FTL Monthly Photos

August's Monthly Ride turned out to be awesome!! Thanks to everyone who came out. I had a great time. And I feel it was one of our best rides yet. Thanks to Kelly's Landing for the great hospitality. Next months ride will be posted soon. See you then!!! Here's some pictures I took.

Markham Park!

Angel and I went out to Markham Park this past Saturday. It was my second time riding the trails, and I have to say I was a lot better this time around. Must haves when adventuring at Markham: Camel Back!! Helmet!! Shin guards!!! And No Hangover!! I was able to hang with Angel the whole time and he had me going down expert trails. I did how ever take a spill down some hill. One thing I have learned is, just flow with it. If you stop and look down the hill, your not going to have good results.

Highlight of the day. We saw an accident were a girl had looked like she broke her nose. They were off to the side of the trail when Angel and myself approached. We had asked if everyone was ok. And the first response we got was. "Dude. That's an awesome beard"

Weekend Happenings

Miami's monthly Critical Mass. Friday at 6:30 Government Center. I promise I will attend one of these days. As soon as I get a better job with better hours! But that's a different topic. GO!!!!

If your in Orlando head down to their monthly Critical Mass. My job sends me to Otown a lot. But just like the Miami Critical Mass, I can never attend. Mostly because I am driving back to Miami at the time it starts.

Jarad and Kelli from Heart of Gold Clothing will be hosting a garage sale this week at their home in Boca Raton. They will be selling a bunch of Heart of Gold shirts and some other stuff. Starts Saturday morning at 10am and will run thru the afternoon. Check it out. Directions here!

Fort Lauderdale's Monthly Group Ride will be this Sunday. In true FTL fashion we will depart Holiday Park Rinks at 6:00PM!!! Maybe 6:30, not 6:45. We will ride a 12 mile route, and finish at Kelly's Landing for some amazing seafood and salad for the veggies. Meet up at 5PM for some pre ride activities. Here's the route:

After the Monthly Ride is over. Head on over to the Record Swap. Cinema Paradiso will host this vinyl extravaganza. Full Bar, Free Admission, and a movie screening of House of the Rising Punk. Starts at 8pm.

Ride Safe!!!

Polo Video

This video reminds me of The Mighty Ducks. When Emilio Estevez skates around the rink at night alone, trying to figure out his life....

Roadie vs. Driver

So, last weeks incident that transpired in Boca Raton involving a group of road cyclist and some moron in a red convertible Lexus. Is still much the talk of the town. Here is the latest article posted on Sun Sentinel.

I am a regular cyclist on A1A in Boca. I generally cycle alone. Occasionally, I have a dachshund in my bike basket. I also drive a Lexus convertible. So I understand the frustrations on both sides of the recent incident.

Mass cyclists have a tendency to appear arrogant, but their heads are down, they are looking at the road and they go pretty fast. A1A has a rigid speed limit. The driver allegedly attacked did not have to overtake the cyclists. He could have waited until they moved in, or simply driven behind them — he wasn't on his way to perform life-threatening surgery.

I am deeply concerned about the ending to your report on the incident (bearing in mind that the cyclist was arrested). Apparently, the driver told your reporter: "In another minute or so, I was going to take out my gun and take a couple of them out. I don't think the whole road belongs to them."

I am amazed that the Lexus driver wasn't arrested on the spot! Maybe I should get a gun to safely ride by bike and drive my car. If I had taken out every driver who has clipped me or my bike, knocked me off my bike or hooted at me (taking up too much of the bike lane), then I could fairly be compared with some of the world's worst terrorists.

GUNS!! What the hell is that! First off, I am not a fan of guns. But I do realize that we live in one of the scummiest place's in the country and having a gun is not that bad of an idea. So what do we do now? Do they make cycling jerseys with enough room for Clif Quench and a piece?

What are all you thoughts on this? Leave your comments. I am really interested in what other people think about this. Was the cyclist wrong for taking a swing? Was the driver wrong for instigating the roadies?

