Wind-Blox Blog
Pop-Up Plazas Love Bikes, Follow Up December 05 2014, 0 Comments
Our fair city, Portland, is doing something hip and oh-so bikey! In early October a block's worth of downtown streets will be made into a pop-up plaza. There will be a protected bike lane, cafes and lots of fun for everyone.
After the success of this, and similar events, Portland is ready to invest! New paint, new crosswalks and more are coming!
Check it out here
http://bikeportland.org/2014/12/04/success-3rd-avenue-demonstration-old-town-real-changes-coming-114294
It's not what you ride.... November 30 2014, 0 Comments
Freezing Weather Continues...Here's Some Gear November 20 2014, 0 Comments
Our favorite wind-fighting product is Wind-Blox, it goes without saying, but what other wind products are valuable?
We like Pearl Izumi's cycling gloves, but also realize that in really cold weather something like a lobster glove may be more what a person is looking for.
If riders are dealing with rain, another vital layer would be booties (and of course our favorite is our local brand Showers Pass which is now available at Nordstrom). Beyond the need for booties, a great pair of cycling shoes is going to be helpful and SIDI has a really warm pair.
Knickers or knee warmers will make a big difference when it comes to keeping your ligaments happy, and fleece lined tights and bibs are great options too.
Balaclavas stop important sounds (like CARS) and so do earmuffs, so Wind-Blox should stay on your helmet straps year round, but adding a warm layer like Bern's knit liner will be very helpful.
Bike Map, the Bikey-est October 07 2014, 0 Comments
The bikey-est of bike maps has just been drawn/cycled/created in an area of the UK known as the New Forest. David Taylor made this by envisioning a route, mapping it and then riding with GPS. This now appears on Google Maps via the Strava app and website.
#WorseThanRocktober October 06 2014, 0 Comments
While seasons change and hashtags vary, anything to do with Rocktober ends up being horrible (in my highly enlightened opinion). Skirtember and Mowvember are fine...both highten style and add awareness, but Rocktober does zip.
nada
Rocktober takes something wonderful like changing leaves, crisp air and pumpkin spice lattes and adds too much muchness. It also reminds me of wind noise, but wind noise is #WorseThanRocktober because it lasts all year.
Stay with me here...wind noise changes a glorious bike ride into grappling with something that is at best an ongoing annoyance. Whether a person is trying to safely negotiate city streets, listen to podcasts (always on a protected bike path!), or chat during a Saturday ride wind noise takes it and causes strain.
We believe in safety, hearing protection and conversation...we made Wind-Blox.
The Bike Racks are Full October 03 2014, 0 Comments
Though many schools have empty bike racks, there's a growing demand for them in a Philadelphia high school. Why, when fitness levels are down and childhood obesity an epidemic is this working? What is special at Palumbo?
The Academy at Palumbo, a school where the demand for bike racks is greater than the availability, is part of the vibrant cycling culture of Philadelphia. Megan Rosenbach directs the bicycle coalition's safety and education program, Safe Routes Philly. There is also a bike share program which may be stretched from its current focus on needs of younger students if the demand grows.
Halloween on Bikes? October 02 2014, 0 Comments
Our fair city has a Halloween bike ride and mobile dance party. If you've got no plans, come to PDX and party.
Then again, these costume options would work just about anywhere (anywhere cool, that is).
We aren't sure if you need a trike for this one...
A favorite ET option
These are quite elaborate
Trends = Spotted! September 26 2014, 0 Comments
We wanted to share three of the favorites we found at InterBike.
Fat Bikes! They're so huge--and look utterly capable. Many people may test them out just to see if they're like a self-propelled ATV!
E-bikes are not new, but they're developing quickly. There's even a bit of an e-bike vs fat bike thing going around. To combine the best of both, Big Cat E-Bykes has the Fat Cat which is a sight to behold! We really like Long Island Electric Bike and our favorite way to try an e-bike would have to be with Let It Ride bike tours in Bend, Oregon. There's also a great new e-bike kit coming soon from the brilliant folks at Daymak. We're definitely staying tuned!
Glide Bikes has some of the finest craftsmanship available in some of the tiniest bikes out there. Glide's balance bikes are made with skill and precision. They're also making adaptive bikes which is an exciting new trend.
Touring August 25 2014, 0 Comments
Bicycle touring is a fun way to incorporate sport and beauty. In our state you can get brochures from the Department of Transportation that outline the opportunities. For riders who want to find adventure, we found that bike tour finder is an excellent resource. In Europe there are themed rides, supported tours and backroads rides to choose from. The World's Most Dangerous Road also has rides that the daring can take, and some dare to ride it for charity.
Bike and Scooter Fun Night August 19 2014, 0 Comments
Our community is having a bike and scooter fun night and we're getting it set. We've not done one of these before and our main goals are to keep it fun and simple. After reading all the pinterest-pretty suggestions and the intricate ideas, here's what we're doing instead:
It will be a fun night (as compared to a safety skills training)
There will be a special parking area and helmet table
Helmets will be judged for fit, decorations available for those who would like to get fancy and prizes awarded
A large parking lot will be divided into thirds
Slow course (bikes only)
During the timed slow course riders must follow a chalk line that is sometimes a bit curvy. They may not put their feet down or the timer stops. Each rider will be given their time at the end.
Obstacle course
Riders go around obstacles trying for accuracy and speed. Any touch of an obstacle causes a rider to re-start
Race
Separate heats will be available for bikes and scooters. This will be timed, or may end up as a race against a good-humored adult.
Bike Wash
At the end of the evening, a bike wash (also known as a sprinkler you can ride under) will be available to enjoy!
Less Noise Means.. August 18 2014, 0 Comments
Less wind noise means
great conversations
birdsong
the sound of approaching traffic
calm
Want less wind noise, wear wind-Blox. Simple.
