but just rode bikes to drop my older son off at his soccer clinic
Dean really enjoyed it
need to make the bike an option for transportation more frequently
5.19.2013
Eek A Mouse!
well... I saw my dog behaving oddly
which is not so odd for him
as I watched his behavior I knew he was onto something
I expected a moth or a cricket
but no... it was a mouse
a very small gray mouse
my dog Digd spotted it and cornered it behind the television
but I could not find it
I pulled back some furniture and dug around
tried to spook the mouse back into the open
but the mouse was no where to be found
then this morning Didg was poking around the fireplace on the first floor
his curiousness made me curious
then I saw it!
THE MOUSE
it looked like the same mouse...
small... gray... looking all mousey
I told Didg to guard his post as I went to get a dustpan and a broom
well...
when I returned Didg had left his post
but the mouse was still trying to find a way to escape up the chimney
so...
calmly I cleared the fireplace so it was just me and the mouse
then I gently swept the mouse into the dust pan and moved for the front door
had my son Dean open the door and then tossed the mouse into the grass to the other side of the sidewalk in the yard
no... the mouse did not sprint up the stairs... between my legs... and back into the house
I waited....
but no... there was no hawk that swooped in to grab this diminutive gray snack
there is a certain reward to removing the mouse from the house
bicycle ride to yoga class? makes sense to warm up the body before starting to stretch!
rolling down East Capitol Street on Bike to Work Day
she works from home
so... she has a short commute
but she still rides her bike on Bike to Work Day
she just does not ride it to work!
Today is Liz Hatch Appreciation Day!
Liz Hatch on the Gwadzilla Page
http://gwadzilla.blogspot.com/search?q=liz+hatch
Mile Zero... the C&O Canal in Georgetown... only 184.5 Miles to Cumberland
the tow path and the C&O Canal
so much of my youthful Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn Adventures occurred along the C&O Canal
hiking... fishing... ice skating...
and of course biking
biking and turtle counting
fantastic randomness comes up when I search the Gwadzilla page for C&O or Tow Path
5.18.2013
dropping Bike to Work Day photos on the GWADZILLA Facebook page...
perhaps the shot of the day...
the High Wheeler out front the US Capitol Building on Bike to Work Day
which reminds me....
dropping photos from Bike to Work Day on my Gwadzilla Facebook page
LIKE IT JOIN IT SHARE IT ENJOY IT
sorry Andy... could not help myself
aka Andy Zalan
sorry if my compulsive nature with the camera can be overwhelming at times
but
over the years it has produced an interesting collection of photographs
http://gwadzilla.blogspot.com/search?q=az+
http://gwadzilla.blogspot.com/search?q=andy+zalan
Heidi last year... Heidi this year... can someone craft a Cabbage Patch joke for me?
Heidi...
always enjoy my chance run ins with Heidi
I bet she is gonna be a good mom!
ran into this guy rolling around on his Penny Farthing style bike on Capitol Hill
the US Capitol Building... a high wheeler bike... and some Buddhist Monks having a tourist snap a shot of them with their iPad
nice guy... cool bike...
not sure if I got the shot I was looking for
but... I got something
had a quick exchange with Mayor Vince Gray... we talked about the numbers at Bike to Work Day and we talked about the Tour de Fat
there I am with DC Mayor Vincent Gray
yes... wearing my New Belgium t-shirt
yes... I invited him to the Tour de Fat
only after I had extended the invite to his body guards
What is the Tour de Fat?
it is hard to explain... chase this link
or
just show up at Yards Park on Saturday June 1st
then you can try to answer the riddle... "What is the Tour de Fat?"
ran into another father from my younger's school... he uses the bike as part of his post school routine
they paused... I snapped a photo
and Josh and I discussed his availability for volunteering at the Tour de Fat
I am still looking for a handful of Volunteers to help out with Bike Valet at The Tour de Fat on June 1st
thanks
email here
volunteer@more-mtb.org
Talking Tour de Fat with the Executive Director of WABA...
