Did you think we left the country?
We didn't.
Everything from vacation, to all staff meetings, to unexpected trips out of town have taken us away from posting the last couple weeks. We appreciate you patience! Know that we will be back on the road next week with some new surprises.
As I was meandering through Fred Meyer the other day I stopped over at the magazine rack. Scanning titles for something interesting, I spotted Bicycle Times, a colorful funky-looking magazine. The subhead calls it "Your Everyday Cycling Adventure."
And it really lives up to that title. This magazine is filled with useful information for the average rider. You don't have to be an all star athlete or a hard core mountain biker to enjoy what is inside this magazine. It talks about everything from riding safely in the streets to blinky lights for your bike. If you commute to work on two wheels this is the magazine for you.
Give the link a gander and let us know what you think!
Here are a couple of links to items in the magazine that I thought were interesting, too.
bikeschool.com Yep, you can learn how to be a bike mechanic.
velowear.com Do you want to make your own custom jerseys? You can at this website.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
CHEAP Bikes! Today only!!
This reported from the Boise Weekly . . . .
Boise Bicycle Project will be selling its surplus bikes from Noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at its new home, 1027 Lusk St. Without enough room for so many bikes at its new location, the organization is looking to move them out, with more than 50 priced at just $10.
All bikes being sold will have reduced prices, so if you’re in the market for a new ride (or even if you’re not) this is the time.
Boise Bicycle Project will be selling its surplus bikes from Noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at its new home, 1027 Lusk St. Without enough room for so many bikes at its new location, the organization is looking to move them out, with more than 50 priced at just $10.
All bikes being sold will have reduced prices, so if you’re in the market for a new ride (or even if you’re not) this is the time.
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Friday Connection
Happy Friday. Today could not have come fast enough. I hope you all have a great weekend planned!
Today we are looking at a link Jonna sent over: http://www.itscyclelogical.com/ They offer a variety of cycling attire.
Thanks, Jonna!
Today we are looking at a link Jonna sent over: http://www.itscyclelogical.com/ They offer a variety of cycling attire.
Thanks, Jonna!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Bikes Travel Swiftly Via Wings
Imagine mounting your bicycle only to feel it float up, propelling you upward instead of forward. The note of flapping wings drifting musically toward your ears from what used to be your pedals.
Can you imagine anything better than a bicycle with wings? What amazing journeys one could take!
Yesterday I traveled to the town of Sweet (yes, it really is named Sweet) to celebrate the birthdays of the Twins and my Niece. July is a good month. As the gifts were being handed out my sister-in-law, Jonna, handed me a package.
Hmmm. It wasn't my birthday.
From the bag I pulled out a beautifully labeled wine bottle. Upon the label was a voluptuous fire-haired maiden flying (riding?) her bicycle with wings. Jonna said the label made her think of me because of the bike on it. Isn't that thoughtful? Thanks, Jonna! I can't promise I won't drink the wine, but I will keep the bottle! ;)
Have you seen some cool labeling or packaging that has bikes or cycling as a theme? Share them with us and we'll post them here.
Email us at stpexperiment@gmail.com or leave a comment below.
Can you imagine anything better than a bicycle with wings? What amazing journeys one could take!
Yesterday I traveled to the town of Sweet (yes, it really is named Sweet) to celebrate the birthdays of the Twins and my Niece. July is a good month. As the gifts were being handed out my sister-in-law, Jonna, handed me a package.
Hmmm. It wasn't my birthday.
From the bag I pulled out a beautifully labeled wine bottle. Upon the label was a voluptuous fire-haired maiden flying (riding?) her bicycle with wings. Jonna said the label made her think of me because of the bike on it. Isn't that thoughtful? Thanks, Jonna! I can't promise I won't drink the wine, but I will keep the bottle! ;)
Have you seen some cool labeling or packaging that has bikes or cycling as a theme? Share them with us and we'll post them here.
Email us at stpexperiment@gmail.com or leave a comment below.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Safe Cycling in the City of Trees
City officials meet with cyclists to see what can be done with Boise bicycle safety.
The Boozer Cruiser Tour 2009 (Second Annual)
This just in!
The official Boozer Cruiser Tour 2009 shirts are here. We will be on the road tomorrow for a parade of fun! If you see us around town in our spiffy new shirts say hello! We will be posting footage of the event later in the weekend!
The Friday Connection
Coffee?
Check.
Breakfast?
Check.
Water?
Check.
Awake?
No!
