Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go BLOG

Why Santa Barbara?

2009-11-05T16:14:00.001-08:00

Performance vs. Fixie

2009-09-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

Paradise Found

2009-07-17T09:04:00.001-07:00

Our family is in town this week for a wedding and the big decisions are always "Where should we stay? and "Where should we ride?"

I say live like a local for a week and enjoy an authentic Downtown Historic Cottage in the heart of Santa Barbara. Paradise Retreats offers guests full immersion into the Santa Barbara lifestyle.

From downtown we recommend the 7-mile Santa Barbara Mission Ride that will wind you past the Santa Barbara Mission, Museum of Natural History and the historic Arlington Theate r on State St.

If you prefer elegance and privacy, shoot high with a Riviera Retreat in the sky.

The Riviera Retreat is perfectly positioned for starting an intense 48-mile ride up the famed Gibraltar Road loop.

Give us a shout and we'll deliver road bikes to your vacation rental for free!

Bicycling jumps 16% in Santa Barbara

2009-06-29T09:54:00.001-07:00

Since 1997, Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition has collected data on bicyclist presence and behavior at intersections mostly within the city of Santa Barbara. The 2009 survey was just completed on June 18, and it tells us that bicycling is increasing significantly:

Compared with four prior years, bicycling has increased by 16%
3,861 people on bicycles were counted at 25 intersections this year
13,356 people were counted over four prior years at those same 25 intersections—an average of 3,339 per year
21 of 25 major intersections had an increase or no change.

All across the country, communities are reporting increases in the number of people bicycling. Several factors have been ascribed to the change in behavior—the higher cost of gasoline, the recession, an increasing awareness of emission-caused climate change, and a quest for fitness.

Add in increased government and business efforts to encourage sustainable transportation, plus community and advocacy groups and we'll have a revolutionary behavior shift.

Become the path

2009-06-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

Buddah says, "You cannot travel on a path until you become the path itself."

And that's just what inventors of the concept LightLane have taken into their own hands.

LightLane was originally created for a "commuter bike for the masses" design competition. Even though the concept did not win, the response was overwhelming, encouraging the inventors (one is a mechanical engineer and the other an industrial designer) to continue development.

The LightLane uses high powered laser beams mounted to bicycle seat posts. Preliminary research shows the LightLane's performance in real world situations is best when lighting conditions are at their worst, improving safety in critical biking situations.

Preliminary Design Specs include:

High Visibility DPSS Green Lasers
Super-Bright Red LED’s
3-Hour Run time on rechargeable Li-Ion battery
Robust universal attachment bracket
Compatible with universal mobile-phone charger standard
Patent Pending

Prototype Video

Swim, Bike, Run: Santa Barbara Tri

2009-06-06T08:11:00.001-07:00

The countdown for the Santa Barbara Triathlon Aug 21-23 has begun. Registration is open and training is underway.

The annual Long Course includes a 1 mile swim, 34 mile bike ride and a 10 mile run.

Check out SB Bikes To-Go's favorite Triathlon Training blogs and free resources:

While you're in Santa Barbara be sure to check out SB Bikes To-Go favorite accommodations, libations and activities page, click here.

One night only: University Club of Santa Barbara

2009-05-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

For one night only (never before and not again) the historic University Club of Santa Barbara (1332 Santa Barbara St) will open its door to the public to present the Areno Collection at a special event on Thursday evening June 4th.

Joseph Areno's "East Beach Volleyball - Santa Barbara"

On view will be the Club's existing Areno collection along with over 50 never-before-displayed oils, sketches and watercolors. Sip, savor and delight in the regal setting. Contact: Chrissy Deferville, 805-966-0853 ext 13 / Chrissy@uclubsb.org

Eat, drink and be merry

2009-05-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

Eat, drink and be merry at the Downtown Art & Wine Tour this Thursday, May 28th.

The tour offers locals & visitors an opportunity for leisurely strolling between downtown art galleries to see the latest exhibits, taste dishes from downtown restaurants and sample wines from top Santa Barbara County vintners.

Tickets are $55 and proceeds benefit the 2009 57th Annual Downtown Children's Holiday Parade. Tickets are available Downtown Organization office at 27-B De La Guerra Street or at the Arlington Theater Box Office. For more information, click here.

