Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Completing the 2011 Mount Diablo Challenge
The Mount Diablo Challenge is an annual bike race in Danville. It is 11.2 miles, starting at Athenian School and climbing up Southgate Road 3,249 feet to the summit of Mount Diablo. 1,000 cyclists compete and all proceeds benefit Save Mount Diablo’s land conservation efforts. For more information, visit the event website: http://savemountdiablo.org/activities_events_chal.html
Here are Farhad (2:02.22) and Manouchehr (2:07.44) as they complete the 2011 challenge.
Here are Farhad (2:02.22) and Manouchehr (2:07.44) as they complete the 2011 challenge.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Ten Safety Tips for Road Cyclists
1. Cycling Citizenship: The right to ride on the road comes with responsibilities. Riding responsibly will ease tensions, and foster a more harmonious environment between motorists and cyclists.
a. STOP at red lights. b. YIELD at all stop signs. c. DON’T proceed unless its safe.
2. Ride Right: It is illegal to ride towards oncoming traffic. Ride with traffic, staying as far to the right as is practical. Be sure to wait for a safe opportunity to change lanes and use proper hand signals.
3. Join In: Joining the other traffic is sometimes necessary because the road is simply too narrow for both a bike and a car. This is called taking the lane by many cycling advocates. When you do join the traffic, make sure you never pass on the right. By waiting directly behind a vehicle, you can see a car’s signals; otherwise, you never know if the motorist is about to make a right turn and hit you.
4. Protect Your Head: Whether going to the corner store or heading out on a marathon ride, always wear a helmet.
5. See Eye to Eye: Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible, this ensures that the motorists see you. This “personal connection” also helps motorists remember you are a human being deserving of attention, protection and respect.
6. Travel a Straight Road: Ride consistently and predictably. Riding erratically puts you at danger and scares drivers. Don’t thread through parked cars.
7. Play Defense: Be aware of your surroundings. Know what is behind you and watch out for what is in front of you, Be on the lookout for road hazards; sand and gravel, glass, railroad tracks, and the like. Watch for parked cars where people may be opening doors on the driver side of the vehicle without looking. Make sure you have ample time to make any move, whether you are changing a lane or turning a corner. Do not expect to be granted the right of way in any instance.
8. Be Visible: Make your presence felt. Wear bright colored clothing. At night or in bad weather, use reflective lights–front, side and rear to make yourself visible.
9. Be prepared: Emergencies happen. Keep a hand on your handlebars. Know and use your hand signals whenever you are changing lanes or making a turn.
10. Brake Away: Make sure your brakes are always in top-notch condition. Be aware of how weather and road conditions can affect your ability to brake.
2. Ride Right: It is illegal to ride towards oncoming traffic. Ride with traffic, staying as far to the right as is practical. Be sure to wait for a safe opportunity to change lanes and use proper hand signals.
3. Join In: Joining the other traffic is sometimes necessary because the road is simply too narrow for both a bike and a car. This is called taking the lane by many cycling advocates. When you do join the traffic, make sure you never pass on the right. By waiting directly behind a vehicle, you can see a car’s signals; otherwise, you never know if the motorist is about to make a right turn and hit you.
4. Protect Your Head: Whether going to the corner store or heading out on a marathon ride, always wear a helmet.
5. See Eye to Eye: Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible, this ensures that the motorists see you. This “personal connection” also helps motorists remember you are a human being deserving of attention, protection and respect.
6. Travel a Straight Road: Ride consistently and predictably. Riding erratically puts you at danger and scares drivers. Don’t thread through parked cars.
7. Play Defense: Be aware of your surroundings. Know what is behind you and watch out for what is in front of you, Be on the lookout for road hazards; sand and gravel, glass, railroad tracks, and the like. Watch for parked cars where people may be opening doors on the driver side of the vehicle without looking. Make sure you have ample time to make any move, whether you are changing a lane or turning a corner. Do not expect to be granted the right of way in any instance.
8. Be Visible: Make your presence felt. Wear bright colored clothing. At night or in bad weather, use reflective lights–front, side and rear to make yourself visible.
9. Be prepared: Emergencies happen. Keep a hand on your handlebars. Know and use your hand signals whenever you are changing lanes or making a turn.
10. Brake Away: Make sure your brakes are always in top-notch condition. Be aware of how weather and road conditions can affect your ability to brake.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Biker's Corner: Illustration of grades in percent and angles in degrees
Roads generally display steepness or slope in terms of % grade. Most people, however, are more comfortable thinking about steepness in terms of degrees. This chart provides a nice visual of the comparison between % grade and degree angle.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)