Hey friends,

If you’re like me and love cycling, the warmer weather has demanded that you press that bike into service on the open roads.  Your indoor trainer, stationary bike, XC ski’s retro Tour De France DVD’s can all be put away.  Time to clean the face and hand marks off the front windows of your living room,  from the days longing for sunshine and dry roads. Ride n Smile season has arrived.  

When it comes to our favorite pass time, many of us are at varying levels of commitment to the bicycle, ranging from competitive to strictly recreational.  Whatever way you love the bike, the Commuter Challenge of Waterloo Region is worth knowing about this June 5th till June 11th, 2011.

The commuter challenge is a week long event that is held nationally for a week in June every year and encourages friendly competition between other cities and regions, friends and co workers.  This year’s commuter challenge is held June 5th till June 11th.  The whole idea of the commuter challenge is to leave your car at home and embrace alternate ways to get to work such as car pooling, walking,  city transit and of course cycling!

So why participate?  Well saving money on over the top gas prices is one obvious reason!  But you should also consider that you will be getting exercise, burning calories and reducing green house gas emissions.  Oh! did I mention prizes?  Yep, there are prizes!

Happy Spring,

Why should we have to make sacrifices for convenience?  Does that not negate something actually being convenient?

So what changes with bikes?  More often than not, I see a lot of our customers come into the shop with preconceived notions of what a bike has to be.  The biggest is probably comfort and that’s unfortunate but yet a reality of what bikes used to be.  The other large feature of a bicycle that I think attracts a lot of new cyclists is convenience and ease of use.  Bikes should be something that you can get on, ride and, smile.

Montague folding bikes offer up a few solutions to make your cycling adventures easy and convenient without any sacrifices and may change your mind about riding a bicycle.  What sets Montague apart from many other folding bike companies is that they make full size folding bikes, not the small 16 or 20″ wheels you may have seen in the past.

Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Montague Bikes was started by David Montague, a MIT graduate student, while in school.  The company mantra has always been convenience, ease of use and foldable, in fact I couldn’t have put it any better than the guys at Montague themselves in this website quote about the companies history:

“A company focused on designing and producing full-size, high-performance bicycles that fold — bicycles that sacrifice nothing in performance and still provide the folding benefit for space saving convenience.”

How many times have you found yourself giving up the bike for an alternate pass time or mode of transportation due to lack of space?  Montague may entice you to think twice with one of their great folding bike options.

The advantage of having a full size folder is that you have the very familiar feel and predictable handling of a regular bicycle.  A full size folder removes any concern of  where you need to store it.   It is easy to get to work or put it on a bus or train, the bicycle folds in seconds.

Montague offers a variety of folding models to choose from.  Perhaps one of the more interesting bike is the original Montague – the Paratrooper.

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The result of a two year grant from the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to design an electric bike for the Marine Corps!  Talk about tough!  The basic design on the paratrooper has gone on to inspire several different models from Montague such as the Swissbike series.

Recent other additions to the Montague line up have included the more urbanized Boston and Boston 8 (Boston pictured below), perhaps THE perfect commuter bike.  The Boston comes in a very pure and simple single speed, where it’s bigger brother comes in a Shimano Nexus 1 x 8 speed configuration-weather proof and low maintenance.  Both bikes have 700 c wheels rather than the 26 ” found on the paratrooper and swiss bikes.

If you enjoy traveling, why not bring your bike along with you?  Montague offers carrying cases in hard shell or soft shell variants to make travel, especially by air, a lot easier.  Again, the list of convenience features for your favorite outings go on, camping or for the RV?  What about boating?  What a great way to visit a few ports enjoy our great Canadian landscape or tour around the cottage.

Montague offers you an alternative to the traditional bicycle without any inconvenience or hassle that you may have been previously trying to contend with.  Go forth ride and be happy!  Simply,  your problems may have just been solved.

Till next time.

P,

May 27th, 2011

8am to 4pm

University of Guelph Arboretum

Ever wonder what it takes to make a community Bicycle and Walk-Friendly? Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph in motion, The Share the Road Cycling Coalition, The City of Guelph, The University of Guelph, The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario and the Guelph Bicycle Stores need you!

