A ROUTE A PLENTY

How many times have you been on Google maps or Google Earth wishing you could map your cycling routes? Now you can!

Check out MAP MY RIDE where you can map your local routes and meet other locals. The site is completely free and has tons of options. Perhaps the best part is discovering where your neighbors are riding.

Are you getting bored with your usual loops? Try your favorite route backwards. Or get a friend to drive you out into the sticks to ride back to home. It's a great motivator knowing your own hot shower and personal Lazy Boy are waiting for you.

Still having trouble deciding where to go ride? Swing by the shop and we'll tell you our favorites.

Turkey Makes Me Sleepy

Trainers, cold weather gear, & plenty of bicycles!

The list goes on and on, this holiday season we've got it all at the shop.

Looking for others to ride with? Don't forget about the Saturday shop rides. 30 miles. No drop. Leaves at 9:00 a.m.

Take advantage of our sweet layaway: $50 holds any new bike until CHRISTMAS!

10 REASONS TO RIDE YOUR BIKE TODAY:

1. Great Scenery: See your neighborhood from a whole new perspective; get outta the gym.

2. Your Health: Lower stress, burn calories, lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, etc...

3. Be Social: Ride with a couple buddies, a local club, an event training group or your family.

4. Get the kids moving: Riding is a great way to get the kids exercising and out of the house.

5. Never Boring: Cycling is never monotonous. Different routes, different bikes, different days.

6. Save $$: Commuting to work a few times a week or the store sometimes, means big savings.

7. Green Entertainment: Got your bike? Now ride for free while supporting a green lifestyle.

8. Spin a dream vacation: Hundreds of companies cater to cyclists, both domestic & abroad.

9. Enjoy the outdoors: Our lives at home, school or work are all indoors. Be outside for once!

10. People smile at you: On a bike others tend to smile and wave. Smile back and laugh.

TREK NEWS

Trek bicycles is more than just an industry standard. Through their program called 1 World 2 Wheels, TREK is finding ways to encourage people to use bicycles for transportation and also recreation.

This initiative is not all talk; recently a massive grant was given to FREIKER Inc., a Colorado based non-profit whose purpose is to make bicycling to school easier and more routine for children across the country. Freiker stands for "FREquent bIKER".

"With Trek's support we'll be able to expand into more communities
across the country resulting in more riding, fewer car trips and healthier kids," said Zach Noffsinger, Freiker's Exec. Director.

"This is exactly the sort of program 1 World 2 Wheels is proud to support." noted Trek's Director of Advocacy, Rebecca Anderson. "It gets kids riding, provides measurable results, and energizes the school community. I've seen it work and it's terrific."

In other philanthropic news Trek recently announced their title sponsorship of the TREK Women's Triathlon Series. A series of races around the country aimed at providing a fun, non-intimidating atmosphere for beginner to experienced woman triathletes. With events planned in a dozen markets, TREK anticipates nearly 25,000 athletes during this first year.

The spokeswoman for the series is hall of fame triathlete, CEO of Heart Zones USA and author of 22 books on Triathlons and fitness, Sally Edwards.

"I’ve dedicated my life to encouraging women to become more physically active; to use triathlons as a means of achieving their life goals, I am so proud to be joining this series with Trek and to take our efforts to a whole new level." Edwards noted.

These types of sponsorships and grants are just a few of TREK's efforts to integrate cycling into Americans' daily lives. Bicycles are already the main source of transportation in several European countries. The culture that surrounds the two wheeled phenomenon is slowly becoming a mainstream fixture. It is refreshing when a mammoth corporation like TREK is reaching out to the community financially.

An ardent compassion for the sport and for people is what has driven the company from it's early days in a dilapidated barn in Wisconsin to becoming a Tour de France champion that now dominates all areas of cycling.

The rarity of corporation mixed with thoughtfullness is something not to be overlooked.

Crashing

In professional cycling crashing is more than common; it's simply part of the work day. Nobody likes to go down, but when it does happen the important thing is to relax the body. Many crashes are due to drafting to closely. A touch of wheels happens, but an immediate reaction with a cool head can be crucial to keep the rubber side down.

