A challenge for my fellow pedicabbers

I wanted to offer a challenge to my fellow pedicab drivers. You can think of it as the ultimate karma ride and you don't even have to turn a single pedal stroke. What is it? I want to challenge you all to donate a pint of blood, plasma or donate platelets.

I started out donating whole blood when I was in my late 20's to my local blood center, the Central California Blood Center. I was first motivate to donate because a family friend was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 6. After donating over 6 gallons (yes, 6 gallons) of whole blood over the years (I have met others who have surpassed 6 gallons) I was told about Platelet Apheresis, the process of donating platelets.

Well, it has been several years since my first apheresis donation. And there is one question that I am asked most often, and that is how much do I get paid. Well folks, I don't get paid. I give of myself freely and in return I receive the occasional free t-shirt, or a coupon to Baskin Robbins Ice Cream. I even have a few plastic displays that proclaim just how much of this (blood) or that (platelets) I have donated over the years.

So, once again I challenge all my fellow pedicab drivers, to donate whole blood, plasma or platelets. When you donate you give the "gift of life." If you are willing to take up this challenge you should consider registering with the National Marrow Donor Program. Here is one more interesting fact for those that aren't aware, "only 5 percent of the eligible population of blood donors actually gives blood."

What I'd like to find out is, how many of those that donate regularly ride a pedicab?

Cross posted over at Macdonald's Animal Farm.

Rickshaw Run

From the Rickshaw Run web site...

The mighty Winter Rickshaw Run 09 is waiting with baited breath to find out who will be stupid enough to take part. With a shiny new finish point up in the Far far east it will be completely ridiculous.

What's this all about then?
The Rickshaw Run is pretty simple. With no preparation and less luggage one flies to the Indian Subcontinent and does one's damndest to force 150cc of Indian engineering over thousands of miles of questionable terrain in around two weeks.

Upon arrival we pause briefly for a game of cricket followed by tea and cakes before revving our engines and setting off. We stop only to wet our whistles on the occasional gin and tonic at specially selected refreshment points.

When does it take place?
The Rickshaw Run happens but twice a year. Once in the Summer and once in the Winter just after Christmas. The Summer event launches on the 1st June 2008. The Winter event will launch on 1st January 2009.

The Route
The route of the mighty Rickshaw Run changes every time to make sure it remains a challenge. Once we get the odd team surviving one route we'll move it to somewhere harder. Huge mountains, dirt tracks, tropical jungle, monsoons are just some of the things we seek out to make sure you get some real adventure.

We vaguely plan the routes to take two weeks but don't blame us if it takes you two years and half a limb. We don't have specific route plans because it's an adventure. You want to get stuck in with the maps and figure out where you want to go, not let us take you on a guided tour.

Have a gander at the route page for details of this Run's route.

The Machines
Three wheels, half a horse power and more fun than any other vehicle on planet earth the humble Rickshaw is undoubtedly the ultimate long distance, off road machine, despite being designed for short distances on road. Marvel at our rickshaw page for more details.

The Charity
The Rickshaw Run is all about raising huge amounts of wedge for a great cause or two, so each team has to raise a measly £1000 for charity. Have a peak at the charity page for more details.

The Backup!?
Support? Of course we don't provide any support. The Rickshaw Run is supposed to be an adventure. What sort of adventure would you have if we were following you in a truck with spare parts and a comfy bed. No, no we must get out there into the world and get stuck in. When you're stuck, lost, and up a certain creek without a rowing implement is when you start to have fun - and the last thing we want to do is stop you having fun! If you want a full support crew there's a very nice place called Butlins based in Bognor Regis.

The Finish Line
Once the finish is reached by all, a winner will be decided by arbitrary means and much pomp and hand shaking will commence. After this wondrous occasion, the closing game of cricket will be played followed by tea and cakes. We then all wend our merry ways back from whence we have come.

Granted, they aren't what we would call rickshaws; more like tuk-tuks. Are you brave, crazy or adventurous enough to do it? Visit the web site and find out more about it.

Winter Cycling Has Its Own Rewards

Winter Cycling Has Its Own Rewards
By TERRENCE PETTY
Associated Press Writer
Posted: Feb. 12, 2008 at WRAL.com

PORTLAND, Ore. — Studded tires for bikes? Sure. You can also get chains if you want to join the intrepid cyclists who commute to work on two-wheelers during the winter, or who just want to have fun in the snow.

"I've been riding a bicycle for my main transportation for over 30 years. It's a force of habit," says John Schwenker, a 51-year-old aerospace engineer who lives near Boulder, Colorado

He rides four miles to his office and four miles back, even in the snow.

"It's a matter of going slow in the stuff," he says.

Bikes aren't just for sunny summer weather. There are those across the country - whether for environmental reasons, fun or fitness - who so love cycling that they ride year-round, pretty much regardless of the weather.

It may sound masochistic, letting sleet, rain and snow lacerate your face while you try to stay upright on a bike. But there's something weirdly liberating about hurling yourself into the elements - as long as you're smart about it.

WHAT TO WEAR:

Beware hypothermia. Wear layers, and clothing that breathes. It may be cold outside, but as you pedal through snow and cold rain you are going to heat up and sweat. Invest in a good foul-weather cycling jacket. Some riders wear heavy-duty cycling tights. Some wear snow pants. For the base layer - the clothing closest to your skin - stay away from cotton because it will feel wet and cold. Synthetics are better, and cyclists are rediscovering wool. Check with local cyclists to see what works in your conditions.

