Metro Boston: Good ride today?
09-09-14, 06:06 AM
#4026
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Remarkably, except for the relocated power lines, and the trolley power line down the center of the bridge, and the modern guardrail, modern lights, this bridge still looks very much like it did back then. The walkway railing is very close to the old railing too.
I suspect he would have turned down Newbury Street, but that's now running the wrong direction, so Commonwealth it is.
All in all a delightful way to spend 20 minutes.
-mr. bill
I suspect he would have turned down Newbury Street, but that's now running the wrong direction, so Commonwealth it is.
All in all a delightful way to spend 20 minutes.-mr. bill
Kitty-corner to BBB, again at the intersection of Comm Ave and Mass Ave is a high end restaurant, fittingly called Deauxave. I live on Comm Ave, one block west of the restaurant.
09-09-14, 06:31 AM
#4027
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Hi all Metrobostonians,
A local BF subscriber, Ironwood recently started a thread on the Living Car Free Forum entitled Liveable Streets directed toward Bostonians informing us about an organization, The Liveable Streets Alliance.
I went to the website, and the group is having a fundraising ride this Saturday, September 13 starting at Auburndale Park in Newton, registration at 8:00 AM, first departures at 8:30 AM. There are routes of 4 (kids’), 25 and 40 miles, the last going out towards Lincoln, and a BBQ at the end. Minimum donation is $100.
I’m not one to solicit funds for such rides, but if not too expensive I would pay my own way, and it’s a cause I support. So I may ride it this Saturday. BTW, there used to be a nice 25-mile ride out of Holliston in October called “Haylee’s Ride for Cystic Fibrosis,” but I haven’t seen it announced for a couple of years now. I did it twice, once with my son when he was in High School.
A local BF subscriber, Ironwood recently started a thread on the Living Car Free Forum entitled Liveable Streets directed toward Bostonians informing us about an organization, The Liveable Streets Alliance.
I went to the website, and the group is having a fundraising ride this Saturday, September 13 starting at Auburndale Park in Newton, registration at 8:00 AM, first departures at 8:30 AM. There are routes of 4 (kids’), 25 and 40 miles, the last going out towards Lincoln, and a BBQ at the end. Minimum donation is $100.
I’m not one to solicit funds for such rides, but if not too expensive I would pay my own way, and it’s a cause I support. So I may ride it this Saturday. BTW, there used to be a nice 25-mile ride out of Holliston in October called “Haylee’s Ride for Cystic Fibrosis,” but I haven’t seen it announced for a couple of years now. I did it twice, once with my son when he was in High School.
09-09-14, 06:36 PM
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Took a gentle spin out to Lexington on the Minuteman at sunset, 10 miles, little energy, some beauty, no bumps.
Temperatures fell through the 60s, felt colder than the numbers suggest, almost got the clothes right for that. I'm going to miss Summer.
rod
Temperatures fell through the 60s, felt colder than the numbers suggest, almost got the clothes right for that. I'm going to miss Summer.
rod
09-11-14, 06:42 PM
#4033
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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MetroBoston, Downeast Division
Two days ago:
Yesterday:
Two days ago:
Yesterday:
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
09-12-14, 07:43 PM
#4035
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Thread Starter
Hi all Metrobostonians,
A local BF subscriber, Ironwood recently started a thread on the Living Car Free Forum entitled Liveable Streets directed toward Bostonians informing us about an organization, The Liveable Streets Alliance.
I went to the website, and the group is having a fundraising ride this Saturday, September 13 starting at Auburndale Park in Newton, registration at 8:00 AM, first departures at 8:30 AM. There are routes of 4 (kids’), 25 and 40 miles, the last going out towards Lincoln, and a BBQ at the end. Minimum donation is $100.
I’m not one to solicit funds for such rides, but if not too expensive I would pay my own way, and it’s a cause I support. So I may ride it this Saturday. BTW, there used to be a nice 25-mile ride out of Holliston in October called “Haylee’s Ride for Cystic Fibrosis,” but I haven’t seen it announced for a couple of years now. I did it twice, once with my son when he was in High School.
A local BF subscriber, Ironwood recently started a thread on the Living Car Free Forum entitled Liveable Streets directed toward Bostonians informing us about an organization, The Liveable Streets Alliance.
I went to the website, and the group is having a fundraising ride this Saturday, September 13 starting at Auburndale Park in Newton, registration at 8:00 AM, first departures at 8:30 AM. There are routes of 4 (kids’), 25 and 40 miles, the last going out towards Lincoln, and a BBQ at the end. Minimum donation is $100.
