This month’s blog that’s got us in a spin is Bike Shop Girl by the always entertaining Arleigh Jenkins. We urge you to go check it out!

There’s something about being able to wield a spanner and sprocket wrench with aplomb that is just so … well, empowering. And while most of us are still getting to grips with the specific skill of removing a bottom bracket without stripping the threads (like seriously, how hard can it be?!) Arleigh Jenkins is busy racing, riding, representing and being a really good mechanic, as if it were the easiest thing in the world.

Luckily for us, her blog is chock full of information, not only on the stateside race scene which is buzzing and energetic (take note Europe) but is also overflowing with tech tips and advice.

Covering road, cyclo cross and MTB she writes with a no nonsense ‘come on girls, chin up let’s get on with it’ style that takes in everything from competing in your first race to, ahem, changing your bottom bracket. Plus videos as well.

And there’s a fair few posts on issues facing women riders specifically – numb ‘front bottoms’ on saddles, setting up your bike – things you might be a tad embarrassed chatting with a bloke about.

And let’s face it, as soon as you know why your bike is making the noise it is, you’re a step further to being totally independent (which is why bikes are so great right?)

So when you can then go one step further and fix the noise, well next stop is queen of the world.

All hail Arleigh!