Summer Thoughts

Meow..... Meow......

I can't believe it is almost July already. The heat is setting in, my lion cut is fading away and I think it is time for the boss lady to get me all fancied up again. June has been a crazy month. I have a couple new minions I am working on training and the boss lady has returned from vacation and is taking really good care of me again. I don't get nearly as many treats when she is away.

I hope to do much better with my blog as the summer moves on, so stay tuned and if you have any great ideas or topics you would like me to talk about please send me your thoughts, milo@blbikeshop.com .

Rumor has it there is a huge sale coming in July. Something about the sidewalk being on sale....... stay tuned for more information, I hope to uncover the full story of this sidewalk sale.

Milo out! Meow Meow!

Missing in Action

Meow Meow... I'm so sorry, I have been missing in action. My ghost writers were transitioning last month and then things kinda fell to the wayside.

Now it looks as my both my ghost writers are leaving the shop to further their education. I am one sad little kitty, but wish them the best of luck. Hopefully they will stop by now and then to see me... They're the only ones who know all my thoughts and how much I love my greenies . How will I ever find anyone who knows me like these girls do?

You would have know them as Christy & Emelia 

Christy is sporting the pink helmet and Emelia is in the white one! 

So please hold tight for the next month or so while I spend some time hunting for a new ghost writer. Hopefully I will find someone who fits my needs and can understand my meows.

I hope you all find yourself too busy riding your bicycles to worry about when my blog will be back up and running. Until it is... have a wonderful summer and don't forget to stop by and say "HI" to me. I am running low on greenies just as a heads up.

- Milo out

Advice from the Pro

Hey Gang,
For those of you who missed out, we had an exceptional evening last week. I declare that our 3rd official Ladies Night was a bonafide success. The highlight for me was getting to meet and listen to Jamie Whitmore. She is incredibly cool and has an amazing story that is still being written. As the evening wound down I saddled up next to her and asked her what advice she would bestow on new riders.

So Jamie, what advice do you have for new cyclists? Get on your bike and ride!

What are your top 5 necessities for a ride? Tube, tire lever, pump, fuel, and the knowledge of how to use them. I didn't have any of those when I went out for my first bike ride. Oops!

Where are some of your favorite placed to ride? I used to ride Cantelow just outside of Davis. Super steep hill and great workout.

What keeps you going on the days that you don't want to ride? Honestly, I never don't want to ride. At least that's true of mountain biking. I can get a bit tired of the road bike and when  that happens I try do some cross-training so at least I'm still training that day and hope I feel more up for riding the next day.

Did you really wear underwear under your spandex for two weeks when you first started riding? I really did.

Yikes! I hope you have wandered over to Jamie's blog to get more of her story. To go from a World Class Xterra Athlete to cancer survivor, to Mom and back to athlete, while still being Mom is certainly not for the faint of heart. Luckily, I can assure that Jamie's heart is certainly strong and very big and is still smiling.


Thank for sharing with us Jamie!

Boss Lady Supreme, Susan Ashdown, Jamie Whitmore, Mini Boss Lady

It's Here! It's Finally Here!

Ladies Night is upon us!

Come one, come all!

There's no time to fuss

Let's have a Ball!

Get on your bike

Walk on those feet

There's no time for fright

It's YOU I want to meet

We'll feed you food

We'll set you up right

We'll show you the goods

It'll be a great night

Bring questions and curiosity

We're at your disposal

Time to move at velocity

Please accept our proposal

Ladies, tonight is for you

Auctions, raffles, and prizes

You can bring your boys too

We want you ladies of all shapes and sizes!

Tonight is Ladies Night! 7pm at B&L Bike Shop. And if nothing else, come see me and my lion cut. If you're sweet and bearing treats I just might sing you a sonnet. See you soon!

Random Thursday: Mrs. Boss Lady Goes to Washington

Howdy Minions!

