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Blog hiatus of sorts
Hey everyone, I just wanted to apologize for the lack of entries recently. I have been steadily recovering from my injuries and have not been able to ride. Being off the bike stinks for several reasons, including the fact that I cannot attend or be a part of the wonderful cycling events and rides around town. I do not want to cheat readers by just re-posting stuff from other sources, so until I am fully capable of doing what I love to do, this blog might not be as complete as in the past. I will keep everyone up to date on my progress and return to the cycling community. Until then, keep riding, enjoy every day and be safe.
Jason Whaley
Injury prevention seminar this weekend
Take it from someone who had some repetitive motion difficulties well before my accident, this injury prevention seminar at Bicycle Sport Shop is well worth your time. Sometimes getting a little knowledge can make the difference between riding happy or sitting at home with injuries. The details. …
SELF TREATMENT & INJURY PREVENTION SEMINAR
Saturday, February 20th - 11 a.m. - Noon at Bicycle Sport Shop Central - 517 S. Lamar Blvd. (map) The static position and repetitive motion of cycling can lead to overly tightened muscles and fascia (the soft connective tissue that binds muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones). Join us as Dr. Ross Bomben of Austin Performance Health teaches Active Release Techniques® and Trigger Point therapy. Stay happy, healthy and enjoy your bike more with this informative seminar. RSVP FOR THIS EVENT
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Do we really need a new bike design?
Here’s a pretty interesting take on the bicycle from design company Bradford Waugh. It’s called the Nulla Bicycle, and it’s very sleek and would probably earn you plenty of attention on any ride around town. But is there really a need for this? Why waste the effort and money to revamp a machine that is already efficient and popular anyway? The basic design of the bike has been around a while, and it works pretty darn well. What do you think?
Get involved in the cycling community
There are some great opportunities on the horizon for cyclists to get more involved in their community. Some of these events and openings will afford those who choose to take advantage a way to help make a huge difference. Here is information from the Yellow Bike Project on how to get involved. …
Don’t Call it a Conference! A small team of folks from the League of Bicycling Voters, Austin Cycling Association, YBP, and elsewhere are teaming up to organize a two-day gathering to assess the current state of Austin’s bike community and develop priorities for the future. Emphasis will be put on opportunities for those who want to get more involved, and on building links between existing movements. The gathering will begin on the evening of Friday, April 9, with an opening social event/mixer, continue through Saturday with roughly a dozen workshops (topics ranging from education to advocacy to social rides), and wind down that evening with a summary and conclusions. Attendance is free of charge, but attendees will be encouraged to join a local bike organization (both as payment for the conference and to encourage continued involvement). LOBV is managing logistics, and will have more info on their website as it becomes available. Contact Tom Wald if you’d like to help out, or if you have any ideas for workshops you’d like to see.
APD Q&A Forum. March 1, from 7-9 pm, on the third floor of One Texas Center (505 Barton Springs), Austin Chief of Police Art Acevedo will answer questions posed by the bike community. Last year’s forum marked a real turning point in local police-cyclist relations, and this year’s should be no different. We’re sure to be checking in on the new, as-yet un-enforced, Safe Passing Ordinance, among other things. Get your questions in to Eileen Schaubert ASAP, and show up on the 1st for the answers.
Nueces Bicycle Boulevard. The debate over this planned flagship facility keeps getting hotter, but the plan rolls onward. If you support the project and ride on Nueces Street, let City Council know. The final public meeting is Wednesday, February 24th, at Pease Elementary, 1106 Rio Grande Street. Showing up for this one is very important, because the opposition will not go quietly. Learn more about bicycle boulevards, and this project specifically, by visiting the City of Austin’s website and watching this video about one of Portland’s Bicycle Boulevards.
Give Council Feedback on New Bicycle Facilities. The surge of new bicycle facilities continues. This year the City doubled the miles of bicycle lanes installed compared to last year, which saw more miles installed than any year previous! If you like what you are seeing on the streets, email city council and tell them what these facilities mean to you. (Important: if you have more specific feedback or complaints about bicycle facilities in Austin, it’s more efficient to communicate those directly to the City Bike Program’s staff).
