Critical Mass Pics

Bike vs. Car vs. Transit (4:15)

From Street Films

Critical Mass Friday May 30th

Friday May 30th SE Corner of Courthouse 6:30 pm

check this out

Protests and Strikes Across Europe

Wonder why this is not happening here? Does kissing the man's ass makes us "Pro Freedom"? Enjoy your happy meals!

Fishing strikes set to spread across Europe
PARIS (AFP) — Protests by fishing fleets against soaring fuel costs threatened to spread across Europe, as French fishermen voted Monday to extend their port blockade and Spanish fleets joined the stoppage with several other countries likely to follow. more here

LONDON -- Hundreds of trucks jammed a major route into London Tuesday in a protest at the rising price of fuel.

Around 300 trucks parked on a highway on the edge of the city, forcing police to close a section of road and divert hundreds of motorists during the busy morning rush hour. The truckers were protesting the soaring costs of gas and diesel and calling for Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government to lower fuel taxes for trucking companies. more here

TallBike History

WHAT IS A TALL BIKE ?

Coming from a tradition of zany bicycle building that has evolved on both sides of the Atlantic, the principle of tall bikes is simple: to push the boundaries of what a pedal-powered vehicule can be.

Traditionally, tall bike builders re-cycle used parts rather than buying new materials (which generates waste and leads to unneccessary consumption).

THE EVOLUTION OF THE TALL BIKE :

There are a number of alleged explanations for the evolution of tall bikes. Some sources suggest that in the late 19th century, tall bicycles were specially made for Chicago's lamplighters to make it easier to illuminate and maintain the city's streetlamps.

Others claim that at a similar time, fruit pickers extended normal bicycles in the orchards of Catalonia, to reach the upper branches of the lemon trees they were harvesting.

Another root is traced back to the 1900's when British colonial troops reputedly used "unusually elevated cycles" to train their men to race camels to a sufficient standard that they could compete with locals.

No-one is certain which of these origins is the most authentic. However, the late Victorians carried out boundless experiments in the construction of unusual bicycles, the most popular of these being the tall bike. Such a trend arguably climaxed in the 1890's with the “Eiffel Tower bicycle”:

read more here

Forget cheap gas give em a gun

I am sure you will be able to give me a rational explanation for this. I hope each person robs a gas station and then shoots his truck. From the BBC

A car dealership in the United States is offering a free handgun with every vehicle sold.

Max Motors in Butler, Missouri, says sales have quadrupled since the start of the offer.
Customers can choose between a gun or a $250 (£125) gas card, but most so far have chosen the gun.
Owner Mark Muller said: "We're just damn glad to live in a free country where you can have a gun if you want to."
The dealership sells new and old vehicles, including General Motors and Ford cars and trucks, and its logo shows a cowboy holding a pistol.

It has sold more than 30 cars and trucks in the past three days, an increase which the owners put down to their promotional offer.
more incredible stupidity here

SUVs plunge toward 'endangered' list

Damn when will it happen here and does this include these stupid trucks. Whats the deal with all these F150 oh and the other one that takes up two lanes the F357 magnum. I am not begrudging farmers or people who actually have to use these but some of the lard behinds should truckpool. $4.00 gallon in may. $5.00 in july. I have made a prediction.

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Jorge Fernandez strolls across the used-car parking lot littered with dozens upon dozens of sport utility vehicles the size of small tugboats.

SUVs like these are having a tough time selling with gas prices at all-time highs.

With gas at $4 a gallon, many have sat there since last summer.

"The cars are literally just sitting, and it doesn't matter how much you sell them for," Fernandez says of the SUVs and trucks nobody wants anymore.

"It's amazing. I've never seen it this bad -- ever." ead more here

PSA on WLRH

Everyone Listen To WLRH for the Critical Mass PSA
Thanks Sasha!!