The Boss Lady recently returned from a little jaunt out to Washington D.C. I was really hoping for a signed photo of the president, but I guess I've over-estimated her level of street cred once again. Here's what she reported back to me after her trip:

My dearest Milo!

I recently made a trip to WashingtonDC for the semi-annual board meeting of the National Bicycle Dealers Association of which I serve on the board currently as the Second Vice President.

We arrived Saturday afternoon and spent the afternoon adjusting to the 3 hour time change. Sunday morning we went for a run around the National Monument dodging tourists as we circled the pond and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Cherry Trees being in bloom. Then we went bicycle store spying. Whenever we travel I love to check out other bike shops for display ideas and also just because I love bicycles. This trip took us to Revolution Cycles that has 5 locations in the DC area. We walked from their Georgetown location up to their flagship store in Clarendon.

This trip happened to be the same week as the National Bike Summit and so I also met up with lots of dealer and advocacy friends that were in DC to lobby on the hill Thursday.

Sounds like a great time.

Yay Bicycle Advocacy! Second Vice President? Does that mean you have to sit beneath that Biden guy? I'm so confused. You humans and your politics.

Outlaw cars! That's what I say.

We could have a Feline-Bike-A-Lution!

Who's with me?!
 . . . Anybody?

Changeable Wednesday

Hey Everybody,
Sorry you have not heard from me much this last week. We are in the middle of transitioning typists at the shop and things are just wonky. This new one needs a bit of work and may bring out my sassier side or else the job will never get finished. The girls are clearly having a hard time getting their acts together. Maybe it has something to do with this weather. One minute it's 70 and springy and then it begins raining . . . who's in charge here? Everyone has forgotten which way is up and who's supposed to be sitting down and writing down every wonderful word I say.

Luckily, it's a beautiful day today and I hope you're out riding your bike! Take advantage of the sunlight before the  weather turns back to dreary. I've lost hope in the faithfulness of Spring.

I'm sad to say that there may not be any items of the week this week, but I can happily tell you that you should start getting excited for Ladies Night!! It's coming up soon. Only 8 days away!



Till Tomorrow,
Milo

Monday I.O.W 3/26

Monday Items of the Week 3/26 to 3/31

My goodness it is unexpectedly cold out there. Where is my Spring warmth? I think the boss ladies are itching to give me my famous lion cut before ladies night. If the weather doesn't cooperate I'm going to be one sad, cold kitty.

Here are the Weekly Items:

The following items are on sale till March 31st

Just mention you saw it on the blog or website!

Electra Gigi 3i

Normally $649.99

This week- ONLY $519.99

Itching to get on your bike and be comfortable, but not wanting to  wear lycra? Ladies, I know that some of your men are going too long without changing their shorts . . . please end the epidemic and get them another pair.

Bellwether Escape Baggy Shorts

Normally $74.99

This week – ONLY $52.49

Add that extra bit of flare to your bike with  . . .
Electra Bubble Valve Caps

Normally $8.99

This week – ONLY $6.30

Also save the date for these important events:

April 12th - Ladies Night with guest speaker Jamie Whitmore
Learn more about Jamie here
Get excited!

Check out our Repair Class Calendar for everyones repair learning needs
Check it out here

Thanks for stopping by!
Here’s to everyone having a Meow-tastic week!

Ladies Night

Its Ladies Night!!! Well almost and can I say I am so ready to spend a night with all the ladies!

meooow meooow

Ladies you heard me right! B&L Bike Shop's 3rd Semi-annual Ladies Night will be held on April 12th at 7 P.M.! This night is going to be the best Ladies Night the shop has had yet. 

An XETRRA triathlete, Jamie Whitemore will be our guest speaker. As well as, we will be holding a silent auction and a runway show. Not to mention we will also have the regular items such as raffle items, wine, food and a night full of fun for you ladies. Oh and did I mention my cute furry little face will be there. 

So mark your calendars for April 12th at 7 P.M. 

Hope to see you there! 

