Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "bicycling"

Bike theft, Its flourishing and prospering in Sacramento

2012-02-03T15:40:53Z

They come into the bike shop with eyes darting from corner to corner. You can actually feel their fading hope that at any moment the stolen bike that gave them so much pleasure or secured them a swift passage to their livelihood will miracuosly show up. Then without a hello or how are you, the tragic mental record of loss unfolds. With their face quivering they often confess of the ommision of forgetting to lock up their trusty steed.The carelessness and absent mindedness is afterall a part of modern day life.

If the loss makes them just plain mad the next reaction is to get another bike to make up for the loss but this time its going to be invisible to the common bike thief. the uglification insues as the pain of loss is too great. In hopes to fool the thieves, one often camouflages their next steed by buying a black bike with low grade components or plastering it with so many loud angry stickers that the idea of stripping off all that vinyl would waste the bike theives time and delay the next hijacking of someone elses prized steed.

I dont have the figures of bike theft in Sacramento as they are not attainable. You see 9 out of 10 people never file a police report. Perhaps it is just apathy or a hope if they just forget the loss quickly the pain and aching will go away. But I do know the figures from my shop and I will tell you they can reach as many as 5 in a day. My passion is to get people on a bike and to eliminate car trips from the city streets and replace them with happy trips via the bicycle. That said you can understand how this crime collectively takes a serious toll on not just me but all of us who see Sacramento a better place to live when bicycling becomes a common way of life.

This week alone 2 people I know had 4 and 3 bikes taken at the same time out of back yards and garages. We may have a very organized effort here in strip mining Sacramento of its biking way of life.

As a community we must get tireless about locking up our bikes with not 1 but 2 locks, a cable AND a Ulock of quality. Here is a good article on how to lock up to keep bike thieves moving on to the uneducated fellows "at risk" bike.

http://www.sfbike.org/?theft_locking

It is the hope of this writer to create a tight knit community that puts the bike thief into his own apathy until he gets the help he needs to contribute on a positive level.

Disclosure: yes! I shamelessly sell bicycle locks at Edible Pedal Bike shop and delivery.

Converting Freeport Blvd into a 'complete street'

2012-01-30T23:45:35Z

The City of Sacramento Transportation Department is considering a redesign of traffic lanes along Freeport Blvd between Sutterville Road and 4th Avenue. This part of the roadway is scheduled for resurfacing in 2013 and last August the city approved a Bike Lanes Project to study options for redesigning Freeport Blvd into a "complete street" as part of the resurfacing effort.

From the National Complete Streets Coalition website: "...a complete streets policy ensures that transportation planners and engineers consistently design and operate the entire roadway with all users in mind - including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities."

This section of Freeport Blvd currently has two traffic lanes in each direction, some on-street parking and no bicycle lanes. The designated speed limit is 30 MPH and an estimated 21,000 vehicles travel this street each day. Sacramento City College and C.K. McClatchy High School are located along the section, along with residences, small businesses, restaurants and a senior residential facility.

The city planners are considering these redesign options for Freeport Blvd:

3 Segment Design Concepts (Sutterville to Vallejo)
- Bike lanes, parking on both sides, no middle turn lane, one lane north and one lane south
- Bike lanes, middle turn lane, parking on east side 13th to Bidwell, one lane north and one lane south
- No bike lanes, no parking on either side, two lanes north and two lanes south with lane widths increased

4 Options (Vallejo to 4th)
- Signed southbound bike route
- Southbound bike lane/bike route with push button
- Southbound bike lane with signal control
- T intersection

Students, residents, business owners, cyclists, pedestrians and commuters are showing interest in the project. Tom Buford, Senior Planner with the City of Sacramento, says community interest is healthy. In a telephone conversation, Buford said, "It's an important street in the community and we've seen the kind of interest that we would expect from discussions of changing the way a roadway is working."

Anyone interested in this project is invited to provide comments and suggestions to the draft Environmental Impact Report that is being developed by the city transportation department. Comments and suggestions may be submitted in writing until 5:00 PM, February 13, 2012 to:

Dana Allen, Associate Planner
City of Sacramento, Community Development Department
Environmental Planning Services
300 Richards Blvd., 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (916) 808-2762
Email: dallen@cityofsacramento.org

Questions may be directed to Linda Tucker, City of Sacramento Transportation Department Director at (916) 808-7523 or email her at ltucker@cityofsacramento.org.

Disclosure: Ron Nabity is an avid cyclist, Sacramento City College student and resident near Freeport Blvd. Ron is also a regular contributor to the Sacramento Press.

Pedaling for Pot in Sacramento: Like Amsterdam on the American River

2011-08-19T21:56:21Z

If you’re a medical marijuana patient and a bicycle enthusiast, Sacramento is the perfect place to combine your quests for medicine and exercise — kind of like those popular pedaling pub crawls, but without the drunkards.

With more than three dozen dispensaries in the city and twice that number in the county, Sacramento bicyclists pedal past a plethora of places peddling pot to Prop. 215 patients.

Cruising Midtown and downtown on your fat-tired cruiser? There are 12 dispensaries you can bike to, half of which are on designated bike routes that cross-hatch The Grid. Easy rides, all of them.

Touring the American River Bike Trail on your Cannondale? From Old Sacramento to Folsom Lake, there are 19 dispensaries, not counting those in The Grid, that are quarter-mile- to 3-mile rides from access points along the 32-mile trail. Extend your off-the-trail trek to 5 miles and there’ll be 5 more dispensaries (see sidebar The Harder They Ride).

What’s the payoff for all this exertion, the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the ridebow?

There’s the exercise, of course. And by riding your bike, you’re staying green while buying green bud. How about picking up some non-psychoactive pot-infused salves, creams and oils for the aching muscles you’ll have after some rides? Or perhaps partake of Prop. 215 perks like free massages and chiropractic sessions that some dispensaries provide in the name of wellness?

What if you work up an appetite during your rides? I’ve mapped out foodie pit stops. Sunflower Drive-In — home of nutburgers, fresh fruit smoothies and chickens free-ranging the parking lot — is worth a trip on the trail — pedaling for pot or just pedaling. For you locavore pot pedalers, how about two local produce farms? You’re welcome.

Need more diversions? Parks? Museums? Sacramento has those, too. While you won’t experience anything close to the “Starry Night” visions you can have staring at Van Gogh’s work while eating space cake in Amsterdam, the thick swooshes of frosting on the Wayne Thiebaud cake paintings that hang in the Crocker Art Museum — just a hop off the bike trail promenade south of Old Sacramento — gain delicious new dimension if you’ve nibbled on a medical marijuana edible.

Which brings us, at last, to medicating while pedaling for pot.

Should you?

Should you always wear your helmet when you ride?

Should you not ride your hipster cruiser on sidewalks?

I’m not your mother or the bike police.

