Two deep breaths and one step forward

Posted on Jan 17th 2012 | Bike Life, Blog,

As I quietly rolled down the dark bike path I can hear dogs barking at us and the cold crunch of the snow under our 4 inch wide tires. It starts to sink in that I’m wrapping up one of the most difficult rides I have ever done. It was hard not to smile. A few years ago Chris (PB Warehouse guru) and I got some fat bikes […] read more...

Cyclocross Nationals comes to Madison

Posted on Jan 12th 2012 | Bike Life, Blog,

Our fair city of Madison hosted US Cyclocross Nationals over 5 days last week. In the fall of 2010 it was announced that Madison was going to host this prestigious event and I decided right then and there that I had to enter this race. I used to take my cross racing pretty seriously but since having my son last Apri […] read more...

Wisconsin Trails in Jeopardy

Posted on Jan 4th 2012 | Advocacy, Bike Life, Blog,

The trails at Upper Hixon Forest in La Crosse, WI, could be closed by a potential sale of city-owned property. Human Powered Trails, a member-based club in the La Crosse area, has put tremendous effort into creating a wonderful shared-use trail system on the bluffs above the river city. The club is fighting hard to sa […] read more...

That’s a Wrap.

Posted on Dec 28th 2011 | Bike Life, Blog,

As 2011 draws to a close, I’ve taken some time to reflect on the past year. I have countless things to be thankful for and a few experiences I’m glad are in the past. I’ve had some wonderful (and new) adventures with family and friends. I had one trip to the ER that resulted in a broken toe, stitches in my face, and s […] read more...

Fun and Cheap

Posted on Dec 21st 2011 | Better World, Bike Life, Blog,

A recent study published in Journal of Urban Health compares the total costs for ciclovia events to the reduced healthcare costs for participants, with some surprising results. I have enjoyed Madison’s Ride The Drive but I had no idea it could more than pay for itself. In the case of San Francisco’s Sunday Streets, th […] read more...

Information Super Highway

Posted on Dec 21st 2011 | Bike Life, Blog,

I recently became aware of a great resource for cyclists, old and new alike. The Bicycles-Stack Exchange is a simple forum for posting questions or sharing your knowledge. It’s “a collaboratively edited question and answer site for people who build and repair bicycles, people who train cycling, or commute on bicycles. […] read more...

Captain Safety Super Fun Reflective Stickers

Posted on Dec 19th 2011 | Blog, Product,

Just a heads up y’all. Our new Captain Safety Super Fun Reflective Stickers (CSSFRS for short) are in stock! These simple yet ingenious stickers will only add to your visibility, especially in the bleak light of the winter months. Head on over yonder and check ’em out. […] read more...

The Hardest Part…

Posted on Dec 16th 2011 | Bike Life, Blog,

My morning commute offers a wonderful block of time for reflection. During my solo hour long spin to Planet Bike HQ my mind jumps wildly from this to that like a bouncing ball. This morning it wandered to the commitment one needs for year round bike commuting in WI. I’ve been seeing a few less commuters on the paths […] read more...

Kiwi Chronicles Episode 1

Posted on Dec 12th 2011 | Bike Life, Blog, Video,

Russ and Laura Check in from New Zealand. Kiwi Chronicles Ep1: To the Edge of the World - PathLessPedaled.com from Russ Roca on Vimeo. […] read more...

Inspiration

Posted on Dec 9th 2011 | Blog, Video,

On October 15th 2011, Sasha DiGiulian became the first American women to climb the grade 9a (5.14d) with her historic ascent of “Pure Imagination” in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, she is only 18. It’s clips like this that provide inspiration to do things most think undoable. I […] read more...

Bird’s Nest Project

Posted on Dec 7th 2011 | Better World, Blog,

I stumbled on this news release this morning and it’s just too cool not to share. Industry News Release Written By: Chris Denny – Denny, ink. Arc’teryx is based in North Vancouver, one of the most affluent and environmentally conscious cities in the world. Known for its performance outerwear, Arc’teryx, through its Bi […] read more...

Russ and Laura Go to New Zealand

Posted on Dec 2nd 2011 | Bike Life, Blog, Video,

Friends of Planet Bike Russ Roca and Laura Crawford are taking their Path Less Pedaled tour international as they head to New Zealand. Take a look at Russ’ gear setup. […] read more...

Up Nort’

Posted on Nov 28th 2011 | Bike Life, Blog,

Up here in Wisconsin, we do things a little different than many other places in the country. When the months are split pretty evenly between snow and no snow, it’s the little things that keep us sane. Take a look how Bike Fed of WI communications director Dave Schlabowske spent his Thanksgiving weekend. […] read more...

Delivered by Bike

Posted on Nov 22nd 2011 | Bike Life, Blog, Video,

Just Coffee Cooperative is a worker-owned coffee roaster dedicated to creating and expanding a model of trade based on transparency, equality, and human dignity. They strive to build long-term relationships with small-scale coffee growers to bring you a truly incredible cup of coffee. They’re based right here in Mad […] read more...

Trail-a-bike!

Posted on Nov 21st 2011 | Bike Life, Blog, Video,

Check out this awesome video that the guys over at COG put together!

Bicycle Tune-Up Bill Signed

Posted on Nov 17th 2011 | Advocacy, Bike Life, Blog,

Yesterday, Wisconsin’s Governor signed a bill to implement various updates to bicycle laws. Among the updates were allowing the use of a rear red light in lieu of a reflector, adding handcycles to the definition of bicycle, allowing motor vehicles to pass slow moving vehicles in “no passing zones” when safe, and allow […] read more...

