5 year celebration!

We celebrate the 5 year anniversary of 
The Broken Spoke

on FRIDAY December 19th. 

5pm- 10pm

• We will be providing food and beverage in appreciation of all our loyal customers.
• There will be a 5% discount on anything in the store. 
• We are also printing a 5 year anniversary jersey that is pre-book ONLY! Find out more details at the party.

Bring a friend and join us as we celebrate.

PT Main Street Program's parking survey

Hello, The Port Townsend Main Street board is committed to making Port Townsend a thriving place to live and visit. We are attempting to better understand the users and parking needs of our downtown Port Townsend Historic District. We have put together a short survey as a first step to understanding our needs. Thank you for taking the time to fill it out and give us suggestions on what might make your trips downtown better. Take this survey

Thank your for your participation in our survey, we appreciate your feedback.
Sincerely, The Port Townsend Main Street Program

Holiday Scheduling

Following are a few dates to keep in mind as you prepare for your holiday gift shopping.




Holiday Hours:

December 23rd  (Tuesday) open extra hour for late pick ups 10am- 7pm

December 24th  (Wednesday) 10am -2pm

December 25th  (Thursday) Closed

January 1st  (Thursday) Closed





The Broken Spoke's last guaranteed free shipping for all holiday gifts is by noon on December 18th. Any orders placed after this will not be guaranteed to arrive before Dec 24th*.


Last minute orders made between December 18th and before noon Monday the 22nd* will incur shipping costs. Any special orders made after that will not arrive at the shop in time for Christmas morning.  If that doesn't make sense, come in and get your Christmas shopping done early!! :)



*Please note shipping prices and exceptions apply.

New Year's Discovery Run & Walk

Start the New Year off right!  Support the Olympic Discovery Trail by participating in the New Years Discovery Run & Walk on the beautiful Discovery Bay Golf Course & Larry Scott Trail.  11:00 AM start for both the Run & Walk.  Commemorative beanie to every participant.

Register today at:  https://secure.getmeregistered.com/register.php?event_id=12165&c=31457_598718

 

Holiday gift ideas

As we prepare for the Christmas season, here are some gift suggestions for your favorite cyclists. 

Stocking Stuffers under $20

• Bike bells
• Mini bike lock
• Multi-tools
• Nutrition supplements
• Seat bags
• Socks
• Tire levers
• Tubes and patch kits
• Water bottle and cage

Gifts under $50

• Gloves: A windproof, water resistant glove at great value is the Endura Luminite.
• Hats and Headbands: The best ones for cooler to cold temperatures for cycling are in the Endura Baa Baa merino wool collection.
• Jersey: Bontrager Rhythm and Solstice
• Grips: A good way to give your bike a little flare.
• Mini lights: Lighting that can keep you safe doesn't need to cost a lot from Cateye and Bontrager.
• Over Shoes: The Endura MT500 overshoes is a great item with the colder weather.
• Pumps: For both on the bike and at home pumps keep your cyclist from getting stranded.
• Private Maintenance Class: Classes are catered to YOU as the student going over exactly what you want and on YOUR bicycle. These classes will encourage you to feel confident on your bike and help you feel comfortable doing whatever mechanical skills you are here to learn. 
• Scales: For those cyclists concerned with the weight of everything, these scales are used for bikes and bike parts. Several companies make inexpensive hanging digital scales. Topeak has the combined scale and bike stand system (putting this option into the next category).
• Subscription: I'd love a one-year subscription to Trails.com or Bike magazine.

Gifts $50 to $500

• Lightweight Vest: Perfect for layering when the mornings are cool, but packable when temperatures increase as the ride progresses. The Bontrager Race Windshell Vest is a great addition to any collection.
• Jackets: Warm, waterproof, breathable and visible; who could ask for anything more?
• Merino wool Baselayers: The natural fibers are excellent for wicking moisture, preventing stubborn odors,  and keeping skin warm in cooler temperatures.
• Personal Coach: Giving your cyclist the gift of personal coaching is a real treat. Prices vary on this and certain options can bump it into the next category; but the equipment is nothing without a great engine.
• Rechargeable Lights: The Niterider Lumina series is a compact commuter light. It is USB rechargeable and super bright.

