WHEATIES® Sponsors Designing Spaces’ Kitchen Renovation at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

spaces), a natio chevrolet nal home improvement TV show produced by O2 Media on Lifetime Television, recently announced a partnership with WHEATIES® to makeover the kitchen in the Love Jen Family Support Center at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital (JDCH) in Hollywood, Florida. The project kicks off Designing Spaces' "Miracle Makeovers to Remember" series which begins airing on Friday, June 17 auto part , and Friday, June 24 at 7:30am ET/PT on Lifetime Television.  The kitchen renovation episode is scheduled to air Friday, July 1.

Through O2 Media's branded entertainment services, Brandutainment ™ , Designing Spaces will walk viewers through the process of creating a kitchen area focused on healthy eating; embodying the nutritional mindset of Wheaties Fuel®, a nutritional regimen co-formulated by WHEATIES and five elite athletes, including Peyton Manning, Albert Pujols, Kevin Garnett, Bryan Clay, and Hunter Kemper. Wheaties Fuel® serves as the inspiration for the rebuild of the Love Jen Family Support Center's kitchen area, which is designed to provide patients and families with the resources for attaining optimal recovery through eating healthy while at JDCH.

"We are grateful to O2 Media's Designing Spaces for renovating an area that serves as a gathering place for many children and families at the hospital," said Nina Beauchesne, Administrator, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. "Their creative designs will be enjoyed by many patients and families for years to come."

Designing Spaces' "Miracle Makeovers to Remember" series applies the show's home improvement expertise to improving spaces at cause-based locations around the country. For its first project, Designing Spaces has assembled a talented roster of industry experts, also known as the Designing Spaces Dream Team, to help with the transformation of the lounge space.  The team's line-up includes medical experts, celebrities, sports legends, television producers, brand executives, toy manufacturers, video game home improvement specialists -- and, of course, the children who are the cadillac true all-stars of the Designing Spaces Dream Team. Decathlon Champion and Gold Medalist, Bryan Clay joined the Designing Spaces Dream Team in rebuilding the kitchen area of the Love Jen Family Support Center.

"Wheaties' sponsorship of our renovation efforts at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital provides further resources for creating an environment where patients and family can recuperate," Lysa Liemer, executive vice president of programming at O2 Media, explains. "Their involvement builds upon the entertainment renovation of the hospital's teen room by KODAK Gallery, Performance Design Products, and Step2, to provide a peaceful sanctuary for patients and family to recover both emotionally and nutritionally. We're thrilled to partner with Wheaties in this effort and appreciate their support of such a worthy cause."

The newly renovated kitchen at the Love Jen Family Support Center features restored cabinetry provided by Designing Space's and their sponsor, Wheaties.  The new high quality appliances for preparing a Breakfast of Champions,  were funded by Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation.  The décor of the new kitchen space features blowups of Wheaties box covers with baseball legend Joe DiMaggio on them. "The Wheaties Team was honored to be involved in the redesign, said Betsy Frost, Wheaties Marketing Manager.  "We're proud to help provide families a space where they can fuel up, as well as celebrate their inner champion."

For more information please visit Designing Spaces' online at http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/designing-spaces or Jo alfa romeo e DiMaggio Children's Hospital at http://www.jdch.com.

About WHEATIES® Born out of a fortunate mistake in 1924, original Wheaties was created when a health clinician accidentally spilled a wheat bran mixture onto a hot stove. The result was tasty, crispy wheat flakes that became known as Washburn's Gold Medal Whole Wheat Flakes. A year later, the cumbersome name was shortened to Wheaties. Baseball legend Lou Gehrig was the first athlete featured on a Wheaties Box, when he appeared on the back cover in 1934. In 1958, American champion pole-vaulter Bob Richards was the first person to appear on the front of the package, jumpstarting the phenomenon of "being on the Wheaties box," which has since been graced by some of the greatest athletes of all time, including Bruce Jenner, Walter Payton, Mary Lou Retton, and many others. To view a complete timeline of Wheaties Champions, visit www.wheaties.com.

About Designing Spaces Designing Spaces is a half-hour informative series, produced by O2 Media, that inspires viewers to make every space count; instructing them on the smartest ways to make their homes more beautiful and functional.  Now in its eighth season, the show airs nationally on Lifetime Television every Friday from 7:30am to 8:30am (ET/PT). For more information, go to http://www.designingspaces.tv. If you have a great idea for a story or wish to sponsor a show, contact Lysa Liemer at lysa@designingspaces.tv.

About 1086274749  O2 Media: Based in Pompano Beach, Fla., O2 Media, Inc. is a national television production company and pioneer of the branded entertainment industry. Since its inception O2 Media has engaged, entertained and educated viewers with such reputable shows as Designing Spaces, www.designingspaces.tv and The Balancing Act, www.thebalancingact.com on Lifetime Television. The company has earned hundreds of industry awards for revolutionizing the way brands engage with consumers on television. O2 Media provides unmatched marketing value to its clients while producing quality content for its growing national viewership through Brandutainment™. Household brands and blue chip companies alike, continue to depend on O2 Media for effectively communicating their message to consumers. For information on becoming a content partner for Designing Spaces or The Balancing Act, contact O2 Media Inc. at Brandutainment@o2mediainc.com.    

For editorial inquiries, contact: Limor Windt O2 Media, Inc. limor@o2mediainc.com (954) 691-1102

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

A Swedish Guest

Last week I received a new bicycle for an extended test ride and review: a Pilen Lyx. The distributor (BoxCycles) gave me a choice of colours and I took a gamble once again instead of just asking for black. This time the gamble paid off: The unusual shade of blue looks as stunning in person as it did in pictures. It is an ethereal "northern skies after an afternoon storm" sort of blue that I just want to keep staring at.

A small Swedish manufacturer, Pilen has been producing bicycles since 1998. The worksmanship looks outstanding.

The finishing on the TIG-welded frame with lugged fork crown, seat collar, and capped seat stays is up there with the quality of high-end custom frames.

I will cover the frame details in the review after I've had more time with the bike, but so far I am pleasantly surprised.

Nice headbadge, too. Pilen means "arrow" in Swedish.

The lady's frame is available in one size only and it is huge: 56cm or 58cm (22"+), depending on how you measure it. At 5'7" I had to slam the saddle down, but I'm used to that: my Gazelle and Raleigh DL-1 are the same size.

