Free Food, Free Beer—and a Great Cause for Cyclists

Once again there will be an opportunity this Wednesday and Thursday evening for you to lend a hand to your local cycling community. Before you go and read all of the details let me go ahead and say that like last week there will be free food and beer.

Bike Texas collected thousands of signatures around the state in support of the 3-foot passing law that the state legislature passed overwhelmingly, but then went on to be inexplicably vetoed by our finely coiffed governor.(read about it here)They need our help getting those names and addresses off of the petition and into a database so that there can be another strong push to get this passed next session.

What: Volunteering for 3 hours, entering names from petitions into a database. If you can’t do all three hours, come for an hour or two. Bring your own laptop if you can. If not, they DO have extra computers. The database is a web based system so ANY computer that has a wireless card will work.

When: Wednesday and Thursday November 11th and 12th from 5-8pm.

Where: Bike Texas Offices
1902 East 6th (6th and Chicon)
Austin, Texas 78702

**IMPORTANT**RSVP: mail@biketexas.org (tell them you are from Social Cycling ATX) This really helps them determine how many volunteers they need to accommodate.

BRING A LAPTOP IF YOU HAVE ONE: There are only 6 extra computers. If you have a laptop, bring it so that others without one can help out. Write on the event wall and let me know if you have a laptop or not.

Here’s more about the volunteer opportunities

Help make Texas a safer place to cycle. Hang out with friends in a very relaxed atmosphere. And eat FREE FOOD and drink FREE BEER.

Rocky Hill Roundup

Left to right: Brian Kuehl, Payson McElveen, Craig Kunz and Kevin Fish

It was great showing by Team Bicycle Sport Shop at the Rocky Hill Roundup. Congratulations to all of our racers in the field.

Men’s Pro/Cat 1

4th – Kevin Fish, 6th – Payson McElveen, 7th – Brian Kuehl, 10th – Stewart Stafford

Cat 1 Men 19 – 29

3rd – Luke Yantis, 5th – Scott Schroen

Cat 1 Men 40-49

4th – Christopher Campbell

Single Speed Men 1-99

3rd – Brian Lambert

Cat 2 Men 40-49

9th – Dewayne Marchant, 10th – Blake Roberts

Cat 2 Women 15-18

1st – Nadina Junuzovic

Cat 3 Men 13-14

11th – Jonah Boatman

Cat 3 Men 40-49

21st – Jeff Boatman

 

Real Ale Ride Buys Books for Blanco Library

There are many things to love about the Real Ale Ride.  The beautiful landscape that twists and turns through the hill country, the satisfaction of making it up all the hills without getting off your bike, and the Real Ale Beer and Texas BBQ.  But, the best part about the ride is the community.  Bicycle Sport Shop has had the opportunity to work with the community of Blanco for three years now and it has been a pleasure.  Mayor Tina Gourley and the chamber of commerce have been a huge support and contributor to the success of the ride.

Recently I had the opportunity to visit Blanco and present a $6000 check to the local Library.  Presenting with me was my good friend and co-sponsor of the ride Gabriel Gregerman of the Real Ale Brewing Company.  Jeff Holmes, president of the Friends of the Library and Crystal Spybuck, library director, accepted the check.

I would like to thank all of the participants from the 2009 ride for making that check presentation possible.  We are looking forward to another successful Real Ale Ride in 2010 and have many new additions to this year’s ride.  Be sure to check back for more information on how to register in 2010.

 

 

A Home for unused Bike Parts and a great Cause

This Sunday, from 11am to 3pm, the new HOPE Farmer’s Market (E 5th & Waller) will be collecting bikes and bike parts for an amazing organization, C.A.C.I.T.A. If you or your friends have any unused bikes or bike parts, we can help ya’ll find an amazing home for them!  Any help spreading the word about this is also greatly appreciated!

Hope Farmer’s Market will be the 1st stop on this year’s Urban Farm Bicycle Tour, December 5th!

 

The C.A.C.I.T.A. is a project and open learning space that operates just outside of Oaxaca, Mexico.  The C.A.C.I.T.A., la Centro Autónomo para la Creación Intercultural de Tecnologías Apropiadas- (the Autonomous Centre for the Intercultural Creation of Appropriated Technologies), works to produce technologies and machines that are economically viable and, most importantly, socially and environmentally just.  It is a project that was founded and is run by local Oaxaquenos, and continues to operate thru a simple non-profit volunteer only model today.  They create a host of machines with recycled parts at the C.A.C.I.T.A., which run from bicycle machines that ground wheat, pump water or turn a blender, to dry toilets and solar heated stoves.  These machines are then donated to predominately rural communities that live mostly, but not limitied to, the state of Oaxaca.  However, because of the non-profit nature of the C.A.C.I.T.A., the collective suffers from a lack of materials.