You know the effects of medical marijuana on your system better than anyone does.

You say those pre-ride bong hits ease your asthma?

Certainly.

When you hit Pipe Bridge — the silver span crosses the American River on the bike trail east of 16th Street heading to or from downtown — you may very well be tempted, but caveat pot pedaler:

You can be ticketed for toking and biking.

Read the rest of the story at PotAppetit.com

Photos: Bike to Work Day at the Capitol

2011-05-20T00:03:53Z

(click on photo above to see larger image)

Hundreds of cyclists came out to celebrate Bike to Work Day on the west steps of the Capitol on Thursday. The festivities included vendors, free t-shirts, ice cream and a raffle for bicycles and other cycling-related prizes. The Sacramento and Folsom Area Bicycle Advocates hosted a free bicycle valet parking service for those who rode to the event.

Cyclists who have registered on the Bike Month website were eligible for a free t-shirt and raffle prizes. Riders are encouraged to log their miles on the website in order to accomplish a goal of two million miles cycled in the month of May.

More photos of the Bike to Work Day event are available here.

Amgen - Stage 2: Swift sprint takes victory

2011-05-17T04:10:07Z

The second stage of the Amgen Tour of California ended with Ben Swift winning a wild sprinting contest to the finish line in front of the State Capitol building. Swift, from Team Sky Procycling, raised his arms in victory after crossing a rain-soaked finish line on L Street.

Weather delays left Amgen racers longing for a contest after race officials cancelled the first stage in Lake Tahoe yesterday. Today's start was moved from Squaw Valley to Nevada City to avoid snowy conditions. Ironically, the event was moved from February to May last year to take advantage of better weather conditions.

Thousands of race fans lined the downtown streets to get a close look at the racers. The cyclists took three laps on a downtown circuit after entering the city from the north. A quick downpour drenched the race circuit as the riders were completing their second lap.

Photos by Ron Nabity.

More Amgen Tour of California photos are available here.

"Jane's Walk" Urban Planning Walks

2011-05-04T05:27:47Z

Sacramento Jane’s Walk 2011: Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8

Jane’s Walk USA is a series of free neighborhood walking tours that helps put people in touch with their environment and with each other, by bridging social and geographic gaps and creating a space for cities to discover themselves. Since its inception in 2007, Jane’s Walk has happened in cities across North America, and is growing internationally. Sacramento’s Jane’s Walk series incorporates elements of urban planning, neighborhood advocacy, urban history, and architectural history, to demonstrate how a neighborhood’s physical form promotes its walkability, sustainability and economic and social vitality. All tours are free of charge; show up at the starting point at the designated time in comfortable walking shoes. No RSVP is necessary.

In 2010, Sacramento's first Jane's Walk series took place on May 1 with four simultaneous tours. This year, five total tours are being held over two days; except for the Oak Park and Southside Park tours, the tours are held at different times, so people can attend more than one.

Sacramento Jane’s Walk Schedule

Saturday, May 7

Alkali Flat
10 AM – Noon
Tour Guide: Luis Sumpter, Sacramento Old City Association Board Member
Starting Point: Shine Coffee, 1400 E Street
SOCA and Alkali Flat Neighborhood Association board member Luis Sumpter will lead a tour of Sacramento’s oldest surviving residential neighborhood, Alkali Flat. This tour will visit local architectural landmarks, neighborhood businesses, adaptive reuse projects, and new mixed-use projects under construction.

Midtown
2 PM – 4 PM
Tour Guide: William Burg, Sacramento Old City Association Board Member
Starting Point: Mondo Bizarro, 1827 I Street
William Burg, historian and author of Sacramento’s Streetcars, will guide this tour of Midtown’s mixed-use business corridors and adjacent residential neighborhoods, from the days of Sutter through the streetcar era to the present day. The tour will focus on walkability, transit, mixed-use neighborhoods, and Midtown’s legacy as a regional epicenter of creativity and art.

Sunday, May 8

Southside Park
10 AM-Noon
Tour Guide: William Burg, Sacramento Old City Association Board Member
Starting Point: Callahan Bandstand, 7th and T Street, Southside Park
William Burg, historian and author of Sacramento’s Southside Park, will lead this tour, focusing on the neighborhood’s rich cultural diversity, transportation, landscape and urban design, neighborhood activism, and adaptation to changing neighborhood roles.

Central Oak Park Walking Tour
10 AM-Noon
Tour Guide: Tom Sumpter, Oak Park Neighborhood Association
Starting Point: Guild Theater, 2828 35th Street
Neighborhood activist Tom Sumpter will lead a tour of Oak Park’s historic business district along Broadway and nearby landmarks, designed by Sacramento State geography professor Robin Datel and using a tour brochure published by the Center for Sacramento History.

Downtown: From the Railroad Tracks to the Civic Center
2 PM – 4 PM
Tour Guide: Melisa Gaudreau, Sacramento Heritage Inc. Board Member
Starting Point: Sacramento City Hall, 915 I Street
Historic architect Melisa Gaudreau will lead a tour of downtown Sacramento, focusing on Sacramento Heritage Inc.’s new tour of the Civic Center area along H, I and J Street between the historic Southern Pacific passenger depot and City Hall.

About Jane’s Walks
Jane’s Walk USA honors the legacy and ideas of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs who championed the interests of local residents and pedestrians over a car-centered approach to planning. Jane’s Walk USA helps knit people together into a strong and resourceful community, instilling belonging and encouraging civic leadership.

All Jane’s Walk USA tours are given and taken for free. These walks are led by anyone who has an interest in the neighborhoods where they live, work or hang out. They are not always about architecture and heritage, and offer a more personal take on the local culture, the social history and the planning issues faced by the residents. Jane Jacobs believed strongly that local residents understood best how their neighborhood works, and what is needed to strengthen and improve them. Jane’s Walks are meant to be fun, engaged and participatory – everyone’s got a story and they’re usually keen to share it.

Thousands of people have taken part in a Jane’s Walk USA. Past walks have explored a wide range of urban landscapes, from social housing slated for redevelopment to areas with a rich architectural and cultural heritage, to teen hangouts and secret gardens. Walks are led by individuals and small groups. Some are focused around historical themes more than geographical areas, for instance, some strolls have been built around ideas like the history of the bicycle, gay and lesbian history, places of relevance to the homeless, the history of ‘skid row’, and urgent planning matters facing certain neighborhoods.

About the Sacramento Old City Association
The Sacramento Old City Association promotes actions that preserve and enhance a high quality of life for Central City residents, businesses, working people and visitors. The organization works to achieve balanced and harmonious relationships among residential, commercial and employment uses in the Central City. To achieve these goals the Sacramento Old City Association works to:

•Increase public awareness of the irreplaceable historic, architectural and cultural resources of the Central City
•Gather and disseminate information useful in the preservation of structures and neighborhoods of Sacramento.
•Advocate the policies and positions of the organization to the appropriate public agencies and private parties.
•Build and strengthen coalitions with other organizations working to achieve similar goals.
•Promote a quality urban environment through the encouragement of compatibly designed and constructed housing, commercial and office buildings.

