Bike Route Indianapolis

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

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

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.

In case you don't know what the R.A.I.N. ride is, I'll tell you. Once a year, approximately 1500 crazed cyclists ride their bicycles across the state of Indiana covering 160 miles from the city of Terre Haute to the other side, ending up in Richmond, all in one day. Why? For the fun of it and because we can!

Just say, if the condition of our hotel upon our arrival had any bearing on how our weekend was going to go, I would have up and quit before I even started. While checking in, I was kindly informed that our room had just been converted from smoking to non-smoking less than 4 weeks ago. Keep in mind, our non-smoking requests are not preferences, but a medical necessity. The R.A.I.N. is a big event in Terre Haute, therefore; no vacancies were available at any other hotel. Believe me, husband made numerous calls to verify this.

After returning from dinner back to the only room in the city available for our usage, we were once again informed of an additional issue the hotel allegedly had no control over, the elevators were down. No, I don't mean down on the first floor or down the hall. I meant out of order, useless, unable to carry my luggage and bikes up the four flights of stairs to my room that someone could have easily mistaken for a smoky bar. Usually, the night before any of my extreme physical endeavors such as half marathons, 160 mile bike rides, I attempt to reduce my physical activities and rest up for the following day. I guess habits are made to be broken, not that I had a choice.

Enough about poor choices in hotel selection, this was my second year of riding R.A.I.N. two Saturdays ago, July 21st. The starting line was at St. Mary of the Woods College, the same location as packet pick up the night before. I find the mass start of any group bike ride intimidating. I hate the crowd and closeness of over a 1000 bikes knowing that it only takes less than a mere second for someone to suddenly hit the brakes or someone to forget to unclip at an intersection and cause total chaos. A bit paranoid? Probably!

With this summer's heat and humidity, I expected a much warmer start than I was introduced to. As I met up with my uncle about 20 or so miles into the ride and thankfully for me, riders had scattered, we both concurred that it was just flat out cold. We passed each other a couple of times before we met up again at the first rest stop at mile 38, where my SUPER SAG TEAM was eagerly awaiting my husband and I's arrival.

My SUPER SAG TEAM, or PSV as others may refer to it, consisted of my gorgeous oldest, 17 year old son, his best friend, and my equally gorgeous youngest 14 year old son. They had specific instructions, #1 being "DO NOT HIT A CYCLIST", especially me or your father. Seriously, he was told under no circumstances were you to get anywhere near a bike. Being that my SAG driver is only 17 years old, I'll admit my confidence lacks because of his lack of experience driving around cyclists and driving period.

The SUPER SAG TEAM'S second set of instructions were to immediately replenish the handy dandy insulated Polar Bear water bottles with fresh ice and Powerade upon our arrival to the rest stop. While they refilled our water bottles, we would quickly hydrate, eat bananas, trail mix, and whatever else we would obtain from the R.A.I.N. provided rest stop and of course, stand in line for the wonderful port-a-potties.

After we felt as though we were adequately ready for the next round of miles, we headed east again into the much higher temperatures than we started with. The temperature increased quickly as did the sun's ability to cook me after I was unable to find the Aveeno sunblock I was positive that I had packed the night prior. Regardless, we kept pedaling right along on our new Trek road bikes we had just upgraded to just this late March.

Why do I mention the new purchase? HA! Just say last year's R.A.I.N. ride was not as efficient as this year's trek (no pun intended), on our old Trek bikes. Last year we purchased Trek hybrids, (yes, I said hybrids) approximately one month before the R.A.I.N. We managed to squeeze in a handful of short rides and two, maybe three 50 milers prior to the 2011 R.A.I.N. I'm sure some of you die hard cyclists are thinking we weren't exactly the brightest riders in the group, but believe me....we knew what we were getting into, well kind of.....15 long hours later.

Anybody and everybody that knew cycling that we told we were doing R.A.I.N. and those that we told after the fact that we had attempted the R.A.I.N. on hybrids and with very little proper training, somewhat questioned our mental capacity. We did finish, just not before the 9 p.m. cut off time. It was just around 10 p.m. and very dark.

