DFW Point-to-Point

Sad Lonely Bikes

2013-05-20T17:05:00.001-05:00

United Spirit Arena in Lubbock

Show 'Em Your Six Guns!

Last week, as in many other places around the US, Texas Tech University graduated their Senior Class and began summer vacation. We were proud that one of my daughters was amongst the graduates. She'd been seen on this blog, such as here and here.

Mongoose Bike Had Two Flat Tires and a Cheap Lock
The Saddle Was Worse than it Looks

Still, there was a note of sadness amongst the well-deserved happiness. That was for the poor, sad, lonely unloved bikes that were left behind by students leaving for summer vacation. Some of these bikes were "Wally World" style bikes, but some were worthy of respect.

By the time we left, I was almost wishing I'd brought along some lock breaking tools, but felt better after my daughter told me that the TTU police would cut the locks and donate the bikes. I wish them a little more love in the future.

This Bike Had No Lock at All - It'd Been "Straightened Up" at the Rack by a Sympathetic Passerby

Perhaps Saddest Was this Trek with the Rim Strip Failed on the Front Tire
The Bike is the Same Model My Daughter Has.
It Had a U Lock Around the Frame but the Wheels Were Unsecured
The Bike at Left "Appears" to be Locked but Wasn't

Saddle Comparisons

2013-05-04T12:31:00.000-05:00

My Commute Bike Saddle, After Four Years of Steady Use. It Is/Was a "Specialized Phenom"

Over the last year or so, I've come into the possession of not one, not two, but THREE new saddles. One is a replacement for my erstwhile Specialized saddle that's been worn almost beyond recognition. The other two are the main topic of this post.

The two saddles are very similar in some respects. One is a Brooks Swallow and the other is a Berthoud Aspin. As you can see, the shapes and sizes of the two saddles are VERY similar. Shown beside them is the third saddle; a Specialized "Toupe" that's made of modern materials

At Left is the Brooks, With the Berthoud in the Middle and the Specialized at Right

Comparing the two leather saddles, I'm surprised at how similar they are in some respects while still being entirely different. As you can see, there's not a whole lot of shape difference between the Brooks and the Berthoud saddles.

Both saddles are leather with steel rails. That being the case, there are more differences in the construction details than you'd expect. The Brooks leather is thinner than the Berthoud, and is riveted to the steel frame. The Berthoud uses Allen screws that attach to a plastic frame.

The "Swallow" Rails Are Well Below the Saddle and are Set Up for a Saddle "Nose Up and Back" Position Compared to Berthoud

In addition to the attachment and construction differences, the makers used different rail approaches. The Brooks saddle rails are entirely well beneath the saddle while the Berthoud rails are tucked up higher. In addition, the Brooks rails intend for the saddle to be placed further back on the seat post and in a "nose up" position compared to the Berthoud. The rails are clearly different relative to the otherwise similar saddle shape in that regard. Even easier to spot are the different philosophies of the saddle frame design. Brooks is a "steel is real" outfit while Berthoud is NOT. Which is better? Personally, I sort of like the notion that I can replace the leather and polycarbonate is a pretty good material, but how often do you replace leather anyway?

Brooks Above and Berthoud Below. Note How the Rails and Frames Differ. And Yes, the Leather on the Berthoud IS Thicker

Comparing weight of the two saddles, the Brooks is a touch heavier than the Berthoud, tipping the scales at 499g compared to 484g for the French entry. IMO, the Brooks steel frame more than offsets the thicker leather and threaded fasteners used on the Berthoud saddle.

Brooks is 499g, Berthoud is 484g

Neither saddle is light, however, compared to the modern Specialized Toupe, with its titanium rails and synthetic materials. The Specialized entry tips the scales at less than half the weight of the two leather saddles. It will not, however, last the way the two "real" leather saddles will, based on how my first saddle wore.

"Modern" Specialized Saddle is Much Lighter, Though it'll Also Wear Out Quicker

Which of these is the most comfortable over time? I think it depends on the rider and what the rider is doing. Myself, I'm putting the Specialized Toupe saddle on "Buddy" to replace the saddle in the top photo. The French saddle is going on "Madeleine." The Brooks is going to replace the Selle Italia on "Frankenbike."

Conveniently, the new "official" saddle cover for rainy weather storage that I got will work on all three saddles. Of course, when it is used, it'll reside underneath one of those cheap, plastic shopping bags that "green" types want to ban. My favorite cheapies are bags from Wally World.