Gifts over $500

• Bike trip to the Tour de France: Trek travel offers Trips to France, Italy and so much more.
• New bike: Your favorite cyclist always has bike lust.
• Racing wheels: It would be great to have a nice set of Custom built racing wheels.
• Wind tunnel test: Get every speed advantage possible. Locations vary for this. Do an internet search titled "bicycle wind tunnel testing" to find a tunnel near you.

The Broken Spoke has gift cards and gift receipts available.

Closed Thursday for celebrating, eating and biking!

The Broken Spoke will be closed tomorrow in celebration of Thanksgiving. We'll reopen on Friday for normal business hours! 10am-6pm. See you then.

3rd Annual Turkey Trot

Quick!  Get that Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk Registration in soon!  (This is your trainer for the New Year Day 10K Run - Both sponsored by the Peninsula Trails Coalition)

http://peninsulatrailscoalition.org/?p=492

5 year anniversary party!!!!!

We are celebrating the 5 year anniversary of The Broken Spoke bicycle shop 

on FRIDAY December 19th. 

5pm- 10pm

We will be providing food and beverage in appreciation of all our loyal customers. 

There will also be a 5% discount on anything in the store. 

We are also printing a 5 year anniversary jersey that is prebook ONLY! 

So be sure to keep an eye and an ear out for more information to follow.

BUILD Trail Nov 15, 9am-noon

Hello PT Trail Crew! An amazing thing happened last month... after 8 years on the "Missing Links List,"  the City purchased an easement from an adjacent property owner that now allows the Spruce Street Non-Motorized Trail Connection from Cedar to Center Streets.  TaaaDaaaa!!!  This connection completes an integral non-motorized, north-south valley route from Port Townsend Bay to Fort Worden and North Beach. See the attached map for location details.

At the last Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Board meeting (last Thursday), we learned that the 100-foot corridor has now been surveyed, and that the City will be providing materials for a wooden fence between the adjacent landowner's property and the easement. We do not have the fence materials yet (trail volunteers will be needed to build and install the fence), but the City has given us permission to clear the easement of shrubs and other vegetation, as needed for clear passage. 

Thus, we are announcing a Trail Work Day, this Saturday, November 15th, from 9 am to Noon at the Spruce Street Connection between Cedar and Center Streets (near Blue Heron School). We will be clearing shrubs and vegetation, so please bring hand tools (clippers, loppers, folding saws, rakes, shovels, etc.), work gloves, and dress for the weather, as we work rain or shine. There will be hot beverages and cookies for all volunteers. So grab some tools and join us for this historic occasion!

(Rumor has it that quite a few people have been using the easement already, as they were spotted when it was being surveyed. This enthusiastic response reinforces how important this connection was to completing the connectivity of our local trails system.)

Kid's Buy Up Program

As you think about the Holidays approaching, and possibly about gifts for your child(ren) in your life, remember this:

The Broken Spoke offers a Buy UP program. 
The initial children's bike, purchased from The Broken Spoke, can be traded in for a maximum of 50% of the original purchase price and put towards the purchase of the next children's bike; continuing through the first adult bike.

Meaning:
Buy a bike from us, when it's too small, bring it in and get credit towards your next sized kid's bike!

Details:
Adult bike is described as a 26-inch or larger wheel bike.
Actual trade in value will be accessed upon trade in date of child's bike.
Buy Up program offered everyday, all year round!

Happy Halloween

Have a safe Halloween from The Broken Spoke and Trek Bikes!