I’m not one to solicit funds for such rides, but if not too expensive I would pay my own way, and it’s a cause I support. So I may ride it this Saturday. BTW, there used to be a nice 25-mile ride out of Holliston in October called “Haylee’s Ride for Cystic Fibrosis,” but I haven’t seen it announced for a couple of years now. I did it twice, once with my son when he was in High School.
Very good of you to mention Liveable Streets Alliance. They are a great organization pushing, nudging and herding urban design towards where it is going to go anyway, just sooner and better. They work well with other interest groups and community governments.
Cycle for Haylee was renamed the Holliston "CF Cycle for Life" and is now managed by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Haylee's family I'm sure appreciates CFF's event management and national fund raising expertise as the ride has grown. Now "Cycle for Haylee" is the Massachusetts ride in CFF's nation wide group of fundraising rides. This year it will be October 11, 2014.
09-12-14, 09:12 PM
#4036
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10 miles on the Minuteman tonight, timed in such a way that I completely missed the Arlington Town Day fireworks, but not the migrating crowds who turned out to see them. Dark on the trail, passed one slight youth who seemed to be trying to make himself inconspicuous on the trailside while staring intently at a dark area across the path: some story there. The quacking frogs were quacking at Arlington's Great Meadow, a fat mouse or a rat with a nose job scuttled across my path. No aurora on my watch.
At the start of the ride, navigated an emergency response scene on Broadway, Arlington, police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. Don't know for sure what this was, but it might have been an accident involving a motorcycle. Good luck to all concerned.
rod
At the start of the ride, navigated an emergency response scene on Broadway, Arlington, police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. Don't know for sure what this was, but it might have been an accident involving a motorcycle. Good luck to all concerned.
rod
09-13-14, 11:10 AM
#4037
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My favorite bicycling event is Hub on Wheels next weekend. I'll be volunteering and not riding this year but I've ridden it several times. Riders get a chance to ride all over cool parts of Boston in safe but not over crowded routes. Riders come in all shapes and sizes and no one takes it as their fantasy Tour de France; no grim faced peletons. This year I'll be at the volunteer sign in table by the City Hall entrance.
The 10, 30 and 50 mile routes start at City Hall out on Storrow Drive shut down for the riders. Depending on which route you'll see Arnold Arboretum, StoneyBrook Reservation, Neponset River, Forest Hills, Franklin Park, UMass and HarborWalk and end at a festival of food, vendor booths, giveaways and entertainment at City Hall Plaza.
Saturday I may be a volunteer or may just watch the MetroBoston version of NASCAR racing around City Hall called Mayors Cup Criterium. 200 Professionals racers in the final race of the USA Cycling National Criterium season and high end amateur racers as well. As a meandering tourist I've no experience in racing but it is fascinating being a few feet from the races and chatting with professional athletes in a sport with which I have at least something in common.
The 10, 30 and 50 mile routes start at City Hall out on Storrow Drive shut down for the riders. Depending on which route you'll see Arnold Arboretum, StoneyBrook Reservation, Neponset River, Forest Hills, Franklin Park, UMass and HarborWalk and end at a festival of food, vendor booths, giveaways and entertainment at City Hall Plaza.
Saturday I may be a volunteer or may just watch the MetroBoston version of NASCAR racing around City Hall called Mayors Cup Criterium. 200 Professionals racers in the final race of the USA Cycling National Criterium season and high end amateur racers as well. As a meandering tourist I've no experience in racing but it is fascinating being a few feet from the races and chatting with professional athletes in a sport with which I have at least something in common.
09-13-14, 11:56 AM
#4038
Senior Member
Thread Starter
This is a short bike ride I've wanted to do for a long time, and finally took the moments this weekend to do it.
It's based on e.e. cummings poem she being brand new, which is literally about a new car and a trip from Harvard Square to the Public Gardens.
By doing this ride on a bicycle, it probably takes about the same amount of time as it did back then with the new car. But just as importantly, there are a few one way streets that you can walk a bicycle, and a segment of "road" that is now a narrow sidewalk.
But it starts here, where he was born, and where he literally learned to drive.
And this is mostly the route he might have taken from Harvard Square to the Public Gardens.
-mr. bill
It's based on e.e. cummings poem she being brand new, which is literally about a new car and a trip from Harvard Square to the Public Gardens.
By doing this ride on a bicycle, it probably takes about the same amount of time as it did back then with the new car. But just as importantly, there are a few one way streets that you can walk a bicycle, and a segment of "road" that is now a narrow sidewalk.
But it starts here, where he was born, and where he literally learned to drive.
And this is mostly the route he might have taken from Harvard Square to the Public Gardens.
