Not Everyone Commutes with Full Wrap Fenders...

Meet Vern, the Vaya. <3


It's funny what happens when you don't have options.  Today I woke up and didn't even think twice about whether or not I'd ride in in the rain today, I had no choice.  My car has been acting funny lately and although I've really not been driving it all that often, I decided to take it into the shop the other day.  Turns out, sure enough, there are several things going wrong and I opted to only fix the bare necessities that will make it run...who needs brakes anyway, right? 



Dry yet skeptical at home

 So, back to the bike.  I knew it was supposed to rain all day today and envisioned myself pedaling happily through puddles for the last few days to psych myself  up for a soggy commute today.  I do have a new bike, however, which makes every ride like a dream!  It's a Salsa Vaya and I do absolutely love it.  There were also a few other items that made my commute totally enjoyable, starting with the new Mountain Smith Strapettes that I just snagged for my pack turning it into more of a backpack with lumbar strap rather than just a single strap shoulder assaulting bag.  And, thank goodness for Spokiz and pit zips.  Without these two wonders this morning would have been far less pleasant for sure!  My buddy James who is the creator of Spokiz sold me on his amazing hingeless shades.  I was sporting the clear lenses today which really helped keep my eyes open as I splashed through countless puddles on the way downtown.   Thanks Jimma! 
So as I pulled on my rain jacket (and unzipped the pits for a bit of ventilation), Spokiz, hat, helmet, and pack I thought about how I haven't transfered my bright yellow fenders from the old rig onto Vern yet.  Dang.  I started cruising down my street and felt the cool rain and splashing from the street begin to cover my legs.

New bike lanes about to go in on 15th!!






Of course I have a pink pirate skull bell.  Why wouldn't I?

I pedaled down Center and towards Woolworth and wasn't honked at or anything the entire way.  The encounters I've had lately have been nothing short of pleasant.  Plenty of drivers these days are full of smiles and waves and actually a few "Keep pedaling, girl!" comments which always make me grin.  So, thanks Omaha drivers, for being swell these days.  On the flip side, I'm convinced that positive reinforcement is the best way to commute.  Someone gives you an extra second to turn: wave and smile; a driver waves you to go first at a 4 way stop: smile and wave; even if someone screeeeches by a foot away and yells "get on the sidewalk!": smile and wave (although I know, I know, it's not positive reinforcement...but still).  You get the picture; every time you have a chance to impact a motorist's view of a cyclist, make it a happy friendly one.  Then, one day (like Pavlov's dog) all drivers will think happy thoughts each time they pass a cyclist.  Do your part Omaha!  Let's make this place bike friendly.

-SJ

I'm In Love...with a New Bicycle

It's true.  I am afraid I've fallen hard.  And not off my bike, but rather onto it.  Just last week I was the lucky recipient of a new Salsa Vaya.   Holy moly, this may be the perfect bike.  Granted, I've only ridden it about 5 times since then, but boy howdy am I liking it so far.  The list goes on and on, but to breeze through a few outstanding highlights:  STI shifters (these are so rad that during the first ride I audibly exclaimed my amazement of the smooth and instant shifting; quite a change from the old bar end shifters I was rocking), comfortable steel frame (dependable and NOT a rust bucket like the old frame I was riding), super duper disc brakes (confident inspiring whilst pulling a 75# golden retriever behind you in a Burley Tail Wagon),  plus it just looks sweet.  I wrapped the bars with pink tape and threw on a pink skull bell with a bow on her head for good measure.  I also put my Specialized Body Geometry saddle on it to make it rideable in my opinion.  Now, it's my bike. 

Thanks to Greenstreet for puchasing it and to Jonn for putting her together. 

Group Ride Tonight!

If anyone is interested, we're doing our weekly Monday night shop ride from Greenstreet to Minneola and back.  It's about a 40ish mile ride so bring your lights and a good attitude!  It should be nice if the weather holds.  Meet at Greenstreet Cycles at 7:15ish and we'll roll by 7:30.  If you don't want to ride the whole way, meet us at the Wabash Trace Trailhead around 8:15 and we can all ride from there. 

Also, tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. there is an Omaha Bikes meeting which is open to the public if anyone's interested in knowing what's going on in the cycling advocacy scene.  It's at the Aksarben Village Courtyard Marriott at 11:00a.m.  See you there!

-SJ

Fall Riding Is Upon Us!

I can't wait to get out and ride today.  Dundee is in the plans with a clothing drop off at Scout and then probably an iced coffee at Blue Line.  Ah, crisp autumn air.  Glorious.

Glorious Day for a Bicycle Ride!

Copper and I rode into work this morning in the dreary, and highly appreciated, cloudy and damp morning.  Ah, September, I'm happy to see you! September (and the fall in general) is my favorite month because it usually starts to hint at cooler weather with a crispness in the air. I could gush and gush about the perfect cooler temperatures and lack of humidity, but alas, preseason bike orders are calling my name. 

Bottom line, I rode in today and am glad I did.  All day I've been looking forward to taking the scenic route home. 

Get out and pedal and enjoy the fall that is finally (hopefully) upon us!

Beautiful Day for a Ride with a Buddy!!

Too nice to stay inside and type.  But here's where Jonn and I rode today.  Rocked.  Plenty.  Pics to follow.  We were each on our single speeds and it was a wonderful thing.

Rainy Yet Pleasant Friday Commute

I decided to ride in today, after my usual excuse making and debating.  Copper talked me into it.  Thanks girl.

Even as dark clouds loomed in the sky up above I decided to pedal in to work today, and as usual, I'm completely thrilled with my decision.  Part of my push to pedal is the fact that the Dakota 50 is looming ahead, just like the dark clouds this morning.  It's a pretty big race for me, considering it's the only race I'm doing this year.  I haven't really been riding off road enough to feel totally prepared and so any mile I can get in this month, I'll take.  And, pulling Copper behind me is probably a good thing; adding 75 lbs to my load is a good training method. 