REI/GPC Stewardship Day! November 1

Friends of Kitsap Forest & Bay:

Please help us spread the word!  The first Stewardship Day on the new Port Gamble Shoreline Park is coming up on Saturday, Nov 1 (9 am – 2 pm).  Bring your gloves, shovels, clippers and sturdy shoes and stay for a BBQ party.  All the details and directions are included below.  We also have the event up on facebook.

Please join us and send a shout out to your friends and colleagues to join us for stewardship fun at the new park

Thanks!

REI / GPC Stewardship Day Port Gamble Shoreline Park – Nov 1 Plant trees at Kitsap County’s newest park.  Go home with a Get Dirty T-shirt.  Join other rock star volunteers at the new Port Gamble Shoreline Park.  We’ll start the day by removing invasive plants, and then plant the red cedar saplings that will one day shade this beautiful park.  You’ll be entered to win a great prize from REI!  Port Gamble Shoreline Park is the first land purchased through the Kitsap Forest & Bay Project’s effort to conserve nearly 7,000 acres of forestland surrounding Port Gamble Bay.  The park includes 1.5 miles of shoreline and more than 500 acres of forest for hiking, cycling, running, horseback riding, and birding. Bring your gloves, shovels, clippers and sturdy shoes.  Enjoy the shoreline and views. Stay for a tailgate BBQ party and the company of other fabulous volunteers!  9 am – 2 pm  Details and directions   RSVP: kate@greatpeninsula.org or (360) 373-3500

Peninsula Trails Coalition membership drive is this month.

Support our Olympic Discovery Trail!!
Do it now at the lower priced rates. See here for details: 
http://www.olympicdiscoverytrail.com/about_us/dues_donations.html

Events happening in Kitsap area

These events were brought to our attention through the North Kitsap Trail Association:

New maps for the Port Gamble trails!

Check out the location of Kitsap County's new Port Gamble Shoreline Park on the new maps. For a larger map, click the image.
New maps are installed on the trails and at trailheads, and are in the brochures at the trail heads. The new 534 acre park has 1.5 miles of shoreline (not very accessible yet) and can be accessed from the Bay View trailhead, about a mile south of Port Gamble on highway 104. There are no trails or parking lots on the water side of the road so please be considerate of the neighbors and don't head down their driveways. So 534 acres saved! The next challenge is the remaining 3316 acres!

 link to this map in large size:
http://www.northkitsaptrails.org/files/map_1410_OPG.png

Haunted Hike and Spooky 12K Trail Run
Sunday Oct.26th

Put this date on your calendar, because you won't want to miss this! NKTA is hosting a free "Haunted Hike" on the Port Gamble trails immediately following the 8th annual Spooky 12K Trail Run (part of the Roots and Rocks series put on by Poulsbo Running). 12K race starts at 8:30, the kid's 1 mile starts shortly after, and the free guided haunted hike starts at 11. All begin at the Uplands Trailhead, (just south of Port Gamble, and north of the newly acquired Kitsap County Shoreline Park). You can choose between 1 and 2 mile hikes. Two guides will lead a brisk group and a more leisurely group, telling actual accounts of ghost sightings and paranormal experiences that took place in Port Gamble (if you believe that sort of thing) and discussing the current land status - we still have 3316 acres to save on the Port Gamble Watershed block!
Port Gamble is widely known as one of the most haunted towns on the West Coast, and there are plenty of spooky stories to tell. As a matter of fact, there is a ghost conference in Port Gamble happening on the very same weekend. Whether you believe the stories or not, this hike is sure to entertain the whole family and provide more info on the trail status! Following the hike, anyone signing up for an annual membership to NKTA will be treated to a complimentary coupon to either Borrowed Kitchen Bakery in Kingston or a free beer at Slippery Pig Brewery in Poulsbo. Don't miss this fun Halloween activity!