Saddle Cover of Heavy Duty Latex. Suitable as the Lower Layer Underneath a Cheap Plastic "Disposable" Bag

Inspired by Scott

2013-04-28T15:09:00.002-05:00

On occasion before, I have admitted to aviation inspiration in my cycling, such as here, here, and here. In my last cycling commute, on April 5th, I took my cycling commute inspiration from another source; a fellow University of Washington alum. Scott Crossfield.

Scott appeared in a supporting role in "The Right Stuff" as a "civilian pilot" of the D558-2 that was the first plane to exceed Mach 2. Less well known was his attitude towards flight that was demonstrated in his role as chief contractor test pilot in the X-15 program. Scott endured much in that program, including a vehicle that exploded under him, and another that broke as he performed an emergency landing. Even so, in his last X-15 flight, he followed orders and did not exceed Mach 3 or climb into space. Watch the embedded video starting 46 minutes and 50 seconds in and for the following minute.

That example was my inspiration for my commute on April 5th. I went in and came home. No close calls, no "death on my left," no attempts to advocate cycling by exaggerating its danger (no links for this one, but I'm sure my loyal reader can think of many such sites and organizations). Simply getting the job done.

Thanks, Scott. UW Aero Class of 1947. Watch starting at about 46 minutes and 50 seconds in to the video. The entire show is, IMO, worth watching but that segment contains Scott's recollections and attitude. Simply getting the job done. So now we can move on to new topics...

Scott Crossfield Gets the Job Done Starting at 46:50

Go Outside, Shaggy

2013-04-10T17:07:00.001-05:00

Chandra, Contemplating Coffee

Shaggy Goes Outside

Last Friday, I made my last commute. It passed without any events of note, much like the 487 bike commutes that preceded it. No close calls. No motorists out for blood. But that is the event of a post not far off in the future. In the meantime, today's post means a lot more. It may represent the last time I see "Shaggy."

Honda Stickers

Hopefully, it will not be the last I see of Chandra, first noted on this blog here. It was nearly four years ago - crimeny, where has the time gone? Since then, there have been many shared experiences. We went to cycling school together - twice. We also went to instructor school together. Besides various rides and other events. For a sampling of them, go here. Greatly neglected in all these events has been Shaggy, the long-suffering dog, and the Honda with the bumper stickers on it.

It seems that Chandra is leaving North Texas, and his last day at work here was the same as my own. I hope we'll have more to do together in the future. Still, it may be the last time I saw Shaggy in all his glory...

Chandra in "High Vis"

April Fifth

2013-03-30T18:51:00.003-05:00

Sidi Shoe Wear...

For the last week or two, around our house, some of what passes for humor has revolved around April fifth. This started when I noted that my Sidi cycling shoes were getting tired. My wife noted: "they only have to last until April fifth!"

Saddle Wear...

Rust Up Front...

Before you knew it, the wear on Buddy's saddle was being judged by the same standard.

After all, if all goes well, April fifth will be my last bicycle commute.

A Meaningful, Meaningless Award, Soon to be Obsolete...

Springing into New Life

2013-03-19T18:18:00.000-05:00

One thing about blogging is that the writer knows where something is going to go while the loyal reader can only guess. In that vein, I have taken the first two steps toward a new life. If everything goes according to plan, my bicycle commute will be over.

It remains to be seen whether that is good or bad, or simply "new."

Lighting Serendipity

2013-03-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

I'm Not the ONLY One Who Wanted a Better Light Lens. Anyone Vote for This as Such?

In my post, here, I bemoaned the battery case on my Mighty P7 headlight getting old and tired. A number of good suggestions were received, but the solution turned out serendipitously thanks to a completely unrelated suggestion.

One problem with these headlights is that the beam focus is not as clearly defined as I might like. In an attempt to “fix” things, there is now an aftermarket lens manufactured for these lights. I’m not sure that this lens is for me since it looks like it makes the beam wider, but doesn’t do much for the vertical focus. I’d really be interested to hear if my loyal reader has tried this new lens or has seen one in person.

New, and Truly IMPROVED Case for the P7 Battery - Now in the Steve A Light Group

But I digress. While looking for this lens, I ran across REPLACEMENT BATTERY CASES. For $5 and better features, it hardly seemed worth a “do it myself solution.” And yes, the new case works far better than the original ever did.

