes. Costumes are requested but not required. You can invite any friends that you would like to bring. THIS IS REALLY OUR LAST TIME TOGETHER FOR THE YEAR SO PLEASE TRY TO MAKE IT . You should also receive an invitation by email to the party this week. I could use help with the party so just contact me in this regard. (ALSO, Please do not post if you can't come to the party.) Thanks...Gary

Bell Witch Post Ride

Phil n Lisa. 20 Fogbees! Great ride and a really scenic tour. I had a really good time and thanks for this annual ride to Adams Tennessee. Click here for the Slide Show.

Fogbeee Jerseys

I have Fogbee Jerseys for the following people. lease post if you are planning to ride so I can get them to you, or we can make other arrangements.

Mike Keller, Bobbie Manis, Mark & Monica
Jeff & Kerrie, Lenny, Danny Denning

Bandanna's: Jeff, Gary
I have 4 Bandannas for sale $10 each first come

TUNNEL HILL TRAIL

FOGBEES do Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois.  Visit our PhotoAlbum on Shutterfly, where many have already posted their pictures or watch a couple of slide shows by Phil or by Tom (select FULL screen mode).  For those who wondered how road bikes w/25-mm tires do on the trail hard-pack, the easiest answer is -- we were able to pedal along at 22mph whenever we chose.  We rode from Vienna to Stonefort on one of the most ideal days for cycling, with great colors, great weather, and great company. Thanks Bob for this great find.

H'ville Planners Receive Award

. . Hendersonville Planners receive award for Outstanding Land Use and Transportation Plans (See article in Tennessean). A highlight of this work is Hendersonville’s COMPLETE STREETS planning (read the plan).

. . Hendersonville did a great job incorporating citizens in charrets and the Bike/Ped Plan of the Hendersonville Greenway Committee, which was a sub-committee of Hendersonville Tomorrow. Many of us participated in this work and we are pleased to see the support Hendersonville is giving to these interests and setting role models for neighboring communities.

. . These awards come on the heels of the many awards that Nashville MPO has received for its outstanding  Bike and Pedestrian work.  Bike Walk TN Region 2 is on the move.

Biker's Choice News

Click here for latest information from Bikers Choice on following topics:

1) TREK DEMO DAY (assume this weekend)
2) Joey Holland says Goodbye
3) Josh Lewis becomes Team Organizer for Team BC

Fall Colors Extraordinaire Tour

The Tunnel Hill State Trail will mesmerize and captivate its visitors by surrounding them with nature's best show.  A hard-pack trail surface provides easy peddling on the bed of a turn of the century railroad lane. You may feel the presence of spirits from the far past or of those pioneers who carved out a place in this southern Illinois forest as you ride effortlessly along the trail.  Don't miss out on this experience. from Nostalgiaville

This Fall Colors Tour has been timed perfectly with perfect weather.  Even the car ride out&back should be scenic.  We need to plan transportation.  Please check the DETAILED PLAN on the website by clicking here and comment as to whether you plan to join us, if you can drive, and how many passengers/bikes you can carry.

Oct 1 update from Metro Development Services

Upcoming public meetings at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, 2025 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard

 

October 25: 6-7:30PM Community Character Manual

-Topic: an update to the Community Character Manual (CCM) and related amendments to the West Nashville and Madison Community Plans. Details are on our Community Character Manual page.

 

October 26 and November 9: 6-7:30PM Major & Collector Street Plan update

-Topic:  local transportation infrastructure and potential improvements to major roads and related pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities.  Contact: Transportation Planner Michael Briggs at michael.briggs@nashville.gov  or 862-7219.

 

Questions or comments:Craig Owensby – Public Information Officer, Metro Planning Dept.

(615) 862-7192,craig.owensby@nashville.gov  

Scottsboro Ride Report

While many of you were on the Jack and Back David Irvine and I were reveling in Scottsboro, AL. We crisscrossed the J&B route as evidenced by road markings along the way.  The ride was terrific, especially the great climb out of Winchester. David did get dog bit and despite continued worrisome drainage for a few days, has recovered. The Marshall county Sheriff's department were on the case and very helpful. 