For iTunes http://live.str3am.com:2820/WLRH.m3u
and others http://www.wlrh.org/Schedule/listenlive.asp

Messengers

Sorry Tyler it's not about the $$$$
The Godmachine

Afghan mine victims proudly work as bicycle couriers

Reuters India, May 22, 2008
By Jonathon Burch

KABUL (Reuters) - Abdul Saboor rides his bicycle as far as 18 miles a day through the dusty streets of Kabul delivering packages. Most people might be daunted by such distances but not Saboor who peddles through the hilly streets using his only leg.

Thirteen years ago Saboor had to have his right leg amputated after stepping on a landmine near his house in western Kabul. It happened during the civil war when the city was subjected to regular rocket attacks, shortly before the Taliban took control in 1996. Many of the roads were riddled with landmines.
read more here

Chrysler: Let's Ruin America

Looks like Chrysler has figured out a novel way to move their 2008 model gas guzzlers off the lot. Sign up for their new "Let's Refuel America!" credit card and they'll lock in the price of gas at $2.99/gallon for three years. more here

DOGGIE PARADE

From Tyler

Huntsville Ride of Silence – Bicycles Etc, 611A Meridian St, HSV 35801

DATE: May 21, 2008
TIME: 7:00 pm

Join cyclists in Huntsville and worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. Why a bike ride?

To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD
View the website and the video clip: http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php

Wade Whartons Garden

Just in case you haven’t seen this now famous yard in Huntsville. (It takes a moment to load the second site video)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/deepfriedkudzu/2434506109/
This is the Deep Fried Kudzu website with photo essay, two short videos, and links to the newspaper articles.

http://videos.al.com/huntsville-times/2008/05/gardening_guru_felder_rushing.html
This is author and "garden guru" Felder Rushing talking about Wade's garden, ending with the priceless quote: "To my way of thinking, anyone who would hang stuff out of holes in their ears can just shut up about Wade accessorizing his garden."


This YouTube video is a slideshow of Huntsville photographer Barbara Hitt's images of Wade's garden, set to guitar music.
Please share with people interested in gardens, art, native plants, property issues, bottle trees, bonzai trees, recycling.....

Have a Bad Monday

Dixie Derby Girls vs. Memphis Roller Derby

They are on wheels too. Ride your bike!! More info here
DELIVER US FROM ELVIS
Dixie Derby Girls vs. Memphis Roller Derby
May 18th, 7:30pm

Be there May18th as the Dixie Derby Girls take on Memphis Roller Derby! Half time entertainment will be provided by the Tennessee Valley Vipers Cheerleaders!!

Dixie Derby Girls vs. Memphis Roller Derby
May 18th
RollerTime Skate Center
707 Arcadia Cir.
Doors open at 6:30pm
Bout starts at 7:30pm
Admission is $10
Kids 6 and Under are Free!
First 50 restaurant employees get in FREE!
(with valid ID)

10% of Admission proceeds benefit United Cerebral Palsy

More info here

Friday Night Ride

Meet Tyler on the SE corner of the courthouse.

meet @ 6 ride @ 6:30 pm

Bike to work Day

It's bike to work day not to be confused with drive your bike to work day.

Monkey Dust - The Cyclists

2 Huntsville officers indicted

Why am I not surprised. Keep in mind this shit does not happen by accident. "Keep em Scared"

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By NIKI DOYLE
Times Staff Writer niki.doyle@htimes.com
Included in charges are evidence tampering, false reporting, drugs

Two Huntsville police officers were indicted Friday for allegedly tampering with evidence, falsifying reports and attempting to possess drugs, the department announced Tuesday.

Deputy Chief Andy Jackson said the charges stemmed from an internal investigation into alleged policy violations.
Read More Here

From Tyler Thanks

MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU

MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

From Vic thanks

The Yacht Party

Thanks Ted
Go here to support The Courage Campaign, the folks who made the video and please help spread the video by putting it on your blog or e-mailing your circle of influence a link to this blog post.

What the Hell! I though we were always right!!!

