Indianapolis Bicycle Trails

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.

Did you watch any of the Olympic Women’s Beach Volleyball last summer?    If so, you couldn’t help but notice the fluorescent shoulder taping of American Gold Medalist Misty May-Treanor.  What was that all about? 

Misty was using the latest product available to athletes for injury prevention and/or rehab – Kinesiology Tape.  Designed for sore muscles, joints and tendons – Kinesiology Tape offers targeted pain relief and support.  This product has taken off so much that it is now available directly to consumers without needing to go through a physical therapist.  BGI Fitness is proud to announce that we now carry KT Tape. 

KT Tape comes in easy-to-apply, pre-cut strips.  These strips will stay in place for up to three days, replete with multiple workouts, showers and even swimming in the pool.  The best part is the informative website for KT Tape.    Just click on your injured body part, and the video link will provide clear, step-by-step instruction in the proper placement of your tape. For example, this link shows a possible placement for a hamstring injury.

 You will quickly come to understand the motto of this exciting new product……

Prevent Injury

Recover Faster

Play Harder

KT Tape is now available at Bicycle Garage and BGI Fitness, along with many other flexibility and therapeutic accessories for any level of exercise or sport.

When you visit Bicycle Garage Indy, BGI Fitness is the same store. Bicycle Garage Indy-North (Dean Rd at East 82nd Street) and Bicycle Garage Indy-South (just seconds west of I-65 on County Line Road)

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 oppurtunities aviailable to the bicyclists in greater Indiapolis area.

BGI South Monday Evening Rest & Recovery Ride: Rides are a lower-intensity training ride of 28 miles. Typical pace is 15-17 mph. We will work on pace lines and drafting technique. More experienced riders will always be there to give advice.

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.

Bicycle Garage Indy and BGI Fitness welcome Angee Grogan of Mind & Body Fitness, to provide yoga classes at our North Store. We piloted this program with BGI employees, with a satisfaction rating of 9.7 out of 10.0!  I will be attending the Beginner class so that should good for some laughs right there!

SPRING INTO YOGA!  In a friendly, supportive environment, you'll improve your overall sense of balance and flexibility with one of these two great classes:

Beginner Yoga: In this class, we will ease into a sound yoga practice, starting with the breath. We will gently explore beginning yoga postures, being mindful and present, while keeping a good sense of humor! Take a chance on something new this Spring - what do you have to lose?

Vinyasa Yoga: In this class, we actively explore yoga movement, flowing through a variety of connected poses. While not limited to athletes, many find this type of yoga a helpful addition to a regular fitness routine. We still keep an active sense of humor in this class too!

Where:  BGI North, 4340 E. 82nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250

• Beginners Yoga:  8:30 to 9:30 am, Tuesdays on April 16, April 23, April 30 and May 7
• Vinyasa Yoga:      8:30 to 9:30 am, Fridays on April 19, April 26, May 3, and May 10

Cost:     $32 per session ($8 per class). We are sorry, but we cannot accommodate walk-ins.

Go to this link for more info and to sign up online:  www.bgindy.com/for/yoga_atbgi

Randall G. Clark, Founder and President
Bicycle Garage Indy / BGI Fitness

Join us at Bicycle Garage Indy North on Thursday, April 11, starting at 5:30 PM, for the next BGI Ladies' Night.  We'll have Sam Bailey, owner of Koki Bike Bags of Hood River, Oregon here for this fun event.  This in-store event is free, but registration at  www.bgindy.com/for/ladiesnight is required.  Attendance is limited to 50, so please sign up early.

Sam will answer all your questions about the various options you have to carry items on your bike for longer rides, running errands, shopping - you name it, there's a way to carry it.   She will also talk more about  Decide 2 Ride, the riding philosphy that drives her company.

