I wore long dress pants on the flight to Halifax. Ordinarily long pants wouldn’t get packed; 2 pair of shorts is all I wanted to bring. First Angel Network‘s Ross Finlay said I could’ve packed a tie, but that’s too formal for me. He volunteered, “We’ll auction off the pants!” He’s quick with a laugh.

Before I left Halifax I spent some time exploring the urban street scene. I found lots of parklets, but configured differently from back at home…

Days here are long; I was shocked when I finally reached my hotel — I didn’t believe it at first — all that time on the bike. Half of it in a fierce headwind, the second half blissfully with the wind at my back. I’ll mention the winds to my local friends, but I can hear them now, “That’s nothing…”

I only planned to do about 30 miles. Why not spend the night in picturesque Peggy’s Cove? But when I got there at 3:30pm I knew I had to keep going because I had great weather; wind, yes, but it could rain in the morning and I have an 11am car trip to Moncton, NB arranged. The great weather compelled me to keep going. And I’m glad I did.

Once I made up my mind to press on, it was as if the bike gods answered my prayers — headwinds turned into tailwinds and I was flying north along lovely St. Margaret’s Bay.

Just like last September’s Erie Canal ride, I felt great pressure to keep going. Any thoughts of a leisurely pedal out to the coast and an overnight stay, well it seems kinda ridiculous. There are always too many miles to cover.

One favorite moment: there are so many times each day when I think I’ll pull over and take a drink and rest my bones. One time was very important — I’d just made it off the peninsula and back to Route 3, maybe 25 miles from Halifax. I was beat, but I knew I had the route nailed. I see a driveway ahead on the right; I think I’ll pull in and take a drink, relax. It turns out it’s a EMT station, and I assume they’re sitting in there thinking I’m coming in to report a heart attack. But as I chill for a moment and look around, I see two bicyclists across the street, they’re in the woods, off-road on the rails-to-trails path I’d read about. Gotta try it, because I’m tired of all the hours riding the fog line. Then I spot it, only 100 ft away, an access path onto the trail. In a minute I’m on this sublime trail and I’ll ride it all the way to Halifax as I enjoy peace and quiet and relief from the close shaves of rush hour traffic.

It’s a ritual that started with my Erie Canal companion Kent: a martini before dinner because nothing else salves the pain as quickly. Getting up out of the chair after dinner is a raucous affair with lots of groans and a limp as I take the first few steps back to the hotel.

The question stumped me; where was the ticket agent coming from? Is this a new security question?

“You’ve got nice penmanship,” she said with a friendly smile as she tagged my bag.

“No,” I mumbled, enjoying her praise nonetheless. I do have good penmanship, but the glow of her compliment fades as I walk away from the counter. How did she see my handwriting? Must’ve been the name tag.

Checking in at the new John Wayne Terminal C feels different; I’m on my way to Halifax for a week of meetings and bike riding. Next stop: security.

I’ve never seen such a friendly TSA greeting, “Where’s the bike?”

“It’s at home; I’m renting a bike.”

Others overhear this exchange and want to chat, too. All because of the clues — my yellow pannier and my riding glasses with the attached rear-view mirror.

“Nova Scotia,” has become my terse reply to these inquiries. It’s causing some jealousy, I’m sure, as others head off to business meetings.

“Doing a tour?”

“Going solo,” I’m still getting used to the idea.

Once on board, as I’m slowly making my way down the aisle, there’s a flight attendant standing in my row. She wants to know about the glasses perched on top of my head.

“I’m paranoid!”

“You like to see who’s behind you?”

“Well, it’s for my bike,” and as she slides past she gets the last word, “I liked ‘Paranoid’ better.”

Everyone seems animated to me; is it post-Mothers Day goodwill? As I checked the pannier with the pocket knife and multi-tool the baggage handler makes light of how light the pannier is. I’ve packed like an obsessed ultra-light backpacker. Ridiculously light, but with all the essentials, especially rain gear. I’m ill prepared psychologically, but not gear-wise. It seldom rains in California — I don’t ride in the rain much anyway — but on these multi-day rides I’ll feel compelled to get moving no matter the weather.

One luxury, I have 2 rain hats packed — the tried and true one and a new, bright yellow one that looks like it might keep my glasses dry. Because the problem with riding in the rain isn’t getting wet, good gear handles that, it’s visibility. It’s hard to see through rain covered glasses.

