SLUBing It

Jul 18, 2008 by Kristin

I have been on the verge of death for the past week and finally crawled out of my darkened apartment yesterday to blink in the brightness of day like a blind cavefish tossed upon the asphalt.  I think I’m suffering from the recent outbreak of Whooping Cough.  I’m certain it’s some exotic ailment because I refuse to suffer this much from the common cold.

Last night I ventured forth under the influence of Robitussin (for a more productive cough) to attend an event that I’m still not quite sure what to call.  It was billed to those of us who participated as the South Lake Union Block Party, but according to the South Lake Union Block Party, that doesn’t happen until August 8th.

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Two-fers and Treats

Jul 2, 2008 by Kristin

I’ll do pretty much anything for cupcakes. I probably should not advertise that fact so widely. But I’m an admitted cupcake whore and Cupcake Royale is my brothel.
Joni Jett was planning her celebrated Secret Sunset Scoot ‘n’ Skewer last week and was voyaging to Archie McPhee’s to harvest some prizes for scooter jousting. (Yes, scooter jousting.) Archie’s just happens to be a block from Cupcake Royale so we were obligated to stop. I mean, come on – twist my rubber arm.

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Ride to Work

Jun 24, 2008 by Kristin

July 16th is Ride to Work day. I plan to ride to work, cause I ride to work every day. My other option is hoofing it, which only feels like an attractive option two days out of the year when there’s snow on the ground.
I think everyone should ride to work. I just wonder where we’d all park.

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Potholes, Gravel & Bridges, Oh MY!

Jun 13, 2008 by Kristin

In my travels, I’ve encountered road surfaces both comforting and ghastly. Nothing compares to a straight, flat stretch of newly paved asphalt. It’s like a breath of fresh air, a sigh of relief. Seattle has hands-down the worst roads of any city I’ve ridden. If you doubt me, just take Airport Way S. to Georgetown on a Stella with a chopped seat. Let me know if all your teeth are still attached when you arrive.
I’ve been ruminating on my least favorite road surfaces, partially because I find it gratifying to keep lists and partially because I thought it would make a good safety article. Here are my top five, in no particular order:

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Scooter Safety, City Style

Jun 10, 2008 by Kristin

How Video Games Saved My Life

If you ride in the city, you know how crazy traffic can be. I’m not as worried about the roads, curves, my tires or my own error as I am about other drivers. Angry drivers, oblivious drivers, drivers composing epic text messages while steering with their knees.

I know it sounds dismal, but once you’ve embraced the reality that every car on the road could possibly hit you, you can begin to plan appropriately. The good news: 99.9% of them won’t. But while planning for the worst, you get lots of practice in obstacle avoidance, you develop better reaction time, and gain the ability to plan an escape route in a heartbeat.

There is a particularly challenging street I take daily.E. Roy St. is wicked steep – officially, an 18% grade and on SDOT’s 20 Steepest Streets in Seattle list. It’s a handy route to test your brakes, your horsepower, or (gulp) your mastery of the clutch on your Stella or P-series.

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