"We live far happier lives when we are generous in as many ways as possible."
- Cathy Burnam Martin
As all of the LOYAL SUBSCRIBERS (LS) to Miles Peddled (MP) know, November is the month that Management at MP aids its LS in finding the appropriate gift to give to their cycling enthusiast family member, friend, or acquaintance. Hence, this holiday edition of MP will be entitled 4TH ANNUAL GIFTING GUIDE. Playlist suggestion: GIVE A LITTLE MORE by Maroon 5.
Before we get to the subject matter of this Month’s edition, Management has two postscripts and two announcements. Past editions of MP can be accessed at https://www.milespeddled.com.
First the postscripts. As many LS may recall, in the last edition of MP Management indicated that the subject matter of this edition would be PEDDLE AND PICKLE which was to discuss bike rides that can be done in conjunction with a round of pickleball. To this end, Management sent MASTER MP on an investigative mission to find various places to play pickleball and take a bike ride. Unfortunately, MASTER MP became too enthralled with playing pickleball and taking the bike rides that he had no time to author that edition of MP. Accordingly, MASTER MP will continue with his research and will publish same in the spring of 2025.
Now to the second postscript: The last edition of MP dealt with bike rides that could be done in connection with getting a Chicago dog, a burger, or an Italian beef. Many LS provided their comments as to the best place to obtain a Chicago red hot or Italian beef. Specifically, the following were mentioned:
· Gene & Jude’s
Located at 2720 North River Road in River Grove, Illinois, Gene & Jude’s was voted the Number 1 Hot Dog in America. The dogs are Vienna beef with all the fixings and piled high with homemade fries. Their motto is “No seats, no ketchup, no pretense, no nonsense.”
· Scatchell’s
Located at 4700 West Cermak Road, Cicero, Illinois, Scatchell’s has been open since 1953 and uses the same seasoning blend of oregano, salt, black pepper, and garlic on its beef. The beef is cooked for 5 hours and then chilled for 24 before it is sliced razor thin and served on thick French rolls with sweet and hot peppers, and homemade giardiniera which has hefty doses of crunch celery. Scatchell’s made its on-screen debut during the driving montage of Wayne’s World with the scene being set to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
Now to the announcements. First, WONDER WOMAN and MASTER MP are proud to announce that their youngest son, the Nickster, is engaged to the very intelligent and beautiful Bohdana. We are ecstatic to have her join the Storm Crew. Playlist suggestion: MARRY YOU by Bruno Mars.
Second, the RENAISSANCE MAN and JULIA CHILD requested that Management mention the new edition to their family, that being their beautiful new Airstream named King Henry II. Their beautiful 6,000 pound baby is doing very well. Playlist suggestion: AIRSTREAM SONG by Miranda Lambert.
Now to the gift giving. Management will be making recommendations in two categories, those being bikes and helmets. The November 2021, 2022 and 2023 Gifting Guides made numerous recommendations in these and other areas. Most of these recommendations are still good choices. As previously mentioned, past editions of MP can be accessed at: https://www.milespeddled.com.
I. BIKES
Bike recommendations will be broken down into three categories which are: commuting and trekking; road bikes; and, fat tire bikes. In each category there will be both an analog and electric bike recommendation.
A. COMMUTING AND TREKKING
The bikes in this category should be considered your SUV of bikes in that they can be used for almost any activity such as commuting, exercise, and riding light gravel trails. These bikes have a somewhat upright but still aggressive cycling position.
1. Trek FX
Trek calls its FX series the “feel good fitness bike.” In addition to being a fitness bike, it can also be outfitted to be a commuter bike or a bike you simply ride for enjoyment. This is why it is the best-selling bike in the Trek lineup. It comes in many variations including a step over and a mid-step frame. The prices for the FX bikes range from $500.00 on the low end to $3,000.00 on the high end.
