Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by John Boyer

John Boyer on "A Slice Of Reality"

2009-12-12T17:19:48Z

Lot of nods to the old school here but one must compare the new school of One Speed and Hot Italian. This is pizza as it should to be. Local farm produce as toppings is the new pizza and the new value. No more pizza from a semi truck for me. What ever pizza you embrace, make sure they give you local farms to table quality

John Boyer on "Unique elementary school in South Sacramento to celebrate the winter season"

2009-12-02T17:53:55Z

The kids from Waldorf,Montessouri and home schooling for that matter, are painfull examples of our failed public schools in many ways. They will be attacked and vilified for sure do to the massive amount of money involved. No offense to all the great educators in the public sector. They know the above post is correct. Both my kids moved here from Italy during their 5th and 6th grades and were hardly challenged the rest of the way. Both now have moved to Spain. If I could do it all over again Id eat pizza boxes for dinner to get them an education far far removed from the public school system.

John Boyer on "Unique elementary school in South Sacramento to celebrate the winter season"

2009-12-02T17:38:20Z

Because the public system is broken. Just look at the stats Jim. Its never going to come back so we need new ideas to educate, New priorities and new leaders with new methods to teach and also bring back methodology that once worked and was kicked to the curb by knowbest ivorytower educators. Way too many kids skate thru the system without knowing the grammar of their native language. We need to blow it up and start over as "radical" as that sounds.

John Boyer on "Best of Sacramento Celebrate"

2009-11-21T16:16:03Z

The Sacramento Bike Kitchens good works landed us in this lot. Our title was "best kitchen without an oven" Thank you Sacramento Magazine for the opportunity to get our message out.

John Boyer on "First Sacramento tweed ride a grand success!"

2009-11-11T17:35:13Z

I still am amazed that 80+ cyclists attended after being conceived little over a month beforehand. I will also add that I can not remember a more pleasurable ride than this one. There will be more to come. http://sactotweed.blogspot.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.

"Devils night" in the fab thirties and forties

2009-11-01T09:29:23Z

They came in packed SUVs to fill the streets of East sacramento. Several hundreds of them for the effect of a totally calm,safe environment and to give their kids a night of pure bliss and the motherload of all sugar highs. Perhaps also to get scared and pass on this American pleasure moment to their progeny and to show them the higher levels of living and community.

There was no controversy here . People of all subcultures of the human race coming together and sharing whats good about america. Lots of first rate Holloween effects here as many of thr houses looked like Hollywood sets for a certian film genre and the jack-a-lanterns were almost all cut to perfection. My gut feeling is it will hardly see a word in print do to the very fact that this was a glaring example of how we can really get along. No story there the running dog press will tell you!

Being my first Im not sure the history of this but this community never to my knowledge prevented this sort of onslaught but seems to have embraced it and never looked back. I couldnt help but think that my least favorite holiday was so alive and well in East Sacramento and that i couldnt help but revisit how wonderful it used to be as a child.

My astonishment of this civil and obedient mass of scary people is do in part of what I do. You see Im entrusted in delivering wonderful pizza, pasta and salad creations for Onespeed, a restaurant on 48th and Folsom, by bicycle. As I split the massive crowds that were in search of the ulimate scare and the highest of sugar highs, I was fully amazed how cordial and caring everyone was in my path. How could the favorite holiday of Detroit be such a joy for all concerned here? Inquiring minds want to know.

All I do know is that I bow to the wonderful people of East Sacramento for opening their doors to all walks of life despite all reasons they shouldnt.

John Boyer

Ediblepedal.com

John Boyer on "Parents split over possible Montessori school move"

2009-10-28T16:55:15Z

Using policy to stop independent thought and education.. Him havent seen this before. I hope they stand their ground.

John Boyer on "Sacramento County Sheriff Approving More Concealed Weapons Permits"

2009-10-26T03:09:59Z

The nightly news tells the tale of communication with bullits over and over again. Its still as common place as the old west. I say quit yaping about the effect and target the cause. We as americans seem to have a failure to communicate and would just rather shoot each other to resolve our differences. Sounds like its going to get worse before it gets any better.

John Boyer on "Spike in Bike Theft in Sacramento"

2009-10-26T03:02:49Z

Thank you, you are very kind I will use every means possible

John Boyer on "Spike in Bike Theft in Sacramento"

2009-10-26T02:56:46Z

They werent mine but 2 dear friends. I too have lost many a bike but alas Ive gotten smarter. They had forgotten their Big lock and just had a cable on them. The good news is they have been spotted at the Folsom auction from a craigs add I posted and hopefully they will be returned

John Boyer on "Is the Sacramento Press Fostering Civil Debate -- Or Encouraging Hate Speech?"

2009-10-26T02:51:33Z

'Bickering' sounds a lot like Dick Cheney's 'dithering'. The nature of a democracy is to 'bicker', or discuss, and air all rational views, synthesize, and hopefully, God willing, arrive at a better resolution than the status quo." They sound simular but are quite different. Wasting time, puting ones rightousness ahead of a solution all the while not really listening is bickering. Hoping and waiting for gods will? well many an org/nation/family has crumbled applying this old formula.

