Hello! I'm your 2007-2008 go!pass.   It's been an exciting couple of months for me, what with renewals and all.  All told, you purchased more than 4,900 of me!  Thanks for making me feel so popular.  If I wasn't a plastic card, I'd have a really big ego right now.

2007-2008 go!passes arriving soon
But enough about me.  Let's talk about you.  You are probably wondering when you will be seeing your 2007-2008 go!pass.  Well, the passes just went to the printer and they should be ready by October 19, 2007.

The staff over here at getDowntown will let you know  exactly when your go!passes are ready.  And you will most definitely have your passes before November 1st, which is when you can start using me on the bus.

I look forward to seeing you soon!  And remember that you can order more of me any time during the year.  Just let the staff know when you need to order one. 

Winners of the go!pass renewal contest
Finally, I wanted to announce the winners of the go!pass renewal contest.  The grand prize winner of a lunch or breakfast for everyone in their office was Graduate Employees Organization.

The second prize winner of a basket of goodies from Zingerman's Deli was Janice Dana, who, unfortunatly could not claim her prize, so we will keep it for another contest.

The third prize winner of drinks for everyone in their office was Access International.

And the fourth prize of office toys for everyone in their office was NASCO.

Thanks to all who renewed your go!pass.

is about a 5 minute bike ride from my house.  Please note that I plan on highlighting other businesses in the future. 

  So this last Friday I biked on over and discussed all things bike commuting with Chris, the General Manager of Great Lakes.

The best bike for commuters
  The first thing I asked Chris was what kind of bike he recommends for commuters.  He said that there are all kinds of bikes for commuters from hybrids to single speeds to commuter bikes (like the Townie in the picture above).  He said it really depends on the person as to which bike they want. 

  Great Lakes stocks every type of commuter bike as well as fenders, racks, and lights, all of which are good accessories for a bike commuter.

  Chris told me that one of the perks of getting your bike at Great Lakes is that they offer lifetime tune-ups and maintenance classes.  Great Lakes has also been very involved in Bikefest for the last couple of years and donated their space for various classes.

Bikes and babies
  For the bike commuter who is also a parent, Great Lakes also stocks a variety of bike trailers (see picture to left).  There is even a hammock-like device you can put in a trailer that allows you to bike with an infant.

Other accessories for the bike commuter
  Among the other accessories Chris recommends for the bike commuter are grocery panniers (I have one of these and they are great) and a basic kit to fix flat tires.

Check those tires
  And speaking of tires, Chris pointed out that you need to make sure your tires are always inflated to the proper level (generally printed on the tire).  According to Chris, most bike tires lose 10% of their air a week, so it's important to check them on a regular basis.

  I asked Chris if many people come into the store interested in commuting.  He told me yes and that it also helps that many of the staff also commute to work.  Unfortunately, he recently injured his arm (it was in a sling when I saw him) so he wasn't currently able to bike to work.

Biking when it's cold
  I next asked Chris the all important Michigan question.  No, not the one about Coach Carr.  I asked him about winter commuting and what he recommends to get people through the chilly season.

  His first recommendation was lights.  Since it gets a lot darker a lot earlier in the winter, it's essential to have front and back lights as well as reflective clothing so you are seen while biking.  Chris also recommended clothing that is windproof and rainproof.  And the best way to deal with the change in body temperature as you bike is to dress in layers.

  Most bikes need more maintenance in the winter because of the snow and other stuff on the roads.  Chris recommended regularly checking on your bike and making sure the chain is lubed.  He also noted that many older bikes (pre 1990s) have steel frames, which actually rust from the inside out during wet and cold conditions.  Great Lakes offers a service where they can spray the inside of these types of bikes to keep them rust free.

  Thanks so much, Chris for the helpful information!

Other bike stores to check out
  Ann Arbor certainly has a lot of bike stores.  Here's a list

• Great Lakes Cycling and Fitness

• Two Wheel Tango

• Ride Boutique

• Wheels in Motion

• Ann Arbor Cyclery

• Student Bike Shop (On Maynard in Ann Arbor)