She Got Bike!

ISO Women Who Ride

Susan M — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:33:00 GMT

Susan Mele, one of Trek's women who ride, joined us for She Got Bike 2008. This is the second year that Susan has served as a ride mentor and fashion show model for the event. Check out her story about this year's event on her blog:

http://womenwhoride.typepad.com/susan/

And if you have a cycling story to share about how you got started in riding both Susan and She Got Bike! would love to hear it. Use the contact links on our websites to drop us an email.

Stories from the Road

Susan M — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 02:10:00 GMT

Charm City Cycling (aka. C3 aka. Chicks in Black) showed up in force on Sunday to serve as ride mentors. These very talented women race all over the mid-atlantic are some of the most respected riders in the peloton. It was a real treat to have them with us this year!

Sonja captured some photos of the event on her blog: http://www.granderkitten.blogspot.com/

Thank you C3!

An Amazing Day

Susan M — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:47:00 GMT

She Got Bike! 2008 was an amazing day of great riding and cycling activities for women. We are thrilled with the enthusiasm and excitement generated by this year's event! We had about 500 women participate -- supported by more than 70 amazing volunteers.

We'll be posting event day photos to our website in the coming weeks so stay tuned.

We can't wait until next year!

PS: Please send any photos, stories or feedback to info@shegotbike.com.

Event Day Schedule

Susan M — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:33:00 GMT

September 14th is quickly approaching and we hope you're getting excited about She Got Bike! We've put the finishing touches on the event day schedule. A summary is below and you can click on the link to download a copy of the Event Day Program.

GET READY....
    7:15          Registration opens, Trek WSD bikes available for demo rides, Lifestrength fit
                     (all day long!)
    7:30          Joe's fix-a-flat clinic

GET RIDING...
    8:00          56 mile (The Blaster) ride leaves, Lifestrength fit, Joe's fix-a-flat clinic, pre-ride Yoga!
    8:30          40 mile (The Crank) ride leaves
    9:00          Beginner clinic sponsored by Baltimore Bicycling Club
    9:30          28 mile (The Power Push) ride leaves, Joe's fix-a-flat clinic
    10:00      20 mile (The Burn) ride leaves
    10:15      14 mile (The Spin) ride leaves

GET RECHARGED...
    11:30          Lunch and Expo begin: henna tattoos, massage, Lifestrength fit, Trek WSD bikes
                       and cycling activity area all afternoon!
    12:00          Joe's fix-a-flat clinic, post-ride Yoga!
    12:30          Mountain bike clinic
    1:00            Fashion show
    1:30            Raffles, Joe's fix-a-flat clinic
    2:30            She Got Bike! 2008 sadly ends

Wine - the perfect cycling recovery drink

Susan Olson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:20:00 GMT

Hi all,

She Got Bike exhibitor, the MS Society, wants to let you all know about a fun event that might be the perfect cap to the official cycling season. Here's the info:

Women on the move Wine Tasting Event

Join the National MS Society at our first ever Women on the move wine tasting event on September 25, 2008 from 6-9pm. It will be held at Geppi's Entertainment Museum located at Camden Yards in historic Camden Station.

Come tantalize your taste buds with uncommon wines from various renowned wine making regions. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be provided as well as a silent auction. The museum will be closed to the public allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere and take a tour at your own leisure. All proceeds benefit the National MS Society.

Be part of a movement of women that want to do something about MS now!

This meeting is for: Women who would like to enjoy a night out tasting wines from around the world, networking and learning more about multiple sclerosis.

Organization: National MS Society, Maryland Chapter
Start date: September 25, 2008
Phone: 443-641-1205
Contact person: Melissa Viel
Website: nmss-md.org

Last day to RSVP: September 20, 2008
Location: Geppi's Entertainment Museum, 301 West Camden Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States
Start time: 6:00pm
End time: 9:00pm
Fee amount: $60 per person
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

WomanTalk Live Hosts to Emcee She Got Bike

Susan Olson — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:05:00 GMT

Hi all,

We are thrilled to announce that WomanTalk Live radio talk show co-hosts, Ginny Robertson and Ann Quasman, have graciously agreed to Emcee She Got Bike this year.

And that means we are all in for a treat!

Ginny and Ann are both huge supporters of women and, through their radio show and their personal businesses, help women connect with themselves and with important issues and resources for living a passionate and purposeful life.

You can catch their show every Wednesday on WVIE 1370 AM from 6pm-7pm - or you can listen to a podcast of the show anytime at www.womantalklive.com - their guests include nationally known authors, experts, celebrities and more.

Listen this Wednesday and hear Ginny and Ann interview Jan Cullinane, co-author of The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide To The Rest of Your Life.

Tattoo You

Susan M — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:25:00 GMT

One of the fun She Got Bike! festival activities we've planned for this year is henna tattoos. We love this shot of Chinese national champion Ren Chengyuan taken by Frank Bodenmuller:

A henna tattoo is a great way to show off your She Got Bike! riding accomplishments!

