I’ve been riding it for several longer rides without any major incidents. I do need to adjust the seat height now and then because I don’t have the clamp screwed down tightly. On the Bike The Drive event I received three comments on what a cool looking ride I had.
All posts by Jeff B.
The End of my Motorcycling Adventures
A couple of things have bothered me recently. One was a tingling in my left arm and vertigo, especially after some rigorous bicycle riding and the other about distracted drivers in Chicago.
The first item involved a neurologist at Rush Hospital where we went over a number of items. I knew that I had a stenosis (narrowing) in my neck, but she indicated that it was pretty severe and was becoming more acute by wearing a heavy helmet, i.e. for motorcycling, not for bicycling. My problems while riding my bike were most likely caused by the way my neck was positioned riding in a crouched manner with my neck bent looking at the path ahead — always a good idea on a heavily travelled path. The killer was when she advised that I should be prepared to be paralyzed from the neck down should I have even a mild accident.
For the past few years I have been bothered by distracted drivers. A key factor in most accidents is the “I didn’t see the motorcycle” excuse. It used to be taxi drivers looking for a fare that cut off everyone, but now it seems that virtually every driver is looking down or talking. It’s hard to avoid traffic when you live right in the middle of downtown Chicago. Although I felt safe on most traffic free roads, even the expressways with high speed (and I do mean high speed) traffic was a concern. Just this factor alone was causing me to think twice about my relatively new experiences over the past few years.
The medical and emotional concerns combined to make the decision to quit riding motorcycles. I still belong to the Chaiway Riders and attend breakfasts and may be the sag wagon on a trip or two, but no more riding. It still leaves a pit in my stomach to see everyone ride off to hills and scenic roads.
Beard-A-Thon 2014
It’s becoming a tradition to grow a beard during the Stanley Cup playoffs. There is even an official NHL site, but it is more of a charity event than actually seeing the results from start to finish. I began documenting my attempt this year. Alas, the Chicago Blackhawks did not survive Round 3 for the Division title and the Stanley Cup finals.
A number of people liked the way I look with the beard, so instead of automatically shaving it off after the elimination, I decided to add an age progression for my next favorite Chicago sports team. Unfortunately they haven’t done to well in recent memory and don’t seem on the track to improve much in the immediate future. Maybe in my lifetime …
Boats Return to Lake Michigan
It was the annual bridge raising event when boats (with tall masts) return to Lake Michigan. Bridges are raised sequentially as they head towards the lakefront.
New Bike
For all those trips out on the train that involve carrying a large bike, well this is the new traveling one.
In Chicago, bicycles are allowed on trains except for rush hour service. Being allowed and actually getting your bike on a train are two different matters. Getting on isn’t too bad, but getting off is a terrifying experience for me. I have to control a bike with flapping wheel down high, steep stairs and I always feel like IU’m going to fall head first onto the platform.
I’ve seen the Dahon folding bikes in Chicago — popular with commuters. My brother-in-law has one and keeps it in the trunk of the car. I went to Kozy’s and saw this model, took a short ride, and bought it.
It’s a bit hard to get used to because of the smaller wheels. Not quite as stable as my full-sized bike, but a pleasure to ride. I learned to be careful. The handle bars adjust up and down over a wide range and I started out with them high — ape hanger style. On a gavel train, riding one handed, I hit a rock, the wheel swerved to the right, and I wound up falling on my back. It took a while and I felt that perhaps I made a mistake. Subsequent rides on pavement, both hands, and the handle bars lower so that I have a bit of pressure has re-built my confidence. I will ride this bike on trails — carefully. Now if only winter would go away.