Port Gamble Shoreline Park
REI/GPC Stewardship Day
Saturday Nov. 1

Saturday November 1, 9 AM - 2 PM. Plant trees at Kitsap County's newest park. Go home with a Get Dirty T-shirt from REI. Join other rock star volunteers at the new Port Gamble Shoreline Park. We'll start the day by removing invasive plants, and then plant the red cedar saplings that will one day shade this beautiful park.
Port Gamble Shoreline Park is the first land purchased through the Kitsap Forest & Bay Project's effort to conserve nearly 7,000 acres of forestland surrounding Port Gamble Bay. The park includes 1.5 miles of shoreline and more than 500 acres of forest for hiking, cycling, running, horseback riding, and birding. Bring your gloves, shovels, clippers and sturdy shoes. Enjoy the shoreline, the views, some great snacks and the company of other fabulous volunteers!
Details and directions.
RSVP: kate@greatpeninsula.org or (360) 373-3500.
Sponsored by REI, Kitsap County Parks, and Great Peninsula Conservancy.

DEMO weekend cancelled

We apologize but our DEMO weekend originally scheduled for this weekend is cancelled. :(

Moving into Fall

The summer was fast and furious here at The Broken Spoke. We hope everyone had a safe and fun summer. But don't think that riding stops when the clouds appear. Fall and winter have some of the best riding conditions we could ever ask for.

You can try some of these great trail conditions at this fall's Trek Bike Demo. Mark your calendar for October 11th from 9-5 at Anderson Lake state park! Our Trek rep will have the demo trailer full of bicycles to test ride!! If you missed it last year, or can't decide what wheels you need for next year then this is the event for you. Road and Mountain demos will be available. Please note, you need a parking pass. The event is free otherwise.

Next on the agenda. If you may or may not know, Nicole and Pete are having another child. The baby is due in mid November.  If you absolutely love speaking with Pete when you come into the bike shop... bring in your bicycles now and throughout October. Pete will have a "here and there" type of schedule in November and into December.  Jacob and the rest of the crew will be running the day to day show. If you have a need during that time and only Pete will do please e-mail the shop and an appointment will be coordinated.

Finally when the colors of the trees change so do our shop hours. Starting October 1st we resume winter hours the only change to remember is we open 1 hour later Monday -Saturday.

Keeping you on your bike,

The Broken Spoke crew

P.S. Friendly reminder to always lock your bike(s)!! Numerous bikes have been reported to the bike shop as stolen recently and over the summer.  What a tragedy! Take a moment to prepare for this unforeseen disaster by taking a picture, writing down the serial number and a brief description of your bicycle. This will help when all you want to do is morn the loss of your beloved steed.

Join downtown in the annual sidewalk sale

End of season sale!

 Stock up for school... 
get a head start on the next race season... 
or just make off with some great end of season deals.

See you for our sidewalk sale.

Secret to biking in your skirt!

Ever throw on a skirt and wish you could bike in it? After all, skirts are way, way comfier and less confining than pants. But with the breezes caressing your face and hair, odds are your skirt will catch a lift as well, meaning — eek — a parachute of unintended exposure.
Penny In Yo Pants from Johanna Holtan on Vimeo.

So how can you avoid this while biking in your favorite liberating skirt? Put a Penny in Yo’ Skirt. All in takes is a penny or similar object, a rubber band, and a skirt! With the penny at the back of the skirt, push it forward, through your legs, so that it is wrapped with both the front and back fabrics of the skirt. Twist the fabric around it to make a sort of button, and wrap the rubber band to secure. It’s that easy! Now, go enjoy an entirely new world of skirt freedom without fear of public indecency! Or, watch the awesome “Penny in Yo’ Skirt” video above.

Port Gamble news

Straight from the North Kitsap Trail Association's July newsletter:

Kitsap County applies for 3 Port Gamble Trails grants

"NKTA is working closely with Kitsap County and County staff to help with three applications for state and federal grants to acquire Port Gamble land for trails. This spring 35 community members from 17 organizations helped create the Conceptual Site Plan for Port Gamble Trails in a series of three workshops. Thanks to all of those who participated and our professional volunteers (Wenzlau Architects, Fischer-Bauma , Sean Parker & Doug Maraist) ! You can find the "Conceptual Plan" and the accompanying goals online.