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

John Boyer on "Sacramento to be part of 2010 Amgen Tour of California"

2009-10-25T19:26:37Z

Sacramento's best event. Cycling or otherwise. Simply stated,last years event was the best time I ever had in Sacramento. I witnessed just how good our community can be. Minus the epidemic bike theft we are experiencing. Story to come later

John Boyer on "Is the Sacramento Press Fostering Civil Debate -- Or Encouraging Hate Speech?"

2009-10-25T19:21:12Z

A very good question. Id like to see a little more "Just the facts mam" and a little less "opinion," character assasination and degenerative ranting to a dead end disagreement. This only fosters paranoia,disconnect and seclusion and very little problem solving. Long story short we in the US of A are bickering our way to last place in all catagories of good living.

John Boyer on "Wine and Beats pours local Sacramento wine alongside good vibes"

2009-10-25T19:06:40Z

This is indeed a good fit and idea for a get together. Both Revolution and Railbridge wines are excellent and getting a foothold in this tough wine market. of Sacramento. I pour Railbridge at Vinoteca and recommend it always. Revolution is going to be a stopping place for the Nov 8th slow food/bike ride the 1st annual Sacramento Tweed Ride a very different sort of bicycle ride. go to sactotweed.blogspot

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

John Boyer on "Eco-friendly biker offers new brand of catering"

2009-07-26T06:03:07Z

Thank you Zach for the Sacpress bump. As for the little eco terrorist i was in my youth, Today I feel man himself is in peril and if we want to address the environment we have to improve the lot of man first BEFORE we can save the environment. In other words stop the cycle of war while improving education and only THEN can we save this mudball we stand on. What sez you?

John Boyer on "Riding Cool?: fixed-gear bikes without brakes"

2009-07-10T15:29:38Z

There will always be an element of "I have to be different" than the mainstream (easier) way of doing things. Gears and brakes are mainstream still and I persanally think you can do more and go farther with less effort with gears and this fits me and my bike everywhere lifestyle. What bothers me with the fixed gear phenomena is the inability to care for the safety of others. Alot of new cyclists want to go in this direction despite the added dangers of the brakeless/fixed gear trend and their inability to actually control a fixed/brakeless bike. We should I feel evolve into caring and being more not less responsible for our fellowman and the brakeless lead violates this evolution. Plus I dont think it improves the car and bike relationshp on the street either. Please people, put a brake on your cool bikes. You will be alot more cooler in the grand scheme of things.

John Boyer on "Freedom's for the Dogs"

2009-06-16T17:25:32Z

Our society(USA) is parked in fear. We bread dogs to keep the public away and to search for drugs etc. In Boseman Montana every shop has a Lab spread out on a cool wooden floor. I agree with you bojo. Its humonoid in origin. ...and miles to go before we sleep

John Boyer on "Should We Close Sac's Parks? Open Up K St. to Cars?"

2009-06-01T15:59:50Z

We are an impatient lot are we not? K street has tranquility going for it and this needs to be protected. It needs work but bicycles are a missing ingredient. Bicyclists must ride at the same speed as pedestrians for this to work.

John Boyer on "Should We Close Sac's Parks? Open Up K St. to Cars?"

2009-06-01T15:56:02Z

hip hip horray ALL very sound ideas.

John Boyer on "Bike Month rolls into Sacramento"

2009-05-04T15:57:05Z

Thanks Jonathan for the kind words and Sacpress bump! Sacpress is awsome!

John Boyer on "Confused Demonstartors"

2009-05-04T15:35:50Z

Trapper your absolutely right! Rewarding the failing auto industry is national suicide and does make me reel. I grew up in Michigan and I saw first hand what GM, Dow and a host of other corps. did to the environment not to mention the well being of the state as a whole. As for solutions I gave you one of mine. get off oil and get off the sinking auto industry. Do not contribute to them. If we just stick to rewarding green and penalizing the dinosaurs we will land on our feet again. BTW who changed the subject?

John Boyer on "Confused Demonstartors"

2009-05-02T10:17:27Z

Fiat? Chrysler? You would be better off to buy a bike! Seriously and am sorry I know, Im off target but after all its Bike to Work month. Life IS simple folks so celebrate! celebrate! bike to the music! Trap? Solutions baby! Think solutions.

John Boyer on "Magpie Catering goes retail"

2009-05-02T10:09:53Z

My new fav. I love the fact its as local as you can get. If only they could cater green by bike! Ed? Call me! www.ediblepedal.com

John Boyer on "Earth Day at Southside Park includes Soil Born Farms"

2009-04-27T17:21:20Z

How do you get to this ranch?

John Boyer on "Surveillance: RT stations possible terrorism targets, police say"

2009-04-25T17:48:16Z

Hope your right Norm. But the fact remains that our city does little to bring a good sense of purpose to our out of work population. the "bad people" are few and the majority good. My question is if we load our justice system up with people doing stupid things on camera, will we be leading them into a lifelong history of "evildoing" ? I maybe mistaken but Prison Building is becoming a hot investment area which leads us to more funding for just arresting and warehousing the evildoers. Not a good sign that a freemarket capitalist system actually corrects the slipsliding conditions of the western world. As you are fully aware the US of A incarcerates far far more people than any other society on the planet. Our sensless violence stats seem to be snowballing. Do you have any other programs in the works to decrease these stats besides "we are watching you" bubbles in every nook and cranny?

