Bike Rides Indianapolis

Bicycle Garage Indy is proud to be a sponsor of the the 5th Annual Mayor's Bike Ride.

This year the ride will start at Butler University and highlight the new bike lanes on Illinois Street and Capitol Avenue. Participants will enjoy a casual 10 mile bike ride that will loop back to Butler University.

Bike safety information, children's bike helmets, door prizes, and snacks will be available for participants. FREE T-shirts will be provided to the first 200 participants that register! Shirts will also be available to purchase on the day of the ride.

What: Mayor's Bike Ride

Where: Butler University, 4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46208

When: Saturday, June 1, 2013

Time: Registration/Check-In 9 a.m. Ride Starts 10 a.m.

Complete details and registration at: http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPW/SustainIndy/Bikeways/Pages/Mayor's-Bike-Ride-.aspx

I pretty much ride my bike everyday, doesn't matter if its raining or snowing out i will be out there, the big event i do is RAGBRAI (Register Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa). I don't race I just ride for fun. It shouldn't matter how fast you are or how often you ride just get out there and have some fun!! Be safe out there, always wear you're helmet, share and follow rules of the road!!

Name: rj zeph
Bicycle: 2011 cannondale synapse
City: carmel
State: indiana

Hi RJ.  Glad the new wheel are working out, they should be a lot of fun riding in Iowa this summer!  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

Just over one year ago I decided to start saving some gas by taking the bus to work.  The problem?  The nearest bus stop to my house was over 1 mile away and I would have to leave very early (5 am or so) to walk there in time for the bus. The solution? A bike, I started with a used one from a pawn shop and liked it so much that I soon upgraded to a "real" bike (with multiple gears and everything).  I rode in the Bicycle Garage Indy Get Back On Your Bike program and won the $400 that year.  Since then I have saved a lot of money and lost over 90lbs.  I ride to and from work some days and can be seen riding around downtown at lunch most days.  I love my bike and am always looking for more chances to ride.

Name: Sam Cohen
Bicycle: Schwinn
City: Indianapolis
State: IN
 

Sam: We are glad you enjoyed Get Back on Your Bike, and congratulations on your weight loss!  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.


 

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.

It is an industry recommendation that you replace your bicycle helmet every three to five years (or after any impact or accident).  There are variety of reason for this.  Over time, exposure to sunlight, body oils and perspiration can start to break down the straps, pads and enegy absorbing materials in the helmet, all of which can reduce it's comfort and protection.  The other reason is that the helmets just keep getting better.  Jay Hardcastle, Marketing Manager for Bicycle Garage Indy (and a 5,000+ mile per year rider) picked up a one the new Bontrager Specter ($139.99) helmets last fall, and is very happy with his choice.

I choose the Bontrager Specter to step up a notch in helmets, and I am glad I did. It is a "pro" level helmet that doesn't break the bank.  At just 340 gram (12 oz) in my XL size, the Specter is 2 oz lighter than my prior helmet.  But the newest ventaltion designs are incredible.  In the Specter, it is so effective I had to add a helmet cover or cap for even just cool (55 and lower temps) riding.  I am looking forward to a helmet that cool when the warm weather finally arrives.  The fit and ajustment is a snap, and the anti-bacterial pads and premium soft straps feel great against my face and scalp.  And it's a great looking helmet too.  (My wife Linda likes her new Bontrager Circuit, but I will let her tell you about that.)

Bicycle Garage Indy carres a complete selection of helmets from Bell, Bontrager, Cannondale, Giro and NutCase. Stop by any BGI location and our staff will help find the right helmet for your riding style (and budget!), and make sure it fits you like a glove.  

