The Ride of Our Lives: Debbie & Paige Take STP

Now You Can Help Edit Google Maps

2011-04-20T08:33:00.002-06:00

Cyclists, help Google modify their maps!

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2011/04/19/now-users-can-help-edit-google-maps/

Boise Bicycling Universe

2011-04-19T05:55:00.000-06:00

The mother of all Boise cycling resources is here! Check out Boise Bicycling Universe.
It has everything from bike advocacy to state agencies to bike services.

The Finish Line

2010-08-08T13:31:00.004-06:00

Life has been nuts since STP! That is the best way I can put it, so I apologize for not updating you all on how it actually went! Know that a summary is coming soon.

I thought it would be good to share some photos from the finish line (just to prove that we really did make it).

Below is a link to some photos taken by Cole Benson (friend, pit crew member, photographer).

Link to photos on facebook.

I hope you are enjoying your summer.

Keep on pedalin'!

Photos for your Friday

2010-07-23T06:14:00.005-06:00

It is kind of unbelievable that our journey to the STP is now over. We did it! And we may just do it again!

Really, I think it takes a couple days for the excitement of completing 204+ miles to really hit one. We did THAT on a bike?! We got to see some beautiful country and had the chance to ride in all kinds of different situations.

Here are a few photos from our adventure: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=189667&id=83633583785

Look for a summary of the event to come, but until then have a great Friday!

A race to the finish.

2010-07-19T11:54:00.000-06:00

We did it!

More pictures and info to come.

Three Days Until Lift Off

2010-07-14T06:30:00.004-06:00

It has been awhile since I've posted anything newsworthy. For that I apologize. Life has certainly been happening. The good news? We are riding STP this WEEKEND!!! A combination of fear and excitement are swirling in the air.

Are you regretting not signing up for the big bike ride yourself? Never fear, streaming video is here!!

Periodically we will be streaming live from the event. Yes, LIVE! So, if you're interested you can check us out on Ustream here: http://www.ustream.tv/user/stpexperiment

Wish us luck—we might just need it it!

The Friday Connection

2010-07-02T06:34:00.004-06:00

Happy Friday all! We hope you have a safe 4th of July and are able to get out there on your bikes and ride! This week's link is to New Belgium.

If you have never been to New Belgium's website you should go. Not only are the graphics cool, but they have fun stuff like "Clips of Faith Beer and Film Tour."

We're looking forward to this year's Tour de Fat on 08/21/2010 in Anne Morrison Park.

Happy Pedaling!

The Friday Connection

2010-06-18T06:15:00.002-06:00

Happy Friday! We're still out there biking away (just in case you thought we had disappeared)!

This week's link is to the Cascade Bicycle Club. This is the outfit who is putting on this whole Seattle to Portland Bike Ride. The link will take you directly to the STP page with all the "goods" on it.

Here is some information on the ride I snagged from their website, in case you are interested in numbers.

2009 STP Ride Stats

9,999 other riders

Oldest rider: 87

Youngest rider: 2 years 4 months old

18% first-time riders

100 safety and medical riders

310 riders who have participated in 10+ STPs

Two riders who have ridden them all: Jerry Baker and Paul Wantzelius! In 2009, riders came from 46 states plus Australia, Bermuda, Canada, England, Puerto Rico, and Sweden.

The Monday Connection

2010-06-07T06:45:00.000-06:00

Friday has come and gone, but Monday is here with last week's connection. Whoops.

Today's link is to a couple different 'posts by others.' The first is a link to a nifty bike. Really, it is the kind of bike we should be taking to the Seattle to Portland ride! It's a bike with a sidecar! This is where I found the original link.

Also, if you are looking for navigation tools for your daily commute via bike here is a great article about navigation tools offered for smart phones. In a nutshell, the article touts the Google Maps application for Droid and the OpenMaps application for iPhone. I've downloaded the OpenMaps application in hopes of testing it out this week. I'll have to keep you posted on how it works.

Lastly, here is some cool bike art . . . Have you ever seen antlers on a bike? These are beautiful!

The Friday Connection

2010-05-28T06:33:00.000-06:00

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

We hope you are doing something fun (like a little biking) for the weekend.

This week's Friday Connection link is to bikewise.org. This is a service provided by Cascade Bicycle Club. The site shares bicycling related information on thefts, crashes, and hazards in your area. Give the interactive map a twirl and find out what's been happening in your neck of the woods.

The Friday Connection

2010-05-21T06:18:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday!

What happens when your bike gets stolen? You might get it back. You might not. In Boise there have been a string of bike thefts. Boise Police are offering up a bike registration program to help cyclists. Fill out this easy form to register your bike today!

Park Tool School

Remember us telling you about the great class at Idaho Mountain Touring we talked about? The class where you take apart your bike and put it back together? Well it is finally here! For those of you interested in Idaho Mountain Touring's Park Tool School here are the dates:

Road Bike Repair 101
June 15, 2010 (Tuesday)
June 17, 2010 (Thursday)

Mountain Bike Repair 101
June 29, 2010 (Tuesday)
July 1, 2010 (Thursday)

Cost: $65

(We have heard a lot of good things about this class.)

The Friday Connection

2010-05-14T06:40:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday, friends! It looks like this weekend is guaranteed to have awesome weather so I look forward to seeing you out there! Here are a couple fun links for today's connection. Don't forget, next week is Boise Bike Week! Lots of fun activities . . .

Check out these innovative pieces of bicycle art. Students from the University of Houston School of Art created these eclectic rides for this year's Houston Art Car Parade. For the full article click here. Do you think Boise should have something like this? Looks like fun, right?

Take the Go by Bike challenge and see how you can reduce your carbon footprint, the size of your waistline, and your fuel spending habits. (It's a very cool, fun interactive website.)

Puncture Vine, Horses, and Runaway Kids . . . Oh, My!

2010-05-11T23:00:00.000-06:00

How much cycling can you cram into a weekend? A lot. Let's face it, folks, we only have two months until this showdown begins. Preparation is half the battle. Last weekend marked a 140 mile weekend (per the STP recommended training schedule). That is 70 miles each day. Uh . . . yeah, exactly.

The weekend started off with a bang! Friday I installed new tubes & tires on my 'green machine' entirely by myself. Yes, I am patting myself on the back. I'm proud to say I will never be stranded with a flat tire, unable to change it myself. Remembering to bring a tube could be a separate issue. Why the change? Smaller tires [25"] will be a bit faster and these babies, I'm pretty sure, are made of steel. Darn near steel, anyhow. (This theory is proven on Saturday's ride.) They will also last for 3000+ miles. A sound investment when you're living on your bike.

Saturday was filled with Saturday Market fun and some near death, . . . er crashing, experiences. Heidi and I headed out to the market for a little organic food shopping, which ended in some yummy food purchases, lunch, and a visit to the LBS (local bike shop).

Then end of our excursion brought the arrival of my 70 miles of training, spinning toward Eagle and beyond. After nearly being run over by a distracted cyclist on Friendship Bridge and averting a potentially terrible wreck with a two-year-old-darting-speed-demon on the Greenbelt, I made it to the safety of the open road. I rode out past the Emmett highway to Pollard Road before I thought of turning back for home. Of course I always forget to take photos on the road, until the very memorable image below. I wanted to make sure I stopped to get a shot of Hill Road at Dry Creek Cemetery (truly lovely stretch of road). But when I say 'stopped' I mean crashed!!

Usually when I dismount (or clip out) I do it from the left side. This time I had too much weight on my right side and went down like a bundle of bricks. Can we say OUCH? To top it off I landed in a patch of puncture vine (also affectionately known as Goathead City)! Yes, I know it's funny. After I was able to unhook and get upright, brushing myself off and plucking goatheads from my rearend, I was ready to hit the road. This was when I realized my right break lever was bent and not in a good way.

Uh oh . . .

After a good dose of elbow grease I got the lever back into position and headed toward home. My chain was screeching noisily but didn't appear too damaged. Really, I didn't have much of a choice. I had to ride, walk, or thumb it home. This got me thinking a first-aid kit might be essential on these long outings.

I made it 50 of the 70 miles. I was a little disappointed, but I figured I earned those miles with my skinned shin and bruised thigh. Sunday would bring better mileage.

Sunday brought another day of beautiful weather. I headed out toward Discovery Park for an easy 20 miles before venturing to Eagle. What I saw on the Greenbelt made me stop and shake my head. Horses! Two riders saddled up side-by-side riding along the pathway. Really!? I watched in disbelief for a couple minutes before it dawned on me to get a photo (see below).

Hey, I love horses but on the Greenbelt they are a little too unpredictable to be dealing with (a little larger than darting children). I could tell one of the riders was having a little difficulty getting his steed to behave. I decided this was my sign; off in another direction I headed.

I hit the Bench and then accosted northwest Boise. After all my tooling around I stopped by Hawkins Pac-Out for some dinner action (big, juicy cheeseburger heaven). Hey, good grub can make 70 miles feel like a piece of cake.

All in all it was a good weekend filled with biking adventure and lessons of the road. Stay tuned for tips on changing out your handlebar tape.

Until next time . . . keep peddling and rocking National Bike Month!

The Friday Connection

2010-05-07T06:38:00.000-06:00

Here we are again at our favorite day of the week! Every Friday we post links to informative, interesting, or just plain fun links. This week we have a 'fun' link. We love it!

Celebrity and funny man John Leguizamo is a big cycling fan. Who knew? Watch as he shares tips on bicycle commuting--in New York! If you interested in reading the article click here.

Also, don't forget! Boise Bike Week is coming right up.

http://www.boisebikeweek.org/

Sunday, May 16

Boise Vintage Bike Swap

9 AM - 2 PM / Rite Aid, 16th and State

Monday, May 17

Kickoff Celebration

7:30 AM / City Hall Plaza, 150 N Capitol

Twilight Mardi Gras Ride

7:30 PM / Hyde Park Cycle Sports,
1517 1/2 N 13th St

Bike Maintenance

7:30 PM / Boise Bicycle Project, 1027 Lusk

Tuesday, May 18

Adapted Cruise

6:00 PM / Municipal Park, 500 S Walnut

Road Biking Intro

6:00 PM / Eastside Cycles, Bown Crossing

Wednesday, May 19

Street Smart Cycling

7:00 PM / George's Cycles, 251 E Front St

Women's Road Ride

6:00 PM / Velodrome, N Horseshoe Bend Rd

Recumbent Rally

6:00 PM / Julia Davis Park, near bandshell

Thursday, May 20

Mountain Biking Intro

6:00 PM / Camel's Back Park, tennis courts

Pedal Power Picnic at the Park Sierra Club
6:00 PM / Sierra Club Office, 503 W Franklin

Friday, May 21

May in Motion

7:30-10:30 AM / 8th Street & Bannock

Bicycle Block Party

4:00 PM / 8th Street and Bannock

Saturday, May 22

Pedal Power Parade

4:30 PM / Capitol Park, 6th & Bannock

Bike Fittin'

2010-05-05T19:24:00.000-06:00

5-4-10
Today I met with my physical therapist, Jay, to do a little 'bike fittin.' He spent an hour and a half measuring, tweaking, and finessing my ride. He pulled out his special tool kit which included such items as a plumb bob, a level/ruler, and a nifty plastic card that measures angles.

He began with measuring all the angles on my bike such as the seat height, the distance from the seat to the handlebars, my shoulder width, etc. He then watched as I pedaled away (on the trainer), noting my alignment. A couple of my coworkers were scoffing at this "bike fit" thing as if were a bit ridiculous. (I had to remind myself that they probably hadn't seen a bike in years, let alone remember how to ride one.)

