Bicycle Commuter Indianapolis

I've started biking 8 years ago. I have to say that when I'm on my bike I feel like that little girl way back when. It really does bring out the kid in me. When your on your bike you see so much more that you would have missed if traveling by car. The world opens up and there is so much out there to see and do. I'm moving to Indy for the summer and really looking forward to getting out there and experiencing your city on my two wheels.

Name: Penny Lloyd
Bicycle: Raliegh
City: Evansville
State: Indiana
 

Hi Penny:  Welcome to Indy!  We hope you have great summer, and can try events like the Mayor's Bike Ride and the NITE Ride, along with exploring everything else Indianapolis has to offer cyclists. Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

I have only been commuting to work for a few months. I knew I would not miss driving but the unexpected perks are daily. Today, I stopped in the American Legion Mall to drink my coffee. Earlier this week I stopped to watch some ducks. And seriously, it's just plain fun.

Name: Shelly
Bicycle: Giant FCR
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

Hi Shelly:  Glad you are enjoying and sharing all those fringe benefits of bicycle commuting. Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

NEW! You can now email Your Bicycle Picture and Story to: yourbicycle@bgindy.com
 

Celebrate National Bike Month with BGI!

Share Your Bicycle
Picture and Story
during May!

Your picture is a chance to win a Garmin Edge 800 GPS from BGI!
The first 20 entries will receive a $10 BGI Gift Card

No matter how you ride Your Bicycle during the League of American Bicyclists National Bike Month in Indianapolis, Bicycle Garage Indy  would like to hear your story, and share it with our customers, friends and fans.  

You can share a picture from your commute to work, your workout ride, your favorite outing with friends, or even your latest jaunt for coffee. 

And when Bicycle Garage Indy shares Your Bicycle picture and story, you will be entered in a prize drawing for a Garmin Edge 800 Touchscreen GPS for Your Bicycle.

The contest is easy.  Submit Your Bicycle picture and story using this form www.bgindy.com/for/yourbicycle. Eligible entries* must be submitted by Midnight, May 30, 2013. Once your entry has been processed, you will be entered in random drawing for the Garmin Edge 800.  The drawing will be held and the winner will be announced on Friday, May 31, 2013.

Bicycle Garage Indy has dozens of Your Bicycle pictures on our website, from our friends, fans and customers.  We also have 2 video albums (Vol. I, Vol. II) with pictures from the last year of Your Bicycle stories.

Find the latest information on National Bike Month events in Indianapolis on the BGI Website - www.bgindy.com/for/bikemonth.

*Indiana Residents only, full details on the entry form web page at www.bgindy.com/for/yourbicycle.

Join Bicycle Indiana for the 2013 National Bike Challenge (NBC). The lead sponsor for the Challenge is Kimberly Clark and it's presented by the League of American Bicyclists. Bicycle Indiana is an authorized organization (AO) and will once again be leading the charge for Indiana.

The National Bike Challenge officially begins on May 1st and will conclude on September 30th, 2013. The Challenge is no-charge to anyone who lives in the U.S. or works for an organization with U.S. employees.

The Bike Challenge records both your transportation/commuting and sport/recreation miles.  Regular commuters can preset their one way distance, and record both rides.  The challenge rewards extra points for transportation/commutting miles and trip; you don't have to ride mega miles to get a high ranking.

Riders are also organized by their place of employment and into self-selected clubs and teams, making the competition even more intersesting for groups and companies.

Join Today! http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/nbc2013

You can join the National Bike Challenge now; activity will be reset to zero on May 1st. If you would like more information about starting a team or registering your business, contact Bicycle Indiana.

- Jay S. Hardcastle

Roughly a year and a half ago, I vowed to bike to work more often in the elements, whether it be cold or rain. For the most part, there was nothing to prove because we had a very mild winter last year! Unfortunately, this extra cold March has led me to drive to work way too often! Today marked only my fourth commute of the month! It was cold but the streets were clear and the ride home will be grand! The photo is deceiving; it was not from this morning's commute!

Name: Doreen Crenshaw
Bicycle: Bianchi Vigorelli
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

Hi Doreen:  And we thought you had one epic commute!  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

Bicycle stunt man Jeff Lenosky will perform again at BGI North during the Spring Expo.  Jeff is a periennial favorite in Indianapolis,  demonstrating his riding skill in jumps on,  over and off obstacles over 8 feet high.  Jeff, sponsored by Giant Bicycle will perform all three days of the Expo, March 15, 16, and 17.

A legend of mountain bike freeriding and trials riding, Lenosky is a veteran Giant rider who travels the country competing and performing demos. A native of New Jersey, he is a pioneer of MTB street and urban riding and he holds the world record for the highest bunny hop on a mountain bike (45.5 inches).

