tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11581271342111836772024-03-14T04:44:54.452-05:00PALM Bike Tour 2013PALM (Pedal Across Lower Michigan) is a six day bike ride across lower Michigan for the novice and intermediate rider. We use paved back roads, ride about 50 miles a day, camp at schools, and have trucks carry the luggage. We have 700 riders of all ages, literally from 1 to 90.PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-29522446332016081422013-02-13T18:27:00.000-05:002013-02-13T18:27:15.462-05:00Sites for PALM 2013<br />
Saturday, June 22, Norton Shores:<br />
Mona Shores Middle School, 1700 Woodside Road, Norton Shores, MI 49441<br />
<br />
Sunday, June 23, Grandville:<br />
Grandville Middle School, 3535 Wilson Avenue, Granville, MI 49418<br />
<br />
Monday, June 24, Lake Odessa:<br />
Lake Wood High School, 7223 Velte Road, Lake Odessa, MI 48849<br />
<br />
Tuesday, June 25, Dansville:<br />
Dansville High School, 1264 Adams Street, Dansville, MI 48819<br />
<br />
Wednesday, June 26, Manchester:<br />
Manchester High School, 20500 Dutch Drive, Manchester, MI 48158<br />
<br />
Thursday, June 27, Petersburg<br />
Summerfield High School, 17555 Ida West Road, Petersburg, MI 49270<br />
<br />
Friday, June 28, Luna Pier:<br />
Mason Middle School, 2400 Mason Eagles Drive, Erie, MI 48133.<br />
<br />
PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-22371933564592508392013-01-06T18:30:00.000-05:002013-01-06T18:30:19.359-05:00Registering Groups For PALMIn the past 5 years PALM has filled quickly: in 2008 PALM filled in 10 days. It filled in 9 days in 2009, 7 days in 2010, 4 days in 2011, and 2 days in 2012. If you want to register a group of riders, you can still do it but it takes some strategy. First include the applications for everyone in your group in the same envelope. We use postmarks to determine the ride cutoff (and round up. Everybody who has the same postmark as the 700th rider is on the ride.) If everybody is in the same envelope, they all have the same postmark so everybody in the group is on PALM or nobody in the group is on PALM. <br />
<br />
But what if some members of the group live far away? If PALM fills in 2 days like it did last year, how can the applications for these remote members be included in the same envelope in time?<br />
<br />
Solution: include an application for the remote members (it will be missing signatures) and include it in the envelope with the rest of the (signed) applications. Include a note saying that their completed signed application will be sent separately (and include their registration fee). Have the remote members download and mail in their completed, signed applications with a note saying that their unsigned application has already been submitted and who submitted it. We'll join them together at PALM headquarters.<br />
<br />
Remember to get the earliest possible postmark, go to a post office and have the postal clerk postmark or round date the envelope with all the applications in it and mail it 1st class. You do not have to priority mail the envelope. We go by postmark, not delivery date. It could take days to actually get to us, but you'll be on the ride if the postmark is right. But do this as quickly as you can: say Monday January 14.PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-44047405950323049432013-01-04T08:07:00.001-05:002013-01-04T08:07:28.354-05:002013 PALM ApplicationsOnce again the only way to get a PALM application for 2013 will be to download it from the PALM website. Opps, I mean websites: the application will be on both the old website <a href="http://www.lmb.org/palm">www.lmb.org/palm</a> and the new website <a href="http://www.palmbiketour.org/">www.palmbiketour.org</a>. The application will be posted on both sites on Sunday January 13 by 12:00 noon.<br />
<br />
We are doing this so that everybody will have access to the PALM application at the same time no matter where they live. Mailing them first class didn't come close to achieving this.<br />
<br />
Last year, PALM filled in two days. The year before PALM filled in four days. We use the postmark on the envelope, not the day we receive the application, to determine the cutoff. You don't have to spend the money to mail your application by priority mail: 1st class mail will work just as well no matter how many days it takes us to actually receive it. We are posting the application on Sunday to give you a whole day to download and fill out your applications before the post offices open.<br />
<br />
The best way to get the earliest postmark possible is to go to an actual post office and ask the clerk there to postmark or round date the envelope as you mail it first class.<br />
<br />
