Saturday, June 30, 2012
Summer Motorbikes
Summer on the Railway Path brings out the local yoof on their bikes. Wrong kind of bikes though....(video contains profanities).
Secret parking by the Arches
"RP" -our Gloucester Road correspondent, shows us some secret parking places:
FV55 PYO has been parking on the footpath round the back of the shops next to the disused toilets under the arches on the Gloucester road on a daily basis for well over a year. To be precise, the practice started at the same time that "Do 'Lil Coffee" opened next just next to the disused toilets next to the arches on the Gloucester Road. Not that anything should be read into this of course.
Now this is a great example of resourcefulness. The footpath here is wide and although bollards suggest that cars are not welcome on this pedestrian cut through onto Cromwell road the driver is often able
to leave plenty of room for both the car and those on foot. On other occasions, FV55PYO is joined by a second car (peculiarly this seems to coincide with times when Do 'Lil Coffee is doing a lot of business --
Saturday mornings for example).
Then it becomes a little more awkward for pedestrians who have to decide whether to risk damaging parked cars as they squeeze pushchairs, bikes and shopping past the cars or, probably more easily, abandon the footpath and take to the road instead. Anyway, we digress.
To reward this feat of ingenuity and long-standing service to resourceful parking, Bristol City Council now routinely fix yellow stickers to the windscreen FV55PYO. Here is one example from a little while ago. This recognition of success has obviously not gone unnoticed as are now many other luxury cars who feel they don't want to be missed out.
FV55 PYO has been parking on the footpath round the back of the shops next to the disused toilets under the arches on the Gloucester road on a daily basis for well over a year. To be precise, the practice started at the same time that "Do 'Lil Coffee" opened next just next to the disused toilets next to the arches on the Gloucester Road. Not that anything should be read into this of course.
Now this is a great example of resourcefulness. The footpath here is wide and although bollards suggest that cars are not welcome on this pedestrian cut through onto Cromwell road the driver is often able
to leave plenty of room for both the car and those on foot. On other occasions, FV55PYO is joined by a second car (peculiarly this seems to coincide with times when Do 'Lil Coffee is doing a lot of business --
Saturday mornings for example).
Then it becomes a little more awkward for pedestrians who have to decide whether to risk damaging parked cars as they squeeze pushchairs, bikes and shopping past the cars or, probably more easily, abandon the footpath and take to the road instead. Anyway, we digress.
To reward this feat of ingenuity and long-standing service to resourceful parking, Bristol City Council now routinely fix yellow stickers to the windscreen FV55PYO. Here is one example from a little while ago. This recognition of success has obviously not gone unnoticed as are now many other luxury cars who feel they don't want to be missed out.
Solar Power & Electric Cars--the numbers are better than ever
I admit that I'm biased--I really want solar power and electric cars to work. This is not because I stand to make any money from either of these technologies. Much more important than that, I believe that the future survival of humanity requires it. Check out the current record forest fires in Colorado for the latest warning shout from global warming.
But I also try to be as accurate as possible with the facts. I know that electric cars and solar power are expensive. The question is whether they are cost effective. If people can save money by buying solar panels and electric cars, then they will buy them. The key issue here is that both of these purchases require big up-front investments. Since most of us don't have enough cash on hand, that means that we need to borrow it. The good news is that interest rates keep going down, making these investments better than ever.
Solar is now cheaper than PG&E
For solar, the ideal is a 30 year mortgage. The current rate for that is around 3.5%. According to a June 19, 2012 report from Greentech Media the current cost for solar installed in the U.S. is $4.44 (compared to only $2.24 per watt in Germany!). Using the U.S. figure for our modest 3.24 kilowatt system, the cost would be $14,386. At 3.5% for 30 years, the Capital Recovery Factor is .054. Therefore, the cost would be .054 x $14,386 = $777 per year. Since our system generated 4,371 kilowatt hours (kwh) in its first year, that would come to $777/4,371 = 17.8 cents per kwh, which is slightly less than PG&E's average.
That's the unsubsidized cost. In fact there is a 30% federal tax credit which reduces the cost to $l0,070. The annual cost then becomes .054 x $10,070 = $544 per year, dropping the cost to 12.4 cents per kwh, lower than the lowest PG&E rate for standard households of 12.8 cents/kwh. With these costs any homeowner in Northern California can save money with solar. It used to be that only heavy electricity users would save money, but that is no longer the case--now everyone can save!
But that's not all! Because of net metering, solar is reimbursed at the peak rates, while most of our electricity is in the off-peak charging our car. Therefore, our 4,371 kwh of solar power paid for 6,460 kwh of power. See Everything is going according to plan for more details on these numbers. Adding $54 in PG&E minimum charges to the $544 payment for the solar means that the actual cost per kwh would be $598/6,460 = 9.2 cents per kwh.
