Summer Vacation: Packing A Bicycle for Your Destination

Bikes on Boats and other vacation destinations.

May is Bike Month and Bike to Work Week. While this month has focused much on commuter cyclists, summer is on the way and perhaps time to consider ways to take your wheels on vacation. In fact with a little advanced planning, you may be able to use bicycle power to see the sights at your get-away destination. Cycling is also a great way to stay fit and exercise while on vacation so you can accomplish two objectives in one: transportation and aerobic fitness. Here are a few tips and tricks taken from my many vacation travels by land and by sea:

Paddle-boarding with a Hobie Mirage sailboat in the background.

NY CitiBike vs Bringing My Folding Bike

CitiBike Kiosk just off of 7th Avenue in Midtown. Lights & Bells included.

During my last trip into New York City for a post Fashion Week event, I took a little time to check out the new CitiBikes I saw lined up at various points in Midtown. I walked along 7th Avenue from 34th Street downtown to Soho and noticed a few people riding them albeit quite slowly. These are very heavy bikes, weighing in at 45 lbs. I thoroughly understand that they need to be because they are made to accommodate heavier riders, up to 260 lbs. Since I have already taken my Greenzone Folding Bike to NYC on the train and rode it downtown to Chelsea, I think I can offer a pros and cons comparison of the two experiences.

Getting to NYC 
Most trains along the eastern corridor including New Jersey Transit offer space at the end of the cars for full sized bicycles. I was able to put my folding bicycle in its carry-bag and place it right on the seat for the ride.

My folding bicycle bagged and on the train to NYC.

This was not a big deal but when I got to NYC Penn Station, the escalator from the train platform was OUT so I had to carry the bicycle up the stairs. Welcome to NY! Not too bad as my bicycle is the alloy version and weighs only about 25 lbs. So for this portion of the trip I'd say CitiBike - 1, Folding Bicycle - 0 

Streetside in NYC
Once I arrived in NYC, I was able to quickly set up my foldy and start riding right in front of Penn Station. I went down 9th Avenue to pick up the Bike Path on 10th by taking 34th Street. This was very easy and I felt completely safe even when I wasn't using the Bike Lanes.

When I went to NYC last week, I didn't see a CitiBike Kiosk until I was pretty far down on 7th Ave. It wasn't terribly far from the train station but I would have liked to have seen one a bit closer. So for this leg of my trip, I'm going to give CitiBike - 0 and Foldy - 1

I was almost in Chelsea before I saw my first CitiBike Kiosk off of 7th Ave.

Picking up Your CitiBike
I noticed that most of the Kiosk spaces were almost completely filled with CitiBikes even though I did see at least ten people tooling around on them. There might be a few reasons why. CitiBike requires 24hr pass users get to your destination within 30 minutes and dock your bike or you will be charged extra, ($4.00 for 30-40 mins.overtime). CitiBike only takes MasterCard (which I happen to have) but it's a bit inconvenient if you don't. Once you have paid, ($9.95 + tax for a 24 hour pass), you have to lift the CitiBike straight up by the fat seat and then let it down to unlock it from the station. Hurry up and adjust the seat because you're paying for it now! Throw your bag in the front basket slot and secure it with the looped bungee (if you can). It squashed my Italian leather duffel bag which barely fit. By the time I found my first Kiosk, I would have already been half way downtown on my folding bicycle.
Here's the score for this experience: CitiBike - 0, my Foldy - 1

My Greenzone Foldy downtown at Chelsea Piers

Riding in Midtown
The reality of riding in Midtown means competing with cars, taxis and trucks who are all bigger and more experienced on the streets of NYC than you. CitiBike specifically tells you to stay off the sidewalks and most Midtown streets and avenues are ONE WAY. That means you will have to figure out how to get to where you're going (in 30 minutes remember), without cutting through pedestrian traffic and walk-ways. With 45 lbs of CitiBike, it would be impossible on crowded city streets. With my folding bike, I was able to walk it up on the sidewalk and take a seat on a bench. I can even fold it up and take it with me inside a building and on an elevator. I also wasn't frantic about figuring out when and where I could dump my rental before I got charged extra.  Sooooo...CitiBike - 0, my Folding Bike - 1

My poor bag almost fit!  Notice the REAL bicycles parked nearby.

The Return Trip
So if you were able to drop your CitiBike off at a Kiosk in 30 minutes, kudos!  When I finished my event on West Broadway and Houston Street, (pronounced House-ton), there was a Kiosk right around the corner. However, I was looking around and all the adjacent streets were going in the opposite direction to where I needed to go. 7th Ave. runs one-way North to South downtown so I would need to pick up a CitiBike on another avenue going uptown. Oye! With my folding bicycle, I simply road down to the streets or walked the sidewalks I needed and used the ones going in the right direction towards my destination. Really very easy BUT once I got back to Penn Station I had to carry my foldy down to the train platform on a crowded stairway. This was pretty horrible not to mention scary! If I had rented a CitiBike, I would have been able to leave it in NYC, board my train and relax. So for this scenario: CitiBike - 1, my Foldy - 0

The Wrap
So you will have to figure out which works best for you, but you've been warned! CitiBike is no ride in the park, (although for extra rental time, you could arrange it).  I think if you live it NYC, it could be quite useful if you buy the yearly program that gives you 45 minutes to dock or die. What concerns me is that on an absolutely gorgeous, sunny, 72 degrees, low humidity day...the CitiBike Kiosks I personally saw were all nearly completely full. I think the concept is a good one but the inflexibility of payment and one-way street restrictions might be off-putting for someone who is just visiting for the day. Even with all of the carrying and lifting, I think I would still bring my own Folding Bike into the city instead of using CitiBike once I'm there. Well, that's just me!