Best of luck to everyone who wants to be on PALM this year. Be sure to let everyone you know that is interested in PALM that the application will be on the PALM websites on Sunday January 13 by 12:00 noon too. PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-2843633671296070242012-05-05T19:09:00.000-05:002012-05-05T19:09:47.327-05:00May 15 Deadline for Registration ChangesPlease remember that if you want to cancel, or add meals and/or bus rides, we need to receive your requests by May 15. if you need to cancel, please send us a signed request by regular mail, including a stamped self-addressed envelope so that we can send you your refund. The easiest way to order meals and/or bus rides is to print out a copy of the first page of the application. There is a link on the left side of our home page. Then just fill in your name, indicate the meals or bus rides you want, and send the order and your check to PALM, PO Box 7161, Ann Arbor MI 48107. Please include another stamped self-addressed envelope so that we can send you a new, corrected confirmation. We need to receive your request by May 15. Thanks.Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056712012458429372noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-74911284623070469822012-04-29T17:19:00.000-05:002012-04-30T11:31:01.324-05:00What to Bring on PALMFirst, please pack in duffels; they pack well on the luggage trucks. Be sure that each duffel weighs less than 50 pounds. It is advisable to put all gear and clothing in plastic bags. We try to keep the luggage dry when we unload on rainy days, but we can't make any guarantees. Some riders put each day's outfit in a separate ziplock bag. Be sure to put your sleeping bag in a waterproof bag or stuff sack.<br />
<br />
What to bring:<br />
<br />
Helmet. A rearview mirror is advisable, either helmet or handlebar mounted.<br />
A small pump for carrying on the bike (the repair shops have regular pumps)<br />
Extra tube and tire levers. Good to also have other simple tools, like a bike multitool or the correct sized hex wrenches for your bike. <br />
Some way to carry stuff (jacket, snack, tools) while biking -- either a handlebar bag or a back rack and straps. Much better than wearing a backpack while cycling.<br />
One (preferably two) water bottles for the bike<br />
Lock (and cable) for securing bike<br />
Sleeping bag and some sort of sleeping pad<br />
Small pillow, if desired<br />
Tent, rainfly (usually comes with the tent) and stakes. Ground cloth under tent is good. Small mallet for pounding stakes into hard ground is helpful.<br />
<br />
Toiletries and medicines<br />
Sun block, lip balm<br />
mosquito repellent<br />
Towel, washcloth (some participants use the quick dry camping towels)<br />
Shower Thongs<br />
Flashlight, batteries<br />
Earplugs, if a light sleeper<br />
swimsuit<br />
clothes line and pins<br />
Small packages kleenex<br />
t-shirts and/or biking jerseys (one for each day or plan to wash out at night)<br />
Cycling shorts (make for a much more enjoyable week -- at least two pair so that you can wash one at night)<br />
Cycling tights if prediction is for cool weather<br />
Regular shorts for warm evenings.<br />
long sleeved shirt and long pants/sweats if days or nights will be cool<br />
Rain gear -- at least a rain jacket for cycling.<br />
Underwear<br />
Socks<br />
Cycling gloves (with padding)<br />
Camera, if desired<br />
Cell phone and charger, if desired (some schools no longer have pay phones)<br />
<br />Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056712012458429372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-67522465892906827342012-03-24T19:33:00.002-05:002012-03-24T19:41:47.985-05:00Preparing for PALMFor those of you who have never participated in a multi-day ride, you may be asking yourself: How do I get physically ready?<br /><br />PALM is geared toward families and beginners and the daily mileages reflect that. However, how easy the ride will be for you, and especially how much you enjoy yourself, is directly proportional to how well you prepare.<br /><br />The first thing you should do is to be sure your bike is in good working order. If you don’t work on your own bike, take it to the local bike shop. While there, ask them to see if the bike is properly setup for you. Have them look at the seat position, as well as the handlebar position to be sure everything is set up properly for you when you sit on the bike. Remember that these are starting points and as you ride you may want to make additional adjustments. Ask the shop what adjustments affect what so you might be able to do them yourself.<br /><br />Now that your bike is ready for you, you need to get ready for your bike. There is no magic involved here. It basically comes down to spending as much time in the saddle as possible. I hope you've already had a start riding in this great spring weather we've been having. Try to ride at least 3 times a week. How far for each ride is up to you, but in the beginning, try for at least 10 miles. After 2 weeks, add 5 to 10 miles to each ride. Again, after a few weeks add another 5 to 10 miles per ride. Continue this gradual building up until you get to at least one 50-mile ride each week right up to PALM.<br /><br />The “secret” is to not only build up your muscles and aerobic capacity, but to become comfortable in the riding position and especially the saddle. Everyone, even the pro’s, gets a sore posterior. Remember, PALM is not a race. Take a “butt break” every 15 minutes or so while riding. Stand on the pedals and stretch. Get off the bike for a few minutes every 10 to 20 miles. Take in the sights along the way. Stop for lunch or to do some shopping.<br /><br />Post back if you have any questions.Bike Ed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774135003508118600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-91048471910529551522012-03-20T21:37:00.003-05:002012-06-19T20:47:56.015-05:002012 PALM sitesHere are the sites where we will be staying each night on PALM. Please realize that all plans are subject to change. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Saturday, June 23. Upton Middle School, 800 Maiden Lane, S. Joseph, MI 49085</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sunday, June 24: Paw Paw Middle School, 313 West Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw, MI 49079</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Monday, June 25: Harper Creek High School, 12677 Beadle Lake Rd, Battle Creek 49014</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tuesday, June 26: Leslie High School, 4141 Hull Road, Leslie 49251</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wednesday, June 27: Perry High School, 2555 W. Britton Rd, Perry 48822</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thursday, June 28: Brandon High School, 1025 S Ortonville Rd, Ortonville 48462</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Friday, June 29 (ending site): Anchor Bay Middle School North, 52805 Ashley St., New Baltimore 48047</div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056712012458429372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-16618199898402834742012-03-03T23:13:00.000-05:002012-03-03T23:14:14.373-05:00Alternatives to PALM<div>As many of you know, PALM again filled very quickly this year, and we have turned away a large number of potential riders. I think that PALM is a fairly unique ride in that we keep most of our daily distances to a maximum of about 50 miles, and we try to have a ride that appeals to a wide variety of ages and abilities. However, there are other rides in Michigan and our surrounding states that you might decide to try as an alternative to PALM. Perhaps some of our registered riders will also enjoy trying a second ride this season. I will list some of them in this entry and also on our website blog. You can get details on the events by checking out the web sites. As far as I can determine, none of these rides are filled yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure. www.goba.com. June 16-23, a 7 day loop ride. From what I have been told, this ride attracts the same variety of participants as PALM does. Like PALM, each year GOBA follows a different route, and this year's ride is rolling with some more significant hills and takes place in the area south of Columbus. The 7 days include 5 riding days of 45-54 miles each, with 2 layover days that include optional loop rides or alternate activities. The ride limit is 3000, and the fee does not include meals. GOBA has an excellent web site, with lots of details about the ride and an excellent rider handbook.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rides sponsored by the League of Michigan Bicyclists. www.lmb.org. The League sponsors several rides, including the Pedal and Paddle on June 2-3, the Sunrise Adventure June 15-17, MUP July 14 - 21 (60+ miles each day), and Shoreline West Aug 4-11 (longer days and lots of hills). </div><div><br /></div><div>If you want even more options, you can go to www.bicycletournetwork.com, the web site for the National Bike Tour Directors Association, and search for rides all over the country.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another option for trips that involve several days of cycling and are based at a hotel or conference center are available from the Road Scholar organization (formerly called Elderhostel). These programs are for mature adults, and most participants in the bicycling programs range in age from 45-70. So these are not options for families. I have participated in each of the programs listed below, and I enthusiastically recommend all of them. Check out the details and dates at www.roadscholar.org. You can also email me at www.palmbiketour@yahoo.com if you want to know more about these programs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Program #13922. Bicycling Through Amish Country. Rides of 20-40 miles each day on the flat, quiet country roads in northern Indiana.</div><div><br /></div><div>Program #9947. Bicycling on the Great Allegheny Passage. Bike a 30-40 mile section of this beautiful rails-to-trail route south of Pittsburg each day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Programs #18629 and #13306. Biking the C & O Canal Towpath. Bicycle sections of this bike path that stretches from Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD.</div><div><br /></div><div>We sincerely hope that all of you find a biking adventure that you can enjoy in 2012.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ellie, PALM Mail Granny</div><div><br /></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056712012458429372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-24309988185090712032012-02-17T10:29:00.003-05:002012-02-17T10:35:51.151-05:00Education SuggestionsLast year I provided links to various videos about cycling safety and how-to's on bike maintenance. I recieved little feedback as to how much this helped people prepare for PALM.<br /><br />So, this year I am looking for specific suggestions. What would you like to see? Let me know and I'll do my best to either publish a link or provide the information myself.Bike Ed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774135003508118600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-67275468985884156362012-02-05T14:50:00.001-05:002012-02-05T14:51:25.676-05:00PALM FillsWe posted the PALM 2012 application for download on Jan 12. It was supposed to be at noon but I put it out there earlier so that the server wouldn't be bombarded. I picked Jan 12 so that people would have two days to mail in their applications before the MLK holiday. We would be able to tell by the Saturday mail whether people knew that the application had to be downloaded from the website or whether we had to call/email people over the weekend to tell them about it. We needn't have worried. We received the applications for 629 riders and 53 staff postmarked Jan 12. We received the applications for 137 riders postmarked on Jan 13. We decided to accept all the riders postmarked Jan 13. That gives us 766 riders, well over our 700 rider cutoff. PALM filled in two days. Amazing.<br />