Openings on Austin’s BAC. Austin’s Bicycle Advisory Council is currently looking to fill one alternate spot and one full-time member spot. If you’re interested in getting involved, grab an application here and return it to Nadia Barrera by Wednesday the 17th. February’s meeting falls on the 18th, in the 8th-floor conference room at One Texas Center (505 Barton Springs).
Safe Cycling Film RFI. The City is looking for someone to make a local bike safety film. If you are a moving picture-maker, and care about safety, read the RFI here or email Nadia Barrera for more information.
Austin Comprehensive Plan. Austin has begun the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, which was originally adopted in 1979 and is very out-of-date. The Comp Plan is the overarching, guiding, and arguably the most important of all City plans. The Bicycle Plan is a subservient plan that further defines the Comp Plan, but must be in harmony with its broader vision. This is the plan that sets our community priorities for the decades to come. If you feel strongly about mobility (walking and bicycling), land use, affordable housing, stable neighborhoods, more local business, better access to countryside and farmland, more or less anything… now is your chance to share your vision. Take the online survey before March 1st, and look here for more ways to get involved.
Good events this weekend
Here are some interesting events on the way this weekend that cater to women, couples and those who like to push it while training.
FEBRUARY 13, 10 AM - 4 PM FREE TRAINING SESSIONS
30 MINUTE SESSIONS AT 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM
Experience an indoor cycling class at Kevin Livingston’s Pedal Hard Training Center and see what the buzz is all about. Located in the lower level of Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, the center features state-of-the art Computrainer technology and an experienced, full-time coaching staff. Regularly a full hour in length, these complementary sessions are a half hour of focused, quality riding using metrics like heart rate, cadence and power to track your progress and keep you honest!
Bring your bike, shoes, and any other personal gear to the center to give it a try. All levels are welcome, and you can enjoy refreshments and mingle with Kevin and the coaches.
Capacity is limited to eight riders per session, so please reserve your place by emailing training@pedalhard.com or calling (512) 473-2233.
TREK WSD DEMO DAY
Saturday, February 13th - 10 a.m. 2 p.m. at Walnut Creek Park @ 12138 N Lamar Blvd. (map) Ladies, discover the pure joy of riding a bike designed with women specifically in mind. Trek was the first major bicycle company to offer a full line of bikes designed specifically for women, and continues to expand and improve their WSD offerings year after year. Food and drinks will be available and our service staff will be on hand to change out pedals.
A Special Edition Ladies Ride for Valentine’s Day! Bring your sweetie along for a ride to celebrate.
The Highlights:
- 2pm: Get set up on a Trek WSD road bike for the afternoon.
- 3pm: Ride leaves for 20-25 miles at a 14-16 mph pace.
- After the Ride: Enjoy FREE champagne courtesy of Sophia’s plus strawberries and chocolate. Yum!
- Couples massages to relax and rejuvenate prior to the evening’s together time.
- Photo Booth of Love to remember it all.
- You’re out by 6pm so you can enjoy the rest of your evening.
RSVP to erin@mellowjohnnys.com to reserve your spot.
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Be thankful you’re not seeing this right now
One of the many reasons why I love Austin is because I don’t have to ever look out my window and see this scene in the morning. …
And make no mistake, there are several parts of the country where this is what you are getting right now. I know it’s been a little rainy and a tiny bit chilly here, but seriously, be thankful that with the proper clothes, you can comfortably ride every day in Central Texas. I just wish my body was healed enough to take advantage of this nice winter riding weather. Soon, dadgummit, soon.
Good events for Friday
There are a few interesting and important events happening today. Here are a few that I’m aware of, but there’s probably more. That’s part of why Austin is such a great cycling town, because there are plenty of events and rides check out. I want to thank Austin on Two Wheels for some of the information.
