Rise and Shine!

Tomorrow, May 11, is Yolo County's official BIKE TO WORK DAY!!! The B & L Too girls will be at central park bright and early tomorrow from 7am-9am with Yolo county's Transportation Management Association. They're going to have Bike month information, registration and T-shirts! Hang out with us and get registered to win free goodies!!

Did we mention breakfasty goods will be there for free too?!?!

What's not to love?!

Don't make them get up so early with the hopes of seeing your faces, only to dash their dreams upon the rocks disappointment.

Bike to work people and bring a friend with you!! Free stuff for the first 30 first timers we see!!

SEE YOU THERE!

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!

Commuting Towards Community

Robin Souza, UCD's admissions, registrar, student affairs office of technology extraordinaire, knows how to take her time and choose well. When she decided it was time to purchase a new bike for commuting between home and the university, she spent over a year researching different bicycles. After a lengthy process of elimination, she decided upon a KHS Urban X-Press. The speedy, new commuter bicycle has been christened "Samantha" after the Sanskrit word for "balance." I asked Robin what drew her to commuting by bicycling and she responded, "When I commute, I see life on a different level. I feel the community more. And sometimes it's faster than a car!" Well Robin, may your balance remain strong and even.

Happy Pedaling!

Robin and Samantha

Here's a fun fact: When Robin first moved to Davis, her, then, boyfriend was aghast to find out that she did not have a bike! He couldn't let her move to Davis without owning a bicycle, and so he purchased her first bicycle from B & L back in 1980. Thirty years later, they are married and still riding. It goes to show you, couples who pedal together stay together. Bicycling and Love . . . is there anything else that goes so well together? 

A few days ago we got this message from Robin: Love my new bike! Have been commuting on her to work every day now!

Horrah! Keep on going!

Meeeeow.

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 Rachelle Edition

Rachelle is one of the cool girls over at B & L Too and she's fairly new to cycling. She is, however, hard core enough to show up at the shop at 7:30am for that Saturday group ride that no one else shows up for. C'mon guys, where you at?

Anyhow, the other day she let me play dress up and this is the snazzy number we came up with:

 On Top: Black and Aqua Cyclone Tank by Canari (w/ a built in shelf bra)
On Bottom: Awesome black Knickers by Canari

I see lots of different types of riders come into the shop and each one enjoys cycling for a different reason. Some are into racing and sprinting to speeds up to 40 miles per hour, while others enjoy a beach cruiser for trips to the movie theater. Since Rachelle is new to cycling, we set her up with some cute, fitness oriented clothing. She can use the tank for other activities, like walking her insanely happy dog Maia, and the knickers as well, so long as they're padless (no one wants to play ultimate frisbee wearing a bike diaper).

Where's your helmet young lady?

Success! Another job well done. If you come in and want to get this whole outfit, I'll get the boss lady to take 10% off! P.S. We're already having a huge sale right now that I'll tell you about tomorrow!!!

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.

Milo's Makeover Monday Take 2!

It's Makeover Monday! The staff has been busy helping lots of new riders find bikes now that the weather is a little is more bike friendly. Since everybody is occupied at the moment, I think it is time I introduced y'all to my two shop buddies.

They've taken a vow of silence or something, because even though we've hung out every day since December, they still won't tell me their names. Anyhow, I am feeling light and breezy as the spring winds begin to warm everyone up. Since they couldn't speak up to complain I dressed them up in what I felt was a suitable outfit to ride around town in today.

"Gas Sucks"Tee by KHS and Mountain Trail baggy riding shorts by Canari

 I don't drive, but I've been hearing too many humans complain about the rising gas prices. Namely Emelia who has vowed to only ride her bike to work for all of April, heh, fat chance [I can do it Milo! You just wait and see]. Pipe dreams aside, what better way to stick it to those poor, gas guzzling fools than a t-shirt that says it all in its own short, sweet way?

"Gear" socks by Sock Guy and Bicycle Gem Necklace by DHBetty

For the lady, I decided it was time to bust out the skort. You heard me ladies, skort. It's feminine, it's flattering, and it's faaaaabulous. It's tough for some of the girls to feel comfortable in bike shorts, especially when starting out and this skort by Canari really takes the edge off without compromising the comfort of traditional cycling shorts. Ride on ladies!

