WOW!!

Yesterday was the day for the Bike/Walk Rally at Stinson Park to show support for alternative transportation choices in the city, and to ask for greater inclusion in the 2015 budget. When Laura and I set out at 11:00am, there was a light, mist-like rain starting to fall. "No biggie," I thought, "it'll just keep everyone cool." The rain began falling harder the closer we go to the park, and I worried that the turnout would be small. Imagine my surprise to see over 100 folks already there, and it was 30 minutes before the start!

While visiting with folks we know, the crowd continued to grow until, at noon, it appeared that there were close to 300 standing in the rain to support walking and biking in Omaha. After short, well-received speeches by Craig Moody of ModeShift, city councilman Chris Jerram, and Omaha Bikes spokesperson Ryan Feagan, Sarah Johnson detailed the suggested routes for walkers and cyclists.

The event was given great coverage by the Omaha World Herald and the local TV stations. Thanks, y'all! You can catch the links below!

WOWT

KETV

KPTM

KMTV

Omaha World Herald

In the interest of fairness, the Mayor has responded in a letter written to various advocacy groups in the city. It largely rehashes the "Ten Minutes" interview noted a couple of days ago.

For Your Consideration

This morning I read a statement on Twitter that got me thinking: "If you believe too much in reality, how can you innovate." This resonated with me in light of what's going on in Omaha's multimodal community.

If you read yesterday's post, you're aware the mayor is attempting to eliminate the bike/pedestrian coordinator position in the 2015 budget. This is our reality.

Walking and cycling are still not viable options in many parts of our city. This is our reality.

Omaha is not yet as bike/ped friendly as it could be. This is our reality.

Let's make sure we don't get so wrapped up in the "reality“ that we forget to innovate. Review the Transportation Element of Omaha's Master Plan. Wouldn't a Complete Streets Policy fit in beautifully? So let's push for that policy.

Next time you're out and about, take a look around at the shops, clubs, restaurants, etc. that you frequent. Are they bike friendly? If  the answer isn't an obvious "YES," ask them why not?

Finally, follow the suggestions in yesterday's post. Because the REAL reality is that we need keep our voice in city government.

Omaha's Loss

In her recent budget proposal, Mayor Stothert has eliminated the position of Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator. During an interview with the World Herald, she made a few statements I'd like to discuss.

She commented that the position was funded with seed money from grants. Now that the funding has expired, it's time for the position to disappear. To me, this is akin to uprooting the plant while the fruit is unripe. My understanding is the position was to be funded by the city at this point, not tossed in the compost heap. Her comment that his work is complete would have made me laugh, if it wasn't so blatantly incorrect. Just look at the streets in Omaha: how many folks do you see walking or cycling on them?

While she assures us that there will be someone dedicated to bike/ped needs in the planning department, that will only be part of that individual's duties. I suspect a small part given the car-centric nature of most of what comes from the administration. This in no way a substitute for a dedicated employee. Furthermore, I doubt that this individual will be as accessible to the public as Carlos has been.

Her feeling that the Active Living Advisory Committee will better serve to allow input from the citizens of Omaha also bears scrutiny. If her statement is to ring true, I'd ask why the Bike Pedestrian Advisory Committee was allowed to die, despite the efforts of numerous individuals. Efforts to contact the mayor to discuss the possibility were unanswered. From her description in the interview, the mayor views this committee as one that will advise on recreation, not cycling or walking as transportation. Furthermore, how accessible will the members of this committee be to the general public? Will their names and phone numbers be published somewhere?

Finally, I about fell out of my chair when she said that the Planning and Public Works departments already look at each project to assure that multi-modal transportation is included. If that's the case, then we should be renaming the city's Master Plan to the Highly Suggested Idea.

I know that there are good people in Planning who support cycling and walking. I've even heard rumors of a couple in Public Works. But as long as the mayor has a laser focus on driving cars, we will be climbing uphill.

Please read  OmahaBikes blog for more information on this topic. and join us on August 10 in Stinson Park to show support for multi-modal transportation in Omaha.

Preparedness (or Lack Thereof)

Over the weekend, Laura and I assessed our current level of training, how much time was left before BRAN, and the likelihood we'd be able to ride and (more importantly) enjoy the ride across Nebraska. The long (heck, they're calling for snow tomorrow) winter has kept our bikes in the garage, and us in the house for far too long. So we've decided to postpone our BRAN experience. Instead, we'll head out in July or August to do our own little tour. Right now we're leaning toward the Katy Trail in MO. This is a rail trail close to St. Louis with Amtrak service from one of the towns near the end of the ride back to the Big City. Biggest question in my mind is getting to St. Louis: do we drive or do we take Amtrak out of Omaha. TBD. At any rate, stay tuned. I'll be posting as we get ready to go.