<br />
Using the email address on the applications, Ellie sent out emails for every application that was accepted. She returned the checks with our regrets to everyone whose application had a postmark after Jan 13. Everyone who mailed in an application should know by now whether they are on PALM or not. It's nice to fill quickly but we really don't like telling people that they can't be on PALM. We all live for PALM and can imagine what we would feel like if we couldn't do it. But we are limited: we stay at schools and they can only handle so many people comfortably. There is just so much you can ask an all volunteer staff to do. Still we hate to say no. We don't keep a waiting list. Instead we accept more riders than our limit to cover any cancellations that may occur. <br />
<br />
So looking at the numbers, I am 833 behind : 766 riders and 67 staff/SAGs. So much for New Years resolutions. There are basically three of us doing registration. Vickie checks the applications (Were the waivers signed? Were sizes picked for the tshirts? Is there an emergency contact? Is the check amount correct?) and does the paper work for the accountant while Judy and I key in the applications, create and send out the confirmation letters. (The meal, bus, and tshirt counts and the meal and bus lists come from this.) <br />
<br />
Vickie has the tougher job. Any mistake means she has to contact the rider by email or phone to straighten it out. Any mistake with a check means she has to mail the check back and get a new one. This takes time. It also means that your check won't be cashed for a while. Vickie processes the applications in the order received and doesn't cash the checks until the application has been verified. There are roughly 500 applications. It's a good thing Ellie sent out emails telling people that they are on the ride because it may take weeks before they receive a confirmation letter or even have their check cashed.PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-70744830444358254872012-01-12T06:08:00.000-05:002012-01-12T06:08:30.531-05:00Download PALM Application NowYou can download the 2012 PALM application by clicking <a href="http://www.lmb.org/palm/files/NewPalmApp2012.pdf" target="_blank">this link</a>. If this link is busy then click <a href="http://www.palmbiketour.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/NewPALMApp2012.pdf" target="_blank">this link</a>.PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-69223961277267628162012-01-04T11:58:00.000-05:002012-01-04T11:58:18.355-05:00Winter Day I did make it to the First Dozen in Dearborn on Jan 1. It was very windy: I was almost blown over by a gust while waiting at a red light. Fortunately the wind was against us on the way out and with us on the way back. There is nothing worse than riding, thinking you are in good shape, only to find when you turn around that you had a strong wind at your back and now have a long way back. It happens to me every year. The temperature was in the 40s so there was no chance of the predicted snow. There was a brief shower at the start but none during the ride. That would have been brutal.<br />
<br />
I checked the Weather website. The average high in January is 33 and the average low is 18. Up until now we may think it's cold but it's not. We've been 10-15 degrees above normal. Until now that is. Tuesday was a real winter day: it started out at 17 degrees and didn't make it out of the low 20's with a 10-15 mph wind from the northwest. I run in the morning. Running the first time that it is below 20 is hard for me. At the end of the winter when I've done it for 2 months I don't even think about it. But that first time... <br />
<br />
We still haven't had a real snow. I can still see the grass so I know that winter hasn't actually started yet. And yet next week you will be able to download the 2012 PALM application starting at noon on Jan 12. It doesn't seem possible. Generally we are in the depths of winter when the PALM applications go out. So don't forget and tell all your friends: Jan 12 starting at noon download the 2012 PALM application, winter or no winter.PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-12438641813107174032011-12-31T14:20:00.001-05:002011-12-31T14:27:24.196-05:00Registering Groups on PALM I suggested in a previous post that if you intend to ride with a group, you should have everybody in the group on the same application (ie in the same envelope when mailed). That way you won't have some of your group not making it on PALM because they mailed their application in too late. If everyone is on the same application (envelope) either everyone in the group is on PALM or none of the group is on PALM. (And if the group decides to cancel, it will only cost $20 for the whole group, not $15 apiece.) But what if members of your group are in different states? (We have one family with members in Nebraska and members in Arkansas.) How is everyone going to sign the waiver?<br />
<br />