One of the pictures shows some new rumbles on SR 270 between Chapel Hill and Shelbyville. The road was not rumbled in Marshall county but was in Bedford.  Best I can tell the rumbles fit the new TDOT minimum rumble specifications but they were still bad enough to have us seeking and alternate route after two miles.  There's just no way around it, any rumble on a road with narrow shoulders makes it very difficult for cycling if there is any motorized traffic.

Scottsboro ride images

Bruce

Complete Streets Formalized for Nashville

. . In the spirit of Walk Nashville Week, Mayor Karl Dean today signed an Executive Order formalizing Nashville’s “Complete Streets” policy, which ensures that public streets are built to accommodate all modes of transportation, including walking, bicycling and mass transit.
. . In the 2010-2011 capital spending plan, which was unanimously approved by the Metro Council last month, the mayor set aside $12.5 million dollars for sidewalks, $3 million for bikeways, and more than $10 million for mass transit. Nashville overall is spending nearly 60 percent of its local transportation dollars on walking, biking and transit infrastructure.  This excludes funding for projects like the 28th Avenue connector that will include dedicated space for walking and bicycling.

"Share the Road" Stinks

Steve Magas, Bike Lawyer, says “'Share The Road', actually STINKS as a marketing legal concept in fact, it’s not legal at all."

http://ohiobikelawyer.com/uncategorized/2010/09/share-the-road-stinks/

Can you SEE the bicylist?

A motorist who drove into two bicyclists in Waukesha County last week was blinded by the sun and didn't see the victims until after he hit them, according to a report released by the sheriff's department on Monday. Read Story
 
The pictures in the following link are from the Cyclists Against Reckless Drivers Foundation.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=245019&id=128247983291
Unfortunately, in late afternoon and early morning, drivers on our roads have the same problem.
BE CAREFUL.
.
DRIVING BLIND?

Been to Jack 'n' Back

Thanks to the FOGBEES who raised funds ( $ 5,250.00) for and rode ( 60 to 175 miles each ) for our many family and friends stricken with Multiple Sclerosis.

Like past rides to Jack 'n' Back, the 2010 edition had times for coasting and times for pulling hard. Hm-m-m, not unlike living with MS. That's what I love about biking ... it keeps the road ahead in perspective. You never know when a PUC will jump out and get you or the previous day's tailwind becomes today's headwind.

That's why it's good to have friends to share the road with. Amen !

Day 1 Jack n Back photos

Click here  for jack Slide Show

GREAT RIDE THIS WEEKEND

This weekends ride to and back from Jack Daniels was a fun experience. Saturday was beautiful and proud to say Miley, Jon, myself and Mike did almost 80 miles at around 19 MPH. The ride Sunday was a lesson in tolerance. With a 15-25 mph headwind all the way back everyone was exhausted. A shout out to the 14 Fogbees that rode (plus the Postman who rode 60+ miles from Gallatin Sunday am to meet us in Shelbyville at 8am for the 59 mile ride back!!!). Congrat's to Jimmy, Doug M., Roger, Doug D., Phil, Allen, James, Mark, Nicole and Bob for their efforts. (hope i didn't leave anyone out). Look forward to next years ride.

New FREE On-line Mapping Tool

RIDE WITH GPS -  This NEW Web Site is spectacular and easy to use. Quickly plot a route and it automatically adds a Cue Sheet (which you can print for FREE) and display a dynamic elevation profile. You can also view your route by satellite, combo, and terrain.  Save your route and share with friends.  View key stats like mileage and elevation. Embed it DYNAMICALLY to a blog (warning uses FLASH which does not work with iPhone.) And UNLIKE MapMyRide its completely free and FREE is GOOD..