For More Information about Jane's Walk or the Sacramento Old City Association:

http://www.sacoldcity.org
http://janeswalkusa.wordpress.com/

Disclosure: William Burg is a board member of the Sacramento Old City Association.

Bike Month Kicks Off This Sunday

2011-04-29T22:56:54Z

The weather should be perfect this weekend as May is Bike Month kicks off in the Sacramento region. Get your bike tuned up and ready to ride this weekend and then ride to work on Monday, May 2, and come out for a lunchtime ride led by the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates.

The kick-off will start at 11:30 a.m. along the Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, located at 1800 Front Street in Sacramento, just south of O Street. The low-speed bike ride will start at noon, traveling through downtown and midtown and ending by 12:50 p.m.

Bicycling has taken off in the Sacramento region as an easy way for people to get to work or school, run errands, or just ride for fun. Sacramento was recently ranked fourth in the nation for bicycle commuting and the region is a prominent part of the Amgen Tour of California.

May is Bike Month is a campaign to get people on bikes for the first time, as well as encourage regular bicyclists to keep it up. At Mayisbikemonth.com you can pledge miles to ride during May that add up to a regional goal of two million miles. You can also use the bicycle trip planner to choose from bike-friendly or direct routes.

Other things to look forward to in May include a Bicycle Film Festival, the Amgen Tour of California and lots of local events. Find out what’s happening close to where you live or work on the events page.

When you're cruising around town, look for the Pedal Saver window decal at restaurants and shops to save money when you ride in.

May is Bike Month is coordinated by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and the region's transportation management associations and organizations. Learn more at Mayisbikemonth.com or find us on Facebook.

Erik Johnson is the government and media affairs coordinator for SACOG.

Get in Gear for Bike Month

2011-04-22T18:58:21Z

May is just a few days from now, so tune up your bike, visit May is Bike Month.com, and get ready for a month of great events, promotions, and rides.

Spend a few minutes today at Mayisbikemonth.com and register for 2011. Every week that you log miles in May, you'll be entered into a drawing for bike socks and gift certificates to local bicycle shops.

Once you're on the website, click over to the calendar and see over 40 events scheduled. Check back whenever you visit the site, as we're adding new events every day. We'll have Bike Month gear to giveaway at many of the events, so come out and get yours.

New this year, our Pedal Saver discount program will earn you freebies and discounts when you bike to participating businesses. See a listing and map of participating businesses as well at Mayisbikemonth.com, and look for the Pedal Saver logo when you're on your bike.

We're also cranking up the mileage goal this year because of the continuing success of the campaign. This year, we're aiming for 2 million miles logged at Mayisbikemonth.com. Share this email with a friend or use our enhanced "challenge" feature to encourage a little friendly competition.

You can also find us on Facebook.

May is Bike Month is coordinated by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and the region's transportation management associations and organizations. Erik Johnson is the government and media affairs coordinator for SACOG.

Help Shape Our Region's Transportation Future

2010-10-06T18:30:55Z

Where should we spend money on transportation as our region continues to grow? The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) is hosting workshops throughout October to gather input from residents on transportation and land use planning in the Sacramento region.

SACOG is a regional planning agency for Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties. As part of the transportation planning process, SACOG updates the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) every four years. The MTP includes investments in transit, freeways, roadways, and bike and pedestrian improvements.

In an effort to plan thoughtfully for all regional travel needs, SACOG will host nine public workshops around the region--two in downtown Sacramento--in which residents can get information and provide input on the MTP. This process is very important because the MTP will guide transportation in the short and long term. Residents can help shape the plan by voicing their needs, experiences and thoughts on transportation in the Sacramento area.

Everyone is encouraged to attend. No previous meeting participation or transportation planning experience is needed. The workshops are FREE and food will be provided.

Register today at www.sacog.org/update or call (916) 321-9000.

Central SACRAMENTO County Workshop (Morning)
Wednesday, October 27
11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Sacramento Convention Center
1400 J Street
Sacramento, 95814

Central SACRAMENTO County Workshop (Evening)
Wednesday, October 27
6-9 p.m.
Sacramento Convention Center
1400 J Street
Sacramento, 95814

For information on other workshops, visit www.sacog.org/update.

Erik Johnson is the government and media affairs coordinator for SACOG.

Seersucker Ride Keeps Cycling Stylish

2010-06-12T03:33:44Z

"Here is to camaraderie, lugged steel, and plus fours. Here is to the (truly) social ride. Here is to tippling from hip flasks, maintaining a leisurely pace, and flaunting with style."

The quote from Sacramento Tweed's blog reflects the invitation the group extends for bicyclists to join a jovial "Seersucker Ride" June 27.

Sacramento Tweed, founded by Rick and Erin Houston last November, is an inclusive group that organizes bike rides emphasizing the activity as a social and leisurely event.

Ride organizers include Chris Tafoya; Lorena Beightler, creator of Sac Cycle Chic; Jim Brown, communications director for California Bicycle Coalition; Brad Gleed; and Alan Barnard, creator of EcoVelo.info.

Sacramento Tweed has organized four bike rides since its inception, all with a theme of wearing tweed. This ride's theme fabric is seersucker, a thin cotton fabric.

Participants don't have to wear the theme fabric, the Houstons said. It was cool enough to wear tweed in past rides, but since weather might be hot during the upcoming ride, cyclists are welcome to ride any type of bike and wear what they are comfortable in.

"(You could wear) linen, gingham, any of the lightweight fabrics," Rick Houston said. "A light skirt, sundress, anything that makes you feel handsome and pretty and yet cool in the heat of summer. If people want to participate they can, but we want to warn people it's going to be 90 degrees outside and I don't want people showing up in a three-piece wool suit."

The ride is tentatively planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., embarking from Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen. The route has yet to be determined, but will likely cover about eight miles. Stops occur about every few miles at restaurants, bars and parks. The ride will take a lunch break at Fremont Park for a picnic and croquet.

"Don't worry about what you're going to wear," Beightler said. "It's a slow ride. We let the wind go through our hair and we smile."

"It's an awesome way to enjoy the city, and it's a wonderful city to bike in," Brown said.

The ride is part of a movement called "Cycle Chic" and stems from the original January 2009 "Tweed Run" in London. The trend moved quickly through large cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Portland and Boston.

"It fills a niche that hasn't been addressed before," Erin Houston said. "There's lots of opportunities for recreational cyclists. (Tweed rides) fill a gap between social and fun. It reaches out to every kind of bicyclist."

About 150 people attended each previous Sacramento Tweed ride. The Houstons made clear their concern for participants' health.

