Lance's City Bike

What you are currently looking at is the latest edition to a very prestigious family of bicycles. Personally handled by one of our pro team engineers,this slick new ride is headed to a certain someone down in Austin, TX. Hey, you win 7 Tour de France's you get some perks. A bit of a jump from the normal carbon fiber bedazzled gems that are usually crafted by our boys in the Loo, this incognito ride is all steel, sports a flip-flop hub (it can run as a fixed gear or freewheel singlespeed), and rocks a mustache bar that would make Rollie Fingers jealous. The bike now has deep dish rims on the wheels and an aero brake but I couldn't score a camera fast enough to beat the shipping guys.
Lance digs the urban scene (who amongst us doesn't, right?) and hasn't exactly logged much shuffleboard time since retiring from pro cycling. While stumping for cancer research funding and shooting a scene or two with the Hollywood types, The Man has also had time to open up a commuter-focused bike shop in his native Austin. Mellow Johnny's (a play on the word "Maillot Jaune" which is French for "Yellow Jersey") is probably one of the coolest names for any store be it bike shop or whatever in one of the coolest cities in the US. If you've never been to the capital of Texas, go. Hit up Sixth Street, stay at the Driskill, eat at the Hula Hut. The locals tell me that the Hula Hut is totally a tourist hang-out but it's a decent spot to eat, people watch, and enjoy the view of the lake. Anyways back to Mellow Johnny's. One of the first of its kind, a shop that focuses the lion's share of its attention on commuting is a real breath of fresh air. While the enthusiasts will keep the high end moving, it's the people that will use the bicycle to make real change.

Yesterday was Earth Day so I should probably say something about planting a tree or ride your bike or hug a deer or something. Fact is, I carpooled since the weather was looking less than friendly. There's something about passing all of your co-workers on their bikes while you're in the back seat of Kitty's, (retail merchandising girl) Subaru, that makes you feel bad that you didn't ride. Anyway, HR held a breakfast for all those who rode their bikes, walked, or carpooled and it was probably sweet justice that by the time I could go collect on that there was only a banana left. So my Earth Day message is this: If HR offers free breakfast, don't shuffle your feet.

Go By Bike Month

Trek is deeming May as Go By Bike Month. In conjunction with our 1 World 2 Wheels program, Trek is encouraging all those subjected to $4 gas, a worsening environment, and horrid commutes (that means you) to take your shorter trips in the month of May by bicycle.  That grocery store you drive to is probably less than 2 miles from your house. Go by bike. That coffee shop with the mochas that make each Saturday morning worth looking forward to is probably less than 2 miles from your house. Go by bike. The post office where you'll be sending your taxes in next week is probably less than 2 miles from your house. Go by bike. And fast, you've got 5 more days people.

Now, I'm not one to get preachy. My high horse took off with my soapbox a while back but I have to be honest with you. 2 miles on a bike is nothing. Seriously. You could be the most out of shape person you know (God knows I am) and you can still ride a bike 2 miles. Most people will tell you it's a solution for the planet and this and that but I'm telling you to get off your butt and ride your bike a little. Don't think of what you'll save. Americans, as a people, are not good savers.  Americans are good at getting. If you need proof of that please refer to the Revolutionary War, Manifest Destiny, Louisiana Purchase, and exorbitant credit card debt. So let's talk about what riding a bike will get you:

- A better day. Riding a bike will change your day for the better, I promise.
- Fit. Riding a bike actually burns calories at a higher rate than driving a car. And you're less likely to pull through the drive-thru.
- A better attitude. Riding a bike = exercise. Exercise increases endorphins. Endorphins improve mood.
- Away. Dogs barking, kids are screaming, phone's ringing, tv's blaring. I'll bet you can't hear it from two miles away.
- A new outlook. Riding a bike gives you time to think. It may even give you time to reconcile.
- A better world. Think of yourself as one more solution.
- A rightfully deserved bigger ego. Driving an SUV is easy. Going by bike is a commitment.

I understand there are obstacles. Traffic is sketchy, there's limited bike parking, and it may still be cold where you live. Here's how to combat those. Start small and plan ahead. Ride around the block to get the legs warm today. Tomorrow ride around the neighborhood. The day after tomorrow, ride a mile from your house and back. Work up to it. Start now. By May you'll feel comfortable with the 2 miles distance and may even venture further. Map a route before the trip to avoid scary traffic spots and wear bright clothing. It's spring after all. If it's still a bit frosty there are two key items you'll want. Windproof gloves and a scarf. I know it seems simple but those are the two things that'll keep you comfy.

Nobody's saying you have to throw your car keys in the garbage disposal. Just think twice when you pick them up. If Pavlov could make dogs salivate just by ringing a bell, surely the jingle of keys can trigger your thought process. How far are you going? do you really NEED the car? Can the few things you're picking up fit into a backpack, purse, or basket? If you ask yourself those three questions you might be surprised at the answers. If you're curious on what it takes, check out the tips on our 1 World 2 Wheels site or send me a comment. You can just call me Niccoret cause I'm here to help you kick the habit.