Momentum USA Nov/Dec 2011
WHAT WOMEN WANT ISSUE 53 GOOD JOB I applaud you guys for writing an article about female cyclists needs and wants in a bike It takes balls hehe as it seems like a very hot potato subject because its just plain as day that many bicycle companies and shops just dont think its an issue or seem to care It would be interesting to do a study and see what women do what with their bikes How many prefer the Dutch style to road bikes and why Are they mostly commuting or using their bikes for exercising What accessories do they fi nd most important and why I understand why you guys didnt do this youre a magazine not a marketing poll taking company I have three bikes one mountain one road both of those are for exercising and a Dutch style city bike that I commute on every day to work and back which is eight blocks away I use one pannier to hold all my paperwork and lunch and have yet to fi nd a sturdy but cute basket for holding my purse And yes I do bike in a skirt I dress up for work which is why a Dutch style bike is preferred over a beach cruiser I do all the repairs myself I have yet to fi nd a prefect Dutch style bike Posted by Jessica September 15 2011 RE WHAT WOMEN WANT ISSUE 53 WE ARE STRONGER THAN THIS This article is so confusing annoying patronizing Are women really as fearful as all that The social pressures that can make women feel uncomfortable in a mainstream bike shop Hunh Cultural norms that dictate whats feminine Who exactly is telling which women whats feminine The impression given by the writer is that women need special service or attention in order to use and maintain bicycles If women in India can navigate motorscooters in urban traffi c while wearing saris and carrying kids and groceries I say free your mind and your wheels will follow Posted by Maria September 20 2011 LOOKING GOOD We got the What Women Want issue and I am loving it I decided I am buying myself a stylish rain coat for biking this winter Thanks again Raina Portland OR FILM CRITIQUE These were sposed to be cycling movies Top 10 Bicycle Movies in Issue 53 p 40 nest ce pas Butch Cassidy and his Shootem up Sidekick was about two bank robbin hoodlums played by the three arguably cutest actors of their time one of whom the woman couldnt act to save her life The bike episode has had nothing to do with the plot and was stuck in to make a love triangle look feebly plausible E T is a cutesy childrens sci fi fl ick It is also not a cycling movie Yet you left out The Flying Scotsman a bio pic about the racing career of Graham Obree You left out Critical Mass a documentary by Jeff Ballantyne shot on a shoestring in Toronto which shows the real lives of bicycle messengers In a bilingual country you even left out Les Triplets de Belleville Unfortunately the list of those missed goes on Smokey Dymny Quathiaski Cove BC THANKS Just wanted to note again how much I enjoy your magazine Every month I go to the bookstore and buy an armload of cycling magazines in the hopes of fi nding something comparable to Momentum that will tide me over until the next issue arrives in my mailbox and I am always disappointed Enclosed is payment for a lifetime subscription as well as 25 for six back issues please send the earliest six issues that you have available Keep up the good work D Vinson Memphis TN P S I know Im late with this comment but I absolutely loved the July August Issue 52 cover Not only was I happy to see a woman of color but that picture represented exactly the spirit I aim for each time I hop on my bike carefree relaxed and fun LOVE THE COVER SHOT This was one of my Flickr faves Im glad it made it to the cover Unfortunately she isnt wearing a helmet however hopefully she doesnt wear a helmet in the shower or walking down stairs or ice skating or even walking on the street Accidents happen and in hindsight its always easy to say an injury could have been prevented by wearing a helmet Or you can lock yourself in a box and live in fear and safety Thanks for sharing some beauty It may not sell helmets but it sure does sell an ideal that Id love to be part of Posted by Xander September 13 2011 RE BIKE SHARE HAS ARRIVED BY CAROLYN SZCZEPANSKI ISSUE 52 Canmore and Banff Alberta have both shown an interest in a bike share system but Ms Szczepanskis succinct summary will no doubt help them understand the possibilities and how to avoid the pitfalls of a bike share I am currently chair of the Canmore Community Cruisers Bike Share Society We started a bike share in June of 2006 that lasted two summers before we accepted that a hardier and more secure system would be the only way a bike share WINTER READER SURVEY The winner of the Momentum Prize Pack is Kevin Conway of Chicago IL What do you like about winter riding Freedom the challenge the quiet swoosh of riding on new snow The bike traffi c on busy streets is calmer than in the summer and I feel more accomplished The peaceful tranquility that comes when the rest of Minneapolis is inside Fresh air braving the elements snug as a bug under my rain cape It sure beats being crammed into an overcrowded bus I like riding year round Layering is key but when you fi nish and step back into the house its awesome Clear cold clean air to breathe Mia Birk recently shared a great fi nd with us her Skunk Funk rain coat The reasonably breathable coat she said is both professional looking and stylish I always get compliments Feeling energized and invigorated when I get to where Im going Not hiding from the elements but embracing them and never having to cry that biking season is over I love the challenge of staying upright the incredulous looks on the faces of people trapped in cars the quickening in my step both when I arrive and leave work and the glory of seeing icicles hanging from my face in the mirror when I get home The crisp fresh air Staying connected with the outdoors fewer bikes on the road means more room to ride feeling like I can conquer anything It looks cool to wear ski goggles while riding I love the quietness of biking on snow the challenge of cutting through ice and sludge and traffi c I love feeling strong and fresh I love not having to drive or take the bus It wakes me up its more of an adventure the scenery exercise the feeling of playing in puddles The rare chance to get studded tires on and securely navigate the streets whilst confused and inexperienced drivers skid into the curb It forces me to get exercise outdoors in the winter instead of staying inside The weather always looks worse from behind the window But once you get out there and warm up its quite enjoyable to ride bike in the winter Im riding whats not to like I like that I can wear my business clothes unlike in the summer when I have to change at the offi ce I ride in Minneapolis Minnesota So riding in the winter is wet cold and icy But there are times after it snows and no one else is riding a bicycle that I feel like a kid again Everything is fresh and new and the world holds excitement and adventure because you are the fi rst to break tread on newly fallen snow Im not sweating Thank you for sharing what turns your crank about winter riding You are inspiring NOV DEC 11 MOMENTUMPLANET COM 10
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