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RegionObama TransitionDaily DigestMeetings
The Drury High School Council meets Tuesday, Jan 13, at 6:30 in the conference room. Agenda items include AYP, school grant, laptop initiative and PowerSchool updates. |
Steve Decker cleans up in front of BankNorth on Wednesday.
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More Snow
The Berkshires received several inches of snow this morning, but not enough to close schools, unlike yesterday's sleety mess. Temperatures will drop into the 20s this afternoon. A few more snow showers are expected through the weekend.
We have reports that the roads are very slippery to take care in the evening commute. |
Duff'em If You've Got'em
 North Adams Regional Hospital went smoke-free Monday — so did all its sister sites, from Sweet Brook to Northern Berkshire Family Practice to the Women's Exchange. No ashtrays, no smoking: No butts about it. |
Wanted: Eagle Eyes
MassWildlife's annual eagle count runs Dec. 31 to Jan. 14. Anyone sighting one of the regal birds in Massachusetts is asked to participate.
Send date, time, location and town of eagle sightings, number of birds, whether juvenile or adult and observer's contact information to Mass.wildlife@state.ma.us. |
| Need to contact iBerkshires? Here's how. |
Like to Write?
 iBerkshires accepts submissions about local events, news and opinion pieces. There are openings for freelance work, too, for qualified candidates. E-mail tdaniels@iberkshires.com to find out more. |
What's PlayingSales FliersColumnists | Independent Investor
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Other StuffMars Rovers Mark 5 Years
 Spirit and Opportunity have been trekking the red planet for half a decade. Spirit hit the 5-year mark on Sunday; Opportunity will on Jan. 24. |
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Class Offers Help for Commuters New to BikingBy Lyndsay DeBord - July 28, 2008
Special to iBerkshires
 | | Ordinary Cycles is hosting a free class on proper equipment and adjustments for successful bike commuting. |
PITTSFIELD — Many commuters affected by the rising price of gas are deciding to avoid the pumps and, instead, bike to work. For those looking to make their ride easier, City Councilor Michael Ward has organized a free bicycle commuting class at Ordinary Cycles on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The class, which will be held at the bicycle shop's 247 North St. location, aims to provide information to riders as well as to provide a means to get supplies they need. "It just seems natural," said Ward, who represents the city's Ward 4. The class will also have a panel discussion at the end to answer any questions.
The city councilor, who has raced bicycles for more than 20 years, said he had taken it for granted that he knows "the tricks of the trade," which is why he decided to organize the event. He believes that basic upgrades and repairs can do a lot for the commuters who may be using whatever bicycle was readily available. He also suggested getting fenders, exercise clothing and safety lights to deal with bad weather.
David Wallace, a friend of Ward's and fellow bike racer, will host the class. He is an experienced bicycle commuter, making the 11-mile trek from his home in Richmond to his job at General Dynamics in Pittsfield for five years.
He started commuting on two wheels so he could fit in his cycling time effectively: "I’m killing two birds with one stone." He added that along with saving money on gas, there are health and environmental benefits. Wallace will also use his own experience to make recommendations for easier commuting.
The cyclist once used his racing bike for his daily commute. But the thin tires kept getting flats and, without fenders, he had to deal with road spray. Today, he has a Cyclocross bike that allows him to mount fenders and racks. It also has heavier-duty tires.
For the class, Wallace will focus on getting commuters the right bike equipment: the correct size tires, along with fenders and lights. He will also work on the setup of the bike, making sure the seat height and handlebars fit the rider properly.
Thomas Martin, owner of Ordinary Cycles, has seen some "interesting stuff hauled out of basements" lately. His hope for the class is to get people back on their bikes and to "keep 'em motivated."
Martin worked in the bicycle business before establishing his shop in 1983, originally at Tyler Street. He has seen it all — from the drop of interest in the 1970s to the '90s fitness revolution. There were "some real fun years and some real challenging years," he said.
Martin believes the business is becoming more complex, citing the availability of parts. A founding sponsor for the Berkshire Cycling Association, a racing club, he has stocked up on the recommended equipment for commuters in preparation for the class.
Ordinary Cycles is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday during bicycle season. The shop's Web site also provides suggested bicycle routes. |
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