John Boyer on "Another Negative Story"

2009-04-25T17:30:44Z

The history of mainstream media as muckracker and merchant of chaos is finally seeing its last days. The outpouring on this thread raises my hope level that media will put period to the practice of executing people and shuting the door on redemption. Its time to bring a little compassion to the news aparatus and more stories of the good works of people everywhere. I bow to Sacpress and their focus on the good.

John Boyer on " Sacramento Makes LA Times "Underrated" Vacation Spot List"

2009-04-23T15:07:44Z

Our American River bike trail is a key factor in our future as a destination point for tourism.. Its hardly ever mentioned in promoting Sacramento. We are in the middle of a bike boom so watch cycle tourism take off in the coming years. Give the guys at Peak Adventures on the campus of Sac State credit for their Bike Blitz event this last week. Whole Foods was there handing out free energy bars and best bike went to Whitworths custom 2 rivers cider Keg delivery bike!

John Boyer on "Coalition Says "Modernize Chicken Laws""

2009-04-23T14:58:30Z

You know I would love to have some chickens to mow ,weed, aireate and fertilize my lawn,AND give me great eggs iin the morning! They eat pests and you can feed them table scraps! Plus they are so cute! Thanks Sacpress!

John Boyer on "Saving the Oak Park Starbucks"

2009-04-23T14:52:33Z

The Coffee garden,Naked or or perhaps Temple should step up to the plate and come here. KJs Starbucks was always busy when i used to go there. Must be blamed on poor management on the all hype Starbucks. I think OP needs a Magpie! Not alot of nutritious AND delicious eateries in this neck of the woods. OP needs wholesome eateries with good coffee.

John Boyer on "Police address privacy concerns over security system "

2009-04-23T02:50:28Z

Ben Franklin once said "an once of prevention is worth a pound of cure." What would $600.000 of prevention give us one wonders. Thank you sargent for agreeing on these words of wisdom. Plus The officers watching the cameras are going to get fat which is a taxpayers burden as well..

John Boyer on "Police address privacy concerns over security system "

2009-04-21T07:37:57Z

Why dont we invest in people and the improvement of their condition as opposed to tech that will just create more people in prison.? The iidea this will be a prison planet someday seems closer to reality day by day. Invest in the teaching of ethics and virtue. Im not talking archaic moral codes here, People are basicly good. Once we stop handling people like they shouldnt be there and give them a sense of purpose, a work ethic and a feeling of belonging we wont have to spy on everyone. This is lazy pure and simple. Pie in the sky you say? Reality starts with a simple thought of what could be.

John Boyer on "Sacramento's Tea Party protest"

2009-04-20T04:04:06Z

John Galt I much prefer my mobscene with answers to our nation/global problems not racially charged reactivism. But to be honest mankind hasnt handled its freedom of assembly very well period so yes I am leary of nationalism or any ism that rabblerouses.

John Boyer on "Sacramento Tea Party, notes from the lawn"

2009-04-18T14:04:17Z

bigot; an intollerant, prejudiced person. You yourself mentioned the mainly caucasian showing. No need to "bro" the prez. The signage was grossly bigotted in its caracutures and language. The message that stood out to me was intollerance and bigotry in the guise of unfair taxation which is a real issue. Really Mr Osibin Leading the charge was the muck racking Fox news gang, the minions of the status quo.

John Boyer on "Sacramento Tea Party commentary w/link to video"

2009-04-17T14:41:50Z

"regardless of your political leaning. Think globally; act locally." Thinking global survival at this event was definately not in its collective lexicon. i wish I could have surveyed this mob with the question "What have you done to ensure the survival of the human race today?" My guess would be a lot of blankness with a puzzled "huh?".

John Boyer on "Sacramento Tea Party, notes from the lawn"

2009-04-17T14:31:35Z

Did anyone see the "dont tax me bro" sign? Apparently bigots felt safe in dramatizing their stupidity in this mob scene.

John Boyer on "Sacramento's Tea Party protest"

2009-04-16T14:28:15Z

While I stumbled onto this rabble rouser festival I could'nt help but feel a reactive base around me. One common theme from the picketeers were signs with the words I,me and mine in them. This was in my opinion planned by a very misguided segment of our society that are hanging on to what was and can not continue, a circle the wagons mentality that will eventually consume itself. Oh yes there were plenty of degrading carcatures of Obama that were offensive giving this mob scene a very hatefull and dangerous tone. Murdock and Fox news take yellow journalism to its highest form yet

John Boyer on "Hot Italian hosts a benefit for Italian earthquake victims"

2009-04-12T17:13:48Z

Hot Italian is showing their compassion for all of mankind. The green building and now funding the relief efforts in Abruzzo Keep up the good works and and logical order of importances. You can finnish the facade next year for all i care.

John Boyer on "Pedicabs: How We Got Here"

2009-04-12T17:07:30Z

The public access channell 17 talk show by the name of soapbox will air a segment titled "Bikes are better"on the 20th of this month.8pm. The velo cab phenomena will be covered. Dont missi it!

