Expecting more ghosts and goblins at my door tonight than last year. How 'bout you? The scariest will be a posse of marauding 80+ year olds that terrorize our neighborhood in a Mercedes Benz! Made sure we got the candy that we don't like to eat too much so we won't have to do many minutes on the treadmill. Its hard to run in a witch's costume...
Have a scary but safe evening! And, oh by the way, don't have so much fun this weekend that you forget to set your clocks back....end of daylight savings for another year...BOOOOOO!!!!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Can You Say Road Trip??
Back from my desert vacation (which was wonderful, thank you!) just in time to learn that the US Bicycle Route System project, which has been not much more than a vision for the past four years has become a reality! For more information about this advocacy triumph check out www.adventurecycling.org/usbrs . (Nice to read about something uplifting for a change...) Just think, if this project is fully executed we could have as many as 50,000 miles of an interstate cycling route network. How's that for a road trip?!?
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Alternative Transportation Day at Ingersoll Rand
by Holly Emerson, Ingersoll Rand
Wednesday, October 22nd 2008 proved to be a beautiful day here at the Davidson campus of Ingersoll Rand for our inaugural Alternative Transportation Day and a great opportunity for employees to learn more about greener ways of getting to work and how we can reduce traffic congestion and help clean the air.
The day started off at a crisp 37degF and dark. Four of us, that would be Elizabeth Newidomy (a true greeney), me and my assistants, Ryan (9) and Kayla (7), froze for about 90 minutes handing out lunch vouchers and Starbucks gift cards to alert carpoolers and some very dedicated bicyclists. One woman rode in at about 7am on her beach cruzer. How cool is that? I think she gets the prize for most creative alternative transportation method, whenever I decide what that is.
Several carpoolers sped right past us, apparently we looked like some crazy family waiting for a ride. Lesson learned: wear the Progress is greener gear so people can spot you. We were soon joined by Gabe Workman from Clean Air Works! and Michael Gart, an energenic young grad. All in all we recorded almost 100 carpoolers, three bike commuters and one vanpool group.
As the day warmed up so did the activities. Chris Vasiloff, Arleigh Jenkins, Steve Doolittle, John Wilcox and Sarah Matchett from Cool Breeze Cyclery were on hand to inspect bikes and lead a lunch ride through Davidson. Their large yellow and black tent was a good draw for the avid cyclists on campus. Also joining them was Lauren Blackburn, Davidson town planner. The town of Davidson recently approved a bicycle transportation plan which will improve bicycling conditions on many roads and eventually link a Mooresville to Charlotte route, encouraging more to commute by bike.
Elizabeth Lintner, also from Clean Air Works!, and Gabe had a table with lots of information about reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. And Dan McGuinness and Michael were on hand to answer any questions about carpooling and recruit new Green Team members.
Folks from Industrial Technologies, led by Dipen Shah, dedicated their time to help with a jam-packed Nitrogen fill day. They filled the tires of 31 cars with Nitrogen! With an increase of approximately 3.3% in fuel efficiency gained from properly inflated tires, this could potentially prevent 50 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere in just one week! The Nitrogen fill is always a big draw. It's great to see people taking advantage of it.
And saving the best for last, many thanks to Kryptonite for the donation of four KryptoLok ®s for our raffle.
We wanted to educate people about greener commuting options, encourage commuting by bike, and tell employees about all the good things the transportation committee is doing. I think we accomplished our goals. It was a good day.
Wednesday, October 22nd 2008 proved to be a beautiful day here at the Davidson campus of Ingersoll Rand for our inaugural Alternative Transportation Day and a great opportunity for employees to learn more about greener ways of getting to work and how we can reduce traffic congestion and help clean the air.
The day started off at a crisp 37degF and dark. Four of us, that would be Elizabeth Newidomy (a true greeney), me and my assistants, Ryan (9) and Kayla (7), froze for about 90 minutes handing out lunch vouchers and Starbucks gift cards to alert carpoolers and some very dedicated bicyclists. One woman rode in at about 7am on her beach cruzer. How cool is that? I think she gets the prize for most creative alternative transportation method, whenever I decide what that is.
Several carpoolers sped right past us, apparently we looked like some crazy family waiting for a ride. Lesson learned: wear the Progress is greener gear so people can spot you. We were soon joined by Gabe Workman from Clean Air Works! and Michael Gart, an energenic young grad. All in all we recorded almost 100 carpoolers, three bike commuters and one vanpool group.
