Our reprieve from cold rainy weather couldn’t have come on a better day.

And today I’ll be giving ride updates via Twitter (MTGA’s DetroitGreenway account) — but not while in riding.

It’s also worth mentioning that there is a new web site for biking to work, www.biketowork.org. It includes resources for planning bike to work events, a discussion forum and more. The site funded by the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.

Finally, here is a appropriate comic strip for today. It’s actually yesterday’s Frazz. The author, Jef Mallett lives in Huntington Woods which is just off the Detroit bike to work route on Woodward.

Started in April of 2001, the Frazz comic strip from time to time reflects author Jef Mallett’s love of biking. Today’s Fourth of July strip is a great example.

Jef was raised in Big Rapids and his addiction to cycling began with riding to school because he despised taking the bus. Jef now lives in Lansing, where his cycling addiction continues.

For those less familiar with the strip, Frazz is a thirty-something school custodian who lives an idyllic life being around well-behaved kids and getting plenty of time to ride both on-road and off.

“Frazz is who I want to be,” says Jef. “Frazz is a just a regular, likeable guy.”

You can catch your daily dose of Frazz at comics.com/frazz.

Jeff’s also written some Frazz books, which are available at Amazon.com.

There will be a book signing starting at 7 PM this Friday, January 2nd in Royal Oak at the American Cycle and Fitness store on Woodward just north of 12 Mile.

The book is called Roadie: The Misunderstood World of a Bike Racer
and it’s author is local-cyclist Jamie Smith.  The book is illustrated by Frazz illustrator, Jef Mallett from Lansing.

With a keen sense of humor and a wealth of experience as a cyclist, Smith explains the wonderfully addicting but equally strange world of bicycle racing, including many of its charming habits and obsessive practices. Training, diet, several of the Michigan courses, cycle repairs, race strategies, and the puzzling question of why cyclists wear Lycra are all outlined in this unique book. Mallett’s comic illustrations perfectly complement the narrative.

Smith’s book did make the 2009 Michigan Notable Book list.

For more details, visit  www.americancycleandfitness.com or call the store at 248-542-7182.  Refreshments will be provided