Metro Boston: Good ride today?
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Yikes! Get well soon. Moved Sonny Boy to Medford and crossed a cpl sets of RR tracks also drove thru West Concord and saw ppl planting trees on the BFRT also drove thru Arlington and saw some sort of festivities in that little park corner of Mystic & Mass - w/ 2 adult kids moved out I shud b back on the bike again soon
Sorry to read that.
I find the Mill St crossing to be hazardous, not because of the cars but because of the other cyclists. Lake St is stressful because of the cars. The entire MM from Lexington to Alewife can be tricky also because of the 'destrians mixed in with the bikes and e-bikes and e-scooters and dog walkers.
I find the Mill St crossing to be hazardous, not because of the cars but because of the other cyclists. Lake St is stressful because of the cars. The entire MM from Lexington to Alewife can be tricky also because of the 'destrians mixed in with the bikes and e-bikes and e-scooters and dog walkers.
rod
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any thoughts to share on cause & prevention? was it someone, on the wrong side, at a road crossing, going too fast?
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Take-away is that intersections present a temptation for riders to re-sort themselves, a temporary easing of restrictions (disappearance of lane striping, sudden apparent broadening of the way) and that can be hazardous, especially in crowded conditions. Good lane discipline in intersections is essential, and is often not practiced. Signaling turns and lane changes in intersections is also critical. Throw pedestrians, dogs, and children into the mix to get the full complexity of this use case. Bike path lane markers are generally not continued across intersections; perhaps they should be, or perhaps some other cognitive aids (e.g., signs) could be helpful. Something to think about, and perhaps work to change.
rod
Last edited by rholland1951; 09-10-19 at 03:26 PM.
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The Loire Valley in France is part of metro Boston, right? Trip report from my first ever tour ..
The bike shop didn't have any of the high quality hybrids available so had to settle. Mine was okay. The hubby had trouble with the front derailleur on his and the front brake froze on him.
My rented steed. Adequate, but i missed my Ruby.
We got a little lost coming out of Tours but eventually got on the bike path. The fabulous Cher River.
Got lost coming out of Tours, but eventually found the route along the Cher River
First stop was the chateau de Villandry which is supposed to have the finest gardens in all of france. It did not disappoint. And many of the plants are edible.
First stop - Chateau de Villandry. Known for having the most beautiful gardens in France. It's up there but I've been to Versailles and was totally charmed by Monet's garden in Giverny.
Overnight stop in Azay le Rideau which is home to another beautiful chateau. Or was closed by the time we arrived so could only peek through the gate.
After a hardy breakfast, we set out for Chateau d'Usse. Said to be the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty, it did look like something out of a fairy tale.
Hubby posing on the approach to the Chateau d'Usse. It is said to be the inspiration for the story of Sleeping Beauty.
Does look like something out of a fairy tale.
Big hill to climb after the chateau but continued through vineyards on the way to Chinon where we got a train back to the starting point.
The bike shop didn't have any of the high quality hybrids available so had to settle. Mine was okay. The hubby had trouble with the front derailleur on his and the front brake froze on him.
My rented steed. Adequate, but i missed my Ruby.
We got a little lost coming out of Tours but eventually got on the bike path. The fabulous Cher River.
Got lost coming out of Tours, but eventually found the route along the Cher River
First stop was the chateau de Villandry which is supposed to have the finest gardens in all of france. It did not disappoint. And many of the plants are edible.
First stop - Chateau de Villandry. Known for having the most beautiful gardens in France. It's up there but I've been to Versailles and was totally charmed by Monet's garden in Giverny.
Overnight stop in Azay le Rideau which is home to another beautiful chateau. Or was closed by the time we arrived so could only peek through the gate.
After a hardy breakfast, we set out for Chateau d'Usse. Said to be the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty, it did look like something out of a fairy tale.
Hubby posing on the approach to the Chateau d'Usse. It is said to be the inspiration for the story of Sleeping Beauty.
Does look like something out of a fairy tale.
Big hill to climb after the chateau but continued through vineyards on the way to Chinon where we got a train back to the starting point.
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Captain Picard is from the Loire Valley!
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But....
Anyhow, for a Metro Boston trip to France (well, the French Empire at least, Senegal actually) consider stopping at Mamadou's Artisinal Bakery at 677 Mass Ave in Arlington.
-mr. bill
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Someone headed outbound tried to pass other outbound riders who were proceeding two- (three- ?) abreast across Mill Street, and came swooping across my bow as I was headed inbound across the intersection, and clipped me (front tire? handlebar? things happened fast...). I had one of those "Where did he come from?!" moments that we tend to mock drivers for, and then went down, hard. From my point of view, this was an error in judgement on the other rider's part, which I doubt he'll repeat.