The Old, Original P7 Battery Case. Now in Retirement

Passing on Liebster

2013-03-03T14:01:00.000-06:00

Here are the rules for the Liebster Award:

Passed to me from "Mid-life Cycling"

Each blogger should post 11 random facts about themselves.
Answer the questions the tagger has set for you, then create 11 new questions for the bloggers you pass the award to.
Choose 11 new bloggers (with less than 200 followers) to pass the award to and link them in your post.
Go to their page and tell them about the award.
No tag backs.

FACTS

My first name is spelled oddly. Rather than the common "Steven" or "Stephen," my proper first name is "Stephan."
I worked 11 years at Boeing, but never worked for Boeing, unlike both my father and mother-in-law.
The University I went to tore down the dorm I lived in last summer.
My loyal reader may know I like Jaguar cars, but it is less well known that we own two that still carry Washington license plates, awaiting their journey home.
One nickname for our youngest, we jokingly say, is "99 for short."
I have been to the Dr Pepper Museum and to the XXX Root Beer in Issaquah. Amazingly, these are listed as one item.
Three relatives were hung as witches in Salem a long time ago. One was actually from Topsfield.
I am not closely related to Earl Averill. He came from the Maine wing of the family while I came from the Connecticut branch.
My favorite Mariner was Joey Cora
I learned to sail in an El Toro
I like xeriscape

Here are the questions I'm supposed to answer:

1. What is the best or most meaningful gift you ever received?

My grandfather's pocket watch.

2. What was the best-received gift you ever gave anybody?

Glasses we gave to my wife's parents

3. What historical figure would you be most interested in meeting?

Jack Northrop. In his prime.

4. If you were a country, which one would it be?

England. Any doubt there, other than Canada which is just as exotic, only closer?

5. Was there any part of your schooling (elementary, secondary, university, vocational) that you especially liked or disliked? Why?

The year I went to school in New Orleans because it changed my life as I realized I wasn't a loser in school. It's also where I was when Kennedy was shot.

6. Think of all of the places in which you've ever lived, or visited. Which is your favorite? If you had one day to spend there, what would you do?

Salisbury. I'd tip a pint of Bishop's Tipple

7. Have you ever Googled the name of someone you hadn't thought about in years? If so, did the results surprise you?

Yes. And no. And yes.

8. If you had the opportunity to become the President of the United States or the Pope, would you take it? Why or why not?

No. I'm not Roman Catholic. Strictly speaking, however, it isn't a requirement for the former...

9. What is the most surprising or unexpected thing anybody could learn about you?

You'd be surprised!

10. If you could bring five books with you to a desert island, what would they be? What else would you bring?

Well, my set of 1911 Encyclopaedia Brittanicas come to mind. Ditto for Complete Shakespeare. Third would be the annotated Sherlock Holmes. Fourth would be "Golf in the Kingdom," and fifth would be a fixit or gardening book appropriate for the island situation. I'd also bring a generator and a tanker full of fuel.

11. Butter pecan, cherry vanilla, rocky road, pistachio or chocolate chocolate chip?

Rocky Road; Spumoni wasn't one of the choices...

Now for my eleven own questions:

Does the chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?
Are oysters or clams better?
Is Ortlieb better than Arkel? Why?
Do you prefer electric shifting or friction shifters?
When was the last time you drove a manual shift motor vehicle?
What is your favorite color?
Without checking, can you name any country that borders Burundi? If so, which one is your favorite? Feel free to consider it your favourite if you're not from the USA.
When will the LA Dodgers next win the World Series and who will be their opponents?
Is Wayne Gretzky greater than Jennifer Jones, and WHICH Jennifer Jones did I have in mind?
Which agency of the three following do you like most? IRS, EPA, ICE
Was Edison right about electricity, or are you a Tesla fan?

Now to pass the torch - in NO particular order other than most recent post:
Durango Texas
Flat Tire
One Speed GO
Hometown by Handlebar
Pondero
Los Alamos Bikes
London Daily Photo and Cycling, London, and Life
Urbana-Champaign Cycling Ventures
Springfield Cyclist
Two Feet Off the Asphalt
Rantwick

Not About the Cyclist

2013-02-23T09:27:00.001-06:00

I was reminded yesterday that many motorist-cyclist crashes are not really due to any motorist carelessness that has anything to do with cyclists in particular or that might be helped by getting "more butts on bikes." No, I didn't have a crash. Rather I was in the parking lot of a local coffee store on the way home when an oncoming motorist made a left turn into an open handicap spot. It wasn't even really a close call because neither of us was traveling fast, but it WAS enough to cause me to use my "alternative bike bell" and yell loudly.

