Can you believe that Loving the Bike is heading into its third year of cycling blogging?  Yep, it was back on February 6th 2010 that we launched our cycling lifestyle website and the world has been a better place ever since.  Okay, well I’m not sure about that….but it sure has done a lot of my life both on and off the bike.

Over the past three years I’ve found myself getting more and more immersed in cycling related projects and I am totally loving it.  Loving the Bike has helped me branch out into other cycling related initiates such as Crank Listed, #bikeschool, Cycling 360 Podcast, and now our Mocha Spoke bicycle cafe.

But along with all that, it’s enabled me to meet and get to know a whole lot of incredible bike people all over the world and has allowed me to ride my bike in some pretty awesome places.  A great big thank you to anyone and everyone who’s helped make all this happen.

Celebration is a good thing, and today I invite you to join in and celebrate our Anniversary/Birthday and all the good things that cycling brings to our lives.

Loving the Bike would not be where it is today if it wasn’t for Kelli, Stevie, Aaron, Myron….and of course, all our amazing friends and followers.  To all of you, I say a great big Thank You.

Here’s a little Birthday video from me to all of you:

1Love

A couple weeks ago, I found this picture on Facebook.  It was posted by Allen Beuchamp, but more than likely shared by countless cyclists across the web.

I’m still not sure what I think of social media, and as I said once before….it does not define you.  But I do love seeing great photos like this one posted each and every day.

As soon as I saw it, the words “Loving the Bike Has No Age Boundaries” popped into my head.  I can’t think of a better image to show how true this really is.

I absolutely love this picture.  In about 40 years from now, we’re going to hold a Loving the Bike meet up race and get a photo just like this one to spread around the world.  Who’s going to be there with me for that?

I can’t help but think of my Grandpa when I see a photo like the one at the top.  He’s likely the reason for my love of cycling and I once wrote about how “Grandpa LovingtheBike” continued to ride until he was 93.

There are several great articles out there letting beginners know how to get started in cycling, but we’re here to lay down ideas for how beginners can start loving it.  Think of it as a “how to” love cycling so much that you’ll never want to stop.

Today is officially “Bicycling” day over at bing.com as they continue with their #SummerofDoing promotion and this week’s theme of “Riding”.  With the help of bing, we plan on getting a whole mess off people on bikes and help them discover just how incredible it can be.  (Be sure to use the hashtag #bicycling as often as you can today in honor of bing’s designation of this day)

Our cycling lifestyle website is generally focused on people who are already Loving the Bike, and are as pedal crazy as I am.  But being strong advocates of cycling and promoters of how everything can be better when you live by bike, we’re focusing today’s post towards people new to the idea of cycling.  We’re going to lay out all the goodness and show how to start Loving the Bike in no time.

As part of my bio for this website, I mention reasons in which I personally am Loving the Bike:

• I am loving the bike because it provides me with a means to keeping my body in good physical condition while enjoying every single minute of it.  
• I love it because of the solitude and meditative state that is brings me to every time I’m on it.
• I love the connection it gives our family when out on a ride together.
• I love the camaraderie and brotherhood among riders.
• I love the speed and knowing that I am moving myself solely by my own power.
• I love the fact that there is no better means of environmentally friendly transportation than the bike.
• I am simply loving the bike.

But enough about my own reasons….to really get things going, we asked some of our loyal followers to provide their suggestions on getting new cyclists addicted to our beloved sport.

Here’s what they had to say:

“Ride slowly enough to truly enjoy that you’re not enclosed by metal, glass, and plastic, not insulated from the smells and sounds and sights and all the other amazing sensations you experience on a bicycle. Be aware so you can turn around and explore those things you pass slowly enough to intrigue you.  Ride for the riding, not for the getting there.” - Tee King

“Find a road or path that isn’t very busy.  Go out just as the sun is going down.  Pedal your hardest for just a little bit, then coast…and just…listen.”  - @AarontheStrong

“Get a good quality bike.  Those cheap ones from the box stores will not provide you with a comfortable and stress free ride.  Pay a bit more and it will go far in helping you love cycling.” – Albert Schmidt

“See the countryside properly at a slower pace, enjoy the company of your family, and get fit without noticing.” – @nuuutymel

“Just start out slowly.  Don’t worry about the miles or time.  Ride with how you’re comfortable at first.” - Dan Beaman 

“Be confident on your bike and ‘own the road’.  Hiding in the gutter is much more dangerous than making yourself visible to all the other traffic.  Use bright reflective clothing and a good confident road position to stay safe.” – @steviedexter

 ”Don’t feel like you have to spend money on expensive clothes and gear.  Just wear what you are comfortable in.” – @naptowncycle

“Find a local cycling group that likes to develop riders and not into riding like they’re competing in the Tour de France.  It’s so much more fun to ride with people who have the same interest level as you. They will help you and you will love it!” - Jeff Wolach

“Don’t worry about all the fancy technology stuff right away.  Have fun learning to pedal, then add the technology after you already enjoy cycling.” - Twenty-niner Chick

“Just ride at your own pace, enjoy the freedom, sights, smells and people you encounter.  The rest will follow.” - Synthea Devery

Okay, it is easily apparent that the list can go on and on.  But let me give you one last nugget to start off your Loving the Bike journey.  Find out what part of cycling speaks best to you, and go for it.  Whether it’s riding along the beach on your cruiser, going off-road on your mountain bike, speeding along on a road bike, or just riding around your neighborhood…..get on your bike and ride.