I also had to remind myself that not everyone is riding two hundred miles in two days. Being comfortable in the saddle can determine whether one's riding enjoyment is optimized or not. Personally, I don't think it should feel like scraping your fingernails down a chalkboard. It should be fun!

After all the measuring, perfecting, and spinning there were some pretty significant changes. Thankfully none of the tweaks will put me in the poor house. The first and most important change was the raising of my seat by 2 inches! This could make a world of difference with my IT Band issues! (Can we say stoked?)

Also, the stem that holds my handlebars will need to be modified to one that is a few millimeters shorter—this will keep me from reaching as far. I think this will enable me to feel even more "at one" with the bike, too. Jay also adjusted my brake levers; they weren't evenly spaced. (In laymen's terms, one was cockeyed.) Hmm . . . bike builder oversight?

The last change was the repositioning of my cleats (in my cycling shoes). I had placed them a bit too far toward my heel. He moved them parallel with the 'kuckle' or ball of my foot. Rock on soon-to-be-powerful calves!

All these changes will help optimize my physical mechanics and engage all the necessary muscles for efficient pedaling, not putting undue strain on any one muscle. I'm excited to test out my new bike (and lord knows it is going to be a long weekend ahead).

So, if you're toying with the idea of whether or not to go to a specialist for a bike fit I highly recommend it. It is like insurance for your cycling comfort/well-being.

One last thing . . .
A big thanks goes out to Jay. He not only got me set up to ride better, but he was a wealth of great tips.
You see, Jay himself is an avid cyclist. He is also an STP alumnus! He wasn't shy about sharing his STP experience or giving me some handy pointers. Thanks, Jay! I feel better prepared for the big weekend already.

Now, off to my training wheels . . .

Nominate Us!!

2010-05-04T18:32:00.000-06:00

We'd like to put our hat in the arena for Best Commuter/Travel Cycling Blog in the 2010 World Cycling Blog nominations! We need your help! Go to www.cranklisted.com and fill out the quick nomination. The top 5 blogs with the most nominations in each category will be in for the voting starting on May 22nd.

Thanks for supporting the STP Experiment!

The Friday Connection

2010-04-30T06:45:00.000-06:00

Hello friends!
We have two links this week you might enjoy. One link is to a local bike/musical festival, the other link is for the upcoming bike enthusiast/commuter.
Sun Valley Rhythm & Ride Festival, June 24-27, 2010
What's better than music and a little bike riding? Join in the fun for the First Annual Sun Valley Rhythm & Ride Festival. As described on the website, "Four days of activities in one of the best singletrack mountain biking and scenic road biking environments anywhere."

Event includes:

Ketchum Cruiser Criterium

Sheep Town Fat Tire Rally

Sawtooth Century Bicycle Tour

First Annual Idaho Pump Track State Championships

Dollar Mountain 10K Trail Run

Musical Headline Concerts in Hailey and Sun Valley

Website: http://www.svrhythmandride.com

Facebook Fan Page

Bike Your Drive
REI offers a wealth of information on lots of different topics, but this week we will be looking information on Bike Your Drive. If you're looking for basic bicycle maintenance tips, how to ride in traffic, or just what the parts on your bike are named this is the site for you. They have videos, articles, and an interactive parts guide. Help make your ride anywhere a little better by visiting today!

Website: http://www.rei.com/bikeyourdrive

Bye Bye Mountain Bike, CBR & Physical Therapy

2010-04-29T22:13:00.001-06:00

Man, lately life has been a whirlwind. The warming weather, the longer days, the increased mileage (a la bicyclette) are all indicators that STP is looming right around the corner. There is a lot to share, but this go 'round I'll keep it to a minimum.

Bye Bye Bicycle.
Last Friday marked the departure of an old friend—my Trek 4300 mountain bike. My bro, Reed, completed his family of bicycles with the gold, black, and red stunner. He was the last member of his little fam without a ride. I foresee many happy days of biking ahead of him! (Who knows, maybe next year he will be riding in STP?)

Community Bicycle Rides (CBR) Rocks.
I put on my 'fearless' hat, with bike in tow, and headed to Ken's Bicycle Warehouse, Saturday's designated meeting spot for the CBR ride. It was 10 a.m. and upon arrival I spied a sea of jerseys, helmets, and bikes everywhere. Talk about intimidating!

After announcements the group took off like a swarm of mad bees descending upon Overland/Five Mile. (If you saw over 60 cyclists on Overland Road last weekend it was us.) I stayed toward the back to observe and had the chance to chat with Jeff Larson for a stretch. From the sounds of it this group has gotten pretty big, but it will probably thin out a bit this summer. It's nice to see so many interested riders participating.

I had the chance to meet a handful of other enthusiasts, too. This is what really made this event successful for me . . . nice people. We encountered a couple folks with flat tires and each time these guys stopped to help. The CBR really is what you make of it. You can go as long, or fast as you like. You can be a die-hard rider or just out to enjoy the morning. If you're thinking about joining for a weekend ride . . . just do it! You'll thank yourself later.

Reasons to Participate in a CBR Ride

You can select from a handful of different distances to ride.
If you have trouble someone will help you.
It is a great way to learn to ride in a group.
You learn knew cycling routes.
Get informed! This is a great place to learn about what is going on (cycling wise) in our community.
Newbies can learn the rules of the road.
You can put some lead into it. (The average speed for the group I was in was 18 mph, but you know the diehards are going faster than that!)
These people are out to have a good time.
It beats riding alone.
And, if anything, you can see what the latest cycling fashions are.

So, what are you waiting for?

Physical Therapy Schmerapy.
I was lucky to be virtually pain-free through the weekend. However, my plan is to be pain-free a majority of the time. This requires a little help from new friends. I met with Jay & Sam, a couple of physical therapists recommended by my doc, this week. They shared a variety of stretches to incorporate into my daily routine. Apparently, my hips/pelvis area is really tight, causing strain on my IT Band.

After visiting with them for an hour I felt the burn, but I am so excited to be able keep riding. (Now if the Idaho weather would cooperate!) The good news? Simple stretching exercises will help the pain and bring fun back into the equation. I'm glad this has happened early instead of in the middle of STP!

Even better news? Jay is going to 'bike fit' me on Tuesday. I now know this is essential. Who rides 204 miles without a bike fit? Not I. I will share more about this next week. Stay tuned . . .

Don't forget May marks National Bike Month. Get your cruisers, mountain bikes, recumbents, or other two-wheelers ready for the great season ahead.

I hope to see you out there!

News from the North

2010-04-27T17:35:00.000-06:00

I had a chance to catch up with Debbie the other day. She seems to be doing well and training up a storm. She had a couple nasty spills, which have caused a great deal of pain her shoulder, but she is killing her training by hitting 50 miles in two hours on the stationary bike four times a week! Way to rock, Lady! I'm pretty sure she'll be able to whip STP into shape, maybe in one day! I don't think I can compete with that—I'll be cheering her on from the rear. :)

In other news . . . here is a fun link for all you Mac lovers! If you were needing another reason to purchase the iPad, here it is. This special 'app' doubles as a turn signals mastermind for your bike. Check it out here.

Three Cyclists Honored

2010-04-25T09:57:00.002-06:00

Yesterday at the University of Phoenix the three area cyclists who met tragedy on Idaho roadways were honored in a special memorial.

KTVB reports here.

The Friday Connection

2010-04-23T23:02:00.000-06:00

Another Friday, another Friday Connection!

When you hit the road for an extended ride you probably carry cash, but do you carry identification? If you were to have an accident would someone know how to contact your family? Would they know vital medical information in case of injury?

Today's link is to RoadID.com. This is a versatile medical identification/alert system that offers a variety of products such as: 'dog' tags, bracelets, and shoe pouches. Check them out. If you spend any time in the great outdoors this is a must have.

The Friday Connection

2010-04-16T06:37:00.000-06:00

Hello cycling friends!

As the weather warms up (Whoo hoo! Boise's high should be 74° today) more of us will be out cruising the streets. What better way to celebrate the greatness that is bicycling than with a Bike Week? In today's Friday Connection we are going to highlight some May Bike Week activities and a special artist.

Both Boise and Sandpoint have Bike Weeks. Here is the run-down:

Boise Bike Week

May 16-22, 2010

www.boisebikeweek.org
These events include (but are not limited to) a vintage bike swap, Pedal parade, intro to road biking, and picnic. The full schedule can be found here.

Sandpoint Bike Week

May 19-22, 2010

pendoreillepedalers.com
There will be a bike swap, a ride of silence, the Sandpoint Bicycle Film Festival, and more!

We hope to see you at these events!

For fun the next link is to an artist named Cache who incorporates street art and bicycles. His work just makes one want to smile. Check it out.

No Pain, No Gain

2010-04-13T06:00:00.005-06:00

Last weekend marked two of the best rides of the season—so far. I am not sure if it was the feeling of adventure that comes with a map and the unknown, the quiet of beautiful country spaces, or the freedom to soar over 20 miles an hour that made these trips so alluring. (It could have been the nice weather, the company of a friend, or the promise of a yummy lunch, too) This is what biking, er . . . cycling is all about. The "fun" that is two-wheels to pavement.

Saturday was the exploratory ride out to Eagle. The rural roads are a pleasure to ride on out there. I even came across a tractor to keep pace with. Sunday was much the same route but a longer distance, out past Meridian road. There was also a nice detour into Eagle for lunch.

But for all the mileage and fun there can be a price to pay. For a few weeks I have been dealing with knee pain in hopes it might evaporate as quickly as it appeared. To date it still haunts me like a bad high school photograph. It usually hits around the 20 mile mark, feeling somewhat like a charlie-horse-sucker-punch to the side of the knee. As a result I usually wind up limping home at a much slower pace. Frankly, this won't do.

My theory is that it is an illiotibial band issue, which is pretty common in runners and cyclists. But as Mom says, "Where did you intern at?" I will be hitting up a specialist next week to get to the heart of the matter. I don't want to this to derail my STP train.

As defined by Web MD:

Iliotibial band syndrome. The iliotibial band is a piece of tough tissue that runs from your hip down to your shin. If it's irritated by overuse or other problems, it can get swollen and cause pain on the outside of the knee.

From what I have read on the "interweb" it looks like a couple factors can contribute to this issue—improper bike fit and a large increase in mileage. Here is a good link that was sent over from a Twitter friend, @BicycleLab, on the issue, demonstrating the use of a foam roller & tennis ball.

A friend from Kristin's Cycling Academy said she has issues with her IT band and finds yoga and stretching to be very helpful in easing the pain. Have you experienced this type of pain? How did you deal with it; what worked for you?

The Friday Connection

2010-04-09T06:08:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday, friends!

This week we have two links for you! The first link was sent over from our friend, Linzi, at Destination26.2. It is an article from the Idaho Statesman titled How to Become a Better Biker. These are some great tips for anyone who rides a bike. Fabulous. Thanks, Linz!

The second link comes out of the Adventure Cyclist. If you ever wanted to know the ins and outs of gearing this is the article for you!

Have a great weekend. Hope we see you out there.

Happy peddling!

Boise Road Cycling Routes

2010-04-08T05:45:00.008-06:00

Cha-chink!

CHA-CHINK-CHINK-CLINK!

These are the garbled words of protest my bike chain has been bellowing the last two or three weeks. Initially, it had me worried—what's wrong with my favorite little bike? But realizing the Randonee has taken me well over 450 miles in the last three months, and had yet to go in for her first (free) adjustment, I decided to kill two birds with one stone.

