A Gift to my Bicycle!

When people are out buying holiday gifts, they shop for their family, their friends, themselves and even their pets!

So.. shouldn't I be Christmas Shopping for my.. BICYCLE(s)?! 

Ordinarily, new bar tape is the 'funnest' way to perk up your bicycle, but the '520 already has some awesome (zippy green) fresh tape.

IDEAS?

I did buy some 'Epic' White Lightening wax lube, but that hardly counts as a present! That'd be like giving toilet paper for Christmas!

Draw a map to your goal.

Start at your goal, then work backwards.

STEP ELEVEN

Ride the Cape Epic.

STEP TEN

Ride a 7-day MTB stage race.

STEP NINE

Go on an off-road MTB summer tour.

STEP EIGHT

Ride a 3-day MTB stage race.

STEP SEVEN

Ride an epic MTB one-day race.

STEP SIX

Get a few solid seasons of summer MTB racing under the belt.

STEP FIVE

Move to a place (in the greater Seattle area) with easy access to mountain biking.

STEP FOUR

Buy a mountain bike.

STEP THREE

Work in a bike shop.

STEP TWO

Move to Seattle.

STEP ONE

Dream.

*Various steps may be repeated, overlap, and even skipped-- though skipping is not advised, as that's less fun.

My real goal map would be a bit more complex than that-- it would include some classes, some cross-training, some friend-making, a lot of riding, and a belief that I can let myself do what I want to do. Because that's a funny thing I learned about people this summer while on my cross-country tour--

that too many people actually know what they want-- and yet, they're still afraid to go and get it.

I plan on getting mine. Do you?

My Blog Roll

  I'm in the mood for some shout-outs, since all these bike blog contests have me feeling all warm and fuzzy about bike bloggers. Of the blogs I read, very few see any real financial profit from their efforts. Most bloggers are blogging to blog. It is evident that while we write 'for others,' often we write for ourselves. 

  Posting about that EPIC ride may rouse your readers to discover their own adventure-- but it also, I feel, puts an onus on the blogger. An onus to revisit adventure, discovery, camaraderie-- over and over again. I find that when my blog is quiet, my bicycling life is quiet (or so intense that I haven't got 'round to a computer to talk about it!)-- and I feel that tug in my brain and my heart that says, "hey! You need an adventure to blog about! Go find one!" Not every adventure includes riding across the country, per se-- but certainly adventure can be found in something as simple as discovering full service bicycle parking or putting the bike on the bus for the first time. Or at least that's the way I feel about it.

  So without further ado-- I shout out to a few of my fellow bloggers!

BIKE HACKS

I have to say-- Bike Hacks is just fun. It's about solving bike problems with zip ties, duct tape and things found in the trash. While I wouldn't do 95% of the ideas on there to my bike-- it sure is fun to read about the creativity people exude! 

BIKES AND THE CITY

You've gotta love Meli. She adores espresso (gold star), wears bright, colorful clothes (gold star) and takes bright, colorful photos (gold star) and she rides a 'town' bike AND a roadie (five gold stars from RJ!). And I like her cat.

CYCLING SPOKANE

A family guy, who rides in Eastern Wa (I spent 6 years there) and even being a bike nut-- tries to cut down on how much 'stuff' he has. And I like his cat.

ECOVELO

Pretty much everybody reads EcoVelo, right? It's our source for commuter bike eye candy. And epic photo contests. Not sure if he has a cat, though.

JEROME'S BIKES

Takes rad pictures, rides an Xtracycle, and awarded me a Sigg bottle for submitting the winning 'name' for his Xtracycle! ("Soots!")

TOTCYCLE

A new discovery of mine-- this family rocks a Madsen (if an Xtra and a Bakfiets had a lovechild). Enough said.

These aren't ALL the bike blogs I read, of course-- but they are a few favorites. :)

Two Contest Wins!

I have not one, but TWO online contest wins to announce! 

ONE is at Jerome's Bikes. 

Jerome rides bikes, owns an Xtra and takes photos that'll make you pause even while you're zooming around the internet like an antsy-nancy. Thus I subscribe to his blog and took note of his ("first-ever") contest! The goal was to name a new member to his family: an Xtracycle.