To get around this, I put the waiver on the website at <a href="http://www.lmb.org/palm/files/PALMLiabilityWaiver.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.lmb.org/palm/files/PALMLiabilityWaiver.pdf</a>. Pick the person who will mail in the application. Have everyone who is remote download the waiver now, fill it out, and mail it to this person before Jan 12. Then this person can download the application at noon on Jan 12, fill out the application for everyone, sign the waiver him/herself, and include the waivers for everyone else who is remote. Don't forget the business sized stamped self addressed envelope.<br />
<br />
One thing you will notice is that the waiver is 1.3Mg in size and takes a while to download. You may worry about how long it's going to take to download the whole application. Don't worry: the application is about 1/10 the size. I don't know why the waiver alone is so large.<br />
<br />
I mentioned I like to bike at least once every month even during the winter. I hadn't ridden yet this December and it wasn't looking like I would be able to do it. But while I was running yesterday I noticed that there wasn't any wind, that it was partly cloudy, and seemed mild. It was supposed to rain, but it looked like it would hold off for a while. So when I got back, I put on all my cold weather gear, pumped up the tires on my mountain bike (that took a while), and got out. It was about 38 degrees but it didn't seem that bad. My toes got cold at the end, it started to sprinkle the last few blocks, and my throat got a little sore but I was able to get a 12 mile bike ride in. I was happy. And tomorrow I plan to do the First Dozen bike ride in Dearborn so I will be able to check January off the list. Now if I can get down to Florida sometime in February...PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-65792825253387626912011-12-26T07:13:00.000-05:002011-12-26T07:13:26.790-05:00PALM Postcard By now everyone should have received a postcard from PALM announcing that PALM will not be mailing out applications this year. Instead you will be able to download the application from <a href="http://www.lmb.org/palm">http://www.lmb.org/palm</a> starting at noon January 12. Once again, we are doing this so that everyone will be able to get the PALM application at the same time and have an equal chance to get on PALM. We know that not everybody has internet access. We mailed out the postcard early so that riders that don't have internet access have time to make arrangements with friends or locate a public library with internet access. January 12 is a Thursday so libraries and post offices should be open. If you have friends on PALM, check to see if they received this postcard and realize that they will have to download the application from the PALM website.<br />
<br />
Remember you only have to pay the registration fee right away (same as last year: $110 for participants 18 and above, $65 for participants 11 to 17, $55 for participants 10 and below.) You can add meals and bus rides any time before May 15. Please enclose the completed application page, the signed release page, and a business sized stamped self addressed envelope with your check or money order when you mail in your application. If you are riding with a group, try to get the whole group on the same application (ie in the same envelope). That way either everyone will be on the ride or everyone will not be on the ride. We would like everybody to be on PALM, but the size of the schools that we stay at forces a limit of 700 riders. Best of luck to all.<br />
<br />
No white Christmas but winter is here for sure. I don't think I'm going to be able to get in a December bike ride. My vegetable garden has been put to bed. (I pulled the last carrots, beets, and parsnips at the beginning of December). I leave the flowers in the front of the house alone so that the birds can eat the thistles from the cone flowers and blacked eyed Susans. I got to see some finches in September/October but last week I got to see a pair of downy woodpeckers: all black and white and red. Pretty exciting for Detroit.PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-71219756399417080762011-12-16T09:23:00.002-05:002011-12-16T09:45:10.081-05:00PALM 2012 UpdateAs I said in a prior post, we will not be mailing out the 2012 PALM application as we have done in the past. The only way to get the application will be to download it from the PALM website: <a href="http://www.lmb.org/palm">http://www.lmb.org/palm</a>. The 2012 PALM application will be available for download starting at Jan 12 noon (EST). This will give you 48 hours to download and mail your application before the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. Remember to send both the filled application and the signed release page with your check or money order and a business sized stamped self addressed envelope to PALM; PO Box 7161; Ann Arbor, MI 48107. If you mail your application from a post office, you can have them postmark it right then. This may help you get on the ride (if we get don't 1000 applications all postmarked Jan 12).<br />
<br />
There's been a change to the route. We couldn't get Oxford as a site. Instead the Thursday site will be Ortonville. This will mean that the last day's ride will be 45 miles. Usually we keep the mileage for the last day down to 30 - 35 miles to be sure everybody is there in time for the PALM parade, PALM provided lunch, and the return buses. We may have to rethink the parade and have the buses leave later. We'll see.<br />