Galleries:
3D Studio Gallery ~ Brooks Institute Gallery 27 ~ Bryant and Sons Jewelers ~
Casa de la Guerra ~ Churchill Jewelers ~ Contemporary Arts Forum ~
Eden ~ The Frameworks & Caruso Woods Gallery ~ Patty Look Lewis Gallery ~
Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro ~ Restaurant Roy

Restaurants:
Bella Dolce ~ bouchon santa barbara ~ Café Shell ~
Coast Restaurant and Bar ~ Coffee Cat ~Elements Restaurant and Bar ~
The Greek House Cafe ~ Left at Albuquerque ~ Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant ~
The Melting Pot ~ Neo Chase Restaurant & Lounge ~ Paradise Cafe ~
Pascucci ~ Pastavino ~ Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro ~ Restaurant Roy
Seagrass ~ Sojourner Cafe ~ State & A Bar and Grill

Wineries:
Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards ~ Artiste Winery ~ Brander Vineyards ~
Buttonwood Farm Winery ~ Carina Cellars ~ Carr Vineyards & Winery ~
Consilience & Tre Anelli Wines ~ Gleason Refugio Wines ~Kalyra Winery ~
Presidio Vineyard & Winery ~ Santa Barbara Winery ~ Summerland Winery ~
and Hollister Brewing Co.

SB Bike Week is Here!

2009-05-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

It's time to gear up and go! The bicycle flags flying on State Street in Santa Barbara announce Bike Week, a week full of community bicycling events that are coordinated by the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition.

Since 1999, the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition has brought an ever increasingly robust Bike Week of exciting bicycling events.

Check out the 2009 activities Santa Barbara Bike Week below and join us for a great week.

For a detailed list of Santa Barbara Bike Week activities, click here.

May 14, UCSB Bike to Work Day, sponsored by UCSB. At UCSB, on the
bikepath up from Goleta Beach for breakfast food, drinks, and raffle
prizes. 7:00-9:00 AM. Details from Jamey Wagner at 893-5475.

May 15, Bike Week Kick Off, sponsored by Bici Centro. Starts at 6:30 PM,
with band Oso playing at 7:00. Donation requested. Bici Centro, 601 East
Montecito Street, Santa Barbara.

May 16, Newcomers Ride, sponsored by the Goleta Valley Cycling Club.
Nobody will be left behind on this free, leisurely ride.
Meet at Java Station, 4447 Hollister Avenue, 9:00 AM ready to pedal.
Contact ride leader Doris at cyclebug@aol.com with questions.

May 16, Children's Festival, sponsored by the Family Service Agency.
This festival offers variety of sports and art activities,
including bicycle helmets at the COAST booth.
It's at Alameda Park in Santa Barbara, 11:00AM-4:00 PM.

May 16, Beer and Bikes, unsponsored. A ride for those 21 and over.
Meet Chase Palm Park Carousel, 223 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, at 2:00 PM.

May 16, BBQ and Bike Show, sponsored by Bici Centro and Santa Barbara Bicycle
Coalition.
Bring and display your classic or radical bicycle.
4:00 PM at Casa de la Raza, 601 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara. Donation requested.

May 16, Bike Films, sponsored by WheelHouse.
This will be a showing of the Green Shorts video contest entries that relate to bicycling,
and other films. At 9:00 PM, WheelHouse, 528 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara.
Free admission.

May 19, Bike to School Day, sponsored by COAST.
Events are being arranged at individual South Coast and Solvang schools.
Contact South Coast coordinator Kim Stanley-Zimmerman at ksz@linkline.com,
or Solvang coordinator John Padfield at jpadfield@mac.com.

May 19, Old San Marcos Ride, sponsored by Goleta Valley Cycling Club.
Meet at the swimming pool parking Lot across from 1030 North San Marcos and
enjoy a workout up Old San Marcos Road. Ride at 5:00 PM.
For details, phone Robert and Brigitta 448-0636.

May 20, Santa Barbara Bike to Work Day, sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara.
This annual event is 7:00-9:00 AM.
Bicycle there for free food, drinks, prizes at State and De la Guerra.
Info from Sarah Grant, 897-2669.

