Staff Tuesday: Matt

Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and a very Merry Christmas. The shop was a hustle and bustle of last minute shoppers last week, hopefully all the kiddos getting bicycles for Christmas were as excited as I was to watch them role out the store knowing someone little like me was going to have a wonderful Christmas surprise.

Tuesday has come and it is time I introduce to you Matt!

~ Also known as Powers~

Matt giving me love while I had to wear a stupid cone thingy for a cut I had!

Matt has been working for B&L Bike Shop for almost 2 years.

[He is a great minion as I can control every move he makes…meow meow]

Matt has chosen to not tell me how old he is or when he was born…

[Meow, this must mean I am not as in control of him as I thought]

Matt has 2 bicycles both Mountain Bikes; a Specialized Rock Hopper and his newest addition a Fuji Reveal 2.0! The longest Matt has ever ridden was 200+ miles for a Medium Level Mountain Bicycle Camp he went to in 2006. Matt enjoys going Mountain Bike riding on his days off with the other minions that partake in the mountain riding!

Matt has been ridding a bicycle since he was 3 years old and says he has loved it from the beginning. He says “While most kids would get a ride to school I would bike 10 miles there and back due to my enjoyment of riding!”

Matt began his work in the industry here at B&L Bike Shop and says he truly enjoys what the industry has to offer.

An interesting fact about Matt: He is ½ Peruvian

Matt is an interesting fellow, he talks to me a lot and for some reason seems to enjoy racing me down the stairs every morning! [I always win…]

So there you have it minions, Matt Powers!

I hope everyone is enjoying their Holiday Vacation time and wish everyone a very Happy New Years! Bring 2012 in with a bang and make it a great year!

My goal in 2012 is to get 100 people to follow my blog and 500 people to like my Facebook page, I think these are achievable numbers but I will need your help to achieve them.  Can you pledge to help me reach my goals in 2012?

Merry Christmas

Staff Tuesday: Christy

Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Are you all ready for Christmas? I know I don’t have much to look forward to but a day of relaxation!

[This is really all a kitty like me needs!]

Hopefully, one of my minions or the Big Boss lady will drop off something yummy for my brothers Pedro and Maxxis and I!

[I’ll have to introduce those guys on here someday too]

Well it's Tuesday and I’m super excited to tell you about the lady who manages B&L Bike Shop and B&L too… I call her the Little Boss Lady as she is the daughter of Beth, the Big Boss Lady, who I introduced to you a few weeks back!

So without further Kitty-a-due I introduce to you Christy!

~ Also know as Little Rita and the Little Boss Lady~

Christy has been working here full time for the past 3 years and has been the manager for the past 2 years! Christy spent every summer and school break at the shop when she was visiting her Mom from Washington, so she knows the ins and outs of this place. [I thought I was the only one who knew all the ins and outs. Well I at least have all the knowledge of the good hiding places in the place going for me!]

Christy was born on October 20^th, 1988. She is a very happy and outgoing 23 years old! Not your typical 23 year old girl though. [Managing this place and all… meow... meow... man it has to be hard work, glad it’s her and not ME-OW]

Christy loves cycling but says she wishes she could do it more than she does.  She has an Electra Cruiser 1 outfitted to ride to and from school, as well as a Fuji SL-Comp (full carbon fiber bicycle) that she would love to ride much much more! To the right is a picture of Christy on her road bike. 

Christy says “Riding is an amazing thing for me. I feel it opens my mind and lets me relax. I feel as I have accomplished something every time I take a ride on my bike!”

An interesting fact about Christy: She was born in Virginia, raised in Washington and moved to California in 2008! Also she was once Rodeo Princess in 4-H when she rode horses! [Guess she traded in the horses for bicycles when she came to Cali!]

So there you have it for the Little Boss Lady. I love her to death; she always makes a point to make me a part her day when shes at work!

Just an FYI the shop will be open through Christmas Eve’ closing at 3:00 on Saturday December 24^th, make sure if you are having us hold on to those larger Christmas gifts that you get in and pick it up by then.

