My apologies for having neglected this blog for so long! We have been bicycling quite a bit since my last post at the beginning of the year. Here's a few quick hits:
GREAT INVENTION: Whoever came up with the powdered drink mixed in the individual single-serving packets should be congratulated. Whether your tastes run to Kool-aid, Gatorade, Crystal Light, or Capri Sun, there is something there for every member of the family. The packets are easy to carry on the bike, and all you need is a water fountain or a water pump to refill the water bottle on your bike. As an added bonus, the kids seem to get a real kick out of pouring the packets into the bottle and shaking them up.
GREAT INVENTION II: The Hot Metal Pedestrian Bridge, which connects the South Side Trail and the Jail Trail, is a HUGE improvement to the usability of both trails. It opened in November 2007, and we didn't get a chance to ride it until earlier this year. Previously you had to go downtown and use the Smithfield Street Bridge to get from one trail to the other. The Hot Metal is a convenient shortcut, and even allows you to ride a loop if you want (Jail Trail to Smithfield Street Bridge, then to the South Side Trail, then over the Hot Metal to get back on the Jail Trail).
The Hot Metal Bridge isn't perfect; I absolutely HATE that stupid switchback they put in on the South Side end of it. If you are on a tandem. or towing a trailer (or both!), then you'll have to walk your bike up and down that switchback. And on the Jail Trail end that have what amounts to a T-intersection with very sharp turns. If two cyclists hit the intersection at the same time, one is going to have to stop in order to prevent a collision.
A discussion of bicycling with people suffering from Autism, the benefits, equipment, tricks and experiences.