Here are the Gazelle and the Pilen together. The Pilen will be kept outdoors for the duration of its visit, which will allow me to test its resistance to the elements. The distributor assumed this as a matter of course, since that is how he keeps his own bike and that is how Pilens were designed to be stored.

I've been riding the bike since Friday, but am not ready to describe the ride quality yet. It is not like a Dutch bike, and neither is it like an English roadster, so I am trying to "understand" it. I am also still messing with the handlebar and saddle positions and will hold off on my impressions until I get those just right.

But wait, there's more...

In their generosity, the distributor has given me the green light to give this bicycle away once I am finished reviewing it. There are no strings attached: I can just give it to one of my readers in any way I see fit. This is exciting, and I already have an idea for a contest that is kind of kooky, but hopefully fun. So if you are a taller lady, the Pilen could be yours! The final review will probably be ready in 3 weeks' time, and that is also when the bicycle will be given away. Stay tuned and I will post more about the contest next week!

Russian LNG Exports to Expand Dramatically in the Next Decade

PRLog (Press Release)– May 30, 2011– According to our latest research offering "Russian LNG Market Analysis", Russia has timely recognized its enormous LNG potentials in the form of one of the world's largest natural gas reserves situated in Yamal, Sakhalin, and Shotkman fields. The nation is witnessing an important level of developments in the LNG trade with exports of LNG making up for a significant part of the nation's relationships with key markets. The research further revealed acura that, Russian LNG exports will advance at 8.4% CAGR growth during 2010-2020, which will position Russia as a dominant name in the global LNG arena.

The research acknowledged that, the country joined the elite club of global LNG exporters with Sakhalin-II project exporting its first cargo in March 2009. Japanese utilities are the current major buyer of Russian LNG production followed by Korean and the US firms. However, the export matrix is expected to change a bit during the next 8-10 years with growing demand from the Asia-Pacific countries especially China and India.

Further, to help propel its futuristic exports considerations, Russian oil & gas majors are investing huge amounts of dollars on LNG production and its support infrastructure. Infact planned liquefaction capacities, if materialized on time, will prove sufficient for the country's future LNG exports considerations.

According to a Senior Research Analyst at RNCOS, "the liquefaction infrastructure developments are quite capital intensive and demand an efficient supply-chain mechanism. Any imbalance between LNG exports contracts and its liquefaction process may cost millions of dollars to involved parties".

Our report "Russian LNG Market Analysis", is an outcome of extensive research and objective analysis of the Russian LNG Industry and its future potentials. The report provides information/statistics on LNG production, exports, pricing, infrastructure developments, etc. The report investigates key trends 1086274749  of the industry and outlines projections after inclusive study of various factors that play a critical rc helicopter and car market place role in the development of market. Based on different market indicators, the report evaluates future outlo chevrolet ok of the industry and provides valuable information regarding the Russian LNG market.

For FREE SAMPLE of this report visit: http://rncos.com dodge /Report/IM316.htm

Check DISCOUNTED REPORTS on: http://www.rncos.com/promotion.htm

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

All-New Ford Ranger Goes Big On Creature Comforts

PRLog (Press Release)– May 29, 2011– Ranger's Bluetooth®1 Voice Control system allow drivers to operate their mobile and audio system using voice-activated commands   Leveraging a common global electrical architecture, engineers are able to use globally developed and engineered components in the all-new Ranger platform Ranger offers comfort features and driver aids previously seen only in premium passenger cars

MELBOURNE, 12 May, 2011

Say the word and your wish will be the all-new global Ford Ranger's command.

Select models with the Bluetooth®1 Voice Control system allow drivers to operate their mobile phone, audio, satellite navigation system and climate control using voice-activated commands – all wirelessly.

The voice control buttons are located on the steering wheel and are conveniently accessed when driving, leaving the drivers free to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Voice commands are detected by a microphone housed in the cab.

The driver can easily make or take phone calls and access the mobile's phone book and calling history. The system can also record voice tags for favourite numbers.

In the same wa chrysler y, the driver has effortless control over the radio, CD player, iPod®2 and other external devices via the USB port. It is also possible to stream audio from a mobile phone.

Ranger's integrated audio system is an integral and unique part of the centre dashboard, effectively deterring theft. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) on the central control panel is inspired by the latest communication devices, with a joy stick as a central control element and a soft-feel number pad to enter phone numbers.

When integrated with the audio system, the in-dash navigation system (where fitted) will provide audio and visual direction to the programmed destination via the five-inch colour screen, along with current location and surrounding details. Maps are stored and upgraded via an SD card.

To further improve interior comfort, the new-to-Ranger dual zone climate control allows the driver and passenger to set separate temperature settings.

"The Bluetooth® Voice Control system sets Ranger apart from some other competitors because it keeps drivers connected to their customers and business safely while enjoying the convenience of their iPod®2 and automatic climate control systems while on the road – all with a voice command," the manager, Electrical Integration, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, Con Papadomanolakis, said.

Premium comfort and convenience features New from the ground up, Ranger now utilises a common global electrical architecture that is also shared by the current Ford Focus and Ford Mondeo. This cadillac means that engineers are able to use globally developed and engineered components in the all-new Ranger platform, resulting in more new features and technologies in the pickup which can be upgraded in the future.

For a start, select Ranger models will have cruise control,  theatre-dimming, drive-away locking, rain-sensing wipers, automatic wiper park, auto defrosting, an electro-chromatic rear view mirror that is able to automatically dim to prevent glare from the lights of following vehicles, and a Thatcham3-rated alarm system complete with interior motion sensors, battery back-up siren and dead locks.

The list continues with automatic headlights that respond to low light conditions, puddle lights that come on when unlocking the vehicle, Follow-Me-Home safe lights which remain on for a minute after you've switched off the engine, and hazard lights that come on to warn the drivers behind if you hit the brakes suddenly.

When backing up, Ranger's innovative Rear View Camera System - on select models - displays the rear view video image in a section of the rear view mirror, along with overlaid marker lines to indicate the width of the vehicle and distance to the closest object. Based on the ultrasonic reverse parking sensors, the radio will beep at a rate proportional to the distance between Ranger and the object. The in-car screen will also display an image of the pickup with sensor ranges marked behind it. When an object is detected, the display places a solid bar behind the vehicle image to indicate approximate location of the object.