May 20, Ciclovias and Sunday Parkways, sponsored by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals.
This web-based seminar will take place from 12:00 noon to 1:30 PM
at a Santa Barbara location to be determined.
Individuals interested in crafting a street celebration like those that started in Bogota,
and elsewhere should attend. Info from Sarah Grant, 897-2669.

May 20, Off Road Shore Ride, sponsored by Goleta Valley Cycling Club.
Meet at the Java Station, 4447 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, and enjoy a
non-technical offroad ride through Hope Ranch, More Mesa, and Campus
Point to Ellwood and back. Ride starts at 5:00 PM. No climbing or
descending, Less than two hours, and 16-17 miles. Contact Jurij at
cyclezen@hotmail.com for details.

May 20, Ride of Silence, unsponsored.
This ride will commemorate those lost or injured in bicycling crashes in our area.
The ride was started in Texas in 2003, and has since grown to over 250 locations worldwide.
It's a slow, 12 MPH silent ride of about 6 miles,
starting at 7:00 PM at De la Guerra Plaza, Santa Barbara.
To learn about the movement, look at www.rideofsilence.org.

May 23, Bird Refuge to Goob Loop Ride, sponsored by Goleta Valley Cycling Club.
Meet at the Bird Refuge in Santa Barbara,
and ride the Gobernador Canyon Loop north of Carpinteria.
Ride starts at 9:00 AM.

May 24, Java Station to Farmers Market Ride, sponsored by Goleta Valley Cycling Club.
Meet at Java Station, 4447 Hollister Avenue, Goleta,
and ride to Goleta Farmer's Market in the Calle Real Marketplace.
Ride starts at 9:30 AM. Bring your recyclable bags.

Jesusita Fire - How to Support & Help

2009-05-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

Jesusita Fire - LA Times photo gallery, click here

Please consider supporting:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
http://santabarbarabotanicgarden.givezooks.com/

Santa Barbara County Firefighter Benevolent Foundation
http://www.sbcfbf.org/

Santa Barbara Fire Fighter Alliance
http://www.sbfirefightersalliance.org/

Santa Barbara Food Bank - for every $1 it receives, the Food Bank can buy $7 worth of food
http://www.foodbanksbc.org/donateonline.html

Santa Barbara Humane Society
http://sbhumanesociety.org/member.html

Santa Barbara Humane Society - donation page
http://www.firstgiving.com/sylviedogsb

Santa Barbara Red Cross
http://sbredcross.org/order/cart.php

Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network
http://www.sbwcn.org/

Wildflower or Bust!

2009-05-04T08:15:00.001-07:00

SB Bikes To-Go had a blast for the 7th-year in a row at the annual Wildflower Triathlon held at Lake San Antonio in scenic Monterey Co., California. This strenuous swim, bike, run race has been around since 1983 and brings the likes of 7,500+ participants and over 30,000 spectators and campers each year.

Wildflower is truly an experience, not just an event. Good times all around hanging out with old friends like the Atkins family & Rich Strauss /Endurance Nation team and making new friends with the Pasadena Tri folks.

Pre-race

Race Morning

Long-Course Race: 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike & 13.1 mile run

Joe O.

Carter A.

Post-Race Festivities

Hope you can join us next year!

Earth Day: Bike, Bus or Walk

2009-04-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

The Community Environmental Council’s 39th Annual Earth Day Festival will take place next Sunday, April 19 at Alameda Park, 10am-5:30pm.

The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival features: free bike checkups & valet, Green Car show, wine and beer garden, live music, food vendors, a kids' area with hands on activities and 2oo+ exhibitors.

Come to Earth Day 2009 car free, then stop by the Santa Barbara Car Free /Air Pollution Control District booth and enter to win prizes, including pairs of Amtrak Pacific Surfliner tickets and the Grand Prize, round-trip tickets for two including roomette accommodations from Santa Barbara to Portland or Seattle on the Amtrak Coast Starlight!

Bike:

To plan your route, check out the online bike maps at www.trafficsolutions.info. Try linking up with the oceanfront bicycle path along Cabrillo Boulevard, or the bike lanes on Bath, Castillo and State Streets.
FREE Community bike rides to to Earth Day from several locations including UCSB and Carpinteria.
FREE valet bike parking at the Corner of Santa Barbara & Sola Streets, provided by Bici Centro.
Get a FREE bike check up from local bike mechanics, provided by the Santa Barbara Bike Coalition.