Q and A with Don Walker Cycles

1. Name, Age, Occupation.
Don Walker, 42 (43 next month), Bicycle Frame builder, Bicycle Shop Owner, NAHBS Dude.

2. Were do you live?
Speedway, Indiana.

3. Tell us a little bit about Don Walker Cycles and these beautiful frames you build.
I started building frames in late 1990. Honestly, all I cared about was race bikes back then. It was all about performance, and aesthetics meant very little to me. Not saying I didn't lay down a pretty fillet, but it was after I really realized that making race bikes wasn't going to pay the bills. Racers barely spend money on bikes, most of the time they want it free or for cheaper than a set of tubes and a paint job costs. Then, I really focused on making them pretty for the guys who actually had money. I still pay attention to the performance aspects of the bikes, of course, but I pay much closer attention to the details than when I first started.

4. You run the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. Tell us about all the crazy stuff you see.
Well, I wouldn't necessarily call the stuff I see as crazy. Since the shows inception in 2005, there were fewer frame builders, so I have seen crazy growth in that aspect. I have also seen that the quality of the entire handmade industry raise to new levels, but as for crazy bikes? I can only think of one, and that was the Peacock Groove "Kill Bill" bike at this years show. It wasn't crazy in the sense of poor design or anything like that, it was crazy in the concept and execution. I loved it! I can't wait to see what he is up to for next years show...

5. In the last couple years the track/fixed gear craze as been blowing up. What do you see happening in the future?
I think the new fixie riders will get bored and either take their riding to a new level, i.e. learn to race track, or they will quit. Far too many of them got into it for fashion and keeping up with the Jone's. I really think that more folks will discover that Cross is fun, too.

6. What is you favorite city to ride in?
I grew up in Sacramento, CA., so I have way more time riding there than anywhere else. I have to admit, when I ride nowadays, I ride out into the country surrounding Indianapolis. But if I had to choose between the two, I would go with Indy now. I live on the west side in Speedway and I can be on a country road in 20 minutes. That's a good thing. I don't particularly like fighting with cars for a lane downtown, but I have been known to do it on occasion.

7. Where do you see the market for custom frames going?
I see the trend continuing to grow, however, its going to be tougher for the newbies to make it. Each year that goes by, I see a bunch of guys hang a shingle and say "I build frames!" and each year I see a few of them quit that had hung a shingle within the last 5 years or so. The problem is one that most folks that get into this don't understand or don't believe could happen to them. When a new builder asks a pro builder for advice, the most commonly repeated phrase is "Don't quit your day job, kid" and far too many of these newbies do quit long before they should have. Building frames isn't a great way to make a living. Instead, its a great hobby that rarely pays off. But, going back to the question, it becomes a matter of supply and demand. If you have a better than average product or reputation, folks will seek you out. If you make something that few other folks do, people will seek you out. The growth since the inception of the show continues to climb at a rate of about 15-20% per year, based on the distributors that I have talked to, but, I should add that they also sell to many guys who make just one bike for themselves.

8. How is the riding were you live. What are the pros and cons of cycling in Indianapolis?
The riding is good here. There's plenty of good bike trails around town and Indy is looking to add many more. They are very progressive when it comes to cycling, which is one reason I chose Indy as the location for NAHBS this year. The Cons? Well, some motorists just don't "get it". But that happens everywhere. Another pro? I can ride to Major Taylor Velodrome in 15 minutes....

9. Tell us what you are working on these days?
I have some frames I am finishing up this week and have 4 or 5 more that I need to start on. NAHBS always keeps me busy as well. I just conceptualized my daughter's college bike. She starts in a couple weeks and I want to get her something ASAP so she can get between buildings efficiently and with style. I also just designed one of my NAHBS bikes. Its going to shock quite a few folks...

10. What is your favorite material to work with? Lugged, Tig, Fillet?
I am a steel guy. I had worked with titanium and can start making ti bikes sometime soon, but I am behind on so many projects, I just want to get caught up so I can do it. Also, I am primarily a fillet brazer. When I first started there were lugs even close to the angles I needed or shaped for aero tubing, so I fillet brazed. Just within the last 3 or 4 years I really started doing lugged bikes. I have a tig welder, it sits in the corner... for now.

