Yasmeen's Posts - The Chainlink2024-03-29T05:36:33ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchullerhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1221939849?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://thechainlink.org/profiles/blog/feed?user=3trod0mtddocl&xn_auth=noOf Sweat and Sisterhood: The CANYON//SRAM Racing Zwift Academytag:thechainlink.org,2019-01-22:2211490:BlogPost:11156122019-01-22T15:30:00.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<tbody><tr><td><p style="font-weight: 400;"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of The Chainlink's favorite cyclists (and lifetime ambassador), Jasmin Welter shares her recent experience with Zwift. This indoor training program is a great way to stay motivated training indoors, improving cycling fitness. With snow and Arctic temps, now is an excellent time to jump on indoor training in preparation for a cycling season of centuries, bike camping, and/or…</span></em></p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p style="font-weight: 400;"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of The Chainlink's favorite cyclists (and lifetime ambassador), Jasmin Welter shares her recent experience with Zwift. This indoor training program is a great way to stay motivated training indoors, improving cycling fitness. With snow and Arctic temps, now is an excellent time to jump on indoor training in preparation for a cycling season of centuries, bike camping, and/or racing. </span></em></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/843214096?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img width="600" class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/843214096?profile=RESIZE_710x"/></a></span></em></p>
By Jasmin Welter<br/>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What is your favorite thing about indoor training? If you asked me last summer, I would have stared at you rather blankly. It was August and the sun was shining bright - and yet, I was sitting in my living room, sweating profusely on my trainer. Why, you might wonder (and rightfully so)? Because the</span> <a href="https://zwift.com/academy/zaw2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zwift Academy</a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">was on!</span></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In its third year, Zwift brought back its 16-day workout series that engaged 4000+ women in suffering through virtual intervals, group rides and races together. In an elaborate process, over 1.000 graduates fought for a coveted spot in the semi-finals, out of which 3 competitors were chosen for the finals. And at the end of the Academy, the winner graduates to a IRL pro contract with the CANYON//SRAM Racing team (the 2018 winner</span> <a href="https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/new-zealands-ella-harris-youngest-rider-win-zwift-academy-contract-canyon-sram-403319" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was just announced</a><span style="font-weight: 400;">).</span></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, why do the Zwift Academy, especially if you don’t have aspirations for a life in professional cycling?</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">My three top reasons to participate were</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">1) to challenge myself in a succession of professionally designed, structured workouts</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">2) to be held accountable in my training</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">3) and to become part of a digital community of female athletes from 149 countries</span></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/843443957?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img width="600" class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/843443957?profile=RESIZE_710x"/></a></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Zwift is the culmination of gamified training.</strong> As per the mission statement</span> <a href="http://zwift.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zwift</a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">"uses the fun of gaming and the power of communities to inspire and encourage everybody to turn their fitness goals into achievements.” And I, typically more of an indoor training critic, could not agree more. Gamification, in form of about 26,000 in-game items awarded during the academy, does add micro-goals and adds motivation to go that extra mile in training, in a competitive yet fun way.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/843265934?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img width="550" class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/843265934?profile=RESIZE_710x"/></a></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">While Zwift offers the above benefits year round, participating in the Zwift Academy instilled a unique sense of excitement in me. Knowing you are on a training schedule with actual deadlines (just like at work!) motivated me to show up, I could not skip the workouts that I typically seek to avoid, and it was strangely exciting to see the digital progress bar fill up. Some workouts also provided interesting feedback about which intensities pros would typically train at during those efforts, which was a great perspective on the amount of dedication and commitment it takes to be a professional cyclist. An added perk, the group rides and races took place on the course of the 2018</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">UCI Road World Championships in Innsbruck-Tirol (Austria). Seeing the races go down in real life on a course that I had just conquered digitally was a new, fun way to relate to pro cycling.</span></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">After graduating for the academy, I got the chance to talk to the previous two winners, Leah Thorvilson and Tanja Erath. Both of them raced alongside cycling stars like Pauline Ferrand-Prevot and Alexis Ryan for</span> <a href="http://www.wmncycling.com/team/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CANYON//SRAM Racing</a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">during the season. Upon asking them about their favorite aspect of Zwift training, both agreed that it allows to develop a better understanding of power and heart rate zones as well as pedal efficiency since you constantly see your data on the screen. An added benefit is that you can concentrate 100% on the effort at hand without concern for terrain, weather, traffic or other elements that affect your training outdoors.</span></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">But I think what surprised me most about the academy was the community it created among cyclists. While Chicago is lucky enough to have a wonderful women’s cycling community, it is rather rare for female cyclists to have the opportunity for women-only rides and women-only communities. The non-intimidating atmosphere allowed for real talk on online forum, during social rides, and opened up new perspectives, training tips, gear recommendations, new recipes, you name it. As Leah Thorvilson, the winner of the first Zwift Academy who became a pro straight from a running background, puts it: “The sense of community in the women's academy is incredibly special and powerful. It's a support system. It's a sisterhood.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">I’m happy for the training progress I made from committing to the Zwift Academy, and I’ve learned quite a bit from graduating the program - about my strengths and weaknesses as a cyclist. Zwift Academy offered participants free premium access to</span> <a href="https://www.todaysplan.com.au/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Today’s Plan</a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">training tool, which allowed to track all kinds of data and spat out your individual cycling profile (see how my performance index changed throughout the academy in the pictures below!).</span></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/843425230?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img width="500" class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/843425230?profile=RESIZE_710x"/></a></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Throughout the Zwift Academy, I’ve pushed my limits, and I’ve found myself a part of a kind and encouraging community. Now, I’d love to chat more about indoor training. Did you know you can still find all Zwift Academy workouts on Zwift? Have you done the Zwift Academy yourself (there is a version for both men and women)? How does your plan for the winter look like? Do you have questions for the winners of the pro contracts? What do you miss most in your indoor sessions?</span></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Coming up: There is no off-season</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the temperatures are dropping, motivation is falling and the holiday dinners are tempting, indoor training is a great way to maintain and improve fitness. Read in the upcoming article about the essentials for structured indoor training throughout the winter.</span></p>
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<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/844212560?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img width="600" class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/844212560?profile=RESIZE_710x"/></a></p>
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</center>Ride Report: 2018 Chicagoland Tour de Curetag:thechainlink.org,2018-07-27:2211490:BlogPost:11027062018-07-27T17:30:00.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<tbody><tr><td><p style="font-weight: 400;">By William Nedza</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><em>When we heard about this year's challenges, I asked if we could have a "rider report" to share their experience. The person I had in mind is Chainlink member, <a href="https://www.thechainlink.org/profiles/profile/show?id=BillNedza&" rel="noopener" target="_blank">William Nedza</a>. Every year Bill has so much enthusiasm,…</em></p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p style="font-weight: 400;">By William Nedza</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><em>When we heard about this year's challenges, I asked if we could have a "rider report" to share their experience. The person I had in mind is Chainlink member, <a href="https://www.thechainlink.org/profiles/profile/show?id=BillNedza&" target="_blank" rel="noopener">William Nedza</a>. Every year Bill has so much enthusiasm, support, and energy in helping get the word out and participating in the ride. He has so much heart. As a part of The Chainlink, I'm so grateful for the ability to see first-hand how committed the organizations are to their cause. American Diabetes Organization is an excellent example of this commitment and enthusiasm for their ride. If you are able to, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.diabetes.org/chicagotour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">please consider donating</a></span>. If you are looking for an amazing experience, sign up for their 2019 ride. You won't be disappointed.</em> - Yasmeen Schuller</p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The American Diabetes Association’s 2018 Chicagoland Tour de Cure was… sadly, canceled. But the American Diabetes Association’s 2018 Chicagoland Tour de Cure was</span> <i><span style="font-weight: 400;">also</span></i> <span style="font-weight: 400;">an INCREDIBLE SUCCESS! Take a look at this photo, and then read my recap of the event, and you’ll begin to understand the success behind a ride that Mother Nature prevented from actually happening.</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834699?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834699?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">First off, let’s make this clear: the 2018 Chicagoland Tour de Cure</span> <i><span style="font-weight: 400;">wasn’t</span></i> <span style="font-weight: 400;">canceled by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Yes, the ADA was responsible for informing several hundred riders, volunteers, vendors, sponsors and local communities that the event was off, but the fact is that when you are told by the city of Aurora “you need to evacuate all event sites and park district locations immediately,” you evacuate immediately. Imagine the riders and volunteers who were ready to ride and provide support now being pressed into service to help “tear down” tents, tables, and chairs, and the incredible ADA staff and Planning Committee who worked so hard in preparing the event now having to make these difficult decisions as fast as possible. Rest stops that were already stocked with supplies, fresh fruit and packaged food, goody bags for riders, runners, and walkers, hundreds of volunteers traveling from out of town, SAG teams and motorcycle support riders geared up and ready to go, several routes through which participants would travel, and….not the least important, what to do with the beer?!?!? (This remains a mystery, but after the stress of the weekend, we can guess).</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">As to the question of whether “we” would have ridden had the ADA not sent those evacuation notices, let me give you my personal thoughts. I was in a hotel close to RiverEdge Park, kitted up and ready to ride when I got a text saying “ride’s canceled, check your email,” and I immediately thought “no, I ride in rain, this is NOT canceled.” I rode over to the event site and saw some of the saddest faces I’ve ever seen and several people with tears in their eyes. A few of my team members were already there, and we all looked at each other with that “who cares what they say, we’re riding” face. We all, of course, were momentarily idiots. We will ride in just about any weather, whether that be below freezing, 43F and a driving rain, 90F with howling crosswinds, across prairies with 50MPH headwinds, and (at least I know I have) in hail that makes your head seem like it’s in a popcorn popper when it hits your helmet. What any smart cyclist knows is… YOU DO NOT RIDE WHEN LIGHTNING IS PRESENT OR FORECAST. Of course, I had a solution to remedy the lightning situation, which was to have our two tallest teammates, Jos and Big Brad, be first and last in our team’s paceline, and each of them would have a lightning rod strapped to their helmet, so that when lightning struck close to us they would be the first ones hit, and, being the shortest teammate, I would definitely last the longest! Unfortunately Jos and Brad weren’t interested in my solution, Brad saying something about “I want my daughter to grow up with her Daddy around” or something incredibly selfish (just kidding).</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, what do you do when the ride is canceled?!?! Well, Team Joe Nedza hit the stage for some quick photos before we ended up going to Two Brothers Roundhouse Café for a couple hours of coffee, conversation and plans for the 2019 Chicagoland Tour de Cure (of course)!</span></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834789?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834789?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, the ride was canceled, but here is why the event was still a success in its effort to help with the ADA’s mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
