Monon Trail

I have been bicycling for over 30 years now, but always on a more traditional road-style bicycle. The goal was usually to cover a large distance in a short time. But earlier this year I participated in a Downtown History Tour by bicycle,  presented by Nathan Smurdon of ActiveIndy Tours.

We were all provided an extremely upright, comfy bicycle from Bicycle Garage Indy's rental bikes. What fun this was!! The upright posture allowed us to drink up the downtown sights without crashing into each other. Never having tried such an, upright,  comfy bike before, I was hooked! So this summer I have a Giant Cypress for my leisurely "toddles" on the trails around Indy. I will continue to use my road bike for faster rides out in the countryside.

Name: Linda Hardcastle
Bicycle: Giant Cypress
City: Carmel
State: IN

Linda is the Exercise Physiologist for BGI Fitness and Bicycle Garage Indy, providing both Personal Training in the use of fitness equipment purchased from BGI Fitness, and an instructor for BGI's Get Back on Your Bike Corporate Wellness programs.

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

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

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

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

- Jay S. Hardcastle, BGI Marketing Manager 
 

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 
 

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

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!

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.

Does your company offer some form of an Employee Wellness Program?  If it is like most, the incentive program for physical activity is probably centered on walking or running.  But what about those of you who like to bicycle?  Wouldn’t you like to be “rewarded” for your efforts towards good health with your bicycle?  Well now you can be!

Bicycle Garage Indy is spearheading a most unique Employee Wellness Program because it centers on bicycling.  Not only does our program “reward” employees for their miles on the bike – it also rewards folks as they learn more about bicycling and fitness. 

The exciting news is that this Employee Wellness Program is so successful that we are unveiling two additional options for 2013.  Now we have a program to match the interests of all the bicycling enthusiasts at your company.  

• Get Back on Your Bike.  Returning for the fourth year, this program is geared to those folks who are literally “getting back on their bikes”. The mileage is gentle and the focus is on comfort and safety.  Riders are encouraged to explore many of the paved trails in and around the metro area. 
• Sport Road Bike.  Many of our “Get Back on Your Bike” participants have discovered that they love to bicycle – and they want more!  More miles, more speed and more adventures.  Thus our new Sport Road Bike program.  We will guide your employees through this process of increasing their mileage and transitioning to the roads.  Upon completion, they will be ready to tackle one of the premier bike events of up to 50 miles in one day!
• Mountain Bike Basics.  For those employees who prefer mountain biking through the woods – then this is the option for them!  The focus here is not on increasing mileage – rather, it is on increasing skills.  Each week we first practice important skills in the parking lot – then hit the trail to practice.  Over the four weeks we will be going to ever more challenging wooded trails to practice our ever more expanding skill set.

If you would like to learn more about bringing one or all of these programs to your company, follow this link, or contact our Wellness Director, Carl Bruhn, at cbruhn@bgindy.com.  

Indianapolis has come a long way in becoming a nationally recognized bicycling-friendly city. Republican Mayor Greg Ballard has led the charge, turning Indianapolis into a two-wheeled success story in the "rust belt". The progress was strengthened by the coalition of partners behind the Cultural Trail, bike retail, and the advocacy community. 

Each year, the League of American Bicyclists holds the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C.  The event is attended by 800+ of the best and brightest people involved in creating bicycle friendly cities, communities, and states. This year's summit is March 4-6, 2013. You can attend, too. For more information: www.bikeleague.org/conferences/summit13/

During the summit, panelists from Indy will tell their success story.  Other summit attendees want to hear how Indy gathered more than $60 million in Federal, state and local funds, both public and private, for bike improvements. Panelist from Indy will include:
• Indianapolis Major Greg Ballard
• Karen Haley, Indianapolis Cultural Trail
• Connie Szabo Schmucker, Advocacy Director, Bicycle Garage Indy
• Kevin Whited,  IndyCOG

The last time Indy Greenways updated its master plan was in 2003. Much has changed since then. You can be part of the process by participating in public meetings, visiting the project office and taking the Indy Greenways Master Plan Survey.

Indy Parks will be conducting a series of public meetings and workshops for the Greenways Master Plan in late February and early March. There will be one meeting in each township with the purpose of giving residents an opportunity to discuss trail and greenway development opportunities in their specific township.  Indy Greenways has developed a new online survey to provide more opportunities for public input on the Greenways Master Plan.

The survey includes questions concerning the different greenway segments, issues affecting the greenways, and questions about how and where to develop the next trails in the system. The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/IndyGreenwaysSurvey
Please take a few minutes to give your thoughts!

Details on the plan can be found at http://indygreenwaysmasterplan.wordpress.com/

It's not exactly the Y, but my garage setup gets the job done. I got my trainer (a CycleOps Jet Fluid Pro) for Christmas, and since then have spent many hours spinning and watching movies. I am looking forward to hitting the road and trails without the usual ramp up weeks needed in the past.

