Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by The Latest Buzz from Bicycle Garage Indy
Hoosier Outdoor Experience, Sept. 18-19, 2010Bicycle Garage Indy is a sponsor of the Hoosier Outdoor Experience,  Saturday & Sunday, September 18-19, 2010, at Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis, IN.
 
The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is Indiana's largest, hands-on outdoor recreation event. Featuring over 50 activities and 120 grassroots partners, this no-charge weekend at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis will provide the opportunity to learn the basics of outdoor recreation activities available across Indiana's extraordinary public lands.
 
Bicycle Garage Indy is proud to sponsor the event by providing bikes for Bicycle Indiana's road bicycling event and the Hoosier Mountain Bike Associations' Mountain Bike skills and trail riding event. For more info and to register: www.HoosierOutdoorExperience.IN.gov


Commuting with Panache

Friday, August 20, 2010 by Customers, Friends and Fans of Bicycle Garage Indy
Bike Commuting in Style, Catlike Whisper Plus helmet, Masi fixed gear.If you are going to commute, do it with a flare.  Arriving for his shift at Bicycle Garage Indy North, Victor rides a fixed gear Masi track bike , finished with clear coat over bare steel.  "Riding the fixed gear is just great for your cycling form." says Victor.  To top it off, he has the new Catlike Whisper Plus helmet, (just in stock at BGi).  "Coolest and lightest helmet I have ever owned.  You don't know it is there."

Name: Victor Suarez (Sales Staff, Bicycle Garage Indy North)
Bicycle: Masi Track Frame
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

Bicycle Garage Indy Receives Thanks from N.I.T.E. Ride Chair

Thursday, August 19, 2010 by Connie Schmucker

Bicycle Garage Indy is proud to be a long-time sponsor of the N.I.T.E. Ride, held on June 26th. Not only does BGI help promote the event, we provide supplies and service before and during the event, including riding support who do small repairs on the route as well as support vehicles to bring in those who can’t finish the ride. In recognition of our efforts to provide service to the riders before and during the event, we received the following "Thanks" from NITE Ride Director Dan Shields:

Bicycle Garage Tech Services at NITE Ride"On behalf of Central Indiana Bicycling Association (CIBA), I would like to thank you and the entire BGI team for your efforts to help make 2010 N.I.T.E. Ride (Navigate Indy This Evening) such a huge success.

This year’s event, on June 26, 2010, far surpassed our registration record that was set just last year, with nearly 3,300 paid registrations. We are also clearly reaching more novice riders as evidenced by an even higher rate of growth in riders needing assistance, whether for bicycle servicing before the event or SAG support during the ride. BGI’s incredible support in this area has been crucial to achieving our mission of promoting bicycling for fun, fitness, commuting and touring while maintaining a great experience for all participants.

We are also thankful for your working with Giant Bicycles in providing the bicyclies for the BGI Great Bike Giveaway", the prizes for the "L.I.T.E. Up Your Bike" contest, BGI’s efforts to co-promote the event and all of the other valuable elements of BGI’s sponsorship.

Please accept our thanks for your fine support of N.I.T.E. Ride 2010!

Dan Shields
Chair, 2010 N.I.T.E. Ride Committee"

Bicycle Garage Indy looks forward to supporting the N.I.T.E. Ride in 2011!  (June 25th, 2011)

Connie Szabo Schmucker
Advocacy Director
Bicycle Garage Indy
Indianapolis and Greenwood, IN

Sunday Ride Starts with Yard Work on Saturday!

Friday, August 13, 2010 by Customers, Friends and Fans of Bicycle Garage Indy
So, here's what it looked like at oh-dark-thirty on Saturday morning…
 
Our good friend Rob caught a wicked virus last year.  It attacked his heart muscle, and really brought him to his knees.  He went from bike-commuting a 70mile round trip several times a week, to not being able to keep up with household chores.  He's on the mend, but behind the curve… 
 
On Saturday, about 20 of us descended on their house and blitzed through a season's-worth of chores.  We blew sticks off the roof (they live in the woods) and cleaned the gutters.  We got rid of wasp nests in the downspouts and in the grill. (Did you know that plantain neutralizes venom?!) We raked and mowed and ran the string trimmers.  Raspberry bushes that were engulfed with nightshade breathed a sigh of relief. Volunteer tomato plants were untangled and draped over cages. Herbs were found amongst brambles.  Walkways between raised beds were found and cleared.  The pile of weeds we pulled was bigger than our couch!  
 