This morning we will embark on our first ride at the crack of dawn. It hurts just a little bit to be up this early this morning. No doubt it will be well worth it to get the ride out of the way early while it is cool out. It is supposed to be over 100 today.
This week's Friday Connection is Adventure Cycling. The description on their website says, "Adventure Cycling is the largest bicycling association in North America with 44,500 members. A non-profit organization, our mission is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle for fitness, fun, and self-discovery."
They offer up maps and cycling routes, cycling yellow pages, how-to articles, and outreach & education. Check them out. I have a feeling we will be using their website a lot.
Check.
Breakfast?
Check.
Water?
Check.
Awake?
No!
This morning we will embark on our first ride at the crack of dawn. It hurts just a little bit to be up this early this morning. No doubt it will be well worth it to get the ride out of the way early while it is cool out. It is supposed to be over 100 today.
This week's Friday Connection is Adventure Cycling. The description on their website says, "Adventure Cycling is the largest bicycling association in North America with 44,500 members. A non-profit organization, our mission is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle for fitness, fun, and self-discovery."
They offer up maps and cycling routes, cycling yellow pages, how-to articles, and outreach & education. Check them out. I have a feeling we will be using their website a lot.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Ever Heard of a Schwinn Typhoon?
I had to look this bicycle up after reading this story. Boise's own Mayor Dave Bieter rides one these babies most days to work. A 1969 Schwinn Typhoon that is. He has been riding this red rocket for 40 years. His staff decided to chip in on an overdue upgrade to surprise him with.
How often do you hear of someone riding the same bike they did when they were 10? Pretty cool.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
AAA Offers Service for Cyclists
Perusing the web I found an interesting article on how AAA is now going to offer roadside assistance for cyclists in parts of Idaho and in Oregon.
AAA has issued a news release stating it will include bicycle service " . . . as part of its regular roadside membership benefits package for AAA Plus, Plus RV and Premier members. Effective immediately, there is no additional charge for roadside service which applies to all bicycles and tandems, including rental bicycles and bicycle trailers." And the service will offer transportation to a safe point within a 25 mile radius.
This seems it might just be a worthwhile option for commuters or those touring by bicycle.
We may have to invest in this prior to our participation in the Seattle to Portland Bike Classic (STP). ;)
What do you think? Would this make you want to get AAA, just to ensure you have assistance on the road, no matter what?
AAA has issued a news release stating it will include bicycle service " . . . as part of its regular roadside membership benefits package for AAA Plus, Plus RV and Premier members. Effective immediately, there is no additional charge for roadside service which applies to all bicycles and tandems, including rental bicycles and bicycle trailers." And the service will offer transportation to a safe point within a 25 mile radius.
This seems it might just be a worthwhile option for commuters or those touring by bicycle.
We may have to invest in this prior to our participation in the Seattle to Portland Bike Classic (STP). ;)
What do you think? Would this make you want to get AAA, just to ensure you have assistance on the road, no matter what?
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Deb's Camelback
If you are having trouble viewing this video click here.
If you are interested in learning more about sponsoring us click here.
If you want to email us send it to stpexperiment@gmail.com.
We meet 100 miles
Today we reach the 100 mile mark in our training. We talk about gel bike shorts, the hazzards of bugs, and the convenience of the Camelbak.
**Please note that while riding home in the dark we both used flashing safety lights on our Camelbaks (there's a tab attached especially for this purpose). Nice.
Friday, July 10, 2009
The Friday Connection
Bicycling while pregnant—is it safe?
Marianne Love (http://slightdetour.blogspot.com/) sent over a link for today's Friday Connection. It is from Huckleberries Online and asks the question, "Is it safe to ride a bike while pregnant?" The comments to this thread are interesting.
The original article can be found on Paul Dorn's site.
What do you think? Did you commute while you were pregnant?
Hidden Resources
Do you remember our jaunt to REI on the 4th of July? During our stint in the store, Lee showed us a great resource that can be found on the REI website. It is called Expert Advice and it offers up videos and articles on everything from how to fix a flat bike tire to how to use a GPS receiver. I checked out a couple of videos and found them to be informative, well done, and a quick view.
Hopefully Lee gets a raise for his good customer service!
Marianne Love (http://slightdetour.blogspot.com/) sent over a link for today's Friday Connection. It is from Huckleberries Online and asks the question, "Is it safe to ride a bike while pregnant?" The comments to this thread are interesting.
The original article can be found on Paul Dorn's site.
