Kern Wheelmen New Years Ride

New Years Day ride: Meet at Beach Park

10:00 AM

Ride to top of Round Mountain. Bike path to Derrels, to Gordons Ferry, right on Round Mountain Rd, top of mountain and return. This is an unsupported ride.

Expect 125+ like minded riders of all types

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Text via kernwheelmen.com


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Full Moon Ride

The full moon rides will continue through winter but they will be starting at 6pm till spring. The ride be from The park at river walk to Beach Park and back.
Dec 31, 2009

Rio Bravo Rumble

Date: January 16, 2010

Location: 15701 Hwy 178, Bakersfield, CA, 93306

This race is exclusively on private ranch land in the foothills near the mouth of the Kern River Canyon. There is no pre race day course access. It is a privilege to access this land and the beauty of these hills. The course is challenging for beginners and the expert will be challenged on how fast he/ she can go up and down this demanding course.

Start Times:

Registration		7:40 - 8:40 AM
Race Start		9:00 AM
Kids Race		12:00 NOON

See course links below...

Rio Bravo Course Maps

Sign Up

Bicycle Revolutions Offers A Reminder

With all the theft that's been going on, it's good practice to sign your wheel's rim tape, or even better, your rim. That way if it's stolen, you can alert your local bike shops and in the highly likely event the thief or new owner of your stolen wheels brings them into a shop, you'll get them back.

This very thing happened to Jesse Johnston recently. Head over to Bicycle Revolution's blog for the full story!

post via PROLLY

AIDS/Lifecycle

 

AIDS/LifeCycle is a fully supported, 7-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, June 6-12, 2010. It’s a life-changing ride—not a race—through some of California’s most beautiful countryside. AIDS/LifeCycle is co-produced by the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and is designed to advance their shared interest to end the pandemic and human suffering caused by AIDS.

 

Check out more info at the AIDS/Lifecycle page

How to dress for cold weather.

Bike Bakersfield Presents: Christmas Lights Ride 12-18-09

Christmas Lights Ride 12-18-09

Bring lights (lots of lights) and join us as we ride through
the Haggin Oaks area looking at the amazing lights
through out the neighborhood. We will be meeting at
the Kaiser Permanente
(8800 Ming Avenue, Bakersfield, CA)
parking lot at 6:30pm and leaving the parking lot
at 7pm. The ride will be about an hour long so dress warm.

For more info please feel free to e-mail us at info@bikebakersfield.org

Shop photos

Took some snaps in the shop today. Come down and hang out with us and work on some bikes!

















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I See Strength, I See Power

Rosie the Riviter if you dont already know.
stumbled on this one over at CANDY CRANKS Blog.
For sale @ It's a Girl Thing Store

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"I hate People on bikes on the road"

Facebook Group
Seriously cant believe this one. lets all join for entertainment sake.
FFFound it on UrbanVelo.
Lets keep it positive people.

Help Us Out!

Chase is giving out some money to non profits in the community who have the most support if you are on facebook please become a fan and vote for BIke Bakersfield!

Bicyclists should stay on the defensive to stay safe

I saw this piece on the LA Times site and thought it would be a good read for everyone. The article features some great tips that every cyclist who commutes should take into consideration. Take a second and read it and pass it on to your fellow cyclist.


photo credit: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times

Bike path meeting recap

Last night at Franklin elementry school there was a public meeting to discuss some ideas to help people coexist when using the bike path. For the record it is not just a bike path it is a multi use path designed for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Some of the things that were talked about were widening the path, striping it from end to end, and the main topic was signage. We talked about proper signage. Propsing a speed limit along the parkways was a hot topic. Here are some photos from the night.









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Special prices for the condor games!

Bike Bakersfield Weekend!
Family Fun Nights!
PROMOTIONAL PRICES
Friday November 27th at 7:00pm, doors open at 6pm
Condors Vs. Wranglers
Special Promotion: First 3,000 fans will recieve trading card set #2

Saturday, November 28th at 7:00pm, Doors open at 6pm
Condors vs. Wranglers
Special Promotion: 11th annual Teddy Bear Toss! When the Condors score their first goal you get to throw teddy bears on the ice!