When riding with buddies or a local club always be on the safe side. Cautious, steady, controlled movements will dispell many possible road rash scenarios.

Here are a few safety tips while group riding:

If you're new to riding in a pace line make sure to leave 12-18 inches between your front wheel and the rider ahead of you. As you become more comfortable slowly decrease this distance, but never less than 3 inches.

Ride defensively. Keep your hands on the brake hoods with a couple fingers on the brakes.

Communicate! Ever hear the saying "Better safe than sorry" ? If you are vocal about your position (Ex: "On your right" "Coming up on the left") others will be appreciative not annoyed.

Depending on the number of riders the rotation may change patterns. Racers tend to peel to the right, while many club riders peel off to the left. Be cautious at first and watch group regulars. If there is a double pace line ride steadily and be constantly aware of others.

For more information on safety and tips for riding better swing by the shop. We offer a CD-ROM filled with 66 tips to safer, better riding.

A spin on the bike is worth a thousand words:

Good-morning, fellow Wheelmen;
here's a warm, fraternal hand,
As with a rush of victory we sweep across the land!
If some may be dissatisfied to view the way we ride
We only wish their majesties could wander by our side!
For we are good philanthropists-
Unqualified philanthropists-
And would not have our happiness to any one denied.
We claim a great utility that daily must increase;
We claim for inactivity a bright and grand release;
A constant mental, physical, and moral help we fell,
Which makes us turn enthusiasts, and bless the silent wheel!
-Anonymous

Not Eating Enough?

One of the best parts of being a cyclist is the apetite that comes with it. After a long ride remember that vitamins C and E are really going to help replenish your muscles and aid recovery.

As always plenty of fluids and a diet rich in complex carbohydrates will be very beneficial.

For racers, triathletes and serious avid cyclists remember: we stock several supplements to help give you that extra boost and aid in your training. From Accelerade to Cytomax to Gatorade performance series, we've got it all in stock here at the store.

Many recent articles have stressed the importance of fruits of all sorts, nuts and berries. Not only are they great for your legs but also your mind.

COLD WEATHER CRUSH

WE HAVE BEEN SPOILED, and now winter is just around the corner.

As you venture out in the howling wind and frigid temps don't forget that the triple digit heat will be back some day. Realize there are others out there puting the miles in, just like you.

The best way to beat the winter blues is simply dress for success. B&B has an awesome selection of any cold weather gear that you might need. Primarily full finger gloves, leg or arm warmers and an ear band will be most beneficial.

If you're cold while riding your body will use crucial energy reserves to try to heat back up. Extremities are the most susceptible but for the rest of the body dress in layers. You can always peel off a wind jacket or tights.

No matter how many miles you go, there will always be that warm shower at the end of your route. If you need riding buddies for inspiration join our shop road ride, Sat. mornings, leaving at 9 a.m. from our parking lot.

Any questions about winter riding? E-mail : bbbicycles@hotmail.com

Time for a NEW bike?

Announcing 50 COUPONS available in store only for

10% OFF ANY NEW BIKE OR SPECIAL ORDER.

Also $50 deposit holds any bike on layaway until Christmas.

With Christmas only 35 days away now is the time to stock up on all weather gear and essential equipment. Or just swing through to pick up a coupon and find the perfect bike.


ALSO, don't forget every Saturday morning, join us for a no-drop road ride of 28-30 miles around Cedar Hill. Leave B&B Bicycles at 9a.m. sharp.

HELLO DFW, TEXAS, and THE WORLD

This is our new shop blog. Here to inform and to entertain the local pedal pusher society.

YES, now you can get a near daily update on your local bike shop and the local cycling scene. We will be posting general cycling tips, tech tips, B & B Bicycles shop rides and events, local rides and races, as well as plenty of non-sensical yet still cycling related hoopla.

In many parts of the world people are digging out winter coats or searching for snow shovels. Benefit from our southern locale; head out to put some serious miles in, just go spin with the kids or save a few bucks and commute to work this week.

For all your bike related needs check out our shop site or better yet stop by

Any blog related suggestions? Please email: bbbicycles@hotmail.com