As I locked up my bike afterwards, the motorist got out of his car. In response to my comment "I probably scared you as much as you scared me." He said he hadn't seen me. Hmm.

The reminder came about ten minutes later, as I was sipping my coffee on the patio. Another motorist, parked one spot over, backed out of her spot, across the traffic-way, and crashed into a large grocery cart corral. I was reminded of the many cases in which motorists crash into the backs of police vehicles, or fire trucks, not to mention the many paint scrapes one sees on poles and various road barriers.

Even Paradise Isn't Perfect

2013-02-07T08:26:00.001-06:00

While it has been nice to visit with old friends once again, and to be reminded of what I like about Southern California, do not form the impression there is no room for improvement. Above is a typical bike lane along Pacific Coast Highway. How did I know this? Looking in the other direction, below, I was informed that the bike lane was at an end.

Infrastructure is not all one might wish. The tile on the public bathroom was nice, but a little maintenance had been deferred in the photo below.

Redondo Beach is pretty good about posting its sidewalk prohibitions, as seen below.

While I didn't see any scofflaw glider pilots, there WERE quite a few sidewalk cyclists and even those that rode while on the crowded pier. At least this guy was riding in the same direction as street traffic.

The last photo mystifies me most of all. Around the parking lot at the original RB library sits this low block wall. I am mystified at to what useful purpose it serves other than to reduce the number of people who walk on the grass.

Two Tickets to Paradise

2013-02-06T16:43:00.001-06:00

Bike Parking in Redondo's Riviera Village

Just an early February morning in Redondo Beach. Above; generous bike parking in Riviera Village. Below; cruising on the beach bike path and keeping watch on the Redondo Pier fisher people.

February Cycling in Redondo Beach, CA

Birds Watch the People on the Redondo Beach Pier

Loving LA

2013-02-04T12:47:00.001-06:00

Thanks to an unplanned opportunity to take a week in February off work, we decided to visit LA County in Southern California. We lived here from 1976 to 1992; mostly in Redondo Beach. In many ways, the place hasn't changed much. In other ways, it is completely different.

First off, I'm amazed at how much more cycling there is than there was even a decade ago. We saw cyclists every where. Perhaps the warm weather contributed, but cyclists were hard to miss. It was not that way not so long ago.

Second, I was somewhat amazed to see just how HORRIBLE some of the cycling facilities were. A two-foot wide door zone bike lane on a street with speeds of 40-50mph?

Third, while I have not observed a lot of safe and assertive cycling any place I have been, only in LA (actually Torrance) have I observed people riding on sidewalks, against traffic, with no hands, while lighting a cigarette. Yes, there were pedestrians about.

Finally, it is nice to see old neighborhoods and how things have changed - or remained constant.

ABC Choices

2013-01-31T21:02:00.002-06:00

Yes, That IS a Bulge. Illustrating the Value of the "A" Part of "ABC Quick Check"

Hmm, my rear tire's had a real SLOW leak for about three weeks now. Each morning, I pump it up from about 60psi to somewhere north of 100. Now, It's developed a "bump bump bump" with each revolution. The symptom isn't getting better.

Looking at it, there's a bit of an "owie" on the tread. Look at the picture carefully and you can see it - a reverse curve that represents a bulge in addition to the gray area that is perhaps coincidentally in the same vicinity. Ironic really, considering that Big Oak just got some new Continental Grand Prix 4 Season tires. THIS is the same tire, and it's only got about 4K miles on it. In the past, if babied, these tires will go nearly 6000. What has German manufacturing come to? Crimeny, these things cost almost half as much as good Jaguar tires!

Well, considering that I've been an "ABC Scofflaw" in the past, I'm considering three options:

Change the tire and tube (remember that slow leak) before tomorrow's ride. I do have an older, but still serviceable Conti in hand. Actually, I have two, but the sidewall weaving is coming off on the second tire while the first one is mere tired (no pun intended)
Pump up the tires on Frankenbike and simply defer the issue
Carry the extra tire along to work tomorrow "just in case" and hope that things will stay stable for one more day (our company will be shut down next week)
Carry the tire along and change it at lunch time, cutting the risk of a flat on the trip by some unknown fraction

My loyal reader will bet I take option 3. We shall see. Stay tuned.

