http://velotopia.org/veloblog/ The main blog. en mattm@pbdh.com Copyright 2010 2010-09-01T22:14:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/mtn-bike-or-2010/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/mtn-bike-or-2010/ New to Velotopia, and It’s great to have a place to share riding epicness. With that said I just got back recently from a 3 day weekend of mountain bike madness that took place in Oakridge, OR. Mtn. BIke OR =$300 for 3 days which includes three awesome meals a day, camping on the Willamette river, enough trails to feed your riding soul and beer garden extravaganza at the end of the day. I went with three buddies of mine that were just as excited as I was. The trip started in Seattle with a quick detour in Portland to have some tasty beverages and lunch at Lucky Labrador Brewery. It was about a 6.5 hour drive of intense anticipation to the small town of Oakridge (well worth the drive). Once we got to the campground we setup and jumped on the bikes to ride over to the local pub where a lot of the other people were that got there before day 1, It was an awesome site to see tons of bikes all stacked up on the outside of the pub, There were over 300 riders that attended and I heard that the tickets sold out quick. The Mess Day 1 we woke up, had some breakfast and got ready for our first ride on Salmon Creek (12 miles). This was a great warm up ride along the river that crossed Salmon Creek Bridge and got into some technical climbs and descents. After that we jumped on a bus to go ride Alpine (17 miles). It was a great day that wore us all out and ended in the beer garden. Day 2 we slept in a little and went back on Salmon Creek taking a different route all the way to the Salmon Creek Falls and then rode back to camp to partake in the beer garden festivities. I ended up getting a demo bike for the ride which convinced me that I need to buy a full suspension bike for next season, amazing! Day 3 we stumbled out of our tents, packed up and made the ride back home. Sign up for next year starts in November. This is going to be a yearly tradition for me. Definitely! We have video of our rides that we need to edit, I’ll post them as soon as there done. The Crew Head Lamp / 30 sec. Exposure Fun 2010-09-01T22:14:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/central-oregon-is-mountain-biking-mecca/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/central-oregon-is-mountain-biking-mecca/ Zack and I just got back from a mountain biking vacation, which is, of course, the best kind of vacation. The first three days we spent riding the North Umpqua Trail in Central Oregon with Cog Wild bicycle tours and we had a ball! With our guides taking care of route-finding, shuttling and food prep at the campsite, all we had to do was have fun and ride bikes. After the CogWild tour, we settled into our friends’ rental cottage in Bend and spent the rest of the week riding both in Bend and up near Mt. Bachelor. So much singletrack, so little time--can’t wait to get back! Some evidence of the fun: Our campsite near Toketee Lake Riding the Umpqua Trail Coming around a rocky ledge on the Umpqua Trail The Weeping Wall on the Umpqua Trail Photo break up near Mt. Bachelor On the Metolius-Windego trail Our bikes at rest 2010-08-30T21:25:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/rsvp-2010/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/rsvp-2010/ The thought of one more STP just didn’t get the juices going for me this year. So how about something different? I decided to try RSVP (Ride from Seattle to Vancouver, BC + Party). Maybe try different training as well. I spent 2 weeks working from our Sun Valley, Idaho, office since we do the marketing for the Sun Valley Summer Symphony. Their season is two weeks long in August. That gave me the opportunity to ride 50 miles every other day in the high desert. Climbing mountains and experiencing some altitude and heat. I’ve learned before that if you can train at 6-8,000 ft. you can feel like Superman when you ride at sea level. Well… maybe not Superman, but at least not Superwimp. The weekend had beautiful, if hot, weather. After the first 10 miles I ended up riding next to Mike (IT guy from King County) who happened to be riding the same bike as I was (Wilier Triestina Izoard). We then acquired another new teammate… Zach (a PT at Olympic Physical Therapy). These three amigos rode both days together and had a great time. We only had strong head winds around Mt. Vernon and Chuckanut Drive. We stayed near the head of the pack as to avoid the big pelotons. I really enjoyed that system. I usually ride alone and attach myself to various pace lines as I go. But having people to ride with that are a good physical match worked well. Hopefully we’ll get to ride together again soon. Anyway, I highly recommend the ride. Be sure to register within minutes of it going live online. It sells out in a few hours as it is limited in numbers. Free Ice Cream at 104 miles in Bellingham The party in Vancouver, BC. I doubt the architect of this patio and fountain planned on beer cups, but… 2010-08-17T22:07:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/art-another-reason-to-love-commuting-by-bicycle-in-seattle/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/art-another-reason-to-love-commuting-by-bicycle-in-seattle/ Riding in this fabulous weather, I’ve begun to notice that Seattle is chock full of public art. For instance, Sadako and the Thousand Cranes: Isn’t she lovely? I can think of several other pieces that are part of my daily commute, too. Just another reason to appreciate the view from my bike. 2010-08-13T17:34:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-bicycle-paper/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-bicycle-paper/ While exploring the Lopez Island road riding experience, we stopped into the village bike shop, just for grins, and found this little rag stacked by the door: Bicycle Paper. Here’s what I like about it: It’s about bikes, it’s free, it’s local, and it smells like ink and newsprint. They have a URL (BicyclePaper.com), but I find the printed edition much more enjoyable. It’s better designed for one thing, but here’s the real kicker - you can hold it in your hands. I know that sounds like the kind of thing a blog writer might not say, but it’s true. I do lament the lack of comments, feedback and the sense of community that a website affords, but it certainly has a tangible charm all its own. The content is interesting enough - a mix of practical commuter stuff, race and event schedules, editorial and just plain bike love stuff - and you can stuff it in your jersey along side a beer and enjoy both while watching seals cavort, from the top of a bluff. That’s what I did. But I suppose it would be just as natural in your favorite coffee shop. I’m surprised I haven’t seen this ever before. Between all the races, events, bike shops and shows and all that other crap I find myself doing, you’d think it would have surfaced before. They call themselves the “northwest cycling authority since 1972.” I don’t know if I’d go that far, but I wish them luck, and look forward to the next issue. It looks like paid subscriptions are available on their website, but for now I’m going to see if I can dig up another free one. 2010-08-10T02:15:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/whistler-is-still-off-the-hook/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/whistler-is-still-off-the-hook/ Just in case anybody wondered, Whistler is still the most insanely off the hook place to ride a bike. That’s me, airing it out on A-line: The van that I bought for shuttling to mountain bike trails finally earned his Whistle Wings by taking me all the way to Mecca and back - and only one broken clutch cable! This is the same van that killed my bike-commuting career with a single stroke, but I’d trade all that and more for some mountain time, any day. If you’re ever looking at that Whistler valley trail map wondering what all those *other* trails are besides A River Runs Through it - and you’re tempted by a nice long black one named Gargamel… pack a parachute. All the beta we could get was “steep” - turns out that’s all there really is to say - oh wait, I can give you a little something more from the official trail description: Gargamel - Insane Whistler downhill bike trail. For those who like to experience the fine line between skilled and crazy here is one for you! The evil villain lives! Built to push the envelope this gnarly treat begins with a turn off of the highway… you hit the trail which undulates for a while before it shows its teeth. Big and totally rideable for those at the top of the food chain. For those of us a little more realistic about our bodies there are definitely some walking sections. Very raw, very magnificent with real consequences. Don’t ride it alone! We’re smiling here because we do not yet know what lies before us: 2010-08-03T15:35:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/chasing-legends/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/chasing-legends/ Suffering through tour withdraw? Well then you’ll want to get yourself to the North West Film Forum for Chasing Legends. For one night only (August 11th) you’ll be able to follow the Columbia HTC team through the 2009 tour, from the inside. Watch the race and experience the highs and lows with the riders like never before. 2010-07-28T20:18:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dan-savage-learn-to-ride-with-tracks/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dan-savage-learn-to-ride-with-tracks/ Dan Savage thinks people in Seattle should learn how to navigate street car tracks like the people of San Francisco do all year. I have to agree. If you can’t safely negotiate hazards in the road you might want to avoid traffic altogether. It’s called sharing the road--with everybody, including public transportation. (For the record: I also believe that if you can’t parallel park your car you shouldn’t be allowed to have a driver’s license.) 2010-07-15T18:44:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/seen-while-biking-in-seattle-christmas-in-july/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/seen-while-biking-in-seattle-christmas-in-july/ This morning’s ride was lovely. I was toodling along admiring gardens and greenery, soaking up the sun, when suddenly THIS caught my eye. Had to share. 