"Stay in the shade, drink lots of water, don't overdo it, and if you feel bad, then stop," Rick Houston said.

The Seersucker Ride is likely the last for the foreseeable future. The Houstons will move to attend to family matters for an undetermined time. They are not sure if they will continue tweed rides when they return.

"This will be the end of Sacramento Tweed for a while," Rick Houston said. "If someone wants to take up the torch, we'd be happy to help them."

Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen is located at 1915 I St.

Photos:

1) Participants in a previous Sacramento Tweed ride. Photo by Alan Barnard.

2) Sacramento Tweed riders gathering at the capitol. Photo by Alan Barnard.

3) Participants in a previous ride. Photo by Lorena Beightler.

4) Participants in a previous ride. Photo by Lorena Beightler.

5) An enthusiastic participant in a past ride. Photo by Alan Barnard.

Agnus-Dei Farrant is an intern for The Sacramento Press.

One Million Miles Bicycled in the Region Since May 1

2010-05-26T17:58:24Z

For the third consecutive year, the Sacramento region has traveled one million miles by bicycle in a month. Since May 1, 7,108 (and counting) people young and old, students and commuters, families and friends have chosen to bike rather than drive. Commute, recreation, errands and work trips have all contributed to the million miles.

What does a million miles mean for our region?

One million miles of bicycling removed over 5,000 pounds of smog-forming oxides of nitrogen from our air. Air pollutants lead to many illnesses, including asthma, which is the most common reason for missed school days in Sacramento County.
Just looking at commuting or doing errands by bike, individuals saved approximately 18,000 gallons of gas this month, which at $2.67 a gallon saves them nearly $45,000.
An individual bicycling one mile instead of driving reduces carbon emissions by 0.5 pounds of CO2, which is the same as turning off a 100 watt light bulb for 8 hours.

Trip planner gets you there by bike
The Sacramento Area Council of Governments has launched a bicycle trip planner (www.sacregion511.org/bicycling/trips/) with detailed routes for the entire region. The trip planner draws on local government data, user information and a community forum to offer the best information for novice and veteran bicyclists. Sacramento Region 511 also has information about traffic information, transit, and a bicycle commuter guide at www.sacregion511.org.

Events & more at Mayisbikemonth.com
Tomorrow, May 27 is Bicycle Night with the Sacramento River Cats. Visit mayisbikemonth.com for discounted tickets and more information. And with Memorial Day this weekend, it’s a great time to enjoy our communities by bicycle. Remember to log your miles at mayisbikemonth.com. It’s not too late for people to visit the site to learn how to get started riding this summer, find bicycle routes, and other tips.

About May is Bike Month
Throughout the month of May, bicyclists young and old have been encouraged to challenge friends, family, co-workers and themselves to pledge miles. The region has been aiming for the million mile goal since it began a month-long campaign to promote bicycling in May in 2005. Last year, over 6,000 individuals rode 1,288,676 miles in May.

May is Bike Month is coordinated by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and the region's transportation management associations and organizations. More information is at www.mayisbikemonth.com.

Amgen Tour of California teams announced

2010-05-08T01:27:01Z

Amgen Tour of California teams were announced Friday morning. The roster includes seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong as well as Levi Leipheimer, winner of the last three consecutive Tour of California races, among others.

The Sacramento Press will continue to cover the Amgen Tour of California, which rolls through the city Sunday, May 16. This will include a pre-race press conference May 14 and race day coverage.

The following is a press release about the team announcement, via Bob Burns of the Sacramento Sports Commission.

The world-class roster of teams and cyclists scheduled to participate in the 2010 Amgen Tour of California has been announced by race presenter AEG. An internationally sanctioned, professional cycling road race, the 2010 Amgen Tour of California will host 16 teams, comprised of 127 riders, from 23 countries for the fifth-annual race taking place May 16-23.

The 2010 Amgen Tour of California will bring an exceptional concentration of cycling talent to compete across more than 800 miles of the state of California from Nevada City to Thousand Oaks, home of race sponsor Amgen. Attracting an unprecedented field of riders from around the world, cyclists hail from countries as far away as Belgium, Finland, Spain, France, Germany, New Zealand and Sweden.

“We are proud of the powerful and talented group of international and domestic cyclists set to participate in the 2010 Amgen Tour of California,” said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports. “From Tour de France champions to Olympic medalists and world champions, this field is one of the best that has ever competed on American soil. The growing reputation of the Amgen Tour of California has resulted in a very accomplished field of cyclists, which should make for a great race.”

The field will include riders from well-known teams such as Team RadioShack, Team HTC-Columbia, Quick Step, Team Saxo Bank and Garmin-Transitions, who will all be competing to take the title in the overall team competition. Some of the notable riders planned to begin the race in Nevada City, Calif. on May 16 include:

Team rosters are subject to change.

Tour de France Overall Podium Finishers
Lance Armstrong (USA), Team RadioShack; first 1999-2005, third 2009
Andy Schleck (LUX), Team Saxo Bank; second 2009
Levi Leipheimer (USA) Team RadioShack; third 2007

Tour de France Stage Winners
Lance Armstrong (USA), Team RadioShack (22)
Mark Cavendish (GBR), Team HTC-Columbia (10)
Tom Boonen (BEL), Quick Step (6)
Fabian Cancellara (SUI), Team Saxo Bank (5)
Stuart O’Grady (AUS), Team Saxo Bank (3)
Yaroslav Popovych (UKR), Team RadioShack (3)
Jens Voigt (GER), Team Saxo Bank (3)
Heinrich Haussler (GER), Cervélo TestTeam (1)
David Zabriskie (USA), Garmin-Transitions (1)

World Champions
Lance Armstrong (USA), Team RadioShack
Lars Boom (NED), Rabobank
Tom Boonen (BEL), Quick Step
Janez Brajkovic (SLO), Team RadioShack
Fabian Cancellara (SUI), Team Saxo Bank
Mark Cavendish (GBR), Team HTC-Columbia
Tom Leezer (NED), Rabobank
Yaroslav Popovych (UKR), Team RadioShack
Michael Rogers (AUS), Team Columbia-Highroad

Olympic Medalists
Lance Armstrong (USA), Team RadioShack
Theo Bos (NED), Cervélo TestTeam
Fabian Cancellara (SUI), Team Saxo Bank
Levi Leipheimer (USA), Team RadioShack
Bret Lancaster (AUS), Cervélo TestTeam
Stuart O’Grady (AUS), Team Saxo Bank
Hayden Roulston (NZL), Team HTC Columbia

