Ray's Life Cycle

I was Inspired!

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:26:00 +0000

Welcome to the Team / Erik Elstran from Sunday Bikes on Vimeo.

I have not blogged for almost a year - this inspired me to share again.
Lots of life changes this year.
More to come
Ray

The most beautiful bike part repurpose I have ever seen

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:44:00 +0000

Bicycle Chandeliers:
http://myloveforyou.typepad.com/my_love_for_you/2011/04/carolina-fontoura-alzaga-bicycle-chandeliers.html

Finally Making Some Sense

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:18:00 +0000

In NY, someone actually looked at a current law and decided that it should be allowed to expire. Then they went and made new signs and reversed any tickets issued after the law expired......

Positive news for us cyclists out there.....keep it going

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/nyregion/24bike.html?_r=1&src=me

Perfect Snow

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:23:00 +0000

It isn't often that you get the opportunity to ride in perfect snow. Last night it snowed 2" +/- and the temperature stayed right around 25deg. Everything was covered in a perfect light and fluffy blanket. Today is a good day.

I stopped to take a picture of old reliable on my way to my meeting. The sun shining into the woods of Sligo Creek Park gave a golden hue to the bark of the trees and the old girl looked in her prime.

Words and Photos By Ray Heinsman

Into Audio Video Gear?

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Going off topic here..........
but I just updated my Home Theater Showcase in my AV Club and I thought I would share:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=88673

Newly Discovered Blog

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:47:00 +0000

Outstanding photographs

Informative articles

I highly recommend.

http://dccycling.blogspot.com/

Commuting - Is a light bike faster?

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:54:00 +0000

http://sify.com/news/light-weight-bikes-may-not-necessarily-reduce-commuting-time-news-international-kmkoEpdcjfi.html

Today I read an article pertaining to one commuter's experience that riding his new expensive carbon fiber 30% lighter bike to work was no faster then riding his old bike. It made me realize that everyone has different expectations about buying bikes. This one was a little misleading and I feel bad that he ended up disappointed with his new bike purchase.

If the person commuting is restricting their speed because their bike has mechanical problems, is sized wrong, has design and construction quality flaws or is not intended to be used as a commuter bike, then fixing even one of these problems will increase the speed or ease with which you complete your commute.....especially at the distances that this person was commuting. I guess i have to question how bad his original ride was, or ask how hard this person was trying to ride. Was he pushing the limits of either bicycle? It may have taken the same amount or more time because he was riding a bike that required less effort and therefore he rode with less effort.....thus resulting in not feeling as tired when you get to your location. What other important possibilities are there where a higher quality commuter bike results in a higher quality of life?

This made me want to start writing again. Put out there a more complete viewpoint on cycling, more variables and options to talk realistically about cycling and bicycles.

For all my transportation needs for work I ride my bike. My new commutes take me all over the DC area. Mostly riding within a 10 mile radius, my commutes are not as long as the article's author. I ride through dirt paths, grass fields, paved paths, wood bridges, side streets, main streets and 6 lane "oh my goodness" streets.

Recently it came to my attention that my bike needed some serious attention. I break 9speed chains easy and this one was pushing a year. The rear tire had squishy spots where the tire's layers were separating from the fiber cord core. I spent Saturday morning changing the tires and the chain, cleaned all the surfaces and inspected the now aging frame and fork. They are way beyond their 10yr intended lifespan. All good though. No cracks. No flaking paint.

Check out future articles for pictures of the maintenance procedures,

my innovative commuter rig, and our adventures.

Ride Hard

Ray

Words by Raymond J. Heinsman

Photos found on the google

Cycle Ball!

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:23:00 +0000

Mix Hockey, Basketball and a Bike?!? - that would be crazy !?>

Hipster Video - Nicely done...

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:25:00 +0000

shared with me by my friend Maria

MISSION WORKSHOP IN PARIS from Bicycle Store on Vimeo.

MoCo Epic 2010

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:05:00 +0000

The MoCo Epic (http://mocoepic.com/) was a great event created by my friend Denis of MORE and sponsored by MORE, REI, Germantown Cycles, Holiday Inn of Gaithersburg, DrinkMore Water, The Bike Lane, ZAdventures, Oasis Bike Works, Darius Mark State Farm Insurance, Michael Bonsby Heating & Air Conditioning, Trails For Youth , Fireworks Art Cafe, and of course IMBA.

Over the course of the summer he spent countless hours with other MORE members creating and documenting a course that would be safe, enjoyable and legal. When there are 160 riders, you have to be sure to have you $hi! together. Starting before sunrise, I was assigned as a volunteer to parking lot duty. We had two parking lots at the nearby Maryland Soccer Complex that held 120 cars. They were full.

I attached a few pictures to the left from my experience with the wonderful enthusiastic people who participated both as riders and volunteers that day.

What is the MoCo Epic? As per Denis on the MoCo Epic Website:

It is a supported ride. Participants will be given a cue sheet, a GPS track (should they have the necessary equipment to run it), spray painted signs will be on parts of the course, and volunteers will direct riders at critical intersections. Time records will be kept only for the purpose of accounting for everybody.

