Winter Pedalling

Betty Lou resting at a Stop Sign

I enjoy riding my mountain bike in the winter. I have to be more careful than during the other seasons due to the slippery snow and the ice that cant be seen underneath it. I don't recommend this activity for the faint of heart but those of you who like a little extra excitement may enjoy this. Also don't ride in unfamiliar terrain as many potholes could be lurking under that snow. Please ride slower than usual and brake farther away than you normally would. Plus don't use the front brake too much or very long. If you must, apply the front brake in small short bursts as to keep the front tire in motion as a sliding front tire will send you down. Also when you see those plow drifts across the road , if possible speed up a little and "glide" through them. going too slow will get you stuck in them and then you must "walk" your way out with your shoes. I have fallen 3 or 4 times a season. It is inevitable and will happen. I just shrug it off as part of my winter experience. Also dress appropriately and try to have wide knobby tires to help grab the snow and give you traction and stability on turns. This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* *Ride Extra Safe in Snow*

Short Trip

Entrance to the New North Trail at Exit to Old Jackson State Prison

Well I finally pedaled down the New North Bike Trail. It was wide and smooth. The only problem , it's only 1/4 mile long which means I have to ride it 20 times to get 5 miles in. I don't think I want to see the same things 20 times. :-] There is a sign put up by our local energy company that says "Please avoid contact with towers, poles, guy wires or other utility equipment you may encounter along the way. Report any downed lines, motorized vehicle use or other issues of concern to your local law enforcement authorities immediately. Thank You and enjoy the Trail" -- I didn't know I was suppose to do the work of the utility linesmen or the police department and wonder if I can get a nice reward for reporting all this stuff that could possibly happen within 1/4 mile that's just on the north edge of town. I would probably report any dangerous downed lines so as to protect our furry and feathers friends along the trail. My main concern is a longer trail :-] Well, hopefully they will add on to it in the years to come. This is Jimio saying: "Ride Safe" - "Ride for Fun" "Ride on the Trail as to not hit a Tower or Utility Pole"

Tools of the Trade

Jimio's assorted Bike Tools

I had a high school friend who was into bicycle racing and he helped me pick out the tools I needed to take my 74 Fuji Finest apart. Jeff had a 1974 Raleigh racing bicycle, silver blue, a real beauty. My Fuji was white so i had it painted blue-green. When I got my tools we took my bike apart and greased all the bearings. It was fun but I wish I had a camera then to show all the parts spread out all over his basement floor. Jeff won a few trophies and medals but I never got enough discipline to get into racing. It takes a huge amount of dedication and I was just happy enough putting around at 15 mph checking out the countryside as well as the urban lifeforms. I must admit that the pipe wrench in the photo is not a true bicycle tool, but it comes in handy for rusted bike posts and handlebar stems. -Jimio saying *Ride Safe* *Ride for Fun* and *Ride Prepared*

Last Ride of the Year for Some

Old Bicycle at a Cider Mill

Even tho we may get a few more 60 degree days, the rain and wind that will bestow on us the foreshadow of winter is enough to make the most feeble hearted  persons hang up pedalling till spring. This bike seems to be used as a decoration but if need be, it is road-ready anytime. Now a few die-hard souls like moi will ride straight through winter over the drifts and ice and cruise right into spring. For me it's because I like to stay in shape and I must feed my craving for pics, pics and more pics! -Jimio saying *Ride Safe* and if you continue to the next season, *Ride with Proper Attire*

Long Distance Tourer passing through Town

Todd Zeller and Jude

As I was heading home from a medium 8 mile ride I noticed 2 cyclers walking their bikes. Todd Zeller was Citizen for the Year for Jackson County for his work on the Falling Water Trail  www.fallingwatertrail.org Todd also said their is a newer trail heading north just beyond Armory Court up past Monroe Street and I believe across I-94. I will pedal on it as soon as I can and try to get some groovy pics. Jude is touring to Maine and then across Canada to Alaska. He has quite a collection of license plates gathered from past rides and his bike is well equipped for the long haul. I wished him a safe journey and thanked Todd for all his great work over the years with the Falling Water Trail. This is Jimio saying *Ride Safe* *Ride for Fun* and *Ride for Health*

Country Riding

Bicycling on rural roads can lend itself to some beautiful Farm Scenery 

Some of the Horses I encountered during my ride. They thought I had food.

Alice giving me a free sample of wine.