The rig at home

Cool old buildings along Pacific

Building explosion.

Sharrow!!!!

Gray sky.

50th & Center

The view of Cop in her trailer

I turned out onto Center St. and immediately hit a red light.   No matter, I'll just take a picture!

I headed down Center to Twin Ridge Rd and then headed up to Woolworth and through Field Club on down to 32nd.  One of the best parts of my commute it through the Field Club Golf Course and Historic area.  It's so pleasant with its shady, tree lined, wide streets with slow moving traffic that it will always be a part of my commute.

  I made my way toward Leavenworth and sped down toward 13th where I hit a red light.  Up next to me pulled a giant truck and the window slowly rolled down.  Now, any of you that have ridden much in traffic may understand that this isn't always the best thing to have happen; yes, I may be stereotyping that big truck dirvers aren't neccessarily bike friendly.  I was proven wrong!  The guy driving rolled his window down and said, "That's the coolest thing I've ever seen.  How do you get your dog to stay in there?"  "A lot of treats," I responded and pedaled onward.  Nothing else too eventful between there and the shop happened and I arrived on time to open Greenstreet.

We arrived safe and sound!

Happy Copper!

I'm actually just getting around to publishing this and it's Sunday.  I'm happy to report, I've ridden to and from work (and did about 15miles for the Ladies' Ride on Saturday) every day for the last 3!

Have you been riding?

-SJ

Bike Friendly Businesses

Today was a good day.  As far as a day off goes, it wasn't too terribly relaxing, but a productive day is hard not to enjoy.  It started out with pedaling to the Omaha Bikes meeting this morning to catch up with all of the happenings of our local advocacy group. Check out Omaha Bikes!  and get involved, dang it.

These meetings happen the 2nd Tuesday of every month and I attend them regularly.  It's a public meeting so if you want to know what is going on in and around Omaha in the way of anything bicycle related, this is your chance.

Today's meeting was well attended by the usual crew.  I was particularly enthusiastic because I've spearheaded a project involving "Bike Friendly Business" designations.  The idea is to approach different businesses that are patronized frequently by cyclists and ask them to recognize and appreciate this fact by providing (most already do) bike racks and a good attitude towards cyclists.  Whether this means extending a discount (which a few have agreed to), or having great outdoor seating available, or just being willing to fill a water bottle, as long as they decide that they want to be called bike friendly and make the effort to really do so, we'll put them on the map on the Omaha Bikes website and encourage cyclists to continue to give them business. 

So, today before the meeting I went to the new and wonderfully decadent Jones Brothers Cupcakes in Aksarben Village and chatted with owner, Bill Jones, about the idea.  He was into it!  As I enjoyed my iced coffee I got more and more excited about the potential of this actually working and the enthusiasm spreading across the city. Wouldn't that be swell??!  Thanks Bill for agreeing to be our first Bike Friendly Business!  I told Omaha Bikes about this and they were of course as excited as I am.  We (Omaha Bikes) have created little window decals and I grabbed a few at the meeting.  As soon as I left the meeting, I pedaled back over to Jones Bros and gave the decal to Bill who agreed to put it on the front door and offer 10% off to anyone arriving to his fine establishment by bicycle. Enjoy their huge patio, nearby bike rack, and fun atmosphere. Success!!!!!  Sweet, cupcakey success. 

With a little wind in my sails, and caffeine in my legs, I pedaled down to Wohlner's Grocer and asked to speak to the manager.  I had the same conversation and the same response, "Sure, that sounds like a cool idea."  2 door decals later, Wohlner's is officially bike friendly. 

Since I felt that I was on a roll (literally and figuratively), I stopped into Blue Planet Natural Grill and had yet another promising discussion.  Blue Planet now has an Omaha Bikes door decal that nicely compliments their bike rack, outdoor seating, and a good attitude!  They're extending a 10% discount as well to those hungry customers who pedal their way to a naturally delicious meal (or beer!...do I hear handlebar happy hour?).  Thanks Blue Planet!!

I'm pretty excited about this finally taking off!  Imagine: rolling up on two wheels to a coffee shop, restaurant, bar, book store, etc., and not only being allowed in with your sweaty helmet hair and bugs stuck to your face, but actually feeling appreciated for making the effort to go green and commute by bicycle!!!  

SO, if you know of a place that you think would be a good candidate for a Bike Friendly Business designation, let me know!!   I can then start the conversation and see where it goes. 

Happy Trails,
SJ

Park City Bike Trip!

This is how I spent my weekend! Not exactly commuting specific, but it includes bikes so I decided to share.  Pretty much all day Saturday and Sunday I rode some incredible mountain trails in Park City, Utah. The trip was completely funded by one of our shop vendors, QBP (Quality Bicycle Products) and I'm so glad that I had the opportunity!  As usual, pictures don't do justice to the beauty I got to surround myself with. But, try to enjoy them anyway.

I think I smiled non-stop.  Such nice trails!

A guy dressed up as a Sasquatch kept jumping out at people in the woods.  Hysterical!  I had to have a pic.

Pristine singletrack trails all over the mountain in Deer Valley begged to be ridden and enjoyed.  So I did!

This section was obviously a bit advanced.  I rode some technical trail features, but not this one which included a huge drop off the other side of this ladder.  Yikes.  Fun to see other people do it though.

My new buddies Toby and Russ from Dekalb, IL.  Nice riding with you guys!

Did you really think there'd be a whole weekend without me getting excited about food?!  This was an oasis to the senses after spending about 3 hours on the mountain (feeling a little lost for part of it) and dreaming of food.  Free and delicious!  Hooray!!!!