Link Round up

Well, I don't have too much to say today. Another week of no riding, due to stitches in my lip (which, thanks to Triathablog, I am telling people is because of a cycling accident...I sound like such a badass. Thanks Triathablog!). I can honestly say that I miss riding SO VERY MUCH! The good news is that I am getting a lot of crocheting done. But not getting any points.

Here are some of the cycling sites that I check frequently. There are more, of course. I find a new site nearly everyday. If there are any that I am missing, please let me know.

BikeRubbish.com

Bike Snob NYC
Bicycle Pirate-great cycling fashion
The Lazy Randonneur
Velo Vogue-where the bike lane meets the runway
Bike Hugger
Urban Velo
Ecovelo-great blog with beautiful photographs.

Enjoy!

Bici Co op and other random things

(photo from Ecovelo)
I just got back from what was a really fun night, full of knitting, pizza and beer, cycling videos and bike talk. Some friends and I are in the process of starting a Bike Co-op, called Bici Co-op. We are in the early planning phases and meetings mainly consist of us going over paperwork and talking about cycling in the city. Tonight we also planned an AMAZING Valentines Alleycat race and benefit party (details to come...prom theme!).

Doing this has been really hopeful for me. Many people my age have left Birmingham lately, and the 'bike culture' of Portland seems to be a big draw for them. I agree that they do have a system that is a cyclists dream, and the city is lovely...but I am thoroughly enjoying advocating for a biking community here in Birmingham. Being involved at the beginning phases of a movement is so rewarding, especially one I believe so strongly in. The Bici Co-op will be a shop, meeting point for Birmingham's riders and a strong advocate for cycling in the city. A place where cyclists from all walks of life can come and feel welcome.

Starting it is a challenge and next month we are attending Bike!Bike! Southeast, a conference on bike co-ops. 3 of us are planning on making the trip to Atlanta (100 miles) via bike and making it a car free weekend. I think it will be really encouraging to meet others who have the same interests and passions. Heck, Heath is even going to teach the Basic Bike Repair class! Getting contacts and ideas will be invaluable. As will sharing ideas and not feeling like we are the only ones. That is one thing about cycling here in Birmingham...I often feel like a novelty act. People often say "Wow, I could never do that!" or (my personal favorite) "That is crazy! You don't need to ride your bike, you are skinny!". Even "that is WAY too dangerous". I imagine it will be refreshing to be around like minded folks who think cycling is a fun, responsible way to get around. While the ride to Atlanta seems a bit daunting (did I mention that I am going with 2 guys who ride all the time?!), I can't think of anything that sounds more fun. Meeting new people and riding in a new city, planning a Non-Profit and learning from others...I am smiling just thinking about it!

If you would like to get involved, or stay up to date on the progress of The Bici Bicycle Cooperative (or make a tax deductible donation), shoot me an email. The more the merrier. bike!bike! is Jan 22-25, and we would love for you to come along with us. Even if you are not interested in starting the Co-op, the riding will be good and the company stellar!

Not Quite Wrong...but so right

Found this while taking a trip on the Information Superhighway. You can see them all on Rosscott, Inc (notquitewrong.com). All of the website is funny, but the comics are my favorite. He is clearly a cyclist. And I love him.

click on images to enlarge.

Special Report: The Bicycle Co-op

The two biggest variables that scared me about becoming a commuter/urban cyclist were:

1. Fear of Bike shops and of doing simple repairs
2. Cost of repairs and maintenance

It looks like I am not the only one to feel this way, and some groups and communities are finding a way to combat these fears in order to get people on two wheels. Called Bike co-ops, Bike Churches and Bike Collectives, they all have one goal in mind: to get folks on bikes and on the roads. Most shops offer a space for repairing bikes, as well as tools and volunteer mechanics to guide you in fixing your ride.

These shops all require you to get a little dirty. No dropping off your bike before work. However, there are also no $30 bills for them to 'adjust' something and act condescendingly toward you. What a deal! Hanging out in a bike shop, learning to fix your bike and getting some repairs done. Sign me up.