2010-07-09T17:58:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dont-cat-like-you-dont-want-one/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dont-cat-like-you-dont-want-one/ See this Instructibles, for your step-by-step how-to, and build yourself one of these fantastic bicycle sidecars. I can see this in conjunction with a gas-powered cruiser, painted olive green, of course. Make way for the kaiser and his canine sidekick! 2010-07-09T14:55:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/team-aiga-helveticas-angels/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/team-aiga-helveticas-angels/ Let the herding of the cats begin! As a trustee on the board of the National MS Society Greater Northwest Chapter I have been enlisted to help promote the Bike MS fundraiser ride in September. I could do like I did last year and recruit staff, family and friends to ride on Team PBDH. But how can I make a bigger contribution to this annual effort? Maybe form some bigger team that could make a difference to the MS community as well as the riders who participate. Thus was born Team AIGA: Helvetica’s Angels. AIGA, the professional association for design, stimulates thinking about design, demonstrates the value of design and empowers the success of designers at each stage of their careers. AIGA’s mission is to advance designing as a professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force. Because of this mission I thought it would be great to show the rest of the community how people in the design profession are caring, generous, active people. People get involved with Bike MS for various reasons: they know someone with MS (the Northwest has the highest occurance of MS per capita of anywhere in the world), they are bike enthusiasts looking for a fun and fully supported ride, they’ve never done something like this before and want a goal to work towards, or they love to party with their friends. The ride: Starts and stops at the Skagit County Fairgrounds in Mt. Vernon, WA. September 11 + 12. Ride one or both days. Different route each day. Various kinds of people… racers, beach cruisers, unicyclists, non-riders. Various distances/terrain… anything from 22-92 miles… hilly or flat. Fully supported, scenic… 6 catered meals, medical, mechanics, Deception Pass Bridge! Party! Team tents… Teams have their own tents and have parties. Hopefully manned by AIGA volunteers. Beer garden (nuff said). The Team · Recruiting…. You don’t have to be an AIGA member to ride or volunteer. · Group rides… there will be a couple group rides prior to the event, just for fun. You will be notified of dates and times after you register. · Kits… We will supply some sort of AIGA addition people can wear. Whether or not riders have kits, T-shirts will also be produced and need to be purchased by either the firms or the individuals. These can be worn during or after the ride. · Registration… It costs $55/rider, but use discount code TEAMUP ($10 off).  Also each rider must raise $250. Sounds daunting to young designers, but it just means $25 from 10 friends… it’s not that hard (you can always hit up your parents if your friends are losers). Have them use their Facebook and Twitter accounts to solicit bucks. Each rider gets a fundraising page on the MS site and can use it to fundraise. Make sure they specify our team when they register: Team AIGA: Helvetica’s Angels · If you would like someone from MS to come and present this info to your group, let me know. To Register: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/WASBikeEvents/1921674961?… Any questions: Karl Bischoff @ Phinney Bischoff Design House: karlb@pbdh.com: 206.322.3484 Let’s make it happen! 2010-06-25T22:38:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/can-haz-inputs-dexter-project-open-house-june-29/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/can-haz-inputs-dexter-project-open-house-june-29/ Come give your input about the 2011 overhaul of Dexter Avenue North, which might include cycletracks. Personally, I’m terrified at the prospect of being confined to a cycletrack between bus stops/parked cars and sidewalks when I’m doing 25+ mph on the descent. I think cycletrack infrastructure would work better on a flat route with not as many driveway/intersection access points. Maybe that’s just me? Come share your opinion! Flyer copy: You’re invited to a project open house for street resurfacing and installation of parking-protected bike lanes on Dexter Avenue N. PROJECT OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, June 29th, 2010 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Seattle Center Center House, Conference Room A This project will improve the pavement condition by repaving the street in 2011. As part of the repaving project, SDOT is proposing the following changes: • Install a parking-protected buffered bike lane on each side of the street • Remove the two-way left turn lane • Provide dedicated left-turn lanes at busy intersections • Provide dedicated load zones for businesses that need them • Provide in-lane bus stops to improve transit speed and reliability * Install dedicated bus islands Please share this invitation with others who may be interested in this project. You can also read about it in the Publicola article. 2010-06-23T23:39:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-donut-runner/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-donut-runner/ I’d like to introduce the Donut Runner - an old Huffy bicycle that I purchased at the Capitol Hill Value Village last week for $20. Best $20 I ever spent. This bicycle will remain locked up at the office to be used as quick “public” transportation for those emergency coffee and/or donut runs that need to take place in the small spaces between meetings, before deadlines, etc. This little azure steed has already converted a handful of donut runs from 20 minutes each, to under 5. A little quick math says that I’ve already saved an hour in less than a week. So much wasted time walking! It reminds once again that the bicycle is truly one of mankind’s greatest inventions - a model of efficiency in every way. How many old, 1990s bikes are languishing in garages right now? Dust ‘em off, pump up the tires and take ‘em to work - they’re great errand runners! Edit: I had delayed getting a leave-locked-up-in-the-rain-at-work bike because I was wanting Dutch style handlebars, leather saddle, chain guard and vintage frame. Cool right? But you know what? Screw that. Just because bikes like that look all old and quaint don’t make ‘em cheap. Like my old neighbor who went to great lengths to make it look like he didn’t care about fashion and shopped at thrift stores, but upon closer inspection, you could see that he worked really hard and spent quite a bit of money to look that way… artfully “messed up” hair. Bah! I guess I got luck when I bought my old Trek road bike, and it happens to be “vintage” - bully for me! But that’s not what this little workhorse is about. I didn’t want to spend any money. It’s ugly, it’s blue, the shocks are frozen in place - it has shocks! Not cool. And not “not cool” in a “that’s so not cool that it is cool again” way - this bike really is stupid. But it works. And that makes me happy. Suck it, hipsters. Really uncool is the new cool-because-it’s-not-cool-cool. Aw shit! Does that make it cool then? Probably not. 2010-06-21T17:09:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/7th-avenue-is-getting-a-makeover/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/7th-avenue-is-getting-a-makeover/ According to Josh Cohen at Publicola, we are soon to see improved conditions for cyclists on 7th Avenue downtown between Denny Way and Virginia. This corridor sees a ton of bicycle traffic, including me, and is notorious for car pinches and right hooks. Should make things a lot easier! Read the Publicola article complete with graphics. 2010-06-15T23:28:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dining-and-rolling-a-perfect-pair/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dining-and-rolling-a-perfect-pair/ Friends often ask me what came first, the biking or the eating? You can’t look at it like that, I tell them. Cycling and eating are symbiotic in nature, and you must have both to maintain balance in the universe. They have always been together. Here’s an event coming up on June 29 that understands this perfect relationship, this harmony that is pedaling and masticating. Spoke & Food Check out the restaurant section to see your dining options, and then eulerize a route. That’s fancy word I learned in a class called “Contemporary math,” also knows as “math for liberal arts majors.” 2010-06-12T20:14:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/bend-or-bust/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/bend-or-bust/ Nikki and I had a great 4-day weekend in Bend Oregon. I could wax poetic about red sand singletrack, aromatic sage, and a landscape frightening in it’s honesty and beautiful in it’s hallucinated colors. I could carry on for hours about twisted, silvery, bleached pine snags, tiny, ghostlike birds and such - but I don’t have time today. I can tell you that this landscape reminds me of my favorite Eastern Washington painter and CWU art teacher 2010-06-10T18:51:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/more-on-street-bicycle-parking-coming-to-a-seattle-hood-near-you/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/more-on-street-bicycle-parking-coming-to-a-seattle-hood-near-you/ I love biking to places that are hard to get to by car. Seattle residents, you know what I’m talking about. Driving to Capitol Hill or Wallingford or Fremont is just asking for trouble. In a lot of cases it takes as long as or longer than pedaling, and once you get there you can’t find a place to park your car (especially free) anyhow. But it feels divine to roll up, lock up, and in my case, shove your face full of tacos. As more and more of us 2-wheel types figure this out, I’ve noticed it’s getting to be difficult to find bicycle parking in some places. Too many bikes is a great problem to have, and the City of Seattle came up with a solution. Coming soon, on-street bicycle parking in Wallingford like the rack outside Cafe Presse and Stumptown on 12th Avenue. Here’s an excerpt from the press release: SEATTLE – What kind of fish is 18 feet long, 5 feet wide and can only be found on Seattle streets?  Answer: the Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT) new fish-shaped bike rack. On Thursday morning, June 10, at 10 a.m. the department will install one of these unique bike facilities in Wallingford on the northeast corner of N 34th Street and Woodlawn Avenue in front of the Essential Baking Company.  