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<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Recognition:</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">We brought more awareness to more people about the prevalence and fight against diabetes.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Community:</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">We brought people with diabetes and their friends and families who care for them together.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Fundraising:</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">the 2018 Chicagoland Tour de Cure raised almost $400,000 (and counting)!</span></li>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, raising awareness and funds allows the ADA to provide a programs, education, advocacy, and, one of my personal favorites, camp for children and families with type 1 diabetes. Camp is a lifeline for children with diabetes to develop the critical skills needed to thrive while managing this disease. Attending summer camp helps children develop social skills, self-respect and life-long friendships.</span></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Personally, Team Joe Nedza raised almost $11,000, and I could not be more proud of my teammates. When you hear “you know what we should do for 2019…” not an hour after the event has been canceled, you know you have some very special friends. (Team Murf should also be noted, they rock!)</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834869?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834869?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Saturday night before the Chicagoland Tour de Cure was cancelled, the ADA hosted a Pre-Ride Party to recognize sponsors, riders, teams and volunteers. Earlier that week I was asked if I wanted to be the “Mission Speaker” and without a second thought, I said yes. I planned to write up a little speech to go along with scripted lines that involved recognizing certain fundraisers, but, alas, my week became very busy, and when asked what I was going to talk about I said “I have no idea.” Well, as one of my friends said about my Tour de Cure updates and recaps, I can be rather “verbose,” so my main goal was to keep it short.</span></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">I talked about what led to my involvement in Tour de Cure (cycling, combined with a disease my dad suffered from), why it was so important to me to continue my involvement (this was my 15</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">year), what we all need to do to support the ADA’s mission, and the incredible things the ADA and the diabetes community does to help people. I also spoke about my first year riding as a “Red Rider,” which is a rider who has diabetes. Yep, 14 years I rode for others, but this year I also rode for myself. And let me tell you, as people with diabetes know, DIABETES SUCKS. But, as we all know, I may have diabetes, but diabetes does not have me. I’m now officially a dia</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">badass</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. After the party, we headed to Two Brothers for some coffee, other hydrating beverages, and good conversation.</span></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834895?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834895?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><b> </b></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tour de Cure means a lot to me, and when someone recently asked me “are you going to do Tour next year?” I said something similar to what I said in my comments Saturday night, which was something my dad once said about getting involved and volunteering for a good cause, “if not me, then who?” Am I committed to this cause? Let’s just say I’ve already booked rooms for next year’s Tour de Cure!</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">I am incredibly thankful to all the people who have supported me, my team, the ADA, and everyone who donated to this very important and worthy cause. I know there are a lot of good causes out there, but you will be hard pressed to find more committed volunteers, sponsors, participants, and healthcare professionals involved in fighting to find a cure for a disease that affects more than 30 million people in the United States alone. The 2019 Chicagoland Tour de Cure is less than 11 months away, and our team is already thinking of what we can do to grow the team, raise more funds, and how we can help the ADA achieve their mission.</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">I’d like to especially thank three people this year:</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Tim Smiles:</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Tim designed our team jersey, and he is simply a brilliant designer. You know he’s created a work of art when people come up to you and say “can I buy one?” I can’t begin to tell you how thrilled I was when the jerseys arrived, and you only would understand the joy I felt if you understood the meaning behind all the little things Tim incorporated into the design. Thank you, my friend.</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><b>My Mom:</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">My mom provides me not only support, but she’s always there to proof-read what I write! Yes, even at 87 years young she’s a better writer than I am (ugh, I think I just ended a sentence with a preposition). She also cares about me, my passion with Tour de Cure, and has supported the team, named for my dad, unwaveringly. </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Donna:</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">What more can I say than thank you to the person who supports me the most? Donna helps me in so many ways it’s impossible to name them all, but most of all she understands what Tour de Cure means to me, and her support of me and Tour de Cure is incredible.</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s not too late to support this cause; visit</span> <a href="http://www.diabetes.org/chicagotour"><span style="font-weight: 400;">www.diabetes.org/chicagotour</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">and donate today!</span></p>
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<p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ready to ride!!! Here’s looking at you, dad!</span></p>
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</center>Biking Green: An Interview with Maria Boustead of Po Campotag:thechainlink.org,2018-06-07:2211490:BlogPost:10981852018-06-07T04:00:00.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<p>Recently, after moving to D.C., I decided to "go green" as much as possible. So I stopped taking Lyft rides, replacing them with an around-town Linus and I replaced my bus trips with a Brompton for my daily commute. I realized with the recent awareness of straw usage and one-use plastic containers, I still have a…</p>
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<p>Recently, after moving to D.C., I decided to "go green" as much as possible. So I stopped taking Lyft rides, replacing them with an around-town Linus and I replaced my bus trips with a Brompton for my daily commute. I realized with the recent awareness of straw usage and one-use plastic containers, I still have a long way to go to truly be "green". I also realized I'm not alone. Outdoor recreation doesn't necessarily translate to "<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/50.8/recreation-your-stoke-wont-save-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">meaningful conservation</a></span>". </p>
<p></p>
<p>I figured if this is something I am struggling with, maybe I should talk with fellow cyclists who are biking and living "green". This brings me to our first Chainlink interview for the series, "Biking Green", Maria Boustead of Po Campo. As a fan of Po Campo bags (and owner of more than a few), I am excited by the launch of Maria's sustainability conversation and couldn't wait to interview her.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Maria Boustead</strong> <strong>of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.pocampo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Po Campo</a></span></strong></span></p>
<p>Industrial designer / entrepreneur</p>
<p>Brooklyn, NY</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Tell Us a Little About Yourself</strong></p>
<p><em>I’m the owner of Po Campo and design our bike bags to help you carry what you need on and off your bike with style and ease. I like biking (duh), reading, traveling, and eating pizza.</em></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Does your profession allow you to positively impact the environment?</strong></p>
<p><em>Yes, in a way. It’s often called the Designer’s Paradox: There’s arguably already enough stuff in the world, but we keep coming up with more ideas of things to make and then making them. So we have to be as thoughtful and deliberate as possible in what we’re making.</em></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Was there a moment or message or experience you had that inspired you to change your lifestyle?</strong></p>
<p><em>I grew up in a very want-not-waste-not family and so I’m a reluctant consumer by nature. On the flipside of that, as I’ve built a career in product design and branding, I find that I enjoy buying and consuming a lot more. I appreciate the artistry and creativity in products and goods and want to support people by buying and using their creations. So I’m always kind of seesawing between these two impulses: reuse reuse reuse because that’s more responsible and buy buy buy because that’s more delightful.</em></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834749?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834749?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
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<p><strong>5 activities you do in your week in your commitment to the environment? </strong></p>
<ol>
<li><em>Opt for reusable containers rather than sandwich baggies, and cloth napkins instead of paper towels</em></li>
<li><em>Biking for transportation</em></li>
<li><em>Resuable shopping bags</em></li>
<li><em>Make food from scratch to minimize food packaging</em></li>
<li><em>No fast fashion ever! Either buy renewed/used clothing or investment pieces that will last a long time</em></li>
</ol>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Any major changes you’ve made in the last 5 years in your commitment to the environment? </strong></p>
<p><em>I buy more expensive clothing now that I know is made well and will last a long time. I used to be really cost conscious with clothing and didn’t want to spend a lot on it. Now I think of the adage “Beware of the high cost of saving money” every time I see inexpensive clothing. The amount of waste – and unsustainable human energy – to produce that low quality clothing is one of our biggest environmental hazards.</em></p>
<p><em>More recently, with my own company Po Campo, I’ve started the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://bit.ly/Quest4Sustainability" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quest for Sustainability</a></span> to document our journey to create a more sustainable line of bike bags. Our customers use our products for biking for transportation, and one of the reasons they choose to do that is because it’s good for the environment. It seems that our product should also be as good for the environment as possible. Each week I’m addressing a different aspect of what it means to be a sustainable brand. </em></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uFmfdtFBTro?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</em></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Advice to people just starting out? Where to begin?</strong></p>
<p><em>Replacing car trips that are less than two miles with bike trips! Especially if the trip is on side streets.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What words of encouragement would you give someone getting started? Or struggling to stay committed?</strong></p>
<p><em>Sometimes it can feel like the problem is so immense that there’s not much you can do that will make a meaningful difference. The truth is that every little thing makes at least a little bit of difference so you should take credit for what you do and just try and continue to do a little more of it.</em></p>
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</center>Help Celebrate The First Ever World Bicycle Daytag:thechainlink.org,2018-05-31:2211490:BlogPost:10976962018-05-31T22:53:15.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<tbody><tr><td><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834775?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834775?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590"></img></a></p>
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<p>World Bicycle Day is "<span>a global day officially recognized by the United Nations to </span><span>celebrate the power of bicycles".</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Rides and events are planned through out the United States and World Bicycle Relief (a Chicago-based organization) will be in New York to celebrate…</span></p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834775?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834775?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>World Bicycle Day is "<span>a global day officially recognized by the United Nations to </span><span>celebrate the power of bicycles".</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Rides and events are planned through out the United States and World Bicycle Relief (a Chicago-based organization) will be in New York to celebrate with the United Nations. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834864?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834864?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Here's a little more information from their press release:</span></p>
<p><em>Global nonprofit and social enterprise, <a href="https://milefortyfour.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=303015752d5ec740f86c7e6de&id=d1cac367cd&e=c6070e24e3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Bicycle Relief</a>, is joining the UN and the worldwide cycling community to celebrate the first-ever World Bicycle Day on <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Sunday, June 3, 2018</span></span>. This designated annual day will promote bicycle use around the world and for World Bicycle Relief, helps showcase the positive impact a bicycle can create in the life of a person whose only option is walking. The organization provides specially-designed Buffalo Bicycles for people in developing countries where distance is a barrier to things like education, healthcare and entrepreneurial opportunities. </em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>If you are looking for ways to be involved and learn more about Sunday's celebration, here is the full press release:</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://milefortyfour.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=303015752d5ec740f86c7e6de&id=5dd9eb7e68&e=c6070e24e3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://worldbicyclerelief.org/en/world-bicycle-day/</a> </span></p>
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<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835373?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835373?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
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</center>I Moved To A New City, Now What?tag:thechainlink.org,2017-11-05:2211490:BlogPost:10819942017-11-05T17:00:00.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<tbody><tr><td><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834678?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834678?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="690"></img></a></p>
<p>Having recently moved to Washington, D.C., I am quickly discovering not all bike cities are created equal. The flats of Chicago and the lakefront have been replaced with the hills of D.C. My flatlander legs are stubborn and I’ve begun looking closely at the feet of elevation on my Google maps when scoping a route. I…</p>
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<p>Having recently moved to Washington, D.C., I am quickly discovering not all bike cities are created equal. The flats of Chicago and the lakefront have been replaced with the hills of D.C. My flatlander legs are stubborn and I’ve begun looking closely at the feet of elevation on my Google maps when scoping a route. I haven’t yet done the ride in to work (Arlington, Virginia) partially because I feel I have a learning curve in how to approach cycling here.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So I put together a list of things I’m working on to help me with my transition to a new city. Have you done a switch? Chime in with your advice. It’s a little scary when you switch and the transition can be eased with new friends, pretty trails, and fun bike-related events.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834782?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="690" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834782?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="690" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Do they have something like The Chainlink?</b></p>