Bonus Event: If you can't come to Ladies' Night but still want to learn about Koki's line of bags and panniers, head to BGI South on Thursday April 11 between 12pm - 2pm. We're pleased to have Sam Bailey, owner of Koki Bike Bags, visit BGI South for a less structured event. Don't be shy. We just want to help you learn about bicycle bags so that you can enjoy your biking more. Let us know you're coming by using the registration at this link.

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

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.


 

The Greenways Foundation has concerns that there should be a state funded trails maintenance fund. To aid with the growing demand to maintain our valued trail networks, the Greenways Foundation of Indiana proposes the establishment of a Greenways Maintenance Fund at the state level.  This fund would be available to trail management agencies, public and not-for-profit, to provide financial aid in maintaining off-road trails.

To highlight this concern and educate Indiana state legislators on the importance of establishing a trails maintenance fund, the Greenway Foundation has reserved the Atrium at the Statehouse on MONDAY, APRIL 8, FROM 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, to bring these concerns to the attention of the legislators. Refreshments will be served. YOUR PRESENCE IS VITAL. The more people we have the better.

For more information and to notify the Greenways Foundation by email of your availability to attend to lamerekaren@gmail.com.

Show your support for a Trails Maintenance Fund by attending an event at the Statehouse on Monday April 8 and/or by inviting your state legislators to attend.

Event Details:

What: Special Trails Gathering at the Statehouse North Atrium
When: Monday, April 8, 11 am - 2 pm
Where: Indiana Statehouse North Atrium

Found out the my reusable Starbucks cup is a perfect fit for my bicycle's cup holder!

Name: Maryanne Hayes
Bicycle: A blue one (from Giant)
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

Hi Maryanne:  Looks good, tastes great, and is enviromentally friendly!  A perfect combination!  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

BGI customers on our email list have recently received our latest email newsletter.  
This is edition is jam packed with exiciting events coming up in April:

• April 3rd -  Indy Greenways Master Plan meeting
• April 8th -  Greenways Foundation gathering
• April 11th - Ladies' Night at BGI (Registration)
• April 25th - TRI(athlon) Night at BGI (Registration)
• April Weeknights - no-charge clinics at BGI stores (starts 4/8)
• April Tuesdays & Fridays- Yoga classes at BGI

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 
 

"Why is it that many shops that would like to project an image of being professional and knowledgeable are so bad at 'guesstimating' bike sizing?" 

This is a question recently posted on a cycling forum I frequent.  Here's my response:

That there is the $64,000 Question. And for those who have no idea what that references, then you have a clue as to the problem [the forum member above] talks about. It's a generational thing - most of those old guys, who had an idea of how to match up a rider to their optimal size frame, are gone. Moved onto jobs that actually paid the bills or moved to that velodrome in the clouds (no, not the internet service). Many of those still left have a difficult time dealing with frames lacking a horizontal top tube; they just don't get it; and that's the biggest problem most dealers have with putting customers on optimal size frames.

Compact Geometry = downward sloping top tube. A couple of years ago Giant Bicycle asked for my opinion on why a large dealer in Michigan argued that "Giant bicycles never fit any of our customers...." This was a very large, well respected dealer that had been in business for many years. After getting a few more details, it appears the dealer was looking at the center-to-center physical length of the seat tube instead of the effective (virtual) length. For example, a Medium Giant TCR road frame has a seat tube with a CtC physical length of 50cm. The Michigan dealer was calling this a 50cm size bike. The frame also has a top tube listed at 55.5cm (although Giant still doesn't label it as "effective"). You'd need the body proportions of a FERRET to need that 50/55.5 frame design. To compare the current crop of sloping top tube frames with classic designs using horizontal top tubes, you need to measure the new designs as if the top tube was actually horizontal; that usually means measuring the frame size somewhere on the seat post. Thus the effective (virtual) size of the Medium Giant TCR is really 56cm (+/-1cm for practical purposes), not 50cm. In reality, all the sloping top tube does is uncover seat post and deliver a larger adjustment range for saddle height. That means each compact geometry size will optimally fit a wider range of cyclist proportions compared to traditional horizontal top tube designs. Everyone wins, unless the shop fails to consider the effective seat tube length rather than the physical seat tube length.