John Boyer on "Building 'green' in Sacramento"

2009-04-09T03:53:48Z

The italan culture has always put the quality of food first, Most italians also spend less than they earn. 2 lvirtue we could learn and practice here in our young country. I for one could care less if the facade is on the back burner. Give me nuovo cucina italiana! So far this gem of a restaurant lives up to the cultures wonderful culinary history, the warmth of its generosity and the gift of a green building. For some its never enough to do the best one can under trying economics. grazia Frabrizo and Andrea

John Boyer on "Building 'green' in Sacramento"

2009-04-08T05:44:36Z

I bow to Andrea and Fabrizio's vision of the future of business and the restaurant. The Fiori pizza is my fav. Then the Zucchero with gelato for desert. little piece of italia heaven right here in Sac.

John Boyer on "Turning over a new leaf: boutique brings organic clothes downtown"

2009-04-07T14:38:39Z

What a great idea. Perhaps down the road they could carry a line of organic wool bicycle friendly shorts knickers and sweaters. There is a void in this area that needs to be filled.

John Boyer on "It's time to get out the box!"

2009-04-02T06:36:50Z

I dont think speed is part and parcel with stress. One can not make a living well if he or she is not competent and swift in delivery of goods and services. As a waiter at La Boheme and a bike delivery guy by day with Edible Pedal, I am at my best when busy and moving quickly. The slowness of our economy is now driving me to a state of unrest. The more one controls time with speed , one can then lead a more fullfiling life. One can then enjoy the art of slow cooking! After all its been said; there are no absolutes!

John Boyer on "Same drum, different 'beat'"

2009-04-02T06:16:26Z

I know Im much more in communication with the street on a bike and I suspect the bike cops awareness is amplified as well. Cop cars are a symbol often denoting reckless pursuits, ticky tack tickets and donut runs while the bike is more subtle yet honest, more ecofriendly and less menacing to the environment. Hope more bikecops will be implemented onto our streets soon. We need more oversight period. Now if we can only apply the bike in a crusade in controlling whitecollar crime! Now thats a toughy

John Boyer on "City to use stimulus funds for street repaving"

2009-03-27T15:52:42Z

Horray! As a commuter by bike these streets look like something out of Ws Shock and awe!

John Boyer on "Board of Supervisors Outlaw Lap Dances"

2009-03-27T15:49:07Z

What a hot button topic. I have to agree with the above posters. Power of choice is senior to everything. Man has to grow up and make good decisions instead of condemnation and legislating every bad decision known to man, which results are only drug wars and sex trade. When we tell someone YOU cant be here or do this what do they do? They find away to be this and do that. Amsterdam one if not the smartest city on the planet contains and legalizes all those things that are so hard for us to confront. In doing so they take tha criminal mind out of the equation AND create revenue for the city to boot! Its not the perfect solution but it is an effective one. Mr Mayor look at Amsterdam and learn.

John Boyer on "It's time to get out the box!"

2009-03-27T05:27:54Z

4 thumbs down!? Tough crowd It seems we have some pretty good truisms here that are not ready for prime time.

John Boyer on "College Cyclery to host "Pro-Am" bike sale and demo"

2009-03-24T16:27:18Z

Will you selll me that beautiful white Brooks Saddle in the case?

John Boyer on "Fixed gear festivities"

2009-03-24T16:25:55Z

Like skidding threw turns and giving the bike tire industry a big shot in the arm! The Bicycle Business has the best sellection of the coolest fixiedgear parts you will ever see on a bike shop. This shop is cutting edge! No I dont work there. Just want to see our local bike shops flourish and prosper.

John Boyer on "March Madness: The Mayor's Brackets"

2009-03-24T16:12:13Z

Hate to be the first to tell you Kevin Johnson but my Spartans will be throwing a big wrench into your plans.

John Boyer on "Hot Italian makes its mark on Sacramento"

2009-03-24T05:58:08Z

The Sacramento Bike Kitchen has numerous patrons who love/collect Italian steal bikes for their beauty as well as performance. Ill pass on the invite. I have an elegant Tommasini in marbled emerald green Would be honored to show it when completed.

John Boyer on "College Cyclery to host "Pro-Am" bike sale and demo"

2009-03-24T05:41:48Z

This is going to be huge . Im in! Market driven or addy? Isnt there a little promo and PR in all things of written word?

John Boyer on "Hot Italian makes its mark on Sacramento"

2009-03-23T15:27:41Z

Living seven years in Italy I gave up all hope we as americans would get pizza right. My hope has been rekindled. This restaurant now just needs a hot italian road bike as in road BICYCLE to represent the hot bicycling surge. The vintage vespas and Ducati certianly are cool but this bike nut is looking for a Fausto Coppi or Cinelli road bike on display.

John Boyer on "Second Saturday 03/14/09 "

2009-03-16T16:44:13Z

Thanks to Sacpress for pitching in. I came later after work and the place was still going strong. I think this is the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship!

John Boyer on "Cycling to work"

2009-03-16T16:33:26Z

Hi Lorena. Carmichael Cycle has one in your size. If you like I can bring it to you and you can test ride it in the parking lot.

John Boyer on "This Second Saturday at the Sac Bike Kitchen"

2009-03-14T16:08:47Z

Also check out the 2 new artists on the block that will be showing their creative impulse to all. Some of the most amazing metal work and paintings you will ever see here.