Take advantage of special discounted pricing for friends and family!
DEADLINE IS THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26th @ NOON

Rinkside Premium Lower Level Seats Only $17.00 (normally $20.00)
Executive Lower Level Seats Only $12.00 (normally $16.00)
Terrace Upper Level Seats Only $6.00 (normally $10.00)
(Tickets must be purchased in advance. Prices will not be honored after deadline or @ the Box Office. Tickets subject to availability)

Ticket request form below
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name:
Contact Number:
Email Address:

Make Checks Payable to Bakersfield Condors

Total Number of Tickets- Friday, November 27th
_____ Rinkside x $17.00 ______


_____ Executive x $12.00 ______

_____ Terrace x $6.00 ______

Total: ______

AND/OR
Total Number of Tickets- Saturday, November 28th

_____ Rinkside x $17.00 ______


_____ Executive x $12.00 ______

_____ Terrace x $6.00 ______

Total: ______

Check______ Credit Card_____________ (please check one)
Credit Card # ________________________ Exp. Date
VISA, MASTER CARD or DISCOVER accepted

FOR ALL ORDERS PLEASE CALL BILL ALLISON @ 324-7825 by Thursday NOVEMBER 26th @ NOON to sign Up. ORDERS can also be faxed to 324-6929
Any questions contact Bill Allison in the Condors Office @ 324-7825 x 207




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Bike check

Here is my new road bike

Motobecane le champion sl
105 Brifters
105 cranks
105 front derailer
Ultegra rear derailer
105 Brakes
Bontrager Race Wheels








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Full moon rides!

The full moon rides will continue through winter but they will be starting at 6pm till spring. The ride be from The park at river walk to Beach Park and back.
Nov 2, 2009
Dec 2, 2009
Dec 31, 2009

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Bike path meeting!

A public meeting Thursday evening will explore possible rules, signs and other issues concerning Bakersfield's popular bike path, where cyclists and pedestrians sometimes clash. If you ride, walk, jog or roll on the 30-mile stretch, your input is wanted. The 6:30-8:30 p.m. event will take place in the auditorium of Franklin School at 2400 Truxtun Ave.. City staff, Kern River Parkway representatives and bike clubs will be on hand.


More info here.

http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x1701519602/Bike-path-meeting-be-heard
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Grid City Allet Cat in Lancaster, CA

World Commute

WorldCommute is a site developed and sponsored by CatEye, manufacturer of lights and accessories that have helped millions of commuters get to work and back safely. The site incorporates social networking with features like the ability to record and measure your mileage, money saved, environmental impact and more. They also provide news and commuter tips.

Check out worldcommute.com for more info


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Road Cycling Skills

These skills are taught by the League of American Bicyclists, Smart Cycling program. You can find instructors and classes in your state at the education area of the League website: League of American Bicyclists

88 Bikes

88 Bikes is an organization that provides young people from difficult backgrounds in less fortunate parts of the world with bikes. This year their goal is to provide more than 300 bikes for kids ages 8-17 in Ghana, India, Nepal and Vietnam. While donations of all amounts are accepted, a donation of $88 makes you a sponsor of one child. It buys them a bike, which they receive along with a postcard with your picture and a map indicating what part of the world you live in. In return, you receive a photo of the child you supported.

88bikes does not maintain a staff or an office, so that 100% of your contributions go towards their projects. Visit www.88bikes.org for more info.

Found this on urbanvelo.org Check it out seems like a great concept! Support if you can.

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Yard sale downtown

We will have sone stuff for sale so come out and get stuff for cheap!




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Food Drive Scavenger Hunt

First Edition flier for our scavenger hunt. Sponsers still to be announced. Help us make this big!

Blaze game

We set up a booth at the Bakersfield blaze playoff game tonight. Sharing info and giving out pamplets about bicycle awareness.


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Urban velo

We are now carrying a limited number of the ubranvelo magazine we just got the latest issue in check them out at urbanvelo.org. Great site for the urban cyclist.




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Critical Mass

This is not a ride we organized but a ride we participate in because we feel it is something that is helping get people attention here in Bakersfield about people on bikes. We have never had a bad time and encourage everyone who rides a bike especially if you are a commuter to come and join everyone. The ride is the last Friday of every month. We meet at the yokuts park parking lot and whoever wants to lead will take the group whereever they choose. Hope to see you out there this month.




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Myspacers?

If you are on Myspace check out our page and become our friend. Follow our updates here, There and everywhere you can! Get involved with Bike Bakersfield make a difference in our community.


Bike Bakersfield Myspace

Find rides in your area.

