The Philosophical Underpinnings of Bicycle Rides

Posted on February 15, 2012 by BioWheels

Riding a bicycle, regardless of whether you’re a serious road cyclist, commuter, trail rider, or weekend athlete, is done mainly for the FUN of riding. With this in mind, we would like to take this one step further and put purpose behind our riding. Along with the FUN, why don’t we have an impact on the world that we live in? How do we do this? Let us explain…

The bicycle, believe it or not, has historically been the vehicle of not only people trying to get from one place to another, but also one of societal change. With the advent of the mass production of the bicycle, individuals have enjoyed for years the same freedoms we feel today on two wheels. Cyclists championed the development of our original roadway system. The emancipation of women concurred with their use of the bicycle to empower their organization of protest. Professional sports was first challenged by the racially oppressed in 1862 with Marshall “Major” Taylor causing the greatest equality argument of his time, this was a first step toward the Civil rights movement. Today the world over, the bicycle continues to shape our planet by empowering people of developing nations to travel without the need for expensive oil-based fuel. You get the idea. Now how do YOU fit into the grand scheme of societal change?

Riding a bike:
· Is physically healthy and sets an example of health for others in our society
· Is good for the local and international environment by reducing the impact of carbon-based fuel use
· Reduces automobile traffic and congestion
· Brings people together for common happiness and enjoyment

It is this final point that we can personally use to affect our world on the local level.

To expand on the significance of common happiness and enjoyment while riding, we at BioWheels propose the following riding philosophy to spread happiness and enjoyment while riding a bicycle (these are adapted from the teachings of a guy some called the Buddha):

WHILE RIDING A BICYCLE…

  • LOVE:  An intention and capacity to offer joy and happiness while riding a bicycle. We LOVE our bikes. We LOVE each other. We LOVE our planet! Smile. Share your joy and happiness and just be… here… now… while riding a bicycle!
  • COMPASSION: The intention and capacity to relieve and transform suffering and to lighten sorrows, while riding a bicycle. You are transforming your personal suffering by relieving your stress and being good to your body.  At the same time you are relieving the stress on the planet. How noble an act! Lighten the sorrows of those we share the road with, namely automobile drivers by being COMPASSIONATE to the fellow human beings behind the wheel of that car trying to pass you as you ride. This applies to other riders and users of the outdoors. If you were them, how would you feel? What would the right thing to do be in that situation? Just try to identify with the human-ness of each other, respectfully, while riding a bicycle.
  • JOY: True love, while riding a bicycle always brings joy to us and to those we love. Wave to the motorist with a smile in your heart as they pass you. Say a kind word as you ride with each other, or pass another rider or hiker on the trail, or someone walking along the roadside. This joy that you have is infectious and will encourage others to be kind to you, while riding a bicycle.
  • EQUANIMITY: The wisdom of equality. Nonattachment, nondiscrimination, even-mindedness and “letting go” while riding a bicycle. This is the toughest one of all for us in our country. Our society has emphasized individuality to the point of isolation and arrogance. Your “right” to be where you are on your bike is actually EQUAL, yes, EQUAL to the person in the car on the road or sharing the trail with you while riding a bicycle. There is, in actuality, an enormous world with enough space for all of us. We get in to trouble when we try to “claim” that space and time as “ours” and “not theirs” at certain moments in time. Sometimes we feel certain rules of the road and the trail, brought into effect by our elected government for the safety of ALL people, do not apply to us while riding a bicycle. Mutual compassion and respect can then disappear. Be aware. This division is where a good bit of mutual frustration develops. Try to keep this EQUANIMITY in mind when you go out for your ride. Dissolve the division on your end. Let go of your assumptions of superiority and self-importance. We are all interconnected, do not discriminate yourself from other two-wheeled brethren, those in cars or those on foot.  Be an example while riding a bicycle. Obey the law; share the road and trail, and BE NICE while riding a bicycle.

If we all can just try to remember some of these points while riding a bicycle, we can earn the respect of our non-riding peers instead of demanding it. We will make our area a better place to live through an example of what health and happiness can accomplish. We can make our planet breath a little easier by reducing pollution and making more people smile. We can share our knowledge with those new to riding in a respectful, open, atmosphere of improvement and encouragement. With these goals in mind, all rules of our group rides will be based in this riding philosophy.

ENJOY YOUR RIDE!

 

CommutebyBike.com

Posted on September 30, 2011 by BioWheels

Are you interested in learning more about bike commuting? Want more news on commuting issues? Looking to read more from like-minded bike commuters?

Commute by Bike.com is a site you should check on a regular basis. This site is loaded with useful content and news regarding commuting & living without a car. Since discovering the site I have been visiting on a daily basis!

Visit Commute By Bike dot com

 

UltraMotor Velociti 24 Video Review

Posted on February 17, 2011 by BioWheels

UltraMotor has done it again. In the 4th generation of electric bikes, the weight is down, simplicity is improved and fun factor is increased. At a retail price of just under $2300, this is the year to buy.  Stop into BioWheels-Asheville for a test ride.