The entire press release can be found here. 2010-06-10T03:45:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/6-9-free-pizza-and-3-beer-via-tribunali-on-fremont-avenue/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/6-9-free-pizza-and-3-beer-via-tribunali-on-fremont-avenue/ I like riding home up Fremont Avenue. Sometimes after a frustrating day at work it feels fabulous to attack that climb and tell Fremont who is boss. Sometimes I just like to see how slow and steady I can go. Sometimes I get a kick out of the special commuter olympics antics that ensue. For those of you who need a better reason to tackle one of Seattle’s premier hills, here it is: Via Tribunali’s awesome deal. The catch? You have to show up on a bike. See you there! 2010-06-09T03:24:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/go-awesome-solo-chick-dude/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/go-awesome-solo-chick-dude/ I just completed my first solo 24-Hr Race, last weekend in Spokane. What a hoot of a good time! While I occasionally ‘race,’ I am not particularly fast. However, when it comes to endurance, I am the Energizer Turtle--I can just keep going. In addition to meeting my goal of 10 15-mile laps, I also won best team name with “Moons Over My Chamois.” And I got called Awesome Solo Chick Dude by some drunk shirtless course bandit during the middle of the night. I think that made the whole effort worthwhile. Our friends Ernie and Becky (and their awesome kids) kept us in calories, fluids and good humor. And Ernie took a bunch of pictures. Here is some of the evidence: Me and Zack before the le mans start. I am nervous about the run… ...because I am not a runner! (Yes, that’s what I’m yelling) Finished with lap #1, good times! Our camp, and the Neumanns’ awesome tent trailer. That’s Becky (she has a marathon problem) on camp duty. Still have my attitude after five laps. Starting to get sleeeeepy. Bacon at 2 a.m. fixes everything! This is tired morning face. But whenever I got tired I thought of our awesome cheering section… ...and this guy, who did 4 laps (60 miles) on a unicycle!! Our friends’ son, cutest racer of all.  2010-06-03T16:24:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/marc-phillips-of-the-pi-thinks-biking-to-work-is-stupid/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/marc-phillips-of-the-pi-thinks-biking-to-work-is-stupid/ Awesome quote: Many bicycling advocates and policymakers seem to view Seattle as a sort of Logan’s Run Read the rest of this fine missive over here. 2010-05-25T17:19:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/bike-to-work-day-flower-power/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/bike-to-work-day-flower-power/ Hub and Bespoke wins the Robbie award for best bike to work station giveaway, with this sweet bud vase made out of recycled tire tubes. The flower power provided a bright burst of color and the four of us garnered copious smiles for the rest of our ride. Happy BTW Day! Juliette from H&B makes Anne’s bike even prettier. That’s my cruiser in the background! Emily, Anne, me and Jenny. 2010-05-21T17:48:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/asshat/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/asshat/ 2010-05-20T20:02:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/its-bike-week-in-questionland/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/its-bike-week-in-questionland/ The folks over at Questionland want me to remind everyone that it’s Bike Week and if you have questions about getting a bike, fixing a bike, where to ride your bike, who to ride your bike with, then you can simply ask the experts. Qamuuqin Maxwell, Program Coordinator at Bike Works in Columbia City; Mobius Cycle and others will be answering questions. 2010-05-17T16:21:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/bicycle-milk-crate-farmers-market-tomato-plants-for-my-garden/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/bicycle-milk-crate-farmers-market-tomato-plants-for-my-garden/ After MacGyvering a milk crate to my cruiser using bungee cords and chewing gum, we tanked up on pastries and coffee at Honore Bakery and then headed to the Ballard-town Farmers Market ISO tomato plants. Success! Fun way to spend a Sunday morning. 2010-05-16T18:25:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/now-thats-a-rush-hour/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/now-thats-a-rush-hour/ Check this out! And I thought the BGT was starting to get crowded. 2010-05-13T18:14:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/bikey-delights/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/bikey-delights/ Came across this website and just really like the whole concept. The bikes are beautiful and functional (and one comes in orange!) and the gear they sell is pretty much no-nonsense get ‘er done practical. I like it when form and function get together like this. Check it out if you have the chance: Public Bikes 2010-05-13T04:24:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/pedaling-for-waffles/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/pedaling-for-waffles/ Rode downtown with Jenny, Anne and Zack this morning and scored some amazing Liege-style Belgian waffles from Sweet Iron Waffles. Delicious! Plus, I love riding downtown early in the morning, especially in perfect spring weather. Am I happy? Yes! And it might also be the sugar high. 2010-05-07T16:06:03-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-mayor-waits-for-the-fremont-bridge/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-mayor-waits-for-the-fremont-bridge/ He’s just like us--he has to wait for the Fremont Bridge openings. Apparently I’ve decided to post pictures of Mayor McGinn riding his bike. 2010-05-07T01:11:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/taco-ride-to-fremont/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/taco-ride-to-fremont/ The Bike to Work crew decided a trip to Marination in Fremont was absolutely necessary. Well, okay, it was my idea. But who would argue with an opportunity for such delicious tacos? And so five of us set out from work. Ignacio had to swing by REI to pick up his brand new wheels, and I have to give him some credit, because I was sure when he told me he forgot his helmet he was just looking for a way out of the rainy ride. But he showed up! Here’s some snapshots of the fun: Emily waiting in line to order her first trifecta (one taco each of pork, beef and tofu). Ignacio and his new helmet, which he did wear for the actual riding. Sylvie’s enjoyment at discovering a warm lobby in which to eat. Ready to roll back to work (Sylvie, Carol, Emily, me, Ignacio) 2010-05-06T01:01:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-mayor-rides-through-my-hood1/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-mayor-rides-through-my-hood1/ Last night, we were just returning from a family walk, and we saw a cyclist coming up our street. I thought he looked familiar. And then he smiled and gave us ‘the nod.’ That’s when I recognized him, our Mayor, Mike McGinn, looking a lot like this: but with a helmet and some rain gear. With a little research I discovered that he’d been attending a community forum at Ballard High School. Regardless of where he stands on other issues and how people complain about his administration, I’m happy that our mayor is as committed to cycling as I am. Pedal on! 2010-05-04T14:53:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/hub-and-bespoke-is-open-in-fremont2/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/hub-and-bespoke-is-open-in-fremont2/ I have been passing this little shop in Fremont, just waiting for it to open. It’s located on 36th, where Railey’s Leash and Treat used to be, and it’s called Hub and Bespoke. When the signage went up, my curiosity was piqued. Hub and Bespoke? Definitely something to do with bikes! But located in Fremont? What if it’s a place more geared (no pun intended) for all those hipster fixie kids who also frequent the bars in that ‘hood? Will it be too cool for me? I need gears, and I don’t have much of a drinking tolerance these days. So today, we wandered in. And it’s cool! We talked to the owner and she told us the whole point of the shop is to try and help people see bicycling as a reasonable means of daily transportation, so everything they carry is aimed at making that goal more accessible. Stylin’ helmets, clothing you can pedal in (mostly natural fibers, sing it!) and cool bags, wallets, shoes and other accessories. See for yourself at Hub and Bespoke. They are having a grand opening party on Friday from 5:30-8:30 (bring your own cup) so pedal on by and check it out!  2010-05-03T00:06:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/donut-friday1/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/donut-friday1/ Proper start to a Friday morning with Bike to Work Challenge team peeps. It was Carol’s first day riding her bike to work, and she rocked that commute! Zack and I picked up Carol at her place near Green Lake, then rode down to meet Jenny at the University Bridge. And here we are in line at Top Pot; Carol is really excited about the upcoming sugar high (left to right: Carol, Jenny, Robbie, Emily) This photo courtesy of Chris, also a proud member of Little Spokies Presents: Don’t Judge The Huffy. He had an earlier start to his day, so sent in proof of attendance. 2010-04-30T16:23:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dopehead/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dopehead/ I was surprised to see a old familiar face at the Thursday night crit series. It wasn’t an old friend or teammate that I had lost touch with, I would have been happy for that. No, it was Kenny Williams a local elite racer who last year got popped for doping and is serving a 2 year suspension. At first I was a little indifferent to him being there. Sure it was a bit weird, but he wasn’t kitted up and it looked like he was just helping out the promoter run the event. Maybe this was some sort of community service he had to do. Later I found out he way jumping into the 7 o’clock race and competing. Apparently people weren’t too happy and were planning a boycott of the race. Well the whole thing has now ended up on Velo News and as the explainer put it ,"…hang it up Kenny.” So Kenny how about it? Hang up the wheels and serve out your suspension. Come back when it’s over and maybe then people won’t be so pissed with what you’ve done. 2010-04-29T16:48:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/bike-snob-book-available/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/bike-snob-book-available/ Info at Chronicle Books. Sweet illustrations from Christopher Koelle. 