We'd planned to ride Gnaw Bone Camp afterward, but that didn't happen. Ride plans morphed to Sunday, and it ended up even better than we imagined!
 
Amanda won the Women's Division of the Sub-9 SuperD race at Brown County State Park.  Tim won the Overall title, wearing his HalfWheelers kit. (Woo-hoo, first team victory!!)   Montana took 4th in Men's Expert.  Alex raced and got to see world-class riders grinning ear-to-ear over the quality and challenge of the trails that he helped design and build.
 
Ready to Roll - Mark FinneySally, Jill, Tom, Dno, Fred and I went to Versailles and rode the Dino course.  Hooked up with Guy (VSP trailbuilder) Scotty (riding animal) and Tim (from Cinci) and Dave (webmaster from England-Idlewild) on the trails.  Scott and Sally were still hungry for more, so they bid us adieu and we headed home.  Scotty logged 75 miles before dusk, and Sally rode all night.  She's training for this fall's  World MTB Endurance Championships in Australia (the motive force behind Team HalfWheelers!), and came prepared with her night-riding lights.  She said she had to put on arm-warmers by 4am, and that the sunrise was beautiful.
 
So…  Things didn't go exactly as planned, but turned out even better! 
 
BTW, here's my packing list: Bike (ABC quick-check done), shoes, helmet, gloves, shorts, jersey, socks, CamelBak (full and stocked w/ food & tools), cooler w/ water bottles, 2 PB&Js and a couple of apres-ride refreshments. 

Mark Finney (Sales Staff - Bicycle Garage Indy North)
Bicycle: '08 Giant Trance Advanced
Indianapolis, IN
 

The Best Second Choice

Monday, August 9, 2010 by Customers, Friends and Fans of Bicycle Garage Indy
When I started looking for a new bike I really wanted a road bike, but that didn't work out. I got a Giant Rapid 3 and it is great. Since I got it, alot of my riding has been in places that would be dificult on a road bike. This includes gravel trails, very sandy areas, and even a few dirt roads. Though it handles well there, it can still can ride like a road bike.

Name: Ben Handy (Product Runner - Bicycle Garage Indy North)
Bicycle: Giant Rapid 3
City: Indianapolis
State: Indiana

The Giant Rapid 3 is just one of the Giant Bicycle Indianapolis available at either BGI location: North, Clearwater area in Indianapolis and South, just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood.

Teaching Kids to Ride - a BGI Customer Thank You

Friday, August 6, 2010 by Customers, Friends and Fans of Bicycle Garage Indy
The following thank you email was sent by Jim Wagner of Indianapolis:
 
Dear Mr. Clark,
 
Teaching Kids to Ride - a BGI Customer Thank YouI just wanted you to know that you have some of the finest staff in the cycling industry at your (Bicycle Garage Indy) store in Castleton.  Sure, it is exciting (and profitable) working with the folks buying the high end bikes, but Danielle Duning took the time to work with my son (Everest is seven) who was having such a tough time learning to ride without training wheels.  She went the extra mile...and then some.  Finally, she printed off instructions about removing the pedals, lowering the seat and learning to balance.  She said he would learn to ride in about an hour... and wouldn't you know it, he did!  And to add icing to the cake, his five year old brother Ethan learned to ride the very next day!  I have included a YouTube link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1Z0TLobduc ) that shows Everest and Ethan riding (balancing) their bikes...and they were so thrilled and I was so proud of them and thankful for Danielle's patience and understanding in helping my boys!
 
Please be sure to pass along my very sincere thanks for her efforts...she has created a family of cyclists who will definitely shop BGI for years to come!
 