Damn what is this. Other countries standing up to America and saying that we maybe at fault? I am sure our sense of entitlement will kick in and say "No it's India and China's fault because we are always right and righteous". So lets get back to telling people what to do... Oh and how to think.

Indians Find U.S. at Fault in Food Cost
NEW DELHI — Instead of blaming India and other developing nations for the rise in food prices, Americans should rethink their energy policy — and go on a diet.

That has been the response, basically, of a growing number of politicians, economists and academics in this country, who are angry at statements by top United States officials that India’s rising prosperity is to blame for food inflation.

Read more here Fat Ass

What is this? Americans Protesting?

Wait is this France? I can not believe it! Hard working Americans protesting because they are getting fucked!
Damn first protests then strikes what is a radical to do?


From the NY Times More Here:

Oil Refiners See Profits Sink as Consumption Falls
While drivers are facing sticker shock at the pump these days, here is a bigger shock: high prices are putting a strain on oil refiners.
After last year’s stellar profits, American refiners are going through a traumatic period. In a time of record gasoline prices, some of them actually lost money in the first quarter, and for virtually all refiners, profits are down sharply.

City maps, signs aim to aid cyclists

opnions? comments ? something?

from nolen

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By JOHN PECK
Times Staff Writer john.peck@htimes.com

Plans also include wider shoulders for road projects

City leaders hope to make Huntsville a more bicycle-friendly community with more sign markers and a map showing the city's 148 miles of designated bikeways.

The city is also including wider shoulders in downtown road-widening projects and soon hopes to install bike racks on the courthouse square.

James Moore, bikeways coordinator for the City Planning Commission, outlined the improvements Monday night to Huntsville's Spring City Cycling Club. He also gave an update on planned greenway extensions, including a proposal to extend the Aldridge Creek greenway north from Mountain Gap Road.

News of the improvements seem timely with the skyrocketing price for gas and National Ride Your Bike to Work week.

Huntsville and Madison riders can participate in the national bike to work week Thursday by joining organized rides that start at WHNT-TV and the Publix on County Line Road. Riders are to meet at the locations at 6:45 a.m. and depart at 7 a.m. for rides to Cummings Research Park.

Moore said the cycling club can be a major advocate for bike amenities.

"They are the ambassadors for cycling in town," he said. "That being the case, they can serve the general public and voice issues they have that would bring more light to them."

The bike route maps are targeted for July. Moore said he hopes to distribute them through places such as bike shops, libraries, tourist attractions and other outlets.

Huntsville bikeways were established in the mid-1970s with updates in 1981, 1992, 2001 and 2006. The system has evolved from simply a shared arrangement on roads to one that interconnects with greenways and city transit buses outfitted with bike racks.

Moore said city buses on all 13 public transit routes are equipped with bike racks.

At the bike club meeting, cyclists pitched other suggestions that would make Huntsville, Madison and Madison County more bike friendly. Several suggested planners require developers to connect neighborhoods when building their subdivisions.

Engineer/cyclist Michael Holderer, a citizens advisory committee member of the city's Metropolitan Planning Organization road planning group, said although cycling advocates welcome the city's interest in making the city more bike friendly, some are frustrated by the slow progress.


"This place has major bike-ped potential, so it's a shame to see many opportunities overlooked," he said. More comments from bicyclists in the planning process would create better results than seeking an after-the fact reaction to a draft, Holderer said.

The cycling community has long complained the bikeway system is confusing and not promoted well. James said that should change with the new maps and additional signs marking the routes.

The bikeways take into consideration traffic volume, lane width, road conditions and "connectivity" with schools, bus stops and greenways.

Only about 30 miles of bikeways have numbered marker signs. The problem: lack of money.

"At some point in the next year or so, we hope all 148 miles will be signed," Moore said.

Bicycle Film Festival 2008 Road To Roubiax and Fast Friday Trailer

Part of the Bicycle Film Festival 2008 more films here.