Kids Bike Rodeo
Noon, Bicycle Sport Shop, 517 S. Lamar Blvd
- Here is a great opportunity for you to do something fun and help out with a great biking event for kids. We are going to provide volunteers for the Patsy Sommer Elementary School Bike Rodeo that kicks off a program to promote biking to school. We are going to help over 1000 kids get fitted with helmets, make sure their bikes are in good working order and run a few safety courses to teach the kids how to safely bike to school. The whole event is going down to kick off the Freiker program at the school. It’s a high tech version of the commuter challenge that will track each kid’s trips to school and let them see their results on the internet. More here: http://www.freiker.org/bp/HowItWorks. Meet at Bicycle Sport Shop to carpool to Patsy Sommer Elementary.
Fabulous Fixed First Friday
6 PM, Capitol Grounds
- The first Friday of the month means Fabulous Fixed First Friday alleycat races. Bring $5, a bag and a fixed gear bike to race. This month’s theme is Art Bike Grimes with an art show and after party at Uncle Billy’s starting at 7 PM.
The Benefit Party for Mariel Mentink
7:30 PM, Lamar Blvd Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge
Tonight, Social Cycling ATX is putting on an event for hit and run victim Mariel Mentink. She has been in the ICU for a month now, has had numerous operations and is now facing lots of rehab. Her family has a large amount of medical bills. So this Friday night, we are having a special ride/event to raise some money to help Mariel and her family out and do what we do best, ride around and have fun. A nice long cruise around the city ending at Red 7. There we will have bands, a DJ dance party, Mediterranean food and raffles every 30 minutes or so starting at 11 pm. There is a suggested donation of $5 at the door, but feel free to give more as your money will go towards helping Mariel return to good health. For your donation you will get one free raffle ticket. Additional tickets are available for a suggested $2 donation.
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Good points about the bicycle boulevard
I have been out of action for much of the time that the bicycle boulevard debate has been raging. But here are some important points about the project provided by the Bicycle Sport Shop. …
DOWNTOWN BICYCLE BLVD
Are you interested in seeing Austin become a world class city for bicyclists, a city that bicyclist’s of every skill level can navigate safely and comfortably? Then please let Austin Mayor Leffingwell and City Council know how important it is to you that they support the Bicycle Boulevard that is currently proposed for Nueces and/or Rio Grande streets.
Why is a downtown bicycle boulevard on Nueces or Rio Grande important?
The bike boulevard will support the increased use of an already important bicycling corridor connecting UT with downtown, one that hundreds of cyclists already use every day. The bike boulevard’s safer and more convenient facilities will attract new and inexperienced riders, an important addition to making Austin a bicycle friendly community.
Removing time- and energy-wasting stop signs for bicyclists and calming the traffic by discouraging “through” auto traffic will attract scores of new riders.
It’s confirmation that Austin recognizes the importance of maximizing the benefits of bicycling-climate and air protection, healthy activity, reduced traffic congestion and increased mobility for people, not cars.
The bike boulevard will have a negligible impact on accessibility for automobile drivers to businesses and residences on Nueces and Rio Grande.
Both the Downtown Austin Plan and Bicycle Plan list Nueces as a bike boulevard and its implementation is an important demonstration project for future bicycle infrastructure.
Contact the Mayor and City Council to let them know that you support the creation of a downtown bicycle boulevard by emailing them here.
You can learn more about the Bike Boulevard and the facility that will be proposed for implementation by the City Transportation Department at the Bike Boulevard Open House, Wednesday, February 24, 6pm - 8pm at Pease Elementary School, 1106 Rio Grande St., Austin, TX, 78701 (map).
Fixed in NYC
This whole fixed-gear thing has been interesting to watch develop. A lot of folks are committing to this style of riding, and that’s cool. Whatever gets more people involved in cycling, the better. I’ve tried it, it was fun, but I like having a freewheel instead. The problem for me is that riding fixed is more dangerous and requires more constant focus. Sometimes I just like to fly and not even think about my machine.