Win a Custom-Made Public Bike

We’ll have more details posted later today, but be sure to head over to bing.com and enter to win a special edition public bike.  They are giving away 5 prizes of $1,500 to put towards building your own sweet ride from Public Bikes.  Enter now, and watch for more details on our site later this morning.

Beginner’s Guide to Loving the Bike image c/o Scott Thigpen

There’s no denying that surfing is an incredible zen-like sport where people can jump right into nature, become one with the environment, and kiss God all at once.  But I’d like to add cycling to the small list of activities that help you lose yourself and find yourself all at the same time.

The bike has been my saviour more than a time or two and I can’t think of even one ride that I didn’t fall into that meditative zen state for at least a little part of the ride.  The bike has often allowed me to get away from “reality” and lose myself and empty my mind for a little part of the day.  But it’s also been the place where I’ve learned about who I am, what I believe in, and just how far I can push myself.

When you’re on the road, you are on mother nature’s schedule and your “real world” tasks and timelines just sort of slip off your back as you’re riding away.  You become a kid again.  You gain a sense of pride in knowing that you’re cruising along with your own self-induced power.  You are in tune with nature….and are much more connected with your inner spirit.  All these things and more are what put you in that magical zen state…..allowing you to lose yourself and find yourself at the same time.

Now I know y’all have got some great on-the-bike zen stories for us.  Let’s hear all about them.

Our common passion for cycling just might be a lot deeper than we all think.  I’m here to ponder how our love for the bike (and the wheel), likely dates back to the beginning of time.  (Note: This post isn’t intended to create an uproar about the creation of life on Earth….but it’s going to assume that there were in fact cavemen that roamed the lands thousands of years ago).

Okay, so according to the theory of cavemen what were the first two things ever invented?  Fire and the Wheel, right?  Now you can argue with me on this one if you like, but I’m putting out the idea that it is these two things that are in the very soul of each and every one of us.  It’s in our roots.  These two things are so much a part of us that it’s only when we are surrounded and immersed in them that we are taken back to our true nature and feel at home.

Think about how you feel when you’re sitting around a campfire.  You’re hypnotized and feel totally tranquil don’t you?  We’re taken back to the caveman days and sit there in amazement looking at the flames dancing around us.  The invention of fire was pretty darn amazing, and to this day it still holds us captive when we’re around it.

If you don’t see the connection between the invention of fire and how it’s still to this day a part of our soul, then I know you’re going to agree with this next one. The Wheel.  Yes, the wheel was the other famous invention by our caveman friends and this is another object that remains a true part of our being.  In my opinion, it explains our absolute love and passion for cycling.  Yep, those two wheels on a frame tie us into its creation and how it’s a part of our roots.  We were meant to be on wheels, and I don’t know about you but I would argue that those cavemen intended us to use this invention to ride bicycles.  You only have to look as far as that dude, Thor, from the B.C comic strip to see what the wheel was meant to be used for.

So there you have it.  Human beings were meant to ride bikes and enjoy campfires.  All of us here are on track, now what’s wrong with the rest of society?  They are missing out on the joys and fulfillment that comes by tapping fully into your roots.

Our Make it Happen Monday series here at Loving the Bike is designed to help kick-start your week and set you off in a positive direction.  Sometimes they may be motivational type posts and at times we like to feature inspirational people like the dude we’re highlighting today.

Art Jones got into road cycling in February, 2007.  He had just finished rehab on a knee injury and was looking for a way to get his body in better shape.  It was his brother-in-law who suggested cycling to him, and he decided to give it a shot.  Sounds like a fairly typical story so far, huh?  Well the one difference between Art and many other cyclists who get started in the sport is that he’s blind.  This adds just a little degree of difficulty now doesn’t it?

Art’s brother-in-law, Ivan Morgan, had a tandem bike and when he suggesting cycling to Art he meant for him to travel with him on his bike.  Ivan had just started riding with the Major Taylor riders and immediately introduced Art to the group as well.  Soon after, he was starting to do long distance rides including an event for the American Diabetes Association….oh yeah, did I mention he’s diabetic as well?

