Riding Restaurateur

Like a lot of entrepreneurs,  Ari Gejdenson, is attracted to freedom. Commuting by bike gives Ari freedom when visiting his 9 different restaurants in the city. Prior to juggling eateries, Ari played professional soccer in South America and Italy. Ari learned to cook in Florence and upon moving back to the states opened up an arm of Acqua Al 2 in Eastern Market (we were stoked to have Acqua Al 2 provide refreshments on our Surly Urbanizer Ride). 

He's always been attracted to bikes. As a kid growing up on Capitol Hill he would ride to the metro to get to school. Ari's bike of choice is a Handsome Devil. "I ride in a circle, and not very fast," jokes Ari of his weekly routine of visiting his various restaurants. The Handsome Devil is a steel frame with a simple 1x9 drivetrain, making it a great bike for city riding. It's an upright bike that still goes fast when you want to push it. Ari looks forward to his rides as an escape from work, a way to get the blood flowing, and enjoy time to himself everyday. Today we're excited to have Ari as a neighbor in Ivy City. You can check out Ari's Diner, La Puerta Verde, and Dock FC just down the street from us. 

How to buy a road bike

Join us for Hills of Anacostia and Hills of Rock Creek every weekend.

For many road bikes are synonymous with racing, but really road bikes are great for anyone that wants to cover more miles, more efficiently. Gone are the days of buying a racing specific road bike. Today you can get a road bike as relaxed or as aggressive of fit as you’d like. Road bikes can run wider tires than ever, blurring the categories between road, gravel, and dirt. This lets you ride your bike on all sorts of surfaces and conditions. 

When looking for a new bike the most important factor is the fit. Getting the appropriate size bike for you and your riding style makes all the difference. Many manufactures are producing high quality bikes, and they are very comparable in terms of performance. They will differ in how the fit you. Endurance road bikes put you in a more upright riding position and are designed to be comfortable for long days in the saddle.  

Cannondale CAAD 12

Cannondale Synapse

Traditional racing bikes are going to have a more dramatic saddle to bar drop, putting you in a more bent over posture. This can take some getting used to, but can also be a very comfortable position and is very efficient.  

There are many ways to tailor the fit of the bike to your needs. You can get longer/shorter stems of different angles, different bar lengths and you can adjust saddle position fore and aft. All theses millimeters of adjustments can have a big effect on how the bike fits and handles. 

Frame materials also effect the ride. Traditionally bikes were made of steel. A durable material that is also very forgiving, flexing over potholes and all the imperfections in the road. Companies like Cannondale were able to make bikes lighter than ever before when they began using aluminum. In contrast to steel aluminum is very stiff, meaning when you step on it, it goes. Aluminum is very snappy and is quick to accelerate and climb. Cannondale continues to be innovative with alloy, and makes Aluminum bikes lighter than some companies carbon bikes. 

Carbon fiber is a ultralight material that can be woven to allow for stiffness and compliance in different areas. It also has vibration dampening properties. This makes it an ideal material for bike frames because it can be light like aluminum and forgiving like steel. 

All-City Cycles Mr. Pink mixes classic steel style with modern features like a carbon fork and clearance for 32c tires. 

BicycleSPACE co-founder, Erik Kugler, on a steel Soma. 

The best way to shop for a bike is to take a spin on as many as you can. Come on in and let us help you determine the best size in each model. From there you can see first hand how different fits and materials translate to different ride experiences. 

Special pricing on Cannondale's now through Arpil 10th! 

Rolling Resistance

Manifests at Malcolm X Park on March 18th mark the start of Rolling Resistance, the latest in a growing local tradition of Women's Alley Cats in Mach. Rolling Resistance is a WTF (Women/Trans/Femme) Alley Cat that explores sites and themes in the city related to gender issues and activism. Participants were given a list of checkpoints to visit and were posed questions at each one. There were prizes for speed, points, and as with all Alley Cats, a DFL prize. 