Management is partial to the FX 3 Gen 4. This is a versatile hybrid bike that has a lightweight aluminum frame, carbon fork and disc brakes. It can be accessorized with a rear rack, kickstand, fenders, and lights. By so doing you will have a bike that can do everything from your daily commute, running errands and riding for exercise. Without accessories this bike costs $1,050.00.
2. Bulls Iconic EVO 2-Speed
This is a Class 3 electric bike (meanings speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist) that can navigate urban environments and tackle long distance rides with ease. It is specked with top tier components and comes standard with a rear rack, fenders, lights, and front suspension. Go to EBR bike review for a video review and demonstration of this bike. Normally the bike sells for $4,400.00, but it is currently on sale for $3,500.00. For those looking for one electric bike that can do it all, this is it.
B. ROAD BIKES
The definition of what constitutes a road bike has evolved over the years. It began with bikes that were made with racing geometry, then grew to include more relaxed geometry known as “endurance road bikes,” and most recently started to include gravel bikes. Fortunately, today’s options are a little more straightforward with most road bikes having geometry that is a bit more relaxed and room to fit wider tires, and even in some cases racks.
1. Specialized Allez Sport
This is a great riding aluminum frame road bike with relaxed geometry that has clearance for 35 mm tires, can be fitted with fenders and a rear rack. If you do not add the accessories, the weight of the bike is under 20 pounds, and it is a competent capable road bike. If you add the accessories, then it becomes an every-day commuter. If you add wider tires in addition to being a competent road bike and a commuter it can also handle gravel trails. All of this for the low price of $1,800.00.
2. Velotric T1 ST Plus EBike
This is a Class 3 (28 mph) lightweight (39 pounds) ebike that comes with a torque sensor, disc brakes and has a battery range up to 70 miles. NOTE: Range will vary depending on assist level. It comes standard with a front light, and you can add a rear rack to make it your everyday bike. The normal prices is $1,549.00, but currently Velotric is running sale by which you donate $5.00 to a charity, and you save $150.00 on the bike.
C. FAT TIRE BIKES (FATTIES)
The December 2021, 2022 and 2023 editions of MP outline the joys of livin’ the fattie lifestyle. Give it a shot, you will not regret it.
1. Trek Farley 5
Recently, a good friend allowed MASTER MP to ride his Trek Farley 5 through the mountain bike trails at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve in Hoffman Estates. Guiding MASTER MP on this ride was the one and only MAD VIKING (MV). First the good parts of the ride. The trail, which MV helped build, is well maintained and very challenging. It was, however, well handled by the Fattie Farley 5 which has huge 4.5 inch tires, a progressive trail geometry and a carbon fork. In addition, the bike comes with numerous mounts on which you can add racks and paniers to carry all of your gear. It has a wonderful 1 x 10 setup and was a great bike for this trail. The normal price is $2,200.00, but Trek is currently running a sale, and you can get the bike for $1,700.00.
Now to the scary part of the ride. As mentioned above, MV was the guide for this ride. MASTER MP has been guided on several fattie rides by MV, but for some reason during these rides he tends to get a bit “out over his skis.” This ride was no exception. Coming around a turn MV took it a little fast, had a pedal strike on a tree root, and flew like a cannonball over the handlebars of his bike into the bush. Playlist suggestion: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE by Guns N’ Roses.
Fortunately, MV was wearing a helmet. He suffered bumps and bruises with the biggest injury being to his pride. It is, however, because of this event that the next section of recommendations will be about bike helmets.
2. Aventon Aventure.2
This is a fat tire all terrain ebike that comes in a stepover and step through variation; has a top speed of 28 mph and has a maximum range up to 60 miles depending on the level of pedal assist. It comes standard with a rear rack, fenders, and lights. It can power you through all terrain in all seasons. The normal price is $2,000.00 but Aventon is currently running a sale at $1,700.00.
II. BIKE HELMETS
Recently, MILES PEDDLED INSTITUTE (MPI) in conjunction with IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF LONDON, tested 30 of the most popular adult bike helmets on the market and concluded that there is no correlation between the price of a helmet and its protection level. There was, however, a direct correlation between the protection system used in the helmet and the amount of protection that it actually provided. When purchasing a bike helmet always look for a helmet that incorporates MIPS. MIPS stands for: Multidirectional Impact Protection System and is a must when purchasing any new bike helmet.
