Friday, December 12, 2008

Video Contest Features Save the World Ideas

My friend Wendy sent me information on a website that is sponsoring a video contest about ideas that can help save the world. The site is called "Just Do One". The site lists several ways people can do simple acts that taken together will make a big difference in the world. To my surprise one of their suggestions was ride a bike, walk, or take a bus to work.

I thought many of you might be interested in entering this contest with a video clip explaining something you do that helps the world be a better place. Take a look at the site, and if videography is not your cup of Christmas Tea you might find you can Just Do One of their ideas.

My bike is hanging from my garage rafters. I tried walking to work in the cold. It looks like it is time to buy more warm clothes. Does anyhone have suggestions for a good face mask?

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Is This The End?


My goal was to keep riding my bike to work until the snow made my crossing the river impossible and the ride unsafe. On Sunday afternoon I thought the end of my riding days was at hand. The blizzard like conditions and the cold air to follow made me think it is time to store my bike and start going to work on foot or on the bus.


Now it is Tuesday and my hope is restored. The mild front moving through will keep me biking for a while. Biking seemed like hard work at first. Now it has become a sought after pleasure. I have lost some weight. The cardio workout has improved my stamina. The trip home from work is a stress reliever. I look forward to using my bike to get around town.


How late do you commute? Is snow and ice a problem?

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Help From a Friend




Running errands and carrying packages on my bike has always been a challenge. Small flat packages fit on my rear wheel rack, but how do you haul a gallon of milk?

It was a nice sunny day when I decided to get a few things from SunMart. The list was short and my WCI blue reusable bags tied to my bike begged for a real test. Clothes pins were the clips I used to keep the bags from flapping in the wind. They were not a pretty site, but I hoped they would be functional. I was wrong.

I was vainly stuffing two half gallons of milk, some Cilantro, two dozen hot dog buns and two cans of sauerkraut into the blue bags, when my friend Karen walked up. After a few words about bikes, exercise, this blog, and saving the world, she took pity on me and my floppy blue bags. She suggested panniers, to which I responded that I was trying use these bags and not buy new things. " But I have a set of panniers that I don't use anymore" she said.

"Really! I exclaimed, "Could I borrow them until you want them back?" The deal was struck.

Today I am the proud borrower of used panniers that don't flop in the wind and look very professional. Thanks for the help Karen.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Roadside Beautification Today

No bike ride today. It is roadside beautification day at work. This is the day we clean up the ditches on Hwy 59 north to Pelican Rapids. It is really hard to clean the ditches on a bike. So today I drove my van. Cars are great for picking up junk along the road. Cleaning the ditches will give me my exercise while we clean up America.

Here is a map of the plan . Be sure to click on the Roadside Beautification map. WCI staff can decide which team they would like to join. Greg, (our newest member of the the WCI regional planning team), feel free to offer suggestions for a better plan.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Getting to Work in Nebraska City

The second annual Rural Philanthropy conference is being held in Nebraska City at the Lied Lodge Conference Center. After registering for the conference I find out that there are no vacant rooms at the lodge. That is too bad because it is a very cool Arts and Crafts style building with exposed post and beam structure. It is part of the Arbour Day Foundation site. They use wood accents and tree products all over the place.


The challenge is to get between my motel and the conference sessions without using my car. All I do at most conferences is sit, talk, and eat. The exercise will do me good. A few calls to businesses in Nebraska City turns up a bike shop that is willing to rent me a bike. I make my motel reservations at the Deluxe Inn, flight arrangements, and use the shuttle service from Omaha to Nebraska city. So far so good.


The shuttle service doesn't stop at my motel and the schedule is too tight to make it to the conference on time. How do I pick up the rental bike, get my suitcase to the motel, and be ready for the start of the conference? My first failure of planning means I have to scratch the bike rental.


It is all about alternative ways to work. so maybe can car pool with other people staying at the same motel. No exercise, but I still save gas. The conference leaders assure me they will help with car pooling. Plan B is in put into play.


The first day of the conference is great. The last session breaks up at 9:30 PM I have been up since 5:00AM. Time to crash into my bed at the Deluxe Inn. The conference leadership have a ride ready. They connect me with Judy who has room for one more in her car to and from the Deluxe Inn then disaster strikes.


The Deluxe Inn has given my room reservation away and there aren't any rooms left in the whole city. Without a car I can't go to the near by city for a room. I am stranded. I feel like the challenge failed. Why didn't I just rent a car. I feel very vulnerable. The chairs in the lobby don't look very comfortable.


