I was stumbling earlier, (for those of you not in the know, google the firefox application Stumbleupon. It is the best thing ever.)... and came across a blog by a guy in SF about biking in the city. Read here.

I'd like to elaborate on his advice, tempered through Portland's streets.

It really is worth it to get a lighter bike. It might not make you stronger, but damn it's easier to get on and off the max.

The max and buses are your friends. Especially if you are like me and work 12 hour shifts, when you can't countenance riding up those hills in the blessed (read fucking) rain, take the bus. But make sure the driver hears you when you tell them you are getting your bike. One lady screamed at me cause she didn't hear me tell her.

The trails, especially the Riverside trails, are so worth it. No traffic and it's really beautiful.

Green boxes will save lives. Seriously, there have been at least 3 bike related deaths in the past year that I can recall, and more injuries. Use the green box.

Don't ride drunk. Idiots.

If you ride while on mj, pay extra close attention to everything. Yeah, you might hit that paranoid state, but you are in the city with other high idiots who might not be paying attention.
I definately recommend riding on the trails while a wee bit high, it's quite enjoyable.

Don't ride while on any pills or hallucinogens.

And remember that drugs like THC stays in your muscles, so if you don't ride as regularly as you smoke, you might suddenly feel high. Regular exercise gets rid of toxins stored in your body, and THC stores as a toxin.

I've noticed there are a lot of drivers who stop, or almost stop at an intersection, then see you coming. But then they either slowly move forward and try to gauge how long it will take you to cross the intersection, or they will just try to beat you. My advise, always stop and let the assholes go. Because, yes you have the right of way (unless you are at a stop sign, but I'm referring mostly to Ankney) but would you rather be right and dead, or have to stop and start again and still live?

Front lights only do good when you've got traffic coming at you. Don't rely on it to light your way.
Back lights, especially annoying blinking ones, rock.

Quick releases are like leaving your expensive car locked with the windows rolled down a bit. Inviting. Replace them.

Skirts while riding,... ok. But short skirts with thongs? Not so much.
I don't care if you look cute as hell, don't fucking wear high heels while riding. I don't care if you are just riding up to Hawthorne and Clinton areas, don't do it.

Downtown is perfect for riding on the streets. In fact, it's illegal to ride on the sidewalks in downtown. Just avoid the streets that connect with heavy bridge traffic and you'll be fine. Oh, and don't ride too close to the homeless. It's disrespectful.  (I'm against the sit/lie ordinance, btw.)

Helmet. Looks gay, but fucking rules. Where it, bitch.
Knee pads are too much, though.

And you live in fucking Portland. If you aren't prepared to get soaked to the bone, go back to California. Those silly wet suits make you look like wannabe seals. Or Olympic aspirants. Some of you may be, but go do that somewheres else.

I love the whole riding with your kid thing. I once watched a dad ride with his son to school everyday, with the younger daughter in a trailer on the back. Fucking adorable. Respect the children.

Travel with an air pump and all purpose Allen wrench. And a plastic grocery bag to cover your seat. For when it rains. Which is all the time.

City Bikes, 19th and SE Ankney, will save your life. They lend you the tools to fix your bike. Give advise too. Great networking place.

Refrain from locking your bike anywhere near Lloyd Center. It will be stolen. Likewise for anywhere downtown for an extended period of time. Lock it inside if you can, or in those lock boxes.

Ok, that's all I can think of for the moment.

What a fuckin day. Night everyone.

Twilight and Beauty,
Salome

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