Tag: The New Rider

DISCOVERING PEDAL POWER.

Another great night of the Wellness Revolution with Terry Bikes.

Contributed by Pat Jackson

It ain’t just about the bling.

These are people who really want women to get out on their bikes, feel comfortable, feel confident, and make this a part of their everyday lives. Women who haven’t biked in ten years; women whose bikes have been sitting in a storage shed; women who don’t even own a bike helmet; women who couldn’t even imagine biking in the city.

So we started out with a welcome by Liz Robert from Terry Bikes, giving us the overall picture. In the crowd, big smiles, some nervous laughter, but deep down inside I’m sure each woman there nurtured a desire to break out, to get out on that bike. Even if it has been 10 years.

We were each fitted with a helmet, so no excuse for not feeling ready to go out and conquer. Especially because it was fluorescent yellow and we could be seen for miles. Kind of fun biking in this group of 30-some women and feeling like I belong to some cult because of these fluorescent yellow helmets. Believe me, cars take a wide berth. That’s a good thing.

The following week, we had a Maintenance Workshop at Skirack. Again some nervous laughter, but then a more focused attention on our two instructors who took us through some of the nitty-gritty of popping a chain back on after it came off the sprocket, that dastardly event of changing a flat, educating us about what we should have in our little pack that rides on our bike: a patch kit, an extra tube, ID, some cash, even a glove to keep yourself from getting greased up if you’re doing some repair work. All of these recommendations, along with a compact pump to ride along on your bike can give you the confidence you need to feel like you can venture farther from home.

The confidence continues to smolder.

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Then Saturday rolled around and our first group ride, and what a group! This included the Tuesday and Thursday night groups so we had about 60 women with our famous fluorescent yellow helmets. We actually started the day by going through some yoga stretching and some dancing out on the lawn in front of the Terry Warehouse. Stretches, warming up, that got us ready to leap on our bikes and head out on the bike path. As I rode along in this sinuous stream of women out on an early, somewhat raw Saturday morning, the sky threatening rain, it was uplifting to look ahead and see this long strand of wild women, all out to conquer a fear, a doubt they may have had, but were now working at putting behind them, surrounded by like-minded individuals, all doing the same. Bravo!

The next Tuesday evening we met at the Terry Office again for an Urban Cycling workshop. Jason, from LocalMotion listened to our fears, our concerns — and there were many — and gently but fervently explained how to handle each one. He had been doing this for years and was ready to show us how we could break through this barrier also. So off we went, wending our way through Burlington’s streets, slick with rain, but each of us heeding his lessons, implementing them, stopping to regroup, discuss, and then go out for more. We climbed hills, then turned around and headed back down, practicing our braking in such a way to afford much more stability, more confidence. Some who were so fearful before leaving the confines of the office were now sailing down a steep hill, positioning themselves farther back in the saddle, as he had explained, to maintain more control. Even smiling while doing it! Just beautiful!

I’m thrilled to be able to be a part of this group. I felt like I came upon this by chance, and I’m just gushing about each event that we have together. Well I may have been biking for years, in lots of different settings, but I’m still learning lots from each of these gatherings. I’m learning from the teachers, the mechanics, the bike advocates who are out there making life better for us.

But also, I’m learning from the women. Hearing folks murmur with a nervousness that is now subsiding. They’re asking the questions, they’re facing their fears. They’re doing it!

Thank you Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, and thank you Terry Bikes, and to all the local bike shops, enthusiasts, educators, fanatics — and that’s a good thing! — who are partnering with them to get lots of wild women out on their bikes.

Watch out for those fluorescent yellow helmets. There’s no holding us back now.

By Pat Jackson
Photos: Lisa Wilkes

Related: WELLNESS REVOLUTION GRAD RIDES A “HALF-COUNTRY.”

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May 11, 2018
SHOP LOCAL: BRICK WHEELS.

Brick Wheels is the largest bike store in Northern Michigan which allows them to carry an extensive selection of bikes, accessories and cycling apparel. Owner, Tim Brick, opened this store 42 years ago and has always been a pioneer in carrying many products 2-3 years before they become some of the hottest trends. He has a talent for forward thinking in this industry and is not afraid to take the risk of introducing new product, which is why Brick Wheels is so unique and is always a delightful shopping experience.