For footwear, some swear by the same style of "clipless" racing shoes they use during the fair-weather months - the kind of shoes that lock into the bike's pedals. If you go that route, get some neoprene booties to wear over the shoes and help keep out moisture and cold.

In colder climates, consider wearing regular winter boots for warmth. Use them with platform pedals, rather than clipless ones.

For gloves, look for something that will keep out the moisture and cold but also let your skin breathe. One option is the "lobster glove," so called because it looks like a big claw. You could also use weatherproof "bullwinkles," or "pogies," which resemble oven mitts and go over the handlebars. You slip your hands into them.

Besides a helmet, you'll need something over your head to keep in body heat. A balaclava would be a good choice.

RIDE SAFELY:

Make sure you are visible to motorists. Get a headlight that can be seen from a distance, and a blinking taillight that's also bright. In fact, consider getting more than one taillight. Put one on the back of your helmet and attach others to various places on your bike. Light yourself up like a Christmas tree.

Slow down. In snow, sleet or rain, it will take longer to come to a stop than on a dry road. If it doesn't feel safe, stay off the bike.

When you come to an intersection, make eye contact with motorists getting ready to pull into the street to be sure they see you.

Adapt your speed and riding style to the conditions. Powdery snow can be easy to ride through, but it depends how much there is. If there's ice beneath it, the going can be really tricky. Snow packed down by a snowplow can be fun to ride on, but again, be on the alert for ice. Riding through accumulations of wet snow can be exhausting. Gear down and spin through it.

YOUR BIKE:

Winter is brutal on a bicycle. If you want to ride on a regular basis in bad weather, acquire a "sacrificial bike," something cheap that you won't weep over when it's become mechanically useless.

Riders in the Pacific Northwest have "rain bikes" for winter's long rainy season. Some of the bikes have old steel or aluminum frames, come from a junkyard or were bought for a song. Some are sturdy mountain bikes or bikes built for cyclocross.

A rain bike needs fenders. Without them, rainwater and wet muck splashes all over your back - and into the face of anyone riding behind you.

In regions where winter is more snowy than rainy, foul-weather riders also tend to choose old clunkers, mountain bikes and others that can take a beating.

In Green Bay, Wisconsin, for instance, Mike Gerke rides every day of the year. The 50-year-old operates a pedicab; uses a bike for his office-cleaning business; and also just rides for the fun of it - racking up between 8,000 and 12,000 miles a year.

During the winter, Gerke sometimes uses a "fixed-gear" bike, a stripped-down variety with fewer moving parts to break or get gunked up. When snow is beginning to accumulate, he might ride his mountain bike instead.

"The wider stance of the mountain bike, with wider tires, helps give you stability," Gerke said.

Schwenker, of Boulder, rides a cruiser-style bike with braking mechanisms on the hubs of both wheels, rather than rim brakes, which can clog with snow and are less reliable in wet conditions.

Whether you are riding in snow or rain, choose a durable tire because in the winter there's more junk on the road that can slice a tire. Many riders choose mountain bike tires for snow because of their knobby tread. For added traction, you can buy them with studs. Sometimes Schwenker wraps chains onto his tires.

THE PAYOFF:

In Portland, there's a hard-core group of riders who can't wait for winter. For them, riding out into farm country while clouds nudge against the Cascade foothills and rain pours down can be nearly mystical.

Todd Gee of Chicago also knows the feeling. A 37-year-old computer programmer, Gee takes part in snow rides in the Windy City. The group meets early in the evening, then rides to the lakefront or some other pleasant place.

"One of the nice things about snow rides - it's very quiet," said Gee. "Snow deadens the constant noise of the city."

Funny thing... this article was written for a Portland, Oregon audience, appeared on a web site for a television station in Raleigh, North Carolina, and features 2 people we know -- Mike Gerke (gike) in Green Bay, Wisconsin and John Schwenker in Boulder, Colorado. It's a small world after all!

Q: How do you spend your pedicab dollars?

People drive a pedicab for so many different reasons. For some, this is their full-time gig and the money they make goes to pay for expenses like rent, utilities, food, etc. Some are competitive athletes who use the money to support their adrenaline habit, paying for race fees, equipment and trainers. For some drivers, the money they make pedicabbing is just play money; extra money they can use to travel, party or buy new toys. Some look at a pedicab an emergency fund; the money tree they can go to whenever an unexpected expense comes up. Some don't really care so much about the money; just tossing it in a jar and deciding what to do with it later. We're not all motivated by the same things, and don't drive pedicabs for the same reasons. So what's yours?

What do you do with the money you make driving a pedicab?

I realize this may be too personal a question for some and may challenge your comfort zone. That's not my intent. I'm just curious about how pedicabbing fits into your economic scheme.

Pedicab Celeb (?) at 2007 Bike to Work Day

Posted back in June on the Denver Westword blog: the latest 'word.

Hey! We know Kayla! Didn't know she was a celebrity. Funny the stuff you find when you're not looking. Guess this means pedicabs are now part of the Denver landscape.

Team Pedicab, Rounds 6-7 and Awards!!!

Good Day pedicabbers!

Well, it has been a long, almost grueling season. I won't lie, I am sort of glad the SMC is over. I am glad it is over because I was tired of trying to bounce back.

The last two races were the Pennsylvania Gulch Grind and the Breck Brawl. Both were technical courses, and the bike I rode was the Santa Cruz Superlight. Components were a bit heavy, but I liked the bike.