Today Lenosky spends most of his time showing off his skills at group events and also competing in trials, dual stunt and other events such as the Odd Couple MTB/BMX contest at Ray’s MTB Park in Cleveland. In a typical year, he performs more than 150 shows all around the country. In addition to competing and riding, Lenosky helps created, design and construct competitions and courses. 

Jeff Lenosky show tims at BGI North:

• Friday: 6pm
• Saturday: 11am, 2pm, 6pm
• Sunday: 1pm, 3pm

Visit YouTube to see Jeff doing his thing. Kids love it!

	Jeff Lenosky Video #1 (3:30 runtime) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IKuRdgcUVI
	Jeff Lenosky Video #2 (2:04 runtime) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-CB1fb8RbM

Fortunately, bicycle designs have become a lot more standardized than they were at the beginnings of bicycle development.  Applying modern Fitting technology and techniques to early designs would likely have created as many problems as were solved.  Here are some fun examples to show what I mean.

Determining optimal grip size and lever throw distance would be tough with both these designs.  Do stronger riders require a longer lever throw?  Do women require shorter lever throw and smaller grips?  Anyone know which direction the model on the left will normally travel?

<<Merely adjust the umbrella upward until it stops hitting your head.

Performing two Fittings at the same time should be fun.>>> 

Determining shoe size will be the main concern for the gentleman below.

Some modern designs like those above, might create as many unique problems as designs from the past.  Fortunately, most of the bicycles we see for Fittings at BGI are more conventional and lend themselves to the Fitting Services offered by BGI.

Be sure to check out the information page on BGI Bicycle Fitting Services or call for info.  Please note that BGI is now offering RETUL Bicycle Fittings which utilize the latest 3D motion capture technology...well suited for your 21st Century bicycle. 

Thanks for reading.

Does your work take you away from home for extended periods of time?  The hotel fitness center will likely offer a treadmill or elliptical for your cardviovascular work, but they rarely offer strength training options. 

A simple solution that I have found is to throw a few SPRI Xertubes into my suitcase.  These portable yet amazingly versatile tubes allow me to perform a full 30-minute strength training routine in the comfort of my hotel room.  If you are new to training with tubes, be aware that they are color-coded for intensity of effort.  Yellow is best suited to the beginner and/or person recovering from upper body injury.  Green and red work well for the majority of people.  For those stronger folks – try the blue or purple.  And you are likely to find that SPRI is the same brand used by your fitness club, making your selection even easier.

We keep the five tube colors open and on our BGI fitness wall, so that you can actually play with them to determine the right colors for your strength level.  I usually take the green and red tubes with me on my travels.

Want to learn more about the strength training with a Functional Gym?  Joey Osborne with Hoist Fitness will be at Bicycle Garage Indy and BGI Fitness on February 5th (South) and 6th (North).  There will be three hands on training session each evening.  Learn more and register for this free event at www.bgifitness.com/for/hoistevent.

When you visit Bicycle Garage Indy, BGI Fitness is the same store.  North (Indianapolis, Dean Road at 82nd Street) and in South (Greenwood, just west of I65 on County Line Rd.)

Are you experiencing bicycling withdrawal? The Indy Bike Hub YMCA has the cure! Even if you've put your bike up for the winter, you can still stay active and involved at the Indy Bike Hub YMCA in the City Market building (222 East Market Street in Downtown Indy).

It's the perfect fitness center for the bicycle commuter. During the winter months, you can stay active by taking advantage of the full fitness center with strength  and cardio equipment, yoga and spin classes. We even host a monthly commuter networking event for you to connect with other bicycle commuters. When the weather cooperates, you can commute by bike and park in the secure bicycle parking while you work or visit downtown. With a full Indy Bike Hub YMCA membership, you get the best of both worlds - a fitness center and bike commuting facility.

It gets even better:  Join the Indy Bike Hub YMCA between January 1-16, 2013, and take advantage of our membership promotion with a waived joining fee. If you are already a YMCA member, refer a friend and receive $50 in program credit. Remember, the cold may keep some off the road this winter, but the Indy Bike Hub will do it's best to keep you ON the move year round!

To Join - drop by the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, 222 E. Market St., Ste. E 100, Indianapolis (east wing of City Market) and ask for the membership person.

Home and travel exercise equipment like SPRI Xertubes is a great gift for any fitness enthusiast, and suggested by Lisa Searles, a bicycle sales specialist at Bicycle Garage Indy South.