2010-04-27T06:18:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/food-consumed-during-todays-ride/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/food-consumed-during-todays-ride/ Today we put in 5:08 of wheel turn time, training for this big crazy solo 24-hour thing coming up at the end of May. A ride of this duration allows me to justify just about any amount of French pastry from Bakery Nouveau. Here’s today’s list: 1 large coffee 1 slice mushroom and sausage pizza 1 slice spicy pork and pepper pizza 1 blackberry kringler 1 orange and currant scone 1 giant peanut butter cookie 1 spinach croissant bag of cocoa dusted almonds and dried cherries pint chocolate milk Zack helped, but he agreed that I ate way more than he did. Mmmmmmmmm. Gotta love the biking appetite! 2010-04-11T03:33:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/racing-the-west-side-mountain-bike-series2/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/racing-the-west-side-mountain-bike-series2/ It’s spring, which means it’s time to shake off the winter blues and start hitting the dirt in a serious way. The problem is, with dicey weather and motivational malaise, the only way I can seem to get myself to mountain bike at a hard effort level is to pay money and put a number on my bike. So Zack and I have been racing the West Side Mountain Bike Series put on by the lovely folks at Budu Racing. Yesterday’s race (fourth out of six) was at Ft. Ebey on Whidbey Island, and the course had a little bit of everything. Long, smooth descents and techy, twisty sections. Ridiculous, lung-busting climbs and some sandy switchbacks. There were even some logs to ride over--fun! Trail conditions were perfect, buff and tacky as can be. Good times, followed by a huge breakfast that included bacon. Here’s a shot of me on one of the descents. 2010-03-29T18:19:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/new-google-maps-feature-now-with-tasty-bicycle-directions1/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/new-google-maps-feature-now-with-tasty-bicycle-directions1/ I had a couple of friends forward me this Seattle Times tidbit today. Looks like Google employees have been watching all the bikes whiz past their dining room facing the Fremont canal and decided we might appreciate a mapping tool to help us find bicycle-specific directions. I tested it out by seeing how the feature would take me from Ballard to Whole Foods on Westlake, and hmmm, I probably wouldn’t choose to take Denny from Dexter to Westlake, but it did find the Burke Gilman for me. Take with a spoonful of caution. News you can use Google Maps Once you get there, click on “directions” and then instead of ‘“by car” choose “bicycling” and try it out.  2010-03-10T18:13:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/popupping-safe-bike-rack/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/popupping-safe-bike-rack/ Popwupping features a well-designed bike rack. Much cooler than the car-shaped crap we get in Seattle. 2010-03-10T06:10:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/san-francisco-robbie/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/san-francisco-robbie/ Spent the long weekend in the Bay area visiting our super friends Chris and Todd, who vacated Puget Sound in 2007. We had a great time with them, and the bike adventure (including picnic in Sausalito) was a highlight. We put in about 30 miles and utilized public transportation as well as our own pedal power. Todd was a great ride leader and Chris packs a fierce picnic. San Francisco Robbie is a bit of a rebel, and enjoys things such as riding without a helmet and splitting lanes. I can’t believe she did that! Here are some pics from our shennanigans. Look at Todd’s beautiful Raleigh One-Way! My rental bike is jealous. Approaching Crissy Field On the Golden Gate Bridge, being a total tourist. Stopping for a Brazilian snack in Berkeley. Delicious! 2010-02-19T22:02:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/turn-signal-cycling-jacket/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/turn-signal-cycling-jacket/ Turn signal cycling jacket from Leah Buechley. Check it out at Popwuping. 2010-02-11T03:54:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/theres-a-first-time-for-everything/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/theres-a-first-time-for-everything/ OK, so I had to share this one. I was riding my road bike on Broadway last Saturday, toward down town Tucson. (Broadway is one of the main drags in town, and although it has a big bike lane, it’s a really busy multi-lane road.) Suddenly, a big F250 4×4 truck sped by and swerved into the bike lane right in front of me, so far over he almost hit the curb. Gave me a right-good scare. At first I thought he was being aggro or drunk, but quickly realized he was actually swerving to avoid a car that had cut into his lane. No doubt though, he was driving way too fast.  Nothing new here. But then, he turned right off Broadway onto a small side street. And as I continued down the road, I saw he had pulled over and was out of his truck and waiting for me. And he was a big fella. He waved me over to stop. Gulp...I didn’t know what to expect. I nervously slowed to a halt, fully thinking that I was going to be chewed out because I should be riding on the sidewalk, or some such thing. Or worse.  But instead, to my astonishment, he proceeded to shake my hand and sincerely apologize for cutting me off!  I was speechless. I accepted his apology and rode on. Then he got back in his truck and drove away. How about that? 2010-02-09T17:17:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/chicks-bikes-hot/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/chicks-bikes-hot/ This movie plays only briefly in our fine city, but I think it’s worth a look-see. Awesome Land 2010-02-06T00:53:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/my-bike-is-also-a-cupcake-wagon/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/my-bike-is-also-a-cupcake-wagon/ Today is my friend Sarah’s birthday, and I like to celebrate birthdays the same way as every other reasonable person in Seattle: with cupcakes. So today my work commute included a stop at a certain baked goods purveyor to pick up a cool half-dozen of the little joy-packed happiness cakes. I then secured my precious cargo to my bike rack with a couple bungee cords, and set off for work. If you were one of the folks who passed me, giving my cupcakes the eyeball, thank you for not mugging me on the Burke Gilman. Sarah especially appreciates it. Here are the cupcakes as they now sit on Sarah’s desk--the frosting got a bit compressed, but we bet they’ll still taste delicious. Happy Birthday Sarah! 2010-01-29T17:52:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/playing-possum/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/playing-possum/ One night a few weeks ago my ride home had an unexpected highlight: fresh possum-variety roadkill smack in the middle of the bike lane. I was running only my front flasher, which doesn’t do a great job of illumination, but I know that bike lane like the back of my hand, and it doesn’t generally include deceased wildlife. This newly dead rodent of unusual size lay bloated right where my front tire likes to be. I managed to see the mess and swerve to avoid catastrophe. Which would have been what, exactly? A weird sloppy sound and sudden slip accompanied by a slight whiff of death? It took a couple days before the possum had been run over enough times to be considered flattish. At this point I rode over it, because it didn’t seem like there was much left for my tire to sink into. It was a weird lumpy bumpy feeling, but posed no danger. It did, however, make me feel like I’d done something wrong. That possum was, until quite recently, a living creature, and it sort of seemed disrespectful to run right over it, all willy nilly. And there was a smaller, satellite lump that may or may not have been possum offspring. So the idea that I had just ridden over someone’s mother...well...it was disconcerting. The rest of that week I avoided riding across the possum. I would dutifully swerve to the right of it while greeting it with a “Hey there possum.” This week I am feeling less inclined to avoid it. It’s really flat now, mostly dry, and no longer has easily recognizable features. It’s interesting to watch something go from looking like this: To looking like this: And every night on the ride home I get to ask myself “Robbie, do you want to ride around the possum or straight through it,” and practice cultivating spontaneity. At least until the next big rainstorm washes that possum away. 2010-01-22T02:47:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-stinky-spoke5/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-stinky-spoke5/ So how do I motivate myself to mountain bike early on a Saturday morning in January? By signing up for the Stinky Spoke poker run, of course. I talked Zack into it by telling him it was a chance to ride his new 29er singlespeed. And then I talked Shawn into it by reminding him that his wife was out of town and he might as well. The free beer didn’t hurt, either. This was the event’s biggest year ever with more than 600 riders signing up, and the start/finish area at Redhook Brewery was bustling by 8:30 a.m. After picking up our numbers and first playing cards, we took off, pedaling furiously to warm ourselves up. It was a blast riding from checkpoint to checkpoint along the 16-mile course to collect the rest of our cards. What a variety of bikes! Ti, carbon fiber, aluminum, steel--all the materials were represented. And then there were the riders: old and young, women and men, street clothes and team kits, and a guy wearing a white dress shirt and tie. There was even one plucky gal trail running the course while her partner rode. I didn’t end up with a great poker hand, but I did have a great time. Judging by the smiles on the other riders’ faces, they were having a blast too. It didn’t even rain!! Zack was having so much fun that he started taking pictures behind his back. Here’s one where Shawn and I were in the frame together. Props to the lovely Julie Mahan for turning me onto this event. FUN! 2010-01-20T22:11:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-long-route-to-portage-bay-cafe/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-long-route-to-portage-bay-cafe/ Got out for a ride today with friends--good times in the unexpected sunshine. Marne recently got herself a bike suited for pavement, so we took the long way from Ballard to Portage Bay Cafe, picking up the Belgian on the Burke Gilman in Fremont. We ran into my photographer friend Dean Forbes, who kindly snapped this shot for us. Then we spun over to Lake Washington and visited Seward Park before heading back to South Lake Union to eat our weight in French Toast. Ahhh. Now that’s a nice way to spend a Saturday. From left: Marne, Shawn, me, Zack, the Belgian (Sylvie) 2010-01-10T03:26:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/colonnade-in-the-news-again/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/colonnade-in-the-news-again/ I have this vague and distant memory of a guy calling me out of the blue some months ago (not sure where he got my name or number) - and asking me a few questions about the Colonnade. He said he was writing an article, had a few questions. I had forgotten about it entirely, but whaddya know - he just let me know yesterday that the article is live. It’s a nice little writeup about the ‘nade with some fun photos, and it reminds me that mountain biking season is never “off” - time to bust out the lights and go for a little pre-work test run in preparation for my first “real” night ride on a trail - Tapeworm, probably (Robbie, we gotta talk).  