Mountain Bikes Indianapolis

Last week, a cycling pal of mine flew in from British Columbia and we drove to Saluda, North Carolina for five days of biking in the mountains. We rode over 300 miles and climbed over 20,000' while sharing lots of laughs, good food and good spirits!

Name: Doreen Crenshaw
Bicycle: Bianchi Vigorelli
City: Indianapolis
State: In
 

Doreen:  North Carolina seems to be a very popular cycling destination for a lot of folks. Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

 

 

 

 

 

Bicycle Garage Indy is pleased to announce it will be hosting  Bike Month Kick-Off - a brand new event, and evening of connections, contacts and info. Come to BGI North on Wednesday, May 1 (first day of National Bike Month) from 5:30-7:30 pm. You'll meet representatives of bicycle organizations, find out what going on in Indianapolis and Indiana for bicycling, find out about upcoming events and get ready to celebrate Bike Month and Bike to Work Day!

Organizations represented (as of 4/15/13):

• ActiveIndy Tours
• Bicycle Indiana
• BISSELL/ABG/Giant Racing Team
• Central Indiana Bicycling Association (CIBA)
• Greenways Foundation
• Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA)
• Indy Bike Hub YMCA
• Nine13Sports
• Shifting Gears

We look forward to seeing you here.

 

Jay Hardcastle
Marketing Manager - Bicycle Garage Indy
jhardcastle@bgindy.com

 

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!

 

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.

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

Evening Activities

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

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.  

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.

 

 

 

 

 

My husband Nathan and I rode our first RAIN ride this year. We had just started riding last July when we bought our first tandem. We decided we would ride RAIN shortly after the event took place last year and we found out that this year's would be on Nathan's 30th Birthday. We couldn't think of a better goal or way to celebrate!

Everyone thought we were crazy. Some people thought we were crazy because we wanted to ride it on tandem. Others thought we were crazy because we hadn't been riding but a month when we decided we were going to do it. We even thought we were crazy. Then when we started training for RAIN we knew we were crazy.

We trained simply by riding. As much as possible, as often as possible. We rode 5 century rides this season, our first in March and one in the big hills of Kentucky in April! We got well over our 500 CIBA miles in May. One day even riding 3 CIBA rides in the same day!

While on RAIN however, we met CRAZY. Leaving Nathan's birthday party stop where we met up with his family at mile 116 we met Daniel McCrillis from Newton, Illinois. Daniel is 15 years old and was riding by himself. We got to talking because of his Herbalife jersey but came to find out that this young man had an unbridled spirit and the boundless determination that many times only a 15 year old boy can possess. Daniel was in a lot of pain and had stopped for about an hour and a half to lie down because he was cramping and fatigued. But he got back on the bike and kept going. We then found out that he has been riding the road bike for just 4 weeks! He has a mountain bike and does some fun little trips but never anything like this. This young man went to his parents and said I want to ride across Indiana and they supported him in his decision! What great parents! Daniel admitted to us that he thought about giving up when he was cramping but he was determined and strong willed.

We slowed our pace from 20mph to 14mph to pace this resolute teen and try to raise his spirits and take his mind off of the pain as long as we could. We know from experience how hard finishing a ride can be when you are in pain and it would be easier to give up and the people that stick by you then is what gets you through. We rode with Daniel, answering his many questions and giving him bicycle advice for about 30 miles. And he stopped with our PSV and his parents at Germantown where his proud father got on his bike to join Daniel and pace him the last 15 miles into the finish.

We finished in positions 1160 and 1161 and watched Daniel roll across the finish line in position 1177! Every once in a while you meet someone that impacts your life in a small, but meaningful way. Daniel and his parents Tina and Shawn McCrillis gave me a new perspective on determination and heart. I can't help but wonder what my parents would have said to me if I wanted to go to another state and ride across it on a bicycle by lyself at 15 years old. I applaud this family and respect them greatly and we are happy to welcome Daniel to the Cycling Family!!