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 @ City Market,

- Jay S. Hardcastle, BGI Marketing Manager 
 

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

• TREKfest Sale (April 11 - 15)
• Vote (on Facebook) for Indiana's trail (funded by Bell Helmets) www.hmba.org
• BGI TRI (athlon) NIGHT coming 4/25
• Ladies' Night Thursday 4/11: registration open
• Indianapolis' 'Complete Streets' policy commended
• BGI Weekly Ride Calendar

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 
 

Warm weather has finally arrived, and when you start riding more, it's time to take a look at your tires and decide when to replace or upgrade.  While it may be obvious that a tire is "toast", there are other things to consider.  A tire can still be usable with a considerable amount of tire wear, but may be more prone to flats. Also, if your tires are getting toward the end of their useful life, you may to upgrade before you next big event or training cycle, to make sure you spend time riding rather than on the side of the road.  

We have asked our staff to share some their favorites and a few their picks.

Toby Holsman, BGI's Operations Manager is big fan of the Michelin Pro4 Endurance ($64.99)  for a high mileage training tire - 

I love the Michelin Pro4 Endurance.  It handles, corners, and most importantly, lasts better than any other high-mileage tire.  You'll never go back to Gatorskins after owning these.

Toby picks the Continental GP 4000s ($74.99)  for his competitive riding and best all around performance -

The Continental GP4000 is one of the most expensive clincher tires.  It deserves to be.  No other tire strikes a better balance between high performance and durability.  It lasts nearly as well as training-only tires, and it performs on par with superlight race-only tires.  If I could only buy one tire for the rest of my life, this would be it.

Adam Haines, a Bicycle and Fitness Consultant at BGI North is also a fan of the GP 4000s - 

Light, grippy, low rolling resistance,  and durable.  Nuff said.

Jay Hardcastle, Marketing Manager at Bicycle Garage Indy, likes the Serfas Seca ($27.99) wire beaded tires for their value and durability for sport and distance riding - 

It is a great value tire, and we have used all three widths in our household of bikes - 23, 25 and 28, for every type of riding from sprint triathlons to centuries, and on our tandem.  

Bicycle Garage Indy stocks road tires from Continental, Michelin, and Serfas, with choices for every budget and use.   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 at City Market.

Bicycle Garage Indy hosts several rides led by BGI Staff on a regular basis from our North and South stores.  Each ride has unique character from social to challenging workout. These rides are just one of the many ride opportunities available to the bicyclists in the greater Indianapolis area.

If you are looking for a way to finish your weekend, or start your week, we have a Sunday evening ride from the BGI Noth that may be just the ticket.

BGI Sunday Evening Ride: The Sunday Evening Ride is meant as an introductory ride for Road cyclists or a relaxing ride for the experienced cyclist. Lightly paced ride ranging from 16-22 mph and covering an average of 30 miles. Newbies are always welcome! Helmets Required. Lights and road bikes recommended

Start Location: Bicycle Garage Indy North, 4340 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis (directions).  Note that BGI North closes at 5:00 PM on Sunday.

Dates: Sundays, March-August
Time:  5:30-8:30 pm
Ride length: 30 miles
Ride Leader: Danielle Duning
Rain Cancels Ride. Call BGI North 317-842-4140 by 4:30 to cancel or if weather is questionable.

If you have questions about this ride, please contact ride leader Danielle Duning at dduning@bgindy.com and put "Sunday Ride" in the email subject line.

BGI Sunday Evening Rides are FREE, but to help us know how many to plan for, please fill out this form online:  http://bgindy.com/articles/bgi-sunday-evening-ride-bgi-north-pg1331.htm.

Find complete details on all Bicycle Garage Indy rides in the Indianapolis area at www.bgindy.com/for/rides_atbgi or in the BGI calendar.

With warmer finally just around the corner, Bicycle Garage Indy has another series of free, bicycling-related clinics to get you ready for your best riding season ever. The schedule starts on Monday, April 8 at Bicycle Garage Indy Downtown, with a new start time, 7:00 PM. Clincis are also offered onTuesday at BGI South in Greenwood, and Wednesday at  BGI North.  Registration information is available on the BGI website at www.bgindy.com/for/clinics. Clinics are free, but registration is required.