I was searching the interwebs looking for any interesting events coming up in our area and stumbled upon Bikeride.com. After reading it a little bit it became very clear to me that this is a very useful website. You can find events from all types of cycling from Mtn to Track, They even have a section for bike shops in different areas. Look at the blog they have going for updates and follow ups on all events.

Bikeride.com

Share the road?

I saw this on the urbanvelo.org website very well written article. I thought I would share it with everyone here.







Does Share the Road Work

By David Hoffman

Setting the “Seen”
In preparation for this article, I recently asked a friend what she thought of the “Share the Road” signs that were along a stretch of road near her house.
She replied, “What are you talking about? What ‘Share the Road’ signs?”
I described them in detail, and then went on to ask if there were lots of cyclists in her area.
“Sure.” She added, “All the time. But this stretch of road is a bit narrow for them to safely ride on, don’t you think?”
I asked what the speed limit was along this stretch of road. She immediately knew.
“Cops hang out all of the time. You can’t speed here.”
I asked her to take a careful look for the prominently posted signs time that she was out. A few days later I got a call.
“So, yeah, I saw those signs you were talking about. I’ve lived here seven years, and have never seen them.”








What’s In A Name?
I got my start in bike advocacy back in 2002 when a local ran me off the road while the passenger yelled out the window, “That’s what sidewalks are for!” Thus, Bike Pittsburgh (www.bike-pgh.org) was born out of my frustration for the lack of respect that cyclists were getting on the road in Pittsburgh, PA. I talked to a reporter at one of the local newspapers and got my story published. The reporter asked what I wanted from my fellow cyclists, and I responded that I hoped they would join me in a “concerted ‘Share the Road’ campaign.”
Looking back, it seemed like a good idea. I was, after a fashion, only repeating a catchphrase that I had heard many times before. It was all that I knew. The phrase was part of a collection of sayings that my brain had stored over the years—Only you can prevent forest fires—Say no to drugs—Give a hoot, don’t pollute—Take a bite out of crime—you get the idea…
Now, nearly eight years into a career as a bicycle advocate I’m beginning to question the effectiveness of the phrase “Share the Road”. Before we go any further, it is important to separate the passive message of “Share the Road” from the active education and outreach efforts underway, such as teaching drivers and bicyclists how to coexist safely. Specifically, I am questioning the efficacy of the “Share the Road” message.
As it turned out, the “Share the Road” campaign that was my first stab at bike advocacy lasted a few months. Within a very short time, it became apparent to me that nothing would get accomplished in a town as gritty as Pittsburgh if all that I was peddling was a catchphrase.
Dynamics of Share the Road
Most people don’t like sharing things of value. Sharing their money. Sharing their chocolate. Sharing their time off with unwanted family members. And most importantly, sharing the road with other users that may slow them. So when a driver sees a sign that tells them to “Share the Road,” there is a voice in the back of their head that whispers, “But I don’t want to.” It’s the same voice that says, “Why do I have to go 35 miles per hour on this straight road in the middle of nowhere? I could totally do 60 and get away with it.” “Share the Road” is a message aimed at drivers who need to be reminded that their behavior can be aggressive and reckless. These same people rarely like to be told that they don’t own the road.
Getting back to my friend who didn’t see the “Share the Road” signs near her house, I did a little bit more thinking and asking around. As it turns out, most drivers pay attention to just two types of signs when they’re driving: speed limits, and control signs (stop, turn, yield, etc.). “Share the Road” signs fall into a third, less noticed category: environmental signs. These might include information like “Entering National Forest,” or “Soft Shoulder.” These signs are often missed, because there is almost no penalty for missing them. You don’t get fined for entering a National Forest, but you will get cited for failing to stop at a stop sign. Additionally, images are easier to process while driving than text. If you saw a picture of a tractor on a sign you would immediately know that you should expect to see farm equipment along that particular stretch of road even without reading any text on the sign. It is, in effect, a “Share the Road” sign for cars and farm equipment.
There is also the issue of sign pollution. Studies have shown that we can only process so many things while we’re driving. If there are too many signs, many of them simply fade in to the background and are never seen by us. Dense urban environments are classic areas for sign pollution. And these same dense areas often have a burgeoning bike population with little room for bicycle-specific facilities such as bike lanes or paths. Instead, cyclists are often in a shared use environment—replete with “Share the Road” signs.