Name: Kristen Dinges
Bicycle: KHS Cross Tandem
City: Indianapolis
State: IN
 

 

Kristen & Nathan:  Thanks for bringing so much to the sport of bicycling.  Your story about Daniel, and your first year of tandeming, is truly inspirational.  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

 

Join us at Bicycle Garage Indy North and be surrounded by dozens of other women for a fun evening. We'll have Lindsay Sherman from Trek for Women in town with Trek for Women demo bikes which you can test ride. You can also bring your own bike and participate in a short bike skills activity for on-road or off-road. When not on a bike, take part in a flat fixing clinic or go shopping in our new store. And during the evening you will be able to enjoy a casual barbeque on our outside deck.

The Trek Women program is not only for riding the latest and greatest but to overcome the obstacles that many face when riding a bicycle. We teach mountain bike skills, road safety, bike maintenance, and teach the bike shop employees how to better engage their female consumer. We are a program that loves to teach and have fun in a non-intimidating setting.

Date:  Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Bicycle Garage Indy North, 4340 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis, IN

Evening Activities

5:30-8:00 pm Open activities Test rides, flat fixing clinic, Adult 1-2-3 skills, off-road skills
8:00 pm  Door Prize Drawing / Shopping
8:30 pm  Evening ends

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

NOTE: Registration is limited to 50. Please register at www.bgindy.com/for/ladiesnight.

“What kind of biking do I want to do? “  This is the first question to ask yourself when considering the purchase of a new bike.  Do you want to have the freedom and comfort to ride all day?  Or is one hour the longest ride you are contemplating?  Is this a functional and/or “green”purchase (bicycle commuting to work)?   Or do you want to get faster for bicycle or triathlon competitions?  Perhaps you simply wish to pedal around your neighborhood on warm summer evenings..

These are the first questions to ask yourself when considering a new bicycle purchase.   Once you have a clear picture of your goals, THEN you can begin the shopping process.

And here is where Bicycle Garage Indy can help.  We have a FREE clinic on Bike Buying Tips.  This clinic is offered on a rotating basis all summer long at our three retail locations (North, South and Downtown).  We have other free clinics as well.  Click here to see the full description of clinics and schedules.

At this Bike Buying Tips clinic, we will clarify for you the various types of bikes to choose from, with names like:  road bike, mountain bike, hybrid, lifestyle, comfort, electrical assist.  In describing these different bikes, we will talk about what materials they are made of and what their price ranges are.  We will also help you to understand what specs you should look for in a bike.  

 

So how is a bicycle pack made to be "water-proof", and how is it different from a water resistant design (see Part 1)?

Packs sold as “water-proof” start with a very water resistant or water proof fabric, and then add additional features to keep water out.  The first step is the use of sealed seams, where a water proof fabric tape is placed over every seam and heat sealed or “welded” to the rest of the fabric.  It will also need similar sealing tape over any pack mounting hardware that comes through the pack fabric.  Finally, the pack must also have have a waterproof closure, either by using water-proof zippers, or a roll-up closure.     

Some of the bicycle packs made in this waterproof design approach the protection offered by a canoe/kayak “dry-bag”, that are designed to protect gear that is at risk of actually be immersed in water.  A road touring cyclist may not need this level of protection, but for off-road mountain bike touring, fording a stream and needing a dry-bag pack is real possibility.

A touring cyclist can make the decision on bag to choose based the climate and and packing style.  If you use stuff sacks and zip-loc bags to organize all your gear, in effect double bagging everything, a water resistant pack and rain cover is likely to be adequate for all but the most extreme wet weather locales. And if you tour with a true water-proof bag, you must still make provisions to keep damp and dry items seperately bagged.

For the commuter, a water proof bag with a roll-top closure offers an easy way to keep clothing and office gear dry, up to and including a laptop, without the need for double bagging contents or stopping to pull out a rain cover.  However, keep in mind that a waterproof bag keeps moisture in; and a damp towel sealed in a water-proof pack for the ride home can damage your office papers and electronics just as much as a rain shower.  

So the best descision is base on your type of travel, and you like to organize.  In part 3, I will talk about the difference on bag openings, and how to choose what is right for you.

 

A roll-up closure is the most most water-proof.

Bicycle Garage Indy is now offering TouringWise classes to help you plan and equip for you bicycle adventure.  Learn more at bgindy.com/for/tourwise.

Find a full selection of bicycle packs from Arkel, Bontrager and KoKi bicycle packs at all three Bicycle Garage Indy locations: Bicycle Garage Indy North (Indianapolis, Dean Rd at 82nd St.),  South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood), and the new BGI Downtown, in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA at City Market.

