Innovate or Die Pedal-Powered Contest

The bike library should totally enter this contest next year:

Innovate or Die Pedal-Powered Contest (be sure to check out the the current entries.)

So, who out there has a cool idea for a pedal powered machine?

WINTER BREAK

The Bike Library is closed for Winter Break until January 21, 2008.  

If you are a patron who needs to return a bike during that time, please e-mail iowacitybikelibrary@gmail.com to make arrangements.

Home Made Studded Tires

Looking for something to do this week? How about creating your own set of studded tires. My dad made a set about 10 years ago. I stuck one on the front of my mountain bike. It worked great. I skipped the back tire just because the tires are so heavy, but I'm sure it would be even better with a rear tire.

I don't remember where my dad got the instructions for the studded tires. I think someone at the bikeshop might have helped him. Anyway, the icebike site has a section on home made studded tires:
http://www.icebike.org/Equipment/tires.htm (you will need to scroll a bit)

Just be careful mounting the tires. Those screws are sharp.

Winter riding tips

Well, looks like winter is here. I thought it would be a good idea to publish some tips for riding in the winter. Here are a few winter biking links:

http://www.icebike.org/

http://www.allweathersports.com/winter/winter.html

http://bikewinter.org/tipsAndResources/ginstips.php

What we really need is a list of Iowa City winter riding tips. You know, good routes, places to avoid, and any other general winter riding tips. So, go ahead and reply to this post with some winter riding tips.