A C.A.C.I.T.A. representative will be passing through Austin November 7th, and 8th, and will be collecting as many used bicycles and parts as possible to take to Mexico.  On behalf of the C.A.C.I.T.A. I can assure you that any donations will be greatly appreciated and will make a significant difference in the functioning capacity of the C.A.C.I.T.A.

 

View this video link to see the great work C.A.C.I.T.A. has been doing.  Thanks for all of the
time and support.

Be Seen Bike Lights

The days are getting shorter again and it’s time to break out the lights. Unless you’ve been hitting the Thursday night rides with Social Cycling ATX you are probably unaware of some of the cool new lighting accessories. Here are a few recommendations from friends and staff.

Daniel Curtin

I use the Planet Bike Blaze headlight and Superflash rear light. I use them/have them on me when I know or think I’ll be out on the bike  before dawn or after dusk–after all, that’s the law in Austin!What I like about them is that they are SUPER bright and use standard batteries that you can pick up at the store. Also, they mount/dismount super easy, and the tail light can attach to anything–bike, bag, shirt, helmet, small fury thing with a collar, etc.

Cedric Knudsen

For commuting I like the Serfas seat stay red blinking light. It is silicone covered, bright and stays on tight with a variety of mounting options.My objective is to be seen, not to see. I also carry a set of small knog backup lights, either on the bike or in my bag for backup.

Be Safe-Be Seen!

“My objective is to be seen, not to see.” Cedric brings up a great point. This is an important question to ask when considering your choices for lights this fall. Your commute may lead you down an unlit street or trail requiring more light.  The NiteRider Trinewt offers a poweful punch encased in a small lightweight shell.

For those of you braving the streets after the time change, Bicycle Sport Shop wants to make sure your safe. That’s why we’re giving away a FlashBak lighting system. If you attend the Social Cycling rides on Thursdays you may have seen a few of these or even had a chance to speak with the inventor, Brad Beneski. Well, now’s your chance to own his lighting system. The FlashBak provides excellent side and rear visibility, attaches to almost anything and can be seen blinking up to 2000 feet away.

“Hey Carter! Give me that light!”

If you want the FlashBak, all you have to do is send me an email telling me why you need it, where the FlashBak will help you get safely. If selected, please let us know how awesome it is. Entries may be submitted through Wednesday, November 11 and the winner will be selected on Friday, November 13th.  All entries will be posted to the blog so be creative. Pictures and video are highly recommended.

send entries to socialmedia@bicyclesportshop.com

Action Alert: Bike Texas Needs Your Help!

Bike Texas needs volunteers for data entry this Wednesday October 28th, and Thursday October 29th.  Free dinner, and a free Bike Texas membership awaits!  I heard a rumor that there is beer involved!

Your job: data entry of petition signatures from the Safe Passing Petition.  They have many, many hardcopy petition signatures that must be entered.  All you have to do is type!

We are getting closer and closer to our goal of 10K signatures before the Primary this coming Spring, earning us a nice press conference and the attention of national media.  We plan on sending a STRONG message to Governor Veto Perry that cyclists are organized, and they have a unified voice to be reckoned with!

Austin City Council unanimously passed the Safe Passing ordinance last Thursday, sending a  message to Governor Perry that Austin isn’t happy with his self-serving veto!  Several other Texas cities will soon be following our lead.

Join us and keep the momentum going!

Where:  Bike Texas office at 1902 E. 6th Street

When: Wednesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 29.  Come either day, or both!

Time:  Anytime between 5-8 p.m.

The data entry is web-based, so bring your computer if you can—not required!  Stay as long as you’d like and remember, with 10 hours of scheduled volunteer time throughout the year, you can earn a free Bike Texas membership!

Spread the word!

The Art of Layering

Well, we had our first little cold snap this past weekend and I enjoyed a great 3 hour ride in wet and cold.  However, I realized about 20 minutes into my ride when I began to sweat that my layering skills were a little rusty.

