Commuter Flat

After riding to work the other day, I was greeted at the end of the day by having a back flat tire. How odd, I thought. I have the hard case tires on both wheels. So, I did some investigating. Here's what I found....

Hmmmm. Obviously can't blame the tires on this one. Look at this mammoth piece of metal! This is some major road debris. After hopping on the bus to catch a ride home, I was anxious to see what was in my tired. I removed the object, and this is what I found...

That's quite the nail. Nothing like being met with the unexpected. I was surprised that the tube didn't immediately pop upon being punctured. And then I thought perhaps my saving grace was having the hard case tires. Maybe it made for a slow and steady flat rather than an instant and bike-flipping experience. (Yikes to the thought of that along Hwy 93...)

Anyhow, I brought it home, fixed 'er up and was back on the road in no time. Punctures, flats and pieces of metal sticking your tire can really happen...and here's your proof. When's the last time you came across a flat or perhaps had a hopefully-not-too-scary incident with a punctured tire? I'd love to read your shared stories in the comments below.

Riding with Momentum

Nothing like Christmas in July....or April. Earlier this week another one of my Christmas presents finally came in the mail after much waiting:  Momentum Mag - Smart Living by Bike. I first came across this magazine at the 2012 APBP Conference in I attended in Charlotte, NC. And I was immediately hooked.

What kind of a biking mag is this?!?!

The magazine had articles on topics ranging from the latest gadgets/gear for your bike to how to change lanes to cargo bikes to fashion. (Yes, ladies and gents, fashions designed specifically for your casual riding comfort and pleasure.) I couldn't put it down because it was so good. I didn't want to race through it because then there would be no more to read. I was pulled in by the variety of articles aimed at the issues a variety of bicyclists face. This wasn't a bicycle magazine designed for just the gear-heads. It was unique in that it seemed to be developed for a broad audience, addressing real cycling issues for real people. Speaking of real people, the magazine is full of photographs of folks dressed in everyday clothes:  women in skirts and heels, men in dress pants, moms with their kids, families, weekend workout attire, too.

Check out their articles!

And I'd be lying if I didn't admit how much I enjoy perusing the ads. So many cool bikes. It's almost like there's a unique style of bicycle for everyone.

I'm looking forward to having more fun and diving a bit deeper into bicycle culture with this magazine. If you want to learn more about cycling, stay up on the latest trends and gear and read articles featuring the stories of real people who just happen to ride bikes, put this on your gift wish list. Or consider giving it to someone who's just beginning to get involved with bicycling. And, if nothing else, put their website on your weekly list of sites to check out. 

Biking in the Spring

Hi all. Sorry it's been a while (3+ weeks...) since my last post. Life has gotten busy and time has gotten away from me. But, since that time, spring has finally sprung here in the Upstate! Flowers are blooming, trees are gaining their leaves and I've spied more folks out on their bikes. It's that time of year - time to bust out of the winter blues, brush off the two wheels and gather your friends and family for a fun ride.

Spring is also the season where writing about biking just makes sense. Everyone is itching to find any excuse to get outdoors. And just about everyone has a memories as a kid of tearing up the neighborhood on two wheels. Several kids in my neighborhood have recently gotten new bikes. It's fun to see (and hear) them race around. Two of the girls got the same bike. They look so cute, and they love riding around together. Several of the guys are getting in on the neighborhood-new-bike trend, too.

During my rides back and forth to work, I also take note of the other riders I see. There's a few new morning commuters. There are has also been a noticeable increase in those riding in the late afternoon/early evening on my back from work. I've seen several members of the Clemson University Cycling Club out in their spiffy purple and white uniforms. I've seen a few pairs of guys in the midst of their afternoon workout. The other day I spotted two girls riding fast, chatting and having a good time. Noticing each one gives me pause for a smile.

It's great to see folks out on their bikes:  commuters, teammates, workout buddies, the neighborhood gang. Everyone enjoying the good weather, getting their blood pumping and having fun. It's the perfect season for it. No time like the present.