Texas Weather Education

2013-01-15T18:45:00.001-06:00

Leftover Graupel Seen on the Way Home From Work

I must admit I've learned stuff about weather down here I NEVER heard of up in Washington State. Besides the ever present "wintry mix," last year I heard forecasts of "postal mix" and this year the latest meteorological fad seems to be "graupel." For the ignorant, a "postal mix" consists of "a little bit of rain, a little bit of sleet, and a little bit of snow." All presumably "in the dark of night." Graupel, on the other hand, is "soft sleet." Darn Germans!

We had graupel this morning. It just seemed like round snow to me. I guess I'll never be a television weatherperson...

BREAK that Drought!

2013-01-08T18:59:00.001-06:00

Steady Rain this Evening

North Texas has been in a drought. That means I have some rain gear that has not yet been properly tested. This afternoon, as per our local forecast, we got rain. Unfortunately we didn't get the "two to four inches" that was promised so it was not a thorough test. Seal Skinz gloves - marginal since they get wet from the inside out instead of the outside in, but still an improvement. Showers Pass - shoe covers not tried since my boots were more than adequate - rain hat needs a balaclava - helmet cover ditto (cold ears).

Perhaps we'll get a more robust rain tomorrow morning...

Happy New Year

2013-01-01T12:34:00.000-06:00

Touch of Frost...

Well, 2012 has been consigned to the dustbin of history, along with 2011 and (insert your favorite past year here).

I'm not convinced that resolutions made on a particular date mean more than any other, but here're mine anyway:

Decide on direction changes
Act on above item(s)
Whatever else

“One Mile Solution” Problems

2012-12-28T12:38:00.000-06:00

Andy Cline, in his excellent blog, “Carbon Trace,” espouses what he calls “The One Mile Solution.” Put briefly, it advocates simply switching over from motorized to non-motorized transportation for those short, daily trips of a mile or less. Personally, I like the concept. It works well for open-minded people in reasonable health that live in urban areas. And that is also the rub.

Health
More often than not, I stop for coffee on my way home from work. Conveniently, there’s a handicap sign that provides a convenient place to park my bike. While the coffee is a large brand based in Seattle, the store itself is part of a major grocery chain. This particular store has nearly a dozen handicap spots and they are often all occupied. I have no way to know what all the various handicaps consist of, but one wonders how many of these drivers would be amenable to a “one mile solution.” Indeed, my own parents are not inclined to ride to many places that I walk or ride to when I visit them. Ditto for my wife. I’m not sure how we, as a society, deal with this, since reduced exercise due to reduced mobility can become a downward spiral. Ironically, this spiral starts with the young. As often as not, the worst traffic conflicts I encounter on my way to work are at an elementary school on my route, due to all the “drop offs” that occur, even though a “safe routes to school” program was completed in 2011. Perhaps our high health care costs are not solely due to government meddling – well at least not in the obvious meddling. After all, government pushed to build the freeway system and that plays a role in our long-term health as people drive more.

Walkability and Bikeability
Modern suburbs have become traps for the residents. Fifty plus years of residential developments and the proliferation of “big box” stores, and even Internet retailers, have resulted in ever-less “walking friendly” neighborhoods. My own current neighborhood is very poor in this regard, though cycling to local shopping areas is not particularly difficult. Even our projected future residence is in an area that is not designed to encourage walking rather than driving. Few local businesses consider anything other than automobile parking. Fortunately, we took all this in consideration and did not seriously consider housing that was poorly sited. As a result, our house is less than ten minutes by bike from the major businesses in the community and the transit pickup that has an express route to the major cities in the county. Though my wife might not be able to take advantage of our house’s “non-motorized friendliness,” the rest of us in the family will rarely need to drive on a daily basis. It remains to be seen how things actually turn out.

Our Future Home

Infrastructure
My loyal reader knows that I have rarely run across cycling infrastructure that has caused me to ride somewhere I wouldn’t have otherwise ridden, nor that demonstrably increased my safety. Even so, I use infrastructure such as paths despite the knowledge that, while pleasant, they are more dangerous than the nearby road system. What’s more, we live in an aging society, with a roadway system focused on facilitating high-speed travel without regards to making things easier for those with limited mobility, much less creating an atmosphere where non-motorized users feel like more than unwanted adjuncts to the motorized majority.

