[KLizotte]

So how does biking in Germany compared to here? Better trails? Are drivers more cautious? What about biking etiquette? I would love to ride through southern Germany since it looks beautiful.

[KLizotte]

@Drewdane 158295 wrote:

Not a bad idea, but it does nothing about the rudeness, and that’s what gets to me.

True, but I’m just over the moon if I end a ride without hurting anything or anybody. A ride with all of my appendages attached and unbroken is a good ride in my book.

[KLizotte]

@Drewdane 158282 wrote:

Following up on this, I’m starting to seriously consider carrying a sturdy stick to jam into the spokes of TdF wannabes who don’t call their passes. Grr! Grump! Hrumph!

I know they are considered dorky but a helmet mirror works wonders. I am constantly checking mine so I know what is sneaking up behind me (bike and car wise). Highly recommend!

[KLizotte]

@drevil 158257 wrote:

A top secret squirrel secret that I learned when I was just a peanut: if you have a Presta tube, a schraeder pump and the inability to swap orientations of the pump, take off the cap, snip the tip, and put the cap back on backwards. The Schraeder pump should be able to pump the tube. This person made a nice pictorial:
https://www.purecycles.com/blogs/bicycle-news/11635993-macgyver-a-presta-schrader-adapter

This solution requires having scissors or perhaps a sharp knife on hand to cut the cap so in reality you may still be up a creek in some circumstances.

[KLizotte]

Whoa! Ouch. That underpass is way too skinny for its own good. Could happen to anyone.

I hope she has one of the high tech casts that you can mold to your hand with heat and take it off for washing. I had one for my broken wrist last year and it was a vast improvement over fiberglass ones (though still not a joy to wear). Glad to hear it’s not her dominant hand because that would be a PITA. Fortunately small bones heal fast; getting the muscles loosened up and flexible again is what takes forever. I’ve broken my wrist and a thumb and all are healed up and fine now; no lingering effects. Sorry a nice ride got spoiled; hopefully she will be riding again when the warm weather is here to stay.

[KLizotte]

Thanks for the update; need to keep an eye on the story to see if the police catch the guy(s).

Wow, what a horrible ending to a seemingly nice, quiet man. Who in their right mind would attack a 75 year old?! I hope the other victim makes a full recovery.

[KLizotte]

There is something about the Cabis that makes one feel wobbly during those first few pedal rotations. Last week I used a Cabi for the first time in almost four years and the front wheel went all wobbly for the first 45 seconds which really surprised me. After riding a Cabi a couple more times the effect went away but there is something about the weight and balance of a Cabi that is much different than regular bikes.

[KLizotte]

No, the driver was cutting across an opposing lane so hebears all responsibility for ensuring that it is clear just like they would have had to check for peds in the crosswalk.

It is an incredibly bad set up though for cars trying to make that turn though being so close to an intersection. Sigh.

[KLizotte]

This posting is for last year’s registration. The correct website for the 2017 ride is found here: http://ohbike.memberlodge.org/event-2448989

[KLizotte]

^^ This for last year’s event. This year’s registration website is found here: http://ohbike.memberlodge.org/event-2448989

[KLizotte]

So now there is a dangerous “step down” around the manhole cover?! Wouldn’t it have made more sense to move the bus stop 15-20 feet in either direction so a smooth apron could be built? Doesn’t look like it meets ADA standards.

[KLizotte]

Generally being a courteous safe rider is what matters around here though you will see all sorts of shenanigans by cyclists, peds, and drivers. It’s DC so lots of self important people, tourists, and nice folks. Welcome to the area; it is actually a really nice place to ride.

Please be aware that there are lots of bike thieves in DC and surrounding areas and they are pretty darn bold and crafty. Biking is very popular here so a big market for bikes on Craigslist and the like. Be sure to bring u-locks with you at minimum and keep your bikes in your hotel room at night.

For short trips to get from A to B you may wish to check out Capital Bikeshare. They won’t be nearly as comfortable your own bikes but are a very good option if you plan on checking out the museums along the Mall and don’t want to leave your e-bikes locked up for long periods of time. That said, people on the forum can tell you some safe places to lock up around DC and along the Mall. Your best bet is to lock up at federal agency racks that are located right at their front door or where security guards are visible. That’s my philosophy anyway.

Oh, being from TN you probably already know this but it gets really, really hot and muggy in July and August. Shoulder seasons are best for visiting.

[KLizotte]

I agree Sedona is amazing and the pics are fabulous!

[KLizotte]

Yay for the environment!

[KLizotte]

I’ll be there.

[Author]

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