As the day warmed up so did the activities. Chris Vasiloff, Arleigh Jenkins, Steve Doolittle, John Wilcox and Sarah Matchett from Cool Breeze Cyclery were on hand to inspect bikes and lead a lunch ride through Davidson. Their large yellow and black tent was a good draw for the avid cyclists on campus. Also joining them was Lauren Blackburn, Davidson town planner. The town of Davidson recently approved a bicycle transportation plan which will improve bicycling conditions on many roads and eventually link a Mooresville to Charlotte route, encouraging more to commute by bike.
Elizabeth Lintner, also from Clean Air Works!, and Gabe had a table with lots of information about reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. And Dan McGuinness and Michael were on hand to answer any questions about carpooling and recruit new Green Team members.
Folks from Industrial Technologies, led by Dipen Shah, dedicated their time to help with a jam-packed Nitrogen fill day. They filled the tires of 31 cars with Nitrogen! With an increase of approximately 3.3% in fuel efficiency gained from properly inflated tires, this could potentially prevent 50 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere in just one week! The Nitrogen fill is always a big draw. It's great to see people taking advantage of it.
And saving the best for last, many thanks to Kryptonite for the donation of four KryptoLok ®s for our raffle.
We wanted to educate people about greener commuting options, encourage commuting by bike, and tell employees about all the good things the transportation committee is doing. I think we accomplished our goals. It was a good day.
(Pictures by roaming photographer Harry Owanesian.)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Randomness
Just some random things going on in the cycling world....
Already told you that Lance Armstrong is Twittering. You can follow him here. You don't need an account to do so either.
But....he's got a friend of his to sign up, too. Mr. Taylor Phinney. You can follow him here. According to the tweets, Taylor was in Austin for the Ride for the Roses this weekend and his friend Lance convinced him to Twitter. That's kind of cool.
You can see some photos of the start of the Ride for the Roses weekend on the LiveStrong Blog.
Interbike East was held last week (while I was out of town...bummer) in Providence. Both Rich at Interbike Times and Tim at Masi have write ups and photos for your viewing pleasure.
Already told you that Lance Armstrong is Twittering. You can follow him here. You don't need an account to do so either.
But....he's got a friend of his to sign up, too. Mr. Taylor Phinney. You can follow him here. According to the tweets, Taylor was in Austin for the Ride for the Roses this weekend and his friend Lance convinced him to Twitter. That's kind of cool.
You can see some photos of the start of the Ride for the Roses weekend on the LiveStrong Blog.
Interbike East was held last week (while I was out of town...bummer) in Providence. Both Rich at Interbike Times and Tim at Masi have write ups and photos for your viewing pleasure.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
2009 Tour de France
So, I guess the 2009 Tour de France route was announced. How do I know? Lance Armstrong is now on Twitter! I'm not kidding. You can follow along with his training, social engagements and even restaurant choices through his tweets.
Here's what he says about the Tour Day France 2009:
Now looking at the TdF route for 2009. Sure would like to erase those Ventoux dreams/nightmares...
Ah, Lance...you know you love it.
UPDATE (10/23): USAToday article with Lance makes it seem like he's surprised about "threats" along the roads from crazed fans during stages. He's rethinking this ride there a little bit. How is this different than when he raced before? Stages, particularly in the mountains, have always had passionate fans in the roads yelling in riders ears. I've always found it a little un-nerving, but it's not like this is new. Wonder if Lance is finding training slightly harder than he thought and he's trying to set expectations for his comeback now. Check it out, it's a good read.
Also, if you are in Austin this weekend, it's Ride for the Roses time. Enjoy!
Here's what he says about the Tour Day France 2009:
Now looking at the TdF route for 2009. Sure would like to erase those Ventoux dreams/nightmares...
Ah, Lance...you know you love it.
UPDATE (10/23): USAToday article with Lance makes it seem like he's surprised about "threats" along the roads from crazed fans during stages. He's rethinking this ride there a little bit. How is this different than when he raced before? Stages, particularly in the mountains, have always had passionate fans in the roads yelling in riders ears. I've always found it a little un-nerving, but it's not like this is new. Wonder if Lance is finding training slightly harder than he thought and he's trying to set expectations for his comeback now. Check it out, it's a good read.
