Sunday, June 28, 2009

The Seat of Change

Do you remember the Perils of the Stock Seat? If not, let me fill you in. Debbie has a stock seat on the old Scott, which has been a source of much discomfort.
We rode our bikes down to the Saturday Market yesterday. We were there to help promote the Be Outside initiative (yes, you should check out the link). And while you are downtown (8th & Main), you need to check out the cool mural created by Girl Scouts and Ward Hooper that runs along Main Street as part of Be Outside. After we had lunch, and generally goofed around, we decided to take the trek to Idaho Mountain Touring (IMT) in search of items we did and didn't need.

Upon walking through the swoosh of sliding doors we took a direct left to the bike seats, er . . . saddles. Now, if you have never bought a specialized saddle for your ride, know that there a few different varieties. And if you don't know what you are doing it could be a little overwhelming. Luckily, we had a knowledgeable salesperson [cycling guru] who came to our rescue to set us straight on the saddle situation. He first had Debbie sit on what looked like flat, milky Etch-a-Sketch. (Yes, just a little awkward.) This little doodad showed the impression of where her sit bones were, which allowed him to offer her a more comfortable and appropriate seat suited for her.

She walked away with a slim, women specific saddle. The biggest thing to note is that the slim design will be much more comfortable than a larger, seemingly more padded kind of seat. There will be a lot less friction with the smaller version. At a price tag above $60, it isn't cheap, but definitely worth it. And IMT put the new saddle on her seat post for her, too.

How worth it is the new seat? Debbie instantly felt a difference in the new saddle. We'll check in with her in a couple months, as she racks up some mileage and see how she feels then.

Friday, June 26, 2009

The Friday Connection

With my new and improved working modem I am now back online. (And boy, what a relief!) I also got back on the bike this week, allowing me to spend some time on the Greenbelt on the old cruiser. Keep your eyes peeled for new D & P footage to come soon.

When investigating links this week I stumbled across Gorp. (I know, kind of a funny name, right?) This site has destination guides, city guides, and national park information. There is everything from paddling guides, to where to fish, to where to find a campground. And it also has information on where to bike, what cycling gear you might need, etc.

Give it a gander! Let us know what you think. It looks to be a great tool for any kind of adventure.

Have a great Friday!

Monday, June 22, 2009

The Friday Connection (on Monday)

Due to the sudden death of my modem, I haven't been able to update the blog. I apologize that Friday's Connection didn't exactly connect.

This week's link is to a KTVB story. We have had three accidents involving cyclists and cars in the last two months. Finally, someone is asking the question,
I wonder . . . what are the laws for bikes and drivers.

Friday, June 12, 2009

The Friday Connection

If you live in Boise you will know we've had several fatalities involving cyclists since May. This is the first time, that I recall, so many tragedies have been related to commuters. This Friday Connection is a link to the latest bike/car accident we have had. See the news story here. Our hearts go out to Kevin Pavlis' family and friends.


My question is, how do we make cycling safer in the Treasure Valley? I have a few ideas, which involve educating drivers, creating REAL bike lanes, addressing the "Fairview" issue, etc., But what do YOU think? As a community is there something we can do to make commuting and recreational riding safer?

Friday, June 5, 2009

The Friday Connection

Hello Biking Fans!

Happy Friday to you. Today I am expanding on Tuesday's link. I find it interesting how cycling can influence fashion, or does it? Here is a link to an article on "Riding in Style." And here is a very interesting video on the design of a few pieces (nice video).

What do you think of all this fashion business? Would you wear these designs? Do cyclists really care about what they wear?

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

It isn't Friday, but . . .

My sister-in-law, Jonna, sent me this link, which I thought I would share.

Marion Cotillard helps unveil new bike fashions . . .

We all could use to have hipper fashions on the bike! ;)