2010-01-05T16:11:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/happy-new-year/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/happy-new-year/ I had this wacky idea to be on two wheels for New Year’s Eve, and my friends are on the fun side of crazy, so we slapped on our lighting systems and did a night ride out at Duthie Hill Park to ring in 2010. Rain, mud, fog and pandemonium all made appearances--so much fun!! The ride was followed by great food, beverages and baked goods. Who knows? Maybe it will be a new tradition! Here’s Cooper waiting in the Toaster while we’re prepping to head out. Beware the fog! Marne and I crossing an A-Frame. 2010-01-01T23:11:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/rollin-through-the-holidays/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/rollin-through-the-holidays/ Christmas weekend, Robbie style. Green bike + candy cane sock action = seasonally appropriate mountain biking. The trails around Puget Sound are great right now, and not crowded, and what better way to offset the holiday eating than to get out there and pedal on dirt? Hope everyone is having great holidays! 2009-12-28T04:24:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/wow-that-was-wet/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/wow-that-was-wet/ This morning the weather was doing something I like to call a DAP (Down-Ass Pour). If I’d planned things well, I could have just drizzled some shampoo under my helmet before heading out the door and skipped the shower at the office. Four minutes in, my pants were packing an extra ten pounds of water. Eight minutes in I felt rivulets running down the inside of my not-so-water-resistant jacket, along my forearms and emptying into my gloves. Making a fist created a cute little waterfall. Twelve minutes in, thoroughly soaked, I really started to enjoy myself. My trusty cycling cap visor kept the rain out of my eyes, and I knew my change of clothes was safely tucked away inside my waterproof pannier. I am sure I was grinning as I pulled into the parking garage. Now happily sipping coffee, I am looking out my window at a surprisingly dry view of South Lake Union and hoping my cycling clothes dry out in time for the ride home. Ride on! 2009-12-21T17:42:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/sunset-huckfest-at-the-colonnade/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/sunset-huckfest-at-the-colonnade/ I just got back from an enjoyable session at the ‘Nade and had to tell somebody, so I’m telling you. 2009-12-06T02:25:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/top-10-things-i-love-about-riding-in-near-freezing-temps/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/top-10-things-i-love-about-riding-in-near-freezing-temps/ 1. Wearing wool — always super but even more appreciated in winter. 2. I can see my breath. I never grew up. I still think it’s cool. 3. Knee high socks. 4. Tears streaming out of the corners of both eyes as I coast down hills. 5. Rats are slower and have trouble evading a well-aimed front wheel. 6. People start wrapping their heads in fancy Greek desserts. Yeah, I know they aren’t called baklavas, but I do it anyway. 7. Hills become a way to warm myself up. 8. That stinging feeling in the shower as my toes come back from the dead. They’re alive! 9. It’s an opportunity to better appreciate the bicycling community of Minneapolis--they have a higher percentage of riders than Seattle (4.3% to our 2.9%) and it’s this cold and colder a lot of the time! 10. Riding in the cold = burning more calories = eating more tacos. 2009-12-03T18:05:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/beauty-and-the-bike/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/beauty-and-the-bike/ This is an 8 minute version of a 55 minute documentary Beauty and the Bike. The film follows two groups of young women from Darlington and Bremen. Between them, they discover what makes - and stops - teenage girls from cycling. The answer? “It’s the Infrastructure, stupid!” The full DVD is available from http://www.bikebeauty.org Awesome! And, no… let’s not turn this into a “where’s the helmet” or “are bicycle lanes really safe” conversation. Let’s just appreciate the effort here to promote cycling. Appears that the lowest bike injury rate in the world - Denmark - also lowest helmet wearing, and highest cycling rates. Wikpedia 2009-12-02T22:06:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/all-this-rain/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/all-this-rain/ ...doesn’t bother me one bit.  Since I am a bicycle commuter, there is enough sunshine coming out of my butt to keep me warm and dry. True story. 2009-11-20T19:33:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/magic-eyes/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/magic-eyes/ I think I made an important scientific discovery tonight. Some people have MAGIC EYES! I’m not sure if it is an extra set of eyes that I just can’t see, or maybe the two “normal” ones on the front have super powers of sight, but somehow or another (without mirrors), some people can see behind them! This amazes me to no end. How do I know this? Surely there is no other explanation for the myriad cyclists who change lanes across traffic or pass other cyclists without so much as glancing over their shoulder. You’d think they wouldn’t want to be flattened by one of the 3,000 pound motor vehicles that is typically hurling by at 20-40 MPH, but clearly these mutants are undaunted. I guess there is one other possible explanation.... they are FUCKING IDIOTS. Naw, that can’t be it. Must be magic eyes. Actually, at this point, I’m thinking I must be the only poor fool who doesn’t have magic eyes. Whether I’m trying not to run over them in my bus, or they are cutting me off in the bike lane - every cyclist I see, day after day, seems perfectly content to veer into traffic without a care in the world as to what large, heavy machinery might be bearing down on them from behind with a shade-grown-latte-fueled, late-for-yoga, power-mom in the cockpit. Surely this is proof of either magic eyes or creationism. If these people were really as stupid as they appear (and lacking magic eyes), they would have been selected out of the gene pool long ago. Thusly, I can only conclude that they are either superior to the rest of us, due to their magic eyes, or Darwinism is false. You make the call. 2009-11-19T03:37:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/le-tour-shop/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/le-tour-shop/ Brent Humphreys just shot me an email to say that he has launched an e-commerce site with goods to support a traveling exhibition which hits San Francisco in may. I linked to his portfolio last year which features some really sweet photos from the Tour de France. Check out the new Le Tour Shop for even more cool stuff. 2009-11-18T05:54:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/anybody-got-a-spare-bike/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/anybody-got-a-spare-bike/ Just got an email from Minneapolis Dan: I am an avid cyclist from Minneapolis who is visiting Seattle for the MLS Cup soccer final November 20th - 23rd. My friends are renting a car and I would like to see your city on 2 wheels not 4. Do any of you know anyone who’d be willing to loan me a bike for the weekend? It doesn’t matter if it’s a beater, cruiser, or whatever...just so long as it’s rideable. I appreciate any help in this matter. Thanks. Anybody help a brother out? Leave comments for Dan here. 2009-11-14T06:20:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/back-on-the-bike/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/back-on-the-bike/ There is nothing to make you appreciate cycling like being injured and unable to ride. After three months, two weeks and two days of bone healing and muscle strengthening and chomping at the bit, I finally got to put foot to pedal last Sunday while we were in Portland, cycling mecca of North America. I picked up this snazzy Univega mixte, and knew at once she needed to ride to breakfast. Because if a bike and I are going to be compatible, she needs to enjoy taking me to sources of delicious sustenance. So we traveled the short distance between downtown Portland and the Pearl district and found our way to Byways Café, where she and Zack’s bike happily waited outside while Zack and I pounded bacon, eggs and blue cornmeal pancakes. Good thing the new bike has full belly-accommodating upright positioning, because when it comes to bacon I refuse to embrace portion control. This picture was taken shortly after breakfast. Poor quality photo, but high quality fun! 2009-11-13T02:35:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dope/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dope/ Last week local pro racer, Kenny Williams, confessed and apologized for taking a banned substance during his preparation for the masters track national championship. Often we think of doping as a problem for the international pro ranks, something far removed from our local race seen. But it isn’t. In fact it’s probably more common than we would like to know. To my friends, clients, competitors and USA Cycling officials, My name is Kenny Williams and I’ve been racing my bike for 20 years.  In June 2009 I broke and had surgery on my left collarbone.  In my haste to return to the top of my game I purchased DHEA at the local Drug Store, without consulting anyone.  