We have a shared vision to: Make Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Bicycle and Walk –Friendly and we would like you to join us.

You are invited to the 2011 Active Communities Summit to:

• Be inspired by examples from  other Bicycle and Walk-Friendly Communities
• Provide input on how to improve Active Transportation in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph
• Network with community partners and decision makers working on enhancing Active Transportation in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph

  Highlights of the Summit:

• Keynote Speaker:  Mayor Dave Cieselwicz from Madison, Wisconsin. Madison is ranked nationally as a Gold Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Mayor Cieslewicz will share their progress to date – a well as their future plans
• A Bicycle Friendly Guelph:  Guelph’s plans for increasing active transportation
• The Tale of Two Cities: panel presentation on Active Transportation in Ontario
• Eleanor McMahon, CEO of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition (an Ontario-based cycling advocacy organization) will provide us with an overview on cycling in Ontario
• Researchers from the University of Waterloo will present data on a trip planning initative in that community
• Break-Out Sessions on the 5 Es of a Bicycle Friendly Community: Engineering, Encouragement & Education, Evaluation and Enforcement. 

 Register On-line at: www.sharetheroad.ca

  (editor’s note – special thanks to the Active Communities Group who provided us with this material)

Hey all,

Now if you have been following our blog posts here at Brauns…IS Bicycles than you know we have been big on talking about how to keep cycling during the winter months.  You have a lot of great options this time of year to keep those legs and lungs in top shape. 

Bryan did a great post on studded tires and winter riding which would be one way to keep on the bike through the winter by literally keeping on the bike through the winter.

We have also had some great recent posts on trainers in general and some specific product information posts about fitness tools like the CycleOps Fluid2 trainer.   I think the big thing to keep in mind is just because we get some snow on the ground and the temperature dips doesn’t mean we have to go into hibernation mode inside like the rest of the animal kingdom.

In comes our awesome selection of GV Snowshoes here at the shop.  Yes snowshoes perhaps frequently overshadowed by skis, snowboards and, GT snow racers…

But! that doesn’t mean to say, they should be outdone.  Snowshoes are a great fitness tool without an indoor option (that I know about) so it forces you to shake those winter blues and hit your fitness goals in the wonderful outdoors.

We have been carrying GV snowshoes at the shop now for a few seasons and I have to say I am thoroughly impressed every year.

GV is a Canadian company based in Wendake, Quebec (Of course they’re Canadian! who knows snowshoeing better!?).  The rather impressive thing is that all GV shoes are actually made in Canada too!   GV snowshoes are actually made so tough, that they currently are under contract to produce snowshoes for the Canadian military.  Perhaps literally, a bulletproof product!

Snowshoes are a great fitness tool because like cross country skiing, you are able to get both legs and arms really moving with the addition of snowshoe poles  to your outdoor trek.

The folks at GV still make the handmade traditional wooden snow shoes or some of the newer lightweight aluminum and composite shoes.

And let’s not forget their is such a thing as to much biking… I know, I know I’m probably getting rotten vegetables thrown at me right now, but allow me to explain.  The typical bicycling off season is a great time to try different things for your exercise routine.  Cross training is frequently a good thing and allows you to add a little variety to your work out.

So maybe it’s time to spice up your work outs, give your legs some variety or get out with the family and have some fun in the snow?  GV makes that possible with great Canadian craftmanship, great value, great price and, most importantly,  great times!  See ya out there.

P

Hey everyone,

As I continue to direct my posts towards bike service and maintenance I found it coincidental that I had a customer in the other afternoon who was in need of some tools in order to service various aspects of his bike. This got me thinking: some people may not even know the tools required, let alone what they are called. I hope to outline the name and functions of these various tools today, as well as some tips which can make their use easier. In the post I will outline a variety of tools  from Park Tool. They are a highly innovative company and have designed many of the tools used in everyday service applications. They are also our tool of choice in the service department at Brauns. There are many other tools available and what I am showing you is only an example of each. Be sure to speak to any of our technicians in the service department to ensure you select the correct tool for the job. A link to Park Tool’s website can be reached by clicking the highlighted name.