Why do you think women choose to shop at your store?

We offer a huge selection and variety of everything bike. The longevity of our staff and willingness to go above and beyond for customer service makes us recognized in the community as well as in our shop. We are very proud to show you what we have and what we know.
We have 5 women on staff with a combined 65 years’ experience here at Brick Wheels that have been active in cycling and have various interests so we are able to relate to our women customers in order to make them comfortable shopping here and find the right products for them.

When you enter our store you are welcomed with a pleasing display of all of our women’s cycling clothing along with other active wear. We choose active wear that can be mixed with our cycling lifestyle wear in order to blend with our new demand for bike to work population and also for our more casual riders.

Why do you sell Terry?

We sell Terry because the products are high quality. Also, our customers are huge fans and love to come in and see their favorite Terry gear on the shelf.

When a new-to-cycling female customer comes in, what’s the first thing you tell her about cycling?

Start out nice and easy, enjoy yourself, and progress gradually.

May 2, 2016
SHOP LOCAL: BICYCLE GARAGE INDY.

Established in 1983, Bicycle Garage Indy is a leader in the Indianapolis and Central Indiana community. The knowledgeable of their professional staff is their most important asset and key to providing the best possible customer service for life-long, loyal customers. They strive to support and increase bicycling in their community through advocacy efforts, event support and by providing bicycles to those in need through their Shifting Gears program. During 2016 they plan to have monthly activities (March – November) focused on increasing the number of women who ride: large events like Ladies’ Nights as well as smaller events like clinics and rides.

Why do you think women choose to shop at your store?

We strive to provide a welcoming atmosphere for all of our customers. In addition, we hold special events such as Ladies’ Nights which provide an evening of socializing, information and shopping 2-3 times a year. One of our most popular Ladies’ Nights was a fashion show which featured clothing from Terry as well as other vendors. Over the past 9 years, more than 750 unique women have attended our Ladies’ Nights. We regularly hold fixing flat tire clinics as well as other topics (Mastering your bike, Shifting Gears on Your Bike, Riding Outside Your Neighborhood for example) and clinic attendees are 60% women.

Why do you sell Terry?

The quality and design of Terry products is a great complement to the other clothing lines we carry. We are able to provide a great variety of clothing options by carrying Terry. We also carry Terry saddles which provide additional options for saddle comfort.

When a new-to-cycling female customer comes in, what’s the first thing you tell her about cycling?

“Bicycling is a fun activity, no matter what type of bicycling you are interested in. There are many opportunities to ride with others and learn about bicycling in our community. We have clinics, women-focused rides and events throughout the year; we encourage you to check them out and meet other women interested in bicycling.”

April 5, 2016
WE’RE BIKING IN THE RAIN.

Whether it is rain or shine – great gear will always make the ride. This wet weather gear guide has a few quick tips and tricks to keep you singing, and pedaling, in the rain.

For the Covert Commuter

The Slight Shirt Dress by NAU:
Wind- and water-resistant dress made out of a technically recycled polyester fabric, with a clean, flattering style that looks great indoor and out. The simple yet durable construction makes this jacket/dress as light as possible without compromising performance.

The Introvert Jacket by NAU:
This is a new kind of urban jacket created with a wind- and water-resistant organic cotton shell, and featuring a super high collar, shirttail hem and modified dolman sleeve.

Image Source: www.detours.us

Fremonster Flap:
An urban commuter’s dream bike bag, complete with neoprene laptop sleeve, stowable rain cover and reflective detailing. This is the bag that’s large enough for market or work. Two simple clips attach it to your bike; shoulder strap for off bike utility.

For the Hardcore Roadie

Element GT AS Jacket by GORE

A closet must-have for cyclists, this versatile and lightweight GORE-TEX Active Shell Element GT is the #1 jacket for every kind of bad weather. Guaranteed rain and wind protection in a lightweight also makes this jacket our go-to choice for touring.

Road GT Light Overshoe

Especially lightweight and compact overshoes feature GORE-TEX technology and are water/windproof, yet still breathable, ensuring warm feet even in bad weather.

