A Hat Trick

Three snow rides at Lake Manawa in as many days! Had to take advantage of the new snow and nice weather.

Yesterday was the best riding conditions. Martin and I were both out riding at Manawa. He stopped, checked my tires and let more air out of my tires. That made a BIG different - much better handling. Checked the pressure when I finished - about 23#.

Martin blazed the trail around Long's Loop. My lap was the 2nd or 3rd track. That did my legs in - still got in over 8 miles.

Back today for more. I just could not get my groove. Lots of problems staying on the trail. I was steering like I was new to riding! Still got in over 5 miles. The trail is starting to show bare ground and icing over from packing.

I was not the only one on the trail - a four legged trail user.

Slugging Through the Snow

The Omaha/Council Bluffs got some 5-8" of snow yesterday. Many of us have been getting singletrack withdrawal. So, it was time to head to Lake Manawa Mountain Bike Trails!

Was a little chilly this morning when I headed out for breakfast. By the time I got to the trail (about 10am) is was a sunny 15 degrees. There were 2 other riders out this morning before I arrived - so I was not blazing new trails.

Dan, Martin & Ryan joined in the ride (actually, Dan was the first one to call the ride & time). They headed out as I also took to the trail (much slower). When I got over to the East side, I was the first rider on one trail.

When blazing new trail, and when being the 3rd rider after the new snow, it was slow going. Granny gear to slug though most of the way. By the time we finished, we have a pretty good track packed.

I brought the hardtail (my "ice bike") with the studded tires. Did not need the studs for this ride. Could have used the disc brakes of the Fuel EX. Think I will bring that bike tomorrow.

My body and mind lasted about 1 1/2 hour, 6 miles. That was enough for today - but ready to ride again here tomorrow!

Black Hills Fat Tire Festival

What are you doing for Memorial Day Weekend? Head up to Rapid City, SD for the Black Hill Fat Tire Festival.

There is something for everyone at this festival. The Black Hills have some wonderful singletrack. There's the 109 miles George S. Mickelson Trail. Guide led singletrack rides, on your own rides (maps available), Races, Welcome Social, Western BBQ, Fat Tire Film Festival, the always popular Beer-muda Triangle, Bike Swap, and (new this year) Geocaching Event.

The All Festival Pass is just $95.00. For more information go to www.bhfattirefestival.com

See you in Rapid City!

Economic Recovery Bill

I received this information today. Please write/call your Congressman and Senators. I did today.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects in the Economic Recovery Bill???

The House and the Senate have each passed their own version of the Economic Recovery Bill, aimed at creating jobs and stimulating the economy. Both bills include billions for transportation infrastructure, but only the House bill includes funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects in the Transportation Enhancements program. The House bill includes approximately $1.35 billion for Transportation Enhancements of which 50-60% is traditionally spent on bicycle and pedestrian projects. The Senate bill does not explicitly include Transportation Enhancements, so it’s unclear whether this funding will be in the final bill.

We need to make sure Transportation Enhancement funding is in the final bill.

This week there will be a conference committee where several members of the House and several members of the Senate will work together to reconcile the two bills. Conferees need to hear that Transportation Enhancements are important to stimulating the economy, creating green jobs, and moving us towards a sustainable future.

Please call your senators and representative and ask them to tell the Conferees to support Transportation Enhancements in the Economic Recovery bill. Tell them:

· Bicycle and pedestrian projects create jobs at the same or better rate than highway projects.
· These smaller projects can move quickly to hire local businesses and help local economies.
· Providing safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian access gives families healthier and cheaper transportation freedom and choice.
· Improving sidewalks and bike lanes can make a downtown a destination further helping the local economy.
· Better biking and walking options also help ensure greater energy independence, less pollution, and a healthier United States!