At Last!

Posted on Nov 14th 2011 | Blog, News, Product,

At last our hugely popular Protege 9.0 Wireless computer gets the update many of you have been waiting for, STEM MOUNT COMPATIBILITY! You can also update your old wireless computer with the stem mount bracket. You talked and we listened. These are available now with the full universal bracket sensor kit (as a separate […] read more...

The Cyclocross Diaries

Posted on Nov 10th 2011 | Bike Life, Blog,

Planet Bike’s lone sponsored rider, Jonathan Page, is writing journals on his cyclocross season on Bicycling Magazine’s website. Get a glimpse of what it’s like to race at the top of the sport in Belgium, the cyclocross “holy land”. […] read more...

Increased use of bikes for commuting offers economic, health benefits

Posted on Nov 9th 2011 | Bike Life, Blog, Learn,

MADISON – Cutting out short auto trips and replacing them with mass transit and active transport would yield major health benefits, according to a study just published in the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives. The biggest health benefit was due to replacing half of the short trips with bicycle trips […] read more...

Rideblog

Posted on Nov 7th 2011 | Bike Life, Blog, Product,

It’s always nice to hear the perspectives of a wide range of cyclists. We feel that our products are great for cyclists across the board, from racers to the casual weekend rider. Dave stumbled upon the blog of a casual rider out in Washington. Check out her thoughts on our Spok light. […] read more...

Nominations Open for Alliance 2012 Advocacy Awards

Posted on Nov 3rd 2011 | Advocacy, Blog,

The Alliance for Biking & Walking has opened the public nomination period for its 2012 Advocacy Awards. Now in its fourth year, the Alliance’s Advocacy Awards recognize excellence in bicycle and pedestrian advocacy. Award categories include: * Advocate of the Year * Advocacy Organization of the Year * […] read more...

WORBA Merge With Wisconsin Bicycle Federation Still Pending

Posted on Oct 31st 2011 | Advocacy, Blog, News,

Looks like we jumped the gun. IMBA sent out the below correction to the WORBA news from last week. Yesterday’s Midwest Regional eNews misrepresented the timing of WORBA’s merge with the Wisconsin Bicycling Federation. “The conversations are underway, but no official decision has been made,” said Midwest Regional Direc […] read more...

Preparing for Fall

Posted on Oct 28th 2011 | Bike Life, Blog, Learn,

The approach of Daylight Savings is a sure sign that cooler temperatures and dreary weather are on the way. Madison’s Fall is already well under way. The temperature when I hopped on my bike this morning was 41 degrees and there’s plenty of rain in the forecast. I’ve been a year-round bike commuter as long as I can r […] read more...

WORBA Transitions to Wisconsin Bike Federation

Posted on Oct 27th 2011 | Advocacy, Blog,

The latest IMBA newsletter just popped into my inbox and was happy to see the headline ‘WORBA Transitions to Wisconsin Bike Federation’ halfway through. WORBA is the Wisconsin Off Road Bicycle Association. I see this transition as a positive given the Bike Fed’s proven track record of great results. Here’s the blurb i […] read more...

Cure for the Bicycle Ban

Posted on Oct 25th 2011 | Advocacy, Bike Life, Blog, News,

Over the past year, there have been several townships in the cycling headlines either banning or attempting to ban cyclists on their streets. I’m not sure where along the line this becomes a “good” idea. Perhaps it comes from some long-standing grudge or maybe it’s just plain ol’ easier than developing infrastructure […] read more...

Supercommuter Part II

Posted on Oct 24th 2011 | Bike Life, Blog, Super Commuters,

Our most recent Supercommuter, Cecily Walker, has a personal website that is well worth checking out. Wonderful photography, beautiful writing, and a healthy helping of bike content! Check out her website or her Supercommuter profile in our latest newsletter. […] read more...

Fall 2011 Super Commuter – Cecily Walker

Posted on Oct 13th 2011 | Bike Life, Blog, Super Commuters,

Vancouver, BC –This edition’s supercommuter is written by our friend Alan, the mastermind behind EcoVelo. Alan has a beautiful way with words and photographs. Check out his passion for cycling at EcoVelo.A supercommuter rides through every season, in all types of weather, day and night. Choosing the simplicity, health […] read more...

Return of the White Cascadias!

Posted on Oct 12th 2011 | Blog, News, Product,

You may remember our limited run of white Cascadia fenders a few years back. They went over quite well and were a fun and useful item for those looking for something a little different. After countless conversations, we’ve decided to bring them back in a limited single-run. The white Cascadias will be available in all […] read more...

Bicycle Bucket List

Posted on Oct 11th 2011 | Bike Life, Blog,

We noticed a pretty comprehensive “cycling bucket list” on Bicycling Magazine’s website. I feel pretty fortunate that I’ve been able to ride the following from the list: 1. The Cobbles of Belgium.2. Vermont’s Green Mountains8. Ride a Bike to Work.13. A Charity Ride.19. Blue Ridge Parkway.30. Napa Valley, California.31 […] read more...

What's New?

Posted on Oct 4th 2011 | Blog, Learn, Product,

An old favorite of winter cyclists just got better. The Borealis winter cycling glove has been redesigned with a windproof outer shell and removable fleece liner to keep the cold out and keep the warm in. The removable liner helps dry time after the ride, and creates a 3-in-1 glove by usi […] read more...