Two items I really like and use at home are SPRI Xertube - I use it for different workouts. It travels well too. I also use the SPRI Xercise Ball- I actually have 2 at home. One has 2 pounds of sand in it for resistance. They come with exercise instructions too.  -- Lisa Searles

Here is a suggestion for any bicyclist on your holiday gift list from Victor Suarez, a bicycle and fitness sales specialist at Bicycle Garage Indy North.  Victor is a big fan of SmartWool base layers and  jerseys. 

"Wool is natures perfect material, warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Wool makes a great base layer for my daily commuting in winter month's  or any outdoor activity in colder month's as it wicks away body moisture. Smartwool jerseys feel like cashmere and move WITH your body, extremely comfortable." - Victor Suarez

Along with SmartWool products, Bicycle Garge Indy has a great selection of bicycle clothing and outer wear from names like Pearl Izumi, Gore Bike Wear, Louis Garneau and Showers Pass.  You can also find more gift suggestions on our website at www.bgindy.com/for/giftideas

And if you aren't sure or out of time, you can always order a BGI Gift Card online!

BGI customers on our email list have recently receied our latest email newsletter.  
Here some of the userful items from the latest edition:

Maintain Your Bike! - Winter Bike Service Specials
Fitness Training Classes - Learn from visiting expert Chris Freytag
Indy Monumental Marathon - Unique Biking Opportunities
Survey - Indiana needs input from "Riders in the Know"
Bike Commuter Network Night with Indy Bike Hub YMCA
BGI Hot Sheet Bikes

If you would like to receive the Bicycle Garage Indy newsletter (sent out about twice a month, year round), click here to sign-up. Our newsletter keeps you up-to-date on in-store events, clinics and sales, along with the local bicycle scene.

Bicycle Garage Indy has three locations to serve you; Bicycle Garage Indy North (Indianapolis, Dean Road at 82nd St.),  South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood), and BGI Downtown, in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA.

 

I am a fan of rack trunks for my longer rides and on our tandem.  They are great for carrying the extras you might need when you're out for more than just a workout, or have gear for a change in the weather.  But sometimes you need a bit more space, and you don't want to go all out with full panniers.  A great example is carrying a change of clothes or bringing home a few extra groceries.

Arkel has come up with a new solution with their Tailrider Expedition Rack Trunk ($189.99), now available at Bicycle Garage Indy.  What makes the Expedition unique are the two waterproof side panniers that connect to the rack trunk body with QR buckles.  This allows you to add capacity on one or both sides, for moderate loads ( 10-12 lbs in each bag) for day trips and errands.   The side bags can stored in the large side pockets, or left home if you don't expect to need them.  

The Expedition is ideal for minimalist "credit card: touring, where you can check-in to your lodging, drop off your side bag luggage and then go exploring with just the main rack trunk still on your bike.  

Arkel quality is legendary, and the Expedition's tough cordura nylon will take plenty of abuse.   The main compartment includes mesh pockets and a removable divider, and is foam lined to protect a camera or other electronics. The bag also has a built-in rain cover, D-rings for an optional shoulder strap, and a band for a clip-on tail light.  On top of the bag, the combination compression straps and carry handle are very handy for tying down a wet jacket away from the rest of your gear.

My personal Expedition is normally at home on my touring bike, and I will add the side bags for commuting, where I can drop in a change of clothes and a pair of shoes .  And without the side bags, I have used it for carrying all the gear for a century tour like the spring Tour of the Scioto River Valley (TOSRV).  TOSRV is famous for unpredictable weather, and the Tailrider lets you pack for almost anything.

Find a full selection of bicycle packs from Arkel, Bontrager and others at all three Bicycle Garage Indy locations: Bicycle Garage Indy North (Indianapolis, Dean Rd at 82nd St.),  South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood), and BGI Downtown, in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA at City Market.

Join us for our bicycle commuter monthly get togethers!  If you are a cyclists who commutes, if you interested in commuting, if you want to meet others who commute, then this is the event for you.  Each second Wednesday of the month, we will get together at Thomlinson Tap room for drinks, fun and friends.  Let’s talk bikes, commuting and tid bits about bettering your cycle experience.

Our first event will be Wednesday October 10th, from  5:30 pm to 6:30 pm (new time), at the Tomlinson Tap Room, inside the Indianapolis City Market, 222 E. Market St. Indianapolis, IN 46205.

You can watch the Indy Bike Hub.org website and calendar for more details and future events.

So last week my wife Wendy and I took our first vacation without the kids since they were born.  Bicycle Garage Indy has hosted several Trek Travel trips in the last few years, and we usually send 1-3 employees on each trip.  Trek Travel trips are pretty much the ultimate in guided luxury bike tours.  We've hosted trips to Tuscany, Provence, and California wine country.  This year we chose Coastal California, and it was my turn to come along!