11. As anyone ever rode one of your bikes to victory?
Oh, plenty. As I stated earlier, I was all about performance. Since I was a trackie back in the day, I had plenty of connections that still raced and I got as many of them as I could on my bikes. Fast Freddy Markham, Matt Chambers, (among many others) some Trinidad/Tobago National Team riders and a few Canadian National Team riders as well. All that within the first couple years building. 94 was a banner year. Shaun Wallace rode one of my bikes to a Silver Medal in the commonwealth games in the individual pursuit. The next year, he Bronzed at the worlds in the Kilo on one of mine, but it wasn't badged as a Don Walker. Since I had a lapse in building (96-2001) I had to re-establish myself. I was living in Texas and made several connections that all kicked ass at different levels. Men's State Road Champ, National Tandem (track) champs, Woman's Track and Road Champs, etc. I'm proud of the fact that I had designed and built some really, really good bikes for some really fast people.

12. When can we we expect to see you at the Brain Piccolo Velodrome in Florida?
If Masters Nats comes to BPV, You might see me there. I am currently riding and planning on racing next season. When you see me at NAHBS, there will be a whole lot "less" of me...

13. Running the North American Handmade Bike Show. Do you see potential in the track bikes that you see from smaller builders?
I think the problem most builders have is that they still see things as round and lugged. Sure, they are gorgeous to look at and probably ride well, but they aren't as fast as oversize or aero bikes. That doesn't mean that they are bad bikes, it just means they aren't building the "fastest" bike a rider can be on. Don't forget, this is just my humble opinion. If it came down to a race where all the bikes were the same, its going to be the fastest/smartest rider that wins.

14. What is the one thing you would tell an up and coming builder to do or stay away from?
KEEP YOUR DAY JOB! That, or "marry well". Only build for paying customers after you run out of relatives and friends, never before. In all seriousness, I like to encourage them, but I don't want them to make mistakes that I or any other builder have made. When I give advice about geometry and tell them what works and what doesn't, I expect them to take it as gospel, because that means I or someone I know have made that error and its not worth going that direction. Also, have a buttload of money in the bank, because the first 3 years are going to be tough (if they did quit their day job) and put together a business plan and hire an accountant.

Don Walker makes some amazing bicycles. Be sure to head over to his site and check them out. He also has a blog page see it here.

Cyclist Hit on Davie Blvd!

Fort Lauderdale police were investigating a near-fatal crash Thursday morning involving a Toyota Scion and a bicyclist in the 2700 block of Davie Boulevard.

The crash happened shortly before 9 a.m. when a man riding on a red bicycle collided with the Scion, said police spokesman Sgt. Patrick Hart.
Hart said the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. He was taken to Broward General Hospital in critical condition.

The hospital is telling us "it is not looking good'' Hart said.

The Scion appeared to be heading south on Northwest 27th Avenue and making a left turn onto Davie Boulevard when the car collided with the bicycle.

I understand that a lot of us do not wear helmets when we ride. I know I don't. With the race coming up next weekend. I encourage people to throw some protection on their heads. Their will be an advantage for the folks that think twice and wear a helmet. Be careful!

Story form Miami Herald

My Knees Hurt!!!!

I found this story online. After riding this weekend with Angel. I was experiencing some pretty awful knee pain. Here are some recommendations from Mark Lydecker, a physical therapist at the Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Medicine Center. Enjoy!

Knee pain: Often caused by a saddle that's too low or too far forward. The seat should be roughly hip high. A leg reaching to the bottom of a pedal stroke should have a slight bend in the knee, 25 to 30 degrees. When a pedal is forward in the 9 o'clock position, the knee cap should be directly over the axel of the pedal. Optimally, cyclists turn the pedals at 80 to 100 revolutions per minute. Pushing too large a gear, at lower RPMs, can strain knee ligaments and lead to patelofemoral pain.

