Muscles Not Motors Summer Event Schedule

First of all, thanks to all of you who made the time to come to last week's Montpelier City Council meeting, you helped make our biking voices heard.

School is getting out, kids are graduating, days are warming up, gardens are blooming, and that means it's time for Summer!
Get dad ready for Summer with our Dad's Day Sale this weekend:

Men's Shoes & Clothing 20% OFF
Tents, Sleeping Bags, Headlamps, Flashlights & Pocket Knives 20% OFF
& at The Shoe Horn 20% OFF Men's Shoes and Clothing, too!

This Summer is full of activities for the whole family - read on to plan your summer of fun with a host of biking, hiking, running and kids activities for you and your family to enjoy! Get your calendars ready!

Want to share your Summer fun experiences with all of us at Onion River Sports? Become a Facebook Fan or follow us on Twitter, or invite us to follow you!

And, have fun out there!

Carrie & The Folks at Onion River

Friday Night Flat Fix - This Friday!

Twice monthly throughout the summer
Get to know your bike and other bike enthusiasts! Start off your Friday evening right with our flat fix and basic bike maintenance clinic. Our mechanics will teach you to change a flat on the fly and other important tips to keep your bike running smoothly. This Friday, 6:00pm - 7:45pm - no experience necessary.

Tuesday Night Mountain Bike Races are ON!

Tuesdays beginning June 23 (next Tuesday)
Our annual mountain bike race series at Morse Farm in Montpelier. Races start at 6:00 pm, there will be an adult loop (great single track, woods, and field riding) and a youth loop. Separate event for the kids (see below). For more info, contact the shop at 802-229-9409 or thefolks@onionriver.com

ORS/Community Connections Tuesday Night Bike Adventure Series for Kids

Tuesday Nights at Morse Farm, beginning June 23 at 6:00pm
Join us for a summer of Tuesday night adventure challenges, on bikes. Each week will be different non-competitive activity: scavenger hunts, relays, skill building nights, etc. - all tons of fun, for kids of all ages and abilities. These are family-fun-bike-centric evenings, so bring the whole crew. (These adventures will take the place of the kids race that used to kick off the Onion River Sports Tuesday Night Mountain Bike Race Series events. There will still be a racing component for competitive kids.) We're also looking for interested parents to accompany these activities. Please e-mail Carrie if you able to help out.

Onion River Kids Scavenger Hike Series

Thursday, June 25 North Branch 1-2:30 pm (meet at pool parking lot),
Thursday, July 9 & Thursday, July 26 locations/times TBA
Come explore the woods with Onion River Kids as part of our summer series of kids' hikes! We'll hike the trails exploring the woods, beaver ponds, and meadows in search of plants, trees and wildlife. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a backpack with a snack, a water bottle, and a warm layer. Kids 6 and under, please bring a parent ...read more

Group Runs

Thursdays at 5:30 pm
Join the ORS runners for a weekly training/fun run. We'll go roughly 5 miles on a different route every week. Use it as a training, get started running (with a group for encouragement), or join us to meet other casual runners in the area. Please wear proper footwear and bring your own water.

ORS Group Rides

Our group rides are rolling - participants must be familiar with the rules of the road, wear a helmet, and know how to change a flat (if you don't, come to our Friday Night Flat Fix Clinic, see above)
All Rides leave from the Onion River Sports Parking Lot:
Ladies' Ride: Tuesdays at 6 pm, 20-30 miles, often with an A & B Group, no need to sign up, just show up! If you are interested in other ladies rides, e-mail carrie@onionriver.com to be added to the Ladies Ride Google Group.
Mountain Bike Rides - A different ride every week, we leave Onion River Sports at 5:30 pm, carpooling is available. For more info e-mail thefolks@onionriver.com
Thursday Fast Rides: Thursdays at 6 pm, this ride is a fast, training oriented ride, for full description and link to join the training ride list serve here.
Tuesday Morning Rides: Tuesdays from 6 - 7:30 am - early, but an easier pace than the Thursday Fast Rides with a no drop policy. Full description here.
Saturday Morning Rides: Leaves the ORS parking lot at 7am (unless otherwise announced). No drop policy, slow ride, expect 50+ miles, usually returning by 11am or so. Please RSVP to the Onion River Racing team - via their website www.onionriverracing.com if you are attending .