Inside, the new instrument cluster design offers an outstanding array of information. Other than the vehicle system gauges, a central LCD display provides Trip Computer functions with information such as distance to empty, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption, average speed and outside 1086274749  air temperature.

"Customers who are used to these convenience features from their passenger cars will be delighted to find the same – if not higher – level of comfort in Ranger," Papadomanolakis said.

"Packed to the gills with smart technology and creature comforts previously seen only in premium passenger cars, the all-new Ranger offers a no-compromise choice for those looking for an all-in-one aston martin work and family vehicle."

Final Australian specifications and equipment of the all-new Ranger will be announced closer to its launch later this year.

To see how the Bluetooth®1 Voice Control system works go

Right of Way and Driver Education

Last night we were returning home on our bikes. As we approached an intersection where we needed to make a left turn, we signaled and moved to the leftmost part of the lane. A motorist approaching the same intersection behind us began to honk. We turned around, confused. The light had just turned red and all three of us were stopped at the intersection. She continued to honk. We asked what the problem was. She rolled down her window, and the conversation went something like this:

Motorist:  What the hell are you doing?!
We:  What do you mean?
Motorist: You're not supposed to be in front of me like that, you're blocking the road!
We: We're using the road just like you. Why are you honking?
Motorist: What the hell am I supposed to do when you're blocking my way?!
We: You're supposed to wait for us to turn.
Motorist: But you're not supposed to be there if I need to get by. You don't have the right of way!
We: What? Of course we have the right of way, we were here first.
Motorist: Unless you're in the bike lane, you do not have the right of way! You're supposed to let me get by!
We: Bicycles have the right of way just like any other vehicle.
Motorist: Not if you're not in the bike lane!
We: Yes. Check your facts.
Motorist: No! You check your facts!

I don't know how things would have gone had the light not turned green at that point, but it did. The motorist floored the gas pedal and veered around us in order to proceed straight as we made our left turn.

It's not so much the motorist's rudeness that I found alarming  (she was screaming at us), but the fact that she genuinely believed that cyclists did not have the right of way unless they were in the bike lane. In other words, she thought that if a cyclist needed to make a left turn, they must stand aside and wait for all the cars behind them to pass before they were allowed to proceed. This is blatantly incorrect, but that doesn't help any in situations like this.

In my view, lack of drivers' awareness about bicycling laws is largely responsible for cyclist-motorist confrontations. When I first began riding a bike in Boston, drivers would occasionally scold me for "breaking the law" (i.e. cycling on the road). Now that bicycles have become more common this seldom happens, but yesterday's encounter shows that misunderstanding of road rules still exists. I've read that in areas where this is especially bad, cyclists have taken to carrying copies of local bicycle laws and handing them out to motorists who harass them. That is further than I personally would want to go. But it seems to me that some driver's ed initiative is in order - especially if a city is actively striving to be more "bicycle friendly."

#1 Gift Idea No. 1 Fathers Day Gift Seniors 911 Help Fall-n-Call Medical Alert - Pay 1 Time

PRLog (Press Release)– May 28, 2011– Best Fathers Day Gift Value - NEW PRODUCT No Monthly Fee Fall-N-Call Medical Alert 911 HELP $279.95

Best Fathers Day Gift on the Web for Dads and Grandpas who need assistance or 24/7 help in event of Fall - Fall-N-Call Medical Alert - ONLY $279.95!

THE BEST PRICE * VALUE * and OFFER - 24/7 Medical Alert * LINK TO YOU * For EMERGENCIES or Just to TALK - No extra fees - Connect with Loved One immediately with touch of one blue button.

Wear it on wristrap, strap to wheelchair or walker - or beltclip - Comes complete with entire system and user installation instructions - quick set-up!

Top 10 Fathers Day Gift Idea for SENIORS 65+ Fall-N-Call Medical Alert - ONLY $279.95 ONE-TIME

Sometimes it's hard to find a gift for Fathers Day - especially a Senior 65+ . . Now here's a NEEDED gift for your Senior Loved One . . . Fall-N-Call Panic Button - CDC says 1 in 3 seniors will Fall - now provide 24/7 help round the clock 365 days/yr

GIFT IDEAS for Seniors - Mothers Day - Fathers Day - Birthday - Any Day - SAFETY SELLS all year long - Loved One gets Gift of PROTECTION 24/7 only $279.95 ONE TIME - NO MONTHLY FEE MEDICAL ALERT - Ships FREE within 48 hours. www.fallncall.com

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE:

* Press 1 Button and Summon HELP - Talk & Listen thru Pendant * 2 Football field range from home phon buick e - anywhere IN or AROUND home * Bring in SHOWER - Water resistant XP5 Rating - Very Durable * User installed in minutes (onsite alfa romeo or remotely) * 3 MODES: Friends, 911, or Friends+911 * AUTO- chrysler DIALS up to 4 #'s + 911

ORD bmw ER NOW:

http://www.fall-n-call.com

OR Call Toll Free #866-961-3714

EXCELLENT GIFT Fall-N-Call Medical Alert - Talk & Listen thru Pendant

When it comes to senior safety or MOM - DAD - Safety - you just cannot put a price on it - certainly not $279.95!   That's peanuts.

This same group of folks (and/or their loved ones) 1086274749  spend thousands of dollars every year due to Unnecessary Monthly Fees from Medical Alert Products.     When John Deer came on the scene - the mule was history.  Monthly Fee Medical Alerts are slowly transitioning into higher-tech lower-cost alternatives! See below.   The time to transition is now. . . . Great Gift Idea!

ORDER NOW:  Product will ship FREE US Postal Priority MAIL 2-Day just in time for this special Gift Idea.

http://www.fall-n-call.com

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

Cycling and Sun Damage

Though I have derived many benefits from cycling, the one drawback I am still struggling with is sun damage. During my first year on the bike as an adult, I thought that I was being pretty good about using sun protection, but noticed visible damage to my skin that seemed to be a direct result of cycling over the summer months. Darkened patches and wrinkles appeared in areas of my face and body that had been most exposed to the sun while cycling. And this was despite using high SPF sunblock and staying off the road during the hottest times of the day.