With new bikes and a tad more training under our belts, I had every intention on cutting off some serious time this year. I didn't remember the exact time of our arrivals at each rest stop the year prior, but I was well aware we were on the tail end of the majority of the riders. It's a good indicator when there are few riders remaining at the stops and the volunteers are cleaning up.

So, when we came out of the cornfields and headed into more commercial civilization and arrived at our second rest stop at mile 63, I knew we were significantly ahead of last year's schedule. Numerous riders were still present and the volunteers didn't appear to be packing up anytime soon. Woo Hoo! Once again, we hydrated, consumed calories and made sure our bottles were refilled prior to heading out for another 25 miles or so prior to our next stop, lunch.

As we pedaled vigorously, O.K.....just pedaled, around the south side of Indy; we came to the same gas station we patronized last year and replenished our ice and water. It was getting hotter by the minute and more difficult to keep hydrated properly. We had sent our wonderful SAG crew home for the time being, as our next stop was just less than 2 miles from our home which was only a block or so off the R.A.I.N. route we were taking.

Prior to leaving the gas station, I called the Senior SAG member and informed him of our whereabouts and told him to ensure that our lunch was ready on time, he needed to leave the house in fifteen minutes to place our O'Charley's carry out order and get it home. Our plan worked flawlessly. As we turned the corner to the last main street prior to our home, Senior SAG boy was right behind us in the Super SAG van. I yelled out to my husband and pointed "There's our food!". Just as I did, I noticed the very nearby roadkill and seriously hoped that the other riders didn't think that was what I was referring to.

My Cajun Chicken Pasta and bread from O'Charley's was one of the most beautiful moments of the day. After surviving off of the hotel breakfast, then bananas, trail mix, cereal bars & cheese sticks from rest stops and the back of van, our lunch was pure bliss.... that and the house air conditioning. Of course, with ONLY 73 more miles to go, I could use all the additional carb loading I could get.

With ONLY 73 more miles to go, I quickly finished my lunch and headed out by myself this time. Dad a.k.a. dear husband took over SUPER SAG duties from my 'very eager to surrender' SUPER SAG TEAM and called his cycling "over" for the day.

When we had arrived at home for lunch, I noticed it was around 1:30ish. Remembering that we were just coming upon the actual lunch stop last year right around closing time, 4:00, I knew I was on schedule to at least cut off a couple of hours from last year's finishing time. If I could avoid any issues, wrecks, flat tires, etc., I would succeed!

I passed the middle school where lunch was being served and continued my trek alone. At this point, I was somewhat invigorated. I had just had a yummy lunch and an ice cold Diet Dr. Pepper. What more could a girl with a serious diet soda addiction ask for? Well, besides a permanently attached I.V. seeping Diet Dr. Pepper into my veins.

I rode mostly alone for awhile, with the occasional rider passing and squeezing in a "Hi!" or a quick attempt at a conversation. I did keep more than a minute conversation with a friendly gentleman who informed me this was his first R.A.I.N. or any ride over 100 miles for that matter. I'm all too familiar with that scenario.

I think he highly considered my intelligence and judgment less than average after my attempt at becoming one with the front of a sedan passing though an intersection that I made the mistake of thinking it was a four way stop. Guessing by the passenger aggressively throwing his arms in the air and the driver giving me a less than lovely look, I don't think I they thought I was a genius either. Hey, I never claimed perfection. Remember? I did this crazy thing on a hybrid and with little training last year. Oh, and did I mention our pedals were not clipless or caged? What do you expect? I never claimed to be Einstein! Besides, he never brushed his hair and I couldn't get away with that.

After reclaiming my heart that just fell into my stomach and somewhat gaining my composure as my ninth live passed before my eyes, I ventured forward on my own. I think he was glad to see me go......away; before I got him killed.

I pedaled on alone, once again, meeting up with my husband a.k.a. substitute SAG every so many miles or so for fresh ice & water along US-40 East. I had skipped the last stop in Greenfield at the golf course. It was only drinks and ice and with my new SAG, he was never too far behind or ahead if I needed either.