Montpelier Mile

Friday, July 3, 6:00pm
Kick off to Montpelier's Independence Day Parade - A classic 1 mile race through historic downtown Montpelier. Run in front of thousands of spectators, then enjoy the parade and fireworks on the Statehouse lawn. $700 total purse distributed among top 5 finishers in overall men's and women's fields, including $100 to first man and woman to break the men's or women's course records, and $50 Dash for Cash to the first man and women to the ¼ mile mark. All ages welcome. Register here.

Independence Day Parade

Friday, July 3 at 4:00pm
Calling all biking kids to ride with Onion River Sports in the Independence Day Parade. Bring your bike to decorate it with red, white, and blue before the parade, and ride with us. Show up, and kids under 5, don't forget to bring your parents, too!

Onion River Century Ride

Saturday, July 25, 2009
The Onion River Century Ride to benefit the Kellogg-Hubbard Library is a beautiful ride through the heart of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. The ride takes you through one of the most scenic areas of Vermont, provides beautiful views and a fun and challenging ride. Riders can choose from the NEW 24 mile Adamant Loop course on paved and dirt roads, the 110k (68 mile) course or full 111 mile course. Celebratory BBQ at the end of the ride! More info and registration at www.onionriver.com/century.

Demo Bikes

Coming Soon - Demo Days
We have a fleet of Specialized mountain bikes on the way to supplement our own demo fleet of the latest and greatest mountain bikes in late June/July. Our current line up includes:
Trek Fuel EX8
Specialized StumpJumper FSR Elite
Specialized FSR XC Pro
Cannondale Rize 3 with Lefty Fork
Stop in today to try one and stay tuned for our summer demo days dates!

Muscles Not Motors News May 13, 2009

We're gearing up for summer with new events, new gear, and a new bike promotion to get you out on the road! Plus, we heard that it would be easier for you to get into the shop before or after work, so we've decided to expand our hours, (and see how it goes.)
Our New Summer Hours (for now) are:
Monday thru Saturday 9am - 8pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

And, on the rest of Langdon Street, we've gotten The Shoe Horn and Onion River Kids online, so check out their blogs for updates of new product, events, and specials. Visit their blogs now for a coupon for 10% off at each store:
Onion River Kids www.onionriverkids.wordpress.com
The Shoe Horn www.theshoehorn.wordpress.com

Muscles Not Motors Events

Road Bike Rebate Promotion
Now thru May 31
Hit the Road for less right now with Instant Rebate Savings on a new Specialized road bike! Huge rebates on Specialized Tarmac Comp, Ruby Comp, Transition Comp, and Ruby Pro models - $400 to $750 off the regular retail price!

Specials on Cannondale and Trek road bikes too!

Stop in for details and leave with your new road bike!

Montpelier Fashion Show
We need MODELS for June 6
Want to let your inner model loose and saunter down the runway in some great Onion River Sports, Shoe Horn or Onion River Kids clothing? Of course you do, so give us a call and model for an Onion River Store for this year's Montpelier Fashion show, we're looking for 2 men, 4 women and 2 kids (preferably 1 boy and 1 girl) to model for us. If you do, there's a $40 gift card in it for you! Call or e-mail Carrie at Onion River Sports if you're interested - 802-229-9409 or carrie@onionriver.com

Onion River Kids Scavenger Hike
Wednesday May 20, 2009 3:30pm - 5pm at Morse Farm
Come explore the spring woods with Onion River Kids on our first kids’ hike of the season! We’ll go on a scavenger hike to look for early blooms and discover what animals are active at the water’s edge. Meet at Morse Farm at 3:30 pm. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a backpack with a snack, a water bottle, and a warm layer. We’ll finish our woods exploration by 5 pm. Kids 6 and under, please bring a parent.