Also, if you are in Austin this weekend, it's Ride for the Roses time. Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Kryptonite dealer an honorary pit crew member during the 8 Hours at Daytona
by Nicole Roesch, Team Kryptonite
Back in February Kryptonite, in coordination with Team Kryptonite member Nicole Roesch and Team RightsforBikers.com offered a raffle during the Indy Dealer Show for one lucky winner to become a part of the SunTrust MOTO-ST team during the annual 8 Hours at Daytona.
The 8-hour long race that took place Saturday, October 18th is a true test of endurance, both for the riders and the crew. The team competed in two separate classes: the SST class and GST class. Managing two teams and coordination of pit stops can be challenging. Thanks to Charles Schurman of Sportland 2 in Wisconsin the team had a flawless day along pit road. Charles was an integral part of the team in charge of calling in the riders with the pit sign.
Usually the blog I get to write is about the on track experience but this time I sat on the sidelines (baby due November 5th!) and got to watch the team in action. I miss the action and riding but it is still a honor to be able to celebrate in Victory Lane at the historic world center of racing.
We hope Charles had a great time and we look forward to offering this experience to more Krpyptonite dealers and customers!
Back in February Kryptonite, in coordination with Team Kryptonite member Nicole Roesch and Team RightsforBikers.com offered a raffle during the Indy Dealer Show for one lucky winner to become a part of the SunTrust MOTO-ST team during the annual 8 Hours at Daytona.
The 8-hour long race that took place Saturday, October 18th is a true test of endurance, both for the riders and the crew. The team competed in two separate classes: the SST class and GST class. Managing two teams and coordination of pit stops can be challenging. Thanks to Charles Schurman of Sportland 2 in Wisconsin the team had a flawless day along pit road. Charles was an integral part of the team in charge of calling in the riders with the pit sign.
Over the course of 8 hours, just about anything can happen. The #2 bike suffered some mechanical problems but the #69 Ducati PS1000LE (the bike that was on display at the Kryptonite booth at Indy) ran great. Riders John Linder, Garrett Rick and Jason Edmonds were consistent, earning a very respectable 4th place overall in the race!
Usually the blog I get to write is about the on track experience but this time I sat on the sidelines (baby due November 5th!) and got to watch the team in action. I miss the action and riding but it is still a honor to be able to celebrate in Victory Lane at the historic world center of racing.
We hope Charles had a great time and we look forward to offering this experience to more Krpyptonite dealers and customers!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Get a Free Bike...
...if you are a college freshman and don't bring your car to school. How cool is that? Great article in the New York Times about many colleges that are getting creative with students to eliminate over flowing student parking as well as making campus more green. Some are even giving free bikes.
Hat tip to Holly at our parent company's offices in North Carolina. She's heading up an alternative transportation day this week at their facility, too. Helping out? Our friends at Cool Breeze Cyclery.
I hear there is a prize for the most creative alternative transportation method. Last week someone told me he/she may row over....that would be different, eh?
Hat tip to Holly at our parent company's offices in North Carolina. She's heading up an alternative transportation day this week at their facility, too. Helping out? Our friends at Cool Breeze Cyclery.
I hear there is a prize for the most creative alternative transportation method. Last week someone told me he/she may row over....that would be different, eh?
Friday, October 17, 2008
Happy Day Before Vacation!
This is a quick note to tell you that I am finally getting some long-needed time away from the office and attending to that unbreakable bond I have with my husband. I'll be on vacation for the next 10 days, looking at very different scenery than I normally see here in New England. So, during my absence, I leave you in the capable hands of Donna (who hasn't really left our blog family, if you noticed) as well as Eric, Craig, Melissa, Roberta and some of the other talented contributors on our team. I hope to have some good adventures to share with you on my return.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
bEautiful!
Take a look at this new E-bike reviewed in the Wired blog....nice!....http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/10/review-a2b-elec.html
Oh, and, nice anti-theft strategy being employed by the owner...:-)
Oh, and, nice anti-theft strategy being employed by the owner...:-)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
We Have a Winner from Lowe's Motor Speedway!
We had such a great time at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday with all the NASCAR fans! We felt right at home with all of the Harley Davidson and Sturgis shirts we saw, too. We had great conversations with folks about their motorcycles, ATVs and even bicycles. It was a great day. Ok, it could have been better if Jeff Gordon pulled out a win, but it was a good night for him in the points and he even lead for a bit to get those all important 5 bonus points!
