Bicycle Tour Indianapolis

Last year JoAn and I did our maiden tour. From Miami airport to Key West. We loved the idea of seeing America at 14 MPH. Retirement is here for me and soon for her. We have new touring bikes and plan to have three week long tours this summer. Assuming we don’t get lost. A great way for life part two.

Name: Joe Hettle
Bicycle: Bianchi, Vigorelli
City: Indianapolis
State: IN
 

Hi Joe & JoAn:  Sound like a great start to Part II.  We hope you many fun miles, ahead! 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
 

May is National Bike and if you are the BGI email list, you have just recieved lots of details on the exciting month ahead in our latest email newsletter.  

Here is a quick summary of the Indianapolis Bike Month Events covered in our latest newsletter:

• BGI's Bike Month Kick-Off Event
• Tour de Tires (on Mass Ave)
• Bike-In Movie @ Garfield Park (Indy Parks)
• Indianapolis Cultural Trail Ribbon Cutting & Get Down On It Grand Opening
• Indy Cog Two Wheels One City 
• Indianapolis Bike to Work Day 
• 2013 National Bike Challenge - Bicycle Indiana
• More Events On The Calendar (designed to make happier, better bike riders)

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.

- Jay S. Hardcastle, BGI Marketing Manager 
 

Bicycle Garage Indy is pleased to announce it will be hosting  Bike Month Kick-Off - a brand new event, and evening of connections, contacts and info. Come to BGI North on Wednesday, May 1 (first day of National Bike Month) from 5:30-7:30 pm. You'll meet representatives of bicycle organizations, find out what going on in Indianapolis and Indiana for bicycling, find out about upcoming events and get ready to celebrate Bike Month and Bike to Work Day!

Organizations represented (as of 4/15/13):

• ActiveIndy Tours
• Bicycle Indiana
• BISSELL/ABG/Giant Racing Team
• Central Indiana Bicycling Association (CIBA)
• Greenways Foundation
• Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA)
• Indy Bike Hub YMCA
• Nine13Sports
• Shifting Gears

We look forward to seeing you here.

Jay Hardcastle
Marketing Manager - Bicycle Garage Indy
jhardcastle@bgindy.com

What is it? Cranksgiving Indy is a fun, unique new bike event that is part bike ride, scavenger hunt, food drive, tour of downtown Indy.

Riders will be given the locations of places in and around downtown Indianapolis where they will ride and purchase food items.  Locations are not announced in advance and there is no predetermined route – or even an order in which you must follow.  Best we can tell, you’ll be riding ~15 miles – but that is up to you!  Your mission is to figure out the best route to these locations, purchase the food item specified and bring your bounty of nourishment to the start/finish area safely.

Cranksgiving will be Sunday November 18  from 10 am - 3 pm, with the Start/Finish location at the Rathskeller Biergarten at the Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan Street, downtown Indianapolis.36

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.

When you ride with the 30° temperature swing typical of fall (and spring) days, where to stash your extra clothing is a challenge.  Tying your new cycling jacket around your waist is neither comfortable or good for the jacket, especially it it comes untied at the wrong moment!  

If you are riding a bike without rack eyelets, you may not appear to have many options.  If your bike has an alloy seatpost you, can use a clamp on rack, like the Bontrager Seat Post Rack.  However, this rack is not recommended for carbon seat posts.

To solve this dilema, Bicycle Garage Indy is now offering the Arkel Randonneur Rack® ($99.99).  This inovative, lightweight (495 gr. - 17 oz) rack hangs from the seat rails,  and avoids any clamping pressure or leverage on your seatpost.  The Randonneur mounts with a tool-free, quick-release mechanism, and comes with adapters to fit a wide variety of frame sizes and seat combinations.

With a 13 lb. capacity, the Randonneur will support a rack trunk , like the Arkel Tail Rider ($114.95) or Bontrager Rack Trunk ($54.99), with capacity for your riding extras, and essentials like tools, inner tubes and snacks.  I have used a variety of rack trunks, including the Arkel for centuries, day rides and supported tours, and the capacity is perfect.