Sincerely,
 
Jim Wagner
Indianapolis, IN
 
And in a follow-up note, Jim added the following. ". .please make sure to mention Everest’s five year old brother Ethan as well…he really took to the bike after watching his brother and applying the same technique."

Thanks to Jim, Everest and Ethan, from the entire staff at Bicycle Garage Indy.

Not Mechanical? Even You Can Lube Your Bicycle

Saturday, July 24, 2010 by Linda Hardcastle
If you are like me, you leave the nitty gritty of bicycle maintenance to others.  Rebuilding headsets and truing wheels just isn’t your thing.  However, even the most mechanically challenged of us CAN keep our 2-wheeled machine well lubricated. 

Finish Line products, found at Bicycle Garage IndyLubricant comes in two forms:  liquid drops or spray.  Bicycle Garage Indy carries an assortment of lubricants for chains and other moving bicycle parts, and for wet, dry and off road conditions.  These include products from Finish Line, Tri-Flow, and White Lightning.  If you tell the staff at Bicycle Garage Indy about your bike and riding style, they will help you choose the right lube for you.

To apply lubricant is very simple:
1.    Find the moving part
2.    Apply lube
3.    Move the part, to allow the lubricant to penetrate
4.    Wipe off excess lube
 
On a bicycle, the most common place to lube is the chain.  You can plan on lubricating your chain monthly, or every 100–150 miles.   And of course,  apply a fresh coat should you get caught in the rain. 

Other common spots to lube would be on the moving parts of the front and rear derailler, as well as the moving parts of the brakes.  You should do this a couple of times per season, and after any rain.  CAUTION:  Wipe up any excess lube and do not get it on the wheel rim or brake pads, or you will have no brakes!

If you use a step-in pedal system, like Look or S.P.D. then this is one last spot that requires periodic lubing.  Once I notice that it is getting harder and harder to click out, I just put a spot of lube on the cleat mechanism both on my shoe and on my pedal.  Clicking out is once more a breeze!  (Note:  With Look pedals, which involve metal on metal, normal lubricant works fine.  But with S.P.D.’s, which involve plastic on plastic, you will want to use STP Armour-All or another non-petroleum lubricant.)  SPECIAL CAUTION:  Do not walk on your carpets after lubing your cleats!!!!

Good luck with these first steps in taking good care of your bicycle.

Finish LineTri-Flow, and White Lightning are just three of the many brands of bicycle tools Indianapolis found at Bicycle Garage Indy’s two locations, North (Clearwater area in Indianapolis) and South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood)

Great Mt. Biking in Anderson, Indiana

Wednesday, July 14, 2010 by Customers, Friends and Fans of Bicycle Garage Indy
I had an opportunity to ride the other day in Anderson IN. Normally I go to Brown County which is awesome as everyone knows. But for something closer that is different from 96th St. The trails are well maintained and there are a lot of man made features in a little extra park they have on the side. Here is my map from www.MapMyRide.com. If you don't have this yet I really suggest you check it out. Works great with the iPhone and is a great way to check out other rides you may not know about.

Name: Chris Baggott
Bicycle: Cannondale Rush
City: Greenfield
State: IN

Chris: Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle Ride suggestion.  And of course, you are now in the running for our next- Your Bicycle drawing - Visit our two Bicycle Garage Indy locations, North (Clearwater area in Indianapolis) and South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood)

 

4 Riders x 12 Bikes = Lots of Tires

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 by Jay Hardcastle
 Our 12-bike household requires 24 tires, with the four of us riding around 12,000 miles a year.  This summer 4 bikes were ready for new tires, so I get to try a wide assortment of the tires available at Bicycle Garage Indy.
 
Continental Ultra Gatorskin at Bicycle Garage IndyFirst up was our Santana Sovereign tandem.  It got a pair of 700x28's Continental (wire bead) Ultra Gatorskins.  Based on a  durable carbon black compound, a well regarded puncture protection system and DuraSkin-anti-cut fabric, the Ultra GatorSkin have a reputation as long wearing tire.  They weigh in at 330 grams and are a tandem team favorite.  We also carry a 700x25 Ultra Gatorskin folding tire as spare on the tandem.
 
