Let's talk about biking

I'd love to have a cycling community forum for the greater Boston area. There are a huge number of local and regional clubs and organizations. I think creating a stronger connection among all of them is an outstanding idea, and I support anything that supports that.

Cycling is an outstanding way for people to stay healthy and stay connected to the world around them. They travel quietly, at a humane pace, don't require fossil fuels for power, and get to experience and interact with their surroundings. The bicycle is the greatest vehicle ever invented in my opinion. To echo Jacques Barzun, the eminent historian at Columbia University, it is a "perfect form."

Sunday was like a Spring day with snow & ice melting.
I rode from Watertown 20 miles out RT 16 to Holiston for a CRW 24 mile hilly ride on melting ice and then back home for my first metric century of the year! On my way out I saw the Crack-O-Dawn group doing their morning ride. I was riding a surly cross-check with fenders; the treads and fenders were really needed.
It was a good but tiring day!

Very glad to see that Arlington is keeping the Minuteman rail trail clear in this weather but it's kind of sad to hit Lexington and see the trail all iced over.

Can't wait for the Freeman trail to be completed, even if it's just phase 1, it's so overdue and very welcome.

Favorite rides from Sherborn in 2008: 1. Wellesley,Weston to Carlisle then back along the Sudbury River. 2. Worcester's Major Taylor memorial and the train station. 3. Sunday ride with kids looping the Charles River from Watertown, Memorial Drive (on Sunday), Museum of Science and back via the Shell and Frisbee by Arthur Fielder's Head. 4. Boston Garden, visit Red in Fanueil Hall, Farragut at Columbia Point and Cy Young in Huntington Park.

Obviously there will be a lot of road patching this spring as these potholes, sinkholes and cracks are addressed. (At least one hopes...) What better time to plan for additional bike lanes on roads already popular with daily cycling commuters and weekend riders, too.

Favorite ride has to be The Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT.) Exceptionally well maintained, landscaped and complete with eco-friendly porta-a-johns and scenic overlooks. It's a good workout from Dennis or Harwich to Wellfleet and then one can jump on Route 6 and get in some rolling hills to Provincetown and back.