For those shops still looking for the traditional one inch of stand-over clearance - they just do not understand. Forget about the one inch clearance standard; it is totally meaningless with sloping top tube bicycles - you're more likely to have 4-8 inches of clearance. As an aside, that one inch clearance thing was always more a creation of lawyers than anyone in the cycling industry.

Hope that helps.

$64,000 Question

Several years ago, BGI started using propreitary software developed for the specific purpose of eliminating the confusion of translating body proportions into frame proportions.  While manufacturers label frame sizes based on seat tube length, the more important consideration is top tube length.  The reason is simple - there's a lot more acceptable adjustment available with the seatpost  (saddle height) than with stem length (reach to bars).  This gives BGI the ability to be much more precise and consistent when advising customers about their optimal frame size.  The software also compensates for the different size labeling systems used by our various bicycle manufacturers.  This "Sizing" step is free for BGI customers and takes just a few minutes.

After finding your optimal frame size (which could be different for each manufacturer), be sure to have it adjusted to your body with a BGI Bicycle Fitting.  Most people wouldn't consider buying a tuxedo that wasn't tailored to fit.  Why buy a nice bicycle and fail to have it tailored to your body?  Think about it - a tuxedo is mostly for standing around in, whereas your bicycle is for hours of active moving excercise.

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

Flow.  That's the concept behind many of the trails in Brown County State Park.  Now plans are in place for a new "Flow" trail.  Imagine a one-way, downhill-optimized dirt rollercoaster of a trail starting at the top of Hesitation Point and linking up with the Green Valley trail.  But we need your vote to make this happen sooner rather than later!

Your vote can help Brown County win a $100,000 grant from Bell Helmet for work on the Hobbs Hollow trail.  This brand new 3-mile segment of trail will be jam-packed with bermed turns, step-ups, rock drops, and tabletop jumps along its a 2-mile descent with 360 feet of vertical drop, more than any other trail in the state.

Bell Bike Helmets is partnering with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) to give away $100,000 in trail grants in its Bell Built Facebook contest. With more than 100 applications submitted, twelve trail projects have been selected as finalists in three different categories – Pump Track, Flow Trail and a Downhill.  One winner will be chosen in each category.

You can find additional informatiion on the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA.org) website.

Cast your vote and tell your friends and help bring more sweet singletrack to Brown County Moutain Biking. Vote Midwest and give some love to Elm Creek, MN (pump track) and Copper Harbor, MI (downhill)!

VOTE BROWN COUNTY HOBBS HOLLOW FLOW TRAIL - NOW THRU APRIL 1

https://www.facebook.com/BellBikeHelmets?sk=app_469747409753569&app_data

Bicycle Garage Indy is proud to be sponsor of many HMBA events every year!

The February/March issue of Bicycle Dealer magazine features a 3 page article about Bicycle Garage Indy (pages 18-20).

http://www.bicycledealermag.com/magazine/febmarch2013/index.html

Highlighted are the various facets of Bicycle Garage Indy, BGI Fitness, BGI Fitness Commercial, as well as our mission, our new North Store, and advocacy efforts. We're pleased to be highlighted in this publication. 

Connie Szabo Schmucker, Advocacy Director

Bicycle Garage Indy / BGI Fitness

Bicycle Garage Indy North and Bicycle Garage Indy South will be the site of the Indiana unveiling of the most aerodynamic road bike in the world, Giant Bicycle’s Propel Advanced SL. The Propel Advanced SL is wind-tunnel proven to be faster from every angle.  This will be just one of the special events during BGI's 30th Annual Spring Bicycle Expo, March 15-17.