What do you think? Did you commute while you were pregnant?
Hidden Resources
Do you remember our jaunt to REI on the 4th of July? During our stint in the store, Lee showed us a great resource that can be found on the REI website. It is called Expert Advice and it offers up videos and articles on everything from how to fix a flat bike tire to how to use a GPS receiver. I checked out a couple of videos and found them to be informative, well done, and a quick view.
Hopefully Lee gets a raise for his good customer service!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Twitter, the ACHD, & Fairview Avenue
by Monique Johns
Three weeks ago, three bicyclists were fatally injured after being struck by cars while riding on Boise streets. In an article dated June 12, the Idaho Statesman reported that Fairview Avenue was among the worst intersections in Boise for cyclist safety. I took to my Twitter account and asked the Ada County Highway District (@ACHD), “What are you (and my taxes) doing about it?”
Quite frankly, I didn’t expect a response. I posted the tweet as more of a rant to spur discussion among other tweeters. I’ve done it (mostly in vain) to seek responses regarding bullying, role models, and in my personal life – coupons. I rarely receive re-tweets, responses, or any other sign that my tweet has been read by anyone outside of my husband or co-workers.
A few days after the “What are you…doing” tweet, I received a Twitter direct message from Robbie Johnson, the ACHD public relations spokesperson, saying, “Hi, I do plan to get back to you on this. A little complex for Twitter.”
Here’s the gem of this story (and a bit of a digression from cycling itself).
About six years ago, I sold shoes at a local boutique to make money while in college. I vividly remember helping Robbie Johnson choose a comfortable pair of shoes that would help her in her job as news anchor for Fox 12. I was star struck, I’m afraid. At the time, I thought people in the media must have been the most intellectual human beings on earth (I’ll have to share my views on that in another blog entry) so understandably, I was in awe of her incredibly down-to-earth, off-screen personality. I never forgot the opportunity I had to sell her the two pairs of practical lace-up shoes in black and brown leather. In short, she gave me some hope that even normal people could work for a news agency. I later went to work for the Idaho Statesman.
Needless to say, after receiving her reply, I felt a bit sheepish for calling out ACHD in my tweet. But I sent her my email address anyway. A few days later she emailed me. I am attaching the letter for anyone who cares to read it because it explains in great detail why cycling along Fairview is a bad idea. You’ll notice that Robbie took the time to contact someone within her organization to offer an alternate route for me.
I believe in customer service. And I believe that Robbie has gone above and beyond in her willingness to not only set the record straight with regard to Fairview Avenue, but to be a truly genuine human being. I hope this serves as an example to everyone who reads this – first impressions can truly make a difference. After all – the person who is selling shoes, or ringing up groceries, or offering any other service, well, they just might end up blogging about you one day.
The text from Robbie’s email is below:
Bike map: http://www.achd.ada.id.us/PDF/BikewayFacilitiesMapJan09.pdf
The STP Experiment would like to thank our guest blogger, Monique Johns. We hope to have more posts from her in the future.
Three weeks ago, three bicyclists were fatally injured after being struck by cars while riding on Boise streets. In an article dated June 12, the Idaho Statesman reported that Fairview Avenue was among the worst intersections in Boise for cyclist safety. I took to my Twitter account and asked the Ada County Highway District (@ACHD), “What are you (and my taxes) doing about it?”
Quite frankly, I didn’t expect a response. I posted the tweet as more of a rant to spur discussion among other tweeters. I’ve done it (mostly in vain) to seek responses regarding bullying, role models, and in my personal life – coupons. I rarely receive re-tweets, responses, or any other sign that my tweet has been read by anyone outside of my husband or co-workers.
A few days after the “What are you…doing” tweet, I received a Twitter direct message from Robbie Johnson, the ACHD public relations spokesperson, saying, “Hi, I do plan to get back to you on this. A little complex for Twitter.”
Here’s the gem of this story (and a bit of a digression from cycling itself).
About six years ago, I sold shoes at a local boutique to make money while in college. I vividly remember helping Robbie Johnson choose a comfortable pair of shoes that would help her in her job as news anchor for Fox 12. I was star struck, I’m afraid. At the time, I thought people in the media must have been the most intellectual human beings on earth (I’ll have to share my views on that in another blog entry) so understandably, I was in awe of her incredibly down-to-earth, off-screen personality. I never forgot the opportunity I had to sell her the two pairs of practical lace-up shoes in black and brown leather. In short, she gave me some hope that even normal people could work for a news agency. I later went to work for the Idaho Statesman.
