Wishing all your days are Merry and Bright, this holiday season and always!

Unique handmade items, perfect for holiday gifts were showcased at the 3^rd Ward Craft Fair held in Brooklyn this past weekend.   Besides the creative crafts featured, the fair also featured live music by Mikea Pauley, and the arrival of the “Jello Shot Girl”.  The lively event was truly terrific, and I’m already looking forward to attending again next year!

After leaving the fair, I sadly passed this ghost bike which  memorialized one of the 3^rd  Ward’s young artists, Mathieu Lefevre.  He was hit and killed by a truck two months ago, just about two blocks away from the event. As of this date, no charges were filed against the driver who left the scene.  http://gothamist.com/2011/12/07/driver_who_killed_williamsburg_cycl.php  So tragic…

Kerry, please email your address and size to: inspiredcyclist@gmail.com   I will send the info to YMX, and you will receive your jersey soon!  I would love to know which one they send you, and your thoughts on it, once you receive it.

And the Winner is...

Again, Much Gratitude to all the commenters, and to YMX for selecting this blog to host this give away.

I was contacted several weeks ago through this blog, asking if I would like to review a YMX jersey, and offer one as a giveaway to a blog reader.

“YMX offers multifunctional garments that bridge the gap between athletic and fashion garments. Featuring high-comfort, lightweight MadKool fabrics and detailed, original prints, YMX garments can be worn for athletic use or for casual wear. As a matter of fact, because of the moisture-wicking properties of the fabric, many people wear YMX in both active and leisure activities without having to change! More information can be found at http://www.ymxbyyellowman.com/  “

After looking at the company’s website, and viewing their vivid, artistic products, I replied with an enthusiastic, “Yes!”

I received the Winter Flower long sleeved tri pocket jersey almost 3 weeks ago.  I was immediately impressed by the construction of the jersey, with a long 12” hidden zipper in front, three convenient pockets in the back, and a discreet reflective logo.  Quite honestly, I have never owned a jersey so well made, so durable,  and so silky soft.  Madcool is the trademarked name of the fabric YMX uses, which is provides an Ultraviolet Protection Factor of 50+ , wicking, and seems to launder exceptionally well (no snags or pulls, and the color remains resplendent).  From the Asian inspired tattoo artwork, to the athletic fit, and the superior construction, this is a jersey I am delighted to cycle in!

As a result of receiving this jersey in red, I plan to order the Winter Flower jersey in green, and perhaps a pair of leggings.

Want one?  Here is your chance to win a YMX jersey.  Sorry, but open to U.S. readers only.

*Check out their site http://www.ymxbyyellowman.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=YMX , and leave a comment here, telling me what you like (one entry).

* And/Or tweet about this contest mentioning @inspiredcyclist and @WearYMX (one entry).

A winner will be chosen at random on the morning of December 3rd.  

Lots to be Thankful For!

Today, with a little bit of organization, I could take some time in the middle of the day, to ride.  And I am so glad I did.  The weather was beautiful, the streets I rode on were unusually quiet, and the environment was serene.  I know I enjoyed the rest of my day so much more, because of exercising my body, spending time in nature and in the saddle.  I hope you had time to smile, and enjoy your Thanksgiving as well!

Colder weather is on the horizon here on the east coast.  The winds have made riding a bit more challenging many days.  I’m just starting to have to add some thicker layers to my ride, and very much enjoyed these winter cycling tips from Vanessa, of For the Love of Bikes, at  http://www.commutebybike.com/2011/11/18/sucking-it-up-in-winter/

The bell in the above photo, and to the left, is the only one I have found to fit the width of my Trek Fx handle bars.  I wish it were a bit louder, and pleasing to hear.

And on LGRB, http://letsgorideabike.com/blog/2011/11/ Dottie wrote a post regarding the standard, “On your left” warning, and the ring of the bell as you  pass others.  I have thought this proper cycling procedure, and try to follow the protocol.  And yet, recently I’ve been met with annoyed responses (“Yeah, I know you are…”) by walkers on a bike trail I frequent.  Additionally, when people have earphones in the ears, I don’t know if there is any benefit of signaling them by bell or phrase.  Dottie linked a reference to a Change Your Life, Ride a Bike blog entry with more on proper passing, http://changeyourliferideabike.blogspot.com/2011/09/words-to-ride-by.html

What your thoughts and suggestions on signaling others by bell and/or words, that you are about to pass?   And please share tips on riding in the colder weather too!