Kitsap County is already using that work to seek grant funds. One of the grants is focused on acquiring the Sound to Olympics Trail corridor and the other two are to buy land on the Babcock ridge for a 200 acre Mountain Bike Ride Park. Our partners, West Sound Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance (EMBA) plan to invest lots of volunteer hours to turn that dream into reality. Providing the right location for the most active recreation (further away from sensitive areas) is a goal that many of our partners support. Our community rallied around this grant effort and we were able to get 26 letters of support, including Washington Bikes, Congressman Kilmer, Senator Rolfes, Representatives Hansen and Appleton, Visit Kitsap, Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, Kitsap Audubon, Kitsap Public Health district, all our local bike organizations and partners in Poulsbo, Kingston, Suquamish, Bainbridge and the non-profit community.

Special thanks to Kitsap County and the land owner, Pope Resources who have given us this next opportunity. County Commissioners Gelder, Streissguth and Garrido, plus Parks Director Dunwiddie all supported the grant effort and put their stellar staff to work on the project. The grants have been submitted, presentations will happen in August and the projects will be ranked this fall. We won't know the final outcome until mid 2015, after the state budget is approved. Read Commissioner Gelder's article on the Ride Park projects.

It's important to remember, even if all 3 grants succeed, we still have a LONG way to go. The great majority of the Port Gamble trails and land still have no identified funding source. With 534 acres of the shoreline in County ownership, the County now owns about 14% of the Port Gamble land and trails. If we are successful with all three of these next grants, we'll have secured trail access to just under 30% of the Port Gamble trail network."

See more at:  northkitsaptrails.org

Pedal in Style With the 18 Best Bike Baskets + Panniers

Looking for a few pannier options?

Have an eye for art and fashion, a British gal posted a few of her favorites.

Just thought we'd share: www.brit.co/chic-bike-baskets-panniers

Bicycle rentals always available

Visiting Port Townsend and hoping to ride a bike? The Broken Spoke, located 4 blocks from the Port Townsend-Coupeville ferry in the center of downtown, has wonderful new rentals bikes. Prices are half day, full day and week long rates, and dependent on which model you prefer: town cruiser, dual suspension mountain, aluminum road. All bikes are less than a year old, and in tip-top condition.

Please see our rental rates page for full details: http://thebrokenspokept.blogspot.com/p/bicycle-rentals.html
All rentals come with a lock and helmet.

We have children's bikes, tandems and children trailers available upon request.

Good luck and happy tailwinds STP-ers!

July 12th marks the 2014 Seattle to Portland bicycle ride!   
For all you Broken Spoke supporters, we wish you a marvelous trek.

If you don't know much about the STP. Full details are found on their website. 
cascade.org/ride-major-rides/group-health-stp 
"This 200-mile bicycle ride is the largest multi-day bicycle event in the Northwest, with up to 10,000 participants riding from Seattle to Portland in one or two days. The route takes you through the scenic valleys, forests, and farmlands of western Washington and Oregon. Come ride what Bicycling Magazine has listed as one of the best cycling events in the nation!"

PeopleForBikes is teaming up with pro road cycling team Trek Factory Racing for the remainder of the 2014 international race season, with a special emphasis on the Tour de France, in an effort to make riding better for everyone, everywhere.

http://www.peopleforbikes.org/pages/watch-the-video-trek-factory-racing-peopleforbikes

Icecream and Bikes what could be better?

Happy Father's Day!

Work Party June 14th.

PT Trails volunteers will gather to establish a connector trail on the Sherman Street Right-of-way between Hastings and 29^th Streets. The trail work day will be held on Saturday, June 14^th, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. 

