The audio is a bit low due to the large room and a good amount of people.  Once you get into the interview session, turn up your volume and it will sound much better.

Listen Now :  [podcast]http://bikeshopgirl.com/podcast/BSG-Episode5.mp3[/podcast]

Listen on iTunes : http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id355575609

Photo Credit : Cervelo Test Team

Patricia Schwager Personal Site

Patricia Schwager on Cervelo Test Team

Because of this the bicycle gave me a freedom further than my two feet. I didn’t need my parents, boyfriend or anyone to aid me in getting where I wanted to go. Exploration and adventure were a pedal stroke away.

“I think (bicycling) has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance.”

Susan B. Anthony’s words, spoken in 1896, ring true today. Courtney Ramey, a dedicated bicycle commuter, agrees with Anthony: “It’s easy. It feels great. It’s freedom.” Pam Polizzi loves that “biking gives you a great deal of freedom in getting around the city easily.”

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/03/10/NSPP1CAFIB.DTL#ixzz0hsrYwouB

Today this is going one more step as women seem to be hesitant to get out on the road or bike trails to try this new skill. The second they do try it, they feel empowered and free of all the ties they left at home. The children, errands, work week or BlackBerry can go on hold for a couple hours as they ride.

What about riding a bike makes you feel free?

I agree, but only to a point.  Yes, I think women control a lot of household events and happenings.  If it was easier for me to get to the grocery store on a bike than my whole family would be doing it and taking my children to football practice or school.  All of these are right on the target with what researchers have said.  The point that I disagree is what happens if your errands are small, maybe you are a single woman or live more than 3.5 miles from the stores and work?

Most U.S women will not be going by bicycle for utility reasons if it is more than 3.5 miles and here is why :

1. It is very hard for a woman to stay presentable over 3.5 miles, especially if the terrain is not flat.
2. We do not want to be sweaty, to re-apply make up or to fix our hair for the second time that day.  Nor do we feel like it is okay to do that in the bathroom at work (normally.)
3. It isn’t socially acceptable to go by bike in most U.S cities.  I would argue that the culture and city life has to change, not only the way you ride a bike.  In Portland, OR or Boulder, CO it is the cool thing to ride your bicycle everywhere.  It has been taken in by the city with open arms.  If you move to one of those cities and you don’t ride you will be ready for a wide awakening.

Follow the buzz across the internet and add your own below in comments.

EcoVelo – An Indicator Species
TreeHugger – How Can You If Tell Your City is Bikeable?
VeloMuse – Recent Findings That Give Pause

Rambling Rose Winston-Salem, NC Triathlon : August 23, 2009
Ramblin’ Rose women-only triathlons are designed to celebrate the empowerment of women. In its fourth season, the Ramblin’ Rose Triathlon Tour is the perfect way to celebrate the triathlon experience! Join us in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and/or the Triangle and experience the exhilaration of participating in a Ramblin’ Rose! All Ramblin’ Rose events benefit local Girls on the Run chapters. For more information, go to www.endurancemag.com/ramblinrose

Women’s Mountain Bike Weekend – Ellijay, GA http://mulberrygap.com Aug 21-23 in
Mountain biking, cabins, hot showers, hot tubs, and (lots of) excellent food! RSVP to diane@mulberrygap.com

Win for KC Women’s Tri –Kansas City, MO http://www.winforkctri.org/ August 1, 2009
WIN for KC has become one of the largest and most well-respected initiatives of its kind in the United States, engaging thousands of girls and women in sports and fitness activity and advocacy. It remains one of the largest community action programs affiliated with the Women’s Sports Foundation. To learn more about WIN for KC please visit our website at www.winforkc.org

Flirty 30 Alleycat Birmingham, AL August 15, 2009 http://bikeskirt.com/2009/07/16/flirty-30-alleycat-is-a-go-august-15/
Ok gals, it’s time to get your racing gear on!  Elisa is turning the big 3-0 next month, and to celebrate we’re having a GIRLS ONLY ALLEYCAT on August 15 here in Birmingham!!  I am so excited about this, and received our first race prizes in the mail today!  I’m bursting to tell you all about how amazingly adorable and awesome they are, but I’ve decided to keep everything a secret.  Believe me, you want this.

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