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Myths about People who Ride Bicycles

Who REALLY rides bicycles? Do you believe these bicycle myths?

The People For Bikes people recently released some results from their 2014 US Bicycling Participation Study. Those results are encouraging, because, among other things, they demonstrate that riding a bicycle isn’t an activity limited to an isolated elite. Their study found that the myths about who does and who doesn’t ride bikes are just that, myths. Here are a few bicycle myths:MorroBayGreenLane450

Not Many People Ride Bikes

The study found that 1/3 of Americans rode a bicycle at least once in 2014. That is One-Hundred and Four MILLION people!

Cars vs Bikes? Bikes vs Cars?

There is an old perception that people who ride bikes are anti-car or don’t drive cars. To the contrary, 88% of the people who drive bikes also drive cars!

Bikes are a Guy Thing

While it’s true that more men than women ride bikes, Forty-Five Million Women drove bikes in 2014. That’s 44% of all Americans who got on a bike in 2014.

Head over to People For Bikes for four more myths about people like you!

5th Annual Red Davis Celebration

Food, Fun & Friends at the Red Davis Celebration

The 5th Annual Red Davis Celebration is upon us! Join us on Friday, October 30th for dinner and drinks as we thank our incredible supporters and announce the recipients of our 2015 awards: Volunteer of the Year, Board Member of the Year, Business Member of the Year, and Member of the Year. Once again this year we’re hosting the ceremonies at the historic King David’s Masonic Lodge in Downtown SLO.

This event is open to everyone – whether you’re 8 or 80, a Volunteer, a Bike SLO County member, an adult, a kid, a kid at heart or just a bike lover in general. We are very proud of the amazing energy that our community and volunteers provide…let’s celebrate!

Dinner, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Food, wine, beer, soda…you’re probably wondering how much this is going to cost you, right? We’ll have some tip jars out to help cover the costs of food, drinks and renting the Lodge, but chipping in isn’t required. (We’ll love you if you do chip in but we’ll still love you either way!)

Doors open at 6:00 pm, awards ceremony begins at 7:00 p.m.

Our free Bike Valet will be parking bikes from 5:45-8:45 p.m. in the back parking lot of SLO Bike and Run (883 Marsh St, next door to the Masonic Lodge).

To enter, use the secret Masonic Elevator to the left of Founders Community Bank to enter the Lodge. We’ll have signs to help you find your way.

Sound good? Mark your calendar, October 30th from 6-8:30PM, then head over to Eventbrite to reserve your free tickets:

RSVP for October 30th, 2015, 5th Annual Red Davis Celebration

Wait….who is this Red Davis person? In 2001 Red was a founding member of Bike SLO County (back when we were the SLO County Bicycle Coalition). For countless years Red has worked hard throughout SLO County as an advocate for better bikeways, including a ten year stint with the county’s Bicycle Advisory Committee. Most recently the County Board of Supervisors honored Red by designating the bike lanes on Los Osos Valley Road between Foothill Boulevard and South Bay Boulevard as “The Red Davis Bikeway”. Red’s hard work and dedication were the inspiration for the Red Davis Celebration, created to honor members of the bike community who make SLO County a better place for bikes.

 

 

Bike of the Week: Bianchi Nyala

Bike_of_the_Week_Bianchi_NyalaUPDATE 12:45 pm September 18th: This bike sold fast! Not to worry, we have other bikes!

The Bianchi Nyala is great as a starter mountain bike and as a commuter bike to get around town. This red and gray Nyala has an 18.5 inch frame, perfect for riders from 5’5″ – 5’10” tall.

The 21 speed, 3×7 drive train provides easy gears for cruising and harder gears for speed.

Ample tire clearances insure a comfortable ride on street and trail alike.

$125.00 and available now at the Bike Kitchen. We’re open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Noon – 5PM. Questions? Call (805) 547-2055. Ask for Tyler.

The Bike Kitchen is a program of Bike SLO County. We have all the parts, tools and knowledge you need to fix your bicycle! We can help you build a bike from the ground up, fix that junker you found at a garage sale, or simply tune up your bicycle. We serve all types of people, and are committed to creating a safe space for everyone. We have provided guided instruction to over 8,000 people since opening our doors in 2010.This bike not your cup of tea? Still looking to buy a gently used, ready to ride bicycle? We sell all kinds of bicycles! Come in and see us!Have a bike you’d like to donate? Your generous gifts help the Bike Kitchen thrive and give even more people the chance to experience SLO County by bike. Thank you!

Like Bikes
? Join us! It’s free! Click here to join and we’ll keep you informed about all things bike in SLO County: JOIN

SLO Bike Rodeo

Back in the Saddle: SLO BIKE RODEO

The City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department once again will partner with the SLO Police Department to host their annual Bike Rodeo. The Bike Rodeo promotes the joy of riding with an emphasis on safety education.

bike_rodeo_2015_600Children from age 4-14 are instructed in bike safety techniques before taking a ride through our “Safety Town” learning and practice course. Bike tune-ups are also conducted by local bike shop mechanics and helmets are checked for proper fit.