I also hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and that the time spent with your families is cherished.  

I will be skipping Items of the Week for the next couple of Sundays as it will be Christmas and the following Sunday is New Years Day. Please still Tune in next Tuesday for Staff Tuesdays were I introduce Matt who can be quite the character.  I will also have special posts on Christmas and New Years that I would love you to tune in for as well!

Till then, I leave you with a thought from Christy:

"Live, Laugh and Love.  LIVE everyday like it’s your last, LAUGH daily as you’ll live longer and LOVE absolutely everyone who crosses your path!”

Sunday Dec 18th - Items of the Week!

Meow, Meow, Meow Christmas Time!!!  I personally love Christmas time as I get to lay under the Christmas Tree at the Bike Shop. I also seem to get an extra amount of treats and all those kiddos eating cookies at our store on Thursday Holiday shopping nights and the weekend drop lots of crumbs for me to pick up! Treats and crumbs aside, I just love the season of giving!  Today I want to keep everyone up to date about the wonderful 12 days of Christmas Specials B&L Bike Shop/B&L too... have given to all of you this year!  Below I have listed the remaining 6 days of the 12 Days of Christmas specials! I hope everyone gets a chance to partake in one of the specials graciously given and that of course you stop by and say "HI" to me!

On the 6th day of Christmas Sunday, Dec 18th  B&L gave to me:  15% off Pedals!  On the 7th day of Christmas  Monday, Dec 19th  B&L gave to me:   20% off Fenders! On the 8th day of Christmas Tuesday, Dec 20th  B&L gave to me:   10% off Front and Rear Light combos!   On the 9th day of Christmas Wednesday, Dec 21st  B&L gave to me:  FREE Stop Flat installation!  *with purchase of stop flat tire liners.  **May be included with Liners as a gift certificate. On the 10th day of Christmas Thursday, Dec 22nd  B&L gave to me: 50% off repair classes!  On the 11th day of Christmas Friday, Dec 23rd B&L gave to me: 30% off any one jersey!  On the 12th day of Christmas Saturday, Dec 24th  B&L Gave to me:  5% off my entire purchase!  We also have lots of stocking stuffer items between both of our stores.  Make sure you stop in before Christmas and pick up the perfect items for the cyclists in your family!  Some Stocking Stuffer Ideas for you that are under $25.00:  * Tire Levers * Jewelry *Bells  *Valve Caps  * Pint Glasses  *Chain Lube *Powerbar Bars and Gel  *GU Energy Gel *Gloves  *Tire Liners  *Lights  *Bike Glow Lighting  *Streamers  *Gift Cards  *Tools

Staff Tuesday: Jesse

Happy Tuesday! I apologies for missing last weeks Staff Tuesday! Things had been crazy around the store with all of the preparation for the Customer Appreciation Night that we had this last Sunday! Which I have to meow went over purrrfectly! I hope you were able to join us for the fun filled night! If you couldn’t make it you missed out, and will want to make sure you join us when we have another.

With out further kitty-a-due-due I would like to introduce to you Jesse! Another one of the new minions I have allowed to join the team here at B&L!

Above is a picture of Jesse showing off his mad skills. Maybe I could do that if I were human!!! Meow?

Jesse started working for us in November and has been a great addition to the team. [or so I hear]

Jesse just recently turned 40 on November 22nd! Happy belated birthday to him! 

Jesse has a total of 4 bicycles, a couple Schwinn's, a Turner D HR, and a BMX bike! 

The longest distance Jesse has ever ridden was when he once went on a Double Century work ride at a previous job. So 200 miles.. meow...meow that's a lot of miles!

Jesse says he enjoys riding his bicycles because it relaxes him!
[I know sleeping relaxes me, maybe I should take up cycling]

An interesting fact about Jesse is that he has had over 20 surgeries...meow that's right 20!... and he says he still feels G-R-E-A-T!!!

Jesse has been in the bicycle industry for about 15 years! [If I can have it in my own kitty ways he wont be going anywhere else anytime soon]

I do have a message for Jesse though and that is that he needs to stop running over my tail with bicycles. It is really starting to hurt! My poor poor tail! Meow Meow Meow!!!

