On Bike Power Supply

Disclaimer: This power supply kit is not for bicycle weight weenies. It will add weight to your bike. If you're the type of cyclist who is obsessed with your bike weighing as little as possible and would never dream of adding weight to it and spend a lot of money to remove weight stop reading this blog article now. This is not for you.

However, if you're the type of cyclist who has discovered you need some sort of on bike power supply from time to time, read on. This article will give you an idea on how to build one.

Sometimes when riding his recumbent the blog author recently discovered he needs an on board or on bike power supply to power and help keep his wireless device charged and powered for various uses.

The kit includes:
1. An sealed AGM 12 volt 2.9 amp hour or AH battery.
2. A female DC power connector with insulated female tabs at one end to connect to connect to battery terminal tabs.
3. A male DC power connector with the correct connectors used to attach it to power inverter.
4. Power inverter of your choice.

To build the kit the blog author purchased the male DC power connector and cut off the battery post terminal clamps and crimped the insulated female tab connectors. He then took a male DC power plug and cut off the battery post terminal clamps and crimped the correct connectors to it so it could be attached to the power inverter. Other inverters may vary from the design used in this application. The power inverter with the male DC power connector is also used with a larger deep cycle marine battery as a power source when camping.

When in use the female DC power connector is connected to the battery with the tabs. The male and female ends of the DC power power cable are connected together and the wireless device charger is plugged into the AC outlet on the front of the inverter, the other end connected to the wireless device and the inverter is turned on.

After over 2 hours of continuous use the battery still had a 55% charge. The use included but was not limited to playing music at the same time as using the GPS to map the bike ride the blog author participated in. The wireless device can also be used to take photos, talk and text on, in some cases all at the same time.

The day this was first tested it was very cool to cold out during the ride. It will next be tested on warmer to hot spring and summer days to see how it holds up from inside the seat bag with out overheating.

The kit fits perfectly in the seat bag on the bloggers recumbent bicycle and weighs between 3 and 4 pounds.

Sioux City Public Museum Bicycle Parking

Outside the Sioux City Public Museum, located downtown are new bike racks.

Like the new bike rack located near the Sgt. Floyd Museum and Welcome Center and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center a bike rack outside of a public place such as a museum is not that big of a deal or out of the ordinary.

The big deal is like the aforementioned bike rack, the new racks installed outside the Sioux City Public Museum, they will accommodate most styles and types of bicycles. Including but not limited to: traditional kids bikes, diamond frame bikes, to recumbent s, tricycles and even tandem bicycles.

Usually when a bike rack is installed outside of a public place it is the style that only accommodates the traditional diamond frame bicycles. With the 2 new styles it is hoped the trend of bike racks accommodating all types of bicycles will continue.

New Bike Rack.

Located along the Sioux City river front is the Riverfront Trail, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Sgt. Floyd Museum and Welcome Center, public picnic shelter, playground and large parking lot. Between the interpretive center and museum is a public restroom building. Part of this area is on the Interstate 29 right of way. The public grounds are maintained by either the state of Iowa or City of Sioux City.

Recently in front of the restroom building a new bike rack was installed by the City of Sioux City. One had never been there before. Installing a bike rack on public property near a trail, museum and other public amenities is not uncommon or even that big of a deal. But what is the big deal in this case is the type of bike rack that was installed.

The manufacturer is unknown at this time as is the style it is called, but this bike rack will accommodate all types of bicycles. From traditional kids bikes, diamond frame bikes, to recumbent s, tricycles and even tandem bicycles. The rack will hold bicycles of various sizes.

Usually when a bike rack is installed in a public place it is the style that will hold one wheel of the bike and it will typically only accommodate a single seat diamond frame bike. These older style racks are not very secure. Bicycles tend to fall over causing damage.

Kudos to the City of Sioux City for installing a bike rack designed to accommodate all bicycle styles.

Pictured here is the new bike rack with my rig parked in it. Before the bike rack was installed I had to park my bike up against the trash can that looks like an old barrel seen in the photo's.

Why I ride.

I have been often asked why I ride. I have given answers like to commute to and from work, to run errands, save on use of my Jeep, save money, exercise, visit historical sites and cultural events, etc. People still don't get why I ride and while these are good legitimate answers I think I have found the one I am going to use from now on.

It is the answer to the question the teacher asks the 5th student:

"A Zen teacher saw five of his students returning from the market, riding their bicycles. When they arrived at the monastery and had dismounted, the teacher asked the students, "Why are you riding your bicycles?"

The first student replied, "The bicycle is carrying the sack of potatoes. I am glad that I do not have to carry them on my back!" The teacher praised the first student, "You are a smart boy! When you grow old, you will not walk hunched over like I do."

The second student replied, "I love to watch the trees and fields pass by as I roll down the path!" The teacher commended the second student, "Your eyes are open, and you see the world."

The third student replied, "When I ride my bicycle, I am content to chant nam myoho renge kyo." The teacher gave praise to the third student, "Your mind will roll with the ease of a newly trued wheel."

The fourth student replied, "Riding my bicycle, I live in harmony with all sentient beings." The teacher was pleased, and said to the fourth student, "You are riding on the golden path of non-harming."

The fifth student replied, "I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle." The teacher sat at the feet of the fifth student and said, "Ahh.... I am your student!"

I may or may not recite the entire story, but I will at least give the reason that I ride my bike, to ride my bike.

Getting ready.

This blog author is in the process of getting ready to ride in 2011.

He is starting with a positive dollar amount carried over from last year minus the expense of a new helmet and new gloves to date. $277.72 from 2010 - $61.95 for new helmet and glvoes = $215.77. There are other expenses coming soon.

His bike is still in the shop for the annual tune up and service. Hopefully to start with all it needs is just a basic tune up and he can get some riding done before the tires and chain have to be replaced. The rear wheel may not have to be replaced after all. The blog author also hopes he can get one more season out of the seat cover. It does need some patching up so it can be used this year.

The goal this year is to not have a negative balance from expenses for the bike.

Done for the year.

This blog author is done riding for the year. This weekend he will take the bike down stairs to be hung in the basement and put away all of his cycling gear until Spring of 2011.

But there is much to be done to get ready for next year. Including but not limited to purchasing a new 36 spoke rear rim, which will require a new hub and a new helmet.

Here are the final ride stats. for this 2010:

Year To Date Rides: 87
Total Distance, (miles): 1,559.72
Total Ride Time, (hh:mm:ss): 130:38:24
Over all Average Speed (mph): 12.01

Part of these ride stats. include my commute and errands mileage. I have been keeping track since September of 2008, but have been commuting and running errands on a bicycle long before that. The differance in cost of operating my motor vehicle compared to riding my bike is $0.34 a mile. Every time I ride I save or make $0.34 a mile. In addition I prevent greenhouse gases from being emitted into the air and prevent the use of fossil fuel from being used.