What about electric cars?
The low interest rates also make the additional investment in an electric car more attractive. For a car that you plan to keep for its life, a 15 year loan would be ideal. The current rate on 15 year home refinancing loans is around 3%. A Chevy Volt costs around $33,000 after rebates. Assuming that is about $15,000 more than what a conventional car costs, what is the better deal--borrow $15,000 or buy a gasoline car?
If the gasoline car gets 25 miles per gallon of gas, and gas costs $3.75 per gallon, that means it costs 15 cents per mile to drive. Electricity to charge a car at night is now priced at about 6 cents per kwh (PG&E wants to raise this to 10 cents--see pg&e proposed rate change), so the Volt costs about 2 cents per mile to drive (3 miles per kwh). This means you save 13 cents per mile compared to the gasoline car. At 10,000 miles per year that is $1300. The Capital Recovery Factor for 15 years at 3% is .084, which means that it would cost you .084 x 15,000 = $1,260 to pay off the loan. In other words the $1,300 you save is greater than the $1,260 it costs to pay the loan.
So a Volt is a better buy than a gasoline car that gets 25 miles per gallon. By similar math, a Leaf, costing $26,000 after rebates is cheaper than a gasoline car costing $18,000 and getting 40 miles per gallon.
So make your next car electric, and you'll be saving money.
But I also try to be as accurate as possible with the facts. I know that electric cars and solar power are expensive. The question is whether they are cost effective. If people can save money by buying solar panels and electric cars, then they will buy them. The key issue here is that both of these purchases require big up-front investments. Since most of us don't have enough cash on hand, that means that we need to borrow it. The good news is that interest rates keep going down, making these investments better than ever.
Solar is now cheaper than PG&E
For solar, the ideal is a 30 year mortgage. The current rate for that is around 3.5%. According to a June 19, 2012 report from Greentech Media the current cost for solar installed in the U.S. is $4.44 (compared to only $2.24 per watt in Germany!). Using the U.S. figure for our modest 3.24 kilowatt system, the cost would be $14,386. At 3.5% for 30 years, the Capital Recovery Factor is .054. Therefore, the cost would be .054 x $14,386 = $777 per year. Since our system generated 4,371 kilowatt hours (kwh) in its first year, that would come to $777/4,371 = 17.8 cents per kwh, which is slightly less than PG&E's average.
That's the unsubsidized cost. In fact there is a 30% federal tax credit which reduces the cost to $l0,070. The annual cost then becomes .054 x $10,070 = $544 per year, dropping the cost to 12.4 cents per kwh, lower than the lowest PG&E rate for standard households of 12.8 cents/kwh. With these costs any homeowner in Northern California can save money with solar. It used to be that only heavy electricity users would save money, but that is no longer the case--now everyone can save!
But that's not all! Because of net metering, solar is reimbursed at the peak rates, while most of our electricity is in the off-peak charging our car. Therefore, our 4,371 kwh of solar power paid for 6,460 kwh of power. See Everything is going according to plan for more details on these numbers. Adding $54 in PG&E minimum charges to the $544 payment for the solar means that the actual cost per kwh would be $598/6,460 = 9.2 cents per kwh.
What about electric cars?
The low interest rates also make the additional investment in an electric car more attractive. For a car that you plan to keep for its life, a 15 year loan would be ideal. The current rate on 15 year home refinancing loans is around 3%. A Chevy Volt costs around $33,000 after rebates. Assuming that is about $15,000 more than what a conventional car costs, what is the better deal--borrow $15,000 or buy a gasoline car?
If the gasoline car gets 25 miles per gallon of gas, and gas costs $3.75 per gallon, that means it costs 15 cents per mile to drive. Electricity to charge a car at night is now priced at about 6 cents per kwh (PG&E wants to raise this to 10 cents--see pg&e proposed rate change), so the Volt costs about 2 cents per mile to drive (3 miles per kwh). This means you save 13 cents per mile compared to the gasoline car. At 10,000 miles per year that is $1300. The Capital Recovery Factor for 15 years at 3% is .084, which means that it would cost you .084 x 15,000 = $1,260 to pay off the loan. In other words the $1,300 you save is greater than the $1,260 it costs to pay the loan.
So a Volt is a better buy than a gasoline car that gets 25 miles per gallon. By similar math, a Leaf, costing $26,000 after rebates is cheaper than a gasoline car costing $18,000 and getting 40 miles per gallon.