Topics to be covered during April include (full details are on the clinic registration page):

• Fixing Flat Tires (and other minor annoyances)
• Ready to Ride: Rider
• Preparing for Your First Century or RAIN Ride (new for 2013)
• Urban Cycling Tips (new for 2013)

Clinic presentation are usually about 45 minutes in length.  You can come as you are for our clinics, your bike is not required.

Bicycle Garage Indy offers these clinics, along with classes and one-one instruction, and in-store events as part of our 3 E's - Educate, Excite, Expand, 

- Educate customers about how to use our products for a healthier lifestyle
- Build Excitement for the use of our products and provide the motivation for a healthier lifestyle
- Expand the opportunities for a healthy lifestyle by increasing the venues for safe and fun cycling

Clinics are are offered at all three locations; 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.  

A few weeks ago we received this exceptional, inspirational story from a customer, and share it with her permission.

When I started my lifestyle change in 2008 I was definitely at the end of my
rope.

Diagnosed with several medical issues, Doctors told me I was a great candidate for knee surgery and I suffered from chronic pain due to several other problems.

They had prescribed 14 different medications I took daily.
Something had to change and I knew it was my lifestyle.
Many people suggested gastric bypass.  I chose going for a change in
nutrition/exercise, since surgery was not an option for me.

On a cold day in March, we entered a large tent and talked with some experts
about Giant bikes.

Biking didn't just change my life.  It truly SAVED my life!
From that day forward, I never looked back, determined to be healthy again,
off the medications, lose the weight and defy all the doctors who said I
could not/ would not do it!

I fell instantly "in love" with biking.
Biking takes me to all those places of freedom I have not experienced since
I was a kid and the health benefits are astounding.  The nature I have
witnessed has been incredible.  Each moment I spend on my bike is a drink in
the fountain of youth.

Life can pass you by or you can LIVE IT!

I now have 30 pounds to my goal.  We just purchased our second set of road
bikes from Bicycle Garage Indy and are looking forward to an incredibly active summer, full of bike races and adventure!

As for the meds, I now only take 2 daily.  My knees still have some pain, but no surgery needed in the future.

I ran in my first 8k trail run last weekend after hearing doctors tell me for years I would never run... I believed them for awhile.

When we are focused, positive and determined, it is amazing what we can
accomplish.

Looking forward to training for the RAIN Ride now.  That is my next goal.

Happy trails....

Name: Victoria Williams
Bike: Giant Hybrid
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

Victoria: Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.


 

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.

March 3-7, 2013 I had the opportunity to go to the Women's Bicycle Forum and the National Bike Summit in Washington DC, Here's a summary of what I did while in Washington DC:

SUNDAY March 3
I arrived Sunday evening and went to the Women Bike Launch party and met a woman who does similar work in a Chattanooga TN bike shop and some bicycle advocates from Minnesota who work for BikeMN.

MONDAY March 4
I went to the Women's Bicycle Forum Monday. There were 325 women (and about 50 men) signed up. Great presentations and keynote addresses. I met up with Elysa Walk (head of Giant Bicycles USA) and got my picture taken with her. She was on a panel about bicycle manufacturers and efforts to make products for women. 

At Women's Bicycle Forum, I was inspired by Georgena Terry (keynote speaker), Rep. Tammy Duckworth (IL), Black Women Bike organization.The only presentation I was somewhat disappointed with (and was the main reason I wanted to attend this pre-summit event) was the presentation about what bicycle retailers can do to attract more women customers. First of all, the original proposal I sent in to present was about what BGI does to attract and keep women customers. So I was hoping to hear something that we aren't already doing and hear what other creative folks were doing. There were 4 panelists including 1 company that has been featured in many publications - Pedal Chic (started 3 years ago) and 1 retailer who just started 1.5 years ago.  Their criteria for choosing the panel was shops that had 40% or more business from women.

