Mamma Jamma Ride

Seth and I rode in the Mamma Jamma on Saturday.  47 miles!!  It was a great event.  My only regret is that I didn't train more for the ride.  We didn't get the opportunity to ride on our vacation and my bum and my legs were really feeling it.  The last 15 miles was tough for me.  I've never felt that bad on a ride.  My legs were exhausted, my back was spazzing and my sit bones were so sore that I had to get up out of the saddle quite a bit towards the end.  I was so happy to see the finish line!! Still, the route was beautiful and everyone was in good spirits, including Seth who breezed through those 47 miles and did his best to keep me pedaling.

Texas Mamma Jamma

Today Seth and I went to our first Mamma Jamma training ride which began and ended at the Blanco Vista Elementary School in San Marcos. There were two supported route options - 17 or 34 miles. We chose the shorter route since we haven't been on the bike in quite some time and we didn't have a whole lot of time since Ella was at home with Mimi.  The route was a good one - flat, some town riding but mainly country roads with little traffic.  Our group was relatively small but all of the riders were friendly and enthusiastic.  It was definitely a very relaxed ride versus what most cyclists would call a training ride.  I was especially impressed by the overall cheerful vibe and how well organized it was.  Everyone received sheet with the route and map of the ride but even so, we were a tight knit group.  No chance of getting lost with this group.  I can't wait until the next one!

Exploring Austin Salvage, General Store and an Estate Sale

Yesterday my husband and I set out to explore Austin's Backyard Salvage and Garden for some inspiration for decorating our home and yard. We explored the gardens and were amazed at the creativity of the owners who used everything from an old bathroom sink to an old papasan chair for planters. My husband fell in love with the "springs" water feature. There was a warehouse full of old doors, appliances, iron work and windows as well as a store showcasing antiques. Their prices were a bit high but if you love plants and reclaimed items, stop by. Afterwards, we stopped by Callahan's General Store on Hwy 71 to see what all the fuss was about. We fussed over the baby pigs, baby goats, and yes, a rooster. Also, inside there was a 3-piece country band playing old-style country including waltzes. We bought a brisket sandwich outside from New Hope Baptist who was selling the brisket as a fundraiser. Finally, on our road home, we braked for an "estate sale" and hit a goldmine. We scored a grill, cedar trunk, a front door with inlaid glass featuring the Texas star, a silver belt buckle, and my new pride and joy, a 1976 Sears Roebuck 3-speed Women's Free Spirit. I can't wait to fix her up. Stay tuned!

Here she is

I'm proud to introduce you to the Specialized Allez that I purchased from a friend. She has ridden many miles in this state, California, Iowa and others. She has many stories that have yet to be written but I look forward to unraveling them one by one, mile by mile. She's a smoothie and held up well against the wind this morning on our 20+ mile through Circle C and the Veloway. Next ride - Creek Road in Dripping Springs.

On the Road Again

Since I prefer pub crawls on my single speed and the trails on my MTB, it has been a few years since I've actually ridden a road bike on the *gasp* roads. Now that I'm sort of (supposed to be) training for a triathlon in the distant near future, I decided to finally spruce up the Specialized that I purchased from a friend last summer and get it road-ready. This weekend, we made some adjustments and changed out the tires and tubes with new ones, changed out the flat pedals with my high end Shimano pedals from back in the day, and best of all, a lovely Terry Damselfly saddle as the cherry on top. I had forgotten how awful it is to change road tires. It was definitely a 2-person job this time around.

After completing a "test ride" around my neighborhood, I decided that it was indeed road-ready and headed out with my training group for a short ride out to the Veloway and back. I also forgot how fun it is to go really fast and have a bike that responds so quickly. I'm happy to report that she rode like a dream, there were no mechanical issues, and I had a great time. I'm so looking forward to my next ride. Pics to come!

A Home with a View (and Trails too)

It's been quite hectic around here with closing on our house and moving in. But all the hassle, heat, and humidity are worth being able to call these new views and surrounding trails home. It's amazing to be able to hike with our dogs, enjoy the views from our front porch and to either ride on the road or the trail straight out of our garage. Life is good.

A Spin Around Buda, Texas

Ahh. Buda. I headed up to Buda this morning for a short trial in the JP court and decided to take a little spin around the downtown area. Unfortunately most of the antique shops were closed at that hour but I did enjoy the window shopping, especially when I have an old school Schwinn to admire. Can you imagine the stories it would tell?

The Taga Bike comes to US in April

I'm totally digging the Taga Bike! Tori Spelling tweeted about it (yes, I love Tori and I follow her and I'm glad I do because I found out about this bike)! This snapshot of Kelly Rutherford and her son Hermes was published on Child Mode. It's a little pricey at $1495 but well worth it when you consider the increased safety, versatility, and quality.