For Lowlight Conditions

Helmet Cover by GORE

Gore Bike Wear’s Universal 2.0 GT Helmet Cover provides maximum comfort and protection during varied weather conditions. Breathable, GORE-TEX® technology is waterproof and windproof. The compact cover fits over your helmet and folds up small.

Escape Rain Jacket by Craft

The Escape Rain Jacket is a high viz traffic stopper as well as being completely wind- and waterproof, with zippered ventilation openings.

Element AS Zip-Off Jacket

WINDSTOPPER® exterior, high visibilty and convertibility from jacket to vest – it doesn’t get more versatile than Gore Bike Wear’s Element AS Zip Off Jacket. It’s almost like having a multi-tool in your cycling kit. We like it!

Now that we’ve gone over gear – it’s time to do a little dancing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmCpOKtN8ME

March 9, 2016
SHOP LOCAL: GUS’ BIKE SHOP.

Jeff and Leslie Latimer own Gus’ Bike Shop in North Hampton, NH. We caught up with Leslie at a recent event for “Gus’ Gals” at their shop and asked her a few questions.

Tell us a bit about Gus’ Bike Shop:

“When my husband and I bought the shop there was no bike shop in New Hampshire that had a women’s department or worked to make women feel at home. We created a welcoming atmosphere, a weekly shop ride just for women, monthly pot luck suppers and minute clinics before each weekly ride” – Today you’ll typically find 40 -50 women joining our Thursday evening ride during the summer.

One of my favorite descriptions of our shop was written by a customer – it’s right here on our website: “Gus’ has been a purple institution (literally, purple) on the New Hampshire seacoast for many years, but only recently has the shop has been transformed into the community cycling epicenter. This change has occurred thanks to the Latimer family who purchased the store several years ago and have single-handedly recruited more women into cycling than I think even they could have imagined. Although the shop is known for its striking women’s cycling fashions, the slick women-specific bikes and the always friendly and helpful advice, it’s the palpable feel of family and community that attracts women who quickly become loyal customers. Before you even get out of your car, you are enthusiastically greeted by the couple’s teenage sons (and dog!). Outside the shop, local cyclists relax in chairs under big umbrellas and wave hi as you walk by like you’ve known each other for years. Inside, the crew gives you a big hello and asks you about your family. Where else do you get this type of welcome?” This summer Gus’ will be celebrating our 45th year of serving Seacoast cyclists and we’re looking forward to another great season with Gus’ Gals – the name affectionately chosen by the ladies for their Thursday evening ride.

Why do you think women choose to shop at your store?

Women are made to feel welcome here at Gus’ Bike Shop. Every customer here get’s the “Gus’ love”

Why do you sell Terry?

“Love Terry fit and Terry style. This past summer we did a tour in Quebec. The Terry tops are stylish enough to wear out to dinner paired with the Metro Crop pants. The top I wore to dinner, became the next days jersey. Each day I wore the Bella shorts and they have become a favorite of mine. I’ve actually worn some of my Terry jerseys and sweaters to work and never fail to get compliments on them.”

When a new-to-cycling female customer comes in, what’s the first thing you tell her about cycling?

“That it’s fun and that there’s a place for her on a Gus’ ride. Our rides feature a fast, medium, social or really social pace, no one’s left out. It’s all about community. “

March 9, 2016
CYCLISTS’ GUIDE: BALANCED SNACKING.

Getting plenty of fuel is the best route to a successful ride. Whether you’re riding on the road, mountain, gravel or bike packing, here are a few of our favorite ride snacks to munch along the way.

Grab and Go

Image Source: Clif Bar

All the benefit of a gel shot in a much more appealing package. These bloks are packed full of energy for the ride but have the noted benefit of being solid, rather than a gel. Coming in an 8 fruity flavors (including margarita) – everyone can find the perfect fit for their ride.

Image Source: Barnana

It’s true that these chocolate covered banana bites by Barnana are packed with potassium, organic ingredients and happen to be perfectly bite-sized, but that’s not why we love them; these babies are downright DELICIOUS. So go ahead, pack a bag in your jersey pocket and you are in for a very happy ride.

Image Source: The Feed.

Often, buying snacks created with cycling in mind means that you end up with a giant box of one snack in one flavor. The Feed, based in Boulder, CO lets you customize your own variety box of munchies to match your ride.