Hex Wrenches:

-Hex wrenches are used to adjust and install various components on the bike.
- 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 ,6, 8 & 10mm Hex wrenches are the sizes most commonly used in maintenance.
- The Park P-handle Hex Wrench Set(ph-1)is perfect for all service applications.

Pedal Wrench:

-Pedal wrenches are low profile 15mm wrenches used for the installation and removal of pedals
-The Park Pedal Wrench (pw-3) is an excellent tool offering significant torque to free even seized pedals.

Crank Puller:

-A Crank Puller does exactly as its name implies. This tool is used to remove both the drive and non drive crank arms from the bottom bracket spindle. This tool is available both with and without attached handles and for both splined and square tapered spindles.
-The Park Tool Crank Puller (CCP-2C) is a self functioning multi-purpose crank remover.

Bottom Bracket Tool:

-This tool is difficult to describe. We will ignore non sealed bottom brackets and deal with them at a later time because the tools required and procedures necessary are far more difficult. For sealed bottom brackets, there are two types of tools: external bottom bracket tools, and internal bearing bottom bracket tools.
-The Park Bottom Bracket Tool (BBT-9) removes external bearings while the Park Cartridge Bottom Bracket Tool (BBT-2) is designed for servicing internal bearing bottom brackets.

Freewheel tool:

-A freewheel or cassette tool is used either individually or in combination with a chain whip to remove a cassette or freewheel.
-Freewheel tools are used to spin the freewheel off a threaded section of the hub. Cassette tools are used to remove the cassette lockring so that the cassette can be slid off the spline of the freehub body.
-The Braun Cassette Tool has become a personal favourite in the service department!

Chain Whip:

-A chain whip is used in combination with a cassette tool to spin the lockring off the freehub body so that the cassette can be removed.
-The Park Sprocket Remover (SR-1) provides excellent grip on the cassette to aid in removal.

Cone Wrenches:

-Cone wrenches are available in a range of sizes from 13-19mm and are used for adjusting the cones on hubs for smooth rolling bearings. Cone wrenches are required to be used in sets, and can be double sided for maximum efficiency.
-The Park Shop Cone Wrench (SCW) are the best in the business!

Chain Tool:

-Chain tools are used for cutting and sizing chains, and installing pins for connecting the ends of a chain. The tool required varies depending on the number of speeds the chain is designed for. (10 speed chains require specialized tools in order to remove and install links)
- The Park Screw Type Chain Tool (CT-3) offers excellent feel for pushing pins into chains for a stiff free connection.

Proper Chain Lubricants:

-By proper, I mean to imply that although that synthetic 5W-30 you run through your engine does it wonders, the chain on your bike would beg to differ! Selecting the correct lubricant for your bike chain requires some knowledge of your riding habits, as well as your maintenance habits. A consultation with one of our service technicians can help you select the best lubricant for your riding and service habits!

-Teflon Dry, Wet Based and Wax Based lubricants highlight just a few of those available for use.

-Teflon Dry is our shops house lubricant and is the best “all around” lubricant on the market.

Proper degreasers:

-Proper degreasers are equally as important as proper lubricants as they help to prep the surface and remove grime. There are both citrus and acid based degreasers which will both effectively clean drivetrain components and chains. Aerosol degreasers tend to be most effective in hard to reach areas and liquid degreasers tend to be better with cassette and chain cleaning.

Finishline Aerosol Degreasers simplify the process!

Tire Levers:

-Tire levers assist in removing difficult tires with tight beads from the rim in order to change punctured inner tubes or install new tires. Tire levers are most effectively used in pairs, and are often sold this way.

-Pedro’s makes the best ones on the market! They offer a Lifetime Warranty and have a no questions asked replacement policy! We have trouble keeping these things in stock! A must have for your pack or tool box at home.

Spoke Wrenches:

Spoke wrenches are specialized wrenches that fit in the nipples of spokes to adjust spoke tension and effectively true the wheels on your bike. There are three different standard sizes of spoke wrenches and several specialized sizes for performance and classic wheels. Major wheel truing should be left to trained professionals, however, being able to temporarily straighten your wheel can really get you out of a jam!

