Bike Junkie's Annual Christmas Gift List

Window display at my local bike shop, SLC Bicycle Co.

According to Rudolph the red-nosed fixie, it's that time of year, and once again, we delve in to Santa's big bag-o-lovin to pull out some bike-related gift ideas that are sure to please that cyclist in your life.

Lloyd Dobler Cyclocross T-shirt
Are you a fan of 80's movies? Do you remember the scene from Say Anything where Lloyd is "serenading" Diane by holding a boombox over his head? In the Crosshairs has adapted that iconic image to make a truly awesome cycling shirt.

$20

Action Wipes
You love your cyclist, but you don't love smelling them. When you don't have time to shower, or there's no shower available after a hard ride. you simply can't beat Action Wipes. Large, durable, washable, reusable cloth-like wipes that are infused with tea-tree oils, eucalyptus and other plant-derived ingredients. They are great smelling, and make short work of whatever you throw at them.

$1.25 for a single pack, or $25 for a pack of 25.

Timbuk2 Mission Cycling Wallet
Raise of hands, how many of you have sealed your phone in a ziplok baggie before heading out on a ride in hopes of protecting it from possible inclement weather and sweat? And, how many of you throw a credit card and some cash in that baggie for a mid-ride cafe stop? Wouldn't you love something more stylish and durable that would still allow you to use your smartphone?

Timbuk2 has listened to your pleas, and has introduced the Mission Cycling Wallet. A durable ballistic nylon phone case that protects your phone from the elements while allowing you to have full access to your smartphone's touchscreen, and providing separate credit card slots on the back.

$29

Ritte Bosberg
You can't have a gift guide without including at least one bike. This year, the Ritte Bosberg gets the honor. Why? Well, a couple of reasons. For one, I am a fan of the small guys. I like showing up to a race or a ride and seeing that one bike in a sea of Treks, Specializeds, etc...  The other? It's a damn good looking bike. As they say on their site "...one amazing to ride and stunningly handsome machine. It will also make you roughly 240% more attractive and 312% more intimidating."

$2150 for frame/fork/seat topper/headset

Scallywags Coffee Brake Mug
Coffee and cycling go hand in hand. Several coffee shops sponsor cycling teams, many retired pros have their own line of coffees, and in some parts of the world, stopping for a mid-ride espresso is an institution. The Scallywags are a small group of fabricators from Minnesota who have created a perfect way to enjoy your favorite hot beverage* off the bike while still showing your dedication to all things two-wheeled. 

*you probably could drink hot chocolate from it, if you must.


$20

Race Bib Holder
1st Marathon? 1st Ironman? 1st 5k? Do you want a great way to remember that special event? Get a Race Bib Holder. Display that bib with pride, instead of on the fridge with a couple of magnets.

$20 or $25, depending on style. **BONUS** enter the code "kendall" for 10% off your order

ProBar
On the bike nutrition is important, Bars are convenient to carry in your jersey pocket Why not get a bar that is all natural, vegan, and local (Park City, Utah). ProBars come in several varities and make a great stocking stuffer

$1.59 & up

Sufferfest
It's winter, there's (possibly) snow outside, and all of the feasting and treats between Thanksgiving and Christmas have not been kind to your fitness level, not to mention your waistline. It's time to suffer!

This gift is unique. You may hear horrible noises coming from the bowels of your basement while your cyclist is using it, and when they emerge, they will very likely look like they have lost a fight of some type while cursing someone named "David".

This means that they like your gift.

Indoor cycling is terribly boring. The Sufferfest videos remedy that by pairing some challenging interval training  with footage from some of the great pro cycling races, such as the European classics and the grand tours. There is also a healthy dose of encouragement (read: merciless taunting) thrown in.

$11.99 a video, or get all 9 for some extended suffering for $84.99

I do not recommend setting up your BTC (bicycle torture chamber) in your living room. Unless you have a very understanding spouse - or if she is out of town.

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving

Rides a Bike

Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Bill freakin' Murray!

I stumbled across a Tumblr page earlier today, and have been wasting time at work (shh! don't tell!) going through the back pages.

Rides a Bike posts pictures of celebrities on bicycles. Some of the pictures are vintage, some recent. Some look like they are stills from movies, others appear to be behind the scenes, or promotional shots. All of them are awesome!

Go check them out!

OUCH!

Yesterday, my daughter came home with some waxing strips. Her and her best friend wanted to try waxing their legs, as neither of them had tried it before. 

Of course I had to try it too. 

I only used one strip - that's all they would give me. And, really that was enough. It hurt. I didn't yell, but boy, did it hurt! I did it on the front of my shin. I can only imagine what it would feel like on a more tender spot, like the back of my calf or thigh. 

I think I'll stick with shaving. 

T-Shirt of the Day

This post started with a tweet by Tory Belleci from MythBusters, in which he was wearing a “hipster zombie” tee.

Inquiring on where he got that shirt lead me to Dark Cycle Clothing.