Total amount made or saved for 2010, after expenses needed for bike: $277.72

Commute and errand stats. since 2008:


Total Commute & Errand Distance: 2,953.73 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 2869 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 147.69
All Time Commuter Rank: 22

This blog author is a Contraption Captain.

First here the definition/description of a Contraption Captain:

"The Contraption Captain"

"Well over 100 years ago the bicycle realised its current form and it has remained largely unchanged ever since. However, there are some intrepid souls who refuse to accept this and who embrace alternative designs for human-powered wheeled vehicles. And by far the most popular alternative "bicycle" is the recumbent.

The recumbent strikes fear into the hearts of nearly every non-recumbent-riding cyclist. If you've ever seen a dog growl at a plastic bag caught in a shrub because the dog thinks it might be some kind of weird animal, then you understand the reaction. Cyclists all notice one another, so when we see something that looks somewhat like a bicycle yet places the rider in an odd position with his feet kicking at the air as if he's defending himself from an attacking eagle, we become confused and disoriented. And when animals (including humans) don't understand something they become angry and defensive.

However, Contraption Captains mean no harm, and they're simply operating machines they feel are superior to regular bicycles because they're potentially faster and they don't require the rider to sit on a narrow saddle. Of course, they also can't negotiate tight corners, they're heavy, they're difficult or impossible to lock to poles or bike racks, they're unwieldy and can't easily be stored in small apartments or offices, they don't climb hills well and they require big tall flags since they're below automobile bonnet level. Yet none of these things keep the Contraption Captains from polishing their helmet mirrors, combing their beards, packing a day's worth of supplies in their bum bags, and taking to the roads.

Why other cyclists don't like them: Their vehicles are confusing and frightening.

Compatibility with other cyclists: Themselves. Will also join charity rides and deign to ride among "uprights"."

After reading the definition/description this blog author realizes he is indeed a Contraption Captain. Kind of a cool title if you ask him.

However there are a few details that need pointed out or corrected:
1. This blog author's recumbent, a Vision R40 short wheel base with over seat steering is not that difficult to park against lock to a pole or even a bike rack. It just takes a little extra effort, imagination and ingenuity to do so.
2. This blog author does not find his recumbent unwieldy at all. He has no problem moving it from where he parks it in his home out of the door to the driveway to take off for a ride or maneuvering through the door to where he parks it after a ride.
3. The Vision R40 does not require a big, tall flag of any kind. When seated in the bike the blog author is at the same height level as people in passenger cars. Sure people in larger vehicles are higher, but that is the same with regular, wedgie, diamond frame, upright bikes too.

This blog author has put over 10,000 miles on his recumbent since he purchased it in September of 2001. After learning to correctly and safely operate it he took it on the road amongst the motor vehicle traffic. He has also participated in several organized bike rides, including a certain annual ride that goes across Iowa during one week in July. As the Vision R40 is the blog authors only current ride able bicycle it serves as his commuter, organized event, touring and recreational bicycle.

This blog author is not really all that concerned if his bike or him is frightening or confusing to others. He believes if other cyclists do not accept him and his bike for who they are that is their problem. The blog author certainly accepts others for who they are, regardless of what they ride.

Link: The bike snob's guide to cycling tribes

Front rim has a crack.

This past Monday, when I was airing up my front tire to get the bike ready to got to work I noticed a distortion on the front rim. Upon close inspection I saw that it is a crack. So no ride that day or since in fact. I called my local bike shop and asked about it and the bottom line is it is not repairable, need to be repalced and is not safe to ride on until then. Cost for new rim is about $125.00. The hoop is on order, I will take my hub to the shop and they will will build me a new wheel. I should have it sometime next week.

The way this happened is a combination of normal wear and tear and a few years ago the rubber wore off of the brake pads on a steep downhill and the metal cut grooves into the rim. The rim is 9 years old and has over 10,000 miles on it.

Here are photos showing the crack:

My RAGBRAI XXVIII Experience.

This is a post about how my RAGBRAI ride went this year. I had not done RAGBRAI for 2 years. the last time was in 2008 where I only did one day. It had been 3 years since I did a full week. This will include the good and bad experiences I encountered during the ride. It is in no way meant to show RAGBRAI in a negative light. It up to the individual readers of this blog post to decide for themselves what to take away from this.

Let me explain what RAGBRAI is. RAGBRAI stands for Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. It is the worlds oldest, largest, longest and best multi-day bicycle tour. It always occurs the last full 7 days of July. It starts on or near the western border of Iowa and ends on the eastern border. There are bicycle tours that are older, but not as long in terms of how many days. There are tours that are longer but not as old. As far as being the best, that is a matter of personal opinion. RAGBRAI is the "grand father" of the multi day bicycle tours. It attracts over 20,000 people annually.

This report is simply going to be the facts reporting on my experience with this years ride. I had a mixture of both good and bad days, frustration, stress, pain and great and happy times on the ride. It will show a breakdown of each day.

Day 1:
Sunday July 25, 2010
Sioux City to Storm Lake.
Pass through towns: Leeds, Kingsley, Washta and Quimby.
68.5 Miles with 3,687 feet of climb.
Daily Ride Stats: 07/25/2010
The first day went really well. Dipped my rear tire in the Missouri River and took off. The weather was beautiful. There was about 3,000 feet of climb within 10 miles. When I got to Storm lake my right heel was bothering me a little bit. My group, the Siouxland Cyclsits stayed at a park on the lake in a nice shaded area. The park we stayed in has a tree museum. I regretfully did not take photos but a lot of the trees are decendants of trees that were around during important hisotrical events and were on the property of historical people. I intend to go back and photograph the park. I did start to notice a clicking sound coming my somewhere on my bike. Storm Lake is a nice town. I walked downtown past some beautiful historic homes, again I regretfully did not take any photos. Had a good dinner at Pizza Hut and stopped at Walgreens for moleskin for my heel.

Day 2:
Monday July 26, 2010
Storm Lake to Algona
Pass throhg towns: Varina, Pocahontas, Plover, West Bend and Whittemore. there was also the optional Karras Loop through Rolfe.
79 miles with 1,083 feet of climb.
Daily Ride Stats: 07/26/2010
At the pass through town of Varina there was a traffic jam of riders because some where turning to go into town and others were just going straight through. I had a flat in Pocahontas, no big deal, stopped to change it. Turned out to be the valve failed, nothing punctured tire. Today was the optional loop and the day the ride went through West Bend where the Grotto of the Redemption is located. Because I had to change the tube and had already spent a half an hour prior to that in Pocahontas I ran out of time to both do the loop and stop at the Grotto. I opted for the Grotto only.