At some point last summer, I switched from chemical to physical sunblock (titanium dioxide or zinc oxide), which seems to have helped. My skin was sensitive to the chemical stuff, and some friends told me that 30SPF physical block worked better for them than 60+SPF chemical, as well as lasted considerably longer. I switched and found this to be true for me as well. Physical sunblock remains visible after application and looks kind of goofy, but at this point I couldn't care less and just want to ride my bike without wrecking my skin. After year two there was still some additional skin damage, but less than before.This summer I will try to be extra good about applying the sunblock as frequently as possible.

In speaking to long-time road cyclists about sun damage, I've learned that it is a common complaint - to the extent that some just accept it as inevitable, embrace their wrinkles and brown spots, and pay frequent visits to the dermatologist. I really don't want to believe that it has to be that way, but my own case has done nothing to prove them wrong. What has been your experience with sun damage as a result of cycling, and how do you deal with it?

IZOD IndyCar Series Ticket Giveaway At Zimbrick Honda In Madison Wisconsin

PRLog (Press Release)– May 27, 2011– Zimbrick Honda, a Wiscons cadillac in Honda dealer audi Madison has turned corsa to for their automotive needs since 1973, announces an IZOD IndyCar Series ticket giveaway.

If you love Indy, get to the Zimbrick Honda showroom for a chance to win tickets to the IZOD IndyCar Series at the Milwaukee Mile on June 19th 2011.

It's the Set The Pace Sales Race!  Register now through June 12th 2011 to win tickets to the Milwaukee Mile on Father's Day.

Enjoy the VIP hospitality, which includes food and beverage, a garage tour and meet and greet with the team and drivers!  Experience the excitement of Indy cars up close and personal.

Simply stop by Zimbrick Honda in Madison Wisconsin and register.  No purchase necessary!

Zimbrick Honda was established in 1973 and has been a cornerstone franchise for Zimbrick Fish Hatchery Road.  The dealership has a highly rated Honda service facility, Honda parts department and auto body shop.

The Zimbrick family started its group of dealerships in 1965. John Zimbrick built the dealership's business with a philosophy of "Loving Care Service", and that approach has helped the Zimbri buick ck family of automotive retail centers to grow to 16 franchises, offering a selection of over 2,000 quality vehicles.

Zimbrick Honda 1601 W Beltline Hwy 1086274749   Madison, WI 53713 (608) 273-2555

http://www.zimbrickhonda.com http://www.zimbrickfishha tcheryroad.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHsjE5ot PfE

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

3 Wheels and a Box: the Christiania Cargo Trike

If you've been hoping for a change of pace from the recurring roadcycling theme, your wish is granted. Yesterday I had a visit from Will of BoxCycles - an importer of European utility bicycles whose warehouse is not far from Boston. The purpose of the visit was to drop off one of these - but more on that later! In the meantime, he was also delivering this Christiania cargo trike to someone local, and I had the opportunity to try it. 

Christiania Bikes have been around since 1976, initially as a small workshop in the Freetown Christiania neighbourhood of Copenhagen, Denmark. If you do not already know the history of this unusual neighbourhood, it's worth looking into - very interesting stuff. In addition to Christiania bikes, the modern incarnation of Pedersen began there as well. Having over time expanded, Christiania now has a factory on Bornholm Island. Their cycles remain manufactured, finished and assembled by hand - the most popular model being the cargo trike shown here.

Though I occasionally see cargo trikes both in Europe and in the US, this is the first time I've examined one so closely. The Christiania is a heavy-duty welded aluminum frame with three 24" wheels: two in front and one in rear. The cargo box is positioned between the front wheels and the cyclist steers with it when turning.  The box is plywood, and there are several models available in different widths and lengths. This trike is 82" long and 34" wide, weighing 75lb when empty. It accommodates 100kg (220.5lb) of weight can can be used for anything from hauling cargo to transporting children.

Inside the box is a bench with padded seat cushions and two sets of seatbelts. Given the weight capacity, this trike can easily fit several children, or even an adult or two.

Seatbelt attachment points on the back of the box.

The handlebars are not really handlebars at all, but more like a pram or shopping cart handle.

The lefthand side is set up with a front brake lever, parking brake and bell. A parking brake is necessary with a cargo trike; without one it will roll down even the tiniest inclines.

The righthand side is set up with a gear shifter. The trikes are available as either 7 or 8 speeds.

Shimano coaster brake hub, clear chainguard, massive cranks and non-slip pedals.

The chainguard provides good coverage, though it is not a full chaincase.

The front wheels are set up with disk brakes, which are activated by the hand lever. Tires are Schwalbe Big Apple.

Rear reflectors are affixed to the fenders of each wheel. A dynamo lighting package is available with his model, using a bottle generator on the rear wheel (you can see the attachment arm for it here).

The stock saddle is a plushy vinyl Selle San Remo.

I rode the trike briefly and clumsily, so I better use the pictures I took of Will to show you how it works. To operate the trike, you basically need to point the box, using that one long handle, in the direction you need to go. This sounds simple enough, but if you've never ridden this kind of trike before it is completely counter-intuitive. The other thing that takes getting used to is that when turning, the box pivots on its axel and becomes parallel to the cyclist - not unlike a swing bike!

Watch this: Here is the trike going straight.

And here is what happens when turning. Crazy!

Those who own one of these trikes say it takes about a day to get the hang of the steering, but that once you do it becomes second nature. While I have no experience with other trikes, there is a nice test ride report on Suburban Bike Mama where she compares the Christiania to her own Sorte Jernhest. I've also seen a couple of Christianias around Boston at this point, and the owners seem pretty adept at steering. 

If we continue to live without a car (which at this point seems likely), it is possible that I may want to get some massive cargo hauling contraption in the future, which is why I was curious to test ride one of these. One thing that surprised me about the unloaded Christiania is how light it felt. I expected the trike itself to be heavy and clunky, but it has an almost airy feel to it without cargo. It rolls easily, including up the mild incline of my street. Once it is filled with 100lbs of stuff I am sure the handling will be different, but it is nice to know how the trike behaves on its own as well. Making turns felt wild and tippy, but also a lot of fun. Since others are able to grasp it in a day, I am sure I would as well. My one source of ambivalence toward the Christiania, is that it seems designed specifically to transport children, which is not what I would need a cargo bike for. It's not only the benches (which I am sure are optional), but also that long handle and something about the general look that, to me at least, makes it resemble a giant pram. I can just imagine using this trike to carry equipment and being constantly asked how many kids I have. Having said that, I think that most people considering a cargo trike like this do in fact plan to transport children, which would make what I am describing a good thing. If drivers see you on the road and think "baby carriage!" they will probably be more careful and will give you more room.