Current National Champions (by country)
Michael Rogers (AUS), Team Columbia-Highroad, Time Trial
Tom Boonen (BEL), Quick Step, Road Race
Matti Breschel (DEN), Team Saxo Bank, Road Race
Lars Ytting Bak (DEN), Team HTC-Columbia, Time Trial
Andy Schleck (LUX), Team Saxo Bank, Road Race
Stef Clement (NED), Rabobank, Time Trial
Jeremy Vennell (NZL), Bissell, Time Trial
Janez Brajkovic (SLO), Team RadioShack, Time Trial
Fabian Cancellara (SUI), Team Saxo Bank, Road Race
George Hincapie (USA), BMC Racing Team, Road Race
David Zabriskie (USA), Garmin-Transitions, Time Trial

American Stage Race Champions
Levi Leipheimer (Team RadioShack), 2007-2009 Amgen Tour of California
David Zabriskie (Garmin-Transitions), 2009 Tour of Missouri
George Hincapie (BMC Racing Team), 2007 Tour of Missouri
Janez Brajkovic (Team RadioShack), 2007 Tour de Georgia
Tom Danielson (Garmin-Transitions), 2005 Tour de Georgia
Lance Armstrong (Team RadioShack), 2004 Tour de Georgia
Chris Horner (Team RadioShack), 2003 Tour de Georgia

The 2010 Amgen Tour of California roster includes the following 16 professional cycling teams. The seven ProTour teams compete regularly on the UCI’s ProTour race calendar, including the Grand Tours of Europe – Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España.

Pro Tour Teams

1.) Garmin-Transitions (USA)

Steven Cozza (USA)

Thomas Danielson (USA)

Ryder Hesjedal (CAN)

Robbie Hunter (RSA)

Thomas Peterson (USA)

Peter Stetina (USA)

Matthew Wilson (AUS)

David Zabriskie (USA)

2.) Liquigas-Doimo (ITA)

Francesco Bellotti (ITA)

Francesco Chicchi (ITA)

Davide Cimolai (ITA)

Manuel Quinziato (ITA)

Peter Sagan (SVK)

Ivan Santaromita (ITA)

Brian Vandborg (DEN)

Elia Viviani (ITA)

3.) Quick Step (BEL)

Carlos Barredo Llamazales (ESP)

Tom Boonen (BEL)

Kurt Hovelynck (BEL)

Kevin Hulsmans (BEL)

Nikolas Maes (BEL)

Andreas Stauff (GER)

Jurgen Van De Walle (BEL)

Maarten Wynants (BEL)

4.) Rabobank (NED)

Lars Boom (NED)

Stef Clement (NED)

Steven Kruijswijk (NED)

Sebastian Langeveld (NED)

Thomas Leezer (NED)

Paul Martens (GER)

Grischa Niermann (GER)

Maarten Tjallingii (NED)

5.) Team HTC-Columbia (USA)

Lars Ytting Bak (DEN)

Mark Cavendish (GBR)

Bernhard Eisel (AUT)

Tony Martin (GER)

Mark Renshaw (AUS)

Michael Rogers (AUS)

Hayden Roulston (NZL)

Tejay Van Garderen (USA)

6.) Team RadioShack (USA)

Lance Armstrong (USA)

Janez Brajkovic (SLO)

Christopher Horner (USA)

Levi Leipheimer (USA)

Jason McCartney (USA)

Dmitriy Muravyev (KAZ)

Yaroslav Popovych (UKR)

José Luis Rubiera Vigil (ESP)

7.) Team Saxo Bank (DEN)

Matti Breschel (DEN)

Fabian Cancellara (SUI)

Jakob Fuglsang (DEN)

Juan José Haedo (ARG)

Stuart O'Grady (AUS)

Andy Schleck (LUX)

Andre Steensen (DEN)

Jens Voigt (GER)

8.) BMC Racing Team (USA)

Chad Beyer (USA)

Marcus Burghart (GER)

Chris Butler (USA)

Mathias Frank (SUI)

George Hincapie (USA)

Alexander Kristoff (NOR)

Jackson Stewart (USA)

Simon Zahner (SUI)

9.) Cervélo TestTeam (SUI)

Theo Bos (NED)

Joao Correia (POR)

Philip Deignan (IRL)

Heinrich Haussler (GER)

Jeremy Hunt (GBR)

Brett Lancaster (AUS)

Oscar Pujol Munoz (ESP)

Dominique Rollin (CAN)

10.) Bissell (USA)

Rob Britton (CAN)

Daniel Holloway (USA)

Andy Jacques-Maynes (USA)

Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA)

Peer Latham (NZL)

Paul Mach (USA)

Jeremy Vennell (NZL)

Kyle Wamsley (USA)

11.) Fly V Australia (AUS)

Jonathan Cantwell (AUS)

Jai Crawford (AUS)

Benjamin Day (AUS)

Charles Dionne (CAN)

Aaron Kemps (AUS)

Bernard Sulzberger (AUS)

Jay Robert Thomson (RSA)

Phil Zajicek (USA)

12.) Jelly Belly Presented by Kenda (USA)

Jonathan Chordoff (USA)

William Dicknson (AUS)

Michael Friedman (USA)

Charles Bradley Huff (USA)

Jeremy Powers (USA)

Kiel Reijnen (USA)

Will Routley (CAN)

Bernard Van Ulden (USA)

13.) Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA)

Ryan Anderson (CAN)

Jesse Anthony (USA)

Dan Bowman (USA)

Alex Candelario (USA)

Reid Mumford (USA)

Neil Shirley (USA)

David Veilleux (CAN)

Scott Zwizanski (USA)

14.) SpiderTech Powered by Planet Energy (CAN)

David Boily (CAN)

Guillaume Boivin (CAN)

Lucas Euser (USA)

Martin Gilbert (CAN)

Kevin Lacombe (CAN)

Bruno Langlois (CAN)

Francois Parisien (CAN)

Andrew Randell (CAN)

15.) Team Type 1 (USA)

Davide Frattini (ITA)

Ken Hanson (USA)

Aldo Ino Ilesic (SLO)

Christopher Jones (USA)

Valery Kobzarenko (UKR)

Javier Megias Leal (ESP)

Thomas Rabou (NED)

Scott Stewart (USA)

16.) UnitedHealthcare Presented by Maxxis (USA)

Christopher Baldwin (USA)

Matthew Crane (USA)

Marc De Maar (NED)

Max Jenkins (USA)

Karl Menzies (AUS)

Andrew Pinfold (CAN)

Rory Sutherland (AUS)

Bradley White (USA)

Stages for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California include:
Stage 1: Sunday, May 16 – Nevada City to Sacramento
Stage 2: Monday, May 17 – Davis to Santa Rosa
Stage 3: Tuesday, May 18 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Stage 4: Wednesday, May 19 – San Jose to Modesto
Stage 5: Thursday, May 20 – Visalia to Bakersfield
Stage 6: Friday, May 21 – Palmdale to Big Beak Lake
Stage 7: Saturday, May 22 – Los Angeles Individual Time Trial
Stage 8: Sunday, May 23 – Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Agoura Hills

For more information about the Amgen Tour of California, please visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

Photographs one and two credit Anthony Bento. Photographs three and four by Jonathan Mendick.