Management will be making recommendations of three different types of bike helmets, those being an everyday helmet, an everyday helmet with integrated lights and a mountain bike helmet. All helmets will have incorporated in them the MIPS system. When picking a bike helmet make sure that it fits properly on your head and can be snugly secured. In addition, make sure that you hare happy with the ventilation provided by the helmet.
1. Specialized Echelon II
This is a sleek fast looking helmet that comes in many different colors. It is a unisex model so ponytails and bronytails will fit comfortably in the updated retention system. It has reflective details and good ventilation. The normal price is $90.00 but Specialized is currently running a sale where you can get the helmet for $45.00.
2. Giro Escape MIPS Helmet
The Escape is a good looking helmet that offers great ventilation and comes standard with integrated rechargeable LED lights front and rear. Giro sells the helmet for $130.00, but if you look online you can find it for as low as $78.00 through Amazon. The only caveat to buying online is that you must know your helmet size to ensure proper fit.
3. Smith Engage MIPS
Before describing the helmet, Management needs to clarify what makes a helmet a “mountain bike helmet.” Simply put, MTB helmets cover more of the head than road bike helmets, with extended rear coverage to protect the back of the head. In addition, mountain bike helmets are generally more rigid and usually come with visors.
The Smith Engage helmet clearly meets the definitions set forth above. It has significant lower back of the head coverage and an adjustable visor. It also provides plenty of ventilation and easy sunglass storage on top of the visor. This is a very good mountain bike helmet and normally goes for $130.00 but Smith is currently selling this helmet for $78.00.
Now to the Trivia/Quiz section which will be about gift giving. The practice of giving gifts existed even before human civilizations. Early humans liked to exchange items like unusual rocks or animal teeth to strengthen their social bonds. Below are 5 gift giving trivia questions. The answers will be in the postscript section. Playlist suggestion: PRESENTS TO SEND TO YOU by Jimmy Buffet.
1. Which gender gives more gifts? Men or women.
2. Who spends more on gifts? Women or men.
3. What percentage of gift shoppers make the purchases right before the holidays meaning within 48 hours of the holiday? 10%, 15%, 20% or 25%.
4. What percentage of U.S. business profits are generated from sales in the traditional holiday season running from Thanksgiving through Christmas? 50%, 60%, 70% or 80%.
5. Does giving or receiving a gift actually provide the individual with any physical health improvement? Yes or no.
TEASE TIME: The next edition of MP, which will come out sometime after January 2025, will be Part II of BIKING THE OLE PUEBLO. The first edition was issued in August of 2023. Playlist suggestion: GOIN BACK TO TUCSON by The Supersuckers.
Time to go, but during this holiday season remember to: “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.” – Garrison Keillor. Playlist suggestion: GIVE ME LOVE (GIVE ME PEACE ON EARTH) by George Harrison.
As always, remember to R, R & R and vote KAMALA!
POSTSCRIPT:
Answers to Trivia/Quiz Section:
1. More Gifts:
Women purchase more presents than men.
2. Cost of Gifts:
Women spend less than men on gifts that they buy. The reason is thought to be that women, in general, take more time and do more research in purchasing their gifts than men.
3. Percentage of Last Minute Shoppers:
25% of gift shoppers make their purchases right before the holidays.
4. U.S. Profits:
U.S. businesses generally generate approximately 70% of their yearly net profits as a result of purchasing during the holiday season.
5. Health Benefits:
Evidence from Brain Imaging suggests that both giving gifts and receiving gifts activate core areas of our brain associated with reward and pleasure. These brain regions also stimulate the neurotransmitter dopamine which results in a feeling of excitement and happiness. Accordingly, if any LS wishes to make themselves happy, Management at MP is here to assist by accepting your gift. Cash is preferred.
Comments