Milo out - 

Monday Items of the Week 3/18-3/24

The weather was a bit blistery this weekend. I hope my post on Thursday "5 Tips for Rainy Day Riding" helped some of you not fear the rain and riding. 


The case of the Mondays has struck us all again. I have to say I am a pretty happy kitty this morning. Its nice to see everyone up and about starting a new week. I wonder what this week will bring me? What does your week look like?

The boss ladies keep surprising me with the items they put on sale every week. This week another Electra is up for grabs at a killer deal.


 I hope to see you in the store this week, as the weather has cleared and its time for everyone (mainly you non-rainy day riders) to get your butts back on your bikes!


Here are the Weekly Items:

The following items are on sale till March 24th

Just mention you saw it on the blog or website!!!

Electra Townie 8i

Normally $899.99

This week- ONLY $659.99

SAVE $240.00 
Colors Available - Men's Char. Metallic
Ladies Misty Moss and Lavender Mist
Meow what a price - the boss ladies must be feeling extra nice! 

OwlEye 5 LED USB Headlamp

Normally $36.99

This week – ONLY $18.99

SAVE $18.00
Its rechargeable saving you money on batteries and on sale what a meow-tific deal!


SKS P65 Chromoplastic Fenders

Normally $64.99

This week – ONLY $45.49

SAVE $19.00

After all this rain be prepared for the next rainstorm!

and at B&L Too...

Women's Bellweather Baggy Shorts

Normally $75.00

This week – Only $52.50

SAVE $22.50

Another week of amazing deals!
Hopefully something on sale this week triggers your fancy!!!

Please don't forget these important things too:

March is your last chance to get the best of Canari Spring from their 2011 line at a fantastic deal at B&L too... All Spring 2011 Canari Clothing is 40% off through March!

B&L too... & B&L Bike Shop have bins full of goodies at a 50% discount! From tools to handlebar bags. Make sure you stop in and swoop up the extra savings on these items.

I'm looking for more minions! If you read my blog why not subscribe? Be the first to hear all my fun stories and learn about the specials going on in the store. 

 By following my blog you will be informed of all sales, specials, events and random happenings at the shop. You don’t want to miss out on special discounts I might offer to my readers throughout the year!

If you subscribe to my blog I will create a list and post it at the shop so you can receive 5% off your next purchase at either B&L Bike Shop or B&L too…

All you will have to say is “I follow Milo’s Corner,” and if your name’s on the list… You’ll get 5% off… valid only once

Also save the date for these important events:

March 24th - Ladies Ride Prep Clinic and Workshop
$40.00 5 spots left sign up here

April 12th - Ladies Night with guest speaker Jamie Whitmore
Learn more about Jamie here
  More information to come regarding this event on our webpage and blog in the up coming weeks!

Check out our Repair Class Calendar for everyones repair learning needs
Check it out here

Thanks for stopping by!
Here’s to everyone having a Meow-tastic week!

Random Thursday: Rainy Day riding

Rain Rain . . . You can go away if you want, but I'll still like you.

To be honest, I'm enjoying this blustery weather. Gray skies, rain drops and green grass make me a happy kitty as I watch from the safety and comfort of the shop. I hope you folks aren't letting the rain keep you off of your bicycle! I'm willing to give you a free pass for not riding in the wind, but the rain is another matter. Since the forecast looks unrelenting, I trotted around the shop and asked some of B&L's finest for advice on rainy day riding.

5 Tips for Rainy Day Riding

1. Just get on the bike and ride. I know it looks scary and wet, but you can do it!

2. Invest in proper rain gear.  Are you exercising or commuting?  Is it breathable? Showing up to work drenched in your own sweat because you thought the black plastic trash bag would be a great substitute for a rain jacket is not a good idea. Kids will point and laugh and say, "Look at that wet raisin on his bike! Silly raisin." Seriously, invest in good gear and help end unnecessary raisin persecution.
3. Avoid painted surfaces.They're slicker than normal. Be careful!