Pretty in Pink, Canari Cross-Sport Tank and SKORT!

 I need your help naming my new friends. I'll take recommendations for the next week from anyone who becomes my follower before the next installment of Makeover Monday and I'll have a little treat for the winners. So bust out those baby-naming books and get creative!




The boss lady has given me the go-ahead to offer 10% off of any complete outfit that I showcase on my Makeover Monday's for the rest of the day. But the deal only lasts for the day, so become my follower so you can look good riding without breaking a sweat over your bank account.

It's almost lunch time and that means I have Zia's patrons to beg from. Oh I love prosciutto on a lovely spring afternoon.

Milo Out!

Milo's Lonely Saddles Club

Hey Gang! So, it's Saturday and the weather has been absolutely gorgeous. I hope everyone is taking advantage of the warmth and sunshine by getting out and riding their bikes. If not, shame shame on you.

This morning two very cute girls sat outside of B & L at 7:30am hoping that some of you guys would come out to ride with them. Did you? Nope, not a one. Same thing happened with Christy and Emelia a few weeks ago.

I know the flyer says 20 miles, but really it probably won't be that long of a ride since Emelia has to open the store at 9am and look a little less ragamuffin-y and she's definitely out of shape [HEY!]. I only speak the truth. This was Rachelle's first real-ish ride and she did marvelous on the little 12 mile jaunt.

Just so you know, the girls told me that the quiet countryside was positively gorgeous this morning even in their bleary-eyed state. While you slumbered and sawed, Rachelle and Emelia pedaled about and topped the morning off with coffee and pastries from the farmer's market. When Emelia wasn't looking I snagged a bit of her strawberry and cream cheese danish and it was delicious! [YOU DID WHAT?!?!] Finder's keeper's, sucker.

Follow my/"our"Twitter or become a follower of the blog (you know you want to be one of my minions) and be updated on shop rides, routes, and news. Next week, I expect to see more of you in front of the shop next Saturday so that these frowns will be turned upside down.

Christy and Emelia sad to be riding "totawee awone"

P.S. Feel free to bring me cheese danishes and some tortillas with mango chutney and some of that funky green spread when you're done.

Milo Out.

Milo's Makeover Monday

Bonjourno! It's a beautiful California Spring morning and all I have to say is that it's about stinking time. Now that mother nature has gotten with the program I figured it's time I begin my new weekly segment. Every Monday I'm going to introduce you all to something related to look and style in the bike world. This segment is inspired by our fashionably challenged staff at B & L. Just because we live and work in an industry overwhelmed with spandex and Lycra doesn't mean we can't look good doing it. As many of you may know, I'm quite the fashionista. Have you seen my lion cut? They don't call me ferociously fabulous for nothing. For our first installment I'd like to introduce everyone to my new find today!

This morning, Emelia, clumsy and fashion challenged fool that she is, left this thing on the counter that looked like it belonged back in the shop. As it turns out, what appeared to be a bunch of bike tires at first glance is actually a super sweet bag that was MADE out of bike tires. It was so cool that I made her get online that moment and research where this nifty thing came from [ya know, one of these days I'm going to make you do your own research and I take offense at being called fashionably challenged!] Hush Human! This if for your own good!

The bag is made by an incredible company called Totally Tubular Design. The company was started by one of our own UCD Grads, Lauren Junker (formerly Lauren Robertson). According to their website, "Started in 2006 by Lauren Junker, Totally Tubular Design is dedicated to using as much trash as possible to create the coolest products possible. For a girl who hates seeing things go to waste, the perfect project for Lauren was to combine artistic skills with a STRONG desire to help the environment. By enlisting the help of local bike shops Lauren was able to create a line of products that are 100% reused."

All of their products are made from recycled inner and outer bike tubes and lined with car upholstery. From the bike shop to the catwalk, Totally Tubular Design is eco-friendly out the wazoo and is locally recycled and made just over a hill in Santa Cruz, Ca.

.

 What's not to love? Now, I just have to figure out how to get my paws on one without the boss lady finding out.[MILO!!!]
Uh, oh! Gotta go right MEOW!
Milo Out!