Katie and Nate head off for bicycle adventures

Next week, Nate and I will be departing Cincinnati for a ten month Arabic and Hebrew program in Jaffa, Israel. We'll be taking bicycle tours of Israel, Jordan and Egypt during our vacation time. Once our ten month commitment is through, we'll be bicycling from Istanbul to Dublin. The route hasn't been finalized yet, but it looks like we'll be going through the following: Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, England, Scotland, and Ireland. We might re-route or head into Russia and the Ukraine, but the tentative plans are shaping up to be interesting no matter what we decide on.

We will miss the wonderful, quirky people who frequent and work at Reser Bicycle Outfitters. Jason has graciously agreed to sponsor our touring with some of the best gear on the market. We cannot thank him enough--we will definitely be going through some chains and tubes. Please check back for weekly updates on the places we'll be riding and how our gear is holding up. Our blog will be up and running in the next few days as we wind down the process of getting ready to leave the country. Sunday will be our last day at the shop--stop by and say hello and goodbye! We have no idea what we'll be doing when we return, but we promise you'll all be the first to know.

All of our best,

Katie and Nate

Bicycles, beer, and mud: it's that time of the year

Cyclocross season is just around the corner. If that doesn't send shivers of excitement down your spine, I really, really, really don't know what will. Featuring trails, mud, rocks, obstacles, pavement and grass, cyclocross is a test of bicycle handling skills, endurance, and ones ability to endure aggressive heckling.



If you aren't sure about running through the mud while carrying your bicycle up an intense hill, then come try it out at cyclocross practice this Wednesday, 6:30 pm at Devou Park.

We've got Ridley and Rocky Mountain cyclocross bikes in stock. Getting into the sport doesn't have to break the bank--come in and talk to us about financing and layaway options. There are some great entry level frames and complete bikes in stock, too. Test rides are always free.

Just remember: it's not truly a suffer fest if there are beer hand-ups involved.

IMPROMPTU PARTY ALERT!!!

Impromptu party alert! Beer and pizza at the shop tonight, 7:30 until it runs out! YEAH! Do we need a reason? Okay, I guess the end of the race series works.

Devou Park Season Finale

It's the last race tonight at Devou. I know you're all sad that you won't be hearing Rob's commentary, and that we never got enough juniors out to get Big Dave into a grass skirt, but hey, let's have one last hurrah. There will be some serious contention for the women's series crown, and the men's races look to be just as fast tonight. Bring the family, bring the dog, bring your friends, and bring a little cash (or credit) for the taco truck.

Queen City Bike Meeting

Ride with us to the August meeting of Queen City Bike. Our region's voice for bicycle advocacy, Queen City Bike is currently working to improve our bicycle infrastructure. Jason and Katie will leave from the shop at 6:40 to ride to the meeting in the East End.

This month's agenda is as follows:

7 pm - 7:30: Presentation by Cincinnati Dept of Transportation and Engineering on options for Riverside Drive (jointly with East End Area Council)

7:30 - 8:30: Additional Queen City Bike Business:

1) Bike Friendly Destinations project: QCB has been awarded Greater Cincinnati Foundation grant for $10,000

2) Bike to Baseball (ride to Reds games)

3) New activities for late summer/fall: Spring Grove Cemetary Tour? Other?

4) QCB Membership Discount Program

5) Discussion of new Cincinnati Bicycle Program Advisory Committee per the Bike Plan

6) Bike Month 2011

Devou Park+Tacos+Bicycles=Spectacular Fun

YES, rain or shine, the Devou Park Summer Race Series is on. Tonight Senor Roy's taco truck will be joining us. Can you think of anything better than tacos and bicycles? Okay, maybe tacos and bicycles at the exactly same time aren't a good idea, but within reason, it really is kind of a great concept. Here's the breakdown.

Scenario 1: You have a bicycle and would like to race it.
That's fantastic. Bring your license or purchase a one day license at registration. Bring cash for tacos, too. You're really going to want one (or six) after you climb up that hill.

Scenario 2: Breaking that kind of sweat is ridiculous. You just want to watch your friends ad loved one suffer.
This is also fantastic. Bring yourselves, your kids, your neighbors, your dog, and a blanket or chair to sit on. You should also bring some cash for the taco truck--honestly, who doesn't love tacos? Bring your cheering voice. There's a possibility of best fan prems.

Scenario 3: You have a bicycle, but aren't sure about racing.
Don't make excuses. Bring your bike, your helmet, and a can-do attitude. There's even a women's only race and honestly, I don't remember the last time a crit series around here had a regularly scheduled women's only race.

Dirty Divas 2010 Mountain Bike Clinic

Hey ladies! Do you want to mountain bike, improve your skills, or just hang out with some like-minded folks? If so, please come to Harbin Park this Saturday for the seventh annual Dirty Divas Mountain Bike Clinic. The women of Reser will be out in force and Jess will be wrenching and holding down the Reser Tent--stop by for some tasty treats, maintenance advice and help!

Register at: http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=10964

$50 for registration includes breakfast and lunch! Raffles will be held, so bring some cash for tickets that will support CORA's work to improve mountain bike facilities in our region.

Join us for a day of fun and fitness at our annual mountain bike instructional clinic for women. All riders from first-timers to advanced are welcome, and all fitness levels. Whether you’ve never ridden on a mountain bike trail, or you’re just looking to polish up your off-road handling skills, we have a great day in store for you!
At the CORA Dirty Divas Clinic, you will:

• Learn the basics of mountain biking, even if you’ve never ridden off-road
• Master your skills if you’ve already begun riding
• Discover proper technique for conquering hills, making tight turns, clearing obstacles, and more
• Challenge yourself
• Gain confidence
• Have fun!

New this year! The Dirty Divas clinic will feature only IMIC (International Mountainbike Instructor Certification)-certified instructors.