John Boyer on "Inside Sacramento's "Tent City""

2009-03-14T16:04:49Z

This is, in my view, a huge gut check to "the american dream". Riding my bike by our now world infamous city of tents leads me to the old saying "No ones free untill were all free." We must work.

John Boyer on "Cycling to work"

2009-03-14T15:56:18Z

OK so Im plugging my product here, but I have to invite all to check out Bens amazing foldable bike ,the BikeFriday Ticket pictured above. This is hands down the most fun bike to bomb around a city that you will ever find. Just ask Ben. Folds in less than a minute and will fit in your office. Be forwarned you will have the impulse to grab the next train for Berkley or a combo oftrain/ferry into the city. Its made in Oregon and the frame is guaranteed forever.

John Boyer on "This Second Saturday at the Sac Bike Kitchen"

2009-03-14T15:41:31Z

Thanks Sacpress! You guys are amazing.

John Boyer on "Drought, eh?"

2009-03-04T16:43:39Z

Food! its about getting water to our orchards and our crops! Everyone needs to conserve and treat clean water like a pawnshop treats gold. We will be seeing almond orchards dry up and die if we dont get a handle on this. Perhaps a silver lining in all of this is people will stop wasting in this down turn. Suburbia sprawl will come to a standstill and people will be forced to live and share with one another.

John Boyer on "The revolution will not be motorized!"

2009-03-04T16:31:18Z

Hurray! Sacpress brings us another bike story! Keep em coming! http://dutchbikeseattle.com/weblog/?page_id=37 Written in the late 1800s this is being written today, a hundred years later. Bikes combined with people power remain a constant. I recommend more group rides to create more popular opinion. Celebrate ANYTHING on a bike and we all win!

John Boyer on "City (Finally) Gets Tough on Bin Scavengers"

2009-03-04T16:21:10Z

The real crime here is more time and attention of our police will go to further degrading and antagonzing our ever increasing numbers of disenfranchized. Police will now have to patrol our dumpsters?

John Boyer on "The Street Life"

2009-02-13T16:36:16Z

Tom, Although I do not disagree with your short term handling and would give it my backing 100%, I feel little effort has been put in to understand the root cause of this phenomena and why our nation has far more homelessness than virtually every other developed nation on the planet. I have fixed bikes for the homless as a volunteer for the Sacramento Bike Ktchen. Im not talking from some ivory tower. I feel the worthlessness these tortured human beings are experiencing . Yes they need shelter, yes they need food, but more than that, they need a SENSE OF PURPOSE. Italy for example has no social programs for the homless but they do have a fierce sense of loyalty to family and hardly ever abandon their kids or march their young men off to war so senslessly as we do here. All Im saying is lets apply some prevention to the ever increasing numbers of homelessness and stop putting little bandades on every social issue that explodes out of control. I used to live in Portland when Ron Reagan turned loose the warehoused disenfranchised. They came in droves up to Portland on account of the numerous soup kitchens and tent cities under the numerous downtown bridges. I listened to them as they spouted over and over again actual war dialog as if they never left Vietnam. Thanks for standing up Tom for the homeless. I get your point I really do. But the source of this contagion is the antisocial hawks in Washington and their legions of legislators with no reality what war really brings back to our culture. Wait till we have to deal with the Iraq soldiers after they too inturn are kicked to the curb by our pathetic government in a bubble. You wont be able to build cheap housing fast enough.

John Boyer on "The Street Life"

2009-02-13T07:35:49Z

Homelessness is way, way late on the issues. Addressing homelessness is not, I repeat not addressing and confronting the real issues of our society or lack there of. War, poor education, and the lost drug wars are at the root causes of our huge population of disenfranchized americans. Vietnam vets and their children make up a LARGE portion of the homeless. They are often found muttering verbatum war dialog on the streets.

John Boyer on "The Street Life"

2009-02-12T17:44:16Z

There is also bunker living right on the banks of the river as well. Its no secret. Ive often wondered what our solutions are. As of right now the only solutions are in prevention. What you see in Adams thought provoking photos is way too late on the chain of events. The quantity of homeless beings is staggering and a grim reminder we are not "the greatest country in the history of man as likes of Shawn Hannity will tell us. Education in our country is one of the most expensive and ineffective in the developed world IMHO. The uncooked stats do not lie. Invest in self not stuff and give a lending hand when you can. Giving a homeless fellow a sense of purpose can help. The old sac community is very compassionate to our homeless often giving them things to do. Its amazing just a little sense of purpose can do for the down and not yet out. Nice work Adam but every subgroup of mankind has its antisocials. Just look at Wall Street. Do not fear the bike trail. Just stay alert and ride with others.

John Boyer on "Bike Safety Night During Bikeramento Week"

2009-02-11T09:01:17Z

This is not a time to build [bike paths]. If we are going to invest in infrastructure, invest in infrastructure that actually makes the economy more efficient, such as roads that are needed. -Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 NOW is the time more than ever. Support safe space for cycling your environment.

John Boyer on "Bike Safety Night During Bikeramento Week"

2009-02-11T08:50:47Z

Props go to Ed and Chris for sharing their wealth of experience and their life long purpose ofcreating a safe bike culture for all sacramento. I know when I ride intoSacramento each day my afinity for the city and population grows with every ride.. I wish our politicos could do this instead of shrouding themselves in masive steel buildings and cars never really experiencing the environment for which we live together in. They would know how important safe space to bike and walk really are.