Serfas Seca Tires at Bicycle Garage IndyNext up was my wife's 2008 Trek 1.2 WSD and our youngest son's venerable, hand-me-down `90 Trek 1200.  Linda rides for sport and triathlons, while Justin is riding to school, and on club and family rides.  For their bikes I went with the durable and economical Serfas Seca with Flat Protection System (FPS).  The Seca is a great all-round wire-bead road tire a with long tread life, great cut resistance and superior road feel.  Linda got 700x25's, and with Justin's teen riding style, I opted for 700x28's.  
 
Bontrager H2 Hardcase at Bicycle Garage IndyContinental Contact tire at Bicycle Garage IndyFinally, my `83 Trek 850 commuter bike was due for new rubber. I had to replace (mid ride!) one tire last summer, so on the rear I have a Bontrager H2 Hardcase 26 x 1.5".  My front tire, which had plenty of tread left, but had sidewall breakdown after 3 years of all-day, outdoor parking was replaced this spring with a Continental Contact 26 x 1.9".  Both are smooth road tires, great on this on former mountain bike now dedicated to commuting.

I will keep you updated on wear over the coming months on all four sets of tires.  And odds are, I will have another set to replace soon enough.  

Continental, Serfas and Bontrager are just three of the many brands of bicycle tires Indianapolis found at Bicycle Garage Indy’s two locations, North (Clearwater area in Indianapolis) and South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood)
 

A Great Cycling Glove: Pearl Izumi Gel Selects

Sunday, July 11, 2010 by Jay Hardcastle
Pearl Izumi Gel Select Cycling Glove from Bicycle Garage IndyIt was time for a new pair of gloves, and after a month of riding, I am very happy with the 2010 version of the Pearl Izumi Gel Selects.  In fact, they replaced a pair of Gel Selects with two full seasons (8,000+ miles) of warm weather riding.

Padded palms protect you from nerve damage while riding.I have tried dozens of different cycling gloves over the years. For me, a typical pair is good for about two full seasons, though your mileage may vary.  I replace them when the palm padding breaks down, or if the body of the gloves begins to wear or look especially grungy.  With the fabrics, leather treatments and padding materials available today, you can extend a gloves life with rinsing and washing with a gentile detergent; check the manufacturers label before you do.
 
Cycling gloves provide additional padding to protect the hands from vibration, especially the Ulnar nerves growing across the palm. For my tandem and my high mileage riding, I combine a good pair of gloves with Fizik Bar Gels, under a padded tape, like Deda Tape.  Gloves also protect you hand from abrasions in the event of spill or during normal riding for off road riders.

Pearl Izumi, Fizik and Deda are just a few of the hundreds of bike accessories Indianapolis found at Bicycle Garage Indy’s two locations, North (Clearwater area in Indianapolis) and South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood)
 



Rack Trunks: Great for Day Trip Essentials

Thursday, July 8, 2010 by Jay Hardcastle
Bontrager Rack Trunk at Bicycle Garage IndyRack Trunks are great for day trip essentials: Bicycle Garage IndyThere are a lot of bicyclists who can put their complete riding needs for a day in a couple of jersey pockets.  I am not one of them.  It is not that I am a totally fred rider.  While a strong believer in self-sufficiency on the road, contrary to rumor, I can't quite overhaul a bike on the roadside. However, I am the family ride sherpa, responsible for sunscreen, food, spares, rain gear, our restaurant lock, and anything else that I was supposed to bring.  And then there is a camera that comes on almost every ride ride.  So I have a rack trunk on my touring bike and our tandem.  Rack trunks are also great for 3-season and day-trip riders with space for jackets, vests, arm and leg warmers.
 