-The Park Spoke Wrenches (SW-0 – SW-3) is one of the biggest bangs for your buck when it comes to at home tools!

If there are any tools you feel I should have included, let me know and I will highlight them in one of my upcoming posts. Just remember that not everyone will make use of a Park Tools Bottom Bracket Facing Tool at home.

Until next time…
I hope to see you out there. Drop by and visit at the shop!

Bryan

CALLING ALL CYCLISTS in the Waterloo Region!   The Region of Waterloo and the Waterloo Public Transportation Institute are doing a GPS Cycling Survey and you can be a part of it.    The information collected will be used to update the Cycling Master Plan.   The following is the information from the Region of Waterloo Website.

                                                                                                           
Do you enjoy cycling? Do you wish Waterloo Region was more cyclist-friendly? Here is your chance to help make it happen!

WHAT IS IT? The Region of Waterloo and the University of Waterloo are conducting a GPS Cycling Survey to help the Region update its Cycling Master Plan. Volunteer cyclists are asked to carry around a GPS unit for a 2-week period, complete a cycling survey, and complete a one-day travel diary. The GPS unit itself is quite small; about the size of a large USB stick. It can easily fit in your jacket pocket or knapsack, but should be kept visible while you cycle. We have attached lanyards so they can be worn around the neck while cycling.

WHY ARE WE DOING IT? To find out where the most popular cycling routes are and what cycling facility and infrastructure types are most preferred. Results from this survey will be used to update the Cycling Master Plan and determine snow clearing priority routes for cyclists, which could improve winter cycling in Waterloo Region.

WHO CAN TAKE PART? All cyclists in Waterloo Region are invited to take part. It doesn’t matter if you cycle long or short distances, use trails or roads; if you cycle this survey is for you. Tell your friends!

WHEN? This survey started in March 2010 and will continue until early 2011. The Region has purchased 50 GPS units for this survey, which are rotated to volunteers on a monthly basis.

WHERE? Anywhere in Waterloo Region, including: Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and the Townships.

HOW? Contact John Hill, Principal Planner at the Region to sign up today!
p: (519) 575-4019 | e: jhill@regionofwaterloo.ca

MORE DETAILS!

Expectations of our participants include: 

• Sign the consent form
• Pick up the GPS unit*
• Carry the GPS unit when you cycle for a 2-week period
• Return the unit when the study period is over*
• Complete a cycling survey and one-day travel diary
• Spread the word to fellow cyclists – the more data we can collect, the better!

Please Note: The pick-up and drop-off times will be determined by your availability. We do our best to accommodate the schedules of as many people as we can. For those participants who are unavailable during the designated times, delivery can be arranged.

Questions? Contact John Hill, Principal Planner at the Region
p: (519) 575-4019 | e: jhill@regionofwaterloo.ca

E-bikes

In order to operate an e-bike:

• Operators must be 16 years of age or older;
• All operators must wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet at all times.

In addition:

• No person who is the owner or is in possession or control of an e-bike shall permit a person who is under the age of 16 years to ride on, drive or operate the e-bike on a highway.
• An e-bike must not be ridden on, driven or operated unless it is good working order.
• Similar to bicycles and mopeds, power-assisted bicycles are prohibited from use on certain provincial controlled-access highways.
• Any municipal by-law prohibiting bicycles from highways under their jurisdiction also apply to e-bikes. Municipalities may also pass by-laws specific to e-bikes that prohibit them from municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths, bike trails, and bike lanes under their jurisdiction.