P.S. I was very fortunate to have been asked to review a beautiful winter women’s cycling jersey, and the company is also providing an additional one for a reader, so please check for info regarding that in a few days!

Here we are in November already, and while riding this weekend I had to stop and give thanks.  As I rode I reflected on the beauty of the azure sky and bay, and the way the sun sparkled on the ocean.  How lucky I am to make this ride so often, and to experience nature’s magnificent beauty!

And I mostly ride solo, but I once more had the pleasure of the company of my oldest son and his lovely girlfriend, who both radiate such positive joy!

And so while riding I gave thanks to my maker, for letting me take part in all of this.  I gave gratitude for my two  muscular legs, good strong lungs, and for the world in which I live in.  May you all have beautiful rides to bring you joy, happiness and peace.

*ML rode the Schwinn Cream, W used my Trek, and I rode the Pashley

Spiders, iPhones, and Cycling  Caveat Emptor!

Unfortunately real estate is at a premium on the handle bars of the Trek fx 7.3.  No room for a lovely basket.  Lately, I’ve been brining my  iPhone along with me on my rides to capture those Kodak moments.  At 4.9 ounces, it is certainly a lot lighter than my camera, and takes excellent photos.  I thought it would be great if I could have easy access to my iPhone during rides, and when I came across the versatile Spiderpodium, I thought the concept just might be genius.  Just might….it turns out is accurate.

I had my phone attached to my handlebars on one of my rides to the beach a few weeks ago.  This was while I was also working on looking straight ahead while riding (instead of leaning on the handlebars).  When I did look down, I was devastated to see my phone was gone!

As I rode back along the path I kept my eyes focused on the ground, hoping to spot my phone in its vibrant Kate Spade purple rubber case.  No such luck.  Then I walked along the path again, hoping somehow it would magically appear in the grass.  I was most disappointed to lose photos, and contact info, and dreaded the afternoon that would lie ahead of me – contacting Verizon, getting another phone, etc.

The Good News:  when I arrived home there was a message from a girl who found the phone while she and her mom were walking the path.  The young lady would not accept any type of reward, just asked me to pay if forward!    And I will not trust the Spider device again…”Fool me once, shame on you…Fool me twice, shame on me…”

Thanks to Bicycling Magazine for posting this:  http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml12/12024.html  If you own a Trek FX purchased between last May 2011 – September 2011, please click the link for essential information regarding a real hazard.

Yesterday I rode in the 25 mile ride of the 17th Annual Tour de Bronx.  And what  splendid adventure it was (there was also a 40 mile route).  Transportation Alternatives along with the Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz, Jr. and three local hospitals hosted the tour through an ever changing landscape .  We began near Yankee Stadium, and rode through commercial as well as residential areas, some hilly streets (Astor Place), scenic parks, along beautiful waterways, on the Sheridan Expressway and even through St. Raymond’s Cemetery.

I believe about 6,000 people registered for the ride, but with on site registration the morning of the tour, the number certainly may have increased.

     I was fortunate to have my own personal bike valet meet me in the Bronx, and drop my bike and myself off at the start, then drop my car off at the New York Botanical Garden, the end point of the ride.  My valet, aka my son, attends Fordham  University, right in the heart of the Bronx.

     Participants were given cue sheets when we checked in.  Also, the streets were marked with a TdB arrow, pointing out where to turn.  The NYPD as well as the auxiliary police were terrific about blocking off some of the intersections, as the cyclists rode through.

This event was  a wonderful way to see the beauty of the Bronx, up close!  I’m somewhat familiar with the area,  but I very much enjoyed places I’ve never traveled through  before.

Exploring NY on two wheels, it really doesn’t get any better!  Thank You TA, and all involved for creating such a fun event.

A nice recap can be found here:  http://bronxink.org/2011/10/24/18567-tour-de-bronx-2011-2/

I was happy to meet up with Kristina at the first rest stop  http://cruiserdolly.blogspot.com/  but sorry I missed meeting up with some of the 40 mile cyclists, like Mandi ,http://www.thebikewriter.com/  and Sheryl http://www.sherylyvette.com/