This mother of 4 was killed in a freak bicycle accident in Minneapolis today. She was riding into a tunnel on a popular bike path & crashed head on into another cyclist who was coming out of the tunnel. Her helmet flew off (so it likely wasn't being worn correctly) & she hit her head on the ground, killing her. RIP, Lisa Roden.
It isn't enough to simply wear a helmet, people. It has to fit AND be worn correctly on your head, not just slapped on the back so as not to muss your 80's style puffy bangs. If you can touch your forehead to the wall without your helmet hitting the wall first, that's a big clue.
Click HERE to read about how to properly fit/wear your bicycle helmet.
Click HERE to read about when you should replace your helmet.
I'm going right now to check the chin strap on mine. I'm pretty sure it's too loose.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Bad example, President Obama
While I love the fact that the Obama family went for a bike ride together as they vacation on Martha's Vineyard, I am NOT happy about how the President AND the Secret Service were not wearing helmets. See this article from the Washington Post.
Don't get me wrong...I loves me some Barack Obama...but whatever happened to setting a good example?
Don't get me wrong...I loves me some Barack Obama...but whatever happened to setting a good example?
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
UPDATE: Surly Big Dummy Custom Paint Job
Some of you may recall this post from March of this year, asking for your input on what color I should have my Surly Big Dummy painted. It only comes in a yucky Olive Drab Green, and as I said before, a Navy vet simply can't ride an Army Green bike. I've noticed on my Stat Counter that a lot of people are searching on the subject of custom paint jobs for Big Dummy frames, so I figured it was time for an update.
Anyway, the folks at Powder Coating Technologies in Plymouth, MN were really great to me and have lots of experience in painting all kinds of stuff, including plenty of bike frames. Sadly, they didn't have the Bass Boat Purple that I was hoping for, but they DID have just enough powder left from a Harley Davidson dealership's custom color order to really make this bike pop.
Behold...
Sparkle Copper Metallic:
I've been riding it all summer long, and it's AWESOME. I can take Rocky to the dog park (seen here, ready to roll), haul 4 bags of groceries, and even my hockey bag. I also love the fact that somewhere out there is a HOG that is the same color as the Pretty Dummy.
Big thanks again to Uber Hubby for making this year's birthday prezzie a truly great one.
Anyway, the folks at Powder Coating Technologies in Plymouth, MN were really great to me and have lots of experience in painting all kinds of stuff, including plenty of bike frames. Sadly, they didn't have the Bass Boat Purple that I was hoping for, but they DID have just enough powder left from a Harley Davidson dealership's custom color order to really make this bike pop.
Behold...
Sparkle Copper Metallic:
I've been riding it all summer long, and it's AWESOME. I can take Rocky to the dog park (seen here, ready to roll), haul 4 bags of groceries, and even my hockey bag. I also love the fact that somewhere out there is a HOG that is the same color as the Pretty Dummy.
Big thanks again to Uber Hubby for making this year's birthday prezzie a truly great one.
THIS is why you wear a helmet and use lights at night.
An excerpt from a Mankato Free Press story about a local douchebag who was riding his bike at night on the sidewalk, with no helmet and no lights:
"Joshua Kuck remembers getting on his bike and heading home from work Monday night.
He recalls taking his usual route home, then seeing a car pull in front of him as his Huffy mountain bike zipped across Mulberry Street. He’s pretty sure he at least thought about taking evasive action.
After that, everything is a blur until he woke up strapped to a backboard at Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospital. The nurses told him he was lucky, the crash with a 1992 Buick could have been much worse."
Click HERE to read the full story.
"Joshua Kuck remembers getting on his bike and heading home from work Monday night.
He recalls taking his usual route home, then seeing a car pull in front of him as his Huffy mountain bike zipped across Mulberry Street. He’s pretty sure he at least thought about taking evasive action.
After that, everything is a blur until he woke up strapped to a backboard at Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospital. The nurses told him he was lucky, the crash with a 1992 Buick could have been much worse."
Click HERE to read the full story.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Suburban Housewife - NSFW (or kids)
There are certain people I know who need to see this video. WARNING - It's super funny, but NOT safe for work or watching in front of your kids due to language.
Props to my friend Shelly for sending this to me in the first place.
Props to my friend Shelly for sending this to me in the first place.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Best Wedding Entrance Video EVER
Even better, this happened at a church in St Paul, Minnesota.
I'd never heard this song before, but the lyrics fit beautifully. I just wish I had been this creative at my own wedding, though it probably would have pushed my mother over the edge. She barely got past the chocolate wedding cake with chocolate icing.
I'd never heard this song before, but the lyrics fit beautifully. I just wish I had been this creative at my own wedding, though it probably would have pushed my mother over the edge. She barely got past the chocolate wedding cake with chocolate icing.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Weight Loss Photo Update
Ok...So it's been 7 weeks on Weight Watchers, and I've lost 13.6 lbs since I started. Counting from the original high weight of 195 from January 2008, I've lost 21 lbs so far. I thought it might be time for a review of the weight loss pix. #1 is from Jan 2008, #2 is from Oct 2008, and #3 was taken today, 17 July 2009:
Ok...First off, despite what this looks like, my height hasn't changed. What HAS changed, apparently, is the size of "the girls". My jog bras actually fit again, as opposed to having flesh squishing out all around like before. I think my legs look a little better too, and I've dropped a pants size. I also think my torso isn't as squishy as it was before. I'm now getting regular measurements taken at the Y, and in the first 5 weeks of my Strength Circuit Training class I lost 8 inches in various areas of my body. More to come on that as the weeks go by.
For anyone who is considering a weight loss program, I HIGHLY recommend Weight Watchers. It's the most livable, realistic program I've ever tried. I can truly see myself living this way for the rest of my life, because WW teaches you how to live in the real world and plan for the occasional treat without totally derailing your healthy lifestyle.
Ok...First off, despite what this looks like, my height hasn't changed. What HAS changed, apparently, is the size of "the girls". My jog bras actually fit again, as opposed to having flesh squishing out all around like before. I think my legs look a little better too, and I've dropped a pants size. I also think my torso isn't as squishy as it was before. I'm now getting regular measurements taken at the Y, and in the first 5 weeks of my Strength Circuit Training class I lost 8 inches in various areas of my body. More to come on that as the weeks go by.
For anyone who is considering a weight loss program, I HIGHLY recommend Weight Watchers. It's the most livable, realistic program I've ever tried. I can truly see myself living this way for the rest of my life, because WW teaches you how to live in the real world and plan for the occasional treat without totally derailing your healthy lifestyle.
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