To operate an e-bike on Ontario roads, an e-bike must meet the following equipment requirements:

• Have a maximum unladen weight of 120 kg (includes the weight of vehicle and battery).
• Must be equipped with at least two independent braking systems that applies force to each wheel and is capable of bringing the e-bike, while being operated at a speed of 30 km/h, to a full stop within 9 metres from the point at which the brakes were applied.
• Must have wheels with a minimum diameter and width of 350 mm and 35 mm respectively.
• Must have all electrical terminals completely insulated or covered and, along with the battery and motor, must be securely fastened to the bicycle to prevent them from moving while the bicycle is in motion.
• No modifications to the motor of an e-bike to permit it to exceed the federal requirements for motor output or speed for an e-bike (500W and a speed greater than 32 km/h) are allowed.
• Must meet the federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle (for the full definition, please see subsection 2(1) of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which includes:
  • Has steering handlebars and is equipped with pedals;
  • Is designed to travel on not more than three wheels;
  • Has an electric motor that has a power output rating of 500W or less. (Note: the motor is electric, and is incapable of propelling the cycle at speed of 32 km/h or greater on level ground, without pedaling) and
  • Bears a permanently affixed label by the manufacturer stating in both official languages that the vehicle conforms to the federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle (refer to image below).

The above information is taken from the Government of Ontario website and addresses “Ontario’s Guide to Safe Cycling”.  For more information please see http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling-guide/index.shtml

Hey everyone!

Time has been flying by this summer and it seems like only a matter of days before the rides will become less and less frequent. Keeping that in mind, I figured sharing one of my favourite rides with you while you still have time to check it out would be an awesome idea for this post.

Many of my rides are rushed and hectic (seemingly like most other things in my life) and I am looking for the best bang for my buck when it comes to short sessions after work. I’m sure many of you are in the same situation and may find my advice helpful. For times like these I choose the Hydrocut. The Hydrocut is a network of trails in the west end of Waterloo that traces the edges of the Waterloo Region Waste Disposal Facility (Dump). The “Cut” as it is called by many (including Pat in his riding preference debate post) is known for tight, fast, singletrak and trails of varying difficulty.

There are many entrances to the Hydrocut, the most popular of which being the Glasgow Road entrance (or Glasgow Side). This entrance is often crowded and the trails leading in and out of this area tend to be busy and in many ways slow going. This can be especially annoying when wanting to head out for a short sprint! Heeding this advice, I suggest taking the Snyders Road entrance (The part of the trail referred to as “The Pines”). This entrance is a small parking lot off of Snyders road which tends to be used far less frequently. This means when you are looking for a quick sprint there will be fewer riders in your way and you can focus more on your ride than the others around you.

When heading into the trails from this entrance, you will run along a downhill doubletrack and around a bend. This section of the trail is unnamed . The next section will be a steep climb that banks up and to the right (challenging even the most experienced riders). After the ascent, riders will start onto a trail called “Jessica”. This is a short connecting trail that will lead you to “The Bootleg Trail” another short trail to get you into the heart of the pines. From this point, your options vary depending on the length of you ride you want to go on. My personal route is to shred “Adam’s Run” ( a longer more challenging trail) then head around the back corner of the Pines. A flowing section which consists of: “Sweet Street, Jake’s Attack, Jake’s Breakaway and then Dead Camel Bend.” The return trip requires a bit more climbing, however it encourages you to push yourself through the end. Running back through “Twister” gives you a taste of all styles of riding. From this point, the most exciting way back out is to retrace your steps on “Jessica”, then shoot the berm section of Kamikaze; directing you back onto the doubletrak you rode in on.

This network of trails tends to be less tapped than the Glasgow section and time is not wasted getting to this section from the Glasgow entrance. If you are up for an adventure, head out and don’t take a map: eventually you will find your way or a friendly face on the trails who can direct you to another fun section. If you are the safer type: print one of the various maps I have attached (with thanks to the Waterloo Cycling Club, Region of Waterloo and The University of Waterloo) and take it out with you for your adventure.

Satellite Map:

http://rcn.uwaterloo.ca/gps/Hydrocut_Trail_Map.JPG

Rendition Map:

http://waterloocyclingclub.ca/node/46

Unlabelled Trail Directory:

http://waterloocyclingclub.ca/sites/default/files/WCCTrailsMap.pdf

Until next time…
Keep the rubber side down and hope to see you on the trails!

Bryan

In an effort to provide an environmentally friendly and free source of electricity for mobile phones, Nokia has introduced the Bicycle Charger Kit.  This kit is made up of a charger, dynamo (small electrical generator) and a holder to secure the unit.

