This Is November? Okay!

Yesterday's high was 64 degrees F. Today's high was 66 degrees F. Tomorrow's high is projected to be 63 degrees.

Perfect riding weather for November, don't you think?

I was late getting out of work this afternoon, so I couldn't throw my leg over my bike until four o'clock. Next time, I'm packing all my stuff in the car and leaving right from the office.

Adding to the fun was a road closure on my way home. A water-main broke and crews were finishing patching up the road where they had to dig. No cars allowed; but the worker watching the road block let me through. ^_^ Oh, boy! It was about two miles of two-lane road with absolutely no cars, bliss!

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Un-Flipping-Believeable.

UPDATE 11:42pm
This thing has gone viral. Check out the Huffington Post article, note the explanation within bottom two paragraphs. If the DA's goal was to limit potential impact to this guy's job, he mis-calculated; it's blown up in his face.

This makes me sick.
Vail Daily News: Alleged hit-and-run driver may not face felony
Summit Daily News: DA Hurlbert won't press felony charges...

Responses
New York Times: Cyclists Fault Prosecutor's Decision
BikePortland.org: Another black-eye for bikes in Colorado
BikeSnobNYC: Wheelsucking...

Wait, because this guy manages million-dollar accounts and being charged with a felony "could jeopardize his ability to pay restitution", he gets a pass on hit-and-run charges? Mr. Erzinger will be charged with misdemeanor traffic violations, but won't be charged with a felony for leaving someone broken and bleeding at the side of the road!? How is nearly killing someone with your car only a traffic violation? That's attempted manslaughter in some places! WTF!

I like BikeSnob's response to this news. A nearly perfect blend of sarcasm, anger, and his trademark dry wit: "Also, the District Attorney who dropped the charges doesn't want to cost the doughy money manager his job because 'justice in this case includes restitution and the ability to pay it.'
In other words, treating him like the criminal he is might make it slightly more difficult for him to buy his way out of this and any other future vehicular assaults, and that would be downright un-American."

I don't care what this guy does for a living; this should be about a driver hitting a cyclist, severely injuring him, fleeing the scene of the accident, and not reporting that accident to the police. Did Mr. Erzinger really think no one would know/find out what happened? What if Dr. Milo had died as a result of the crash? Would the prosecutor decline to press charges then? I rather doubt it.

Ugh, I'm going for a ride. If you hit me while I'm out there, please stop and make sure I'm okay. If I'm not okay, call the paramedics. Thank you.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Bike Paths = Perplexing Conundrum?

As a person who studied recreation and resource management in college, I'm quite interested in the problem(s) voiced in this article:
Grist: We Need Real Bike Paths for Real Bike Transportation

This is a problem that has challenged recreation professionals for as long as the "multi-use path" has been around. How do we accommodate everyone and their respective preferred uses? How do we handle the resource when problems, such as crashes with injuries, occur? It's a hard set of questions to answer and one that planners, lawmakers, and users will have to deal with a lot more as traffic on these paths increases past the trails intended capacity.

And you thought recreation planners and other professionals got to run around outside and play all day. Nope, they make sure you have the spaces you run around on all day.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

She's Back!

HOORAY! Kristin will be back next season!
Kristin Armstrong aims to come back for 2010 Olympics

You can't see it, but my feet are doing their happy dance under the desk. I'm so excited!

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Blog Action Day 2010 - Water

One of my favorite tops is this
blue t-shirt that I picked up this past spring. It's quite amazing and frightening if you think about it: "All the water that ever has been or ever will be is here..."

Most of the water on this planet is salt water, in the form of oceans, seas, etc. A good portion of the world's rivers, lakes, and springs aren't safe to drink without cleaning, filtering, processing, and even boiling. People in developed nations use a ton more fresh, potable water than those in developing or "third world" nations. Wars have been fought and are still being fought over water rights and access to clean water.

Now, all I'm asking you to do is think about it. And, if you can, look at your own water consumption. How long is your shower each day? Do you turn the water off when you brush your teeth or wash your hands? How often do you water your lawn? Do you buy bottled water, when you could be filling your Nalgene or Camelbak with the same stuff from your tap?