 

This trail segment will establish a missing link in connectivity between the trails systems to the north in Cappys Woods and 35^th Street Park and the north-south trail corridor along Hancock and Sherman Right-of-ways. Anyone wishing to help should meet advisory board members at the intersection of Sherman and 29^th Streets. Best parking is along 29^th Street (one block north of Hastings) west of Hendricks. Please bring: loppers, clippers, hand saws and work gloves and dress for bushwacking; we will work rain or shine. Snacks and water will be provided. A map is attached for your information.

 

For more information, please call Jolly Wahlstrom at 379-3362.

A People for Bikes campaign: Join the fight to end bike theft

As the popularity of bicycling in the US continues to grow, unfortunately so does the problem of bike theft. To help combat this crime, tech startup Project 529 launched a petition requesting eBay and Craigslist to require serial numbers on all bike sales.  While listing serial numbers won't prevent criminals from selling stolen bikes, it would put a speed bump in their path by throttling these large scale channels. Also, having serial numbers listed for online bike sales means victims will be able to search those sites for their stolen property. “A bike is stolen every 30 seconds, on average,” said 529 Project Founder J Allard. "Including serial numbers is a simple change that will allow victims to effectively search for their stolen property and potential buyers to make more informed purchasing decisions." Help us kick bike theft to the curb! Click here to sign the petition.

People for Bikes and World Bicycle Relief

 When people ride bikes, great things happen. 

Whether avoiding urban gridlock in the U.S. or trying to reach a distant school in rural Africa, bikes provide people with a simple solution to complex problems.

Watch to see how bikes are changing lives. 

http://peopleforbikes.worldbicyclerelief.org/

Bring a Friend: Tomorrow is Bike To Work Day!

Pop quiz: What's the fastest growing commute mode in the United States?

Bicycling!

While those of us who bike to work are still a small segment of the population, our ranks are growing quickly: 61% over the past decade alone. Clarity on who is riding and where also took shape last week with a report by the Census Bureau. And tomorrow, we'll see that on the streets of hundreds of communities as we celebrate National Bike to Work Day.

We know that the many creative events being held nationwide are encouraging more people of all ages and abilities to get in the saddle. We also know that increase in ridership is strongest in Bicycle Friendly Communities -- a list that grew to more than 300 with our latest announcement  just yesterday.

So get out and ride tomorrow -- and share what's going on in your community by posting your pictures on Twitter with the hashtag #btwd2014 and tag @bikeleague.  (Click here to download the infographic above!)   

 

http://bikeleague.org

 

Sunday Sunday Rhody Run-day!!

Hey Kids! Come join the fun at the 2014 Rhody Run!


Kids 9 and under will have an opportunity to participate for FREE in the Jefferson Healthcare Kids Sprint for Health on Sunday, May 19th . Participants will receive a free t-shirt!
When:    Sunday, May 18th 9:30 a.m.
Where:  Fort Worden
Who:      Children 9 and under may compete in this fun sprint
Three heats will match runners’ ages and abilities:
Heat 1 (100 yards, ages 7-9)
Heat 2 (75 yards, ages 4-6)
Heat 3 (50 yards, 3 and under)
How to register:
Register on Sprint Day on-site:
Registration is as simple as signing up at the start line of the race (by the anchor on the parade ground). Registration will start at 9:00 a.m.
The Kids Sprint for Health begins at approximately 9:30 am, just prior to the start of the Rhody Run race.
Brittany Huntingford
360/385-2200 x. 2037
brhunting@jeffersonhealthcare.org
John Nowak
360/385-2200, ext. 2036
jnowak@jeffersonhealthcare.org

Women's Rides

Our women's rides change back to 6 pm for the summer starting next week.

See you at the Broken Spoke at 6 for our weekly ride.  We leave right on time, unless we know to wait for you!  Females of all ages, abilities and levels welcome to join. We decide where we are going based on who shows; and hence ride length and terrain varies.

Welcome Spring!

