Thanks for your time Jim, and happy trails out there!
What is your first memory of biking?
As a child, bicycling through
the woods and crossing a small creek.
I had to go through at just the right speed – too fast and you would not
be able to handle traversing the creek bed and if too slow you would get stuck
in the creek.
What roles have you filled as volunteer for the Bicycle Alliance over
the years?
A few monthly work parties, a few Fat Tire beer festival events, a couple
of auctions, some office work, and assistance with the strategic planning summit.
When and how did you become involved with the Bicycle Alliance?
In 2004 after I was
unemployed I was interested in meeting some new folks and helping out. Bicycle advocacy for me has involved
attending city transportation committee meetings, volunteering for bike/ped
annual counts and stopping on my commute to move a fallen tree branch out of
the bicycle path. I try to say
hello to folks on my morning commute and try to stay calm with motorist.
What is your favorite ride, in the Seattle region or elsewhere?
Fall City to North Bend
area with a stop at George’s Bakery for lunch.
What are you riding these days?
To and from work – started a new job on the graveyard shift and have yet to find
many folks interested in riding together after midnight.
What is your winter riding gear set-up?
Light & Motion Seca
800 front light, DiNotte 120r back lite, a safety vest from Western Safety
Products and an old Burly rain cape and gators. Fenders, rack and panniers to carry lunch and rain gear when
not in use.
What is your strategy for tackling the topography of the region?
A modified front triple
crank with a 26t small chain ring and mountain rear cassette with a 32 tooth
cog that allows me to spin up most hills.
How does biking improve your quality of life?
I enjoy the exercise,
seeing other folks out running, walking the dog or pushing baby
strollers. It is nice to see the
seasons change and observe what trees and plants are blooming. If I am lucky, I will see a bald eagle
in the Juanita Marsh park area.
Lastly, any tips for people who may be tentative in dusting off that old
bike in the garage?
Load the bike up in the
car (if necessary) and head down to the Burke Gilman or Sammamish River Trails
after work on a nice spring or summer relaxing ride. Turn around before you get tired. When starting out try to pedal into the wind, if it is
windy. Don’t overdo it and practice
shifting and braking. Before tackling the city streets read Bicycling Street
Smarts at www.bikexprt.com. Some air in the tires always helps.
I agree Jim! Thanks
so much for your dedication to integrating biking into your everyday life. If
you too are interested in volunteering with the Bicycle Alliance, visit our
website to get involved!
Inspiring story, and great tips, too. Thanks!
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