Is There an Alternative?
OK. I’ve made it clear that I don’t think that “Share the Road” signs are particularly effective or welcome by most drivers. “That’s all well and good,” you think. “But you can’t just throw that out there and not offer some sort of alternative.” And you would be right.

My moment of clarity came one cold and icy January day while I was out with the Director of Public Works, helping to locate where signs would be placed along newly designated bike routes. The ground still had snow piled up on the sides of the road, effectively narrowing lane width, making these already difficult roads even more treacherous for cyclists. Drivers were behaving as aggressively and recklessly on these snow-compromised roads as they would on a sunny day. Sharing the road definitely wasn’t on their minds. The Director of Public Works was in his car with a clipboard, noting locations for bike route signs. I was on my bike pointing out good locations.
He asked me, “Where should we place the ‘Share the Road’ signs?”
It wasn’t a question of “if,” but merely “where.” I thought for a moment, and said, “Nobody pays any attention to those. What about another sign? How about simply, ‘Watch for Bicyclists’ with a picture of a bike under the words?”
He thought for a moment, and said, “Sure. We can have the sign shop make those, no problem.”
Why I Like “Watch for Bicyclists”
While “Watch for Bicyclists” falls into the same category of environmental signs, there is a subtle difference between that and “Share the Road.” First, it isn’t asking the driver to share anything —so no subtle hints that their driving experience will somehow be diminished. Second, it has a reasonably neutral tone to it—similar to “Caution, Children at Play” or “Pedestrian X-ing.” It imparts the idea that they should simply expect to see bicyclists along this stretch of road, as they’re already there.
But what I like most about “Watch for Bicyclists” is that it helps to convey a cultural change in the way that we think about how roads are used by people. A colleague, Jim Baross, often signs his emails with “Roads are for people, not just people in cars.” I think that “Watch for

Bicyclists” conveys this idea perfectly.
The signs were met with enthusiasm by both bicyclists and motorists—both of whom thought the new signs struck a mildly positive tone. Of course, all of this data gathering and polling has been informal. And, it’s all just one person’s opinion.
It’s time for a change. Don’t just share the road with us, be sure to look for us, as we’re out there!
What do you think? Send your thoughts to advocacy@urbanvelo.org.


Check out more at the urbanvelo.org website. They have a good thing going for them.

Another good friday night

We had a really good group of people in tonight. Got a lot done, had some great laughs. If you have nothing to do on a Friday come see us at the bike kitchen 4-8pm


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And I hear people complain that it is too hot.

Would you rather ride in something like this?

Saturday Morning Ride with Bike Bakersfield

Don't Ride Alone: Morning Rides with Bike Bakersfield

The rides will be every Saturday at 7:00am starting from the Bike Bakersfield Offices(1708 Chester Ave) Tina, the Director of Bike Bakersfield will be leading the ride along the streets of downtown Bakersfield to help give people the confidence to do more road riding. ALL bikes are welcome. This will be a slow to medium pace. Come ride with us.

Full Moon Ride Friday Sept. 4th

Come ride with Bike Bakersfield from Riverwalk park out to Enos Lane and back. We meet at 6:30pm and leave at 7:00pm SHARP. Please bring any supplies that you think you will need I.E. Tubes, pump, Tire levers and/or water. Please bring a FRONT and REAR light because it does get dark. See you out there.

