by Jeni Jewell

National “Bike to Work Week”, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, is a great week to join fellow commuters on their two wheeled vehicles during rush hour. This year it’s May 14 through May 18, 2o12

Are you convinced yet? The benefits might persuade you. It’s a great way to get a body moving before heading into the office. People with farther commutes can tack a workout to the beginning and end of their day, leaving the rest of the time for other activities. Let’s face it, helmets make you look cool. It’s easy to find parking. On hot days the ride acts acts as a free air conditioner. You save money on gas. (I’d use that extra cash on a new jersey for this summer.)

Biking just offers so many great incentives for the commuter, one week might not be enough. It might become addictive. Maybe not. Why not give it a try? Oh, and did I mention commuting by bike makes you look younger.

Category: News

Know an exceptional road ride or super sweet trail in Marquette County? Do you have a photo of you or a friend riding some of the best singletrack in the Midwest? We’d love to hear and see your view of the trails. From May until the last day in August we’ll be giving away free bike goodies each month.

Just click on the “Your View” page to submit your trail review, road ride route, or photo for a chance to win. Submit a video and we’ll enter your name into the drawing twice.  Come meet us at the Marquette Bike Jam, in downtown Marquette, during the Crit for a chance to win more cool stuff.

Enjoy the ride.

Category: News

The Kitchi-mi-kana Cycling Club, is hosting the  ”Ride of Silence” in Marquette this Wednesday, May 16 at 7 pm. Riders will take part  in the event as one of 319 locations worldwide.  The slow-paced ride honors and remembers those who have been injured or killed while cycling. It also brings awareness to the sport, while asking motorists to share the road.

Helmets are mandatory. All levels of riders are welcome to participate.  The ride starts from Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette at 7 pm. Riders are asked to show up at 6:45 pm.

Category: Events, News

By Jeni Jewell

Conditions are ideal today for a relaxed ride-  sunshine, 70 degrees, and a gentle breeze. With a longing gaze I tear my eyes away from my bike before I do something I’ll regret, as my body groans with stiff, residual pain.  Two weeks ago, when the cool days gave way to sunshine and sweat I hit the road to spin out my  legs. It felt good, a bit more difficult that I had hoped it would, but good. It’s said that we learn from our mistakes, and I’m wishing I didn’t have to make this one.

That day I didn’t cool down after the ride, or stretch out my lower back. The next morning I bent over to get a towel, my tight back protested, then gave up me. I couldn’t stand up straight for a day and a half. Thanks to a few visits to the Chiropractor, I can walk straight again, but recovery has been agonizing and slow. I’m frustrated because this is not how I envisioned my early season riding log. I’ve longed for these warm days for weeks, hoping this summer to put in more miles than ever on my road bike. I’d even hoped to tackle a century ride. With the help of  online videos, a stack of bike magazines and friends enthusiasm, I also discovered a reserve of courage that I hoped to summon in order to tackle single track that I once deemed scary.

However, hard as it is to rest and let my back heal, I can now sympathize with many who suffer from low back problems. I’m not 20 anymore. As I age my body takes longer to recover and my energy stores longer to rebuild.  While that fact keeps me grounded, the list of 30, to 80 somethings, both recreational and competitive riders, out there pushing through the pain, silences my whining. Sure I need to listen to my body so I can ride with less pain soon. But I’m not giving up. I need to look no farther than my back to see the best way to build up back strength is to keep exercising. I hope to see you on the trail or road soon.

Category: Jeni's Blog