National Night Out

National Night Out was a tradition in my neighborhood as a kid. Growing up the family in the house next door would round up some goodies and invite the families in the neighborhood to have a night out. Neighbors would turn the porch lights on and trod on over to spend some time together. The parents would set up lawn chairs, sit around and talk. The kids would run around playing games, eat and drink all the snacks to our hearts delight and McGruff the Crime Dog would show up in a limo. Every year. This was the big time on our small cul-de-sac.

Maybe it was the extra time out in the evening with the neighbors. Maybe it was all the extra goodies. Or maybe it was because the Mayor's daughter lived next door, but McGruff always visited us and it was a great time. A summer highlight in my childhood memories

The City of Clemson will be celebrating their own National Night Out. Full of fun, community and highlighting safety, this year the event is on Tuesday, August 5th. The details of the event are still coming together, but there is rumored to be some kid-friendly bicycle events focused on teaching bicycle safety. Taking time to get together as a community is always important, and an event like this is a great timing in reminding kids about safety before the school year begins.

In my days, McGruff was more focused on crime-prevention, but these days he's even into promoting bike safety. I'm not sure if he'll make an appearance in Clemson, but there will be a lot of fun stuff going on. Consider coming out to the event in Clemson or joining a local National Night Out event nearby. A great family-friendly event, there's sure to be a good time for all.

Bike Spotting

I have to admit it. I need to come clean. I love bikes. Yea, you already probably knew that. But, I LOVE bikes.

I find bikes interesting. They have the potential to reveal so much about a person. A knobby-tired mountain bike with with suspension. A red and black road bike with skinny tires. An orange and purple fat tire bike with streamers. A grey hybrid with a coffee mug attachment.

Owning a bike can be a form of self expression. A bikes can be just as unique as the individual that rides it. There's something to learn about a person by the bike they ride:  what they love to do, how they like to get around and what's important to them.  The Minimalist. The Fashionista. The Racing Speedster. The Errand-Running Uptowner. The Splurging Young Professional. The Family Man. Every ride, like every person, is different.

 I love bikes, and sometimes I just catch myself staring. 

I'm not talking about staring at a "I'm-a-creeper" kind of way. (Because that would just be weird.) But it's more like admiring a fine piece of art, taking in all the style that can fit on two wheels. Bicycles are inspirational, fun and liberating, a lot like art. So, when I get a chance, I have taken a few pics of some of the more unique bikes I have seen.

There's been some pretty rad "bike spotting" I've seen in the Upstate and during my travels. The pics below are some of my faves.

Why not carry two bikes on the back of your motorcycle?
(Does that make it a TriCycle?) Greenville, SC.

First experience with pedicabs in San Diego, CA.

A colorful array of on-street bike parking with a
bike repair station. San Diego, CA.

Bike Share comes to downtown Greenville, SC.
Main Street station.

Individual style meets available parts meets recumbent ride.
Tybee Island, GA.

Coffee to go, please! Savannah, GA

What are some of the cooler bikes you've seen? Are you a fan of "bike spotting?" I'd love to hear your stories.

Upstate News Update: Mid Summer 2014 Edition

Hi all. Happy Summer! I've been off enjoying some summer fun, and I hope you have, too. I took a jaunt to see my parents and brother over the 4th of July. A weekend at my parent's cottage in Northern Michigan on an inland lake was pure bliss! Here's a few photos from my time away.

Lakeside scene at the cottage. Pure Michigan!

Enjoying a little r and r on the water.

I had the latest copy of Momentum Magazine with me, the 'zine focused on sharing the style, simplicity, issues and every-day-ness of bicycle riding. My brother and his girlfriend paged through it for their beach reading. As more of the "Sport-O" biking types, they were intrigued and impressed with the magazine's message. As my brother's girlfriend put it, "Look, they feature real girls who bike. *Pointing at a healthy-looking, dress-wearing lady.* Look at those thighs!" 

Her comment made me smile. Yes, the time with "the fam" was great. It was also fun to share my love of bike riding as a way of life. My family knows I'm really into biking, and it was nice to see them "get it."