Back pain: A seat that's too high can be the cause, forcing riders to rock their hips and reach at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Reaching too far from the seat to the handle bars can create similar problems, strained muscles in the back and shoulders. In a proper position, the upper body should be at a 45-degree angle and the arms will drop from the shoulders at a 90-degree angle. Elbows should have a slight bend, about 15 degrees.

Numbness: A proper bike fit should alleviate numbness or tingling in hands and feet, and padded bike shorts will help maintain blood flow to more delicate body parts.

Full story here:

Weekend Happenings

The Bicycle Film Fest will be hitting Orlando this weekend. So drive up, show up and support!!

KU Jewelry

Some lucky ladies will be walking away with these after the River Rat Alley Cat. Thanks to Takahiro Kudo at KU Jewelery. So girls! Be sure to come out and race as fast as you can if you would like to see one of these around your neck!!!

Ouch!

Q and A with Juliet Elliot

1. Name, Age, Occupation.
Juliet Elliott, 29, Occupation?
I work in PR/Marketing/Events/Design/Consultancy, I guess

2. Were do you live?
London.

3. What are you riding these days?
Frame: Charge Plug with Charge Nozzle Fork. Thomson Stem, any old risers. Always ODI Grips my favorite! Wheels: Charge Dish, Seatpost: Charge, Cranks: Charge/Sugino Messengers, Seat: Charge Bucket

4. Were is your favorite place to ride?
London or NYC

5. How long have you been riding for Charge Bikes?
About a year

6. Do you see a increase of girl riders in the UK? And how are they shaping up with the tricks?
There are absolutely loads of girl riders in the UK. Tons. Its great! Although not many doing tricks. Each to their own though, eh?

7. As a lady. Do you find it hard to keep up with the gents when racing to the pub?
I find it hard to keep up with the girls when we race to the pub. Posy in particular – that girl is fast!

8. I read that your were a professional snowboarder, sponsored by Burton and Gravis. Is snowboarding still one of your passions?
I LOVE snowboarding but sadly I can’t afford to go much now I have to pay for myself.

9. In the last few years the whole fixed gear culture has been blowing up. How do you feel on all the stuff that keeps happening? Were and what would you like see change?
I think its great that so many people are riding fixed gear bikes now. If the fixed scene has inspired more people to ride bikes then I think that’s fantastic! The more people on bikes, the better. Any bikes! It does seem a shame that the more people get into riding, the more the scene splinters. When I first started riding there was a really strong sense of community amongst fixed gear riders but nowadays the polo people don’t really see the freestylers much and the forum people (londonfgss) often tend to do their own thing too. A couple of years back everyone used to meet up on Brick Lane on a Sunday and hang out and that doesn’t really happen anymore.

10. Tell us a little bit about Hell Yeah. And that awesome wizard shirt!
Well I started Hell Yeah last year. I just make stuff that I like so I guess its kinda based on metal and magic and things like that. I make really small runs of shirts every now and again. Then I realize I haven’t done one for a while so I make another one! I’ve been saying this for a while but I guess I should try and get some kind of distro and build it up slightly. I have quite a lot going on at the moment though so I haven’t got around to it. Keep meaning to do stickers too and I haven’t even managed that.

11. Ever hear of Headset Clothing? They make reversible cycling hats out of unwanted fabrics! I think I see a callabo in the future with Hell Yeah and Headset. You?
I just googled them. They look really good! I cant wear cycling caps myself as I look like an idiot in them.

12. What can we expect to see from Juliet Elliott in the coming months? Any new videos maybe a custom Juliet Elliott frame?
Haha, I don’t think there will ever be a frame! I’m looking forward to riding the Scissor (the frame Ted helped design) when that comes in. Other than that, I’ve just set up a PR/Marketing/Events company with my friend Posy. We’re already handling PR for Charge and Tokyo Fixed Gear and will be working with some other companies in the near future.
We throw monthly parties. I am doing some freelance shirt designs for other clothing companies. And I am teaming up with cosmetic/perfume company, Les Ettes to make a new product which I’m really excited about! I’ll definitely be making some more videos, shooting pictures and riding as much as possible. Oh, and in October my friends and I are gonna be in San Francisco with our bikes. I can’t wait – I’ve never been. I hope I can handle the hills! I might have to change my gearing!