Make Your Own

Image Source: Skratch Labs

In a world of easily accessible prepackages snacks, it takes a certain amount of commitment to make your own. To help turn this commitment into a breeze, Skratch Labs, is here with their Feed Zone Portables cookbook. With plenty of options from savory to sweet, every rider can find their perfect ride snack. Here is Biju Thomas creating our favorite ride companion – a portable rice cake with blueberries, chocolate and coconut:

March 9, 2016
TERRY TEAM: MEET HYLA VICK.

photo courtesy of Tour de Palm Springs

Hyla Vick from Laguna Niguel, CA is the newest member of Team Terry.

Her most recent ride was the 18th annual Tour de Palm Springs, where Hyla rode 51 miles over the course of the weekend. The ride supports over 100 local charities in Coachella Valley and has tallied up over $3,000,000 in contributions since its inception. Riders can choose to ride up to 100 miles with a minimum of 10. There’s even a fun 1-3 mile walk for those without wheels. The weather, scenery, and thousands of riders make it an event like no other.

Hyla’s favorite pieces of cycling apparel: the Bella Prima Knickers for warmer days; Thermal Tight when it’s cooler. “I was comfortable for the entire ride (54 degrees at beginning and 65 degrees at the end.) The knickers were so comfortable, I didn’t want to take them off after the ride.”

Hyla knows the “look good, feel good” mentality also comes from a good post-ride treat. Her favorite is an order of french fries, which also makes for great motivation to find more 50 mile rides.

One cycling destination that Hyla recommends all riders is Orange County, CA. “We have beautiful bike trails with majestic ocean views, amazing hills, and some of the best year round weather for riding!” We’re packing now.

Hyla’s charisma and kindness is contagious, and we’re grateful to have her as a part of our team.

-Casey, Customer Service Superstar

About the Terry Team: This is a monthly shout out to dedicated Terry fans who are part of our illustrious sisterhood of athletes and adventurers. We ride through wind and rain. We sweat. We dream. We discover. We push ourselves to and past our limits. We take each day and ride it to its fullest. Sound like you? Send your story to customerservice@terrybicycles.com.

February 12, 2016
YOUR PERFECT PAIR.

Enter the world of women-specific cycling shoes.

When considering cycling gear, few components are more important than the choice of footwear, but with all of the different riding types, compatible cleats/petals and price points, it can be mind boggling to find your perfect match. One way to pare down the selection is to shop for women-specific cycling shoes. I have to admit, the first time I was asked the question, “what makes a cycling shoe women specific”, I was a bit stumped and after a bit of searching, I was surprised at the amount of studies that have been done in this area.

Research has found that the shape of women’s feet, and therefore shoe-fit needs, fall into a bell curve. The bulk of the curve (the majority of women) need a shoe that is narrower in the heel/ankle and has more arch support (for higher arches) than typically provided by a men’s shoe. Of course, this is not true for all women, but most will find more comfort, support and power transfer from a shoe with these distinctly non-male characteristics.

With this in mind, these are our top picks for women-specific cycling shoes of 2016.

Best Road Shoe:

Empire Shoe by Giro. Available at terrybicycles.com

The Empire Shoe by Giro is QOM approved. Created with a full carbon sole, this lace-up, high performance cycling shoe built on a woman’s last has unrivaled adjustment with a footbed that lets you fine-tune your fit with an adjustable arch support. Why laces? Giro’s designers say it best:

“Once upon a time, nearly every shoe had a laced closure. In the last few decades, however, mechanical closures have been developed to mimic the function of laces while providing the ability to adust fit on-the-fly. But with each new system, there is always a tradeoff to be considered: limited tolerance to grit and grime; added weight; increased exposure to damage in a crash; or less precise fit adjustment…So why laces? Because the fit and feel of a laced shoe is unrivaled. From different lacing patterns to more incremental adjustment points, laces simply provide more range when it comes to fit, and the feel is more natural.”

Research more details and buy here.

Best Triathlon Shoe:

Flynt Tri Shoe by Giro. Available at terrybicycles.com

Designed for quick transitions and high performance, this shoe comes in at the top of our list. Not only is the Flynt an amazing tri-specific shoe with it’s breathable microfiber cover, lightweight sole and multiple cleat-compatibility, it’s also a great summer option for road riding. Find more details or purchase, here.