Brook ran away with the Beginner Women's field, and at this point, my feeling is that she has all but abandoned your blogger and the greatness of the pedicab for a (GASP!) relationship...

I finished at a strong #5 of 19, right above the 12 year old kid that ran away with a couple of Sport Races. So, I didn't get a nifty picture, but I will say I did get an awesome training beanie from a raffle.

I am at a point of new training and new take on biking season. I still have to decide what kind of frame to buy, and my two beefsteak bikes in the basement will be taken to the world of fixed gear and singlespeed-dom. I think they were great bikes as it went, but I need something that is newer and can take my abuse...especially if I am crashing the damn thing. My goal is to become more comfortable on the bike and next season, take the sport men category, by at least the top 3. I also intend to be doing some triathlon training and some randonee racing. I plan on buying some skate skis and have plans to be in better shape, have a more calm mind, and do some good racing in the next year. Any coaching tips would be helpful.

Project Rwanda has taken off. Stay tuned for some real action on it in the coming months. I am planning a bike ride, to encompass some real great terrain, and hopefully bring along a pedicab for greater exposure. I have people from Denver, California, and numerous folks trying to help me with some funding. I am utilizing the Rotary Clubs in Denver, and they are dead on for this project. Keep in touch with it, and really, if you want a sweet jersey, buy one. It goes to the Rwanda national cycling team!

Broncos season has started, which will give me ample time to get my muscles in shape for winter-tri season. I have learned some things about myself, my sales ability, and my determination in a small town, ready to kill my small business. At very least, mind your Pints and Quarts. It pays off in the end. Secondly, unless someone is really driven, don't let them ride your bike. It will be a drain on you and a drain on your resources to let them do so. The pedicab job isn't about a bike nor about making money...I take that back...But it is about uniqueness, resilience, and thoughtfulness in finding ways to do something not everyone can do. I hesitate to say that bike messengers have their little go-to social group. Pedicabbers are equally strong and more personable. Besides, would you say that hauling weight on a 34-15 is much better than hauling yourself on a 52-12? We may not have it completely right, but our 34-15 is making money...at the end of every little ride.

Thanks for your support.

beefsteak.

Team Pedicab, Rounds 5-6

Our summer is coming to an end, pedicabbers. I still have another 3 weeks until transport of my little classic cab is back down to flatlands, and into the urban world of MHPC.

I decded to take on another driver. I think he lasted about 1 night. He broke even. Of all of this discussion and talk of mojo, mr...Sherpa, there has to be a way to help you. Lesson: as much as you want to have an attitude and think that just biking is all that this job is, you are mistaken. It isn't about the bike. There is a reason why this pedicab is valuable to you and I: it is so intangible, yet so tangible. No, I am not smoking anything, but truly, is there anything this machine can't do?

It is downpouring outside, so I took a break to enjoy the free internet. I knew there was a reason for my coming in. I will give it some aftermath, and soon enough I will be the king of the streets. I got stuck behind a horse-carriage today (2 horses, not just 1) and I have never felt so violated in my life. Lesson: While a beautiful animal, the horse is still a cruel trick by your creator. Maybe they think of me the same way...or my pedicab...

The Summit Mountain Challenge is kicking me. Brook (my seemingly absent team mate) is winning the beginner women class. Kudos. She, a former driver, refuses to call me to ride the pedicab. I guess biking is just more important. In the last 2 races, yours truly came in DNF or second to last place. Lesson: Sport class= sandbaggers. I am convinced I am a better rider than last year, but I still think the field isn't quite smart enough to be fast. Well, I am the prime example of inexperienced, but I feel my training must change for next year. I have 1 race left, and I intend to play the rental game. I am testing new mountain bikes, one being the Kona King, the other being a Santa Cruz Superlight. Both a bit pricey, but one will actually give me financing! Do I need a financed bike after my little incident on the lip? Probably not.

http://www.konaworld.com
http://www.santacruzmtb.com

On the pedicab-constabulary-bureaucratic-small town politics front, I had a nice town planner cross my path and give me the 3rd degree about having and possessing a bike taxi. Folks, I had a perfect place to store, clientele starting to build, and the local police even smiling. Lo and behold, goofball town-dork comes-a-rompin' into my world and tries to tell me what I am doing is illegal, and must have a permit. I threw the karma rides in, and threw in my local status, and haven't heard anything since. I do have a business license, and as it stands, it provides a service to a locale without a real taxi service (unless you count a real taxi as one that leaves you waiting for hours on end), which I happily fill the void, free of charge. For you whom have dealt with city councils and bureaucracy, I feel for you and my heart goes out. Despair not, for the tri-shaw will prevail, one of these days...

So, folks, off I go to wolf a powerbar, have a blt for some calories, and off to pull drunk people around in the rain, despite their idiotic pleas for needing exercise, in their high heels.

I hope to one day have a winter service here, specifically for the winter parking lots. After Broncos season is over, I say studded tires, special cold weathered pedicabs for those willing to brave weather hardly seen by a cab, in full. I am out of battery power. G'night.

Best to you drivers, we hope to see you on wheel!

beefsteak!

Team Pedicab, Rounds 3-4

Good Day pedicabbers!