Bus:

Free Buses from all over town stop at the MTD Transit Center. From there you can either walk to Alameda Park (5 blocks) or take Line 2 to Santa Barbara Street (walk 2 blocks), or Lines 6 or 11 to State and Sola (walk 1 block).
The electric shuttle also stops near Alameda Park.

Walk:

Earth Day’s location makes it easy to get to without a car.
Alameda Park is only a 30 or 40-minute wal k from the Mesa, Upper State Street, or Milpas Street, and can be easily reached from lower downtown and the harbor either entirely on foot or with help from the MTD Downtown/Waterfront shuttle.
Lace up your walking shoes and get some exercise while you make this a car-free day!

3 Feet to Pass

2009-04-06T15:38:00.001-07:00

The new Mission Street Bikelanes were dedicated here in Santa Barbara this afternoon, complete with a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony, sponsored by the City of Santa Barbar a.

The new bike lanes now extend 3 blocks making for safer bike travel east & west on Mission St. between Castillo St. and Modoc Rd., including the highway 101 under crossing.

Cheers to the City of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments and the Santa Barbara Bike Coalition for pursuing safer conditions for residents and visitors.

Mission Street bike lane / Taryn O. on bike heading East towards Castillo St.

Mayor Marty Blum cuts the ribbon

The Paseo Nuevo Trio

2009-03-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

Paseo Nuevo is one of Santa Barbara's most distinctive collection of shops, restaurants and art venues. Here you'll discover Spanish-style courtyards, flowing fountains and winding paseos...

Yet, no trip to Paseo Nuevo would be complete without getting a glimpse of the famous Dog, Cat, Rat trio (AKA Booger, Kitty, and Mousey) that have been spreading their message of peace and tolerance for over eight years on State Street at E. De La Guerra Street.

Not your college brew

2009-03-25T21:18:00.001-07:00

Every Monday-Friday from 4pm-7pm the Canary Hotel (31 West Carrillo) in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara offers a killer Happy Hour at their restaurant & bar Coast.

The Canary chirped about their Wednesday Beer Tasting on twitter and these two seasoned UC Santa Barbara alums jumped on our bikes and had to check it out!

This is definitely not your college brew.

Allagash White Beer, Lost Coast Raspberry Brown, De Konick Pale Ale, He'brew Jewbelation

For $12 bucks each we ponied up to the bar for 4-30z. samples of flavorful and distinct beer served with a perfectly grilled jumbo shrimp & farmer's market greens appetizer.

We know what we're doing next Wednesday...hopefully we'll see you there.

Inn of the Spanish Garden

2009-03-24T17:39:00.001-07:00

Recently our partners at the Santa Barbara Conference + Visitor's Bureau kindly invited us to introduce SB Bikes To-Go to Santa Barbara hotel members.

As a result, SB Bikes To-Go received a warm invitation from Sales Director, Christine at the Inn of the Spanish Garden to experience their retreat...

...What at treat it is!

The secluded Inn of the Spanish Garden is a truly an indulgence of Spanish-Colonial architecture modernly interpreted within the walls of Santa Barbara's downtown Historic Presidio District.

Constructed in 2001 this two-story, 23 room, boutique Inn flaunts modern amenities like a large lap pool, in-room massage therapy and a wine bar.

Additionally, the Inn beautifully pays homage to Santa Barbara's European past with the city's signature white adobe walls, red tile roofs, ornate ironwork and a European style complimentary breakfast.

To top it off, just steps from the Inn of the Spanish Garden are three of SB Bikes To-Go's must-see favorite sights in the Historic Presidio District:

1. The Presidio Founded in 1782, this is the last Spanish military outpost built in North America, and located just steps from the hotel.Padre Junípero Serra, well known for his leadership in founding the California missions, blessed the site of the Santa Barbara Presidio four years prior to the establishment of the Mission of Santa Barbara in 1786. 123 East Canon Perdido St.

2. C'Cest Cheese Be sure to visit the (adorable) owners Michael & Kathryn Graham in this small family run cheese shop. C'Cest Cheese's impressive cheese list changes each season. Since man cannot live on cheese alone...you can also enjoy their chocolates and wine. 825 Santa Barbara St.