Time for Preparations

So here we are, mid-February and snow on the ground. Laura and I have already registered for BRAN 33, The Historic Highway Tour. For seven days in the beginning of June, we'll be riding with 600 other folks across the State of Nebraska (a total of 468 miles, or 481 if we opt for the longer second day). For a better idea of what the route will be, I put together a Google Maps view of it. Granted, there will probably be some  twists and turns I don't have on here, but it gives a good idea of what's in store.

For now, the challenge is getting ready for the fun. Unlike my ride on the GAP/C&O in 2011, this ride will be supported. We'll have someone carrying the bulk of our gear to each overnight site. However, since neither of us has ridden since November we're planning on starting real soon (heck, maybe even tomorrow) getting our bikes and ourselves in shape.

We're really looking forward to this. Our first bike tour together!!

New Location, New Trailheads, New Challenges!

I've recently moved to Omaha NE. One benefit of the move is that I'm smack dab in the middle of what appears to be some of the best trails around! The Katy, the Wabash, and the Cowboy Trail are all within easy reach of my new domicile (today's $.50 word!)

In addition, I'm right across the Missouri River from the oldest organized bike ride in the country: RAGBRAI! Click on the link to find out more about this ride. Or watch the movie "A Million Spokes" (here's a trailer on YouTube)

But Iowa will have to wait a year or two. This year, Laura and I will be doing BRAN, the Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska. What better way to get acquainted with my new state and its citizens than from two wheels?

With a route that changes annually, BRAN gives small towns and cities along the way an opportunity to raise funds for their communities while raising scholarship money for kids in Nebraska. So if you're looking for us during the first week in June, we'll be on the road somewhere between Kimball and Ashland.

The Ride, Epilogue

I’d been planning this ride since 2009, when I saw the trail while in Hancock MD. I did a fair amount of research on it and had originally planned for it to be a five day ride. After consideration, I changed it to six days so that I’d have time to enjoy the sights, sounds, and the freedom of the trails.

Over the two years, a number of folks expressed their desire to accompany me, but for one reason or another it ended up being a solo ride. Since most of my outdoor exploits are solo, I didn’t think it any big deal, but have to admit that talking to myself got boring after a while: I always knew what I was going to say.

Things I learned:

1.       If it can be broken, Amtrak will find a way

2.       Talcum powder works great as long as it’s dry. Wet, it just becomes an abrasive.

3.       Chamois Butt’r works!

4.       Don’t forget your rain jacket, because it WILL rain at some point in the trip

5.       Check batteries before you need them

6.       Leave the laptop at home. Write it down in a notepad for transcription later. It’s a heck of a lot lighter!

7.       When you’re cycling, it’s ALWAYS a headwind

8.       Uphills and downhills aren’t always equal

9.       Relax and be a kid again!

So would I do it again? In a second! But it’d sure be more fun to have other folks along.

The Ride, Day Six

Today's map.

I had two days of rain, followed by three days of great sunny weather. I guess it's only right that the sixth day have rain to balance it out. And rain it did. I spent the morning riding in showers, had about 90 minutes of sun, then dodged thunderstorms for the rest of the ride. This will explain the few number of pictures; tough to get a shot when you're searching for cover.

Had a short time in the morning without rain as I passed Berlin MD, so I took a pic to celebrate the occasion.

A short time after this, came across a gentleman trying to change his tire. He'd patched his tube, but couldn't get his tire to hold air. Turned out he'd bent the Presta valve. He had another tube but was afraid of depleting his CO2 pump. Asking if I had a hand pump, he looked at my tires and said "Never mind!" (I have Schrader valves on my mountain bike). No fear! I quickly changed the adapter in my pump to Presta, he changed his tube, pumped it up and was on his way. While we worked we talked about my trip. I believe he's another who may give it a go.

A little further down the trail, I came across an aqueduct undergoing restoration. A lot of effort is made to preserve this park.

While I was taking a short break, a woman walking her two dogs came up to talk (amazing what canine companionship can do for one's bravery. Or maybe I just look harmless). She'd seen my saddlebags and asked about my trip. She lived in the area and had entertained doing the through trip but hadn't gotten around to it yet. She said she'd just gotten back from a mountain bike ride in Montana, so I don't imagine she'd have much problem with this.

It was about then that the thunderstorms started rolling in. Not being a fan of uncontrolled electricity, I made myself a moving target and kept on rolling. By the time I got to Great Falls, however, it had quieted down to a soft sprinkle. The only problem here was dodging the hikers and walkers, some of whom didn't seem to understand the words, "Bicycle behind you!" But everyone was pleasant, in spite of the weather.

Then the thunder and lighting started up again and I pushed on to my final destination: Georgetown in Washington DC. On the way, I finally did get my heron pic.