We are now in full swing of summer, and we have a cab up in Breckenridge, elevation, 9,600 feet. We have been spending the week pedaling and working. My first two nights were pretty average, and it took me a few hours to figure out the flow of people. Lo and behold, I came out tonight and made a good enough sum taking 70 year old women up our hills. I also flagged a couple of local young bar-rats whom I know and so, I came away with more than I anticipated. We burn calories like its out of style, and throw a smile on, regardless. Weather has been pretty cooperative, and believe it or not, I will be taking on drivers this weekend, do try their hand at riding. This is tough riding, because it isn't like normal riding. You really have to use your exposure and offer the crazy free ride everyone talks about. Otherwise, you will sufficate.

Breckenridge: Where your banker is your Boy Scoutmaster, local mountain bike racer, rotarian, and not to mention favorite pedicab operator. Sometime I will have a couple of cabs running and main street will be begging for a ped mall, but right now, I am the bike-dork of sorts, riding people up those hills for a nice tip. This weekend will be the second telling weekend, and I think the late night will require some crazy spinning.

Team Pedicab is hurting right now. Between climbing crazy mountains, wrecking our favorite beefsteak bike, and gnarling ourselves on course to the point of tears, we are regrouping. Brook is taking 1st in the women's beginner division, which means she will need to buck up and move to sport. Yours is learning the power of humility. Most recent race was the time trial where I missed my start and rode a 30 lb bike. I am working on changing and financing a frame, which will give me a better advantage. I am test-riding different bikes. Bike last week was the Kona Kikapu Deluxe, this week will be the Santa Cruz Blur or Superlight. The local bro-discount may apply, and I just hope to hit a good race Wednesday-- one that I know I can climb and hang with some of my nemeses.

With that, peeps, rebuilding is where I am. It is not about the bike, much like it is not about the pedicab. The bike is the means, not the end. I know I like bikes, I know I like to race, but now, it is about having fun. I am set on having fun. Ultimately, my stitches, were humbling, but the bike gods hit me harder on the Firecracker 50. Bike broke 5 times and it learned me a valuable lesson- love the bike, don't love the race.

On another, more charitable front, the Summit County Rotaract group is trying to get something going with Project Rwanda. It is looking like September, and we are working on raising monies for some bike tools for the coffee bikes, posted in a previous post. I have had contact with a famous name in components- but he plugged me into a couple of people who just love bikes and love to ride- not to race. We are trying to make some money for a cool international project-- Thanks for the heads up on the project, BIG TREE! Keep in touch about this, and Mountain Pedicab Company will continue to fit here somewhere.

Additionally, I found some time to climb Longs Peak, a fourteener, actually, under the auspices of Mountain Pedicab Company. We hiked this one. Ben, our Front-Ranger was present and a little height averse. I was smiling the entire way. We made it to the top without event or problem, other than a knotted stomach, and a new respect for granite slabs. Later on this day, we did ride, for some time, albeit whipped. I mean whipped. Imagine a stairstep for 12 hours. Then imagine hauling drunks around. Google Longs Peak, and you may get an idea of what an undertaking this was. We started at 2am, reached the summit at 9, back down by 3. Not the winners, but still Alpinists all the same. It was rewarding, but still tiring. Try it!

Any of your comments on the Mountain Pedicab front are appreciated!

http://www.mavsports.com
http://www.coffeebike.com
http://www.projectrwanda.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longs_Peak

Yours, without pictures, right now, but some good links!

beefsteak

Update on Tami Gosnell

I just received this email from Tami Gosnell today and thought I'd go ahead and post it. I'm sure she wouldn't mind.

Hello everyone!

I finally got a chance to sit down and fill you all in on what's been happening! At the beginning of May, I went to Cannon Beach, Oregon to do some songwriting, catch up on some business with my manager, and play a show at the Warren House Pub. I actually got some press out of this impromptu gig.

American Idol Contestant Surprises North Oregon Coast
Gosnell plays Warren House in Cannon Beach

(Cannon Beach) -- The tiny town of Cannon Beach got a bit of a surprise Wednesday with an appearance by a former contestant on Fox's "American Idol" show.

Tami Gosnell played a practically impromptu set at the Warren House Pub that night, to a mellow but somewhat full house, filling the show with powerful acoustic versions of her original material and a rousing, rather intense set of covers from a variety of eras. She also cut loose a bit for BeachConnection.net cameras and added some amusing material near the end of the show.

Gosnell appeared briefly on this last season's "American Idol." Her audition and subsequent quick dismissal from the show made a major impact on the press at the time, garnering much attention by the media as the big pick during the show's preliminary airings of accepted auditions. Gosnell was shown getting praised by even the ill-tempered Simon Cowell, getting the green light to join the top 40 contestants in Hollywood. She was among the first 16 to be nixed from that group, footage which the show also aired. On top of her gutsy audition, it showed her walking out and telling people nearby that she'd made it into the first cut. It later showed her walking out and telling cameras she was cut from the first Hollywood group.

Gosnell is currently under the wing of music industry promoter/producer Scott Stimpson, who lives part time in Cannon Beach. Stimpson is co-owner of two music companies: one which manages up and coming acts like Gosnell; another that has in the past booked major national acts, such as Guns 'N' Roses and Hootie and the Blowfish.

Stimpson brought Gosnell out to the area to perform coffee house-style, just before she had to head back to her hometown of Denver, Colorado.

"She had quite an impact on the audience when her segments first aired," said Stimpson. "She had the most hits of all the female singers at the time. The Associated Press ran a story saying she was basically the most interesting at that point."

That AP story did some siazable things for Gosnell's career, she said. The show itself was major publicity, but the subsequent media buzz was even bigger.

"We're now in touch with a lot of publicists who want to work with her," Stimpson said. "We're heading to Memphis to record some songs soon, and there's a record company in L.A. that's interested in her.