Needless to say, after receiving her reply, I felt a bit sheepish for calling out ACHD in my tweet. But I sent her my email address anyway. A few days later she emailed me. I am attaching the letter for anyone who cares to read it because it explains in great detail why cycling along Fairview is a bad idea. You’ll notice that Robbie took the time to contact someone within her organization to offer an alternate route for me.
I believe in customer service. And I believe that Robbie has gone above and beyond in her willingness to not only set the record straight with regard to Fairview Avenue, but to be a truly genuine human being. I hope this serves as an example to everyone who reads this – first impressions can truly make a difference. After all – the person who is selling shoes, or ringing up groceries, or offering any other service, well, they just might end up blogging about you one day.
The text from Robbie’s email is below:
Thanks for contacting me by email. We also had an ACHD Commissioner recently wonder about Fairview also.
You are right, it is not very bike friendly along Fairview. As you have surely noticed, there is a high number of access points (driveways), turning conflicts and high street volume (the number of motor vehicles) on Fairview. This does not make it conducive for encouraging bicycling at this time, which is why there are no bike lanes.
However, ACHD traffic staff analyzed Fairview for bike lanes and concluded that there is room for bike lanes on Fairview between Orchard and Milwaukee except at the Milwaukee and Curtis intersections. However, adding bike lanes is more complicated than simply painting the bike lanes, so there are no immediate plans for this.
However, long term, because Fairview Avenue between Orchard Street in Boise and Linder Road in Meridian has some of the top accident locations in Idaho and hundreds of those driveway accesses to businesses, ACHD is looking to help improve the road by considering access management measures.
ACHD is considering raised medians, half-mile signal spacing, and the relocating of some driveways. Over time left turns may be limited on Fairview after medians are constructed. Motorists will be allowed to make u-turns at signals and between median openings when possible, making it safer and quicker to access businesses. Redesigning, combining and relocating some driveways will also improve traffic flow and safety, plus create easier access. Changes will happen as needed for safety and as redevelopment occurs. This could also make it safer for bicyclists, and looking at bike lanes is part of the access management process.
In the meantime, our traffic department recommends that you use Emerald and Pine and Milwaukee to get to and from work by bike. It is a little out of the way, but these roads do have bike lanes for the most part. The map link below shows the bike lanes. Pine does connect through now to where you need to go. Let me know if this helps and if you have questions.
Bike map: http://www.achd.ada.id.us/PDF/BikewayFacilitiesMapJan09.pdf
The STP Experiment would like to thank our guest blogger, Monique Johns. We hope to have more posts from her in the future.
The 2009 Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic
The 2009 Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic is upon us. This coming weekend, July 11-12, marks the 30th year of the ride. Amazing, right? We will be doing this ride a year from now. How exciting it will be to see what the next year brings us.
Here are some fun facts about this year's ride we thought you might enjoy. (These facts w ere obtained from Cascade Bicycle Club's website.)
Doesn't this get your gears turning? Good luck to everyone participating this weekend. Have a great time and we'll see you next year!
For more information on the ride click the link above.
Here are some fun facts about this year's ride we thought you might enjoy. (These facts w ere obtained from Cascade Bicycle Club's website.)
- The ride was sold out on June 1, 2009
- 10,000 registered riders
- Uphill distance 30.87 miles
- Uphill altitude 1,951
- 100 safety and medical riders on the course
- 46 states represented
- 26,000 sandwiches
- 35,000 cookies (oh yeah!)
- Eldest rider - 87
Doesn't this get your gears turning? Good luck to everyone participating this weekend. Have a great time and we'll see you next year!
For more information on the ride click the link above.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Ghost Bikes
My good friend and fellow cruising buddy, Linzi, sent me a link this morning to an Idaho Statesman story about "Ghost Bikes." I thought you might be interested in it, too.
Here is the link to Patrick Orr's article:
Here is the link to Patrick Orr's article:
Usually a day or two after a cyclist is killed, a "ghost bike" shows up - a bike, painted white, attached to a light pole or a fence near where the cyclist died. Often a name is attached, but not much else.
There is no formal process. Someone just gets the idea and . . .
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Idaho Transportation Department to Make Changes to Idaho Driver's Manual
Things are changing in Idaho. In the Idaho Driver's Manual, that is.
Improved information about bicycle and motorist safety will be in the updated version of the manual available later this summer. We'd like to send a big thank you out to Jeff Larsen of Community Bicycle Rides for sending this information out in his latest e-mail update.
