If you have thought about getting some Cat Ears...

Show Your Appreciation

Have you ever thought about the many rides that are posted on the blog? They don't just happen, but we all expect them to be there and we show up for the ride. I think most would agree it's more fun and safe to ride with others.
Planning routes is a thankless task and takes a lot of time and thought in regards to everyones safety, temperatures, time of day, difficulty, traffic flow and road conditions, not to mention special requests. Let's not take the individuals for granted that donate their time and energy to planning all the great routes and rides for all of us to enjoy! (They don't get paid for it) I want to openly thank those individuals.
A BIG THANK YOU! To Mike Knake, Dave Miley, Bruce Day, Tom Benim and Tom Evans ( if I missed anyone I appologize). Let these men know you appreciate what they do, tell them, shake their hand, give them a pat on the back, buy them a meal or at lease a cold beverage every once in a while.

Stay upright and be safe
Woody

Who is volunteering for the Kid's Triathalon this weekend?

Who is volunteering for the Kid's Triathalon this weekend?  Sherry and I are volunteering this weekend for the Kid's Tri.

Wanting to know who else is volunteering so we can plan a ride after the event is over.  We are usually able to start riding at 9:00.  Miley is going to try and work the Saturday ride out so that it will come by the Y to pick the volunteers up for the ride.

See you on the road,

Mike Knake

Jerseys Bibbs and Vests

They are in!  I will have them at the rides the rest of this week.

RAGBRAI 2015 Fun Times

Having fun after 73 miles on day 5...

Latest Magazine Article

Only biking for a little over a year and does a 1000-mile bike ride.   

Here's her story.

Quite an accomplishment. 

You may have to click the + in the upper right corner to enlarge to be able to read it.

Stones River Greeenway

The ROTten contingent of the FOGBEES (who post their morning rides under the FB Ride Group TAB) make frequent (almost weekly) trips to the Nashville Greenway.  On our trip last week we were seriously flooded out.  To avoid this problem in the future, we have added a tailwater level link in the sidebar on this blog.  We guess that 398 is the magic number for a dry trail.  Last week it was at 401.5 feet.

Red Boiling Springs Ride, Sept 19&20, 2015

There has been some interest in another Red Boiling Springs ride with an overnight stay at Armour's Hotel. After consulting with the interested parties and Armour's it appears that Sept 19 and 20 are preferred days. We'll probably not have peak leaf color but hopefully will be less likely to have cold rain.  More details later. Except for maybe some variation in the route it should be very similar to our past Red Boiling Springs rides.  Those details are at this link. https://sites.google.com/site/fogbees/events/rbs
Bruce

Note. Armour's has blocked to entire place for us for the night of the 19th. Be sure to tell them you are a Fogbee when making reservations. Dennis prefers email contact at armourshotel@yahoo.com

July 14 update. Only two more rooms at Armor's as of today.  They usually use the Donoho Hotel for overflow but still go through Armour's so they can get a head count for meals. 

Mayoral Interview

      Jamie Clary is running for Mayor of Hendersonville.  I interviewed him relative to his thoughts about the Bike/Ped Master Planning for Hendersonville.

     That interview has been published in the July issue of Indian lake Peninsula Living magazine.

I have attached a copy for your reading (click here for copy)

Volunteers Needed for Kids' Triathlon

Volunteers are needed to stand at several locations on the bike course at the Heat Kid's Triathlon to help keep the kids safe and moving in the right direction.

Please send me an email if you can volunteer for the Heat Kid's Triathlon. I know in years past, ya'll have planned a group ride departing from the YMCA after the race. I hope that's still the plan this year!

11th Annual Heat Kid's Triathlon

Saturday morning, August 1st

Volunteer check-in: 6:00am-6:30am

Race starts at 7:00am

I will need Volunteer name and shirt size. I've attached a photos of this year's Kid's Tri shirt.

Thanks so much!