I was on it.

Besides, Jerome was giving away a SIGG bottle (scrub brush and tablets included!). I SO wanted to rock a Sigg on my commuter bike.

You can see all the entires, including my winning entry, at his blog HERE.

TWO is at EcoVelo. 

(And you ALL subscribe to EcoVelo, right??) Now, before you think that I'm hogging the podium for online bicycle-related contests (I did win a Trek 5.1 Madone after all!), it wasn't *I* that won this contest, but my riding buddy from this summer's bicycle tour across the country. I just happen to be the good-lookin' lady that's in the picture. [GRIN.]

Her photo of me dipping my bike in Atlantic waters (the conclusion of our trip) garnered honorable mention-- and because everybody loves EcoVelo, EVERYTHING on the prize list is awesome! 

The award is also a humorous punch line to an ongoing argument between the two of us. This summer, I took tons and tons of photos on our cross-country bike tour, as I am quite the shutter-bug-- but we'd be standing at the same spot on the side of the road taking photos of the same mountains, then she'd look over at me, I'd look at her, and we realized that it was a waste of memory cards to take the same photo on two cameras. Then she concluded that I "take better photos anyway" so I was left to take a majority of the photos on the trip! Then I would gripe about not being IN as many photos and our friendly argument would continue in circles. 

THEN. At the end of our trip.. she took just about the best photo of me ever, which apparently, is supposed to make up for the lack of quantity. 

And I think it does.

Bicycle Parking in Downtown Seattle!

I have discovered something wonderful. 

In downtown Seattle, next to (and operated by) the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, is a cool place that I can't tell you the name of because they're re-branding soon. BUT! I can tell you how cool it is.

It's simple-- a parking service for bicycles. Yes, I know-- part of the convenience of bicycles is that you can park them just about anywhere and for free. However, one of the inconveniences of parking your bike anywhere is that your bike and everything on it is subject to theft, especially at night. And I really like my bike. And all of the stuff on it.

Enter the un-named bicycle parking service. Between the hours of 9am-5pm, you can park your bike inside a staffed building for FREE. Your bike is out of the elements and under the eye of video cameras and staff (though they do not guarantee security, you are still encouraged to lock your bike and take your valuables). The facility is locked from 5pm to 9am, but if you become a member, you gain 24-hour access by means of a swipe card. You can become an annual, monthly or pay-per-use member. Since I don't visit Seattle too often, I opted for the pay-per-use plan.

Bicycle Parking Downtown Seattle from Rebecca Jensen on Vimeo.

I paid a $20 annual fee, then purchased a $20 bundle of 10 overnight uses. So anytime I want to visit downtown Seattle, I pay TWO DOLLARS for parking ($4 if you include the annual fee) and that's only if I plan on staying past 5. If my destination is not in walking distance from the facility, I can just hop on one of the FREE downtown buses. Awesome.

Additional features include:

• An in-house bike shop-- for parts, accessories and service
  
• Lockers for monthly and annual members
  
• A workstand and tools for member use
  
• A vending machine with bike supplies for when the shop is closed
  
• A warm and spacious changing room
  

I look forward to the day when these are more common than an ugly car parking garage!

How to Wash Your Bicycle

For the quick-ZIP!-video, scroll to the bottom!

Seems like a simple thing: washing your bicycle. But there are a few nuances in bicycle washing worth knowing that can make your bike so fresh and so clean, clean.

BIKE WASHING MATERIALS

• Bucket filled with dish soap and hot water
  
• Rubber gloves
  
• Degreaser  ..chain-specific also available by Park Tool.
  
• Rubbing alcohol  ..the United Bicycle Institute uses this as a general degreaser. I just use it on my rims.
  
• Windex  ..for mirrors
  
• Pine Sol (not pictured)  ..for bar tape. I used Windex.
  
• Bike-specific lube  ..WD-40 is NOT lube!!
  
• Sponge or rag
  
• Scrubbing tools  
  
• Medical rag  ..commonly used by mechanics. Does not leave lint behind!
  
• Sandpaper, found in patch kit (oops! not initially pictured)  ..for buffing brake pads.

STEP ONE

Frame
Using a rag/sponge, wash your bike frame with soapy water, top to bottom. Stay away from your drivetrain (chain, derailleurs, etc.) until the end because it will only muddy up your soap water in a jiffy. If you don't have a work stand or kick stand, propping your bike upside-down works well. Also, remove the wheels for better access. Places where dirt likes to collect around: 

1. Brakes
2. Underneath, near the bottom bracket (the axis that your cranks/pedals go 'round)
3. Derailleurs (the do-dads that shift your gears, both front and rear).

STEP TWO

Wheels

Again, with a rag and soapy water-- wash your sidewalls (sides of tire), rim, whatever you can get at. For the cassette (cogs), you'll use degreaser. Mild soap is not strong enough. Spray degreaser on the edge of a shop/medical rag and "floss." A scrub tool helps here, too. Finish with a spongy rinse. For the rims, I prefer to use rubbing alcohol because it leaves no soapy residue (like degreaser or soap) which is no good for a braking surface. Degreaser is fine, though, so long as you take care to rinse it off.

STEP TWO POINT FIVE

Brake Pads

After moderate use, especially in wet conditions, brake pads can become "glazed" and lose that grippy rubber texture. Use the sandpaper from your patch kit to buff the brake pad, then wipe away the residue with alcohol. 

STEP THREE

Chain/drivetrain

Remount your wheels (take care to re-engage your brakes!). If you don't have a rear-mount kickstand or a workstand, turn your bike upside-down so that you can freely pedal the bike backwards.

1. Spray degreaser onto a shop/medical rag.
2. Run the chain through the rag, holding both the top/bottom and sides of the chain.
3. Use a scrubber for tough gunk.
4. While you've got the scrubber out, scrub the jockey wheels (see rear derailleur) and chain rings (front cogs).
5. Give a good rinse! You don't want degreaser hanging out on your chain, pushing off lube when you apply it.
6. Lube! Bike-specific lube. WD-40 is NOT lube. You want the (bike) lube to get INSIDE the chain, not outside.. so after you give it a few spins..
7. Wipe off the excess! Lube on the outside only collects dirt.

STEP FOUR

Mirror

Give that mirror a shine. 

Bar Tape

Spray and scrub. I used Windex, but I have also heard that Pine Sol, blue Dawn dish soap and plain degreaser can brighten your bars.

WHY WASH YOUR BIKE

Washing your bike is about more than looks, it keeps your bike functioning properly. In particular, your drivetrain and brakes/rims need regular attention in order to shift smoothly and brake quickly. Also, washing your bike is an opportunity to check-up. You might notice that your brake pad was misaligned or that your cassette is worn down. If you find any problems beyond your mechanical knowledge, it is also nice to hand your bike mechanic a CLEAN bicycle. They really appreciate that.

Now, in quick-ZIP!-video-form!

How to Wash Your Bicycle from Rebecca Jensen on Vimeo.

Why Cyclocross?

Why Do I Cyclocross? from hank greer on Vimeo.

One of the blogs on my regular blogroll is Cycling Spokane. It's written primarily by a guy named John, whose cycling vibe I like. The steel, wool, and adventuring good times sort. And we both cycle(d) in Eastern Wa, which to me, makes us kin.

Recently, John smartly invited his friends and conspirators to blog with him. A good move, that! I especially love this video. Simply done, but neat and warm (and they are FLYIN'!! at 1:30!!). This course was also one of my FAVORITES last year. I am super bummed that I had to miss out on the cyclocross season this fall, but you can bet that my flying mount is going to be ready come September!!

"Because I think it is a very hard and fun aerobic race." THAT IS SO CUTE! Right on!!

This is You

{just a sampling} This is a compilation of many people's answers, but it's amazing how it reads as one. Love it. Thank you to all who took the survey!

This is Us

the sense of completion, surpassing boundaries

fun

picnic rides with my wife

just to take it all in

it helps to keep me sane

relieve stress

feeling good!

fun

a good ride is just something peaceful

tow the kids to the park

a great excuse to get coffee

unwind after a tough day

all my troubles melt away when I ride

roaming around

only 3 days this year in the car

the challenge, facing the elements, waking up on my way to work, getting in shape, not contributing to pollution

appreciation of the land and distance

to advocate for cyclists' rights and safety

fell in love with the bike

that's a lot of ass to be kicked

I want to know about YOU!