Change.org|Start Petition

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Coffee Primer: Straight from the Barista

A few of you know I work part-time as a barista. For all you non-coffee savvy individuals, that means I'm the one behind the bar at the local coffeehouse making your delicious cuppa. And while I don't make latte art like this I do good work.

Cycling and coffee have gone hand in hand for as long as anyone can remember. After all, it was an Italian who first patented his design for an espresso machine back in 1901 and some of the best manual machines are still Italian-made.

I've been at the game for a while, so I'm going to answer a few common questions (and situations) that I get when I'm behind the counter. I'd better be careful, or I'll start sounding like The Waiter.
~Please read the menu posted above and behind my head. It's an amazing device that spells out most of our drinks, as well as a list of our brewed coffee(s) of the day, hot teas, and iced teas. If you aren't clear on something that's listed, then ask questions.
~A "shot" of flavor syrup (ie. vanilla) isn't the same thing as a "pump". A shot is made up of more than one pump of flavor into your coffee cup, how many pumps depends on the volume of the cup. If you aren't sure how much flavor your usual latte gets, ask.
~I'm sorry, but I see a lot of people come through my shop everyday. I may have to make your drink more than once to remember what it is and exactly how you like it. Ask for your receipt or have the barista write down the drink for you if you can't remember all the adjustments.
~Tips in the jar are love and help us to do all sorts of wonderful things. Also, it isn't a "Take a penny, leave a penny" jar or a jar for you to make change for yourself. Those are our tips and our sock monkey will know if you've abused the jar.
~The shop can be noisy during the day/night with people talking, espresso shots pulling, and steam-wands frothing milk. All that makes it hard to hear when you whisper your order, please speak up a little.
~I would be happy to take your order as soon as you finish your conversation and hang up your cell-phone. Please don't get shirty with me when I ask what you'd like while you're on your phone and there's a line out the door. Thank you in advance.
~Decaffeinated beans require more processing to remove the caffeine. Thus, decaf. is more expensive than regular. Please don't blame me.
~Add-ons and/or substitutions like extra espresso shots, decaf. instead of regular, soy milk, whipped cream on certain drinks, etc. do cost extra money. Sorry, but we have to pay to bring it to you.
~Caffeine Content Of:
One 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola Classic = 35mg
One 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew = 54mg
One 12-ounce cup of coffee = approx. 230mg
Two shots of espresso (approx. 3.5 ounces) = 180mg
~Please don't look down your nose at me [because I work at a coffee shop]. Myself and others I work with have advanced degrees in biology, engineering, comparative literature, English and many other disciplines. We're smarter, more observant, and probably have better memory than you might give us credit for. Give respect and have patience, and we'll give it back to you along with a perfect latte.

Okay, that's enough of that! Now, I don't always handle caffeine very well, we're talking climbing the walls, tap-dancing on the ceiling, chasing my tail, twitchy energy that doesn't play well inside. Everyone I work with knows that I'm allowed one small cup of coffee per shift or per day, whichever is longer. But some caffeine is okay when I'm on a ride, it gives me that extra kick I usually need 11 miles into my ride. Two-shot espresso with two Raw Sugars, please! And then I add three creamers, swirl, consume, and I'm off again.

And you, what do you drink when you head to your local coffeehouse and/or on a ride?

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Worse and Worse

Things are not looking good for Alberto:
New York Times: Tour Champ Contador Fails Second Doping Test

This is scary. Bernhard Kohl's comments at the end of the article? S**t. He had drugs in his system half the time and was only popped once? Unbelievable.

It seems like professional cycling has really become a Catch-22.
If you dope, you have a better chance of winning against other riders who are probably doping, thus you look good to the peloton, your sponsors, teammates, and fans. But you risk getting caught and having those wins taken away, loosing your livelihood, fans, and public respect and credibility.
If you don't dope, it's harder to win races against those who have an unfair advantage through doping, you risk losing your position on the team because you don't have results and you have a difficult time getting a new team for next season... It shouldn't be like this!

I'm thoroughly disgusted and right now, I'm this close to giving up hope that our beloved sport will ever be clean.

Ugh, I'm going for a ride.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Wait, what?!

