A new webpage created by the Adventure Cycling Association shows which states are working to participate in the establishment of national bicycle routes.

The map is a Flash application; when you hover the mouse over a state it “lights-up” and when you click, the page navigates  to the state’s current status regarding bicycle route development.

It’s a pretty cool resource.  What’s notable are the URLs you can click to get information about each states program.

Click HERE to have a look.

URL: http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/usbrs/index.cfm

Side Hack Music Machine

The kids and I packed the bikes, drove to the west side and joined in the event.  The ride started at Media Park in Culver City on Venice Blvd.

TheFmly.com‘s monthly ride was an experience to be remembered! About 200 riders on all sorts of bicycles essentially took control of the city streets from Culver City, through West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Century City and Santa Monica.  At each intersection, 4 to 6 riders would stop and hold traffic back so when the light turned red all the riders could pass through safely.  There was near total acceptance of the riders by Los Angeles motorists on a busy Saturday nite; it was absolutely amazing!    Everyone honked in appreciation, rolled their windows down and cheered!  The route mostly passed on busy main streets: Venice, Fairfax, Beverly Blvd, Santa Monica Blvd, Olympic.  Absolutely Amazing!  2 pop-up music venues and the last stop was a place for everyone to chilax, munch some treats and visit.  The air was thick all evening with the sweet scent of cannabis.

The ride departed at 8:30 and arrived at the final spot at 1:30am.  Not even a single cop was ever to be seen. Amazing!!  The ride covered about 25 miles.

Apparently, Critical Mass rides in Los Angeles have had their effect on motorists; they realize how to share the road and enjoy a parade.

It’s not bizmis science or macro rocket-o-nomics, but these antics are beyond my comprehension.

ON THE MOVE: Fmly's Cameron Rath, in chicken costume, organizes the group's monthly bike ride-outdoor concert events. (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Up to 200 riders show up for a ride that traverses multiple pop-up venues where new live music can be heard;  all for free.  Rath organizes a monthly concert series that you can only attend by bicycle.  The route covers 15-20 miles at a pace that leaves no-one behind.  According to, Margaret Wappler, who wrote today’s article in the LATimes, it’s  “… an uninhibited spree around the Westside.”

The next ride in Los Angeles is scheduled for April 2.  Website:  theFmly.com

Visit the L.A. Times to read the full article about Cameron Rath’s musical affair: LATimes

Los Angeles: Bicyclist’s Anti-Harassment Ordinance. A new ordinance heading for a vote soon by the Los Angeles City Council would make it easier for cyclists to sue aggressive drivers.

Read the details (in a pdf) about the planned ordinance HERE.

Search Google: You’ll find more to read on the topic than time.

Blah.Blah.Velo’s Position:  Make the environment on the road safer for bike riding by increasing access: more bike lanes, more sharrows, bike lanes that don’t suddenly disappear and coordinated efforts across municipal boundaries.   It’s the Safety Stupid!

We don’t believe special laws are the solution to the problem.  More sharrows, more bike lanes and a DMV education program (included in the standard driver’s manual)  will help motorists understand city streets are meant to be shared.  The initial approach of bicycle advocacy needs to apply itself primarily to safety and access.  These kind of laws are NOT directly aimed at solving the inherent problems cyclists face on the road everyday.

A brief summary of the ordinance:

Read more »

Sea Otter Classic is less than a month away:  • Monterey, California

The inaugural Sea Otter Classic, originally called the Laguna Seca Challenge, was held on April 6 and 7, 1991. The event totaled 350 athletes and 150 spectators.

According to their website: The Annual Sea Otter Classic is a four-day “Celebration of Cycling” that welcomes over 8,000 athletes and 50,000 race fans and other bicycle enthusiasts.

Professional and amateur athletes make the annual pilgrimage to participate in cycling’s best competitive events in various mountain and road bike disciplines.  Hundreds of pro cyclists, including national and world champions, come to Sea Otter to race, sign autographs, and share their racing techniques with fans.

Recreational rides are another feature of this cycling extravaganza, including Sea Otter’s Gran Fondo routes, which are fully supported and meant to be enjoyed with family and friends.

The Sea Otter Classic also hosts the largest consumer bike exposition in North America.  The Expo holds hundreds of vendors who display new products and offer samples and bargains.

The Sea Otter Village, hub of this four-day action-packed festival, includes a food court and beer and barbecue garden, and pulses with free, fun activities—including bike demos, stunt shows, and special events just for children.

The Sea Otter Classic is located in Monterey County, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.  Sea Otter is renowned as the bicycle world’s premiere festival and one of the world’s largest.