Dark Cycle Clothing is a husband and wife team out of Tampa Florida. Most of the designs were thought up during Adam’s 17 mile bike commute to work.

Out of their numerous designs, my favorites have to be the giraffe on the tall bike, and the octopus. Here’s a small sampling of their catalog…

As I was walking around downtown SLC at lunch today, I saw one of their shirts in the window of a boutique clothing shop. Awesomeness!

More information can be found at http://www.darkcycleclothing.com/ and twitter.com/darkcycling.

You can help make LEGO Downhill Racing a Reality

“No duh” newsflash: I’m just a big kid. If I have the choice between going to the toy aisles with my boys, or doing the “grownup” shopping with the wife, I’ll choose the toy aisle.

Another “no duh” newsflash: LEGO’s are cool, no matter what age you are.

LEGO’s and bicycles have had a fleeting relationship. Aside from the occasional bicycle showing up in some LEGO city sets, and the Telekom sets from the early 2000’s, there aren’t a lot of bicycles for the little brick people to ride.

Hopefully, that may change. Computer artist James Dick has submitted a proposal to LEGO to have them produce a MTB set.

There is one catch, in order to be considered, the proposal needs at least 10,000 supporters.

Visit the link http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/2195 to vote for James’ proposal. And why wouldn’t you? James’ sets are seriously cool!

A Couple of Videos for Sunday

I found these two videos whilst laying on the couch, surfing through some of the blogs I follow. Too good not to share.

The first one I found on Urban Velo:

My favorite part is how he pushes off with one foot when he starts.

The next video is from Neil Browne's Browne Eye Cycling Blog:

The Bicycle Gallery in Jacksonville, NC created their own video for LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It". This version is infinitely better.

Do You Have Your "Share the Road" Plates Yet?

Do you have a “Share the Road” plate on your car yet? If so, good for you! If not, there is no time to wait. 24 more people need to order plates now or the program will be discontinued by the DMV.

“This plate benefits the Share the Road initiative as it works to create awareness and safety support systems for bicyclists throughout the state. This plate generates funds for the Department of Transportation in support of this initiative…”

I can attest to the awareness part. Just this last weekend, I was asked by the technician at our local Wal-Mart tire & lube center who the cyclist was in my family. We were there picking up my daughter’s car after getting the oil changed, and he noticed the plate.

But, more important than identifying you as a cyclist, is the funds generated by the plate for the Share the Road initiative. There is a $10 special plate fee and a $25 initial contribution fee when you pick up the plate. Then an annual $25 contribution fee. It’s these fees that fund programs that help make motorists aware of our presence out there on the roads.

You don’t have to wait till your car’s registration is up for renewal, you can go to the DMV at any time and get your plates. Get a set for your car, your spouse’s car and your kid’s car. Tell your friends and extended family. Don’t let the program end.

Conan O'Brien: NYC Pedicab Driver

Funny stuff from Conan.

Salt Lake City Sees Increase in Cyclists

Salt Lake City’s investment in cycling infrastructure over the past year has shown results.

In a press release issued yesterday, it was reported that there was a 27 percent increase in the number of cyclists from 2010 to 2011. Improvements such as 50 lane miles of new on-road bikeways and additional sharrow lanes in the downtown area are indicated as part of the reason for the increase.

New York City, which has been heralded for its bicycle commuting, only saw a 14 percent increase during the same time.

You can read full press release here.

It's the Holiday/Indoor Cycling Season.

Happy November 1st.

Seeing as it was snowing in Salt Lake City earlier today, I could also wish you a Happy Start of Indoor Cycling Season.

Yes, Indoor Cycling Season, that time were all but the most manly and die-hard cyclists retreat to the relative warmth of their basements to furiously turn the pedals, going absolutely nowhere while catching up on past seasons of their favorite shows.

Today (well, yesterday officially) was also the start to the "Holiday Season". That time of the year where food reigns supreme. From candy, to baked goods, to more candy and feasts galore! It seems like it is just one big buffet from October 31st to January 2nd.

What prompts this stating of the obvious? The fact that I need to do something to get me back on the bike, get back in shape and get ready for next year's cycling season.

Yes, back in shape. The last time I touched a bike was when I had the Fezzari under review - over a month ago.

Last year, I posted right after Thanksgiving that I intended on loosing some weight between Thanksgiving and New Year's. This year, I'm starting earlier.

The only problem, I don't know how much I weigh. The batteries in my scale have died, and I haven't wanted to replace them.

Because I seem to work better if I have a list, and clearly defined goals, here you go.

1. Put some batteries in the scale, and weigh myself. Post that number for all to see (accountability works, right?)
2. Set the bike up on the trainer downstairs, and actually use it!
3. You know that weight bench downstairs too? Use it also!
4. Stop the midnight raids on the fridge.

There you go, Starting now, and going till Monday, January 2nd I am going to strive to get back on the bike, get back in shape, and lose some weight in the process. 

Wish me luck, and if you want to help or join me, misery loves company, right?


Update (11/2):

I fired up the ol' scale this morning and weighed myself. 209 is the magic number.