One more call to the Conference leadership. Help!


Ten minutes later my phone rings. Doug tells me to sit tight help is on its way. Lindsey one of the conference staff had booked a room at the Best Western three blocks away and a colleague had booked a room for her at the conference center. She can't use both rooms so one is mine. Judy comes down to the lobby and offers to pick me up at the Best Western and be my carpool ride each day for the conference.


Being stranded and feeling vulnerable suck, but I got to meet Judy, Doug and Lindsey. If I had my own car I wouldn't have been stranded, but I would be poorer for not knowing these helpful people. From failure came connections. Finding alternative ways to work is a good thing.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Bike Equipment Deals in FF

The morning commute is getting darker every day. If I leave by 7:00 AM the sun is just starting to come up. I need to have a light on my bike soon. Yesterday I stopped in at The Rental Store on College Way. They have helped me with bike accessories before. I noticed a big sign in the window, " Moving Sale 20-70% off." They have one set of bike lights and they are 20% off.

The owners are moving to a location on East Hwy 210 near Ottertail Glass. If you are looking for a new bike or accessories in Sept. , The Rental Store looks like a good opportunity. After a few phone calls to other bike suppliers it is clear that this may be the only bike sale in town.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Ain't Nature Grand?


One of the pleasures of biking to work is the surprises mother nature has planned for me each morning or afternoon. sometimes it is a new tree blossom smell, or a Bald Eagle soaring over the river. Today it was the morning mist on the river. The picture says it all.

Biking in the Rain

It is 7:15 AM on Tuesday morning. Time to saddle up for another trip to work on my bike. My wife reports that we had an inch and a half of rain last night and it is still coming down. I have never biked in the rain before.

My mind races through the coats I could wear to repel the soaking rain. My raincoat is lined with vinyl. It is good at keeping the water out, but it is like riding inside a garbage bag. I will sweat enough to get soaked. My wind pants aren't water proof and the wet gel seat will soak through to my pants. Too many jokes at work.

The commute to work will be by car on rain days until I find better rain gear for biking.

Here is a search of REI web site for comfortable and effective rain gear. Let me know if you have any other suggestions.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

WCI Staff Raise More Than $1400 for FF Bike Trail



In a tremendous show of support for people who go biking in Fergus Falls the West Central Initiative staff have directed and personally raised over $1,400 to help pay for the Central Lakes Trail extension into the Fergus Falls city bike routes. Over a year ago WCI installed a bike rack to encourage staff members to bike to work. During the week of Aug. 25-29 the staff took on the challenge of the "Bike-To-Work-athon" to raise money for the Central Lakes trail. Personal pledges were gathered for every time a staff member biked to work. Staff, that live too far away to bike, directed money to the cause and cheered on the bikers.

With a few sore muscles and new stories of riding their bike early in the morning the WCI staff feel they are part of something that is fun and helps people be safe on their bikes.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

My Bike isn't lonely anymore



When I started writing this blog I took a picture of my bike in the bike rack at work. It was the only bike in the rack. I have parked my bike by Home Depot (no bike rack) and again it is the only bike around. My regular trips to church on Sunday have my bike sitting alone by the light pole. But today my bike isn't lonely anymore. One of my co-workers Sandy rode her bike to work today. There are two bikes in the bike rack. I can almost see my bike smile as it tips its front wheel toward the new shiny Schwinn and say " Hey baby. How you doin?"

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Biking to raise money for charity.

There are many ways to save the world. Biking or walking to work can be a way to raise money for a charity or special project that helps save the world.. Pastor Bob of First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake decided to ride to work, an 18 mile round trip, to save gas and stay healthy. He also offered a challenge to members of his congregation to pledge $4.00, the cost of a gallon of gas a few months ago, for each day he biked to work. The donations went to the building fund in the church. He is one of my heroes too.

Extending the Central Lakes Trail from its northern end near MN Hwy 210 into Fergus Falls bike route on Pebble Lake Road is an important project for biker safety and added tourism. Next week at work we are doing a Bike -To-Work-athon. Colleagues have pledged a total of $350 or $70 a day for each day people ride their bike to work. The donations will go to the Central Lake Trail extension into FF.

Maybe this could work for other charities, like Relay for Life, or the MS Walk. At least it is another way biking to work can help save the world.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Night time safety.