May is Bike Month Website is Quick and Easy

2010-05-04T01:52:20Z

After attending the May is Bike Month kick off press conference and ride last Saturday, I rushed home to register and log my bicycling miles online. I found the May is Bike Month website to be quick and easy. It also has a lot of cool features like commuter clubs, an employer directory, programs for schools, and you can even challenge a friend! If you live in the Sacramento region, please visit www.mayisbikemonth.com and help make this a Million Mile May.

I especially appreciate the May is Bike Month effort because it encourages people to actually use their bikes to commute and get things done. Since America's love affair with the automobile and subsequent addiction to cheap oil, bikes are often marginalized as mere toys that are used for exercise and recreation only. Most folks just don't seem to recognize bicycles and tricycles as tools that can be used to move people and things from point A to point B.

A great example of this destructive mindset is when some people visit Practical Cycle and learn about Pedego Electric Bikes, they ignorantly blurt out, "doesn't that defeat the whole purpose of riding a bike?" Absolutely not! There are many health benefits to riding, but its not always just about breaking a sweat. Sometimes you want a workout, and sometimes you just want to get where you are going quickly in comfort and style.

I commute ten miles each day from Howe Park to Old Sacramento. On a regular bike it takes about 45 minutes plus an additional 10 minutes to go to the gym for a shower. On a Pedego Electric Bike, it only takes 30 minutes and I can go straight to work without a shower. The electric motor helps the Pedego better serve its purpose, which is getting me to work.

It is my position that Pedego Electric Bikes help address some of the major objections that everyday people have to bicycle commuting including safety, hills, distance, health reasons, knee problems, aging, or the inconvenience of having to shower and change at work. Furthermore, if everyday people start looking at all bicycles and tricycle as transportation tools rather than recreation and fitness toys, then the Sacramento region could easily log a Multi-Million Mile May!

Bike Month Kicks Off This Saturday

2010-04-29T18:46:11Z

The weather should be perfect this weekend as May is Bike Month kicks off in the Sacramento region. Join us on Saturday, May 1, at 1 p.m. for a kick off event and a ride led by the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates.

The kick-off will be at River Walk Park, 651 2nd Street in West Sacramento, right next to the Ziggurat and CalSTRS buildings.
Bicycling has taken off in the Sacramento region as an easy way for people to get to work or school, run errands, or just ride for fun. Sacramento was recently ranked fourth in the nation for bicycle commuting and the region is a prominent part of the Amgen Tour of California, racing through cities from Auburn to Winters.

May is Bike Month is a campaign to get people on bikes for the first time, as well as encourage regular bicyclists to keep it up. At Mayisbikemonth.com you can pledge miles to ride during May that add up to a regional goal of one million miles. You can also use a new bicycle trip planner that includes route information from all across the region and lets you choose between the most bike-friendly or the most direct route.

Other things to look forward to in May include the Bicycle Film Festival, the Amgen Tour of California and lots of local events. Find out what’s happening close to where you live or work on the events page.

May is Bike Month is coordinated by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and the region's transportation management associations and organizations. Learn more at Mayisbikemonth.com or find us on Facebook.

Celebrating cycling history and heroes

2010-04-24T01:25:15Z

The first bicycle was used as a replacement for a horse, required a saddle and was propelled like Fred Flinstone's car.

According to University of California, Davis, Bicycle Program Coordinator David Takemoto-Weerts, an early bicycle-like invention was a "Draisine," a 19th-century invention of German forest ranger Karl Von Drais, for whom the the proto-bike is named. Similar machines were tweaked by engineers until bikes evolved into what we use today.

Takemoto-Weerts helped facilitate the purchase of a Draisine, part of the Pierce Miller collection that U.C. Davis bought in 2000 for a little under $400,000. It is now one of the dozens of historic and modern bikes displayed at the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame, which will open Saturday morning in downtown Davis.

The mission of the organization, which has been in the process of moving from Somerville, NJ, for nearly a year, is "preserving the history and heroes of cycling in the United States," said Treasurer and board member Ray Cippolini. Besides being a museum, it's also a member-based organization and cycling and fitness advocate, according to its website.

Fourteen different cities were initially interested in hosting the Hall of Fame, but it was narrowed down to two: Davis and another city in North Carolina. U.S. Bicycling hall of famer and board member Ernie Seubert described why the Hall of Fame came to Davis.

"Davis won out because of its passionate (cycling) community," he said. "This is going to be vastly improved; we have the backing of the town."

That's evident when looking out the windows of the building onto Davis' Third Street, a major bicycle thoroughfare. The U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame sits in a three-story building, formerly a teen center, on one corner of Central Park, which is home to the Davis Farmer's Market. Near the park, the number of bicycle commuters seems to outnumber the cars.

In addition to featuring a range of historical bikes, some nearly 200 years old, the building also contains modern biking memorabilia, medals, photographs, trophies and unicycles. One room is filled with more than 100 plaques for the the 128 Hall of Fame inductees.

Inducting someone into the Hall of Fame is a two-part process, Cippolini explained. Inductees are nominated by a Hall of Fame committee, then voting takes place. Nominees may include former competitive cyclists from road or track racing, off-road riders (which includes BMX, mountain bike and cyclocross riders) and non-competitive cyclists who have contributed to the sport.

Then all the members of the U.S. Cycling Hall of Fame Board, which expanded last month to include the board of the Davis-Based California Bicycle Museum, vote for a nominee. So does every inducted hall-of-famer, and a number of journalists, Seubert said.

He and others noted their favorite piece of Hall of Fame memorabilia: Greg Lemond's bicycle and 1986 Tour de France yellow jersey. Lemond was the first American winner of the Tour de France and also ran a successful bicycle company, which is now part of international company Trek Bicycles.

Cippolini said his favorite items are in the exhibit on hall of famer Marshall "Major" Taylor, an African American track cycling champion who become an international cycling star even while facing racial prejudice. The exhibit includes Major's century-old bicycle as well as photographs.

"He was recognized at a time in this country when there was a lot of bias toward him as a person, but not toward him as an athlete," Cippolini said. "He was recognized for the great athlete he was, even overcoming the social bias at the time."

At 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Davis Mayor Ruth Asmundson and three Hall of Fame inductees will celebrate the Hall of Fame's opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Sunday morning, Davis will host the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer ride, which gives amateur riders a chance to ride a stage of the Tour of California. It will be led by American cyclist George Hincapie.

The U.S. Cycling Hall of Fame is located at 303 B St. in Davis.