Years of research, development and testing—in the wind tunnel and on the roads by Team Blanco pros including sprinter Theo Bos—led to the all-new Propel Advanced SL, the world’s fastest aero road bike. Its wind-slicing new innovations include AeroSystem Shaping technology, the SpeedControl SLR brake system and Contact Aero handlebar. The Advanced SL-grade composite frame—with an OverDrive 2 steerer tube for stiff, precise steering and handling, and integrated seatpost for added aerodynamics and compliance—forms the backbone of a bike that has best-in-class light weight and unrivaled aero innovation.

Be the first to see the fastest aero bike ever built at Bicycle Garage Indy at the following times and locations:

Friday, March 15 at 5:00 PM
Bicycle Garage Indy North, 4340 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis

Friday, March 15 at 7:00 PM
Bicycle Garage Indy South, 997 E. County Line Rd., Greenwood

Other Activities at Bicycle Garge Indy North during the 3 day Spring Bicycle Expo include:

Jeff Lenosky Bicycle Stunt Show Times:
Friday, March 15: 6 pm;
Saturday, March 16: 11 am, 2 pm, 6 pm; 
Sunday, March 17: 1 pm, 3 pm

Bicycle Seminars (presented by various Bicycle Industry Experts and Advocacy groups):
Friday, March 15: 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm 7 pm
Saturday, March 16: 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm 7 pm
Sunday, March 17: 2 pm, 4 pm

The Jeff Lenosky stunt shows and Bicycle Seminars are all free to the public.

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.

I recently came across the web site of a bicycle dealer who offers high quality Fitting Services, but was appalled by the misleading and downright incorrect information it spewed about Fitting methods they do not use.  This is not a local dealer, but since a few people outside the local area read this blog, I think it's important to get the facts straight.

Here's the relevant part of what their web site says: "...we can analyze actual video rather than the 'stick figures' used by other systems such as Retul, which is entirely dependent on proper body marker placement and shows only angles, not bodies!"  This dealer uses Dartfish, a 2D video capture system with associated computer software.

I won't bore you with lots of details, so here are the essentials.  Dartfish records a video of the athlete.  The video is played back on a computer monitor screen upon which "markers" are placed using the computer mouse/cursor.  The software generates lines between markers and displays the lines and calculated angles between them over the athlete's image (see above).  Very cool looking, very useful for many applications and fun to play with. 

Retul does indeed rely on precise marker placement (Dartfish does too), but the Retul markers are placed on the actual cyclist after the Fitter palpates each key body joint (see above center).  Note that the LED used for measuring, about 1mm in diameter, is in the center of the larger black mount.  This direct application of markers makes more precise marker placement impossible (short of a full body X-ray).  Problems with Dartfish accuarcy usually arise because the markers are placed on a frozen video image that is only 2D and much smaller than life-size.  A marker placement error of more than couple of millimeters on the life-size cyclist is unacceptable - imagine how much error is possible on a blurred video image that is a miniature of the life-size original.

Retul measurements are taken over a Fitter specified time period as the cyclist pedals against resistance so a valid average is calculated.  In the real world, cyclists tend to move around a bit while pedaling.  Dartfish requires the user to arbritrarily select a single video frame (AKA make an educated guess) which may or may not be representative of the average pedal stroke of the cyclist. 

Last but not least important, and the reason I took notice of their web site - the "stick figure" (see above right) on the monitor display referred to is not used for determining measurements as they falsely state, it is simply a visual display to confirm correct system function.  Retul records measurements directly from the LED harness on the cyclist while they're pedaling against resistance.  Bottom line: Retul measures in real-time in life-size.

Any measuring system however is just a tool, like a hammer.  How successfully the tool is used depends completely on the experience and skill of the Fitter.  Wherever you shop for a bicycle be sure they have a Certified Fitter on board so your ride can be as comfortable and efficient as possible.

For additional info about Retul technology CLICK HERE.  For insights into the Fitting Process CLICK HERE.  BGI is proud to offer a variety of Fitting Packages appropriate for the real world variety or cyclist levels.  For additional info about BGI Fitting Services  CLICK HERE .