3. Ensemble Theater Company Founded in 1979, the Ensemble Theatre Company is Santa Barbara’s longest running, most award-winning professional resident theatre company and is housed at the historic 140-seat Alhecama Theatre. 914 Santa Barbara St.

Lance Ph'actor

2009-03-21T09:26:00.001-07:00

I was at my local bike shop FasTrak in Santa Barbara and with owner, '88 Olympian, Tour de France mechanic & Lance buddy- Dave Lettieri about his recent twitpic with Lance in Los Angeles.

We were joking in disbelief how 300,000 people are following Lance Armstrong on twitter. Clearly the guy lives an interesting life, but to have a small metropolis following your every move (tweets), that's a lot of kool-aid.

Lettieri (2nd from left) & Armstrong

Back in 2004 I had the opportunity to witness cycling history. Watching with a million other cycling aficionados packed on the famed Alpe D'Huez to catch a glimpse of Armstrong time trialing his way to a record breaking 6th Tour de France win. At that moment Cycling reached its zenith in popularity. Tucked in the French alpine countryside, American flags and tourists ventured across the pond to see Armstrong ride a bike.

Fast forward 3 years, Armstrong is retired, TdF is in doping shambles, and popularity in cycling is far from front page news or back page for that matter. Even the most ardent of cycling fans saw their enthusiasm wane. Sure bike racing will always be captivating, but for the French, Armstrong is the Lex Luther of cycling, and having a supervillain in the plot always makes things interesting. To add insult to injury, there was no big name to pass the torch to. The entire cast of characters, the big names in cycling are gone. Floyd you ask? My next dog will be named Floyd, my current dog Freddy needs a friend.

Scroll to the present, cycling waters moved from tepid to piping. The best part of the cycling season is getting underway. Watching the Solvang TT, the Astana bus was 6 deep with folks wanting to grab a shot of LA warming up. It's 6am on Saturday morning, coffee brewing, cycling.tv streaming Milan-San Remo, as I watch riders endure a 189-mile stage on narrow streets and zip line descents. MSR, is a great 1 day race, and the LA phactor is adding a great sub plot to this classic.

The resurgence of buzz within the sport of cycling is undeniable, and for those that argue they have always been a fan, it's hard to argue a little more attention on this sport can be a bad thing. It might be as simple as having a bonfied cycling legend hitting the tarmac and the energy that follows gets the people excited again. 5 years later, I might have to plan my own comeback with a trip this July to Mt. Ventoux to witness a redoux of the Lance Phactor on the penultimate stage of TdF, any takers?

-Joe O.

SUPing at Hammonds Beach, Montecito

2009-03-15T08:13:00.001-07:00

Hammonds Beach in Montecito, just a few minutes south of downtown Santa Barbara, is our new favorite spot to hang after a long bike ride. Crowds are small and the sandy is a-plenty.

Pick up a SUP (Stand Up Paddle) from local the BlueLine SUP Surf shop and enjoy!

Joe O. on his first SUPing adventure

Chris & Coco (Yorkie) SUPing

Directions to Hammonds Beach: Exit Highway 101 at San Ysidro Rd and head west toward the ocean. You are on Eucalyptus Lane. Park near the Saints By The Sea Church and then walk until you see a path on your right that says "Hammonds Meadow Trail." It leads through tropical plants to the beach.

TwitPics: Solvang Century

2009-03-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

Dishes are done!
Solvang Century is a good, but tough ride. Big hills @ 85 mile mark

At mile 60! Kearns & Co. Dave had 7 PB&Js!

PB&J in hand at the Solvang Century, ready to start on the new Lorini!

Follow SB Bikes To-Go on Twitter

Friday Fun: Eat your Oatmeal

2009-03-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

The Results are in...

What's your favorite Pre-ride meal?

1st Choice: Oatmeal (42%)

2nd Choice: Coffee & Toast (30%)

3rd Choice: Bacon & Eggs (24%)

4th Choice: Banana (21%)

Last Choice: Protein Shake (6%)

Free Speed!

2009-03-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

With local triathlons (UCSB Tri, Wildflower, SB Tri, Strawberry Fields, Ventura) just around the corner thought we'd share the tweet we heard from our buddy Rich Strauss (who coached Joe O. to finishing IronMan Canada sub 11 hours).

Endurance Nation has a free triathlon training eBook. It's a simple introduction for new triathletes or a great re-fresher for experienced athletes. The eBook also contains over 60 hours of audio.