At Freedom Plaza on Bike to Work Day I caught up with Shane Farthing the Executive Director of WABA
we talked about Tour de Fat
Washington DC is excited to be hosting New Belgium's Tour de Fat for its second year
Saturday June 1st New Belgium's Tour de Fat will be happening at Yards Park
this event is a partnership between New Belgium and a variety of bicycle advocacy groups in the DC Metropolitan Area
WABA is taking the lead on DC's Tour de fat
an event where 100 Percent of the Profits go straight back to the not for profit organizations involved in the event
the groups involved in DC's Tour de Fat are
Washington Area Bicyclist Association
Black Woman Bike DC
Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling
Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts
Phoenix Bikes
http://www.waba.org/events/
Tour de Fat
Sat., June 1, 10 a.m.
Yards Park
The East Coast's biggest and most fanciful of all things bicycling, Tour de Fat is part costume party, community bike parade, music and arts festival, and celebration of good biking and good beer! All proceeds from the event, which is put on by New Belgium Brewing, support local bike advocacy. Tour de Fat begins with a parade (parade check-in is at 10 a.m. and it kicks off at 11 a.m.) to Yards Park, where fun awaits. Read more about Tour de Fat here, register for the parade here, and RSVP on Facebook here.
starting to look at some images from Washington DC's Bike to Work Day....
here are a few images from a few Bike to Work Day of Years Past
then some links
FREEDOM PLAZA may serve us best on this search effort
GOOGLE SERVES ME WELL ON THIS ONE!
5.16.2013
the NEW and IMPROVED DC Tour de Fat Handbill with Phoenix Bikes listed as one of the Bicycle Advocacy Groups Volunteering for this event and Benefiting from this Event
Tour de Fat comes to Washington DC on Saturday June 1st
What is Tour de Fat?
well... it is not a ride... it is not a race...
The Tour de Fat is a one day festival... sort of carnivalesque... with a recurring them of the bicycle
there are games... music... food... kinetic bicycle sculptures that you can ride
puppet shows and a bicycle parade
and yes... also beer
it is really quite special
something you definitely do not want to miss!
that said...
I am involved with MORE as one of the bicycle advocacy groups partnering with New Belgium's Tour de Fat here in Washington, DC
MORE's task is BIKE VALET
I am still looking for Volunteers to help with Bike Valet
there goal is to split into morning and afternoon shifts... but we are flexible
flexible and lacking in the sign ups for the afternoon shifts
so... check your schedule... if you plan on attending the Tour de Fat in Washington DC... come lend a hand with Bike Valet
thanks
email here
volunteer@more-mtb.org
I Love My Boys.
rode the bikes home from school the other day...
actually
Dean took the Metro bus home... then when I was leaving off to get Grant on my bike
I offered for Dean to come along for the ride
Dean was excited to get on the bike... he has been working on his bunny hops
so... this was a chance to show me his stuff
sadly
there was a mad dash to get Grant... I was late
then we had to rush home so that Grant could get to Karate and Dean could start his homework
there was a ride
but there was not the focus on the bunny hop that Dean was looking for on this day
and then... oh man... more homework that Dean estimated
tough night for Dean and the parents
Cathedral on the Gwadzilla Page
(guess I could start adding labels/tags and such)
DCMTB aka DC Mountain Bike... the team that brings you DCCX!
DCMTB
DCMTB on FACEBOOK
DCMTB's HOMEPAGE
then DCMTB on the Gwadzilla Page
images of our cross clinics and other similar mentions
at DCCX I am in charge of the KIDS RACE
check out some images from that!
People on FACEBOOK are all sharing this article on Slate Dot Com
and of course...
all this talk about beer has me thinking about June 1st and the Tour de Fat
Against Hoppy Beer
me... I like VARIETY!
and well... New Belgium has that...
not familiar with the full range of beers from New Belgium?
Check out the long list of beers on the New Belgium Page!
and...
at the Tour de Fat there will be a tent where a certified beerologist will be there to discuss the various beers that New Belgium offers
so... GEEK OUT ABOUT BEERS at The Tour De Fat
snapped a shot of this guy riding his bike in the rain...
as I snapped this shot I got word that there was a party at The Lamont Collective
always love a party at The Lamont Collective
colorful group of people
a group house vibe that once existed all over the neighborhood of Mount Pleasant
a era that has since slipped away
but... The Lamont Collective is fighting to maintain their residency in Mount Pleasant by raising the money to buy the house and keep it a group house
Lamont Collective on the Gwadzilla Page
there has to be mention somewhere in there about their effort to buy their place
Dean and the Bike... or is that Dean and the Bikes?