John Boyer on "Half truths for shock factor"

2009-02-10T16:15:51Z

Journalisms gap between ethics and the know how or technology of keeping populations rivited on things they do not understand nor can do anything about, continues to widen. I applaud Sacpress in their attempt to improve an area that has been in a ditch for so long. On the subject of improving conditions, journalism and politics are neck and neck for last place.

John Boyer on "Teens who don't listen"

2009-02-09T16:06:12Z

Ivory tower bunk. Todays "I am a brain chemical interaction" is just the pseudo science of the day. Brings no solutions to lifes real questions but does fill the coffers of big pharma. Ask the long list of school shooters and their statistics, how they feel about the chemical solution.

John Boyer on "Elk Grove gains new Wal-Mart"

2009-02-08T07:39:42Z

The problem is Walmart is organized and an organized org will trample an unorganized mom and pop any day of the week. Its the reality, sad but true. They have more marketing skill and more funds to crush the little guy. This is the story or this universe I am afraid. It doesnt matter who is better. mom and pop stores find comfort in a nonexpansion state of being and this is their downfall. It was the native americans, and every poorly run nation that was gobbled up by the USSR. The better organized org always wins. Compete or die is the law of the land. It applies to organisms, individuals, families, shops, states, countries, planets, solar systems and on and on. Does Walmart suck in the grand scheme of things? Yes, I have the honor of never spending a red cent there. But the question is who is going to step up and do better? Big orgs that do are Trader Joes and Whole Foods INMHO. Support them.

John Boyer on "Teens who don't listen"

2009-02-07T21:23:16Z

In all honesty I bristle when science explains away human emotion and behavior via brain imaging and chemistry. I think it veers widely away from personal accountability and cause-effect. Leeves me saying huh? Pull the string long enough and alot of our current problems stem from pop 60s psychology

John Boyer on "Let's be bike savvy"

2009-02-07T21:17:53Z

Very imformative This is why I love Sac Press!

John Boyer on "This is Sacramento?"

2009-02-07T00:07:24Z

As a transplant I am at home here. But I urge all younguns to travel a lot but always love where you are despite all reasons you shouldnt. Its been said a critic is someone who hasnt succeeded at something. (No offense critics) A critic is often found saying "this town sucks!" or "I hate the middle east" Well I say it doesnt suck and has great possibilities and as Stephen Stills wrote "love the one your with."

John Boyer on "Capital Stage sets 'The Scene'"

2009-02-06T23:53:20Z

"Do certain members of our society purposefully set out to destroy others, or are certain people hardwired for self destruction?" One of the most important questions in regards to the survival of the whole friggen human race. On a grand scale history has recorded the downfall of many a civilization and linked it to a handfull of oppressive men hell bent on taking as many with them as possible. Perhaps we can find a handfull in the last few years that fit the above description? Seems it is the performing arts that best disect the intentions of people in general

John Boyer on "What's for Lunch?"

2009-02-06T23:39:51Z

What a coinsidence I too rediscovered this gem in Midtown a few weeks ago. One of the first restaurants I stumbled into in my first month in Sacramento nearly 12 years ago, I have now made this one of my favorites. Pomplona Spain is the new home for my son. I wanted to experience Spanish cuisine to prepare my senses to an upcoming trip. This mature restaurant Is a complete and romantic escape in the heart of midtown. I urge you all to try it. Yes the restaurant is surely tops in the best buy catagory as Adam points out.

John Boyer on "One idea for how to enjoy your furlough days"

2009-02-05T22:00:49Z

Every crisis has its opportunities. Losing pay hurts no matter what but you have to look at the upsides to everything if you want to avoid chronic depression. After that good dinner, ride your bike over to the Sacramento Bike Kitchen and support Sactown bike culture! 1915 I street. open Wed, Thurs and Friday evenings 6-9pm anf Sat 12-4pm www.sacbikekitchen.org

John Boyer on "Sac Press holds writer's workshop"

2009-02-05T21:51:50Z

dagnabbit missed another one! Saturdays would be great for me.

John Boyer on "The Sacramento...Who?"

2009-02-05T21:48:35Z

I have never trusted a gambler in making long term decisions on the wellbeing of any org. The malloofs gambled with CWebb and it payed off in the short, But angst set in the proverbial "musical chairs" crept in and soon we became a farm team for some good teams needing that one player to get them over 500. I suggest we tell the Malooves to move to Vegas and we turn ARCO into a velodrome. Then we tell all the Kings fans to suppport our local high school and college teams. Much more bang for the buck.

John Boyer on "Let's be bike savvy"

2009-02-05T21:37:11Z

I dont know WHAT is going to break this habit of needing your cell every second of every day. Constant alertness is your only defense I suppose.