6 weeks later at Masters Track Nationals in Colorado Springs I was tested positive for this illegal drug.  I do not deny the results of the test. I am ashamed that I’ve done something that hurts the sport of cycling and the community of people who have become the most important part of my life.  I’m facing the very real possibility that I can try for the rest of my life to regain the confidence of the cycling community and my friends, but this cloud will be with me for the rest of my life.  I am not asking for forgiveness, because I am admitting to my mistake and own all the horrible feelings that come with my bad decision.  I am hoping for compassion and understanding.  Compassion that I never intended to hurt anyone and understanding that if I could have one re-do in my life that this would be it.  As I have done throughout my whole athletic life I will fight to re-gain my reputation as a fair man, tough competitor and drug-free cyclist.  You can trust me when I say that I will never take a short-cut like this ever again. Bike racing is one of the most important things in my life, second to my wife, whom I owe the biggest apology to for being so irresponsible.  I am sorry Annette.  I also feel horrible about the results I took away from the other athletes that I raced against.  I am very sorry to have disappointed all of them.  To my sponsors and my clients, I am sorry.  To all in the cycling community and my friends, I am sorry.  Sincerely, Kenny 2009-11-10T07:21:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-skulls-press/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-skulls-press/ 2009-11-06T22:52:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/real-conversations-from-the-bike-shop-vol-1/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/real-conversations-from-the-bike-shop-vol-1/ (phone rings) Me: “Good morning, bike shop!” Dude on Phone: “Uuuhhh, yeah… I need a fairing for a Yamaha Compensator 1000...” Me: “We do bicycles, not motorcycles.  Sorry, man.” *silence* DoP: “So you don’t have it then?” *silence* Me: “All out; try again at the end of the seson.” *silence* Me: “Bye?” DoP: “Uh, yeah… Later” While the dude didn’t sound stoned, I can only assume that he was. 2009-11-03T17:40:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/thriv-natural-performance-wear/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/thriv-natural-performance-wear/ A few weeks ago the guys from thriv Natural Performance sent Dave and I a couple of t-shirts to try out. thriv is making these performance shirts out of bamboo, which I have a certain fondness for, so it sounded pretty good. The shirts just showed up, and I took one for a test-ride this afternoon in place of my usual wool baselayer. I have to say, bamboo makes for a great shirt! Really soft, and super breathable. thriv claims that bamboo is naturally anti-microbal as well, but I can’t vouch for that just yet. (If it works as good as wool for resisting the “stank” that comes with vigorous cycling, than it should be just fine.) I like bamboo a lot and several trees (actually a grass, but that’s another post) fill my backyard. Bamboo grows on its own, doesn’t need fertilizer or any of that chemical crap, and it’s strong as an ox. When it comes to cycling gear, I still love my Merino wool, but I’ll definitely keep an eye on thriv to see where bamboo gear is heading.  2009-11-02T02:48:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/one-for-day-of-the-dead/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/one-for-day-of-the-dead/ With fall firmly in place, I sat back and took stock of the events of this last summer. I concluded it had been a tough season. The worst of it was that we lost Doug Roether to a sharp and sudden battle with cancer in early September. I met him while riding our vintage BMWs when I first moved to AZ, and we were close ever since. He had been in the bicycle biz for well over 20 years, first as a racer, later at shops, then as the KHS rep. By all accounts Doug was a bang-up fella, and well known in the southwest.  A true bike guy in all the best ways, he had checked out far too soon.  So when the call came from Phoenix to attend a memorial ride at Four Peaks the Sunday after his death, I was all over it. Four Peaks Brew Pub is actually in Tempe, close to ASU. It’s an old converted warehouse with a big outdoor area.  -For sure, an easy spot to while away hot summer nights. The ride was going to start here, because it had been one of Doug’s favorites. From the pub we would go to his house nearby, and then come back for a beer.  When we pulled into the place, I couldn’t believe all the people that showed. I counted well over 100 riders of all stripes. Lycra-clad roadies, mountain bikers, BMXers, urban types and retro-cruisers crowded the surrounding pavement.  At 5:00 sharp we rolled out and it caused a big fuss on the road. We took up a full lane on some of the busiest streets in Phoenix.  The long parade rode in silence.  It was stirring to be in amongst the big pack, quietly moving along the 6-lane avenues, in command of the traffic. When we got to his house, Doug’s wife, Deborah was waiting in the driveway. Members of the family were there too, snapping pics of everyone as we arrived. Some were in tears. She struggled to say a few kind words to the small sea of cyclists parked around her. Then, off we went again back to the pub. This time, Deborah was in the front of the procession. She rode a faded old fat-tire tandem with one empty seat. She said it was their “date bike”. We finally made it back to Four Peaks, and found they had set aside the whole patio for us. It was filling up quickly, and sweet bikes of all sorts leaned on every vertical surface. Before long, pitchers, salads, and burgers were passed around. Old friends greeted and everyone got caught-up. As evening crept in, the late summer heat gave way to a breeze, and the din grew louder. I took a look around in the dim light. I saw industry folks, reps, shop owners, shop workers and fellow riders, friends and competitors alike.  Hell, they even got the Trek rep and the Specialized rep in the same room, and that is rare indeed.  We talked about Doug’s big heart and humor, and we wished he were here, like the old days.  It was an emotional and fitting tribute. 2009-10-25T23:17:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/traffic-justice-summit/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/traffic-justice-summit/ It seems like cycling motorists accidents hit an all time high last year. While most of the accidents can be attributed to motorists, they are hardly held responsible. At most they get a ticket, but that’s only if the police decide to pursue the case. Even when the cyclist is killed. Now that’s just wrong. If you got something to say about the current state of of bicycling safety and want to help in changing the laws then come by the Traffic Justice Summit Wednesday October 14th, 5:30–7:30 at Town Hall. It’s time something changed to make the roads safer for everyone. Too many people have been seriously hurt and killed by driver negligence.  2009-10-14T00:48:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/cycles-in-europa/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/cycles-in-europa/ I thought about bringing my bike on vacation with me. Gee, two weeks on foot… I don’t know. Decided to forego the ordeal at the airports but did some looking around anyway. In Brussels, I found some interesting commuting stations for electric bikes. They work like a club you have a membership in. You get to use a bike and a charging station downtown: I saw very few bikes being used, except for some absolute junkers that looked like they wouldn’t even roll. In Sicily, the cycling blogs said “don’t bother. The hills are many, the roads are very narrow, and the drivers insane”. I can vouch for all that. I had arranged for a rental bike, but decided to save my life instead. Oh… by the way… in Italy don’t give the Seattle “thank you” wave when someone let’s you in traffic. They assume you are flipping them off and respond accordingly. In Rome, also there little cycling traffic, probably due to the scooters and the huge gaps in the paving stones. Definitely a place for MTN bikes with really really huge tires. 2009-10-13T21:25:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/doin-the-metro-tango/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/doin-the-metro-tango/ I’d like to describe for you a little dance I sometimes do. I call it the “Metro Tango” - in some regions this may be known simply as “The Bus Dance.” It goes like this: By luck or fate your commute will at some point align with a Metro bus. You can’t plan or predict this, just let it happen. Don’t force it. When you think that you may be aligned with a bus, just keep riding at your natural pace, don’t get to close, you don’t want to scare it away, but let it know you’re interested. You’re heart rate will accelerate with anticipation. Don’t show your eagerness too soon. Just keep riding until you see the yellow lights come on. This is the first sign that the bus is aware of your presence and may be receptive to you. Extra sensitivity and care are required at this critical moment. If you’re lucky and you play it just right, the bus will stop and you can make your move - pass the bus on the left as quickly as possible and try to get as far ahead of it as possible. Pretty soon, you’ll hear that intoxicating rumble over your shoulder and you’ll know that it’s coming for you. This is the exciting part. If you get a good one, the bus will pass you back. Feel the warm exhaust in your hair! Before you know it - often within only one or two blocks - the bus will stop again, and you can pass it again! Now you’re really getting in the groove! Repeat this process as long as you can, or until you both are drunk with pleasure. When the encounter is over, I like to take a moment and reflect on The Dance. This is beautiful. 