MS to Jack 'n' Back October 2010

TEAM FOGBEES 2010 Webpage 

.
- Time to talk strategy !
Please post which ride ( 55 or 75 miler ) you intend to take on the Jack 'n' Back.
Also please post vehicular / bike / rider transportation availability and needs so that we may coordinate our gathering for the event.

Thanks, and keep the fund raising effort up as we rally for MS.

Photo Op - Team FOGBEES

BE THERE OR BE SQUARE !!!

Megan Wingo has reserved time with the MS event photographer @ 6:40 a. m. the morning of the Jack 'n' Back. You can see an example of this on our website taken at previous event.

We will assemble at the far end of the main entry hallway @ 6:35 for our group photo. Be sure to wear your FOGBEES attire for the occasion. If you don't have a FOGBEES jersey, then ask to borrow one for the photo shoot , if not for the entire weekend .

See you @ Motlow !

Dog Bite Law

The state Bike organization has had reports of Dog Problems in Wilson County.  As a consequence I have added Tennessee State Law to our Web Page so everyone is aware of rights.  A paraphrase of the report appears below:

I was bitten by a large dog while on a training ride for a triathlon, and needed 13 stitches.   The owner had to pay my medical bills through court restitution.  I've several friends who have been harmed by dogs running at large -- wrecks and bites.  I went to county meetings, got some good media attention on Channel 2 "That is Messed Up" along with several newspaper articles.  We now have a dedicated committee that will oversee animal control and I am a citizen member of that committee.

We have a limited budget in the county for animal control, and I feel strongly that we need to make sure our roadways and neighborhoods are safe for those who want to use them to pursue health and fitness.  As the judge in my case said, cyclists and runners have a right to be on the roadway, doing what we are supposed to be doing, without being attacked by crazed animals.

If you have a dog issue report it to the sheriff.  That makes the roads safer for everyone.

Please Complete TDOT Survey

Bike Walk Tennessee is assisting TDOT in gathering feedback from bicyclists to use in the preparation of a Tennessee Bike Route System. Please click on this link to read more about this project and complete the survey. It'll take you less than 5 minutes and it is a great way to be sure YOUR voice is heard.
http://www.bikewalktn.com/2010/09/tennessee-state-bike-route-survey.html

Market closing

I did a 45 mile ride today. Part of my ride was coming down Hwy 25 (turning right off W Hester Rd). As you know there is a store at the bottom of the downhill. Well sadly they are closing Oct 1. That was the only nearby pit-stop for some of our ride.

Jimmy

Notice

There is no organized ride tomorrow as most of us will take it easy before the weekend Jack n Back 150+ mile ride.

B-Cycle Event - September 28'th

A B-cycle demonstration event is coming to Nashville! The city is exploring an expansion of its public bike-sharing as a means of alternative transportation, and increasing active-healthy living opportunities. All interested Nashvillians are invited to visit the upcoming demonstration event. Read More

AAA wants to STOP funding Greenways

Ed Thomas thought the following activity would be important for FOGBEES.

The American Automobile Association want to remove all Greenway and Trail funding from the federal highway budget. The president of AAA Mid-Atlantic recently advocated for the elimination of existing federal dollars that help build bicycle and pedestrian trails and sidewalks. These funds have helped create more than 19,000 miles of trails, walking and bicycling facilities across the country—likely including your favorite nearby trail.Click Here to learn more.

Ride to Scottsboro, Alabama

Fellow FOGBEE, Scotsman, and connoisseur of leisurely cycle touring, David Irvine, and I are planning a ride to Scottsboro, AL to attend the North Alabama Scottish Festival and Highland games. We will be departing Nashville Sept 29, and spending three days on the road before arriving in Scottsboro October 1. Each day is about 60 miles through some of the best riding anywhere. We will spend first night at Henry Horton SP Inn, second night in Winchester, TN Best Western. Dave and I will be attending the Highland Games and staying at the Scottsboro Hampton Inn but there is also a resort on Lake Guntersville, part of the Tennessee River. We will have Old Rusty prepositioned at Scottsboro for a drive back Sunday.
Scottsboro is home to the Unclaimed Baggage Center where all the major airlines send lost luggage.  No idea why Scottsboro, AL, but there it is and is open Sat 8a-6p.
Anyone interested in joining us please post or email me and we’ll fix you up. I just now realize this is the same weekend as the Jack and Back. Another of those so many events, so little time situations that time of year.
Bruce
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

