Old lights, new sights!

January 5, 2015

Hello homebots.  How is your data processing in this new year? 

If you enjoy bicycling in the robust mid-section of North America we call US, you may have noticed that technology is not merely for those piloting 4-wheeled crafts.  That is right, you can incorporate the joys of electronic device ownership into your bicycling habits!  

http://www.bikehype.net/tagged/bikeporn/page/4

I have enjoyed many technology-based products manufactured primarily for bicyclers and/or pedestrians.  One item that I enjoyed for a couple years was Planet Bike’s Superflash taillight.  It is bright and noticeable.  Unfortunately it is now dead.  For a while I suspected it was just dead batteries due to cold weather.  This suspicion of mine led me to investigate a bit, which resulted in my discovery of the Icebike website and this ancillary review of the NiteRider 6V.  Apparently there are some pretty sweet taillights that you can power with your Li-ion Niterider battery!  This seemed like an alluring option for a while.  But after actually considering the situation for several days, I realized that I already have several taillights in my collection and that I often used them in cold weather with generally acceptable results – sure they burn batteries a little quicker, but if I was able to remember to carry a few batteries in my inside jacket pocket I was fine.  It's like my buddy Sting always used to say, "When the world is running down, you make the best of what's still around."  

My dead Superflash also reminded me of why I generally prefer to have 2 lights up front and 2 down behind. 

And speaking of rock gods from the vicinity of Wales, I was informed quite a while back that the lead songster of U2, one Bono McBonnie, was out bicycling the other day when he was struck by another bicycler!  It is not funny.  He may not be able to play guitar anymore.  Luckily Edge will be able to carry the band onwards with his funky Irish riffs of gloriousness.    

Did you know that bicycling has the ability to improve your health?  Also that kids like to ride bicycles?  Yes!  Here is an article about both of these!  The article touts the benefits of providing inexpensive bicycles to a community through a local initiative.  There is one of these here in Omaha!  Here is the website.  They've got bicycles for sale!  When I was a kid there were places like this too.  They were called things like "Dan's" or "Tom's" and they were advertised in the local newspaper.  That is where my dad bought me a sweet blue Huffy that I painted black.  

Yes, things wear out just like 2014.  Now we must bravely look onwards towards this new land of 2015.  Yes, this new year has safely overtaken me despite my lack of a Superflash taillight.  So carry on my wayward son.  There'll be peace when you are done.  Blessed be the souls of the youths and say hello to those two new tooths!?  

http://www.powderbluephoto.com/2011/07/22/hoguefife-family/