I stopped by the new iteration of the Fitzgeralds Casino in Downtown Reno for the grand opening of Comm Row. Comm Row is a fairly progressive concept in the hotel space in Reno, or anywhere. It’s a youth, outdoor activity, family oriented destination, recreation, entertainment and lodging venue. For now the venue is on three floors of the former Fitz.

Floor 1: Food court

The first floor is a series of small food stations for a street food style atmosphere. I don’t think they want to think of it as a food court, but it’s a food court, with the addition of a bar or two. The food stations are squares with seating around the edge and cooking in the middle. There were some blinky lights too. Which I think makes it more EXTREME!

I didn’t try the food. If you want to know about the food check Clint Jolly’s blog Chow. It smelled good. Might be a good alternative to West Street Market which only has wine and Gyros these days.

There’s a dog zone here too. A dog bone shaped lounge area. This just seems like a bad idea. Dogs do one (or all) of three things when they get together. 1) fight, 2) piss and shit, 3) get super rowdy. It’s one thing to say, yeah you can bring your dog in. Quite another to create a dog park atmosphere. Dog parks suck. I predict that once someone tracks dog shit up to their hotel room or some kid get clotheslined by a yo yo dog, this will change.

Floor 2: Base Camp

This is the cool floor. There is a 7000+ square foot bouldering grotto with two pillars of bouldering on sweet looking plywood panels. They’re all overhanging, but the panels are slick. As in slippery. As in no smearing. Which seems bad. The flooring is one big crash pad rather than the Teva soles. There’s a slacker line. Also, there is a bar called v15. I imagine the chicks you pick up in a bar like that are strenuous and take a number of passes to bag. If you can deadpoint one of those you’re pretty good. There’s another as yet unfinished bouldering room as well (the innuendo ended with the last sentence).

There’s also a “core fitness center.” Not sure what all that entails, but I’ll find out.

Outside this level you can get access to a bar deck for V15 which has a lot of seating capacity, and only one door to get out or back in. The climbing deck is accessed from level 2 as well. This is pretty cool. It’s your standard rough texture panel with bolt on climbing holds. You can lead, top rope or climb with the auto belays. There were 2 when I was there. They reel in as you climb up, and when you fall they lower you slowly back to the deck.

If you want to climb one of the two upper climbing walls you and a partner have to climb the lower wall (70 feet) and then climb the upper wall (90 feet). You have to lead the upper wall, or get someone else to do it for you and then top rope it. There are a ton of bolts. Here’s what it looks like if you skip a bunch and fall. And there’s a lot of falling cause it’s 100% overhung.

I scored a free year of access to Base Camp for this photo that I submitted to the contest. So I’ll probably be hitting it once or twice a week. For a year at least. The climbing is going to be run by RockSport, so if you’re a fan of that fine establishment, you’ll likely really love Base Camp.

Memberships are @250 / year, or $350 / year for a family or $149 for a college pass or $38 / month or $50 / month family. Seems about right.

Floor 3: CARGO!

This is an entertainment venue for “Events Outside The Box.” I likely won’t be spending much time here. It was closed when I was there, and I went to JR’s house warming party instead of going to some “outside the box” event. As any young virile young male will be looking for events INside “the box” I imagine the breakaway won’t be closing any time soon. If you’re interested, you can check out events at Cargo here.

Impressions

I think the overall idea is killer, and I think their plan is to incorporate the plaza over the trench and the parking garage, with zip lines, and BMX parks and other stuff. Should be killer if they can keep it alive.

And they should be able to keep it alive if, and only if, they can keep good events going on there that bring in good climbers and spectators to compete on the indoor and outdoor walls and generate high quality photos, videos and sponsorships.. I say this because neither the indoor nor outdoor walls are going to work as tourist attractions. Non-Climbers won’t have much fun on the wall. All of the walls are overhung. Even with huge jug holds, the moo yaks that come to downtown reno won’t make it half way up. The bouldering won’t be an option at all for the fatties and AARP members who otherwise inhabit downtown reno. The climbing has limited appeal.