This trip was particularly exciting for me due to a few personal connections.  I was actually born in San Francisco and moved away when I was a baby.  My dad's family is still in the area, so I've had several chances to visit over the years.  Dad managed to indoctrinate me into allegiances to the 49ers and Giants (the latter of which is getting ready for a playoff run), so I feel some connection to the area, even if I wouldn't necessarily claim to be "from" there; I've spent enough years in Indiana to know that it's home.

After flying into San Francisco, we checked in to the Westin overlooking Union Square, grabbed some dim sum in Chinatown, sent the wives off to Macy's for shoe shopping, watched an Indonesdian percussion band play Bohemian Rhapsody, had a mind-blowing dinner at Anzu (that's the watermelon tian), spent the night at the hotel, woke up jetlagged at 5 AM, ate huevos rancheros at the Cafe Mason, accidentally started to wander into the Tenderloin before making a U-turn, took a bus up to Fisherman's Wharf for the sunrise, and met back up at the hotel to meet our guide and actually start the trip.  Not bad so far!

We met the first of our guides, Stefan, and took a shuttle up Highway 1 toward the Sea Ranch Lodge (Sea Ranch is a fascinating little place, by the way; take a look at the Wikipedia entry).  The other guide, JV, met us there, and they set up our bikes.  Trek Travel hooks you up with a Madone 5.2 (next year it'll be the Domane), plus all the snacks, water, and mechanical support you could want.  We took a short spin up the coastal highway to Gualala, then turned around and came back.  Dinner at the lodge restaurant was terrific, and I could tell we were in for a memorable week.

Community Invited to Help Celebrate Indy Bike Hub YMCA’s 1st Birthday by Biking & Exercising

One year ago, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, the City of Indianapolis and Bicycle Garage Indy came together to open the Indy Bike Hub YMCA. On September 12 the Indy Bike Hub YMCA will celebrate its first birthday and a host of activities have been planned. Mayor Greg Ballard, City of Indianapolis, will lead remarks and cut the first piece of birthday cake during a short ceremony at the Bike Hub YMCA beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The City was key in the initial idea of the Bike Hub project by recognizing the need to have this type of facility in Indianapolis to support bicycle commuters. Mayor Ballard and his staff enlisted the expertise of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis to operate and manage the facility and BGI was asked to come on as a partner.

The Indy Bike Hub YMCA made national attention when it opened last year because of the uniqueness of the facility. It’s a traditional YMCA with a cycling component. On one side members enjoy all of the amenities of the Y, which includes state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, a free weight area, wellness coaching, group exercise classes, and locker rooms featuring expanded and vented lockers, steamers and hair dryers. On the opposite side, bicycle commuters have access to one of the city’s best bicycle experts – BGI. Cyclists who commute to work are able to park their bicycles indoors in a safe and secure facility, with access to top of the line cycling gear, accessories and bike repairs.

One member said she just started a new workout routine at the Indy Bike Hub Y and is excited to see the results of her effort, but also shares that the Y has given her much more than better health. She wrote:

“The Y has been really good for me in many ways. I find that I am creating a little culture for myself there. Not just with what I have been doing, but with the relationships that I have built. From the front desk staff, to the trainers, other participants in the classes, the ladies in the locker room, and the regulars that are there every morning like myself; you can tell that everyone acknowledges each other and there is kind of an unspoken support and encouragement.  I don’t know why I didn’t do this years ago.”

Steve Carlsen, has been a member of the Bike Hub Y since its opening.

“I am an avid cyclist and I moved to Indianapolis in 2007. I love the “vibe” of the Y, especially the Bike Hub. I felt welcomed when I was fatter and weaker than I am now and I feel that same sense of welcome now that I am 20 pounds lighter and a stronger. I enjoy riding to work from my neighborhood. It takes me 20 minutes by car and 30-35 on my bike, which is much more enjoyable. I am a regular user of the Monon Trail as well.  When you are on your bike, walking or running - you are more connected to your community. I am grateful for the connection opportunity that the bike paths provide and now the Bike Hub Y.”

Besides the Y and BGI, the historic landmark is also home to IndyCog, City Market, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (Cycle Patrol). The facility is open Monday – Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, call 317-685-9705, visit Indy Bike Hub YMCA’s Facebook page or any of the following web sites.

www.OurCauseIsYou.org (go to “Centers” and select the Indy Bike Hub YMCA)
www.indybikehubymca.org – for all general information
www.bgindy.com – for information on the Bicycle Garage Indy store at the Hub
 

For my 10th birthday I was so excited to receive a Schwinn bicycle that my uncle had owned for 10 years. I rode it in farm country near Lucerne IN for many years then it was stored in a barn. Now 67 years later I realize how unique it is with a steering lock. About 40 years ago I had it restored to a useable bike and it still looks great!