-mr. bill
I find myself going back and reflecting again on your story about you and Cambridge's lower case artist-poet. There are so many terrific, well documented, inspired rides posted here that I sometimes hesitate to share my unimaginative view of my humdrum ride. You've intimidated me further with your wonderful e.e. ride and at the same time inspired, brightened and opened the door to another perspective and way to appreciate MetroBoston riding. Thank you and well done.
09-14-14, 03:57 PM
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14 miles on the Minuteman this afternoon, could have taken the time for a longer ride but felt tired from the first pedal stroke, and decided to listen to whatever it was my body was trying to tell me with that. Retired my summer shoes for the season, and spent some time fiddling with the seat height in consequence. The vine egg is still hanging, hurrah!
rod
rod
09-14-14, 08:49 PM
#4040
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Thread Starter
14 miles on the Minuteman this afternoon, could have taken the time for a longer ride but felt tired from the first pedal stroke, and decided to listen to whatever it was my body was trying to tell me with that. Retired my summer shoes for the season, and spent some time fiddling with the seat height in consequence. The vine egg is still hanging, hurrah!
rod
rod
Good for you to listen to messages. You and a number of other posters here do a fine job of taking time to appreciate and share where we bike. Taking time to smell the roses or contemplate the trailside egg is a very good thing.
09-15-14, 08:01 AM
#4041
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09-15-14, 07:03 PM
#4042
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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I thank you and our bikes thank you. The toe clips too. 
I took the Motobecane out again today while Sharon climbed Cadillac Mt.'s South Ridge Trail, two loops of the PLR, 38 miles. No pics, for it was a day for riding and making time. There be some steeep hills here. Today was cool, temps in the low 60s with a moderate wind, a bright blue sky and a warming sun. Of course when you're bombing down a 20% grade in full forest shade you don't need much wind to get a chill. That's why the sun was so nice!
I took the Motobecane out again today while Sharon climbed Cadillac Mt.'s South Ridge Trail, two loops of the PLR, 38 miles. No pics, for it was a day for riding and making time. There be some steeep hills here. Today was cool, temps in the low 60s with a moderate wind, a bright blue sky and a warming sun. Of course when you're bombing down a 20% grade in full forest shade you don't need much wind to get a chill. That's why the sun was so nice!
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
09-16-14, 03:57 PM
#4043
Senior Member
I'm jealous, nice pictures! I've been working 3rd shift for a while, also in the process of moving, riding time is tough to squeeze in.
09-16-14, 05:40 PM
#4044
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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From today, a 6 mile run on the carriage roads, demonstrating tht our tires will indeed handle fine gravel!
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
09-16-14, 06:58 PM
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Rolled out at twilight for 10 miles on the Minuteman, and soon found myself in full dark. The Night Chorus was chatty, and was augmented by a young man on the Maple Street bridge screaming in sincerely obscene vexation at a woman who may or may not have been present; when I approached Maple Street again on the return, a screech owl with a lot on its mind gave me an earful. Perhaps there was a metamorphosis, and either the young man, or the unknown young woman, was owlishly continuing the conversation. Big moths were on the wing.
rod
rod
09-16-14, 09:01 PM
#4046
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Rolled out at twilight for 10 miles on the Minuteman, and soon found myself in full dark. The Night Chorus was chatty, and was augmented by a young man on the Maple Street bridge screaming in sincerely obscene vexation at a woman who may or may not have been present; when I approached Maple Street again on the return, a screech owl with a lot on its mind gave me an earful. Perhaps there was a metamorphosis, and either the young man, or the unknown young woman, was owlishly continuing the conversation. Big moths were on the wing.
rod
rod
09-17-14, 03:26 AM
#4047
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otg is 3rd shift and moving, JimM + S are invisible or their tandem rides without them and Rod is night riding past screeching human owl metamorphosed owl humans. Are these bicycle precursors to equinox, Halloween? Is it already time to recalibrate clothing, reflectors, head lights, tail lights and imagination?
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 09-17-14 at 03:37 AM.
09-17-14, 07:03 AM
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otg is 3rd shift and moving, JimM + S are invisible or their tandem rides without them and Rod is night riding past screeching human owl metamorphosed owl humans. Are these bicycle precursors to equinox, Halloween? Is it already time to recalibrate clothing, reflectors, head lights, tail lights and imagination?
rod
09-17-14, 07:29 PM
#4050
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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32mm Pasela TourGuards. I replaced the rear at maybe 3500 miles. Nominal max pressure is listed as 95psi. I typically run 95 to 100. We've run ~5000 miles since I built it up, have never had a flat.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller