Thursday, May 27, 2010

Salty Lake City Polo Looking for Players

Salt Lake City Polo is looking for more people to join their ranks on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and they want us! For those of you who came out to Thrashin' Thursdays back in the day, you know how much fun this can be.

They generally meet at Liberty Park on Tuesdays around 7pm and Thursdays at 8pm. Check out their blog for more info and updates at slcpolo.blogspot.com.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Clipless

I posted this over on SaltySpokes, but thought I'd repost it here too!

I recently (two weeks ago?) went clipless with both of my bikes. (Why is it called clipless when that’s all it really is – clipping into the pedals? I’d call it cageless or something..) So far I like it. I haven’t tipped over at any intersections or had too much trouble clipping in (probably because I have them set really easy to clip and unclip). I only have two complaints and I’m hoping you guys can suggest some possible solutions.

First, the shoes. I’m wearing some SIDIs from the collective right now, they are fine, but I can slip my foot out of them, which is not okay. I need to find some that fit. But the real problem is that I don’t like walking around in them. They clip clop everywhere I go and I feel restricted by them, like I can’t move around as much as I’d like to because I’ll either slip and fall or wear out the metal. So I want to get some of those built in kind that look and act (basically) like normal shoes. Any suggestions on brands or better yet does anyone have a pair (ideally women specific) that they don’t wear anymore? I could use a pair that actually fits more than a pair that is easy to walk in. The latter is just a luxury. 
Second, I think pulling up on my pedals more and trying to think in full circles instead of just pushing down is starting to hurt my lower back. I’ve always had back problems, so this might not be the case, but regardless, does anyone know some good techniques to be thinking about as I ride or some good stretches that I could do everyday that target those biking muscles a little more specifically?

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Bike Art Party x2!



This next friday should be a hoot! Two bike art parties going on side-by-side on 2nd south and near 2nd east! The Copper Palate press is always good to check out and their $5 screen-print-anything-you-want setup is really great, 'specially if it's bike themed. This show is a benefit for a cyclist without insurance who is dealing with serious medical bills after a recent accident.

After customizing your bag, shirt, or pantalones, Gallery Roll is only a stones-throw away.

Those crazy new yorkers get all the fun

Step 1: Go to new York
Step 2: Win
Step 3: Go to Guatemala for Free
Step 4: Profit

Monday, May 10, 2010

Support the SLCBC while getting drunk and winning things!



I don't really need an excuse to go to a bike party with a bunch of my friends and win stuff, but the Bike Collective has been gracious enough to make my self-indulgence seem altruistic. This looks really fun, and some crazy raffle prizes have been lined up.

$5 May 14th, W Lounge, 8-11 PM.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

For anyone interested in riding their bike across Iowa!

Ramzy Asmar is planning to do RAGBRAI this year and wants people to come along for the ride and split the cost. If you're unfamiliar with the ride, click the link above and read up about the best dang cross-state ride in the US. Read Ramzy's whole plan after the jump, if you're interested get in contact with him at rasmar@aii.edu The ride is July 25th – July 31st.

"I am planning on renting a RV from Salt lake City, UT. I would like to have 7 to 12 riders join. The first 7 will be able to sleep in the RV and the next 5 would have to tent (no house sponsors as of right now). The more riders who go, the less expensive it is for everybody. Of course, the riders who sleep in the RV will pay more and price goes down exponentially as more (8 to 12+) riders put a deposit down. If anybody is interested (serious inquires only), please answer.
This is a laid back ride and it is not a race. If you have always wanted to do this, now would be a good time. The ride is one of the shortest and flattest in RAGBRAI history. This group should be able to party and drink (responsibly, of course).
We can plan on having a full time driver (goes for free, sleeps in the RV ,we lose one inside sleeping spot an the price goes up some) and everybody rides or once there are 7 riders or more, everybody draws straws, or chooses a day to drive (age 25 and older according to RV rental place).
I am also willing to pick up riders along I-80 (no large detours) on our way to the start town (via Omaha), but will not be able to drive. All drivers must be present and fill out paperwork to drive when the RV is picked up.
Consider the cost of a plane ticket ($350.00 or more), packing your gear for flight, boxing your bike (disassemble/re-assemble 2X=$50.00 to $90.00 or more, shipping cost(50×2=100.00 or more) and the conveniences of stretching your legs out as well as having a restroom available for the whole trip (priceless). Cost is app. $550.00 and I have included gas at an average price of $2.75/gal. Food and beverages are not included. For $650.00 to $700.00 per person is a realistic estimate for a one week vacation and as more riders sign on, the cost will drop (potentially the price can drop to $450.00 to sleep inside and $250.00 to tent).
I am also looking into renting from a private owner, the prices quoted above would significantly drop due to no taxes are charged by a private owner for everything. I would like to solidify plans by the end of March and breathe a little easier until July. Either the RV happens this year or I do not go this year.
Even if you do not want to go, if you know of any riders from Northern Utah who would like to go, please help me out. Thanks for your time."

Alleycats for er'body!

Alleycat! June 5th! Plum Alley! 6pm!



The alleycat will take place on a Saturday and be of a quite different variety. There will be a time limit to this race (one hour) and numerous checkpoints (more than you can get in one hour). Starting from Plum alley and finishing at an undisclosed location, you will speed around the Central Business District of Salt Lake stopping quite often to pick up the occasional object, ticket, or stamp but be careful because if you lose track of time you will lose your points (1 minute = 1 point). This should prove to be a very fast paced, exciting, but still very obtainable alleycat that will be able to be thrown up in a weekend at a very low cost to everyone so 2 bones gets you in! Hot damn!

PS: Sponsorship by Jason's Deli! WOO! Cookies and water on the house!

Call for Bike Footage

I just received an email through Candy Cranks from an Amelia Shaw and thought I'd share it:
Hey ladies!!!

I'm working on a film for this years Bicycle Film Festival.
I work with the festival and am desperately wanting to get a female film in the program.
There is a spot saved for this film but I am coming up short on footage of chicks riding!!!! charging!!! racing!!!! pulling tricks!!!! Loving their bikes!!!!!!


This is a CALL OUT FOR FOOTAGE OF YOU OR YOUR FEMALE FRIENDS ON BIKES!!!

If you have any please send it to me asap. The footage will be shown in the BFF 2010. Premiering in NYC in July.

Hi res is best but also whatever you have that is decent would be muchly appreciated.
If anyone is interested email me and I'll send you Amelia's info. It'd be great if we got some SLC girls on this!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Gallery Roll Deadline Extension!

So the powers that be decided they'd like to extend the Gallery Roll submission deadline for another week or so until May 10th! Jace Down at 2nd and 2nd says good things have been coming in, it'll be fun to see! The show will be at the Salt Lake Bicycle Co. on May 21st, submission info here.