My wife has some interest in learning how to be a better rider (her skills and confidence maneuvering and braking are low), but needs some coaching to get past fears of starting up and making mistakes/crashing. Maybe some coaching on using clipless pedals once her base skills are better as well. Our weekends tend to be very busy, though, and she'd be embarrassed and not necessarily react well to coaching from me.

She is, however, a very strong rider, and has logged many miles on the road -- with clipless pedals, no less -- as a tandem stoker.

Here's an interesting article on Bike Lanes/Commuting in the NYT times today:

http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/04/the-bicycle-dividend/?ref=b...

I'm not an expert on the topic but thought it seemed pretty comprehensive.  Would love to hear some perspectives.

The ride is still ON as planned.  Due to a technical glitch, the listing disappeared from the website but should be back up soon including the sign up information.  For those who had already signed up ... details remain the same.  See you on Saturday. 

http://www.addictinggames.com/turddefrance.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/Novara-Cycling-clothing-2-Jerseys-2-Shorts-Mens-LG-/...

I want to put a small Pomeranian into a basket and ride my road bike with the dog in the basket. The head tube is too short for the 9.5 inch high Toto basket sold by some stores.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I do have a rear rack that could hold a basket. 

The ride on Thursday, July 7, 2011, is to the historic South Brooklyn neighborhood of Red Hook.

Portions of the route to Red Hook will be along the East River Waterfronts of Queens & Brooklyn. Note - there will be some cobblestone streets (the leaders will be riding road bikes).

We'll stop off to buy our lunch at Fairway, and have a picnic at their outdoor terrace overlooking the Upper Bay of NY & NJ, with views of the Statue of Liberty and NJ waterfront.

MILEAGE (ROUNDTRIP): Approx. 30 miles

PACE: 12/13+/- mph

TERRAIN: Mostly flat

TIME OF RETURN: 3:30 - 4:30 PM

MEET:

-    9:45 AM at the NE Corner of First Ave & E 60 St (Manhattan)

Did your ride get rained out today?  

Mine did.

Are you looking for somewhere to ride tomorrow?

Well you're in luck because Lesse & I will be making another pilgrimage to Staten Island on July 4th.

Where will we be going on Staten Island?

Our ultimate destination is the Towne Deli in Tottenville but how we get there is still up in the air.  I only know that we're not going to be using a cue sheet and that we'll be testing out my new compact crankset on at least a few of SI's hills.

How long of route will we be riding?

Not really too sure because as I said earlier we won't be using a cue sheet but I suspect that our route will be somewhere between 65-75 miles.

I am looking for a gala ticket.   Janice