Dean asked to go mountain biking
it pleased me...
not just that Dean asked to go mountain biking
but that Dean took an active roll in trying to make plans for the weekend
in this era of the "hover parent" most activities are scripted by the parents
kids do not play pick up games
kids are taken to practices and play dates
it is a weird time for a kid
children learn to tie their shoes at a later age because parents are so quick to do things for themthis is a metaphor for so much
parents are over involved
so many parents... rather than teaching their children to do things for themselves
the parents just do them
yes... it is easier to have the parent "just do it"
but that is not the job of the parent
parents are not supposed to be servants to their children
parents are supposed to teach their children to be able to do things for themselves
and well
this is going to make things tough for the kids in the future
but there is hope...
oddly enough... there are things that will sort themselves outjust as Dean asked to go mountain biking... Dean also took it upon himself to go onto YOUTUBE and search "how to do a bunny hop"
and well...
in a short 15 minute session Dean was able to bunny hop a pile of small sticks on his mountain bike with flat pedals
that is fantastic!
Dean needs to go beyond his land dwelling father's style of "keep the rubber on the ground" style of riding
Clydesdales do not fly!
actually... my youth lacked a BMX bike or any bike worthy of jumps and such
so I lack the background to have these skills as an adult
that said... a local skills park could help to correct this deficiency
practice... practice... practice
I do not practice these skills... which is why I lack these skills
so... Dean asked to go mountain biking last weekend
but that did not happen
it rained Friday night... which prevented us from mountain biking on Saturday
but instead... Dean and I went for a 20 mile bike ride
DEAN ROCKED IT!
we did a 20 plus mile loop where we only stopped for stop signs an red lights
and there were not too many of those
as our loop was on a road closed to traffic then a separated multi-use bike path
at the end of the ride Dean was fresh... and feeling like he could have ridden longer
it was good to get Dean out on his seldom ridden cyclocross bike
this is primarily because of Dean's love for his single speed and most of our Urban Rides are done as a family with his younger brother Grant
so... rocking down stairs and such is more fun on the fat tire bike than the skinny tire bike
the weekend is approaching fast...
what does the weekend hold?
oh yes... Saturday Soccer!
hard to go mountain biking with one kid having a soccer game in the early AM
then another kid having a game in the late afternoon
mountain biking can be an all day affair
an event that often leaves the boys wrecked
which means.... if we plan to go biking
it would have to happen on Sunday
listening to Madonna...
listening to Madonna on YOUTUBE
www.youtube.com
the PLAY ALL option works for me
other favorites for the background
Queens of the Stone Age
No Doubt
then whatever musical tangent comes to my mind
Madonna... what a career!
Who would have bet on her staying power?
Madonna has managed to be sub-culturally cool and a pop superstar for decades
there are very few who have been able to last this long
Sting... David Bowie... Madonna?
who else?
sure... the Rolling Stones are still playing big shows... but they do not re-invent themselves... they just keep rocking
sort of like a bar band that happens to play their own music
a scan on the GWADZILLA page for MADONNA brings up some great randomness
http://gwadzilla.blogspot.com/search?q=madonna
New Belgium's Press Release for The Tour de Fat in Washington DC on June 1st
New Belgium Brewing’s “Tour de Fat” Rolls into Washington, D.C. on June 1 for a Day of Bikes, Beer and Bemusement
|
Don’t Miss Headlining Acts Beats Antique and The Moth – True Stories Told Live!
|
    |
Ft. Collins, CO, May 16, 2013 – If dressing freaky, riding bikes, listening to bands and drinking beer are things you like, then don’t miss the most FUN fundraiser around…Tour de Fat is coming back to town! New Belgium Brewing, maker of Fat Tire Amber Ale and other award-winning beers, is bringing the 14th annual Tour de Fat to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, June 1 in Yards Park.
