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Syracuse Research Corporation encourages its employees to ride during lunch by providing bike storage and showers, as Amy Heuber, Dave Wholers, and Ken Hinman try to do on a regular basis. |
Did you know that May is National Bike Month? It seems perfectly fitting to designate this month as a time to encourage everyone to dust off their bicycles after a long winter and get outside and ride with their family, friends, even co-workers. The growth of cycling in Central New York for both recreation and competition has exploded over the past few years. Everywhere you look you'll see cyclists riding to work, training for an upcoming triathlon, or just enjoying a leisurely ride with their kids. And we think that's just great. Our goal at Syracuse Bicycle is to not just sell bikes, but sell a passion for cycling and the benefits you'll gain by spending time on your bicycle. The Syracuse New Times feature story last week brought attention to some of the improvements we've seen here in Syracuse to become a more bicycle-friendly place. Some roadways have been reconfigured to create bike routes and the City of Syracuse installed bike racks throughout downtown, but significant challenges remain. You can read the entire article here and perhaps think about what your part might be to promote cycling culture in our city - whether it's choosing to commute by bike, or just driving more cautiously around cyclists on our roadways.
For our own part, we are committed to helping people get out on their bikes! As the official bicycle store for the upcoming Syracuse Ironman 70.3, we took part in the official press conference last week at the Inner Harbor announcing this exciting event coming to town in September. The race already has over 1500 participants registered, and 1200 of those are actually going to be coming from out of town, bringing a significant economic benefit for our city in terms of money spent by the visiting athletes on hotel stays and dining out. And last Saturday we were excited to be part of Cycle in City, a family friendly cycling event put together by the Onondaga County Health department to draw attention to the bikeability of our city. Over fifty riders rode either a 5- or 10-mile route through the streets of downtown. Director of recreation and public programs for Onondaga County Parks and member of the Cycle in the City committee Jon Cooley noted that "the ultimate goal is not to close roads but to use the paved surfaces to ride your bike. This small program...will be a statement that we're making the city a walkable, rideable place." We agree 100% and we challenge all of our customers to take part in National Bike to Work Day this Friday, May 21st. Read below for Brian's Top 10 Tips for overcoming bike commuting excuses, or better yet, just come see us. We're happy to help you figure out your best route to work or explain some of the gear we carry to make your commute comfortable and safe.
Syracuse Bicycle staff members Steve Terpening, co-owner Paul Komanecky, staff members Brad Crosby and Tyler Andre |
Happy Riding,
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The 4th annual Race for Hope returns to beautiful Borodino, NY at 8:30 AM on Sunday, May 30th. This scenic 24-mile timed bicycle race starts and finishes at the intersection of East Lake Road (Route 41) and Rose Hill Road, seven miles south of Skaneateles (39x23 gear suggested). Register early for reduced rate of $30 online now until 5 PM on May 28th at www.SkanRaces.com or www.active.com. Parking and check-in will be at Midlakes Club Golf Course, Bockes Road. Race day registration is 7:30-8:00 AM, $35 by cash or check. The race course offers rolling hills and vista views above Skaneateles Lake. Performance t-shirts are guaranteed for the first 100 registrants. All registrants will receive water bottles, Livestrong bracelets, and bib numbers. Race is open to ages 15 and older.
An event for cyclists of all ages, a free four mile fun ride will start after the racers. Fun riders younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult on bicycle. Registration for the fun ride is race day at Midlakes. Helmets are mandatory for all racers and riders. Racers and riders younger than 18 require parental registration.
The Race for Hope seeks to help find a cure for cancer. This race began inspired by Dick Shaffer, a Borodino resident and triathlete, who passed away from cancer in 2006. His "never give up" spirit lives in encouraging wellness and finding a cure for cancer. Helping children with cancer, all race proceeds will support research at the Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. Additional donations are welcome. |

Our next WOMEN ON WHEELS beginner cycling ride will take place on Thursday, May 20th, at 6:00pm. We will meet at the Nice and Easy Gas Station at the corner of Rt. 92 and Enders Road in Manlius. Our lesson for this week is the basics of gear shifting! This ride is for beginner women cyclists who want to gain more confidence riding on roads.
We will ride approximately 13 miles. It is a "no-drop" ride, which means that I will plan on staying at the back of the ride to make sure the last person makes it back safely. Other riders are welcome to ride ahead if desired and I will provide ride maps. Please email if you plan on attending: trish@syracusebicycle.com
WOMEN ON WHEELS also offers rides on Saturday mornings! This ride that will target slightly more experienced female riders who may be training for one of the local tris in the area, want to get into bike racing, or just fit women who are looking for a group to ride with. There is no ride this Saturday, May 22nd due to the Tour de Syracuse. Next Saturday ride is on May 29th at 9am at Beaver Lake Nature Center. |
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Closed out of the YMCA Green Lakes Triathlon or Irongirl??
Want to practice those transitions before the big Ironman 70.3 Syracuse?
Announcing the OWASCOMAN TRIATHLON
Saturday, July 03, 2010 @ 7:30 AM
Emerson Park - Island Park on Owasco lake Corner of East Lake Rd and White Bridge Road
Limited to the first 400 competitors, the Owascoman triathlon promises to draw some of the area's finest athletes as well as provide an opportunity for the beginning triathlete to "get their feet wet" and experience the excitement of this multi-sport event! Registration fee $85. Registration will open soon on www.active.com! |
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May 20th, Basic Bicycle Repair Class, 6:00-7:00pm. Pay $20 and receive a Gift Card to use in the store after class.