Front loaded box cycles - be they two wheeled bakfiets or cargo trikes - are a radically different experience than riding a standard bicycle, but they also offer a radically different degree of utility. As more people are looking at transportation cycling as a normal and viable option, cargo bikes of all sorts are becoming more popular and I love seeing them on the streets. Maybe a couple of years from now, I will be riding one to the hardware store and writing about it here.

Misadventures on the MUP

Last evening was a low point for me... I yelled at someone on the Minuteman Trail. I was cycling home after a ride, and the trail was more or less empty. I am normally ever-vigilant for dogwalkers and baby carriages suddenly appearing out of nowhere, but this time I had let down my guard. I was going faster than I normally do on the trail, when from around the bend, three cyclists - traveling three abreast and taking up the entire width of the path - came barreling toward me at a similarly unadvisable speed. They were chatting and the cyclist who was headed for a direct collision with me had her face turned toward her friends instead of looking ahead of her. Time froze and I kept expecting that any instant now she'd see me and get out of my line of travel, but she didn't. Not wanting to end up in the bushes or in a pile of bikes and limbs, my mind went blank and I heard myself scream "MOVE!" in a tone of voice that was so menacing that I even scared myself.

It got their attention and a collision was avoided. But as I continued on my way, I heard a distinct "and a nice day to you, too!" from the direction of their receding forms. I felt a wave of shame wash over me. Sure, in a perfect world I would have yelled "excuse me" or "watch out" instead. But I yelled the first thing that popped into my head, and if I didn't we could have both been in the hospital right now.

Multi Use Pathways can be difficult for cyclists precisely because of situations like this. The trails are narrow and those who travel along them do not always behave predictably. Joggers wearing sound-proof earphones, rollerbladers veering from side to side, dogwalkers brandishing those terrifying invisible leashes stretched across the path, unsupervised children making spontaneous U-turns on their tricycles... It's a jungle out there. If I could easily do so, I would avoid MUPs entirely, but the alternative route out of town is 10 miles on a very busy road. So I try to be cautious, stick to a moderate pace and hope for the best. How do you deal with MUPs?

Go Cocktails Sugar Free Cocktails Makes Debut At Pensacola Festival Over Memorial Day Weekend

PRLog (Press Release)– May 25, 2011– Pensacola, Florida– Go Cocktails! Sugar Free Mixers will be making their first attendance at Pensacola Beach's 8th Annual "Memorial Weekend Unleashed" festival hosted at the Flounder's Chowder House on the beach.

The festival will be held over Memorial Day weekend, from May 26- 29th , and is billed as "The hottest dance party and light show on the beach".  Regularly organized by Kristy Lee, and audi featuring a dozen performers, this year's festival is expecting over 50,000 in attendance.  As many as 150,000 people from the Southern States are expected to be in the area over the weekend.

Go Cocktails Sugar Free Mix will be used in three featured drinks during the four day festival and will also be featured at a booth for festival attendees to purchase separately. The featured drinks will include a Go Cocktails S chevrolet ugar Free Margarita (served either as frozen or on the rocks), Go Berry Lemon Drop (a mix of Go Cocktails Lemon Drop and Skyy Berry Vodka) and a Go Cocktails low calorie version of the Flounder's Chowder House popular signature drink called "Diesel Fuel" ( using Go Cocktails Sweet & Sour mix).  

In addition to the great flavor of the Go Cocktails mixers, another strong selling point leading to their use at the event is that the mixes are a dry mix lending to the ease of portability. bmw No refrigeration and very little storage space is needed, as well. Only water and Go Cocktails dry mix are required to create cocktail mixes and they can be mixed a batch at a time. This is a great help at large events where bars are spread out and access to storage and refrigeration space is limited.

Go Cocktails Sugar Free Mixes were originally created to give health conscious alfa romeo individuals a great tasting alternative to traditional sugar laden cocktail mixes. The sugar free,  low carb cocktail mixes contain only 5 calories and 1 carb per serving - compared with 100 calories and 30 carbs per serving in traditional mixes. The use of these products has gained popularity among dieters following Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and Atkins which all stress low calorie or low carb consumption.

The 1086274749  company currently offers Go Cocktails products in numerous flavors including Sugar Free Appletini, Sugar Free Lemon Drop, Sugar Free Cosmo, Sugar Free Margarita and Sugar Free Sweet & Sour.  The Go Cocktails! products are coming to retail outlets and bars in the 2011 summer. In the meantime they can be purchased online at http://www.gococktails.com or Amazon in the Grocery Department.

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

I am Curious, Yellow

Obscure film references aside, the past week for me has been dominated by equal parts anticipation and anxiety. I've ridden my loaner roadbike for 120 miles in preparation for the next paceline ride... which, ironically, was cancelled for the second time in a row due to rain. The more time passes, the more my anticipation builds and the more exaggerated my anxieties become.

The Co-Habitant and I did two fast-paced, hilly rides over the weekend - he on his Surly Cross Check and I on the borrowed Seven. We went over the same hills where he has previously passed me nonchalantly regardless of which bikes we were both riding... only this time our positions were reversed dramatically. I shot past him while exerting little effort, continued to merrily cycle uphill, and then waited for him to catch up as I sipped water and sniffed flowers.

Of course we expected that a racy roadbike would be faster than a heavier and more relaxed cyclocross bike with wide tires and a saddlebag. But since he is a stronger cyclist than I am to begin with, I thought that the discrepancy would level the playing field between us. Neither of us thought that it would make me this much faster uphill.

The interesting thing is that on downhills and flats there was not much difference between us; it was uphill that the bike really began to matter. This parallels my experience of the paceline ride on my Rivendell, where it was specifically on the uphill portions that I felt a disadvantage to the others.

But while I am now confident in the bike's climbing ability, this is tempered by a fear not only of its speed on descents, but also of my relative unfamiliarity with its handling. After putting nearly 2,000 miles on my Rivendell I pretty much know how it behaves across a wide range of situations. The 120 miles on the Seven are just not sufficient for that kind of comfort to develop. I don't mind admitting that I'm plain scared when riding it at 25mph+ downhill - scared of the narrow tires, scared of the carbon fork, and scared of its precise but aggressive cornering. The fear saps away my confidence, making me squeeze the brakes and cycle more conservatively than I am capable of.