Name: Jason Sole
Bicycle: Giant Talon 29er
City: Avon
State: IN
 

Jason, looks don't matter, it's the effort that pays off on those first spring rides!  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

Okay, the Polar Bear Pedal was just a taste of riding, but this weekend's first January thaw is sure have everybody ready to grab the bike for a break from the trainer doldrums.  Here are some tips for your mid-winter (or early spring) rides.

That's no moon.  That lunar-sized mud puddle is likely to conceal a crater-sized chuck-hole.  Even on roads you know, fast thaws and freezes can create wheel-eating holes.  Ride with care, and be sure to top off your tire pressure before heading out.

True Grit.  Salting, sanding, chuckholes and plowing all result in a lot of junk on the road that is hard on your tires. Post-thaw rides are not the best time to ride your 180 gram racing tires, or worn tires from last season.  Mount a set of all weather tires, like the Continetal Ultra Gatorskin (from $54.99 at Bicycle Garage Indy) for the early months, so you spend time riding your bike, rather than fixing flats.

Salt Free Diet Recommended.  It takes a lot of rain to remove all the ice melt chemicals that have been applied so far.  After your ride on wet roads, clean up your bike with some fresh water, Finish Line Super Bike Wash ($12.99) and a Park Tool Bike Cleaning Brush Set ($23.99).  If more wet spring miles are ahead, relube your chain with Finish Line Wet Lubricant ($7.99) for more staying power on your chain.

Don't play in the mud.  Off-road riders need to be aware that riding on wet trails can cause long lasting damage.  Watch the HMBA website for the latest trail conditions.

At Bicycle Garage Indy, you will also find a complete selection of permanent and quick release fenders, and a wide selection of winter and wet weather riding gear.  Staff at all three BGI Locations, North, South and Downtown, ride year round and are glad to answer your questions on riding in any condition, road or off-road.

Winter riding not your thing?  Bicycle Garage Indy has Winter Bicycle Service Savings through January 31, 2013 to help you have your bike ready ride when spring has finally sprung!

Vision Fitness has always been a provider of outstanding indoor training equipment – including treadmills, ellipticals and bicycles.  Now just in time for 2013, they are rolling out new technology which is truly revolutionary – immersing you in exotic locales by playing dynamic, interactive video on your TV.  Just how does this work?

When you purchase a piece of Vision equipment, you have the option to add on the Passport System, featuring the Virtual Active Technology.  The Passport System allows your fitness equipment to communicate with your TV, and your TV to feedback to your fitness equipment.  You select your destination of choice, such as a beautifully wooded trail system.  As you begin to move through the forest, you will literally transport to that location.  As the video shows you climbing uphill – you will actually feel this terrain change on your equipment.  If you jump from walking to running – you will actually see things go by more quickly on the video.  You can even mute the audio, thus allowing you to hear the ambient sounds in the video – beautiful birds songs nestled in the woods.  Of course, if you prefer to rock to a stronger beat, you can listen to the music embedded into the program OR connect your iPod and jam to your own tunes. 

The basic package comes with two destinations:  the American Southwest and Northern Italy.  But Vision is developing an entire library of other worldwide destinations, which you can purchase online for just $9.99. (Available for select 2013 Vision Fitness treadmills, ellipitical trainers and indoor bikes. Also compatible with Sprint 8 workouts.) 

* The two Virtual Active locations will vary. 

Over the years, I have joked with others about how great it would be to have such an interactive package, but it always seemed like science fiction.  I still cannot believe that this technology is here NOW and available on home units. 

For a glimpse into this Virtual Active program,  watch the short video clip below or follow this link.  I think you will be as amazed as I am. (A demonstration unit is avaialble now at BGI Fitness North, and coming soon to our South store.)

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).

The latest edition of the book "Indiana Bicycle Trails & Selected Kentucky Trails" is a gift idea suggested by Abby Wells, a sales specialist at Bicycle Garage Indy North and an avid mountain biker.

"This is a great book for mountain bikers, listing almost 40 mountain bike trails in Indiana, and another dozen in Kentucky.  And it also has dozens of rail trails and greenway rides across Indiana for the more casual rider." -- Abby Wells

The book lists lists for $16.99, and each trail has short description, trail map and driving directions.  Bicycle Garage Indy other bicycle related books include training logs, bicycle repair and bicycle culture.  We also have a wide variety of bicycle magazines in stock.  And we still have copies of the new Indiana Ride Guide, publised by IndyCOG, on sale for  $10.99.

Still need ideas? Visit our 3 locations where our staff can help you with your selectoin, or you can find the complete BGI Holiday Gift Guide on our website.  

Both my daughter and I got new Giant bicycles at Bicycle Garage Indy this spring. I got a Talon 29er, and she an Areva 20 (she is 6). While I had a lot of fun on my bike this summer, one of the coolest experiences was watching her conquer her fears and and the trail in her new bike. In the beginning she was scared of the hills and of falling, but by the end she was tackling them like a pro and reveling in the freedom that comes with two wheels and open trail.