Photo credit: Bill Davila/startraksphoto.com

Need Cycling Pics?

Have you ever needed a cycling photo for a post, presentation or report about cycling, commuting, pedestrian, traffic, other issues and just didn't have anything to use? Well, now there's a solution. You can download a variety of photos for FREE from the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center's Image Library. The library is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and maintained by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center within the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center. You can browse thousands of images via the tag cloud or advanced search. However, these images can only be used for specific noncommercial purposes so be sure to read the guidelines as well as always cite the source and photographer when you use them. I'm excited about incorporating these images in future posts on MTBLAWGIRL. BTW, if you have some great shots of your own, you can submit them to PBIC here.

Photo Courtesy of www.pedbikeimages.org / Dan Burden

A little shop after my own heart

I was driving along North Lamar (between 183 and Airport Blvd) when I noticed a parking lot full of vintage bikes. I had to stop and browse through them. SO many Puegots, Schwinns, mustache handle bars, ladies step thrus, vintage racks, radios, you name it, it was probably there. And at great prices, most in the $50-$75 price range. But it didn't stop there, there were more inside!

Also inside was a vast selection of broken in cowboy/cowgirl boots in every color and size as well as broken in Levis and snap shirts. I couldn't stay long as I was on my way to an appointment but I will definitely be back to browse through those bikes and boots. Wanna stop by? Look for the parking lot of bikes on North Lamar. The address is 6539 North Lamar and the name of the shop is Brazos Trading.

Texan recognized for donating bicycles to underprivileged kids

Ahhhh.. This is a proud moment for those of us who grew up in Bonham, Texas!



Bonham philanthropist receives statewide recognition
Posted: 4:09 PM Jul 27, 2009 at KXII.COM
Last Updated: 6:59 PM Jul 27, 2009
Reporter: Rita Kotey
Email Address: rita.kotey@kxii.com

BONHAM, TX -- For the last 12 years, one Bonham man has worked to give underprivileged children over 4,000 bicycles. Now his efforts are being honored by the Texas State Network. Rita Kotey has the story.

Back in 1998, Bonham resident Mike Conners says because of the high unemployment rate he wanted to do something to help the children of families most affected by job loss.

"I saw a need for the children who didn't have anything," Conners says.

Conners says one thing that was sure to bring smile to a child’s face was a bicycle. Since then, he has been collecting repairing and distributing bicycles to needy children.

"The first year I did it I did by myself and I did 34 bicycles. The next year it was 87 and it’s gone up and up and up from there."

Residents donate old tires bicycles frames and brand new bicycles to his foundation so that he and a small group of friends can get them ready for distribution. So far he has given away over 4,000 bikes.

"To see to it that they get a bicycle at Christmas or at any time for that matter is a joy in my heart."

At age 79, Connors says he is not stopping now. That’s why he is being recognized by the Texas State Network as Texan of the Week. From July 27th through 31st over 100 radio stations across the state will air a special program sharing his story about his love for children and his commitment to giving hundreds of hours of service to families in need.

Conners says the Lone Star philosophy is simple.

"We Texans, we stick together, we help one another, and that's what it’s about."

If you would like to donate, you can drop off new or used bicycles or bicycle parts to Second Time Around in downtown Bonham.

Build your own Singlespeed for $394

Oh wow. I'm kinda wishin I had waited a little longer on purchasing my Redline so that I could have built my own Aristotle Singlespeed by Republic Bike! Well I do love my Redline but still, you can buy a pretty sweet singlespeed with a fixed/free hub for only $394 and customize the color of the frame, tires, rims, grips, chain, stem and seat. Check it out at Republic Bike. Looks like they're backordered until May 10 and then it's first come, first serve. Just in time for summer.

Photo Courtesy of Republic Bike

NY Times does huge spread on fashion and Dutch bicycles

The New York Times just published an entire spread on fashion and Dutch Bicycles. Great articles, slideshows and videos too. Definitely a lot of eye candy. ;-)

Dress Codes
Riding the It Factor
By DAVID COLMAN
Published: April 16, 2009
Looking cool and grown-up has been a challenge for bike commuters. Problem solved.

Fashion & Style
How City Bikers Look Sharp
Published: April 16, 2009
If fashion houses are not exactly designing clothes for cycling the youthful and sporty-but-dressy look so popular in men’s wear now works well and looks even better.

Dress Codes: The Dutch Bicycle SLIDESHOW!
David Roemer for The New York Times
Published: April 15, 2009
Dutch bicycles; unique design offers men the option to pedal to work in a suit.