Best All-Around:

Manta Shoe by Giro. Available at terrybicycles.com

For club rides, touring, commuting, single-track, bike-packing and more, the Manta is a very versatile option. We recommend it because it really does give you the best of all worlds: a recessed cleat area for off bike walkability; supple microfiber upper with straps and micro-ratcheting buckle; a stiff and efficient nylon outsole that optimizes each pedal stroke. You’ll be amazed at all the places these shoes will take you. Find out more, here.

Here’s to comfortable shoes and long miles!

–Whitney McKiddy

February 10, 2016
SHOP LOCAL: NEBRASKA’S BIKE RACK.

After meeting thousands of women who ride, The Bike Rack knows that everyone who comes into the store will be set up in the saddle a little differently. Their stores, in Omaha and Lincoln, carry the largest selection of bikes and accessories in the Midwest so that they are better able to help women find their dream bikes and the perfect gear.

The goal at Bike Rack is to create a comfortable shop environment that supports all women who want to learn about cycling, advocacy and events in the community, in addition to offering the best bicycles in the area. At this shop, it’s about the experience of freedom, friendship and empowerment that cycling brings. “If we do our jobs right, the only thing you’ll be thinking of as you roll down the road is, “WHEEEEEEE!”

Why do you think women choose to shop at your store?
We have the best customer service in our service departments and on our sales floors. We make it easy to get out and ride!

Why do you sell Terry?
Terry is a company that supports female cyclists in the saddle and out, which means it is easier for us to help women ride comfortably, safely and beautifully. We sell Terry because women love Terry – it’s an absolute favorite in our shop.

When a new-to-cycling women comes in, what’s the first thing you tell her about cycling?
Welcome to the greatest community on the planet!

Next time you’re in the area, stop by or check them out online: Bike-Rack.com

February 8, 2016
SPRING ADVICE FROM GEORGENA TERRY.

When Spring arrives and the heady scent of thawing earth and emerging blooms is in the air, the lure of a bicycle ride is overwhelming. Best to make sure you and your bike are ready for the enjoyable hours of riding to come.

Human bodies and bicycle bodies aren’t really all that different when it comes to preparation. Analogies abound. Consider suppleness: are your muscles supple and ready for action? After a long winter, your bicycle’s tires better be supple, too. If they’re dried out and inflexible, they will prone to punctures. Not only that, the feel of the bike will suffer since stiff tires don’t flex. They bounce around rather than deflecting and absorbing imperfections in road surfaces.

I replace my tires and tubes annually, regardless of how many miles they have on them. Time and mileage both take their toll on rubber. Buy the best tires and tubes you can afford. It’s money well spent.

How’s your core strength? It’s the springboard for efficient pedaling. Your bicycle has a core, too: its frame and fork. Time spent cleaning the bike’s core not only makes the bike look good, it can reveal problems before they become disasters. While light scratches in the paint aren’t necessarily a problem, cracks are — especially in aluminum or carbon fiber. If you find a crack, have your local shop check it out.

Steel and aluminum bikes can be waxed and then kept shiny with periodic applications of Lemon Pledge®. The appropriate cleansing and polishing of carbon fiber varies from brand to brand, so ask your dealer about the best way to care for the finish.

Just as stretching keeps the human body from creaking, lubrication helps the bike do the same. What to lubricate? The chain and the pivot points on both derailleurs are the easiest. Chain lubes abound — wax-based products are the cleanest, but may not be robust enough for frequent wet weather rides. A light oil will suffice for the derailleurs.

Finally, make sure everything works! When you squeeze the brake levers, does the bike stop? Do the gears shift properly? Is your saddle ready for another big season? If not, a visit to the bike shop is in order!

Warmer days are coming, so tune up your body and your bike now so you’ll both be ready to take advantage of them!

For more advice and information from Georgena, click here: Georgenaterry.com

Women’s cycling pioneer and founder of Terry Bicycles, Georgena Terry is still actively engaged in her custom “Heart of Steel” bicycle business and is a voice for female cyclists. She continues to ride thousands of miles a year and pursues her passion for the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge with the Wild Goose Chase bike ride/fundraiser along Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We thank her for continued efforts and the contribution of her columns.

January 19, 2016