I had never been to the Grotto before. A truly beautiful place. I highly recommend that every who can visit. Even if you are an athiest. The Grotto has something for everyone. If you're a rockhound it is right up your alley. If you are Catholic you will appreciate the religious experience, if you're an art lover you will love the beauty and the artistic talent it took to create the Grotto.

By the time I got to algona My right heel hurt even worse causing me to stop at almost every pass through town to treat it with Bag Balm which acts as a lube and softens the skin. Clicking is getting worse. Figured out it is in right pedal. Only happens when I pedal. When I got to Algona I figured I would eat at the first available sit down resteraunt on the way to the camp site. When I turned into a Pizza Hut parking lot I took the turn too short, my rear wheel caught the curb and I went down on my right shoulder. I was ok and nothing obviously wrong with the bike. Needless to say I did not eat at Pizza Hut, line was too long, I ate later after I set up at camp. This was the start of the bad luck, frustration and stress.

Day 3:
Tuesday July 27, 2010
Algona to Clear Lake
Pass through towns: Wesley, Hutchins, Britt and Garner.
59.9 miles with 1,068 feet of climb.
Daily ride stats: 07/27/2010
Much shorter day, but my heel is even worse. This year for some reason there is 17 to 22 miles between some of the pass through towns. This is starting to get to me. Contemplating whether or not I will be able to finish or have to end my ride early.

When I got to Clear Lake I was getting concerend while following the in town route for riders. I did not see the signs my group uses to direct us to our camp site. I kept thinking I missed one and missed a turn, until I finally saw the first one and breathed a sigh of relief. Before I got to camp I stopped and had a really good dinner at a sandwhich shop and had to stop at the pharmacy to purchase more Bag Balm for my foot.

Day 4:
Wednesday July 28, 2010
Clear Lake to Charles City
51.8 miles with 1,180 feet of climb.
Pass through towns: Swaledale, Rockwell, Cartersvilles and Rockford.
Daily Ride Stats: 07/28/2010
It rained the night before in Clear Lake. I and the property in my luggage stayed dry. My bike did not, including everything in my seat bag. No big deal that the bike got wet, but so did my camera and ohter things I would rather have not gotten wet. My heel felt like it was on fire most of the day. My right foot would not stay securely clipped into the pedal. It was because the tension spring failed. I decided if I saw the SAG wagon I'd use it to get to Charles City. I came upon it no the side of the road and got on baord for the remaining few miles.

When I got to the vendor/info. area I purchased new SPD bike sandals, pedals and cleats. The pedals are half platform and half SPD. I found out where my group was staying and proceeded to the camp site. On the way I stopped and had a good dinner at the Pizza Ranch. After which I stopped at a convienence store. When leaving hte convienence store one of my rear spokes broke. I road the bike, with the rear brake open back to the vendor area to have the spoke replaced. Once that was done I made it to camp and had a pleasent rest of the afternoon/evening.

I really wanted to stop at Cartersville to photograph the party going on. There was a trapese connected to a crane arm that swung out over a poll of 18 feet deep water. It was $5.00 for unlimited use. I found out later people were rather intoxicated, got a little foolish, things got a little out of hand and some even got naked while jumping in the water. The authorties had to shut it down early. Had I felt better I would have stopped to take pictures of the fun.

Day 5:
Thursday July 29, 2010
Charles City to Waterloo
82.2 miles with 2,635 feet of climb.
Pass through towns: Clarksville, Parkersburg, Stout, Dike and Hudson.
Daily Ride Stats: 07/29/2010
Feet felt a lot better. New sandals, pedals and cleats work great! The issue with my heel hurting are finally over. I love the fact that I can unclip, flip the pedal over and use the platform side of it if my feet get uncomfortable.

Parkersburg was the best pass through town today. Had a great time there. Saw some really cool bicycle statues and a litter of adorable yellow lab puppies. If I had a way to do so I would have purchased one. Had a decent lunch and was on my way.

When I got to Hudson I had dinner as it was getting to be around 6 pm and I knew the food places woule either be too crowded ro out of food in Waterloo. Got to camp around 7 pm, thinking my bad luck was over, not the case. I fell over someones bike that was laying on it's side. It should have been standing up and may have been but fell over. I was ok and did inform the owner of the bike after they returned to camp. I found out later I caused some minor damage to the bike and had to pay for it.

Today went a lot better it was just a long day on the bike and I fell.

Day 6:
Thursday July 30, 2010
Daily Ride Stats: 07/30/2010
Waterloo to Manchester
61.6 miles with 2,340 feet of climb.
Pass through towns: Washburn, Gilbertville, Jubilee, Shady Grove, Rowley Quasqueton and Winthrop.
Today I did not ride all the way into Manchester. I also found out how much I had ot pay for the minor damage to the persons bike I fell on. That took the rest of my money I had for RAGBRAI. It was raining when I left for Waterloo. The rain got worse as got to the first town. I saw the SAG wagon on the side of the road. I got in and rode it into Manchester. On the way to Manchester the front of my bike bounced out of the trailer putting stress on the rear wheel, tweaking it a bit. Had to have it trued. Can not get it completely true, but it should not be a problem unless spokes start breaking.

The rain stopped, it cleared up and got really nice out, I got some money, had a good lunch at a very nice diner in town, found my groups camp site, set up camp, took a great shower at one of the shower vendors and went up town to take some photographs of buildings I saw while having lunch.

Day 7:
Thursday July 31, 2010
Daily Ride Stats: 07/31/2010
Manchester to Dubuque
47.5 miles with 2,591 feet of climb.
Pass through towns: Earlville, Dyersville, Bankston and Graf.
This was probably the best day so far. Beautiful scenery, challenging climbs and the end of the ride. I had to walk up Potter's Hill. I was riding up it, despite the 1 mile 15% grade until a group of 3 stopped in front of me to get off and walk. I was unable to get around them, slowed down too much, lost momentum and had to get off and walk. Took some great photos while walking up the hill. Made it to dubuque, dipped my front tire in the Mississippi, found my group and got on the charter bus to come home.

Over all I had a really fun time on RAGBRAI. I was not about to let any of the frustration and streses of the ride stop me unless I had no other choice. Like my body or bike breaking down to the point of not being able to continue.

Will I do RAGBRAI again? Yes. Will it be next year? Probably not. When? Don't know, perhaps when it starts in Sioux City or Sgt. Bluff again.