So make your next car electric, and you'll be saving money.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Get ready for the Lydiate Classic Car Show
The organisers of the Lydiate Classic Car Show, which takes place next Sunday (July 8) are urging fans of all things automotive to help raise funds for Cancer Research UK by checking out an eclectic variety of cars, motorcycles and buses owned by enthusiasts from across the north west.
Alongside the vehicles visitors will be able to peruse charity stalls at Lydiate Parish Hal, where the show is being held, and pick up snacks at a variety of refreshment stalls. It also the first time the annual show includes an autojumble, with traders offering spare parts at the show.
Entry to the show, which takes place between 10am and 4pm, costs £1 for visitors and exhibitors alike, with no need to prebook display vehicles. All proceeds from the show will be donated to Cancer Research UK.
ALGUMAS COISAS:
ALGUMAS COISAS AINDA VÃO DEMORAR MUITO TEMPO, PARA CHEGARMOS A TER CARROS EXTREMES COMO OS DE OUTROS PAISES, POIS COMO PODEMOS VER EM ALGUNS EVENTOS LA FORA, OS CARROS SÃO MUITO BEM APERFEIÇOADOS, NADA PARECIDO COM OS EVENTOS QUE OCORREM NO BRASIL, MAS FICA AQUI ALGUNS VIDEOS DO QUE EU ESTOU FALANDO.
ESPANHA
EUA
MONTIJO
PIRAMIDE
ESPANHA
BUENOS AIRES
CCF Faby !!Škoda Fabia tuning
Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale
Ormskirk MotorFest 2012 attracts hundreds of entrants
Aintree Circuit Club said that it had received more than 250 applicants from enthusiasts keen to exhibit their machines at the motorsport-themed event, which takes place in the centre of the West Lancashire market town on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Club spokesperson Mike Ashcroft told Life On Cars: "Once again Ormskirk is looking forward to the MotorFest. Over 250 entries from all classes of competition cars and motorcycles, classic cars and supercars have been received so far.
"Last year's event was a resounding success with spectators enjoying the static displays and exhibitions and the various themed parades around the town centre, and this year there will once again be static displays of vehicles in Ormskirk town centre on Aughton Street and Moor Street, with more in Coronation Park."
Among the entries expected to take part in this year's event are a Metro 6R4 Group B rally cars, MG racing and rally cars, historic F1 cars, and the return of the 1950s bubble cars which proved an unexpected hit with visitors at last year's event.
The club also reiterated that the event, which it is organising in partnership with West Lancashire Borough Council, will remain free of charge for visitors, with both organisations keen to top last year's inaugural event, which saw more than 10,000 people pack into the town centre to see the exhibits and a series of car and bike parades around the town's one way system.
The MotorFest's organisers will also be helping to support several charities on the day - the Ben Gautrey Foundation, who will be leading a motorbike parade in tribute to the Southport superbike racer tragically killed during a race last year, the North West Air Ambulance, one of this year's West Lancashire mayoral charities, and Claire House Childrens Hospice.
This year's Ormskirk MotorFest will take place in Ormskirk town centre on Sunday, August 26. For more information visit the event's website.
Valuable Lessons for Mother and Baby
A CitizenContribution arrives in the Aberdeen Cars inbox:
From: [citizencontributerali]@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: CityLink - Kings of the Road and Pavement
To: aberdeencars@gmail.com
Dear Mr Skidmark,
Yesterday the wee boy Jimmy and I were out for a push in the pram going through Culter and we saw this most excellent example of The big green and yellow parcel machine pavement parking.
As you can see there was not enough space for little jimmy's pram to push between the van and the pavement, I had a choice, push into the oncoming traffic or go through the BP/[Expensive]M&S forecourt. I chose the latter but still no space - the driver of the blue van further put me in my place by verbally communicating to me, and everyone else in earshot, it was a garage and not a playgroup for fornicating. He's correct but what's a mum to do?
As we returned I realised how small and insignificant us pedestrians - and pram pushers are. Please can you use your website to thank City-Link for teaching us such an important lesson.
Yours
Alison (& the wee boy Jimmy)
Of course, what CitizenContributor Alison has failed to point out is that the Citylink van WR08JFA is not only teaching mother and baby a valuable lesson about what's expected of a yummy mummy in Aberdeen "City and Shire", but is also fouling the cycle lane, thus demonstrating that cyclists are simply not wanted here.
But, that aside, all this begs the question: Why was Citizen Contributor Alison pushing a baby about the place outside? We considered reporting this case to social services - surely any mother who truly cares about her child would be transporting wee Jimmy in a nice safe warm dry car, like any good mother would. But, reading between the lines, we can tell that CitizenContributor Alison is in the process of learning the error of her ways, and will (pretty soon we hope) join in with mainstream society and get herself a nice wee car to ferry little Jimmy about the place. In this way, not only will she no longer stand out as a pedestrian, but will at last contribute to the necessary economic growth which makes Aberdeen "City and Shire" the economic powerhouse which will pull the whole of UKplc out of recession.