Name: Richard Powlen
Bicycle: 1935 Schwinn
City: Brownsburg
State: Indiana

Richard:  What a great story about a classic bike with a lot of memories.  And steering locks can still be found on some dedicated commuter bikes, especially in Europe. .  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

I don’t have an office at work, and I don’t like doing all of my work at home.  I find the call of housework and teenagers too distracting.  So this summer I have had great fun putting my office on wheels.  I load up my commuter bicycle and head out in search of a wireless café or coffee shop.  There I can settle in for a morning or afternoon of uninterrupted work. 

I chose my Trek hybrid bike for this conversion to commuter bike.  I considered some of the really pretty commuter bags that are now being made – my favorite being the Sherpani brand.  I love their colors and feminine designs.  But surprisingly, I dug up our old, faded Eclipse folding baskets from years ago.  They are no longer pretty to look at – but I love the design.  Just big open bags that I can drop my supplies in.  No need to “pack” things in and then close up the top.  Granted, this works well for me, as I am definitely a fair-weather commuter.  If I had to contend with the elements (i.e. rain) – then I would definitely opt for the cinched up designs.  

You can find very similar bags today,  like the Bontrager Grocery Bag ($49.99 ea.), or Arkel Shopper ($94.99 ea.).  Both are open top withe a water resistant drawsting cover, and clip to your rear rack.  Or the Arkel Metropolitan ($169.99 ea.) is shopping bag sized, but has an over sizes zip closure and carry handles, along with a cover for the pannier hooks.

My favorite routine is to get up and head right out on the bike.  Five miles is a good distance for me – just enough to wake me up, loosen up the body and feel good.  The round-trip back home makes for a total of 10 easy miles for the day.  Not so much that I am too tired to do a full “workout” later in the day – but enough to feel like I’ve done something in case that is all the time I have to devote to exercise. 

Find a full range of urban and touring bags and packs, from Arkel,  Bontrager,  Koki and Sherpani at all 3 Bicycle Garage Indy locations; North (Dean Rd at 82nd, Indianapolis) Downtown (Indy Bike Hub YMCA at City Market) and South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood).

The YMCA at the Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St., and the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, 222 E. Market St. (the downtown Ys) will be offering VIP guest passes to the community during their membership promotion August 1-17. During all hours of operation guest passes will be distributed daily during this promotion. The guest pass will allow the community to tour the facilities, try equipment and get to know the staff. Individuals who sign up for a membership during this time will have their joining fee waived; a value of up to $100.

Joining Fee to be Waived for New Members

Karin Ogden, Executive Director for the YMCA at the Athenaeum and the Indy Bike Hub YMCA said, “This is a great opportunity for those health seekers who have been procrastinating about hitting the gym and for individuals who may not have had an opportunity to visit either of our downtown Ys.”

The Bike Hub Y is the first in the country to introduce fitness with a cycling component. The Y has partnered with Bicycle Garage Indy (BGI) and offers bike lockers and and a commuter fitness package. Not only are the two urban Ys an answer to fitness needs, they are convienently located for the downtown resident, commuter, or visitor. Both facilities are located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis and the Y at the Athenaeum also offers childcare for parents. The YMCA at the Athenaeum is located inside of the historic Athenaeum building and the Indy Bike Hub YMCA sits in the east wing of City Market.  Each Y offers top-of-the-line fitness equipment, experienced staff, a variety of exercise classes and more. 

Guest passes are also available throughout the year at $10 per person or $18 for families. For more information about the membership promotion and programs at the downtown Ys, contact Angie Boarman, Membership Director, Indy Bike Hub YMCA, at 317-612-3083 or Sarah Ruiz, Membership Specialist, YMCA at the Athenaeum, at 317-685-9705.

About the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis

The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis serves more than 200,000 people in diverse communities throughout greater Indianapolis. The YMCA brings together young and old, men and women, people of all faiths, backgrounds, and incomes. Last year, the YMCA provided nearly $6 million in scholarships, subsidies, and under-written programs and community services in low income neighborhoods. Through 13 locations and in collaboration with more than 200 churches, schools, and other community groups and organizations, the YMCA is also able to extend its program opportunities throughout Central Indiana and into the heart of urban neighborhoods. To donate or for more information about YMCA programs and services visit www.OurCauseIsYou.org.