The brand seems cliched, bland and uninspiring. CommRow may be the street it’s on, but it doesn’t appeal to outdoor activities, climbing or anything else. The logo and branding is uninteresting, the outdoor signage is just ok, the merch (t-shirts and hoodies) is going to be unappealing to a younger crowd that has access to Reno eNVy and Big Truck.

The decor is young and lively and very night clubby and gimmicky. There are flashing lights and fancy bar stools. The bar on the bouldering level seems like a poor fit for the bouldering scene. What they should have is a fridge full of PBR and Red Bull and a tent for smoking pot. Bouldering is a dusty, stinky sweaty affair. Also, watching people climb is like watching grass grow, so no one in boozing mode is going to give a shit. But the non smoking thing is a huge plus. Which won’t help them if they decide to do beer pong, unless they call it beirut or some shit.

Also, I didn’t see any bike parking. I had to lock up at a parking meter over at Harrah’s. Seems like an oversight since they have bikes on the banner above the front door.

I don’t want to sound like a naysayer. I think it’s a great vision and a great direction for Downtown Reno. I’d be happy to see the casinos die completely and all their shitty events them go with them (yes, I’m willing to pay taxes). The Casinos are focusing on a clientele that is dying an early death of heart disease, lung cancer and debt. Comm Row is courting a young, active, energized, and (presumably) financially challenged demographic. So it’s a toss up. At least Com Row’s customers have a future…

What do you think? When do you want to head down to do some bouldering?

-M

Looking forward to the Comm Row project in Downtown Reno on the old Fitzgeralds site. Even if you’re not into gym/sport/competitive rock climbing, the thought of downtown shifting away from gaming and being successful at it is really attractive.

They’re doing a photo contest to show the outdoor nature of Reno at ourrealreno.com. I submitted this one from BOBOFest in 2007:

“The spectacle of climbers — perhaps dozens at a time — working their way up the walls outside the 16 stories of CommRow may provide one of those compelling reasons. So might gigantic climbing boulders inside the property, surrounded by birthday party rooms, specialty restaurants and fitness facilities. So might outdoors-oriented programming ranging from fly-fishing demonstrations to bicycle tours that the CommRow team will launch during the next year.”

via CommRow team seeks to change conversation about downtown | NNBW.com.

Some of you have heard the rumblings of the next Bacon Saves branded cycling apparel product. This is the official announcement that we’re considering thinking about becoming interested in getting a run of Bacon Saves Arm Warmers from Sock Guy.

A while ago they contacted us to see if we’d be interested in their new product. We were so they sent us some samples. They sent us the TurboWool which is a merino wool and poly propylene blend, and the standard Acrylic. Here is my review of the Sock Guy Arm Warmers:

THEY ARE REALLY NICE!

I’ve riden with them a couple of times. The Wool ones are a lot nicer. they feel good against your skin and are comfy in a wide range of temperatures. The acrylic ones are not bad, but slightly less nice than the wool. Other than that, there are really only a couple of things you care about with respect to arm warmers.

1. They have a good upper cuff that does NOT slip off while you’re riding.
2. The material is breathable and comfortable. The wool more so than the acrylic, but both are pretty comfortable.
3. They don’t stink to high heaven. Not sure why, but i did some sweating in them and they aren’t toxic waste.

Don’t take my word for it. Here is what others are saying about Sock Guy Arm Warmers:

Dara Marks Marino on Commute By Bike: “Despite the Sock Guy arm warmers being a bit too long for me, they stayed up like champs.  They do not even have an irritating rubber top (which is how most companies attempt to keep their arm warmers in place, by using the friction of rubber-on-skin). Sock Guy arm warmers: point one.  Gravity: zero.”

Matt Reece on Liberty Sports Magazine: “The articulated mid-section keeps them from bunching at the elbow and wrist bands are nice and wide. These arm warmers will stay right where you want them for the whole ride.”

If you’d like to test them out, I’ll wash them and you can contact me to get your hands in them.