I remembered the next stop Dunreith Volunteer Fire Department from last year. They had the best ever in my 38, ok almost 39, years of life; flavored ice pops. Yes, I said flavored ice pops. You go sit on a bike for hours on end in 90 degree weather and blazing hot sun and see if you can deny those ice pops. With the relentless heat, they were better than my Cajun pasta.

While still at Dunreith, I made extra effort to cool off with an ice cold, drenched wash cloth. I wrung it out over my bike helmet. While any other time, it would have been frigid and caused me to screech, it was refreshing and the beginning to my next set of miles.

Prior to arriving at Dunreith, I had rode closely behind a group of about 10-12, 2 abreast in what I call synchronized cycling and what I think others refer to as drafting. It was not my intent, or is it ever my intent to intentionally synchronize, ok..draft. To me as mentioned previously, I'm not comfortable with such close proximity to any moving bike. Since most of the time, my pace was right in line with theirs, it was difficult to pass without them attempting the same very shortly thereafter. Therefore; I stayed in my dutiful place and maintained the pace.

After Dunreith, I sporadically kept with the group of matching jerseys off and on. I was once welcomed by one of the riders who stayed towards the back who had informed me they were a group from Indy that trained together at one of the YMCA's. Either their pace picked up or mine significantly dropped, because right before Centerville, the R.A.I.N. route detoured off of US 40 and into the land of cornfields, my ability to keep up was all but totally lost.

Right about the time I had seen the mile marker informing R.A.I.N. riders we were only 10 miles from the finish, my pace significantly decreased, my legs started shaking and just like during my first half marathon 5 years ago, I wished for spontaneous combustion. I was in serious bonk mode and had hit the wall that most runners refer to in about mile 20 or so of the full marathon.

I stopped my bike to the side of the road for a quick break and to see if some Powerade would help alleviate my issues to no avail. I could barely get off my bike, my legs were shaking so bad, I thought I would fall. I drank quickly and with much effort got back onto my bike. My condition didn't change at all as I continued to pedal with as much effort as humanly possible at this point. Obviously, my efforts at fueling and hydrating all day had failed.

I continued to watch my bike computer for the change in distance, but like watching water boil or paint dry, not much happened. It seemed as if every 10th of a mile was 10 miles, I felt that bad. I was determined to finish dead or alive, preferably alive. Finally, the marker for 2 miles was up ahead. Even with only 2 miles until finish, I seriously contemplated calling sub SAG or dear husband who I knew was probably at the finish line eagerly waiting to take pictures, to come back and stay near in case I fell over flat.

I overcame that thought, knowing I would rather be dragged to the finish and him snap my finishing photo than him to come hunting me down and miss my photo op. Finally, I started to see the finish line behind through my delirious eyes as the crowd cheered on the finishers to the end. Like last year, I secretly declared my love to that Earlham College sign that marked the end to 160 miles. There was nothing more beautiful than the finishing marker.

I climbed off my bike as they recorded my finishing time at 8:12 p.m., 13 hours, 12 minutes after the start and roughly 2 hours less than last years unrecorded time. I was handed my prized finishing medal as the R.A.I.N. photographer took my picture. Yes, my husband was there to get it also.

After dear husband snapped my less than smiling picture, I handed him the bike and told him to take it away. I handed the approximate 2 ounce finishing medal to my cousin and told her it was too heavy, take it. I was that exhausted, had the overwhelming desire to vomit; which I was capable to suppress and only wanted to find my way to the car that was taking me home.

When my uncle and cousin asked if I would be back next year, I only remember giving them the glare of death. Of course, cousin had to remind me that I had given her the same response last year 160 miles later, only to have booked next year's hotel within a week later of the finish.

Yes, dear cousin Kelly, the hotel for next year's R.A.I.N. is already booked. I know where I won't be staying.

Don't they say the third times the charm, right? Somebody had better be right!

As published on www.momrunsfasterthandad.com

Name: Christina Grisby
Bicycle: Trek Lexa SLX
City: Indianapolis
State: Indiana
 

Christina:  We will be looking forward RAIN the third time around in 2013.  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

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!

