Bike to School-Back to School

Taking the NYC Bike Path: Students can take advantage of the early fall weather to bicycle to school.

While it's officially the end of summer, September also marks when school is back in session.  We often get a few weeks of warm weather that many call Indian Summer that makes bicycling to school quite appealing.  If your child's school or college campus has bicycle racks you're in!  Even so, here are a few essentials for your child's bike to school commute:

Detour's Sodo Front Bag - Schwinn Solitaire

Check List of Bicycle to School Gear:

Easy to work lock with key or combination

Cool bicycle helmet (let THEM pick it out)

LED Head & Tail Lights for the Bicycle

Detachable Front Bag and or Panniers for Books & Lunch

A Comfortable Bicycle (Schwinn Hybrids are hot now)

A Bell or Horn

Thermal Water Bottle (Polar Bottle comes in lots of designs)

Pants clip to cinch up the right leg if there's no chain guard 


Ride in With Your Child
Depending on many factors: distance, bicycle lane accessibility, morning traffic and your child's age, you may choose to ride along with them to school.  This is a great time to get in some early morning exercise for yourself while setting an example of fitness for your child.  Trust me, they take note of this!  If you get out there, they will too.  Teach your young-un to do a brief check over of tires, brakes, etc. and hit the road.

Basil Panniers are sturdy and hold a lot for school

Your child may like a neon colored lid like this Lazer Helium.

Healthier Lifestyle Choices
Childhood obesity is on the rise and for the first time we are seeing even pre-teens with adult onset or Type II diabetes.  You may not be able to change everyone else but you can change how you and your family live.  Top off this healthy life style by packing them a super lunch.  Bicycling burns serious calories and you may find your child to be very appreciative of nutritious menus without much whining.  Cycling has that effect on picky eaters.

Be sure to pack a healthy lunch & snacks...your child will need it!

Check with your local school system as some have received special materials or grants to assist children in bicycling to school.  If your child or you are in college, look for help at the student center or commuter center which may have special programs to assist your ride in and around campus.  I road a bicycle when I attended college and put off getting a car until well after I was no longer on campus.  I had only $200 in student loans which I immediately paid off without much difficulty.  

Save Gas: Bike Commuting Basics

A necessary comfort on any bike commute.  A hot container of coffee in a Portland Design Works Bar-ista cup holder.

Have you had enough yet?  As of this post gas is about $3.65 a gallon in the Tri-State area and quickly headed to $5.  "These are the times that try men's souls."  You got that right, PAINE.  What's your motivation?  Spring is in the air and Bike to School Week is coming up in April with its parent Bike to Work Month in May.  Get a few essentials and be on the road blasting past those over-priced gas stations in style.

BIKE COMMUTING 101

NYC Bike Path - Downtown Chelsea

Well, first you'll need a bicycle. You don't need anything fancy or with a lot of gears at first because just to start out, you'll only be doing local errands.  That's right.  You've got to roll before you can fly and short errands by bike is by far the best way to get your tires wet. Besides most Americans still make trips under 4 miles in their cars. 

CYCLE CLOTHING
Notice the people riding here on the NYC Bike Path.  They have pretty ordinary bikes, some with fenders which help with puddle splashes but they are wearing regular clothes folks.  
If you are wearing pants, you might want to cinch up the right leg so it stays out of your chain BUT if you've got a chain guard on that thing...pfffft.  You're not doing a century (100 mile ride) so don't worry about investing in a cycling kit like Lance.  However when you're ready, Terry Bicycles makes some very chic urban cycling clothes for women riders that work well both on and off the bike. In the meantime think "stretch fabric" for the clothes you choose to ride in.

HANDLEBAR & SEAT BAGS

The Pouch by Linus Bikes 
 
If you're a minimalist, you can get away with attaching a little bag like this to your handlebars or even your seat rails.  Leather straps secure it in place and brass snaps keep your stuff from bouncing out.

These were most often seen on those beautiful Brooks leather saddles which adorn classic fixed gear bikes.  You can certainly go that route but a bag like this can hold a medical kit, a patch or bike tools in case you break down.  Yes, that does happen.

Here is The Pouch attached to the saddle rails of my little Green Zone Folding Bike of the NYC Bike Path Film fame.

In NYC slinging a handbag over your handlebars can earn you a quick ticket (ok maybe not a Hermès).  Still, it's uncomfortable and distracting to try to ride with things like your iPod, keys and whatnot in your pockets.  A little seat bag frees you from all that and can be removed from the bike. Placed on the handlebars or seat rails, it's one accessory every commuter bike should have. 



MESSENGER BAGS

C.F. Martin & Co. Laptop Messenger Bag

Many people already own some version of a messenger bag (primarily as a fashion statement) because they are quite versatile and well...cool.  You don't have to be a messenger to use one but it helps. These things are notorious for sliding off and shifting unexpectedly.

This messenger bag by C.F. Martin & Co. however, has a few tricks going for it such as retractable shoulder straps converting into a much more stable backpack.  This bag also has plenty of room for your laptop, papers and has a water bottle sleeve.  Lots of handy compartments to organize your desk on the go plus a comfortable shoulder strap.

