Vox’s posts tagged cyclists

How are you dealing with the gas prices?

nobody@vox.com(little paths) — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:54:35 +0000

My goal: To not buy gas for at least 2 months.

Chicago has the highest gas prices in the nation, kids.
The last time my tank was filled was May 1st. That isnt that long ago but I intend to make it last until July 1st.
Two months really isn't that long, I guess, but it is my jumping off point.
I started riding my bike to work instead of driving on a more regular basis the last time my tank hit E because I didn't want to have to buy it. Then I thought I should get it while the getting is good - before summer prices really escalate - but not have to again for awhile. So my bike riding has been getting a bit more diligent. For the last three weeks, I have ridden every day that it isn't raining or scheduled to storm. It has been pretty dry (during the week - crappy weather on weekends only!) and I think I have gone 13 of the last 16 work days on the bike so it is going well so far.

Also, I cut the cord from my parking permit. I hardly use it anyway but it eats up $30 per month. I think in the last four months I have used it four times? Maybe five? When I drive, I usually get lucky and park on the street. Ill keep a $5 bill in my car in case I need to buy a day permit. I dont know why I didnt do it long ago. Fear? I may have to start up again with it over the winter but we will see.

Im not trying to toot my own horn here, but Im wondering what other people are doing as well...

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The Ride of Silence 5.21.08

nobody@vox.com(Ms Genevieve) — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:12:26 +0000

On May 21, 2008, at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. The Ride of Silence is a FREE ride held during Bike Safety Month where cyclists are asked to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. The Ride aims to raise the awareness of the legal rights cyclists have on the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who are victims of roadway crashes.

There is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fee and no T-shirt.

In Chicago, the Ride kicks off on the corner of Dearborn and Washington. Participants are asked to wear a black armband and remain silent for the 10-mile bicycle procession. For more information, contact Elizabeth Adamczyk at rideofsilence.chicago@gmail.com. Day of event registration is allowed.

Check the resources on The Ride of Silence website to find a Ride Of Silence in your area or to get information on how to organize and host a Ride of Silence .

Ride of Silence 2008

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"That's OK, I suck at life too"

nobody@vox.com(Indieboy) — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:31:01 +0000

Was the response to my chosen gig buddy of last night after I explained why I was an hour late for the Grammatics gig.

Grammatics

I really like this band. Their music is quite quirky and I hear a lot of different influences in there. Production-wise the stuff I've heard is quite 80's/cure-esque I think. Have a look at their page. The Vague Archive and Shadow Committee are great to listen to.

Missed the last tube so went to the chill bar thing around the corner for a while and watched some jazz/triphop thing. Then went for a wander and bought some cider (classy). Eventually went cab hunting which was unsuccessful. But managed to get into an Ibis hotel foyer for half an hour whilst we waited for one. Luckly a nice scottish bloke let us borrow his pass to get through the door. I had to spend half an hour looking like I was sort of queueing to get a room/sort of playing with my phone. My mate drank cider and took advantage of the free internet I think.

I'm off to see Goldheart Assembly at the Troubadour tomorrow as I came across them a while back and have been meaning to see them for a while. What gigs have you got coming up at the mo? I've had a shortage of 'We're playing here' emails. I'm out again tonight and on Satuday too I think. I should start cycling to venues maybe? That could be disasterous though I guess.

I've got a Columbia A&R meeting today where I'm going to really push an act I've mentioned before (but can't mention now ;-) in advance of meeting our Chairman. Got some really good stuff to present, most of which has come through here so I'm hoping to get a second blog signing some time soon. But that may take a bit of time I guess.

The reason I was so late for the gig was I got my new bike yesterday. The sales bloke looks exactly like Eric Idle and sounded like him too. Anyhoo, I got changed into my completly non-waterproof cycyling gear (monkey magic t-shirt and canvas shorts).

CHopper

It's the first time I've had proper gears, the whole shimano thing is at least 10 years old but I'm a bit behind. I was used to gear changes on the cross bar like on my chopper (it was my brother's actually)

I sort of had an idea where to go, so headed over putney bridge for barnes, came through Barnes, got lost and didn't know where I was until I re-appeared pretty much outside my ex's house. Would have been difficult to explain why I was there so I managed to pedal a bit harder and get to the Thames in record time.

Again, I got lost and it was embarrasing as to how many other cyclists zipped past me at high speed. Probably with a snooty expression on their face but I only got to see their lycra-clad arses disappear into the distance. Hmm, I wonder if I should go for the lycra look? :-)

Eventually I had the "Ahh, I'm here" moment, shortly followed by the "Oh f**k, I'm here!!" moment. I'd overshot by a few miles and had a long trek home. 2 hours later I made it. According to tfl's website it should have taken 35 mins. Shite.

Hope all is tranquil and easy to find with you.

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