I think the anticipation of being cold is our main downfall.  In an effort to make sure we are warm we pile on clothes until we are comfortable standing next our bikes.  This creates a problem, because we are not going to be standing next to our bikes we are going to be riding them.

As we ride along we may feel quite comfortable when spinning easy, but once we reach that first hill our core temperature rises from the activity and we begin to sweat – resulting in damp clothing.  This is where the trouble begins.  Once we crest the hill or return to an easy spin that damp clothing will cause us to get chilled.

The trick then is to layer or choose clothing that allows you to regulate your body temperature as your activity changes.

Upper Body

Most of the season in Texas all we need is a jersey, but as temperatures get down closer to the 50’s and 60’s it will be important to begin adding layers.  The first layer you will add is a base layer.  The base layer is worn under your jersey.  The purpose of this layer is to keep you warm, while at the same time not making you too hot.  Additionally it should pull moisture away from your skin.  The Descente Pro V base layer is what I typically use and it is well worth the $50 price tag.  Now I know what your thinking.  I work at the shop and get a great deal.  Well, I just walked the floor and they’re on sale for $24.99.

The middle layer is the trickiest of layers because what you choose to wear here will depend on a number of factors.  Your level of activity, your metabolism, air temp, etc.  Typically speaking if it is between 50 and 70 you should be fine with a short sleeve jersey (maybe arm warmers).  Some of you may choose to go with a long sleeve jersey if temperatures are between 40 and 55.  Believe it or not wool jerseys are not only great for cold weather riding, but will continue to pull moisture away from your core.

As temperatures creep below 50 you can begin by adding a wind vest or lightweight jacket.  Remember to start out on your ride a little chilly. You will warm up as you ride.  You can always stuff a jacket or vest in your jersey pocket if you feel you might to add clothing later.

Lower Body

Not quite as many options here.  I think last year I rode year round in my shorts and added knee warmers when the temp dropped below 55.  Some of you may opt for leg warmers or even tights at 50.  Again, some of this will depend on your activity level and metabolism.  Tights would be too hot for me at 50, but my wife won’t leave the house otherwise.

Accessories – Hands, Feet and Head

Most of the time you will not need to change from the norm until the temperature reaches 55.  At 55 you may begin to add gloves and toe warmers, maybe a cycling cap for your noggin.  Below 50 most of you will want to wear a thicker head cover and maybe some neoprene shoe covers or even thermal booties for especially cold days.  I would also recommend a wool sock as you begin to add layers to your feet.  The wool will aide in wicking moisture from your feet.

A SOLUTION FOR YOUR U.T. GAME DAY PARKING WOES

Who says Football and Cycling don’t go together? We’ve seen that Vinegar and Oil DO mix very well in a salad!

Cap Metro provided game day bus service in previous years at a loss.   Since the still-not-operating light rail service has sucked the money out of their agency  they now suffer major budget issues.  They can’t run shuttles at a loss!

When they asked the university and athletics to kick in to help provide the service to the 3,000 or so customers  UT passed.   UT and athletics are in a hiring freeze and  have instituted an incredible amount of cost containment measures.

UT decided to outsource to Executive Coach of Dallas who promised to provide 40 buses per game and run the service a couple of hours prior to and after the games.  They didn’t provide what they promised and now say they can’t afford to!  That’s left a HUGE number of fans with no transportation, and no place to park.

Well, after public outcry Cap Metro is now returning their shuttle service with UT Athletic Dept. covering the difference in cost.  But all of this shuttle drama got me thinking.  Why not Bike to the game?

Bicycle Sport Shop provides a wide selection of rental bikes, locks, and accessories.  For those of you with bikes—RIDE THEM to the game.  If you are a fan, you know what it’s like to be stuck in game- day traffic in your car.  If you don’t have a bike RENT ONE at Bicycle Sport Shop.  We can get you set up with bike, helmet, and a lock if needed and provide a route to the game for you as well.

Bike rentals are not only cheaper than a rental car, faster than a shuttle, and you get front row parking.  Royal Memorial Stadium is under 3 miles from our shop! (See map of bike racks around the stadium)

Mention our Blog, and  mention the Horns when you rent a bike and receive a free water bottle while supplies last. Reserve your bike now.