Find a wide 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.

New topics have been added to the Fall (October-December) 2012 Clinic schedule of weekly clinics at Bicycle Garage Indy locations.  The free clinics (registration required) are Mondays  at our downtown Downtown (n the Indy Bike Hub YMCA), Tuesday's at our South store in Greenwood, and Wednesday's at Bicycle Garage Indy North (E. 82nd at Dean Rd, Indianapolis).  Due to holidays and other BGI events, our fall clinic scheule varies weekly, 

Along with our popular "Fixing Flat Tires" clinic, our new topics for the fall schedule are:

Cold Weather Riding Tips
Clinic will outline the types of clothing and outerwear for different ranges of cold temperature, and
the benefits of layering and types of materials for keeping you warm in cold weather

Tips for Riding in the Dark
Extend your riding season through better lighting equipment and tips for riding in the dark.

• Lighting
• Reflective clothing
• Bike handling / visibility

Bicycling Indoors - Trainers
Extend your bicycling by brining your bike indoors and riding on a trainer.

• Types of trainers
• Tips for making riding on a trainer more fun

All Bicycle Garage Indy clinics are roughly an hour in length, and a BGI staff member will explain and demostrate the techniques, tools and other products related to the topic.  If you are interested in hands on training, BGI offers a wide variety of Bicycle Maintenance Classes and One-on-One technical training, including cycling street skills, tandeming, fitness equipment and touring.  

You can find an update listing of our classes, clinics and special events in the  BGI Calendar.

As a 4 time participant in a weeklong, 500 mile charity ride called Tour des Trees, I decide to up the challenge this year, making it a two week, 1,200 mile trip through British Columbia, Canada, Washington and Oregon. Mission accomplished through some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America!

Name: Doreen Crenshaw
Bicycle: Giant OCR
City: Indianapolis
State: IN
 

Doreen:  Thank for all your Tour De Tree stories ( here and here), and congratulations on a PRO level ride!  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy!

Love what you ride? Share a picture of Your Bicycle with your friends
and Bicycle Garage Indy:  http://www.bgindy.com/for/yourbicycle

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.

On Wednesday, September 12, 2012, representatives and staff of the City of Indianapolis, the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, the DowtownYs,  and Bicycle Garage Indy Downtown, along with Hub members celebrated the 1 year anniversary of the opening of the indy Bike Hub YMCA in the east wing of the Indianapolis City Market.

In the two videos linked below, Karin Ogden, Exectuive Director of the Downtown Ys, and Indianapolis Greg Ballard speak on the impact the Indy Bike Hub YMCA has had on dowtown Indianapolis and its bicycle culture.

Part 1 

Part 2

The celebration also offered bicycle tours by Active Indy Tours, and a workout directed by Y staff on the east market plaza.

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 Mass Ave Crit is one of Indy's largest competive cycling events, coming up this Saturday, August 11. The folks at NUVO, the Cultral Trail and the entire Mass Ave Distirct hope you will come down for a day of exciting racing in the heart of Indy.

Watch The Racing:  Criterium bike racing can be very exciting to watch in person. Whereas Tour de France spectators get to see the racers once along a long road route, criterium fans see the racers every minute or so as they complete dozens of short circuits (laps). Racing lasts most of the day. See the Mass Ave Criterium Website for details.

Visit The Mass Ave District: The "Mass Ave." district offers dining, shopping, arts, and more. Visit bgindy.com/for/MassIndyAve to see the directory, which shows over 30 shops, over 50 restaurants, and more places of interest.

Say "Hi" To Bicycle Garage Indy Downtown staff: At BGI's tent, we'll have fun challenges for you to participate in:
*** Change a inner tube *** Handlebar wrapping *** Trivia questions ***
Stop by the tent for special offers, learn new skills and find out about Bicycle Garage Indy's clinics, classes, rides, special events and other activities. We'll be located in Barton Park- near where Pedal & Park will be set up.

