The Making of a Bike by mark on May 14, 2012
Here's an old video from Raleigh that's been making the internet rounds. If you haven't taken the time to watch it, it's well worth it.
Renewed riding with a new partner by kristin on May 11, 2012
My riding habits have changed a lot in the past 18 months. My son was born in April of 2011 and due to the logistical issues that come along with an infant my riding last summer was limited to an occasional weeknight or weekend ride. While I certainly missed riding regularly I was also pretty content with my new lifestyle and hanging out with my new little dude. I really wanted to bring him along on some path rides but we just weren’t comfortable getting him set up in his trailer when he was so young. I dabbled in some cross racing in the fall which was fun yet humbling but still my riding was anything but regular. I used to pride myself on commuting year round and riding 6000+ miles a year and while I wasn’t necessarily proud of driving to work every day it was a more practical arrangement for my family.
Fast forward to March and we were treated to 10 days of record breaking 80 degree weather here in Wisconsin. I set up our trailer on the back of my commuter bike and loaded up the little guy for a test ride on the commuter path a few blocks from our house. He seemed to enjoy it so much that I kept going and we ended up riding 10 miles through the Arboretum. A few days later I rode to work for the first time in well over a year and it felt glorious. Granted it was only a partial commute as I put the bike on the car and park 6 miles from work but given the distance from home/daycare/work this is a more realistic solution and I still get a nice ride in. And when the weather is nice I go home, put the trailer on my bike and ride the 4 miles to daycare to pick up my son.
My husband and I have raised the kid right as he loves the bike. He often squeals “Bah” with delight when he sees my bike on the car or that I’ve ridden to pick him up. I love looking back to see him contentedly checking out his surroundings and occasionally babbling to himself. We now go for rides nearly every day. We ride to Farmers Market, to the zoo, out to dinner with friends, to swim class, and we often go for longer rides on the weekend on some of Madison’s beautiful bike paths. We’re racked up over 300 miles already together this year and it’s been a blast. Biking is the best way to interact with your environment and sharing that experience with my son has been amazing. I am so looking forward to the bicycling adventures to come. Next up . . . run bikes!
Gravel Metric by mark on May 09, 2012
Every year North Central Cyclery in Dekalb puts on a gravel race/ride, the Gravel Metric. They release a preview video prior to the race each year as well. I'd be lying if I said I didn't look forward to the release each spring. I didn't think they could top last year's video, but they just went right ahead and blew it out of the water.
The sun rises in Milwaukee by jay on May 04, 2012
Keith Holt from Milwaukee Bicycle Works stopped by this morning to collect a bunch of refurbished Planet Bike gear for the upcoming 6th Annual Bike Blitz in the Park, a neighborhood bike fair in Milwaukee's Washington Park where people can get minor repairs done and even a whole new bike.
We gave him a bunch of lights, pumps, seats and whatnot that came back to us but were repairable. We try to make stuff that lasts, but it is inevitable that some of it will eventually break. Fortunately we are able to repair approximately 90% of the stuff that comes back.
Keith was interviewed at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Urban Pathways Initiative Summit in May 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. He talks about access to bikes and bike repair in low income neighborhoods.
Steve's Smashing Raleigh! by mark on Apr 26, 2012
Excuse my lame attempt at British lingo. Steve was kind enough to share a few photos of his refurbished Raleigh road bike. The Carradice bag and white Cascadia fenders really set this thing off! A fine example of what a little time, love, and attention to detail can produce. Thanks for sharing Steve!
Bike Safe Boston by mark on Apr 23, 2012
Planet Bike has formed a partnership with Bike Safe Boston for distribution of their Bicyclist’s Accident Report. Check out the Bike Safe Boston press release for more information...We are really excited to help out on this project!
Limited Edition Cascadia Fenders by mark on Apr 19, 2012
Last Fall we asked for preorders for our White Cascadia Fenders. We've received the fenders in and shipped them out. There is some remaining stock that we've just listed on our webstore, just in case they aren't available at your local bike shop.
Back 40 Haiku IV by jay on Apr 18, 2012
Recline midst petals
Luscious whispers wash upon
deep flesh sun soothed
