Bike routes are strategically placed throughout the city. Drivers are used to cyclist so riding in traffic is no big deal. Single speeds seem to dominate, but there are plenty of road and mountain bikes in the mix. Actually bicycles are probably the best mode of transportation here. You can bypass the traffic which can be horrible most of the time.
Friday, July 31, 2020
Bogota Single Speed
Bogota Colombia has to be one of the best places to ride single speed! The city is flat very little hills except for some bridges. The climate is cool so you hardly sweat. Most of the time the time the rain is pretty mild.
Bike routes are strategically placed throughout the city. Drivers are used to cyclist so riding in traffic is no big deal. Single speeds seem to dominate, but there are plenty of road and mountain bikes in the mix. Actually bicycles are probably the best mode of transportation here. You can bypass the traffic which can be horrible most of the time.
Bike routes are strategically placed throughout the city. Drivers are used to cyclist so riding in traffic is no big deal. Single speeds seem to dominate, but there are plenty of road and mountain bikes in the mix. Actually bicycles are probably the best mode of transportation here. You can bypass the traffic which can be horrible most of the time.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Unrest in Bogota
For the last week we have had protest against the Government here in Colombia. Bogota where I live has had the most problems. The problem is the criminal element mixing in with the legitimate protesters and taking advantage of the situation. There was some looting carried out by Venezuelan refugees that had nothing to do with the protest.
Students blocking one lane of the Highway on the left.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Friday, October 25, 2019
Bicycle as your prime mode of transportation
After making the move to Bogota Colombia I am living every cyclist dream of having my bicycle as my main mode of transportation. Bogota is a large city with equal amounts of cars, motorcycles, bicycles and buses sharing the road. The city has well-planned bike routes throughout the city making every part of the city accessible by bike. You also have the choice of riding in traffic if you so choose.
When first observing the traffic it appears to be total chaos, cars, bikes, and motorcycles weaving in and out of lanes. The traffic is always heavy so it keeps the speeds low. Rarely can you get over 30 mph so the bicycles can keep up with the cars. The bicycles and motorcycles have the advantage of being able to weave in and out of traffic, so often times it's quicker to go by bike or motorcycle than by car.
The bicycle has the advantage of being able to change direction that the motorcycles and cars can not do.
The traffic is so intense that you cannot take your eyes off the road for one second. Nobody is texting everyone is focused on the road because you have motorcycles passing on your left and on your right, bicycles weaving in and out that everyone is driving defensively trying not to hit anyone and for this and the low speeds you just don't see many accidents.
When first observing the traffic it appears to be total chaos, cars, bikes, and motorcycles weaving in and out of lanes. The traffic is always heavy so it keeps the speeds low. Rarely can you get over 30 mph so the bicycles can keep up with the cars. The bicycles and motorcycles have the advantage of being able to weave in and out of traffic, so often times it's quicker to go by bike or motorcycle than by car.
The bicycle has the advantage of being able to change direction that the motorcycles and cars can not do.
The traffic is so intense that you cannot take your eyes off the road for one second. Nobody is texting everyone is focused on the road because you have motorcycles passing on your left and on your right, bicycles weaving in and out that everyone is driving defensively trying not to hit anyone and for this and the low speeds you just don't see many accidents.
Saturday, August 10, 2019
My New Ride
Well, as promised the new bike. My first new bike in fifteen years I tend to hold on to things or buy used. The frame is steel in a flat black aero look, deep well rims, and bull horns. Nothing special just a good transportation bike. Cost in U.S approximately $175. For now, it has a freewheel, The riding here is incredible you can basically get around anywhere in the city on bike. Closed bicycle routes access most of the city and riding in traffic in most areas isn't bad. Tomorrow Sunday they close the highway down for bicycles only. I'm going to try it out and ride across town to a big flea market to check it out.
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Here in Bogota
Well, I made the move permanently to Bogota Colombia. I shipped my bike ahead by cargo. It got there safely but was stolen from the house before I arrived. I was pissed about that especially after spending $130 dollars in shipping. Since I wasn't there I'm not sure how it went down, but apparently, a door was left unlocked.
Once I arrived I had to go looking for another bike. There are plenty of bike shops and a good selection of single speeds. I found a really good deal for $175 bucks which would have cost me at least $350 stateside. I will take a picture and post it shortly.
This is a cycling paradise! Closed bicycle routes throughout the city. Whether you want Road Riding, Mountain Riding, Fixie Riding or just plain commuting it's all here. That's maybe why three major tour races were won by Colombians recently including the Tour de France!
Once I arrived I had to go looking for another bike. There are plenty of bike shops and a good selection of single speeds. I found a really good deal for $175 bucks which would have cost me at least $350 stateside. I will take a picture and post it shortly.
This is a cycling paradise! Closed bicycle routes throughout the city. Whether you want Road Riding, Mountain Riding, Fixie Riding or just plain commuting it's all here. That's maybe why three major tour races were won by Colombians recently including the Tour de France!
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Bogota here I Come
Well, it's official I'm moving to Bogota. My tickets bought and my bike shipped out today. It cost me $130 to ship it down there. I could have bought something there, but I've grown attached to the bike over the years. Just did not feel right leaving it behind. So hopefully it will be there when I get there.
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