Bike Swap in Fremont Park this Second Saturday

2010-04-06T19:53:06Z

With May is bike month fast approaching, The Friends of Fremont Park and the Sac Bike Kitchen are teaming up to what looks to be Sacramento's first Bike Bazaar in the Park

Located between 15th and 16th and P&Q,the event looks to be a sure way to load up for the summer with lotsof 2 wheeled fun.

Be it building a commuter,grocery getter or Tweed bike,Townie this is an excellent opportunity in scoring hard to find parts and classics to round out your collection. Need a classic cruiser for second saturday? Mike from Vintage Bicycle Supply will be on hand with all your cruiser needs. Mike will be showing off his Velo Orange assortment of goods now in stock, Whit from Whitworth cycles is planning on having plenty of frames on hand if you want to start from scratch.

On the otherside of the coin if you have too many bikes not seeing the light of day than this is your chance to make good and spread some bike love.

All this bike love will make you hungry. Hot Italian is right across the street for culinary perfection in the form of Pizza, Panini and Calzone

See you there

http://fremontpark.net/2010/03/sac-bike-swap-in-the-park/

Wilie Weir comes to Sacramento

2010-02-07T19:40:14Z

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 treasure to Sacramento.

Shows are Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday of next week. Very entertaining so dont miss it. Proceeds go to 3 fine nonprofits; SABA,the Sacramento Bike Kitchen and The Mustard Seed Spin

http://www.willieweir.com/

First Sacramento tweed ride a grand success!

2009-11-09T17:43:27Z

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, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Chicago to name a few.

Erin and Rick Houston organized the ride with great care and the stops were spaced out perfectly so we all could admire such a great turnout. The ride started at the Sacramento Bike Kitchen with Old Soul Coffee to give us the kick we needed.

First stop the Capital for a group photo. More than 80 perhaps close to 100 cyclist on the steps of the dome of all things poitico. Then a nice slow paced ride to Onespeed Pizza for some breakfast where we peacefully took over the fine eating establishment. The restaurant was literally encased with over eighty+ fine bicycles. Riding a Yellow Schwinn tandem for three, One speed creator Rick Maham was also on hand to see first hand the ever increasing bike culture paying tribute to Ricks own love for fine food, bikes and good companionship. If you havent you simply must check out this place and if you can, ride there on your bike.

Our next destination was the famed Bon Lair pub on 37th and J st. It was the perfect place to have a pint and feel a bit Scottish. Again the bikes and great beer gave the feel of a wonderful Dutch or Danish neighborhood.

Next stop was a wine tasting at Revolution Winery Sacramento's one and only urban winery. Great people with a passion for wines and it showed. It was here where we had our best dressed contest and handed out prizes, As Rick Houston said so elequently "after all we are all winners".

Feeling the need for more Carbs our next Stop was Hot Italian where we gorged on wonderful pizza and drank Racer 5 from exotic hand blown pitchers. Hot Italian is yet another great eating establishment that embraces the bicycle as a viable mode for a day on the town.

Finally last call at the Rub. Thats Rubicon for those that frequent the grand daddy of riding destinations.

ALL in all it was simply marvelous to see so much enjoyment on the greatest machine ever created by man.

Spike in Bike Theft in Sacramento

2009-10-25T19:52:59Z

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 hour when they decides to make their move. After I went inside I went to the back of the restaurant where I witnessed these 2 riding the bikes through the back alley to make their getaway. A car chase came up empty as they must have used the light rail to lose me.

im writing this unfortunate experience as a call out in getting these bikes back and as a wake up call to all cyclists. We must all double lock our bikes with both cables and bar lock. Most bike theives cary one tool.

Prevention is our best weapon on this heart breaking problem.

One bike is a newly painted Italvega size 51cm with bullhorn bars and a leopard bianchi seat and a fixed gear.

The other a SWOBO commuter single speed all black.

Thanks for your time reading this unfortunate news

Sacramento to be part of 2010 Amgen Tour of California

2009-10-23T05:17:30Z

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 p.m., the defending champion spoke at a press conference for the 2010 race at The Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento.

"It was a lot of fun being in the announcement today on Twitter, so I feel like I'm really a part of the race," Leipheimer said to a crowd of about 50, which included the mayors of Sacramento, Nevada City and Davis, and local legislators.

"Right from the fall of 2005, when we first announced the Tour of California was going to happen, I felt like this was something that I needed to be involved with, and I think that's been the secret to my success the last three years," he added. Leipheimer has won the last three Tours of California.

Mayor Kevin Johnson also expressed excitement that Sacramento be will be involved in the tour again. In addition to hosting the pre-race team presentation and gala on May 14, downtown Sacramento is where the first stage of the tour will conclude May 16, after a start in Nevada City.

"That allows us to have four or five days of activities and make it a really special weekend event," Johnson said. "We're going to have about 70,000 spectators that will participate over the weekend. This event brings in $8 million dollars, and that is very significant."

He also addressed last year's "hiccup": During the race, Lance Armstrong's time trial bike was stolen in Sacramento. The mayor joked that although the chief of police had promised tighter security, riders should bring their own locks, just in case.

Davis's Mayor Dr. Ruth Uy Asmundson and Nevada City's Mayor Reinette Senum said they were honored that their cities were part of the race as well.

A big change in the 2010 tour is that it will be held in May instead of February.

"We did it to showcase the state of California in a better way," said Andrew Messick, president of Anschutz Entertainment Group and tour director. "There's a lot of terrain you can't get to on a bicycle in the wintertime."

Moving the tour dates also means that it will overlap with the peak of the European cycling season. As a result, it is unclear whether Europe's top racers will choose the Tour of California over the Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy).

"There are probably some Italians who will end up going to the Giro, but I don't think that we're going to see any impact because of the two races conflicting," Leipheimer said. "(The Tour of California) is better preparation for the Tour de France in July."

Leipheimer, Armstrong, and most of last year's Astana team will ride together, but have moved to the newly-formed Team Radioshack. A 2007 Tour de France doping scandal, near financial collapse and a talent overload (three of the top four 2009 Tour de France riders) sent many former Astana riders elsewhere for 2010.

Whole lot of love

2009-09-28T22:02:32Z

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 the hard economic times ahead.The Sacramento Bike Hikers a local recreational cycling club was well represented with heavy support on all ends.

Velo Cab a pedal powered cab company owned by Marc Christianson was giving free rides while Cycling for Hope repaired bikes nonstop.

All in all an awsome display of caring for ones fellow man on display. No controversy just a whole lot of love. This fact makes me shudder to think why there were no other media outlets covering such good news.

John Boyer

Got a bike? Take a tour!

2009-08-08T17:37:35Z

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 granite. An extension to house the expanding bureaucracy was added on the east side in 1952.

2. Capitol Ave (M Street) Victorians
The Reign of Queen Victoria (1837 – 1901) helped define a stately and ornate style of architecture in the US, including Sacramento. Capitol Avenue features some of the city’s finest examples of high-water Victorian homes, where the first floor is often elevated above street level due to a fear of flooding. A variety of architectural styles can be found including Arts and Crafts, Mission, Dutch Colonial, American Colonial and modern shoebox.