 

While spring may officially begin on March 20, Central Indiana bicyclists know that spring has started when Bicycle Garage Indy’s Spring Bicycle Expo begins. What better way to start off this spring than by bicycling?

Giant bicycle sponsored Jeff Lenosky returns to Indianapolis to “Leap into Spring”. A world-class professional freeride and trials mountain bike rider, Jeff holds the world record for the Bunny Hop, a high jump event using a full-size mountain bike. He competes in events world-wide and performs demos of his riding skills.

During the 29th Annual BGI Spring Bicycle Expo on March 16, 17 & 18, Jeff will perform bunny hops and gravity defying stunts. Jeff Lenosky’s bicycle stunt shows have left audiences awestruck and ready to start spring rolling. He will be at the new Bicycle Garage Indy / BGI Fitness North location at 4340 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis, IN, helping celebrate the Grand Opening of its new North store.

When (Stunt Shows):

Friday, March 16: 5:00 pm
Saturday, March 17: 11 am, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm
Sunday, March 18: 1 pm, 3:00 pm

 

Find over 1,000 bikes ready to ride, and everything on sale during Bicycle Garage Indy's Spring Bicycle Expo. 
BGI North in Indianapolis (Dean Rd at E. 82nd Street) and BGI South in Greenwood (just east of I-65 on County Line Road.) 
Our Spring Bicycle Expo starts on Friday, March 16, and runs through Sunday, March 18.
Friday & Saturday: 10 AM to 8 PM
Sunday: Noon to 6 PM

I was riding in the Tour de Cure in 2010, I had only been riding a road bike for about 3 months but had spent many hours on my mountain bike. It rained all morning and the roads were wet. We went out and back on the same route and I had no problem with the S curve on the way out but went too fast through the S curve on the way back and my bike slid out from me. It was my first crash so it scared me and I received some nice road rash but there were no cars on the road so I was lucky. Took some time to compose myself then got back on the bike and finished the ride. I now take it easy if the roads are wet.

Name: Joe Dewing
Bicycle: Cannondale CAAD9
City: Fishers
State: IN


Joe:  We are glad you are okay, and didn't let a spill discourage you.  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

Our Next Clinic:  Bicycle Buying Tips Spring is just around the corner. What type of riding do you want to explore this year? What bike would be best for you? Mountain bike, hybrid bike, road bike?  What to look for in a new bike. Comfort vs. speed. Pavement vs. dirt trails. Wednesday, Feb. 8  6:30 PM at Bicycle Gargae Indy South Wednesday, Feb. 15  5:15 PM at Bicycle Garage Indy Downtown  (Due to scheduling conflicts, we will not be offering this Clinic at our North store.)  Click here to Register, it's Free (Required). Our clinic schedule for the 2012 riding season will be announced in March.

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

I was finally convinced by a friend this past August to give mountain biking a try. I have grown up riding bikes, but never in a serious and dedicated way. Bikes were more of a transportation source. I bought his 2010 Fisher Cobia and rode it almost daily. I was able to get a lot of time in the saddle and really fell in love with the bike and the sport. I cannot get enough of it! The Cobia with an upgraded Crank Bros. Cobalt 3 650 mm flat handlebar is my way of tearing up the singletrack.

Name: Andrew Eggebrecht
Bicycle: 2010 Gary Fisher Cobia
City: Anderson
State: Indiana


Andrew, glad to here you are enjoing your new mountian biking.  Thank from everyone at bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle story.

Just a few weeks remain in 2011 for charitable giving. December is a time of giving, and I hope you will give something to support bicycling this year. Below are listed five opportunities in which I am personally involved. All are deserving of your financial support and all provide you with a tax deduct for your generosity.

Shifting Gears is a cooperative program between BGI, the IN Dept. of Correction, & the Indiana chapter of Volunteers of America (VoA). The program collects, refurbishes, then donates bicycles to those in need. This program is win-win-win proposition: A) INDOC's offenders learn critical jobs skills, B) Refurbished bikes go to persons in need, & C) You receive a tax deduction. Click here to learn more about the Shifting Gears Program.

