The No-Pollute Commute

Brightkite is a relatively new start-up in the social networking space. They’re tired of social networks that tie you to your cubicle or your desk at home. They wanted something mobile. Something that fostered real-life interaction with people near you. I suppose it’s not surprising that they like their bicycles.

Simply “Check in” where you’re at, and you can see recent visitors or those around you. Needless to say, BrightKite isn’t for those who are overly secretive, but you can be as vague (United States) or as specific (1600 pennsylvania ave, 20500) as you want.  I usually avoid checking in at specific addresses when it’s somewhat private like my home or office, but check in publicly when I’m somewhere social like a coffee shop, airport or concert hall.

Anyhow, I’m “e-friends” with a few of the people that work there, and I saw this photo that one of them posted from Brightkite HQ:

I guess today was a great day for a bike ride in Denver. At least they get indoor bicycle parking.  I wish I could say the same.  I thought it was neat to see bicycle commuting culture by people who really just love their bikes in the Internet start-up world.

Right now, Brightkite is in closed beta, but I do have 7 invites left. If it’s the kind of thing that interests you, leave your email address and note your desire for an invite. Only CBB staff can see your email address, and I will only use it to invite you.

I know there are a lot of DiNotte fans here so I thought I’d pass along this note that DiNotte is recalling some of their older Li-Ion batteries because they don’t match the quality and safety of their current product line. For more info, see DiNotte’s recall information page.

Speaking of lighting up, you might enjoy Momentum Magazine’s “Let’s Get Visible” video in which Momentum publisher Amy Walker spoofs Olivia Newton John in her encounter with a Bike Ninja.

It is time for the bimonthly meeting of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (B/PAC) this Thursday. I hope you will make plans and attend.

Thursday Nov. 20th
5:00 PM
1022 Prudential Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Map

I have also noticed a name change on the MPO website. What used to be First Coast MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) is now North Florida TPO (Transportation Planning Organization) I like the name change. The MPO name was little confusing as to what the MPO does for the general public. While North Florida Transportation Planning Organization pretty much ends any confusion as to what they do.

This should be an interesting meeting. Apparently I upset someone with my post concerning the last meeting. And judging by their statement below (excepted from this months agenda book(PDF)) they didn't read the post in it's entirety.






What Copenhagen Rush hour looks like.

This is cool: Homebrew tire chains for your mountain bike involves less than $20 in chain, cabling, and ferrules, not counting the tools you might need to get if you don’t already own them. Via.

That reminds me of this tip in which you can use zip ties to improve traction a little. Both the chain and zip ties go across the rims so you’ll either need a disc brakes, hub brakes or go brakeless (like on a fixed gear bike) for these to work.

Arleigh is building, documenting and writing out her build up of a Salsa Ala Carte mountain bike with 650b wheels and a Xtracycle Free Radical Kit.  This is an on going series so stay tuned for more installments.

One thing that is a bit daunting if you aren’t mechanically inclined is the huge parts bag that comes with the Xtracycle box.  There’s bit pieces and things that simply don’t make sense.  This requires reading directions and diagrams which, let’s be honest, most folks don’t.
First I seperated all the goodies into seperate piles to make sure I had everything I needed. There’s a couple stray chainring bolts that didn’t make it to their right pile but you get the idea.

Kickstand plate, and soft, durable fabric to save your frame from being scratched.

Chainring bolts used in with screws to attach the freeloader bags to the Xtracycle frame.  This is a new design to keep the bags from having to be tied to the frame.

Avid Rollamajig. Used to help ease the bend of the derailleur cable into the derailleur.  Mostly used if the cable stop is too close to derailleur, or for older style Shimano derailleurs. (I didn’t use mine.)

French Nut. These are the parts that your frame rear dropouts sit on.  They tighten through the drop out to bolts on the outside of the Xtracycle frame.

End Caps & Spacers. These seem to have many purposes (spacers, plugs, etc), I’m still researching all the possibilities for them.

V-Rack Spacers.  Used with the above to space out your top deck.

FAP Bolt.  Used to connect Xtracycle at the FAP tab near the chainstay/bottom bracket area.

4 Shorter Bolts.  Goes with chain ring bolts to attach Freeloaders.

Washers. Big washers are used to space out 130mm frame for Xtracycle.  Small washers are used with bolts.

I’m sure that there will be more parts along the way, and uses but we will document as we go.