I took my bike in earlier in the week to get tuned up, which meant I could pick it up on Wednesday, the same day as REI's Boise Cycling Routes presentation with Steve Stuebner. Like a kid in a candy store, I was filled with excitement to pick up my bike before the seminar. You don't realize how much you miss your bike until it is gone. (Hmmm . . . sounds like a song in the making, doesn't it?)

I was just as excited to see what Boise's local author and outdoors enthusiast (Mr. Stuebner) had to offer in way of cycling routes. He is responsible for publishing the first Boise area cycling map. A couple buddies of mine showed up to listen in on the talk, too. And when the final folks were filing in I was pleasantly surprised to see a new friend, one from Kristin's Cycling Clinic, had arrived for the talk also!

We listened as Steve showed us several different routes around the valley. You can ride anywhere from an easy Greenbelt loop to the more ambitious Bogus Basin trek. Basically, the area cycling map covers all the loops he talked of, so don't despair if you missed the seminar. It can be yours for only 12 bucks and some change at any local bike shop, running store, or REI. And as my new friend pointed out, a lot of the area cycling groups ride these same routes.

With a little more inspiration in pocket I think I will be venturing out on one of the more rural loops this weekend. I have been longing to ride out to Eagle and take on some hills, knees willing.

Happy Birthday to Us!

2010-04-07T20:48:00.000-06:00

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y !

Happy Birthday to the STP Experiment! We have been officially online for one year!

Boise Bicycle Congress: Commuting for the Ladies

2010-04-06T06:35:00.001-06:00

You know you're a sucker for cycling information when you spend your birthday discussing wicking fabrics, funky tan lines, and bike helmets with perfect strangers instead of enjoying a pitcher of margaritas with the girls. What was the reason? It was the Sixth Community Bicycle Congress: Workshops for Women Who Want to Commute by Bike held on March 24, 2010 at Boise State University (BSU).

The workshop was more of a gathering of varying degrees of commuter types. Everyone from die-hard riders to newbies were there, all sharing information. George C. Knight, a professor at BSU and a chair on the ACHD Bicycle Advisory Committee, facilitated the day's forum.

I was able to stay for two of the three speakers for the evening. One was from Idaho Mountain Touring and the other from Title 9 Sports. Both shops are located in downtown Boise.

Annie, who is with Idaho Mountain Touring (IMT), began our workshop. She shared different types of wicking fabrics popular for commuting. (Wool, can you believe it?! Merino wool, that is.) It doesn't smell, it regulates temperature, and you can get it in thick and thin varieties. She also said you could, and would, spend some money on quality cycling apparel. However, if you hunt for good deals you can find them.

She also pointed out that planning your commute ahead of time is essential to your success. She favors http://weather.noaa.gov/ for getting daily weather updates.

And did you know that IMT is putting on a bike clinic of (2) 3 hour sessions that teach folks how to work on their rides? They are . . . when exactly, I am not sure (I have an email into the shop to find out more). It is tentatively scheduled for April sometime, but I will keep you posted.

We also heard from Mindy of Title 9. She brought a backpack full of wash and wear (and stuff in your panniers) clothes—togs specifically made for active lifestyles. All fabrics were of poly-blends, Moreno wool, and/or Modal to wick sweat and enable iron-free wear. Title 9 has some great casual chic apparel for the active ladies in all of us. (I'd buy the whole store if I could.)

Mindy also stressed using "sport washes" for wicking fabrics to keep to keep them smelling good. She said she was able to find these at the Swim & Run Shop and IMT.

What was most enlightening about the congress was listening to the other commuters share their wisdom. The handful of women (and one man) attending were between the ages of 34 to 60 years of age. One woman spoke of regularly commuting to work from Meridian to Boise. She's been riding for three years. Another lady rides her bike EVERYWHERE. She even has a BOB Trailer for big trips to the grocery store. Inspiring, right?

These ladies were full of tips, too. Here are a few random side notes you might want to put in your memory bank.

Emerald is one of the safer roads in town. (It has a bike lane.)
Helmet covers can help with the inevitable helmet hair when it rains.
A handerchief in the summer is a must to keep the sweat out of your eyes.
Chamois Butt'r
Browse in the store to see how bike shorts fit and then purchase them online for the best deals. (Shorts can vary widely by manufacturer.)
Sierra Trading Post can be a great place for inexpensive riding goods.
Triathlete shorts are a good option if you are looking for a thinner chamois.
A small fan can make a great desk accessory to help commuters cool down.
Baby wipes rock for sweaty cleanup.

The part of the congress I didn't get to attend focused on systems that help minimize flats and actual flat tire repair. All in all, it was a worthwhile clinic for new and old commuting types. The good news? There are still three more workshops to attend.

In fact, there is one tonight from 4:30-7:00 p.m. (Tuesday, April 6, 2010) at Boise State in the Student Union Farnsworth Room. Get on over to BSU and get your bike bell ringing!

See what the Bicycle Congress has to offer you.

Kristin's Clinic Hits the Road to Sun Valley

2010-04-05T05:52:00.000-06:00

Kristin Armstrong Cycling Academy is hitting the road and will be rolling into Sun Valley for three days from May 28-30, 2010. If you are interested in participating in the Women's Road Cycling Skills Clinic now is your chance! Click here for the detailed event flier and contact information.

The Friday Connection

2010-04-02T06:04:00.003-06:00

When considering commuting via bicycle there are a lot of things to think about. You have to PLAN. One of the things you have to plot in advance is your route to where you're going. I was in Idaho Mountain Touring last weekend in search of a map of the Boise area. Not just any map—a map that would tell me what streets have bike lanes or bike paths (because as a driver I never quite pay attention to those details). What I was presented with was a great map of trails, not city streets.

On a mission to find such a map I began "googling" my way around. What I found was Ada County Highway District's (ACHD) website. BINGO! They had exactly what I was looking for. Their Roadways to Bikeways program is working on making Boise a bike friendlier city. In the "Related Documents" (on the above linked page) is a nice map of Boise defining bike lanes, bike paths, and areas under construction. This is perfect for the potential bike commuter extraordinaire.

Link two is for a great site discovered only yesterday—just in the nick of time.
Are you up for a challenge? Do you think you could ride your bike for 30 days? This website http://30daysofbiking.com/bike/ challenges you to do just that. The stories posted on the site are inspiring, from everyday Janes & Joes turned two-wheeling fans. If you did ride your bike for a month how do you think it would change you? Would it?

Here's to wishing you and yours a very happy Friday.

Happy peddling!

Upcoming Community Classes

2010-03-31T06:34:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe that come April 7th we'll have been on our Seattle to Portland mission for a year! What better way to celebrate our almost anniversary than with some links to some area community classes?

Boise Area REI Classes

(Register for classes on the website here.)

April 7, 2010 7:00 p.m.
Road Cycling Routes in Boise

April 14, 2010 7:00 p.m.
Mountain Biking Basics

April 21, 2010 7:00 p.m.
Basics of Supported Bike Touring

Locate your local REI store here and find out what classes they have for you!

Boise State University Sixth Annual Community Bicycle Congress

http://www.boisestate.edu/bicyclecongress/

This workshop is a great chance to share your experiences as a commuter or to learn tips for commuting via bicycle. I had a chance to attend the workshop on March 24 and it was a great conversation on commuting. (More to come from this seminar this weekend.) Below is a description from Boise State's website on what the Congress is all about.

This year's Bicycle Congress will attempt to stimulate conversations about womens' experiences in bicycle commuting, and will offer a grassroots mentoring program to help women who strive to balance societal roles and transportation choices. On each of four evenings during March and April, the Bicycle Congress will host informative workshops featuring leaders from the cycling community to promote mutual support and to stimulate public discourse. These recurring clinics (no need to attend more than one) are scheduled from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on the following dates:

March 24 (Wednesday) - Student Union Hatch Ballroom A
April 6 (Tuesday) - Student Union Farnsworth Room
April 20 (Tuesday) - Student Union Hatch Ballroom A
April 27 (Tuesday) - Student Recreation Center Classroom

We hope to see you out there!

The Friday Connection

2010-03-26T06:17:00.000-06:00

Hey, it's Friday! What better way to spend your Friday than having a guffaw and a snort or two? Well, to help perk up your day we're sharing a fun link from www.bikehacks.com. It is the Dictionary of Bike Commuter Slang! If you're curious to know what a Babe Ruth, a Tin Man, or a
Weeble Wobbler is, click the link and prepare to be enlightened!

Happy peddlin'!

Days Two & Three: Learning How to Ride a Bike

2010-03-25T23:11:00.000-06:00

As I get another year older *choke* one thing is for sure . . . you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. That same "dog" might be humbled by looking or feeling foolish, but the sense of accomplishment when success is attained is invaluable.

Enter days two and three of Kristin's Cycling Academy

As someone who generally fears speed, riding with cars, and curbs, this three-day clinic was a God send. On day two (Saturday) we participated in a bevy of skills tests. We did everything from bunny-hopping and curb jumping to off-roading our road bikes. You really had to be there to appreciate the scene. Imagine 20+ women weaving in and out of cones, helmets perched on their heads, intention firmly pasted on their faces. Empowered.
Cornering, shifting (a small science in itself), and braking were all practiced, too. All things you thought you knew how to do . . .

What was the difference between the 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday?

Confidence.

The ride in was totally different than the ride out; there was a definite hint of triumph & camaraderie in the air.

Day three (Sunday) was a mixture of the skills we had learned the day prior put to practical use. Riding out to a more secluded rural road, traveled most often by truck and horse trailer, we explored the meaning of cadence, ascending, descending, and bike positioning.

When mentioning the word descending this usually causes my heart to race, my stomach to float upward, and my brow to start sweating—you know the feeling. Well, I mastered my fear of flying downhill with help from my new friends. My top speed (aka the slow lady's lightspeed) was 26 miles per hour. It rocked!

I can't say I commanded my hill climbing in the same way—I seriously was the weakest link. My legs and lungs weren't playing on the same team, or even mine, for that matter. That said, my version of failure excites me. I can only get better, faster, stronger—if I practice. And I have a lot of practice ahead of me.

At the end of the clinic we all headed back to our starting location using our echelon training. (We learned how to ride in a pack, too.) It was fun, just like riding a bike should be. I think every woman rode away from the classes a little stronger and definitely more self-assured. Way to rock, ladies!

It looks like a second clinic may be on the horizon at some point (fingers crossed). I have to say, if you ever have an interest and have an opportunity to participate in Kristin's Cycling Academy for women, or any of them for that matter, DO IT!!! You will not regret it.

Many thanks to the K.A.C.A. Team (Kristin, Joe, Liza, Dave, Dave, Jason, Ron). You guys are the bomb-dot-com!

NuunLove

2010-03-25T06:38:00.000-06:00

We'd like to give a shout out to Nuun for the Nuunlove. You guys rock! Thank you. Hopefully we get to meet some of your folks at STP in July.

The Friday Connection

2010-03-19T06:32:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday!

Today's link of the week goes to a fun helmet vendor whose safety gear is graphically appealing. You can't help but smile when you see their brain bucket designs.

Nutcase Helmets [www.nutcasehelmets.com], based out of Portland, Oregon, has a whole barrel full of fun helmets. They aren't just for cycling either. They have helmets for skateboarding, inline skating, and scooter helmets. This might just be the place to get a roller derby helmet, too. They also have some cool wallpaper for your computer.

You can find Nutcase Helmets in sporting good stores everywhere. We even saw a handful of designs at our local REI.

Don't be surprised if wearing one of these colorful helmets makes you ride just a little bit faster. :)

Happy peddling!