The top 9 ways the shops gave to attract women: location of store, clean bathrooms, comfortable dressing rooms, friendly staff, women staff, wide selection of products, positive retail experience, layout of store, communication and didn't go into much detail of any of them. Although I could say that might mean we're doing as much or more than everyone else, I think there are things out there we could be doing or doing better.  So I was disappointed that I didn't learn anything new and they didn't have a retailer on the panel who had been in the business for a long time, had made changes and saw those changes pay off. I got more insight in one-on-one discussions with other women who work for retail shops and are doing similar things to what I do.

Monday evening I met up with the Indiana/Indy delegation and spoke with Mayor Ballard and Chad. I also made a point to introduce myself to John Burke, president of Trek Bicycles. He spoke at the evening's session and mentioned that only 300 of the 4500-5000 bicycle retailers are involved with advocacy. So I told him I was a full-time bicycle advocacy director for Bicycle Garage Indy and that I was on a panel tomorrow talking about the role BGI has played in helping make Indianapolis more bicycle friendly.  I asked him if he knew how many bike shops had a full-time bicycle advocacy director, because I didn't think there were many of us, and I'd like to be able to network with them and share ideas. He thought there were about 20 and gave me his card so I could email him and he would forward it to someone at Trek who could find out.

 

TUESDAY March 5
Mayor Ballard was a hit in this morning's session and got interviewed by Bicycling Magazine; also got interviewed or will be featured in a PBS show (I think). Maybe Indy will make it into the Bicycling's Top 50 Cities for Bicycling this year. Several folks wanted to ask questions of him after our presentation.

Mayor Ballard at Summit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcqfWdkF-e8

SLO bike blog - mentions Mayor Ballard
http://slobikelane.wordpress.com/2013/03/05/nbs12-day-2-recap/

Our Indy presentation went well - we had a lot of people attend because the Mayor had spoken at the plenary session and they wanted to hear more. John Burke was in the audience of Indy's presentation. Our presentation was about how the various entities have combined efforts to create a more bicycle friendly Indianapolis: public/government - Jamison Hutchins and Mayor Ballard; public/private partnerships - Cultural Trail / Karen Haley; business/retail - I covered Indy's timeline, Bicycle Garage Indy's advocacy efforts and Indy Bike Hub; and advocacy organizations - IndyCOG / Kevin Whited. Our presentations along with other summit presentations are now posted online at http://www.bikeleague.org/conferences/summit13/

I also went to the presentation called "the business benefits of advocacy for bicycle retailers". Most of the discussion from the panel was how they got started in advocacy and then they had Q&A. Jerry Hiniker, Claudia Nix, Jeff Selzer and Dan Thornton were the panel. They each had a unique perspective in how they supported advocacy within their store. Most of the questions were how can an already busy business owner make the time or devote the resources to advocacy.  The panel was fairly unanimous is saying you have to make the time - advocacy is what develops the opportunities for new customers. Liberty Bicycles has "Pedal Link" a fundraising effort - customers record mileage on website. Shop donates $0.01/mile as well as any additional donations people give - they raised $27K for advocacy efforts - enough to support development of a trail. I thought that was a unique way to engage customers and provide a source of revenue for advocacy projects.

The last session I went to had 3 short segments about getting businesses involved with bicycling (outside of the bike business) - most interesting was about the National Bike Challenge.

Plenary sessions included AAA unveiling their new "Share the Road" public service announcement (http://blog.bikeleague.org/blog/2013/03/bike-summit-aaa-debuts-new-share-the-road-psa/) - and the background on the inspiration for the video by the ad firm was very interesting. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4629Ic25-Ko)

The League of American Bicyclists has posted most of the videos online - the easiest way to access them is here (scroll down to see Summit videos): http://www.youtube.com/user/bikeleaguevideo/videos?view=0 or links to specific videos from their blogs about the event: http://blog.bikeleague.org/blog/

WEDNESDAY March 6
Snow was predicted for Wednesday when we all were to descend upon Capitol Hill (4-6" predicted). What we got was mostly rain. I went to three appointments - Sen. Dan Coats, Rep.  Susan Brooks and Sen. Joe Donnelly. As we were leaving Sen. Donnelly's office he made a point of coming out and greeting us and we got our picture taken with him. We were scheduled to go to Rep. Carson's office, but they didn't have the office opened. The federal government offices were all closed due to the prediction of snow. The senate and representative offices were all trying to get out early so we had a few meetings rescheduled to earlier.