There's a great team that's developing here. She's been talking to the press constantly since the show."

Stimpson said Gosnell's buzz included numerous comparisons to Janis Joplin, including comments she was the closest "American Idol" would ever come to having someone like Joplin on the show.

Gosnell's voice has much of the same bluesy, commanding style that was indicative of Joplin, but her material has a surreal sense about it: almost as if Mazzy Star or Tori Amos had joined forces with the deceased icon. Her songwriting is intelligent, even complex in moments. Her own material far outshines whatever she can possibly do to reiterate the songs of others', no matter how passionate the performance. It's not hard to wonder if she was artistically injuring herself by associating with the "American Idol" franchise, widely regarded among music critics as a problematic, aesthetic cancer in the U.S. music industry.

Gosnell goofed around briefly with various patrons. After an extended break, where the show appeared to have ended, she started in again with some interesting covers from bands like Pink Floyd. Gosnell and the audience got particularly wild near the end of the evening, according to various reports from residents. This included one man taking his shirt off during the show and amusing everyone--- The Beach Connection

On May 13th, I arrived in Nashville for some songwriting sessions with some great writers there, including Amanda Williams (amandawilliamsmusic.net). It was very productive, fun, and inspiring. Then I played some songs at Blue Bar on the 14th and Fuel on the 15th. Then we hopped into a great studio and recorded one of the songs we wrote called 'The One That Got Away'. Thanks to Amanda, I had a blast in Nashville and I will be making regular trips to and from there for more writing, playing, and recording.

The last weekend of May I attended the Durango Songwriters Expo in Santa Barbara, CA. I made so many great contacts, got to hob-nob with some major players in the business including a private sing-along with Tony Scalzo of Fastball. I also got to show some of my talent on stage at the late night open mic, and I must say the response was great. The weekend was so inspiring I wrote some new songs- once again reminding me that my music knows no genre it just simply is!!

June was a month of gathering even more inspiration as I spent almost 2 weeks on the road beginning in Northern California. I played an opener for the Jerry Garcia Band there in Guerneville, had a few days off to look for a place to live. On the 19th, I saw the best show of my life. Roger Waters of Pink Floyd played the Oakland Coliseum. They did the whole Dark Side of the Moon album and also songs from The Wall, Ummagumma, and Animals. Tears streamed down my face as they fused music, politics, pure raw emotion, and multimedia in a way that no one can. Then it was off to Moab, Utah to play a show with my cohorts Baked Iguana at Frankie D's. I had a great time there, the club was great, and Moab is so beautiful, I had to stay an extra day!!

Thank you all for reading my update, and thanks for spreading the word about me. I am recieving over 1,000 hits a day now and have a map showing where visitors come from on the home page. We're wordwide baby!!

Peace out!
Tami Gosnell

Team Pedicab, Round 3!

Good day pedicabbers.

Well, it was an interesting race, I must say. Team Pedicab had one finisher out of two. It was a grinding course, but fast and furious.

Brook finished 2nd in the Beginner Women's race. I do not know what her time was, but suffice to say she finished and finished strongly. From what I understand, she was leapfrogging the entire way and happened on the backside of the last hop. She is still a strong rider, and motivated to continue the strong performances.

http://www.mavsports.com/

Yours truly, crashed. Hard. I was 3rd in the pack from the start and got ahead of that guy I have been chasing so much. I felt like I could continue the pace, and let a couple of fast rabbits go out in front. You will see me below going head to head with my archnemesis, Henry, the bloke to the left. I am directly behind bike #141. See the sweet orange bike and the red jersey?

However, this is when it gets nasty. Still see the red jersey?

Zipping through the single track and trying to make up time, I hopped a rock. Next thing I know, I am on the ground and seeing little bluebirds and stars. I had a couple of expert women come in behind me, along with a sport man. All were either nurses or chiropractors. I didn't feel too terrible, given my adrenaline induced state, but word has it that I was unconscious and unresponsive. I dug my head into the ground a-la-faceplant, then my mouth began to pick up where my helmet left off. I wasn't face down, I was face up, which means I flipped. I always am flipping over...I got off the trail so other racers could race. I guess the course was closed because of me. I wouldn't have wanted it that way, but I vividly remember my archnemesis stopping to see if I was okay. Maybe he isn't such an enemy. An ATV arrived to extract me. I made it to my house where I had a neighbor waiting with a car. I was a bloody mess, and it actually looked like I got in a fight with 13 Marines. I had a funny mix of blood and dirt taste in my tomato loving mouth.

I went to the hospital where I had to spit out the pine needles and grit I ate in going down. It was quite painful. The Oral-maxilo-facial surgeon sewed up my detached lower lip and various tears. All said and done, there were about 75+ stiches in my face (inside my mouth and outside), and a helluva headache. I opted to stay away from the Vicodin and Percocet, requesting anything else but. They just gave me antibiotics and some nice minty mouthwash. Tylenol was the prescribed pain med. Now, I have some scars for antecdotal evidence. I get to eat my food through a straw, mostly, and make valiant attempts at not spilling. Applesauce, soft pasta, soup. But I am craving a beer and a huge pizza. Beer is on hold until I finish my antibiotics. But could go for a cold one right about now. Apparently, my tolerance for pain is legendary. Docs said they saw a trooper.

I can open my mouth and the swelling has gone down significantly. I get my stiches out Wednesday. My nights of pedicabbing are about to pick up, because I have to pay off the med bills. Folks, this is what happens when you love bikes so much- you don't quit, even though it may seem ludicrous to keep going, I love bikes, and for Pete's sake, I love pedicabs.