The calendar and the weather says that it is spring outside. The Broken Spoke will be switching to its extended summer hours on April 1st.

Monday - Saturday   9am - 6pm

Sunday   11 - 4

Hopefully this helps everyone get out and enjoy the sun more. Don't be stuck at home when the sun does come a calling, bring your bicycle in for its spring tune-up before the line is out the door.

Spring clothing arrives!!

Our order of new- FRESH and CRISP- jerseys and cycling shorts for women and men has arrived! Come in and hear what we're chirping about!

Next Thursday is Ladies Night Out!

 

Thursday March 27th, 6:30pm

Join a female Trek representative for a night of bicycles: 

*finding the right bike for you

*essentials and proper gear to improve your riding experience

*bike wear and care

*personalized Question and Answer session 

Appetizers and drinks! Door prizes! Special night of discounts!

Free, but RSVP gets you added into a extra raffle. Send an email to thebrokenspokept@gmail.com with RSVP in the subject.

Trail Work Party at Grant Street School on Saturday, March 15, 9 am to Noon

The next trail work party sponsored by the City of Port Townsend's Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Board will tackle some trail clearing through a wooded section of the Grant Street Elementary School property, on Saturday, March 15th, from 9 am to noon.

This short section of trail has some terrain and has been planned in coordination with School and City staff. It will be an important link to connect trails on the McClellan/Hancock corridors to the north and Hendricks/Sherman corridors to the south.

Trail volunteers should meet at Grant Street School (with parking lots available at each end of the school building). Equipment needed will be: clippers, loppers, saws, pulaski's, rakes and work gloves. The volunteer crew will work rain or shine, so be sure to dress for the weather. Cookies, trail snacks and warm beverage will be on hand for ravenous appetites. For more information, contact: jollywahlstrom@yahoo.com or walkers@olympus.net. This rainy weather should let up for the weekend!

To wave or not?

One fall morning last year, People for Bikes president, Tim Blumenthal, arrived at the PeopleForBikes office with a new resolution. “I vow to say ‘hi’ to every other bike rider I pass on my way to work,” Tim declared. “Every bike ride should be a celebration. I’m happy when I’m riding my bike. At the very least, I should muster a smile for the fellow riders I encounter. There’s no room for being smug.”

This idea of Tim’s got the rest of us thinking. Why should we acknowledge other bicyclists, and how should we do it? And what would it look like if every rider did this?

It’s safe to say that greeting another bicyclist—whether it’s with a nod, a smile, a wave, a bell ding, or even a “hello”—can’t hurt, perhaps except in special situations. If you’re flying down a winding, technical descent, you might not want to remove your attention from the road right in front of you. But in most cases, a simple greeting will do no harm. Smiling at another rider will probably make both of you feel good. Research shows that your facial expressions can influence your mood.

... continue reading at: http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/to-wave-or-not-to-wave-is-it-even-a-question

Mussels in the Kettles SATURDAY!!

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Pop over to Whidbey Island for Mussels in the Kettles. This is a great event for all ages.

We hope to see you there!! 

Ladies night out March 27, 2014!!

 

Thursday March 27th, 6:30pm

Join a female Trek representative for a night of bicycles: 

*finding the right bike for you

*essentials and proper gear to improve your riding experience

*bike wear and care

*personalized Question & Answer session 

Appetizers and drinks! Door prizes! Special night of discounts!

Free, but RSVP gets you added into a extra raffle. Send an email to thebrokenspokept@gmail.com with RSVP in the subject.

Colin Angus - first to circle the world exclusively by human power -

Colin Angus is a leading adventurer, bestselling author and Canadian filmmaker. He was awarded National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year award for being the first to circle the world exclusively by human power, and was listed by Outside Magazine as one of the world’s top 25 bold visionaries. Angus’s success in achieving the seemingly impossible relies on a unique strategy he has developed for increasing human potential.