Holiday Season and Customer Appreciation Night

Minions ~ 

I want to send my apologies for my horrible blogging this last week! We have busy getting the store into the Holiday Spirit and for our Customer Appreciation Night coming up this weekend! My little paws are tired from all the running around the shop and it takes a lot out of me to type up my posts! [Meow, my little paws] I will get back to my regular blogging next week!

The store is already for the Holiday Season

As I stated above we have been busy getting ready for out Customer Appreciation Night coming up this Sunday! I wanted to extend a very furry loving invite along to all of you!  So please join us for this splendid evening!

*Details of the event are below

 Join us on December 11th from 5pm-7pm

For our Customer Appreciation Night 

in Honor of B&L too...'s 1 Year Anniversary 

Join us for 

Wine
Snacks

Bicycle Specials

 A Brake and Derailleur quick adjustment workshop

 10% off your entire purchase at B&L too...

Raffle for Swag from our Vendors ($1 tickets) 

We will even be raffling off a child's bicycle!!!!

*raffle proceeds benefit Davis Bicycles Schools Committee Save a Gallon Program

The Staff at your disposal 

Milo the Shop Cat 

and lots of Fun! 

Mark your Calendars for December 11th from 5pm-7pm

you don't want to miss out on a fun filled Night with the B&L Bike Shop and B&L too... gang! And just in time to finish up your Christmas shopping! 

For more information Contact Christy

Staff Tuesday: Dante

Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. Are you as full as I am? My two brothers Maxxis and Pedro (who live in the upstairs of the Bike Shop) and I were given a very full bowl of kitty chow and we devoured every last bit of it. Yummy Yummy Yummy! Christy also left us treats in hiding places for us to find. I think I am still finding them around the upstairs area...Meow Meow...more treats for me!!!

With the Holiday weekend I was unable to write up the Weekly Items post this past Sunday. Meow Meow I know, I'm sorry! 

We had a Black Friday Sale and continued the sale through the weekend in honor of Small Business Saturday! This kept everyone including myself on our toes all weekend. With all the specials going on in the store this past weekend I also was not to sure as to what would be good items of the week to discuss. 

I promise I'll be back to my normal kitty blogging ways next Sunday! 

MEOW MEOW - I almost forgot! It's Tuesday and time for me to introduce another on of the wonderful minions I have working at B&L Bike Shop. Today I will be introducing Dante. Dante is a newer member to my minions club but seems to be fitting in well. 

So here we have.....DANTE.....

Dante reads to his bicycles!!! Meow?

Dante was born on January 12th in 1982!

 Looks like we have a birthday coming up here in a month in a half. I will have to think of something to get him!

Dante has a few bicycle that are all Schwinn Stingrays from the 60's that he has turned into Low-riders!!!

Speaking of Stingrays make sure you stop in and see the 2 we have on the sales floor at the shop. We received 2 of 450 released from the Schwinn vault this year!

I asked Dante about the longest ride he had ever been on and man o man did I get a story! 

(I had to have him write it out so I could tell it to you word for word) 

"That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little ride. So I rode to the end of the road, and when I got there I thought maybe I'd ride to the end of town. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd just ride across Greenbow Country. 

Now, thinking since I'd rode this far, maybe I'd just ride across the great state of Alabama. And that's what I did. I rode clear across Alabama. No particular reason. I just kept going. I rode clear to the ocean, I figured since I'd gone this far, I might as well just turn back and keep going. And when I got to another ocean, I figured since I'd gone this far, I might as well just turn back and keep right on going. 

When I got tired, I slept. When I got hungry, I ate. When I had to go... you know... I went. 

I'd think a lot aout Mama and Bubba and Lieutenant Dan. But most of all, I thought about Jenny. I thought about her a lot. 

I say all in all if you were to count it up... now keep in mind this is just a guess, but I would say exactly 36,217 miles, no big deal." 

As you might be able to see Dante is a good story teller! However, he may have not have ridden his bicycle 36,217 miles but he does ride his bicycle everywhere he can!!!