My Greenzone Folding Bike is the clear winner over CitiBike.

Make Your Move: Fall Bicycle Touring

Cooler temps and changing colors make autumn the perfect time for a bicycle tour. Basil Cosa Rear Basket on an Schwinn Admiral

Now is the time to start planning your fall get-away...by bicycle! Really any destination can be made even more special with the addition of a bicycle tour. If you are going on vacation, check and see if there is a local bicycle rental shop in the area. When I sailed to Nantucket Island during my Cape Cod vacation a few summers ago, there was a local bicycle shop that offered rentals by the hour. It was a great way to see the town as the streets are tiny and often congested with traffic during the tourist season.

You can either rent a bicycle or take along a foldy like this Barcelona model from Citizen.

Folding Bicycles
An alternative to renting a bicycle on location is to bring along a foldy. Many of these models pack down to almost luggage size and allow you to take them on board a bus, ship, train or airplane.

My Greenzone Alloy Folding Bicycle weighs about 25lbs. PHOTO: Chelsea Piers, NYC

I've traveled with my Greenzone Folding Bicycle by train and it was really easy to set up and ride once we disembarked.Starting at Penn Station on 34th Street and 7th Avenue, it took less than 20 minutes to roll downtown to our destination at the Lighthouse Restaurant at Chelsea Piers. I recorded such a ride with my Greenzone for this NYC Bike Path Film.

Brompton folding bicycle goes anywhere!

Ride Destinations from Home
If you are doing a "stay-cation", you can use a full sized bicycle that will hold a lot more gear for your day out. This would be a day-trip on bicycle so you just need enough things for a picnic lunch and a comfortable day out.  Just like a backpacking trip but on your bicycle!  Here's how:

Detours Sodo Front Bag has a clear sleeve for your ride map and phone.

• Map your destination ahead of time. I like Detour's Sodo Front Bag as it has a clear case for your ride map and iPhone. A trunk and panniers hold enough for a day's worth of travel gear.

•  Don't forget to bring a picnic blanket if where you're going does not have tables and benches. 

•  It's always good to pack your food in a separate thermal tote. It will keep your food and drinks cold until your stop to eat. They come in different sizes and shapes to fit your bicycle rack or panniers.

My Gore Bike Wear Phantom SO Lady Jacket has removable sleeves-perfect for bicycle touring and stow away in my trunk and panniers!

• Remember to pack a flat kit and a small first aid kit for emergencies on the road. I like the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight-Watertight series.

• Bring a change of clothes and a water-proof jacket in case of rain. Shower's Pass Portland Jacket is perfect for cooler fall weather and heavy downpours.

Tour-ready and easy to pack, Portland Jacket by Showers Pass

•  Bring enough water or if you are going to a place where there is a safe water source you can take along a CamelBak All Clear UV Microbiological Water Purifier. It uses UV light to treat the water so you needn't haul large amounts for the trip. 

Water and juicy snacks are perfect for a bicycle tour!

No Nose Saddles: Spiderflex Review

The Spiderflex Noseless Saddle installed on our Green Zone Folding Bike.  The Pouch by Linus Bikes.

Noseless or no nose saddles are nothing new.  They have been around for sometime now and for many people, they will make the difference between riding and not.  Why?  Well, because the traditional road bike saddle design tends to put pressure on the delicate blood vessels in the groin area.  This can cause foot/leg numbness due to decreased blood flow and for men this can also negatively effect prostate and penile function.  Some men have had to give up cycling entirely because of the horrendous impact hours in the saddle made on their sex life.

Why Spiderflex?

We looked at a number of no nose saddles and heard a lot about how uncomfortable and weird they felt.  Then we came upon the Spiderflex saddle which stood out from the rest of the pack for the following reasons:

We liked the design plus the extra shock absorption found in the back of the Spiderflex saddle, (see the "spider" on the black shock absorber in the photo above...that's it).

It is ergonomically designed to allow the "sit bones" to be supported and cradled without cramping.  It also gives you full freedom in the crotch area without the pressure or chaffing most other saddles are notorious for.  Prepare to be free, baby!

There is nothing skimpy about this saddle.  Sturdy stainless steel rails and a very supportive, yet comfortable wide positioned seat come together in ergonomic perfection.  The Spiderfex  was easy to install and fits all standard seat posts and clamps.