The weather is looking better every time I check — 70 degrees for the weekend coming up.

I couldn’t seem to find it yesterday, but today it seemed obvious — I will remove one long sleeve shirt from the pannier and thereby fulfill my packing ritual: always yank something at the last minute. The Kindle and the shirt won’t be missed.

For reading I’ll use the Kindle app on the iPhone; got a few short videos loaded up, too. But if this trip is like last fall’s Erie Canal tour, I’ll be drifting off to dreamland early each night.

But where is Vancouver? Who would guess #56? I have only scrolled far enough to find Victoria, BC — coming in as #35, Calgary #14, Moncton, New Brunswick, which I’ll visit on this trip comes in at 18, Quebec City at 23, Toronto #47.

How did these magazine-based city evaluators rate and rank? Housing was a big factor, weather even bigger.

The article is quick to point out it can’t measure friendliness, which is why I’m traveling to Halifax in the first place. I’ve made friends with several of the angel investors in eastern Canada, especially at the First Angel Network. They hosted a national conference on angel investing 4 years ago and again this October.

In a future post I’ll describe my plans for my 60th birthday bike ride in and around Victoria, BC set for this August. It rated #1 in Walk/Bike to Work, #3 in Culture, too. My fellow bikeNewportBeach advocate, Matt O’Toole loves to tell tales of biking around Vancouver Island.

What’s the best city in Canada? Ottawa came in at this arguably lofty perch. Coincidentally, I visited just last November when it was a little too cool for a California bicyclist; many new friends suggested I return in warmer weather for a closer look and I think I will. But it was in Ottawa, right after my lunch at Parliament when my Halifax friends named me an honorary member of the First Angel Network — that’s a favorite memory and it’s what’s bringing me back again.

Keyboard, stand and iPhone camera

Packing for Halifax isn’t easy. Temperatures have warmed, but it’s still cool and coastal. Then there’s the electronics. What’s the least I can bring to take photos and document the bike tour while posting to the blog, too?

I left the Apple store with much of my wallet still intact. Would I get the new iPad and take it instead of the MacBook Air? That would save more than a pound from my panniers.

I arrived early, right after opening, so Brandon had time to consider some alternatives with me. “I love it when someone has a project,” that being my upcoming bike tour and my desire to pack ultra-light.

So instead of a new iPad, which would’ve been nice, too, instead all I bought was a wireless keyboard. And a small stand for the iPhone. This configuration is ultra-weenie – the keyboard and stand added up to only $100. I’m typing this post with this poor-man’s setup and the photo is linked from the iPhone camera.

I’m pleased. I’ve saved pounds of electronic weight. I’m still loaded for bear and fully capable of documenting my Halifax tour. And if moisture gets to the keyboard, it’s inexpensive to replace, unlike the iPad or Air.

April Economides

She’s recently returned from speaking engagements in Toronto and at the National Bike Summit in Washington, DC; Green Octopus Consulting‘s April Economides speaks about how bicycling pays for local businesses.

In 2010 the City of Long Beach got a LA County Public Health grant; the objective: to bring more customers to 4 business districts by bike. Yes, that’s good for health and for business.

How did the merchants react?

Of course, not all of them were open to the idea, so how did she deal with the resistance to change that all bike advocates experience? April shares her story and the little steps that led to a big impact for these small businesses.

Besides social media, what other techniques did she use to reach more local bike riders in these communities? And why is it that customers who come by bike spend more than those who drive?

Bike racks, parklets, pop-up cafes, cargo bikes and other bike innovations have all added up to a sustainable economic impact.

Show #35 Listen to April: Stream, Flash player, or subscribe through iTunes.

Cool and wet

How would you pack for this weather?

It is early-season, but that’s a lot of rain in the forecast, plus cool temperatures. Maybe all this rain will be followed by warmer, drier weather next week; meanwhile, I’ve ordered a poncho.

“It’s good cycling weather,” according to Joanne Byrne at Pedal and Sea Adventures where I’ll rent a touring bike.

For me this is an excuse to combine a business trip with a bike ride around Nova Scotia, or some part of it. I’ve visited before; 4 years ago I came for a 2-day conference which returns later this October. That first day in Halifax was gorgeous; I was on foot as I explored the nearby sites. Since then I’m looking to combine just about any business trip with a bike ride, especially when my destination is surrounded by so much beautiful countryside. Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg are two highlights of this route.

