Paige's Commute Test Run

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

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

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!

The Friday Connection

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?

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!

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!