Shop for your favorite cyclist locally

Lots of in-stock items on sale well below retail and as always, Belfast Bicycle Club members receive 10% off their entire purchase. That includes items already on sale - that's a sweet deal!!

Hours of Operation

Monday thru Friday	10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday	9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday	Open by appointment

158 High Street

Belfast, Maine 04915

Tel: (207) 338-0008

Email: belfastbikes@earthlink.net

Customize your ride and support a local guy...

It's almost that time again....

the future of bicycle helmets??

HOW

HÖVDING
WORKS

Hövding is a bicycle helmet unlike any other currently on the market. It's ergonomic, it's practical, it complies with all the safety requirements, and it's also subtle and blends in with what else you are wearing.

Hövding is a collar for bicyclists, worn around the neck. The collar contains a folded up airbag that you'll only see if you happen to have an accident. The airbag is shaped like a hood, surrounding and protecting the bicyclist's head. The trigger mechanism is controlled by sensors which pick up the abnormal movements of a bicyclist in an accident.

The actual collar is the visible part of the invention. It's covered by a removable shell that you can change to match your outfit, and we'll be launching new designs all the time. Hövding is a practical accessory that's easy to carry around, it's got a great-looking yet subtle design, and it will save your life.

http://www.hovding.com/en/how

Belfast Rocks the Dempsey Challenge!!

Team Belfast - Dan, Heide, Greg, Ken, Norman, Cyndie, Margot, Jane, Heather and Martha

10 riders from the Belfast club embarked on 50 and 100 mile journeys yesterday at the 3rd annual Dempsey Challenge. What started out as a shady and crisp day, quickly turned to sunny and warm...an absolutely beautiful day to ride. The Belfast crew raised almost $4000 and total, the event raised over $1 million for the Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing.





Amongst the ranks of the Belfast team is Cynthia Martell of Belfast, ME.
Cyndie, a cancer survivor, was the true inspiration for the entire team and she Rocked the 100 mile ride!! Her husband Will ran the 10k the day before and her entire family were there on Sunday to cheer us all on!!

Cyndie, Patrick and Jane

Simply the Best

the face of Cadillac

Eric Olds snapped this self portrait on his ascent of Cadillac Mt. yesterday afternoon during the 20th anniversary Cadillac Challenge. His expression says it all as he battled the climb, the wind and the blinding fog.

Cadillac Challenge - 20th anniversary

Despite rain, wind and heavy fog, 7 local riders made the journey over to MDI on Sunday, Oct. 2 for the 20th anniversary edition of the Cadillac Challenge. The ride started off in rain which eventually tapered off for awhile, then came back. It was an off and on kind of day - rain and wind, with some moments of calm. The surf slamming the rocky shoreline along the Park Loop road was quite a site. Due to poor visibility (none) and heavy winds, the official end of the ride was moved off the top of Cadillac Mt. That didn't stop us from riding up there. As expected, the views from the top were nil.

All in all, a great day of riding with some old friends and some new ones - the best part of the Cadillac Challenge. And a new tradition was born I think - dinner and beers afterwards at Atlantic Brewing / Mainely Meat, just down the road. Hope to see you next year!!

Pictured left to right - Chris G., Derek N., Morgan L., Eric O., Greg P-B. (Not pictured, Norman M. (taking photo), Karl A. (climbing Cadillac)

12 Hrs of Bradbury

Eric Olds, representing Belfast in this year's 12 Hrs of Bradbury MTB race. Finishing in an impressive 7th place out of 24 in the Solo Sport Men category. Way to go Eric!!

Last Minute Call for Volunteers

A message from Tony Mourkas - ride director for the Cadillac Challenge:

This year we are shaping up to have a few less volunteers than usual to manage the Cadillac Challenge on event day, October 2nd. If you would like to help out, or have a spouse or friend who might be willing to work the registration tables or a rest stop. Working at a rest stop is a lot of fun and a great way for non-riders to be a part of the event and connect with the cyclists. Send me an email if you would be interested in volunteering.

Go to this link for details and how to email Tony.

http://web.me.com/zorbathegeek/Cadillac/Blog_/Entries/2011/9/20_Last_Minute_Call_For_Volunteers.html

Bill Armstrong on the podium

After a very consistent season with several top 5 placings, club member Bill Armstrong took 2nd place overall in his age group for the 2011 Maine Time Trial series. Glenn Montgomery also participated in several TTs this year and had many personal bests. Well done!

team Tyler Brown at the finish line of the 2011 NE Parkinson's Ride

Through the generosity of all our supporters, team Tyler Brown raised nearly $6000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.  And with the matching donation program in effect, the total raised will be nearly $12,000!!

Thank you so much for all your support, we can't wait for next year.  Wanna join the team and ride with us in 2012?  Send an email to Greg.

Club members ride to fight Parkinson's Disease

On Sept. 11th three Belfast Bicycle Club members, Greg and Heide Purinton-Brown and Eric Sanders, will be riding in this year's New England Parkinson's Ride as part of team Tyler Brown. 

Greg Purinton-Brown, who lost his father Tyler to PD last summer formed team Tyler Brown to honor his father and raise money to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation for PD research.