Day One: Kristin Armstrong Cycling Academy

2010-03-18T20:14:00.000-06:00

Day One: Kristin's Cycling Clinic

With front bike wheel in hand—feeling a little conspicuous in my work out gear—I showed up to our meeting spot 30 minutes early. Apparently, I was right on time. One of the first people I met upon entering the center was Kristin herself. I have to admit I felt a little starstruck. Actually, I felt this way about her whole team. With her she brings a handful of experts; these are the same people who helped her win some pretty important medals. (And they are all incredibly nice folks.)

I moseyed into the back of our meeting room—a key place to observe my fellow two-wheeling friends. I was very curious to see who was attending this camp. Frankly, I was afraid I'd be the only one who wasn't a cycling phenomenon. As it turns out, others felt the same way. As women filtered into the room names, ages, and experiences started bouncing around. The chatter was bubbling over everywhere.

63

58

53

No, this isn't a lock combination. These are the ages of just three of the women I spoke with last night. Talk about inspiring! They were all fit, looking younger than their years, and excited to be there. Man, that's how I want to spend 63. How about you?

We didn't spend too much time talking though. We had a lot to learn in three hours.

Kristin and her team went to town. We covered a whole slew of topics—everything from saddle alignment to pedaling mechanics to pain to how to change a flat tire. Yes, I am ecstatic to say I have changed a "flat" on my bike. Now all 20 + of us can help others out on the road if they run into a hail storm of goat heads. Very, very liberating!

There is a lot to cycling. I kind of equate this clinic to the reason one should take snowboarding lessons. You can have your friends teach you all the bad habits you'll spend years trying to pry out of your brain, or you can go to the professionals and have them teach you the basics—the right way. This clinic is teaching many of us good skills right out of the gate.

This is just the beginning. The fun continues this weekend. Our next assignment involves the word "drills." Yes, it does sound scary—that is exactly why it is going to rock! I'm looking forward to learning some new skills and to forging some cycling friendships that can take me down the road.

Week 100 Miles

2010-03-15T06:54:00.000-06:00

Springing forward is a bit hard to do, especially when you're losing an hour of precious sleep time. But secretly I have been counting the days for my buddy, Daylight Savings Time, to arrive. (More daylight = more bike time during the week!) *Woohooo!*

This year, in the City of Trees, we managed to make friends with Father Winter, experiencing a very mild cold season. However, when opening the blinds Saturday it looked like he decided to throw a few flakes at us. Meh. Snow, and snotty wind aren't very inspiring when you're daily agenda says 40 miles or Bust on it.

Hey, I know all you die hard riders are reading this saying, "Quit whining! Suck it up!" Don't you worry, I did my ridin' on Saturday. I just did it on what I like to call The Rack. You know, in the great indoors on the trainer? I killed it and a couple of episodes of L.A. Ink, too.

I did manage to get outside on Sunday. Here are some lessons from this week.

Electrolytes are your friend(s). Water alone is not enough on long rides. You need to get some fuel in your bottle. Whether it is Gatorade, Propel, Powerade, or what have you . . . it will help your performance when you are looking down the barrel of 2 + hours of ride time. I discovered Nuun tablets, and so far, I really like them. They are reminiscent of Alka Selzer in that they come in tablets that dissolve in your water bottle. They have a little fizz—not too much—just enough to keep it interesting. They come in a variety of flavors, but aren't loaded with sugar. And they don't seem to be tummy trouble makers.

Joy riding is allowed. I accosted a couple of hills yesterday (okay, maybe survived them might be more accurate) and felt so proud of myself when I was done. I even ventured into the unknown and toured a bit on Hill Road, which had me a little nervous as there were no bike lanes where I was riding, but I survived. It's important to change up your the scenery and give your muscles a different work out once in awhile. You don't want to get bored do you? If you need help finding new routes check out Google Maps for bicycles or pick up the Boise Road Cycling Guide (or a map in your area).

There are crazy people out there who might freak you out or make you smile. I was in Garden City, headed to my Greenbelt connection, when I heard a guy bellowing in the street. He was coming toward me from the opposite direction. As I got closer I realized he was on a motorized bicycle. Who has a motorized bicycle?! I don't know what he was hollering about—he sure seemed to be enjoying his bikeped (like moped, but not). I had to chuckle—is it really too much effort to peddle your bike? And don't you need a license for that thing?

Stoked. (Why yes, it is that "90s term.") This week I get to embark on my Kristin Armstrong Cycling Academy adventure! I am totally excited/nervous. It will be three half-days of great cycling information and meeting new two-wheeling buddies. One thing I already know is that I will have the opportunity to change my first tire tube—think flat tire. (No, I haven't had to do this yet. Yes, I should know how to do this.) I'll keep you posted.

Now that we know we can survive 100 miles we get to go back down to 80 miles for this coming week. Here's to a happy, sunshine filled week. Enjoy the new DST! And have a little extra coffee for your Monday morning.

Happy peddling!

Paige

The Friday Connection

2010-03-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Friday! You could not have come soon enough. It's bike ridin' time!

This week's link is a quick one to an online (free) training tool offered by Bicycling.com. If you are wanting to keep track of your weekly mileage and are a sucker for graphs you'll want to take a look.
You can keep track of your times, heart rate, calories all in one place. It even allows you to see other users' routes (which could be really handy if you're trying to get creative about your rides).

Link:

http://traininglog.bicycling.com/landingpage.aspx

Have a great weekend. Happy peddling!

Google Maps Does Bicycling

2010-03-10T06:22:00.003-07:00

Clicking through Facebook this morning I ran across an article (by Bicycle Times) sharing news that Google Maps now offers mapping for bicycle routes. YES! This is awesome news!

I have been playing with the map, which is still in beta, but it is a great tool. If you are needing to map a ride to work or are calculating mileage for a recreational ride you are going to want to take a look Google Maps.

80 Miles Down

2010-03-08T06:29:00.001-07:00

Thundering up the path, fighting a headwind, can teach you something about perseverance. The steps to just get on that same path can, too. Here are some highlights from this weekend's rides that you might find useful in your own journeys.

The Presta Valve is a tricky jester. For weeks I have been "filling" my tire up with air and continually it seemed be going flatter and flatter. I decided to get to the bottom of the issue Saturday and fully inspect the presta valve on my slumpy front tire. The secret to the unfillable tire lies in the twist. Presta valves are different from regular (shrader) valves. You first unscrew the cap to the valve, but then you have to unscrew the bottom part of the presta valve (righty tighty, lefty loosey). This then allows you to fill it with air. If you push up on the valve after you've loosened it you can hear the air escape. Who knew!? I don't remember this being in the manual.

I now have been given "the wave." It must be official—the spandex makes this cycling imposter look like the real deal. In the motorcycling world you often find bros with hogs giving each other "the wave" when passing on the highway. It's a signal to say, "Hello, Friend." Well, in the cycling world it appears to be the same. A serious looking cyclist decked out in Lycra and shades gave me the hand signal (the good one) yesterday. It really kind of made my day; I'm a sucker for a friendly hello from anyone on the Greenbelt, especially from a fellow on two wheels. Thanks, Spandex Man.

Do these bike shorts make my butt look big? Eh, who cares?! Please note if you spend any amount of quality time with your bike you will eventually succumb to padded shorts, chamois butter, and goofy shoes. Also notice that at some point you stop caring about how you look in those same shorts in public. I know, you probably think that is impossible, but what starts with a spinning class will quickly move straight to Lucky 13.

Seriously.

The Greenbelt is no place for a cyclist (on the first awesomely sunny day). Kids, dogs, bikes, groups . . . they all want to enjoy the great outdoors on beautiful days, too. If you think you will be able to fly by them, reconsider. Sometimes they are all an accident waiting to happen. I have found the road less traveled by pedestrians can often cause the least anxiety and frustration for the cyclist in a hurry.

Rockin' out makes the miles fly by. In super geek style, I bought a $13 iPhone mount for the Green Steed. Yes I did. I'll get out my pocket protector and glasses now. No matter how you look at it, this bad boy rocks! I can listen to music (at a low volume) and answer a phone call mid pedal stroke.

Friends will push you to do things you otherwise might not. (That can be a good thing). I will be participating in Kristin Armstrong's Cycling Academy next week. I had decided to pass on clinic, but thanks to the encouragement (gentle prodding?) of my friend Monique I will be participating. Can we say excited?! I sent over an email to find out if there were any openings available and there was one left! I'll keep you posted on what I learn.

One hundred miles is the mileage goal for this week. I am excited to map out some new routes and push some new limits. I hope the start to your week begins with a bang.

Happy peddling!

Paige

The Friday Connection

2010-03-05T06:42:00.000-07:00

Man, another week has flown by and it is Friday again. What does that mean? (Yes, it is the Friday Connection!) And it is a 60 mile weekend (80 mile week) according to our training plan!!

This week's link comes from our friend Monique. It is to an article at the Idaho Statesman highlighting Kristin Armstrong's visit to the Senate Transportation Committee where she testified about strengthening Idaho laws for cyclists. Some laws they are discussing were also hashed out at the Boise City Council Meeting a few weeks back. It is exciting to have a local cycling celebrity help bring in the fight for safer roads.

In the same article the organization Yield to Life was mentioned. Yield to Life is a non-profit that focuses on creating safer conditions for cyclists. It is a very nice site. It offers tips for motorists and cyclists to help make roads safer.

Safety really starts with education. If motorists and cyclists know the rules of the road we are less likely to have bike/car related accidents!

Safe peddling, Friends.

Links:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/03/04/1104909/kristin-armstrong-testifies-before.html

http://yieldtolife.org/

Just for Fun

2010-03-03T06:24:00.005-07:00

As training gears up (today is a 20 mile ride . . . and it is raining out), I thought I would share a little creative sunshine I discovered this morning. You've seen clocks made from bicycle parts, but now you could have your very own "spoke mirror" hanging on your wall. This decorating with recycled bicycle parts is the bomb-dot-com.

Kristin's Cycling Academy is Finally Here!

2010-03-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

As you heard us report a few months ago Kristin Armstrong is offering cycling academies for women. Well, the time is finally here! While perusing George's Cycles website this weekend a snippet about Ms. Armstrong's academy popped up. Here is the the link to the flyer (courtesy of George's Cycles).

And here is the official site for more information.

Can we say excited?! We'd love to have the chance to learn tricks, tips, and skills from our very own Olympian.

The Friday Connection

2010-02-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

I was so tired this morning I thought it was Saturday and then I remembered the Friday Connection hadn't been posted yet! Yep, it is Friday! And the beginning of another weekend of great rides.

Interesting fact for the day:

Americans use their bicycles for less than one percent of all urban trips. Europeans bike in cities a lot more often—in Italy 5 percent of all trips are on bicycle, 30 percent in the Netherlands, and seven out of eight Dutch people over age 15 have a bike.

[Facts taken from:
Bicycle: The History by David Herlihy
The World Almanac Book of Records: Firsts, Feats, Facts & Phenomena by Mark Young]
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Stories/MoreStories/Ten-things-about-bikes

Today's Friday Connection
getaboutcolumbia.com

The look of this website is really fun, but the program they are working on is very, very cool. Here is a snippet from their about us page that talks about this cool program.

"In 2006, Columbia was selected as one of four communities in the nation to participate in the Federal Highway Administration's Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot program. Columbia's designation as a pilot city came with $22 million in federal funds over a four-year period to help build infrastructure and establish national standards for public awareness and willingness to use active modes of transportation." The rest of the story here . . .

Free Class

Also, REI is having a Mountain Biking for Women class 7:00-8:30 p.m. on March 24, 2010 at Boise's REI at 8300 W. Emerald Street. There are 80 spots available. Register now at http://www.rei.com/event/2644/session/3179

Have a great weekend! Happy peddling.