The Valkyries of Team Pedicab shall ride again. The 4th of July Firecracker race will be on the 4th of July, and my intent is to place highly. I believe Brook is also planning on this race. This is a 50 miler. I won't crash. I promise. The Copper Mountain Melee is set for July 11, and I know I can do that one. Mr. Henry, you will eat my dust. So, this time around is a DNF for me. Chalk it up for experience, which is never a loss.

The Homegrown is fine, but I have plans for a physical for it.

So it goes. Thanks for your support pedicab-ites.

Still yours and still a bit swollen and in pain,

beefsteak

Team Pedicab Update, Round 2!

Round 2 results are in!

Team Pedicab braved the beautiful Colorado high country on Sunday and raced with a team roster of 3 strong. With a backdrop of the mountains of the Colorado Rockies and mountains of garbage... We had Ben, our specialist in all things Tomate, Brook, our sous chef, and yours truly, the Lyco-cyclo-pene-ist. So, we had a beautiful Tour de Trash day, and the course was hardpack all the way. I raced on my trusty Tomato bike, Ben on his Ponderosa Hardtail (we need to get you a new frame, btw, 15" isn't enough of a bike) and Brook on her Kona Dawg Deluxe, the only one who took a bite of of the pack.) Whatever all of these labels mean, results came in:

Ben finished 9 of 14. Not bad for a Front Ranger. To think that there were high country people in his class and he still whooped up on them, makes it all worth it. The course was really fast, the BMX turns couldn't grind him down, and the climbs still couldn't best Mr. Martin. A long time supporter of Team Pedicab, he just recently decided to try the hand. Well done, my fine tomato loving friend, and brother. He finished in just under an hour. A 23 minute lap isn't bad. Below you'll find some sweet pics of his race.

Looks like 'he's going the distance!'

Brook was our only podium finisher, and she was whooping and hollering the whole time. She finished a strong 3rd, of a field of about 8. With a beefy downhill bike and a kick-arse downhilling stance to go with it, she may have laid the bike down once. Nothing major, but she got back on it and killed the switchbacks that gave yours truly a slight problem. Great work.

Last and least, I finished a 4th of 11. It was a tough race and the tomato performed as she should have. I still don't have names yet. Nevertheless, the only piece that irked me was that a single speeder finished 2nd in our category. Well, I guess I find that life isn't fair, and if he beat me with 2-3 minutes, I guess he deserved it. This dude (remains nameless) killed it, but the issue was that I let him go- I thought I could sit in and conquer back. Next time, I will not allow him to escape the wrath of the killer tomatoes. MUUUUAHAHHAHAH! We don't have any standings yet regarding points, which is fine. But, Team Pedicab, your Killer Tomatoes, are still a verifiable racing force.

On the training front, Team pedicab has opted to rent a cab for the summer, under the auspices of Mile High Pedicabs. We won't have a problem with those vicious climbs now that we are all trained in the real pedicab spin. We are hoping for some great storage spaces, in trade for some ski-bum's cable bill. I think it might just work.

Pictures of the race are up on this post! Enjoy!

Your favorite tomato-phile,

beefsteak

Team Pedicab, Breckenridge, Colorado

Good Day Rickshaw drivers!

The 2007 Mountain Bike season is upon us. This year, I have opted to continue my own team in the Summit Mountain Challenge Series, possibly the Winter Park Mountain Bike series, and possibly some of the Mountain States Cup Series. Consider this the first chronicle of Team Pedicab's bid for half world domination. The other half will be Big Tree. Conquered by Rickshaws...

I am racing under the Team Pedicab name, sponsored by Mountain Pedicab Company, Breckenridge, Colorado. It seems that this can be coined as the highest operating pedicab company in North America. I would like to think in the world, but I know there are rickshaws in Tibet, which start at 13,000 ft. I am taking on the sport division in the 19-29 category. At the Teva Games this year, there weren't any age categories, so my field was a whopping 63. If anyone has any ideas for a team jersey, it would be greatly appreciated. Riding in polypro or freebie shirts just doesn't look official.

I have just taken on an additional team member, a former pedicab driver in Austin, TX. My roster is now 2. Brook is racing in the beginner women categories, and came in an unofficial 2nd at the Summit Mountain race on May 30. I finished with a 3rd in the race, riding a newly built, orange, 2000 Schwinn Homegrown. I will post a pic when I get one. I do, however, need some feedback on what to call my bike. "The Construction Worker" just conjures up images of the Village People. Ewwww...

Look at results, and you will see yours truly in the top 3. Next race is a week from today, Sunday, and it takes place at the Summit County landfill, aptly named, the Tour de Trash. When you finish, your bike smells like garbage. No kidding.

http://www.mavsports.com

As of late, I have also competed in the Imperial Challenge (Winter Triathlon-type of race in April), and the Mountain Bike race for the Teva Mountain Games. Several weeks ago, I did race in the Minnesota State Championship Mountain Bike series, and finished 11 of 18, and 99 of 161 overall. Not bad for an out of state race...Some of those Norwegian bike heads are true athletes, regardless of the altitude.

http://www.mnscs.com/page/show_article/4819/3138

Today is the last day of the Teva Mountain games, and in competing yesterday, I came in a whopping 40th of 63, finishing the grueling, muddy course in about 1:40. The course was extremely muddy, due to a freakish rainstorm-gully washer right before we started. Everyone lost their numbers. Then it stopped, and then started again. I went over the bars about 3-4 times, and am discovering scratches that didn't exist yesterday. It was a very hard course, very technical, and rough. I even heard some people say they loved it. Sickos.