Dante Likes to cycle because he feels it keeps him in peak athletic shape. He feels everyone should ride their bicycles to stay in this peak performance because and I quote Dante, "someday when aliens come to conquer planet earth, or when zombies rise from the dead and start hunting for brains, the first people to go down are the out of shape ones. The peak fitness people can run a black away from a zombie before they get winded and become lunch. Next time you are watching tv instead of going outside and doing some exercise, you are setting yourself up to be some zombies lunch in the near future, just sayin."

An interesting fact about Dante (that I pawndered even putting) is that he "allegedly" shot a man in reno, but the prosecutions lack of physical evidence couldn't prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he was even in Rento that day. [I really dont think Dante would be capable of doing such a thing he is so nice to everyone at the shop and especially me.]

Well that is all I have for you on Dante. He is quite the character but I think a great addition to the Staff and my minion's club. 

Please make sure you are checking out My Facebook, B&L Bike Shops Facebook Page, Milo's Corner, and B&L Bike Shops Twitter. The ladies at the shop and myself are working hard at keeping everyone up to date when it comes to specials on products, sales, new products and events. These social media sites are the hub for us to be able to market to you on a daily basis.

I did over hear the ladies in the office talking about a Customer Appreciation Night on December 11th from 5pm to 7pm! As well as 12 Days of Christmas Specials!!!!

Till next time I leave you with one of Dante's favorite Quotes: "When I die, I want to go like my grandpa: sleeping, not like the people in the back seat: screaming!" - Louis Yore

Staff Tuesday: Lindsay

Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Are you all ready to feast away on Thanksgiving? I know I am... the boss lady normally stops by and drops off a piece of turkey for me but she's laying on the beach in Mexico... So, hopefully, one of my minions will drop off something yummy for me..

Well it's Tuesday and I've been itching to tell you about one of my newest minions.  

So without further Kitty-a-due I introduce to you Lindsay!

~ Also know as the New Girl ~

Lindsay started working here last month and I love her already.. She gives me just the right amount of attention every day she is in.

Lindsay was born on September 11th 1989... Again another September baby! [Meow..all my minions were born in September it seems.]

 Lindsay likes to ride around woodland with her best friend. Lindsay has a cruiser that she doesn't feel she gets to ride enough!

Lindsay says "Riding is way more fun than walking!" I agree with her, I wish I could be wheeled around in a pet basket all day!

An interesting fact about Lindsay: She's scared of tape and stickers... better remember to never bring any of those around her.

I also just want to mention that you should keep any eye out for the fantastic sales coming up for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday! I know the ladies in the office have been crunching numbers and preparing to offer everyone some great prices.. 

Tune in next week for the new weekly items for both stores, a glance at our 12 days of Christmas specials and of course another Staff Tuesday!!!

Till then, I leave you with a thought from Lindsay: "What was is not what will be. Let hope light your path in life's journey and it will set you free !"

Sunday Nov 21st - Items of the Week

It's that time again, where I tell you what you need to come in and look at! [mainly because it means you can come in and see me.. shh don't tell the boss lady I said that...meow...] 

Well let's get to it...

 [I need to rest up for the week ahead of me...meow...]

Sunday Nov 21st - Saturday Nov 26th 

Item of the Week 

At B&L Bike Shop:

If you have not come by to see the newly introduced Electra Verse's you are missing out! 

Electra introduced the Verse 21D and Verse 24D to their line up in August 2011

We were lucky enough to have a party in honor of the new Verse line-up too! 

I got word today that Electra lowered the price on these beautiful rides. 

The Verse 21D Originally $579.99 is NOW $539.99

and 

The Verse 24D Originally $679.99 is NOW $639.99

The bikes come in some beautiful colors too.. 

Stop in and take one out for a spin you will fall in love right away!

Item of the Week 

At B&L Bike too:

This week on sale at B&L too we have:

 The Women's Cross Sport Jersey 

Normally $40.00 This week-ONLY $28.00

As well as:

 The Men's Milano V Jersey 

Normally $59.99 This week-ONLY $42.99

Make sure you stop by both stores this week! 