BICYCLE TRUNK BAGS

The D2R & Highway 1 Blend Coffee Dry Bag both by Detours

If you have a bicycle with a rear rack, you're already way ahead of the game.  That's because you can strap a trunk, panniers or even a basket to that rascal to haul way more than a pouch or messenger bag.  

The handy bottle holder on the D2R

Remember, you're goal is only doing short, local errands.  I'm talking about 8 miles round trip or less.  The post office, the library, the bank, the local convenience store.  You won't need large bags for those trips but you will need something to hold a few energy bars, an extra shirt and how about this, a container of hot coffee!

Taking a Detour... on my bike commute.  Detours D2R Trunk Bag

Speaking from experience (25 years +), a trunk bag is going to become your best biking buddy.  Having too much weight on the front handlebars as with large metal baskets can make steering more difficult and also cause a lot of drag up front.  The solution is to stow more weight in the rear (not yours).

Detours D2R Trunk Bag is the best made trunk bag I've seen in a long time.  The no-fuss clips securely attach to just about any rear rack, (I have a Blackburn) and it comes with a comfortable shoulder strap for off the bike use. If your bike doesn't have a water bottle holder or cage, the D2R has one that will easily accommodate a 20oz Polar Bottle or a 16oz Klean Kanteen.  The D2R has reflective accents all around and a light loop for a rear blinkie, both important items for night rides.  This Detours Trunk Bag also has two side zip pockets and an expandable main compartment.  Along with my TechWind panniers, it is very aerodynamic.  The D2R also has a removable rain cover.  I keep it in the side pocket with the shoulder strap so it's ready to go. 

Be Safe 
You'll need lights both front and rear to ride at night and ALWAYS wear a lid such as Lazer Helmet's NEW Hi-Viz Helium in Flashing Fluro Yellow.  Also be sure to have your name, emergency numbers and medical directives  taped inside your helmet or order Road ID's cool The FIXX dog tags.  These also come in wrist bands and hold a lot of helpful information to speak for you if you can't.
  
Commuting and doing short trips by bicycle is one the best things you can do for your health, your community and the environment. Now with gas prices reaching an all time high, you can finally do something for your wallet too.

CatEye Uno Headlight

CatEye's Uno Headlight mounted on my Terry Symmetry

May is National Bike Month so with many people starting to commute by bike, now is the time to think about lighting.  If you haven't shopped for one in a while, now is the time to start looking into some of the newer, brighter ideas in bicycle lighting.  Gone are the days of those big, bulky headlights too. Most state laws require that you have a working headlight and red rear reflectors for night riding.  With so many great choices, there is no need to get pulled over, (or run over), for not having a headlight.  Sad to say I see so many bicyclists riding around at night without a headlight or it's so old and dim, they are not easily seen.   The Uno is sleek and sweet and can work for your daily commute in flashing mode or if you need an emergency light should you get caught after sunset.

This light has evolved from a unit with multiple batteries and LEDs to a significantly smaller, highly efficient light. Uno. One battery. One LED. One VERY bright headlight that can be seen for well over a mile.

 

CatEye Uno Features

400+ candlepower
OptiCube™ lens technology
Flashing and constant modes
60 hours run time in flashing mode
15 hours run time in constant mode
Runs on 1 AA battery (included)
FlexTight™ Mounting bracket
Water resistant

 

CatEye Uno comes in black & white

What I especially like about CatEye lights is that they are so easy to mount with just your own two hands.  Forget about the phillips head.  This light also can be unlocked from the mounting bracket and used off of the bicycle.  This is really quite handy should you drop something and have to go back and search for it.  Simply press the locking lever and slide the Uno out of the bracket.  Now you've got one powerful little flashlight.

One of the best uses of the Uno in flashing mode is for daily riding.  Even in daylight, you can see this thing flashing from almost mile away.  Anything that you can do to increase your visibility on the road is going to help.  The Uno is a major boost in that direction and if you live in the city where there is at least some light, this will be sufficient enough to get you home.

No, we won't recommend that you use it on pitch black mountain bike trails at night but for its size and convenience, it is a very good choice, especially if you have limited space on your handlebars.  I have Aero bars and a bell on my Terry and this little light is the only one that fits in the small space I have left.  As with nearly all of the new CatEye bicycle lights made now, you have to press and hold the switch in to change from on - flashing - steady - off.  It takes a little getting used to but I think it is an improvement on the issues some CatEye switches have had in the past.  Like all of the CatEye bicycle lights we've tested, the Uno comes complete with batteries so it's ready to use right out of the box and mounts with no tools.