Breaking Away Film: After the races, stay for the Movie in the Park - the Indiana bicycling classic "Breaking Away" will be shown at 9:30pm after the last race and award ceremony in Davlan Park (site of the beer garden).

Go By Bike: The folks from Pedal & Park will be there to offer secure bicycle parking, just north of E. Michigan and Mass Ave, in Barton Park.

And while you are the crit,  be sure to visit the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, home of Bicycle Garage Indy Downtown. The Indy Bike Hub YMCA is Indy’s (and the nation’s) unique bicycle & fitness resource.  Both are just a few blocks away in the Indianapolis City Market.

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.

The Mass Ave Criterium is coming downtown to the Mass Avenue Cultural District on Saturday, August 11, 2012.  A full program of racing will run from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM.  This event title sponsors are NUVO and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

See European-style racing up close and personal as cyclists race by at 25-30 mph, competing for $10,000 in cash and prizes! Criterium racing can be very exciting to watch in person. Whereas Tour de France spectators get to see the racers once along a long road route, criterium fans see the racers every minute or so as they complete dozens of short circuits (laps).

The "Mass Ave." district offers dining, shopping, arts, and more. The folks from Pedal & Park will be there to offer secure bicycle parking. Make it an event: ride to the races, grab a bite, take in some culture, and have a great day. Mass Ave Criterium Website.

And you can be part of the action!  Volunteers are needed for the race course and Pedal & Park. Volunteers will be fed (!) and will receive a tee shirt.
(11am-2pm, 2pm-4:30pm, 4:30pm-7pm, 7pm-9:30pm)

Volunteer duties include:
•    Setting up the criterium course
•    Monitoring traffic and intersections on the course to ensure cyclist safety
•    Assisting attendees and residents with parking needs

To volunteer, visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/S9DHXSH

Bicycle Garage Indy is proud to be sponsor of this event.  Bicycle Garage Indy Downtown, in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA at Indianpolis City Market, is just a few blocks away from the Mass Ave district and will be open during much of the day.

Are you riding the N.I.T.E Ride this Saturday?  Here are some tips to make sure you are ready to Navigate Indy This Evening while having a fun, problem-free ride.

You can start out on the N.I.T.E Ride website tip pages, which includes the ABC Quick Check for you bike - Air (tire pressure and condition), Brakes, Chain (your bicycle drive train - chain, cassette and derailleurs), Quick (releases) to make sure your wheels are mounted firmly and properly.

Next check out the rest of the things you need to load in the car before driving the start in downtown Indy.  We have a Bicycle Road Trip checklist (PDF) that will help you remember the common things like shoes, helmets and gloves.  (Every NITE Ride, BGI will sell a lot of helmets to riders who forget theirs!)

There are also a few other considerations, especially if you are not a regular night rider.  First, of course, are lights, both a white headlight, visible 500 and a rear taillight (or reflector) visible for 500 feet.  (Here some tips on choosing the right bike light.)

And if already have lights, don't forget to check the batteries; you will need at least 1.5 to 2 good hours of battery life from start to finish, so a fresh set, or a full recharge is not a bad idea.  And be sure your lights are securely mounted; dropped lights can found on the road after every bump along the N.I.T.E. Ride route.

Do you ride with cycling glasses?  Don't forget to bring your clear or amber night lenses, if you have them, or glasses suitable to riding after dark.

If you will be coming early for the CIBA Dinner Ride, or bicyle touring downtown on your own, don't forget a lock and cable for while you are dining.

Finally, if you are bringing some friends along, be sure you space for everyone and their bikes.

Bicycle Garage Indy will be right across from the N.I.T.E Ride registration tent, with an assortment of essentials on sale right up the start of the ride.  Or visit any of our 3 locations; Bicycle Garage Indy North (Indianapolis, in the Clearwater area on 82nd St.),  South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood), and BGI Downtown, in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA.