Fit

They come in two sizes: Medium/Large and small/Medium. They seem to be sized narrow, so the larges fit tight on me. But they seem to stretch out well since my guns are so popping. They’re like a warm wool condom for your arm.

Design

The cool part is that Sock Guy can customize the weaving of the arm warmers just like they do with the socks. So I had the Team Bacon Strip in-house designer, Brian Raszka, draw up some new ideas for the arm warmers. They are below.

The Deal

Since these are way more expensive than the socks (2x the initial cost), and I’m between jobs right now, I need to pre-sell some of these before I make the bulk order. Also, I like the wool ones enough to make the executive decision that we’re getting those. They’re only a couple bucks more expensive, but they’re worth it. To that end if you PRE ORDER here is what you get for $23 ($19 for 2 or more):

1. 1 pair of Bacon Saves Arm Warmers
2. 2 Bacon Saves Stickers shipped to your address IMMEDIATELY
3. Shipping for the arm warmers

Single Arm Warmer( SM/Med): $23

Multiple Arm Warmer(Lg/Xl): $19 

these are the stickers

The Giveaway

The Poll

Completely democratic. Vote for the design you like best!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

There aren’t many similarities between New York City bike lanes and Reno, but this is still a good point.

Saw this a little late today. Haven’t heard who the rider was, but God damn!

A barricade has been put around the body of a young woman who was hit and killed while riding her bicycle at Mill Street and Kietzke Lane Tuesday morning June 7, 2011. / Marilyn Newton / RGJ

A bicyclist died this morning in Reno after being run over by a trash truck, the Reno Police Department reports.

The accident happened at about 9:30 a.m. at Mill Street and Kietzke Lane, Reno police Sgt. Jim Stegmaier said.

Stegmaier said both the bicyclist and the garbage truck were heading west on Mill Street at Kietzke Lane. The bicyclist was in the far right lane for bicycles. Read More on RGJ.com

Before we make assumptions about this, let’s watch the following video by RonConCocaCola:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Makes you think.

-M

UPDATE 6/10/2011 @ 8:00 AM: The follwing is an email from Terry McAfee to the Reno cycling community Dated June 9 2011:

Noah Silverman, Janet Phillips and I met with Sgt. Stegmaier and Lt. Newman of the Reno PD Wednesday afternoon at the site of the June 7 fatal bicycle collision, Mill Street and Kietzke Lane. It was an emotional experience to be at the site of a fellow bicyclist’s so recent death.

When there is a fatality, the police do an exceptionally detailed and thorough investigation and this fatality is no exception. The final report will no doubt be several weeks in coming. Here’s what they think so far, based on the testimony of a couple of witnesses:

The bicyclist was westbound on Mill Street traveling not very fast. The garbage truck passed her about 1,000 feet before Kietzke without incident. There’s a wide bike lane on Mill Street there. The garbage truck stopped at the traffic light, behind about 5 cars. The bicyclist continued on Mill Street. The bike lane ends about 200 feet before reaching Kietzke. From there to Kietzke there is no shoulder and very little room for a bicyclist between the motor vehicles and the curb. The light changed and the cars and garbage truck started to move forward. The timing was such that the bicyclist and truck ended up side by side as they approached Kietzke. The garbage truck turned right on Kietzke and crushed the bicyclist. The garbage truck stopped immediately.

I could cite the various laws that might apply in this situation but I think it would be better to throw out a couple of ideas for strategies to get through this intersection and ones like it. You can decide who would be at fault, if this is actually what happened.

Noah suggested that he would probably go up on the sidewalk. This works pretty well in this situation, IMHO. To be really safe, he should dismount and becomes a pedestrian to cross Kietzke. If a bicyclist pedals from corner to corner in the crosswalk, he does not have the same rights as a pedestrian. If he gets hit by a motorist there, the motorist will not be cited.

My strategy is to get in line behind the vehicles waiting at the light. I ride in the center of the right hand lane to prevent anyone interested in turning right from getting next to me on my left. I may slightly delay those motorists behind me but I’ve successfully avoided the potential for a “right hook.”

