Famed author from Carmichael Willie Weir has booked 3 shows for next week at REI. The world traveller by bicycle puts on a fine show that combines humor, drama and inspiration. The timing is perfect as Sacramento suffers through its  economic woes. Willy brings answers to the dilema of how one can travel on the cheap.  When Willie gets on stage its clear his objective is to create  pedal powered world travelers with every breath.  The fear mongering  intention that makes up the Media world of today is overmatched when it comes to Willies message. We have all heard it before, the family member who tells you "oh you mus'nt go there! Its too dangerous!"  Simply put Willie Weir is a native tr

At 9:00 am, nearly a hundred cyclists showed up for  Sacramentos first Tweed Ride sunday for the all day neighborhood bike ride. Amazing as  the idea gave birth just a little over a month beforehand. Thanks to powerful internet networking the idea traveled fast and soon the restaurants that accepted  to participate got what they reserved, a lot of love from the enthusiasts dressed in fine vintage tweed.  The scramble to amass the finer vintage look was on and the final result a best dressed contest showed us the need for such an event.  The enthusiasm was contagious as was the creative impulse for both vintage bike and dress alike. Many cities have such a ride already in place. New York,

I am still reeling from a theft of 2 bikes stolen at Onespeed last night.  My heart is in my throat as I write this account of horrible loss.  Some will say its just a few bikes but in my sphere of influence it brings great sorrow. 2  well loved commuter bikes  were stolen last night by 2 lost caucasian  teenage boys wearing black T shirts and short haircuts. They were short and thick around the ankles with heavy and slow shifty eyes which  earmarked them as up to no good. One said they were waiting for a ride and the other noted he had 4 bikes in the shop, one a Torker another a Cannondale  when they commented on my delivery bike outside of Onespeed Pizza. They waited what seemed a half

At about 9 a.m. Thursday, three-time Amgen Tour of California winner Levi Leipheimer announced via a "tweet" that he was going to defend his title in 2010. It was part of a high-profile Twitter conversation started by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that went something like this: "@schwarzenegger: Great news for American cycling fans and CA. The 2010 Amgen Tour of California will be better than ever. @lancearmstrong will you join us? @lancearmstrong: Absolutely! @schwarzenegger, I've decided to ride the #Amgen Tour of California in 2010. Can't wait. What about you @levileipheimer? @levileipheimer: I'll definitely be racing the 2010 Amgen Tour of California, defending my title." Then at 4:30

The fifth annual Mustard Seed Spin was held yesterday on the American River Trail  with guest speaker Mayor Kevin Johnson showing his support for the need to take care of our children and keep what safety nets we do have in place from disappearing.  The fundraiser benefited Mustard Seed School for homeless children of all ages. The ride featured area kids riding for their less fortunate counter parts and showing grit riding in temperatures well  into the nineties.   The goodwill and the social responsibility on display was breathtaking not to mention the smiles on the young riders determined faces.   Mayor Johnson reminded us we all needed to step up and pitch in the best we can during

We have alot of history here in Sacramento -- so much that it might seem daunting to narrow it to a manageble list. Here is an attempt to do just that: seven "must see" places you can pedal to in about the time it takes to sit and watch a movie.  1. The State Capitol Following less-than-satisfactory assemblies of the state Legislature in San Jose, Vallejo and Benicia, Sacramentans successfully bid to make their city the permanent site for such high-level meetings. Ground was broken in 1860 and the neo-classical dome of the California Capitol was completed in 1874. The lower level is made of granite quarried in Folsom; the upper levels are made of brick plastered and painted to look like

 On Wednesday, May 14, Hot Italian gave out free slices of pizza. On Sunday, May 17, Chipotle gave out free burritos during a four-hour period. And through the end of the month, Lucca Restaurant and Bar is giving out dessert with a purchase of any entree and Morgan's Bar & Grill will be selling Pabst Blue Ribbon for only a buck and pitchers for $5. But wait...there's a catch. All of these offers are only valid if you arrive at the eatery or bar via bicycle. As part of Bike Month, local businesses have come together to encourage riding on two wheels instead of driving on four. The month is about to end but cyclists still have a chance to don their helmets and partake in the festivities; o

We have a position at SacPress called a "shucker" that is part of our marketing department. There seems to be lots of questions about what it is they do so I would like to answer a few questions. Does the biker ride their own bike? No we customize the bicycle and trailer. We work closely with Signs By Tomorrow building custom wraps and marketing panels for each specific bike.  Do they get paid to ride the bike? Yes, but riding is only part of the job. Shuckers also interact with the public while answering questions and introducing people to SacPress. They also communicate with our editorial staff and report breaking news. What kind of trailer is that? It is a B.O.B trailer  How many mi

http://www.sacbee.com/740/story/1399234.html    Its getting harder and harder to be heard since yellow journalism reared its ugly head. YOU MUST HAVE CONTROVERSEY to sell fishwrap.  Sorry for the loudness but its important to the above story. Might as well rename the article "how to create a mob."   You see day in and day out I'm amazed on how much kindness and room I get on my daily bike commute. Despite the cruddy roads we are given.  Does that become a story?  Nah no controversy in it!  Doesnt rile up the masses! Open letter to the writer of this piece  Try finding a moment and writing about how great we are despite all our differences. How my daily commute is the thing I look forwar

  How should sports impact a city? Since Sacramento is the capital of the state, should sports play a more central role in its economy, community and priorities?  The California International Marathon is approaching in December, this year's race will end at the Capitol. In 2006, Sacramento saw 6,000 delegates and $1,893,312 in economic impact as a result of the California International Marathon. Next year, the AMGEN tour will draw thousands to see the largest bicycling tour race through the streets of midtown. Parking and traffic will be affected with street closures and limited parking in a huge chunk of downtown Sacramento. However, one positive aspect of the AMGEN tour was that it bro