2009-10-13T15:20:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/ouch/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/ouch/ Cycling Tip #23: When you are standing up on the pedals and mashing up the back side of Capitol Hill, don’t break your chain. I’m pretty sure I’ll never father any children after today’s ride. Ow. 2009-10-12T00:36:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/velotopia-update/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/velotopia-update/ I thought I might update our readers with a couple of new developments: You might recall a certain cantankerous Craig’s List rant a while back from a Seattle bike shop employee who took various cycling subcultures to task for a handful of infelicitous misdeeds. Well, Angry Shop Guy is now writing for Velotopia and not even I know his true identity. (This seemed like a good idea for when the cops show up to waterboard a confession out of me regarding his whereabouts.) Angry Shop Guy has been eerily silent since joining the ranks, but his presence has been felt by a certain swing towards rant-like posting and barbed commenting among staff members. I imagine Angry Shop Guy is merely gathering steam for his next choleric outburst. I’d also like to introduce Mike who works in the cycling industry and owns more bikes than than I ever thought possible. A few of them are listed on his bio if you’re keeping track. From Mike I’m eager to hear the inside scoop on the various inner-workings of the industry as well as hear more stories from the old-timey time days of professional cycling—as Mike seems to know quite a few. Welcome aboard gents. Looking forward to reading more… 2009-10-05T16:52:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/hey-lady-you-have-a-giant-butte/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/hey-lady-you-have-a-giant-butte/ I don’t know who’s the wise-ass over at Giant who came up with this one, but I certainly DO approve - especially for a ladies frame. Nice. 2009-10-05T15:09:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go/ All right, the long and the short of it is that I am looking for a job.  And as anyone in the bike industry can tell you, after the panic subsides, that nagging question inevitably comes up. “Should I try to stay in the industry, even it if means packing up and moving away?  Or, should I try to stay in town at all costs?  After all, if I can sell to bike shops, why can’t I sell cars or houses or pharmaceuticals”? Uncertain times…. But job or no job, one thing is sure.  The weather here in the desert is changing, changing for the better.  The heat is gone for the year.  It’s time to dig up the knee warmers and long sleeve jerseys in the bottom of the drawer that I put away months ago.  And that’s where I found it.  Actually, I forgot I even had it.  But there it is: a wool repro Molteni team jersey, never worn, in that iconic orange and navy, complete with Eddy Merckx’s autograph.  Yup, scrawled in felt tip by the Cannibal himself.  I had it signed at the Interbike trade show in Vegas one year, where I waited in line like a school girl to meet the greatest of all time.  I had always meant to get that damn thing framed. I love those old Euro hand-tinted photos of Merckx in his prime.  He would always be wearing a wool team kit utilizing the latest in Abner Doubleday-era technology, sitting on the hood of a brand new, old school Peugeot team car, the brim of his cap flipped up.  The shot taken before some big race, he would be beaming from ear to ear, all the while getting ready to rip the legs off of hapless ol’ Raymond Poulidor yet again.  Or, anyone else who dared get in his way.  To me, looking at those old pics is a lot like looking at a Vermeer painting, a portal into what life must have been like in a very different place and time.  It’s part of what got me into this business. But one particular image really put the hook in me many years ago.  It’s a black-and-white of Merckx climbing Mt. Ventoux at the 1970 Tour.  A Tour he won and dominated.  The Ventoux is a hell’s beast of a climb. It’s abusively hot, treeless and windswept, the exposed road grinds up relentlessly, leaving the stone villages of Provence far below.  As usual, he is in front; no other rider is even in the frame.  He is approaching the summit, and is passing by the newly–carved memorial to Tom Simpson on the roadside.  Simpson had tragically died of exhaustion on that climb two years prior.  He is riding by just as a wreath is being placed at the foot of the granite plaque.  You can see that Eddy has his hat off, holding it over his heart in remembrance of his fallen competitor.  That day the Ventoux nearly killed him too.  Merckx had to be dragged into an ambulance and given oxygen when he collapsed after the finish.  In the shot, he is gasping for air, eyes sunken back into his head.  He is probably barely conscious, but there he is, paying his respects as he goes by.  It captures the essence of cycling at its best: honor, sacrifice and strength of will.  And of course, there is suffering, always the friggin’ suffering. You know, I guess I will get that thing framed.  And as far as selling cars goes…I don’t think so… 2009-10-04T23:24:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/hither-and-yon/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/hither-and-yon/ Well, Tuesday saw the untimely demise of sunny weather in a big way up here in the northwest.  Rain and hail in a massive shower that signified the end of my first summer in Seattle.  It was a beautiful and sunnier than usual time (I’m told) that was perfectly suited to this freshly minted roadie.  The better part of my 2000 miles was logged in twenty to forty mile increments that did little to shrink the waistline but much to bolster my health and general outlook.  The occasional long ride around lake Washington served well to prepare me for the MS150 and all the lovely pain to be endured on that course.  Not quite a full century but hell, who’s really counting anyway?  I am, that’s who.  Score one for us cyclists of the cherubic and hirsute persuasion!  How do I feel about fall?  I just want to ride-ride-ride!  Here’s a few things I learned my first season out on my new road cycle.  -Nobody likes a fat guy in lycra… -Everyone likes my egg beaters… -When you see a gatorade bottle soaring across the median in your direction and spewing yellow liquid as it spins end over end, shut your mouth and ACCELERATE! -All bikes should be equipped with brakes of some sort… -As someone who rides his town bike one day and a race bike the next, my place in the cyclist hierarchy is a little uncertain.  I find it perplexing that one day I’m getting love from all these hipster kiddies at the coffee shop and the next I’m considered anathema because of my attire.  I take solace in the fact that I can out pedal most of these dill holes even with my extra “baggage” and ill fitting race lycra!  Stuff that in your PBR can and smoke it! -We need more bike lanes. -Coffee and bananas are good, crashing is bad! -Check your back before spitting on group rides! (I was both giver and receiver of this special gift...) -Cycling is THE SHIT! It’s thursday and it’s not raining yet today, time to ride!  So when you see me out there pedaling my Giant furiously hither and yon around the great state of Washington, go easy and save the pee pee for another, grander purpose, would ya? 2009-10-01T20:36:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dear-douch-bag/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dear-douch-bag/ Yeah, you, the skinny guy in tight pants on Eastlake this morning. I’m callin’ you out for being a douch bag. Why, you might ask? Well for starters, you screamed “on your left!” as you passed me, at least 10 feet to my left. Not sure what that was for. Sounded like you were really proud of yourself for passing me. Pretty sure it had nothing to do with making me aware that you were near me, since you weren’t. Good luck on your Tour de Seattle aspirations. But that’s not what really bugs me. What really bugs me is how you shook your head at everybody on the street. I followed you for about 3 blocks and you shook your head at two people. One car, for doing I-don’t-know-what, they must have offended your I’m-saving-the-planet-and-you’re-not, cyclist sensibilities somehow. Maybe their front tire was on the crosswalk or something. And the other guy was a fellow cyclist who ran a red light at a deserted intersection. You made it very clear to everyone in sight (just me, I guess) that you are indeed much bikier-than-thou, or bikier-than-that-guy anyway, with your full, 180-degrees, slow-rotation, dramatic head shaking. You made it very clear that you can not be associated with road scum like that guy. Maybe you’ll get your own bike lane in heaven one day, while that guy burns in anguish amongst the jay-walkers and drivers in road-user hell. I hope so. You also made it clear that you are a smug douche bag. Good work, and nice kickstand. 2009-09-29T22:42:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/greeting-stout-velotopians/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/greeting-stout-velotopians/ So the gang at Velotopia have asked me to whisper in your ears with my coffee-breath of sarcasm and general grumpiness.  I am all too pleased to oblige. For those not in the know, I posted a little rant on Craigslist, after some of you squirrels torqued my wrench the wrong way.  Keep your eyes on this spot for more rants and other pointless bile. Also, if you have any questions about working in a bike shop, or suggestions for me, just drop me a line.  I promise you that I will ignore you in the promptest and fairest way possible. Until that first rant makes it up, here are some pointers for working on your recumbent: 2009-09-23T00:11:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/another-one-of-those-moto-bikes/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/another-one-of-those-moto-bikes/ I almost got passed by one of those MOTO-bikers again today, but my annoyance was easily surpassed by my delight, so I crossed three lanes of traffic and was almost flattened by a Prius to chase this guy. I finally caught him as he he pulled up to the bike rack in front of Cafe Racer on Roosevelt. I’m glad I did. I stopped just long enough to ask a couple questions and snap a few pics. This bike was piloted by one very friendly and likable Norman, whom I am very glad to have met. He said he bought the bike (or the kit?) at the Fremont Market. He handed me a business card which leads to one of the most annoying, Flash-intensive, and awesomely-designed websites ever. I’m warning you, it will bog your browser down, but it is rad: JNMotors. Local company. That counts for something. I hefted Norman’s bike, and it weighed notably less than my electric. Cool. I looked it over and noticed that the chain drive was attached to the real wheel via a sort of rubberized spoke clamp thingy, simpler than the Currie system I have seen on most other left-hand-drive bike kits. Norman said that this particular gear cost $30. I’ve seen the Currie one selling for over $100. All of this, of course, is very interesting to me because of my own recent completion of the Electric Wonder or the Lazy Train or whatever you want to call the electric bike that I recently put together, quickly shunned, then embraced and and which now thoroughly confuses me. There will be more on this topic, I assure you. Here are a few more pics of Norman’s noisy stead: 2009-09-18T06:56:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-stranger-bikingthe-ballard-bridge/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-stranger-bikingthe-ballard-bridge/ And a city that was serious about encouraging bike commuting would do something—something like dedicated bike paths—about 15th Avenue West too. Read the article on The Stranger 2009-09-17T00:14:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/team-pbdh-at-bikems-2009/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/team-pbdh-at-bikems-2009/ A quick and dirty video of the team in action. Beautiful team, beautiful scenery, beautiful weather, 92 miles (and free brews at the finish!) 