<p>D.C. has a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.washingtonareabikeforum.com/">bike forum</a></span> which covers D.C. as well as Arlington and Alexandria. Definitely worth connecting with area cyclists, reading their forum and when you are comfortable, posting a question or two. Forums like The Chainlink are a great way to learn more about the local bike shops, rides and events, and recommendations on great routes and trails.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you don’t have an equivalent, look out there to see if there are some Facebook groups and/or Meet Ups related to cycling to network with other area cyclists. Also, go check out your local bike shops, join a few rides, and meet new people in your area.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834913?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="690" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834913?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="690" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Google Maps Can Be Wrong</b></p>
<p>I’ve learned this the hard way a few times. Most recently, Google Maps told me being on Connecticut was a safe bet for a few miles (it wasn’t). It was the equivalent of riding on Ashland i.e. speeding traffic, no bike lanes, and little tolerance for sharing the road with cyclists. I had a close call in which an SUV swerved to the right without warning and nearly took me out. Luckily, my Chicago bike scream did translate and the SUV moved away when they heard me even if they didn’t seem to see me there.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If a street feels wrong, don’t stay on it. Stop, check your map, and see if you can find a safe alternative. I turned at my next chance and ran into a bike path parallel to Connecticut. On the way back home, I tried a route (Capital Crescent Trail) recommended by a friend. While it wasn’t flat (more like a false flat that climbed the whole way back up), it was beautiful, safe, and easy to use. I’ll suck it up to deal with some climbing if I’m on a more comfortable route.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Ask The Locals</b></p>
<p>Bike shops, new friends, colleagues that ride, Meet-ups, and an online forum are a great way to find guidance. Ask for helpful suggestions.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Figure Out Your Commute On The Weekend</b></p>
<p>The weekends are a great time for you to figure out the best way to ride to work. Most likely you'll see less traffic than a typical rush hour and you don't have to worry about being late to work if you get lost or want to explore more streets (and maybe a coffee shop or two).</p>
<p></p>
<p><b>Additional Resources</b></p>
<p>You don’t need to figure it all out yourself. Many times there are great resources like <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.railstotrails.org/">Rails to Trails</a></span> that will help you map out a full, fun day of riding.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.mapmyride.com/"><b>Map My Ride</b></a></span> is one of my favorite ways to figure out a day of riding because someone has done the ride and you can choose your options for mileage, location, and elevation. You can also figure out if there’s a popular route that people like to take.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.strava.com/"><b>Strava</b></a></span> has a similar tool with their Activity Search. You can search a city by keyword, sport, distance, time, and elevation gain. You can also choose the Ride Type.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I’ve loaded the routes on to my Garmin for turn-by-turn directions. You can also use your smart phone. I’ve used my phone with one earplug in my right ear to hear the turn-by-turn directions because I don’t have a phone mount on my bike.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Co-Ops & Local Bike-Related Non-Profits</b> - We have <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.westtownbikes.org/">West Town Bikes</a></span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://experimentalstation.org/blackstone/">Blackstone Bicycle Works</a></span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.workingbikes.org/">Working Bikes</a></span>, and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.bikesnroses.org/">Bikes N’ Roses</a></span> in Chicago. Other cities have similar, community-driven bike co-ops with useful classes, fun rides, and a sense of community. Get to know where your local organizations are. Not only is it a great way to meet people, it’s a great way to give back.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>REI</b> is another good place to visit if you want to talk with bike people. They have physical message boards in their stores, classes, and events that will help you get connected.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Cyclist Advocacy Organizations</b> - Is there a local <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://activetrans.org/">Active Transportation Alliance</a> equivalent</span> in your area? In D.C., we have the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.waba.org/">Washington Area Bicyclist Association</a></span>. If you can find a local bike advocacy organization, that’s a great way to connect to organized resources, learn the issues, and meet other at their events. Or maybe the equivalent of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://rideillinois.org/">Ride Illinois</a></span>? Wisconsin has <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://wisconsinbikefed.org/">Wisconsin Bike Fed</a></span> which is not only well connected through out the state, it’s also an excellent way to learn about local long rides like centuries. Become a member and show your local support.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834838?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="690" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834838?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="690" class="align-full"/></a><em>Managed to go spectate a local Cyclocross race: Lily Williams at DC CX </em></p>
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</center>Featured Event: One Day 100 Bikestag:thechainlink.org,2017-09-05:2211490:BlogPost:10750412017-09-05T20:30:00.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<tbody><tr><td><p>Most of us ride hundreds or thousands of miles each year. Commuting, road riding, cyclocross, crit-racing, off-road… You name it, we ride it. It’s easy take cycling for granite, as well as, the many transportation options we all enjoy. Imagine an environment with no options other than to walk.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We’re designating <i>One Day</i> to join the Chicago cycling community together, along with family and friends, to help provide…</p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p>Most of us ride hundreds or thousands of miles each year. Commuting, road riding, cyclocross, crit-racing, off-road… You name it, we ride it. It’s easy take cycling for granite, as well as, the many transportation options we all enjoy. Imagine an environment with no options other than to walk.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We’re designating <i>One Day</i> to join the Chicago cycling community together, along with family and friends, to help provide bicycles to students in rural Africa, where distance is a barrier.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834768?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834768?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p><b>One Day 100 Bikes</b> is a one-day festival of fun, fitness and fundraising to provide bicycles for students in rural Africa, supporting World Bicycle Relief (70% of those who receive bikes are girl students). <strong>Our goal this year is to raise enough for over 500 bikes, or $75,000</strong>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Come Join Us</strong> <br/> The event is on Saturday, September 23, in partnership with Fitness Formula Clubs and Specialized Bikes, includes Morning Group Rides, Celebrity Spin Challenge, Chicago Compu-Challenge, Yoga Classes and the One Day 100 Bikes Festival with cycling-related events, including bike clinics, contests, an Expo, along with music, food, drinks, exciting raffles, and a killer Silent Auction - all to benefit the work of World Bicycle Relief. <a href="http://www.oneday100bikes.com" target="_blank">www.oneday100bikes.com</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834777?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834777?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p>Take a quick look at the impact of the work of World Bicycle Relief in these two short videos: "<a href="https://vimeo.com/184879731/f25c358161">Mobilize Me" (:30)</a> and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cprCtdYUIqU&feature=youtu.be">Palabana" (:30)</a> ("Palabana" seen below).</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cprCtdYUIqU?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p><b><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835000?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835000?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></b></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3"><strong><a href="http://www.oneday100bikes.com" target="_blank">One Day 100 Bikes</a></strong></span></p>
<p>The "One Day" has a number of great activities throughout the day to choose from.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #003300;"><b>Morning Group Ride at 8 am</b></span></p>
<p>Join us and Johnny Sprockets, for a morning group ride, leaving out of their Lakeview East shop on N. Broadway at 8:00am. It’s a 42-mile (no drop) ride. Post-ride party provided by Colectivo Coffee. All riders get a raffle ticket with a chance to win cool prizes provided by Specialized and Johnny Sprockets.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>$40 donation</strong> includes the Morning Group Ride, and admission to the <a href="http://www.oneday100bikes.com" target="_blank">One Day 100 Bike Festival</a> with great raffle prizes, <span>a silent auction, bike clinics, music, food and drink, and more.</span><font color="#333333" face="Verdana, Geneva, Tahoma, sans-serif"><span> </span></font></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835324?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835324?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #003300;"><b>Celebrity Spin Challenge</b></span></p>
<p><strong>The Challenge:</strong> Have fun and spin hard with Chicago celebrities from media, sports, and entertainment led by FFC celebrity spin instructors.</p>
<p><strong>The Goal:</strong> 125 spin riders will raise enough for over 30 bicycles for 30 students in rural Africa!</p>
<p><strong>The Details:</strong> 3 different Spin Classes, 45 minutes each, start times beginning at 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. Sponsored by FFC, Specialized, Cliff Bar, and Body Amor Hydration.</p>
<p><strong>The Payoff:</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li>Rub elbows with Chicago celebrities</li>
<li>Raffle prizes provided by Specialized, FFC, and area restaurants</li>
<li>Knowing you are helping to contribute in providing bicycles to students where distance is a barrier to education</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>$40 Donation </strong>includes The Celebrity Spin Challenge, admission to the <a href="http://www.oneday100bikes.com" target="_blank">One Day 100 Bikes Festival</a> with great raffle prizes, a silent auction, bike clinics, music, food and drink, and more.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835377?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835377?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #003300;"><b>Chicago Compu-Challenge</b></span></p>
<p><strong>The Challenge:</strong> Compete against other Chicago area cyclists in Road Race Time Trials. Join dozens of cyclists - riding teams, race teams, bike shops - all cyclists welcome to compete.</p>
<p><strong>The Goal:</strong> 75 riders will raise enough for 20 bicycles for 20 students in rural Africa!</p>
<p><strong>The Details:</strong> 10K time trial distance (draft legal) with 4 start times from <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">2pm through 5:30pm</span></span>. Sponsored by SRAM, FFC, and Body Armor. </p>
<p><strong>The Payoff:</strong> Bragging rights. First place prizes for top women’s, men’s, and top team, provided by SRAM, and FFC. Raffle prizes provided by SRAM and FFC, NovaCare, and area restaurants. More importantly, you are helping to contribute in providing bicycles to students where distance is a barrier to education. </p>
<p><strong>$40 Donation</strong> includes the Chicago Compu-Challenge with admission to the <a href="http://www.oneday100bikes.com/" target="_blank">One Day 100 Bikes Festival</a> with great raffle prizes, a silent auction, bike clinics, music, food and drink, and more!</p>
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<p><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835450?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #003300;" class="font-size-3"><b>Yoga Class</b> <b>by Yogatones Health and Wellness</b></span></p>
<p>This great full body practice is designed for everyone, and with cyclists in mind.</p>
<p>A well-rounded practice that will leave you feeling present, stretched out and open. Relieve stress and tension in the neck, open the shoulders, the chest, the hips, the hamstrings, the feet.</p>
<p>For cyclists, this special yoga class focuses on flexibility, core strength, and balance. It can be a perfect cross-training workout for the avid cyclist. Learn how to alleviate muscle tightness from logging long hours in the saddle.</p>
<p><strong>$40 Donation</strong> includes Yoga by Yogatones, admission to the <a href="http://www.oneday100bikes.com" target="_blank">One Day 100 Bikes Festival</a> with great raffle prizes, a silent auction, bike clinics, music, food and drink, and more.<br/><br/></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835525?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835525?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #808080;">Instructor: Toni Scott, MSN, RN, Certified Yoga Teacher, </span></em><em><span style="color: #808080;">Founder of Yogatones </span></em></p>
<p><b><br/> <span style="color: #003300;">One Day 100 Bikes Festival ($40 donation)</span></b></p>
<p>The “Fun Part” of a day of fun and fundraising. Come join us for the <a href="http://www.oneday100bikes.com" target="_blank">One Day 100 Bikes Festival</a> with:</p>
<ul>
<li>Bike clinics</li>
<li>Fix-a-flat contest</li>
<li>Live music</li>
<li>Food and drinks</li>
<li>Beer provided by Odell Brewing</li>
<li>Bike services</li>
<li>Expo</li>
<li>Silent auction</li>
<li>Raffle prizes </li>
<li>Russian River wine challenge</li>
<li>Chats with ActiveTrans, Bike Lawyer Jim Freeman, and Chicago Family Bikes</li>
<li>Ride a Buffalo Bike</li>
</ul>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835533?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835533?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #003300;"><b>Why One Day 100 Bikes?</b></span></p>
<p>Our mission is to help provide bicycles to students in rural Africa, by supporting World Bicycle Relief. <b>World Bicycle Relief</b>, an international non-profit, based here in Chicago, mobilizes people through The Power of Bicycles. World Bicycle Relief is committed to helping people conquer the challenge of distance, achieve independence, and thrive. World Bicycle Relief builds and distributes specially- designed, locally-assembled, rugged bicycles to students, healthcare workers and entrepreneurs through study-to-own and work-to-own programs.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835613?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835613?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p><strong>The Bike</strong><br/> Buffalo Bicycles are durable, featuring steel alloy frames, forks and spokes and a rear carrier capacity rated to 250 lbs. Weighing 50 pounds, the heft of the steel frame is not a hindrance but evidence of the bicycle’s strength. WBR is committed to using high-quality, well-designed parts. This improves the bicycle’s functionality, reliability and strength, and keeps more Buffalo Bicycles on the road.</p>