Intro to Triathlon Training & Racing with Power

We also eye-spied a few other killer free resources from Endurance Nation:

Long Course Triathlon Training Manual

Heart Rate Training Redefined

OutSeason Guide

Bike to Farmers Market

2009-03-08T10:14:00.001-07:00

There's nothing like hoping on the orange cruiser and pedaling downtown to the Saturday Santa Barbara Farmers Market, on the corner of Santa Barbara & Cota Streets.

South from Capinteria to just north of Santa Barbara to Solvang, the Santa Barbara area has 8 Farmers Markets, 6 days-a-week, open year round rain or shine.

Be sure to check out the What's in Season chart before visiting the local farmers. Once back to your vacation rental, hotel or home you can whip up some of the Markets' recommended recipes.

Bon appetit!

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Bike Artwork

2009-03-06T08:01:00.001-08:00

Artist Hillarie Tasche of Winnipeg, Canada loves to draw and paint bikes. She has a collection of her favorite originals that she's strung up. Prints are available for sale on her etsy site.

Yellow Ten Speed Road Bike / Red Ten Speed Road Bike

Green Ten Speed Road Bike / Gold Ladies Ten Speed Road Bike

Red Lighting Speedster Bike / Full Series: 14 Bikes - Limited Edition Art Prints

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TwitPic: Commuting to Work

2009-03-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

Commuting to work
Follow SB Bikes To-Go on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SBBikesToGo

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New F1 Ceramic BB

2009-03-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

F1 Ceramic Bottom Brackets will reduce friction. They just might be the best possible 'Bang for your Buck' upgrade on your ride!

Premium F1 Ceramic Bearings
English Threads 68mm
Drastically Reduced Resistance in your Bottom Bracket!
More durable and longer lasting than traditional stock bearings
This is one upgrade you can FEEL!
Shimano 10 Speed Compatible: DuraAce 10, Ultegra 10, Ultegra SL, 105 10, Shimano Compact
NOT Compatible with SRAM/TRUVATIV/BONTRAGER
Available in Silver or Limited Edition Orange at SB Bikes To-Go online shop.

See Spot Ride

2009-02-27T08:25:00.000-08:00

It's Friday and we couldn't resist posting this video of a bike riding Dalmatian.

The Dalmatian walks up to a bike, gets on and pedals down the street.

Now if they could teach him to go to the corner store for a 6-pack they'd really be onto something.

Good news

2009-02-26T14:20:00.001-08:00

A cool chart from Good Magazine, Getting Around: Fuel Use of Various Modes of Transportation:
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Fast Freddys

2009-02-22T15:02:00.000-08:00

As you can imagine we were stoked to get to meet the genuine article, Rock Racing's Fast Freddie Rodriguez at the Solvang Time Trial Stage of the Tour of California!

Our Fast Freddy the Whippet was named after the 3x US Pro Cycling Champ.

Time Trial Trivia: The Whippet is an outstanding track racer and can reach speeds of up to 37 miles per hour (60lm/hour) in just seconds!

Freddy the Whippet, Freddie Rodriquez & Taryn O.

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Photo Album: Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 - Solvang Time Trials

2009-02-20T16:09:00.001-08:00

The important 15-mile individual time trial at the 2009 Amgen Tour of California took place in Solvang under sunshine and spring-like temperatures in front of a massive crowd.

Stage 6 traversed a challenging course that tested the riders' limits.

Race leader Levi Leipheimer took a big step closer to his 3x Amgen Tour of California title by acing the stage with a winning time of 30:40, eight seconds faster than U.S. National Time Trial champion David Zabriskie. Gustav Larsson, who won silver at the Beijing Olympic Games in the time trial, had the third fastest time, 16 seconds slower than Leipheimer, who padded his advantage in the GC over Zabriskie.

Here's some of Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go favorite Tour of California
moments captured at the Solvang Time Trials:

Finish Line/ Leader Board / VS. Craig Hummer

Garmin Slipstream Team Bus / David Zabriskie

Team OUCH

Floyd Landis

Rock Racing

Freddie Rodriguez & Taryn O. / Francisco Mancebo

Rabobank Team

Team Quick Step's Specialized bikes

Taryn O. & Freddy hoping to see Tom Boonen

Team BMC

Sweet!