Group Runs
Begin Thursday, June 4 at 5:30pm
Join the ORS runners for an evening of running for fun. Work it into your regular workout, come to meet other runners, or start running with us! Our experienced run leaders will decide on a route weekly, depending upon participants level, but most runs will be roughly 5 miles, there will be hills (come on, it's Montpelier!), but everyone needs some hills! Call Caroline or Carrie at Onion River Sports for more information.

ORS Group Rides
Our group rides are rolling - participants must be familiar with the rules of the road, wear a helmet, and know how to change a flat (if you don't, come to our Friday Night Fix clinics)
All Rides leave from the Onion River Sports Parking Lot:
Ladies' Ride: Tuesdays at 6 pm, 20-30 miles, often with an A & B Group, no need to sign up, just show up!
Thursday Fast Rides: Thursdays at 6 pm (beginning April 30), this ride is a fast, training oriented ride, for full description here.
Tuesday Morning Rides: Tuesdays from 6 - 7:30 am - early, but an easier pace with a no drop policy. Full description here.

Friday Night Fix
Get to know your bike and other bike enthusiasts
Fridays, twice monthly 6 to 7:45 pm at ORS
Join our mechanics for a clinic to get to know your bike, learn to fix a flat, and some basic bicycle maintenance. A great place to begin to learn about your bike or use as a refresher course. Clinics held on the following dates at Onion River Sports:
May 8, May 22, June 5, June 19, July 10, July17, August 7, August 21

Gear Review

Travel Gear at Onion River Sports
Summer means travel, so have the right travel gear!

Just in, new travel packs, duffles, rolling suitcases and carry-on's from Eagle Creek, Mountain Smith, Patagonia, Osprey and more! We've been searching for the right travel gear - rugged, lightweight, easy to use, all the right pockets, and wheels that actually roll, and we think we've found it.

Check out the ORV 30 for 6000 cu.in. of packing space, super sturdy wheels, durable rip stop outer with an extra tough bumper, and space for everything from your dirty hiking boots, to all those toiletries that you can't carry on!

Also, head down to The Shoe Horn for an expanded selection of carry on bags and rolling luggage from Timbuk 2 (great colors, great usability). Oh, and enjoy your trip!

Upcoming Events

2nd Annual Mountain Bike Film Night:
New World Disorder 9 - Never Enough
Saturday, May 16 shows at 6pm and 8:30 pm
Vermont Mountain Bike Association presents their 2nd year of mountain bike films at Main Street Landing in Burlington, VT - all the details here.

Ride of Silence
Wednesday, May 20 at 7pm
The VBPC is organizing a Ride of Silence in Montpelier on Wednesday, May 20 to remember all those injured or killed by motor vehicles while bicycling. Participants are asked to gather in front of the State House on State Street at 7:00 pm. The group will ride 12 miles in silence at a respectful pace while wearing black and red armbands, which will be supplied by the Coalition. This event is free and all are invited.

Sculptcycle Bike Collection - thru May 18
In conjunction with SculptCycle (www.sculptcycle.org/), FreeRide Montpelier is collecting donations of old bikes and bike-related parts and tools for local artists to use in their SculptCycle pieces this year! Starting today, you can bring donations to the FreeRide shop any time. If we are not open, you may leave them in front of the FreeRide garage door. Please take care not to block the Stone Environmental doors to the right. FreeRide is located at 89 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
it's a small grey building by the intersection of Hubbard and Barre, next to the new Fisher Auto Parts. the door is around back

May Tip of the Month from Montpelier Bikes
* Bicyclists - Ride on the right, with traffic. But, move to the left in the lane to avoid road debris, stay out of the car door zone, or to prepare for a left hand turn.
* Drivers - Wait until safe to pass a bicyclist. You really don't want to choose between a head-on collision and wiping out a bicyclist! On city streets, bicyclists may be going at traffic speed. Don't pass unless you really need to. Share the road - it's common courtesy and common sense!