The Trek Rear Trunk Bag is good basic bag of 600 to 800 cubic inches. It easily has room for day trip sundries. For quick errands, small packages easily fit in a trunk, or you can get drop down pannier models like the Bontrager Interchange Deluxe Plus Rear Trunk.  This type of bag is also popular with commuter cyclists.  Rack trunks will attach easily and securely using combination of straps and velcro, or the Bontrager Interchange system of spring loaded clips and matched racks.Bontrager Deluxe Plus Rack Trunk at Bicycle Garage Indy

Obviously, a rack trunk needs a rack, and there are two types. Traditional 4-point racks from Blackburn or Bontrager, which require eyelets on your bike. Or seat post mounted racks like the Bontrager Seat Post Rack. Note that if your bike has a carbon fiber seat post, check with the manufactures specs before using a seat post rack.
 
Bontrager and Blackburn are just two of the hundreds of brands of Bike Accessories Indianapolis, in-stock now at Bicycle Garage Indy North in Indianapolis, and Bicycle Garage Indy South in Greenwood.

A Check List N.I.T.E. Riders

Friday, June 25, 2010 by Jay Hardcastle
As a primary sponsor and technical support provider for the N.I.T.E. Ride since 1998, Bicycle Garage Indy has seen it all when it comes to bike problems.  The  N.I.T.E. Ride attracts all types of riders, and even experienced riders who bring along non-riding family members will find surprises when they arrive at the Major Taylor Velodrome.
 
To help you out, here is a quick checklist of the most common things we see in the hours leading up to start, and out on the N.I.T.E. Ride route. So check your bike, and your car before you leave the house, to insure you can spend the evening RIDING the N.I.T.E. Ride 
 
On your bike:
  • Air up bicycle tires
  • Check Tires for holes, cracks
  • Check Brakes
  • Check Shifting
  • Lube Bike Chain
  • Lights and Batteries
 
And don't forget to pack:
  • Water bottle
  • Helmet
  • Gloves
  • Riding Shoes
  • Did we mention "Air up bicycle tires"?
 
Bicycle Garage Indy mechanics ready for action.And if your best intentions and plans fail, look for the Bicycle Garage Indy Tents at the Velodrome.  We will have our "Got Air" station, mechanics for quick bike checks, and merchandise for new (and forgetful) riders.
 
For an updated calendar of our sponsored rides and events, go to www.bgindy.com/for/calendar. Bicycle Garage Indy North (Clearwater area in Indianapolis) and South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood), serving Indiana cyclists since 1983.

How Can Couples Bicycle Together?

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 by Linda Hardcastle
Tandems let couples of different abilities share bicycling!What to do when you are a couple who wants to bike together, but one of you is so much stronger than the other?  We have seen this scenario play out so many times.  The stronger spouse is holding back, putting the brakes on their speed and fun.  And the slower spouse is busting a gut – struggling to hold a pace that is much too fast.  The ride is frustrating and not much fun for either person.  After a few more attempts, the slower spouse usually gives up, leaving only the faster one to continue with the sport of bicycling.  This is where a tandem bicycle comes in handy.  A tandem is the great equalizer – allowing couples with greatly varying abilities to ride together seamlessly. 

My husband Jay and I are the perfect example.  Being a triathlete, my training miles are spread between three different sports.  As a die-hard cyclist, Jay’s miles are focused entirely on the bike, and therefore he is a much stronger cyclist.  Yet we can come together on the tandem and BOTH have a fantastic ride.

The other benefit of tandeming is the ease of talking which it provides. A couple on two single bikes can have quite the disjointed conversation what with moving back and forth to accommodate passing cars and road hazards.  With a tandem you are always together and the talking flows so much easier. From the female perspective, definitely a big plus.  But from the male perspective, I wonder, ……do you consider this a positive or a negative?????? 

Tandems have come a long way from the single speed resort bikes you rode as a kid.  The Cannondale Road 3 feature a light weight aluminum frame, has a 30-speed Shimano drive train, front and rear disc brakes, and is ready for fun for couples and families of all abilities.  It  is just one of the performance Cannondale Bikes Indianapolis, available at both Bicycle Garage Indy North and Bicycle Garage Indy South in Greenwood.


Why Do Bicyclists Wear Those Funny Looking Clothes?