<br />
Yesterday it was in the 50's. I try to ride every month and yesterday seemed my one chance for December. Too bad about the rain. Although the weather kept getting cooler thru November and there was some frost, my fall vegetables didn't seem to be in danger. I didn't pull my carrots and parsnips until the last week in November. (I got a pretty good crop of carrots: good size and no forks. But did I get the ugly parsnips! More like misshapen heads than roots.) And I didn't pull my beets until the beginning of December. Now with my garden put to bed I have nothing left but winter. At least the grass is still green.PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-59547219534367669852011-11-25T09:30:00.001-05:002011-11-25T09:38:13.645-05:00Something Different For 2012PALM has 700 rider limit. When I first joined staff in 1998, Drew was doing the registration. He would always make a motion to extend the May 1 cutoff date for signing up for PALM. Then 6 years ago we hit 700 riders in April and had to close the ride early. We didn't know what to do. We ended up well over 700 because we were caught off guard. Since then, we've been filling earlier and earlier. Now it's to the point that the ride fills before some of our out of state riders have gotten their applications. I tried to rectify that by mailing out of state applications and out state applications earlier. But even though we mail out applications 1st class, the mail is not delivered predictably. Our ride chair, who lives 45 miles from where the applications were mailed, received his 4 days after it was mailed and last year the ride closed in 4 days.<br />
<br />
We want everyone to have an equal chance of getting on PALM.It is obvious that mailing out applications is not going to do it. So we are going to try something different. We are going to announce a date and post the application on our (new) website for download on that date. Everyone will have a chance of getting the application at the same time as everyone else. This only works if everyone knows we are going to do this and the date on which we are going to do it. To this end we are going to mail out postcards to everyone on our mailing list announcing the date that they will be able to download the application.<br />
<br />
As you can see we have our work cut out for us. We will be getting the word out in all kind of ways, this blog being one of them. Please, if you know anyone who is interested on PALM, let them know of this change. The only way to get the PALM 2012 application will be to download it from our website. We will announce the date when it will be available on Facebook, this blog, our our website. Everyone on the PALM mailing list will receive a postcard with the details. Keep your eye out for an oversized postcard with the PALM logo.PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-50274195280097604002011-06-11T20:09:00.002-05:002011-06-11T20:18:35.582-05:00Last Chance Before PALMOk, it's only a week before PALM check-in. Are you ready? You still have time to get a few rides in before PALM. As I've often said, it's more about saddle time that fitness when it comes to multi-day rides.<br /><br />Is your bike ready? You still can get your bike into the shop or service it yourself prior to leaving for PALM. Don't wait for PALM and have to wait in line at the PALM bike shops for service. Make sure you have a proper tube, tire levers, pump, and multi tool in your seat pack so you can take care of minor issues on the road.<br /><br />See you next Saturday at the PALM check-in.Bike Ed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774135003508118600noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-27584044836850249662011-05-15T20:33:00.004-05:002011-05-15T20:40:32.390-05:00MirrorsIn the past, one of the controversies in cycling was the use of mirrors.<br /><br />The cons stated that mirrors had a small field of view, could not replace scanning with you head and eyes, and give a false sense of security.<br /><br />The pros said that mirrors were an addition to scanning and one mounted on one’s helmet or glasses actually could enhance your field of view by turning the head a bit to look behind.<br /><br />Personally, I have a difficult time riding on the road without a mirror. With one mounted on my helmet, I have over an 180 degree field of view behind me by turning my head while looking in the mirror. It can even help me keep track of my riding partner when on my single or my stoker when on the tandem.<br /><br />I highly recommend a mirror when riding. Would you drive a car without rear and side-view mirrors?<br /><br />Here is a link to a mirror that I use on one of my helmets:<br /><br />http://www.cycleaware.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1<br /><br />Enter code RFLX11 before the end of May and receive a free parts kit.<br /><br />Whether you use a mirror on your helmet, glasses, or handle bars, it greatly enhances you rearward vision.Bike Ed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774135003508118600noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-28478662497548696872011-05-12T07:58:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:48:53.272-05:00Time to Begin to PrepareWell, the weather seems to have finally turned, so it’s time to get out on your bike. It’s not that PALM is difficult, but being physically prepared (especially your posterior) makes for a more enjoyable ride. At this point you should be riding 15 to 20 miles 2 to 3 times a week. As PALM approaches, throw in a 40 to 50 miler once a week while still doing multiple shorter rides.