First Idiot of 2010

It's been awhile since I've felt the need to blog about poor driving in my "calling out idiots" section. The time has come.

In my crude drawing below, I'll try to set the scenario. I was coming to work and there is a one block section with stop signs on both ends. Also keep in mind that I'm not what you would call a slow commuter as a rule. As I'm closing in on the stop sign a car ZOOMS up beside me.

Unfortunately my oath to keep my cool in such situations went out the window when I realized they was trying to squeeze me out AT THE STOP SIGN after I had taken 1/4 of the lane to prevent this. I glared back, used a 'mild' expletive that roughly translates to "stupid donkey". They didn't pull up beside me completely once they realized I was mad, but I made sure to glance back to check the license plates.

BUT WAIT...The car is now in the PASSING LANE, STOPPED at the stop sign and traffic is coming both ways on the street. I can't go, they can't go. Does this story get better? Yup. A car is turning TOWARDS the car now stopped on the wrong side of the street. I shake my head, laugh, and cross the street.

For this piece of brilliant driving:

SD Plate 19AX25 - Welcome to "The List"

Barking Dog Cycling Club

It's official! The bicycle club formally known as the Lane Hogs have voted to become the Barking Dog Cycling Club. Why Barking Dog? It's a part of who we are in these here neck of the woods. Check out the story of how the name came about HERE, and become a fan on Facebook. See you on the roads. Watch out for the pack.

Must. Start. Blogging. Again

Sometimes I just need inspiration to continue doing what I'm doing on this blog. To be honest, inspiration has been lacking lately. Then something comes along and you realize that maybe you do make a difference to people out there on the internets.

The gang over at Environmental Science Degrees gave me a shout out on a post for "55 bicycle sites to go green and get fit". Point taken. People do pay attention and I have an obligation to continue on my motivational path. Thanks for the kick in the pants.

Why Were They Looking Anyway?

Biker Down

Outside of a couple slight slips on the ice this winter, it's been uneventful in the spectacular crash department. I had to wait until the roads were free of ice for that.

Yesterday on my way to the Dakota Dome, I was clipping along thanks to a south wind. It was a beautiful day, first day over 40 degrees in 91 days here in Vermillion, with winds pushing me along from the South. When you turn into the dome parking lot there is a little S-curve to deal with. I was right behind two cars having fun leaning into the curves when my front tire disappeared from under me and I slammed to the ground at approximately 15mph.

Two things I learned from this accident:
1. The sand left over from winter street sanding is like riding on marbles
2. When the front wheel goes out from under you, the chances are exponentially higher that there will be no awesome recovery, but the chance of a spectacular crash is nearly 100%.

Accident results:
1. Bloody right elbow
2. Bloody right knee
3. Gravel dimples in my right shoulder
4. A stylish hole in the knee of my jeans
5. Hurt pride

I still sucked it up and led my indoor cycling class, but I definitely felt the effects of the accident and still do.

Before Biking Brady

Before Biking Brady there was Running Brady. Trust me, I'm a better bicyclist.

I felt like I had the life by the tail in 1990. This picture is from my first marathon. I ran my second at the Twin Cities Marathon that October. Less than a month later I was activated for Desert Shield/Storm. After that back issues forced me to leave distance running. I found my outlet in distance bicycling and the rest is Biking Brady history in the making.

Input Needed

With the recent 3 foot law (SB70) considered by the South Dakota Senate Transportation Committee and then the Senate itself and the South Dakota Bicycle Coalition (SDBC) being a driving force behind the push to attempt to get the law passed, there is little doubt that bicycle safety took a positive step forward, even with the bill failing. The SDBC plans to move forward with a "Share the Road" campaign, which will continue to better educate motorists and bicyclists alike on the laws and the general safety of all concerned when it comes to their interaction on the roadways. All things cycling seem to be taking a positive path in the great State of South Dakota.

With these new found advocacy efforts, I need some outside input as to the name of our local bicycle club, the Lane Hogs. Please ponder the following questions and comment.

1. What is your knee jerk reaction to the name Lane Hogs?


2. Does the name Lane Hogs have no effect, positive effect, or negative effect when it comes to assisting our club assisting with bicycle advocacy in the State of South Dakota?

3. If you held the ultimate decision, would you keep your longstanding (12 year) club name or would you look to move forward with a new name?

I appreciate any and all thoughts.