Take-away is that intersections present a temptation for riders to re-sort themselves, a temporary easing of restrictions (disappearance of lane striping, sudden apparent broadening of the way) and that can be hazardous, especially in crowded conditions. Good lane discipline in intersections is essential, and is often not practiced. Signaling turns and lane changes in intersections is also critical. Throw pedestrians, dogs, and children into the mix to get the full complexity of this use case. Bike path lane markers are generally not continued across intersections; perhaps they should be, or perhaps some other cognitive aids (e.g., signs) could be helpful. Something to think about, and perhaps work to change.
rod
Take-away is that intersections present a temptation for riders to re-sort themselves, a temporary easing of restrictions (disappearance of lane striping, sudden apparent broadening of the way) and that can be hazardous, especially in crowded conditions. Good lane discipline in intersections is essential, and is often not practiced. Signaling turns and lane changes in intersections is also critical. Throw pedestrians, dogs, and children into the mix to get the full complexity of this use case. Bike path lane markers are generally not continued across intersections; perhaps they should be, or perhaps some other cognitive aids (e.g., signs) could be helpful. Something to think about, and perhaps work to change.
rod
Two examples:
This is close to what would be WONDERFUL at such crossings. Raised crossing, two marked pedestrian crossings on either side of the bike path in brick. Plantings that do not block sightlines!
It would be better if the bike crossing sign was on the near side (and was bike/ped crossing sign), and the tree in the middle is a bit unfortunate (but glad they didn't take it down).
Alewife Linear Park/Somerville Community Path crossing of Cameron Ave.)
Alston/Boston inverted it (green bike lanes on either side of the crosswalk). Note the cliff to trip up people in wheelchairs AND people on bikes.
One of the Cambridge Streets.
-mr. bill
Last edited by mr_bill; 09-11-19 at 06:54 AM.
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It would have been a shame not to use Patrick Stewart's real voice. I just don't understand why they didn't just change the character's name once they decided to cast him.
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Little known part of the Star Trek cannon.
In the great Brexit 2021 riots, Shakespearean actors were expelled from Britain in great numbers, amoung them Jean-Luc's great-great-great-great-grandmother.
They settled in the Loire Valley. Many fell in love with locals and married. But the primary language spoken in blended families was Shakespearean English. As well as Melvillian English. Of course French would also be spoken, and British English, which proved useful when travel restrictions were lifted in 2309, shortly after Jean-Luc's birth.
The United Kingdom joined the Federation in 2319, only to embark on leaving the Federation with the 2361 Brexit 2.0 vote. The negotiations continued through 2399, when the Bremain vote finally settled the issue.
-mr. bill
In the great Brexit 2021 riots, Shakespearean actors were expelled from Britain in great numbers, amoung them Jean-Luc's great-great-great-great-grandmother.
They settled in the Loire Valley. Many fell in love with locals and married. But the primary language spoken in blended families was Shakespearean English. As well as Melvillian English. Of course French would also be spoken, and British English, which proved useful when travel restrictions were lifted in 2309, shortly after Jean-Luc's birth.
The United Kingdom joined the Federation in 2319, only to embark on leaving the Federation with the 2361 Brexit 2.0 vote. The negotiations continued through 2399, when the Bremain vote finally settled the issue.
-mr. bill
Last edited by mr_bill; 09-11-19 at 08:55 AM.
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Little known part of the Star Trek cannon.
In the great Brexit 2021 riots, Shakespearean actors were expelled from Britain in great numbers, amoung them Jean-Luc's great-grandmother.
They settled in the Loire Valley. Many fell in love with locals and married. But the primary language spoken in blended families was Shakespearean English. (As well as Melvillian English. Of course French would also be spoken, and British English, which proved useful when travel restrictions were lifted in 2309, shortly after Jean-Luc's birth.)
-mr. bill
In the great Brexit 2021 riots, Shakespearean actors were expelled from Britain in great numbers, amoung them Jean-Luc's great-grandmother.
They settled in the Loire Valley. Many fell in love with locals and married. But the primary language spoken in blended families was Shakespearean English. (As well as Melvillian English. Of course French would also be spoken, and British English, which proved useful when travel restrictions were lifted in 2309, shortly after Jean-Luc's birth.)
-mr. bill
rod
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I have been in a good groove for the last few weeks, after the June rains kept me on my cross bike I’ve been racking up the miles in the early morning on my Seven and occasionally on my cross bike. I’ve been averaging 3 weekday mornings plus the weekends. I’ve also been taking my cross bike on trails including the Assabet wildlife refuge. I recently had the front shift cable on my Seven break clea off near where it attaches to the derailleur. A quick trip to the shop and it was repaired rather expeditiously. Although my posting here has declined I very much enjoy reading about everyone’s adventures, local or otherwise.
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The Mummy finger-puppets!
Nitto Asymmetric Noodle (rare).
Had a chat with the young man riding the other bicycle, and satisfied myself that he's unlikely to repeat that particular error in judgement; we all have a quota for those, after all. No rants from me, then or now, just a bit of sober reflection on the volumes of mixed-use we get on that lovely resource, and the on-going challenges that presents.