Eric will be riding to honor Margaret Miller, his mother-in-law who passed away from PD last fall.

Also joining the team are Greg's aunt Eliza and uncle Hammond (Tyler's brother) and their son Sam, Greg's older brother Justin, and family friends Seth Haskell, Matt Fowler and John-David Hutchinson-Maxwell.

If you want to learn more about the team, about the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the NE Parkinson's Ride or make a donation to team Tyler Brown, please visit the team page HERE

Success for Belfast at the Carrabasset Back Country Challenge

In what turned out to be a 58 mile race instead of the advertised 50, three racers from the Belfast crew each had an epic ride on Sunday, July 24th at the 1st annual Carrabassett Back Country Challenge.

Racing in the Men's Sport Veteran II Category - John Largey with a time of 6:51:46 and Eric Olds with a time of 7:12:46 finished 4th and 5th respectively, besting the efforts of 9 other racers in their category.  John was disappointed to have missed 3rd by only 20 seconds, but the fact remains, he and Eric both had amazing races.

In his MTB race debut, Greg Purinton-Brown racing in the Novice Veteran I category rode home to glory with a total time of 8:00:38.  His only competitor DNF'd making the victory a little less sweet, but the PBR waiting at the finish was still pretty darn tasty.  

Overall it was a great day of racing...an extremely challenging 

course with solid organization.  Looking forward to having a go at it again next year!!

Greg on the podium

Start of the Novice race

John Largey coming through the 1st check point

Eric Olds, coming into the first check point

This is why we live and ride in Maine

looking out onto Blue Hill Bay

Key lawmakers trying to end dedicated funding for bicycling and walking

Key Congressional leaders are attacking Safe Routes to School, Transportation Enhancements and Recreational trails and are taking steps to cut off dedicated federal funding for bicycling and walking. We need every single person who simply wants safe options to walk or bicycle to contact their Senators and Representative today!

Help protect Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and Recreational Trails. Contact your Members of Congress, and tell them to reach out to Senators Inhofe, Boxer, and Congressman Mica to continue dedicated funding for biking and walking

Click HERE to send E-letters to the House and Congress opposing these cuts.

Happy 4th of July

Hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July.

See you out on the road.

Let's hear it for Belfast!!

Check it out!! Belfast's team in the 2011 Dempsey Challenge is in the #3 spot for overall fundraising, and leading the charge is Jane Cady with over $1000 raised so far.

Way to go Team!!

http://www.dempseychallenge.org/

Trek Across Maine

It's that time of year again!! Roughly 2400 riders will embark from Sunday River, in Newry Maine and ride nearly 180 miles in 3 days across the state to finish in Belfast!!

If you want to sponsor a local rider, there's still time - Search for a Trek Rider Here

Best of luck to all those riding. We are all hoping you have great weather, a steady tailwind and good friends around you along the way.

Belfast Time Trial Race Report

52 racers made their way to Searsport, ME for the 2011 addition of the Belfast Time Trial sponsored by the Belfast Bicycle Club.

With the sun shining, an awesome crew of volunteers and a fast, fast group of racers, both seasoned and first time, the day began and ended with success.

Results are posted on the Belfast Time Trial page

Check back soon for pictures and videos of today's race.

Tim Mitchell of CCB racing set a new course record of 33:35 over a distance of 16.2 miles - that's 28.94 MPH!! Holy smokes...that's gonna be hard to beat in the future!

Thanks to all our racers, to all our volunteers and a special thanks to Sheehan's Florist of Bucksport, ME for donating flowers to our race winners - they were a hit!!

Hope to see you all again next year - have a safe and fast season everyone!!

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!

Belfast's Race is on Sunday, June 5th. First racer is off @ 9 AM. Come by to race, come by to volunteer and cheer these seasoned and first time racers on!!

West Side Rides

Who's going?  Riders/Racers from the area should try to carpool.  Anyone going up the night before?

Register on BikeReg Here

Belfast's Eric Olds represents the club at the Glocester Grind

Eric at the Glocester Grind in CT - 5/15/2011

Way to go Eric!!

Best of Luck to Everyone competing in the triathlon this weekend!!

Belfast makes a showing at Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2011

Belfast's own, Murray Carpenter seen here sporting the iconic Belfast jersey in the background as Andy Schleck and eventually winner Philippe Gilbert go racing by.







Thanks for sharing Murray, can't wait to hear all about your trip!!

Spring Rides start in May!!

Starting next week the Belfast Ride Schedule will go into effect.

Get all the details for rides:

CLUB RIDE SCHEDULE

As always, if you have a question, send an email to the club email address.

