Gonads & Strife Poker Run 9/26/10 from Brent Ruybalid on Vimeo.
Here’s a FUN video from Brent Ruybalid, a collection of footage from September’s Gonads and Strife Poker Run to the tune of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Big and Bad. Enjoy!
Slow Rollers Poker Run
The Slow Rollers are putting on their famous Poker Run this Sunday up at bicycle friendly South Lake Tahoe, and the weather forecast is looking great. This is a fun slow ride that meanders around the bike routes and stops at various businesses along the way. Draw a poker card at each stop, high hand at the end of the ride wins!
When: 06.13.10
Where: Tudor Pub, South Lake Tahoe. MAP HERE.
Details: 12:00 sign-up, 1:00 start. BBQ is included for all participants. Events and prizes galore! More info at slowrollers.net
During Bike to Work Week, we had a good turnout for the West Carson Cruiser Ride, and everyone had a lot of fun. In years past, we had talked about doing these cruiser rides throughout the summer, but never followed through. This year we have the volunteers to make it happen though, and the first ride begins tonight!
West Carson Cruiser Ride
The weather has finally warmed up now, so Muscle Powered has decided that tonight, Wednesday June 2nd @ 6:00 PM, will be the kick-off for the Summer Cruiser Rides. Tonight’s ride will start and finish at the Brewery Arts Center on King Street, and will be an easy paced 4-5 mile cruise.
For additional information, contact details, and other upcoming events please click on the Calendar tab at the top of the page.
Bike to Work Week 2010 has come to an end. Here’s a look at all that went on last week.
Freeway Multi-Use Path Cleanup
On May 15th, Muscle Powered assisted the Chamber of Commerce and others with a cleanup of the multi-use path that connects College Parkway to Northridge Drive. The entrance was the worst, with huge piles of tumbleweeds and trash stuck to the fence.
Freeway Bike Path Cleanup – Before
But with the help of about 30 volunteers, we cleaned the whole place up in a few hours! Full story on the Muscle Powered blog HERE.
Freeway Bike Path Cleanup – After!
Movie Night at Capitol Automotive
Later on the 5th, after the big cleanup, cyclists rode down to Bicycle Movie night at Capitol Automotive. We filled up the parking lot with bikes, and Marcus had a theater setup inside the shop. Pam Anderson down at the new Straw Hat pizza on HWY 50 donated several large pizzas. We had a good night filling up on pizza, socializing, and watching movies.
Marcus and Lisa Marchegger, Owners of the Capitol Automotive Theater
Cocktails in the Theater Lobby
Commuter Libation at the Feisty Goat Pub
Bike to Work Week started off with less than desirable weather. Although the weather wasn’t as pleasant as in years past, it probably shook up the results of the Corporate Commuter Challenge by adding even more challenge to the contest. We celebrated the first day of the contest with a pint down at the Feisty Goat Pub on East Long Street.
Commuter Libation at the Feisty Goat Pub
Flat Tire Repair Clinic at The Bike Smith
On May 18th, The Bike Smith hosted a Flat Tire Repair Clinic. Several people attended to learn one of the most important repair procedures you can learn on a bicycle. Think of how far you can ride your bike in an hour. Knowing how to fix a flat will keep you from walking for miles and hours. Mickey did a great job with his demonstrations, and then attendees put their new knowledge to the test with various wheels.
Flat Tire Fix clinic at the Bike Smith
Mickey Demonstrates Flat Tire Repair
West Carson Cruiser Ride
One of the most popular events of Bike Month is the West Carson Cruiser ride. At least 50 riders of all ages showed up in spite of the strong winds for a leisurely cruise around Carson City’s quiet west side. We always get a friendly response from the residents along the four mile route. Most people are really surprised to see 50 bikes come out of nowhere down their normally quiet street. One rider told me she really likes this ride, because she feels uneasy about going out on her own. It’s a great way to encourage new riders! After the ride, many folks went over to the Firkin and Fox to warm up by the patio fire.
West Carson Cruiser Ride
Look for more Muscle Powered cruiser rides to start in June! It will warm up, I promise.
West Carson Cruiser Ride
End of the Week Party and Fundraiser
On May 21st, we finished up with the big Corporate Challenge, and celebrated the week’s accomplishments with a party down at the Firkin and Fox. The wind was howling, and the rain and snow were coming over the mountains. It was one of those nights that made you want to stay home by the fire.
Plenty of Bike Parking at the Firkin and Fox
But even with the foul weather, lots of people still came down. And for good reason… The Firkin and Fox and New Belgium Brewing donated a keg of Mighty Arrow Pale Ale for the party. We had a whole bunch of prizes to raffle off including two beach cruisers. Singer / Guitarists James Wilsey came down from Reno to perform for us. We huddled by the fire, watched the occasional snow fly overhead, and had a good time. We signed up a few new people for Muscle Powered memberships, and raised money for our organization with raffle ticket sales and beverage donations.
Kathy and Fritz, holders of one of the winning tickets!
It finally came time to raffle the beach cruisers that were made possible by the generosity of Dan Turner at the Bicycle Authority. People around the fire began to chant, “Bikes, bikes, bikes…” as the ticket can was shaken for the final drawing. It was very tribal!