This will be a solo ride. It’s far from home with uncertain weather, plus not many pals have the time for such winsome ramblings. But for me my business life, if I can call it that, is just about wrapped up for the Spring season — my summer has officially begun. Before I begin the ride I’ll visit angel groups in Halifax and Moncton, New Brunswick where each night I’ll tell tales of my recent visit to Russia.

Stay tuned for updates as the journey begins May 14th.

The scenic route from Halifax to Lunenburg and beyond

Tonight the Newport Beach Bike Safety Committee voted 6-1 for Sharrows on Coast Hwy through Corona del Mar. More details at bikeNewportbeach.

The Newport Beach Bike Safety Committee takes up the case for Sharrows again — join us in the Friends Room at the Main Library on Avocado at 4:30pm Monday May 7th.

This video shows a common occurrence; cyclists, even skilled ones, tend to fear being overtaken from behind, so they ride far to the right — they discount what’s equally dangerous: an opening car door. The parallel parked cars on the right tend to be shoppers coming and going, less like cars parked in your neighborhood, so the likelihood of a car door opening unexpectedly should be a constant concern, but you’ll see these cyclists, like 90% of those traveling through CdM, flirt with disaster as they ride in the door zone.

Why is an opening door so dangerous? Think of the physics: you’ll hit hard and your momentum will throw you left into oncoming traffic which won’t have time to stop. Yeah, it’s creepy to imagine. The door zone is deadly.

Sharrows are only a safety feature. They don’t convey any new privileges to cyclists; we’re already allowed to ride in the center of the lane if there isn’t enough space for the bike and the car to fit safely. Sharrows will educate motorists to the fact that cyclists have this right. To pass the cyclist the motorist must change lanes, as you see in the video.

It’s easy to imagine that many motorists driving through CdM are frequent visitors; they’ll quickly learn to slow their speed and pass cyclists safely. It’s also easy to imagine that many motorists driving through CdM live somewhere in south county; by teaching them how to drive safely around cyclists here in CdM there’s a good chance they’ll take those skills home with them and drive more safely in their neighborhoods.

Tired of cyclists on the sidewalks? I hear complaints all the time! But can you blame them? Sharrows can help.

There’s a lot of good that can come from Sharrows; let’s give them a try.

Thanks to Brian DeSousa for the video.

The day started out with anticipation — this would be my maiden voyage on the new touring bike. What I didn’t know was how quickly I’d be testing the brakes.

The night before as I’m drifting off to sleep I remember assembling the front brakes; they had to come off again as I installed the front rack, but as I toss and turn on my way to dreamland I realize I must remove the brakes one more time, to move the washer that fits it tight into the bike frame. It’s a minor adjustment, but brakes are one feature I want to get right the first time.

I set off for the Newport pier where I’ll meet with my fellow bikeNewportBeach advocates Dan Murphy and Matt O’Toole. My route includes the Sharrows on Bayside Drive. The Sharrows convey that the roadway lane is too narrow, so that bikes may take the entire lane. Usually this isn’t a problem because the speed limit ranges from 15-20 mph and when I’m heading toward Balboa Island I have no trouble keeping up with traffic — it’s a gentle downhill route.

Today after I enter Bayside Drive a SUV soon arrives behind me. It happens so frequently, I can’t help but wonder — will a horn-blowing incident ensue? Not this time. No, this time I hear a female voice shouting, “Move into the bike lane!” Of course, there is no bike lane here, just parked cars and the Sharrows insignia on the road.

Maybe because I’ve just returned from a 10-day trip to Russia where I was wined and dined and treated like royalty, I don’t take her shouts all that seriously; after all, where is someone going on Bayside at 10am on a quiet Sunday morning?

In just a few seconds their impatience escalates. It’s a man and a woman; they pull up alongside me for curses, more shouts and gestures, too. They look about late thirties as I sneak a glance; to them I surely look my almost age of 60. Do I curse them back? I still can’t fathom their fit of pique so all I can manage is, “Oh, be quiet!”