There have been a few bike-relate events and stories in the upstate recently. In case you have been busy riding or having some other kind of fun, here's a bit of a update.

In reaction to an interesting turn of events this spring where local upstate Rep. Wendy Nanney took a rather rash approach to addressing bicycle safety, several upstate groups have come together to get the word out. Local cycling groups, bicycle shops, media and the bicycle advocacy groups are getting the word out to new bicyclists about how to act, respond, have fun and be safe.

A new indoor cycling workout studio is set to open this month in Greenville. For those looking to get a workout in, beat the heat and humidity of the hot southern summers and leave squeaky clean (aka they have showers), consider checking it out.

The second bike repair station at Clemson University is up! The first one was installed last year near some residential halls, and this one is located behind the student center. The repair station is also located near some spiffy new racks. This means there's twice the access to tools and air (for tires) for the students on access. 

Bike Repair Station #2 at Clemson University

If there's any other news or events to be shared, let me know by posting it in the comments below.

I've Got Some New (Bike) Shoes On...

Couldn't help but think of this song as I was writing this post....

I may not be doing a lot of walking in these new shoes, but I'm feeling pretty spiffy...and excited. A while back, I shared that I wanted to get more involved with group riding. I've met a few new people, and have had a few more experiences that have been encouraging. However, as I started to explore what it meant to get involved with this crowd, there was an ever-present push and pull that had me taking my time exploring this side of riding. (Yea, I'll get back to the "new shoe" theme in a bit.)

The push. The push to have a carbon-fiber frame with thin rims and wheels. The push to have "the right" kind of wardrobe. The push to get the gear - speedometers, a racing seat, sleeker helmet. However, I found the real push came from within. The push to feel like I was a credible road cyclist.

And then there was the pull. The pull to love the bike I have - the steel-framed Bianchi Volpe I spent months researching that I bought since it is designed for long-haul touring. (A dream of mine is to ride across country some day, by the way.) The pull to not want to give up the lifestyle biking I've preached on this blog. The pull to just be me.

I wanted to see how I would do compared to some more serious riders, so a few weeks back I participating in a ride where I knew the "racing/spandex" crowd would be. Over the course of the ride, I stayed with a group of riders that were totally my speed, strength and style. I didn't get left in the dust with my steel-framed, cage-pedaling biking-self. I realized that I could strike a balance. The pushing and pulling I was feeling was gone! Through this experience, I could explore and expand my bike riding style and capabilities, and still be me. It was a win-win.

Wanting to stay in rhythm with this group riding side of the bicycle crowd, I have purchased Shimano Dynalast SH-WR42W (for those that are paying attention). Yes, folks, that means I have made the switch from cages and pedals to clipless pedals. And, they fit wonderfully with the Giro pedals that originally came with my Bianchi Volpe I bought five years ago. (So, for the record, I have a touring bike, racing shoes and mountain biking pedals. That's quite the mixed bag.)

This weekend I spent some time with the great guys at Bike Street in Clemson. They switched out my pedals, tweaked my efforts at putting the cleats on my new shows, let me ride my bike on their trainer and were very supportive to my exploring a new side of biking. (All for a minimal cost, too!) I spent around an hour as they set me up and helped me get familiar with riding with these new shoes.

So, I've made the switch. But I'm exploring a new side of biking. And, I realized, that's okay. I'm really interested in creating a place for the non-racing bicyclists, letting folks know all they need is two wheels to get riding. And that's what I've spent a lot of time doing over the last seven years as a bicycle commuter, and the last three as a blogger. However, I'm interested in expanding my abilities and experiences, and finding new tribes to join. And that's what bike riding is all about - having new experiences, meeting new people and expanding your own horizon.

Hi Guys! Me and my new shoes.

I'm really excited to explore this new path. I'll still be commuting, and I'll still be blogging about riding for all. But, in the mean time, I'll be taking some new roads - with my new shoes on.

BITU Joins Twitter

After three plus years of blogging, Biking in the Upstate has joined Twitter! I'm excited to announce that there will be more opportunities to share, learn, converse and discuss bicycle-related issues that are relevant to the Upstate. Follow me @bikingntheupstate or search for BikingintheUpstateSC. There also may be other ways to search or find me, but I'm still getting the hang of it. I look forward to conversing with you, and throw any Twitter tips my way! Make sure you say hi in the Twittersphere.

