Category Archives: Article

This is the third time I tried to help someone just to have it blow up in my face. The first time was when I was on the Mohawk-Hudson bike trail and I did not bring my tools and had to pass someone with a flat tire. The second time was by SUNY Albany where I stopped to help someone forgetting that I’d left my adjustable crescent wrench at home. Now the third time.

I was riding along the bike trail with a friend when we saw someone who was walking their bike. I said to my friend that I wanted to stop and see if anything was wrong because if it was a flat tire I could change it out in five seconds flat since that’s all I’ve been doing at ABR the past few weeks and I’ve gotten pretty quick. I slowed down and it turns out he did the flat tire so I went into my spiel. I’m from ABC, I work at ABR, here is how you change the flat.

We got as far as sanding down the tube and applying the glue which looked plump with sticky goodness. I squeezed the tube and nothing came out. I mean this thing was bone dry. I exclaimed to my friend, “I only used this once!” He explained to me that since it was an alcohol based adhesive that it evaporated. Needless to say I did what I could. I put his tire back together and sent him on his way to hopefully get it repaired by someone with more useable materials.

So that’s my third attempt to help someone in need. Maybe I’ll get it right the forth time.

Written by Chris Belsole

The Bike-Shop event today, hosted by Albany 2030, has been rescheduled to August 30th probably due to rain. I hope everyone will join me in changing their calendars to that date. At least now you guys have a little more time to make plans for this event that could possibly effect the way things go in Albany in terms of of bicycle accommodation.

(click the image to make it larger)

Written by Chris Belsole

You’ll never believe it! I just rode behind a bike cop coming home from the coffee house. In about five minuets here is what I observed:

1. Failure to stop at a stop sign.

2. Failure to signal for a right and a left turn.

3. Riding on the wrong side of the street.

4. Riding in the sidewalk.

Not to mention that he was riding in the door zone the entire time.

Now, as I always say, I am not the paragon of bicycling etiquette that my tone may imply, but if the police can not adhere to bicycle rules how can they expect anyone else to? Sure if they are chasing down a perp and there is a red light I can see them running it to catch him, but he was just doing his rounds like it was any other day. Also I know for a fact that they had to take a biker’s education course because I know the instructor. It’s no wonder that people are so misinformed when it comes to bicycle regulations when the people tasked with enforcing them can not follow them themselves.

Anyway I could not wait to bring this one to you because it was just such a great chance encounter.

Written by Chris Belsole

A friend of mine asked me to post this:

“The Tour de Habitat gives riders a choice of pedaling a 100, 50, 25 or family-friendly 10 mile route to benefit Capital District Habitat for Humanity. All rides start and finish at the Albany Pump Station, with a post-ride reception featuring complimentary food and beer.

The 100 mile ride is a challenging jaunt around the Helderbergs and Alcove reservoir area with a total elevation gain of about 5400 feet. The 50 mile route mimics the century route for the first 35 miles, but avoids the major hills and returns to Albany with about 2000 feet of elevation gain.

The 25 mile route mimics the longer routes for the first 15 miles and then turns back for Albany in the town of Feura Bush. The most challenging hill on this route is State Street in Albany.

All three routes start with a sight-seeing tour of the city of Albany, taking riders past many important landmarks as well as houses built by Habitat for Humanity. There are rest stops with refreshments at approximately 25 mile intervals on the longer routes and one rest stop at the turn-around point of the 25 mile ride.

The 10 mile route is flat and uses city streets for one mile to reach the Corning Preserve Bike Path, which riders will follow to Watervliet before turning back for Albany.

Route maps can be viewed on the Internet at http://www.evansale.com/2010/07/14/tour-de-habitat/.

The ride goes on rain or shine!

The $100 entry fee entitles you to riding a fully supported route, pre- and post-ride meals at the Albany Pump Station, two pints of any Evans beer after the ride and a souvenir T-shirt. Riders sponsored for $500 or more will receive a cycling jersey. Funds are not due until the day of the ride so that you can fundraise for them. Create your fundraising page at http://www.firstgiving.com/cdhfh. Click “Get Started”!

Family and friends are welcome to join you at the post-ride party reception for just $12 per person.

To volunteer for this event, visit our Volunteer Page!

For more information call Capital District Habitat for Humanity at (518) 462-2993.”

On their page there is a sign up sheet and I encourage everyone to raise the money and sign up for this worthy cause.

Written by Chris Belsole