Dog Attack

2010-02-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

When riding a bike there is one possible scenario that really scares me—colliding with a car, at least that is what I thought until yesterday.

On the greenbelt I have often seen different wildlife. Most recently I saw eight deer and one raccoon along the pathway in the same evening. But there is another animal that must be watched out for—the dog. Yes, the dog. They seem pretty harmless with their waggy tails and smiling doggy faces, tongues hanging out. I mean, what's to fear? The story changes when they are running at you on a bike. In my travels yesterday I encountered two different dog scenarios that I feel are both worth sharing.

The first run-in happened when I was riding a roadway adjacent to a park when a elderly woman was crossing the street with her golden retriever. She had almost gotten to the other side when the dog saw me. And then it was on. The dog started lunging at me barking (still with tennis ball in mouth) and pulling her along; he was clearly walking her, not the other way around. Initially, I thought this might be a harmless encounter, but the apparent horror on her face (and disdain directed at me) indicated that I needed to get out of this situation. I was able to get around them and head to my destination, but it forced me to rethink possible dangers of the road.

The second encounter happened on my way home on the *Greenbelt. I was clipping along and several feet away a family was checking out a new riparian area with their dog—unleashed. When the dog saw me he headed full force for me, much to his hollering owner's chagrin. My fear in this situation wasn't of the dog, but what could happen if the dog got under my tires. Eventually, the bellowing owner won out and the dog turned back. More than likely, the hound was just looking for a running buddy, but it got me looking for advice on how to be prepared when the dog strikes.

TIPS ON DEALING WITH DOGS WHILE ON TWO WHEELS

A squirt with your water bottle can discourage a charging dog.

Throw the dog a bone, or rather, a dog biscuit. (Thanks Dave Redford for this ingenious solution. My favorite by far!)
Shout! Loudly! This will surprise the dog and could just send him packing with his tail between his legs.
Zap him with the Dazzer (a device that delivers a high-pitched sound).
The faster you pedal, the less likely he is to get his chompers in you.
Pepper spray. It will sting his nose and eyes and surely stop him in his tracks. (This might be your last resort with Fido.)

And when it comes to wild animals . . .

"Try never to approach wild animals any closer than necessary. Most will move away of their own accord if you don’t startle them. (If you’re traveling in natural areas inhabited by bears or other potentially lethal animals, always follow the advice of locals."
(http://www.coolbiking.com/blog/cycling/cycling-tips/cyclists-and-dogs/)

Hopefully these tips are as useful to you as they were to me. (I think I will be stocking up on dog treats.) I will definitely be paying more attention to our canine friends when I am out riding.

Good luck out there. If you have any wildlife stories you would like to share, leave us a comment or write to us at stpexperiment@gmail.com and we'll share them with our readers.

Safe riding!

References:

http://www.bikeleague.org/resources/better/miscellaneous.php

http://www.coolbiking.com/blog/cycling/cycling-tips/cyclists-and-dogs/
http://bicycling.suite101.com/article.cfm/cycling_and_animals
Urban Bikers' Tricks & Tips by Dave Glowacz

*The Greenbelt recreational pathway that runs through Boise. Often you'll cyclists, runners, families, and the like spending time on it in warmer months.

The Friday Connection

2010-02-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

On this Friday Connection we will share links to two local upcoming cycling related events in Boise.

Our first link is to some local bike commuting workshops for women! Yay! If you have ever been interested in commuting, but felt like you needed more information, OR if you are an avid commuter and would like to contribute your two cents, these are the workshops for you. Boise State University (BSU) is putting on the Sixth Community Bicycle Congress Bike Commuting Workshops for Women.

Here is the official solicitation from BSU:

The website has a lot of other great resources on commuting, bike shops, and routes to campus.

Also, I saw a tweet that Boise Bike Week is gearing up. Here is the official link Boise Bike Week.
And here is the link to their upcoming event calendar http://www.boisebikeweek.org/schedule.html.

Have a great weekend! If you see us out on the road give us a wave.

LINKS

http://boisestate.edu/bicyclecongress/

http://boisebikeweek.org/schedule.html

Paige's Commute Test Run

2010-02-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

Paige commutes to work on a Sunday to see what a daily commute would have in store for her. The lesson learned? Anything can happen.

The Friday Connection

2010-02-12T06:51:00.000-07:00

There are several bike shops in Boise, but there aren't a bunch that sell Brooks brand items. Upon searching for Proofide for a Brooks Saddle I ran across a small local shop called Hyde Park Cycle Sports. They are located, not surprisingly, in Hyde Park in Boise. When you walk in the store you immediately get the "mom and pop shop" vibe. Music plays on the radio in back and even though the shop is small it's packed with cool stuff (and several Brooks saddles).

Proofide was my mission and they carry the kit. The owner was working the front counter and easily helped me find what I was looking for. And he asked me if I wanted to be on their mailing list. (I like that he asked.) They send out a monthly newsletter, which is not only smart advertising, but it was the first time I have asked by a bike shop to be on such a list.

On their website they say, "We support your right to be "spandex-free" and ride a bike." They are all about the bicycle rider, which is fun and not intimidating for the average Jane. Check out their website and if you are tooling around Hyde Park stop in and say hello.

Another Link . . .
Bamboo bicycles seem to be all the rage these days, but The Bamboo Bike Project works to make bikes with sustainable materials, while helping local communities develop skills.

Links:

http://hydeparkcyclesports.com/

http://bamboobikeproject.wordpress.com/

Tick Tock Bike Clock part two

2010-02-10T06:12:00.006-07:00

A couple weeks ago we posted a Friday Connection on how to make clocks from bicycle chainrings. I thought I'd try my hand at crafting this little ticker myself, well two tickers that is.

On our weekly bike ride Michael and I stopped in at the Boise Bicycle Project (BBP) to scavenge for parts. I managed to walk out of the shop with two chainrings for ten bucks. One of the chainrings is from a 1930s model bike (Schwinn?).

With the use of some WD40, steel wool, and some serious elbow grease I was able to get the oldest chainring in tick tock shape. I purchased some fabric and a second clock mechanism at JoAnne Fabric and went to town. A couple changes I made to the original tutorial were using matte Mod Podge as an adhesive (it doesn't show through the fabric), gluing the clock mechanism to keep it from shifting, and hot gluing a bottle cap on the back for an extra hook. I also spray painted one set of the clock hands so they would be easily visible. (I think you could have a lot of fun making the clock arms vibrant, but that might be left for another time.)

This project only took a couple days to complete. One day for gluing/drying and one day to put it all together. All in all, it was pretty fun to make. Next time we'll have to see what other parts we can use to make a cool clock.

Debbie Gets New Wheels!

2010-02-07T14:32:00.002-07:00

The Friday Connection

2010-02-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, Friends!

It is that time of the week again where we look at fun and interesting bicycling related links.

I have to warn you about this week's link. If you are a cyclist or biking enthusiast you could find yourself becoming addicted to this site. No, really. It is that cool.

Debbie's friend Andrew clued her in to the good deals at BonkTown.com. This site highlights items for sale such as jerseys, bike tubes, sunglasses, shorts (anything bike related) at a largely discounted price.
The catch? It highlights one sale item at a time for a limited time. There is a quantity countdown display, too. Really, some of the deals they have are unreal. AND all items ship fast. You could get those new gloves you've been needing in two days, without breaking your wallet.

http://www.bonktown.com/

Knog? Frog? Huh?

2010-02-03T05:39:00.017-07:00

One of my pet peeves as a motorist is when I'm driving at night and I see biking enthusiasts riding without lights. My irritation is heightened when they are riding on the wrong side of the road.

Really, this stems from my own fear, fear that I could hit someone on a bike because I won't see them, and fear that I could suffer the same fate while on a bike.

I may be a little overzealous in my bike lighting, but my goal is to be seen. I want to make it to STP!

I purchased some microlights from Knog—the Frog, if you will. Visually it is kind of reminiscent of a frog. It's small and could go unnoticed on a bike, depending on the color you get. And, although they are mini, they pack a punch to the dark (see above photo). I bought one a few years ago and gave it away. The latest version is even better. Knog offers a large spectrum of colors to spruce up your ride.

These little chameleons have two light settings—disco-tech flash or the steady Got-You-in-my-Laserbeams bright. They can be purchased with white lights (for the front of you bike) or red (for the back end).

If you are into packaging details at all you will find a little "night owl" on the plastic container. Cute, eh?

PLEASE NOTE: We are not paid for our product reviews. We don't get free products. This is me just raving about something I've found that I like and passing it on. Of course, if you want to send us free stuff, we aren't above reviewing those items . . . but we will tell our readers if we get something free.

Knog Light: $15.00
http://www.knog.com.au/

The Big Day: Registration is on Now!

2010-02-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

Today officially kicks off open registration for the Seattle to Portland bike ride and our journey into the cycling world. The STP Experiment is registered and ready to go! If you are interested in registering for STP, here is a direct link. (It was a little hard to find on their site.)

We are stoked! Wahoo!

The Friday Connection

2010-01-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

A few months ago we had a post on a cool clock made of bicycle parts that was for sale on Etsy. This was inspiring and propelled the purchase of some inexpensive clock parts. (Let's make our own clock shall we?)

Well, months later the parts are still sitting on the craft table awaiting some inspiration. That is where today's Friday Connection comes into play.

The Hipster Home [http://thehipsterh.me] site shows us just how to make a cool clock from bike parts for a fraction of the cost to purchase one. You could also deviate from the tutorial, making use of any number of parts—the possibilities are endless!

The only catch? If you make a clock you've got to email us, [stpexperiment@gmail.com] so we can share your craftiness with others. We'll post it here!

You show us yours and we'll show you ours (clocks that is)!

Happy Friday STP Experiment friends!

A Brooks Saddle: Riding in Comfort and Style

2010-01-27T18:34:00.009-07:00

As we have discussed before, stock saddles are the pits. If you ever want any comfort on your bike you will need to invest in a decent saddle. And if you are riding over 30 miles, or 200, you are going to need to love your seat.

After doing research online to see what touring cyclists were getting to upgrade their saddles, I kept running into positive feedback on the Brooks saddle. I did a little more research and found the success of these beauties is in their shape—your shape, that is. They form to the cyclist's body. That beats hard plastic any day, right? And, if taken care of properly, they will last for years. Now that is an investment I can live with!

Looking for the best price I searched and searched online. I found a shop out of Utah that peddles the classic saddles and got a heck of a deal. My saddle arrived in three days! Can I tell you how excited I was today to find the package on my doorstep?

If being impressed with the quality of the saddle wasn't enough, Brooks' design and attention to detail in the presentation of this product sealed the deal for me. The design is completely old school with a modern, clean flair.

In my box I got a saddle, a saddle wrench to tighten the tension, The Brooks Bugle newspaper, and a maintenance brochure (one cent stamp of J.B. Brooks included on the envelope). Frankly, this is some graphic designer's dream job!

In the brochure it describes the B17 saddle like this:

"The B17 is the most popular saddle in the BROOKS Classic range. It is certainly the oldest Brooks model and longest living saddle in cycling history. This icon has been sold as far back as 1896 and for over a century never went out of production."

I will need to condition the saddle with Brooks Proofide conditioner. This will keep it soft and protect it from the elements. I'm so excited to test it out I am heading out the door right now . . . well, almost.

One more thing . . . I found these great videos online that show the factory where these lovelies are made. It's really interesting to see the craftsmanship that goes into making them.

The Friday Connection

2010-01-22T04:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

It is that time of week again where we look at fun, informative, or helpful links. This week's link is a fun one.