Also, kudos to Senator Elliot Werk, state bicycle advocates, and the ITD for making this happen. It could not happen at a better time (considering all the fatalities we have had as of late). Educated drivers + conscientious cyclists = safer roads for everyone.
Link to ITD website for press release here.
Link to changes in the Idaho Driver's Manual.
Improved information about bicycle and motorist safety will be in the updated version of the manual available later this summer. We'd like to send a big thank you out to Jeff Larsen of Community Bicycle Rides for sending this information out in his latest e-mail update.
Also, kudos to Senator Elliot Werk, state bicycle advocates, and the ITD for making this happen. It could not happen at a better time (considering all the fatalities we have had as of late). Educated drivers + conscientious cyclists = safer roads for everyone.
Link to ITD website for press release here.
Link to changes in the Idaho Driver's Manual.
Hanging out at Dairy Queen
Argh! The video is getting cut off for our latest adventure.
Visit our YouTube page for the full view.
video Here
Visit our YouTube page for the full view.
video Here
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Day #3 – We Venture to Discovery Park
Don't worry, folks. We probably won't post videos for every training we do, but we will document the beginning of our journey. We know we have a long way to go and we want to look back and know we have accomplished something.
We do believe Average Janes can do extraordinary things.
We do believe Average Janes can do extraordinary things.
The Seattle to Portland Training Schedule
Here is a portion of the training schedule that we are currently working off of.
We thought you might be interested; this schedule is provided by Cascade Bicycle Club.
REI on the 4th of July
We took a trip to REI on the 4th of July. We were in search of bike shorts for Debbie.
Camera in hand, we asked staff if we could film in the store. (Some places aren't too keen on filming in their establishments.) We were then sent to the back receiving area to talk to a manager. In the trip to the back we spoke to three different people who were either helpful, supportive of our cause, or both.
Impressive.
I think this is why we keep coming back to REI. They have really great people working there, so good customer service is effortless for them.
And yes, we were granted permission to film . . .
We would also like to thank Lee for providing some much needed advice. Not only did he share knowledge about some touring bikes with us, but he sought us out later to show us some great resources, and to ensure Debbie purchased the proper bike shorts.
Now that is great customer service. Thank you.
The two touring bikes we are looking at:
The Randonee
The Safari
Camera in hand, we asked staff if we could film in the store. (Some places aren't too keen on filming in their establishments.) We were then sent to the back receiving area to talk to a manager. In the trip to the back we spoke to three different people who were either helpful, supportive of our cause, or both.
Impressive.
I think this is why we keep coming back to REI. They have really great people working there, so good customer service is effortless for them.
And yes, we were granted permission to film . . .
We would also like to thank Lee for providing some much needed advice. Not only did he share knowledge about some touring bikes with us, but he sought us out later to show us some great resources, and to ensure Debbie purchased the proper bike shorts.
Now that is great customer service. Thank you.
The two touring bikes we are looking at:
The Randonee
The Safari
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Getting schooled by a 5 year-old
On day two we rode 18.54 miles, ate lunch, and stopped in for some fresh squeezed lemonade. It was a great day. (Sounds rough, doesn't it?)
In our travels, what seemed like a pretty noneventful day in the beginning turned out to be a true test of courage. Play the video below for details.
Wouldn't it be amazing if we all had the courage of a 5 year-old? How different life would be. What would you do if you had no fear?
**For the record, Paige was too chicken to ride down the hill. She is currently looking for her 5 year-old courage.
In our travels, what seemed like a pretty noneventful day in the beginning turned out to be a true test of courage. Play the video below for details.
Wouldn't it be amazing if we all had the courage of a 5 year-old? How different life would be. What would you do if you had no fear?
**For the record, Paige was too chicken to ride down the hill. She is currently looking for her 5 year-old courage.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Hanging with Sheila on our First *Official* Ride
Here is the link to Debbie's saddle. It is a Bontrager inForm R WSD.
Here is a link to information on the recent bike fatalities in Boise.
The Friday Connection
I am sitting here in my pajamas, loving the fact that it is the Fourth of July holiday. Here's to hoping you have a great holiday!
For this week's Friday Connection I thought we should post something fun. I stumbled upon a great comic site dedicated to cycling. It is called Yehuda Moon & the Kickstand Cyclery at http://www.yehudamoon.com/. I like that the whole site is dedicated to this comic.
Let us know what you think of the link!
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