Go Clipless

New photos representing site

I received the January 13th MORE Trailhead Newsletter in my inbox when I read the following from an article titled "The Muddy Question of Winter Riding:"

The image of a mud-caked mountain biker spewing glop into the camera lens is a popular one in glossy bike magazines. But it’s a bad image. That biker has just done serious damage to the trails. While mud is an unavoidable part of off-road riding, this is the time of year when some trails are nothing but mud and bikers should stay off to avoid doing serious damage.

Gulp...I immediately thought about the image that adorned this site for the last several months. I chose this image because; 1. it's bold, 2. it shows a clipless pedal (granted it is covered in mud), and 3. it is simply a good photograph. When I ask people about what they think of the site they almost always start by saying how cool the photo is.

Feeling irresponsible after reading the article from MORE I decided to put up a different photo. This time instead of one photo I decided to put up a revolving set of images. I hunted around and found an image randomizer script, found a few stock photos, and figured out how to customize the templates provided by the service that I use. Now there are five photos that appear "randomly" each time the site is reloaded.

I don't think the photos are of the same quality as the previous mud-caked photo I used. I will continue to search for a photo that better represents the site. Anyway, I am anxious to hear what you think. Am I overreacting? Do you like the new photos? Do you have another suggestion?

Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Fairfax CCT volunteers needed

According to an e-mail I received on January 8th from Fairfax Trails and Streams, the Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking volunteers to help place signs along the Fairfax Cross County Trail. The volunteers are needed to help carry the sign posting equipment and the signs. The sign posting will take place in Oakon, VA on January 10th and 14th. If you are able to help on such short notice contact Jenny Pate from the park authority at 703.324.8726. Meeting time on January 10th is at 1:00pm at the Oak Marr Recreation Center (park near the golf clubhouse). The meeting time for January 14th is still to be determined.

In addition, Fairfax Trails and Streams will be holding their 4th annual Cross County Trail Caucus at 7:30pm on Monday, January 24th at Woodson High School in Fairfax. The event will provide an update on the CCT along with recognition and awards given to volunteers.

VA DMV approves new bicycle advocacy license plate

A Virginia bicycling advocacy group called BikeWalk Virginia has persuaded the Virginia general assembly to approve a new specialty license plate for enthusiasts. Trouble is the Virginia DMV will only begin production after receiving 350 applications for the new plate. To date, there have only been 301 applications. One reason demand has not reached the required minimum may be the original design of the proposed plate. Evidently, some riders complained that they wanted to see an image of a bike on the plate. (The originally proposed design is on the left).

The advocacy group is initiating a state wide contest for a new design. Designs are due by February 15, 2005. To learn more about the contest or to apply for the plate visit bikewalkvirginia.org.