Warning: Girl-centric post ahead

****UPDATE: I have decided to give it a shot. Hoping my local health food/crunchy granola store carries it. Will let you know my progress...eventually. Oh, and if you see me around, PLEASE don't ask how it is going...posting this is embarrassing enough! :) ******

I have always said that this blog would be about what it is like riding as a girl in a cycling unfriendly and unhealthy (esp for women) city. So, it was inevitable to write about womenly things. That day has come...

Ok, ladies this one is for you. Has anyone ever tried The Diva Cup? I am curious about it and want to know what you think. Any cyclists out there tried it? Riding during that week is worrisome and uncomfortable so I would love anything that could help.

Let's just put it out there: you can't really wear a pad when on a ride. And tampons are fine, if you are ok with bleached cotton and chemicals and possible leaks (which, honestly, I have been up to this point). So, this seems to be a good alternative. unless it doesn't work, or the position cycling puts you in screws it up.

So, I ask you...anyone tried it?

if you are uncomfortable saying so here, email me at elisa@bicicoop.org

Thanks! And to our male readers...sorry and thanks for your understanding

Mick Jaggar STOLEN! Help

My bike was stolen last night. It was in my backyard (unlocked) from 8pm-1am and when I came home it was gone. I am just sick over this. Today Heath is coming to help me figure out another bike (thank goodness for Bici!). If you are in the Birmingham area and see him around, PLEASE call me. 205-706-7034.

since this photo I have added a 'This is Public Health' sticker and it says Mick Jagger on the drive side (Thanks Diana!). Pretty unmistakable.

Thanks everyone.

Raindrops keep falling on my head

I have been searching the internet and am coming up with nothing. How is this possible?!

I am looking into rain gear for riding. I have found tons of info about fenders and rain safety, but not much on rain clothing. What on earth do you wear to ride in the rain? I am thinking of selling my car and need some good rain gear. I have a rain jacket, but what on earth do you do for pants? Every pair I have seen have had an inseam of only 30-32...I wear have a 34 inch inseam (I know!!). Are there any cute rain knickers? or not even cute...just some that work?

And for shoes...I don't have the slightest clue. Headwear?

help a sister out!

bike love

Need your advice

*******UPDATE*********
I have gotten a rear rack put on my bike and am going to start strapping my pack to it or am putting a crate on top. Maybe I can even bring my handbag instead of the backpack on riding days!
also decided to get an old bike and convert to a SS. have a few that I am looking at from Joel "The Bike Guy" here in Birmingham. Thanks for your help everyone!
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I am considering spending some of my hard earned Hamiltons on a few bikey things. However, because my budget is small, I want to make sure I am getting worthwhile investments. So far I have not been led astray by the online bike community, so I come to you again for some advice.

1. Republic bikes
. they make inexpensive ($344...on sale from $499) track bikes that you custom design. I want a singlespeed/fixed (they are flippable) for riding downtown and on weekends. Just a simple, pretty bike. Republic bikes are both simply AND pretty. and for the price, It seems like a great deal. Comes nearly fully assembled and ready to ride. Has anyone heard anything good or bad? I just plan to use it to ride...no tricks (besides the occasional trackstand or skid), and I will probably add a front brake.

2. Commuter bag by Cyclelogical.



I can't use a messenger bag due to back issues. I had 2 of them, and once I switched to a 2 strap and had a seat adjustment I am feeling great. I know it is the bag because if I ever try to use my smaller one I get a backache immediately. BUT my 2 strap is my old LLBean that I got in 8th grade...even has my initials on it. Old Skool baby! Trying to put a water bottle, makeup, laptop, shoes and a snack is a challenge. Then I saw this great bag! It has (according to the website description): front stash pocket with opening thru flap for larger items (yoga mat, any tube like object or quick stash), computer compartment, shoe area, secured clothing area, laundry compartment, elastic stash compartment for computer cords or bulky items and a clear pocket for viewing items on the fun.

What more could I need? However, it is $125. I don't mind spending that on something that will get the job done, but... I am wondering if everything fits nicely or is squished in there? Also, how does it handle on your shoulders and back? Is the pack waterproof, or at least water resistant?

oh, it also has a velcro strip for a reflective strip OR a velcroable solar panel!!

Any help anyone can give me on these items would be great. If not...maybe I will bite the bullet, order them and do a review myself! (if anyone wants to send me one to review, that is also an option!!) :)

bike love

Tragedy in Music City-Stolen bike alert

This is a plea to all you readers in the Nashville area. Our friend, Trisha from Let's Go Ride a Bike, had her beloved Pinkie stolen last night.

If you see Pinkie around, please a) kick said thieves ass, b) call the cops, c) let Trish know.

Help us return Pinkie to her home!

Sometimes biking is a pain in the...

Riding my bike makes me feel simultaneously 4 years and 40 years old. Not that there is anything wrong with either age...but I am neither.

Does anyone out there have an issue with intense back pain after riding with a messenger bag? Even with the smallest Timbuk2 bag, after a short ride I feel as though someone has their knee firmly placed mid back. I thought that perhaps the larger bag would better distribute the weight so I changed. No such luck...same thing. I suspect that my large Trek U-lock has something to do with it, but even without the lock, it hurts some. My goal this week is to make a lock holster that I can wear with a skirt lacking belt loops (that was actually my goal last weekend...), so I am hopeful that will help. A friend of mine swears by 2 strap commuter bags, and perhaps that is what I need to do. Unfortunately, I currently have 2 messenger style bags and no budget to acquire another bag. I may pull out the old LLBean bag this week and see if it helps.

I also know that riding in bike unfriendly areas factor into my pain. When riding on a small, poorly lit road with cars zooming past, I tend to get a tension headache throughout my back and neck. This is not going to go away soon, so I need to find a way to work around it and despite it.

The subject of weight training does intrigue me. I don't ride for sport much, mainly just to get from point A to point B. I am sure that I would benefit from some specialized strength training, and am open to any suggestions you all may have. Riding is an amazing workout for my body, but I know that some muscles are not targeted. Which ones are these, and what can I do to help?

Please note that these must be able to be done in my home with free weights and/or household props. I will NOT set foot in a gym!

I am also thinking of seeing how my yoga practice helps. I used to regularly do hot yoga, but have a current mental block against it. Perhaps a combination will be just the ticket.

Anyone have any advice? Can you relate?

Side Note: This weekend was amazing for riding. This photo is of a ride I was about to take to Urban Standard for coffee. I ended up staying through lunch! I took the long route home for a few more minutes in the sun and on the saddle. (ignore the bad hair day...it was windy and I was lazy!)

Want to spend Valentines Day with the Bikeskirt Ladies??

Hey kids,
Want to register early for the Valentines Heartbrakes Prom alleycat and save the hassle of late registation? Shoot an email to info{at}bicicoop{dot}com and we will get you all signed up. Details to come, but trust us...you want in. Alan has been working his ass off to get some SICK prizes.

We also need volunteers. What better way to spend your Valentines Day than hanging out with a bunch of awesome folks, listening to good music and helping get the Bici Co-op started? Let us know if you can volunteer by sending us an email or commenting here. we need you!

Remember, this is a team event. Sign up with your Prom 'date'. No date, no problem...there will be a stag category where we will set you up.

Two words: Prom Pictures.

Have I told you about The Bici coop? If not, check it out by clicking the sweet logo to the left. Tell 'em I sent you (oh wait...they are me...and the Brocycler).