If you stopped by to see us...thanks! You couldn't have missed us, right? We were directly in front of the main, Speedway Blvd entrance. We just thought that was cool!
We also were running a contest which tons of people entered. We are giving away a New York Chain, New York Disc Lock, Evolution Mini and a Superman padlock along with an Ingersoll Rand Thunder Gun. No, we are not giving away the Club Car...sorry. We'd like to have that ourselves, but it was only on loan and is already back at its home at Club Car.
So....we have picked a winner.....could be you.....
If you stopped by to see us...thanks! You couldn't have missed us, right? We were directly in front of the main, Speedway Blvd entrance. We just thought that was cool!
We also were running a contest which tons of people entered. We are giving away a New York Chain, New York Disc Lock, Evolution Mini and a Superman padlock along with an Ingersoll Rand Thunder Gun. No, we are not giving away the Club Car...sorry. We'd like to have that ourselves, but it was only on loan and is already back at its home at Club Car.
So....we have picked a winner.....could be you.....
Drum roll please.....
Our winner is.....
Kevin Powell from California!!!
Congratulations Kevin. I'm still traveling, but when I get back on Friday I'll give you a ring and make sure you get your prize next week.
Thanks, again, to everyone who stopped by. We hope you enjoyed the race and having a safe place to park your motorcycle at the track.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Vegas or Bust!
We've been reading and commenting on a variety of efforts to bust the strangle hold our reliance on petroleum currently has on all our lives. A Berkeley, CA based event is raising this effort to an art form. Check out the Escape from Berkeley race that is ongoing as I write this! http://www.escapefromberkeley.com/
Race participants are only allowed to start the race with one gallon of gasoline and through any means necessary, are expected to be able to power their vehicles in such a way that they reach Las Vegas today. Make sure to go back to the blog to find out who wins.
Race participants are only allowed to start the race with one gallon of gasoline and through any means necessary, are expected to be able to power their vehicles in such a way that they reach Las Vegas today. Make sure to go back to the blog to find out who wins.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Come Visit Kryptonite at Lowe's Motor Speedway
We're back at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina for the Bank of America 500 Saturday night! We sponsor the motorcycle parking area so you'll have a great place to park your motorcycle when you are at the race. I just looked at the weather and it's supposed to be a beautiful night tomorrow. Perfect to ride to the race.
We'll be in the yellow Kryptonite tent just to the left of the big office tower/front of the track. C'mon by and visit. You can also enter to win a security package (all kinds of locks) along with a Thunder Gun!
Eric, Don and I look forward to seeing you.
The motorcycle parking area in the infield was filling up today.
Thanks to Club Car, one of our sister companies, for loaning us this great vehicle!
Don enjoyed looking at the monster Toyota.
Happy Birthday to Dale Earnhardt Jr! For his birthday, Dale Junior announced a new sponsorship with Unilever at LMS. That means you'll see Dale Junior in a few Nationwide races next year!
Who's going to win tomorrow night? The birthday boy...well, that would be ok, but my bet is always with the 24 of Jeff Gordon, of course.
We'll be in the yellow Kryptonite tent just to the left of the big office tower/front of the track. C'mon by and visit. You can also enter to win a security package (all kinds of locks) along with a Thunder Gun!
Eric, Don and I look forward to seeing you.
Don and Eric checking out the motorcycle parking area in front of the track today.
The motorcycle parking area in the infield was filling up today.
Thanks to Club Car, one of our sister companies, for loaning us this great vehicle!
Don enjoyed looking at the monster Toyota.
Happy Birthday to Dale Earnhardt Jr! For his birthday, Dale Junior announced a new sponsorship with Unilever at LMS. That means you'll see Dale Junior in a few Nationwide races next year!
Who's going to win tomorrow night? The birthday boy...well, that would be ok, but my bet is always with the 24 of Jeff Gordon, of course.Its A Bike Lock, Its A Padlock......