The meetings I went to and the other meetings that were covered by others from Indiana went very well - even those we didn't have any expectations for - Rep. Larry Bucshon being a big surprise (he didn't even want to meet with bicyclists at last year's summit). The Indiana delegation was mostly from Indianapolis area, but we covered all but 3 of the 11 senators/districts. Nancy Tibbett, Executive Director of Bicycle Indiana, arranged the congressional appointments and who would be the lead in each meeting. It was stressed that the meetings were the start of a long-term relationship building. The leads for each meeting will be continuing to contact them and invite them to special events in their districts.
 

  After lunch with the Indiana delegation I had a bit of time before going to the reception, so I took some pictures of the Bikestation at Union Station. Since it was locked/closed to non-members, I had to take photos from the outside. Better photos and more info are here: http://home.bikestation.com/washingtondc

Wednesday night everyone got back together for the congressional reception and heard of the successes on capitol hill. I got reacquainted with several advocacy folks I met at previous National Bike Summits and Thunderhead Alliance (now Alliance for Bicycling and Walking) retreats. When I came to the National Bike Summit as executive director of Indiana Bicycle Coalition (now Bicycle Indiana) I stayed at the home of Ellen Jones, then ED of Washington Area Bicyclists Association. It was great to catch up with her.

Then there was a party at a normally hip-hop place filled with bike advocates instead for the night. At the party, I was able to talk with Andy Clarke, president of League of American Bicyclists, and thank him for having Mayor Ballard and Indianapolis featured at the Summit. He is going to be in town for the grand opening of the Cultural Trail May 10-11 and again at the end of May for the American College of Sports Medicine conference so he'll get to see the Hub and the progress we've made first hand (the last time he was in Indy was April 2010). I hope to get him to BGI's North store while he's here as well, but his time will most likely be filled. I also spoke with Ginny Sullivan (Adventure Cycling Association) and Jeff Miller (Alliance for Bicycling and Walking) - they were interested in BGI's advocacy efforts and would like to see other retailers be as involved in bicycling.

THURSDAY March 7

Thursday morning was sunny and I had a bit of time before my flight so I went sightseeing at the Mall. I had hoped to find a bikeshare bike and ride around for a short ride, but was not able to locate any (and had forgotten to look online for a location before I left my hotel). I did see people on the capitol bikeshare bikes but only saw one corral the entire time I was in DC. Besides photos of the Washington Monument and the Capitol, the other photos are of  a unique bicycle shaped bike rack right by my hotel in Arlington, VA and the bikes lanes that are on Pennsylvania Ave. 

On Thursday, Rep. Brooks was on my flight and as we were waiting in baggage claim, I introduced myself to her (we had met with her legislative assistant for transportation issues). She seemed genuinely interested in going to a Safe Routes to School award school in her district (to be determined).

I had 4 very long days (up 'til midnight, rising at 6 am). I returned Thursday evening (flight was delayed due to snow in other areas of the country) just in time to get ready for BGI's Spring Bicycle Expo which started the following week (March 15-17).

Overall the Summit was good. I still have about 12 pages of cryptic notes yet to go through. (may translate into 3-4 pages of typewritten).

Connie

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

Working in a bike shop is more than just getting to handle all the "cool" gear.  You also get to meet, talk and share with industry experts with decades fo experience in their fields and products.  During the Bicycle Garage Indy Spring Bicycle Expo,(March 15-7, 2013) we will have dozens of these experts from our suppliers on site, who come to help us staff the event.  They are stationed throught the store, helping customers with their specialties all during the weekend.

This year, we are offering a number these industry experts a chance to offer short semiars, 30 to 45 minutes in length, to talk to directly to you, our customers.  Many of these seminars will be the short version of the same product training they offer BGI staff each year.  And we have also given local bicycle advocacy groups, IndyCOG, Bicycle Indiana, and the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA.org) a chanc tell you about their organizations too!