Saturday, June 19, 2010 by Linda Hardcastle
Cycling clothing is designed to maximize comfort and visibility.Lycra shorts with a “diaper” sewn in and brightly colored tops with pockets in the back.  Why do those serious cyclists dress so funny?  In a word, because bicycle clothing is functional.  It is designed to maximize your comfort while keeping you visible. 

The Pearl Izumi Quest Short from Bicycle Garage IndyThe bicycle shorts are all about comfort.  The thick chamois pad (called a "chamois" since they were originally chamois leather) may look somewhat odd while you are walking around, but as soon as you sit on the bike, it pads your toosh and absorbs excess perspiration while riding.  The longer cut on the leg also prevents chafing from occurring between your upper thigh and the nose of the saddle.  When I first stared riding, I was a hold-out for a long time, continuing to bike for months in my nylon running shorts.  But once I was on my first bicycle tour, with 60 miles each day, I quickly realized the need for bicycle shorts and bought my first pair during the tour.  Since that day 28 years ago, for anything longer than a few miles, I ride in bicycle shorts.  If you are looking for your first pair of cycling shorts, the Pearl Izumi Quest Shorts or Bellwether O2 Shorts are two to consider.

The other interesting article of clothing are the pocketed tops, called jerseys.  The bright and sometimes even gaudy tops help to keep you safer, by making you highly visible to motorists.  And those pockets in the back are great for holding things.  In the “olden” days, it held our bananas and bag of gorp.  Today it still holds all those great snack foods, for eating on the go, but it also holds your cell phone.  Others may carry a multi-tool and a spare inner tube for quick and easy access.The Pearl Izumi Quest Jersey at Bicycle Garage Indy    The Pearl Izumi Quest Jersey is popular basic jersey.

If you are new to cycling, you may still be bicycling in your running shorts or even your cut-off jeans.  But I can guarantee, if you stick with the sport, you too will become a convert to those “funny looking clothes”. 

Pearl Izumi and Bellwether are  just two of the many brands of bicycle clothing Indianapolis available from Bicycle Garage Indy.  

Great BGI experience

Monday, June 14, 2010 by Customers, Friends and Fans of Bicycle Garage Indy
Having recently moved to the Indianapolis area I have been enamored with the trails and bicycle friendly atmosphere around the city. I've been riding my 14 year old Giant CFR two for several years, and so I thought it might be time for a new ride as well as something more commuter friendly. I looked on Bicycle Garage Indy's website and was smitten with the look of the Cannondale Bad Boy Disc (love that Lefty front fork). I e-mialed with some questions and got a quick response which I greatly appreciated. A few weeks later I visited the store for the first time. Victor lugged out at least five different bikes for me to try in the parking lot. He never pressured but only wanted to help, which was a great experience! Later that week I ordered the Cannondale (despite riding several other very nice bikes) and I picked it up a week ago today. While I only have a little over 100 miles on it so far, I love it! Couldn't have asked for a better experience or be happier with my decision. Thanks BGI and Victor too.

Name: Rob Miller
Bicycle: Cannondale Bad Boy Disc
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

Rob:  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for Your Bicycle story.  The Bad Boy Disc is just one of the many Cannondale Bikes Indianapolis we have ready for test rides at both BGI locations.

My weekend ride

Sunday, June 13, 2010 by Customers, Friends and Fans of Bicycle Garage Indy
2 years ago I did my first MTB race, a week later I had an accident that put me off my bike. Last weekend I did my first DINO Race since my accident at the Brown County State Park race. I would like to say I placed but for me, I beat my previous time by 17 minutes which was a win for me.

Name: Rick Beauchamp
Bicycle: Kona Hoss
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

Rick:  Congratulations on your return to racing and PR from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy.  BGI is a very active sponsor of the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association.

