13 Feb Bike Touring 101
Come join me and Errin Vasquez of the Frontage Roads blog at Stan’s Bike Shop in Monrovia, California for a brief Bike Touring 101 information session on March 1st at 3PM. Errin, whom I’ve rode with a few weeks ago through the Verdugo Mountains, knows the owner of the bike shop. He was looking for a general overview of bicycle traveling for his shop’s patrons and since Errin’s bicycle setup was for bike packing, Errin thoughtfully asked if I wanted to speak on bike touring. My answer was, “Hell, yes!”
Stan’s Bike Shop
This shop was purchased by a gentleman named Carlos Morales on November 30, 2012. I actually know Carlos from the few times we went on social rides in the past few years. He was very active in the LA bike scene as he was the founder of the Eastside Bike Club based out of Alhambra and Monterey Park but was missing in action for a while. His bike shop is located in Old Town Monrovia and hosts many different social and training rides during the week. Carlos’ story is one filled with inspiration as far back 2008, he was told by his doctor that he was going to die unless he lost some weight. He was plagued sleep apnea and high blood pressure, weighing about 400 pounds. He was taking a buffet of pills in order to stay alive. As soon as he heard the grim news, he started riding his bike, and watched his weight drop 200 pounds. He is now completely off his medications and continues to commute from El Sereno to Monrovia every day. I take my hat off to Carlos for what he’s done to promote bicycling in the community and for his desire to make a difference in the lives of people while improving his own life.
Presentation Topics
We will highlight the high-level aspects of bike touring and bike packing. I’ll be talking about bike touring and showing my Salsa Vaya and Errin is going to go over bike packing, which is the off-road version of a bike tour but with frame bags instead of panniers. We’ll be talking about what we bring on our trips and how we pack and prepare for our tours. I’m very excited and nervous at the same time as I am being introduced as a guru on the subject. I would have to humbly disagree on that designation as I feel I haven’t put in the miles like other folks out there have. People I’ve been reading about on blogs or met in person have definitely had more experience. Since this is a general overview and I have had experience touring, I am happy to put my 2 cents in and share what I’ve learned. Just don’t call me a guru or an expert yet. I still have a way to go.
Join Us in Person
If you’re anywhere near Monrovia, California on March 1st at 3PM, stop by the shop and meet us. I would love the support and if you’re interested in bike touring, I hope you find the event helpful. Here are the details for your convenience.
Event Date & Time: March 1, 2014, 3PM
Location: Stan’s Bike Shop, 880 Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016.
I was told that we may have some prizes to giveaway as well so come and show your support or learn a little more about bike touring or bike packing.
thebonsaibabes
Posted at 18:13h, 13 FebruaryThat’s awesome! I have something earlier that day, but if I get done early, I’ll try to stop by to receive some of your wisdom 🙂
Johnny
Posted at 18:46h, 13 FebruaryThanks for the support!
Pingback:2014 - Week 17 - Internet Round Up | Milestone Rides
Posted at 22:22h, 27 April[…] Carlos Morales brings bicycling culture to east LA – Our friend and gracious host of our Bike Touring 101 presentation in March, Carlos Morales, is profiled on KPCC. Go check out his inspiring story […]
Pingback:Ride Report: My First LA Marathon Crash Ride - Milestone Rides
Posted at 11:31h, 18 March[…] friendly and welcoming. Each person greeted me like a friend. Our fearless leader, Carlos Morales, who I’ve featured before on a blog post, arrived closer to 4AM. They quickly shut down the refreshments table, and we were all off on our […]
Pingback:(Video) Bike Touring 101 - Part 7 - Final - Milestone Rides
Posted at 19:55h, 16 December[…] final video from our March 1, 2014 Bike Touring 101 presentation at Stan’s Bike Shop in Monrovia, California. If you haven’t seen the […]
Pingback:(Video) Bike Touring 101 - Part 5 - Milestone Rides
Posted at 19:56h, 16 December[…] our series of videos from our Bike Touring 101 presentation on March 1, 2014 at Stan’s Bike Shop in Monrovia, California. In case you […]