• Capital Metro bus route information
• Football parking map [PDF]

Statesman Story

My Livestrong Story – Mike Jankowski

In the summer 2003 I had just turned 31.  A few weeks later I changed doctors and went for a routine physical.  All was well and good until the doc asked me about why my lymph nodes seemed swollen.  “They do that when I’m tired, have all my life.” I replied.  He kept on with the exam, until he was checking to see if I had a hernia.  Good news, no hernia, bad news there was some type of lump in the area of my lymph nodes in my right groin.

We decided the best course of action was some imagery, which of course showed a small mass.  Next we took blood, which showed elevated B and T cell counts.  Already things weren’t looking good, but I kept thinking it would be ok.  I went back to chart the rate of growth of the mass, and it was growing rather quickly.  At this point I had to prepare myself for the fact I had all the signs of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  After more tests, it was decided I needed to have the mass removed.

Of course my insurance company fought me all the way, saying it was cheaper to wait and see than be proactive, but finally they relented.  By this time it was winter, but I finally had a surgery date in early January.  During this time I was unemployed due to another medical issue, and living with my parents.  They were supportive through everything, taking me to the doctors, etc.  But all this time I was wondering why me?

I looked at the facts.  No cancer in my family.  I’ve been in above average or great pysical condition since I was a child.  Running track and cross country since junior high, playing basketball since elementary school, swimming every chance I got, rowing all over the lake we had a house on in the Adirondacks.  In my junior year of high school I got my first racing bike.

The next several years I spent racing the likes of Hincapie, Monahan, McCormack, Julich, Vollers, Armstrong et al.  When I left elite racing I joined the Army, becoming a squad leader and explosives expert in Special Forces.  Yet I kept wondering where had my body gone wrong?  When did it let this intruder in?  The only clue was I had a severe case on Mononucleosis in my senior year in high school, which helped predispose me to NHL.

Surgery came and went, and it was the most pain I’ve ever felt.  My stomach muscles had to be stretched 5 inches, so you can imagine what fun it was to breathe or move, let alone sneeze or cough.  After my internal and external stitches healed, I did what I’ve always done: got on my bike.  It was hooked up to a trainer in the basement, since it was 15 degrees and snowy outside.  Soon it became my routine.  Fight the insurnce company, take medecine, sleep, then ride in the basement.

I had a goal.  I was going to race in the inaugural Johnny Cake Lane (I’m not kidding, the road is really named that.) Series in Coxsackie, NY in March.  I wanted to finish, and not be last.  I had gained quite a bit of weight from surgery and the subsequent medecines, and some days were bettr thanothers, but I forced myself through the soreness and nausea.  I finally rode outside a week before the race, and race day arrived.

I did finish the race.  I even finished 5th from last, over 12 minutes down on the winner after 42 miles.  It didn’t matter.  In my mind, I was on the road to winning the war.  No matter how bad I felt, I kept training.  A mont and a half later I won a 1 mile prologue on Easter weekend by over 6 seconds in my category.  Imagine my surprise when I was called to the podium for 5th overall including the pros at the end of the awards!

Since my diagnosis I’ve raced hundreds of times, sometimes doing well, sometimes not.  Before my bout with NHL, I used to get upset at myself for not winning or placing well.  Other times I’d be so frustrated bcause I felt awful on a training ride.  Now I don’t mind.  Any ride is better than a ride into surgery to remove something that hopefully hasn’t spread.  Any day is better than laying in bed shivering and wanting to cry because you can’t even walk without someone helping you.  Any moment is better than the moment you’re told you have cancer.

Shout Out – Austin Cycle Camp

I had an opportunity to meet a couple of the guys from Austin Cycle Camp today.  Trey Steele, Co-Founder, even gave me a ride home.  I had ridden out to the Kiker Bike Fest to draw a name for the Bicycle Sport Shop  bicycle package giveaway and decided, competely by accident, to take the longests hilliest route to get there.  After walking around in cycling shoes all day inspecting participants bikes, I went on the short ride from the Kiker Elementry to to the Veloway.  It was like pedaling with concrete columns instead of legs.  I think I said yes to Trey’s ride home offer before he finished asking.

Anyway, we spoke briefly about the camp and I am very happy to see something like this in Austin. From speaking with Trey it sounds like Austin Cycle Camp is all about the fun.  Their base camp class offers weekly lessons wich cover skills such as bike handling, bike set up, road safety, climbing, riding in a group and more.  Next time you’re at the veloway be sure and say hi or visit the Austin Cycle Camp website.

Good luck Austin Cycle Camp and thank you for your support of cycling in Austin.