In an effort to help cyclists make informed bike helmet purchases, the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab with funding provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, has released new ratings for 20 bicycle helmets, which brings the total number of tested bicycle helmets to 50. The ratings give each helmet a score between one and five stars that reflects its ability to reduce … [Read more...] about New Ratings from Virginia Tech Helmet Lab
Dangerous behavior
Ride Safely at Night
The dark season is upon us, which means it's time for the annual ritual when folks hotly debate the dos and don'ts of running and riding at night. Even avid, long-time area cyclists are surprised to learn that blinking front lights are illegal on bikes in Washington state. They are only allowed on emergency vehicles. Despite the prohibition, light manufacturers produce all … [Read more...] about Ride Safely at Night
Run Safely at Night
The dark season is upon us, which means it's time for the annual ritual when folks hotly debate the dos and don'ts of running and riding at night. Seattle native, cyclist, and ultra runner Martin Criminale recommends reflective clothing and rechargeable lights: "In my experience, neon or bright clothing makes zero difference when it comes to being seen. You either need a … [Read more...] about Run Safely at Night
Smoke Season Weather Window
I'm surprised to see how many folks have been out running and cycling during the recent smoky weather. It's as if the rest of us need to HTFU. Current AQI: Exercising in unhealthy air isn't like lifting weights: it's not going to make your lungs "stronger." And, just because you don't feel irritation or soreness doesn't mean you aren't doing damage. If you are … [Read more...] about Smoke Season Weather Window
The 520 Trail: Love It or Hate It?
One of the most exciting new developments in regional transportation alternatives has been the multi-use trail on the new Hwy 520 Floating Bridge across Lake Washington. The trail opened on December 20 and has had more that more than 70,000 trips to date. The new trail significantly shortens bike commutes between the east side and Seattle, and enables new route options for … [Read more...] about The 520 Trail: Love It or Hate It?
Richard Kresser Running Toward Joy
Beaming with exuberance and emanating positivity, Richard Kresser is a prominent activist expanding the boundaries of running and multisport endurance adventures in the Northwest and beyond. Richard grew up in Iowa, where he felt challenged by an older brother who demonstrated abundant athletic talent. "Growing up, I was always undersized and slow. I wrestled at 103 … [Read more...] about Richard Kresser Running Toward Joy
Self-Restraint on the BGT
Saturday morning between 8 and 9 I was cycling northbound on the Burke Gilman Trail (aka the "BGT" or simply "the trail") to join a group ride at Log Boom Park. The BGT is a 27-mile multi-use recreational trail that runs from Ballard, along the Lake Washington Ship Canal, then along the northwest shore of Lake Washington to Kenmore at the north end of Lake Washington. At … [Read more...] about Self-Restraint on the BGT
Doug Migden’s 2015 Transcontinental Race
I first learned about Doug Migden’s Transcontinental Race (TCR) project last September during a ride with Seattle Randonneurs Joe Platzner, Vincent Muoneke, and Mark Thomas. During the miles between breakfast and beers, Joe talked me through examples of the Seattle Rando’s “big tent” and how one of their tribe had just completed a crazy--even by rando standards--ultra race in … [Read more...] about Doug Migden’s 2015 Transcontinental Race
My Scar Tissue is Beautiful
A time will come when in the most provoking situation, one will be able to heed the warning given by respiration and sensation, and will start observing them, even for a few moments. These few moments of self-observation will act as a shock-absorber between the external stimulus and one’s response. Instead of reacting blindly, the mind remains balanced, and one is capable of … [Read more...] about My Scar Tissue is Beautiful