The jersey deals are unbelievable and the Electra Verse is such a cool ride.

Staff Tuesday: Adam

It's Tuesday again! That means time to introduce another B & L team member, so meet Adam!

Adam on one of his many bikes!

Adam has been a mechanic here at B & L Bike Shop for two years, but has been really into riding bikes for six! His self-proclaimed shop nickname is "The Hammer".... he says to ask him why. Adam is definitely one minion I'm particularly fond of, always petting me and finding me lots of treats!

He is also another of our many September babies and was born in 1985. The longest he's ever ridden is 75 miles by himself when he first got his road bike.

Adam's bicycle line up looks like this: 

-Windsor Trent road bike, used for parts

-Jamis Sputnik fixed gear, for riding around in town

-Co-Motion Americano Rohloff, he says "Ask me about it, it's awesome!"

When Adam isn't wrenching around in the shop and saving bikes, you'll find his nose in a book, busy with school. He already has a degree in music and says "Bikes or baritones, I do it all!"

One thing I can't figure out about Adam is his dog, Radar, who is super weird! He's not even scared when I meow or hiss at him! Adam also likes to interrupt my slumber when I'm all cozy in the shop invoice basket! 

Tune in again next week as I introduce another cute little minion on my fantastic B & L team!

I'll leave you today with Adam's favorite quote:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead

Meow!

Sunday Nov 13th - Item of the Week!

Welcome to Milo's Item/s of the week! [meow.. I am feeling much better and hope to be back on top of my blog...meow... the treats and love from the staff got me back up on all fours] 

I hope you all had a wonderful week. Happy belated Veterans Day to all the Veterans out there. I hope you were treated with the utmost honor and respect on your day and of course everyday! 

As I pointed out last week we have a few jerseys at B&L too rotating through a sale rack. Each week we will be posting jerseys in my blog and on Facebook that are 30% off for that week Sunday -Saturday! 

So make sure you are visiting B&L Bike Shops Facebook Page, Milo the Shop Cats Facebook Page [but I shouldn't have to tell you to visit my page as I suspect you already do on a regular basis...meow] as well as my corner here to see what jerseys are on sale. Also stop by often as other specials might appear that you don't want to miss out on!

Well lets get to 

Sunday Nov 13th - Saturday Nov 19th 's 

Items of the Week!!! 

At B&L too...

Men's Momentum Jersey 

Full front locking zipper

Mesh shoulder panels

diagonal triple back bound pockets

5” locking zip back pocket with 

sweat proof liner 

Bound arm and waist hem

Normally $79.99

 Save 30% 

This Week Only $56.00

[meow... this is a sleek pro type fitting jersey....wish they had one that would fit me...] 

Women's Cyclone Tank 

Updated built-in comfort support 

liner

Contrast binding on neck and arm 

openings

Back diagonal contrast zipper 

pocket

Multi-sport design

Normally $64.99

Save 30% 

This Week Only $44.99 

[a couple of the girls in the shop have this jersey...meow...do they look good]

So there you have it for the Jersey of the week on Sale at B&L too! 

I do want to mention some new stock I have seen the girls unpacking over at too... as well. I know the raining season is on its way in [I can smell it...and feel it...meow...its a coming...] But, B&L too... can help prepare you for that raining weather. 

We don't want you to have to stop riding just because the cruddy weather is coming in, so stop in at B&L too.... and check out our new rain gear! The girls can help you pick out exactly what you need for your commute. 

I have pictured a few options below, that tickle my tummy...meow...

Hope to see you in B&L too.. This week 

B&L Bike Shop's Item of the Week

That's right we have the classic Schwinn Stingrays back! 

Only 450 surfaced from the Schwinn Vault and we managed to snag two! Come in and check these guys out! 

Pictured are the two we have in-stock.. I am sure these bicycles are calling somebody's name! One of these beauties would be a perfect gift for that old-school bicycle lover in your family. 

Our Price: $499.99

Milo Out!!!!