BioWheels is proud to be your exclusive UltraMotor dealer.

The Jamis Coda, an Awesome Flat Bar Road Bike

Posted on November 7, 2010 by BioWheels

BioWheels high-brow sales monster, Jon Kelman, breaks down the best selling Jamis Coda. This is our $550 flat bar road bike. You’ll see over a hundred of these on Asheville’s streets. The Jamis Coda is probably our best selling bike of all time. It is a wonderful commuter and flat bar road bike. The high quality steel tubing frame will give you a very smooth and comfortable ride. Shimano and FSA components give you a reliable and solid drivetrain for many miles of great adventures.

It could become the best $550 you’ve ever spent.

Introduction to Electric Bikes

Posted on November 6, 2010 by BioWheels

Electric bicycles have been mostly ignored in the US until recently.  They have generally been spurned by the cycling community, where human powered fitness is respected most.  However, electric bikes also had trouble winning converts from elsewhere.  In addition to being expensive, they were heavy, they were slow, and they needed very frequent recharging.  Put plainly, electric bikes sucked.  Most previous models died as misshapen orphans.

That equation is about to change. For one, electric bicycles have been getting a lot better.  The advent of reliable lithium-ion batteries means that electric bikes are lighter, much more powerful and can go  greater distances between charging.  Even better, they are cheaper than many earlier models.  At the other end of the equation, the many costs of fossil fuels are more apparent than ever, both direct (price at the pump) and indirect (the spill in the Gulf, climate change, financial support of questionable regimes, etc.).  These costs are not going to diminish, and more and more Americans are looking to move away from this model of energy use.  All of these changes mean that the awesome potential of electric bikes is about to be awakened.

The biggest potential of electric bikes is that they will bring new converts to bicycles in general.  There are a lot of folks out there who want to get away from a car-dependent lifestyle but are carrying extra weight in the meantime.  For those who are not already fit, the prospect of biking everywhere can be quite intimidating.  Electric bicycles can remove that intimidation.  New models allow the user to set the level of power assist that they receive, and there’s always the throttle-only mode as a back up.   Thus, even out-of-shape riders can get exercise while running errands without fear of being too tired to get back home.  A more physically fit population that is less reliant on fossil fuels is a clear win-win.

Electric bikes have excellent car replacement potential.  Even for relatively fit riders, having the option of electric power assist makes carrying heavy loads (think groceries, kids, other bikes, kegs, etc.) much more palatable.  Electric bikes are also a relatively cheap form of practical car replacement.  Full electric cars are only just now coming to market, and are likely to remain relatively expensive in the immediate future, even with subsidies.  In addition to being lower impact, electric bicycles are well within the financial reach of most Americans.  This is still true when compared to the cost of a conventional gasoline car.

Electric bikes are also very compatible with small-scale, renewable energy generation.  Given their relatively small batteries, electric bikes can easily be charged by home-sized photovoltaic arrays, small wind turbines or even micro hydropower.

Lastly, a good electric bike is fun.  The customers who’ve rented our electric bikes thus far have come back with enormous grins on their faces.  They’ve been grinning not only from the endorphins of exercise, but because they got to see more of our city than they would either by foot or in a car.

All in all, electric bikes have major potential as sustainable transportation.  Thus, we at BioWheels dig electric bikes.  For those in the cycling community who remain skeptical, we would suggest not mocking electric bikes and their riders.  After all, would you rather such riders be piloting a gas guzzler instead?

Check out these 2 videos…

Check out our E-Bike catalog here

Pathfinder Electric Bikes at BioWheels

Posted on November 6, 2010 by BioWheels

The Pathfinder is a solid investment. At $2190, you are getting into a “Bike for Life”. With far less moving parts than a scooter, and no combustion heat source, you should expect many years of minimal maintenance utility and recreation.

Check out this review… Are you experienced…electric bike test ride September 1, 2010
Reviewer: Sammy Cox, Grass Routes from Asheville, NC United States  

“I first rode an electric bike in Italy a few years ago. Fell in love with the concept but the 3,000 euro’s was way out of my budget. Fast forward to 2010 and a happenstance encounter with the Pathfinder ST at BioWheels in Asheville, and I’m rethinking the electric bike thing. After an exhilarating test ride, I’m impressed with the technology improvements, overall quality of the components and the affordability.

The acceleration was awesome, so much so it caught me off guard. I experimented with the dual power options which allow a convenient switch to add more electric assistance for ascents or faster accelerations on the open road.

With the power off, the bike handled very smoothly and I clicked through 7-speeds effortlessly. I rode briefly in downtown traffic and with a simple twist of the throttle, I accelerated quickly yet safely.