UPDATE: 9/30/2010
VeloNews.com: Alberto on doping report...
It looks like Alberto's experts are saying this is food contamination and ingestion was unintentional. I hope that's the case. I'm so sick of this.

I turned on my computer after my ride tonight and what do I find headlined on VeloNews, but this:
VeloNews.com: Contador tests positive for low levels of clenbuterol

I have no idea what to think. Hopefully, a more complete story will unfold tomorrow at the press conference.

Kristin Armstrong, Take Two?

This just came through the wire at the New York Times:
Olympian Kristin Armstrong Considers Comback

I, for one, would be ecstatic if she came back. I wonder who would step in to run PB & Co./TWENTY12 if she came back. But whatever she decides, I doubt we've heard the last of Kristin.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Enforcing Artificial Speed Limits

I have a few reactions to this story:
City Pages: Greenway cyclists ticketed by phantom cop...
Star Tribune: Not so fast, officer warns bikers
Mpls Bike Love Forum - Police ticketing bikers on Greenway
1) The speed limit isn't 10mph on the Greenway
2) "You'll never catch me!"
3) Who is this phantom police officer, which city do they work for, and why are they radar-ing bikers when they could be out catching bad guys?

Okay, now that I've got that out of my system...
Don't "run" from the police, even on a bike. They will find a way to catch you and it isn't worth it. If an officer waves you over, move over and stop. BE POLITE. Officers are trained to be in control of a situation, so let them do their job and both of you will be easier for it.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Cyclist Converses with Motorist, Part II

As promised, here's the second part of the interview with the slightly fictional "Motorist". The disclaimer from the previous entry applies here, too.

The roads are full of cars. Why don't you ride on the sidewalk?
I believe it's called a "sidewalk" for a reason. A sidewalk is meant for pedestrians to walk on, not for wheeled vehicles. In many communities, you will actually see signs posted that bicycles, Rollerblades, and skateboards are prohibited from sidewalk use. The space is often too uneven, narrow, or punctuated with obstacles to safely allow for riding.
I, myself, was on Nicollet Mall once, trying to get back onto the street, when a Minneapolis Police vehicle rolled up and informed me that I wasn't allowed on the sidewalk. I politely said I was attempting to figure out where I was and how to get back onto the street safely. They let me hop the curb onto the street in front of their vehicle and I was off like a shot before they could think of an excuse to detain me.

Okay, what about the bike paths? Couldn't you just stick to those?
The Twin Cities metro area has a wonderful network of bike paths and trails, and I love this area for that. However, wouldn't you get bored if you drove the same roads all the time, every day? How often do you end up at the end of your drive to work or the supermarket, and not remember the drive there? Dangerous for you and for the other drivers around you. To stave off boredom, vary training program needs, hit different landmarks and shops, and to view different scenery, cyclists mix up where they ride. Riders who love to ride the roads will often hit a favorite paved trail, too.

I never know how a cyclist is going to behave or where they're going when I pass them on the road. This makes me really nervous, what can I do?
Be alert. You don't know how the person in the car next to you on the highway is going to behave, or where they're going, do you? Yet you're comfortable driving there. One of the requirements of riding a bike on the road is riding in a safe, predictable manner and using hand turn signals. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen and there are careless cyclists out there, just like there are careless drivers. Again, stay alert and look around for that cyclist that may be in your blind spot(s).

Since they're riding bikes, cyclists don't pay the same taxes I do because I drive a car and buy gasoline. Since my taxes are paying for the roads, I should be able to use the road and cyclists shouldn't.
*snort* I'm curious, do you really believe that?
Nearly every cyclist that I know drives an automobile. We [cyclists] pay gas taxes, property taxes, renter's tax, sales tax, liquor taxes, should I continue? I assure you, we do pay the same taxes.
I will point out the vast conspiracy (shh!) for bikes to take over the world, as reported by the New York Times Spokes Blog on August 5, 2010. First the streets, then the world! As Matt Hill tweeted in response to the SpokesNYT (spokesnyt) August 5 entry, "Phase 1: Collect underpants." Are you laughing yet? I hope no one is taking this Dan Maes seriously, as his statements about the instituting of bike policies are absolutely ludicrous.