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<p><b>Come Join us on Saturday, September 23<sup>rd</sup> </b> <a href="http://www.oneday100bikes.com"><b>www.oneday100bikes.com</b></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.oneday100bikes.com" target="_blank"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835618?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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</center>Featured Event: Bike Commuter Challengetag:thechainlink.org,2017-06-14:2211490:BlogPost:10604782017-06-14T13:30:00.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<p>By Yasmeen Schuller, <span style="color: #808080;">Photo by John Castro</span></p>
<p></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Tomorrow (Friday, June 16), Active Transportation Alliance kicks off</span> <span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.activetrans.org/bikeweek">Chicago Bike…</a></span></span></p>
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<p>By Yasmeen Schuller, <span style="color: #808080;">Photo by John Castro</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>Tomorrow (Friday, June 16), Active Transportation Alliance kicks off</span> <span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.activetrans.org/bikeweek">Chicago Bike Week</a></span> </span><span>and the</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://bikecommuterchallenge.org/">Bike Commuter Challenge</a></span> both presented by Freeman Kevenides Law Firm <span>with a</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/events/bike-week-rally">rally in Daley Plaza</a></span> <span>from 7:00-9:00am including tents with information and activities, entertainment, and giveaways. This year’s Chicago Bike Week and Commuter Challenge come with a full calendar of activities including pit stops, happy hours, contests, and lots of opportunities to win prizes. You can find a</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/profiles/blogs/bike-to-work-week-active-trans-commuter-challenge-events">calendar of events</a></span> <span>here on <em>The Chainlink</em> starting with tonight’s</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/events/wine-workshop-basic-maintenance">workshop at Tailwind Cycles</a></span> <span>on basic bike maintenance.</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834848?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834848?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>New for 2017</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>What’s new this year for the Bike Commuter Challenge? Active Trans has extended the challenge to two full weeks, from June 16-30. They’ve also brought back the team leader “<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://bikecommuterchallenge.org/page/team_leader_tool_kit" target="_blank">swag bags</a></span>.” Seasoned Bike Commuter Challenge rider and Studio Gang team leader John Castro is excited about this year’s extended dates. “I think it’s a great idea,” he said. ”We’ve been trying to get people to participate more than just once or to do more mileage, and the point system really encourages that, so thanks to Active Transportation Alliance for spreading the fun over two weeks!”</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>All-season bike commuter and Slalom Consulting team leader Anna Affias wishes the Bike Commuter Challenge could be year-round. She said, “The more time on the bike the better!” Anna’s favorite aspect of the challenge is “seeing all of the new faces on the bike paths and roads.”</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835004?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835004?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Photo by The Field Museum</p>
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<p><b>Advice For New Bike Commuters</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Most Bike Commuter Challenge team leaders are longtime commuters who encourage their coworkers to join them in commuting by bike to work. Team leaders have lots of great advice for people just starting out.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Ryan Stahlman, team leader for Perkins Eastman, said, “Take it slow and give it a try, maybe one day a week. Spring or fall is a good time to start when the weather is slightly cooler. Focus on finding a low-stress route, and go slow.”</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Anna Affias advised, “Go at your own pace. At the end of the day, bike commuting is, and always should be, adding joy and relaxation to your life. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. Ask questions, go with your gut, and have fun!”</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Carter O’Brien, team leader for The Field Museum added, “You'll love how you feel in the morning after riding a bike to work (*being able to shower at your workplace helps!).”</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-bbb82dc9-a723-17ab-2515-d7a6ccc33a5a"><span>John Castro advised riders to “check out the</span> <a href="http://chi.streetsblog.org/2017/05/31/the-mellow-chicago-bike-map-routes-recommended-by-members-of-the-chainlink/"><span>low-stress routes</span></a> <span><em>The Chainlink</em> and <em>Streetsblog Chicago</em> just published. Finding an easy and safe bike route to work is really important. Good bike lights for the front and rear (for both nighttime and daytime use) and a well-fitting bike helmet help increase your visibility at all times and keep you protected. Oh, and a bell too! This helps to keep pedestrians or other cyclists aware that you are approaching in a non-offensive manner. And one more thing: Take a look at the bike maps and guides on</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://chicagocompletestreets.org/">ChicagoCompleteStreets.org</a></span> <span>for riding etiquette and sharing the road.”</span></span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834962?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834962?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;">Photo by Anna Affias</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>What Makes The Bike Commuter Challenge So Fun?</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The Bike Commuter Challenge a great experience, partly because it brings seasoned commuters and first-time commuters together. Coworkers encourage one another, and the Challenge can turn newbies into regular bike commuters. One of John’s favorite memories involves “riding to work with a coworker who was bike commuting to the office for the first time. Since then, they have bike commuted multiple times a year outside of the Challenge.”</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Carter told us how the Bike Commuter Challenge has given him a chance to get to know people at work. He said, “It's always a great opportunity for us at the Field Museum to break down some silos, as we have a few group bike rides during the week and you get to meet people you don't directly work with (or work with often).”</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Like many team leaders, Ryan took his role to the next level by creating events at work to help others get ready to commute. “A month ago, I hosted a spring bike tune-up session in the office,” he said. “I hauled in my bike tools and offered to check up my coworkers’ bikes. Following that, I have had two sessions, one on bike locking techniques and one for changing flat tires that I hope will allay common fears.”</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835012?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835012?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;">Photo by Anna Affias</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Advice For Future Team Leaders</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>If you are thinking about starting a team at your workplace, do it! Sign up at</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://bikecommuterchallenge.org/">http://bikecommuterchallenge.org/</a></span> <span> The extended two-week challenge will help you build momentum with a new group. After the challenge is over, plan ahead for next year so you can continue to grow. Each of the team leaders I spoke with mentioned that they have learned the importance of preparing the team a few weeks in advance, and having help. Carter said, “The Field Museum is lucky to have so many staff who are former bike shop mechanics and/or who are</span> <span>extremely</span> <span>dedicated bike riders.” And don’t give up this year, but next year give yourself a longer lead time. “It takes a bit of time and effort to get a team together and inspired,” he said.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Friendly reminders can go a long way, according to Ryan. He noted, “For those who want to start their own team, I would recommend persistence. We get so much email over the course of a day that it can be difficult to get people to sign up for the challenge. I don’t want to bug my coworkers, but consistent reminders are necessary and appreciated.”</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>And don’t worry, if one year isn’t as successful as you’d hoped, keep at it. Anna recently changed companies and is building a new Bike Commuter Challenge team. “In the past, I've worked at much smaller companies and have been able to personally ask and encourage each employee to join the challenge,” she said. “ This year, I'm at a new, much larger company, so it's been a bit of a challenge spreading the word and getting people excited. That said, we're a very active bunch, and I'm hopeful we'll be able to get a handful of people on board this year. It might take a couple of years to fully spread the word, but I'm going to keep trying! Advice for others starting a team would be: just do it! There's no harm in starting a team! You can't really fail at this challenge and you never know who you're going to meet or who you're going to inspire!”</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834942?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834942?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;">Photo by Anna Affias</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Hopes for Chicago’s Bike Infrastructure</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>I also asked these seasoned bike commuters about what they hope to see in improvements that would help all bike commuters in the city. They mentioned:</span> <span><br class="kix-line-break"/><br class="kix-line-break"/></span></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><span>More bike lanes (protected bike lanes when possible), of course!</span></p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><span>More connections between the friendlier bike streets</span></p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><span>Bike/pedestrian bridges like the flyover</span></p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><span>Add a bike/pedestrian bridge over the Chicago River</span></p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><span>More cycling events in the city</span></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-bb4d8b7a-a725-0007-78b4-f3eb7ed83feb"><span>They also expressed gratitude for what Active Transportation Alliance continues to do for biking in Chicago. John said, “I just wanted to give a shout out to the Active Transportation Alliance, <em>The Chainlink</em>, and the entire Chicago cycling community for making Chicago a pretty awesome place to ride bikes!”</span></span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835284?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835284?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;">Photo by John Castro</span></p>
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</center>New Bike Shop: Chicago Bicycle Company Northtag:thechainlink.org,2017-06-08:2211490:BlogPost:10596152017-06-08T15:30:00.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<p>By Yasmeen Schuller</p>
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<p>If you bike in Chicago you probably know Denis Smith. He’s owned several bicycle stores in the city since 1998. Denis and his former classmate at Cornell College, Elizabeth Georgescu opened a bike shop in North Center just in time for bike season, adding a second location to their…</p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834721?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834721?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>By Yasmeen Schuller</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you bike in Chicago you probably know Denis Smith. He’s owned several bicycle stores in the city since 1998. Denis and his former classmate at Cornell College, Elizabeth Georgescu opened a bike shop in North Center just in time for bike season, adding a second location to their other bike shop in Printers Row. You can <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.chicagobicyclecompany.com/about/chicago-bicycle-co.-history-pg108.htm" target="_blank">read more about their “BFF” story</a></span> on the shop’s website.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Of course, living less than a mile away from the shop, I had to check it out before it opened and Denis was kind enough to give me a tour. I was immediately drawn to the welcoming design and size of the space as well as fun, colorful bikes and gear. They have lots of options for the whole family including bikes for all ages, baskets, accessories and helmets.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834841?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834841?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p>When I asked them about the concept of the new store, they explained Chicago Bicycle Company has a wide audience including “sport fitness, casual riders, and fashion-oriented riders looking for the modern take on the traditional retro bike.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>They have a lot of mountain bikers stop in to gear up before heading out to Palos or Kettle. Being a family-friendly shop, quite a few families visit the store to buy kids bikes and baby seats. Chicago Bicycle Company is a Trek dealer so they offer Trek and Electra bikes. You can also buy Bianchi bikes at their Printer’s Row location. In the near future, both shops will have a selection of single speed/urban bikes.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835152?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835152?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p>In addition to the bikes, Chicago Bicycle Company also has a wide variety of gear and accessories, “Bontrager accessories and components is our number one go to on anything from lights to helmets. We also carry staple brands such as Continental, Cat Eye, Kryptonite among many other of the usual suspects found in most bike shops. Our Chicago Bicycle Company branded t-shirts, sweatshirts and stickers are doing very well and will keep expanding into different products, as we have an artist on board.”</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835260?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835260?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p>As you walk through the shop, check out the accessories, including fun bells and helmet designs. The other items you won’t want to miss? The baskets. They have a great selection of baskets to cover everything from a trip to the farmer’s market to a bike commute to work to a picnic ride to the park.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>What do you like about North Center?</b></p>
<p><i>The best thing about North Center is the people that live there. We have been so touched by the warm welcomes we have received from other shops and the people and families in the neighborhood. So many have stopped in just to say congratulations – we can hear it from the customers that shopping local and supporting small businesses is important to this awesome community.</i></p>
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<p><b>What can you tell us about the other store location?</b></p>