Traffic Skills 101
May 16 at Montpelier High School
All-day bicycle handling and traffic skills course for adults, presented by Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition. Includes classroom time, parking lot training, and road ride. $55 fee includes lunch. There is still room for at least 3 more people. Pre-registration required 225-8904

Muscles Not Motors News - April 23, 2009

Got plans for the weekend? May we suggest that you take your potentially rainy Saturday and clear out that garage, basement, shed, and gather your old bikes that you're not riding anymore (if you're like Kip, you've got more than a few), and get them together to drop off on Monday, April 27 thru Friday, May 1 for our Annual Bike Swap!

Or, your could wait it out for Sunday's warmer temperatures and hit the Onion River Racing Criterium at National Life in Montpelier. Or hit the road for a ride, hike, or jog. No matter what, it's spring and there's a lot going on (see below for even more good ideas) While you're out, stop by the shop, say hi, and pick up a spare tube (those potholes are killer!)

Carrie & The Folks at Onion River

The Annual ORS Bike Swap

Vermont's Original Bike Swap
May 2, 2009, 9:30am 'til 1pm

If you're buying, get here early, doors open at 9:30am, but the good bikes go fast! Free coffee if you're waiting in line (and yes, it's good coffee from Capitol Grounds!). There will be everything from kid's bikes to sweet road & mountain bikes, come see them all!
If you're selling:
Bring your old ride to Onion River between April 27 and May 1, we'll help you set a price and put your bike out for sale on Saturday, May 2.
If your bike sells, you get to choose from:
80% in check
100% in store credit
110% in store credit toward a new bike purchased before 5/10/08

Contact:Kip or Caroline
Contact Phone: 802-229-9409
Email: thefolks@onionriver.com

Onion River Racing Criterium Series

Sundays thru May 10th at National Life
Central Vermont's newest bike racing series is off to a great start, read about the first two races at OnionRiverRacing.com.

Sundays thru May 10th at National Life
These events are designed to satisfy both the elite riders in our area, as well as the newcomers to road racing. First-time road racers can join the “C” Event and ride with a few veteran racers for 20 minutes, gaining pack-riding experience and tips on cornering, tactics and above all - safety. After one or more C rides you’ll be ready to move up to the “B” Category and compete in the 45 minute full-on race.
The race will be held on a 0.9 mile closed loop (clockwise) around the National Life Group campus with one fast downhill and a two-stage climb on each lap.
Registration:
Online: www.bikereg.com
Onsite: 10:30 AM - 15 min. before
start of each event
Entry Fees:
Cat A & B: $10 + USAC License (one-day avail.)
Cat C: FREE + USAC One-day license = $10
Start Times:
11:00 AM: C Category | Learning
11:30 AM: B Category | Cat IV-V
12:30 PM: A Points Race | Cat I-III
(All Categories are men & women combined)
Prizes:
Category A: $100 in Cash or Merchandise
Category B: $50 in Cash or Merchandise
Category C: The glory of riding your 1st Crit
Posted by Carrie at 9:09 AM 0 comments
Labels: Criterium, National Life, Onion River Racing, Onion River Sports

Friday Night Fix

Get to know your bike and other bike enthusiasts!
Twice monthly on Fridays from 6pm til 7:45pm
Join our mechanics for a clinic to get to know your bike, learn to fix a flat, and some basic bicycle maintenance. A great place to begin to learn about your bike or use as a refresher course. Clinics held on the following dates at Onion River Sports:
May 8, May 22, June 5, June 19, July 10, July17, August 7, August 21

ORS Road Rides Start Next Week!

Hit the road with our regularly scheduled road rides - participants must be familiar with the rules of the road, wear a helmet, and know how to change a flat (if you don't, check out our Friday Night Fix clinics):
Ladies Ride: Tuesdays at 6 pm, leaves from the Onion River Sports parking lot
Thursday Fast Rides: Thursdays at 6 pm (beginning April 30), this ride is a fast, training oriented ride, for full description here.
Tuesday morning training rides with Onion River team: 6am - 7:30am, Early, but an easier pace with a no drop policy. Full description here.