Janet suggested that she sometimes stops well back from the intersection and waits for the traffic to clear before trying to cross the intersection. This works pretty well, too.

As an urban bicyclist, you need to think about this situation and plan your strategy in advance. This is a VERY common way for bicyclists to get nailed.

Look here for more good ideas about how to avoid the most common bicyclist / motorist collisions – http://www.bicyclesafe.com/

How can you help?

The police need more witnesses to this accident. If you saw it or know of someone who did, please contact or ask them to contact the Reno Police Department.

Thanks,

Terry

UPDATE 6/10/2011 @ 9:22 AM

The name of the victem has been released:

Reno police have released the name of a woman killed while riding her bicycle Tuesday morning.

Police say 45-year-old Cammy Eubanks of Sparks was killed when a garbage truck turned into her.

Investigators say the truck driver didn’t see her when turning from Mill Street onto Kietzke Lane.

They do not believe speed or alcohol were factors in the crash.

Investigators still want to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the accident.

If you have any information call detectives at 334-2141 or Secret Witness at 322-4900 or text your tip to 847411. Read More on KTVN.com

Don’t forget to head down to the Metro Gallery @ 1 First Street in Reno tomorrow after work for Barrett’s closing reception for his photography show. We’ll have refreshments and bacon.

Parking is an issue down there of course. But you can park bikes out on 1st street at the artistic bike racks. You can also park on the street around ridge, hill, court and walk over. Or you can park by my house and walk or ride over. If you need to park close, you can park in the Cal Neva’s lot off of Sierra Street. It’s usually free.

See you there? RSVP below.

Barrett Donovan Photography Closing Reception.

“This documentary features the sad but amusing tale of a man who has had 36 bicycles stolen from him over a 27 year span living in New York City. ”

36 Bicycles on Vimeo on Vimeo

via 36 Bicycles on Vimeo.

Barrett @ The subway, Zion NP

This time congrats are in order for Barrett Donovan for getting his first photography exhibition! Barrett has 10 20 x 30 prints on display at The Metro Gallery at Reno City Hall @ First Street and Virginia Street. The exhibition will run through the end of the month, at which point we’ll have a party in the gallery, and there will be bacon.

The prints range from coastal landscapes from Santa Cruz and Northern California; remote landscapes from Dusy Basin in Kings Canyon National Park and Convict Lake, CA; the chilly waters and awesome clouds of Lake Tahoe; and the stunning rock and water of Zion National Park, several of which required getting wet on super cold mornings.

Check out the images below and stop by the The Gallery any time in May. Parking is kind of tricky down there, but you can use the Parking Garage at the theater on Sierra and First, or walk over from the Sienna Casino, or the big lot by Nevada State Bank. Of course, you can easily access Reno City Hall by bike and there are bike racks on First Street outside.

Stay tuned for more info on the party!

-M

Shawn O'Meara AKA The Grisly Bike Geek and Aspen Electric Solar Wizzard

Check out this article about solar electric jobs in NorNev with some insights from The Grisly Bike Geek.

If you’re looking for solar work in reno or Northern Nevada either residential, commercial or full on off the grid solar, check out Aspen Electric.

Sun struck – Green – Green Guide – April 7, 2011 – Reno News & Review.

“The aim was to use a hubless wheel to create a compact bicycle, with the benefits of a large wheel and belt drive.Hubless wheels have appeared in bicycle concepts already, and were first invented by Sbarro. However, few concepts have made it to prototype and when only used for aesthetic purposes, the disadvantage of extra cost out weights the visual gain. Lunartic uses the hubless for a reason; to house the working parts, reducing the wheel base but not sacrificing conventional riding geometry. Lunartic is supposed to be as compact as possible without folding or being awkward to ride, however there is the potential for the front wheel to fold up into the rear or for that space to be used for a laptop back, motor or dynamo.”

via Make: Online | Belt-Driven, Hubless Rear Wheel Bicycle.