13. Is there anything you would like to add? Like, when can we expect to see Juliet Elliott in South Florida rolling with Thriller Crew?
Thanks for taking the time to chat to me! God, I would love to come to South Florida. I wish I had more money and more time. I love travelling, riding my bike and meeting new people. It’s the best!

River Rat Alley Cat Update

Ok so heres an update:

Registration will be at:
Pirates Republic
400 SW 3rd Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
2PM Registration
4PM Race will Begin


BRING A BAG!!

The Velodrome on Sunday is all set.
Meet at Brian Piccolo Park between 10-11am
We will be BBQ in the park at 2pm


We still need some volunteers. So if anybody is interested PLEASE email or comment with your name.

Weekend Happenings

Headset Clothing is sponsoring this upcoming race in Birmingham, AL. The Bici Cooperative will be hosting the all girl Flirty 30 Alley Cat this Saturday. The race is in support for Elisa 30th birthday. So if any of the South Florida Ladies want to rep it up there in Alabama head up and show your support. Guys you can race but have to wear a skirt! More info here:

Other than that. Not to much happening this weekend in SoFlo. Have fun and Ride Safe!!!!

Keirin Open Sprints!!!

Keirin's Monthly Open Sprints will be tonight. Come on out to PS14 at 10PM and race for some money. See you there..

Worlds Longest Cycling Tunnel

Check out this awesome idea! The City of San Sebastian in Spain. Used one of their old train tracks and made it into a bicycle tunnel. It connects two local neighborhood together and runs a length of 852 meters. By the looks of this picture looks like a bunch of fun. Read the story here. And you can also link to other citys in EUROPE! That do this kind of stuff!!!

I am suggesting a tunnel under the Inter-coastal. Why should we have to wait for over sized yachts to pass, and take their time... Thoughts?

Thanks Karly for sending this over!

Thanks Urban Velo!

Urban Velo did a little write up on our Monthly Rides. Head on over to their site and check it out. They post tons of good stuff everyday. So support them and leave your feedback!!!

Q and A with Terraferma Cycles

1. Name, age, occupation.

Michael Terraferma, 37 years, welder /frame builder.

2. Were do you live?

Coral Gables, shop is located in my house. also in Coral Gables.

3. How did Terraferma Cycles start?

Out of a desire to first fit my self on a frame that's right for me, and build something that stood out from the rest of the cookie cutter bikes. South FL was probably one of the major cities in the states that did not have this alternative. That is how I stated this journey.

4. Over the past few years, track bikes and fixed gears have become very popular. Have you seen an increase in custom track frames?

In the last few years I have done a lot of track/fixed gear frames. But the market has now become so flowed with these type of frames, it is almost impossible to compete. A frame from the far east with components is about $500.00 bucks. A good tubeset is $300.00. So you can have your choice of a custom frame that is unique to you, or some tig welded frame that is well, you know.

5. What do you like working with better, carbon or steel?

I really prefer steel and try to sell customers on that. I make carbon frames with my own steel lugs. But I think that steel is just the best material out there for the long run.

6. With all the companies mass producing frames overseas. Does your business feel the competition?

Yes and No. People that know bikes will consider a custom frame. But the guy in the street looking to just get into the sport will buy what he probably sees in the store. He has no idea about tolerance on frame and how a good builder can probably tun something out that is far better then most factories.

7. Whats your favorite place to ride?

I raced in Italy for a summer, so everything is second to that. Now just the Key.

8. What do you see in South Florida that needs to be changed regarding cycling?

We need for bike paths, and the cycling culture should worry less about how much there bike cost and maybe just concentrate on riding and training and maybe being friendly.

9. How would you feel about collaborating with Headset Clothing on a Terraferma Cycling Hat?

I am always up for anything.

