Introducing … the SkunkLock! This awesome San Francisco invention shoots a vomit inducing chemical spray when cut.
Posted In crime
Chemical warfare against bike thieves!
October 21, 2016Leave a Comment
Cyclelicious
Bicycle Blog
Author: Richard Masoner
October 21, 2016Leave a Comment
Downtown Santa Cruz Shared Space?
October 18, 20161 Comment on Downtown Santa Cruz Shared Space?
Although Pacific Avenue through downtown Santa Cruz, California isn’t designed as a shared space, I think it kind of acts like one on busy weekends when pedestrian traffic dominates. Most of those driving — even tourists with out-of-state license plates — take care to watch for people meandering into the street from arbitrary locations.
Posted In Musings | santa cruz
Win Sugoi ZAP Concept retroreflective kit
October 14, 2016Leave a Comment
I love love love every piece of Sugoi cycling apparel I own (includes bike shorts, bib tights, sun sleeves, jacket, etc) because they fit well and work great. My Sugoi bib tights in particular have this magical ability to keep me cool when I push my way up a mountain in the sun, followed by insulating warmth as I zoom down the other side through shade and fog in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Sugoi now offers you a chance to win their ZAP Concept Kit, which is not available in stores. Check it out.
I don’t generally like to participate in the conspicuity arms race, but this looks pretty sharp and incredible to me. The grand prize is this the fully retroreflective long-sleeve thermal jersey and bib tights made with Sugoi’s Zap MidZero fabric.
The prize is the men’s large size only, so it would be slightly long and baggy for me, but good luck to those of you with a 36 inch waist and 33 inch inseam. Hat and shoe covers aren’t included in this contest, but they’re available for purchase.
To learn more about Sugoi’s ZAP apparel and to enter their contest, click through to Sugoi’s contest web page.
Posted In apparel
Los Gatos Creek Trail audit in the rain
October 12, 20164 Comments on Los Gatos Creek Trail audit in the rain
I need to improve the data for Los Gatos Creek Trail (LGCT) on this trail flooding status page for Santa Clara County, California, so I plan to ride LGCT in the middle of the rainstorm expected on Friday. Who wants to join me for this ride?
Leigh Avenue is the street immediately west of Blackford Elementary School, where many trail users cut through the parking lot to access Willow Street. Here’s a storm drain on Leigh immediately over the Los Gatos Creek Trail.
This drain collects significant runoff from the street, along with some from the school parking lot. Frequent trail users likely already know that this drain dumps onto the trail below.
Theoretically, the water should flow from that outlet against the wall directly down into that grate below. The leaves plastered into the chainlink fence hint at the reality — trail users must push through a waist-deep torrent.
This trail is well above the creek, even at undercrossings. Besides Leigh Avenue, the only other problem spot I’m aware of is a low spot near Vasona Park. I’ll decide Friday morning if I want to backtrack into Los Gatos to check flooding at that location.
I’d like to shoot photos and video of the torrent as it occurs for advocacy purpose. A human subject in these images would be great. Ping me if you think you can join me somewhere along the way. I plan to be in Campbell about 8 A.M. on Friday for this ride, and will probably get to Leigh around 8:30. You can expect you and your bike to get soaked during this ride, so bring a towel.
Posted In san jose
Attention SF Bay Area: “Atmospheric River” on the way, possible heavy rain
October 10, 2016Leave a Comment
It’s time to refresh the waterproofing on your rain gear and ensure your fenders are in good shape. The National Weather Service tells us to expect rain beginning Thursday night to Friday as an “atmospheric river” of moist air arrives, with another system moving in for additional rain over the weekend.
For those riding Santa Clara County trails, look for real-time trail flooding status here.
Atmospheric River image courtesy National Weather Service Bay Area.
Posted In san jose | winter cycling
Los Gatos Bicycle / Pedestrian Advisory Committee accepting new members
October 7, 2016Leave a Comment
The town of Los Gatos, California has openings on the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). Applications are due November 18, 2016, with interviews tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, December 13 at 7 P.M. I got really long-winded on this post so feel free to skip to the last paragraph for info on the application process and link to the online application.
Posted In advocacy