YULE RIDE 2008

YULE RIDE 2008
Originally uploaded by NorthIowaSPIN

Thank you all for your generosity and Holiday Spirit and we can all feel good about making one families Christmas just a little bit better!

We raised nearly $400 in gift cards/cash and filled over five large garbage bags with clothing, toys and one big stuffed animal.

More Photos...

Merry Christmas!

tHe gRInCh is CoMinG to ToWn!

Rumor has it that the Grinch will be making an appearance at the 1st Annual Yule Ride. Let's hope Grinch is in a good mood or it may be one heck of a Spin Class.

EVERYONE from the NITC, NISPIN and MC2 are invited to join us for this fun and festive event. SPIN or NO Spin just join us!!!!

SMETICS Indoor Cycling Class
First Annual Yule Ride
Thursday, December 18th

North Iowa Spin will supply all the beverages for an enjoyable post ride Christmas celebration.

For Complete YULE Festivities Click HERE.

Conquering winter on two wheels

by Seth Bell

While a little extra technique and caution are needed for winter cycling, it's not limited to the expert, hardcore, or insane. Where there's a will, there's a way, and if you miss riding outdoors during the winter months, heading out in the snow and cold is easier than you think; here are a few suggestions for winter cycling glee.

First, the bike. Good news; it doesn't have to be fancy! An old hybrid or mountain bike with mildly knobby tires make trusty winter companions without the worry of exposing a newer and nicer bike to the sometimes harsh road conditions. Old bikes with non-index shifters and fewer gears create less functional and maintenance problems caused by cold temperatures and road crud like snow, slush, sand, and salt. Many older bikes are easily converted to single speeds, which require very little maintenance. Lower tire pressure increases traction on ice and snow, and studded tires are also available in a variety of sizes. Fenders are a nice addition, keeping you and your bike much cleaner and drier. Maybe the most important item; bright lights! Remember, motorists aren't planning on seeing a cyclist out in the winter, especially outside of town.

Now, the rider. A good portion of the folks reading this are active outdoors during the winter already; walking, running, skiing, snowshoeing, etc., and probably have lots of clothing that will work for winter cycling. Dress in layers, but don't get yourself too bulky. A pair of cycling shorts with a chamois under a pair of tights on the bottom, and a couple temperature appropriate base/mid layers on top under a mid weight jacket. Your core will generally warm up quickly and stay that way as long as you keep moving. Your feet will be the hardest to keep warm; don't over-do it with socks, you want to be able to wiggle your toes inside your shoes. Winter shoe covers are available in many thicknesses and fit over most styles of cycling shoes, and dedicated winter cycling boots are also available, and a wonderful investment if you ride in the cold regularly. The little air-activated toe warmer packs work well; I usually take an extra pair along in case something gets too cold. A thin balaclava is very nice too; they fit nicely under helmets, and keep your head, ears, cheeks and neck warm. Warm gloves are a must, and there are lots out there to choose from. Lobster mitts are very nice if you frequently find your hands too chilly. Finally, get outta town! County and gravel roads are quieter and less sloppy than roads in town. Head out on a paved road and go explore some gravels; a 20 mile ride can seem like a grand adventure, especially in the dark. You'll experience a wonderful part of cycling that many people miss out on, and realize that winter cyclists aren't nuts after all, just hooked.
Seth Bell is a wrencher at Wayne's Ski and Cycle, a MTB Single Speeder and a bike commuter.

1st Annual Yule Ride

Please join us at the SMETICS Indoor Cycling Class for our first annual Yule Ride to collect gifts for a needy family in North Iowa. The Yule ride will take place on Thursday, December 18th and will be a free ride for everyone who attends. Please wear the most ridiculous Christmas clothing you can find, bring your gifts, donation or food item and we will wrap and prepare the items for delivery to the salvation Army after class.

Please bring gift wrap and essentials for wrapping. Wrapped items need to be clearly labels identifying the contencts - Size 6 girls gym shoes.

North Iowa Spin will supply all the beverages for an enjoyable post ride Christmas celebration.

We'd like to see anyone and everyone join us (NITC, NI SPIN, MC2 and the Clear Lake Spinners) on Tuesday Night. We'd like to have the Largest SMETICS IDC classs ever!

Please reply to the comment section below if you plan to attend!

LOCATION: Wellborn Industries 1620 South Pierce - MAP

Giving back...

North Iowa Spin had the idea to adopt a family and would like your help to make this the very best Christmas it can possibly be for them. The gifts will be from all three organizations: NITC/NISPIN/MC2

Over 500 Families had requested help from the Salvation Army this year for Christmas.

Please bring items to the NISPIN Class or make arrangements with myself.
If you want to make a cash donation please make checks payable to the Salvation Army or if a non-perishable food item is more along your line we will make sure it gets to a food pantry.

Deadline will be Tuesday, December 16.

Do not wrap the items and including a gift receipt would be a good idea.

North Iowa Spin will also make a cash donation to this family and the Salvation Army as well as well.

Here is the family we will be adopting.

A single mother expecting a baby sometime in December has been off work for awhile do to complications. Currently income for the month is very, very low. The mother will have a baby girl sometime in December if you wanted to include her, but that is up to you. Any new items along this line would be much appreciated as well.

6 year old girl
Shoe size 3
Shirt 7-8
Pants 7
Toy ideas
Baby Doll
Bratz
Barbies

8 year old girl
Shoe size 4
Shirt 10-12
Pants 10
Toy ideas:
Little Pet Shop
Art Stuff
Bratz

Slicker than SNOT Jingle Cross Rock 2009 cyclocross

Amanda Miller past winner of the Clear Lake BBBQ Crit and Road Race demonstrates how to slide down a muddy hill during the Jingle Rock Cross 2. Amanda is in the White, Orange and Mud Covered Jersey (:51)

Blinkx Video: Jingle cross rock 2009 cyclocross

Jingle Rock Cross 2: Elite Women

1 Amanda Miller (USA)                          34.28
2 Josie Jacques-Maynes Beggs (USA)                 
3 Sydney Brown (USA)                               
4 Annajean Dallaire (USA)                          
5 Devon Haskell (USA)                              
6 Lisa Strong (USA)                                
7 Kaitlin Antonneau (USA)                          
8 Linda Sone (USA)                                 
9 Corey Coogan (USA)                               
10 Samantha Schneider (USA)                        
11 Kristin Wentworth (USA)                         
12 Robin Williams (USA)                            
13 Maria Stewart (USA)