Still in 2007, Art met Dave White from the Cycling for Sight bicycle group and began riding with them as well.  Before the year was over, he had successfully taken part in a 230 mile, three-day ride.

Why is Art Loving the Bike?

“To me it is a great filling being on the bike doing what I love to do.  I love passing the cars and I love passing people while they are riding next to us.  I really love going fast on a bike.  I say that we have been up to about 31 miles an hour on a straight away.  It feels so good to me knowing that I can go that fast.”

What’s Next?

I’d say that Art has already accumulated a bunch of success on the bike, but he’s far from being done.  This year he plans on finishing the California Triple Crown – completing 3 double centuries in one year.  He’s already got one double under his belt this year, and is determined to keep going to become the first blind person ever to complete the triple crown.

He also has the goal of completing the Race Across America (RAAM) as well, but his focus is currently on achieving this summer’s mission first.  He’d like to gather a team of blind cyclists to complete the RAAM with him and in doing so, “make the world see us as a team that can do anything on the bike”.

There are so many inspirational cyclists out there in the world, and for today I wanted to introduce you to Art and add him to the list.  He’s certainly Making it Happen.

Photos c/o Odale Baker, President and Founder of Major Taylor Cycling Club San Diego

The votes are in, and it’s now time to crown the 2012 top dogs of the cycling blogs.  Although cycling blogs from all over the World were able to be voted on for each of the 6 categories, our Crank Honors results are primarily based on the audience that we bring in.  Now, our Loving the Bike traffic is at an all-time high and we had more votes come in this year than in the first two years combined….but the results are still representative of our following.  So the results might not be representative of the entire cycling population, but they are a fantastic indication of what our followers dig the most.

The most important thing as far as I’m concerned is that we celebrate all the great work done by my fellow cycling bloggers, and highlight some of those that have stood out to all of you.  We are part of a great online community of cyclists, and I personally know how much time and effort goes into putting out a blog…so to me, we’re all champions.

I hope you also discovered some new cycling blogs that you didn’t know about before, and will continue to support all of us.

Okay, here we go.  These are the blogs that received the most votes in each of the six categories.

Favorite Road Cycling Blog

Blog: Red Kite Prayer

Location: USA

Crank History: Red Kite Prayer had previously been in the running, but for the past two years it has been Cycling Tipswho’s come out on top.  They have knocked off a Big Dog to win this category.  Congratulations to Padraig and his crew.

About: “The work you see on Red Kite Prayer had its beginnings on another blog, Belgium Knee Warmers. BKW was created to comment on the passions of a few devoted cyclists. From arcane details of race preparation to the best way to wash a bike, the contributors to BKW wrote about their knowledge and experiences.”

Favorite Lifestyle Cycling Blog

Blog: London Cyclist Blog

Location: England

Crank History: This is the first year Andreas and London Cyclist Blog has made the podium in this category…..and they did so with a vengeance.  London Cyclist Blog received more votes than any other blog in any of the six categories.  Congratulations.

About: Andreas has two passions – cycling and blogging.  He says if you these two things got together and had a baby, it would be a website.  Hence, London Cyclist.

Favorite Mountain Bike Blog

Blog: Mountain Biking Girl

Location: Canada

Crank History: This is another first time winner, and congratulations to Mountain Biking Girl for coming out on top amongst a group of male mountain bike blogs.

About: Mountain Biking Girl, Teresa, blogs about her adventures on her bike, both local and not so local.  She seeks out new trails whenever she can and shares her experiences.  She also gives the odd review on gear along the way.

Favorite Travel Cycling Blog

Blog: The Path Less Pedaled

Location: Originally from the US

Crank History: The Path Less Pedaled has been a Crank Honors contender in the past, but this is their first year emerging as the Top Dog in this category.  Congratulations to Russ and Laura.

About: “As our travels continue to evolve and change, our mission of democratizing bike travel has held fast. After three years, we know how enjoyable it is to travel by bike and we know that there’s no wrong way to do it – and we want the rest of the world to see what we see. Traveling by bike is fun, exciting, an opportunity to eat whatever you want – and a surprisingly easy way to bolster small economies. Join us as we show you all the many reasons why you want to hop on a bicycle.”

Favorite Women’s Cycling Blog

Blog: Bike Shop Girl

Location: USA

Crank History: Bike Shop Girl, aka Arleigh Jenkins, is the only repeat winner in this year’s Crank Honors.  Congratulations for being the favorite blog in this category for two years in a row.

About: Arleigh has 12 years of bicycling industry experience, and is a Pro bike mechanic, fit guru, and lover of everyone that rides a bicycle.  Bike Shop Girl’s mission is “Helping women find their way in cycling”.