During the ride, the riders will cross some or all of the following Montgomery County parks:

- Schaeffer Farms (Seneca Creek State Park)

- South Germantown Recreational Park (SoccerPlex)

- Hoyles Mill Conservation Area (Hoyles Mill trail)

- Black Hill Regional Park

- Little Bennett Regional Park

- Damascus Regional Park (Seneca Greenway trail)

- Lower Magruder Branch Park (Seneca Greenway trail)

- Great Seneca Stream Valley Park (Seneca Greenway trail)

- Seneca Greenway
- Seneca Creek State Park

- Muddy Branch Park

In order to go from one park to the next, the riders will occasionally be on road portions. The total paved mileage depends on the ride you register for. Here is the breakdown of road/dirt in the 62-miler:

- Country roads (very few cars): 12.88 miles

- Neighborhood streets: 3.09 miles

- Paved trails: .75 mile

- Major roads (River Rd, Rt 28, Rt 355, Rt 121, Esworthy, etc...): 2.85 miles

- Trails (almost all singletrack): 44.34 miles

There is a great photo gallery to enjoy on the MoCo Epic Website. Everyone had a great time and there were very few injuries. All in all, it was great publicity for MORE and for mountain biking in general.

For me it was inspiring. Seeing everyone out there having a great time riding in great weather on great terrain was just, well, great. I really wanted to participate but I was not in shape to do this. I have had a rough time this summer getting into shape. There are no more excuses though. Time to stop whining and start working. I have been riding more lately and it is amazing how much worse shape you can be in when you are older then would normally exist at an earlier age. It is because of this that I now understand how important it is to take the time to exercise your body, especially when you start hitting your upper 30s. It isn't going to get any easier and it is so essential to maintaining a high quality of life,

Rider Of The Day #34

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:04:00 +0000

Life is interesting and you never know what is going to happen. I have a new path in life and it is very exciting. I left my employer and I am now on my own, freelancing as a designer and creating products for my brand "Rays Life Cycle". Summer is over. While trying to figure out how to get out of my stagnant employment situation was an important goal; I have not achieved all the goals I was shooting for this summer. In particular, my desire to improve my fitness and my mountain biking abilities. After my pre-rain ride this morning, before I started working, I was standing on the deck and I took some photos of this guy riding in the rain. Brave soul. It was really pouring out there. How many others of you got caught this morning?

words and photos by Ray Heinsman

Bicycle Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:56:00 +0000

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/fashion/30BICYCLE.html

The US is starting to use the bicycle as ordinary transportation. The rest of the world has thought this way since the bicycles invention, but here in the US, the car, bus or train provided transportation for anyone going farther then a few blocks. Now that people desire to ride their bike to the store, or the event, or to dinner; what will they wear?

Photo courtesy of the NY Times.

Rider of the Day #32 & 33

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 14:22:00 +0000

Next month I start something new. This is a photo of one of my last commutes on this route. There seemed to be more cyclists riding to work this week then usual. This photo was chosen because it illustrates why I perceived this to be the case. There was a train of 6 of us riding into downtown Silver Spring that morning. It is great to see so many enjoying their bicycles.

Words and photo by Ray Heinsman

Rider Of The Day #32: Riding in God's Light

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:37:00 +0000

When I was a kid, I was told these were God rays. When my phone happened to capture this image this way I knew it was going to be my next rider of the day.

Many people ride past my house to and from work every day and I will start to include more of them as the weather cools and I spend time outside.

Ride On

Words and photo by Ray Heinsman

Prototypes: The Davis Bracelet

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:29:00 +0000

Here is another bracelet I created using dérailleur cable and pieces of chain link.

This is the hardest style to create. Cable is not exactly a material that lends itself to small scale usages. The cable going through each link in the opposite direction keeps the bracelet flat and under control.

Product words and photo by Ray Heinsman

Rider Of The Day #31

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:15:00 +0000

I saw this young man riding this classic cruiser in DT SS. Nice cruiser bro.

Words and Photo by Ray Heinsman

Jewelry Prototypes: Earrings

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:07:00 +0000

These were the easiest of all the pieces I made.

They incur the least abuse and they use the least amount of parts.

This is a prototype of my first earing design.

Product, photo and words by Ray Heinsman

Jewelry Prototypes: Bracelet

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:59:00 +0000

Progress is made.

My wife has been wearing some items that I have made.

They haven't broken.

People compliment her on them.

These are made from recycled bicycle parts, but I will be making new ones in 8 different colors.

This prototype is the bracelet.

Product, Photo and Words By Ray Heinsman

No Power, No Internet, No Publish

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Hi Everyone

It has been a long time since I have had the ability to post to my blog. I really miss it. Work has been crazy and I haven't had time to post here. The power has gone in and out at home with all the storms in the area; and the internet in our house has been almost sporadically available.

As soon as our service is restored, I will be posting regularly again.
until then, please hold tight- more rayslifecycle will coming your way soon.
I have a lot of things that have been building up.

Until then:
Here is a link that my wife found that I thought was truly interesting
http://www.cmybacon.com/2010/08/strange-bicycle-designs/
I reposted the link below to all these truly unique bicycle designs.