Kathy, Fred, and Fritz always buy a LOT of raffle tickets. And they always win a lot of prizes. Jesse Richardson gave his tickets to them before he left, and as it turns out, one of them turned out to be a winning ticket! Jesse wouldn’t learn of his good fortune for a couple days though…
Jeff Resler won this cruiser and surprised his wife with a new bike!
Jeff Resler won the second bike. He was happy to win the woman’s bike, as it made a fantastic surprise for his wife!
James Wilsey played us music as long as his frozen fingers could take it!
Staying Warm at the Firkin and Fox Bike to Work Week Party
When Jesse arrived to work on Monday, he had a big surprise waiting for him in the office. From the photo, he appears pleased.
Jesse’s New Ride
And as always, just because Bike to Work Week is over, it doesn’t mean you put your bike away. Keep riding to work throughout the spring and summer. Have fun, get fit, and protect the environment.
The complete photo collection of May’s Bike Month can be found on Flickr HERE.
West Carson Cruiser Ride
Come join us Wednesday evening, May 19th for a slow ride around Carson City’s historic west side. This is a great family event, and is good for people of all ages. The pace is slow, and the route is only about 4 miles long.
In the first article of my Bike Month commuting series, I gave you Ten Reasons to Commute by Bike. Now that you’re ready to give bicycle commuting a shot, you’re going to need to choose a bike for the task. Thankfully for the shorter distances of urban commuting, just about any bike will work. If you already own a bike, then you can start bicycle commuting now; however, there are many options available that will make your ride more pleasant or better suit your needs. The following is a look at some of the different bicycle styles available, and the pros and cons of commuting on each.
Cruiser Bikes
CRUISER BIKES
Pros: Beach Cruiser style bikes are among the simplest bikes available. Low seat height, coaster brakes, and simple shifting (if more than 1 gear), make these bikes easy to ride. Cruiser bikes are fun to ride and they’re relatively inexpensive. Riding position is upright, allowing a good view of traffic, and the fat tires add suspension. Saddles are wide and well cushioned. There is a good selection of aftermarket racks and baskets to add utility. Cruisers are less attractive to thieves, since the parts aren’t worth much if stripped.
Cons: Cruisers are heavier, slower, and less efficient than other bikes. Cruisers typically have 1 or 3 gears, so if you have big hills or strong headwinds, you can get worn out easily. If you have long distances to travel, you will need extra time. Cruisers accelerate slow, making it difficult to zip through traffic.
Urban Bike
URBAN BIKES
Pros: Urban bikes are designed for the bicycle commuter in mind, and are pretty reasonably priced. They are the Sport Utility Vehicles of the bicycle world, combining both performance and utility. They are comfortable and efficient, and come in a variety of gearing options. Wide handlebars enhance bike control. The frames are made to accept fenders and racks, and when properly equipped, keep the rider dry and allow the cargo to be placed on the bike instead of the rider’s back. Although the tires are generally road biased, they are wider than skinny road tires, allowing the rider to easily navigate rocks, curbs, pot holes, and other urban hazards. Additionally, urban bikes typically have big 700c wheels which help smooth out the ride.
Cons: If you could only have one bike, you wouldn’t be able to do much in the way of off-roading on an urban bike. Depending on your climate, urban bikes may only be a three season bicycle. Mountain bikes do better in the snow.
Urban Bikes add Utility
Road Bikes
ROAD BIKES
Pros: Road bikes are light and fast, and they are nimble in traffic. Road bikes are a good choice if you have a lot of miles to cover, or are looking for the sportiest ride possible. For those on a budget, it’s not too hard to find a used road bike in fantastic shape. Road bikes are generally multi-geared, but you can also get them as a single speed or even a fixed gear.
Cons: You have to be more cautious when navigating road hazards with skinny tires. Road bikes don’t do well in the dirt. Tire choices are limited with the narrow clearance frames, making them more of a three season bike. Many of the racing frames aren’t equipped to mount fenders and racks. The aggressive leaned over posture of a road bike can limit your view of traffic.
Mountain Bikes – All Terrain, All Season
MOUNTAIN BIKES
Pros: Mountain bikes are all-terrain and all-season. They are a good choice if you can only have one bike, but want to be able ride anything that comes your way. Many models have mounts for racks and most easily accept fenders. There are a wide range of tires available for mountain bikes including regular knobbies, hybrid tires, studded snow tires, and even slicks. In addition to your regular commute, you can go hit the dirt trails at lunch or on the way home from work.
Cons: Mountain bikes are not as efficient on the road as urban or road bikes due to their heavier wheels and moving suspension parts (if so equipped). Expensive parts may make your bike a target for thieves.
Also worth mentioning are Cyclocross bikes. Cyclocross bikes share some of the characteristics of road bikes and mountain bikes. They are light and fast like a road bike, but have more frame clearance for more aggressive tires. Cross bikes may be good choice for riders that face long commutes over varied terrain.
Bike to Work Week 2010 is May 17th – 21st here in Carson City. Get those bikes ready for commuting. I hope to see you out there!
TUESDAY AUGUST 11th, 5:30
The last couple of Tuesdays we didn’t do too much riding, so I’ll stop calling this a cruiser ride. Bikes & Brews (thanks Jeff) is more like it. If you would like to join us for a few post work brews, pedal down to Dopplegangers at 5:30.
Buy the Bike Carson contributors a round of drinks and you may get a chance to win a dream date with this Carson City loco.
Hope to see you there.