What types of cycling do you do and why do you do them?

Tell me!

Click Here to take survey

*Your answers may be published as an anonymous.

To further define the categories listed in the survey (per my personal, on-the-spot definition):

Competition = You train for race day.

Recreation = Clad in lycra, you go on short to long, occasionally fast rides that a racer might call training. Usually oriented around fitness while socializing. Race your buddy to the yellow sign sort of thing.

Leisure = I included this as a "slower" version of recreation. Less lycra, more coffee shop sort of thing. More likely to ride on bike paths or around town than a 50 miler up a mountain.

Transportation = You bike commute at least somewhat regularly, whether to work or around town.

Travel = Multi-day bicycle travel.

Other = You tell me!

I understand that these categories overlap, and indeed, encourage such behavior-- but in a survey ya gotta define categories somehow!

Bicycle Light Comparison

Light Comparison from Rebecca Jensen on Vimeo.

Here is a light comparison of my bike with:

1. No lights
2. Cheap lights
3. Good lights

"Cheap lights" = one red Blackburn Mars 3.0 light and a Blackburn front light that runs on AAA batteries. 

"Good lights" =  adds a Planet Bike SuperFlash to the Blackburn rear and uses a Light & Motion Stella 300 Dual (rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery) on the front. 

Other lights featured are the Planet Bike BRT Strap and an amber Down Low Glow from Rock the Bike.

Conclusions from this demo:

• Cheap lights work okay (so long as you keep feeding them batteries) front and rear, but have basically no side visibility.
• Cheap front lights drown in headlights.
• Good lights work great front and rear and provide some side visibility.
• Good lights continue to be seen even when flooded by headlights or competing with sign lights, etc.
• The Down Low Glow provides some flippin' AWESOME side-vis and a wide spot beneath you, discouraging cars from getting too close.
• Also note that I wore dark blue jeans and a black jacket for this demo. While I do own neon cycling clothing, I don't rely on it as my (only) source of visibility. It's best to have your BIKE always be visible so that you can wear whatever you fancy.

Notes on reflective parts (which I didn't include in the video, oops!):

• Reflective sidewalls on front tire (Schwalbe Marathon)
• Reflective/light-up ankle strap
• Orange reflective tape on frame
• Blue reflective "slap bracelets" on head tube
• Reflective detail on trunk bag
• Reflective rear triangle (with a dowel slid in to hold its shape)

Featured on Bike Shop Girl!

Poking around the internet, looking at bicycle things like I do, I came across:

BIKE SHOP GIRL!

Of course, I am excited about Bike Shop Girl, because it's a website for cyclin' ladies! BSG features product reviews and how-to's in a subscribe-able and searchable blog format. That's awesome.

What's also awesome, is that good ol' An Adventure Called Bicycling is listed under "Friendly Blogs."

Right back at ya' Bike Shop Girl!

Biophilia

Biophilia-- it's a love, an affiliation for nature. This includes, plant life, animal life, even weather. It's a huge part of why I ride: to simply be OUTSIDE and let the weather affect me. When it's raining, I want to FEEL that it's raining. When the autumn chill sets in, I want to FEEL that on my cheeks, my nose. I don't want to move from one seventy degree box to another, I want to step outside and sear my lungs in the wintry air.

Did you know that it is estimated that Americans spend NINETY PERCENT of their time indoors? And that lack of sunlight is linked to depression, irritability, weight gain, alcohol abuse and migraines?

In post-operative patients, those that had a view of natural surroundings spent fewer days in the hospital than those that could only see a brick wall. 

Grass and greenery has been shown to reduce domestic violence, school truancy and road rage.

Outdoor runners are less anxious and depressed than those that run inside on treadmills-- and also experience higher levels of post-run endorphins, those natural feel-good brain chemicals.

So I know that it's getting wet and chilly-- but please, put on a jacket--

and get OUTSIDE!