While riding last week on some back roads, I happened to look for some trees in full fall colors. well many were not ready yet but this Barn is always ready to show it's scenic view for all who pass by. Now I like city riding with all its hustle and bustle and plenty of photo subject matter but nothing beats a quiet ride in the country with its clean fresh air and lack of motorized vehicles. Still you must be careful for on country roads the cars go much faster. I had a very good time, seeing many horses and goats and even stopping by a Winery to test some of their prize winning flavors. The wine samples were Free! This is Jimio saying *Ride Safe* * Ride for Fun* and *Ride for Free Samples*

More Lanes Equals More Riders

This road had a beautiful Bike Lane but only for half the 8 mile length

This beautiful scenic road is 8 miles long but sadly only the eastern half has a bike lane. What happened was the road entered into the next county and I suppose they did not get the funds to add a bike lane. If bicycle riders can't get access to most places that they want to travel to, they simple will not go as far, or as much. This means they use their cars more, meaning more wasted gasoline and less exercising. I'd like to visit my sister more often across town , but it is difficult without bike lanes. I don't want to put my life at stake riding on the edge of the road. So I'll just guess I will have to find the best way to find the least busiest roads or the ones with the best bike lanes. The other alternative is to hide away on to some quiet bike path and soak up the nature and the miles of greenery. I like the action of the city and the streets for taking photos and the fact that you can get closer to places than you can with a car. Maybe when we all run out of gas, I will have the entire road to myself :-] No need for Bike Lanes. -This is Jimio saying *Ride Safe and Ride for Fun*

A Little Bicycle History

Civil War Bike?

Actually the first non-chain, non-pedal bicycle was called a Dandy Horse was invented by Baron Karl Von Drais in Mannheim in the summer of 1817. This bike in the photo which I took at our Civil War Muster today is a forerunner of the velocipede as it has a crank with pedals on the front tire. These bikes were made in the early 1860s, so I guess this man is period correct.Notice the wooden spokes as the wire spokes on bike tires did not emerge until around 1869. Even this man had to *Ride for Safety* as to avoid hitting these modern visitors. -Jimio :-]

Touring Season is Upon Us

Bike Tourers Ride past Bucky Harris Park in Jackson MI

I passed these hardy riders a few days ago and wondered where they all found the time to go on a long tour. Either they were all on vacation from work at the same time or are between jobs. For me to do this would require getting a much lighter bike and some nice tools and equipment purchases. I suppose the Easy Tourer would rent hotel rooms but the Dedicated Tourer must camp out every night. I wonder if the real hard-core tourers even catch all their own food. Now that would be self-sustaining efficiency. At least in a big pack, you can help each other when problems arise. Don't think its a good idea to tour alone, 300 miles from home ,without a phone [batteries died]. Just be sure to ride along the safest roads you can and wear reflective clothing and have bike lights. If its foggy out, don't ride. If its raining hard, don't ride. Even go out of your way to bypass a busy road. We want you back in one piece to ride again! This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* *Ride for Health* and *Ride Safely and Responsibly*

Local Bicycle Shop

The mechanic and the owner of "On 2 Wheels"

Skills going back to the 1870s

There is nothing like your local bicycle shop. You can go in and talk bikes, browse for your next pedaling beauty, and learn about getting into bicycle racing, touring,mountain biking or BMX dirt racing. These guys, who have been around for 23 year are located on a wonderful brick building on a spacious corner lot with plenty of room for bikes and equipment. The Owner had a cat called "Campy", a great name :-] This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* *Ride Safe* and *Ride to your local Bike Shop and see what they have to offer*

Collectible Bicycles

Old Huffy Bike

While pedalling around taking pics of small towns I happened to come across a Classic Car Lot and they had a few old bicycles. This Huffy seems in fair shape for it's age and sitting outside in the elements every day. A little History of Huffy Bicycles. First Huffy was called a Dayton and was built in 1892 by George P. Huffman. In 1925 Horace Huffman formed the Huffman Manufacturing Company. Now it's the Huffman Dayton bike. In 1949 the name Huffy bike sticks and becomes a household name. In 1955 Huffy had a radio built into its tank between the seat and handlebars. Over the years Huffy has built and built  and built and has over 100 million bikes sold. Some people find it a very rewarding hobby to find old bicycles and restore them to their past glory. some late 1800s bicycles can sell for about $15k to $20k. I think the value can only increase if kept in fine shape and mint condition. There are a few more old bicycles on this Classic Car lot and I hope to show them in the future.