Monsterbike.

Most people, when asked, will tell you they ride bike for the physical exercise, the exertion, a morning workout that gets them awake and feeling sharp for their 9am meeting. Why, then, would you spend 10 grand on a bicycle that makes cycling easier and less strenuous, giving you less exercise per mile? This guy has the right idea, he's built a modern day penny farthing called the Monsterbike using a massive monster truck tire as the front wheel. It only has a top speed just above walking pace, and it looks like it is difficult to ride but the exercise factor is huge, and you'll never feel intimidated in traffic again!


With this bike I would never be messed with by anyone in a motor vehicle ever again. I would rethink the gearing though. I would make it a single speed, not a fixed gear so I could coast and have the gearing set up to be easier to pedal.

Check it out:

How I Roll in 2010

Here is my new video of how I roll in 2010. Enjoy:

The Bike Rack

On the web site of a local news stations, KTIV News Channel 4, there is a section called The Bike Rack. It is a special section with information about local cycling events, activities and organizations.

Check it out: The Bike Rack

Trailer build.

I obtained a free child bike trailer from my neighbor. He was going to take to the city landfill and I "rescued" it from such fate.

As I have no children I am going to convert the trailer into a cargo hauler.

My first objective, that I have accomplished was to determine what the trailer needs to first make it road worthy and second to convert it to a cargo hauler.

I took the trailer apart and got rid of the soft material that was used for children.

To make it road worthy the trailer needs:
1. Both rims cleaned of rust, some spokes replaced and trued.
2. Wheel bearings may have to be re-packed.
3. New tires, maybe new tubes.
4. Rust cleaned off of trailer frame and touch up painting.
5. Every pivot point lubricated.
6. New hardware, nuts, bolts, washers, etc.

To fuly conver the trailer into a cargo hauler it needs:
1. Corroplastic for the sides and top.
2. Steel sheet for the floor.

I will use cable ties to attach the corroplastic and bolt the sheet metal to the floor.

Here are the photos I have taken of the trailer to date:








There will be more as I progress on the build project.

We Built Sioux City

Here is the current promotional video for Sioux City. This was created on conjuntion with the upcoming RAGBRIA which is starting in Sioux City this year. I think it is cool and I know some of these people in the video.

Sioux City Rock Ride & Roll from the Mighty Mo

The Sioux City RAGBRAI theme this year is "Rock Ride & Go from the Mighty Mo".

There is the link to the Sioux City RAGBRAI site:
Sioux City Rock Ride & Go from the Mighty Mo
Check it out!

Power Supply on RAGBRAI.

In 2005 I came up with a way to use a power supply on RAGBRAI or on any tent camping trip where there is no electrical hook up. I need to use one because I use a device called a CPAP at night when I sleep. I have sleep apnea and the CPAP keeps my airway open.

RAGBRAI is primarly a 6 or 7 night camping event. Most people sleep in tents and some, like myself, need a power supply, but often do not find one easily available.

Here is what I have designed for my power supply:
1. A deep cycle marine battery.
2. A 1/2" plastic pipe with 2, 90 degree elbows. At one end is the "alligator" clips that connect to the positive and negative posts on the battery, on the other the female DC connector.
3. A 1.74 amp, 200 watt power inverter. The male DC connector connects to the female connector coming from the battery. What ever is being powered is plugged into the AC outlet on the inverter.

The battery, plastic pipe with the power cord coming from the battery is outside the tent. One end of the plastic pipe with the power cord coming through it is sealed with silicon. The other end is held in place by the vent of the battery box cover. the power cord where it exits the plastic pipe is run through the power port hole on the tent, or through the door of the tent and connects to the power inverter which is inside the tent with what ever is being powered.

Some may need a power inverter that is higher than 1.74 amps and 200 watts. Look at the device you're powering to determine what you will need.

One very important thing is no matter what type of 12 volt battery you use you may need to charge it during RAGBRAI or camping trip. I take along my charger on the chance I will be able to find a power source close enough to carry it to to charge the battery. The problem I have is the battery is very heavy. This year I am looking at one of these to keep it charged while in the campground before the sun goes down:
R15-600 Classic Rollable Solar Charger

Here are photos of my set up:

Shake down ride.

Today was my first ride of the year. I did a short ride out to Riverside Park and back stopping at the bike shop and Scottish Rite Temple along the way.

My first ride is what I call a shake down ride. I use it to tell me what my bike needs. I listen to what she tells me. For example, an out of ordinary sound when I shift or something like that. I also feel how she responds as I ride. I feel her balance under me, how she brakes, shifts, etc. The results of today's ride told me 3 things:
1. I need her brakes adjusted.
2. I need to give her a good washing.
3. I need to replace he right, or rear brake lever/shifter assembly.

Other than that everything else is fine.

This shake down ride also told me somthing very important as well. That is my new custom built cro-moly seat frame is perfect. The geometry is a spot on match to the aluminum one and the cro-moly handles the vibrations a lot better then stiff crappy aluminum one.

My baby sister is doing RAGBRAI.

In 2005 my baby sister did RAGBRAI for the first time as a member of the Dream Team. She finished the entire week. I was only able to do one day because of work requirements.

This year my baby sister is doing the full week of RAGBRAI again as a Dream Team Mentor. Perhaps I'll see more of her on this year's ride than I did in 2005.

When she rode in 2005 my wife and I helped sponsor her by setting her up with her camping gear. This year we will help do the same if she needs anything.

The RAGBRAI Dream Team is an organization who takes at risk youth and trains them to complete the full week of RAGBRAI. If they do so they get to keep their bike that is donated to them by a local Des Moines bike shop. My sister at one time was an at risk youth when she was growing up.

The Dream Team teaches kids that by accomplishing RAGBRAI they can accomplish any goal they have in life, no matter the struggle or challenges they face. I am proud of my sister and that she is giving back to the Dream Team for what she received from them.

Leeds is NOT a Town!

It is 132 days until the start of RAGBRAI and already there are inaccuracies and mistakes in the route. Just announced were the pass through towns. One of the towns listed is on day one but it is NOT a town. It is a neighborhood within a city. I am talking about Leeds. If a person is in Leeds they are still in Sioux City and have NOT left the city limits yet.

When RAGBRAI leaves Sioux City for Storm Lake on Sunday July 25, 2010 there may be a lot of confused and upset riders that think they have left Sioux City and are in Leeds when they have not. The first pass through town is not until Kingsley. Even the Sioux City Journal states as much in this story: RAGBRAI will pass through Kingsley, Quimby, Washta It doesn't say they will pass through Leeds. It does state this:

"An anticipated 9,000 cyclists will start the ride in Sioux City, taking County D-12 to Kingsley, this year's first pass-through town, before continuing east to the city of Washta."