Alicia, like many were racing their first Alley Cat. "I've been knitting since I could tie my shoes," working on what she calls stoplight knitting. 

Temporary Tattoos for checkpoints 

A route is planned beneath Joan of Arc. Alley Cats reward speed and strategy. 

Dropping in from the hill at Malcolm X park 

Learning to sign "Girls Rule the World" on Q Street. 

Leigh Ann, board member of HIPS (Rolling Resistance beneficiary), and team members visit the White House checkpoint where they had to answer "Who were the first people to picket the White House?" and we're encouraged to leave a message to the new resident. 

After suffering a mechanical, a Rolling Resistance participant hops on a CABI to finish the race. 

DC Bike Polo checkpoint at Rush Rink 1229 D St SE. Bike Polo curious? Check out their Facebook and you can join the fun. 

Outside Women in Armed Services Memorial checkpoint: "What is the last in word in Clara Barton's Quote featured on the memorial?" 

"I LEAVE YOU LOVE. I LEAVE YOU HOPE. I LEAVE YOU THE CHALLENGE OF DEVELOPING CONFIDENCE IN ONE ANOTHER. I LEAVE YOU A THIRST FOR EDUCATION. I LEAVE YOU A RESPECT FOR THE USE OF POWER. I LEAVE YOU FAITH. I LEAVE YOU RACIAL DIGNITY. I LEAVE YOU A DESIRE TO LIVE HARMONIOUSLY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEN. I LEAVE YOU FINALLY, A RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE." - Mary McLeod Bethune  

Checkpoint: "What organization did Mary McLeod found?"

Banishing the Patriarchy at 666 Irving St. checkpoint: "What does W.I.T.C.H. stand for?" 

Organizing an Alley Cat can be just as intense as racing. After you've set up all the pieces; designing, preparing, and coordinating the event, there is great excitement to watch it all unfold. Manifests are scored as racers file in. Rolling Resistance organizers Snehee and Leah were inspired by the tradition of Women's Alleycats in March and enthusiastically took on organizing their first race. 

Big thanks to all the organizers, volunteers, participants and sponsors that made this race a huge success. 

Rolling Resistance Winner: Brownen Rice

All proceeds benefited HIPS, a local organization that provides harm reduction services to communities impacted by sex work and drug use. Their staff was grateful for the donations! Including board member, Leigh Ann who particpated in Rolling Resistance herself. 

Points Winners:

1. Thin Mints
2. Bob Ross Rollers
3. Dulce de Leche 
4. Cakes

A big thanks to all the organizers, volunteers, riders and sponsors for a great event! Including our friends at All-City Cycles, Abus, and Po Campo .

Urbanizer Ride

Surly Bikes East Coast Tour!

Monday March 27th hang with Surly Bikes East Coast tour comes to BicycleSPACE!

"Come one-come all Urban Roll no drop ride. We will have a mix of Straggler/Straggler 650b, Troll, Flat Bar Cross Check, Krampus, Karate Monkey and even a Big Fat Dummy for you to try.

Got a Surly? Wicked, bring it with. Don't have a Surly? Ride one of ours. Don't want to ride one of ours? Ride one of yours. All are welcome. 

Don't want to be welcome? Well, we can't help you there." 

Straggler 

Krampus

Karate Monkey

Flat bar Crosscheck 

Green Machine

In our Friend of the SPACE series, we catch up with folks to see why they love riding and how they make their bikes their own. Here we talk to Hal about his Linus. 

How long have you been commuting? Ever since I moved to DC and discovered the bike lanes. By bike commuting I guarantee myself at least an hour of exercise every day. On rainy and snowy days I take the Metro. Metro's service is a constant reminder of why I prefer to bike.  

How does it feel to bike in the city? There's nothing better on a crisp morning to kick-start the day or a night ride when the streets are mostly free of cars.