Solution
Clearly, Andy’s “One Mile Solution” is part of the “answer” rather than part of the “problem,” but it needs to be coupled with added actions. I’m sure Andy agrees with this. Some of these actions require government, such as laws that treat motoring misdeeds against other road users seriously, and police investigations that treat crashes as fundamental failures requiring corrective action, rather than nuisances. Others may be better encouraged through private efforts such as the Bike League’s “Bicycle Friendly Business” program. Bike lanes and separated paths may help establish an encouraging environment, but we should never support bike infrastructure that is KNOWN to be dangerous simply for the sake of tempting people. In most cases, safer is not hard to do. Door zone bike lanes do not exist where parking is restricted to private property. It isn’t hard for police to understand that wrong-way riding is easy to spot and dangerous to all at the same time. Intersection conflicts are far fewer when attention is paid to reducing them. In truth, most of the time, dangerous facilities are a result of traffic engineering that departs from things like the AASHTO rules rather than considering them as “minimal” standards.

Down Twelve

2012-12-20T22:07:00.001-06:00

My v3 commute has proved remarkably consistent over time. As it turned out, commute mileage in 2012 is down twelve miles from 2011. In 2011, I drove in to work four times in February, but I took fewer full vacation days and also worked a few Saturdays. In 2012, I took more full vacation days and it was a leap year, but there were no “drive” days.

I wish my loyal reader a Merry (or Happy) Christmas, depending on the language, and we shall see what the New Year brings. Assuming, of course, that the Earth did not come to an end on December 21…

Grumpier Commute

2012-12-13T18:58:00.000-06:00

My Nickname

Some weeks are pleasant. Some are like, well, like this one. It started with the weather. The weather has been below freezing in the morning and 60 or even above on the ride home. Those comfy thermal, waterproof Salomon boots are simply sweaty on the ride home.

It got grumpier on Tuesday. Not that I EVER wear earphones, but if I HAD (apologies to OJ Simpson's book), I'd have heard a local talk radio host WHINING and MOANING about bikes ON THE ROAD in Dallas. This guy, talking from a radio station that boasts "Intelligent" as part of its moniker, blathered on about "bike lanes" in Dallas (actually sharrows) and then dropped down to jokes about "squishing" cyclists and then dropped down even further to compare them as squirrels - with a "roadkill" threat implicit. Proof that even "conservatives" can be horses' patoots. Simply put, I do not like BS about "Bike Friendly," whether it is in favor for LAB or Dallas, or against by PM or a radio bike hater. I'll ride safely where I darn well please - from point to point.

Worst of all was this morning. I got to work this morning and someone was parked IN MY SPOT on the bike rack. This is a premium spot that I've used consistently for over two years now. In truth, I admit that I don't actually OWN the spot, but what made it especially irritating was being displaced by a steenkin motorcycle. Well, maybe not an official motorcycle, but a bike with a gasoline engine and a fuel tank duck taped to the top tube.

From Wikipedia - MUCH More Attractive Motorbike Than the One That Took My Spot

Thoughts of a couple of packets of sugar in the fuel tank flashed before me. Better than before, I understand the illogical rage some motorists feel when they see a cyclist on the road ahead. We DO need to all get along - including with the scum that sucked up my spot. I'll be looking for a couple of flowers to leave as apology for my nasty impulses. I'm glad I won't act on them and, after a few cleansing breaths, I'll surely be feeling better...

Forty Degree Spread

2012-12-12T18:30:00.000-06:00

Big Temperature Swings Mean You Lug More Around - No, I Didn't Take Off the Cotton Socks!

Absent things like lightning, "postal mix," and other precipitation events, the toughest weather facing a bicycle commuter is, IMO, really large temperature spreads. A thirty degree spread usually means a big rise through the day. We had two days this week with bigger temperature swings than that. Thirty degree swings often occur in North Texas. 49 in the morning and 80 on the way home.

Still more challenging are those unusual days with a forty degree spread. These bigger swings are less common, but occasionally occur in the winter when a warm front sweeps through shortly after dawn. We're talking 30 degrees on the way to work and 70 on the way home. Those days that are 70 on the way in and 110 on the way home are not so bad - dress lightly both ways, but the gloves and boots that work at 30 are extra luggage at 70.