Indianapolis Bike To Work Day, on Friday, May 18, 2012 makes a major change with all downtown routes now concluding at the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, 222 East Market Street.  The move from Monument Circle will highlight the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, a premier, one-of-kind bicycle fitness facility to the over 500 ridres for this years Bike To Work Day.  INDYCOG will again hosting the event, and partnering with Bicycle Indiana, IndyGo and the City of Indianapolis as well as many other sponsors, including the Great Indy YMCA and Bicycle Garage Indy.

Opened in September of 2011, this is the first time the facility has been been available for Indianapolis Bike To Work event.  The Indy Bike Hub YMCA supports bicycle commuters with secure indoor bicycle parking, locker rooms, showers, full service bicycle shop (offering bicycle accessories, bicycle repairs and service and bicycle rentals) and provides downtown Indianapolis workers, residents and visitors with a full service fitness center. You can learn more at the YMCA website and at IndyBikeHub.org.

Over a dozen rides originating from points all around greater Indianapolis will converge on the Hub by 7:45 AM.  A complete listing  of starting points and distances is available on the IndyCOG web site.

Commuters will receive free breakfast on the City Market plaza, with short term parking (7:00 AM to 10:30 AM), provided by Pedal & Park  on the west plaza.  Spaces will also be available inside the Indy Bike Hub YMCA commuters who register online.

Bicycle Garage Indy is a sponsor of the Corporate Bike to Work Challenge.

I am so excited for this years nite ride! My wife and I look forward to this event every year! Most recently I've been commuting to work on my custom Surly Troll, with panniers and all! But, on the weekends I break free and fly on my Bianchi. What an amazing city we have. Lots of trails and bicycle routes! Looking forward to a great 2012!

Name: Leon Davis
Bicycle: Bianchi
City: Indianapolis
State: IN
 

Leon.  We all agree, Indy and the surrounding area is a great place to ride!  Thanks again from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy.

Ever since last year, my husband and I have been cruising around all of Indy. We’ve explored the Monon Trail, biked from downtown to Carmel and believe it or not from Greenwood to my parents house in Castleton. We are loving it! We can’t wait to explore the new paths constructed this winter on the Indianapolis Cultural trail. I must say, it is my favorite! You can just ride anywhere in downtown Indianapolis now! What a wonderful city. Last year, was my first official ride. The Hope Ride in Hope, Indiana. It was amazing. We did the 62 mile route. This year I am going for the 100 miles! I “hope” I make it.  Can’t wait!

Name: Chelsea Davis
Bicycle: Felt
City: Indianapolis
State: IN
 

Chelsea:  Good luck with your first century, it sounds like you are off to a good start!  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

• On-site registration opens at 10 a.m. at Bicycle Garage Indy Downtown in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA
• Ride begins at 11 a.m
• Course includes a hot chocolate break at the Major Taylor Velodrome and returns to the Indy Bike Hub YMCA at the Indianapolis City Market
• IMPD will provide traffic control along the entire route
• Helmets are required
• T-shirts provided to first 100 people who RSVP
• Additional shirts are available for purchase on the day of the ride

Join us at Bicycle Garage Indy North and be surrounded by dozens of other women for a fun evening. Our panel of expert female bicyclists will answer YOUR questions about the following types of bicycling: Touring / Recreational, Mountain Biking, Commuting and Racing. You'll be able to submit up to 2 questions when you register.

Evening Activities 

NOTE: Registration is limited to 50. Please register in the form below.

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

• Week of May 9th - 8 mile ride
• Week of May 16th - 10 mile ride
• Week of May 23rd - 12 mile ride
• Week of May 30th - 14 mile ride
• Week of June 6th - 16 mile ride
• Week of June 13th - 18 mile ride
• Week of June 20th - 20 mile ride

And on June 15, you could win a package of 4 NITE Ride entries Bontrager light sets from Bicycle Garage Indy.  For contest details, visit http://www.bgindy.com/for/yourbicyclecontest.

• Air up bicycle tires
• Check Tires for holes, cracks
• Check Brakes
• Check Shifting
• Lube Bike Chain
• Lights and Batteries

• Water bottle
• Helmet
• Gloves
• Riding Shoes
• Did we mention "Air up bicycle tires"?

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.