The Friday Connection

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

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

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 . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!