John Boyer on "Let's be bike savvy"

2009-02-05T21:32:46Z

Words of wisdom Ryan. However keeping a lid on IMHO reashures me that if I do go down I will have my switchboard intact, All recovery of the body goes thru this place also known as the brain. Terra incognita is the most valuable space of the bod this lifetime cyclist thinks. Helmets also have vents for cooling your cranium while its overheating I have one of 2 taillights attached to my wonderful helmet. The light is more visable to the zombiafied driver who never sleeps or has an office,kitchen and/or powder room in his/her car. I dont mind cars close to me. Its a good time to wink at them as they drive by. This brings me to one very important point. Its very important to communicate with motorists as well. For example blow a kiss to a motorist that waves you through. In other words acknowledge to them that you are there and I am here. Cyclist usually do that to each other but its even more important to do this with motorists. I ride every day to 3 different jobs and I have to say I get great treatment from motorists BECAUSE I refuse to be a hater on them to use the younger generations slang. If you want to talk about hate and misunderstanding watch how motorist treat other motorists! Now THERE is some heavy friction! Dont get me wrong Its not all kumbiya out there. But as the old saying goes clean hands lead to a happy life! Another good philosophy is live and let live. Above all ride happy and safe. Keep a smile on (even if you have to fake it) and love everybody.

John Boyer on "Hot Italians, bicycle rims and instant pizza"

2009-01-29T16:53:01Z

Ive been there Bill. It has a big mavic wheel on the ceiling with jerseys hanging from it. A long bike ride, a quality pizza chasedwitha a strong pint of microbrew. Heaven on earth

John Boyer on "Recycling Rush: Is he relevant?"

2009-01-29T16:46:37Z

Communication is the universal solvent. Both these minions of their isms fail to bring to the table, policy that works for everyone. For me all the isms are of the same stamp. If we can get policy implemented that reward good production and penalize no or poor production we will as a society move up and have extra to care for those who can not work. . . All hand outs promote no production and a slow economic death as no one has the initiative to do better or change the world. Our political bickering is killing us. Leaving us in apathy and worse, letting the likes of the media rabble rousers like the above play their game of creating distrust and wasting time and valuable assets. Lets stop all this and create a government free from politico ideology. Politics like religion helped civilize man but we have to create a better system that creates team work and connection. Did you ever notice how political discourse rarely if ever leads to solutions? Self rightousness another product of politcal strife is all over talk radio. And as the old saying goes, "talk is cheap"..

John Boyer on "Hot Italians, bicycle rims and instant pizza"

2009-01-29T06:13:32Z

Very cool stools! Another bicycle fixated pizzeria "One speed" a concept from Waterboy creator Rick Mahan will be opening in he sametimeframe. Lets see who will win best new pizza!

John Boyer on "Recycling Rush: Is he relevant?"

2009-01-29T06:08:23Z

Merchants of chaos both of them. Both Limpaugh and Savage label liberal thinkers as mentally ill. Just like Nazi "science" labeled all hebrews as mentally ill and systematically murdering several million, so too are these minions of the republican party playing the same game.

John Boyer on "'Them's some ugly kids!'"

2009-01-26T08:33:22Z

Not an easy piece to read. However this is the reality of our city streets and a dose of reality is a good thing for sure.. Perhaps its a reminder we all have to work harder than the few that leave a trail of destruction wherever they go. Makes me wonder who is the "crazy" one. Those that forge policy that increase the numbers of disenfranchized or the victims of such policy.

John Boyer on "Building a new world with broken bikes"

2009-01-22T00:54:31Z

Not much Susan. Come in and pick a good bike that needs a little attention and a mechanic will show YOU how to get it up to safety standards. He or she will also advise you how to make it more comfortable i.e. seats, grips and pedal upgrades and fit you to the bike as well. But you will be taught a skill and thats very important in todays world. Investing in ability is the best thing to do right now

John Boyer on "Martin Luther King in his opening address to the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival. "

2009-01-20T16:31:18Z

A truly noble and thoughful article. I really enjoyed this one. One can only think why on earth would one want to put period to the arts particularly band, or in a more covert attempt make them of lesser importance, in our educational system.

John Boyer on "Obama takes oath, I'm in Land Park"

2009-01-20T16:12:49Z

This will be my first and last post on the politics of our nation. There is nothing wrong with being a patriot and having a fierce loyalty to a group. But the word patriot has become something different in the last few years. It seems to have become a button word and something of a hipnotic command. It is often used to rabblerouse the masses (see Fox news) into killing off another subgroup of mankind. Like the line in the film "Guess whos coming to dinner" where Sidney Pottier tells his dad "You look at yourself as a black man where I look at myself as a man. I may have that one a little off but I hope you get my point. Obama is a step in the direction of a true brothrhood of man. I just hope he isnt made into the new Jesus as we know the end result of THAT story. Im looking for the day where being a patriot to some plot of earth doesnt have such a reactive connotation to it and the word "mankind" is senior in importance than the self bfixation of nationalism. Im looking for the day that we get past hoping and praying for a better condition and graduate to making a better world a reality by allowing all peoples of earth to pitch in and lending a hand. As a great author once said "And miles to go before we sleep".

John Boyer on "Sacramento cyclist in "crack" bust"

2009-01-20T00:39:08Z

I dont quite get the "cyclist" part. Black PR on the bike culture make no mistake about it! I too am a cyclist and am drug free. We have to be if we want to survive.

John Boyer on "Is Tower and Crest Closing Still a Threat?"