We hope you will stop by the BGI tent and say hi, and be sure to watch the BGI Facebook page for pictures from this years N.I.T.E. Ride!

You should have just received the latest email news letter.  Included in our latest newsletter:

• Bicycle Indiana's "Resource Guide"
• ActiveIndy Tours - A New Business Offering Guided Tours
• N.I.T.E. Ride - June 23rd
• Mayor Ballard's Bike Ride  - June 2nd 
• BGI Maintenance Classes / Clinics / Rides / The BGI Calendar

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

Bicycle Garage Indy (BGI) is pleased to announce a partnership with ActiveIndy Tours. ActiveIndy Tours offers daily, guided walking, running and biking tours of Indianapolis that are conducted at a casual pace and are perfect for all ages. Tours are designed to showcase the best history, public art and hidden surprises Indianapolis has to offer while offering the health benefits of moderate physical activity at the same time.

Bicycle Garage Indy will serve as the rental bike provider and promote the joint venture to BGI customers. In addition, at BGI Downtown location inside the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, there will a display of Active Indy Tours materials.

Founded by hospitality industry veteran and healthy living advocate Nathan Smurdon, ActiveIndy Tours believes that the best way to experience Indianapolis is by taking a tour conducted at "human pace." Walking, biking & running allow tour participants the best opportunity to fully appreciate the sights that make our city so great.

"I saw an opportunity to combine a love for Indianapolis, it's stories and history with a passion for living a healthy lifestyle. Ultimately my hope is that through our tours we encourage people to come out and learn more about our city in a healthy and sustainable way,” Nathan Smurdon, owner and founder of ActiveIndy Tours. "For individuals that don't have a bicycle but want to take one of our biking tours, I'm thrilled to be able to partner with Bicycle Garage Indy at their downtown location inside the Indy Bike Hub YMCA at Indianapolis City Market. Through their decades of service to our bicycling community, they exemplify the impact local businesses can have on the quality of life in our city."

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Nathan and ActiveIndy Tours on this new venture. The more people exposed to the joy of bicycling helps make our business stronger. In addition, this partnership will draw more people to our downtown location, raise awareness of the high quality of our rental bike fleet and bring more people to the Indy Bike Hub YMCA to experience this unique facility,” Randy Clark, President and Founder, Bicycle Garage Indy.

Standard guided bike tours are 2.5 – 3 hours in length and are priced at $45-50/person. Tours depart from the Indy Bike Hub YMCA on the east side of historic City Market. Custom bike tours are available upon request.

Bicycle Garage Indy also offers top-of-the line Giant bicycles to rent for on-your-own exploring. The rental fleet includes bicycles for every type of riding, perfect to explore Indy with family, friends and out-of-town guests. Rental rates are based on the type of bike and length of rental. All rental bicycles are checked and maintained by Bicycle Garage Indy’s professional service staff. Bicycles can be rented from all three Bicycle Garage Indy locations.

ActiveIndy Tours: www.activeindytours.com 
Indy Bike Hub YMCA and IndyBikeHub.org
Bicycle Garage Indy: www.bgindy.com
Bicycle Garage Indy Downtown rental bikes: www.bgindy.com/for/hubrentals

For 3 years, I've tried to ride to work at the Indiana State Museum 1-2 times a week (in good weather). I have a new riding partner this year; this was her 1st day riding with me...she got a flat tire and we had to walk the better part of a mile to her office. Thanks to Bicycle Garage Indy Dowtown @IndyBikeHub for taking care of her over her lunch hour so we could ride together back home! This is NOT a very becoming pic of me, but tells the story :/

Name: Kathi Moore
Bicycle: 1982 Schwinn LeTour
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

Kathi: Congratulations on your bike to work efforts, and we are glad the team BGI downtown and the Indy Bike Hub YMCA were able to get you off your feet and back on your bike.  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

As your bicycle horizons expand, you may find the need to carry more gear on your bike.  There is only so much room in a seat bag and jersey pockets for the clothing and other essentials for day-long rides and multi-day travel.  This is especially true with spring and fall riding, where a wide range in temperatures will have you shed jackets, vests or arm & leg warmers as the day warms.  Here is a brief summary of three broad categories of bicycle touring, and how you might carry the load.