Charlene Alcorn

spinjunkie@comcast.net

Weekday Rides

Tuesday from Shelby Bottoms nature center at 9:00 AM
Wednesday from White House Greenway Trailhead next to Animal Clinic on 31W ( same as We'd. nite Ride)

See Facebook page for more details.

Sunday in Chattanooga

Pictures From Chattanooga

Most keep dry.  Stragglers got soaked.

Public Meeting for Harpeth River State Park

You're Invited!

                                          Harpeth River State Park Public Meeting
                                                            Tuesday, June 30th  

Leaders from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will be conducting a public meeting for Harpeth River State Park on Tuesday, June 30th to gather input and discuss the current business and management plan for the park.

The event will begin at 5:30 pm with an open house and reception to meet park staff. The public hearing portion will begin at 6pm and will last approximately one hour.

Who: Park Manager, Gary Patterson, members from Tennessee State parks staff, local city and county business leaders.

What: Public Input Meeting

When: Tuesday, June 30th from 5:30pm-7:30pm

Where: Pegram Community Club
               453 Thompson Road
               Pegram, TN   37143 

No RSVP Needed, we hope to see you there!

Morning Ride Group Does Greenway

Two FOGBEES maintained our traditional participation in the Harpeth River Ride version 2015.
In some ways the ride has lost a little luster, but once you get past the details, we had a great time. The incoming front drove out the rain by the time we were on the road and the peleton was thirty percent less than in years past. Atypical lower temps, thanks to the cloud coverage and westerly winds, made for a comfortable ride for fat old guys, Doug and Phil.

Pull Tight is still a rush, the pastoral scenery a nice variation of our own, and the post ride at
Drakes Pub was the piece de resistance.  FOGBEES forever !

Chattanoog Weekend Trip - Update -The Trip Is One Week Away.

June 26th is quickly coming up. 

A lot of people will be arriving during the afternoon on Friday.   We usually meet up somewhere for dinner and drinks on Friday night.  I suggest the World of Beer.  Besides a great beer selection, they have great food.  Sherry and I won't be able to get there before 8:00PM EST.   So don't feel like you have to wait for us to eat dinner. 

You can e mail bikenwalk@gmail.com for a list of participants and phone #s so that you can contact each other when you get in town Friday to make plans for Friday evening.  Just let Sherry and I know what your plans are.

DINNER SATURDAY NIGHT:  We have a reservation at the Big River Grille Downtown at 7:00PM. 

For non riders, there is a list below with links for things to do in the Chattanooga area.

Link for the hotel:  http://www.thereadhousehotel.com/
Phone #:  423-266-4121

We have 14 riders going so far and 9 spouses:

 I have been working on the routes and this is what I have come up with.  Bruce provide me a book of great routes, one of which partially followed the ironman trail.  I have combined the 2 to come up with a more scenic route. 

58 Mile Route

71 Mile Route

Link to where we will have lunch and a beer on the ride:  http://pigeonmtcountrystore.webs.com/

Link to Mountain Home Country Store at historic Mountain Home Farms (long route only)
http://www.mountaincoveresort.com/?page_id=325

Points of Interest in Chattanooga
Bluffview Art District
http://bluffviewartdistrict.com/
World of Beer
http://worldofbeer.com/Locations/Chattanooga
The Tennessee Aquarium
http://www.tnaqua.org/
The Shoppes at Warehouse Row
http://www.warehouserow.com/
DeBarge Vineyards and Winery
http://debargewines.com/

Open Streets Invitation

YOU'RE INVITED

RAAM

As info, the preeminent road race started today with the solo racers leaving Oceanside, CA. Relay and teams will leave in following days. This is not some frou-frou little stage race in France but  a nonstop Race Across the America continent. You can pick your favorite riders and follow them for the next 9 to 15 days at the following websites.

RAAM Website for Info

Ride Farther for Real Time Tracking

Enjoy ;-)

HARPETH RIVER RIDE PACKET PICK UP

Several FOGBEES have registered for this ride. I will be traveling to Franklin for early packet pickup. If you want me to pick yours up let me know and give me your registration ticket by Thursday.  Tentative distribution Friday at Sams. You can post here or call 615-431-9821.