Being 100% comfortable with a bicycle is not something I can force; it takes time. My curiosity is a strong motivator to keep riding and practicing, specifically seeking out those situations that still make me nervous.

While the bike is in my possession I've fitted it with my own saddle, which has made it more comfortable to ride long distances. I've also installed my pedals (the narrow MKS Streams) and PowerGrips. This looks silly on a bike that is typically ridden clipless, but I don't care: I need to ride it in a way that makes me comfortable. I've also now raised the saddle another 5mm from how it's shown in this picture, which almost makes it look like the standover is not too high. Almost. The length of the toptube and the handlebar set-up work well for me (the Ride Studio Cafe matched the configuration to one of my own bikes) and it's only the seat tube height that's off. The result is that the bike fits me extremely well when I am riding it, but looks too big when I am not. Ideally, the frame would have the same virtual top tube length, with the actual top tube just a little bit sloped in order to reduce standover. Given the available demo models I prefer this set-up over a smaller frame, because I don't like toe overlap. All in all I feel good on this bike, which is what matters.

I really hope they don't cancel the paceline ride next week; the anticipation is getting ridiculous. In the meantime, all I can do is keep riding.

VERC Enterprises named a 2011 "Best Places to Work"

PRLog (Press Release)– May 24, 2011– VERC Enterprises, a leading independent convenience store, gasoline station and car wash operation with 23 locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire has been honored as a 2011 "Best Places to Work" winner by the Boston Business Journal in recognition of its achievements in creating a positive work environment that attracts and retains employees through a combination of employee satisfaction, working conditions and company culture.

VE audi RC Enterprises was one of over 320 companies to qualify for consideration based on a two-stage nomination process and the results of employee-satisfaction surveys taken throughout the month of April.

"We're honored to be a recipient of this prestigious award from the Boston Business Journal and proud that we have created the type of working environment th alfa romeo at is worthy of our being named a best place to work," said Leo Vercollone, CEO of VERC Enterprises.

"Our Best Places to Work event recognizes the importance of cultivating a great workplace culture as a competitiv chevrolet e advantage," said Chris McIntosh, publisher of the Boston Business Journal. "Companies on our list can be justifiably proud of creating a high level of workplace satisfaction during an economy where traditional rewards like big raises and bonuses aren't as easy to give. In good times and in bad, our results validate how the creation of the right corporate culture can create powerful business advantages. Employees are proud to work for companies that are about more than just business."

The survey project was launched in January by the Boston Business Journal in conjunc car news tion with market research firm Quantum Workplace of Omaha, NE. Companies were evaluated on the results of more than 18,000 employee-satisfaction surveys. Employees answered questionnaires that addressed such factors as their pride in the company, company encouragement, support and recognition of achievement and relationships with co-workers and supervisors. The results were analyzed and scored by assigning points to each question.

The top 25 companies in three size categories — small (20-100 employees), midsize (101-500 employees) and large (more than 500 employees) — will be awarded during a lively breakfast on June 9th at the BCEC and profiled in a special supplement of the Boston Business Journal published on June 10, 2011.

About VERC Enterprises VERC Enterprises is the region's leading, independent chain of convenience stores and gasoline stations, with 23 locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts 1086274749  and, now, southern New Hampshire.  The company began more than 35 years ago with a single car wash in Marshfield, in a business founded by Eugene Vercollone. Today two of Mr. Vercollone's sons operate the company, with Leo as CEO and Paul as Vice President. The firm has more than 190 employees and is actively recruiting new associates and assistant managers. VERC Enterprises is committed to employing 20% of its staff with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  For additional information, please visit the website, www.vercenterprises.com or call 781-934-7300.

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

Outskirts Press Reveals Top 10 Best Selling Books in Self Publishing for April 2011

PRLog (Press Release)– May 24, 2011– Alphabetically, its ten best performing self-published books for alfa romeo April were:

* A Life of Courage and Love, by Mark S. Foster * Being a Doctor, by Joel H. Goldstein * Biologically Bankrupt, by Adair Sanders * Corinthia Falls, by Kim Hutson * Enough Already!, by Bob Tyler * Firestarters, by Rev. Benjamin Berinti * Going Green Using Diatomaceous Earth How-To Tips, by Tui Rose RN * Hour of the Beast, by C. Michael Forsyth * My Signature Story, by Eric Schaeffer * chevrolet What To Do When You Become the corsa Boss, by Bob Selden

All these books, and other Outskirts Press titles, are available from all major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powells, Books A Million, and others, plus conveniently from the Outskirts Press Direct bookstore at http://outskirtspress.com/bookstore for discounts ranging from 10% – 55%.

About Outskirts Press, Inc.

Outskirts Press offers high-quality, full-service self-publishing audi and book marketing services for writers and professionals who are seeking a cost-effective, fast, and flexible way to publish and distribute their books worldwide 1086274749  while retaining 100% of their rights, 100% of their profits, and 100% of the creative control. www.outskirtspress.com.

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

Mirror, Mirror on the Bike...

Over the past week I've received several emails with questions about bicycle mirrors, so it seemed like a good topic for a post. As with most safety-related issues, opinions on bicycle mirrors are divided. I don't want to reiterate what's already been discussed to death elsewhere, but here is a very brief summary:

The pro bicycle mirror rhetoric is that they allow you to monitor the traffic behind you without having to turn around. The anti bicycle mirror rhetoric is that they are distracting, and that using them can lead to misperceptions of traffic proximity. Furthermore, those who do use mirrors are divided on whether they ought to be handlebar-mounted or head-mounted. Here is a post from Alan on ecovelo that explains why he uses bicycle mirrors. And here is a thread on bikeforums where members explain why they believe bicycle mirrors are dangerous, as other members argue with them.

If you look at pictures of my bicycles, it is obvious that I don't use mirrors. But I am not rabidly anti-mirror either. I just find that they are not for me. They do distract me. And they do interfere with my sense of connectedness to my environment - a connectedness that is the very reason I find cycling in traffic easier than driving a car in traffic. For what it's worth, this is also why I cannot relate to arguments that compare bicycle mirrors to car mirrors. In a car I am closed off from the road and my view is blocked in almost all directions. Also, turning around is tricky, because of the way the interior of the car is structured. On a bicycle, my view of the road is unobstructed and turning to look over my shoulder is much easier. This is why I find mirrors in a car necessary, while I find mirrors on a bike not only unnecessary, but counterproductive. Your experience may differ.