The sun is rising later. My morning commute doesn't start until after sunrise, but I can see that will change soon. My bike doesn't have any lights. I have been thinking about the best way to light up my bike and see the road. The biggest concern is letting other motorist know that I am on the road. When I drive my car there are times when it is hard to see bikers or pedestrians. So what is the best way to get the attention of a motorist?

One web site for the Helmet Safety Institute list several helpful hints. They also cover extreme biking, whatever that is, and discuss body armour. The sub article about using car headlights with a battery pack is interesting.

Would a lighted reflective vest work with a bike head light to see the road? Let me know what you have experienced.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Do you see what you believe?

In a recent leadership class I was watching a video about Dewitt Jones, a National Geographic photographer, and his vision for the world. The video was called "Celebrate What is Right About the World." He makes the point that he grew up with he scientific thinking that "he needed to see it to believe it." As a photographer he learned that he needed to believe it before he could see it. Our minds are wired to notice only things that we believe have the potential to exist.

Today on my commute to work I was thinking that more people are getting to work by biking, walking, or riding the bus. When I started paying attention to this belief, I started to notice people not in their cars. On my short trip from Sunrise Rotary at the hospital, to my work on Western Ave I saw three people riding their bikes, one person walking, one person riding a motorcycle, and the Otter Express Bus was going east on Lincoln Ave.

Keep looking for change, because if you believe it, you will see it.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

More Bikers and Walkers in FF


The time is right to bike, walk, or take the bus to work or meeitngs. I have been on the lookout for evidence of more bikers, and walkers when I head to work. On Monday, when I have to drive, I snapped some bad pictures of people doing good things. While at stop sign a man, biking to work , crossed the intersection. He is in the right middle of the picture on the sidewalk (the camera is never ready when you need it). Later a man was jogging in the rain. Then I interviewed Loren




Loren Woolson has been walking to meetings before it was popular. When I asked him why he did it he simply said, " I like to walk to stay healthy and to save on gas." He is my hero. In the picture Loren is starting his walk home from a Bible study on Monday Morning.

It is like a treaure hunt. Can you find people biking walking or taking the bus around town?

Friday, August 8, 2008

Some days a car is easier

As much as I like the idea of riding my bike to work some days it is just too hard to make it work. With a 7:00 AM meeting and a quick shopping errand before and a tight schedule to make it to a meeting at Jewett Lake by 8:30 the morning was too crazy. Today the car was just easier.

I am no purist when it comes to using my bike. Depending on the situation I carpool to meetings, walk in my neighborhood, bike to church, drive to other cities, and take the bus in San Francisco. They are all good for different reasons.

I am handing out cards introducing this blog site. If you are willing to hand out some cards to people at work e-mail me kim@wcif.org and I will send you some the cards that look like the masthead above.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Safety First

Coasting down a hill, checking frantically for cars at every intersection, suddenly the opening scene from "Hill Street Blues" flashes in my brain. The rough roll call Sargent dismisses the beat officers with a motherly warning, "Be safe out there."

Am I being safe out there on the bike routes and streets? I signal my turns, and obey the rules of the road. My helmet is old, but always secured before I leave. But What is the best way to watch for cars?
Chris the clerk at The Rental Store in Fergus Falls told me that there are several mirrors that bikers use to watch for traffic. He showed me helmet mirrors, handlebar mirrors that stickup and a cool looking mirror that attaches to the end of the handle bar. I didn't know there were so many options. On Chris' recommendation the cool looking mirror is now helping me be safe out there.



What safety tips could you offer? Add tips to the comment link.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Fergus Falls Bike Routes

I biked to the Sunrise Rotary meeting this morning at Cleveland School. Principal Scott Colbeck showed us around the remodeling and new construction. It looks great, Scott. Thanks for making all the improvements for better education for our kids.

Cleveland School is located on one of the FF bike routes marked with green and white signs. I assume this is a bike route so kids can ride to school. I decided to follow the route to work in my bike. My first impression. LOTS OF HILLS. I followed the green signs until I lost them near the railroad tracks. A quick swing over to Cavour and head west to College Way then onto Western Ave. I am at work by 8:20.

