Winter: a good time for bike maintenance

The cold, dark, rainy season of winter may not be your favorite time to ride your bike (though many of us do it anyway!), but it is a great time to get your bike tuned up.If you don't have your own back-yard bike shop, Thurston County has eight professional bike shops to choose from, all scattered around the urbanized area of the county. All of these shops are equipped to tackle your bike maintenance needs, and they are not swamped with work right now! Bike shops get really busy in the spring- even as early as March. You could wait a week for your bike to get a tuneup in the busy season. Right now though, bike shops are hungry for work and want your business, and you shouldn't have to wait so long for your bike.  Remember to shop local for your bike accessories and clothing. Support the local bike shops that offer professional service to keep us rolling!

BCC 2013 Rider Profile #1: Beth R.

We're interviewing a few intrepid practical cyclists who commute by bike year-round, to find out how they do it!

BCC: What is your age, roughly speaking?

Beth: Roughly speaking?!?  Is that question worded like that for those who fear growing old?  I’m 47!

BCC: What is your occupation or area of study?
Beth:I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.  I own my own business near downtown, Olympia.  I work with individuals who are suicidal and who self harm.  I love my work and I love the people I work with (both clients and other therapists). 

BCC: What is your most frequent destination on your bike?
Beth:Sadly, work.  I’d say 90 % of my bike riding is to get me to work or home from work.  I want to do the CUPPA rides with Capital Bike Club, but errands and family commitments rarely make it possible for me to take that much time to ride on a Sat. 

BCC: How did you hear about the BCC?
Beth:Originally, I’m not absolutely sure, but I think it was one of those street banners across State Ave by the bus station.  I remember the first year I did it (I think maybe 2010) running into Duncan right after I had registered.  I was commuting that day and I stopped at the bus station to sign up.  After signing up, I went to Olympia Hardware to pick something up on my way to work.  When I was coming out of the store, he asked me,  “Hey, do you ride much?  Have you heard about the Bicycle Commuter Contest?” (or something similar to that).  And, I said, “Well, as a matter of fact, I just signed up.”  It was really cool to meet the “Director” of the BCC within minutes of signing up!

Early Season Events of Interest

Transportation-Advocacy-Day-2013 February 12 in Olympia- a chance to let our legislature know about our transportation needs and preferences.  
Seattle-Bike-Swap Hosted by Cascade Bicycle Club- hundreds of booths with vendors from individuals to large area bike shops. February 10, 9am - 2pm Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.
Seattle Bicycle Expo  The largest consumer bicycle show in the United States. Exhibitors from the United States and Canada fill over 250 booths with exhibits of bikes, gear, travel, health and fitness.  Every top event producer in the region is represented as are most bicycle tour companies, local bike shops and top national manufacturers. Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. & Sunday, March 10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal in Seattle.
Capitol Bicycling Club Newsletter and Website Check out your local bicycling club (and even join)! Our local club hosts great rides year-round and offers classes and instructional rides for the novice cyclist.

BCC office opens for 2013- Theme ideas?

Preparations for the 26th Thurston County Bicycle Commuter Contest begin today! We'll post updates on our progress here periodically, so stay tuned. Also check out our Facebook page for updates and to offer your input. Speaking of input, we're looking for inspiration for this year's theme and graphics- want to help out? Submit your ideas to dgreen"at"intercitytransit.com. If we use your idea or incorporate it into our theme, we'll give you a prize!