um;...

mill run city path, also...
Originally uploaded by divine_gear

where am i?

i took off for a ride today. i went down to the metroparks mtn bike trail; i figured that it was going to be closed, and it was. so i was thinking of how to get home other than just turning around. my mind wondered to taking the path that lead me to harvard, and go from there.

i got up to harvard, and noticed that the trail continued to what is called washington reservation. now...i don't get that north/eastish way, so i never knew that it was there. so i took that. next thing i knew i was heading north on east forty-ninth street. then that to what was called mill run. the next thing i knew...i was at harvard and union; going east. i finally turned around at east eighty-eighth.

for those of you not familiar, this is not the best part of cleveland to be in. esp. for a guy riding a bike all decked out in winter gear. i might have taken it all the way, if i had a bike with gears. the headwind was getting to me, and i was on fixed today. but there is always another time. gears, and a nine.

amitabha...


p.s.; after i posted this, i did some research from one of my other photos, and found this from the cleveland planning commission; which gives me more of an idea of where i was.

thanks.

as you know...

over the last couple of months i felt compelled, and ethical bound to join camba. well a few ideas hit me in these last two days that i wanted to send along to them, and if there are any answers/thoughts/comments for anyone else i'd love to hear. below are the re-prints of the emails i sent:

and i quote myself:

Sent 2.13.09
Dear CAMBA:
I just got done reading an article in the newest issue of Dirt Rag about (i guess the best way to put it is...) outside urban mountain bike parks in the city; through the League of American Bicyclists. Is this something that we are able to do, get involved in, build; whatever the case is? since we are always getting screwed by the park systems in this area? just a thought.

oh, and while I'm thinking about it...is there anything illegal with riding along electrical lines? I just keep seeing the 'trails' along the lines in Independence, and was just wondering what the legality of it was. and if so; why?

thanks.


Sent 2.14.09
another question:
I had:
what about the little parks in the cleveland area? i know some parks where kids build their dirt jumps, and such. and there are trails there; why not take some time, clean them up and then there could be a up-kept trail? also by my house is the treadway trail which (i don't know if you've heard of it) links old brooklyn to jennings; which is right by the entrance to the tow path. well, right by this little paved trail (maybe a half-mile) on the other side is nothing but trees and such. a quick little trail could go there. i see kids play there all the time during the summer. i could take just a weekend to do something little. some bridges over the 'crap', clear away the fallen trees and there you go. i'm not talking or looking for any huge project. just some little things to get going, and then maybe the city could see what a job CAMBA does, and push then for something more. some good publicity; since all i see in the paper is us getting slammed.

i believe these to be some great ideas that could take root. also, by doing this type of stuff, i think kids would be more inclined to get out and ride. they don't have to be technical paths. just something. we're not moba, north shore.

just a few suggestions...

:end quote.

i'll post replies from them if i hear anything. my point becomes, small steps. is the trail in the metroparks great? sure. it's really nice to have something in the city limits so close. so my theory becomes this: have a bunch of little trails set up throughout the community which would make for a wonderful urban mountain ride. i'm not talking something epic, we can't do that without the national park; however, i am talking something fun. become creative. work with what we have. build a portfolio, if you will. these are just my thoughts...

amitabha...

for some time...

time now i've been meaning to get these up for a little review. these are just some products that i've picked up that i have really enjoyed so far.

first up is castelli's rosso corsa bibs:

i picked these up at the end of the last season, and never really got a chance to wear them until this season. they have wider straps the 'hug' around the chest, instead of coming straight up over the chest. what i've noticed is that they feel less constrictive in the chest area. the inner padding feels great. multi-layer, and all that other fun stuff. the cuffs at the bottom of the legs are snug, without being overbearing. it just feels great. and rides great. the only 'issue' is the logos are coming off, just after a season; but no worries there. oh, they are also surprisingly warm too. they feel great in the mid-thirties weather.

next up is pearl izumi zephrr shell glove:

these go on great right over almost any existing glove. they are wind and waterproof, and they work great. keeps your hands warm and dry during the ride. however; i've found them to be a bitch to get on, but once they are on, they work great. another thing too is, i wear a medium glove...so i picked up a medium here, and they are a little too big; but i suspect that they would work great with a heavier winter glove. even with this issue; once i'm riding i don't even notice it. hardly any pading on the palm of the glove; another good thing about them.

speaking of wind and water resistance; we have the endura stealth softshell jacket:

fully waterproof, and breathable. i just can't put into words how great this jacket really is. two rear pockets, one is ipod compatible. zippered cuff. underarm vents. just a great jacket. i've been wearing it in thirtyish degree weather with a base layer, and a light wool jersey; and it has been great. nice and warm. highly recommended.

another product that i highly recommend are the pearl izumi barrier gtx winter shoes:

these are nice. gore tex lining for waterproof protection. nylon sole. thinsulated for warmth. internal lacing for a snug fit, and zippered exterior with a velcro ankle top. they came with toe spikes; which i always welcome. these shoes fit and feel great.

amitabha...

please read...

and take part...

national park action

we need this, we deserve this...

amitabha...

i did these...

over at obanicon; where you just upload an image, and pow...




i stumbled upon it through doc pop's flickr.

then you are able to print it as a shirt or something.

amitabha...