MMM! Bicycling and Ice Cream: A perfect summer’s blend

Hey Everybody: Today's Milo's Makeover Monday item is Ice Cream!! It's the tastiest makeover Monday we've had yet.

As most Davis Dwellers should know, Tuesdays are $1 Scoop Nights at Baskin Robbins, which just happens to be around the corner from the shop. Every Tuesday I watch the silly staff count down the hours. The boys usually run into B & L Too and emphatically ask, “IS IT TIME YET?!?!” as if it were Christmas morning.

Waiting for ice cream can shave decades off of any person’s maturity level. Don’t even get me started on the fiasco that ensued after one of the girls thought that dollar scoops were an all-day event and learned that it is only from 6pm to 10pm. All I’ll say is that there may have been weeping and wailing.

There’s something about riding a bicycle that makes consuming those delicious scoops of frozen cream a guiltless experience. As the weather warms up and the classic California summer nights begin, think about getting on your bike with the family, friend, or loved one and riding to downtown for a walk on the sparkling sidewalks and an ice cream cone. Few things are more summery than bikes and ice cream. Just look at Beth and Christy sharing a precious family moment.

When I think of overhauling how people ride I'm thinking in a range from gear, to style, to lifestyle. Ice Cream has made many a long ride or family outing that much sweeter, so think about adding it to your next ride! I promise you won't regret it.

Question of the moment: What sorts of activities or memories go along with summer for you?

Happy Pedaling!

Commuter Chronicles: Is it worth it?

Hello everybody! Today I was chatting with one of the staff about their ride in and they were going on and on and on about the stresses and awesomeness of starting to commute by bike. So, in order to get her to shut up for a few minutes, I'm going to let her type away this afternoon. It's a total "I told you so" moment for me because, well, I told her so. Bike Commuting is awesome, even when you don't want to do it at first. Anyway, here she is:

There are days where I wonder if it is all worth the effort. I wake up late every single day [They have alarm clocks for that you know!] [Shut up Milo]and have to dig out two outfits: one of lycra and polyester and one poorly aimed in the direction of “cute” [Is that what you call it?] [Milo!] [Ok, ok, the peanut gallery is shutting up] [Thank you!]  I load my panniers with whatever essentials I can find. Pump, cliff, bar, multi-tool, spare tire, lights, deodorant [Thank God! ok, now I'm REALLY done], makeup bag . . . Where are my shoes?? I think about my seat height and if I need to readjust it because yesterday’s ride felt funny. I fill my water bottle, forget my keys, lose and refind the water bottle I just filled and bump my bike out the door. I click in right foot first and head down the street, praying to God for a tail wind because I’m already 10 minutes behind.  As soon as I pass the city limits I begin to glide with a slight wind at my back and even though 20mph is a big deal for me, a mountain for some, or a mole hill for others . . . I feel like I’m flying.  Heads of wheat crash into one another like tiny, soft cymbals. I can barely see snow capped mountains in the distance beneath the wind-cleared sky. My legs are burning because I’m just starting to realize that I can push myself little by little. I'm realizing that my body can do so much more than I’ve ever demanded of it before. I don’t burn for too long because this is still new and the drive to pedal myself into the ground isn’t there yet. 

At work I think about getting a shorter stem to ease the throbbing pain in my shoulder because I, unknowingly, bought a bike that is a bit too big. I bought shoes that are vacuumed and molded to my feet, ok maybe that’s not necessary, but they were on crazy sale and feel so good with my odd bones and toes. So far, the perfect combination of gear and fitness remains out of reach and I’m still trying to keep this whole thing simple. Adjustments are constantly being made and parts can always be tweaked or replaced. Mechanics juggle carbon fiber, steel, aluminum and titanium in front of my face and the choices seem overwhelming. So I ask over and over, is it worth all this effort and tinkering and pedaling? 

But while others were likely sitting in their car, drinking Starbucks, and wondering if the semi in front of them is ever going to move back to the right lane, I was busy riding the wind and racing birds.

Today I flew to work.

So yes, it’s worth the effort.

Milo here, so she seems a bit overly poetic, but I'll take whatever I can get. Ride on, Ride on. Now, who has some treats for me?

What keeps you riding on days when you don't want to be in the saddle? 

Milo's Makeover Monday: Hydrate or Die Edition

Good Meow-orning! So, the weather is beginning to warm up and I want everyone to remember one, very important thing: Hydrate or Die.

Seriously Guys! Proper hydration could be the difference between a happy, healthy spring and summer or days of nausea and fatigue. I'll take the former thank you very much. We've all probably heard that you humans should drink about 8 glasses of water to replenish what you've lost throughout the day. If you're riding your bicycle, like you should be, you'll need more water.

So for this installment of Makeover Monday I'd like to encourage you guys and gals to get out there and get hydrated! Accessorize with a snazzy new water bottle! We have lots of cool new Camelbak bottles for school, work, or an afternoon around town. We even just got some in that have a filter inside the straw in case you're like me and don't enjoy the traditional taste of Davis water.We have Klean Kanteens too.  One of our staff even has one that's been run over by a car and is still used to this day!

  So remember: Hydration is Sexy. Accessorize people! I want to see this closet of overstock empty by June.

Milo Out.

Commuting Chronicles: Racing Daylight

 I’ve been watching you humans for some time now and I see the same frustrations and stress over and over again. You let the same things wear you down little by little. You could learn a thing or two from a cat. We know how to relax and enjoy things.

 Just the other day I discovered a new blade of grass at the base of the tree just outside of B & L Too and it was mesmerizing. The sky has been stuffed with puffy, white and gray clouds. It’s new life growing and if you’re going too fast you’ll miss out on some simply beautiful things.

 

My most recent project is getting Emelia on her bike more. She lives in Woodland and has been reluctant to give up the 10 extra minutes she needs in order to commute by bike. And yes, it really is only 10 extra minutes to ride all the way from Woodland than it is to drive, park, and walk to work.

 

 The other day she lolly-gagged around the shop and headed home later than expected, but was greatly rewarded. Not only did she get an extra workout because she was racing daylight and is still without lights, she rode home beneath a beautiful sky and was surrounded by the peace of twilight. Not a bad way to end a day I say.

Question of the Moment: What are some beautiful things you’ve seen while commuting by bike?
Ride on. Ride Strong.
Milo Out.

Bikes = Happy . . . duh!

While the staff was busy deodorizing after their rides in and opening up the shops, I perused Bicycling's website for some interesting tidbits to send your way. This morning I stumbled upon a bit about a study recently put out by Bowling Green State University. According to the report, "As little as 10 minutes of cycling improved the mood among 21 men and women, compared to a similar group who did nothing during that time." Bicycling

It's official: Biking can make you feel better.

So get pedaling friends!!

Come by B & L Too and tell us if this is true for you and feel free to bring me treats.

Question of the post: What sorts of emotions do you experience when riding your bike?