10. Has anyone ever riding your frames to victory?

Not sure but probably not, I keep in touch with a lot of customers. As long as the frame gives them pleasure for years to come, that is enough for me.

11. You will be at the FTL River Rat Alley Cat in September right?

Not really sure, but I might be. I just heard about in this forum.

12. Is there anything you would like to add regarding the South Florida Cycling community?

I would like to meet more of you guys, my phone and e-mail lines are always open.

Mike has a bike building program that he does at his shop in Coral Gables.. If anyone is interested shoot him a email. A couple nights a week and you can learn an amazing trade and leave with a custom built bike!!! Check it out!

Cheap Shot

Senators Tom Coburn and John McCain released a report on July 30 called "Out of Gas" which identifies and criticizes all non-highway transportation spending. In particular, they single out bicycle and pedestrian projects as an unnecessary luxury. The conclusion calls on Washington politicians to sit down with the report and their red pens. From there, the report says, “crossing out extraneous transportation spending should be our first priority.” Read and say something here.

Go f**k yourselves!!

Weekend Happenings

Miami Bike Summit 2009. This Saturday at 6pm. More info here.

Other than that. Have Fun and Ride Safe!

Fixed Gears of Key West is hosting another race this weekend. I heard good things from the last race a few weeks ago. So lets gather up some troops and head on down for some conch fritters and weird people watching!! If anyone is interested in going shoot me an email. There is more info here.

The race will start at the White Street Pier at 6pm and there is a $5 entry fee.

This is Awesome

I know that there is a school somewere with a good sized track. Why dont WE set something up like this?

Loose Cannons Tonight!!

Tonight is the monthly Loose Cannons Race in Miami. Start at 10 and ends when your done! More info here. There will be the usual $50 bar tab for the winner. And $2 beers for all cyclist.

Race starts:
SoFlo Skate and Bike Shop
3301 Grand Ave
Coconut Grove, Fl. 33139

And Ends Here:
The News Lounge
55th NE 4th Ct
Miami, FL 33137

Future Plans

A recent Sun Sentinel story, said that Amtrak wants to return service to Florida's most East railroad tracks. The trains would operate on the Florida East Coast railways that run through all the important city centers. The train will run between Jacksonville and Miami.

I think this is a great idea. I have posted on this topic before and have taken part in the surveys benefiting this change. With the cost of living and everyday necessities. This plan will help everyone out that happens to work or live any were along these lines. Here is the link for the full story. Read up on it. Then take this survey.

Q and A with Rydel

1. Name, Age, Occupation.
Rydel, 32, purveyor of run-on sentences.

2. Where do you live?
Unincorporated Miami-Dade County.

3. What are you riding these days?
1984 Basso, 49/17 ratio w/ a slew of Italian componentry (Campagnolo / 3TTT / Gipiemme / Selle Italia) + a Specialized Rockhopper which rarely gets any action.

4. Name your favorite place to ride. Why?
Any smooth preferably tree-lined road with descents, curves, and a strong tail wind. Why? Because I put no effort, can pretend to be really fast & not sweat in the process.. Looks amazing in HD videos too. Unfortunately that's never the case, so instead I settle to ride throughout Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, South Miami, Coconut Grove, Miami Beach & Ft. Lauderdale. I'm most content riding in S. Florida after dusk. Chicago is my favorite city in which I've ridden in, great during the fall. Portland is also awesome.


5. Explain how Miami Bike Scene and MIA Fixed became.
I started Miami Bike Scene in Nov '07 due to the lack of community down here. There was no online hub for everyday bike commuters & the burgeoning fixed-gear scene. At first there was really not much for me to post about except for a few Critical Mass rides. Then came the first Loose Cannons race in Jan '08 and the Earth First Alleycat the following month. Since then the scene has grown slowly but steadily and so have the events/races. Now the blog boasts an events calendar with several bicycle related activities weekly, there's plenty of options for all types of riders.