Team Cervelo bikes / Ivan Basso of Liquigas warming up - Basso abandoned the TT

Team Astana's Lance Armstrong /with Chris Carmichael / with Johan Bruyneel

Armstrong warming up

Team Astana's #1 man Levi Leipheimer

Quick Step's Tom Boonen / Mic Rogers of Columbia High Road

Zabriskie ready to ride the TT

Armstrong warming up for the TT

Leipheimer ready to kill the TT

We're ready for 'em!!!

Zabriskie

Rodgers

Armstrong

Leipheimer

See ya next year!

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March Madness, Santa Barbara Style

2009-02-17T10:35:00.000-08:00

Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go will be going mad this March with all of the adventure activities Santa Barbara has to offer. If you're looking to break out of the winter chill consider these events that will get your blood going.

1. Banff Mountain Film Festival:: March 2-3

Celebrate the spirit of adventure with this UCSB Arts & Lectures audience favorite.
Featuring the world’s best films and videos on mountain subjects, the Banff Festival Tour awes viewers with thrills and grandeur captured in exotic locations the world over.
Film subjects include extreme sports to mountain culture and environment.
Different programming each evening / General admission only $12

2. Solvang Century Ride:: March 14

Sponsored by SCOR and benefitting SCOR Cardiac Cyclists Club, Camp Del Corazon, Camp Bon Coeur & Camp Taylor
Ride the 100 mile route or do the 50...check out the route map.
Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go is offering special rental discounts and delivery options for Solvang Century participants. Contact Joe O. for more information: joe@SBBikesToGo.com

3. Solvang Double Century:: March 28

Sponsored by Planet Ultra this spectacular 193 mile route will start in Solvang, warm-up in the eastern Santa Ynez Valley, wind through the back roads of San Luis Obispo, cruise through scenic Morro Bay to the waterfront. Then heads south on PCH through Pismo Beach and Los Alamos and then climb back to Buellton.
This route is among the fastest, most scenic and most popular in the entire California Triple Crown Series.
Total elevation gain: about 7,500 feet - Elevation profile and 3D of the course
Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go is offering special rental discounts and delivery options for Solvang Double Century participants. Contact Joe O. for more information: joe@SBBikesToGo.com

4. UCSB/Kendra Chiota Payne Memorial Triathlon:: March 29

The UCSB Tri team presents an exciting Olympic distance tri to start the season.
Course Maps
1.5k Ocean Swim starting at Campus Point
40k bike ride through SB's lemon orchards and ocean bluffs of UCSB
10k run (2 loop course) is ideal for beginners and veterans alike
Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go is offering special rental discounts and delivery options for UCSB triathlon participants. Contact Joe O. for more information: joe@SBBikesToGo.com

5. Santa Barbara Zoo:: March 2009

If you've got the family in town with you on this March adventure be sure to check out the California Condors that are soaring into the Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo becomes only the second Zoo in the US to display these dramatic bird in the Zoo's new California Trials complex.
Down to only 27 birds in 1987, the California condor is one of the great conservation successes with 167 birds now flying free and another 160 in captivity.
Up to six California condors will be on view along with other California natives such as the Channel Island foxes and California desert tortoises.

Special Delivery: From Jittery Joe's to Joe O.

2009-02-15T11:22:00.001-08:00

Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go just added this beauty to the rental inventory.

We picked this Louis Garneau Sonix, Jittery Joe's Team bike, up this week, bike had only 500 miles on it. The Garneau was built and maintained by a Jittery Joe's professional mechanic.

This steed is a full carbon frameset, Titec pluto carbon seatpost, Profile Lava OS handle bar (44cm, stem 100mm) and Profile carbon bottle cages.

Also has SRAM Force components and a Dura-Ace SL aluminum 08 wheelset.

SB Bikes To-Go customer JuanCarlos from Chicago is out in the Santa Barbara hills as we speak with Joe O. breaking the new Garneau in.

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Lance's TT bike stolen from Tour of California

2009-02-15T10:38:00.000-08:00

We just heard from Lance Armstrong via Twitter that his time trial bike was stolen! And three other Astana team bikes were stolen according to Johan Bruyneel twitter page.

