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The alarm went off before sunrise. After all, if you’re going to drive almost three hours to a bike swap, you need to get an early start. I glanced out the window and my first thought was that it was foggy outside. No, it was in fact, snowing. Again. Winter in Chicago has been...
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It’s not the first time I’ve mentioned that our Loving the Bike birthday falls on the same day as that of Bob Marley.  I swear I never intentionally launched this site to coincide with him.  But here I am celebrating four years of Loving the Bike along with my man, Bob, who would have...
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No matter how hard I plan on pushing things, I’m able to knock out a ride of 30 miles or less without thinking about it too much.  I don’t do any additional preparation, don’t bring extra water, and don’t use any hydration tabs, gels, bloks, or anything else.  But, when I go over that...
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Okay, so who doesn’t want increased energy, enhanced endurance, and improved recovery?  Like it or not, we’re living in an age of sports enhancing performance products.  Some contain things that make them illegal in sport…and for good reason, because along with improving your performance they will totally mess up your body.  There’s also a...
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Jens Voigt ended stage three of the Tour Down Under wearing the most aggressive rider jersey. By professional cycling standards, Jens is an “old” man at 42. Yet his drive and determination keep him competitive and a joy for fans to watch. There’s nothing like Jens in the break. Whenever he decides to go...
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  The gray days of winter drag on, and black snow lines city streets. A melancholy seeps into my pores, born of missing long, leisurely rides. Over the years, I’ve come to rely on riding as a stress reliever, my main mode of exercise, and creative thinking time. Without it, I struggle. I miss...
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Failure No More by Joel (@reasons2ride) Do you ever read those, “The Year in Review” articles?  Who did what, who married who, who passed away…I do, and I’m always amazed at how much happens in a year.  Looking back at 2013, the stories that stuck out most, in no order, were: My wife graduating...
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I spent most of this week under the weather — in more ways than one! While Chicago experienced some of its coldest weather in decades, I was securely tucked under my covers in a cold-medicine-induced sleep. Achy and coughing, I avoided having to be outside during this arctic blast. But also by choice, I spent most...
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Meet the people who make protected bike lanes happen by Dana Henry As a lifelong city cyclist, I’m simply thrilled to see a growing number of urban planning initiatives prioritize protected bike lanes. Urban dwellers and commuters are finally realizing that biking is a healthier, cheaper and more pleasurable way to travel. Thankfully, cities...
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Looking at My Bicycle – Joel (@reasons2ride) When I look at my bicycle I see two wheels, not just any two wheels, but my two wheels.  Custom built to suite me, and my riding style.  Rear disc brakes, just the confidence needed to push the envelope soaring downhill.  They are mounted to an aluminum...
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Yep, it’s that time of year. Lots of people making resolutions and setting goals. I’ve never been one to make resolutions, but I definitely set a few goals for myself. Nothing earth shattering; just a few things I’d like to do. However, I’ve never published my goals before, and I’m thinking this may be...
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I’ve talked in the past about how to deal with cycling in the rain, which is something I ride in often in Penang. Now that I’m in the states for the next month, I need to brush up on my winter riding, too. Here are some of my tips for tackling the mostly cold...
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