<p><i>Printers Row - We see professional messenger, sport enthusiast, and casual riders from the South Loop area. We get a good deal of repair from the Loop area, people working on a bicycle in need of immediate service. PR has an “open kitchen” style of service area. Also a tourist destination. Lots of shipping and receiving, assembling and packing of bicycles coming and going from all corners of the world. We supported Team Canada Triathlon team members when the World Tri Championship was here. Sport Fitness, commuter style, fixed gear and traditional style step through, mixte bikes are popular.</i></p>
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<p><i><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835426?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835426?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></i></p>
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<p><b>Any advice for families looking to get out and ride more this summer?</b></p>
<p><i>Do a bit of planning ahead, maybe bring a picnic basket, create a unique adventure and have a destination in mind. Create a tradition with your family, picking one day during the week when you plan a special ride and make it your routine. </i></p>
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<p><b>What are your favorite places to ride in Chicago?</b></p>
<p><b>Denis:</b> <i>Heading south on LaSalle at about Adams. Serious Gotham effect, you know you’re in a big city. Reminds me of being a messenger a million years ago.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Elizabeth:</b> <i>I have been working on planning this Art Tour Loop around our South Loop store because of the number of significant works in that area. Within Millennium Park you have the “Cloud Gate” aka, The Bean. Head to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and see Frank Gehry’s ”Billowing Steel Ribbons”. Get off your bike and splash about at Jaume Plensa’s “Crown Fountain”. Within a few blocks, at Chase Tower Place, 10 S. Dearborn, enjoy the color in Marc Chagall’s “Four Seasons” mosaic wall. Further up Dearborn, spot - Henry Moore’s “Large Upright Internal/External Form”. At 69 W Washington St, you can catch “Miro’s Chicago” and right around the corner, you have “The Picasso” at Daley Plaza. From there head to 100 W. Randolph Street, where you can get up close to the “Monument with Standing Beast” by Jean Dubuffet.</i></p>
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<p><i><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835554?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835554?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></i></p>
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<p><b>Any upcoming events in the works?</b></p>
<p><i>We are planning to coordinate a Family Ice Cream Social Ride because every other person that walks into the shop brings a little cutie along.</i></p>
<p></p>
<p>Check out their new location on Lincoln Avenue or visit the Printers Row location on Dearborn.</p>
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<p><b>Chicago Bicycle Company-North Center</b></p>
<p>3914 N. Lincoln Avenue</p>
<p>Chicago, IL 60613</p>
<p>(773) 857-0596</p>
<p>Hours: M-F 11 am – 7 pm, Saturdays & Sundays 11 am – 5 pm</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Facebook North Center: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoBicycle/">https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoBicycle/</a></p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.chicagobicyclecompany.com/">http://www.chicagobicyclecompany.com/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Chicago Bicycle Company-Printers Row</b></p>
<p>728 S. Dearborn Street</p>
<p>Chicago, IL 60605</p>
<p>(312) 588-1050</p>
<p>Hours: M-F 11 am – 7 pm, Saturdays & Sundays 11 am – 5 pm</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Facebook Printers Row: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoBicycleCompany/">https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoBicycleCompany/</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835543?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835543?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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</center>Featured Ride: CowaLUNGa Charity Bike Tourtag:thechainlink.org,2017-05-24:2211490:BlogPost:10570662017-05-24T23:30:00.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<p>By Yasmeen Schuller</p>
<p></p>
<p>The quality of our air can affect us in so many ways and is important for a healthy environment, active lifestyle, and maintaining good health. The CowaLUNGa Charity Bike Tour is in its 21<sup>st</sup> year and has grown to address the larger issues related to clean air, healthy…</p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834861?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834861?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>By Yasmeen Schuller</p>
<p></p>
<p>The quality of our air can affect us in so many ways and is important for a healthy environment, active lifestyle, and maintaining good health. The CowaLUNGa Charity Bike Tour is in its 21<sup>st</sup> year and has grown to address the larger issues related to clean air, healthy lungs, smoking cessation, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. Your CowaLUNGa pedal power can help fuel Respiratory Health Association (RHA) and their efforts for cleaner air and healthy lungs. Clean air is personal - whether you know someone trying to quit smoking or you have first-hand experience with asthma or you worry about air pollution. As cyclists, we appreciate the importance of the air we breath every time we leave our homes to go for a bike ride.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>The Ride</b></p>
<p>There are so many rides to participate in this year and CowaLUNGa is definitely up there as one of the great rides for all levels of ability. Families and newer riders can start out with the 18-mile fun ride while avid riders can take on over 190 miles with one, two, or three day riding options. While enjoying the scenery and rolling hills of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, riders can enjoy time with friends and family while helping the RHA achieve their vision of healthy lungs and clean air for everyone. Not a bad way to spend a weekend!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><i>"I am a veteran rider of the CowaLUNGa Charity Bike Tour. It is a very well-run event that benefits a great cause. This ride has the nicest volunteers and participants!"</i></b> <b><i> </i></b><b><i>- Debbie, Tinley Park, IL</i></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you’ve done self-supported long rides, you will appreciate the organization that goes into a supported long ride like this because they’ve done all the route and meal planning for you. You can focus on the bike ride and not worry about finding your next meal or which route to take. The bike tour starts at Gurnee Mills Shopping Mall with registration and pre-ride snacks. Breakfast and dinner are all provided for the riders including vegetarian options. During the day, there are two rest stops and they have some great recommendations for a nice, relaxed lunch to break up your day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you want to make a weekend of it, the two and three day tours provide lodging. The first night accommodations consist of rustic indoor cabins and the second night’s stay is in dorms at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. If you prefer to rough it and sleep outside, you can always bring your own tent and they’ll transport it to your nightly destination.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835030?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835030?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p><b>Clean Air & Impact of Our Environment</b></p>
<p>Todd Fraley, a Health Law and Policy Analyst for RHA, also participates in the Cowalunga Charity Bike Tour. When asked how the ride and Respiratory Health Association affect his life, Todd said, <b>“</b>We’ve achieved a number of really incredible lung health policy wins. To sum up how Respiratory Health Association has impacted my life: I’m passionate about the work I do and I love working with the people here.”</p>
<p><b> </b><b> </b></p>
<p>Clean air is not an easy task. A lot of work needs to be done to help make our air clean and safe for everyone. A few of RHA’s recent successes include:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Reduced air pollution from coal-fired power plants in Illinois. RHA’s efforts have <b>set the stage for reduction of thousands of tons of air pollutants each year</b>.</li>
<li><b>Passage of the Future Energy Jobs bill in Illinois</b> for, “greater use of renewable energy in Illinois and further reductions in air pollution from other energy sources.”</li>
<li>Successes like these are critical to <b>reducing thousands of air-quality related asthma attacks</b>.</li>
<li>RHA continues to develop resources concerning the health effects of climate change. The Cowalunga Charity Bike Tour will contribute to their future efforts to <b>educate people on the impact of climate change</b> and how we can work together to address the environmental impact.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><b>The Battle Against Tobacco</b></p>
<p>Todd Fraley shares RHA’s accomplishments in the battle against tobacco:</p>
<p><i>Tobacco is the single most preventable cause of death and disease. We’ve made a ton of great strides over the last decade<b>. </b></i></p>
<ul>
<li><i>In 1999, nearly 1/3 of Chicago high schoolers smoked cigarettes; today, the Chicago high school smoking rate is below 10%. <b>Thousands of premature deaths have been prevented and billions will be saved from long term health care costs. </b></i></li>
<li><i>Unfortunately, the work is not done. It is a constantly evolving industry and prevention funding is on the chopping block. <b>The tobacco industry spends $275 million in marketing in Illinois alone compared to the state’s tobacco control budget, which is usually around $10 million. </b></i></li>
<li><i>While we’ve seen massive declines in youth cigarette use over the last decade, we’ve seen increases over the past several years in products like hookah and flavored little cigars. </i></li>
<li><i>Among many of the things we do at RHA is work to implement evidence-based youth tobacco prevention policies across the state, as well as increase access to cessation programs for adults who want to quit. </i></li>
</ul>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835225?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835225?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p><b>Fighting Asthma</b></p>
<p>Jeremy and Stephanie Wilson are parents of a young daughter with asthma. When their daughter, Lauren was admitted to the hospital at six months old, she spent eleven days in the NICU on a ventilator due to illness and severe asthma. Lauren is their motivation to participate in the ride:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Lauren has inspired us to do this ride because she is growing into a happy and healthy 7-year-old now and she wants to help more people understand what asthma is and how it can be managed if you have it. Our participation in this event helps to draw attention to the RHA and raise money for their efforts to help with lung-related health issues. Lauren plans to ride in her Wee-hoo trailer for the 18 mile ride this year. </i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><b>What do Stephanie and Jeremy think about the CowaLUNGa Charity Bike Tour?</b></p>
<p><i>Great experience. Highly supported ride with very friendly volunteers and great times. We ride with Team Tardy, a team that has been riding in the CowaLUNGa since its inception. We recently joined the team and enjoy having others on our team to support and have in our corner. Stephanie has even gotten co-workers to join in for the shorter rides. </i></p>
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<img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835276?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/><br/>
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<p><b>What is RHA doing to address asthma?</b></p>
<ul>
<li>RHA delivers asthma management education through their Fight Asthma Now ® program to <b>1,700+ Chicago area schoolchildren every year</b>. They’ve also <b>trained 2,300 school personnel and caregivers</b> through their Asthma Management program.</li>
<li>Respiratory Health Association and its partners <b>secured passage of the Illinois “Asthma Emergency Response Protocol” bill</b>, requiring schools to prepare staff to address asthma emergencies.</li>
<li>RHA worked with Illinois Department of Public Health and the State Board of Education to implement the new law by <b>developing and delivering training to more than 500 school staff statewide</b>.</li>
</ul>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835422?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835422?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a> </p>
<p><b>It’s Personal</b></p>
<p>Whether fighting for clean air, quitting smoking, or supporting a child with asthma, CowaLUNGa means a lot to many cyclists. As a “Lung Health Champion,” Jason Pyrz has been raising more than $1,000 every year and he rides to honor his grandmother, “Aside from making friends both inside and outside of the organization, the RHA has given me a way to honor my grandmother’s memory – my grandmother died from lung cancer when I was only fourteen.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Jason will be participating in his seventh ride this year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Jason’s advice to first-time riders?</b></p>
<p><i>Do it! Even if you’ve never put more than 20-30 miles on your bike at one time, you can do this ride. The rest stops and lunch options are spaced roughly every 15-20 miles along each day’s route, so you have plenty breaks if you want to take them. This was the first ride I ever signed up for that was longer than the Bike The Drive or LATE Ride routes – if you can do those, you can do this. And remember, even if there’s a hill on the route that might seem insurmountable, there’s no shame in hopping off and walking up.</i></p>
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<p><i><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835603?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835603?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></i></p>
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<p>Considering participating in the CowaLUNGa Charity Bike Tour for the first time? First-time riders that <b>sign up by June 15 can save 50% off registration</b>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>CowaLUNGA Charity Bike Tour takes place July 29 through July 31, 2017</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><b>Want to know more? Check this out:</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>CowaLUNGa Charity Bike Tour event on The Chainlink <a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/events/cowalunga-charity-bike-tour-2017">http://www.thechainlink.org/events/cowalunga-charity-bike-tour-2017</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Visit the lungchicago.org website to learn more about the ride</p>
<p><a href="http://www.lungchicago.org/cowalunga/">http://www.lungchicago.org/cowalunga/</a></p>
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</center>2017 Chicagoland Tour de Curetag:thechainlink.org,2017-05-03:2211490:BlogPost:10531292017-05-03T17:00:00.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<p>Here's the <a href="https://www.thechainlink.org/profiles/blogs/2018-chicagoland-tour-de-cure" target="_self">2018 Chicagoland Tour de Cure ride information</a>!</p>
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<p>The…</p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834615?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834615?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p>Here's the <a href="https://www.thechainlink.org/profiles/blogs/2018-chicagoland-tour-de-cure" target="_self">2018 Chicagoland Tour de Cure ride information</a>!</p>
<p></p>