Do you have a favorite road or trail? My favorite is the loop from Georgetown to Adams Morgan. You begin on the Capital Crescent Trail in Georgetown. Once you reach Bethesda the Georgetown Branch Trail takes you towards Silver Spring and the Rock Creek Trail. Rock Creek Trail loops you back to the Zoo and Adams Morgan. On the weekends, Beach Drive (part of the Rock Creek Trail) is closed to car traffic. 

Why green color scheme? Becky from BicycleSPACE sold me on the British racing green Linus. I accessorized with green transport bags and painted my helmet and lock to match.  

What are the benefits to a bike like Linus for city riding? I'd ridden dozens of bikes before the Linus and none of them felt right. They ranged from too heavy to unstable. The Linus was just right and BicycleSPACE gave me a great deal! 

Any advice for those curious about bike commuting? Find a shower at work and a dry-cleaner nearby for keeping your clean shirts and suits on demand. 

What's your favorite bike for getting around the city? How have you made it your own? Let us know in the comments. 

Bumper Jacksons Music Video!

We had a blast riding around with Friends of the SPACE, Bumper Jacksons, for their new music video! You might spot yourself. We are looking forward to warm summer night rides again! 

Put Your Road Rage to the Page

Elly Blue and Joe Biel returned to BicycleSPACE Downtown for another great event during the National Bike Summit. Elly and Joe, of Microcosm Publishing, have been active in creating books, zines, and films centered around the intersection of bikes, transportation, gender, sexuality, race and class. 

Biel started Microcosm Publishing from his closet in Ohio over 20 years ago, in part as an outlet for depression. Today, Elly and Joe led “Put Your Road Rage to the Page,” a writing workshop and discussion on how to channel your frustrations in something positive. Attendees included locals, experienced commuters, new cyclists, a Lyft driver who bikes, a bike advocacy organizer from Cleveland, and a self-described “California bike industry shill,” from the lovely Merry Sales Co.  

The group enjoyed a passionate discussion where they wrote and shared personal stories that made them upset and frustrated, but also ways they find joy and inspiration in the bike world. Some criticisms we’re of the usual suspects, poor infrastructure and rude behaviors from drivers. Critiques also fell on the cycling community as well. Folks felt frustrated when those on bikes treated each other in negative ways, “shoaling” at lights, talking down to other genders, elitism, and erratic behavior that hurts the public image. 

The consensus was that these issues aren’t specific to the bike community, but relate to society at large. They discussed ways we can shift our attitudes towards empathy and compassion. Such as not assuming you know what’s best for others, instead they emphasized the power of getting to know people first and learn who they are. There was lots of support for random acts of kindness and micro-affections. 

Elly and Joe had folks compile a list of problems and solutions. Together the group came up with ways to work toward positive, productive outcomes within “your agency and locus of control.” The group got to know each other and shared stories from their own facets of the bike community. It’s always a pleasure hosting Elly and Joe and we can’t wait to see them again. Check out their site to learn more about their great work. 

Women's Month Events Newsletter

There's a lot of great events going on this month. Check out the newsletter to learn more. 

Touring Talk

7:30 pm Tuesday March 21st

BicycleSPACE Adams Morgan

Have you ever wondered what it is like to ride a bicycle across the country? Join us for an evening of stories from the DC3, a Guinness Book of World Records Record Holder, and other women who have ridden coast to coast. Hear stories of charity trips that combined bike riding with house building, of fully supported luxury trips, and of self-supported crossings. You may just end the evening inspired to start planning your own trip! 

Event is Free! Please RSVP with ticket link and consider donating to WABA Women and Bicycles
 

The Women & Bicycles program is centered on peer-to-peer encouragement, information, and experience to inspire more women* to bike, participate, teach, advocate, and lead in the bike movement.

Since the program launched in 2013, hundreds of supporters throughout the region and the program Roll Models have helped us host 150+ events, engage with 3,000+ participants, and inspire more than 400 women make biking a new and rewarding part of their lives.