I'm still in the saddle though less often that when I was 4 years ago. In fact, had Google not told me about changes it's making to the platform I wouldn't have been here today.
To briefly catch up... I had a serious single vehicle crash on May 4 years ago which resulted in 4 vertebrae and ribs being fractured or pulverized to less than 1/2 its height, depending of if you were the C9 or C10 vertebra. In addition I've had several seizures due to a brain injury suffered as a result.
Subsequently, my mileage is down, my speed average is down, but my new mantra is "If I can get there by bike, I can get there." Some days, the energy or stamina are non-existent, so I have to go with it.
Monday, March 11, 2019
Friday, January 31, 2014
It's been a while Harry
I confess to being more distracted than lazy with almost 18 months between posts, but here I am again.
Since my last post, I've pedaled across country as well as reuniting with my family and raising money to combat polio.
It's late, but I'll be back more often writing about the pedaling that I do.
Since my last post, I've pedaled across country as well as reuniting with my family and raising money to combat polio.
It's late, but I'll be back more often writing about the pedaling that I do.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Birthday Drive
I turned 65 on Saturday the 25th and to celebrate, I decided to take a nice friendly loop I know to "pedal off into the sunset" as I posted on Facebook. I live on E Main St. in beautiful Downtown Hillsboro and followed a route that is used by several cyclists to get out of the city quickly and emerge in the quite and solitude of the countryside north and west of the city.
The 3rd Annual "Grande Tour de Parks", a metric century 'linking 7 parks in 7 cities' in Washington County, use these streets and roads in the beginning stages of the ride. The city of Hillsboro has the route on its master plan because of the very low traffic and fantastic sight distance on the road once the city limits and Urban Growth Boundary are passed.
Along the way, I encountered 3 pedestrians and 4 cyclists, 3 of whom were a mother and 2 children all on the same set of wheels (the toddler was in a seat mounted to the bike, the adolescent on a 3rd wheel attached to the seat post. I also flew among scores of dragon flies who were taking the most of the bounty of fruit flies that were dining among the berry orchards along the road.
Using my GoPro camera setting of taking a picture every 10 seconds, I though that, when I came to a stop sign, I would change the setting to video to see if I could capture their flight and passing while in motion.
After turning on to NW Leisy Rd, I was pedaling along, enjoying the day and noticed a white SUV behind me about 100 yards back. I was riding along in the right tire track, made by motor vehicles, as is my custom, when about 4 minutes and 20 seconds into the shoot the vehicle overtook me so close the front wheel well brushed my side. Had it hit the bicycle, I would have been road rash, to say the least.
I'll post the video soon...
The 3rd Annual "Grande Tour de Parks", a metric century 'linking 7 parks in 7 cities' in Washington County, use these streets and roads in the beginning stages of the ride. The city of Hillsboro has the route on its master plan because of the very low traffic and fantastic sight distance on the road once the city limits and Urban Growth Boundary are passed.
Using my GoPro camera setting of taking a picture every 10 seconds, I though that, when I came to a stop sign, I would change the setting to video to see if I could capture their flight and passing while in motion.
After turning on to NW Leisy Rd, I was pedaling along, enjoying the day and noticed a white SUV behind me about 100 yards back. I was riding along in the right tire track, made by motor vehicles, as is my custom, when about 4 minutes and 20 seconds into the shoot the vehicle overtook me so close the front wheel well brushed my side. Had it hit the bicycle, I would have been road rash, to say the least.
I'll post the video soon...
Friday, August 10, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Evergreen Blvd. Rock Creek Trail Crossing Open House
On May 3, Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department hosted Robert Rivera, project manager, and other Washington County Staff as they presented the county's proposal to address crossing Evergreen Blvd from the Rock Creek trail and to facilitate access to it from the road.
More than 20 citizens, interest groups, stakeholders and property owners in the affected area attended and provided several comments for the county to take back and consider before the actual project begins.
Starting with the existing conditions, which include a median strip with high curbs, and no ramp on the southern side of the roadway, crossing by bikes can be hazardous at best and, for those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices, impossible without traveling at least ¼ mile in wither direction to cross at a driveway or intersection.
This project is intended to remedy that with an at-grade crossing with ADA compliant approaches and exit and entrance "ramps" for cyclists proceeding on to the trail from Evergreen.
The project includes a push button operated traffic light (red, yellow, green) at the intersection that is timed to the entire system along Evergreen. While it will occasionally halt motor vehicle traffic, it won't do so without regard to the regular flow of traffic.
I've posted some brief videos (mostly because my still camera's battery was dead) and I hope you can see them well enough. Stop them along the way as you need to to see what is there and what is proposed. (Mute the background noise, too,)
Meanwhile, I have asked Robert to put the posters on the county's site so more of the public can see it.
More than 20 citizens, interest groups, stakeholders and property owners in the affected area attended and provided several comments for the county to take back and consider before the actual project begins.
Starting with the existing conditions, which include a median strip with high curbs, and no ramp on the southern side of the roadway, crossing by bikes can be hazardous at best and, for those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices, impossible without traveling at least ¼ mile in wither direction to cross at a driveway or intersection.
This project is intended to remedy that with an at-grade crossing with ADA compliant approaches and exit and entrance "ramps" for cyclists proceeding on to the trail from Evergreen.
The project includes a push button operated traffic light (red, yellow, green) at the intersection that is timed to the entire system along Evergreen. While it will occasionally halt motor vehicle traffic, it won't do so without regard to the regular flow of traffic.
I've posted some brief videos (mostly because my still camera's battery was dead) and I hope you can see them well enough. Stop them along the way as you need to to see what is there and what is proposed. (Mute the background noise, too,)
Meanwhile, I have asked Robert to put the posters on the county's site so more of the public can see it.
Existing Conditions
Proposed Change
The sidewalk will be realigned and be permeable concrete. The bike 'ramps' will be asphalt with a small stencil directing cyclists to the trail north or south.
This aerial view shows existing conditions, too.
The sidewalk will be realigned and be permeable concrete. The bike 'ramps' will be asphalt with a small stencil directing cyclists to the trail north or south.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Exercise your right to vote
Have you voted yet? Election Day is Tuesday, May 15. Your mail-in ballot must be received by 8:00 PM by the Secretary of State's office. Postmarks do not count!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
National Bike Month
In 1955, the League of American Wheelmen (DBA League of American Bicyclists) successfully petitioned congress to declare May as National Bike Month.
May 14-18 has evolved from it to form Bike to Work WEek and Friday May 18 Bike to Work Day.
The inaugural Bike to School Day is May 9, 2012.
Check your local listings for events in your area.
National Bike Month is an opportunity to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride. Whether you bike to work or school; to save money or time; to preserve your health or the environment; to explore your community or get to your destination, get involved in Bike Month in your city or state — and help get more people in your community out riding too!
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The inaugural Bike to School Day is May 9, 2012.
Check your local listings for events in your area.
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