The generator uses the motion of the wheels to charge the unit through the same charging jack used for most Nokia mobile phones.  The kit will be available before the end of the year at selected retailers.

On street bike lanes, better signs and increasing the now 45 km of bike lanes and trails to 120 km during the next 20 years are some of the policy changes that were unveiled at the Cycling Master Plan information session on May 19, 2010 at City Hall, Kitchener, ON Canada. 

According to an article in Kitchener’s local paper, The Record from May 20, 2010 titled “Cycling master plan detailed”, the following is a list of what local cyclists feel is important:

*Build a cycling network over time with regular, consistent funding.

*Develop, implement and maintain a trail and cycling way-finding and signage strategy.

*Continue to partner with Waterloo Region on transportation-demand management to promote cycling as viable transportation to work places.

*Recognize and include appropriate cycling infrastructure in every new road reconstruction project.

*Consider the cycling network in all community plans and plans of subdivision to create comfortable and direct bikeways.

A draft of the Cycling Master Plan is to be presented to City Council in June.  For complete details regarding The Cycling Master Plan proposals and information that was presented at the information session on May 19th please  go to http://www.kitchener.ca/pdf/cycling_public_info_session2_2010_05_13.pdf  .  If you have any comments or questions you can contact Ron Schirm at ron.schirm@kitchener.ca or call 519-741-2232.

Hey everyone,

As I was preparing my gear for a ride earlier this week, I began to think… what an awesome topic to touch on as there are so many scenarios to consider when preparing your gear!  Quite often people ride with either far too much gear, or far too little.  Both of which can greatly impact your safety and the enjoyment of your ride!

For this post I will discuss the necessary items for both road and trail rides and help to make sure you have all the essential items. I will break things down into two separate lists, as some of the gear overlaps, but many items differ depending on genre of riding.

Let’s begin with the basics, as these topics will apply to both road and mountain riding. You need a helmet, no questions asked… they are called accidents for a reason!  Depending on the length of your ride, you will want water accordingly. This can be carried in either a CAMELBAK, (more mountain) or in bottles mounted to the frame (more road). (It is important to note that when using camelbaks you only take as much water as you will need, it can be tempting to simply fill the bladder.) Second, you should consider nutrition.  Hammer Gels (make sure you check out Pats post on them!) or granola bars serve as sources of energy when you begin to slow down. Packing food should once again be based on the duration and intensity of your ride.

The gear list for trail riders is all based on the premise that things can and will go wrong.  While preparing for my last ride, I debated if I needed my chain tool (as it was quite warm and boy did I want to squeeze in that Gatorade bottle) but I was glad I fit that tool in!  On one of the last challenging climbs at Puslinch, I snapped my chain, and was glad I had my chain tool to get my rig up and running again. For reasons such as this, you want to ensure you have the right tools and spare parts to fix problems that may arise. My recommendation is a quality multi-tool, such as the Park Rescue Tool MTB-3C. Tools such as this and other multi-tools provide all the necessities you will need to make adjustments and repairs while on your ride.  If you do not have a multi tool, you will want to pack a 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex wrenches, a #2 philips screwdriver, a slot screwdriver, a chain tool, tire levers, a three way spoke wrench and 8, 9 and 10mm open wrenches. The final things to pack include a quick link, a spare tube (as the tire levers are no good without it), a high capacity pump, and a patch kit (just in case you have a really unlucky day!)  This list is crucial, as having the right tools can really get you out of a jam and all this can be carried in your CAMELBAK or in your seat bag… that one, is up to you.

For road riders, it is somewhat reassuring that there is less that can potentially go wrong, and therefore, the amount of gear you need to carry is smaller. The likeliness of needing a chain tool, or spoke wrenches is far smaller while riding on the road. The gear list can still include a multi tool, but a more simplistic one may serve more practical for you. Regardless, when heading out for a road ride, you will want to carry 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6mm hex wrenches, a Philips and flat head screw driver, tire levers, Park GP-2 Super Patch Kit and a compact pump.