There are two ways to give: #1) Donate old bikes at BGI retail locations. #2) Donate money to Shifting Gears through our local VoA Chapter. Cash donations insure that the Shifting Gears program can purchase critical supplies that can't be harvested from donated bikes, such as: new cables, chains, lubes, & solvents. Go here to make a cash donation to Shifting Gears.

I sit on the Board of the Bicycle Indiana (formerly Indiana Bicycle Coalition) and find it to be the best future hope to unite all cyclists in Indiana for the purpose of making Indiana a better and safer place to bicycle. We need more membership as well as direct contributions to support our programs. The organization recently got approval to have license plates to support the organization - a new way to support bicycling in Indiana and show your support of bicycling. Go here to join and/or contribute to BI

Although IndyCOG may be the newest group in this list, they have made a huge impact: doing the legwork, petition drive and research that has been instrumental in getting hours on the Monon extended this winter. In addition, they've organized bicycle awareness events such as Indianapolis Bike to Work Day, and Two Wheels, One City. With their home base at the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, they are poised to do even greater things in the near future."

The guys and gals of HMBA are the most energetic and productive group I know! They have changed the face of Indiana with respect to the venues available to mountain bikers including Town Run Park, O'Bannon Woods and the nationally recognized trails in Brown County State Park, designated this year as an Epic Trail by International Mountain Bike Association. Help HMBA keep their momentum with your membership or donation. Visit http://www.HMBA.org to learn more.

I have been on the Board of the Central Indiana Bicycling Association (CIBA) Foundation for many years. The Foundation was started by the Central Indiana Bicycling Association (CIBA) for the purpose of providing its members and all Indiana cyclists a method for giving back to the cycling community. Since 1996, the CIBA Foundation has granted over $257,000 to the Indiana cycling community. Go here to donate to the CIBA Foundation.

You can vist the page End of Year Giving 2011 on the BGI website to read about the recent successes & missions of these five deserving Indiana organizations.

Randy Clark
Founder and Owner
Bicycle Garage Indy / BGI Fitness

Bicycle Garage Indy's 2012 helmet selection began arriving last week, including models from from Bell, Bontrager, Giro. And new at BGI for 2012, four new helmets from Cannondale. Cannondale spent 18 months in developing its first helmet line, covering four riding styles. The Teramo ($109.99), for performance road rider; the Ryker($74.99), for performance mountain bike riders; Radius ($59.99), intended for the weekend warrior; and the Quick ($39.99), for entry level riders.

The Teramo and Ryker use a dual-density EPS foam, alloy cage reinforcements and a super-soft rubber occipital pad that uses material similar to that found on Crocs, the popular rubber-like footwear. All four helmets feature an adjustable fit system that lets users dial micro-adjust the inner fit band.

All models meet current CPSC and European standards. Each helmet offers two sizes: large/extra large and small/medium.


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

Everything's bigger in Texas, right? Well, I sure was! A few years ago my husband and I moved back to Indy to be closer to family. About a year after that, we were very blessed to have the opportunity to adopt twin baby boys! Needless to say, they keep us busy, and I really wanted to be healthy again! I had already started to lose weight, and I actually met my goal of losing 30 lbs. by the time I turned 30 AND I competed in my first Sprint Tri...on a mountain bike. :) Here's where you guys come in. I took the boys to our closest bike shop (Bicycle Garage Indy South), mainly because I've been there a few times before and liked it, and I wanted to get to know the staff better since we were new to the area. I also took them to every other bike shop in town and probably tried out every bike too! I ended up finding my perfect fit at BGI - it's a Trek Lexa S. The perfect bike for me and where I'm at right now. It's taken me through a couple more sprint tri's and I've improved every time! Thank you BGI, and especially Robyn, for answering my zillions of questions, taking a few test rides, giving nutrition advice, letting my kids tear up the store (just kidding - I try to keep them in line). I'm looking forward to riding with the group some in the spring!

Name: Amanda
Bicycle: Trek Lexa S
City: Indianapolis
State: IN


Amanda, congratulations on your first triathlon.  Chasing twin boys is probably great training!  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.


Share Your Bicycle and Story with Bicycle Garage Indy, and get $10 off your next purchase. Details at http://www.bgindy.com/for/yourbicycle

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