I find "cold to not cold" to be a bit of a challenge. Perhaps it is mostly because I simply don't want to lug around an extra set of - EVERYTHING.

These Boots Work Great at 30 But are TOO MUCH Above 60

Lost Rights by Privilege Confusion

2012-12-09T17:53:00.000-06:00

In the United States, part of the price of encroaching “Big Government” is the loss or erosion of rights that have existed since before the founding of the Republic. One such that has been chipped away is “the right to travel.” Ironically, the right to travel has gotten mixed up with the notion of driving as a privilege versus a right. I periodically hear radio hosts ridicule the notion that driving is a privilege rather than a right, and some of those same hosts suggest that bikes should get OFF the road. Let’s examine things rationally.

First, consider the similarity and the difference between a “right” and a “privilege” as they might apply to travel on public roads. Definitions are from on-line dictionaries.

Right
A just claim or title, whether legal, prescriptive, or moral: You have a right to say what you please

Sometimes, rights – that which is due to anyone by just claim, legal guarantees, moral principles, etc.: women's rights; Freedom of speech is a right of all Americans.

A moral, ethical, or legal principle considered as an underlying cause of truth, justice, morality, or ethics.

Privilege
A benefit, immunity, etc., granted under certain conditions

The advantages and immunities enjoyed by a small usually powerful group or class, especially to the disadvantage of others; one of the obstacles to social harmony is privilege

(Government, Politics and Diplomacy) any of the fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens of a country by its constitution

Discussion
Clearly, there are many similarities, but I’ll explain what I see as the fundamental difference. Namely, a “right” is something you enjoy as long as you don’t do something to cause reasonable curtailment of it. The classic example is “yelling ‘fire’ in a crowded theater.” On the other hand, a “privilege” is usually something you get when you fulfill the reasonably related preconditions. For example, taking a driving test, not being blind, and being able to show financial responsibility are usually considered to be “reasonable” preconditions to be able to drive. In other words, you do not have to do anything to enjoy free speech, but you are not allowed to simply drive a motor vehicle without satisfying some preconditions. Usually, driving a more dangerous vehicle adds restrictions – a heavy truck driver needs to know extra stuff to bring the risk to others down. Just as your right to free speech can be curtailed due to abuse, your privilege to drive can be curtailed due to abuse. If you habitually crash into people or “hit and run,” people can and do suffer sanctions, just as if they misuse their right to bear arms or misuse their free speech right to libel others.

Eroded Right
Until motor vehicles, nobody got licensed to operate vehicles. You didn’t get an “equestrian license” or a “cycling license.” It isn’t that government never tried to regulate such things, but the courts took a dim view of curtailments on a “right to travel.” It was presumed that all people had opportunity to travel the public roads without unreasonable constraint. The Constitution’s “Commerce Clause” extended this to include unfettered movement between the states. This all changed with the advent of the motor vehicle. Why did the courts change course? Until the advent of motor vehicles, no transport arose that used the public roads (railroads travelled on privately owned tracks) and also presented a unique danger to other road users due to a combination of very high speed and very high mass. Because of the danger, the courts felt it was reasonable to treat motor vehicle operation as a privilege. You should note that the word “privilege” shouldn’t be considered as some “special favor” from the government. In reality, if you fulfill reasonable conditions and don’t abuse them, you DO get to drive. In that way, driving IS like a right. In truth, the only way it differs from things like the right to free speech is you have to fulfill reasonable conditions first.

But, the camel had gotten its nose into the tent.

Before you knew it, “privilege” had gotten twisted around. On the one hand, it enticed lawmakers into putting ever less relevant restrictions on driving. “Driving is a privilege, not a right!” On the other hand, it lured militants to either rail about their “right” or else to demand licensing be extended to other road users such as cyclists. Really, now, the degree of danger that a 200lb vehicle at 20mph presents to others is not very comparable to the danger to others that a 4000lb vehicle at 60mph presents. The fatality data backs that up.

Sadly, in all the discussion and governmental rush to regulate, the REAL right got clouded. Namely, the right of the public to travel on public roadways without having to purchase particular means of doing so. In some ways, it is like the health care mandate that faces us in the next few years to come. The model of the railroad could have been applied – uniquely dangerous transportation travels on its own private infrastructure (ever heard of toll roads?), but we chose a different path. A principle of free movement was extended to facilitate easier commerce and greater road throughput, and even the Commerce Clause got twisted around. Rather than prohibiting dangerous forms of transport, the ones hurt or killed by the dangerous transport were first regulated and then banned from many roadways. As in many other areas, the notion that reasonable regulation should be “restrict us from killing others” became “protect us against our own actions.” In some cases, people were left with no reasonable way to travel from point to point unless they purchased a car. Pretty soon, people that did not do so were accused of endangering themselves, and scare stories accelerated a trend towards driving.

