Closed Mondays

I went on a bike ride today. Everyone was busy or working so I pulled out my Nishiki and took off towards Lookout Mountain by myself. That's alright, I haven't bonded with my old Japanese touring bike a whole lot since I purchased my Surly Cross Check.
My Nishiki and I go way back. After 8 years of marriage, my husband and I planned our first bike trip in Europe. We have friends in Western Germany and would stay with them then ride a week or two by ourselves in Alsace, France. My only road bike at the time was a 1973 Grand Prix, Raleigh which wasn't the best for the hilly ascents we were planning on. My clever father-in-law gave me his lightly used Nishiki. My brother then dolled up this 20 year old steel bike with Nitto mustache bars, a Brook's leather saddle, and an English tweed handlebar bag. Off we went, this was back when select European airlines would allow one a complete bicycle as a check-in item without extra fees.

We arrived at the Frankfurt airport and I was astounded to observe several travelers retrieving their bicycles from the luggage area, make a few adjustments, mount their bicycles, and ride away out the airport onto their destination. My eyes were opened to a whole new way of travel.
My Nishiki served me well that trip; up and down hills, through fairy tale villages, on dirt trails through dense forests, and on manicured bike paths meandering through this enchanted piece of Europe.

My Nishiki is now for sale and will serve another rider on more joyous journeys.
-Michelle/co-owner of Urbanistic Tea & Bike Shop
Preparing for Bicycle Touring or just getting more comfortable on the saddle:
1)  Consider leather; a proper Brook's leather saddle will conform to your anatomy offering a bit of flex and plenty of comfort in the long run.
2)  Handlebar position, I like to look at the scenery so often opt for mustache bars or swept back bars in order to ensure multiple hand positions all in a slightly upright position.
3) Core muscle group, engage your belly muscles to hold your body in a proper position without slouching. Pilates - sit-ups - crunches or whichever routine you prefer for stronger abdominals will help your cycling comfort.
4) Platform pedals, I like moving my feet around on long rides and absolutely hate having my feet locked into 1 position.
5) Time in the saddle, the more you ride the easier it is. If you haven't been riding for awhile give yourself two weeks to find your legs again.