If there had been a dry day, I would have finished better. I am sure of it. But, I did a few slides for life, and beat the old bike up. It works fine, just a little dinged. In fact, I wasn't sure if I was going to make it out alive. Last year, I competed in the road race- time trial. I came in last. I suppose I didn't know the course this time around, but, I expected more of myself. Doing things differently, I would probably pre-ride the course. Albeit my showing was not great, but upon finishing, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Mud covered, sore, beaten, and tired, I still would do it again. It wasn't going to be a day after, but I will race again...

http://www.tevamountaingames.com

Additionally, I have posted some pictures of a couple of well known athletes, the first being Floyd Landis, the disputed Tour de France Champion, and Glen Plake, the legendary skiing mohawk. Read this article. Floyd is a former mountain biker, and with his new bionic hips, competed in the games for a team in the Ultimate Mountain Challenge race. He rode the mountain bike course and the time-trial hill climb.

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/6879936?MSNHPHCP&GT1=10136

So, I will also possibly post my sharpshooter pics. My next big race (not including the SMC) will be the Firecracker 50, which I think I will be able to perform fairly well. This is the 50 mile epic on the 4th of July. Starts on Main Street with a Valkyrie like peloton rushing down Breckenridge's very own main street. It is pretty cool. Team Pedicab will be competing in force.

Under the WTF and Squinting category, I also took some nice photos of the Doggie Diving Competition. This has nothing to do with rickshaws. But, it is entertaining nevertheless. Your canine friends were lured up with a neat treat, then tricked into diving into a huge pool- for distance. Some would stop right at the edge and get down the stairs easily, and others would take flying leaps that would make me look weak.

For more pictures, let me know. Have a great week! Keep those pedals turning and those dogs-a-diving!

Drew, The Cute Pedicab Driver in Austin

Secret crush on a pedicab driver? In Austin, Texas it's not so secret anymore. Here's a bite from the Austinist on Drew, driver for Capital Pedicab.

Just in time to scope him out while you're hopping among downtown venues for SXSW, Austinist brings you this edition's interview: Drew, The Cute Pedicab Driver With the Slightest Southern Accent.

Any funny pedicab stories to share?

So much crazy stuff happens downtown late night, but I’ll tell you one recent event that happened in my cab. Two really drunk guys (who had managed to tell me that they were best friends growing up and now one was in town visiting the other) started to get into a fist fight/ wrestling match in the back of my cab. As I slowed down to kick them out of my cab, one guy threw the other clear out of the cab. The guy still in the cab got out and as he ran towards his ‘friend’ he slipped and fell flat on his face. Bloody face and all, I told him to get back in my cab, drove away, dropped him off a few blocks around the corner, and told him to calm down before he went looking for his friend again.

He started apologizing to me and said this happens all the time when the two of them get together. Luckily, I still managed to get a decent tip from the guy.

That's hilarious. Do you ever have to get rough with unruly drunkards?

Usually dealing with drunk dudes is more funny than it is annoying (and some nights it can be pretty depressing). You just try to stay clear of the belligerents and not allow them into your cab. Really it’s the drunk women who will violate pedicab drivers. First they might say something like ‘nice calves’, then all the sudden they are grabbing your legs or butt. But usually, you’ll get a big tip out of it because the woman who’s the least drunk will feel embarrassed for the way her wild, drunk friend acted.

Austinist: Crush-Out Austin: Drew, The Cute Pedicab Driver

Without Tami, it's the same old thing on American Idol

Tami Gosnell may not have made the finals on American Idol, but she's still rockin' and rollin' (see performance dates below).

We lost interest in this season's AI after Tami got cut. It was hard to differentiate between most of the remaining contestants; each seemed pretty much like the others. No one really captured my attention, so I deleted my season pass on Tivo. I'll catch the show once in awhile throughout the season, which will be enough to keep up. This season's theme seems to be, "I want to be different, just like everyone else."

Thanks to a tip from one of our readers, I was directed to this article on CNN.com which echoes my feelings about the show.

What's missing on this "Idol," Slezak said, is "a real mix of different types."

"A lot of the guys are working a sort of Justin Timberlake-y, Usher-y vibe, and a lot of the women are sort of working an old-school Gladys Knight, Aretha kind of vibe," he said. "I was surprised by the fact that there aren't really any legitimate rock singers, that there doesn't seem to be anyone who's a country singer."

Remember Tami Gosnell, the pedicab driver from Colorado? Now there was a star. When she sang "Whipping Post" during her audition, it was like that scene in "The Queen" when Helen Mirren's Queen Elizabeth is nearly rendered speechless by the sight of a magnificent, elusive stag. Such moments happen rarely, when we least expect them.

So invigorating was Gosnell's bluesy, natural performance that it required another viewing, courtesy of DVR. She had a certain something -- a quality that can vaguely be described as "IT."

She was also inexplicably cut after this year's Hollywood rounds. In a sea of "blah," Gosnell certainly stood out.

Isn't that worth voting for?

Don't get me wrong. There are some good singers this season, but they all sound like someone else; nothing really unique. Since we, the viewers, were never told why Tami got cut, I can only assume that it's because she didn't fit, not because she wasn't good enough. If that's the case, Tami's better off. Fitting in this season seems to mean homogenous and boring. We can only hope for some big improvements during the season.