<p>The <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.diabetes.org/chicagotour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicagoland Tour de Cure</a></span></strong> is the American Diabetes Association’s signature cycling event for riders of all age levels and abilities—with five, SAG supported routes ranging from a 10 mile family ride along the Illinois Prairie Path, to a 100 mile century through the scenic roads of Kane and DuPage County. Rest stops are fully stocked with food, fuel and fans to support riders along the way. A post-ride music festival welcomes riders as they cross the finish line for a fun-filled afternoon with delicious food options, sponsor giveaways, live entertainment, family activities and more!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This year’s <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://chitour.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicagoland Tour de Cure</a></strong></span> will take place on <strong>Sunday, June 11</strong> at <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://riveredgeaurora.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RiverEdge Park</a></span> in Aurora, Illinois, a beautiful 30-acre concert venue, pier and river walk. Participants are required to pay a $30 registration fee and fundraise a minimum of $250 in support of the American Diabetes Association. The Association offers personalized webpages, customizable fundraising kits, and plenty of resources to help every rider reach their minimum. With a $1 million event goal, funds raised will bring together partners of all kinds—from community institutions to local leaders to researchers and health care providers—<strong>to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes<i>.</i></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Staggering Statistics</b></p>
<p>29 million adults and children in the United States have diabetes—nearly 10 percent of the population. An additional 86 million adults have prediabetes, a condition likely to lead to diabetes if not addressed. What’s more, diabetes disproportionately affects certain ethnic minorities and vulnerable populations such as the elderly and underserved. Events like Tour de Cure bring the diabetes community together to push the needle on conquering this epidemic, once and for all.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834676?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834676?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p><b>Red Riders</b></p>
<p>Red Riders are participants living with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes. They showcase the courage it takes to live with this difficult disease every day, and they’re the people we celebrate the day of the ride! “GO RED RIDER!” chants and jerseys fill the air, and a sense of support and camaraderie is felt by everyone who attends.</p>
<p>Christine Quinn and her son, JoJo, first rode in the Tour de Cure in 2015, just over a year after JoJo’s initial diagnosis. “JoJo was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on May 24, 2014 at just 9 years old. I watched my only child mature before my eyes over the next few days, becoming an inspiration to us all and revealing the fighter inside him. When the diabetes educator introduced him to his meter and supplies and asked him who he wanted to practice on, he simply replied, “myself.” After all, he would be the one doing so, multiple times each and every day. My heart was broken for my little boy who had to grow up overnight. As a parent, I don’t think you ever stop worrying; this is compounded when you have a child with type 1 diabetes. I felt alone and sought support. A quick search led me to the American Diabetes Association’s Chicagoland Tour de Cure. I decided this event was going to serve as a stepping stone to getting involved in the diabetes community,” said Quinn.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“At times, JoJo was embarrassed to check his BG in public and he made sure he received his insulin dosage as discreetly as possible; having diabetes made him feel as though he was different. The Tour de Cure changed that for him. To become part of an event in which <i>he</i> was celebrated was overwhelming to watch. He blossomed with every “GO RED RIDER” shout out!”</p>
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<p><a width="690" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834761?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834761?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p><b>Create or Join a Team</b></p>
<p>The Chicagoland Tour de Cure is open to everyone! Riders can register as individuals or create a team with family, friends, co-workers or fellow cyclists. Leading a team comes with its perks, too. With a new and improved <a href="http://tour.diabetes.org/ws/docs/TC_Guide.pdf">Team Captain Guide</a>, all it takes is the willingness to reach out to those you know and you can become one of the American Diabetes Association’s most valuable leaders.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you’re looking to join an existing team instead, David Gibbs, long-time Tour de Cure rider and volunteer, invites <i>everyone</i> to join <a href="http://teamred.chitour.org">Team RED Chicago</a>! “Team RED is a social team consisting of Red Riders, their friends, family, and anyone else who wants to be part of a team. Through the team’s private email forum, we help each other with fundraising ideas, discuss cycling topics, and organize group rides. As team captain, I act as a mentor, supporter, and cheerleader for team members. One thing that I enjoy doing is creating internal competitions, by posting a weekly <i>State of the Peloton</i> message to our mailing list; I list who's leading in fundraising using cycling terms (breakaway, chase group, etc.),” said Gibbs. Over the years, David and his co-captain, Carlos Gravis, have grown Team RED Chicago to become the #1 Team Red in the nation, and more importantly, they’ve brought together a community of riders who will surely share a lifelong bond.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834806?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834806?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p><b>Routes for Everyone</b></p>
<p>An organized ride can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first. Fortunately, the Chicagoland Tour de Cure offers routes for beginners, families, occasional riders, even experienced cyclists. Online training guides, organized group rides, and most importantly, the encouragement you feel along each route makes these 10, 20, 40, 65 and 100 mile route options an absolute breeze!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mitur Sakoda, avid cyclist and routes guru, knows first-hand how each mile can be conquered: “My first century was in the 2014 Chicagoland Tour de Cure. I was a bit over a year into life after having a gastric bypass, no more diabetes medication, and finding out I had an endurance athlete hiding under the nearly 100lbs I lost. These days, I can comfortably ride a century pretty much any time I feel like it; my new Tour de Cure challenge is riding it with my 11 year old son. Last year we rode the 20 mile route, and I was overjoyed when we crossed the finish line together. This year, we are going for the 40 mile route (that I happened to design as part of my duties on the planning committee). It's a cool feeling to be riding MY route with my son! We'll soon start working on finding the right pace, and making sure he has the right muscles trained to handle the distance. That means riding together. What could be better?”</p>
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<p><b><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834831?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834831?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></b></p>
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<p><b>Corporate Support</b></p>
<p>Corporate teams and sponsors join riders in supporting the American Diabetes Association’s mission, and truly help deepen diabetes research, accelerate advocacy efforts, improve health care standards and provide vital programming to all people affected by diabetes. In return, companies receive heightened brand exposure and the opportunity to engage clients and employees in a one-of-a-kind networking event. One of the ride’s perennial top fundraising corporate teams—and Signature Sponsor—is the law firm <a href="https://www.mcguirewoods.com/">McGuireWoods</a>. George Spatz, a partner at the firm, was diagnosed with diabetes in his 40’s. “McGuireWoods’ sponsorship of the Tour de Cure makes me proud to be a partner,” Spatz said. “I think it is important for organizations to recognize their role in supporting their communities. As a team captain, it’s great to see the energy and excitement that coming together to support the Association generates. It is amazing as I talk to people, how many have been touched by diabetes themselves or through someone they love or care about. It makes you feel good to know that your organization is part of the response to a disease that touches so many people, especially in the workplace.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834879?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834879?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p><b>Volunteers</b></p>
<p>The Chicagoland Tour de Cure wouldn’t be possible without the hundreds of volunteers and dedicated Planning Committee, working year-round to make this ride one to remember. The committee is the backbone of this event, and they’ve helped shape an incredible community of support.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Committee member Lori Brinker shares, “Being a part of the Chicagoland Tour de Cure has been life-changing for me. Five years ago, I rode in the Tour de Cure with and to support my daughter who has type 2 diabetes, and in honor of my son and other family and friends living with this difficult disease every day. I had no idea the positive impact that day would have on my life. I joined the Planning Committee the next year and have been an active member since. I’m involved in many areas of planning and this year, as Registration Chair and Vice Co-Chair with my daughter and son-in-law, to prepare our chairing of the Planning Committee in 2018. I can’t begin to describe the amazing, talented, loving and supportive ‘family’ the Planning Committee has truly become. Each with their own unique story as to how diabetes has and is affecting their lives and the incredible talents they bring to the planning of this wonderful event. Each of those stories has bound our Planning Committee with supportive friendships making us an unstoppable team. On event day there are so many smiles and so much appreciation it makes every minute we spend planning and working as hard as we do, so very worth it!” </p>
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</center>Bike Safety: Get Lit!tag:thechainlink.org,2017-04-13:2211490:BlogPost:10500052017-04-13T05:00:00.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<tbody><tr><td><p class="BodyA"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834634?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834634?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590"></img></a></strong></p>
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<p class="BodyA"><strong>Get Lit - Front and Tail Lights</strong></p>
<p class="BodyA">Next to a helmet, lights are the alpha and the omega for safe riding. I always have a front and rear blinky with me, no matter when and where I ride - better safe than sorry! As I…</p>
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<p class="BodyA"><strong>Get Lit - Front and Tail Lights</strong></p>
<p class="BodyA">Next to a helmet, lights are the alpha and the omega for safe riding. I always have a front and rear blinky with me, no matter when and where I ride - better safe than sorry! As I sue my bike both for commuting and racing, I have alight that’ll get me home when I’m not in well-lit city environments. The planet bike <a href="http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3056.html" target="_blank">Touch 800</a> is a light operated by simple swipe of the finger and has amber side lights for 240 degrees of visibility. It features 5 modes, so you are equipped for all occasions: 800 lm (high), 420 lm (medium), 220 lm (low), Courtesy™ (150-240 lm) and Superflash™ (550lm). Depending on the mode, the run times vary between just over 2 hours to 40 hours. The light has a low battery light that reminds you to recharge, which is easy to do via USB. One of the advantages I enjoy is that it uses a Flex Mount™ mount, so it can be easily swapped between bikes and adjusted without any tools. (Don’t forget to take your light off when you lock it up, because it also makes it easy to steal!).</p>
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<p class="BodyA"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834925?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834925?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p class="BodyA">As for my tail light, I use Planet Bike’s <a href="http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3034_4.html" target="_blank">SupeFlashUSB</a>. The three-in-one light features 1/2 Watt Power LED and 2 eXtreme LEDs for visibility up to 1 mile and features both super flash mode as well as a less intense “courtesy” mode. The light has a 36 hours runtime from a 2-4 hour charge, and also comes with a lighting pattern indicative of low battery.</p>
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<p class="BodyA"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834958?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834958?profile=original" width="567" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p class="BodyA">An addition to your traditional front-tail light show is the bottle blinky. It is a pretty new (to me) way to add to visibility to your ride, and works especially well for commuters who don’t necessarily need two bottle cages on the bike. The <a href="http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3061.html" target="_blank">bottle blinky</a> can be attached to your frame instead of a cage, and adds more side/all around visibility to your commute.</p>
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<p class="BodyA"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835008?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835008?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p class="BodyA"><strong>Reflect & Protect - Stickers</strong></p>
<p class="BodyA">And because I really like visibility, most of my bike and gear is equipped with <a href="https://rydesafe.com/" target="_blank">RydeSafe reflective stickers</a>. RydeSafe designed their decals to keep cyclists safe at night, because they believe in the bike as a transportation and leisure choice. The stickers are made of engineering-grade “conspicuity film” that contains microscopic glass spheres, which reflect light back to its source. So no matter what direction the light is coming from, the stickers reflect it right back to the source. A few on the spokes, a few on the frame, and some on my helmet and I’m hi-vized up! On training rides, I usually also wear a reflective <a href="http://www.amphipod.com/products/visibility/vizletvizlet-led-wearable-reflectors" target="_blank">Smiley LED Vizlet from AmphiPod,</a> just because it makes a sprint easier on the person behind me :)</p>
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<p class="BodyA"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834948?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834948?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p class="BodyA"><em> </em></p>
<p class="BodyA"><strong>Be Smart - The LUMOS Helmet</strong></p>
<p class="BodyA">If you’re as forgetful as I am, the <a href="https://lumoshelmet.co/" target="_blank">LUMOS</a> is a real game changer that has won several awards for design and innovation. The LUMOS is not only a full protective helmet, it also integrates both front and rear lights. And what makes this wonderful piece of gear even better is that it allows you to visually communicate with fellow cyclists and drivers around you. After switching on the power button at the back of the helmet, the 60 built in LEDs add predictability on your ride because you can easily signal your turns via the wireless, handlebar mounted remote. The LUMOS has a small LED on each side of the helmet shell that can be seen by the rider, so you are always aware which signal you’re using, if any. Furthermore, the LEDs automatically detect slowing down via the built in accelerometer and indicate it with a brake light to traffic behind you.</p>
<p class="BodyA"> </p>
<p class="BodyA"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835073?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835073?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p class="BodyA"> </p>