Lance's latest 'tweet' shows a photo of the bike and his response:

http://twitpic.com/1i8t1 - A pic of the stolen tt bike. There is only one like it in the world therefore hard to pawn it off. Reward bei...

Our Fast Freddy(s)

2009-02-09T18:59:00.001-08:00

Similar to their namesake 3x US Pro Cycling Champion Fast Freddie Rodriguez, our Fast Freddy's also have a thing for speed.

SB Bikes To-Go customer Randy from Nevada sent these rad photos of his American Bulldog Freddy, a.k.a Trailhead Fred.

Trailhead Fred likes to charge down the cross country & downhill trails at Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City, NV.

Trailhead Fred

Randy & Trailhead Fred

Freddy loves his All Mountain Cyclery's carbon fiber handlebars

SB Bikes To-Go's own Fast Freddy, the Whippet likes nothing more than to go full speed ahead at dog-friendly Hendry's Beach here in Santa Barbara:

He also doesn't mind a good muddy romp every now and again:

Fast Freddy O.

If you're looking to bring your 'Freddy' to Santa Barbara be sure to check out these dog-friendly links for recommendations:

Taryn O. & Fast Freddy

Joe O. & Fast Freddy

Three Amigos

2009-02-07T07:15:00.001-08:00

Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go is proud to announce three new partnerships!

1. We are thrilled to be working with Santa Barbara Car Free. Santa Barbara Car Free encourages Santa Barbara visitors and residents to engage in car free transportation to and around Santa Barbara.

They ofter numerous Car Free ideas such as:

In conjunction with their 'Take a Vacation from the Gas Pump!' program - SB Bikes To-Go will offer a special discount if you show us your Amtrak train ticket to Santa Barbara.

2. Founded in 1991, the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition is a California advocacy and resource organization that promotes bicycling for safe transportation and recreation in Santa Barbara County.

The Coalition is made up of volunteers who maintain contact with City, County and regional transportation professionals, elected officials, educators, bike clubs, employee transportation coordinators, bike shops, bike manufacturers, and other advocacy groups.

They have completed numerous projects and have upcoming projects including:

De La Vina & State Intersection, article: Will Somebody Have to Die Here, Too?, read more here.
2009 Santa Barbara South Coast Earth Day Festival, click here.

Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go recently had the opportunity to attend the Coalition's Feb 3rd General Meeting - what a smart & articulate group of people working to make it better & safer to bicycle here in Santa Barbara! We are delighted to be partnering with them.

Check out Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition resources:

3. Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau (SBCVB) is the official and premier Santa Barbara county visitor information portal. The SBCVB's mission is to provide visitors with personalized services and offerings designed to enhance your Santa Barbara experience.

Be sure to surf their HOT Deals section featuring promotions and special offers of ways to save on The American Riviera! To take advantage of SB Bikes To-Go HOT deal, click here.
Santa Barbara is host to a wide range of events and festivals at SBCVB's Santa Barbara Calendar of Events page.

New Bikes, Good Times

2009-02-06T08:13:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we broke-in two new hybrid bikes we recently added to the SB Bikes To-Go
inventory.

The hybrids are great rides, as they mix the suspension and shock absorption of a mountain bike with the lightweight of a road bike. Hybrids are best for paved surfaces and seeing everything Santa Barbara has to offer!

Hybrid - Specialized Sirrus Sport

Hybrid - Scott Speedster S60

First stop on the new Hybrids...the Santa Barbara Mission:

Joe O. (on the Scott) & Taryn (on the Specialized)

Next stop Butterfly Beach trail:

Our Venice Beach cousins Nowell & Jordan joined us for the weekend...check out those views from the Biltmore:

Last stop after a 2-hour ride, Shoreline Beach Cafe for post-ride festivities:

Welcome to Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go

2009-01-30T13:08:00.000-08:00

So my wife Taryn says to me..."Joe what are you doing with all these bikes in our garage!?!" SB Bikes To-Go is the product of my cycling passion, coupled with the beauty of Santa Barbara, and my wife's desire to have the garage cleaned out.

SB Bikes To-Go is all about providing top of the class bicycles to the passionate cyclists out there. For those that travel, but don't want to deal with the headache of packing and carrying your own bicycle gear, SB Bikes To-Go will provide everything needed to enjoy a great bike ride right down to your favorite flavored gel pack!

Happy Trails,
Joe O.