Don't sit on your penis

John Tierney is dumbfounded that more bicyclists aren't using seats that don't harm their soft vulnerable reproductive organs:

Why, if you had an easy alternative, would you take any risk with that part of the anatomy? Even if you didn’t feel any symptoms, even if you didn’t believe the researchers’ warnings, even if you thought it was perfectly healthy to feel numb during a ride — why not switch just for comfort’s sake? Why go on crushing your crotch?

Megan McArdle chimes in and points to the way other people's risky behavior makes engaging in that behavior seem okay:

We take cues about what is safe from other people; we're willing to take even substantial risks as long as other people are.

If you don't want to spring for a noseless saddle as Tierney advises, you can try some of these tips:

Sitting back on the buttocks as much as possible while riding, takes the pressure off the frontal area... Check to see that the legs are not fully extended to the bottom of the pedal stroke... The knees should be slightly bent to support more of your weight.Stand up every 10 minutes or so to encourage blood flow.

I think my biggest problem with the idea of a noseless saddle is that I spend a lot of time riding with no hands on the handlebar and I need the nose to control the bike with my legs. On the other hand, I love getting erections and want to continue to do so.

Bike Helmets

This morning, after watching me zip down a steep hill near her house, a dear friend scolded me for not wearing a helmet.  Then I came across this post by one of my favorite uber-nerds, Robin Hanson.  There's a lot of good links and discussion about helmet skepticism.

A couple observations of my own:

1. Epidemiology and averages probably shouldn't guide your decision to wear a helmet.  There's a good chance you are not average.
2. I'm a riskier rider with a helmet on, I think.  Riding without a helmet makes me think more often about death and dismemberment, which is a good thing (Fela Kuti).
3. Rebound effects (the tendency to increase risky behavior in response to improved safety equipment) notwithstanding , my gut tells me that wearing a helmet is smarter than not wearing one. 

Bicycles increase freedom.  Nanny laws that mandate helmet use for adults reduce freedom, and according to the Australia study they may not even improve safety.

Best craigslist ad I've seen in a while... wash my hands clean.

http://maine.craigslist.org/zip/1788230695.html

Back from the dead

The annual euphoria of spring has arrived for me and I'm tearing around Augusta and Hallowell on my bike joyously, and less out of duty.  I love it!  I'm also playing music wherever people can tolerate it, listening to musicians almost every night of the week, and appreciating all the people who make the scene happen here. 

Now, if only I can get more people on bicycles and strapping their guitars to their racks...

Bicycles and dirt music forever!

Maine BMX video. Well done.

The most surprising thing to me about this is the comment thread below the video.  It's different: not a lot of ignorant bullshit- just people commenting honestly and saying where they are from.

Gonna ride to Portland Soon

Well, my creative juices for Augusta riding have not been flowing lately.  My local riding has devolved into a sort of earnest utilitarianism.  Ugh. 

Well, the first step to get back on the road bike.  It's HILLY here and grinding around on my onehighgear bike is fun and all...   Hell, there's not even much salt on the roads anymore.

It's only sixty miles to Portland, and a slight net downhill.  I'm gonna do it on the first decent weekend day I get.  I think I'll smash a burrito upon arrival and then head to Space for some local music.

Who's into it!?

Cat Karma?

Over the weekend in Portland I connected with an old friend from my guiding days, before I was desk monkey.  MG has been on a lot of epic adventures all over the world- bike trips, kayaking trips, hiking trips.  One time he paddled from Key West to New Orleans.  He also hiked the Pyrenees and biked around Maritime Canada.  This ain't no trustafarian or otherwise rich kid doing subsidized adventures either.  MG is nearly famous for his spartan existence and mostly holds down odd jobs to support his lifestyle. He is still not a desk monkey, unlike me.

MG and I went for a nice tour over the bridge to South Portland for the day.

Here's a picture of MG on his weathered bike:

We stopped at a great bakery/coffee shop in SoPo called One Fifty Ate. Outside the bakery, I became confused by this poster:

Is this is a wanted poster of a generic bandit cat who is responsible for a lost cat and perhaps other victims? Or is this a poster of a lost cat named Bandit?