4. Use clear eyewear. Sunglasses with clear lenses are great for keeping the rain drops from stinging your eyeballs. If you're not into multiple lenses, one of your staff members uses old lab glasses. You can go from lab nerd to awesome with the simple addition of a bike!

5. Aftercare: Dry your bike thoroughly. During the rainy season you may hear your bike begin to creak, specifically around your bottom bracket. If the creaking becomes too annoying, or when the rainy season comes to an end, it's time to service your bottom bracket and have the threads re-greased. You can do this yourself or take it to your local bike shop . . . huh . . . I wonder where I could find a place to have this done . . . hmm . . .

This is a picture of a bottom bracket taken from the ever-helpful Sheldon Brown
http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_bo-z.html#bottom

Don't let the rain get you down and out. Just imagine how amazing that cup of coffee or bowl of soup is going to be when you get home?? Enjoy it! You've earned it! You trooper you!

Milo Out

A Day Late!

Good afternoon on this yucky rainy Tuesday! I will be staying inside at all times today and probably the rest of the week.

 My typist was out sick yesterday, so we both would like to send out apologies for there not being an "Items of the Week" post yesterday. With that said she is back and typing away for me as I meow at her what  I want her to type.

This week I am going to skip the "Items of the Week" post all together. I will pick back up on that next week. Today I would like to remind and inform those of you who don't get the newsletter of the "Items of the Month!"  

This month you will want to stop in so you can get 

All Nantucket  Wicker baskets at 30% off! 

I would also like to mention that all Long-sleeve jerseys and tights are 20% off over at B&L too... 

Along with the jerseys the Spring 2011 clothing will only be on sale through the end of March. You don't want to miss out on this 40% discount all clothing will be back at regular price April 1st. 

These deals are unbeatable and you don't want to miss out on them so pawnder on over to our stores and get the deals before you can't! Also I would like to add a side note that I am running low on kitty treats and am in need of some minion love. So even if you are not coming in for the deals you can at least pawnder in to see me!!! Meow Meow Meow

Swing on over to our website and check out the updates the boss ladies have been making to the site. 

www.blbikeshop.com

Till "Random Thursdays" I wish you a meow-tastic week and hopefully you'll stay dry! 

Random Thursdays: NAHBS

Happy Thursday! Yay tomorrow is Friday which means the weekend is in sight for most of you. Do you have any plans to get out on your bicycle this weekend? 


Random Thursdays is under way and for my first installment I would like to share with you some of the pictures the boss ladies took while they were at NAHBS.  NAHBS is the National American Handmade Bicycle Show that was at the Sacramento Convention Center last weekend. 


As I am a little terrified of traveling I sent the boss ladies on a mission to check out all the neat handmade bicycles. They reported back to me with lots of pictures and I'm here to share them with you. 

Looks like they saw a lot of fantastic things! Can you believe the size of that bicycle above that Christy is standing next to 36" wheel! The wheel it self is almost at tall as her legs... I can't image how I would feel if that thing was rolling towards me in the shop... 

Did you make it out to the NAHBS? Do you have any pictures of cool things you saw? 

Well that is it for my Random Thursday! I hope you all have a meow-tastic Friday and an even more meow-tastic weekend! Until Monday I bid you meows! 

Monday Items of the Week 3/5-3/11

I hope everyone had a great weekend. The weather was meow-tific! I was able to lounge around in the sun. I'm working on my tan for summer.


Monday is upon us. As I know most people are not fans of Mondays I like to think that my "Monday Items of the Week" posting are an enjoyable part of your Mondays and something you look forward too. I enjoy pawing away at the keyboard to write this post each week because I get to lure you minions into the store with my special deals. 

Don't want to come into the store. Order these items online. You can check out our website www.blbikeshop.com to see these featured sale items as well as non-sale featured items. It's a secure and easy way to check out what we have in our store on sale and not from the comfort of your home. Please make note that bicycles can not be shipped. 


I do hope you venture into the store though as we have lots to offer you as a customer and you get to see my furry cute little self. : ) Meow! 