A Bicycle Zen Koan

A Zen Teacher saw five of his students return from the market, riding their bicycles. When they had dismounted, the teacher asked the students, "Why are you riding your bicycles?" The first student replied, "The bicycle is carrying this sack of potatoes. I am glad that I do not have to carry them on my back!" The teacher praised the student, saying, "You are a smart boy. When you grow old, you will not walk hunched over, as I do." The second student replied, "I love to watch the trees and fields pass by as I roll down the path." The teacher commended the student, "Your eyes are open and you see the world." The third student replied, "When I ride my bicycle, I am content to chant, nam myoho renge kyo." The teacher gave praise to the third student, "Your mind will roll with the ease of a newly trued wheel." The fourth student answered, "Riding my bicycle, I live in harmony with all beings." The teacher was pleased and said, "You are riding on the golden path of non-harming." The fifth student replied, "I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle." The teacher went and sat at the feet of the fifth student, and said, "I am your disciple."

Spring Group Rides have started

Weekday and weekend rides have started although at present we haven't been riding according to the club schedule. Club schedule rides will resume in May. Until then, check your club email to see who is riding and where.

Apparently we will all need to get new bikes now....

Introducing RoundTail (TM), a revolutionary custom made bicycle frame that dramatically increases comfort.

We are all in this together regardless of where we live.

A cyclist who died after he was hit by a lorry in south Belfast on Friday morning has now been identified, police say.

http://www.u.tv/News/Cyclist-killed-in-city-crash-identified/abd0fd1a-2b06-4b83-a720-6a471cdbb296

This tragic event happened today in Belfast, Ireland.

Shortly thereafter, the Belfast Bicycle Club received this email:

Hello. You dont know me. I googled for belfast cycle clubs and found your web-page,

Maybe you have heard that a truck hit two cyclists on Ormeau Road during morning rush hour today, killing a 42 year old male cyclist. I dont know how badly injured the other cyclist was.

I quite often cycle this road, at the same time of day as this accident, to get to work. I nearly did cycle down there today, but as it happens I took a bus, and then when the bus was diverted I took a taxi because I had to get to an appointment. My taxi driver commented that "cyclists should be banned from the road". This really amazed and offended me, and made me want to protest for trafic courtesy and improved cycle paths in Belfast.

I wonder if it would be possible to harness the feelings that this accident will doubtless raise in the community to organise a mass cycle to work day next friday, to honor the dead cyclist and try to raise awareness that cycling is an enviromentally friendly tranpsort, saves congesion, and bikes have a right to be on the road.

I am not an "activist" type, but if there are others in Belfast who feel like I do I'd gladly join with them next Friday in trying to raise awareness of cycling road safety. I'd personally love to see as many cyclists as possible cycle down this stretch of Ormeau Road next Friday morning (I know a handful of cyclists who would jon me). And I suggest wearing flourescent safety clothes and black armbands.

Regards

Alison

This email struck me as so powerful...a strong reminder that as cyclists, we are all in this together, regardless of where we live. Please take a moment for some silence for this fallen rider from Belfast.

Roubaix!

This picture pretty much sums up the "Epicness" of the ride today..

We had flat tires, mud, loose gravel, sand and snow, but the sun was shining, we rode amongst friends and we all made it out unscathed.

Already looking forward to next year!!

Honorary Paris-Roubaix Ride - Sunday, April 10th

Fabian Cancellara motoring away from the rest of the field....

Ride to honor the heros of Paris-Roubaix - happening that same day - http://www.steephill.tv/classics/paris-roubaix/

25 mile ride on paved and dirt roads -a spirited ride, with a sprint for the finish by the strongest riders at the end.  A challenging early season route - check out the route here - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/29713073

Ride starts at 9 AM as the parking lot across from the Searsmont Post Office - some riders ride to the ride from Belfast or Camden/Lincolnville - check emails to see if anyone is planning this.

Possible gathering at Rollie's in Belfast after the ride to watch the race on the big screen.

Bike 101!

You asked for it, and we are going to deliver!

Sunday, April 3rd from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the Waldo County YMCA

Volunteers from the Belfast Bicycle Club are going to host a series of bicycle maintenance and repair stations where you can learn the basics of roadside repair and some time honored tricks of the trade.

Open to anyone 17+, these free mini-seminars will cover such things as:

Repairing a flat tube
Adjusting your derailleurs
Adjusting your brakes
Correct tire pressure
What to do if you break a spoke
Proper safety riding - helmet / lights / etc.

Sign up at the Waldo County YMCA or send an email to belfastbikeclub@gmail.com.

If you want to help out at this event please let us know.

Success!!

Absolutely fantastic evening last night!!  What a great showing of support for local cycling - tons of people at the pre-movie party at Bay Wrap and a sold out show of "Chasing Legends" at The Colonial Theater!!

Huge Thanks to the following people for helping with ticket sales and making their business available for this event:

Mike Hurley @ The Colonial Theater
Charlie Laurel @ Bay Wrap
Mike McDonald @ Belfast Bicycles

Hope that everyone enjoyed the show!

Spring is just around the corner.  Looking forward to seeing some new faces out there on the road.

Greg

Today is the day!!

Chasing Legends - "Pure Visual Adrenaline"

Sunday, January 30th @ 7 PM

Colonial Theater - Belfast, ME

No more tickets available online.   We will have 5 tickets available at the pre-movie party @ 5 PM today.


Please contact The Colonial Theater in Belfast for all other tickets.

Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to support the 2011 Dempsey Challenge.

Brought to you by the Belfast Bicycle Club