With one exception, the seminars will take place at Bicycle Garage Indy North (Dean Rd. at 82nd).    Their will be one seminar at BGI South and North, as Giant introduces the Propel Advance SL, their newest road bike, the most aerodynamic road in the world.  This is the Indiana introduction of this bike from Giant.

The seminars are occur throughout the day, all weekend.  The schedule, with a short description is listed below.  The seminars are free, with no registration required.

Seminar at BGI South
	Friday - 7pm BGI South	Eric Pirtle of Giant Bicycles will be unveiling Giant Bicycle's Propel Advanced SL, the world's most aerodynamic road bike. The Propel Advanced SL is wind-tunnel proven to be faster from every angle. You'll be the first people in Indiana to see the fastest aero bike ever built!
Seminars at BGI North
	Friday 1pm BGI North	Gary Thomas from Electra Bicycle Company will be discussing why Electra bikes (especially Townies) work so well for the casual cyclist that wants fun and comfort to be the major part of their cycling experience.  "Come see why a Townie can be a 30 minute vacation every day" with it's upright riding position, flat foot technology and how the customer can personalize their bike with all the fun accessories.
	Friday 3pm BGI North	Learn about Shimano's newest Dura-Ace groups from Dave Riggs from Shimano. A short movie will be shown about the development of the new mechanical and electronic groups and after the movie Dave Riggs will do a question and answer session.
	Friday 5pm BGI North	Eric Pirtle of Giant Bicycles will be unveiling Giant Bicycle's Propel Advanced SL, the world's most aerodynamic road bike. The Propel Advanced SL is wind-tunnel proven to be faster from every angle. Be the first to see he fastest aero bike ever built!
	Friday 7pm BGI North	Joshua Ruddy from Cannondale will discuss Cannondale's brand history/proprietary technology.
	Saturday 1pm BGI North	Presenter Kevin Gamper will highlight the company history, brand identity, distinctive product offerings and contributions to the sport and pastime of cycling of both Sugoi Performance Apparel and Sidi Cycling Shoes. Sugoi is a multisport apparel vendor out of Vancouver, British Columbia. Sidi is an Italian manufacturer of what many regard as the best-fitting cycling footwear on the planet. Come learn more about both of them! The discussion will be enhanced with samples of each vendor's coolest designs.
	Saturday 3pm BGI North	Find out about the new line of Zipp aero wheels from Jeff Gold from Zipp.
	Saturday 5pm BGI North	Luke Lindgren from Trek Bicycles will be on hand to discuss Trek's involvement with Bikes Belong and IMBA. He'll also give an overview of Trek's road bike line-up, Bontrager accessories, including road wheels.
	Saturday 7pm BGI North	Learn from Kevin Whited of IndyCOG about the latest activities and initiatives Indianapolis' bicycle advocacy organization, IndyCOG, has planned and how you can get involved: Bike to Work Day, Two Wheels One City, Indy Ride Guide and more.
	Sunday 2pm BGI North	Nancy Tibbett, Executive Director of Bicycle Indiana, will be fresh from the National Bike Summit and SPIN 2013 (indiana Bike Summit) armed with news about local and statewide bicycle news and initiatives of Bicycle Indiana. Bicycle Indiana works to create a more bicycle friendly Indiana through promoting and encouraging bicycling in Indiana, educating  bicyclists, motorists and policymakers on the benefits and importance of safe bicycling and advocating bicycle-friendly laws, policies and infrastructure in Indiana.  find out how you can help.
	Sunday 4pm BGI North	HMBA-IMBA has built and currently maintains over 125 miles of high quality mountain bike trails statewide.  With over 200 more miles of trail in the development of planning stages, Indiana is positioned to be a midwest destination for mountain biking.  Learn from Paul Arlinghaus, President of HMBA-IMBA, about HMBA-IMBA trails and how you can help build more trails.

