The Friday Connection

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/

Just for Fun

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

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.

The Story

Yes, that's right. Two average Janes are embarking on the journey of a lifetime to ride 204 miles from Seattle to Portland. Crazy? Maybe.

In training for the next year to participate in the 2010 race, Debbie and Paige will be documenting their adventure in a "bikeumentary" here on the web.  Neither Debbie or Paige are professional cyclists--they can best be described as recreational riders. Join them for the experience that shows two average Janes can do something extraordinary.  

204 miles.

Two women.

Two bikes.

Two hundred four miles.

Seattle to Portland.