The docs at Mount Auburn seem to be doing a good job with my fingers, and I should be back on the bike in six weeks or so, unless I get impatient and decide if I can touch-type with splints, I can operate the left brake lever with funny fingers. I did ride home from the accident, after all... And I'll have to swap in a new Noodle.
rod
Ouch! It seems the new school year brought out an influx of stupidity not to just the roads, but also to the trails. Hope you have a speedy recovery!
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Just for the record, I think it's bone-stupid.
rod
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you can write to the author, ppl do all the time. I read it as "voted to support the limit" & "recommended the signs"
but I'm curious, what is stupid? the limit? the signs? or both?
just for the record, I enjoy trying to get over 27 mph on the western downgrade heading on desolate fall / winter nights
but I'm curious, what is stupid? the limit? the signs? or both?
just for the record, I enjoy trying to get over 27 mph on the western downgrade heading on desolate fall / winter nights
Last edited by rumrunn6; 09-16-19 at 01:28 PM.
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sad, fondly remember browsing & buying there
EDIT - busy intersections there & I remember having to really obey the cross signals & cross walks. I heard yesterday? that a pedestrian was struck & killed, by a big truck, there
EDIT - busy intersections there & I remember having to really obey the cross signals & cross walks. I heard yesterday? that a pedestrian was struck & killed, by a big truck, there
Last edited by rumrunn6; 09-19-19 at 08:23 AM.
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you can write to the author, ppl do all the time. I read it as "voted to support the limit" & "recommended the signs"
but I'm curious, what is stupid? the limit? the signs? or both?
just for the record, I enjoy trying to get over 27 mph on the western downgrade heading on desolate fall / winter nights
but I'm curious, what is stupid? the limit? the signs? or both?
just for the record, I enjoy trying to get over 27 mph on the western downgrade heading on desolate fall / winter nights
I try to refrain from complaining about people's behavior on the Minuteman as it's too localized and this thread is not the right venue (nope, not going into the A&S subforum), but I just have to share an interaction during today's commute that fits well into the big picture. It's all anecdotal, but people's behavior lately on this heavily-traveled MUP has made me weary. The ghost bike near Seasons Four, rholland's crash, my personal experiences during my last few outings with unsafe passing and getting cut-off - while with a kid...
Today there was a somewhat intelligent-looking guy maybe in his late 20s or 30s who was riding a hybrid-commuter-type bike very aggressively in a 'get out of my way' manner. He passed me unsafely earlier, long story short, I caught up with him again at Mill St where he proceeded to fly into the crosswalk without even slowing down, then yelled "HEY!!" at the lady in the car who was driving through and wouldn't have stopped in time for him even if she slammed on the brakes.
When I caught up with him shortly, this was our exchange:
Me: You know, we don't have the right of way there
Him: (very loudly) I don't give a F**K!!
Me: Well, you're giving us all a bad name!
Him: Go get killed! something something f-king something family
Me: OK, you have issues, have a nice day!
As I rode off he was still yelling stuff but I didn't really care to hear it. I don't usually interact with people much but something prompted me here. Now, some might say I didn't approach him the right way, but it was in the moment and that was the best I could come up with. Regardless, the screaming and cursing was a very inappropriate response, IMO.
What's my point besides just venting? Well, we see a lot of this stuff on our roads as drivers and it sucks to see it spill over to the trails where everyone is supposed to coexist. When I ride on the road, I'm taking a risk and I hope that nothing happens to me; that shouldn't be true on a dedicated rail trail, I shouldn't be scared that people are going to run into me or my child.
More people are riding, and that's good, but it's a double-edged sword, instances of bad behavior and judgement calls will increase as well and the community will have to deal with it eventually. Speed limit signs? Well, that's a drop in the ocean, but it's something.
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Hey Rum, I’m not sure if what I rode went around the perimeter but I followed that bump road to a chain gate with no trespassing signs. From there I followed another bumpy ancient looking road through the woods to the Assabet River trail. I did the same again this past weekend. Next time I’ll look for side trails that aren’t signed as being for walkers/hikers.
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Hey Rum, I’m not sure if what I rode went around the perimeter but I followed that bump road to a chain gate with no trespassing signs. From there I followed another bumpy ancient looking road through the woods to the Assabet River trail. I did the same again this past weekend. Next time I’ll look for side trails that aren’t signed as being for walkers/hikers.
https://www.bikeforums.net/northeast...orridor-2.html
in an hour I can ride down there, loop the perimeter roads & get back home. for extra fun I will explore the inner maze of trails. I've tried to get lost but always wind up hitting one of the perimeter roads. there's also more riding outside the boundaries of the preserve. it's a national park so there's a ranger manned visitors' center year-round. after hours there's a very decent M/W outhouse
I've been on the trails marked for pedestrians only & it wasn't the end of the world. in fact many of the interior trails aren't marked like that, anyway. in the winter I can go out there & see maybe just 1 or 2 ppl. gotta love the die-hards! anyway I was asking about the water crossings, there are a cpl places where they've engineered around the marshes & a couple places where it gets deeper & more interesting
very enjoyable place to ride in the Fall
I enter from White Pond Road
enjoy!
Last edited by rumrunn6; 09-20-19 at 07:07 AM.