We also really liked the "just right" firmness of this polyurethane covered saddle.  Here are some key features:

• Comfortable ergonomic bicycle seats for all bike riders
• Wide seat area for better weight distribution
• Ergonomic center relief eliminates pelvic/perineal pressure
• Ventilated seat slots reduce heat/moisture buildup
• Cradles your "sit-bones" to alleviate pressure points
• Eliminates chafing on the inner thigh area
• Comfortable "long ride" suspension system
• Works great on trainers and exercise bikes

Spiderflex Saddle on a folding bike.

Personally I have ridden everything from a hard antique Brooks leather saddle to the newer gel filled road saddles such as The Butterfly by Terry Precision Cycling.  Most rides, I wear a little padding or chamois such as the minimalistic type found in Terry's Spinnakers.  The Spinnaker is actually made for spin classes, hence the name, so it does not have a high performance chamois like some of the more aggressive cycle shorts.

My folding bike is primarily ridden in an upright position as seen in the photo here, so the Spiderflex saddle was actually just the thing to replace the one that came with the bike.  I'm not complaining about the Green Zone Bike's saddle because it is very comfortable.  It's just for us women, certain times of the month, the last thing we want is pressure between our legs.  Also for this seat is a God's send for women who have just given birth and want to ride or to do some spinning on a stationary bike.  Pop on the Spiderflex seat and spin away!  No stress, no pressing.  

I've test driven the Spiderflex for a bit over a month and only had it adjusted once.  Make sure you have someone who knows what they are doing installing it.  If it is not positioned correctly, you can feel as if you are sliding forward.  However, once it is set up, it does take a bit of getting used to as you will need to find your "sweet spot" in order to truly appreciate the ride.  I like not having any pressure on the back of my thighs as I'm pedaling.  So liberating!  Better still there is no sweating, chaffing or irritation no matter if I wear a chamois or not.  I think this saddle would make a great Christmas gift for someone who wants to ride more or even yourself.  No need to wait for problems to arise.  Be proactive. See if the Spiderflex Ergonomic Bicycle Seat can make a difference in your next ride.

NYC Bike Path Film

This is our completed film project on the New York City Bike Path featuring skater-bike commuter, Moira North of The Ice Theatre of New York and work from fashion designer Carlossee of Lumpkin Cycle Works.  

Take a look at how savvy New Yorkers use their bike lanes & Greenways for exercise, transportation and recreation.  Also included are some great folding bike ideas and accessories for vacation, travel and trips.  The New York City Bike Path offers so much to extreme cross-trainers and you will see a diverse group of athletes and health minded locals using it to the full.  Enjoy!

NYC Bike Path Video Preview: Bike Chic

  Intro to our New York City Bike Path Video - August 2011 release scheduled.

Lumpkin Cycle Works One Off Faux Alligator Panniers

While shooting on location this summer, we noticed some very slick bicycles and accessories on the New York City Bike Path.  We road from Penn Station down the 9th Avenue Bike Lane to Chelsea Piers and saw all sorts of panniers, baskets and messenger bags.  Still we saw none like these bicycle bags.  Perhaps it's because these are one of a kind?

These gorgeous Faux Alligator Panniers are made in the USA by Lumpkin Cycle Works. If you want New York City style, look no further.  These have enough capacity to hold a full day of shopping on 5th Ave. or bushels of groceries from the Chelsea markets.  We like the two sets of straps which allow us to attach our Portland Design Works Danger Zone Tail Lights.  These panniers are also angled back to help prevent "kicking" during your pedal strokes.  The closures snap so no need to do/undo the buckles and an inner drawstring helps keep cargo from shifting during your ride.  You would look perfectly fly rolling through Midtown with these on your fixed gear!

The designer behind Lumpkin Cycle Works

Meet the Designer & Purveyor of Lumpkin Cycle Works

Carlossee (Carlos-say), is a fashion designer and avid cyclist whose studio is located in Detroit, Michigan.  If necessity is the mother of invention, who better to design fashionable yet functional cycle equipment than someone who bikes?  This is what makes "Lumpkins" so exceptionally unique.  Classic lines, sumptuous fabrics and a sense of daring pretty much sum up this line of cycle bags and panniers.

Mr. Lumpkin's artistry brings haute couture fashion to cyclists who use their bikes for much more than just recreation.  Carlossee is famous for arriving at black tie affairs on bicycle, (and tux), fully equipped with his signature panniers.  He is changing the image of the bike commuter while opening new and exciting options for urban cycling.  We could see that his impeccable fashion sense fits right in with NYC Bike Chic and are pleased to include his work in our video project.

Lumpkin Cycle Works bags are the "Birkin" of  bicycle panniers.

Summer Pleasures

Our #1 choice: Green Zone's ultra-light alloy folding bike with Basil Jada Panniers.  Carry Bag & BELL included!

Going on vacation?  Take your cross training routine with you with a folding bike!

This Barcelona Beach Cruiser from Citizen folds easily to fit in your trunk.

Folding bikes allow exercise and transportation on vacation or summer trips.  Easily stored, they fold up to fit in the trunk of your car with your luggage.  A carry bag will let you take it to your room, rental apartment or beach house.  This will give you more mobility for sight-seeing and touring without totally abandoning your cross training exercise.  Check out Green Zone Bike's website for the lighter 25 lb alloy folding models.  Worth looking into for your hottest summer ever!