Photo credit: http://www.pedalmag.com/index.php?module=Image&action=viewimage&image_id=11104

Proper Bike Fit Essential for a GREAT Ride

Susan Olson — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:38:00 GMT

Hi all,

At our request, She Got Bike's title sponsor put together some information for us on bike fit for injury prevention and performance. Lot's of good tips and ideas in here and lots of trouble shooting info. You can contact Lifestrength any time for even more help getting your fit right or figuring out an injury issue. ENJOY!

PROPER BIKE FIT IS ESSENTIAL FOR PREVENTION OF INJURY AND INCREASING PERFORMANCE

From the recreational cyclist to the paid-professional, bike fit should be the first step and most critical component in a cyclist’s training program. Ninety percent of non-traumatic bike injuries can be eliminated and prevented simply by addressing bike fit.

It is especially important for the novice cyclist to ensure that the bike they are riding is set-up properly and that they are positioned correctly to reduce potential strain on the shoulders, neck, lower back, hips, knees and lower leg. It is also important to recognize that bike fit is ever changing. The off-season provides a great opportunity to re-address bike fit and position. This is a perfect time to make adjustments and have time to adapt before increasing intensity.

Many factors influence the position of the rider and subsequently the fit of the bike. For instance, changes in fitness or flexibility can be cause to adjust bike position. These changes can mean that a rider is able to attain a more aggressive position, or may need to relax their position. An often-overlooked situation is the transition from cooler to warmer riding weather. The elimination of layers of clothing as the weather changes requires changes in saddle position as there is now less distance, per se, from the rider to the saddle.

Any indication of the potential onset of an injury is cause to at least have bike fit assessed. If it is deemed that bike fit is the cause, the injury may be avoided completely without any time off the bike and with very simple, minor adjustments. For example, one of the most common complaints among cyclists is anterior knee pain. Anterior knee pain can typically be significantly reduced, if not eliminated by adjusting saddle position. In most cases, this is indicative of the saddle being either too low, or the saddle position being too far forward, increasing stress on the anterior aspect of the knee. Of course, there could be other causative factors, such as pedal stroke, top tube length, etc., but in most cases, a simple seat height or saddle adjustment eliminates the problem.

If you have not had your bike fit assessed and are concerned that your fit may be inappropriate, the following steps would be recommended: 1. Contact a well-qualified bike shop, Joe’s Bike Shop in Mt Washington, for example, to have a fit assessment. 2. Come to SheGotBike! A Festival of Women’s Cycling and have your fit assessed before or after your ride. 3. Contact a physical therapist knowledgeable in bike fit and assessment as well as familiarity with cycling, such as Lifestrength Physical Therapy.

Maps for 2008 rides

Susan M — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:30:00 GMT

We've used this great online tool called Map My Ride to help us with this year's routes. Use on the links below to preview this year's routes. You can also view the ride description which outlines the course for each ride.

The Spin (14 miles)
The Burn (20 miles)
The Power Push (28 miles)
The Crank (40 miles)
The Blaster (56 miles)

When you arrive at the event, we'll have cue sheets which describe turns and exact mileage for each of the routes. All the routes will be marked with directional arrows and you'll be supported by an awesome group of ride mentors and sag drivers.

Bridges, Downhills and Technology

Susan M — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 02:38:00 GMT

Great news! The routes for this year's She Got Bike! are almost finalized. All rides are in northern Baltimore County - and, although the roads will not be closed to traffic, our routes do carefully avoid the bridges that are under construction.

Each ride (14, 20, 28, 41, 56 miles) will be lead this year by an amazing group of Ride Mentors and will be supported by our super SAG team. The terrain is rolling to hilly and all of the routes contain some hills (which means great downhills!). The longer routes are designed for more experienced riders or those who want to take on a challenge.

We're using on-line mapping tools this year to set up the courses and will post links so you can check out the routes before the event.

Happy Riding!

Graceful Edge at She Got Bike '08

Susan Olson — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 01:51:00 GMT

Hello She Got Bikers!

Want to let you know that Graceful Edge will again be at She Got Bike - and I know they've got great stuff planned for you.

For those of you who didn't get to know the women from Graceful Edge last year, you're in for a treat. Graceful Edge is the fun and sassy website for hip and fun-loving adventurous women. If you become a member of that site, you'll get an email every week listing all the sports/adventure events going on for women. Plus, there website is loaded with resources for women looking for action - you know what I mean.

Check them out today www.gracefuledge.com

Get Ready, Get Riding, Get Recharged at She Got Bike 2008!

Susan M — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:57:00 GMT

This year's event starts at 8:00 with registration, LifeStrength Physical Therapy, the Trek trailer and Joe's bike shop all on hand to help you get ready for your ride. Baltimore Bicycling Club will hold a beginner's clinic and we have a pre-ride yoga session to loosen you up for a day in the saddle.

Rides depart between 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. and we'll be posting the routes to our website very soon.

The She Got Bike! expo runs from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. Get recharged after your ride with lunch, massage, henna tattoos and the She Got Bike! fashion show. In addition, the festival will feature great resources in women's health, riding and fitness.

Welcome Home!

Susan M — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:36:00 GMT

Last year, Jess was unable to join us for She Got Bike! because she had just left to serve in Afghanistan. Jess's friends sent her the event tshirt she's wearing in this photo.