Can you imagine swiping your card and out pops a bicycle? It's like a redbox, but for bikes! It's a bike rental unit that dispenses a bike for $3.75 for 24 hours of use. It is currently being used overseas.

If a Bike Dispenser was in your neighborhood do you think you would use it?

Here is a video showing it being used: http://www.bikedispenser.com/clip-nosjournaal.mov

The Bike Dispenser
http://www.bikedispenser.com/home-en.html

Have a fabulous weekend! Until next time . . .

New Wheels

2010-01-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

Boise City Council Meeting: As the Wheel Turns

2010-01-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

It was Tuesday night—Biggest Loser night. Rain was pouring and I was running later than expected. I was headed to the third floor of City Hall to hear the verdict for some bicycle ordinances up for debate.

I was surprised to see such a massive turn out (who knew cycling was such a hot topic). The room was literally humming with activity. Two news crews were on hand to record the goings on and people from all walks of life were present.

I found a seat near the back where I could observe the crowd. As I was looking over the agenda I heard someone behind me ask their neighbor why there were so many people at the meeting.

"Oh, it's that bike thing. I think that it is all politically driven."

I could feel my eyes rolling back in my head. Last time I checked three Boise cyclists lost their lives due to bike/car collisions—last summer. These tragic events were the reason for the push for new ordinances.

I was disappointed to see my favorite Schwinn rider, Mayor Dave, gone from the line-up, but the meeting started off with a bang. Pledge of Allgiance, roll call, special business, consent agenda, new business . . . BAM!!

Traffic jam.

One issue slowed transit for an hour and a half. People started leaving. I was getting hungry. But all the diehard cycling enthusiasts and friends of lost riders stayed put. I was able to see Boise's "who's who" of cycling. And as much as I wanted to get my grub on I couldn't leave. I had to see what happened. "What happened?" you ask.

The new ordinances are as follows:

—Drivers are now expected to yield to cyclists at intersections.

—Drivers need to leave at least three feet of distance between themselves and bikes. If they don't have three feet to get around the bike they need to wait until there is the correct amount of clearance.

—Motorists are not to cut bicycles off when turning.

—Cyclists are legally required to give an audible warning before passing someone on the sidewalk.

—Cyclists are to dismount in crowded pedestrian areas.

—Cyclists cannot ride recklessly (think swerving onto sidewalks and then jumping into roadways).

—Harassment and intimidation of cyclists is prohibited, as well as, throwing objects at bikes and attempting to disrupt their path.

Violation of these ordinances carries a hefty $1.000 fine and a max penalty of six months in jail. Oh, and did I mention they are misdemeanors?

Wow.

The bike portion of the meeting wrapped up around 10:30 p.m. It felt pretty good to see positive change in the making, but really it will be up to all of us, drivers and cyclists alike, to make the roads a safer place. So, when taking off those Greenbelt training wheels and heading out on the mean streets of B-Town, arm yourself with the rules of the road.

I was going to save the following link for a Friday Connection, but at the council meeting I saw two guys wearing shirts with this logo on them. About a month or so ago I picked up this sticker up at George's Cycles and have been waiting for the website to go live. I suggest saving it to your favorites and checking back in a few weeks.

http://looksavealife.com/

Spinning Around Town

2010-01-17T08:08:00.008-07:00

Image of the Clocktower Pond along the Greenbelt

This weekend I decided to get out on the bike and ride, rain or shine. Off to the Flicks I headed for a little movie action and then tooled on down to my Brother's place in northwest Boise to deliver a note. The weather behaved pretty nicely. As dreary as it had been earlier in the day the rain held off for the ride.

It was a great ride. I took the Greenbelt all the way to Collister, meandering through the neighborhoods until I reached my Brother's place. On the way back home I began making a list in my head of things to note for the next time.

A few things I learned or was reminded of on this trip:

* Messenger bags are better left at home. Yeah, they're cool looking and all and it's easy to get your belongings out of them, but they shift and slide, making it a pain traveling down the road. Next time I am taking my backpack.

* Headlamps rock. I bought one in the morning, knowing I could be riding in the dark. (See picture below.) This lamp is truly the bombDOTcom! It's brighter than any bike mounted light I have ever had. And the lamp is adjustable with eight lighting settings.

* Stock seats suck. Of course this is a no brainer, but after 18 miles in jeans it is painfully apparent. I immediately switched out saddles when I got home.

* Spinning in a class and on a bike are totally different. This is another "seems obvious" point, but it is really true. Not only do you get to see great scenery and feel the wind in your face, but it is a different workout altogether.

* Get your glasses on. When I got home and looked in the mirror I felt like one of those vampires from Twilight. My eyes were solidly blood shot from the ride. Wearing glasses (sunglasses or those with clear lenses) might help cut down on this a bit.

With that, I hope you have had a great weekend. I am off for another adventure, so I better get my cycling shoes on.

The Friday Connection: Large Fella on a Bike

2010-01-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I shared a link to an inspiring story about a guy who literally saved his life by getting on a bicycle. Last weekend, as I was devouring an issue of Bicycling Magazine, I stumbled on the article Five Hundred & One Pounds about Scott Cutshall. Same guy.

There isn't any story better than the one with a good, strong ending. His story ends strong. He went from weighing over 500 pounds to transforming into a svelte 178 pound cyclist, riding over 6900 miles in 2008. He just got on his bike and rode it . . . and is still riding it.

Can you imagine riding your bike year round? Wow.

The point of all this? He has a blog, or rather, had a blog. He isn't blogging any longer, but he was documenting his journey. If you can spare a couple of minutes and are looking for a little inspiration take a gander at: http://istanbultea.typepad.com/

Happy Friday friends!

City Council Meeting-TOMORROW

2010-01-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Join Mayor Bieter and Boise City Council tomorrow night at 6 p.m. (Tuesday, January 12th) on the 3rd floor of City Hall for a public hearing regarding new and revised ordinances concerning safety for bicycle riders in Boise.

Do you want to know what new laws are trying to be passed to help both motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians? This is your chance to get involved!

You can also watch the meeting streaming live at www.cityofboise.org.

Spinning Class

2010-01-09T11:08:00.015-07:00

If you've never been to a spinning class you should go. Memories might take you back to days of that old, creaky stationary bike collecting dust in your grandmother's basement, but this is not the spin bike of the present. It is a whole different animal.

I had always been intrigued by the class' popularity—people were burning calories in these classes at an amazing rate. I wanted to, too! (Although, I wasn't certain I really wanted to work that hard.)

About a year ago Linzi and I dragged ourselves to a 6 a.m. spin class with Martha. It was awesome. We were sweaty and breathing hard and awake. We had also completed our workout for the day before we even had gone to work. You can't beat that.

Fast forward to last Thursday. Determined to get my training off to a good start I set my alarm, got up, and got ready for spinning with Martha. You know that saying, "If you snooze, you lose?" It really applies when trying to getting a bike in spinning class. You might think you're the only crazy person up that early in the morning. You're not. You've got to hustle in early to get a good seat.

I was lucky to get a bike in the back (my preferred location) between a couple of serious looking male riders, both of which were wearing cycling shoes, one of which was wearing cycling gloves. The lights dimmed, the fans cranked on, and the music began pumping. The great thing about the morning class is you can just zone out and wake up at your own pace. It's dark minus the Christmas lights on the wall. And with the exception of the occasion "Whoop. Whoooop!!" from the overzealous guy in the back who shouts every time Martha does, it's a pretty singular group experience, if that makes sense.

I wore my heart rate monitor just to see how much of a workout I was getting my first day back. Let's just say, my heart was pumping. I uploaded the data to get a clear snapshot of just how good it was. My maximum heart rate is 187. (This is determined by subtracting my age from 220.) My target heart rate zone is anywhere from 131 to 159. From this image I was living within targeted zone during class. Thanks, Martha!

I survived spinning.

And I loved every minute of it.

It made the rest of my day rock. I had energy and I had accomplished something worthwhile before 7 a.m. Next week I will be there again with my cycling shoes and bandanna, ready to sweat it out. Maybe I will see you there?

Whoop. Whoooop!!

If you're interested in learning more about your heart rate visit americanheart.org or the heart rate calculator at mayoclinic.com for more information.

The Friday Connection

2010-01-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

With a new year can come a new you. Surfing bicycling.com I came across the article Your Best Year Starts Now. Each section of this article is filled with great tips, a few I have highlighted below. So, if you're looking for a little inspiration you definitely want to add this to your "to read" list. The sections titles are: commuting, eating, starting over, finding time, weight loss, style, climbing, descending, balance, and motivation.

FAVORITE TIPS for 2010

Commuting
"On a bike, look for a road that parallels the highway, but with slower traffic (drivers will avoid it), timed traffic lights and a wide shoulder."

Nutrition
"The basic mantra is don't eat stuff you simply pull out of a bag and eat," says Lim. "If you have to prepare it and cook it, it's going to be better for you because it's not processed with preservatives, extra sugar and extra salt."

Motivation
"When you feel like your fitness has a long way to go, stop comparing yourself with other cyclists. Go to the mall and compare yourself to the average American. You feel better now, right?"

"Cycling is a sport of momentum: The more you ride, the more you'll ride."

Click here for the print version of the article (much easier to read).

And the training begins . . .

2010-01-06T21:26:00.004-07:00

The season of the gym rat (or New Year Lemming) has arrived. I too have headed back to the gym, mostly with treadmill time, putting one foot in front of the other, reminding myself what it is like to sweat again. I even took my bike for a spin, which puts everything in a different, mellower perspective.

I have mapped out the spinning classes, trying to figure out what is going to work best with my schedule. As I see it, I will need to participate in at least three spinning classes a week--to start. I will also need to get some bike time in on the road along with some weight training. The good news is . . . the snow has melted.

I will be joining Martha's 6 a.m. spin class tomorrow, that is if I can drag myself out of bed. She is a great instructor. She's very positive and zen like (she's a yoga instructor so she's good at reminding her spinners to breathe). Can we say stoked?

What is your favorite time to take a spinning class? Are you a morning person or an evening person? Is it more important to get some zZZZZs or to get it out of the way?

Resolutions

2010-01-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Another year begins, actually another decade and we gaze forward, pondering the future. Did you make a resolution or two this year?

Sometimes the idea of resolutions causes an eye roll or two, but they are great way to set up goals, especially if they are challenging ones. They can give us an opportunity to test our limits.

This year I made a couple resolutions myself. (Yeah, I cheated. I picked a couple easy ones. Or are they?) This year I decided to vow to get more sleep. This means I have to go to bed earlier or kick the cat out of the house to obtain a straight eight. This will be a task in itself, but it will be vital to successfully training.

Also, I have sworn off alcohol for a month. Yes, a whole month. That means no wine nights. No socializing with booze. I'm curious to see the difference it makes in my training and hopefully my waistline.

And, of course, Seattle to Portland. (This would be the "testing our limits" goal that we, Debbie and I, share.)

What were your resolutions this year? Where do you see yourself going this year? Where do you see yourself headed in the next ten years?

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T19:18:00.001-07:00

The STP Experiment wishes you and yours a Happy New Year. We're pretty stoked for the year ahead. What dreams will you make into reality in 2010?

New Years Day ride delayed?

2009-12-30T23:06:00.001-07:00

Let it snow! Looks like we may have snow for a few days. Hmmmm. This might put a damper on the New Years ride.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Seattle to Portland Registration Information

2009-12-30T00:09:00.000-07:00

The registration information for Seattle to Portland is up on their website here: Cascade Bicycle Club Website. It looks like we'd better get our acts in gear. If you are a Cascade Bicycle Club member you will able to register for the ride early at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 4, 2010. If you aren't a member . . . It looks like the earliest one can register is at 9 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 1, 2010. Hopefully there are still two seats available for Debbie and I!!