These co-ops exist for more than that. Some are geared toward youth, like Cycles of Change. Many are starting an Earn-a-bike program, which trades volunteer hours for a rebuilt bike (which you help to build). Others market themselves toward lower income and shelter residents, giving them reliable transportation and a place for low to no cost repairs. These shops are Non-Profit and many rely on donations and volunteer hours.

One thing that I was excited to see is that most of the guides (yes, there are guides to starting a bicycle co-op) is that they encourage 'ladies night' (A few have ladies and Trans night!), recognizing that the ability to do simple repairs in a non-threatening environment is a huge roadblock to women cycling. The first time I got a flat, I was stuck, having never learned to change one. I had to call and friend and then bring Mick Jagger to a shop and paying for a change. I am lucky enough to have a friend (thanks Heath!) who took time to teach me tonight, but having a space and special time for women is a great service.

There is a conference, Bike! Bike!, that provides instruction, support and comraderie for bike co-ops throughout the country. These consist of rides, workshops, parties and a chance for like minded riders to get together and collectively talk about how to improve the cycling culture in America. Bike!Bike! Southeast is being held in Atlanta Jan 22-25. I am hoping to get a group together (anyone interested?).

Wondering why we don't have one in Birmingham? Fear not, the men of Brocycle are working on Bici co-op, a community bike shop here in town. I am so excited to see this unfold in my community and can't wait to help out. Tomorrows allecat race is hoping to raise funds to get bici off the ground. If you want more info or to donate, email me and I will get you in touch with the right people.

See you tomorrow! I will be manning a stop and having fun at the afterparty. Come out and say hello! If you win, there is a Triathablog T-shirt with your name on it.

LinkaPalooza!

Here are a bunch of links to all things cycling that I check regularly. Enjoy!

Cyclelicious-great site about cycling life in the US.

Copenhagen Cycling Chic- Streetstyle and Bike Advocacy in High Heels. My destination for cycling fashion help.

Copenhagenize-the Mecca of cycling cities. Sister (Brother) blog to Cycling Chic.

Ecovelo-one of my favorites. Great for urban cycling and commuters. Beautiful photos as well.

Commute By Bike-tips, news and techniques for bike commuters. From beginner to expert.

Urban Velo-great magazine/website about urban cycling. You can also download the magazine issues for free each month (although I think I am going to get a 'real' subscription so I can save them).

Great article in Urban Velo about city planning.

Brocycle and Tonight we Ride-cool guys in Birmingham. Friends of mine who are helping bring cycling back to the Magic City.

Two Five Fix-Fixed gear scene in Huntsville. Nice guys who are total badass riders.

Swobo-How to avoid the Bummer Life. Also great cycling merch and gear.

enjoy!

If you're going to do it...

You might as well look good!

I love riding. However, one teensy problem with cycling as transportation has been figuring how to look cute when I get to, say Bottletree or Urban Standard. I am not a fan of spandex. At all. I found this great website, Copenhagen Cycling Chic, sort of a Sartorialist for cyclists and fell in love.

Leggings! Boots! miniskirts! Legwarmers! A dream come true for a girl on two wheels. Urban Outfitters, here I come.

Another little problem is that sometimes a girl needs some...ahem, padding to stay comfortable. All of the 'cycling pants' I have found in bike shops are spandex extravanganzas! So, I jumped on the internet superhighway. and found these:

and


All from Harlot, a women's cycling apparel shop. How can you not love a company who has this written on their website:

"Many people ask us about the name Harlot. Certainly, an old word for prostitute might seem like an odd thing to name a company after. We actually have a good reason that makes sense to us. It involves the history of women on bicycles, the reclaiming of a derogatory word, and little tongue-in-cheek fun."

I am going to be Rockin' the hot cycling gear in Birmingham soon!

For more urban cycling gear, check out these great sites:

Cordarounds. Nothing for women, but I talked to the guys and they will have womens wear in February or March!
Swrve
Chrome. Known for their bags, but the knickers look kick ass as well. None for women however.
And the brand preferred by Bike Messengers: R E Load

I am having trouble finding any cool urban cycling gear in Birmingham. If you know of any, please let me know! Please, Please.