Website Rebuild

      Over the last couple of weeks we have rebuilt the FOGBEE website to be smart-phone centric.  We expect the primary way members will want to access the information on our website is from their phones.  The previous desktop format is just too difficult to read on a 5-inch screen.  We will not take-down the desktop version, we just won't be updating it.
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     We have also added the Weekday Ride FACEBOOK group to the tabs across the top of the blog.You will need a FACEBOOK account and login to access it.
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     Along with this update we have added a TELEPHONE LIST which shows member cellphone numbers and emergency numbers.  It is sorted by the member's first name since that is how most of us know each other.  It is legible on your cell phone.  Look for it by going to the FOGBEE blog on your cell phone.  Click the Home (in upper left), select the WEBSITE radio button, then scroll down to the About Us section.  Under it you will see Telephone Numbers.  Click on that and voila. Best to test this out before you're on the road and need this info in a hurry.  I did not add the Sumner County Sheriff's number to this list because everyone should already have that number programmed into their phones.

FOGBEES on Magazine cover.

Here is the link to the article "Bear Essentials."
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9P820p99x_LbS1Qc2xOX2pjVjA/view?usp=sharing

Jersesy, Vests and Bibbs Order

We are ready to place the order for the Jerseys, Vests and Bibs.   We will need to collect the money over the course of the next week.  I will be available at each ride to collect your money.

Jersey cost = $51
Vest Cost = $79
Bibs Cost = $125

Once we place the order, LG will do the art work on the bibs for us to review.

Thanks, Mike

TDOT’s Multimodal Access Policy

     TDOT is currently in the process of developing a Multimodal Access Policy to ensure that the needs of  all roadway users (including but not limited to motorists, transit-riders, freight-carriers, bicyclists and pedestrians) are considered during  project planning and design.  Following adoption of the Multimodal Access Policy, TDOT will develop a Multimodal Access Implementation Plan, Design Guidelines, and training for internal and external partners.

    Below is a link to a draft copy of TDOT’s Multimodal Access Policy.  This policy, when in effect, will replace TDOT’s 2010 Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Policy.  Please review the attached draft policy and provide any comments to me by COB June 22, 2015.

Sincerely,

Jessica L. Wilson, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator

Division of Multimodal Transportation Resources - TDOT

Jessica.L.Wilson@tn.gov, (615) 741-5025

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6zwKGN8Ho0tQkg0RjFYNjNMMVU/view?usp=sharing

Bike Walk TN Makes Major Leap Forward

     Bike Walk Tennessee announces the hiring of Matt Farr as the organization’s first Executive Director. Founded in 2009, Bike Walk Tennessee is a 501(c)3 organization that advocates for better bicycling and walking in Tennessee. Relying on volunteer capacity, Bike Walk Tennessee has facilitated a jump in Tennessee’s Bicycle-Friendly State ranking from 43rd to 20th over the past five years, and has ushered a widespread resurgence in biking and walking throughout Tennessee’s urban areas.  With dedicated staff capacity, Bike Walk Tennessee expects to be able to propel Tennessee into the national spotlight for innovative bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and programming.
    In 2009 Pat Clemens, Bruce Day, and Tom Evans chartered Bike Walk Tennessee as the State's first non-profit corporation dedicated to improving bicycling and walking facilities across the state. Bike Walk Tennessee sponsors the Tennessee Bike Summit that has been held annually in Chattanooga, Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville.  The Summit is widely attended by over 150 participants from private, public, and commercial organizations.

A Unique Sign Welcoming Bicyclists in VA

Doug' Birthday Party

Arnold Palmer Extreme

Anyone who know David Shumaker knows the following picture needs no caption

Follow Nashville to New York Tour

Follow the Nashville to Newark Tour on their website http://n2n15.blogspot.com . (This link is also in the right sidebar of this blog). They are sending me pictures as they travel and I am re-posting on the tour website.  For example, you can find Day #1 pictures by going to their blog, clicking on the 2KNOX Menu Tab, and looking for PICTURES below Day #1 route image.  Click on the PICTURES link.