Finally, I reached my destination. Thanks to a young lady in the parking lot, I was able to capture the jubilation and dirt that marked the finish of this challenge.

Don't go away too soon. I'll be posting an epilogue in a day or two.

All the day's pics

The Ride, Day Five

Today's map

Day five was short and uneventful. From Williamsport to Harpers Ferry was just over 40 miles. I didn't take too many pics, as you can only make so much of locks, aqueducts, trees, and pathway. There was a challenging detour around a section of the trail that is under construction.

A heron in the Potomac sat there until I took my camera out. He flew off and waited until I got up to him again. Same stunt, but this time flew across the river somewhere.

Pics of the Day

The Ride, Day Four

Today's map

Thursday was another beautiful day to ride. Left Paw Paw, WV, and headed on down the trail. First site was the Paw Paw Tunnel. Over 3000 ft long, and no lighting. Fortunately, I was forewarned by one of the folks I've met on the trail and stopped in the local Family Dollar to buy a flashlight. I'm told that some folks have ridden thru the tunnel, but I chose to walk. I'm crazy, not stupid!

Stopped to inspect one of the aqueducts this morning. I've passed over three so far, but this had the best view.

As I approached Hancock, MD, I looked up to my left and noticed another trail, the Western Maryland Rail Trail. At the time, I'd considered writing about the sissies who needed the paved pathway, but admit that from Hancock for about ten miles, I enjoyed a ride without jarring my arms, feet and other portions of my body (there's only three parts of the body in contact with the bike; you figure it out.)

While in Hancock, I stopped at the C&O Bike Shop. After three days of 60+ miles, portions of my anatomy were letting me know they weren't happy. So along with a two day supply of Clif Bars and Gator Ade, I bought some single dose Chamois Butt'r to soothe those burning regions. Then it was back on the trail.

As I said before, I used the paved Western Maryland trail out of Hancock for ten miles. While on that silky smooth path, a young woman came pedaling up from behind and struck up a conversation. On learning that I was headed to DC, she related that she and her two daughters had done the same trip together last year. After telling me where I needed to drop of the WM trail, she resumed her somewhat faster pace, leaving me again to my own musings.

These are the remnants of the Roundtop Cement Mill. It burned to the ground three different times, the last in 1906 never to be rebuilt.

This lock was the most complete I've encountered so far.

And as I rolled into Williamsport, I passed this little milemarker telling me I've only got 100 miles left.

Next stop: Harpers Ferry WV

Other pics from the day

The Ride, Day Three

Today's map

Wednesday dawned sunny, cool, and low humidity. THIS is the kind of day I envisioned when I first started planning this ride. Today was shorter by a little over ten miles over the previous days, and it was mostly DOWNHILL!

I rolled into Cumberland MD about 9:10, averaging about 14mph from Frostburg, (By the way, if you're doing this ride and stopping in Frostburg, I highly recommend the Trail Inn.) Cumberland is the end of the GAP and the beginning of the C&O.  

During the day, Mark and Lou passed me again. They'd made it to Cumberland the night before and were headed to Hancock for the evening. I was stopping in Paw Paw, WV. Lou asked me if I had a light for the Big Savage Tunnel. I pointed at my headlight and turned it on. It didn't work. Guess I'm looking for a light in Paw Paw! We said goodbye and good travels

Some sights along the way: the Bone Cave, Helmstetter's Curve, Lover's Leap (no one did).

Pics of the day

The Ride, Day Two

Today's map

Tuesday dawned with rain falling. I was ready to go, but hesitated to depart in the rain. I waited until 7:00 and  the rain stopped. Accuweather said I had 30 minutes before the next band hit, so I took off. It only rained about thirty minutes, but made the gravel dust on the trail stick to everything it touched.

There was more wildlife on the trail today. Found a herd of deer about an hour into the day. There was another, very unafraid, let me get within 30 ft. However, when I tore open the velcro to get my camera out, it took off. A lot of birds, and a black snake that was too quick for me to get the camera.

Some nice river crossings, particularly the Casselman. Crossed this waterway two or three times during the day.

Some interesting rock formations. It may have been because I was hungry, but this one reminded me of a stack of pancakes.

The high point of the day (literally) was crossing the Eastern Continental Divide. From there, I went through a couple of tunnels (here's a pic of the Big Savage tunnel). The first was lighted. The second wasn't; this was where I found out my headlight batteries were dead (need to find some tomorrow. )

From the Divide, it was all downhill. Two days of pedaling uphill gave me 11 miles of 20mph downhill running. It was a welcome relief! Made it to Frostburg about 4:30, and checked into the Trail Inn. This is a great place, in a great location. Easy access from the trail, bike wash area, and a cafe with great food. I highly recommend it. If they had internet access, it'd be just about perfect!