Alley Cat Results

1: Tyler
2: Jim S
3: Teresa

Axels of Evil Present:

Tu Madre! Alley Cat
Sunday @ 2pm Big Spring Park

Wear a helmet or face brain damage ask Tyler!
Plus you can ride faster ( Ok you have been warned)

Polo afterwards @ Optimist Park

This race is not sponsored by:
Raytheon
Northrup Gruman
Lockheed
NAMBLA
Swarovski
Bridge Street
Rick & Bubba
Big Boot Bob Riley
Tony my crazy nazi neighbor
King George and Dick
Larry the fascist
Daughters of Evolution
Sons of Immaculate Conception
Your Cousin
Knights of Colombo Yogurt

its the jousting stupid

and now some music

It's the End of the World as We know it #32

Return of the Scorcher

In case you have not seen it...watch

Return of the Scorcher

Shockingly Bad Behavior.........

Please C***T do not look at this you will not like it.

P.S. where the hell have you been?

Former cop gets 10 days for hit-skip crash with bicycle

Its always a good day when a cop gets locked up!
From the Bucryus Forum Telegraph

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A former Columbus police officer is spending 10 days behind bars for a hit-and-run crash that left a teenage bicycle rider unconscious.

Forty-four-year-old Lisa Smith was sentenced and went off to jail Tuesday, but first she faced the boy and his mother in court.

Janet Corkadel said the accident in suburban Grove City Nov. 3 almost took away her 13-year-old son, Justin Richie. Corkadel called Smith a disgrace.

Smith did not respond or apologize. Afterward, Justin said that made him mad and said he was “ecstatic” that she went to jail.

In March, the former officer pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge and was found guilty in the crash, which occurred while Smith was off duty.

She was fired from the police force April 28.

Myanmar cyclone death toll exceeds 22,500 + 40,000 still missing

Nothing to do with bikes or being an american but everything to do with being a human. take a minute.

YANGON, Myanmar (CNN) -- A Myanmar government radio station said Tuesday that more than 22,000 people are dead and 41,000 missing after the catastrophic cyclone that battered the country.

A news broadcast on the state-run station said Tuesday that 22,464 people had been confirmed dead from Cyclone Nargis. The broadcast added that 41,000 more were missing. read more here

One Million Bicycles

On August 9th 2009!
The cycling equivalent of Woodstock is coming... one day, 50 states, 300 events, and you're invited!

Millions of us will ride and rally for positive change in communities across the nation and give away one million new and used bicycles.

On August 9th 2009 you'll help double transportation funding for bikes, reduce congestion, dependency on foreign oil, waistlines, carbon footprints, global warming, and health care costs.

What we need is your presence, a $5 registration fee, pledge of a new or used bicycle or recruitment of a new or returning rider with bicycle.

More info Here

Thanks Nolen

Can I also mention if you drive and

try to squeeze by cyclists you are a dick!
From Nolen

Please Don't Squeeze Bicycle Riders
By Jim Garrott
As the weather warms up and more and more bicyclists are taking to the roads around the state, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today launched a public awareness effort to educate drivers about a new state law requiring motorists to pass bicyclists with at least three feet to spare. The effort – called “Please Don’t Squeeze” – starts today and is funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Division of Traffic Safety to the League of Illinois Bicyclists (LIB).
read more here

Have I mentioned lately

that George Bush and Dick Cheney are war criminals and your a dick if you defend them.

Polo Crashes

Grass is for ........

Los Marcos Mayhem Final part 1

Los Marcos Mayhem Final part 2

The Great Bike Helmet Hysteria - Introduction

Shocking!!! From http://www.copenhagenize.com

Bike helmets don't interest me really. They're not a big part of life in cities and countries with high levels of bike usage around the world. read more here

Cycling through French history

Watch the video

F*ck the Earth Day

What a Dick

If you are one of the 29 % who supports him then you are a dick too.

WASHINGTON DC (CNN) -- A new poll suggests that President Bush is the most unpopular president in modern American history. more here