It’s quiet, easy to ride, fun to drive, healthier than a moped or scooter, environmentally-friendly and pretty darn radical.” -Sammy Cox

The wonderful product is available for free shipping anywhere in the lower 48 states right here.

Video of Ultramotor A2B Metro in the Stand and in Action

Posted on October 5, 2010 by BioWheels

Enjoy listening to Jonathan Gach, a fit young man, who enjoys the assistance of an Electric Bike. He has used it as his exclisive transportation for about 6 months. We decided to increase the size of his front chainring to give him more high end speed. Like all of the electric bikes you will find at BioWheels, there are many customizations that can be done because we choose bikes that are easy for us to work on.

New Magazine for Electric Bike Enthusiasts

Posted on September 16, 2010 by BioWheels

BioWheels teams up with the Clean Vehicles Coalition

BioWheels teams up with the Clean Vehicles Coalition

BioWheels is excited to be part of the the continued transportation revolution. With so many electric bikes hitting the market, it is important to understand differences between the products, and which bike is right for you.  We hope that all of our  customers will check out the link to this new publication called “Electric Bike Magazine.” Click to see the 1st issue!

“Electric bikes offer a low cost personal transportation option for folks that want to ride a bike, but don’t want intense exercise or to show up to work all sweaty. They are perfect replacements for scooters or bus riders”, Matt Johnson, Bi0Wheels founder.

BioWheels is proud to offer you bikes from Pathfinder and Ultramotor. Both of which can be demo’d at our Asheville location.

Commuting by Bike, 10 Things to Know

Posted on December 26, 2009 by BioWheels

This is for those of you who have some bike commuting experience and want advanced tips on surviving your commutes without incident.

I personally feel much safer with a wide outside curb lane rather than being corralled into a bike lane. Bike lanes always seem full of road debris, and drivers don’t seem to like you leaving the bike lane to avoid it. But I’ll still take a bike lane over nothing at all.

Commuting fast in rush hour traffic by bicycle takes immense focus and concentration, so I’ll say it’s probably not for everybody. If you lack concentration, visual-spatial skills, coordination, peripheral vision, patience, and reflexes, then riding aggresivly in heavy traffic may not be something you want to do. Things happen quickly out there, and you need to see it coming and react in time. But let me say that I’m totally for anyone who leaves the car at home a rides at any pace for the benefits of cleaner air, less noise, fitness, and peace of mind!

Commuting Tips (WARNING – apply at your own risk):

  1. Try to keep as straight a line as possible – this will make the likelihood of being hit from behind very slim. Weaving from side to side makes it difficult for a car to get by you and possibly forcing them to pass at the wrong time.
  2. If you’re riding by a line of parked cars, ride 1-2 feet to the left of the doors and glance through the rear windows to look for people potentially wanting to open their car doors. Remember, some folks are shorter than their headrests, so be ready for anything. Think reflexes.
  3. If a pedestrian is in your line, give them some berth if there’s no car behind you. Buzzing them does you no good, and only increases the potential of impact.
  4. Please use lights at night. But, here’s a tip if you are stuck with a dead headlight or no headlight at all. Use what I call the “buddy system” to avoid cars pulling out in front of you from a side street or driveway (because they can’t see you). A driver will wait if he sees another car coming. So, I try to get alongside a car going the same direction as me if I see a car trying to turn onto my street. If I “buddy” up with a car going my way, then the other car won’t turn onto my street until I’m safely through the intersection. This of course means that I’m keeping up with my “buddy” car for 15 seconds or so. Not everyone might be up for this one. Also, if you’re without lights some night, just remember that one piece of reflective tape might save your butt. So choose clothing with reflective piping if you do nighttime commuting.
  5. Be ready to bail in a split second. Put your weight back behind your saddle and lock your brakes. If you have a mountain bike go easy on the front brake unless your weight is way back behind your saddle. If you’re on a road bike the no-brainer tip is to never be away from your brakes (i.e. the up position) in a busy section of street. The same goes for bar ends with a mountain bike. You may want to practice heavy braking sometime in a quiet park so you know what your brakes can do under pressure.
  6. Watch oncoming traffic for cars making left hand turns. Some of these people signal, some turn quickly without warning. Cyclists blend in somewhat with street-side parked cars; so many oncoming cars don’t see us. If I think an oncoming car may be looking to turn in front of me, I move more left into my lane if there are no cars behind me. That way I’m easier to distinguish from the parked cars. Keep your eyes on their eyes; see if they’re on you.
  7. Never use angry or obscene gestures toward a driver. This will ALWAYS make things worse and may have violent consequences. Remembers cars are a deadly weapon.
  8. Only daydream if you can pay attention at the same time. And never listen to headphones – your ears are often your best defense.
  9. Be especially careful around driveways for business/residential complexes. People tend to whip in and out of them real fast. Make a mental note if there are any of these along your commute.
  10. Steer clear of: Dirty old delivery vans, City buses, Drivers shorter than their dashboards

GOOD LUCK!