VMBA 2nd Annual Mountain Bike Film Night

Showing: New World Disorder 9 - Never Enough - preview here.
Saturday, May 16 shows at 6pm and 8:30 pm
Vermont Mountain Bike Association presents their 2nd year of mountain bike films at Main Street Landing in Burlington, VT - all the details here. Last year's show sold out with 450 people attending, it's a great way to get ready for this year's mtn. bike season!

Way to Go! Commuter Challenge 2009

May 4-8, 2009
Join Vermonters throughout the state in their efforts to curb emissions during the first week of May. Bike, Walk, Carpool, Telecommute, take the Bus, or figure out your own creative way to save on carbon emissions caused by your commute. This event is a group effort bringing together such varied groups as bike advocates & bike shops like us with Green Mountain Transit, the company who runs the busses here in Central VT.
Does your company know they can participate? It's not just about the individual, there are all sorts of companies competing for bragging rights... and to participate in Way to Go, fill out a form at ORS and be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Hunger Mountain Coop!

Bike Safety Workshops with Becka Roolf

at Hunger Mountain Coop & Kellogg Hubbard Library
May 4 at Kellogg Hubbard Library and May 6 at Hunger Mountain

Weathering the Storm: Transportation Tips to Go & Save Green at the Kellogg Hubbard Library: Receive tips for saving money by walking, biking, driving and taking public transit with Becka Roolf, Going Green Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning & Design Expert.

Workshop: Bicycle Driver's Ed (for Adults)
You know how to ride a bicycle, but traffic can be intimidating. This workshop will help you feel safer and more confident on the streets! Bring your bicycle & helmet. Ages 15+ (anyone under 18 needs to sign a waiver in advance). Please pre-register at Hunger Mountain Coop.

Mud Season Trails Reminder

When hikers tramp on saturated soils, they cause irreversible erosion and damage to the trail and surrounding vegetation. Some of the Long Trail has been worn down to bedrock by soil erosion over the years. Higher elevation soils take longer to dry out, and their higher content of organic material slows the drying process. A trail may be dry at the trailhead, but it will get muddy if you climb very high this time of year.

Trails at lower elevations, dirt roads, and recreation paths provide excellent opportunities for early spring walking. More info about spring hikes here.

Muscles Not Motors News - April 8, 2009

Happy April! After a brief taste of springy weather, I watched snowflakes this morning.... but don't let that deter you from busting out those bicycles and getting your bike season going! Bike commuters are out in their cool weather gear, the mountain bikers are still waiting for the trails to dry out, the kids are clamoring to ride up and down the drive way, and the racers... well the racers are way ahead of all of us.

In fact, they're racing this weekend. So if you're looking for an alternative to coloring eggs and chocolate bunnies, try
The Onion River Racing Criterium Series
Sundays, April 12th thru May 10th at National Life in Montpelier (more details below).

And, mark your calendars for May 2, 2009, because The Bike Swap is coming, The Bike Swap is coming! Check out the details below for all the info about the "Original" bike swap!

Carrie & The Folks at Onion River

Cannondale Morphis Shell Jacket - for men & women

Cannondale's answer to the the average windbreaker, and frankly, this thing is way better than average. This is a jacket, a vest, windproof, water resistant, lightweight, and it's made of 30% post consumer material. Oh and did I mention - it's got magnets! The sleeves convert it from vest to jacket and back again by attaching with magnets sewn into the fabric. Sleeves come off as one piece and stowe in a zippered back pocket, or slide on and attach themselves with their hidden magnets in a snap. Talk about easy to use while you ride - Cannondale has that covered!

Comes in yellow for men or blue for women, both bright enough to be seen on the road. Come check it out and all the new Cannondale apparel we just got in!

