Bike Books!

I'll preface this post by saying that although I work in a bookstore,  putting a list up was someone else's idea. I'm not much of a holiday gift giving guy, but since I know a thing or two about books, I thought I'd share.

There's been a bevy of bicycling books that have come out in the last year.  The list below includes new and newish (less than a year old) books and one MUST have book.  Most are on my staff recommend shelf at the bookstore.

I'll start with the MUST have:

The Art of Cycling: A Guide to Bicycling in 21st-Century America

This is the second edition of this book, although it's not that new (2006).  The original title was "The Art of Urban Cycling" which was  a little more accurate.  Think of it as a 21st century version of Effective Cycling without all the ridiculous politics and overblown opinions.  It's not vehicular cycling - it's better.

Cyclepedia: A Century of Iconic Bicycle Design

I'd like to call this a "coffee table" book, but it's a little small for that.  Still, the photos of the bikes are stunning. The photos are of bicycles over the last 100 years, with descriptions and history.  Although the basic form of the bicycle hasn't really changed that much over the last century it's interesting to see the innovations that have come and gone.

Edit:  I wanted to add that the bicycles in this book are from the collection of one person, Michael Embacher.  The 100 bicycles are in no way really representative of the history of bicycling (only in as much as they are part of it), but more it seems of what Mr. Embacher chose to collect.  Out of the books this season, I'd say this is my favorite.

Cyclopedia: It's All About the Bike

I'm constantly getting the titles of this book and the one listed directly above it confused - I'm not sure why.  Nonetheless, this is a lovely little hardback with an A to Z vocabulary listing of words pertaining to all things cycling.  It's nothing you'd sit down and read from cover to cover, but rather pick up and read a few pages here and there.  A great bathroom reader for the cyclist in the family.

The Urban Biking Handbook: The DIY Guide to Building, Rebuilding, Tinkering with, and Repairing Your Bicycle for City Living

Most of the information in this book is pretty basic.  It's mostly for somebody who has just starting riding or wants to start riding and wants a book about maintenance and repair but nothing crazy technical.  It's definitely a lot more readable than your typical maintenance guide.  It also has some great stuff about commuting and riding in the city.

Cyclebabble: Bloggers on Biking

I'm a total bicycle blog slut.  Seriously, I must read over a hundred bicycle blogs a day.  So why buy a book that's just a collection of bicycle blogs?  Because they are British,  that's why.  All kidding aside, I had not read any of these posts from the Guardian.  Funny, poignant, and nicely worded just what you'd expect from the Guardian.  It's a cute little paperback that would be a good stocking stuffer.

Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way)

This is a great history book for kids.  It's geared towards middle school ages (Grades 6-9).  It's about how bicycles helped further the women's movement.  Has a few short bios of important women and great photos throughout.  Although it's for kids,  it would be of interest to many adults, too.

Along a Long Road

I sent this to my 3 year old nephew who loves it.  The illustrations are bold, with solid colors and simple words.  Get them started young!

At Octavia Books

I think it's obvious who's "Staff Recommend" shelf this  is...

Oak St. Bike Racks MIA

I went to lunch today on Oak Street today and noticed the bike racks were missing on the first block off of S. Carrollton along with a few benches.  I can only assume this is because of the Po' Boy Fest and the massive crowd it generates. 
Let's get those racks back up!

Po' Boy Bicycle Second Line and Bike Valet

Last Sunday was the Bicycle Second Line.  It's the first time Bike Easy has hosted one in the fall.  This time we did it on the same day as the Oak Street Po'Boy Fest.  We had over 200 people show up.  Their were a few snafus - such as the pedal powered "pub crawler" not be able to keep pace with the cyclists.  When the first approached us about using it I was dubious they would be able to keep pace.  They assured us they could, but alas, they cold not.  They ended up getting a tow from a pickup, and then had some mechanical issues and the Second Line abandoned them about half into the ride.  The police escort missed the second rest stop which we had pizza and drinks at.  Still the weather was perfect, and we all got to go on a police escorted ride for 12 miles or so  It's great being able to take over a street with 200 bicyclists and not have to worry about motor vehicles.  The t-shirts are awesome (although if you got one, you should iron the silk screen because it wasn't heat treated), and we had pizza and beer at the end of the ride.

After the Second Line I headed down to the Po'Boy Fest where Bike Easy was providing Bike Valet for the Festival.  With help from Plan B , Tulane Green Club and other volunteers we parked bikes all day. We were using the huge parking lot at the Whitney Bank on S. Carrollton, right next to the Fest.  In total I think we parked over 500 Bicycles!

And then there's the beer truck.  Joshua and Jonathan's rolling beer truck, made from a Worksman Tricycle, some welding, an old door, a cypress stump and some taps.  In a word:  AWESOME.  JJ drove it down from Palmer Park where the Second Line ended, and we had beer all day at Bike Valet.

Bike Easy  hosted a great event, provided a great service, and we got the word out about the Complete Streets Ordinance about to be voted on in New Orleans.  A good day for bicycling in New Orleans!

Schwinn Stingray Tandem

Bicycle Louis from Bone Tone Brass Band (who will be playing the Bicycle Second Line on November 20th) stopped by the bookshop today.  He was riding with his niece on this awesome Schwinn Stingray tandem. 

Bicycle Second Line to the Po' Boy Fest

Bike Easy, New Orleans Bicycle Advocacy Organization, usually does a Bicycle Second Line in the Spring.  This is the first year they are hosting one in the fall.  It will begin and end at Palmer Park, right up the street from the Po-Boy Fest on November 20th.  Ride with us and then Bike Easy will be providing bike valet for the Fest.
Details at:  bikeeasy.org

NOLA Drive in this Saturday!

UPDATE from NOLA Drive-In:

 Due to the expected high winds tomorrow (upwards of 25mph), we have to postpone our screening. Now it will play as a double feature after our co-presentation with NOFS's Film Fest Lagniappe screening of Slacker, October 22. Sorry but the screen acts as a lethal sail with these winds. I know the weather seems nice, but it's really dangerous. Sorry, ya'll!


Just a reminder - NOLA Drive In is happening this Saturday, October 8th!  If you haven't been, it's a blast.  It's on the top of a parking garage, one block off Lee Circle at  840 Carondolet (at St. Joseph).  Doors open at 6, movies start at dark. $5 a person.  Food and beverages available.  Last time I went the FryBar was their with their delicious Fries!

Ride yer bike and bring a blanket or chair.  Or if you must, you can drive a car.  You can sit in your car to watch the movie or come down front with the cool kids with their blankets and chairs.  Either way, it's awesome!