Lessons learned: rain jackets and pannier covers: good. Fenders would be nice! Downhill is my friend. Uphill, not so much!

 The day's pics

Tomorrow, it's a 49.5 mile ride to Paw Paw WV. All downhill!!

The Ride, Day One

The map.

After talking with some folks on the train Saturday, I changed my starting point from McKeesport to Boston PA. While it should have shortened the ride, MyTracks has it at 62.56 miles where I expected less than 58. Wonder what other “adjustments” will be made along the way. My moving average speed was 9.95 mph.

It was a beautiful ride, though. Much of the scenery looked the same all the way. I had some company with the dragonflies jitterbugging in front of my wheel, the butterflies doing their ballet in front of my face, and the rabbits running alongside for a quick sprint. Even had some deer come out and watch.

Lessons learned: websites are not ALWAYS right. Two water bottles is not enough. I can go over 60 miles in 8.5 hours (6:15 moving, the balance resting or taking a picture or two along the way).

While on the trail, I met a couple of other through riders, Mark (?) and Lou. Mark was a writer for Rails to Trails magazine. He took my picture earlier when I'd passed them taking a break (my NC jersey had caught his eye) and wanted to ask me some questions about my ride and motivation. I gave him my phone number and invited him to call me after Monday when I'd be able to answer any question he might have.

That night at dinner, I met two brothers who'd come to Ohiopyle on vacation. They'd left their bikes at home thinking there wouldn't be time to ride. As we talked, we discovered we had all grown up in the NoVA area in fairly close proximity. After learning where I'd started from and where I was riding to, they started talking like they'd like to give the ride a shot themselves next year. Go for it, guys! It's worth it!

Tomorrow's another climbing day, then it's all downhill from there!

Here's a link for all the day's photos.

All Dressed Up...

with somewhere to go!

Some of the Links I Used

Just in case you get a hankering to try this yourself, here's three links that I used extensively in planning:

Bike CandO

PG Marlin's Greater Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal

Linking Up

All three are good individually and excellent when used together.

I'd also like to recommend a couple of yahoo forums:

The Chesapeake and Ohio Towpath

The Greater Allegheny Passage

These two Yahoo groups are great for up to the minute conditions on the trails, other events on and around the trails, and just asking "how-to" questions.

The Packing List

So what does one take on a sojourn like this? Well, I can't speak for everyone, but here's what's going to be sitting on my rack:

I. Clothes
    A. Bike Shorts - Three Pair
    B. Bike Jerseys - Three
    C. T-shirts - One (I’ll be wearing one on trip up)
    D. Shorts - One (wearing one)
    E. Socks - Four pair
    F. Underwear - two pair
    G. Sleepwear - one
    H. Sandals - one pair
    I. Bike Shoes - one pair
II. Tools
    A. Multi-Tool
    B. Pedal Wrench
    C. Pump
    D. QuikStik
    E. Leatherman
    F. Allen Wrenches
III. Repair Supplies
    A. Tubes - two
    B. Tire - one
    C. Tube repair kit
    D. Master Links
IV. Other Stuff
    A. Camera
        1.    Extra Battery
        2.     Extra SD card
        3.     Charger
    B. Book?? (no, I'll have one in my cellphone)
    C. laptop
    D. First aid kit
    E. Sunscreen/bug repellent (Bullfrog)
    F. Cell phone
        1. solar charger
        2. wall charger
    
I'm figuring on at least one laundry stop (probably Wednesday). If you see anything I missed, speak quick!

Here's What the Route Looks Like

Want to see what my trip looks like on Google Maps? Click here. I would have embedded it, but Google hasn't enabled that feature for bike routes yet.

The Basic Plan

So here's the basic plan, each day's start and finish:

Date	Day	Start	Finish
8/8/2011	Day 1	McKeesport PA	Ohiopyle PA
8/9/2011	Day 2	Ohiopyle PA	Frostburg MD
8/10/2011	Day 3	Frostburg MD	Paw Paw WV
8/11/2011	Day 4	Paw Paw WV	Williamsport MD
8/12/2011	Day 5	Williamsport MD	Harpers Ferry WV
8/13/2011	Day 6	Harpers Ferry WV	Georgetown DC

I've got hotel/B&B reservations at the end of each day, so I'm not hauling a tent or sleeping bag.

What It's About

Over the years, we all have things that we wish we had done, places we wish we had seen, people we wish we had met. This blog will, I hope, allow me to share my challenges as I go after some of those "wishes."

It started a few years back, when I decided I was smart enough to build a kayak. Then last year, it was to enter a triathlon (I finished the first two parts, but DNF the run; still on the list). This year, I'm riding the Greater Allegheny Passage/C&O Canal trails. By bicycle. In a week. 300+ miles. And I leave on 8/5/11 to Pittsburgh!