So that messy white stuff has pretty much cleared away, and the temperature is a-rising. So put on your biking hats (aka helmets) ladies & gents and let’s get pedalling! But wait, oh no! What’s that squeaking sound when you pedal?

If you’re like me, you stored your bike during the winter by tossing it outside and letting it fend for itself in the rain and snow… (yes, I know, I’m a horrible bike owner… but hey, I think it builds character for my bike). Now it’s spring time and it could definitely use some polishing up.

Just in time for biking weather is BikeChain‘s Spring Tune-Up Basics workshop, happening this Thursday, March 22, 6-8pm. You’ll learn how to clean your gears, align your chain, and other fancy bike tune-up stuff that I don’t know about… yet.

Where: International Student Centre (33 St. George Street)

P.S. In addition, Bikechain is open weekdays from 12-5pm. If you missed the workshop or have any problems with your bike, you can drop by and get one of the friendly and knowledgeable BikeChain staff to help you.

Spring is coming and it’s time for a tune-up on that bike!
Make your bike ride to the International Student Centre (33 St. George Street) where BikeChain hosts free workshops (with refreshments served) every Thursday evening from 6-8 PM until April 5th.

Before you make the trip, support your campus bike repair facility by casting your vote to support the $0.25 student levy. You have until 6PM tomorrow (Friday, March 9th). More information about the vote here.

I love biking. And so does a lot of people on campus it appears. There are bikes parked out in the snow, even in this dreadful weather. People love biking enough to brave the snow and sleet and the sharp winter winds. Biking is great. Plus, as we discussed before, biking is just sexy!

But a bike ride is only as good as the bike. So where do you go to fill your bike up with some tender loving care? Where do you go when your gears creak, when your pedal is loose, or when your brakes are jammed?

BikeChain, located in the basement of the International Student Centre (33 St George Street) is the answer. Run by a expert team of “biker chics and cyclo hunks”, it’s U of T’s very own bicycle educational repair facility. You can drop by anytime daytime on weekdays to use the facilities. Don’t know what you’re doing? No problem, there’s usually someone friendly and knowledgeable there who’ll lend you a hand. All in all, BikeChain is a wonderful place for anyone with a bike.

Unfortunately, BikeChain is having some trouble getting enough funding to continue its services. That’s why in this coming election, it’s asking to pass a $0.25 student levy. Personally, I think it’s definitely worthwhile. If you’d like to support the levy, you should cast your vote:

Wed. Mar 7th to Fri Mar 9th, 10am-6pm
Where: Sid Smith, Bahen, Old Vic, Gerstein Library, Woodsworth
For more information, you can take a look at the facebook event page.

Photo from Flickr by Flo’s Diner

So with global warming, air pollution, and recent gas shortages, there’s plenty of reasons to bike (plus, biking is just sexy!). Well, maybe after this blizzard passes… but in the maintime, you can check out the Toronto International Bicycle Show.

The Toronto International Bicycle Show is the best place to shop for bicycles and accessories, preview the newest trends in cycling from the top manufacturers and distributors plus enjoy thrilling action-packed events. The show is celebrating its 21st year in production and is one of the largest exclusive bicycle consumer shows in North America.

With a CFO Pro/Am BMX Flatland Freestyle Competition, a bicycle film fest, and Randy Leech’s Trials show, it looks to be an interesting event. Hey, there’s even free indoor bicycle parking at the event! To anyone who’d be crazy enough to ride in this weather, I salute you!

When:
Friday, March 2, 2007 Noon – 9 pm
Saturday, March 3, 2007 10 am – 7pm
Sunday, March 4, 2007 10 am – 6pm
Where: Direct Energy Centre, (Formerly National Trade Centre), Hall A, Exhibition Place (see map here)
Details Admission is $13, for more information, check out their website.

Its January.. which means the indoor triathlon season has started!
As part of the University Multisport Series, U of T is hosting 2 indoor triathlons: Jan 28th (AC swim-row-run) and Feb 10th (HH swim-bike-run)

These events are competitive but fun.

Register as a rookie and tri a tri!
Register as a veteran and compete against triathletes from Queen’s, Laurier, Carleton, Western, RMC and Ottawa!
Can’t do all 3 sports? Pair up with a buddy and enter as a relay!

Read on for details! (more…)