Name: Jason Sole
Bicycle: Giant Talon 29er/Giant Areva 20
City: Avon
State: IN

Jason:  What a great father/daughter bonding story!  Nice to know that both of you are enjoying your new bikes!  
Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

Biking home from work on the Monon Trail is fun but biking to the top of Keystone Gulch Road in Keystone. Colorado made for a much more scenic ride.

Name: Michael
Bicycle: Jamis
City: Westfield
State: IN

Micheal:  You have to admit, a little bit more of a view from Keystone Gulch!  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story in our Fall 2012 Contest.

 

On the weekends, I regularly ride from Indy up to Westfield/Sheridan and areas around there. It's relaxing, peaceful, and a great workout.

In this photo, my girlfriend met up with me at the Sheridan airport before we parted ways again. It was a sad separation, and one that we would like to not have to do again.

With the gift card, I would use it on a new bike for her, so that instead of meeting me there in her car, she can ride with me and we can enjoy the journey together.

Name: Jon Brewer
Bicycle: Marin
City: Indianapolis
State: IN
 

Jon:  You are entered in our Fall 2012 contest, so it is up to you and your friend to put you over the top.  Good luck, and thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Ind for sharing Your Bicycle story.

If you are interested in reserving a bike for the tours, please visit: www.indybikehub.org/for/hubparty

7:30 – 9 a.m.  
The public is encouraged to ride their bicycles to work for the day (free bike parking will be available all day at the Indy Bike Hub YMCA).
Breakfast – Provided by Bicycle Indiana

9 – 10:30 a.m.
Group ride from the Jordan YMCA to Indy Bike Hub YMCA (Lead by Bicycle Garage Indy)

9:30 – 10 a.m.
Bike ride (lead by YMCA)

10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Mayor Ballard speaks

10:45 – 11:00 a.m.
Cake is cut (by Mayor) and served

11:45 – 12:45 a.m.
Active Indy Tours leads bike ride

12:00 – 1 p.m.
Group Exercise class in East Plaza of the Bike Hub YMCA
 

1 – 2 p.m.
Bike ride on Cultural Trail

2 p.m.
Birthday party events end

Community Invited to Help Celebrate Indy Bike Hub YMCA’s 1st Birthday by Biking & Exercising

One year ago, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, the City of Indianapolis and Bicycle Garage Indy came together to open the Indy Bike Hub YMCA. On September 12 the Indy Bike Hub YMCA will celebrate its first birthday and a host of activities have been planned. Mayor Greg Ballard, City of Indianapolis, will lead remarks and cut the first piece of birthday cake during a short ceremony at the Bike Hub YMCA beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The City was key in the initial idea of the Bike Hub project by recognizing the need to have this type of facility in Indianapolis to support bicycle commuters. Mayor Ballard and his staff enlisted the expertise of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis to operate and manage the facility and BGI was asked to come on as a partner.

The Indy Bike Hub YMCA made national attention when it opened last year because of the uniqueness of the facility. It’s a traditional YMCA with a cycling component. On one side members enjoy all of the amenities of the Y, which includes state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, a free weight area, wellness coaching, group exercise classes, and locker rooms featuring expanded and vented lockers, steamers and hair dryers. On the opposite side, bicycle commuters have access to one of the city’s best bicycle experts – BGI. Cyclists who commute to work are able to park their bicycles indoors in a safe and secure facility, with access to top of the line cycling gear, accessories and bike repairs.

One member said she just started a new workout routine at the Indy Bike Hub Y and is excited to see the results of her effort, but also shares that the Y has given her much more than better health. She wrote:

“The Y has been really good for me in many ways. I find that I am creating a little culture for myself there. Not just with what I have been doing, but with the relationships that I have built. From the front desk staff, to the trainers, other participants in the classes, the ladies in the locker room, and the regulars that are there every morning like myself; you can tell that everyone acknowledges each other and there is kind of an unspoken support and encouragement.  I don’t know why I didn’t do this years ago.”

Steve Carlsen, has been a member of the Bike Hub Y since its opening.

“I am an avid cyclist and I moved to Indianapolis in 2007. I love the “vibe” of the Y, especially the Bike Hub. I felt welcomed when I was fatter and weaker than I am now and I feel that same sense of welcome now that I am 20 pounds lighter and a stronger. I enjoy riding to work from my neighborhood. It takes me 20 minutes by car and 30-35 on my bike, which is much more enjoyable. I am a regular user of the Monon Trail as well.  When you are on your bike, walking or running - you are more connected to your community. I am grateful for the connection opportunity that the bike paths provide and now the Bike Hub Y.”

Besides the Y and BGI, the historic landmark is also home to IndyCog, City Market, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (Cycle Patrol). The facility is open Monday – Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, call 317-685-9705, visit Indy Bike Hub YMCA’s Facebook page or any of the following web sites.

www.OurCauseIsYou.org (go to “Centers” and select the Indy Bike Hub YMCA)
www.indybikehubymca.org – for all general information
www.bgindy.com – for information on the Bicycle Garage Indy store at the Hub