Happy 4th to all the Pedalers out there.

This happy bicycler has a trailer that can carry small children or pets!

This is Jimio saying *Happy 4th* of July to all those who pedal around. Be careful to watch for cars and other bikes and pedestrians, for they might not be concentrating on the roads or sidewalks too well because of so many things on their minds. Some may even have started to party kinda early and have gotten a head start so just be extra cautious and have a great time on your bike.

Spring is here - Get that bike out of the basement

This family is ready to tour the neighborhood on this warm spring day in early May.

When the birds are chirping furiously and the flowers on the trees are blooming, you know that it is time to drag those bikes out of the basement or the garage and to start your way to getting healthier. All its takes is an air pump [or take the tires to a local auto tire shop but dont pump them too hard or they will explode. Those car tire pressure hoses push a lot of pressure. I just squeeze the tires and if they barely move a little its ok. You dont need your tires as hard as a rock.] and some WD40 or a bottle of engine oil for that rusty chain. Make sure the brakes are tight, pedals on snug and the seat adjusted for comfort. The young ones should wear a helmet also for protection. Im my small town I recommend riding on the sidewalk near busy streets because cars just don't watch out for you and you have no chance in a wreck vs a car. On side streets its ok because traffic is very limited and most drivers there hopefully are driving near home and have children of their own so know how precious it is to go slow around bicycles. This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* *Ride for Health*

A Little Bit of History

My Bike "Loretta" at The Elaine Apartments

This beautiful 8 story building started out in 1865 as a Chartered Bank #1533 by the USA Govt to the people of Jackson Michigan. It was 4 stories back then but was torn town in 1912 and the bank used the 1st floor while the remaining floors were used by doctors, dentists, lawyers and real-estate agents. In 1929 the bank merged and moved down the street and they leased the 1st floor to Albert Kantor who ran a fashionable womens clothing store called "The Elaine. In 1945 Albert bought the building and kicked the other businesses out and he occupied until 1967. In 1971 the building was converted to apartments .http://blog.mlive.com/citpat_history/2008/02/building_had_long_history.html The buildings vestibule and lobby has Italian Botticino marble and bronze and terrazzo floors. During the 1929 crash Gov William Comstock mandated an 8 day banking holiday. After the holiday ended, the bank never reopened as the original bank.  http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2015/02/peek_through_time_jacksons_mag.html#incart_related_stories  This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun*  *Ride for Health* and *Ride to Historic Places*

College Bicycling

Young Ladies from Jackson College

Many Colleges and Universities across the United States have facilities for bicyclers to enjoy their sport even if just for fun. I'm not sure if any higher learning institution offers a degree in Pro-Cycling but it would not surprise me if one or two do offer it. At Jackson College I'm sure there is no degree in Bicycling but still that does not deter these 2 fine ladies from enjoying a nice day around the area of southern Jackson. Most colleges will let you store your bicycle right in your dorm room and there are plenty of bike racks to lock your bike on as you go from class to class. Just remember, you still have to follow the rules of the road on rural roads coming out of the college and into the urbal streets of Jackson. This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* *Ride for Exercise* and even *Ride to Learn* Cheers!

Can you be a Drunk Bicycler and not get a Ticket?

This bicycle was parked outside the Town Bar

I was looking up the Michigan law on bicycles and you won't believe what I read. http://www.lmb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=38 if you read #22 of this link it says: " 22. Can you be charged with a DUI while riding a bicycle? No. Although it would be dangerous to ride a bicycle while intoxicated, a bicycle is not a motor vehicle according to the Michigan Vehicle Code. DUI only applies to motor vehicles. Other ordinances may apply however, such as being intoxicated or as a danger to oneself or another." Also you cannot get points added to your drivers license since a bicycle is not a motor vehicle. I guess there is no way to keep you off a bicycle if you like to drive drunk like they do with cars. The law should keep repeated drunk bicyclers off the streets for the very fact that bikes share the streets with cars and have to follow most of the traffic laws. A motorist can get killed trying to avoid hitting a drunk bicyclist and the bicyclist can hurt or kill pedestrians since his reaction time is slowed down considerably. I have seen a bicyclist on Francis Street ride about 10 feet and fall over and get back on his bike and crash again another 10 to 15 feet later. I'm saying if we as bicyclers want to have many of the rights and priviledges as motorists, then we should follow the same rules as not riding drunk. One good law is the requirement that to sell a bicycle, it must have all the proper reflectors on it. At least at night if a car's lights shine on those bike reflectors, the driver will see you. This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* or *Ride to Work* but dont ride drunk but drink responsibly and ride under the drunk limit just as with a car, because I want all riders to be able to ride again the next day.