Here are the Weekly Items:

The following items are on sale till March 11th

Just mention you saw it on the blog or website!!!

Electra Gigi 3i

Normally $649.99

This week- ONLY $519.99

SAVE $130.00

OwlEye Solar Head-Light

Normally $ 41.99

This week – ONLY $19.99

SAVE $22.00
Website lists only Green on sale but I will honor all colors!


OwlEye Solar Tail-Light

Normally $36.99

This week – ONLY $16.99

SAVE $20.00

and at B&L Too...

SockGuy Arm Warmers

Normally $19.99

This week – Only $13.99

SAVE $6.00

So there are our items of the week!
Before I leave you to tend to your week I wanted to leave a few quick notes:

March is your last chance to get the best of Canari Spring from their 2011 line at a fantastic deal at B&L too... All Spring 2011 Canari Clothing is 40% off through March!


New Canari 2012 Spring wear will be hitting the racks this week! Stop in and check out the new product and score on Spring 2011 clothing savings.


B&L too... & B&L Bike Shop have bins full of goodies at a 50% discount! From tools to handlebar bags. Make sure you stop in and swoop up the extra savings on these items.


I'm looking for more minions! If you read my blog why not subscribe? Be the first to hear all my fun stories and learn about the specials going on in the store. 

 By following my blog you will be informed of all sales, specials, events and random happenings at the shop. You don’t want to miss out on special discounts I might offer to my readers throughout the year!

If you subscribe to my blog I will create a list and post it at the shop so you can receive 5% off your next purchase at either B&L Bike Shop or B&L too…

All you will have to say is “I follow Milo’s Corner,” and if your name’s on the list… You’ll get 5% off… valid only once

Till thursday when I recap on the boss ladies' trip to NAHBS...

Here’s to everyone having a Meow-tastic week!

Random Thursdays

Happy almost end of the week to everyone. It looks like the weather is going to play nice this weekend and bring some warmer, sunnier days back.

Today marks the first post of my new segment “Random Thursdays.” I hope you come to find these posts to be entertaining and informational. 

Fuji Bicycle Company and Bicycle Retailer, the industries magazine, came to town for a visit on Tuesday. They were in town to do a tour of the many bicycle shops we have in Davis. Lucky for us they spent quite a bit of time in our store as we are the FUJI dealers.

They took lots of pictures of me. 

Hopefully, I will end up in the article they write up. I will most definitely showcase the article on here if I do.

 

 <<I even got to drive the Fuji Van!

       

Showing off for the Fuji

and Bicycle Retailer Gang!>>

Beth leading the pack through the Davis Loop

Beth & Christy took the whole team on a tour around town on the Davis Bicycle Loop!

Here are a few more pictures from their visit:

So that’s what happened around the shop this week. The staff was in a frenzy last week, making sure the store was in tip-top shape for its guests.

I think I ran from the vacuum more than I normally do.

Don’t forget to check out NAHBS this weekend.  The National American Handmade Bicycle Show being held at the Sacramento Convention Center Friday – Sunday. For more information on the show visit www.handmadebicycleshow.com

Staff Tuesdays: Say GoodBye

Staff Tuesdays have come to an end as of now; however, we are in the process of hiring. In a few weeks I might have a couple new minions to introduce to you.

For now I will be canceling my Staff Tuesday postings and will begin a new segment that I would like to call, “Milo’s Random Thursdays.”

On Thursday you can look forward to reading about my random tid-bits. They may be about a staff member, myself (MEOW), bicycle rides, events, etc… If you have a random bicycle related tid-bit you would like me to share for you, please email your tid-bit to milo@blbikeshop.com

You can still look forward to my normal “Monday Item of the Week” posting and maybe a random staff Tuesday here and there. As new minions come aboard I might be able to get in a Staff Tuesday or two.

Milo’s Random Thursdays will start this Thursday, March 1^st. I hope you enjoy these posts as much as I think I am going to enjoy writing them.

Milo out