<p class="BodyA">The LUMOS comes in black and white and is water resistant. Both the helmet and the handlebar remote can easily be recharged via USB. A charge usually lasts me a week of commuting, or roughly 6 hours. The only downsize to the LUMOS is that it comes in ONESIZE, and as my head is on the smaller side of things, it is a little big for me - but that also means that it accommodates wearing a thick hat during my winter commutes! If you need another testimonial, check out what Bill Nye Science Guy had to say about the LUMOS on their <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/819484536/lumos-a-next-generation-bicycle-helmet/posts/1312883" target="_blank">kickstarter</a> page as well as the founder’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D81EUQbwEow&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">full tour of the helmet</a>.</p>
<p class="BodyA"></p>
<p class="BodyA"><em><strong><a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/page/2017-chainlink-ambassador-jasmin-welter" target="_blank">Jasmin Welter</a> </strong>is a dedicated commuter and competitive cyclist and triathlete, riding her mostly pink bikes around Chicagoland year-round. Jasmin is an Ambassador for The Chainlink and is involved with several other initiatives and brands to get more women on bikes. Jasmin writes regularly about new products, women cycling, commuting and more. Follow her on Instagram: @tri.heart and @princess_layup.</em></p>
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<p class="BodyA"></p>Race Report: Barry-Roubaix "Killer Gravel Road Race"tag:thechainlink.org,2017-04-06:2211490:BlogPost:10485272017-04-06T14:30:00.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<p><em><span style="color: #808080;">Photo by Rob Meendering Photography</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #808080;">This "Killer" race lived up to its name with cold rainy and road conditions described as "peanut butter" or "oatmeal". Leah Barry and Zach Schneider, both racing for The Chainlink, race Barry-Roubaix for the first time and report back on what it's like to race in some of the worst…</span></em></p>
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<p><em><span style="color: #808080;">Photo by Rob Meendering Photography</span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #808080;">This "Killer" race lived up to its name with cold rainy and road conditions described as "peanut butter" or "oatmeal". Leah Barry and Zach Schneider, both racing for The Chainlink, race Barry-Roubaix for the first time and report back on what it's like to race in some of the worst conditions.</span></em></p>
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<p><em><span style="color: #808080;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834724?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834724?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></span></em></p>
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<p><strong>Zach Schneider</strong></p>
<p>If I had to describe this weekend in a single word, it would be EPIC. On Friday, we were all packed up and ready to trek over to Michigan. Once we arrived in Hastings and picked up our packets, we checked in to the hotel and jumped on our bikes for a quick evening ride. The weather was so beautiful we had to get on our bikes and take advantage of the gorgeous day.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834740?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834740?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #808080;">Photo by Zach Schneider</span></em></p>
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<p>The morning of race day, I was all ready to go in full kit, waterproof boots, gloves, glasses, and pockets full of fuel to get me across the finish line. I pulled out with the first wave, riding my single gear. The weather was working with us for the first 10 miles and then the rain started to come down. This was my first long distance race and one of the hardest things I have done in my lifetime thus far. It was hard not just physically but mentally as well. My race horse that day is my All City Nature Boy Disc with my 18t/38t gearing, which is high but I was hoping to compensate for the hills and be forced to set a pace. As the rain began coming down, I can feel the water coming through my helmet and all the way down my boots. I tried to focus on one thing and one thing only - finishing every mile of this race. </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834797?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834797?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #808080;">Photo by SnowyMountain Photography</span></em></p>
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<p>As I continue going up and down each hill and see the miles adding up on my Garmin the more confident I feel that I am going to do this. Suddenly I hear a scratching sound with my brakes and it apparently, I got some gravel stuck rubbing on my brake pads. Once the sound stops I realized my brakes are no longer operational as I am reaching Sager Rd, going 30+ mph on the descent. I am getting closer to fellow cyclist and I can’t get by them on their left so I try to sneak by on the right. That is when I realized I made a huge mistake. The trail disappeared as I flew over my handlebars and into the side of the muddy ditch. I shake it off, get my bearings in order, and jump back on my bike. </p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834751?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834751?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #808080;">Photo by SnowyMountain Photography</span></em></p>
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<p>I learned something at Barry-Roubaix, something very important and something I don’t want to ever want to experience again and that’s leg cramps. I stopped off at the water station on Mullen Road to refill my bottles and the longer I waited to get back on the road, the faster the cramps began to creep up my legs. The leg cramps were so intense I couldn’t even stand up, let alone pedal. When I arrived at Head Lake Road and Wilkins Road I realized, my legs wouldn’t shut up and I needed to make a decision - I needed to decide if I want to finish or throw in the towel. I had 26 miles completed and if I turn left I will be back at the finish in 10 miles and if I go right I will have to suffer through an additional 46 miles. I hadn’t had to DNF (Did Not Finish) so this would be my first time. I made the left turn and continued while I kept blocking out the pain in my legs. I knew I made the right decision even though I didn’t want to believe it. As the finish line comes into view, I pedal faster. After I crossed the finish line, I found someone to drive me to the hotel so I could change into dry clothes. My friend, Bryan drove me to the hotel and I was uncontrollably shaking the entire time. Changing and stretching out my legs left me feeling so much better so we decided to head back to the race and cheer for everyone else as they were finishing. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Lessons learned: </p>
<ul>
<li>Bring dry clothes even if the hotel is only a mile away</li>
<li>Communicate with cyclists when near and before passing them</li>
<li>Know when to drink water and eat</li>
<li>Remember you paid for this!</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Leah Barry</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race is an annual event held in Hastings, MI. The race is divided into 22, 36 and 62 mile courses, and covers the rolling, pastoral scenery of Barry County. Initially, I had signed up for the 62 mile course, but opted to switch to 36 with about two weeks before the race, thinking that I had a better chance at doing well at a lesser distance. Living in Chicago, flattest of flat, I felt relatively untested against hills, and I am super glad I made the decision to switch. </span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834834?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834834?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em><span style="color: #808080;">The calm before the storm - a team ride in Hastings before the big day, Photo by Jeremy Bloyd-Pleshkin</span></em></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Friday afternoon we arrived in Hastings. We picked up our packets at Ace Hardware, the volunteers were very organized and it went quickly, checked into the hotel and got ready for a little ride. The weather was beautiful, 70 and sunny, we donned our shorts and headed out for a spin in the last of the afternoon sun. I felt fairly confident on this ride, my tires were rolling quickly, I attacked the few hills we encountered, and I thought “oh! Maybe tomorrow won’t be SO bad, what was I scared of?”</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Turns out, I had the weather to be afraid of! Overnight, an enormous storm system rolled in, temperatures plummeted into the high 30’s, the roads became sandy peanut butter, and there was no sign that this rainy, wet, weather was going to let up any time during the course of my race. I donned my warmest layers: a thermal baselayer, thermal bibs, shoe covers, thermal jersey, plastic gloves inside my full finger gloves and goggles to protect my glasses from the mud. The team rolled into town to get ready for staging, it was exciting to see the variety of cyclists and bikes lining up for the race, mountain bikes, fat bikes, CX bikes, and even a couple of Bullits rolled forward with each passing wave. I was set to roll out with wave 13, so I bunched in with the women in my category and watched the clock, at 10:33 we blasted out; shift, shift, shift, I was flying at 20+ mph on the pavement out of the gate.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Oh, but then the peanut butter, those sandy, rutted, roads. Right off the bat we encountered the “Three Sisters”, I took these first three hills with ease, and continued pedaling furiously. Around mile 9, climbing another unnamed hill (for each named hill in this race, there are about 30 unnamed hills), I felt the familiar knotting feeling of a cramp developing in my calf, and the steady scraping of sand in my brake pads rubbing my rotors. I dismounted my bike, took some big gulps of my Skratch apple cinnamon, chewed a couple sandy Clif blocks and futilely flushed out my brake calipers. </span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Just keep spinning, just keep spinning, already by mile 15 I am approaching sogginess. My merino socks helped keep my feet warm despite the persistent wetness sneaking past my shoe covers, and a pair of plastic gloves inside my regular gloves helped keep the moisture at bay for a bit, but already by this point my bike sounded like it was weeping at me to take care of it. Each stomp on the pedals lent a horrifying “chunk, chunk, chunk, chunk” noise that I began counting in my head as I stomped in my biggest ring up the hills. I rolled along past several people I recognized from around town, and everyone had words of encouragement for each cyclist powering through the rain and mud. I paused momentarily at the top of a hill to grab a drink and chew more sandy Clif blocks, and pedaled onward.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835432?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835432?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em><span style="color: #808080;">Ascending the “Three Sisters”, Photo by Karen Brower Photography</span></em></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>At around mile 21, I began an extended descent, flying down the dirt at a healthy pace until I encountered the aid station at mile 23, and this is where the constant throwing-up-in-my-mouth begins. Rolling out of the aid station, I was having a difficult time digesting the Clif blocks and fluids I had been forcing, and began regurgitating about every couple of miles, it was unpleasant to say the least, but if I stopped force feeding myself, I would have developed terrible cramps! Rock, meet hard place, I pushed onward, and then I saw the sign for “THE KILLER”.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>I dismounted my bike almost as soon as I reached the incline, by this point in the race, my bike was so full of dirt it was becoming difficult to keep the cranks turning, I’d initially entered the race with ambitious goals, but at this point I wanted to simply finish. I pushed my bike up the incline and chatted with a girl in my category racing out of Cleveland, relishing in our shared misery. The skies opened up and a torrential downpour began as we dragged our bikes over the crest of the long ascent. Ok, 25 miles in, 11 to go, and I’m over the biggest climb of the race.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>I was having a difficult time digesting my gels for the last ten miles, and kept throwing up in my mouth; I may have been over-eating in an effort to avoid cramps, and would probably opt for more electrolyte drinks and less things to eat if I did it again. By this point I was counting down the miles, trying to avoid the temptation to see how far I’d gone every 30 seconds, the cold and wet had penetrated through every layer and water sloshed in my shoes. I pulled my soggy self up the crest of a hill around mile 31, and my chain jumped off due to the sheer volume of sand and small rocks caught on my drivetrain; I paused to fix it and standing still realized how truly cold I was. Shivering, I remounted, I’d come this far and there was no way I was going to give up now, the wait for SAG would have been longer than the remainder of the course, and standing around feeling defeated wouldn’t help anything. Chunk, chunk, chunk, chunk, my sad sandy chain and gritty, scraping brake pads provided the requiem for the last five miles of this brutal race.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>At about mile 33 we rounded a corner and there was SWEET, SWEET PAVEMENT! I saw a sign that said “3 to go” and tried to pick up the pace, but my bike just wasn’t having it and I struggled to attain any kind of real sprint. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted another Chainlink kit, it was Jeremy, already finishing the full 62 mile race! We rolled for a minute or two, and then he took off like a rocket chasing one of the men in his category, the single speed men’s 62. </span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>One to go, my Garmin is alerting me to LOW BATTERY, I pedaled as hard as my bike would carry me, and descended into the final sprint into town. Rounding the corner to the finish line, I heard “GO LEAH!” from my parents and my friend Meredith, who drove two hours, and stood in the cold rain for equally as long just to watch me finish. Shout out to my parents for constantly blowing me away with their capacity to love and support me in whatever I do! I was delirious, began shivering violently, they wrapped me in towels and my friend Meredith gave me a ride back to the hotel. I’ve never been so thankful for a hot shower before in my life, and enjoyed a well earned beer and delicious meal at the Walldorf Brewpub in downtown Hastings after cleaning up. </span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Am I glad I did it? Yes, I am super proud of simply finishing in a brutal race that 2,989 people registered for, 2,207 started, and only 1,912 finished their registered course lengths. Initially I felt disappointed in my performance, but simply finishing the race, given the conditions was an accomplishment in itself. In the future I would overpack a bit to give myself more warm layers to choose from on race day, and I would definitely pack a waterproof jacket. I felt much more optimistic after deep cleaning and relubricating my bike, I got my chain replaced and am unafraid of any weather condition the day throws at me, anything is possible after that crazy race! In any other conditions, I would definitely do Barry-Roubaix again.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835702?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835702?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em><span style="color: #808080;">The Aftermath, Photo by Leah Barry</span></em></p>