Cars and trucks were on the roads first, thus bikes don't belong on the road.
Ah, a history lesson, yummy! Actually, roads were originally paved to better accommodate the huge boom in bicycling in the 1890's (The Golden Age of Bicycles). That, and the bicycle and the horse and wheeled buggy were the two main forms of private transportation just before the invention of the automobile. To make these forms of transport easier, roads began to be graded and smoothed (Wikipedia, Bicycle History). So, bicycles have been around longer than automobiles and you have the bicycle to thank for the idea that roads should be smoothly paved and graded. ^_^

And that's it, for now. I hope you've found this two-part series educational, informative, and humorous. If you have a question that you'd like me address, leave me a comment or shoot me message through this blog.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Cyclist Converses with Motorist, Part I

A few nights ago, I had a conversation with my folks about how a huge SUV had honked at me and zoomed past my left elbow way faster and closer than necessary on my afternoon ride. I had reacted by sitting up in the saddle, pounding my chest with a gloved fist and yelling, "Yes, I'm here!"

So, my parents asked, "Well, what should we do when we see a cyclist on the road? They scare us!" Wait, cyclists scare motorists? Really? Okay, then! Here's what I'd absolutely love you to do if you encounter me or any other cyclist on the road.

Disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer or a police officer. This essay is a reflection of my own experiences and Minnesota state laws. Laws vary by state and even locality, be sure to check them out. The bold lettering is the motorist stating a question. The italicized lettering is my answer to that question/statement.

I hate it when I see cyclists on the road. I never know what they're going to do. I just want to get past them as soon as possible. What should I do?
Please don't honk your horn. We hate that, and it's dangerous. Cyclists can hear an approaching automobile very easily, an internal combustion engine is quite noisy compared to a bicycle. You don't need to honk to let us know that you're there, often we already know. Just continue to [safely] drive the way you normally do when there are other vehicles around. Be alert and both you and the cyclist should be okay.

But, you're going so... slow on the road! How am I supposed to pass you!?
Safely and respectfully, please. Bicycles are vehicles, too; and in Minnesota they have the same rights and duties to the road as a motor vehicle. If you wish to pass a cyclist, do so in a predictable and safe manner. Don't rev your engine or lead-foot it just to pass. Give the cyclist at least three feet of space when you pass, remember we're not enclosed in a steel and glass box to protect us. That traffic lane is wider than you think, and you might be able to pass without crossing the center-line. But if you aren't sure, err on the side of more room rather than less room, it's very frightening to have a two-ton vehicle buzz by six inches from your left elbow.

The shoulder is wide. Why do you always ride so close to the white dividing line? Shouldn't you be as close to the right as possible?
Yes and no. Statute 169.222, Subd. 4(3) states that a cyclist must ride as close to the right as is practicable. The thing is, there is often a lot of debris (glass, sand, gravel, branches, trash, etc.) on the shoulder that make operating a bicycle more hazardous than it otherwise is. The only clear path is closer to the traffic lanes, where automobiles have blown the small stuff to the side. Hence, that's where we ride.

What if there's no shoulder, only one lane, and you're in it? I want to pass and you're in my way!
I'm very sorry you feel I'm in your way, but I do have a right to the road. If you wish to pass, do so in the same [controlled and safe] manner that you would pass a slow-moving truck or tractor on the road. Wait for a widening of the road, another lane to open up, or a clear lane across the dashed yellow line. Pass smoothly and without honking your horn. If you honk, you may startle me into veering into your path. And that's not what either of us want to happen.

Cyclists are very rude to me when I pass them, even if I give them plenty of room. They yell, flip me the one-fingered salute... What's up with that?
Every cyclist who's ever ridden on the road has had at least one encounter with an angry driver who's done something to endanger their life. Some cyclists' feel that yelling, etc. is their only means of protecting themselves from something/someone that could squash them like a bug.
Personally, I try not to get angry or pay such a driver back in kind. It is childish and gives cyclists a bad reputation. Just smile and wave and let them stew. Getting angry and attempting to "teach them a lesson" (you know what I mean) could end up with one or both of you in the hospital or worse.

This is turning into a long entry, so I'll be posting a second part to this "interview" within the next couple days.