We hope these seminars give you one more reason to stop by yourself, or tell a friend about Bicycle Garage Indy and BGI Fitness.

Bicycle Indiana's statewide bicycle summit, titled "spIN 2013". (Start Pedaling INdiana) happens this week, March 14-16  in Indianapolis. You can find for details and registration (required) on the Bicycle Indiana website.  The summit will take place at the Alexander Hotel, 333 S. Delaware, Indianapolis, IN.

Here is the summit agenda summary:

March 14, 5:30 -7 p.m

• Registration, Welcome, Dinner Groups w/ local hosts

March 15, 8 am -5 pm

• Can your street help you lose weight and save money?
• Economic Impact of Bicycling
• New AASHTO guide for bike infrastructure

March 16, 8 am - noon

• Welcome
• Breakout session topics to include:
• Women's Forums 1 & 2
• Advocacy 101
• Promoting your club, event, organization
• 1 pm  - Let's Go For A Bike Ride!

Bicycle Indiana is the statewide voice of the Indiana bicycling community.  Bicycle Indiana serves all those involved in bicycling by providing information, education, organization, promotion and advocacy.  Bicycle Indiana's offices are located in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA at City Market, 242 E. Market Street, in downtown Indianapolis.  If you are in town for spIN 2013, be sure to visit this unique bicycle parking and fitness facilty.

Join us at Bicycle Garage Indy North on Thursday, February 28,  and be surrounded by dozens of other women for a fun evening. The evening's topic will be "All About Chamois".  We'll have Brendan Gecik from Gore Bike Wear in town to answer all your questions about chamois, including - what is a chamois?.  What is a chamois?  (If you don't know, you definitely should attend this Ladies' Night!)

What is a chamois? Pronounced "Shammy", a chamois is defined as: 1) a small extremely agile goat antelope (Rupicapra rupicapra) of mountainous regions from southern Europe to the Caucasus; 2) a soft pliant leather prepared from the skin of the chamois or from sheepskin;3) a cotton fabric made in imitation of chamois leather.

Brendan will be talking about definitions #2/#3 and how it relates to comfort on the bike.  In his own words, here is Brendan's bio. "I've been riding and racing bikes since 1985, shortly after the bike was invented and right before the advent of suspension. I'm a cyclist first, racer second though. I feel more accomplishment helping others achieve and pulling teammates along than actually going for the win myself. I've raced everything from BMX to 24 Hour Solo Mountain Bike and I have a lot of time in the saddle to speak from. I've worked for GORE Bike Wear for two years and prior spent 12 years as a cycling apparel Buyer at retail so I've seen it all come and go or stay."

So mark your calendar, and and be sure to register (it's free) at www.bgindy.com/for/ladiesnight.  Registration is limited to 50, so please register soon!

Date:  Thursday, February 28, 2013
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Bicycle Garage Indy North, 4340 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis, IN

Evening Activities

5:30-6:15 pm   Social time with food and beverages
6:15-6:30 pm   Introduction
6:30-7:15 pm   Presentation "All about Chamois" Brendan Gecik, Gore Bike Wear
7:15-8:30 pm   Shopping
8:00 pm          Door Prize Drawing / Shopping
8:30 pm          Evening ends

Registration is FREE. Discount coupons for clothing and accessories will be available to those who attend. 

Bonus Mid-Day Event
Meet & Greet with Brendan Gecik
Bicycle Garage Indy South (997 E. County Line Rd., Greenwood)
Thursday, February 28 12-2 pm
 
If you can't come to Ladies' Night but still want to learn about bicycling clothing, the mysterious chamois, or Gore Bike Wear products in particular, head to BGI South on Thursday February 28 between 12pm - 2pm. We're pleased to have Brendan Gecik from Gore visit BGI South for a less structured event. Don't be shy. We just want to help you learn about bike clothing so that you can enjoy your biking more. You can register (it's free) at www.bgindy.com/for/ladiesnight.