He is the author of four books, and his films have been aired around the world on National Geographic television. His talk will touch on several of his adventures, and include an opportunity to meet Colin and ask questions following his talk.

This presentation will be given at 7 pm at the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend, on March 21, with a suggested donation of $15.
angusadventures.com

Beginner women's trail ride this monday

BASIC WOMEN'S MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE!  
Monday night, March 3rd, at 5pm. 
Meet at Blue Heron Middle School parking lot.

Please remember your lights, proper clothing for the weather, and food/water. 

We'll slowly pedal a short (~45 min) loop in Cappy's Trails.

Contact The Broken Spoke if you need any gear (ie bike, light, etc) to borrow. All females encouraged to attend. Tell your friends.
See you there.

IMBA- Rules of the Trail

photo credit from IMBA site

Rules of the Trail

International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) developed the "Rules of the Trail" to promote responsible and courteous conduct on shared-use trails. Keep in mind that conventions for yielding and passing may vary in different locations, or with traffic conditions.

1. Ride Open Trails: Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness .


2. Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.


3. Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.


4. Yield Appropriately: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you're coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to other non-motorized trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.


5. Never Scare Animals: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.


6. Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

  imba.com

Why do you ride?

Special Women's event on Monday March 3rd

BASIC WOMEN'S MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE!  
Monday night, March 3rd, at 5pm. 
Meet at Blue Heron Middle School parking lot.
Please remember your lights, proper clothing for the weather, and food/water. 

We'll slowly pedal a short (45 min) loop in Cappy's Trails.

If you've been wanting to join us but haven't committed... tonight's your night! All females encouraged to attend. Tell your friends.

Not planning on a snowy day- but really- with the right gear and good company, riding is fun!!


To finish, a fun article from Kat Sweet, from last fall, http://outdoorsnw.com/2013/mountain-biking-is-growing-among-women-and-girls/

mountain, downhill racing events

planning for race season...

Here is a compilation of local (greater peninsula region) races for this spring and summer.
There are more out there- fill us in, if you find one we don't know about!
Listed in random order.

buduracing.com

DATE		Location
2/16/14		Dash Point Trails, Tacoma
3/2/14		Fort Steilacoom Park, Tacoma
3/16/14		Key Pen - 360 Park, Gig Harbor
3/30/14		King County's Soaring Eagle Trails, Sammamish
4/6/14		Lord Hill Trails, Snohomish
4/13/14		Port Gamble Trails, Port Gamble
5/4/14		Cookin in the Kettles, Whidbey Island
5/18/14		King County's Henry's Ridge, Maple Valley (Not part of the series)

nwcup.com

Event	Location	Date
Round 1/Pro GRT	Dry Hill / Port Angeles	April 18-20
Round 2 / *BC Cup	Dry Hill / Port Angeles	May 16-18
Round 3	Skibowl / Mt. Hood	June 20-22
Round 4 / **BC Cup	Silver Star Resort, BC	July 18-20
Round 5	Stevens Pass, WA	August 20-24
Round 6 / Finals	Dry Hill / Port Angeles	September 12-14

*Round 2 results count toward BC Cup
**Round 4 results count toward NW Cup

capitolforestclassic.com
August 9 & 10

High School Mountain bike teams ! go cheer them on!!
washingtonleague.org
March 23, 2014- Location To Be Announced
April 6, 2014- Location To Be Announced
April 27, 2014- Location To Be Announced
May 18, 2014- Location To Be Announced

nwepicseries.com
May 10- Stottlemeyer 30/60
May 31- Echo Valley 30/60
August 23- Capitol Forest 50/100

cascadiadirtcup.org
Saturday, June 28th @ Yacolt Burn Enduro – Battleground
Saturday, July 26th @ Dry Hill Enduro – Port Angeles
Saturday, August 16 @ TBA
Saturday, September 20 @ Tiger Mountain Enduro – Issaquah
Sunday, October 19th @ Chuckanut Enduro – Bellingham