Dry County 1000-2007

Thursday, June 10, 2010 by Customers, Friends and Fans of Bicycle Garage Indy
In 2007, I had been practicing law for over 25 years and needed a getaway. I read a story about the (Adventure Cycling Association) National Bicycle Route System and decided I would gear up and ride the Underground Railroad from Indy to Mobile, Alabama. I started to train, educated myself, bought a Trek 520 touring bike from Bicycle Garage Indy. Had it fitted by Frank, bought the touring bags and set out, on my own, the day after the Memorial Day weekend. I had never ridden such a distance before and had never ridden a bike with 50 pounds of gear on it. To make a long story short, 1100 miles, one flat tire and two weeks later, I rolled into Mobile. I promptly rented a car and drove to my brother's house in Panama City, Florida. I discovered myself and discovered that there are a lot of friendly people on the road. There are also a lot of dry counties in Kentucky, Tennesse, Mississippi and Alabama. It was a great trip and a great way to get away. Ride America!

Name: Alan Ladd
Bicycle: Trek 520
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

Alan:  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for Your Bicycle Story.  

The Family Starter Bike

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 by Customers, Friends and Fans of Bicycle Garage Indy
Hunter, the latest rider of the family starter.About 9 years ago I purchased a Giant Sedona hybrid bike and tag-a-long to tow my autistic son on the Monon Trail. This was actually the first "new" bike I had ever had in my life and LOVED it! My son soon outgrew the tag-a-long and we purchased tandem recumbents to replace it. My poor hybrid just sat unused in my garage for a couple years all by itself. When I was introduced to mountain biking and "real" road riding in 2008, I fell in love with sport! My sister Julia saw how much I loved it and started riding my hybrid. I eventually gave it to her as a present in 2009 but she quickly graduated up to a MUCH nicer road bike and has been quickly become an avid rider herself. Julia then gave the hybrid to our sister Brenda who began taking her kids on family bike rides in Beech Grove. Brenda has since started losing weight and became more interested in road bikes. Her oldest son has "filched" the family bike and frequently takes it out for rides. If you have a bike languishing in your garage, use it...or give it to someone who will. You will be amazed at the diffence it can make in a persons life!

Name: Linda Waddick
Bicycle: Giant Sedona
City: Westfield
State: IN

Linda:  Everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy thanks you for Your Bicycle story.  The Sedona continues to be a popular "starter" Giant Bike Indianapolis at Bicycle Garage Indy.

Panasonic Track Bike

Monday, June 7, 2010 by Customers, Friends and Fans of Bicycle Garage Indy
I bought this bike from a small shop run by two Indonesian brothers in a strip mall in Carbondale, Ill., in 1982. I was attending graduate school at Southern Illinois University at the time. I wanted to by a heavy, 3-speed Schwinn Varsity, but the co-owner sold me on a black Panasonic Training Track Bike with deep drop bars and a fixed wheel in back. It was drilled for brakes and brakes were installed. Plus, he cut the price to $229, which still seemed like a lot of money to me then. I still have the bike, though now I have a flip-flop hub in back and ride a 17T cog in back most of the time to go with the 48T in front. The drop bars are long gone. I've commuted on this bike to work in Champaign, Ill., St. Louis and here in Indianapolis on many occasions over the years, including on the Monon from Carmel to Downtown. The only major repair was to replace the bottom bracket from wear. But I use a Schwinn 564 aluminum bike made in Greenville, Miss., in 1989 or 1990, with early Shimano index shifting and a 14-speed, more often.

Name: Abe Aamidor
Bicycle: Panasonic Training Track Bike
City: Carmel
State: IN

Abe: Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for Your Bicycle Story.  

HOOTS Tandem Club Ride Near Columbus

Monday, June 7, 2010 by Customers, Friends and Fans of Bicycle Garage Indy
We had 6 tandem couples and 2 single bikes for a 50 mile ride in the hills southeast of Columbus, Indiana on Sunday June 6, 2010. Here is a group picture from our lunch stop at Crouch's Market.  The HOOTS (Hoosiers Out On Tandems) is a part of the Central Indiana Bicycling Assoc. http://www.cibaride.org

Name: Jay & Linda Hardcastle (Bicycle Garage Indy Staff)
Bicycle: Santana Sovereign
City: Carmel
State: IN

Bicycle Garage Indy supports teams, clubs and bike rides Indianapolis.