Gather up your friends, family and neighbors and come enjoy eclectic entertainment and stellar beer, all while helping local bicycle nonprofits raise funds. The event is free, yet all proceeds from beer and merchandise sales and donations from parade participants will help make Washington, D.C. a better place to ride a bike. Follow Tour de Fat’s 12-city adventure on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TourDeFat.
To properly kick-start the festival, Tour de Fat begins with a giant bicycle parade that weaves through city streets. Each parade route is designed for people of all skill levels; everyone is welcome and colorful costumes are encouraged. For the rest of the afternoon, the stages heat up with world-class acts like Beats Antique and The Moth- True Stories Told Live and the park becomes a celebration unlike any other.
Kids of all ages can ride funky bikes, eat delicious fare, relax in the grass, and participate in games and activities such as a “Thousand Person Dance Contest”, which will determine the winner of a 2013 New Belgium Cruiser Bike. Everyone 21 and older can sample new and classic favorites from New Belgium, including the brewery’s flagship brew, Fat Tire, this summer’s seasonal, Rolle Bolle, and selections from the acclaimed Lips of Faith series.
“Tour De Fat is where everyone can enjoy the unexpected,” said Matt Kowal, New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat Impresario. “It’s a festival for all ages and stages of life, from young bike lovers to seasoned beer lovers and everyone in between. We guarantee you’ll be inspired by interactive art, music and comedy performances for the year to come!”
In every Tour de Fat city, one brave role model will step on stage to trade in his or her car keys and pledge to live car-free for one year. Each swapper is awarded a stipend to buy their own commuter bike and receives rock star status when the crowd goes wild in support of their commitment. We’re now on the hunt for a swapper in Washington, D.C.! Car-for-Bike Swappers are chosen after submitting an application describing why they are ready to give up their vehicle for the gift of two wheels. To apply, visit: www.newbelgium.com/tour-de-fat.
Tour de Fat seeks to leave as small an environmental imprint as possible. New Belgium partners with recycOil to use biofuels from recycled cooking oil to power the festival’s transportation, stages, sound, food trucks and more. The stage is decked out in recycled materials; attendees are encouraged to ride bikes or carpool; and recycle and compost receptacles are available throughout to help divert waste from landfills.
Date:
Saturday, June 1
Location:
Yards Park
Parade Registration:
10:00 a.m.
Ride Times:
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Entertainment/Revivalation:
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Headliners:
Beats Antique (http://beatsantique.com)
Experience how a marching band groove crashes into bluesy folk chords only to be accompanied by electronic beats and Middle Eastern melodies.
The Moth – True Stories Told Live (http://themoth.org)
A rare, midday, broad-daylight Moth show. Come gather 'round! The show will feature four stories told by prizewinning Moth storytellers brought from headquarters and two local stories told by...maybe you?
Also Performing:
Le Tigre Tent (http://www.littlebigfuntime.com) - Vaudeville, Music, Magic and Mayhem
Scot Nery (http://jugglegood.com) - Comedian, Juggler and Contortionist
Honeymoon Cabaret (http://www.daredevilchicken.com/honeymoon.html) - A vaudevillian feast of comic proportions
John Higby (http://www.johnhigby.com) - Yo-yo performing artist
Batala (http://www.batalawashington.com) - An AfroBrazilian Samba Reggae Drumming band
Benefitting:
Washington Area Bicyclist Association (http://www.waba.org)
Black Women Bike DC (http://blackwomenbikedc.tumblr.com)
Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (http://www.fabb-bikes.org)
Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) (http://www.more-mtb.org)
Price:
Admission – FREE!
Parade – Suggested donation of $5 or more
Beer – $5 for a 16 oz. pour
See www.facebook.com/TourDeFat for the Tour de Fat credo, schedules, videos and to submit an entry to swap your gas-guzzler for a fancy new bicycle.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, is recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work and one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Small Businesses. The 100 percent employee owned brewery is a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Business as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, and one of World Blu’s most democratic U.S. businesses. In addition to Fat Tire, New Belgium brews eight year round beers; Ranger IPA, Rampant Imperial IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Sunshine Wheat, 1554 Black Ale, Blue Paddle Pilsener, Abbey Belgian Ale and Trippel. Learn more atwww.newbelgium.com.
###
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)