From: [citizencontributerali]@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: CityLink - Kings of the Road and Pavement
To: aberdeencars@gmail.com
Dear Mr Skidmark,
Yesterday the wee boy Jimmy and I were out for a push in the pram going through Culter and we saw this most excellent example of The big green and yellow parcel machine pavement parking.
As you can see there was not enough space for little jimmy's pram to push between the van and the pavement, I had a choice, push into the oncoming traffic or go through the BP/[Expensive]M&S forecourt. I chose the latter but still no space - the driver of the blue van further put me in my place by verbally communicating to me, and everyone else in earshot, it was a garage and not a playgroup for fornicating. He's correct but what's a mum to do?
As we returned I realised how small and insignificant us pedestrians - and pram pushers are. Please can you use your website to thank City-Link for teaching us such an important lesson.
Yours
Alison (& the wee boy Jimmy)
But, that aside, all this begs the question: Why was Citizen Contributor Alison pushing a baby about the place outside? We considered reporting this case to social services - surely any mother who truly cares about her child would be transporting wee Jimmy in a nice safe warm dry car, like any good mother would. But, reading between the lines, we can tell that CitizenContributor Alison is in the process of learning the error of her ways, and will (pretty soon we hope) join in with mainstream society and get herself a nice wee car to ferry little Jimmy about the place. In this way, not only will she no longer stand out as a pedestrian, but will at last contribute to the necessary economic growth which makes Aberdeen "City and Shire" the economic powerhouse which will pull the whole of UKplc out of recession.
When your air conditioner breaks down, repairs can be expensive.
During the dog days of summer, chances are you run your air conditioning constantly.
FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SYSTEM RUNNING SMOOTHLY:
No matter what the weather is like out there, always run your air conditioner for at least a few minutes each month. Running the air conditioner on a regular basis helps keep the system lubricated and all the parts working properly. Run the air conditioner to clear fog off the windows, you will be ensuring that your system runs right when you need it the most.
The most common cause of system failure is a lack of refrigerant. A proactive approach saves you time and money in the long run. Every time you have your oil changed or any other scheduled maintenance, check all fluid levels, including your air conditioning refrigerant.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
- When the systems begins blowing just air, there is a good chance your refrigerant level is low. A simple recharge of the air conditioning system will chill the car right quick.
- A lack of air flow indicates that one or more cooling fans may have failed. Replacing a defective fan in most cases should restore your cooling system.
Schedule a complete air system checkup.
Audia Chevrolet will check and adjust your entire system's operation, including belts, lines, compressor, condenser, temperature gauge, pressure and perform a leak test to keep you cool all summer. Thursday, June 28, 2012
A Trip to Bob's Bike Shop
Yesterday I rode my bike up to Port Townsend to check out my friend Bob Bryant's bike shop. Bob and I go way back. In the 1990s a broken collarbone brought me into the fascinating world of recumbent bicycles and I got to ride a number of very interesting bikes and meet a wide range of very interesting people. Bob and I immediately hit it off and I wound up writing a series of articles for his magazine, Recumbent Cyclist News. A few of these old articles still live on the web, including this portrait of Joe and the Joetator and this whimsical look at a somewhat different bicycle world.
These days Bob runs an amazingly efficient little shop in Port Townsend that specializes in comfortable and simple transportation bikes. Operating out of a tiny shed that shares a courtyard with Coasties Custom Wheelbuilding, Bob is having a great time getting Port Townsend rolling on a mix of refurbished older bikes and inexpensive new cruisers. I picked a great sunny day to ride up and before Bob opened the shop for the day he bought me a coffee and scone at a nearby coffee shop while we solved the pressing problems of the word.
My old randonneuring pal Jon Muellner (seen laughing maniacally in the summer sunshine) met up with us at the coffee shop and later insisted on buying me lunch. Over lunch Jon and I continued the work of solving the pressing problems of the world. We made some progress.
It was a great day to be chatting with friends and I had great weather for the ride up and back to Port Townsend. As a final bonus, on the ride back south, I found this Craftsman 1/4" ratcheting wrench on the roadside.
Some days are just wonderful. Good friends, good food, good conversation, good riding, and good fortune. Yesterday was one of the days when it was very, very easy to keep 'em rolling.
Kent "Mountain Turtle" Peterson
Issaquah WA USA
Mercedes-Benz (W109) 300 SEL 6,3
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