<br /><br />And don’t forget your bike. Have you really checked it over? How are the tires (worn, dry rotted, cuts)? Are the brake pads in need of replacing? Are the wheels straight? Does it shift well? What's in your seat bag? If any of these (and more) come to mind, and you don’t do your own maintenance, please take the bike to your local shop. Having a properly prepared bike, just like your body, make for a much better experience.<br /><br />If you have any questions about your bike or preparing for PALM, please let me know by posing a comment or sending an email to: sproketsandspokes@tir.comBike Ed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774135003508118600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-29099000215166387922011-05-09T19:56:00.001-05:002011-05-09T20:00:25.802-05:00May 15 DeadlineApril was not only the cruelest month, it was the wetest. I read on our Facebook page that it rained 20 out of the 30 days in April. A lot of that was 40 degree rain. It was cool, well, cold most of the month. I left the straw on my garden bed until the last week of April. The ground was too cold to germinate seeds anyway. I got cold crops from the Garden Resource Program on April 16 but couldn't even harden them off because it was too cold outside.<br />
<br />
But time marches on. The May 15 deadline for adding/changing meals and buses is this week. If you sent in your registration and planned to order meals and buses later, it's later now. <a href="http://www.lmb.org/palm/files/PALMApp2011.pdf">Download</a> an application and make your choices. Mail it in with a check and a stamped self addressed envelope (for your new confirmation) to the PALM address: PO Box 7161; Ann Arbor, MI 48107. May 15 is also the last day that you can cancel from PALM and get a refund (minus a cancellation fee). It must be done in writing, no emails will be accepted. There will be no refunds or changes after May 15.<br />
<br />
Thank goodness it's May. I was only able to ride once in April. The last two weekends I've been able to ride at last. Only 20 miles or so but at least it's a start. And the last time I rode I could sit on the bike seat. PALM is closer to becoming a reality.PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-68492912663124955352011-04-20T05:13:00.000-05:002011-04-20T05:13:12.340-05:00May 15 Deadline for Meals and BusesIf you are like me you are wondering when spring will come. Baseball season has been going on for over 2 weeks now and we are still getting sleet and snow (2-3 inches on Monday). I've been able to ride my bike exactly once, the one Sunday it was warm. 10 miles into the wind, 10 miles back and I was done for the rest of the day. I have a lot of work to do before I'm ready for PALM.<br />
<br />
Speaking of PALM, May 15 is the deadline for making changes to your application. (Except fo jerseys. If you wanted a jersey, you had to get your order in by April 1 so that Voler could manufacture them.) So if you sent in your application quickly so that you could reserve your spot on PALM and meant to add meals/busses later, now is the time. The way to do this is to <a href="http://www.lmb.org/palm/files/PALMApp2011.pdf">download an application</a> from the website, fill in your name and address, the meals, buses, extra t shirts you want and mail it in to the PALM address with your check and a stamped self addressed envelope. (The stamped self addressed envelope is so that I can send you a new confirmation letter.) The meal totals we have now are about 20 below the meals totals from last year when we had 100 fewer people on the ride so I know that there are people out there who haven't ordered their meals yet. Do it now.<br />
<br />
May 15 is also the last day that you can cancel from PALM and get a refund (minus a cancellation fee of $15 for an individual, $20 for a whole application). Cancellations must be done in writing, no emails are accepted. And please include a stamped self addressed envelope so that we can mail the check back to you. There will be no refunds after May 15 for any reason.PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-37373512475055617822011-04-13T19:19:00.003-05:002011-04-16T05:53:05.002-05:00Meet Your BikeHere is a nice video that does a good job of showing all the various parts of a bike: <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l-ZAbZ1Rzs&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l-ZAbZ1Rzs&feature=related</a> <br />
<br />
This may help clarify what us bike geeks are talking about around the dinner table each evening on PALM.Bike Ed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774135003508118600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-32212289578420448462011-03-22T20:16:00.003-05:002011-03-22T20:26:27.137-05:00How to fit your bike VideoThis month's video's are all about fit. Every year I see a lot of riders whose bikes do not fit properly or wear their helmets improperly.<br /><br />This first explains how to adjust your bike to fit your body:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fsr7yYShD8&feature=player_embedded">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fsr7yYShD8&feature=player_embedded</a><br /><br />This next is how to fit you helmet:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yzSwxWIJTk&feature=player_embedded">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yzSwxWIJTk&feature=player_embedded</a><br /><br />Remember that helmets are required on PALM whenever you are riding your bike, even in the school parking lot.