TOP FIVE PLACES TO BIKE IN ATLANTA

Does this box make my head look fat?

WOO HOO!! It's FRIDAAAAAAAY!

(Also, this photo is for real. No Photoshop. With a little help from O, Topher happily squeezed his fat butt into this tiny box). 

Riding bikes in Atlanta: just the facts!

Thanks to the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition for compiling this helpful info! 

GEORGIA RULES FOR BICYCLING 
• Bicycles are vehicles under Georgia law, with the same right to travel on the road as other vehicles (with the exception of limited-access highways). 
• Sidewalks are for walking: It is illegal for adults (over 12 years of age) to ride bicycles on the sidewalk in the state of Georgia. Your risk of being hit by a car is actually higher on the sidewalk than in the road. Bicyclists on the sidewalk are less visible to drivers, especially at intersections and driveways.
• Take the lane: If the bike lane is too narrow or next to on-street parking, take the lane (ride in the middle of the traffic lane) at your discretion.
• When riding in groups, ride no more than two abreast, and as a courtesy, ride single file when faster traffic needs the space to pass you. 
• Light up the night: Every bicycle, while being used in the dark in Georgia, must be equipped with a white front light and rear red reflector, each visible from 300 feet.
• Wear a helmet: Bicycle helmets are required for everyone under age 16 and encouraged for everyone else.

TIPS
• Expect the unexpected: Never assume a motorist sees you. Anticipate parked vehicles pulling into traffic, vehicle doors opening in front of you, and debris or other hazards on the road. Respect right of way rules.
• If you encounter an irate motorist, be polite, regardless of her/his behavior. To report an aggressive or harassing driver, or if you are involved in a car-bike crash, call 911. Please report all crashes, as this data contributes to bike improvements in Atlanta. Be ready with

a vehicle and location description, a license plate number and state, and an account of what happened.

• Scout your route to find streets that work for you. Remember, your driving route might not be the best way to get there by bike.

• Download this map here.

Links to great stuff:
• AJC article about bike lanes
• ATL's 1st Cycling Festival
• Sopo Bike Co-op
• Beltline Bike Shop
• An ATL bike blog

Bike Beer Repeat

Thanks to  our friend Emeline for organizing today's Ride Bikes, Drink Beer, Repeat - Westside Edition. Most of the group met at 10:45am in Inman Park and then cycled through downtown Atlanta to the westside of town. First stop: Redbrick Brewery. Second stop: lunch at the Atlanta Food Truck Park (O&I shared a fried avocado BLT and BBQ pork tacos). Third stop: Monday Night Brewing (let me just say: damn, their space is so great - major kudos for creating such a trendy yet welcoming atmosphere). On the ride we met some cool folks that I hope to see again and the slower pace allowed me to appreciate a lot of historic architecture that I had previously overlooked. Thanks again Emeline!

Total ride (from home): 19 miles • map at bottom

Rollin' with my Gnomies

Awesome, awesome, awesome Inman Park Festival this year. O&I joined several our Grant Park neighbors in the annual attempt to beat the Guinness Book of World Records record for most people dressed as garden gnomes. 202 of us marched in the parade while wearing the obligatory red pointy hat, suspenders or vest (for men), suspenders or apron (for women) and boots. The photos below show us pre-parade, during the parade and post-parade (yes, the silly selfie). FUN!!!

Crawfish holiday!

Every year the Boudreaux family Good Friday reunion turns me into the crawfish equivalent of Forrest Gump's friend Bubba. Faced with a table of crawfish casseroles I do not hold back! Crawfish and corn soup, crawfish jambalaya, crawfish with lima beans, crawfish with spicy potatoes, boiled crawfish, crawfish au gratin, fried crawfish, stuffed crawfish bisque...

Coming soon: an insider's guide to biking, beer and Atlanta

Sip and cycle... bike and imbibe... pedal and pour (©2014 CLBoudreaux)... Names be damned - this plan is destined to be sweet (or hoppy)! O&I have spent a couple of weekends working out the route and the logistics for a project that combines our favorite things about this great city. Stay tuned for details!

Brussel Sprouts in the garden

It's been almost 8 months since I planted brussel sprout seeds in the garden. They sprouted quickly but I made the mistake of waiting way too long to thin them out (we're talking months too long). When they were finally thinned the remaining plants began to take off. Those with the most hours of sunshine clearly growing the fastest. The snow and ice storms didn't phase them at all and by February we finally began to notice little brussel sprouts forming between leafy stalks. Unfortunately, the warm days have caused the plants to bolt and looks like our chance of eating any these is officially over. Even without the tasty homegrown meal I still consider the experience (perhaps it should be called an experiment) a success. We'll try this again in late summer, implementing what I've learned, and hopefully finally getting it right!