I found this video on the Empire blog. It’s a trailer for their feature length debut about riding fixed in New York City. It starts off hard and fast, but there is some riding that degenerates into poor judgment. Take a look. …
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Get your route map
The most recent version of Austin’s Bicycle Route Map can be purchased at local bicycle shops or a copy can be picked up at the Bicycle Program Office at 505 Barton Springs Rd, Suite 900.
Click here for a list of locations that carry the map. *Note - All bike shops may not be listed here.
This is such a fantastic resource for anyone who rides in the city, or anyone who is thinking about taking a few more trips by bike. This really is a useful map that will guide people to the safest ways to get around town. I would recommend picking one up and getting more familiar with the fantastic in-town rides.
Getting back to good
I awoke to a blinding white light. Pain consumed everything. Then, back to black. Next thing I knew, my family was standing in a hospital room, trying to explain what had happened. A head on collision had wiped away the past two weeks, and I was trying to make sense of it all.
I was told about the concussion. I could easily feel the other physical penalties; rib fractures, broken left forearm, fractured vertebrae, deep cuts in my head, elbow and legs. But despite the damage, all of it would heal. I was lucky and blessed, but most of all, I was thrilled to be given a second chance.
But first, I had to concentrate on the healing. I couldn’t remember the week I was in the hospital, yet I’ve been told a few things that may or may not be based in truth. Apparently, I kept trying to make a break for the exits, so the staff had to use restraints. I then turned to my wife and a buddy to make a case for not being tied down. Thankfully, they said “no way.” I also saw some pretty interesting apparitions while on morphine, and described the creatures to anyone who would listen.
The real stream of consciousness began at the rehab center during the second week after the accident. I was awake and aware, and didn’t have to be told over and over what had happened. The pain was still there, especially in my ribs. Laying in any position other than on my back was excruciating, as was getting up. During the first few days, the nurses had to keep my door shut due to the string of obscenities flying out of my mouth. When mom came to visit, my sailor mouth turned into mush. I wouldn’t curse in front of her. Even great pain could not trump the respect I have for her.
The third week brought true progression. I was handling physical and occupational therapy quite well, I was back to my old self mentally and the pain had subsided to such a degree that I could walk alone. Then, the best news of all, I got released. I could finally spend time with my wonderful wife and get back to the life I knew.
Now the difficult part. I don’t know when I will be able to ride again. It will happen at some point, but my body will have to fully approve. I love being surrounded by my bikes at home, but it is also tough knowing they won’t get to fly for a while. Even during some of the worst bouts of pain, I dreamed of riding. It made me realize that cycling is a lifetime passion for me, and that is very comforting.
It’s also nice to know that because I was in such good shape before the accident, my recovery has been much easier. A doctor told me that my strength from cycling enabled my body to deal with the physical consequences in an extremely efficient way. He said my progression in rehab was incredible.
So now that I’m on the mend, I want to thank all of the nurses, doctors and therapists who took such great care of me. I will never forget their kindness and professionalism. I also want to thank my friends and family for the incredible support. Most of you probably have no idea how much you kept my spirits up during the dark times. I also want to thank the Bicycle Sport Shop for everything. They are wonderful people and a great cycling resource for Austin.
Finally, to my wife, I love you. There is no way I could ever express enough how much you have helped me, how much you have done to make my life easier. I cannot imagine going through something so difficult without you. Even though you’re barely five feet tall, you’re my pillar of strength. Thank you.
The road to recovery
Just wanted to let everybody know that I’ve been involved in a terrible auto accident and am just beginning to recover.
I will be back to bloging every day on Road Rash very soon. I want to thank everyone for their prayers and concern. The road to recovery is never an easy one, but the outpouring of support has made the transition much easier.
I would like to thank you for your patience, and please check back soon for more of my perspective on the Central Texas cycling scene.
Thank you.
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this is sooo cool.
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