Category Archives: Local Heros

by Lorenz M. Worden | February 6, 2021 · 2:59 pm

Rossi Junction – Honoring a Bicycling Hero

Rossi Junction – Honoring a Crucial Bicycling Activist – New York’s network of bike trails, paths, and routes that we enjoy today did not just materialize. In the 1990s laws were enacted that allowed the federal Highway Trust Fund to be used for bicycle and pedestrian needs. Afterwards, public investment in bicycle infrastructure exploded. No activist contributed more to New York State’s bicycle infrastructure than did Lou Rossi. He was a principal influence in opening the trust fund, and then became the driving force behind New York’s system of 21 signed Bike Routes. He wrote popular books on touring the state by bicycle. Moreover, as a founding member of NYBC, the New York State Bicycling Coalition, he formed an organization that vigorously lobbies State government to make cycling in New York friendlier and safer. You can learn more about Lou Rossi’s career and contributions to New York’s bike systems at this Internet link: https://tinyurl.com/RossiStory.

When Lou passed away in 2020, his colleagues at the State Department of Transportation decided to construct a memorial to honor his immense contribution to bicycling. Lou’s work exemplifies the best of Civil Service. Few in the broad bicycle community are aware of his contributions, but we all owe him immense gratitude. His colleagues hope to dedicate the memorial this spring. The memorial will be in Albany the intersection of the two longest Bike Routes – Bike Route 5 from Niagara Falls to Massachusetts and Bike Route 9 from Canada to New York City. ROSSI JUNCTION will denote the junction’s significance and have a rest area for local and touring cyclists’ enjoyment. If you want to know more about the memorial plans, go to this link: https://tinyurl.com/MemorialDescription.

**Proposed Memorial Site at Corning Riverfront Park**

We are raising funds to erect a suitable junction marker with interpretive plaques. If you enjoy New York State’s bike network or otherwise have benefited from Lou’s efforts we hope you will help.

If you would like to assist, please make a check out to the New York Bicycling Coalition and put “For Lou Rossi Memorial Fund” on the memo line. Mail it to New York Bicycling Coalition, PO Box 8868, Albany, NY 12208. Alternatively, go online at NYBC.net where you can use a credit card.

Thank You from the Committee for a Memorial to Lou Rossi:

Rich Brustman

Barry Hecht

Dick Maitino

Jeff Olson

Questions? You can email us at LouRossiMemorial@gmail.com or call at 518-461-8803

Human Power Planet Earth Bicycle Shop ~ Empowering Humanity

If you’re in sunny Saranac Lake, be sure to ride over to the “Human Power Planet Earth Bicycle Shop” where owner John Dimon will give you a friendly welcome and logofull1-e1464831248233 a run down on whatever is happening in the area. This is a full service shop with new and used bicycles, rentals, and service. During the winter you can rent pond skates or get you own skates sharpened.

Here’s a rundown based on the website:

HOURS:

Tuesday – Friday – 10 AM – 6 PM
Saturdays – 10 AM – 5 PM
Closed Sunday and Monday.

LOCATION: Saranac Lake B

77 Main St.
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
518-524-6177, htt

Rentals – Feeling the need to get out on the town or trails, but don’t have anything to ride? Not a problem! Choose from our selection of fat tire bicycles, now available to rent! Rates: $50/day, $30/2hours

Repairs – Does your bicycle need some love? Our team of qualified mechanics is ready to help! From basic tune-ups and safety checks, to hydraulic brake bleeds and suspension rebuilds, we’ve got you covered!

Sales – Need a new ride? We are proud to announce that for 2016 we now carry KHS bicycles. Since the late 70’s KHS has provided high quality bicycles at a great value. We have Fat Bicycles, Mt. bicycles, Hybrids, Commuter and Fitness bicycles, and children’s bicycles on the floor or available to order. We also have restored Vintage (read Charming), Pre-Owned, and Consignment bicycles, for sale. Come check our growing fleet of bicycles. We have something for everyone!

Classes – Focusing on the following: fixing a flat, patching a tube, straightening bars, breaking a chain, seat adjustment, fixing chain-suck, checking bearings, and more. An “advanced class” offers the preceding plus a tool kit with the following: Crank Bros. M17 multitool, Park tire levers, Jandd Seat pack (color choices), Lezyne patch kit, White Lightning Epic Ride chain lube, Park Tool mini pump, and Kenda tube for your bike.

Here is a final opportunity – The “Barn Rescue” Tune Up – The Complete “Barn Rescue” Tune Up is for those who want to get back on their trusty steed. You know the story. It has been in the barn, in the cellar, or outside under the eaves for years. We want you to ride it again. However, there is usually corrosion to deal with, even on alloy parts. We wire brush and grease rusty bolts, take the corrosion off the rims, clean and polish pivot points. We clean, lube, polish everything, and replace what is necessary to make your bicycle rideable again. Parts replaced as necessary. It is worth it – for you and the Planet.

If John is not there, he out on his bicycle – as he is rumored to “go everywhere” by bicycle.

Before or after your visit, be sure to stop in to the next door “Origins Café” for a great meal, pastry, and coffee – http://www.origincoffeeadk.com/food/ You might meet up with Joshua, owner and former Exec Director of New York Bicycling Coalition.

“Hello – Eric at the Downtube!”

How many hundreds of customers were welcomed by this friendly greeting when they called the Downtube Bicycle Works? And now he’s gone from the Downtube – like losing a member of the family.

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After over 30 years in the bicycle industry, both here and in New Hampshire, Eric has decided to pursue a career and an industry change. The Downtube Bicycle Works looks forward to his continued collaboration as his new career allows.

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Eric had the enviable ability to make the person with whom he engaged feel as if he were the only one in the shop. Your problem became Eric’s. In many years of observing him as the “go-to guy” at the Downtube, Eric was always ready with a smile, an encouraging word, a helpful hand, and a bit of advice. He never attempted the hard sell but always laid out the possible solutions in a fair and responsive manner. The most bedraggled youngster with a junker mountain bike or the owner of a gazillion dollar Trek Domane were treated in the same graceful manner.

From the Downtube Bicycle Works website: “Eric Whalen, Manager and Partner … been advising Downtube customers since 1990. Previously, Eric worked in several New Hampshire bicycle stores and also had a Snap-On tool franchise. We are very, very lucky he joined our team. He’s extraordinarily patient and understanding, and a problem solver for all things bicycle. He’s so good Trek insisted on borrowing him for support at the 1995 Tour of Taiwan. Eric became a Downtube part owner in 1997.”

Since the devastating fire in 2015, Eric, as well as all the other DT staff, was fully engaged in getting the shop back on its feet. While there was good insurance, help from Trek, 100 percent commitment by the owners, professional contractor rebuilding, and the loyalty of the DT customers, one can imagine the amount of work that had to be done by staff and the unending disruption to the shop. Two years later, the shop – now accompanied by the 3Fish Café – is back in business, and Eric was a m DT 3-21-15 B ajor player in this success. His colleagues, Adam and Oliver, now joined by Evelyn, Steve and others will continue to contribute to the success of the business. They can now build on the fully remodeled store, the new café, and more staff and programs.