Ensuring you have the right gear packed can make the difference between an enjoyable ride and a long walk back to the car.  A few questionable items include gloves (as these can be used to your preference) and your cell phone. Although I would not recommend texting and riding, being able to contact the appropriate services can  be very important in case you are stranded due to a blow out or a serious situation is to arise.  I made good use of mine on a road adventure last fall when I had to call a friend to rescue me from a violent thunderstorm about 10km north of Aurora.

Is there anything you take on your rides that you would like to recommend?  What about things you have found you don’t need?

As for me, it’s about time I get ready for my ride into the shop. Let’s hope it’s smooth sailing and a flat free morning!

Until next time… Keep your pack light, but take the gear you need!

Bryan

The City of Kitchener in Ontario, Canada is developing a Cycling Master Plan with the ultimate goal of creating policies, programs, design standards and infrastructure that support and promote both recreational and commuter cycling.

A meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 in the Rotunda at City Hall in downtown Kitchener, Ontario to present the proposed cycling network and policies that will be included in the Cycling Master Plan.  Participants can view the proposed facility types, summaries of previous consultations and maps of the proposed cycling net work.

The draft master plan will be presented to the City Council in June for their approval.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

City Hall Rotunda, 200 King St. W., Kitchener, Ontario

If you would like more information but are unable to attend the above session, visit www.kitchener.ca

or call 519-741-2232

or TTY 1-866-969-9994

or email Ron Schirm at ronald.schirm@kitchener.ca

——————————————————————————————————————————

If  you have a cycling event to be announced, let us know, and we’ll do our best to get the word out for you.

Seeing as it’s Winter in most of the country, and we are primarily a bicycle store, I thinks it’s fitting that we talk about Snow and your Bike.  It’s not a terrible thing to get snow on your bike….It’s just solid water. We get our bikes wet all the time in summer. So if you’re one of the hearty folk who continue to trail ride all winter…have at it. Lube your ride up, wipe it down periodically, and have a wail of a time. You commuters however,  are a completely different story.

Commuting in the winter is a bike destroying, part wearing, nasty for all parts mess. Hate to burst your bubble, but it’s true. There is nothing good about road salt for the cyclist or the bike. It gets in everything, destroy’s parts prematurely, ruins clothing, and tastes awful.

So what can you do to make it more bearable? Walk?….Drive?….Take the bus?….none of those options are open to the winter commuter. So here is my quick checklist for the winter hearty bicycle commuter.

Ride a piece of crap junk, or pay the price. If you ride your good bike, I guarantee you will be buying a new drivetrain in the spring…maybe more. Disc brakes, electronics, most fabrics and winter do not play well in the same sandbox.

We are excited to announce Braun’s Bicycle Blog and we are glad that you dropped by to see our new, wonderful comunication tool yourself!  We are starting out with 3 of our key staff being regular contributors to our blog.  Over the next 4 to 6 weeks, we will be adding a number of focus specific authors that we feel will really add to our the dialogue. 

Let me start by introducing Glenn, Pat and myself Robert. 

Glenn is Braun’s Guelph Store Manager and is involved  in product selection and program development for the company.  He has been involved in the bicycle industry for 28 years.  This said Glenn has seen alot of changes in bikes and equipment and has quite an interesting perspective on Life with a bike.  Glenn has raced BMX and Mountain bikes.  Glenn is going to share his ideas in the blog on a regular basis.

Pat is Braun’s Assistant Store Manager for the Guelph store.  Pat loves to ride a bike.  If you want to get Pat excited let him get his hands on some brand new bike widget.  Pat’s vast knowledge about cycling will be a great resource for us, all as he shares it in this blog.  Pat loves riding road bikes and mountain bikes.

I’m the stuffy corporate guy, based in the Kitchener store who happens to love cycle touring and have been doing it since I was a teenager many decades ago.  People often ask about the many programs and services that are available to help riders get the most out of their cycling equipment and rides.  I am going to provide the details here in the blog and hopefully keep it interesting at the same time.

We are really excited about the blog and trust that you will find the articles interesting and will comment on them all.  Your comments will help to bring the blog alive.