Join the Bike Safety Parade around Hawthorne School during the event, allowing participants to put their safety skills into action. End the day with a BMX stunt show and prize giveaway. Goody bags and lunch are provided to each participant.

Please remember that each child will need a bicycle, helmet and a signed Permission Slip (available at the Bike Rodeo) signed by guardian or parent.

Volunteer Lighthouse Century

Volunteer at the Lighthouse Century

Be a Shining Beacon

Calling all volunteers! The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club’s Lighthouse Century takes place this year on Saturday, September 26th and Bike SLO County will be at the Donati Family Vineyards Rest Stop in Templeton from 7 A.M. – Noon to help make sure riders get the snacks and beverages they need.

Want to lend a hand? Read on – fill out the form – we’ll even have transportation from SLO to Templeton and back!

 

 

if volunteer = super star & you = volunteer then…

Bike of the Week: Bianchi Eros

Love the Bianchi Eros

BOTW_Bianchi_ErosUPDATE: This has has been sold!

This dark blue Bianchi Eros is the steel-framed triple-chainring (3 x 8 speed) road bike you’ve been waiting for.

A fast bike for road riding and commuting, the 51cm frame makes this ideal for people between 5′ – 5′ 5″ tall.

Campagnolo Mirage Groupset.

$400.00 and available now at the Bike Kitchen. We’re open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Noon – 5PM. Questions? Call (805) 547-2055. Ask for Tyler.

The Bike Kitchen is a program of Bike SLO County. We have all the parts, tools and knowledge you need to fix your bicycle! We can help you build a bike from the ground up, fix that junker you found at a garage sale, or simply tune up your bicycle. We serve all types of people, and are committed to creating a safe space for everyone. We have provided guided instruction to over 8,000 people since opening our doors in 2010.This bike not your cup of tea? Still looking to buy a gently used, ready to ride bicycle? We sell all kinds of bicycles! Come in and see us!Have a bike you’d like to donate? Your generous gifts help the Bike Kitchen thrive and give even more people the chance to experience SLO County by bike. Thank you!

Like Bikes? Join us! It’s free! Click here to join and we’ll keep you informed about all things bike in SLO County: JOIN

Bike of the Week: Olmo 2-Speed

This gorgeous chrome frame Olmo is the city bike you’ve been dreaming about. 

Olmo1Frame: 23″/59cm Good for someone 5’8″- 6’+

SRAM 2-speed automatic hub

Big comfy tires

Upright riding position

Available now at the Bike Kitchen. We’re open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Noon – 5PM. Questions? Call (805) 547-2055. Ask for Tyler.

The Bike Kitchen is a program of Bike SLO County. We have all the parts, tools and knowledge you need to fix your bicycle! We can help you build a bike from the ground up, fix that junker you found at a garage sale, or simply tune up your bicycle. We serve all types of people, and are committed to creating a safe space for everyone. We have provided guided instruction to over 8,000 people since opening our doors in 2010.

This bike not your cup of tea? Still looking to buy a gently used, ready to ride bicycle? We sell all kinds of bicycles! Come in and see us!

Have a bike you’d like to donate? Your generous gifts help the Bike Kitchen thrive and give even more people the chance to experience SLO County by bike. Thank you!

Like Bikes? Join us! It’s free! Click here to join and we’ll keep you informed about all things bike in SLO County: JOIN US

 

 

Bike of The Week: Retrovelo

Retrovelo Paul

Wow – this week’s bike is a doozy! Come in, have a look and before you know it you’ll be sauntering around town in style on this gorgeous khaki colored German made 7-speed Retrovelo Paul. Wide handlebars offer a relaxed position and give a sense of stability on every surface.  The steel frame absorbs major bumps in the road effectively and small vibrations are transformed into the humming of your balloon tires.

BOTW_RetroVelo600The frame size is 57 cm (22,5“) and comes equipped with built-in front and rear lights. Matching fenders and rear rack add to the beauty of this gorgeous bike. It’s ready to ride and available at The Bike Kitchen for $1200.

The Bike Kitchen is a program of Bike SLO County. We have all the parts, tools and knowledge you need to fix your bicycle! We can help you build a bike from the ground up, fix that junker you found at a garage sale, or simply tune up your bicycle. We serve all types of people, and are committed to creating a safe space for everyone. We have provided guided instruction to over 8,000 people since opening our doors in 2010.

Bike of The Week not your cup of tea? Still looking to buy a gently used, ready to ride bicycle? We sell all kinds of bicycles! Come in and see us!

Have a bike you’d like to donate? Your generous gifts help the Bike Kitchen thrive and give even more people the chance to experience SLO County by bike. Thank you!

Like Bikes?

Become a member of Bike SLO County – it’s free to sign-up and we’ll keep you informed every month about bike events and issues in SLO County. Click this link to join: I Like Bikes!