Pedalling can be a Family Affare

Mother and Son riding together

If you want to get closer to your parents or closer to your kids, there's no better way than to take nice refreshing bicycle cruise down your neighborhood streets. You can even take in outdoor concerts or as this Mother and Son did: Take in some 4th of July Fireworks. There are plenty of things to ride to so don't let 2 wheels stop you. Nothing better than the calming effects of balmy flower scented air to clear your mind and discuss anything now that Mom is in a good mood.  Who knows! Maybe Mom is ready to buy you that used car or that new guitar, all it took was some fresh air and 3 miles of gliding down hills. Even if the convo diverts into small talk, its a memory that can last a lifetime. Our parents wont always be here and neither will we, so lets just make the most of it and enjoy life as it rolls by but please watch for cars and pedestrians. This is Jimio saying: *Ride for Health* *Ride for Fun* *Ride for the Memories* and *Ride with a Camera*

Thumbs-Up for Pedaling!

Guy I met at Cascades Falls Park

This man came out to Cascades Falls to see the fireworks on July 3rd. He used to live in Michigan but lives down south now. I think he was visiting relatives in town. I could tell he was enjoying himself as was I. Nothing like getting exercise and getting around faster than walking. It was a rather hot and humid evening with the temps still hovering in the high 80s by 9 pm. I probably circled the park 20 times looking at all the different people walking around, sitting on picnic tables, sitting on the lawn, walking dogs or carrying tiny dogs in their purses. A few even sat in the back of pickup trucks. A few even played lawn darts [these had no sharp points on the end]. The band near the Falls played all the old hits [Black Magic Woman-Magic Carpet Ride-Taking Care of Business-Radar Love] I almost felt I was transported back to 60s and 70s! It took forever to get dark, I'd say the fireworks didn't go off till 10 pm. The Moon was Full and Love was in the air judging by all the teenagers holding hands. Even a few ancient moldy oldy grownups held hands but I suspect that was more out of nostalgia over the Cascades Falls than over some explosive hormonal thing. This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* *Ride for Health* *Ride for the Memories* cause we ain't getting any younger. =B-]

Have a Safe Happy July 4th

A Bicyclist waits for it to get dark and watch the fireworks at Cascades Falls Park

I remember one year back in 1976. My Uncle Jerry was visiting from Maryland and Dadio decided we all should watch the Cascades Waterfalls. Dadio had left his parking lights on so his battery went dead and after the fireworks we all packed into my 1974 Pinto Wagon. It was a tight squeeze and the shocks bottomed out a few times hitting some bumps but we all made it home. Momio called from home to get a towtruck to give Dadio a jump. The first public showing was May 10, 1932. The Falls are 500 feet in length and have 16 falls with hundreds of different colored lights. The many color combinations are spectacular. A new sound system and computerized lighting were installed in 1983. Seating in front of the Cascades can seat 3,000 people. And many times a Band will play on the small stage. The Cascades Falls Park even has its own Ice Cream Paulor and it was packed today! Also there is a 911 Memorial. A piece of the World Trade Center. You can definately tell that piece of steel was in a very hot fire. You can see the Cascades Falls in the upper left of this photo. They aren't in color yet as it is too bright out . This year was very hot, it was prob 86F at 9 pm. In fact as I.m writing this it is 100F out and suppose to be 100F Thursday and Friday. We need rain badly. I'd guess to say at least 60,000 to 80,000 people watched the fireworks this year. Many came on bikes [I got 4 pics] and many even had their dogs with them. I saw a beautiful Husky Puppy and a Greyhound and a few Pugs and Chihuahuas. A guy drove his 1965 Lincoln Continental Convertable. Red-Orange, a wonderful car. As I was riding Betty Lou [my bike] home, I could barely see the thousands of people sitting on the Cascades Park lawn. Every time a firework went off and spread its majestic colors in splender, it cast a golden glow over the crowd. A Full Moon helped to illuminate a certain erieness of wonder and delight to all the children there. Each time I hear the rockets take off, I looked behind me while on my bike and watched each glorious color and shape. One nice thing also- I avoided the mad rush after the fireworks had finished. Let me just say- You don't want to get caught in traffic as thousands of families are scrambling to get home and me on Betty Lou would be like 2 sitting ducks. This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* *Ride for Health* *Ride ahead of the Madening Crowds*

Pugging Along

Young Lady with her 2 Pugs enjoying a Balmy Summer Evening

While pedalling at Cascades Park I happened to see a very nice trike carrier for small dogs. The nice thing is when you have more than 1 dog they can tend to go in different directions, so this carrier keeps them together. Another advantage is you can also take the dogs out and walk them for a while. If they get tired they can go relax in the carrier and you can go jogging along with them while they rest!

