Those funny-looking machines that we sometimes use to prevent running injuries

Some recent finds about cycling that piqued my interest:

The Dutch Way: Bicycles and Fresh Bread

* "Dutch drivers are taught that when you are about to get out of the car, you reach for the door handle with your right hand — bringing your arm across your body to the door. This forces a driver to swivel shoulders and head, so that before opening the door you can see if there is a bike coming from behind. Likewise, every Dutch child has to pass a bicycle safety exam at school. The coexistence of different modes of travel is hard-wired into the culture."

* "Cyclists can’t carry six bags of groceries; bulk buying is almost nonexistent. Instead of shopping for a week, people stop at the market daily. So the need for processed loaves that will last for days is gone. A result: good bread." [And for Meghan, good end pieces!]

Bike lanes on Hillsborough Street: √

* Score! One step closer to better bread (and to becoming Dutch)!

Hopscotch Hepcat Race in Downtown Raleigh

* "The Hepcat is a race based on checkpoints. On arrival, the next checkpoint will be revealed to the racer. This method replicates the way a bike messenger is assigned deliveries over the course of a day. The rider may decide his or her own route to the checkpoint, thereby testing both the rider’s skill and knowledge of the area."

* The race ends as The Rosebuds take the stage. Do you need any better reason to ride in this race?!?! [Watch the video for Woods at http://therosebuds.com/ if you need some coaxing.]

* "Inspired by a traditional alleycat race, Hepcat’s route is kept secret until race day."

Bike First Friday

* Ready to wear some cutoff jean shorts and bandanas to fit in? Come out to Bike First Friday this coming Friday! Nothing is more fun than cruising down Hillsborough St. and downtown in a pack of 100+ fixie riders and stopping at art galleries along the way (seriously, it's a lot of fun). The only downside to this event is the stereotypical availability of PBR at each gallery. So, you have two options: (1) suck it up and embrace your inner hipster; (2) bring your own beer--bingo.

* Check out this sweet video of a ride last year.