To read Minnesota's laws regarding the operation of a bicycle, go to Minnesota Legislature and retrieve Statute 169.222.

For more information on sharing the road in Minnesota, head to Share the Road Minnesota

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Product Review: Pearl Izumi Elite LTD Socks

I should first say that I love cycling socks. I mean really, truly love them. So much so that I wear them all four seasons. And for a Midwest resident, that is saying something.

I've worn Pearl Izumi socks before and count them among my favorites. The problem is they're often to rich for my wallet (at $10+ a pair), so I have to be really in love with them to cough up the dough. Enter the Elite LTD Socks. Come on, could you resist these? I couldn't; especially since I've got a new black, white, and red jersey to find matching socks for.

I rode in them for the first time this afternoon and they performed superbly. As you may have noticed, they are right and left specific so they fit like a dream. The compression in the arch keeps them in place and they don't bunch up anywhere. They also breathe really well, I can tell these are going to be my "go to" sock for really warm rides. Anyway, those heels make the sock, don't they? Yep, I'll be heading back to the bike shop to see if there are any more in my size. They shall be mine!

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Steady Things in Life

I'm feeling melancholy today. You've been warned.

I've tried to keep my life outside of cycling and athletics out of this blog. But, alas, real life always comes a callin'. They say there are only two certain things in life: Death and taxes. I think I'll add a third: Riding my bicycle.

Let me explain a bit. I've been riding a bike in some form or another for over three quarters of my life. I've always been athletic and have usually been happiest while being active. Hence, my choice of coursework in college and the jobs I've had since I recieved my degree have all revolved around recreation, athletics, and/or bicycling in one form or another. The problem is work has been spotty at best and non-existent at the worst since I finished school. Riding my blue bicycle these past few years has been a way for me to always have something, other than my family and friends, that I can count on.

I could be having the worst day possible (and yesterday was), and be able to throw my leg over the frame and pedal away. If I choose a route I know very well, I don't have to think much, the bike just knows where to go. It's wonderfully freeing and it's a safe place to go.

Ah, well. As Miss O'Hara once said, "Tomorrow's another day".

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Eating Pavement Sucks...Again

Ugh, ouchy. If you have an aversion to descriptions of injuries, skip the third paragraph.

I was finishing a 40+ mile ride yesterday afternoon and zipping through an intersection when my front wheel got sucked into one of the gaps in the railroad tracks set into the pavement. Down I went and over the bars, too.

My right knee and leg are rashed up and swollen. My right elbow has a new hole and plenty of road rash. I wasn't wearing gloves (stupid!), thus the palms of my hands are scuffed and my right pinky knuckle is missing several layers of skin.

Reasons I'm Annoyed:
1.) This could have been avoided. I was in a hurry and cutting though the intersection on a line very close to one I'd done two days previous. Obviously, it didn't go so well this time.
2.) I wasn't wearing gloves; my hands were hot and I was trying to get some color on my "Mickey Mouse" hands. The possiblity of crashes like this are the reason you wear gloves in the first place!
3.) My injuries, while not as bad as my crash two years and 27 days ago, are in the same spots. My elbow was just starting to look a lot better and I was at peace with the nasty scars. Actually, I kinda liked them. Now, I've got to start the process all over again. Thank goodness my shoulder is only stiff and sore, not impinged like last time.
4.) Until my elbow heals a little and my shoulder can support more of my weight, I'm off the bike. It'll be at least a week, phooey.

How's my blue bicycle? Both brake levers are badly scuffed and turned inward, the shifting is carnage, and my back wheel is out of true. Thankfully, a mechanic I know is fixing it right up and it should be good to go in the morning. I'll have to make him cookies or something.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

You're A Cyclist When...

