Bike Hugger Links

Heidi Swift on the 'boys club' barrier

Check it out Learn and shop: Oregon boasts what is arguably the leader in women's cycling apparel -- Hillsboro-based Team Estrogen, a woman-owned online shop dedicated to serving female cyclists. It provides an outstanding selection of cycling gear and accessories (including a large selection of plus sizes), as well as extensive information for newbies and veteran riders alike. The  online forum is one of the best resources I've found for connecting with other female cyclists to discuss everything from skewers to skorts. Read: For a good overview of all things cycling presented by women and for women, try Gale Bernhardt's book "Bicycling for Women" or pick up "A Woman's Guide to Cycling" by Susan Weaver. Connect: The newly formed Portland Society is a networking group for women in Portland who are passionate about bicycling and business. Co-founded by Elly Blue and Ellee Thallheimer, it is still in the early stages but may become a powerful force in moving women in cycling forward.  Ride: Portland's "Women on Bikes" offers a variety of programs including sessions like "Let's Get Rollin'," which covers such things as "how to choose the right bike, the best gear for you and your bike, recreational riding, commuting, riding techniques and route planning." Bike N Hike, River City Bicycles and Bike Gallery all host women-only group rides at various times during the week. Check websites for details -- intensity and distance vary. Sorella Forte: Looking for a welcoming pack of wily women who love to cycle? Check out local cycling club Sorella Forte (Strong Sisters). They have a racing team but also run a more recreational club perfect for women looking to connect with other female cyclists. I've raced against many of these women for a few years now and can happily say that they are one of the most accessible groups for new and intermediate female cyclists.

via www.oregonlive.com

Nebraska Supersonic

via nebraskasupersonic.com

In Omaha, Nebraska, three buddies—all sub-par French majors—start a business that should not succeed on the vast Great Plains: a bicycle courier service. Through absurd adventures, personal challenges, and while charging only two dollars per 120-mile delivery, their business becomes a resounding success. But will success ruin their friendship? And what’s a teriyaki cupcake? And who is “Doody” Judy?

Stolen Scott

white tape carbon streem, white 4axis stem, white bontrager x-lites, and a white/red Fizik saddle. Stolen from the Ballard neighborhood.

Bike Free

via www.bikefree.org

"I gave up my car years ago to ride my bike to work and whenever I can. Now, my buddy and I are riding cross country for the love of the ride and the adventure and to raise money to give bikes to the kids of military families. We begin our trip on June 9th. Leaving Baltimore we head west, traveling across Maryland sweet Maryland to Cumberland, from there we will make our way to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Fort Wayne, Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Colorado Springs, Denver, Yellowstone, Montana, Portland, then down the coast of California to San Diego."

If You Want Cycle Transport, Make Cycle Transport Sexy by Brian Glover

via www.copenhagenize.com

OP/ED on bikes as transportation

Motorists v. Cyclists in Canada

via www.theglobeandmail.com

Tensions between cyclists and drivers in Canada have never been higher, after three cyclists were killed by a pickup truck on a stretch of highway near Montreal and charges against former Ontario attorney-general Michael Bryant were dropped in the death of Toronto bike courier Darcy Allan Sheppard.

We're in Toronto next month for a Mobile Social during NXNEi and will discuss this at length with the locals.

Italy’s Basso Glides to Second Giro Title - NYTimes.com

via www.nytimes.com

Cancellara Conspiracy ANOTHER UPDATE

via cozybeehive.blogspot.com

The Cancellara Conspiracy . . .

Update

The Conspiracy deepens with the NYTimes picking up L’Equipe's story on the electric boost.

Cassani is not alone in taking the bicycle for a spin. “Its designer told me that it’s been around since 2004 and that some riders have used it in races,” he said. The designer, that would be whom? “He wouldn’t tell me if he was an engineer or simply a do-it-yourself handyman. All I know is that he’s of Hungarian origin.” And why is he revealing his secret? “Because it’s not a secret. A few newspapers have talked about it. Then some team mechanics said on television that an electric bicycle was impossible, a dream. “That made him mad, hurt his pride. He wanted to say: It exists and I’m the fellow who made it. I got his name, contacted him, saw the bike and rode it.” As a former racer, Cassani indicated that he was outraged, yes outraged, by this attempt at cheating. “It’s worse than doping,” he said. “Cheating at its lowest level.”

Cancellara Responded today, from AFP

"It's so stupid I'm speechless," said Cancellara, who rides for the Saxo Bank team. "I've never had batteries on my bike."

It is stupid, but also stupid is the UCI's comment:

The risk is simply too big. For him, his team and the bike manufacturers. A champion like Cancellara would not take that risk.

History has proven champions will take risks. We're not saying Cancellar did, but c'mon UCI.

Photo from Getty Images: Ray Lahood

via www.daylife.com

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood poses on a bicycle for photographers outside the Department of Transportation May 28, 2010 in Washington, DC. Hundreds of organizations from around the country took part in an event to thank Secretary LaHood for his leadership in making bicycling and walking safer and more accessible.

Glassphemy on Cool Hunting

via www.coolhunting.com

Bike-powered mixer with a ridiculous outfit for smashing and polishing glass.