<br /><br />Again, let me know if you have any questions or if there are any topics you would like covered.Bike Ed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774135003508118600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-559483724327485432011-03-08T06:22:00.001-05:002011-03-08T06:27:14.245-05:00Back From FloridaWhen we got back from Florida, the temperature went up to the 50's for 2 days and all of the snow that accumulated for two months melted. It was amazing. It was like we brought Florida back with us, except the green grass was replaced by brown and it was covered with two months of debris. The day we left for Florida, I got a bunch of PALM apps that I wasn't able to process. When I got back, I got another bunch of PALM apps to process. Welcome back. <br />
<br />
I processed the first batch and when I checked I caught a lot of mistakes that I then had to correct. The second batch I processed had 10 applications without a stamped self addressed envelope for the confirmation letters which I then had to supply. It took from Wednesday when I got back to Saturday to process all the applications and mail out the confirmations. Then Sunday we were hit by 10 inches of snow, more what than the "storm of the century" gave us. Later in the week we got another 4 inches or so. All the snow that had melted was back.<br />
<br />
Because I was in Florida I missed the February potluck that kicks off the Garden Resource Program. There is nothing better than getting together with a bunch of enthusiatic gardeners in February when there is no hope of spring. The best I could do was help out in the seed packing. There are 1700 people who get seeds from the Garden Resource Program. The seeds are brought in bulk and then split into individual seed packets by volunteers. There are seed packing parties all over the city. Our group packed Kentucky Wonder pole beans into 1400 envelopes. It took over 2 hours and we were all sick of beans by the end. Then it was off to Calendula seeds. One of our group was a middle aged woman who had done the Michigander several times. I got to talk up PALM. We weren't any closer to spring but we were surrounded by seeds and bike riding anyway.PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1158127134211183677.post-21836598201992217752011-03-04T19:45:00.001-05:002011-03-04T19:51:37.790-05:00Florida WeekendEvery year in February I try to spend a long weeknd in Florida. By February it's been winter for 2 months and you can't remember going out without mittens, a down jacket, and a goofy hat that covers your ears. This winter has been especially brutal for me. It got cold and snowed in the first week of December and the snow never went away, only accumulated. I run in the morning and there were a lot of mornings in the low teens. You have to wear so many clothes. The day that we left for Florida it was 6 degrees when I ran. <br />
<br />
The first challenge to going to Florida in February is packing. Every year I have to persuade myself to take a short sleeve shirt and suntan lotion. They seem so exotic in February. Another problem is that what you wear to the airport you are stuck with the whole time in Florida. You don't want to take a down jacket especially if you are paying for luggage. I dress in layers. Of course all those layers have to come off for airport security. (If you are only going for a weekend, you can't drive.) But it's all worth it if you stand outside without wearing a coat and see sunshine and green somewhere.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TrEdRnSy4lE/TW7d4fuKyzI/AAAAAAAAAGY/l6lTFwkUeF4/s1600/2011BreastCancerMarathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TrEdRnSy4lE/TW7d4fuKyzI/AAAAAAAAAGY/l6lTFwkUeF4/s320/2011BreastCancerMarathon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This year I went Feb 11-15 to Jacksonville, Florida for the Breast Cancer Marathon. I ran it with my brother and my sister who is a survivor. We finished it the same day we started: a victory. Note we are casting shadows. (Remember the sun? Another casualty of winter in Michigan.) And in the background. Is that green? And my brother is wearing shorts and a t shirt. (Remember it was 6 degrees when I left.)<br />
<div style="clear: right;"><br />
The next day we went on a short bike tour of San Marco in short sleeve shirts. It was in the 70's. So I got a February ride in. (I have to mention bikes somewhere. This is a blog about PALM after all.)<br />
<br />
</div><div style="clear: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Iebm5naWFyM/TXGFR0_R7zI/AAAAAAAAAGc/p0pTJzKeCTw/s1600/DSC01656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Iebm5naWFyM/TXGFR0_R7zI/AAAAAAAAAGc/p0pTJzKeCTw/s320/DSC01656.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>One of the best things about staying in Jacksonville Beach was that I got to run on the beach at dawn. The sun comes right out of the sea. You see all of the colors of the sunrise reflected in the water. And since it is winter you don't have to get up all that early to do it. I know, I know, I should be processing those PALM applications. I'll get back to them soon, I promise. Winter will win out.<br />
<div style="clear: right;"></div>PalmWebGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972600475829969221noreply@blogger.com0