Onion River Racing Criterium Series

Sundays, April 12th thru May 10th at National Life
Onion River Racing invites you to join the action of Central Vermont’s newest bike racing series. These events are designed to satisfy both the elite riders in our area, as well as the newcomers to road racing. First-time road racers can join the “C” Event and ride with a few veteran racers for 20 minutes, gaining pack-riding experience and tips on cornering, tactics and above all - safety. After one or more C rides you’ll be ready to move up to the “B” Category and compete in the 45 minute full-on race.
The race will be held on a 0.9 mile closed loop (clockwise) around the National Life Group campus with one fast downhill and a two-stage climb on each lap.
Registration:
Online: www.bikereg.com
Onsite: 10:30 AM - 15 min. before
start of each event
Entry Fees:
Cat A & B: $10 + USAC License (one-day avail.)
Cat C: FREE + USAC One-day license = $10
Start Times:
11:00 AM: C Category | Learning
11:30 AM: B Category | Cat IV-V
12:30 PM: A Points Race | Cat I-III
(All Categories are men & women combined)
Prizes:
Category A: $100 in Cash or Merchandise
Category B: $50 in Cash or Merchandise
Category C: The glory of riding your 1st Crit

The Annual ORS Bike Swap!

May 2, 2009, 9:30am 'til 1pm
If you're selling, bring in your bike/bikes during store hours Monday, April 27 thru Friday, May 1. If you're buying, get here early, doors open at 9:30am, but the good bikes go fast! Free coffee if you're waiting in line (and yes, it's good coffee from Capitol Grounds!).
If you're selling:
Bring your old ride to Onion River between April 27 and May 1, we'll help you set a price and put your bike out for sale on Saturday, May 2.
If your bike sells, you get to choose from:
80% in check
100% in store credit
110% in store credit toward a new bike purchased before 5/10/08

If you're buying, get here early, the line starts at 9am! There will be everything from kid's bikes to sweet road & mountain bikes, come see them all!

Contact:Kip or Caroline
Contact Phone: 802-229-9409
Email: thefolks@onionriver.com

We're On Facebook

So become a FAN!
Join our Fan Pages by searching for Onion River Sports, Onion River Kids or The Shoe Horn and Join the extended Onion River community online! And hear about all that we do first!

Close for Easter Sunday, April 12th

Onion River Sports, The Shoe Horn, & Onion River Kids are Closed on Sunday, April 12th for the Easter Holiday
Have a great weekend!

Way to Go! Commuter Challenge 2009

May 4-8, 2009
Join Vermonters throughout the state in their efforts to curb emissions during the first week of May. Bike, Walk, Carpool, Telecommute, take the Bus, or figure out your own creative way to save on carbon emissions caused by your commute. This event is a group effort bringing together such varied groups as bike advocates & bike shops like us with Green Mountain Transit, the company who runs the busses here in Central VT.
Does your company know they can participate? It's not just about the individual, there are all sorts of companies competing for bragging rights... and to participate in Way to Go, fill out a form at ORS and be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Hunger Mountain Coop!

Bike Safety Workshops with Becka Roolf

at Hunger Mountain Coop & Kellogg Hubbard Library
April 29 at Hunger Mountain Coop, May 6 and May 4 at Kellogg Hubbard Library
Educate your family on bike safety, bike commuting and bicycle drivers ed 101 with the Hunger Mountain Coop's series of bike trainings. Get comfortable with the rules of the road, for more information check out Hunger Mountain's Event Calendar

And, don't miss Weathering the Storm: Transportation Tips to Go & Save Green at the Kellogg Hubbard Library - more information at www.kellogghubbard.org.

Easter, Swap, Crit Series

Group Rides have Begun!
Thursdays at 5:30 in the Onion River Sports parking lot
These are billed as training rides and are roughly 30+ miles per ride. This is a fast ride. There is no no-drop policy on this ride, however they’re nice people, so hang on. The route will be announced beforehand, but you need to feel confident to get home on your own. A helmet is a must and be ready to practice riding in a pace line. Please know how to fix your own flat, should you be unlucky enough to have one.