» The History

1999
I launched STLbiking.com because I wanted to create a central focal point for cyclists in St. Louis. Hundreds of hours were spent working on the layout and designs. The original site was modest but the number of hits kept growing.

2001
The photo gallery was increased in size. It still remains one of the favorite pages of the site. People love to see pictures. Other advances include:

• Free Self-Deleting Classified Bike Ads

• Group Ride Calendar

• Improved Pbase Photo Gallery

2002
Newer software made the website truly interactive for the 1st time. The site became a market place for cyclists wanting to upgrade their equipment. But the new php powered message board made it's debut and has been the centerpiece of the website ever since.

2003
Installed an even newer version of the message board that includes an interactive calendar for events. Viewers can post their own information 24/7.

2004
Installed php based Classified Ads application that allows viewers to modify their ads at any time, upload photos and track how many views their ads receive. Traffic on the site has really increased. The number of hits commonly range from 1 million to 1.5 million per month. By Fall of 2004 total hits per month have exceed the 2 million mark.

In mid-October the website launched yet another new application - The cycling Blog! It's all about nothing. Or is it?  It's way too early to see if it will be successful but other blogs have 

» Funding

Yes! The website needs funding to operate effectively. However, income for the web site comes strictly from sponsors. However, the long hours spent on the site comes from my interest in cycling & internet. The perks I really enjoy is the service that I can give back to the cycling community.

My guess is that 20 hours a week is spent keeping the most current information available on the site at all times.

» Sponsors

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the sponsors of stlbiking. Their funding allows me to update my software continuously, purchase hardware, scanners, digital cameras, server space and more. I try to make every dollar count and seen on the website.

The annual cost of becoming a sponsor is $100 which is relatively cheap compared to other advertising alternatives. It's easy to become a sponsor. Just email me at stlbiking@aol.com or at my business email address which is jmusselman@leonuniform.com and we'll discuss the details. Sorry, my home telephone is unlisted.
 

» Website Hosting Services

If you need some server space with lots of extras, stlbiking can host your website for a very small fee. My hosting capabilities allows me to host up to 100 websites. It includes numerous add-on scripts, applications, shopping cart, email address and more. Fees are negotiable but always very low priced.

www.2wheeltech.com uses my website hosting services. 

» Webmaster

I'm not originally from St. Louis but this web site and my contacts through both NORBA, OGRE, MOBRA and all my friends at various Bike Shops have made me feel like I've lived here for quite a while. Thanks St. Louis!

My story really begins in Atlanta where I did most of my growing up. But I've also lived in New York, Cincinnati,  Macon, GA., Athens, Ga. and Valdosta, Ga. I've even worked in Chicago while living in Atlanta. It was easy to fly up every Monday morning and fly home every Friday.

My interests in computers leaned toward graphics. I was avid photographer back in high school. Even did duties for the school newspaper. Back then I was a 35mm junkie. My dad worked in Japan most of the time. When he returned home he also brought me some toys like Nikons because they were so cheap back then. Now I'm a digital guy.

When I'm not at work or working on this website you'll find me in the basement working with my collection of guitars and amps. I'm still looking to hook up with interested parties to formulate original tunes.

» Other Websites

Besides handling the webmaster duties for www.stlbiking.com , I also have the web site for my company. You are welcome to to check it out at www.leonuniform.com. It's been very effective tool for us especially since it's be updated with a shopping cart. In the near future look for the new www.MOBRA.org website which I hope to have completed and online soon.

Recently I've completed a new site for Clauss Clausen over at Des Peres Travel. He's another cyclist so you're planning a trip abroad, Clauss will take a personal interest in your trip at www.desperestravel.com.

If your organization has a website and needs some affordable server I've got a program that will fit your pocketbook. www.2Wheeltech.com is currently using some of my server space to grow his own online registration application business. The www.MOBRA.ORG website is also hosted on my server space.