What Now?
Well, personally, I’m not an advocate. However, I know DARN sure that I will not vote for people that want to unreasonably restrict my ability to travel. That INCLUDES choices that make it impossible for me to get places unless I spend money. That INCLUDES restrictions on motor vehicle users that are unrelated to keeping them from killing others. Can you say “click it or ticket?” I really can’t support restrictions on my motorists under the cloak of their driving “privilege” except where those restrictions directly relate to the safety of those in danger as a RESULT of poor or irresponsible motor vehicle operation.

Approaching the Solstice

2012-12-05T18:32:00.003-06:00

NOAA North Central Texas Confirms Early Sunsets this Week

This week marks an annual milestone for cycling commuters in the DFW Metroplex. You see, this week marks the earliest sunsets of the year. While the moment that dawn officially appears will continue to appear later until well past the solstice, as of Friday, sunset will OFFICIALLY start appearing ever later. Perhaps it is time to review where I'm keeping that sunblock? Yes, things will soon start brightening up. Literally.

On another matter of trivia, lately our LOW temperature has been about the average for the HIGH. In November, we set two record high temperatures. Next week is going to seem doubly cold by comparison...

Achilles Heel

2012-12-03T18:34:00.000-06:00

As Achilles Had His Heel, the P7 Has Velcro

Many times I've extolled the virtues of the mighty P7 headlight I use on my morning commutes. It is brighter than any light I've seen that is twice the price. What's more, it has outlasted any Cateye light I've had. Still, it does have its own weakness; its Achilles Heel.

The P7's battery is its weakness. Well, not the battery, exactly, but the Velcro that is supposed to keep the battery attached to the frame and hence the light. I have now lost this battery three times and have also doubled back to find it three times. There is something to be said for buckles or snaps. A light whose battery falls off while lit is an obvious event. A light whose battery falls off, randomly, while unlit after dawn is more problematic.

Mighty P7 With Battery Attached

Hoping for Help

2012-11-27T20:37:00.000-06:00

Warm Glove Don't Keep Out the Water

I have tried. Really I have. So far, I think I've gotten to a place where I can ride in conditions between 0F and 110F. Rain or shine, though black ice and lightning are on the ragged edge.

So where have I failed? I have yet to find a way to keep my hands dry when it is raining the way it rains here in Texas. That isn't much of a problem when it is reasonably warm out - I simply ride without gloves. In the winter, however, and it is quickly approaching, wet hands are no fun. Wet gloves are no fun, either. I go to "Amazon" and search for waterproof cycling gloves and I lose heart. I try wrapping my gloves in plastic garbage bags and that helps for a while until the wind gets at them.

So I remain at a loss. Might my loyal reader have a brilliant solution?

A Tale of Two Cut Corners

2012-11-25T20:24:00.001-06:00

My Daughter Stands in for the "Texting Motorist" in this Recreation, Shot Yesterday
Bedford Road is Five Lanes Wide Here

Ian Brett Cooper, in his blog, here, wrote: "Woman on cellphone turns left, cuts corner, nearly kills my daughter She turns left onto our road, narrowly misses the curb, travels towards us in her left hand lane (our lane)..."

Four days later, riding home from work without considering the irony, Steve A turns left, cuts corner, considers how doing so violates the "Land Rover Rule" and how he's got no regrets.

Of course, Steve A does not advocate cutting corners, nor riding the wrong way, not even when visibility is great. OTOH, Steve IS a fan of physics and of going where no motorist can go in preference to trusting a lady with her left turn signal on, chatting on a cell phone, and alternately edging forward and hesitating.

On Friday, the cut corner illustrated that even a principle as honored as "cyclists fare best when..." is not absolute. I suspect my loyal reader has heard that "true/false" questions with "always" or "never" are usually false.

Yes, I DO consider circumstances. Had I been with a group of other cyclists, I'd probably have stopped and waited for the motorist to simply go. It'd ruin one's whole day to get broadsided by a drive-out motorist...