If you are trying to decide whether a bicycle mirror is a good idea, why not buy an inexpensive one and give it a try on a quiet road? That way you will be able to determine how you respond to it and whether you find it beneficial or detrimental. I can't recommend any particular mirror, since I don't use them. I've heard good things about the Zephal Spy Mirror and the German mirror sold by Rivendell, but that's all I know. If you have opinions or recommendations to contribute, that would be most welcome.

Car Scratch Repair Tips and Quick Fixes

PRLog (Press Release)– May 23, 2011– Have you had such experience that you accidentally scratch audi ed your car door with your keys while you had your hands full ? Then an awful mark appear into to your eyes when you get into your car. Do you have to go to a professional who will charge you for labor? Or can you do it yourself for a fairly cheap price? Well, the answer is, an undersized scuff is something you can most likely fix at home by yourself. However, if the scratches looks more like a tree branch than a stick, it's time to consult the professionals.

Car scratch repair requires a couple of research steps before you can proceed on the actual scratch repairing. First you have to determine if your car has an enameled based paint, because some of the paint jobs on newer model vehicles won't blend well with lacquer-based primer paint. Before you get started on the actual work, you can consult your local auto parts store to help you determine the exact color of your car. Take your VIN number so that you can match up the cover-up paint with the car's original coat. You may be able to find the paint color code listed on the edging of the doorframe or in the glove compartment. A dealership would also be able to tell you the exact color paint you'll need to repair the car scratch.

Next, buy primer paint labeled for automobile use in a lighter color and body compound that will go on easily in one coat. Then, wash the scuffed area with a laundry detergent to remove any wax or grit that might affect your recover paint. After that, take some fine-grained sandpaper and sand along the scratch, polishing away any rust you find. When sanding the scratched area, you rc helicopter and car market place may find that it is easier to buff out enamel with 1500-grit or 2000-grit sandpaper to avoid sanding marks. Be sure to blow or brush away any dust that accumulates and then use masking tape and newspaper to separate the scrape. Leave half an inch of room around the car scratch to work. As you continue, you'll need to use a plastic putty knife to apply body compound to any deep scratches; a metal one will cause more damage. Make sure to read the instructions on the label and follow them closely. After the body compound hardens, you can sand the spot flat and blow away all the dust again. Then, spray the primer onto the scratch and let it dr aston martin y overnight. In the morning, use the brush from the touchup paint to paint the area, and then let it dry overnight. You may find that a finish polish is less abrasive than a regular compound.

It's time to consult the professionals if the scratch on your car is stretched across a door or the hood, because you'll find a better finished-product by having a body repair shop repaint the entire p dodge anel. If a scratch or scrape is left alone for a long time without repair, the area could start to rust, which is nearly impossible to stop once it has started. And now small scratch, though, should be easy to tackle with the car scratch repair instructions given here. You can also click www.ecvv.com to search for many car reparing tools. Not only for scratch nut many other reparing working tools. Anyway you will find it is so easy to do it by yourself when coming with those car problems by these tips and the tools 1086274749  on  www.ecvv.com Resource: www.ecvv.com  is an innovative and comprehensive business portal in China, dedicated to saving costs for Chinese SMEs to find buyers and export to overseas markets. www.ecvv.com (http://www.ecvv.com) is an innovative and comprehensive business portal in China, dedicated to saving costs for Chinese SMEs to find buyers and export to overseas markets.

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

On Sentimentality and Retiring Old Bikes

When we got the Co-Habitant's Surly Cross-Check frame, it was supposed to be an off-road-capable supplement to his vintage roadbike, not a replacement. But after he built up the Surly and took it on several rides, the old Motobecane was soon put away. We had expected that the modern cross bike with wide tires would be more comfortable, but slower and less agile than the vintage roadbike. Instead, it is more comfortable in addition to being just as agile and also faster - not to mention more stable and entirely lacking in shimmy on descents. 

The Co-Habitant is a wee bit disillusioned in vintage bikes at the moment. All the lugs and "patina" in the world are not worth it to him, if a reasonably priced, good quality new TIG-welded frame fitted with decent components offers a better ride. That is not to say that a mass produced mid-tier Motobecane from 1976 represents all vintage bikes. But sometimes experimenting with vintage until you find a good frame can be more expensive than buying new.

Nonetheless, "Myles" the Motobecane was the first roadbike he'd ridden as an adult, and the one and only roadbike he's been riding for the past two years. It was old and crusty and we made it beautiful. It was rickety and we updated it with nicer components. That bike got him through multiple trips to Maine and Cape Cod just fine, before he knew that "just fine" could feel even better. It seems almost a betrayal to get rid of it so unceremoniously.

We've considered turning the Motobecane into a beater city bike, but that idea was eventually dismissed. Ultimately, he likes wide tires and stable handling for city riding, and a twitchy 1970s French roadbike is just not his idea of a good time in our pothole-ridden neighbourhood. Fair enough.

So, what to do with a retired bike? One option is to sell it as a complete bicycle. The other option is to strip all the good components, keep them for future projects or trades, and sell just the frame. In the past, we've always gone with the former, even though financially it makes less sense. This time we are considering the latter, but ultimately still leaning toward the former out of sheer sentimentality - if Myles is kept intact, at least he would still be "alive." But of course that's ridiculous.

Later in the summer I will face a similar dilemma with my vintage Moser fixed gear conversion. It feels too small. But more importantly, despite having been reassured about the low bottom bracket issue I've now actually experienced pedal strike on this bike and that's enough to convince me that I need a fixed-gear specific road frame. In the case of the Moser, I plan to move its wheelset and some of the other components to the new frame when I get it, and just hang on to the Moser frame as a keepsake. I got in in Austria and the memories associated with it are worth more to me than whatever money I could get for the frame. Maybe some time later I will give it away to a friend as a gift, but I just don't feel that it's sellable.

What do you do with bicycles that you replace or retire? Does sentimental attachment get in the way of reason?