I frequent the Salvation Army Store near my home. I was riding my bike behind the store (where donations are dropped off) when I saw Cheryl the manager holding a master padlock in her hand while lightly cursing. I stopped and asked what was wrong, well that was the fifth padlock that had been cut by thieves in the last two weeks. I whipped out my kryptonite U-lock and gave it to her along with the key. No more problems, the thieves gave up and the storage bin is now theft- proof. Cheryl eventually bought my Kryptonite lock for $50.00 and everyone is happy (except for the thieves). ~ JK, Blaine, MN
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Google's Birthday Fun
Remember where you were in 2001? Were you as prolific on the web as you are now? I'd have to guess not. But, if you need a reminder of the online world back in 2001, Google is giving you that chance.
For Google's 10th birthday, they are having some fun. They are showing us what searches looked like waaaaaay back then. It's kind of fun.
Search for things you know and use now online and see what happens. Facebook is a brief mention at Harvard. Twitter isn't mentioned at all in a social networking context. Microblogging doesn't exist! The search for "blog" provides some interesting results.
Yes, I Googled myself back in 2001. My "former life" of being involved with running pops up, but there are a lot of links that don't go anywhere - most of the content has been moved or removed.
Go on, Google yourself now and then.
As for Kryptonite, we fair pretty well. We're the number one spot without one mention of anything from the fall of 2004, obviously, because none of that happened yet!
Go on, take a look. You know you want to. Google yourself. Google your favorite company. Google your favorite sites today. Your favorite social media guru - where where they in '01?
Thanks for the look back, Google! And Happy Birthday!
For Google's 10th birthday, they are having some fun. They are showing us what searches looked like waaaaaay back then. It's kind of fun.
Search for things you know and use now online and see what happens. Facebook is a brief mention at Harvard. Twitter isn't mentioned at all in a social networking context. Microblogging doesn't exist! The search for "blog" provides some interesting results.
Yes, I Googled myself back in 2001. My "former life" of being involved with running pops up, but there are a lot of links that don't go anywhere - most of the content has been moved or removed.
Go on, Google yourself now and then.
As for Kryptonite, we fair pretty well. We're the number one spot without one mention of anything from the fall of 2004, obviously, because none of that happened yet!
Go on, take a look. You know you want to. Google yourself. Google your favorite company. Google your favorite sites today. Your favorite social media guru - where where they in '01?
Thanks for the look back, Google! And Happy Birthday!
Monday, October 06, 2008
Bike Friendly or Not?
The League of American Bicyclists announced its first annual report on the most bicycle friendly places in the US. Want to know if you're living in the right place? Go to http://www.bikeleague.org/news/090508bfs.php to find out.
Fashion and Functionality in One Good Looking Package
Recently I've been interested to see a cool trend developing - clothing and shoes designed for riding your bike or motorcycle that actually looks nice enough to want to buy and wear anytime. The latest I saw were very cool Joe Rocket jeans (www.joerocket.com) that have Kevlar reinforcements in places that would strain under constant stretch and built-in pockets for knee armor. Handsome enough that I'd like to see my guy in them anytime....
Thursday, October 02, 2008
A New Use For Your Old Chainsaw
by Eric Anastasi, Eastern Regional Manager
Once again I was surfing around the web on some of my favorite sites and found something that I thought I should share. Now- I have a chain saw and I have a motorcycle but I do not have one of these. Although depending how long this winter is, I may come spring.
Here is a bit about this machine.
The heart of the combined power plant is the central drive belt casing of aluminum construction. As well as encasing the eleven belts used to couple up the individual engines, it also houses the exhaust ducts for the cooling air. Twelve engines are mounted in two rows of six on either side of the drive belt casing. Each engine is held in place by means of two threaded studs that normally serve to secure the guide bar to the chainsaw power head. The individual motors are coupled together in sets of three by means of a double-sided drive belt, making up eight modules in all. The individual engines are not rigidly connected; instead they deliver their torque through the centrifugal clutch that is a standard feature of every chainsaw.
The heart of the combined power plant is the central drive belt casing of aluminum construction. As well as encasing the eleven belts used to couple up the individual engines, it also houses the exhaust ducts for the cooling air. Twelve engines are mounted in two rows of six on either side of the drive belt casing. Each engine is held in place by means of two threaded studs that normally serve to secure the guide bar to the chainsaw power head. The individual motors are coupled together in sets of three by means of a double-sided drive belt, making up eight modules in all. The individual engines are not rigidly connected; instead they deliver their torque through the centrifugal clutch that is a standard feature of every chainsaw.
Maybe I can leave hints around the house for my fiancee to find...after all, Christmas is coming....
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