A Tow for the Ladies

Not your Grandma's Towtruck

As I was pedalling downtown Jackson on Race Weekend, I spotting this Pretty In Pink N Purple Tow Truck that Danica Patrick would be proud to own. On a Ford Ranger body it probably sees only duty towing your compact and subcompact variety. I like La Difference, it's nice seeing colors out there on tow trucks other than black,yellow,red or green. They are having the Quicken Loan 400 at MIS [Michigan International Speedway] on Fathers Day June 17th. On June 15th Greg Biffle topped out at 204 mph on the newly repaved track. A little Googling has rendered me the meaning of "Save the Ta Tas" Its for Breast Cancer Awareness and this Tow Truck is not alone. http://www.eastcoasttowing.net/breastcancertowtruck.html

Lets Get Pedalling!

Nice Commuter Bike in Town

I knew this warm weather would bring out the bikes and this little number caught Betty Lou's attention. No frills, no special gadgets, just plain old common sense. Two fenders to ride through puddles if need be, a horn for Slow pokes, a rear rack to carry garage sale items and a front bag for more important things like bananas, cookies, or a camera. I noticed a cable lock but it's not in use as this pic was taken. No doubt the owner was in view of their transportation treasure. This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* *Ride For Health* *Just Get out there and Do-It!*

Pedalling in the Farmlands

Bicycle made from Tractor parts

Farm on Old US12 near Grass Lake Michigan

Well the air is warm and the winds have died down a little so it's time to go long distance pedalling. I felt the urge to take in some peaceful relaxing countryside farm cruising, so I grabbed my camera and jumped on Betty Lou. It was a calm day and not a cloud in the sky. Saw some Sandhill Cranes and got chased by Ginny Hens but other than that I came away unscaythed. This is Jimio saying *Ride in the Country-There's Less Traffic*

Homemade Choppers

I told these guys to start making and selling these chopper bicycles

A few days ago as I was heading north on Stewart Ave I came across these 2 innovative bike builders. They had just put together these 2 EasyRider type Trikes and were giving them a spin. It really amazes me how inventive people can be. These 2 guys sure got some looks from the passers by. Now all they need is a colorful paintjob and some business cards saying: "We Custom Build Bikes" This is Jimio saying *Ride Safe* *Ride For Health* and above all *Ride For Fun*

Trickster Bike

Chrome

Talk about your shiney reflection, I hope this guy wears sunglasses so as not to get blinded while riding his Trickster Bike. I met him while at our local Classic Car Show. Got a nice pic of that Motorcycle behind him also. Heh, even the valve stems and caps are chrome. Shine Baby Shine! This is Jimio saying *Ride Safe* *Ride for Fun and Health* *Ride for Show*

Pedalling for Comfort not Speed




Woman riding a Trailmate EZ-Roll Trike

 

One Wheel is better than None!



My first Unicycle Pic



A Bike with Style



Denali at Cascades Park



Another Neat Bike

Groovy Wheels on this Bike

Mindy's Bike

Mindy's Red Raleigh

Donating Bikes to Kenya

Bikes for Kenya Project

I pedalled to my local downtown Coffee Shop to enjoy a strong hearty brew and this bright yellow trike caught my eye. Upon further inspection I found that when purchasing coffee, the shop will donate a portion of the proceeds towards these tricycles so the farmers in rural areas of Kenya can transport water and coffee to and from the villages. The farmers cant afford vehicles to transport the coffee and the roads are probably rugged and very narrow. It's nice to see bicycles and tricycles helping small businesses and small countries save money in an energy efficient way. *Ride Safe* *Ride for Fun* *Ride for Health* *Ride for the World* -Jimio

City Workers Doing Their Thing

City Workers spreading mulch at Consumers Energy Parking Garage

Another sign that Spring is here when you see City Workers [DPW means Dept. of Public Works I assume] spreading mulch. In the next few weeks other workers and private citizens will be planting flowers to make my town look so nice! What was cool was the workers shoveled the mulch out of the back of a city dump truck and when they could not reach it from the back, they closed the tailgate, then lifted the dumper in the air and the mulch in the front all settled against the tailgate. Then they lowered the dumper, opened the tailgate and had a huge fresh supply of Mulcherino! This is Jimio saying *Ride Safe-RideforFun* and get ready to smell the Flowers!