And it looks like registration fees will be going up in 2010. To get the good rate you can join before midnight on December 31, 2009

The benefit to having a membership? You can register early for Cascade Bicycle Club rides, get discounts on rides, discounts at bike shops/businesses, and better riding conditions in the community.

Here is a listing of the 2010 Cascade Bicycle Events. (This will be where we can eventually register for the event, too.)

Just for Fun

2009-12-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you have too much time on your hands . . .

Debbie Moves

2009-12-27T00:57:00.000-07:00

Biggest Loser's Pound for Pound Challenge

2009-12-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

There isn't anything that beats getting together with girlfriends on Tuesday nights to watch The Biggest Loser. The show's success is in the positive message it sends about healthy living (in comparison to today's trashy reality shows that have no real message). It is the only show where you can watch a 375 pound broken person transform into a 230 pound svelte fit machine who exudes confidence and a renewed sense of self.

The Biggest Loser is partnering with Feeding America to help our own communities fight against hunger. For every pound we pledge to lose (pledge on their site here) they will donate 14 cents to Feeding America and the food bank in your community. We at STP Experiment are asking you to help us in making a difference today. We have pledged. Won't you pledge too?

The Pound for Pound Challenge

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

Normally on Fridays we post a Friday Connection link to something of interest, but today we are taking the day to reflect and would like to wish you a Merry Christmas.

Happy Holidays new friends and old!

The Friday Connection

2009-12-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

Remember when we went to Tour de Fat last summer? It was the New Belgium event that traveled from city to city, giving away one bike at a time to one lucky recipient who forked over their car and opted to cycle for a year.

Well this week someone texted me some facts from the event as reported by the Boise Weekly. It is said that Boise came in third in raising the most money for Tour de Fat at $42,000. Awesome, right? Well, I started on a journey to dig up the facts at New Belgium's website and immediately got distracted (doesn't take much). They have an awesome site with a lot of fun, shiny graphics and design. Best of all, they have some great videos from different Tours. Check 'em out if you have a few minutes!

NB Tour Videos

This guy got jumped while riding, but he wound up with a new bike.

Cycling can save your life

2009-12-14T00:01:00.002-07:00

I ran across this article and had to share it. Talk about inspiring! This gentleman ran across cycling at a time when he really need it and positively affected his entire family.

http://www.bicycling.com/bke/slide/home/1,8155,s1-1-81-0,00.html

The Friday Connection: Gifts for the Cyclist in Your Family

2009-12-11T06:10:00.002-07:00

It's that time of year where the temperatures have dropped, seasonal sweets are a plenty, and the mall is humming with more activity than usual. The holidays are here.

For this week's Friday Connection we take a look at some fun gift ideas for that cyclist in your family.

Four Color Cycling T-shirt

Stunt Cycling Neck Tie

Cycling Christmas Ornament

Cycling Pendant

Bike Cuff Links

Wheel Earrings

Bike Lock Pendant

Hand Crafted Bike Bag

Bicycle Christmas Cards

We also ran across a very hip bike design company that makes some pretty stellar bikes. Check out one of their designs Bamboo. It is really made of Bamboo.

Our final link comes from the planet of Twitter. You've all heard of putting up Christmas Lights, but have you ever heard of a cyclist wearing them? There is such a man. Here is his story. Let it inspire you to put on a little Holiday cheer.

Snow in the City of Trees

2009-12-07T12:48:00.001-07:00

Although I did see a brave soul on his bike this morning I don't think there are many cyclists out today.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Friday Connection

2009-12-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Currently it is a crisp 24 degrees here in Boise. The cold has officially arrived!

Today's post is about bicycle grease, specifically that stubborn grease you get in your clothes. I got some black grease from my bike chain on my favorite Boozer Cruiser t-shirt. I was bummed, to say the least. I figured I was doomed and stuck with it, but I decided to do a little net research and I found this link. (I ignored the "Bonus Solution" in the post.)

The link suggests such cleaners as: oven cleaner, Dawn dish soap, Pinesol, tire cleaner and Simple Green. I sprayed some Simple Green on the stain (not really thinking it would come out, knowing the stain had set in). With a little elbow grease and Simple Green the stain disappeared! I couldn't believe it!

The lesson? Don't despair when you get grease on your gear—you probably have something under your kitchen sink that can get it out.

The Friday Connection

2009-11-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

Are you moving a little slower today due to fabulous Thanksgiving grub? Or are you one of hundreds hitting the streets for Black Friday deals? I can assure you we were not brave enough to hit the streets . . . yet.

As the Holidays are upon as, and with winter weather is fast approaching our little town of Boise, the ever present thought of indoor training looms. I thought I would search out some indoor training programs on the web. Here are a few links to what I found.

Training4Cyclists.com

UltraCycling.com

bicycling.com

Do you know of some great indoor cycling resources that work for you? Send us an email at stpexperiment@gmail.com and we'll post 'em here.

I'm off to get the battery replaced in the old heart rate monitor. I think this is going to be one of my best training buddies while cooped up inside this winter season.

Giving Thanks

2009-11-26T08:49:00.002-07:00

From the STP Experiment family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

The Friday Connection: Tweed knickers + Mustaches

2009-11-20T06:20:00.004-07:00

Imagine bicycle enthusiasts wearing tweed suits, riding vintage bicycles, and donning fake mustaches. Sounds fun. Wouldn't you like to see that?

NPR did a story on the first "Tweed Ride" in Washington D.C. There are some great photos from the event! The article states this kind of ride has been happening in such places as London, San Francisco, and Boston. Maybe Boise should have their very own Victorian Ride. What do you think?

We'd like to thank Michael B. for sending over the link to this fun story.

A Little Elbow Grease & a Pedal Wrench

2009-11-16T21:05:00.008-07:00

You know that feeling of accomplishment you get when you conquer something especially tasking? That something you weren't quite sure you could do yourself? Today I had one of those moments and I conquered the pedal wrench, or rather, the pedals.

I'm all for having someone work on my bike so I don't have to, but I always have the guilty voice in my head saying, "You really should learn how to do this. You CAN do this." On Big Bike Friday (last Friday) I decided the time had come that I transfer my own pedals from the old steed to the new one. I bought a pedal wrench, the wrench that Ray said I should get, albeit a bit overpriced (if you ask me).

I tried on Friday, rather unsuccessfully, to remove the pedals of the mountain bike. I gave up. All I could think was, "Man, I bought a stinkin' wrench and everything! Argh!"

Today I was in the mood to give green machine a whirl. I decided I better suck it up and give the pedal installation another try. I did a little research online and wouldn't allow myself to give up when the pedal just wouldn't budge. Guess what? I won. I installed my own pedals and realized that pedal installation is pretty darn easy!

So, long story short, here's how you do it . . .

What you'll need:

*15mm pedal wrench (OR a crescent wrench, or a long-handled allen wrench)
*bike grease (I used Pedro's Syn Grease)
*bike stand (or you can turn the bike upside down so the seat and handlebars are supporting it, allowing you to move the wheels freely)
*paper towels/rag to wipe excess grease away

What you need to know:
Both pedals screw into the crank arm, but they are threaded differently. This means they will screw into the crank arm in different directions. The right pedal is threaded to tighten when turned clockwise and to loosen when turned counter-clockwise. The left pedal is turned counter-clockwise to tighten and clockwise to loosen.

Removal
As you can see in the photo above, you slide the pedal wrench between the crank arm and the pedal itself. I found it was easiest to align the pedals horizontally then I could get a bit of leverage by holding the pedal while I cranked it in the opposite direction. Sometimes they are buggers to loosen initially, but once they give, it is smooth sailing. If they are really stuck you can hammer the wrench a bit, you guessed it, with a hammer.

Installation
Due to the unique threading of each pedal they are labeled with either an L (left) or R (right) to aid in installation. Wipe off any old grease on the threads and apply new, fresh grease. This facilitates easier removal in the future. Then, just screw them in and tightened with the pedal wrench. Piece of cake. You'll be on your way to cruisin' in no time!

Hopefully you find this to be helpful. I recommend checking out YouTube if you're looking for additional resources on the subject. They have some great videos out there!

The Friday (13th) Connection

2009-11-13T20:04:00.009-07:00

Happy Friday 13th, everyone!

Today has been a phenomenal day in so many ways. We took our second trip to REI this week (footage coming soon). It is always nice when you get to spend a little $ in the big house of Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI). Every time we visit I am flabbergasted by the awesome customer service we receive. (Thank you to Ray and the nice blonde gentleman that helped us at checkout.)

Today was a major bike purchase. We got the chance to take the Randonee for a spin (HEAVEN—really, I am not kidding). That baby moves--it makes our mountain bikes look like they are standing still when we're huffing up the Greenbelt.

We also got a chance to test out the The Art of Storage's less expensive bicycle storage solution "the Michelangelo." See photo below.

(Keep in mind, no one pays us for our opinions . . . we just have them. )

I purchased this little baby in hopes that it would free up some room in my two bedroom apartment. Boy did it! I can't tell you how pleased I am with this unit and I have only had it for two hours. It took less than 20 minutes to assemble and has freed up some major room in my living room. (It would be great in a garage, too.)

If you're interested in learning more about this unit check it out at: http://www.rei.com/product/751324

Bicycle Themed Goodies

2009-11-12T07:12:00.003-07:00

A few months ago my podmate (roommate at work and good buddy), Monique, sent me a link to a stellar bicycle dress she'd seen online. I liked what I saw so I started following Vital Industries, the dress makers, on Facebook. What I found is that they sell more than just dresses.

They were having a great sale a couple weeks ago and I ordered the t-shirt above. (I'm a sucker for cool t-shirts.) The whole transaction was pleasant, quick, and professional. They sent me a nice email to confirm the order and a handwritten "thank you" on the receipt. This might seem like standard procedure for all online transactions, but a little personalization can make the difference in customer service. And the t-shirt quality is fabulous. I can't wait to wear this baby on Friday!
Check out their site to see the other goodies they offer.

(P.S. We are not paid to plug Vital Industries—we just like 'em.)

A trip to the gym

2009-11-08T21:41:00.006-07:00

One of my guilty pleasures is to watch missed episodes of The Biggest Loser on my iPhone while at the gym. Somehow it helps me push myself just a little harder. If they can do it—I can do it.

Tonight I headed over to Anytime Fitness to get my spin on. I climbed aboard a typical spinning cycle, indulging myself in an old episode of BL. As I watched Jillian & Bob yelling at contestants to pedal harder, faster on their stationary bikes it made me a bit envious. It is so much easier when someone is pushing you. I did my best to turn up the heat for myself, but . . . it doesn't compare. Being the podcast junkie that I am, it occurred to me that someone, somewhere, has to be producing spinning podcasts. At the very least there has to be a cd for sale.

As I searched Amazon.com I found a plethora of resources. There are books, DVDs, and CDs on the subject. In my search for podcasts I found Spinning Southward, Cadence Revolution, and Indoor Cycle Instructor. I wasn't sure where to begin first, but the best graphics won out. (This is why good graphic design is important. It does all the selling for you.) I am downloading the podcast now and I'll share my opinion of it later in the week. If you know of some good spinning resources send them on over to stpexperiment@gmail.com and we'll share them on the blog.