A recent email I received from Tami has the following upcoming shows on her calendar:
Saturday, March 10th, 2007
Trilogy Wine Bar, Boulder CO
BreastFest 2007! - 9 pm
Price: Sliding Scale Donations $5-$20

Friday, March 16th, 2007
Delaney's and The Celtic Tavern, Denver CO
Baked St. Patties Celebration! - 4 pm

Saturday, March 17th, 2007
Delaney's and The Celtic Tavern, Denver CO
Baked St. Patties Celebration! - 12 pm

Friday, March 23rd, 2007
The Pioneer Inn, Nederland CO
10 pm

Friday, April 13th, 2007
Dillingers, Lafayette CO
9 pm

Friday, April 27th, 2007
1st Street Pub & Grill, Nederland CO
Mountain Jammin! - 10 pm

PediHellians

yall come kick brawl ya hear
~~ Bobby

http://www.milehighpedicabs.com/drivers/pedihellians.pdf

http://www.myspace.com/pedihellians

Disappointment on American Idol

I guess the spoiler sites were right this time. Pedicab driver Tami Gosnell didn't make it to the final 24 on American Idol -- and not because she wasn't good enough, but more because she didn't fit the stereotype. That's my opinion anyway, and I'm happy to own it.

For whatever reason, the judges selected a group of women like all those who came before. We don't really know why since they didn't show Tami's performances in Hollywood. But we can assume that she didn't fit the cookie-cutter mold that AI seems to like. I kept trying to picture her in one of those cheesy car commercials or sappy group numbers, and I just couldn't see it. Tami's just too good, too original for that.

Someone wrote that she just wasn't "vanilla" enough. I'd have to agree. Tami's more like a banana split with lots of fruit, nuts and whipped cream. (Mmmmm... I'm making myself hungry!)

I wonder if the likes of Sheryl Crow, Carole King, Alanis Morissette, India.Arie or Corinne Bailey Rae would have made it through. Tami, I think you're in pretty good company.

I have to say how impressed I am by her grace and style through all of this. Among all the wonderful things written online, there were some pretty nasty comments too. Tami never seemed to let it get to her, at least not that I saw or heard. She kept smiling and singing, even when she already knew the outcome but had to keep the rest of us in the dark. That took real strength and courage.

From what I read on the web, there are a lot of people who were really impressed by Tami and are bummed that she didn't move on. I'm sure the exposure will be good for her, and we appreciate her support and promotion of pedicabbing.

No matter what happens now, Greg and I are so proud to know Tami. She has real talent - talent that can't be manufactured. Just check out the tunes available on her web site or her MySpace profile. Better yet, just buy her CD.

Tami, we luv ya and we're proud of ya!

Tami's MySpace Profile
Tami's Web Site
Buy the CD

Okay. You've had enough time off. Now get back on your pedicab and ride girl!

Comments from an Idol Pedicabbie

I picked a few comments about pedicabbing from Tami Gosnell's web site. I hope she doesn't mind. Funny thing is that I remember when she started riding for us just over a year ago. When she first started riding, she just wanted to make money to finish her CD (which is fantastic, btw). She recruited her cousin Tom shortly after she started and they rode matching cabs many days, nights and events together. Sometimes they even dressed alike and looked more like twins than cousins. They've both been fantastic drivers. We heard from Tom that, like many starving artists, pedicabbing got her through some tough times. Anyway, here are some of her thoughts:

December 16, 2005

I have joined with Mile High Pedicab. If you live in or around Denver, you may have seen bike riding taxis hanging out downtown. Well, I have training tonight, and will hopefully be toting people to and fro- for tips and $2.00 a block. So if you want to come down and laugh at me, or if you want to get a ride, come find me! I will be the midget on a bike with people in tow!!

January 8, 2006

As for the pedicab job, it is a dream come true!! I have never really worked with the public in a setting like this, and I totally love it. I am moving constantly, making good cash, and did I mention I set my own schedule? Well, I set my own schedule! It is good personality practice, and good for my waistline. Watch out Kate Olsen!

Tami Gosnell was back in Denver Friday night

Tami Gosnell performed with Baked Iguana at Delaney's in downtown Denver Friday night. A photo journalist came by to shoot some footage and interview Tami. You can catch a brief video of Tami on the Fox 31 web site. We had a few minutes with him talking about pedicabs but it didn't make it into this clip.

We had a great time listening to Tami and hanging with her friends and fans. Her bluesy voice reminds me of Carol King, Janis Joplin, Melissa Ethridge - all women I love. The place filled up as the evening went on. When one of our drivers, Aaron, came by, we watched his cab outside so he could run in and say hi. He told us that passengers have been commenting on Tami, saying they saw her on Wednesday's AI.

Main Street Pedicabs and Mile High Pedicabs have gotten calls from pedicab folks all over the world about Tami. Even my aunt in California called to say she saw a pedicab driver from Denver on American Idol and wanted to know if she was one of ours.

After reading the numerous AI blogs and posts, I just have to say one thing... DO NOT BELIEVE THE SPOILER SITES that say Tami's not making it to the final 24!! They've been wrong before.

This has all been great fun, and we love the extra publicity, but really, we hope for the best for our gal Tami. She's so talented and a genuinely great person. Go Tami GO!

Official Fox American Idol Press Release

If you want the official word from Fox and American Idol regarding plans for this season (including schedule), read the press release.

Video: Tami Gosnell's audition on American Idol

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