Supported tour -  rear rack and rack trunk.
When you ride all day on a supported, multi-day tour, most of your gear goes on the baggage truck (and out of reach) from breakfast until dinner.  For these rides, a rear rack and rack trunk combination is an ideal way to carry your needs for the day, with room for cool weather or rain gear, snacks and other travel needs.  Some rack trunks feature drop down pannier options that give additional flexibility and space.

Inn-to-Inn Touring  - rear rack and small panniers. 
Also called “credit-card” touring, you travel carrying a change of riding clothes, and lightweight off-bike wear.  Small or medium panniers, sometime combined with a rack trunk will accommodate the careful packer, without creating weight distribution problems on your bike.

Self-contained  camp touring - front and rear rack, front and rear panniers. 
When you are carrying your shelter, kitchen and clothing for on and off the bike, weight distribution becomes more important.  A  front rack and panniers will allow you distribute your gear evenly across your bike for better handling, and reduces stress on the rear wheel.

I will cover the gear for each of these in more detail in upcoming posts.  You can also sign up for Bicycle Garage Indy's new TourWise class, to receive customized instruction and advice for your dream bicycle vacation. 

You will find a full selection of bicycle packs and racks from Arkel, Blackburn Bontrager, Giant, KoKi and more at all three Bicycle Garage indy locations.

The Mini Marathon isn't the only event in Indy this weekend.  Come join INDYCOG and Sun King Brewery while they celebrate bicycling in Indianapolis with their 3rd annual 2 Wheels 1 City. In short, 2 Wheels 1 City is a day of bicycle related events, music and fun! The proceeds from this event help raise money for INDYCOG & Freewheelin' Community Bikes.

Time: May 5, 2012 @3pm to 6pm(for details see below)

Where: Indy Bike Hub YMCA, West Wing of the Indianapolis City Market, 222 E. Market St.

What: Free Admission, Secure Bike Parking, Food, Vendors, Sun King Beer, Kids games & More.

A bicycle fundraising drive for Freewheelin' is also part of the day's activities. Freewheelin' is a community bike initiative that teaches at-risk youth valuable bike repair and maintenance skills. Freewheelin' accepts gently-used bikes that are repaired by volunteer mechanics and then sold at reasonable prices to the public. 

Secure bike parking is offered for all of those who arrive via bicycle, however if you need to drive, thereare parking areas in close proximity.

There will be local food vendors, many of them from the City Market, with lots of tasty options. Of course there will be local beer from our good friends at Sun King Brewery, with all the proceeds going to a good cause.

Agenda:
3:00pm - Event Begins w. announcement and followed by live musical performance by the Yellow Kites
3:00pm-6pm - Bicycle-related competitions
        3:45pm-Slow Race- Sponsored by Bicycle Garage Indy
        4:15pm-Tire change - Sponsored by National Cycles
        4:30pm-Bunny Hop - Sponsored by Bikes on Mass Ave & Bicycle Exchange
        5pm-Mini Bike Race & 2nd music set - Sponsored by A1 Cyclery
        5:30pm-Track Stand Competition - Sponsored by Indy Action BMX
3:00pm-5:30pm- IndyCOG Bike Bucket Workshops (Ongoing)

3:30 - Tours departing lead by Active Indy Tours will depart ($10 Fee)
3:30pm-3:45pm - Speakers: Mayor Ballard; Jamison Hutchins, Office of Sustainability
5:00 - Tours departing lead by Active Indy Tours will depart ($10 Fee)