One other item I'd like to share from tonight's visit to the gym is an equipment tidbit. The gym has added a couple new spinning cycles. These babies come with screens and not your average t.v. watching screens. They are Expresso bikes and they simulate a bike ride. It is much like a video game. You see where you're going, you can see other riders on the road, and the handles move just like those on a real bike. And as the terrain changes so does your tension, which can be adjusted by your "gears" on the cycle. It was pretty fun. It definitely breaks up the monotony. If you find one at your gym give it a shot. You might like it.

Have you tried the Expresso bike? What are your thoughts? Shoot us an email and we'll share your thoughts with our readers!

The Friday Connection + 3-Day Weekends

2009-11-08T17:37:00.011-07:00

Hello all! I was on vacation on Friday and missed posting the usual Friday Connection.
The weather man called for rain all weekend, but we lucked out and were honored with some awesome fall weather.

Today I finally had time to begin catching up on my reading. As I was perusing my issue of Bicycle Times I ran across mention of Danny MacAskill.

"Who?"

That's what I wondered. I immediately googled him. He is best described as a bicycle gymnast. Danny is a 23-year-old former bike mechanic turned demo/show rider from Edinburgh, United Kingdom. You have got to check out this video of him tricking out. You won't regret it.

Of course, the STP Experiment crew has no plans of such incredible stunts, but we can certainly appreciate Danny's talent and the cost for his medical insurance.

A Special Day

2009-11-03T18:27:00.002-07:00

Today is a very special day.

It is Deb's birthday. (Help me wish her a well!)

In honor of the big day the lot of us traveled over to the local Mickey-D's (McDonald's) for a quick, and for some, a healthy lunch. The smiling faces behind the counter are familiar and several even know our names. (We regularly head over for morning coffees or afternoon snacks.) Only healthy ones, right?

After we grabbed lunch and stopped at a booth to stay awhile, a handful of employees came over and sang Happy Birthday to her. Yes, they really sang to her. Talk about customer service! One nice gentleman, who just happens to work there too, made a hand drawn napkin card to celebrate her day.

There's a lot to be said about the significant relationships we make throughout our lives. You never know when someone will positively impact you.

Happy Birthday, Debbie, who impacts so many!

The Friday Connection

2009-10-29T20:10:00.002-06:00

This Friday Connection is a "plucky" one.

Michael sent over a link yesterday about a woman who has been riding her bike for 26 years. She's 84-years old! Remarkable, right? And we're not talking a 3-miler here. She's traveling 150 miles on her two-wheeler. Find out what's motivating her to ride here.

What she chooses to ride in (her attire) just makes me smile. Awesome.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween everyone!

Time is of the Essence

2009-10-29T19:53:00.007-06:00

I just saw the countdown timer on our blog and it screamed at me, "Eight months! You've got eight months before this rodeo begins!"

That might seem like a long way off, but it will be here before we know it. As Monique would say, the good thing is . . . great things are on the horizon. A lot of change will be happening for the STP Experiment Team in the next few months and it is all for the better.

I don't think touring bikes are too far off the radar either. We both anticipate doing some indoor training, which I am secretly excited for.

Got any tips on what might make a good indoor trainer? Leave us a comment and tell us what trainer you like.

AND if you are interested in learning about Smart Street Cycling, REI is having a FREE class at 6:30 PM on November 4, 2009 at 8300 W Emerald Street, Boise.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's Friday Connection. It's a good one.

Tuesday, Brooke's House, and The Biggest Loser

2009-10-27T22:43:00.002-06:00

It's Tuesday. In our lives that means it is The Biggest Loser night on television. It is sacred t.v. watching, not to be missed. The last couple of weeks Debbie and I have gathered over at our friend Brooke's house for dinner and to watch the show. (She cooks healthy food while we cry and clap over the show.)

This week I decided to ride over to Brooke's on the cruiser—she's just a few blocks a way.

Hat? Check. Gloves? Check. Lights? Check. Wine? Check.

As I ride along Gekeler in the safety of the bike lane, gliding through the leaves of Fall who've congregated between the sidewalk and the white line, I remember how great it is to ride a bicycle, how great Autumn is. It is a precious time of year where the cold, crisp stinging air bites at your cheeks and the smell of leaves hit you and then disappear in a second. It is where the haunting street lamp is shrouded by dancing tree branches in the dark.

The last to arrive, I am welcomed by a bevy of canine companions, a glass of wine, and some chit-chat, mostly I notice the air of warm friendship. I don't think one could get a word in edgewise through all our loud chatter. Brooke feeds us and later shares some Boston Baked Beans from the bag with us. Always generous.

As I head home, facing the wind in 36 degree weather, it just reminds me . . . the little things are what make life great, whether it is one last spin on a bike in the fall, sharing a meal and a glass of wine with good friends, or watching someone achieve their dreams that make it worth it. It always boils down to the little things.

So get out there on your two-wheeler, or spend some time with your friends, or just do something that puts a smile on your face and enjoy the day, the season.

Debbie reports back . . .

2009-10-24T14:24:00.003-06:00

Debbie reports back from her Rotary meeting where Kristin Armstrong was the keynote speaker. Hear what she learned!

See the full sized video here on our YouTube channel

Turning on the charm

2009-10-22T22:40:00.003-06:00

The STP Experiment Team got to goofing around this evening. After experiencing a few extra busy weeks we decided to imbibe on some much needed giggles. Here's to hoping your week is coming to a close and your Friday is FaBUlouS!

The Missing Link

2009-10-19T18:31:00.002-06:00

Found it! The missing link, that is. Here is a link to a stellar clock collection on Etsy. We find the bicycle wheel clock especially nifty.

The Monday Connection

2009-10-19T08:14:00.000-06:00

I'm very happy to announce the arrival of a new helmet! The great thing about this helmet is that it is white, allowing for maximum brain bucket visibility and it was inexpensive. You don't have to pay a fortune to protect your assets.

Our original link for Friday's Connection, which was a very cool wheel clock, is no longer available. We thought we'd search Etsy to see what other cool bicycle themed schwag we could find.

Here are some cool items:

Bicycle ring

Old School Bicycle Necklace

Stellar Bicycle Prints (limited edition)

Marilyn Monroe Bicycle Cigarette Case

The Friday Connection

2009-10-09T07:18:00.005-06:00

Perusing through the RSS feed I happened upon the To Be, Inspired blog that has a very cool article on Kara Ginther, leather artist. She carves intricate, gorgeous designs into bicycle saddles. This is definitely what we call an eye candy treat for a Friday morning. Check out her craftsmanship here!

COMING UP

Boise Bicycle Project will be featured at the Linen Building Sunday Market during the October Linen Building Sunday Market, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. They will be selling refurbished bicycles on the Linen Building sidewalk. If you are curious about BBP scoot on down and check them out. [boisebicycleproject.org]

Here's a link to more happenings at the Sunday Market. .

Giving Back

2009-10-07T05:42:00.003-06:00

They stood in our conference room preparing a presentation on why we should give. A plea. One wearing a United Way shirt, the other a suit. It was the start United Way's Campaign Kickoff Week.

In these "tough economic times" more people than ever are struggling financially to keep afloat. More than likely you know someone who is having a rough go of it. Possibly you fit this criteria. This organization offers a multitude of assistance to those in need in our very own community. You might be asking yourself, "What does this have to do with cycling and STP?" Absolutely nothing. It is just a reminder that we, every one of us, can make a positive impact in our community. If you don't believe me check out the video below. Heck, check it out anyway. It is amazing.

In our community (the Treasure Valley) the United Way gives to a smattering of organizations. Here are just a few:

Big Brothers Big Sisters
Boys & Girls Clubs
Idaho Youth Ranch
YMCA
The Idaho Food Bank
City Life
The Girl Scouts
Terry Reilly Health Services
The Women's and Children's Alliance
and many more

We also found some interesting information on United Way's website on what a dollar per week could buy. Here are a few we thought we'd share:

* A contribution of $1 per week will provide 5 hours of crisis hotline coverage by trained professional advocates at the Women and Children's Alliance.

* A contribution of $1 per week will provide 13 hours of safety for a low-income individual suffering from substance abuse.

* A contribution of $1 per week will help facilitate $2,700 worth of volunteer specialist physician services for uninsured, low-income patients through the Volunteer Physicians Network.

It is pretty amazing what this group is doing for our community. Spread the word. Share the video. Give a buck or two. Make a difference.

LINKS

http://www.helpthemostpeople.com/

http://www.unitedwaytv.org/

Info on Volunteering --> http://www.unitedwaytv.org/default.aspx?p1=3c

The Friday Connection

2009-10-01T19:05:00.005-06:00

Happy Friday everyone! Hopefully you've had a chance to enjoy the beautiful fall day we had today. The cooler weather is fast approaching and very welcome.

We'd like to send a special shout out to proud parents, Tracy & Ryan, who welcomed little Addison M. today. Congrats!

Today's Friday connection is to Jim Langley blog. He is a cycling tech guru who is an author and a former Bicycling Magazine editor. He provides advice, answers questions, and provides valuable information on his blog. Check it out at http://www.jimlangley.blogspot.com/. You can also learn more about him (and check out his latest book) here: www.jimlangley.net.

Happy traveling!

Siting

2009-09-30T07:35:00.004-06:00

Motoring home the other evening I noticed a change to the roadway. Emerald Street (at least between Cole & Curtis) now has a "bike" lane. This portion is where you'll encounter the overpass above the Connector. It appears to have been widened a tad for bikes.

I'm not sure if stenciling a little bike into the asphalt really means it is wide enough to be a bike lane, but it is a start. So, if you have the choice between taking Fairview or Emerald by bicycle you might give the new, improved Emerald a shot.

St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration!

2009-09-27T22:15:00.011-06:00

We came. We saw. We ran.

Saturday marked the 16th annual St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration. This event draws approximately 20,000 attendees each year. Linzi and I took on the race in the red wave. You know, the wave that runs it for 'fun' with a timing chip? I have to admit I was a bit trepidatious about the run. I last laced up my running shoes in June for a three miler. Instead of hitting the treadmill I have been hitting the couch.

But nothing is better than pinning on your race number and the anticipation that fills the air as hundreds of women prepare to put one foot in front of the other.

And, of course, there is nothing like seeing the finish line. We completed the race with pretty good times. Linzi rocked it with a 30:59 and I came in with a 31:27. Maybe we will see some of you there next year?

The Friday Connection

2009-09-25T07:14:00.006-06:00

Happy Friday to you!

If you're an Idahoan and a cyclist you are going to love this week's link. If you're not an Idahoan . . . you might be encouraged to come visit. Our link this week is an interactive bike map of Idaho! Thanks to Faye for sending these links over! The map provides information on state roadways. This includes "shoulder width, traffic levels, steep grades, and more."

In the same email there was a link to Idaho cycling associations and advisory groups.

And there was also an email address for Idaho's Statewide Bicycle Coordinator (bikeped@itd.idaho.gov) If you have comments or questions on how to improve cycling in Idaho you can contact the coordinator.

Thanks, Faye, for sending out these links. I think they will be very helpful for our cycling friends out there.

If you have a cool link you would like posted send us an email at: stpexperiment@gmail.com

Our First Sponsor

2009-09-24T06:28:00.002-06:00

We would like to thank our very first sponsor,Gary Pearson,
for his generous donation! He is a Mountain Magnate (and a really great guy, too). Thanks for helping us get one step closer to our goal!

For more information on sponsorship take a gander at our
Sponsorship Package

Missing!!!

2009-09-23T05:28:00.002-06:00

If you have ever had a bicycle stolen you've probably run a spectrum of emotions from feeling violated to disappointment to anger. But I bet you've never put out a missing poster like this. Monique passed this little gem on to me and I thought you might enjoy it, too.

I applaud the individual who created this fabulous poster. Just another reminder to keep locking up our rides.