2009-01-20T00:33:55Z

I went to see "Into the Wild" at Tower and got a free movie poster of the great film. Its the only theatre I frequent for the obvious reasons. Bigger more powerful orgs will always mow down the weaker ones. History has shown this time and again. The theatres must step up and promote like there''s no tomorrow. Native Americans were not organized to withstand the euro invasion and so it goes. If Sacramentians want their historical landmarks to stay intact, they will have to kick down more frequently. Its that simple.

John Boyer on "Sacramento cyclist in "crack" bust"

2009-01-20T00:22:32Z

Worthy only to Fox and friends

John Boyer on "Building a new world with broken bikes"

2009-01-20T00:09:59Z

Ill be hitting up my local schools to participate. Thanks for the link bikeczar!

John Boyer on "Building a new world with broken bikes"

2009-01-18T18:31:55Z

Phil, Once Sacbikekitchen grows deeper roots we will be taking on more responsibility for getting kids to ride to school. I work at Carmichael Cycle and I ask every kid that walks thru the door if they ride to school and if they say no I ask them what would have to happen in order for them to ride. Planting the idea is the first step and then acting on the idea is the next. SAFETY is the concern and we need to erect a support system and arm these kids with riding skills. We will be in touch.

John Boyer on "Sac Barackomania: Bee covers haircut"

2009-01-18T16:43:28Z

Journalism today is psychotic IMHO. Its either mayhem and doom with no solutions in sight or theedy weedy kitty cat stories, No data that can help solve mans survival anywhere.Journalism today needs a complete overhaul. Its cred is in tatters The worst part is what they do to people paricularly artists who slip up or think outside the box. Its off with their heads i.e. Dixie Chicks speaking their mind and Tom Cruise jumping on a couch. If this is what people want and I dont think so, than we are not long for this mudball! Wake up America!

John Boyer on "Drive 55 and thrive, apologies to KP"

2009-01-18T00:19:37Z

Thats slang for the the bikes that are aerodynamic and very very fast Harry.

John Boyer on "What are fixed gear bikes?"

2009-01-17T22:54:37Z

Good points Dustin. I ride nuetral and stay clear of all big rigs as those who make a living driving are easily annoyed by pesky cyclists who daily change their very own direction without permission. What philosophy I apply that makes every commute a great ride is to try and assume the motorists POV ignorant,angry,asleep you name it. Another note abide by all traffic laws. The powers that be have their eyes on the fun loving cyclists and we can be an easy target for any frustrated officer , good cop and bad cop alike.

John Boyer on "Alley Cat Racing in Sacramento"

2009-01-17T19:36:10Z

I must say I am guilty of the hipster stereotyping. So many tribes in the bike community its no wonder we are over run by the powerful car tribes on the street! They are quite simply more powerful as they are a product of the big oil menace. Lets all in the bike communty show our solidarity and waive at the other "tribes" as they pass by. We all must get along to save the planet! BTW you heard it here first the new tribal thing is a sort of cross bike- half road half urban assault with dropped bar kind of like cyclecross but beefier. Cycle trucks haulling massive loads are the new hipster thing as well. But the best thing to do is acknowlede the right to exist all types of bikes.

Building a new world with broken bikes

2009-01-17T19:17:33Z

The Sacramento Bike Kitchen (SBK) has been open for a week and the buzz is all over town. A DIY bike workshop that spreads bike culture with its unique approach to getting 'er done. Volunteers help YOU know your bike by showing you how to fix and maintain it. The result is that you are much more at cause over your 2 wheeled friend NOT the effect. Your affinity skyrockets for all things bicycling and simply cannot go anywhere unless it's on a bike. Well alright thats a little over the top but I hope you get my point.

At the kitchen we have a theory that most entry level bicyclists have had their hearts broken with the box store variety of bicycles that are not long for the dumpster. Poorly fitted and ill advised in keeping their bikes in working condition, most bikes from Walmart, Kmart etc. end up given away or even abandoned on the street. A once promising idea of going green filed away in the bad idea category of our memory banks.

We highly recommend one find a local bike shop and let them earn your business with their great service. Many come to mind like Steve Loebach from Carmichael cycles, Whit Brooks from the Bicycle Chef and Terry Cox from College Cyclery, just to name a few. These tireless experts can assist you in making your cycling goals come true. Others like Steve Rex can build a bike that's so beautiful you will never want to drive a car again.

The SBK is a nonprofit organization built on the goodwill of area bike enthusiasts. Our shop subsists or thrives on the donations of like minded folks that want to spread the idea that the bike is the most genius from for moving the body from A to B. We here have plans shoulder to shoulder with the local bicycle shops to increase the numbers of commuters that will make Sacramento the place it should be, a great place to live, work and play. A place free from noise polution, congestion, bad air and most importantly the disconnection from our fellow man. You see, a cyclist is more likely to wave at complete strangers on the road. He has so much fun he or she must share it with someone else!

Here at SBK our natural enemies are pollution, obesity, body apathy and doing nothing for the greater good. Our friends are all people who want to make a difference including those here at Sacpress who have given us the chance to blow our horn.

Please join us in making Sacramento the greatest biking city in California and then who knows what other goals we can tackle.

Portland and Amsterdam watch out!

John Boyer

SBK donations
1915 I street
(916)-442-3177

Donations gladly accepted 8-10am M-F and Wed,Thurs and Friday evenings 6-9PM