Why Smartwool is So Smart

Merino wool rules in this super comfortable Women's Channing Cycle Jersey in Carbon from Smartwool

This is the time of year that you're not sure how to dress.  It's even more difficult if you are going out to do some jogging or ride your bicycle.  I usually check things like humidity and wind speed before choosing my workout apparel for the day.  Fortunately, there is one fabric that can be worn every season of the year with only a few modifications.  That fabric is wool and it is a natural polymer.  Polymers consist of two monomers linked together but what makes them so cool is their ability to repel large droplets of water, i.e. rain yet allow smaller ones like sweat vapor to escape.  Silk and wool are examples of natural polymers.  Wool is the most adaptive of fabrics and the way Smartwool has designed the Channing Jersey maximizes this material's full potential.

Why Wool is the Natural Choice

Read the tag of Smartwool's Channing Jersey and you'll learn a lot about what a well made wool cycle jersey should be.  The Channing is made from Smartwool's new Technical Knit Merino which incorporates 75% Merino wool with 25% polyester.  It is naturally antimicrobial in part due to the fact that it does not allow moisture build up which is a key component of bacterial growth.  This jersey has extra porous panels on the sides and at the nape which allow an even higher transfer of moisture from your skin to the air.  The Channing has very comfortable cuffs that don't cut into your arms and a griping bottom hem that helps keep it in place while riding.  The front side invisible zipper pocket is genius and the back of the jersey has two rear open pouches.  Get ready to turn heads too.  This is a VERY smart wool jersey that looks fantastic both on and off the road.

Microweight Baselayer Zip-T by Smartwool

The cut of the jersey is comfortable, not skin-tight allowing you to wear a baselayer under it if you wish.

It's What's Underneath That Counts

An easy way to transition into the season is to wear this Microweight Baselayer Zip-T underneath on extra cool and windy days.  I'm talking about  50-55 degree weather with a slight wind.

The beauty of having an essential baselayer like the Microweight is that it can be used for all four seasons.  Wear it alone for high performance in the heat or under your cycling / running jersey when the weather is cooler.  No need for a jacket you'll only take off once you're warm.  Smartwool fibers maintain a more even temperature in all weather conditions, hot - cold or somewhere in between.  I've worn both the Baselayer and the Channing Jersey and was TOTALLY comfortable.  I even get itchy from cashmere so being able to wear wool next to my skin was a revelation.  It got warm... it got cool but I seemed to maintain an even comfort zone no matter what the weather was doing.  Wool is also naturally water repellent and fire resistant.  I've raised Finn sheep and know that lambswool is definitely God's miracle fiber!

Keep it Clean

Now sportswear is generally no good if it can't take a little rough treatment.  We've been testing Smartwool technical pieces and socks for several months and can tell you they can take a beating.  The socks don't bleed when washed and the clothing pieces can be tossed in the machine.  I recommend hand washing fine wool and silk fabrics with Sport Wash which maintains the fabric's natural wicking ability while completely removing any odors.  Sport Wash rinses completely and leaves your technical clothing soft and fresh. Add Sport Wash's Hair & Body Soap to your daily routine and you'll find your athletic wear staying much fresher longer and requiring fewer washings.  A win-win situation!

 

Use Sport Wash on all natural and synthetic pieces and Hair & Body Soap on yourself!

Spring Bicycling Guide

It's official! The calendar now says spring so here are some tips and tools to get you out there. Commuting, recreation or somewhere in between, you'll appreciate our springtime montage of biking essentials.

Transitional Cyclewear

Smartwool Blueprint patterned Cycling Socks, Arm & Knee Warmers, Cycle Cap by Gore Bike-Wear

According to Punxsutawny Phil, we can expect an early spring this year. Personally,  I think the groundhog knows his stuff!   It may still be winter on the calendar but there are days that are just about warm enough to jump on your bike or take a bold stroll.  There's no need to waste these precious days indoors!  You can easily and comfortably move into late winter, early spring X-Training with the right accessories.

When cycling your arms and hands are often the first to get cold.  Basically they're just along for the ride and unlike your legs, aren't generating much heat.  If you don't wear cycling gloves, you might want to rethink that for cooler weather.  Depending on the temps, you can choose full fingered or half fingered cycling gloves such as myLeather Pittards by Pearl Izumi.  They will protect your hands from road vibrations while keeping them comfortably warm.

Likewise arm and knee warmers are a must on cooler mornings.  These shown here are by Smartwool and are made of super soft, non itchy Merino 
Wool.  They can turn any short sleeved cycling jersey into a warmer long sleeved 

version!  These really extend your cycling wardrobe. During the ride, if it gets warmer, you can take them off and stuff them in your trunk or panniers.  That's something you can't do with a long sleeved cycling jersey.  The Blueprint pattern on the Smartwool set is really beautiful so you'll find uses for them for jogging and hiking too.

Pearl Izumi's full length cycle tights

If you are like me, there are certain tops & cycling chamois you just love to ride in such as Pearl Izumi's Women's Elite Thermal Cycle Tights shown here.  These have zippered ankles allowing you to easily get your cycling shoes on and off.   Full length tights such as these are excellent for temps down to 50 degrees, have a built in chamois, 8 panel construction and flat lock seams. If you still prefer wearing your cycle shorts, pair them up with Smartwool's knee warmers.  That way you can get more wear time out of your cycling kit.  Add some full length cycling gloves and enjoy the ride!