So I spent a little time this morning checking into Google map's new bicycling additive, and come away from it with... mixed results. I chose destinations with which I was familiar (since I can not judge what I do not know). The first route went from home to work; this was not too bad, and mostly followed one of the two routes that I normally take. A few problems, however, were encountered. First, while the route utilizes the Pacific Electric Trail, part of the way, it is never identified as such in the directions which could be confusing to someone unfamiliar. Second, at one point a photo with overlaying arrows indicate that the route enters a gated housing development, with directions telling you to "continue onto Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. Hmmm. Once you are there, if you make it that far, it is clear where you need to go - continue along the P.E.T. which is adjacent to the gated development, but again this might get a little confusing. Third, the final leg directs you to take Haven Avenue, a six to eight land auto racetrack where speeds regularly are in excess of 50 mph, and completely lacking in cycling infrastructure. No good.

The second test went from home to the Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, a favorite weekend route of mine. The directions for this were exceedingly complicated with too many unnecessary turns. I can do this ride by essentially taking four streets; Google maps, meanwhile, recommended nearly ten times more. Enough said.

The third test was for a route my son might take to the local middle school. This one, like the first test, was not too bad, certainly as good as any alternatives I could come up with.

I guess my biggest complaint with the program is that it gives a one size fits all answer. The comfort level of one person may not be the same as the next person. A street that one person would not dream of riding on may be perfectly acceptable to another. Many people who use this program will not look beyond the arrow on the map, or the street by street directions, to realize that there may be a more direct route, or one on "safer" streets. That in a nutshell is the main problem with these type of direction guides / mapping aids, they do not encourage users to explore alternatives, rather than blindly follow directions.

Did familiarity with the area and routes give me an advantage. Undoubtedly, and that is my point; you cannot replicate experience and knowledge. Use Google map as a starting point if you must, but be willing to grow beyond it's limited offering.

Phrasing rant...

I really take exception with the phrase "in the wrong place, at the wrong time." Just this morning I saw it used on a well respected blog I follow. Every time I see this phrase I am bothered by the implications. It has become so embedded in the "blame the victim" mentality which becomes more prevalent in our society every year, so that "in the wrong place, at the wrong time" is brought forth by way of explanation whenever anything "bad" happens. I am constantly in the right place, at the right time for any given task I may be undertaking over the course of the day, or night. If "Joe weekend-warrior" out for a Sunday morning spin is hit from behind, I don't want to hear that he was "in the wrong place, at the wrong time", he was exactly where he needed to be, minding his own business when he was hit by someone who did not take their responsibilities seriously. If "Joe stroller" is out for an evening walk through his neighborhood and is assaulted by a group of thugs, he should not be described as being "in the wrong place, at the wrong time." He was exactly where he wanted to be at that time. Rather, someone chose not to respect his right to be there and then. The phrase "in the wrong place, at the wrong time" has become overused and misapplied, diluting the responsibility for our actions which must be an accepted part of any healthy society. 

Sights and sounds...

I hear them over the incessant drone emanating from the nearby freeway; I hear them beyond the cold night air biting at my ears as I rush past; I hear them over the hum of my own two wheels, and the quiet meshing of my perfectly aligned chain. I hear them through the winter during my twice weekly, evening post-work rides. The frogs. They live beyond this row of houses to my right within the grounds of a water facility. It is here that, during the wet months, a small lake forms providing the necessary habitat. I hear their chorus throughout the winter, but they really seem to come together in February when the cold, clear air only seems to help project the cacophony out into the surrounding neighborhood. "We are here; can you hear us?" they seem to repeat. And while most rush by in contented oblivion I, thankfully, can answer yes; and it is my bike that allows me to experience this nightly concerto.

Friday feedzone...

A gallery of cargo bikes is one of the interesting bits in the feedzone this week. Fairly common in Europe, I have never seen one around here, and I certainly wouldn't mind owning one for the weekly grocery run. A short clip from StreetFilms about fixing the "great mistake", our autocentric cities. Bike commuting through the winter in Toronto; no softies in that hardy bunch of Cannucks. And finally, last week it was Sean Kelly, this week it is Stephen Roche; if I can read about Martin Earley next week I can have a perfect Irish triumvirate.

Cycling Claremont: The Velo...

Stopped in at The Velo today at the end of my ride up in the hills and canyons; I have been doing this most weekends lately, just to say hello and see what is new there. The Velo is the self-styled (and rightly likely so) "world's smallest bikeshop." But what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in character. Dale is the shop owner and loves to talk bikes, old or new. The Velo is not your typical bikeshop; you will not find any new, hot-off-the-assembly-line carbon-fiber beauties here. No, instead Dale and The Velo have tapped into a niche within the cycling market. The bikes for sale at The Velo all have histories - some have faded past glories, while others were ridden once then abandoned to the dark recesses of an overcrowded garage. Some came from yard sales, some are traded, and others bought. All are cleaned up, refurbished, given new components when necessary, and finally given a second chance at life. On any given day one might see early-era mountain bikes, once-proud road machines with names like Motobecane and Peugeot, and what I like to call errand bikes complete with baskets attached for trips to the Sunday farmers' market or running from class to class during the week. For a connoisseur of bikes this is a must stop shop, as true classics also pass through here, like the immaculate steel Colnago with decorative lugs, chromed fork and other fine detailing which was recently sold. The Velo is right in Foothill Boulevard, a prime spot. Dale sets up his workstand out front (seriously, there is not room inside the shop), with a small table and chairs. These are almost always occupied by friends of the shop; it is a great place to sit and talk bikes with an eye to everyone who passes by. Dale has plans too - think coffee - he will have to get some more chairs though; I predict even more people will be stopping by for a visit during their rides.


Update 10/2010: Felt like this post was in need of an update. Lately there have in fact been many newer model bikes hanging from the hooks or in the rack out in front. From carbon road bikes, to all-mountain work horses and full-squish downhill rigs. Some of these are practically new, but for one reason or another their original owners need to sell. You can find some good deals. There are frequently brand spanking new single speed / fixed-gear bikes right out of the box, and parked next to college cruisers, equally fresh.

From the archives...

There was a time when the (USCF) United States Cycling Federation (now USA Cycling) would send these rule books out to all new and renewed licensees. I received my first in 1989, and have booklets through 2001. Since we received a new one every year, I am not sure why I kept the old ones, but I did and there they are. They are full of information including bylaws, rules of racing, lists of prohibited substances, lists of past and current national champions, and licensee demographic charts. The same information is now available on the USA Cycling website, but as a one-time librarian I prefer to hold a book in my hands. It is interesting to compare the demographics year-by-year. For instance in 1989 there were 29,214 licenced men and 2,555 licenced women, of all ages. In 2009 there were 44931 men and 6520 women racers. That is a considerable increase, but honestly, after the passing of twenty years I would expect to see an even greater increase, and wonder if even more emphasis should be given to the growth of the sport.

Bicycle Culture...

Growing up in the Monty Python era, various friends would constantly toss around bits of Python wisdom, or even reenact entire sketches. I have gladly been able to pass this appreciation on to my own son, and so it was a pleasant surprise to find the Python clip "Bicycle Repairman" posted on one of my other favorite blogs. And don't we all need a good laugh around noon on a Monday. Thanks to the women at Let's Go Ride A Bike for finding a classic bit of bicycle culture.

A setback...

Well, the first two races I had targeted to start the season with have passed without me. Not necessarily a bad thing, I guess. Between rain and house-hunting, I have not exactly had enough training time lately, so really I would have been so much fodder in the field.