It's been an up and down Fall for the city of brotherly love. Our beloved Phillies had another season to remember, and while we didn't take home the game's biggest prize, it was another record setting, pennant-winning year. The Eagles are holding tough in the NFC's and look great whenever they put it together, lets hope theyt take back the division lead in a couple weeks. On the flip side, the doomsday budget was averted, but only thanks to a higher sales tax. The SEPTA strike came to a close, finally, but now the dreaded double-length buses are regularly taking liberties with the lane lines--perhaps making your bike-commute or evening rides a bit more challenging. Plus, November means less light, more rain, and colder temperatures, making getting around the city a bit of a hassle.

That is, unless you're properly equipped to deal with the elements. First off, we'd like to announce the continuation of our BIKE THE STRIKE SALE. For a limited time only, we're offering several Fuji bikes at 20% off or more. Here are the deals

Palisade 2.0 Regular Retail $430  Septa Sale $300
Crosstown 2.0 Regular Retail $470 Septa Sale $350
Odessa 1.0 Regular Retail $340 Septa Sale $275
Odessa 2.0 Regular Retail $310 Septa Sale $250

It takes more than a bike to make a ride tolerable in November though. That's why  we rush-ordered a huge shipment of Louis Garneau cold-weather clothes. We're lining the shelves now with gloves, hats, booties, wool socks, arm warmers, leg warmers, base layers, rain capes, jackets--everything you could possibly need. Plus we've got loads of front and bags, on-bike racks, and fenders to keep those stylish clothes for soiling. And if you don't see the style or brand you want on our shelves, you can always order whatever you'd desire.

Speaking of desires, the Giant Trinity Advanced, the world's fastest bike, is set to arrive this month. Whether your plan is to win the Philly Tri this year or you just dig sexy bikes, you simply must come in and take a gander. Or perhaps more--to ride it is to love it, and to love it just may mean you have to make it your own. And at Breakaway, you well know we like nothing better than our customer's total satisfaction.

Aside from seeing A-Rod get plunked 3 times in the World Series (life is about little victories, if nothing else), do you know what I find particularly satisfying? My earth-friendly commute's being subsidized by Washington.  If you're in the same boat, then check out the good news: On January 1st 2009, qualified transportation fringe benefits [Section 132(f)] expanded to allow up to $20.00 per month that bicycle commuters can have subsidized by their employer in addition to their salary. The employer does not have to pay taxes on the funds provided to the employee for purposes of bicycle commuting to work. This equates to $240 a year that bicyclists can spend on everything from new or used bicycles, to accessories such as lights and helmets, to the monthly cost of a bicycle storage unit, saving them a good chunk of change on these yearly expenses associated with getting to work. So if you're a commuter, come have a shopping spree at Breakaway. At Breakaway, we'll gladly accept valid Commuter Checks for Bicycling, hassle free.

You can put that extra dough into two other great service we offer at Breakaway. 

First, our Winter RPM program, register now because we are offering and early reg discounted through December 15th.  Classes kick off the first week of January. 

Secondly, we are now booking for our annual  Breakaway Spring Training Camp in Girona, Spain.  This is our 5th year of the camp, and is a perfect culminating activity for the Winter RPM class. 

Did you know Breakaway has a Blog? Though new, it's still sure to be a one-stop source for training advice, store news, bike business news, interesting and unusual  videos, and philosophical meditations on the zen like state achieved by professional time trialists. OK, perhaps not the last one (though the TT position does sort of resemble a person prostrate in prayer), but regardless it's sure to be a good read.

Lastly, we think everyone should know that none of our RPM classes are completely full, so if you're curious about RPM, you are welcome to try out a single 1-hour class for just $15. We're convinced you'll come back for more, especially now that we have brand new MultiRider 2009 software, making the RPM experience even more enjoyable. Now you can ride real courses with real video, making the experience just like the real thing. This will be especially enjoyed by participants in the upcoming Triathlon specific RPM sessions, where Breakaway Tri Team coach Tyler Bauer will soon be doing 2 hour weekend RPM sessions on select triathlon courses in the surrounding area on the computrainers. Wouldn't you like to be able to preview your A-race from the comfort of your own city? We thought so.

For more Breakaway information, be sure to check out our website, Breakawaybikes.com, and, as always, thanks for your support and helping make us the #1 bike shop and training center in Philadelphia! Breakaway Bikes: We care for your equipment and your health.