Richmond-based LIFT has just released their new album entitled Between the Rise and Fall. It's honest, intelligent acoustic rock created from the love and laughter of life. They have sample tracks on their website, as well as online ordering for physical and digital media.

A small group of locals have returned from an unconventional vacation: riding bikes 110 miles over two days to Clifty Falls State Park, where they hiked and rested for a day...then rode back over two more days. Mark, Kurt, Derrek, Hopi and Don put together a bicycle tour journal with photos and stories featuring a home-built recumbent bike, wild parsnips, "road closed" adventures and more.

I thoroughly recommend a visit to Fountain Acre Foods, an off-the-grid Amish-run grocery story. Located in plain sight just off of 27 south of Fountain City, this full service grocery is eight miles north of Richmond.  continue reading »

Today I was looking at the differences between two soft shell rain pants I have and thought I'd write up a little comparative review.

One pair is called Cold Fusion from Beyond, aka the Stealth Commuting Rain Pants. The other is Foxwear Rain Pants.

They are both custom-made out of similar materials, but the pants from Beyond end up costing nearly twice as much.  continue reading »

I just wanted to plug the new salsa event at Charlie's coffee bar. I've been twice and enjoyed it both times. There is in fact an instructor that comes over from Indy to give lessons. He was great and the DJ was good to. Also, you can't beat the location and at $5, the price is right, too. The only thing missing is a bigger crowd. I recommend trying it out. If you are new to salsa dancing, you will be in good company... just arrive early for the lessons.

The DJ also has a website with details. I've seen conflicting posts about whether the lessons are 8 or 9. They were at 9 the night I went, but I would call to confirm.

I was discussing bike stuff with Chris today and started to think of all the ways that Richmond, Indiana is already part of the state and national bicycling scene. Here are some state and national level bicycling resources involving Richmond, Indiana.

Can you think of others?  continue reading »

The City of Richmond, Indiana finally has the local city code online and searchable. I took advantage of that tonight to review all the codes that apply to bicycling. Here's a quick summary:  continue reading »

• Use common sense.
• Ride on the roads, not the sidewalks.
• Register your bike. It's free and help get it recovered if stolen.
• Keep a bell on your bike, use a light and reflector at night, but don't use a whistle.

According to the local city code, citizens are required to have the snow removed their sidewalks by 10 AM and keep them clear. The ordinance mentions no fine or penalties for failure to comply. From the poor state of the sidewalks around town during these past wintery days, it appears no enforcement is happening.  continue reading »

The movie Who Killed The Electric Car does a great job of portraying the value of electric cars, especially when compared to gas and fuel-cell cars.

However, for a movie that seems to be about promoting more sustainable choices, it comes across as rather pro-automobile, neglecting to mention transportation alternatives that are available and viable now even including some that are electric.  continue reading »

Frankfort, Kentucky, has recently formed a bike and pedestrian advocacy group, called WalkBike Frankfort. Frankfort is the size of Richmond, Indiana and they seem to be just about a step of head of where Richmond could be if we pursue getting serious about this part of the City's current Master Plan.

Frankfort is my hometown, and my father is an active cyclist there&emdash I'll continue to follow their progress with interest!