L Train

A rare animal sighted on the L train tonight - coming home late.

Excess

“You know, the yelling and screaming about the rich — we want rich from around this country to move here,” Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said a few days ago. “We love the rich people.”

No, actually, we don't. The hoarding of wealth and resources might make sense to proponents of the absurd economic system we're living in now - but look at what a success that has been.  Anyway, since Baron Bloomberg is the richest of them all, he must have been using the royal we.

This is why we're voting for Reverend Billy for Mayor.

Swrve Cycling Jeans

Congratulations to Swrve for making it on the Independent's Cycling Gear 50 Best list!

One of the things that really sets Swrve apart from the cycling clothing world is that their gear is great for everyday wear, in every situation, not just on the bike. Yes, there's lycra in them there jeans, but you'd never know it.

So get over there and order a pair.

I don't recall him ever having mentioned a rabbit...

Why do I find this image of Mr. Gyllenhall so disturbing?


There are many good reasons, but in my case it's because until now, whenever I thought of this particular celebrity, and I don't often think of celebrities, I thought of this photo:


And now it's all ruined. And I blame it all on People Magazine. That bike photo is like watching a nun drowning kittens.

Reply from Central Services....

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Office of the Mayor
Date: Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Subject: Responding to your message


Dear Mr. Drunk And In Charge:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns about bicycling in New York City. Our Administration supports legislation that would require large commercial buildings to make provisions for bicycle storage either on site or reasonably nearby, and we appreciate your writing with your input on the subject.

Our Administration is committed to increasing ridership throughout the five boroughs through our ongoing Bicycle Network Development Project. Since the Project's inception, we've developed 400 miles of bicycle lanes, routes, and car-free greenways, and we plan to complete another 200 miles of new vehicle-free bike paths, on-street striped lanes, and signed routes by the end of 2009. As part of our continuing CITYRACKS program, we'll also install 1,200 on-street bicycle racks by the end of 2009. Because of initiatives like these, we've already seen a 35 percent increase in bicyclists between 2007 and 2008 alone-and this is only the first step.

As part of our PlaNYC initiative, we will improve conditions and expand opportunities for bicyclists even further by dramatically accelerating the implementation of the 1,800-mile bike lane master plan so that the entire system is in place before 2030. Please know that we are committed to building on the progress we've already achieved by making it even easier, safer, and more enjoyable to bike in a greener, greater New York. Thanks again for writing and happy cycling!

Sincerely,
Michael R. Bloomberg
Mayor

The Wild Bunches of Spring

The Times writes about us today, bikers that is.... cyclists. Which we still are, even after spending a winter hiding indoors. How do we know? Because after a snowstorm that brought in the month of March and a freezing week - today it was beautiful. So we went to Manhattan.

And, as the Times article correctly notes, much of the cycling going on in this city is still of the Faux Tour de France variety (lycra and all). But there are lots of other kinds.

There are the flocks of teens on trick bikes, zipping down the slope of the Williamsburg bridge into Manhattan much faster than the 'racing' cyclists.

There are the hipsters on fixies, their butts at least two feet higher than their handlebars, tight jeans dragged down by the combined forces of the improbable angle and janitor keys hanging from the belt loop; wearing utility as a style.

There are the delivery folk, riding a bicycle that no one would likely steal, with a chain lock thick enough to bear the anchor for an aircraft carrier - they always look to be in between something - half in the kitchen, half on a bicycle. And they are on the margins in other ways, underpaid, under tipped, under appreciated.

There are the "women in fitness" as Jennifer called them "dressed like they're active - they watch Oprah." And the Dads with their kids who say "good job staying upright buddy!"

And then there's us. A minority on our upright bicycles. Running errands and riding because it's a great way to get there. Here are photos from our day...


First we had to prepare, add some air to the tires - and I had to make my new favorite smoothie: fresh coconut water, wild blueberries and raw cacao nibs. (there are no smoothies in this photo, no matter how hard you look)

Off we headed across the Williamsburg bridge.

What is this 'character project' Jennifer asks... it looks like art, but it's from USA television network...

Expecting friends from the west...did their flight land yet?

Heading back home across the bridge, under the moonlight after a lovely day in the city.

We're ready to endorse.

Reverend Billy for Mayor!

NYC is ready for change.

“We’re at a critical point in the city’s history right now,” he said. “The mayor’s trying to privatize Union Square. We’re surrounded by logos everywhere. We need to oppose that.”  Read more...