I'm embarking on a new journey, much like bike riding, by expanding the reach of this blog. Learning as a I go, there's an expanded community to join and build. Momentum for biking in the Upstate, South Carolina, in the Southeast and across the country is growing! By joining Twitter, I'm looking forward to continue documenting the progress and propelling the future of biking in South Carolina forward. Looking forward to your tweets!

And, in other news...two weekends ago I participated in the local Ride for Wellness. This was my very first cycling event, and it did not disappoint! There were lots of seasoned cyclists there...but there was also a crowd that was a bit more my speed. With a steel bike and pedals with cages, I did well. It wasn't a race, but rather a time to go out for a ride over the back roads of Oconee County. There were peaks of the Blue Ridge, wide open fields and glorious downhill (and uphill) spans. It made for a great first-time event!

What Bike Riding is All About: A Review of G. Petersen's book Just Ride

A while back, I did a brief post titled "Just Get on A Bike" highlighting some of the national sentiment on the growing excitement on bike riding. So, when I came across a book with a similar title, I had to check it out.

 Just Ride:  A Radically Practical Guide to Riding Your Bike by Grant Petersen was released in 2012, and is a great read. Ever wanted to learn the best way to ride your bike? Curious on what the riding poncho is all about? How to (or not to) accessorize? With chapters titles like "Ride bumps with skill, not technology," "Don't overthink your underwear," Be saintlike on the bikepath," and "Most bikes don't fit," the book covers a wide variety of bike-related topics. I learned so many interesting things, from tips on bike safety to DIY upkeep to input topics like bags versus baskets, and bike shoes versus pedals and cages. I feel like this is a book that's meant to have bent corner and bike grease stains from it's use. Just a great companion for any rider. As another blogger put it, we're all doing it right.

This is not a cover-to-cover read. Serious time and energy was put into the craft of this book, making it easy to understand, yet not dull or boring.It's the kind of lit that's meant to be taken in bite-size pieces, mulled over and tried out. Maybe even be some topics of conversation with friends at the next opportunity. It would be a great gift for any bike rider - novice, well-seasoned, racer and unracer, a term that's used in th book for everyone who rides a bike in a non-racing event. This one is going to stay within arms reach for a while.

Honestly, this might be one of those "Christmas in July" times.It's available in print and digital, depending on your preferred device. This guide screams stocking stuffer!!! Pick this up for your bike buddy's Christmas or Birthday gift. And, while you're at it, grab one for yourself. After you spend a little time reading, remember, just ride.

Local Event: Ride for Wellness

Come one, come all. This Saturday, June 14 there's an open call for a free bike ride event in the Upstate for those interested in riding. The event is sponsored by Excel Rehab and Chik-fil-A with details are located on the event's Facebook page.  The lowdown: its an 8 am start time in Seneca with a 25 mile and 62 mile ride option. Those that preregister get a water bottle and a free meal from Chik-fil-A. Who doesn't love that?

Why I think this ride matters:  Many of the barriers that can prevent folks from joining in on bike riding aren't present. There's not a cost, donation or entrance fee. It's not advertised as a race - it's called the Ride for Wellness. It's not a fundraiser, which can be a great way to raise funds for organizations in need, but this ride won't be one that affects the wallets of co-workers, family or friends. It's a great event to get some event/group riding experience.

Maps will be provided, along with food and drink. And, as a bonus, there will be free physical therapy screenings before and after the ride. It sounds like a great time! No excuses. Do a quick tune-up on your bike tomorrow evening, register Friday morning and go out for a ride on Saturday. Join fellow local Upstate riders in a great event!

In other news, my previous post on biking at college campuses and college towns got featured by Streetsblog! It's a national blog on sustainable transportation and livable communities. Articles generally focus on urban topics, especially in places like Chicago, New York City, San Fransisco and Portland. I was pretty psyched, and traffic picked up significantly for the last few days. It's great that folks on the interwebs stay tuned to what's going on in the upstate of South Carolina. Thanks, guys!