Favorite Commuter Cycling Blog

Blog: Chasing Mailboxes

Location: USA

Crank History:  This is another first time win and congratulations to “Gypsybug” and Chasing Mailboxes for gathering up the most votes in this category.  This was the tightest race of all six categories with a really close battle between Commute By Bike, Culture Cycles, Bike Commuters, and Chasing Mailboxes.

About: Chasing Mailboxes is about using the bike for commuting, transportation, fitness, and recreation.  They live a car-lite lifestyle and sometimes escape the city to go bicycle touring.

I began writing this post in the ‘departure lounge’ waiting room of the local hospital, and if you’re reading this… The British NHS (National Health Service) aint all that bad!

You may or may not have noticed that my corner of the internet and social media world has been quite quiet of late and I make no apologies for this.  A tough month of job changes and close family bereavements has been finished by an operation in hospital on what is known in clever circles as ‘singular oesteochondroma’ – or a bony lump!  It’s not serious or life threatening but spoils my visual form on the bike so it needs sorting!

The top of my left tibia looks like I have lop-sided calves but this is soon to be sorted out… As long as the surgeons pick the correct leg… Its ok though they’ve added a big black arrow to my leg to ensure they remember which one to cut!  That brims me with confidence!  At least it’s free.  I’d be interested to know what 2 surgical consultations, 2 hour surgery and an overnight stay in hospital would cost in those countries who rely on private medical insurance.

It has been a hard month but its been made much easier due to the understanding and kind nature of my dear friend and ‘net boss’ Darryl.  Lots of things are going on behind the scenes of Lovingthebike.com – that calm, serene, swan-like exterior above the water is backed up by legs going supersonic underwater, so I appreciate the ‘time off’ that I’ve been able to take.

But sitting here waiting for the operation (note I’m still waiting!) made me remember something special about cycling.  It’s hot and sunny outside, the best weather this part of the UK has experienced in 2012 and I’m inside wearing a white and blue floral dashiki and one stylish DVT sock.  The next 2-4 weeks of my spring/summer cycling routine seem to be out of the window.  Form will be lost, rides will be missed and beautiful weather will not be used to its full pedalling potential.  But I’ve realised cycling will always be there.  Yes I might miss those weeks of ‘training’, but I’m not a racer (despite what I keep trying to put my body through against my stronger pals) so I’m not losing anything tangible.  My riding pals will still be there in a month and I’ll be back at the start of that ever so interesting journey of improving form and self discovery.  Which is a good thing.

Cycling is a way of life and won’t be going anywhere regardless of operations, recuperation time or any of life’s other tribulations.  Soon, the wash of anaesthetic will vanish and I’ll back at the start of that journey with the moments and emotions of May behind me.  It wont be a moment too soon.

I don’t hide the fact that I’m a Rasta Man wanna-be, so when I can combine cycling with my love for that culture….it’s a total Win-Win.  A few weeks ago I came across a company called Knights of Mo’ Bay that sells jerseys, shorts, and bibs with a sweet IRIE Caribbean theme so I just had to hit them up.

The company is owned by Royston Taylor who’s originally from Jamaica but now lives in California.  The themes of his cycling clothing reflect his life and have a focus on Caribbean Reggae and culture.  His designs are manufactured by Primal Wear, a Denver based company that makes cycling apparel.

Even if you’re not a Caribbean lover like I am, I think you’ll like the simple design of the Irie line of jerseys and the island flavor of the other designs they have to offer.  If you didn’t already know, Irie is a Caribbean term used to describe when you are at total peace with your current state of being.  It’s the way you feel when you have no worries.  A perfect fit for the state you’re in while out cycling, right?  Another thing to point out is the use of Reds, Golds, and Greens in the designs…..the colors of the Rasta culture.

Anyway, I immediately contacted Royston when I saw his designs and told him I needed to have one.  He kindly sent one over for me to check out and now we’re offering one to you as well.  These are quality 3/4 zip jerseys that fit nice and look cool.  See below for your chance to win one, or head over to www.knightsofmobay.com to do some shopping.

Win a Knights of Mo’ Bay Jersey

The contest is now closed.  Congratulations to @sthig who wins a sweet Knights of Mo’Bay jersey.  Now he can be a Rasta Man wannabe like me.

Enter to win a Knights of Mo’ Bay jersey by leaving a comment below with how cycling makes you feel IRIE and why you’d like to have one of these to add to your collection.

Contest closes Noon Monday, May 28th.

For this segment of our “Let’s Talk” series, we’re asking you to post your comments, opinions, and thoughts on the $70 Bottle Cage.  Yes, most local bikes shops will carry a carbon bottle cage somewhere in the neighborhood of $70…what do you have to say about it?

As always, this “Let’s Talk” post will be built by our readers so be sure to jump in and voice your opinion in the comments section below.  Have a look at theis short video to get you in the spirit and then let your comments fly.