While this event is free, we hope you will please consider making a small donation (used bicycle parts, cash donation) to help support Shifting Gears. Shifting Gears is a program which takes in donated bikes, the bikes are refurbished by offenders and donated through community organizations to people who need bikes. Shifting Gears is a partnership between Bicycle Garage Indy, Volunteers of America of Indiana and Indiana Department of Correction. For more information: www.bgindy.com/for/shiftinggears

 

I first posted this back in 2009.  I strongly believe it's worth posting again.  While the numbers have certainly increased, the relative differences have changed little (according to the few reports I've read so far).  Cycling is still safer than media coverage might lead you to believe.

I just read a fascinating article by Frank Krygowski in the latest issue of Midwest Bike Magazine  about bicycle saftey.  He cited many authoritative sources in making his case.  Basically, he convincingly argues the notion that "cycling is dangerous" is a myth and that cyclists themselves must stop believing the myth as the first step in stopping others believing the myth.  I invite you to read the entire article for yourself, but here are a few of his numbers to prod your interest a bit:

Emergency Room visits (U.S. annual number / related to):
Basketball / 690,000
Cycling /  590,000
Beds / 466,000  (that's right - getting out of bed is only slightly less dangerous than cycling)

Deaths (U.S. annual number / related to):
Heart Disease / 700,000  (which would decrease if more people cycled regularly)
Automobiles / 33,000
Pedestrians /5,000
Drowning / 4,000
Cycling / 750

Head Injury Deaths (U.S. annual number / related to):
U.S annual total / 70,000
Pedestrians / 3,500+  (crossing the street is much more dangerous than cycling)
Cycling / fewer than 500

He argues that the widespread belief in the "cycling is dangerous" myth provides support for those who want to impose restrictions on cycling and cyclists.  Those who desire to keep cyclists out of the mainstream transportation infrastructure use fear mongering supported by belief in this myth.  Learn the facts, not the myth.





"Put your mettle to the pedals."


 

The Indy Bike Hub YMCA will be the center of activity for Mayor Ballard's Polar Bear Pedal II, on Saturday January 5, 2013.  Over 600 riders have already registered for this free event!  You can sign up at http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPW/SustainIndy/Bikeways/Pages/Polar-Pedal.aspx.

This will be the second year Mayor Ballard will lead the winter season bicycle ride and we want to make it even bigger. This year the ride will highlight bike lanes and facilities Downtown and on the Southside.  Participants will enjoy a casual 10 mile bike ride that will loop back to the Indy Bike Hub.  

Hot Chocolate will be served at the Hub for returning riders, and a number of Indianapolis City Market Merchant's will be open before and after the ride.  Riders are also encouraged to visit the Winter Famers Market, taking place in the west wing of City Market.  Courtesy bicycle parking before and after the event will be provided by Pedal and Park, and inside the Indy Bike Hub YMCA.

T- Shirts will be available for purchase the day of the ride.

What: Polar Bear Pedal II
Where: Indy Bike Hub, 222 East Market Street
When: Saturday, January 5, 2013
Time: Registration/Check-In 9 a.m. Ride Starts 10 a.m.

Polar Bear Pedal II Sponsors: Presented by Coca-Cola, and the following sponsors:
Bicycle Garage Indy,
NUVO,
Central Indiana Bicycling Association (CIBA),
Sun King Brewing Co, 
24 Hours of Booty, 
Infrastructure Engineering Inc., Big Car.org, Indy Bike Hub YMCA,
Crawford, Murphy, & Tilly Engineering (CMT), 
Green Bean Delivery, 
Pedal and Park, 
Indiana Living Green, and
INDYCOG.

Last year I told myself I'd ride all winter. I remember riding sometime in February and realizing that I had done it ! I thought to myself how beautiful it can be riding in the snow. This was right after I got my new road bike I was going farther and farther and this is when I realized how much I loved cycling.

Name: Stephen Wray
Bicycle: Giant Defy 2
City: Indianapolis
State: Indiana
 

Stephen:  Great picture and story, and we hope you have another great year of bicycling. Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.