3. Sutter’s Fort and Indian Museum
John Sutter arrived at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers in 1839 and established his headquarters on high-ground about a mile inland. In 1840 he began construction of his fort using indigenous labor and old world technologies. By 1849 his New Helvetia venture was humming along and he had earned an excellent reputation as an organized and industrious leader and a warm and generous host. But the unintended consequence of discovering gold while setting up a lumber operation soon made his New Helvetia venture untenable as hordes of gold seekers rushed to the area and disrupted his business operations.

4. K Street and the Cathedral
K street has been, until recently, the major business district of the city. It’s revitalization is part of city hall’s redevelopment plan. On the other side of the popularity spectrum is The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament which has been seeing a resurgence in mass attendance as attested to by an overflow of parishioners at Sunday services. This is the city’s primary Cathedral since its construction in1887.

5. The Southern Pacific Train Depot
Constructed in 1925 at a time when transportation hubs were visible symbols of progress and celebrated public structures, the expansive scale of this cathedral-like terminal of the Southern Pacific Railroad is inspiring. No less impressive is the mural on the east wall depicting the Sacramento terminus of the transcontinental railroad at its inception. The terminal has been an Amtrak station since 1971 when Amtrak was created.

6. Old Sacramento
During the Gold Rush, the Sacramento river front was a bustle of activity as adventurers from around the world disembarked here making their way to the Sierra Nevada gold fields in search of fortunes. Sutter’s Fort was all but abandoned at this time and it was John Sutter Jr – the Captain’s son – along with engineer William H. Warner who was responsible for laying out the grid of streets which comprise the current city. Sacramento was an immediate success and became California’s first incorporated city in 1850. It evolved into a commercial center and a nexus for various modes of transport including steam ships, wagon trains, carriages, stagecoaches, trains, the Pony Express.

Gradually the surface lying placer gold was exhausted and extracting valuable ore required more sophisticated techniques; mining companies replaced the colorful forty-niner and settled in for the long-haul. Waterfront activity subsided and more permanent businesses were established pushing the commercial center east – primarily along K Street; the waterfront became a skid row.

Plans to revitalize it emerged in the mid 1960’s and the result was the West’s first historic district. Today this 28 acre Gold Rush time capsule has 53 historic buildings, cobble-stone streets, a genuine paddle-wheel steamer, horse-drawn carriages, a steam-powered train, a railroad museum and an annual historic festival complete with Pony Express reenactments. Old Sacramento is a registered National and California Historic Landmark.

7. The Leland Stanford Mansion
Located on N Street about midway between the Crocker mansion and the new State Capitol sits the Leland Stanford mansion—its most famous resident, not its original builder. Stanford, a lawyer by training, found success during the Gold Rush in the mercantile business and became even more influential as one of “The Big Four” who managed the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad – the western half of the transcontinental railroad. From 1862-1863 when Stanford was Governor, his magnificent French Second Empire mansion housed the state’s executive offices while the Capitol was under construction. He was also a US Senator from 1885-1893 and founded Stanford University in honor of his fifteen year old son who passed away unexpectedly. The mansion was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

Don't have a bike? Don't want to pedal? Velocab will pedal for you ... and here comes the full disclosure part: I am a downtown denizen and owner of Sacramento Valley Velocab. Give us a call for a tour Fri, Sat, Sun 10am - 6pm c.916-265-8640 or 916-498-9980

Sacramento to honor the bicyclist Thursday

2009-05-19T22:21:23Z

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; on Thursday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., BikeFest will be held on the West Steps of the State Capitol in a huge celebration of Bike to Work Day.

"Biking to work, school or just around town helps you save money and time, stay fit, and improve our air quality. Even better, bicycling is a fun way to travel, and a lot easier for many different types of trips," said Erik Johnson, the Public Information Coordinator for the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACC).

SACC, along with Sacramento's transportation associations such as the Sacramento County Department of Transportation, Caltrans and Regional Transit along with many others have come together to organize and sponsor not only BikeFest but an entire month of honoring bicyclists.

On the morning of BikeFest, the Department of Regional Parks will be waiving parking fees along four entrances to American River Parkway. There will be energizer stations set up along the parkway with free coffee, juice and bagels for cyclists on their way to work from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The capitol's BikeFest will have over 40 exhibitor tables manned by bike shops, bike groups and public transit providers. There will be complimentary safe valet bicycle parking so that people are free to walk around as well as free bike safety checks. Any biker registered withmayisbikemonth.com who brings their printout of miles will receive a fruit freeze and raffle entry for a bike.

The six-county Sacramento region has set a month-long goal of its residents logging one million miles during May and as of Tuesday, May 19, close to 600,000 miles have been logged by 6,455 individuals with the numbers increasing every hour.

As part of a challenge posed to groups and organizations in the region, close to 900 businesses, over 80 schools and 250 bike clubs/teams have registered and set goals for the month.

In the large employer category (500 or more employees) Caltrans is leading with over 26,000 miles logged. The medium-sized employers (101-499 employees) are only a few miles apart with Department of Fish and Game leading over Sacramento's U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District is leading the small employer category (one to 100 employees).

Those that have reached their goals will be announced at the end of May along with recognition of outstanding Commuters, Advocates, Employers and Students that will receive awards at both local and regional levels.

To track the progress of businesses and schools participating in the challenge and a list of organizations that will be at BikeFest visit mayisbikemonth.com.

The man on the streets

2009-04-20T21:56:11Z

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 miles does the biker travel in a day? We have been recording this number and currently we average about 25-30 miles a day.

Bicycles vrs cars: How yellow journalism creates problems

2008-11-20T20:45:14Z

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 forward to each and everyday and the fact we do share the road more and more everyday.

Yours,

John Boyer

How do sports impact Sacramento?

2008-10-14T02:06:18Z

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 brought 5,000 delegates and $1,052,454 in economic impact last year.

The Capitol hosts the start and end of many important runs and walks. Just this month, two major fitness events will grace the steps of the Capitol. On October 11, hundreds of people will participate in the Step out Walk to Fight Diabetes, and just over a week later (October 19) walkers and runners will join the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Sacramento race.

Sacramento does not have a Major League baseball team, nor does it have a National Football League team. Plans to build a new arena for the Kings where the Union Pacific railyard is were derailed in the past.

Is it fair to say that midtown and downtown Sacramento favor more community involved sports - where anyone can participate and enter, rather than sports that only a select few, many from all over the country can participate? How much money do Sacramentans spend to travel out of city or out of state to see their favorite sports teams play at other venues? How much of a crowd do we draw from other states to see our events or our teams play? Should Sacramento spend more on the development of sports teams and venues? How much of a presence should sports have on a city?