South Ben Burr Trail is all paved up... How about you?

They've built a lake next to it. It looks like they have put some sweet jet ski jumps in, as well.

A candidate with intestinal fortitude?

Saw this when out for a walk today. You could pile on the puns all day, I suppose.

Turmoil in their political home, I would imagine...

Observers of this yard have seen an escalation. A flag and garland for Obama. McCain got a bigger sign and a bigger pole (He probably needed it).

What's more telling is the back side of this sign. There's nothing behind McCain. Well, there you have it.

The music will be loud, out of necessity.

Back when mullets were first sprouting, I would cruise Riverside in my Chevy Vega, singing along with Foreigner on the radio. Back then, I never would have imagined that 1. we would have a casino in Spokane. 2. That FOREIGNER would be coming to it. 3. That the concert would be presented by the American Association of Retired Persons.

I suppose songs like: Urgent, Head Games, Cold as Ice, Double Vision and Died in Your Arms Tonight have taken on a whole new meaning with this concert. Rumor is that they have rewritten Blue Morning, Blue Day into Blue Morning, Blue Hair. I look forward to hearing their GILF take on that.

I might go. Although, I really don't like to drive at night, especially after the Dulcolax kicks in. PARTY ON!!

Spokefest - a huge success! And a side of rant...

Congratulations to the organizers and volunteers of Spokefest. Yesterday was a great day. The ride was beautiful. I couldn't believe how many people turned out. The newspaper said there were over 1200. Bikes ran the gamut - from tricked out Stingrays to some beautiful racing machines. It was fun running into old friends and meeting some new ones. A lot of folks had questions about the Xtracycle.

Anytime we can get a lot of bikes on the road, it's good for us cyclists. Also, it's good for Spokane's drivers. They get used to having to share the road, and the sight of a bicycle not on a sidewalk doesn't freak them out.

Which leads me to my rant. I've been seeing more and more nice bikes riding on sidewalks. We've all become long accustomed to the indigent, transient population wobbling around on sidewalks, but lately there have been well-dressed, obviously well-off bicyclists on their fancy cruisers blasting down the sidewalks downtown.

It really gets your attention when they use the crosswalk at about 15 MPH. Hey NumbNuts, no driver (or cyclist) is expecting a speeding bicyclist in a crosswalk. They expect a slow moving pedestrian. As a driver/rider checks to his left, you are not there. When he finishes his left hand turn, your bike is on his front bumper or wheel. And, it's your fault.

Stay on the street. There are times in the winter, or maybe during some road construction where you may be forced to to briefly get up on a sidewalk. Don't ride any faster than you can walk. It's your responsibility to not hit a pedestrian and to make sure cars see you. Get back on the street ASAP. Your best bet (and the legal thing to do) is to walk your bike, if you are forced onto a sidewalk.

If you are too frightened to ride your bike on the streets downtown, don't ride downtown. Better yet, conquer your fear and ride on some of the less busier routes and work your way up. Remember to claim the lane as your own. Watch for people pulling out of parking spots or those in zombie-mode looking for parking. Stay clear of opening car doors that will clothesline you. Generally, drivers are very courteous and will give you a wide berth. But, don't let down your guard.

Seeing all the cyclists yesterday leads me to believe that we are really on the verge of a cycling revolution in our town. Thanks to all who are making it happen!

I-Home 2Go - a sound system for your bike!

I've been using this for the past 3 or 4 months. Rechargeable batteries seem to last a very long time.



The remote attached to the stem is simple - volume, pause/play, F, R, but it works very well.


The whole thing comes with a charger, a carrying bag and the cage-esque device in which the device sits.

I try to keep it turned fairly low. It's far too easy to become obnoxious with it. And you can turn it up pretty loud. My youngest son and I went out late at night, this summer, and played old French songs softly while slowly pedaling about. I wonder what dreams were spurned as Charles Trenet drifted into the open windows of those who slumbered.

Here is the link to the manufacturer