Eastside Bicycle Club to Hear From Local Bike Advocates

Toks Omishakin, Director of Healthy Living for Mayor Karl Dean will speak to the Eastside Bicycle Club, September 28 at 7 pm. The meeting will be held at Eastside Cycles, 103 South 11th Street (Five Points).

Five FOGBEES Ride for the Wounded Warriors

Phil, Tom, Mike, and Sherry joined Bob Gluting to honor the wounded veterans of America. Check out the photos on FOGBEES website @ Shutterfly.

People For Bikes Pledge

In recent years, the bicycle industry has stepped up to support our advocacy and education programs like never before. Much of that leadership has come from Bikes Belong, the industry's advocacy and education organization. We realize that we have a common interest in getting more people on bikes more often and more safely, and we know we need every voice we can muster to have an impact at the Federal, state and local level. That's why I am writing to you today to ask for your help.

Be Part of an Alternate Solution

. . In response to the previous "Obey Traffic Laws" post Christy thought FOGBEES needed to be made aware of the town of Black Hawk banning ALL bicycling riding in town.  I put the details on the Bike Walk Tennessee Blog.  My guess is the Black Hawk City Council did not implement their ordinance out of altruistic concerns for the bicyclists.  More than likely the bicyclists were not "Obeying Black Hawk Traffic Laws" and the Council found an out-right ban to be THEIR simplest solution.

MS Benefit

Click on image to enlarge.

OBEY TRAFFIC LAWS!

As the number of bicyclists increase in Sumner County the frequency of issues with motorists increases. Most of our neighboring counties have already had serious issues that prompted them to consider banning bicycles from one of more roads. Those same problems have become a frequent occurrence on FOGBEE rides. So, it is time to remind everyone of the laws in order to eliminate unnecessary conflicts with motorists and to avoid a bicyclist getting hurt. These laws are available on the FOGBEE Web Site.

Please click here to read those laws that have become a FOGBEE issue.

Need a New Ride ?

Tired of your old bike ? Looking for more excitement in your weekly ride ? Want to compete with Mike and Sherry's fancy tandem ? Your sure to find something that appeals to you here !

Working so you can ride

What's Bruce doing?  Doesn't look like work to me.  For more pictures click here.  He is at the Alliance for Biking and Walking Leadership Retreat in Chattanooga.

FedEx Rock 'n Roll MS150

This past weekend the FOGBees were represented at the FedEx Rock 'n Roll MS150 by Bob Miller, Nicole Ellis and Phil & Lisa Houston. Leaving from the Desoto Civic Center in Southaven, MS and riding to Tunica, MS (and back) the ride was well-planned and supported. The accommodations at Harrah's Tunica Resort were exceptional and included with registration for the ride.

Day one started out cloudy and turned to an outright rain shower for at least 20 miles. The Italian dinner that night was followed by a presentation by the NMSS that highlighted rides all over the US. The Jack & Back photos included none other than FOGBee Godfather, Tom Evans, proudly wearing his colors! Bob was recognized during the awards for having ridden in MS150 rides for the past 19 years.

Day two was beautiful and windy! We climbed the fabled hill known as "The Wall" -- ON THE TANDEM!!! We even passed some riders on "single" bikes on the way up. :) Lunch overlooked the scenic Arkabutla Lake reservoir and provided a nice rest midway through the ride. At the finish line, we were greeted with medals to mark our accomplishment of having ridden the distance and a full lunch of Neeley's Memphis Barbecue.

We were sure to "Re-Cycle" for next year's ride and hope that more FOGBees will consider joining us on the adventure. Check out Shutterfly for the photos I managed to snap along the way.