My mistake. The man is behind the wheel and after pulling alongside he now makes a sharp turn into the lane ahead of me. I should’ve guessed what was coming next, but I was surprised as he slams on the brakes immediately in front of me. My reaction time — I can recall every millisecond as I reached for the brakes to make an emergency stop. They worked. My many tweaks to the brakes didn’t compromise their effectiveness; I wobbled and almost lost my balance, but remained upright as the offending vehicle sped away — probably on their way to church.

I’m not hurt, but rattled; it’s been a long time since anyone deliberately tried to injure me. This is my personal Mandeville Canyon incident; obviously, the driver doesn’t remember how Dr Christopher Thompson went to jail for the serious injuries he caused with a similar stupid move.

My fellow bike advocates all offer the same advice: shake it off, learn from the experience and stay focused on the positives of cycling. In minutes I’m on the Balboa Island ferry and soon we arrive at the well-attended Huntington Beach Bike Festival. Only 1 minute later I’m being video-interviewed by OCTA’s bike czar Wes Parsel and it’s all a happy occasion, on a gorgeous day and I’m surrounded by all my bike advocate pals. After the brief interview the cameraman returns, looking for more footage, “Tell me about that bike?” I feel like royalty for a few minutes more.

Rep. Dana Rohrbacher greets the assembled bike enthusiasts

Electra Bikes are displayed all over this upscale Moscow mall

You’ve seen bikes used as fashion props in media; today I saw them at Red Square. Not is use — this town is all about the automobile — but perched on the 2nd floor balconies of a swanky mall.

Nice to see the matching Electra bike rack outside

Away from the mall there are few bikes and almost no bike racks

My early morning destination

I didn’t have a seat assignment for the 13 hour flight to Moscow; that’s why I’m here almost 4 hours early, and it paid off. Aeroflot started checking in about 10 minutes after I arrived. Forward, aisle, please.

So now I’m haunting the terminal. There’s no plane waiting at the gate, so I may have awhile yet before boarding.

I’ve loaded up the laptop bag with snacks; not that I expect to be hungry, more just to pass the time.

I haven’t left my Complete Streets mentality behind – you’ve all seen them – those electric carts that transport mostly senior citizens to the gate. As I’m walking between gates I hear it before I see it – a persistent blowing of the horn at a pedestrian. (Here’s the plane!)

The obstruction keeps walking at his preferred pace, seemingly oblivious to the unnecessarily frazzled driver behind him.

Is no place safe from motor vehicles?

It makes me think of the new trolley at Fashion Island. I hope they’re not equipped with horns.

in Portsmouth, NH

He wouldn’t let me take his picture and he didn’t want me taking pictures of his bikes — I suppose he didn’t want trouble from people saying, “I saw my stolen bike in that photo!” But few bereft owners would find much of value at Tony’s Used Bikes in Portsmouth, NH. To say that all the good stuff had been picked over would be an understatement.

I walked right by then turned and strolled in. There must’ve been dozens of old bikes lined up in his long driveway next to his house. I instantly remembered the vintage bike I found for my son last November — it was in great condition, with new tires — it was ready to roll. Tony’s bikes were not ready to ride. A casual inspection made me doubt I could get far. In spite of these clues I walked further up the driveway. There was a shed and the door was open; maybe the proprietor was busy at work.

“Hello, anybody home?” I called. I half felt like I was trespassing now — I pulled out my phone and snapped a few photos, in case a story developed. Then I was greeted by Mrs. Tony — she must’ve heard me and come out of the house — she looked pleased to see me, like they weren’t getting many customers. She was a sight and I couldn’t help but smile; her hair was in curlers for a Friday night out, I suppose. She offered to find Tony and in a minute he came out from around the back of the house; I’ll bet he was in his early 80′s, a short man with thick glasses.

I mumbled something like, “Nice shop,” and he beamed with pride. I quickly followed up, “Do you still ride yourself?”

No, not any more, he admitted. Some back surgery left him with a compromised sense of balance.

“You need a three-wheeler!” Now I was selling him a bike.

He assumed I bought old bikes and fixed them up, but I told him no, but for more than a minute that’s just what I wished I was. And Tony could’ve used the help. My problem-solving talents wanted to kick in and ever since our short time together I’ve thought he should hire some kid to fix up some of these prized relics; he’d sell more bikes.

Portsmouth, NH is a great place to ride. Next time you visit try to take Tony’s picture.

Tony’s Used Bikes
413 Islington Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801