Slow Spokes

KW Slow Spokes

Slow Spokes specialize in PS (8-10 mph), 10-30 miles, flat rides on Saturday mornings.  Riders that only get to ride 1-2 times per week will find these rides are easy to do and shouldn’t leave them exhausted for other priorities in their lives/family.  Also, these are good rides for bicycle commuters that want to do something different on Saturdays.  Or, train for commuting.
Riders that have medical/physical limitations may find these rides are something they can do.  Most rides are really flat (Bike Path and Shafter).  Some have small rollers like Hart Park/Lake Ming/Rattlesnake.   We did Caliente-Twin Oaks.  It averages 1% grade (according to Dale), but, has a couple of stretches that are steeper, but doable.
Rides vary from week-to-week.  Our shortest (12 miles) Hart Park & Lake Ming.  Our longest (32 miles) is Caliente/Twin Forks.  Cold, wind, and rain are ok.  Lightening or ice cancels rides.  Rides off the Bike Path will be in traffic.  Please wear a BRIGHT jersey and follow “car” rules.
If you can maintain a 9 mph pace on the Bike Path, you are welcome to join us.  To test, set your bicycle computer, ride out 5 miles, and then return.  Should be close to 9-10 miles in one hour.  If your test shows you are better than this, make your first KW ride with us.  See how you do and discuss other ride groups and routes.
Glass, thorns, sharp metal things, etc. are facts of life in Bakersfield.  Best not to run over them.  But, they can be sneaky and get a tire, maybe two, anyway.  Please be sure you have 2-3 tubes, tire changing tools, tire pump, and be able to change a flat.  Also, bring a patch-kit in case you run out of tubes.  If you don’t use 700c’s, you can’t count on other riders having the tubes, tools, or pump you need.  You will get ‘moral support’ (jokes, comments, hints, graded for style points, etc.) and physical help as needed.  If you need a class on fixing flats, we can schedule one.  Always bring a cell-phone, but, they don’t get a signal everywhere.   Can’t fix a flat?  It may be an 8 mile walk back to your car, especially on the Bike Path from Stockdale Hwy to Enos Lane.
These are “social” rides not “training” rides.  When possible we ride side-by-each and actually carry-on conversations.  Topics vary depending on riders and interests.  A lot of bicycle stuff.  Our riders have a variety of jobs, hobbies, etc.  We get some interesting/strange topics.  Sometimes we get a test about things from last week’s ride.  However, we do maintain the 9-10 mph pace.  After all we are trying to burn calories and improve fitness.
Rides usually start early-morning and last 2-4 hours.  Start time depends on temperature, traffic, how busy a restaurant is, etc.  Most riders work in air-conditioning.  We don’t want to have heat problems on a ride.  Typically rides start at 0700, 0800, or 1030 (Ethel’s).  Some rides are timed to hit the restaurant after it opens and when we can best get in.  
We try to have a midway pitstop/rest stop at a restaurant or mini-mart for snack/brunch, etc. Remember some riders have a “going” problem.  Most rides are on populated/busy roads.  It’s not appropriate to use the bushes, etc.  Remember “Eat to ride.  Ride to Eat”.  Ordering ala carte a/o sharing a meal is cheaper and more comfortable on the ride back.
Want to ride faster?  Do intervals?  Do it.  Ride on ahead at your pace.  Attack that hill!  Recover back to the group.
Want to ride further?  Ride to/from the start point.  Most rides have options for adding miles and climb.
Rides are posted on www.KernWheelmen.org, Rides.  Also, we have a Slow Spokes eList where we amplify information about the ride, publish Ride Reports, and pass-on information of interest for Slow Spokes. Two emails per week.  Sometimes another with special information.  Addresses are not given to anyone else.  Subscribe to slowspokes@kernwheelmen.org.
Ride to Live, Live to Ride
Richard & Jo Stewart

2009 Spooktacular Century Oct. 24th 2009

The Kern Wheelmen Bicycle Club invites you to enjoy our 23rd annual Cannon Associates Spooktacular Century on October 24th 2009. Registration includes six great routes to choose from, one entry to our raffle, with a grand prize of a $600 vacation, post ride meal, spooky rest stops, marked routes, maps, full sag support, goodie bag, eerie lack of traffic and one stoplight. Decorate your bike, wear spooky clothing and join the fun.

2009 Poker Ride

More info at Kern Wheelmen

A little about Bike Bakersfield

Bike Bakersfield is a Non-Profit bicycle advocacy group Our mission is to promote bicycling as a safe, fun and environmentally friendly alternative means of transportation. Bike to school, Bike to Work, Bike for Fun!! Bicycling promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces vehicular traffic congestion, decreases polluting emissions, and reduces energy consumption. Bicycling directly affects the overall quality of life in the Kern County community. Throughout the year: We present bicycle safety assemblies at elementary schools, encourage and support high school clubs, research routes for people to get to work, school, the store or where ever they want to go. We also have a bike kitchen where people can stop by and use our tools to work on their bikes. And if they can’t afford a bike, we offer a program where they can volunteer to obtain a bike. Bakersfield can become the kind of place where children ride bikes to school and to see friends, parents ride to and from work, and the whole family enjoys bicycling to soccer practice, to visit family, to the grocery store, or maybe just for an ice cream cone!

In the TIMES

An interesting article appeared in the LA Times HEALTH section today. For all the new years resolutions. It has some great tips for those just getting into it.