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Woodn't you like to try wood?

10/31/2019

 
A friend forwarded a photo of a wooden bike sighting while traveling in Rome which got me to thinking about the market for wooden bikes.  In 1871 the first “bike” was made of wood, but it did not look like bikes of today--it had no chain and was powered by the rider pushing his feet along the ground.  Today there are over 100 companies worldwide making some or part of a bike out of ash, oak, walnut or beech.   The primary advantage is the unique look and bespoke craftsmanship as evidenced by this photographer traveling almost 5000 miles to Rome only to come back with an image of a bike.  But enthusiasts claim they are also sustainable, durable, absorb vibrations, and safe.  Disadvantages are the cost, from $3500 to $11,000 and also the weight.  What was old is new again.  
Bicycle made from wood

People were watching me as if I was driving a wild sports car. – Gregor Cuzak, Co-founder, Woodster Bikes

What to wear biking if you aren't a skeleton

10/23/2019

 
A lit up skeleton sitting on a bike
Being outdoors in the cool, crisp autumn weather can be a joy and helps with the transition to the inevitable arctic conditions yet to come.  True, yesterday I saw some cyclists still biking in shorts and flip flops, but these are the supernatural people of Halloween, not mortals like the rest of us.  Here are some tips for safe and comfortable cycling in the fall: 
  1. Stay dry – cold rain can be a big obstacle to biking in the fall but the right equipment can enable us to keep cycling.  Employ a waterproof jacket, shoes, bike panniers or backpack so you will be comfortable and keep your stuff dry.   
  2. Scrutinize pavement – be wary of potential slick spots such as railroad tracks, man hole covers and piles of matted leaves.  Avoid puddles on roads you are not familiar with since they may be disguising a crater you do not want to risk your wheel falling into.


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The Best Postion on a Bike

10/16/2019

 
Couple riding a tandem bicycle built for two
​The rear position on a tandem might just be the best place to be on a bike!  According to Sam Waterstreet and Mary Devoto, speakers at the October 15 Evanston Bicycle Club meeting, the stoker, or person in the rear position, does not have to steer, brake, shift, and cannot be blamed for making a mistake!   They can luxuriously just sit, pedal, and enjoy the scenery!  


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Let's Be Frank

10/1/2019

 
Bucktown's JR's Red Hots, 2345 W Armitage, Chicago
Oscar Mayer Wiener mobile
One of the benefits of spending more time in the Bucktown neighborhood with the bike shop is the the opportunity to have a real Chicago hot dog whenever you want.  JR's Red Hots serves a classic, dragged through the garden, Vienna beef dog with excellent french fries.  During the busy summer season they are open until midnight daily and 24 hours on the weekend, but has slightly less hours other times of the year.  I got a hankering for (another) hot dog after seeing a Wiener mobile on Kinzie Ave yesterday.  The hot dog shaped vehicle has been around for 83 years and there are six vehicles that currently drive across the U.S. by volunteers.  They do not serve hot dogs so JR's is still the best place for a frankfurter.  Hold the ketchup!  

    Earth Rider Blog about Cycling


    Author

    Sharon Kaminecki and others comment on adventures in bicycling and other stories

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  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
    • Learning Center
    • Explore Ebikes
    • Newsletter signup
    • Privacy Policy
    • Refunds
    • Learning to Ride a Bike
  • Shop
    • Ebikes
    • Bikes >
      • Youth Bikes
    • Lights
    • Helmets
    • Bags and baskets
    • Accessories >
      • Pedals
    • Outerwear >
      • Glove Box
    • Apparel
    • Bicycle inspired goods >
      • Greeting Cards
  • Service
  • Rentals