Does anyone know how the bike routes were planned? Do they just end in the middle of a neighborhood? Is there a plan for more routes through town? Who is in charge of the green signs? If you know any of these answers please add a comment at the link below.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Getting to Work survey results

The Getting To Work survey is getting some resoponses I thought you might like to know the results from last week July 28-Aug. 1 The reults listed below show that people are using a mixture of ways to get to work. Hopefully over time this blog will be a source to help more people find alternative ways to get to work.
Zoomerang Survey Results
Getting To Work Survey Response Status: Completes Filter: No filter applied "Aug 04, 2008 8:37 AM PST"
1. How did you get to work on Monday ?
Bicycle 2 Walk 0 Bus 0 Car 4 Other 0 "Other, please specify" 1
2. How did you get to work on Tuesday?
Bicycle 1 Walk 0Car 5Bus 0 Other 0 "Other, please specify" 2
3. How did you get to work on Wednesday?
Bicycle 0 Walk 0 Bus 0 Car 5 Other 0 "Other, please specify" 1
4. How did you get to work on Thursday?
Bicycle 1 Walk 0 Bus 0 Car 5 Other 0 "Other, please specify" 2
5. How did you get to work on Friday?
Bicycle 1 Walk 0 Bus 0 Car 2 Other 0 "Other, please specify" 2




Friday, August 1, 2008

Great day for a bike ride

It is a Clear sunny day with a little dew on the grass. The sun is warm and the shade is cool. Great day to ride to work.

Last night I found a fund web site that is helping connect people who are concerned about all the stuff we buy and throw away. The site is at http://www.storyofstuff.com/ It tells a clear story with humorous animation about the stuff that fills up oour lives. It is not about going to work, but it is about saving the world. Hope you enjoy it.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

The Best Plans Don't Always Work

Rain and thunder at 6:00 AM were a sign that I won't be able to bike to work today. Rats. Plus a work trip to ALexandria required me to drive my car over the noon hour. I had hoped to bike to work for exercise and then bike back home to pick up my car for the Alexandria trip. Mother nature trumps human plans.

Does anyone reading this blog know of a safe way to bike in the rain?

Three people are taking the "Getting To work survey" ask your friends to join you by taking the survey too.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Gas prices fall because of less demand.

The Daily Journal had an article that credited less driving by Americans for a drop in gas prices. Maybe all this riding, walking, and taking the bus to work is making a difference. Click here to read the Daily Journal article.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Where are the bike racks?



On my ride to work I started think about what would happen if hundreds of people started riding their bikes to work. Where would they park their bikes? We could have bikes chained to every tree and lamp post in town. Well, maybe not every tree.

I did see a bike rack at the back of Lake Region Hospital near the parking lot, and another one on the east side of the Library. SunMart has a bike rack and I know the schools have racks. The picture on the left is the bike rack at West Central Initiative at 1000 Western Avenue.

Do you know other businesses that have bike racks? Send me a comment with locations for bike racks, and I will add them to the Google map.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Messy Business
My trip to work was kind of messy. An early morning meeting and trip across Fergus Falls made it impossible to get to work on time with my bike. Today I took my car to work. At my lunch break I drove home to check on some family business. Now was my chance to get back on my bike for my return trip.

The warm hazy day with a mild breeze will make a perfect ride. Can't find my helmet. Searched the disorganized garage. No luck. Then I remembered the last time I came home from work I had both my bike and my car at work. Don't ask. My helmet and sunglasses are on the staff lunchroom shelf.

I was determined to ride my bike back to work. My daughters old helmet was still hanging by the ladder. It is a size too small, but it will still give protection. With a small helmet, old sunglasses and the breeze at my back I made it to work for the second time.

Trying something new isn't always pretty. Today my efforts were messy, but I prefer action over inaction. I hope your ride to work was better than mine.

P.S. Back at work I discover I have a meeting across town. I should have checked my schedule. My bike will get me there. Hope the rain stays away. More mess.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008


July 23


On my way to work I took pictures of my commuter route. Check out the pictures at my Flikr web site, and see if you can identify the route I take to work.


Monday, July 21, 2008

Be a Super hero. Save Gas, Save Yourself, Save the World

Taking your bicycle, walking, or riding the bus to work is one small way to save the world. During the month of August try going to work by bicycle, walking, or riding the bus.

To find a route to bike or walk to work check out this link for a city map with bike trails in Fergus Falls,

If you want to try the bus go to this link for the Otter Express

Check out the save-o-meter to find out how much gas you are saving.

Send safety tips to this blog for others to read.

Connect each morning to the superhero survey to find out who else is saving the world by finding a gas saving way to work.

Upload pictures of your bike or route to work on your Flicker web site and link them to your blog response. See my daily commute. .

Support your favorite charity by taking the "Save the World in August" challenge.

Ask your employer to match any donations made by friends for every day you save gas by biking, walking, busing to work or school during the month of August.