Bicycling can last a Lifetime

An older couple enjoying a bike ride on portable fold-up bikes.

You are never too old to bicycle and it's never too late to start enjoying the world gliding on 2 wheels.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dahon They are enjoying Dahon folding bikes. Made to store in tight places and excellent to travel with.the only thing I can precaution is, during your golden years, falling can be extremely dangerous, so you extra care when riding. Don't take any steep hills, or thick gravel roads. These two retirees were well equipped with extra soft chairs to sit on while observing the Balloons at the Jackson Hot-Air Jubilee. She even has extra cusion on her bike seat. She probably has food and water or drinks in that saddlebag on her side while the husband seems to have a cellphone connected to his belt. So whatever age you are, just get out there and breathe some fresh air, take in some sights and keep them muscles working. This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* and *Ride for Health*

Betty Lou gets Retired

Jimio on his new Mountain Bike, Loretta

Well after 7 years of faithful service to old Jimio, Betty Lou has finally wore out. With only 1 gear working well and no rear brake, I decided to send her to the Old Bikes Home. Actually the Bicycle Union on Mechanic Street where they will fix her up and donate her to a needy family. My new mountain bike was given to me by my nephew Phillip who must have known the abysmal shape of Betty Lou through my conversations with his Mom, my sister, Missy. This new bike is a Schwinn Acension 29. It has 29' wheels which help soften the bumps in the road. So far it has been very responsive and easy to ride and with the full knobby tires, gets me through the snow just fine and dandy. Only problem was the handbrakes at too high an angle. That was easily corrected by rotating the handlebar forward to get just the right comfortable grip. I'm looking forward to taking more photos of people, places, animals and things with the sure smooth wheels of Loretta. This is Jimio saying *Ride for fun* *Ride Safe* and have a *Happy New Year 2014*

This Meeting is Called to Order

bikes having their Annual Reunion

Every year at this time these bikes gather under these Elms to discuss the past years wear n tear on their frames and to find ways to encourage their owners to keep themselves well maintained. The biggest concern is oil and grease and spare inner-tubes. The next order of business is making sure their bolts are snug and brakes are tight. The last detail is to remind their owners to ride in the safest way possible and to stay off busy, bumpy and trash n glass filled roads n sidewalks. his is Jimio saying: * Be Good to your Bike* and *Your Bike will be Good to You*

Bicycle Mower

Keep riding muscles in shape and do a chore too!

I wonder how really practical this 1/2 Mower - 1/2 Bicycle contraption is? Well if it doesn't work that efficiently, it still makes a nice lawn ornament! This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* and *Ride Safe*

Out for a Sunday Afternoon Ride

Father and his kids enjoying the nice weather

Lately I have been seeing a lot of families out pedaling and having a great time. Riding together is good for your health cause it tones the muscles and strengthens the heart and lungs. It also makes one feel invigorated and refreshed plus while you are all together it gives them a time to discuss whatever ideas that come to one's mind. Its also a way to see your town or neighborhood up close and to view the positive things out there as well as to avoid any negative things. Also the parents when riding with children can teach them safe bicycling skills that should keep them safe. While I was talking to them we discussed some of the attractions Jackson had to offer like where one could go to see concerts and bands. Places that have closed and new venues that have opened. This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* *Ride Safe* and *Ride for Health*

Spring is in the air!

What a great day for a ride!

Looks like this family is enjoying the warm Good Friday weather we had today. It was Sunny and 50F.

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*