Really Unacceptable service tonight at Sams Sports Bar and Grill

All- We used to start all our rides at Sams Sports Bar and Grill.   In the last year, we have moved our Thursday night ride to Brixx and Saturday to other restaurants like Bluegrass.

Tonight should have been embarrassing for Sams Sports Bar and Grill as Marsh and I arrived at 6:45, and at 8:02 had still not been approached for our second drink and no food order.  Our waiter snapped at Mike Knake that he didn't seem to understand that they were busy (after waiting an hour and 15 minutes.)  I asked for the manager, and he was in my terms "Totally Useless" even defending the waiter as one of the best.  He also chastised Mike for raising his voice at the waiter.   He failed to apologize for the service level or do anything about it.  Marsha was so pissed she just left.  We had 23 patrons there tonight and got treated like crap!!

If you feel the same way about our service tonight, please go to the Sams website and send them a complaint telling about your lousy experience.  I also mentioned in my complaint that not only the club patronizing, but all the business customers I have brought there for lunch or dinner.  If I don't get a good answer, we may ride from their parking lot, but I may not spend my money there!!

Forward this blog post to all you think need to know!

Why Retired Old Turtles Always Stop for ICE CREAM

Some have wondered why the RETIRED OLD TURTLES always end their rides with a stop for ICE CREAM.  Below is the best explanation I have found thus far

One day I had lunch with some old friends. Jim, a short, balding turtle bicyclist type, about 85-years old, came along with them; all in all, it was a pleasant bunch.

When the menus were presented, my friends and I ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, "A large piece of home-made apple pie, heated please."

Help Request - W/B Nashville

Hi Local Club Leaders/Riders!

Happy Bike Month!

We're looking for a few more experienced riders to help lead and sweep the Tour de Nash this year, and I thought of you all! We're looking for 2 more leaders for our 30 mile route (the Gran Tour) and an additional sweep for the Metric Century route.

If you are interested, or if you know anyone in your clubs/teams that are interested, please send them my way! Sweeps and leads of course ride for free and will have our eternal thanks (in addition to a tshirt).

And I also wanted to invite you all to join Team Nashville in the National Bike Challenge (https://nationalbikechallenge.org/). We've challenged Memphis and Chattanooga to see how many riders and miles we can log per resident. It would be AWESOME to have some of our local club teams join us. We'll also have prizes and awards for the local riders and teams who log the most points. Yay for competition!

Thanks!!

Nora Kern, Program Coordinator

Education & Advocacy

Walk/Bike Nashville

w: (615) 933-8261

c: (615) 260-1988

 

Letter from Pedal for Paws

I have converted the Vol State routes to .tcx from Ride With GPS if this works better for you than the Map My Ride GPX files.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7693111

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7692931

Spring Jersey Order

LG is sending us fit kits this week for Short Sleeve Jerseys, Sleeveless Jerseys and Vests.   We will have fittings over the next couple of weeks after the rides in case you are interested.  They should arrive Wednesday. So, our first fitting will hopefully be Wednesday in White House following Mike and Sherry's Excellent Crystal Creek Bed Ride.  Thursday's fitting will be at Brixx.  Saturday's fitting will be at Bluegrass Bar and Grille following the Vol State Ride.

See you on the road,

Mike Knake

Bruce Makes Cover of Indian Lake Peninsula Magazine

The May issue of the Indian lake Peninsula Magazine will issue in about a month.  The cover story is about Bruce Day and his bike touring.  Dave Shumaker and Bruce often share the story about their Warm Showers visit in Gainesboro TN.  Bruce was caught helping out with the family chores.  I uploaded a copy to Google Drive.  His story is on the inside.  Click Here for a copy of the magazine