The MIA Fixed forum came about due to requests from a couple riders desiring a place online to congregate, FLFixed was already established, but quite frankly not many people from Miami visited that forum. MIA Fixed was started early this year and has 350 registered members, it's an active community and lots of people organize rides, ask questions, sell goods, & sometimes post irrelevant nonsense via the forum. I believe it's quite an asset to our bike scene and not necessarily just for fixed-gear riders how the name implies.

6. How do you feel about the South Florida Cycling Scene?
There's plenty for everyone to be a part of. Whether you're doing an early morning ride with a group of road cyclists, riding late night with some degenerates, commuting to work, BMX'n, riding laps at the velodrome, playing bike polo, MTBing, or taking a leisurely ride to the beach. We have more than enough options in S. Florida when it comes to cycling, except for hill climbs, we seem to be lacking those. I think we're quite spoiled, we generally have decent weather year round, though a bit too hot/humid in the summer.. But cities up north have it so much worse in the winter.

Unfortunately motorists are so careless & self-centered that the majority of cyclists are petrified to go out on the roads and stick to the sidewalks instead. I'll feel better about the scene when the streets feel safer for cyclists regardless of their skill level. The road cyclists are gonna be out there daily regardless of whether there's a bike lane or not, same goes for the fixed-gear cyclists & commuters who choose to use a bicycle for transportation. The ones on the fence though, the ones too scared to get on their bikes, those are the folks that will take the South Florida bike scene to the next level when they stop fearing cars and start riding. Slowly but surely.


7. You contribute a lot to the Miami Cycling Community. What is the most important thing that the city need to focus on regarding cycling?
Bicycle law education & enforcement for motorists! Cyclist need to be educated too, but I'm more concerned with the motorists who more than likely will kill or seriously injure someone in an accident. I would also like to see adequate bike lanes, signage, and sharrows throughout the city. But I cannot stress education enough, it's mind-boggling how many motorists yell to get on the sidewalk down here.


8. I heard that you got hit by a car a few months ago awhile back. Is that why you are missing a tooth?
My bike was destroyed by some imbecile driving in the wrong direction on a 1-way street in downtown Miami, it was a pretty bad accident and I'm very lucky to be able to talk about it. It was a hit & run but the driver crashed his car about half a block away while attempting to flee in reverse, instant karma I suppose. As for the missing tooth.. let's just say I gave the tooth fairy a refund.


9. If we were to take all the Miami kids. Then all the Ft. Lauderdale kids. Who would win in a tall bike jousting challenge?
I'll go with the home team on this. The Firefly Bike Collective kids would win the challenge.


10. What is the one thing you would like to see more of in the South Florida Scene?Well there's more than one thing that I would like to see. For starters I would like to see more cyclists participating on the Friday Critical Mass rides, at least 100 before the end of the year. It's really pathetic that in a large metropolitan city like Miami, it's nearly impossible for 100 cyclists to meet up once a month for a bike ride. I would also like to see a few more well organized alley cats since they are the most fun & rewarding. It would also be nice to see the bicycle celebrated for the great human-powered vehicle that it is, not frowned upon by ignorant motorists as something people ride when they get their driver's license revoked, are meager and/or homeless, etc. They tend to forget there wouldn't be any automobiles here today or roads to drive on if it wasn't for the bicycle. So to sum it up, more cyclists, less irresponsible and selfish drivers.

11. Why don't you have a Headset Hat on?
My sponsors prohibit me. You think Staisha can embroider a NO MA'AM logo on one of the hats, or would that be hypocritical on my part?

12. When can we expect to see MIA Fixed T-Shirts? I want one!!
I think you'll see an official MIA Fixed logo on the site & stickers before any t-shirt is made available. It's been almost 6 months and I still haven't come up with a logo.

FTL Monthly Ride 8/30/09

August's Monthly Ride will be delicious!! The ride is 12miles start to finish. The beach, Las Olas, and some really nice neighborhoods to ride through. We will be ending over at Kelly's Landing. And in typical FTL Monthly fashion they will host us with some awesome food! Click the link below to view the route.

http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/fl/fort%20lauderdale/428124450398574864

I am sure there will be Polo played before hand. Lets just try try try to start off at 6PM. Please!!