May 20th, Women on Wheels Ride, 6:00-7:30pm, Nice and Easy Gas Station, Rt. 92 and Enders Road. RSVP to trish@syracusebicycle.com
May 27th, Women on Wheels Ride, 11:00am-12:30pm. Erie Canal Parking Lot, Manlius Center Road, Corner of Rts. 290 and 257. RSVP to trish@syracusebicycle.com
May 27th, Basic Bicycle Repair Class, 6:00-7:00pm. Pay $20 and receive a Gift Card to use in the store after class. RSVP to trish@syracusebicycle.com
May 29th, Women On Wheels Saturday Ride, 9am, for the slightly more experienced female cyclist. Beaver Lake Nature Center.
June 3, Basic Bicycle Repair Class, 6:00-7:00pm. Pay $20 and receive a Gift Card to use in the store after class. RSVP to trish@syracusebicycle.com
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May is National Bike Month and the perfect time to get out and ride with your family, co-workers, or friends. As part of the month long celebration of going by bike, Friday, May 21st is designated as National Bike to Work Day. So let's run through the top ten excuses we hear why people don't commute by bike and give you some suggestions on how to overcome them!
1. The roads aren't safe. Wear bright clothing, obey traffic signs, ride on the right side of the road, and choose your route carefully. Always wear a helmet! Statistically speaking you are at no greater risk than driving your car.
2. No showers. Most bicycle commuters ride at an easy pace to stay cool and dry, then ride home at a faster pace if they want a workout. Baby wipes also are a great substitute for a shower!
3. I have to dress up. Keep multiple sets of clothing at work so you can change when you get there. Rotate them on days that you do drive.
4. It takes too long. The average bicycle commuter travels as 10mph; the more you ride, the faster you'll become. Trips of five to seven miles in urban areas may take the same time or even less by bike than by car.
5. I'm out of shape. Ride at an easy pace and in a few months you will be in great shape!
6. It's too far. Try riding to work and then taking the bus home or vice versa. Or ride to a co-workers house and carpool to work.
7. I have to run errands. Add a rack to the back of your bike to add carrying capacity and make sure you have a lock to secure your bike while you are in a building.
8. It's raining. Fenders for your bike and raingear for your body will keep you dry! If you are at work and it starts to pour, take the bus or carpool home; then ride home the following day.
9. No bike parking. Check for a storage area near your office, stash your bike in your office, or better yet formally request that your employer provide secure bike parking.
10. My bike sucks. Bring it to us! We can service your bike and make sure it is in good working order. Still riding that vintage 1980s ten speed? Check out our great selection of new bikes! |
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Cazenovia College and CBA High School Swim Coach Bill Houser is offering a 8-session Triathlon Swimming Clinic beginning the first week of June. This program is designed to prepare you for the swim portion of a triathlon and includes before and after individualized video stroke analysis and swim testing. Bill will give both individual and group instruction and feedback. The program is offered at two different locations:
Cazenovia College, Thursdays, 5:30-6:45pm, June 3, 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 29; August 12.
Le Moyne College, Sundays, Beginners 9-10:30am, Intermediate 10:30-12:00pm. June 6, 20, 27; July 11, 25; August 8, 22; September 12.
Cost is $200 or $30/class for either location.
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Gazella Performance & Wellness Studio
Announces
Gazella Triathlon Training Program
Gazella Performance & Training Studio located in Skaneateles is offering a Training Program geared toward September triathlons in Upstate New York: the Skinnyman Triathlon (9/4), Ironman 70.3 Syracuse (9/19) and Finger Lakes Triathlon (9/19). The program wil be based out of Skaneateles and will run from Monday, June 7th to your race day. The cost is $250 and includes:
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Detailed training plan;
- Three coached group training sessions per week with three different time options including early morning, mid-morning, or evening on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Saturdays;
- Monday evening workshops includings open water swims, bike skills and basic maintenance, transitions set up and practice, equipment consultation and review of the race course;
- Gazella triathlon top;
- Discounts at Syracuse Bicycle
Program led by Reem Jishi, Gazella co-owner and USA Certified Triathlon Coach and assisted by Eric Prager, USA Certified Triathlon Coach and exercise physiologist; Dick Searing, Ironman triathete and former Moms in Motion coach; and Debbie Bobbet, Gazella co-owner and exercise physiologist/nutrition specialist.
Registration closes May 31, 2010. Space is limited to 15 people per time slot. Contact Reem Jishi at 729-8645 or reem@gazella-studio.com
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Training Program Begins Week of May 17th
Limited Spaces Available - Sign Up Now
Syracuse Bicycle and Endurance Factor, a professional endurance sports coaching company, are excited to offer a group training program geared toward the Syracuse Ironman 70.3 Triathlon. This 18-week training program will give you the fundamental skills you will need to successfully complete this race and will provide a supportive group atmosphere to ensure that you have fun along the way! Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced training plans will be available. USA Triathlon certified coaches Doug Bush and Trish Dugan will lead participants and offer:
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*Detailed 18-week training program;
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*Group workouts on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings;
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*Instructional clinics on swimming, biking, and running skills, heart rate training, transitions, race day nutrition, and basic equipment needs;
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*Membership in the Central New York Triathlon Club;
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*Exclusive shopping events at Syracuse Bicycle;
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*Monthly social gatherings;
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*Access to online forum for training tips and questions;
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*Online training log to quickly and easily track your progress.
Participant cost is $199 for the entire 18-week program.
***Does NOT include race entry fee***
pril 15th, from 7:30-8:30pm. |
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