<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-74563166-4398-e660-5718-8a127fc77533"><br/> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835700?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835700?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #808080;">Most of The Chainlink team happy and together in Michigan the night before the race</span></em></p>
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<p></p>New Local Bike Shop: Tailwind Cycles in Albany Parktag:thechainlink.org,2017-04-06:2211490:BlogPost:10486222017-04-06T06:30:00.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<p></p>
<p>By Yasmeen Schuller</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you ever shopped at Iron Cycles in Albany Park, you probably met Steven Blum and Ben Fietz. Their friendly, helpful reputation is well-known in the cycling community and the neighborhood for bikes, bike repairs, and bike fit. After the Iron Cycles location on Montrose…</p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834919?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834919?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>By Yasmeen Schuller</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you ever shopped at Iron Cycles in Albany Park, you probably met Steven Blum and Ben Fietz. Their friendly, helpful reputation is well-known in the cycling community and the neighborhood for bikes, bike repairs, and bike fit. After the Iron Cycles location on Montrose closed in December, 2013, Ben went on to support a professional race team as well as work for companies like SRAM and Niner, and Steven became the service manager at BFF Bikes. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Which brings us to some pretty great news for Albany Park - Ben and Steven recently returned to the neighborhood and opened Tailwind Cycles just a few doors down from the former Iron Cycles space. I bought my road bike from them five years ago and I have fond memories of stopping in to visit Steven and Ben on my commutes home. </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834998?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834998?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Ben and Steven are taking a new approach to the neighborhood bike shop. Not only are they introducing affordable options to help people get on bikes with their new, around-town <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.reidbikes.com/" target="_blank">Reid Bikes</a></span> (starting at $330), they are focusing on service. Their “agnostic” approach to service provides high-quality maintenance to all levels of bikes. They welcome everyone to bring everything, from vintage bikes to high-end and custom builds to their shop. </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835086?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835086?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p>If you bought a bike online, they can put it together for you. As Steven notes, Tailwind doesn’t care what bike you have – they want to help make the bike safe and “provide great-quality work to help you stay on the road.” </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835220?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835220?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Recently, Tailwind ran a “bike wash” special for everyone that raced in the Barry-Roubaix road race. Great timing with the race weekend’s rainy conditions leaving many bikes coated with crunchy mud and gravel. When you stop into the shop, check out their huge bike bath.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835238?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835238?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>If you have a garage full of bikes that need tune-ups, their mobile service might be your best option. Similar to getting a haircut, you can use Tailwind's online booking system to choose a date, time, and type of service. They’ll come out to you Monday through Friday to service your bike(s) at your home. There’s an additional $45 mobile fee per trip added to the cost of the repair or maintenance. If you only have one bike that needs a tune-up, your best option will probably be a quick ride to the shop on Montrose but if you have a fleet of bikes that need some TLC, mobile maintenance might be the best way to go.</p>
<p></p>
<p>In addition to helping you maintain your bikes, they also provide bike fitting. Whether you are in the market for a new bike or want to dial-in your existing bike, they’ll measure you and adjust the bike with the correct set up to optimize your rides. Why have a bike fit? If you ride regularly, race bikes, or plan to tackle some long rides (century rides, bike camping trips, or brevets), a bike that fits can make those rides a comfortable and pleasant experience. If you regularly experience knee or back pain while riding, a bike fit appointment may uncover a solution.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>What will the shop carry?</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>In addition to the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.reidbikes.com/" target="_blank">Australian Reid Bikes</a></span>, affordable around-town 7-speed step-through bikes equipped with racks, fenders, a kickstand and bell ($330-360), if you’d like a little more zip, Tailwind will also be carrying the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://fairdalebikes.com/" target="_blank">Fairdale</a></span> commuter ($850) and cyclocross ($1,199) bikes with SRAM Apex that come out of Austin, Texas. </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835371?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835371?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p></p>
<p>They also offer fully-customizable <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.vandesselcycles.com/" target="_blank">Van Dessel</a></span> bikes. They’ll have two demo bikes in the shop – WTF (steel) and ADD (aluminum with carbon fork). You can buy many options starting with a frame and fork to a complete build and Van Dessel offers multiple groupset options for Shimano and SRAM. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Down the road, Steven and Ben plan to carry mountain bikes as well. You can also always order Surly, Soma, and All-City from Tailwind, but they don’t plan to stock demo models at the store.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835397?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835397?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p>Tailwind Cycles also carries a smaller selection of highly recommended accessories including Abus locks and WTB (Wilderness Trail Designs) saddles. They carry WTB demo saddles so you can test the different models.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835561?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835561?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>We’re happy to see Ben and Steven return to Albany Park with Tailwind Cycles. The neighborhood needs a good, local shop and they are just the guys to do it!</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>The Chainlink is working with Tailwind Cycles for a Wine & Workshop Series:</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/events/wine-workshop-fix-a-flat" target="_blank">Wine & Workshop: Fix a Flat</a></strong><br/> April 20, 2017 from 7pm to 8:30pm</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/events/wine-workshop-shifting" target="_blank">Wine & Workshop: Shifting</a></strong><br/> May 18, 2017 from 7pm to 8:30pm</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/events/wine-workshop-basic-maintenance" target="_blank">Wine & Workshop: Basic Maintenance</a></strong><br/> June 15, 2017 from 7pm to 8:30pm</p>
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<p><strong>Tailwind Cycles</strong></p>
<p>3140 W Montrose<br/> Chicago, IL 60618<br/> <br/> (773) 654-3419</p>
<p><strong>Hours</strong>: M-F 11am - 7pm, Saturday 10am - 5pm, Closed on Sundays</p>
<p><strong>Facebook</strong>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tailwindcycles/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/tailwindcycles/</a></p>
<p><strong>Website</strong>: <a href="http://tailwindchicago.com/" target="_blank">http://tailwindchicago.com/</a></p>
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</center>Group Rides 101tag:thechainlink.org,2017-03-30:2211490:BlogPost:10480582017-03-30T15:30:00.000ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
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<tbody><tr><td><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834657?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834657?profile=original" width="590"></img></a></p>
<p>By Yasmeen Schuller with input from The Chainlink Team and Ambassadors</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thinking of joining a group ride or just want a refresher on group ride etiquette and safety? Group rides are a great way to improve your fitness and speed as well as make new friends. If you are training for a century, a bike…</p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834657?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834657?profile=original" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>By Yasmeen Schuller with input from The Chainlink Team and Ambassadors</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thinking of joining a group ride or just want a refresher on group ride etiquette and safety? Group rides are a great way to improve your fitness and speed as well as make new friends. If you are training for a century, a bike camping trip or would like to start racing, this is a great way to help you prepare.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The Chainlink will be hosting two weekly open group rides starting this spring. There are also a number of team and club rides in the Chicago area so you will have plenty of options for nearly every day of the week. Here's a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/page/2017-group-training-rides-in-the-chicago-area" target="_self">Chicago area group ride resource</a></span> and we'll be adding many of the rides to the calendar soon. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Be Prepared</b></p>
<p>Here’s a checklist for what you need to go on the group ride:</p>
<ol>
<li>Helmet</li>
<li>Check tire pressure, following recommended PSI.</li>
<li>Lube chain as needed</li>
<li>Flat kit – pump/CO2, tire levers, 1-2 extra tubes, patch kit, multi-tool</li>
<li>Bike computer (optional) – a great way to track your rides</li>
<li>Mobile phone</li>
<li>Cash (comes in handy for muffins, coffee, snacks, tire boots, and post-ride drinks)</li>
<li>Water bottles – 1-2 depending on the length of the ride.</li>
<li>Energy – Avoid bonking and throw a gel or two or energy bar in your pocket.</li>
<li>Have a cue sheet or the route programmed into your Garmin, especially if it's a "drop" ride. </li>
<li>Don’t be late – always better to show up a little early and meet your fellow riders</li>
<li>If the ride is at night, remember to bring your front and rear lights!</li>
<li>Leave your ear buds or headphones at home.</li>
<li>Leave your aero bars at home too. Not safe on a group ride.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p><b><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834621?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834621?profile=original" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></b></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;">Photo Courtesy of Shawn Conley</span></p>
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<p><b>Know About The Ride</b></p>
<p>Do you know the pace? If it’s faster than your normal pace, have a backup plan or know their route in case you get dropped from the group.</p>
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<p>Is it a “no drop” ride? The group will help if you struggle to keep pace or have a flat. If you are just starting out, you’ll probably want to find a group ride that is “no drop” with a slower pace to help you adjust to riding with a group.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834674?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834674?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;">Photo by Yasmeen Schuller</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Group Etiquette</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Know and follow the laws</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Like most rides, The Chainlink group ride won’t blow stoplights or break the laws. We will follow the rules of the road.</li>
<li>Take the Ride Illinois Bike Safety Quiz to see how well you know the laws. <a href="http://www.bicycling.com/training/bike-skills/group-dynamics" target="_blank">http://www.bikesafetyquiz.com/</a></li>
</ul>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834766?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834766?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;">Photo by Zach Schneider</span></p>
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<p><b>Communicate<br/></b> Be alert to your surroundings, using call-outs and hand gestures to warn fellow riders</p>
<ul>
<li>If you aren't as familiar with the hand gestures and call-outs, follow the lead of the group, repeating what people are saying and doing.</li>
<li>Turns e.g. "right" "left" usually with hand signals.</li>
<li>Slowing down "slowing", speeding up, stopping "stopping". If you tap your brakes, call it. Also, "rolling" if the light changes and the group is riding through the intersection. People will also communicate an all clear with "clear" and add "rolling".</li>
<li>Don’t coast in a paceline.</li>
<li>Learn the hand signals and use them when you ride in groups.</li>
<li>Pot holes, potential dangers and obstructions on the roads (you'll usually hear "hole" or "glass" and the person will point at it) </li>
<li>Call out mechanicals/flats so the rest of the group knows you need to stop.</li>
<li>Warn of glass, gravel, and holes (tends to be a literal call out like "glass" while pointing to the location)</li>
<li>Cars – “Car up” “Car back” “Car left/right”</li>
<li>If there are sprint points during a ride, communicate clearly before it begins so that people that are new to the group ride will be prepared.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Hold Your Line – Keep You And Others Safe and Crash-Free</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Maintain pace</li>
<li>Avoid swerving or unexpected moves</li>
<li>Ride a line parallel with the edge of the road</li>
<li>Don’t make abrupt changes or turns</li>
<li>Keep your hands on the handlebars – sure, you’ll need to reach for a water bottle or snack on occasion but when riding, keep focused and connected</li>
<li>Avoid changes in speed, avoid braking except when it’s time to stop. Sit up or move out of the line into the wind to subtly slow yourself down and make sure to communicate your intentions before you do</li>
<li>Don’t overlap wheels (your front wheel to a fellow rider’s back wheel)</li>
<li>Don’t look back (this can cause you to inadvertently swerve your bike)</li>
<li>Look up at the rider ahead (not down at their wheel)</li>
<li>Watch for hand signals a few riders ahead – you may not have enough time to react to the rider directly in front of you. Don’t get fixated on what’s directly in front of you, pay attention to peripheral vision and everything around you</li>
</ul>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834784?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72834784?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;">Photo by Yasmeen Schuller</span> </p>
<p></p>
<p>Here's a video reviewing Group Ride Basics by BikeRadar:</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WL3RmtAlVM0?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p><b>Once You Return Home</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Change out of your kit and take a shower right away</li>
<li>Wash your kit (recommended to hang it dry)</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Take this quiz on “Group Dynamics” at Bicycling Magazine</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bicycling.com/training/bike-skills/group-dynamics" target="_blank">http://www.bicycling.com/training/bike-skills/group-dynamics</a></p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/page/2017-group-training-rides-in-the-chicago-area" target="_self">Chicago Area Group Ride Schedule</a><br/></strong></span></p>
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