At one time for about 6 months Leeds was it's own town. This was back in the 1890's. Sioux City annexed it, shortly after changed the names of the streets, etc. Over time people in the Leeds neighborhood were told they could only send receive mail to/from a Sioux City, Iowa address, NOT a Leeds, Iowa address. Leeds, Iowa no longer exists.

RAGBRAI officials needs to change and correct this inaccuracy. When it comes to a bike route of a ride this large accuracy is very important. One very good reason is if someone is hurt while riding through the Leeds neighborhood. If it is local emergency response units they will know where and what Leeds is. If it is the RAGBRAI emergency response ambulance they will not know and think Leeds is a town, not a neighborhood only. This could be important in response times if something happens and units have to respond to the call.

Dumb Shit

I just love stupid criminals. I hope this idiot goes to prison for a long time.

Border Officers Find Pot Hidden In Bike Tires

SAN DIEGO -- An 18-year-old teen was taken into custody Wednesday after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at the San Ysidro Port of Entry discovered marijuana hidden in the tires of a mountain bicycle.

The teen, a male U.S. citizen and Tijuana resident, brought the bicycle to the pedestrian border crossing Wednesday afternoon. A CBP officer inspected the bike and became suspicious of the tires.

Officers put the bike through an X-ray and saw abnormalities in the tires. A CBP narcotic detector dog screened the bike and alerted.

The tires were subsequently removed and border officers discovered marijuana stuffed in the tire tubes, one package inside each tire. Officers said each package contained more than 2.5 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $1,312.

Officers seized the bike and marijuana, and the teen was taken into custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. He is being held at the San Diego County Jail.

RAGBRAI Part 2: Town Highlights

Here are the highlights for each of the start/finish and overnight towns. The towns offer and have much more than I can list here. This info. is from the RAGRBAI web site. The info. includes the name of the town, population, web site, distance from last town in miles, climb elevation and the dates RAGBRAI will be there this year.

Sioux City, Saturday July 24 to Sunday July 25, 2010:
Population: 85,013

The ride gets started with a Saturday gathering in Sioux City, where some of the 85,013 residents will watch riders dip the rear tires of their bikes in the Missouri River, the traditional way to mark the opening of the ride on Sunday morning. (Note: It’s not a race.)

This is RAGBRAI’s sixth visit to Sioux City and the first since 2001. Riders also rolled through the land of explorers Lewis and Clark in 1973, 1978, 1988 and 1993.

Aran Rush, executive director for the Sioux City Convention Center, said his bid committee started working on Sioux City’s bid over a year ago.

“It says to the city and business owners that they’re doing something right to get selected,” Rush said. “It’s a huge confidence booster.”

This is the hometown of Jerry Mathers, who played “Beaver” on the ’50s and ’60s TV show “Leave it to Beaver.” Fred Grandy, who served Congress after acting in the role of “Gopher” in “Love Boat,” is a native. So are the sisters who penned the “Dear Abby” and Ann Landers advice columns.

Sioux City’s revamped riverfront offers bike trails, an amphitheater and an Argosy casino. The restored Orpheum Theater and Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center also are draws.

A rejuvenated Historic Fourth Street offers restaurants and shops in early 20th Century buildings.

Sioux City

Storm Lake, Sunday July 25 to Monday July 26, 2010:
Population: 5,741
Distance: 68.5
Climb: 3,689

After a 69-mile jaunt, the RAGBRAI horde will wheel into Storm Lake for the sixth time, if you count a pass-through in 1975. This is the first stop since 2001; others were in 1973, 1978, and 1987.

This town of 10,076 has been known for meatpacking, a diverse population, Buena Vista University and a glacial lake.

King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort and Lodge anchors a lakefront revival that includes rehabbed marinas, a waterpark and trails.

Storm Lake

Algona, Monday July 26 to Tuesday July 27, 2010:
Population: 5,741
Distance: 79
Climb: 1,145

Next stop: Algona, 79 miles further on.

Algona has a special place in the hearts of most Des Moines Register employees and fans. It is the birthplace of Gardner Cowles, who bought the newspapers that were predecessors to The Register.

But there are other reasons RAGBRAI would want to stop here for the fifth time, and the first since 2005. When riders came through here in 1977, 1990 and 1999, they discovered a town bordered on three sides by the Des Moines River and the wooded hills of Ambrose A. Call State Park.

They learned that a World War II prisoner of war camp here housed more than 8,000 Germans and Italians. They heard about the annual Founders’ Day and Band Day Festival celebrations.

Algona is home to 5,741.

Algona

Clear Lake, Tuesday July 27 to Wednesday July 28, 2010:
Population: 8,161
Distance: 51.3
Climb: 1,036

It’s been more than a decade since RAGBRAI pedaled into Clear Lake.

What a decade it’s been for this town of 8,161, a mere 51 miles from Algona.

The Surf Ballroom last year held a huge bash to mark the passing of 50 years since the deaths of music legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the “Big Bopper”; the early rockers died in a plane crash in a field near here after performing at the Surf.

The glacial lake at the center of activity here is hugely popular with boaters, fishing enthusiasts (especially those seeking walleye pike), wind surfers and others. The “Lady of the Lake” excursion boat offers views of a lakefront that includes a remodeled bandshell and a lively downtown district. Two state parks offer camping and other fun.

RAGBRAI stopped in 1977 and 1999, and passed through in 1985.

Clear Lake

Charles City, Wednesday July 28 to Thursday July 29, 2010:
Population: 7,812
Distance: 51.7
Climb: 1,066

This town of 7,812 is 52 miles from Clear Lake. This is the first time RAGBRAI wheels will be spotted here since 2002. Riders also camped here in 1982 and 1996 and rode through in 1977.

The attractions here include the world’s first gasoline-powered tractors on display at Floyd County Museum and 15 downtown buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The Mooney Art Collection at the Charles City Public Library includes works by Rembrandt and Picasso.

Hometown heroes include Carrie Lane Chapman Catt, famous for her work to get women the right to vote. She lived in Charles City as a girl, and later founded the League of Women Voters.

Charles City

Waterloo, Thursday July 29 to Friday July 30, 2010:
Population: 68,747
Distance: 82.7
Climb: 2,712

This town of 68,747 hasn’t seen the saddle-sore masses of RAGBRAI since 1985. This is just the third stop in Waterloo; the other was in 1974.