Jess just returned home and is gearing up for this year's event. Thanks so much for your service -- we can't wait to meet you!

SAVE THE DATE - She Got Bike! is September 14th, 2008

Susan Olson — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:16:00 GMT

Hello She Got Bikers and Beyond,

We're thrilled to announce that She Got Bike! 2008 will be held on September 14th at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville Maryland.

Registration will open very soon and we'll let you know as soon as it does.

In the meantime, please pass this Save the Date info onto the women cyclists you know. We had 500 women last year and would love to reach 850 this year in service of introducing more and more women to joy the cycling.

PLUS, the organizers of She Got Bike have been cut open, hung up and attacked by weird bugs A LOT this year and we CAN'T WAIT - SERIOUSLY CAN'T WAIT, CAN'T WAIT, CAN'T WAIT to get out on our bikes with YOU!!!!!

More to come!

Check Out Your She Got Bike! Photo on GracefulEdge.com

Susan Olson — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:26:00 GMT

Hello Ladies,

Who knew you were all so gorgeous AND adventurous?

Well, we did, of course! And as proof, She Got Bike Event Sponsor, GracefulEdge.com, has posted your smiling faces on their web site for the world to see. If you visited their table at the event, check it out and see if your pic is up.

Just click here: She Got Bike! On GracefulEdge.com

There are about five pages of photos and some pretty interesting factoids and secrets :) about you guys.

Also, a big thanks to GracefulEdge.com for coming up with such a cool idea.

Enjoy!

Susan O.

A Big Congrats On Your Big Accomplishments

Susan Olson — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:50:00 GMT

Hi all,

We want to give all of you She Got Bikers who are new or relatively new to cycling a HUGE, GIGANTIC, CONGRATS - and a BIG VIRTUAL HUG on your amazing accomplishments at She Got Bike this year.

Baltimore has some very challenging terrain and if you completed any of our routes - even if you walked some of it - you deserve a lot of respect and kudos for what you did (not to mention a big piece of chocolate cake or something).

You should be very proud. And we are excited for you and awed by you.

Cylcing is not an easy sport - even when it's flat!

When I first started riding, even a small hill seemed like a mountain. I remember feeling like I was going to pass out. On my very first group ride, I cried when I got up the first the hill because I was just so amazed that I did it. I know my teammates all had similar experiences - except for Elizabeth who does not require oxygen and can still talk up a 17% grade in a fast race.

ANYWAY, trust me, the hill I got up was NOTHING LIKE - NOT EVEN CLOSE to the ones you conquered last weekend. You rode routes that tire out elite racers. And you rode them with style and heart.

We received some great feedback that it might be nice to have an easier route as an option next year and we are already talking about it (we love hearing what you guys want!). And for those of you who love pain - we are committed to making She Got Bike an event that gives you a big reason to celebrate when you come in from your ride.

So, again, congrats on your accomplishment - we hope you take a moment and celebrate how truly beautiful you are!

She Got Bike! Cookies

Susan M — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 21:28:00 GMT

We got lots of feedback about the yummy cookies at the rest stops. We are very fortunate that one of the She Got Bike! organizers, Margaret Hartka, loves baking almost as much as she loves riding her bike. Margaret supplied all the sweets for the rest stops and offered to share the recipe for the s'mores bars.

Enjoy! And remember the more your ride the more cookies you get to eat!

(photo from cookiemadness.net)

Margaret's Totally Awesome She Got Bike! S’mores Bars

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
6 tablespoons golden syrup, maple syrup or dark corn syrup
2 ¼ cups rolled oats
½ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
1 1/3 cups mini marshmallows

In a medium-sized saucepan set over medium heat, melt and stir together the butter, sugar and syrup, cooking until the sugar has dissolved. Stir in the oats, flour, salt, and graham cracker crumbs.

Press slightly more than half of the mixture into a lightly greased 9x9-inch pan. Let cool completely. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top, then the marshmallows. Top with remaining crust mixture. Bake the bars for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 20 minutes, then cut into squares while still slightly warm.

Links to cue sheets

Susan M — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:40:00 GMT

Here are the links to download the cue sheets from the She Got Bike! rides:

14 mile ride
25 mile ride
46 mile ride
64 mile ride

Making Headlines

Susan M — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:39:00 GMT

This morning's Baltimore Sun featured a terrific article about She Got Bike! You can view it on their website by clicking here.

"This is the only all-women riding event in the Baltimore area - and one of the very few in the U.S.," co-organizer Susan Olson said. (Sun photo by Algerina Perna / September 30, 2007)

Wow!

Susan M — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:16:00 GMT

Wow!

We are thrilled with the enthusiasm and excitement generated by this year's She Got Bike! We had nearly 500 women partipcate -- supported by more than 70 amazing volunteers. Our biggest and best event so far!

We can't wait until next year!

PS: Starting tomorrow some of us are having back surgery or devoting some serious time to our neglected day jobs, but we will get pics and cue sheets posted very soon. Please send us any photos, stories or feedback to info@shegotbike.com.