Strange Bicycle Designs

The world of strange bicycles and bike mods is full bizarre and unique creations. Below are a few fun bikes that I came across recently. This list only scratches the surface of weird bike designs, so if you know of any other cool examples please post a link in the comments section.
This bike called the Roller Shuttle was what first inspired me to find other interesting bicycles. It was recently being auctioned on eBay by UK seller 31baycliff. (The winning bid was £31)

.
The Forkless Cruiser was Olli Erkkila’s graduation project at the Institute of Design in Lahti, Finland. And yes, it is possible to steer a bike without a fork! Check out Olli’s site for more photos.

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Michael Ubbesen Jakobsen’s BauBike was presented at the DMY International Design Festival Berlin in 2009. It breaks the traditional triangular frame mold and instead uses this square frame. While it may not be as structurally sound as a triangular frame, it sure looks cool.

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Although Sergio Garcia’s tricycle isn’t really a functional trike I thought it was an interesting piece of design and worth including in this post.

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Carriepie made this cool carousel horse bicycle for Burning Man. Such a great idea!

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This wicker covered bicycle by artist Jarbas Lopes is part of the collection at Arizona State University.

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The SK Cycle Mower is a pedal-powered lawn mower. Get your exercise and make your lawn look good at the same time! This photo of the SK is from Chris Hausbeck’s photostream on flickr.

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If pedaling isn’t what you’re into, you could convert your bike into a scooter with the help of this tutorial on Instructables by KoolKat.

What is this?

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:10:00 +0000

Or more importantly, what is it a part of that which will be?
I am thinking about calling it "The Davis" after the person that inspired me to make it and made me one similar using his craft.

Words and Photo by Ray Heinsman

Rider Of The Day #30: #1 Part Deux

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:01:00 +0000

Rider of the Day #30 was photographed while I was riding next to him. He may very well be the same rider as my first rider of the day. Compare the photos and decide.

I have been seeing a lot of the same cyclists lately. It has become quite obvious that there are not that many bicycle commuters on my route to work. It is probably because the route is fairly short and there is little variation on what this route can be.....so I will have to start riding to other places to get some new rider of the day action. Everyone likes a little strange.

Words and photos by Ray Heinsman

Rider Of the Day #25 Through #29

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 11:17:00 +0000

On Saturday, July 31st, my wife 2 friends and I went to the Biketastic Art Show. While we were there we also checked out some of the Friends of the W&OD 10K running race. Here are some cyclists we saw while there.

Biketastic Art Show @ The Soundry

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 10:53:00 +0000

On Saturday July 31st, my wife, 2 friends and I went to the Biketastic Art Show at a coffee shop/artists studio called the Soundry in Vienna, VA. The show was in conjunction with a Bikes for the World donation event. If you were feeling artistic, the women of the Syn fit Bicycle racing team were also posing for Dr. Sketchy's DC and a few vendors supporting a variety environmental and social justice causes.

The show had that quaint low key vibe that reminded me of the Art Shows we frequented in Buffalo. The coffee shop had some nice smoothies and pastries as well. Behind the shop were the artists studios where the vendors and auction tables were set up.

A hall lined with various artists work led into the main gallery which contained a stage and a sketching space.

Here are some examples:

Karen Sulmonetti

Megan Taylor

Brian Joseph Legan

If you happened to catch it drop a note in the comments section to discuss what you thought. If you didn't, I recommend checking it out next year.

New Video

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:49:00 +0000

From MC Spandex - a new video - on my topic - Mountain Biking!

Rider Of The Day #24- Seth Godin = Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (rayslifecycle) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:35:00 +0000

My Wife and I went to see Seth Godin. If you have never heard of him, he is a marketing and inspirational genius. Especially in this increasingly global and revolutionary time. His blog is linked to mine on the right colum called "Seth's Blog." Go ahead. Google it! On our way I was able to frame this nice shot in downtown DC.

Here is a blog post of his. This topic was a good chunk of the talk we went to see.

words and photo by Ray Heinsman

Getting unstuck: solving the perfect problem

Blog Post By Seth Godin: July 27 2010

The only problems you have left are the perfect ones. The imperfect ones, the ones with a clearly evident solution, well, if they were important, you've solved them already.
It's the perfect problems that keep us stuck.
Perfect because they have constraints, unbendable constraints, constraints that keep us trapped. I hate my job, I need this job, there's no way to quit, to get a promotion or to get a new boss, no way to move, my family is in town, etc.
We're human, that's what we do--we erect boundaries, constraints we can't ease, and we get trapped.
Or perhaps it's your product or service or brand. Our factory is only organized to make X, but the market doesn't want X as much, or there is regulation, or a new competitor is now offering X at half the price and the board won't do anything, etc.
There's no way to solve the perfect problem because every solution involves breaking an unbreakable constraint.
And there's your solution.
The way to solve the perfect problem is to make it imperfect. Don't just bend one of the constraints, eliminate it. Shut down the factory. Walk away from the job. Change your product completely. Ignore the board.
If the only alternative is slow and painful failure, the way to get unstuck is to blow up a constraint, deal with the pain and then run forward. Fast.