Spring means Cruisin

Man with Grand Daughter on a Sidewalk Cruise

This early Spring has brought a lot of people out into the streets and sidewalks and it's such a pleasure to see them all enjoying this wonderful weather. This Grandpa and Grand Daughter were on their way to the Ice Cream Shop to cool them down after a long Sidewalk Cruise. Here's to a Happy Safe Spring: *Cheers* -Jimio

Bikes a Way of Life to Some of Us

Bicycling sure beats Walking

Some of us ride a bike for fun while other ride a bike as a necessity to get around and while walking is probably the oldest form of transportation, the bicycle made its entrance in 1817 in the city of Baden Germany. I bet when the bikes were mass produced, many people were thrilled to get across town a lot faster than walking and no horse or donkey to feed and care for! The early bicycle didn't even have chains or pedals. The riders just used their feet for power. Doesn't seem very efficient. I'm sure though that after a while a few people managed to make a living on their bikes. Others found that their bikes gave them the freedom to discard other forms of transportation and in that sence their bikes became a fundamental part of their life, at least until the automobile was invented. Even today we have people who depend on these 2-wheeled contraptions to get them about their way of living. While some people buy $3,000 bicycles to either race or tour, the frugal riders can pick up bicycles at a garage sale for $20 and with a little oil and a few minor adjustments be ready to glide down Life's Highway. I just hope these often and regular pedallers keep their eyes open for the cars that are not really looking for bikes and as more bicyclers grace our roads, streets and boulevards, I look forward to the future of more bike paths and trails to ensure a safer riding experience. This is Jimmio saying *Ride Safe - Ride for Fun -Ride for Life*

Economizing

Bike parked at the Post Office

In this day of tight budgets and layoffs and new debt ceiling limits, one must find ways to save money. This person saved on a rear bike basket with this nifty plastic milk crate. *Bravo* I say to the innovators and the frugal creators. I also have resorted to such money saving endeavors with the use of scotch tape, duct tape, bundgy cords, string, wires, chain and the wonderful bread ties. Over my 57 years on this Earth I haved owned only 3 Bicycles: A 1966 black Schwinn Racer which I recieved for getting all A's in the 5th grade, a 1974 Fuji Finest that I did a few tours on and now, Betty Lou, a Murray Elk River mountain bike. Murray Bikes are no longer in business as Briggs-N-Stratton bought them out and use their name on Lawn and Garden equipment. I'm not sure of Betty Lou's age maybe 15 to 20 years old, but she gets me around to places I need to go. Only thing I done was new tires , tubes and pedals and take the bikestand off to save on weight [Betty Lou weighs a ton] Some innovate their bikes with lots of reflective tape. This hopefully ensures cars will see you at night. I admit I'm not good at reflective clothing or tape so I have to be extra care when I hear a car comming near me. Staying on the sidewalk at night helps a lot. Some people even innovate by making homemade carriers and extre seats to haul their toddlers in [just be sure its a safe sturdy connection to your bike] and pets also get to ride in some ingenious devices hooked to the handlebars. Also a good way to economize is go slow over huge bumps and dont jump off curbs, its hard on the rims and always go around potholes [your bike will thank you as well as your bones] -This is Jimio saying *Ride Fun* *Ride Safe* *Ride Frugally*

A Relaxful Ride

Mom taking young son out for a stroll

Oh what a wonderful first week of January I have seen! Upper 40s and low 50s most days and every day totally sunny, great for pedalling and picture taking. I'm enjoying this Global Warming, whether its true or not [I feel it is] and I hope to see less snow and ice covered streets this winter. As I was riding, I stopped to talk to this happy mom taking her son for a walk. She told me to have a safe ride and I said I had to be very careful because many drivers never watch for bikes here since they never encounter them often enough to really watch out for us. I told her we needed more bike lanes and paths and she said in Ann Arbor where she works there are many more bike lanes. I suppose this is true since the University of Michigan is located in the center of Ann Arbor and you have so many students getting around by bicycle. Im sure most Ann Arbor drivers are well aware of the bicycles pedalling about. When ever I drove to Ann Arbor to the U of M Chessclub I passed many a 2-Wheeled commuter and felt frustrated if they got in my way. Its only natural and I feel frustrated when I'm pedalling. Its only recently that I have a greater appreciation for pedallers since I have been riding Betty Lou these past 5 years. I now respect both cars and pedallers, but I do feel the cars must give bicyclers more respect due to their greater ability to inflict damage. It's very hard for a bike to hurt someone in a car but the opposite is quite the reverse. Well enough of this sad talk, I have noticed the streets have been unusually devoid of people this past week. No doubt it's due to them trying to recover from all the festivities. In a way that beneficial to me [less cars to contend with or pedestrians to swerve around but less people to take pics of] Anyways, here's hoping things get a little better and not a lot worse for here, there and everywhere [Universe Included] -Jimio saying *Ride Safe* *Ride Healthy* *Ride Happy*