Hollywood Talent Agent Steven Simon Appears At Images Agency St Louis June 11th

PRLog (Press Release)– May 22, 2011– Landis-Simon Productions and Talent Management is the combination of two creative minds working together toward developing clients and creating projects for them chevrolet to star in. Steven Simon and Ju corsa dy Landis have been working together for 17 years. Their professional relationship began and grew while Simon was working for a major talent agency heading their Youth Division and Landis was President of her Talent Management Company. They were the pioneers of Children's Cable Television Programming placing nearly all talent on the newly formed Disney Channel and Nickelodeon networks; Shows include; The Jersey, Cousin Skeeter, Proud Family, Lizzy Maguire, That's So Raven, as well as most of the networks original movies made for dodge Television.

Steven now wanted to take on Producing roles, so Simon left his role as an agent behind and joined forces with Landis to form Landis-Simon Productions and Talent Management where they are actively creating vehicles for their clients to star in.  

Their clients can be currently seen starring in "The Search for Santa Paws",  "Hotel for Dogs", "Dr. Doolittle 1-5", Tyler Perry's  "Meet The Browns", "The Secret Life of an American Teenager", and Battle-Los Angeles (starring Aaron Eckhart).  Guest starring roles include hit shows "Grey's Anatomy", "Private Practice", "Desperate Housewives", "Monk", "House", CSI – Miami, "NCIS", "Hannah Montana",  "True Jackson", "i 1086274749  Carly""Zeke and Luther", "The Office", cadillac "The Middle",  among numerous national and regional commercials.

Images Agency is the premier talent agency for St. Louis area babies, children, teens and adults of all ages. We have helped our clients in the St. Louis area gain access to Hollywood agents while learning how to be a model.

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

An Igleheart and a 'Sex Hub'

At the New England Bicycle Expo a couple of weekends ago, I had the pleasure of meeting legendary New England framebuilder Christopher Igleheart and briefly test riding one of his bicycles - an upright commuter model called the Yoyodyne. One cool thing about this bike - aside from it being an Igleheart - was the 3-speed Sturmey Archer S3X hub - aka "the sex hub." Several people I know have set up their bikes with this hub and their feedback has been intriguing, so I wanted to try for myself. And what better way than on an Igleheart bike?

Located just North of Boston, Mr. Igleheart - like many local builders - traces his professional beginnings to the legacy of Fat City Cycles, where he started as an apprentice welder in the 1980s. By 1994 he had established Igleheart Custom Frames as an independent operation, spcialising in TIG-welded steel. In the chaotic environment of the Bicycle Expo, a sense of calm presided over the crowded Igleheart booth. The man is very comfortable with his work and discusses it in a way that communicates his experience and versatility. Road bikes, mountain bikes, transportation bikes and even randonneuring bikes - he knows them all, executing them in his distinct aesthetic.

Unfortunately, I somewhat dropped the ball on photographing this beautiful bicycle. The high noon light was unflattering from every angle, the background I chose was too busy, and people kept coming up to ask about the bike and distracting me. The results are washed out and entirely unworthy of the Yoyodyne, so I did what I usually do with ruined pictures: upped the contrast and at least tried to make them atmospherically interesting.

The Yoyodyne is designed as a fun and comfortable city bike. This particular one has a green frame and an orange fork, which is an unexpectedly pleasing colour combination. 

Columbus Zona is a comfortable all-around tubing that contributes to a plush ride quality. The welds are very cleanly done. The segmented fork is one of my favourite fork designs and I never tire of its various iterations from different New England framebuilders.

Components cater to urban commuting, combining good quality and budget considerations: single crankset, Soma stem and Oxford swept-back handlebars, cork grips, simple city brake lever, brass bell, and a front rack. [edited to add: I just learned that the price for this complete bicycle is $1900 - good deal!]

Cardiff leather saddle with copper rivets. You can't see this very well here, but the seat post has a special feature that allows the top of it to be easily detached and reattached, without having to re-adjust saddle position.

And of course, the exciting 3-speed fixed gear hub. A testament to just how distracted I was, I even failed to capture the "S3X" label. It's on the other side. 

Sturmey Archer has a new gear shifter for 3 and 5-speed hubs that is versatile in that it can be used both on upright and drop handlebars. I found it a little difficult to budge in comparison to the traditional trigger shifter, but perhaps that can be adjusted. 

It's difficult to properly test ride a bicycle at a crowded Bike Expo, but I made a half dozen laps on it around the large parking lot in the back of the building, as well as cycled up and down the long driveway a few times. With a constant stream of cars coming and going it was like a slower version of actual urban cycling.

The ride quality of the bicycle felt familiar as soon as I began pedaling. Cushy and easy to handle, it was not unlike a vintage Raleigh Sports - only more responsive, 1/3 of the weight, and made of far nicer tubing. I would feel comfortable riding it in city traffic. However, I would need a longer test ride to determine how it handles potholes at speed. 

All of this struck me before I remembered about the bike being fixed gear. What I mean is that usually the fixed-gearness of a bicycle tends to dominate my impression of it, but here this was not the case. It felt more like a comfortable 3-speed, on which it just so happened that I didn't coast. This could be due to the bicycle's handling, or it could be due to the hub.

The ride with the S3X hub felt interesting, but I would say not entirely like a fixed gear bike. When I ride a single speed fixed gear, there is more to the sensation than merely not coasting. I feel like I have a direct connection to the drivetrain, and for me that is part of what makes riding fixed gear bikes enjoyable. This aspect is gone with the S3X: It basically feels like a nice 3-speed hub that does not allow you to coast. Shifting is easy and the gear spacing is just about perfect, but no matter what gear it is in, the feeling is not quite the same as single speed fixed gear.

One thing you have to watch out for with the S3X is that if not adjusted properly, the hub can "space out" and go into coasting mode for a millisecond's time at the end of each pedal revolution. Several people I know who've installed the S3X hub report this, and I experienced it as well - which makes me think that the adjustment has to be extremely precise in order for it not to happen. 

While I like 3-speed hubs and I like fixed gear, I am not sure that the combination is for me, as it introduces a degree of complexity into both categories. But I still think it's a neat idea, and I am glad I tried it. In future, I hope to have the opportunity to learn more about Igleheart bicycles and to take one on a longer test ride. Many thanks to Mr. Igleheart for allowing me to ride the Yoyodyne!