If one or more of the following applies, the Matrix has you...
-Water bottles are beginning to outnumber drinking glasses in your house
-Jerseys, shorts, socks, etc. get the washer before your work clothes
-Your house looks like a launda-mat on the weekends (all your jerseys drying on hangers)
-Your idea of fun is riding 25+ miles before work
-Your idea of fun is riding 25+ miles after work
-You spend one hour or more washing, degrease-ing, and re-lubing your bike and wonder where the time went
-You aren't embarrassed by (and perhaps proudly show off) your tan lines
-Sitting in front of Versus for six hours and yelling your head off at the riders during the month of July is as good as it gets
-Gels and energy chews are an essential food group
-Days off are devoted to either racing or long rides
-You keep a pump, patch-kit, tire levers, and a spare tube in your automobile in case you see someone with a flat
-You know how to get somewhere on a bike, but get lost while trying to drive there

Can you think of any other quintessential traits of a slightly obsessed fan of the bicycle?

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!!!

Watch the kid at 3:25 in this video. It isn't me, but his reaction was pretty much my reaction; except for sliding down the stairs and whipping off the jersey. I was running around the house yelling like a lunatic! Thank goodness no one else was home!

USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!

Watch the USA take on Ghana in the quarter finals tomorrow (Saturday the 26th) at 1:30pm CDT on ABC.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Here I Am!

No, I'm not dead, injured, or otherwise maimed. Yes, I'm very busy. This working seven days a week is nuts! Add volunteering into the mix and I'm busier than one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest.

Today, I was in Saint Paul at eight o'clock in the morning; course marshaling Stage 1 (time trial, Eddy Merckx style) of the Nature Valley Grand Prix. I was actually in the same spot (where the bike path crossed the course) as last year, which was a little boring for watching the action.

But, I was glad I was at that intersection. There were more people trying to cross the course than last year. A dude on a BMX bike blew right through my whistle, my orange flag, my yelling, and waving arms. A rider on the course was only six feet from hitting him! I spoke to some other course marshals and that same BMXer blew through the rest of the crossing points on the course, too. He's lucky he didn't cause a crash and get someone hurt!

I'll post some pictures as soon as I can. I think I got some good ones of the Trek-LiveStrong boys.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

I Have No Words

I'm sad, disappointed, angry, and heartbroken. I believed in this guy! I met him last summer in Minneapolis while volunteering at the Nature Valley Grand Prix, he autographed my copy of his book. I haven't thrown it in the bin yet, but I'm pissed enough to give it a ceremonial cremation.
Landis admits doping, alleges use by Armstrong, others
The cycling world reacts to Floyd Landis' accusations

So, Floyd's a doper, and has been for years. Yet he had the nerve to fight being stripped of his yellow jersey in 2006 after he tested positive, wrote a book about how innocent he was, and accepted other people's money for his defense (Floyd's Fairness Fund). He's got a lot of nerve showing his face anywhere near the sport right now, if you asked me.

I may write more later, after I've cooled down.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Rocky Road from Dublin

I'm back from Ireland! I thought I'd drag my jet-lagged self over to my computer and let you know I'm not dead.

Our flight out of Dublin was delayed three hours because of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano sending up another huge ash cloud and thus we missed our connecting flight to Minneapolis. Being stuck in Newark Airport overnight is no fun, let me tell you. My sister slept on the luggage, I slept sitting up, and Mom didn't sleep at all. Talk about punchy!

I'm going to run through things I noticed in Ireland about bikes, roads, and riding; for your reading pleasure:
-The cars are smaller. The largest non-commercial vehicle I saw was a Land Rover Discovery. Quite nice, considering the price of petrol was 1.33 Euro per liter. That's about $5.00 per gallon, ouch.
-The roads are narrow. Think of a standard lane width and a three-foot shoulder here in the U.S. and that's a two lane national road in Ireland. There aren't shoulders, either, usually an old stone wall or a thick hedge-row.
-You have to pay anywhere from two to eight Euro to park your automobile in town. Thus, a lot of people take the bus, walk, or ride a bicycle to get groceries, run errands, etc. There are a lot of mountain bikes in the country and commuting bikes in town. I did see a bike courier coming out of a business in Dublin, he had a worn but well-kept road bike.
-Road signage is smaller and hard to read if you're used to the signage in the US. Street signs are posted on corner buildings or not at all. Also, streets frequently change names every block, rather than at city limits.
-Round-abouts are used instead of four-way stop intersections, and I think that's a good thing. It's easier and I think safer, because those in the circle are already moving at a fairly low speed, so all you have to do is get up to speed. If you miss your exit, you just go around again.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.