Bike Hugger

Riding the Dragon's Back

2008-10-13T14:16:34Z

Tuscany Tour: Day One

The La Strada del Vino climbs steadily up the into the Tuscan hills through various medievel villages, winneries, then back down endless curves and towards the coast. Both of us said, “wow; well that was cool; whoa — best ride ever,” as we carved the turns like we were in a pro race. We dove into the apex, no brakes, and out the other side with a few hard pedal strokes. Later at dinner, I described the descent as “riding a dragon’s back.” The Tuscan dragon has 108 curves in an 8 kilometer descent.

Rolling past Venturina into San Vincenzo — Stage 9 of the 08 Giro — we felt the speed of the slight descent, tailwind, and I imagined the crowds for the sprint finish. We got a late start and as the sun went down, turned the safety lights on, and arrived back at Zi Martino, our hotel.

Our next ride was North around the Volterra area, starting at Casole d’ Esla. I’ll write more about that and our ride to Bolgheri in the next post.

Tuscany Bikes & Gear

We rode our S&S equipped bikes on this trip and brought gear supplied by

Promotional consideration

Routes and ride recommendations provided by Viva Travels.

Magic Wheel Spotted

2008-10-13T08:56:49-05:00

Hugger Industries posted a photo:

remember that Magic Wheel we joked about on Bike Hugger during the Summer? Well, I spotted it in an aiport "tech toys" shop for 199 Euro!

Links for 2008-10-12 [del.icio.us]

2008-10-13T00:00:00-05:00

swrve cycling apparel
urban cycling apparel
Yahoo: Purple Pedals
Bike Hugger rides the Purple Pedals around Seattle and Portland
Google Maps ‘Bike There’ | …for a safer, healthier, happier world. :-)
Blog focused on using Google Maps for bikes
Ride the City: safe bike routes made easy
A mapping application for urban cycling.

Pizza by Bike

2008-10-12T03:02:29Z

While in Portland for Oregon Manifest, the Bike Huggers picked up a slice at Old Town Pizza. If you lived nearby you could have your pie delivered by bakfiet. This photo was taken by the yahoo mobile blogging bike. Follow Yodelicious’s adventures online, after the jump.

Uploaded by Yodelicious | more from the Bike Hugger Photostream.

Yahoo Purple Pedals Bike

2008-10-10T20:31:18Z

Bikehugger took possession of this Yahoo Purple Pedals Bike named Yodelicious, and we’ve been riding it around Seattle. We’re excited to take it down to Oregon Manifest this weekend. If you see us in Portland say Hello, and wave to the camera. You can track us real time while we’re in Portland after the jump.

Uploaded by Dapper Lad Cycles | more from the Bike Hugger Photostream.

Oregon Manifest this Weekend

2008-10-10T04:34:42Z

I’m not heading South, but I know a few who are. If you’re in Portland, or even close - stop in to ogle the latest in handmade bike pr0n.

Tax Break for Employers of Bike Commuters

2008-10-09T19:40:55Z

The $700 bazillion Wall Street bailout package has just one tiny thing that any cyclist should be pleased about. There is a $20/month tax break for employers for each bike commuter employee as an incentive for companies to reduce petrol consumption and infrastructure demands.

The money is for the employer to reimburse employees “for the purchase of a bicycle and bicycle improvements, repair, and storage, if such bicycle is regularly used for travel between the employee’s residence and place of employment.”

To many people, this tax cut is probably like a delectable chocolate left on a pillow while staying at the Bates Motel… a nice gesture in an otherwise horrific nightmare. Within Senate and House of Representatives, many supporters of this tax break actually voted against the bill while otherwise being favorable to the cyclists’ tax break riding the bill. In the past, the tax break had been riding bills for environmental, transportation, or energy issues that failed.

Glowing Disk Wheel

2008-10-08T22:31:24Z

I’ve already posted about the cool reflective wheel options at Interbike. When I rolled into the HED booth, they had their wheels backlit - this disk cover was like a glowing alien ship. Not sure it serves any purpose for most of our readers, but I want one, and then of course I need to hire someone to ride next to me with a bright light.

Fixed in Rome

2008-10-08T06:57:50Z

Having seen only a handful of bikes, I was surprised when this fixie ride by us near the Coliseum. I barely got the shot and think it was a Nishiki time trial frame.

Uploaded by Hugger Industries | more from the Bike Hugger Photostream.

Dutch for Fast

2008-10-07T08:45:06Z

As Dutch bikes go, this one is a speed racer and on display at Work Cycles. During the ride, Mark, our guide said, “you think it’s easy and flat, but we’ve got the wind, rain, and these little dike hills.”

Bikes as transportation or not, us cyclists are programmed for competition and there are impromptu races going on everyday in Amsterdam. Just like the commuter challenges back home in Seattle. I was clicking through my 3 speeds the entire time; left up and over this bridge; right down this alley, cut back over a bridge; and a fast straightway past coffee shops and retail stores.

Dutch thieves are also fast and each stop requires a rear rim lock and a thick chain through the frame and front wheel. I asked Mark why so many bike thefts and he said, “supply and demand, a constant need for a bike.”

Uploaded by Hugger Industries | more from the Bike Hugger Photostream.

More Raleigh Rainier

2008-10-07T07:39:38Z

Byron got some pre-Interbike photos of this bike at his local bike shop. I figured it to be a show bike, but apparently it’s the real deal (Frameset $725 according to the signage). I spoke with the guy who got it made. He sort of dreamt up the idea, mocked it up, and approached the marketing guys from Rainier Brewing. After some initial “gotta ask the boss” responses he got nod to go ahead. The finish quality is great and the paint is simple and pure - just like the beer (debatable).

For those of us who grew up in the area - here’s one of Rainier’s early classic commercials from our childhood.

Links for 2008-10-06 [del.icio.us]

2008-10-07T00:00:00-05:00

EMPAC's Opening - experimental media and performing arts center - troy, ny usa

Huggacast 65: Amsterdam

2008-10-06T17:11:09Z

We daytripped Amsterdam en route to Rome. Amsterdamize was our guide. As you’ll see and hear, it was “cold, wet, sideways rain with lots of coffee; just like Seattle but with 8 hours of jet lag.”

Links for 2008-10-03 [del.icio.us]

2008-10-04T00:00:00-05:00

Sarah Palin Debate Flowchart
Do something really cute, gosh darn it.

Links for 2008-10-02 [del.icio.us]

2008-10-03T00:00:00-05:00

Serving Up Icy Treats and Latin Beats | New York Times Video

Links for 2008-10-01 [del.icio.us]

2008-10-02T00:00:00-05:00

Bike Your Drive with REI: Easy Bike Commuting Tips, Gear and How-To Advice
Gear, tips, and more info from REI.

Links for 2008-09-29 [del.icio.us]

2008-09-30T00:00:00-05:00

.Mac Reader: The Register
Oh Joy!: how to look cute on a bike...
style tips
bike art: Georg Baselitz - Bicycle Rider
from art.net
Bike art: Cai Jin - Banana Plant. 290
from art.net
Bike Art: Viviane Silvera -
bike art from art.net

Links for 2008-09-27 [del.icio.us]

2008-09-28T00:00:00-05:00

Pitbull in a swimsuit
Pam's Palin photos in the Daily Mail.