So many of the riders will want to put in the 83 miles from Charles City early so they can get a look around. (It will be hillier than most days, with 2,712 feet of climb.)

Lost Island Water Park, one of the largest in the state, and the Isle Casino Hotel are big draws.

The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in the Grout Museum District features a re-created bow of the USS Juneau, the U.S. Navy cruiser on which the town’s five Sullivan brothers fought and died during World War II.

Another famous combatant: Dan Gable, who wrestled at Waterloo West before a legendary run at Iowa State University in which he won all but his last match. He won an Olympic gold medal in 1972 at Munich.

Waterloo

Manchester, Friday July 30 to Saturday July 31, 2010:
Population: 5,257
Distance: 62
Climb: 2,313

When riders roll into this town of 5,257, they will have pedaled another 62 miles and climbed 2,313 feet since the last stop.

That should give them plenty of reasons to relax at the city parks, two golf courses and aquatic center in this Maquoketa River town.

Also in the area: Iowa’s oldest state park, Backbone, and Lake Delhi.

Manchester

Dubuque, Saturday July 31, 2010
Population: 57,686
Distance: 46.9
Climb: 2,566

Riders will dip their bikes’ front tires in the Mississippi River in a town that completed a $400 million renovation of its main port.

The fourth RAGBRAI stop in Iowa’s oldest city will feature the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, the bluff-climbing Fenelon Place Elevator, and another casino.

Dubuque

This years ride will be a great fit for me. By that I mean because of my hobby of photographing historical places and sites when I ride bike and because a lot of this years overnight towns are rich with history I will be able to take a lot of photo's of historical buildings to post about on my History and Culture Blog.

RAGBRAI Part 1: Change in plans.

I am doing the full week of RAGBRAI after all, instead of just one day. I am going again with the Siouxland Cyclists.

My wife and her mom decided I was going this year. We were planning a trip to Michigan in June. That trip has been pushed out to September.

As already stated this years RAGBRAI starts in Sioux City. This years ride ends in Dubuque. The overnight towns are: Storm Lake, then Algona, Clear Lake, Charles City, Waterloo, Manchester.

I need to purchase new camping gear for this years ride. Including a tent and inflatable air bed. Soon I'll have a check list of what I will need.

Ear Hair

A cyclist found out her dog could hardly hear so she took it to the
veterinarian.. He found that the problem was hair in its ears. He
cleaned both ears and the dog could hear fine. The vet then proceeded to
tell the lady that if she wanted to keep this from recurring she should
go to the store and get some "Nair" hair remover and rub it in the dog's
ears once a month.

The cyclist goes to the drug store and gets some "Nair" hair remover.

At the register the druggist tells her, "If you're going to use this
under your arms don't use deodorant for a few days."

The cyclist says: "I'm not using it under my arms."

The druggist says: "If you're using it on your legs don't shave for a
couple of days."

The cyclist says: "I'm not using it on my legs either; if you must know,
I'm using it on my schnauzer."

The druggist says: "Stay off your bicycle for a week."

Poor Mans Addiction

Rich man's addiction: Rich man wakes up in the morning goes to the bathroom showers, poops and shaves ,has breakfast ,puts on a suit, goes out to his garage and says do I drive my rolls, my benz, my caddy or my lotus today.

Poor man's addiction: He gets up showers, poops and shaves,has a poptart, then thows on jeans and T heads to the front porch and says to himself which 10 speed do I ride today.

You Might be a Bike Weenie if....

You hear someone had a crash and your first question is "How's the bike?"
You have stopped even trying to explain to your husband why you NEED two bikes...you just go buy another one and figure it will all work out in the divorce settlement.
You buy your crutches instead of renting.
You convert your car's brake & gas pedals to clipless.
You see nothing wrong with discussing the connection between hydration and urine color.
You find your Shimano touring shoes to be more comfortable and stylish than your gunboat sneakers.
You refuse to buy a couch because that patch of wallspace is taken up by the bike.
You have more money invested in your bike clothes than in the rest of your combined wardrobe.
Biker chick means black spandex, not leather, and a Marinoni, not a Harley.
"Four cheeseburgers and four large French Fries" is for YOU.
You see a fit, tanned, Lycra-clad young woman ride by, and the first thing you check out is her bicycle.
You empathize with the roadkill.
Despite all that winter weight you put on, you'll skim weight by buying titanium components
You use wax on your chain, but not your car.
Your mud guards are made out of milk jugs.
Your current bike is older than your college children.
Your bike bag consists of an outdated Power Bar, one tire lever, a questionable patch kit, a run-over spoke wrench, an all-in-one, a rusty allen wrench, change with god knows what stuck on it, a couple of tubes without a clue which one has a hole, and that peanut butter sandwich you swore you brought on the ride two weeks ago, all tucked into a bag the size of your fist.
Your first course when you eat out is a large banana split.
You yell ON YOUR LEFT when passing another car.
You yell HOLE when you see a pothole while driving your car.
Your bike has more miles on its computer then your car's odometer.
You wear your riding gloves when driving your car.
You wear your bike shorts swimming.
You wear Charles River Wheelmen T-shirts all the time, including under dress shirts.
Your bikes are worth more than your car.
You buy a mini-van and immediately remove the rear seats to allow your bike(s) to fit.
When you move to a new area the first thing you look for is a bike shop.
You have more bike jerseys than dress shirts.
You take your bike along when you shop for a car - just to make sure the bike will fit inside. (Tom Weaver)
You use the Yakima/Thule/etc Fit catalog to pick your next new car instead of Consumer Reports.
You start yelling at cars to "hold your line."
You're comfortable bumping elbows with step vans.
You view crashes as an opportunity to upgrade components.
You clean your bike(s) more often then your car.
You install bike mounts in the back of your van or pickup truck.
You're on the Board of Directors for a Bike Club.
You spend weeks during the summer spraying arrows on the sides of roads.
You and your significant other have and wear identical riding clothes.
You mount a $600 cap, on a $1,000 pickup truck, so your $3,000 bike doesn't get wet.
You put your bike in your car and the value of the total package increases by a factor of 4 (or better).
You can't seem to get to work by 8:30 AM, even for important meetings, but you don't have any problems at all meeting your buddies at 5:30 AM for a hammerfest.
You can tell your wife, with a straight face that it's too hot to mow the lawn and then bike off for a century.
You regard inter-gender discussion of your genital pain/size/shape/utility as normal.
Your New Year's resolution is to put more miles on your bike than your car, and you do it.
You know your cadence, but you have no idea what your speed is.
When driving your car you lean over the steering wheel, just like an aerobar.
Your kids bring a rear derailleur to "Show & Tell".
Your car sits outside your garage because your garage is full of bikes and cycling gear.
You tailgate a semi-trailer to get the drafting effect.
You know your Bike Nashbar customer number by heart.
You have a four digit Bike Nashbar customer number.
All your email addresses begin or end with the word "bike".
You view the primary role of Mon-Fri as a period of recovery from and planning for weekend rides.
You spend ten minutes coming up with material for "You may be a bike weenie if ..."
Your phone book has a yellow sticky marking the bicycle shop section.
You keep replacing dress pants with little holes in the seat where they touch the saddle.
You know the gear sizes of several different rear clusters by heart.
When people ask why you bike to work year round (including -40), you reply "Because I hate to walk."
You think the idea of owning a winter work bike, summer work bike, race bike, and touring bike is perfectly acceptable.
When a co-worker states that they spent $15,000 on a Harley, you comment "That's nuts! You could buy two or three nice bicycles for that!"
You don't understand why your spouse isn't interested in riding 200K (or further).
You choose a house that has enough room in the basement for the home bike shop, and easy access to it from outdoors.
You turn down another house because you don't want all your rides to end with a 1 mile 15% grade.
You have two workbenches. One is only for bike stuff, and the other seldom gets used.
You've taken a bike vacation together every year since you got married 15 years ago.
Instead of a silk flowers, you have a basket of brightly colored waterbottles on the kitchen table.
You have a crate full of more water bottles in the basement from tours and rides.
You believe that no tire tube is beyond patching until you absolutely must layer one patch over another.
You have a veritable snake pit of old tires lying around your basement, garage, etc., each of which is worn to the casing in at least one spot, but you still think that there's a few hundred miles left in each of them even though you'll never use them because you scour all the cycling catalogues and on-line sites religiously searching for bargain prices on new tires.
You look for snow along the shoulder to ride in so the studs on winter commuting wheels won't be worn down.
You avoid pants in colours that show jit marks (chainring prints on the right calf)
All your bikes are the same colour so it's harder for your spouse to identify new ones.
You spot fellow cyclists by the patch of suntan on the back of their hands.
You call fellow cyclists "fellow cyclists".
You try to U-lock your car to a sign post when parking it.
You give directions to motorists that include phrases like "hop the curb" and "go through the ravine".
You get in your car and suddenly realize how WIDE it is.
Your car lives outside because your garage is full of bikes
To all the references in the list to "your car" you say, "What car?"
You program your PDA to automatically download the ride schedule from your bike club's web site.
You have a bike mounted over the fire place
You know how many miles you can get out of a box of corn starch
Bike lock keys outnumber all other keys on your key chain.
You see a bump ahead while driving your car and instinctively raise your butt off the seat.
You encourage your relatives to buy minivans or SUVs so you'll have a safe place to put your bike when you meet them at a restaurant for dinner.
You drag your heels for six months on a home improvement project because you're afraid that your spouse won't let you keep your bike in the living room anymore when it's finished.
Your arms are tan from the bicep down, but your torso is white as paper.
Your legs are tan from just above the knee, but your upper thigh is white as snow.
You use the tan line on your legs to determine how far up you need to shave.
You sleep with your heart rate monitor in order to determine what your resting heart rate is.
You are a lucky bike weenie if your significant other listens quite intently all the while smiling as you explain in exhaustive detail that you just bought another 20 year old bicycle because you really need it for a fixed gear road bike so your other fixed gear road bike can be made into a winter fixed gear road bike in addition to your fixed gear ATB bike, which was supposed to be your winter fixed gear bike, even though you have those two old geared road bikes (one with fenders, one without), but only one of those is really a winter bike anyway because the other is actually a rain bike, until finally the two of you just break out laughing and can't stop.
You think Team Bikeaholic sounds like some fun people to do a few miles with.
You bring your dog bicycling in its trailer.
You upgrade your components to save weight even if the weight savings are costing you over $10 per gram.
You get mud all over your water bottle and drink from it anyway while contemplating how many minerals there must be per sip and ..hey..its healthier this way anyway.
Music is either a 'climb song' or a 'sprint song' no matter if its jazz, rock, pop, R&B, Ska, classical... ANYTHING.
You 'cross train' ONLY if it helps your biking.
You try to bunny hop a crack in the road while driving your car.
One of the employees at your local bike shop tells you he's going to start charging you rent.
If you can't believe that you guests won't interrupt their dinner to watch the replay of that day's Tour de France.
You refuse to have company over to the house unless you know they'll watch the [Giro, Tour, Vuelta] with you.
You don't drink anymore; you hydrate.
You time visits to non-cyling friends in other cities to coincide with local club rides.
your spouse makes pancakes with a 4/1 carb/protein ratio for your post-ride Sunday breakfast.
You don't hesitate to engage in inter-gender leg-shaving technique discussions.
You see nothing unusual about having 250 cycling web sites bookmarked.
You communicate by email with perfect strangers thousands of miles away about the precise weight and design of your new seatpost.
You lose someone who's following you in your car and say to yourself, "I guess I dropped him."
When another motorist passes you, you think you should cover the move.
When someone mentions Eddy Merckx, you think of a skinny guy on a bike.
You have two "ten-speed" bikes, but one has only ten speeds.
The only tattoo you'd consider for yourself is the Campy logo.
Your spouse, who doesn't even cycle, knows more about Pantani, Cippolini, Ullrich and Zabel than anyone at Sports Illustrated does.
Your spouse believes that buying your teenage son, who happens to be the same size as you, an expensive new bike, is a good idea because it will increase his interest in riding with his parent.
You have more money invested in cycling shoes than work shoes.
Your bike room is bigger and better appointed than your bedroom.
You think that there should be an interstate biking system much like the highway system, but with more nutritious restaurants at the exits.
You think about your daughter's college tuition costs as "bikes per year."
You agree to take your spouse to Hawaii only if you cycle the circuit of the Big Island.
You convince your spouse that a tandem is the perfect 25th anniversary gift.
You're riding on a cold, drizzly day and pass a golf course. You see several groups on the course, and you think "What kind of idiot would be playing golf on a day like this?" without realizing the golfers are thinking the same thing about you.
You lean more than 45 degrees while in the passenger seat of a car when it turns corners at more than 25km/hr.
You load your bike into your vehicle and then catch yourself trying to leave the parking lot via the bike path.
Your work commute is timed in seconds...
You consider newly paved roads a luxury ride
You drive up a hill and wonder what grade it is.
Your spouse checks you for chain grease before she lets you sit on the furniture.
You actually read this entire list.
You tell a family of 5 in a crowded mall to "hold their line."
Your spouse says "If you buy another bike I'm going to leave you" and you think "I guess I'm going to miss him/her."
You have more water bottles than you have drinking glasses.
You have more cycling jerseys than work shirts.
Your cycling jersey IS your work shirt.
Your legs are smoother than your wife's.
The nicest pair of shoes you own have cleats in the soles.
You have defined the 8 stages of roadkill decomposition through daily observation.
You are walking along a street and you signal left.
You go to your local store on a bike.
You sulk when in cars, on hot days.
You sulk when in cars, on cold, windy, snowy days.
You get withdrawal symptoms if off the bike for more than a day.
When anybody mentions distance you immediately think of how long it would take to cycle it.
You point at pot holes, but you are driving in your car alone.
While driving your car you yell at your passenger "Car back" as a vehicle approaches from behind.
Your bike is worth more than your car and the 2 tires on your bike cost you more than the 4 tires on your car.
You put more miles on your bike than your car.
Your hands have a strange tan that looks remarkably similar to the pattern on your cycling gloves.
Weather forecasts can be broken down into 2 categories: good biking weather, bad biking weather.
You put your bicycle in your car, and the value of the total package increases by a factor of 4 (or better).
As you are driving down the road in your car, you find yourself 'sprinting' for city limit signs and taking note of them so that on the next group ride, you will be one up on everyone else.
You spend 2X the money on cycling wear that you do work clothes.
You can tell your partner with a straight face that it's too hot to mow the lawn , then bike off for a century.
You dream of winning the lottery and the first thing you think of is how many/which bikes can I buy?
You buy a car based on whether or not a bike will fit in the trunk/back, with the rear seat folded down.
You open your car window and yell out "On your left" when passing cars on the freeway.
You have not one, not two, but three permanent chain ring scars on your right calf.
Your bike sleeps with you in the living or bedroom.
You wear a heart rate monitor during sex.
You check out all other guys/girls legs to see if they are better than yours.
Your spouse can't take it anymore and takes up cycling.
You wonder why a $500 bike has 24 gear ratios, while a $20,000 car or truck only has 4.
You crash...and insist on getting to the bike shop to have your bike checked out BEFORE going to the hospital.
You can't seem to get to work before 8:30am, but you don't have a problem meeting your buddies at 5:30am for a ride.
You hear about plastic surgery to install SPD cleats to the bottoms of your feet and it actually sounds reasonable.
You actually do win the lottery and the first thing you buy is a new bike.
You upgrade your cable just to get OLN, then call and cancel it on July 26th.
You think it's perfectly normal to have your helmet light battery charging on your desk at work, next to your computer.
You check your Chuck Harris mirror before turning left, then realize it is at home because you are walking.
You keep all past issues of your numerous bicycling magazines and any past Sport Illustrated swim suit issue or those featuring Lance Armstrong.
You have a calendar of the United States and mark off each state after you have ridden in it, and are methodically making plans to ride in the rest.
You go on a business trip and the first thing you look up in the phone book when you arrive is where the nearest bike rental shop is located.
You know the acronyms for numerous cross state and other bike rides and actually know the words which make up the acronyms.
You have a powerful bike light so darkness is no longer a barrier to continuing to ride.
You maintain a detailed bike log of each day you rode, distance, average speed, route, cumulative miles to date, etc., etc. but you haven't reconciled your check book in months.
You read your bicycling magazines cover to cover the same day they arrive.
You have a story to tell to go with every major scrape and dent on your bike.
You have a roof rack and hitch rack on the same vehicle at the same time.
You meet someone nice in the hall, and instinctively check your mirror
for the backside view.
You can identify each and every club's arrow markings on the roads....CRW, NVP, NSC, which arrows belong to which benefit rides, etc, etc........and the distance of each.
A friend sends you this list and you know it by heart- without ever reading it.
You don't have your car key on your chain ring, but have two bike lock keys.
You use the state/city/county bike map to find your way to a new place - even when in your car.
You can give someone directions via the bike path, but have no idea how to get there in a car.
You are late in the morning because you HAD to drive today, and needed to switch everything out of the pannier into a business-acceptable bag.
You buy a coffee travel mug based on whether it will fit in your water bottle cage.
Your bank loan lists your bikes as assets, but you tell them your car isn't worth listing.
When someone invites you to swim, you wear your bike clothes and leave the swim suit at home.
You have mounts for two or more trailer or lights on the same bike.
You have a "real estate" problem on your handle bars because of the light mount, odometer, bell, or other accessories.
You purchase winter hats based on whether they will fit under your helmet.
When you are preparing a vacation, the first question everyone asks you is, "Are you taking your bike?"
You don't care what the price of gas is, but you stock up when Clif Bars go on sale.
You fill your gas tank less than once a month, but check the air in your bike tires and oil your chain once a week.
You have to move your bike to use the car, because the bike gets out more than the car.
You have no idea what sort of car your friends drive, but can tell who's at the bar by checking the bike rack.
You fill out comment cards at restaurants and stores asking them to put in (better) bike racks.
When you rent an apartment or take a new job, you ask, "Do you have covered bike parking?
People ask you what kind of bike you ride, and you say, "Which one?"
You purchase real estate based on its proximity to good riding and on its having acceptable bicycle storage facilities.
Most of your laundry is cycling shorts and jerseys, except for t-shirts from bike events.

You May Be a Female Bike Weenie If:
You think that unshaven men's legs look unnatural.
You won't date a guy who:
is slower than you on a road bike.
doesn't have the split calves, the quads, or the glutes that you're accustomed to seeing all the time (from behind).
doesn't shave his legs.
thinks that "hammering" refers to using a hammer and nails.
Your cutest Italian shoes have cleats.
You wear skirts in the winter because it's easier to remove bike tights from under a skirt than change pants.
You chose a hair style that will look OK when you take your helmet off.

Furthermore, You May Be a Tandem Weenie If:
You judge all new acquaintances by assessing whether or not they'll fit on your tandem.
You buy a car with the condition that your tandem will fit into it.
You purchase two sets of clothes and they *have* to match the tandem
You spend most of your bike accessory budget on gadgets that the stoker can play with.
You buy a tandem to test the boundaries of your relationship.
The captain loses all rights to his back pockets.
The stoker gets less wind but ends up with the skunk stripe.
Descending at 70 mph on a tandem is considered exhilarating.
You hold the most percentage of stock in brake pads.
The stoker owns extra shorts padding for the those times when the captain fails to shout 'bump'.
You keep a cheat-sheet in your wallet listing all your stoker's saddle heights and pedal styles.
You turn down an otherwise perfect house because the tandem won't fit down the stairs.