2009-09-15T23:47:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/lance-armstrongs-return-to-cycling-posters/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/lance-armstrongs-return-to-cycling-posters/ To celebrate Lance Armstrong’s return to cycling, SRAM has commissioned a series of limited edition posters, commemorating the key events Lance races this year. The limited edition, high-quality, silk-screened posters are limited to runs of 100 and there will be 7 posters total. The posters are 24” by 36”. They are on a heavy stock and are all individually hand screen printed and hand numbered. In an exclusive partnership with SRAM, these posters are available for purchase here: Lance Armstrong Posters | Biketype for $250 each.  2009-09-15T17:34:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-next-bike/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/the-next-bike/ If you love bikes like I love bikes, then I already know something about you. You are always thinking about the next bike. Doesn’t matter how many bikes are in the stable, doesn’t matter how lean the bank account might be—people who love bikes always have room in their hearts for one more. This is closest I come to relating to people with children. Sitting on the couch waiting for my fractured tibial plateau to heal, I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time daydreaming about my next bike. I don’t need a fast bike—I am not fast. I don’t need a commuting workhorse, an urban assault bike, a short travel mountain bike or an all-mountain bike. I already have those. What I need (clearly I’m using that term loosely) is a bike that is fun, functional and easy to maintain. I need a bike that will accommodate a flirty skirt and sandals. I need a bike that will cruise around Ballard, Fremont and Wallingford, collecting cupcakes and tacos in the front basket. A casual, everyday bike. A bike that will let me pretend that I’m European. This is the bike: Behold, the cuteness of the Gary Fisher Simple City 8.  Now I just have to find space in the basement. 2009-09-14T15:03:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/get-dirty/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/get-dirty/ Now that the road race season is over many are looking forward to cross. That right, it’s time to get dirty and drink some beer. Cyclecross, or just cross, is an interesting hybrid of road and mountain biking with some running and obstacles thrown in for good fun. At times it’s hard to think of it as racing with everyone so jovial and carefree before a race. A complete 180° from the general seriousness of the road racing season. This isn’t to say the racing isn’t serious, because it is, it’s just a different kind of seriousness. Instead of racing for cash money many are turning themselves inside-out for a case of beer. There are even costume contests at some races to keep things interesting. It’s all kinds of fun for racers and spectators. There are several ways to dip your cleats into cross if you’re like me and never raced it before. The gang at Harriott Sports Performance run a Tuesday morning clinic in upper Woodland Park. They cover general cross techniques and skills , dismounts and clearing barriers, and sometimes run a mock race at the end. It all depends on what people want to do and. More info. If you can’t make Tuesday morning then Wednesday night’s Kore Kross workout at the Marrymoore Velodrome is for you. the first hour cover stretching and drills with the second hour being a ride/race. The cost of this clinic is $10 for adults and $5 for juniors. More info. And if you rather rather watch others get dirty while you drink your beer then check out the schedule of local races. 2009-09-08T00:56:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/labor-day-in-ketchum-idaho/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/labor-day-in-ketchum-idaho/ For the past couple years I have been in constant training for one event or another. Either it’s Flying Wheels, or LiveStrong Challenge, or STP, or BikeMS. Because of this I have neglected my mountain bike for the last couple summers. This morning I got a burr up my butt to hit Warm Springs Road for a while. It heads away from our house and works it’s way up the canyon (Warm Springs Creek) and after about 60 miles, over a pass, ends up in Fairfield, ID. I decided to head up the slope for 90 minutes and then turn around. It was nice weather and the road was in pretty good shape. I was surprised how much I had forgotten about mountain bike riding. I am so conditioned to road riding that I automatically stood to accelerate over a steep hill… wrong. Just spinning wheels. When on a high desert road ride, you can let your mind wander as the pavement stays the same and you have a good 50 miles laid out before you with no stop signs or traffic.You automatically adjust your gears for wind and incline.  On the mountain bike, let your mind wander and you’re suddenly best friends with an endo closely followed by a face plant. Anyway, it was very fun. I have included a small bit of video of parts of the ride. Using a Flip video camera it’s hard to keep things from jumping around alot… but it adds the actual feel of the ride :) Now it’s back to the ol Cervelo for the BikeMS this coming weekend. Don’t forget to donate. 2009-09-06T23:46:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/nyc-helmets-by-fuseproject/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/nyc-helmets-by-fuseproject/ I’m hoping Seattle will hand out these helmets too! Posted by: FreshMangravatarclose Author: FreshMan Name: Fresh Man Original Source: fuseproject Fuseproject was commissioned by New York City to create a new product and brand for the new generation of bikers, would provide safety both in a context of a free bike program, and of a policy to promote cycling in the City. The helmet features an innovative two-fold design that consists of a protective polystyrene shell on the inside, covered with a customizable soft fabric that attaches with integrated straps. Unfortunately this product is not yet available for purchase, NYC is currently distributing helmets at community events around the city. 2009-09-01T17:59:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/theres-an-app-for-that-test-rides/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/theres-an-app-for-that-test-rides/ Oh my! If anyone gets this, I’d be so curious if it works!!! What is this app for? One day, you found a bike such a low price on the net. You are considering, is it fit for me? The bike shop is too far to go to see the bike. Imagine an actual size with the photo? But, do you know which size this photo is showing? (As you know) When you buy a bike online, choosing right size is very difficult. “TestRides” will help you. This is “Virtual Bike Fitting Room” in your iPhone. Test Rides 2009-09-01T17:07:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/greenwood-bike-studio/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/greenwood-bike-studio/ Right on my commute route, I pass by this Boys and Girls Club. A couple months ago they added this big, cool sign to the back about a “Greengear Bike Studio”. I’ve kept my eye on the place - there is a door at the back, but I have yet to see any bike activity, and the door is never open. So finally, I went in the front door as asked ‘em what’s up. I spoke with Tara Irvin. She described for me a plan they started this summer where a local bike mechanic (she wasn’t sure his name, but he has a cool handlebar mustache) comes in on Thursday afternoons and tunes up bikes for the kids and teaches them how to do the work themselves. Sounds great. I happen to know that Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is looking for more opportunities like this to get involved in the community. Match made in heaven? I’m sure they could benefit from anyone’s involvement/donations/time/energy. I took her phone number (206-436-1853) and she said she would be happy to respond to phone calls about this. They don’t yet have a plan for sustaining this into the winter, but it’s a possibility, so any bright ideas or volunteers might be of use. If you think you can help, give Tara a call, or let us know, and I can provide you with her email address. 2009-08-29T16:15:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/performance/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/performance/ 2009-08-27T23:54:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/bike-skills/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/bike-skills/ 2009-08-27T03:55:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dirtburger-in-paradise/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/dirtburger-in-paradise/ Nikki and I explored a new trail area this weekend (new to us): Paradise Valley, near Woodinville. We loved it. If you like St. Edward, you’ll like Paradise even more (more trails - 11 miles, less car/road noise, more “woodsy"). The trails are clean, smooth, swoopy, with some additional challenging sections of roots and tight turns. There are some stunts and bridges too - with an entire stunt park in the works. You could ride for hours, 1-way without doubling back, and without grinding up too many climbs. It’s a lot of undulating, rolling, up-and-down, ferns and log rides in a sort of Ewok Village kind of cedar forest. I’m a fan. From Seattle, it’s about 7 extra miles past St. Ed’s, and a lot more fun. I might call it “Woods Biking” more than “Mountain Biking” - since the terrain doesn’t really involve a whole lot of mountains… no screaming descents, no cliffs, no epic climbs - but the same could be said for many wonderful trails, and you could just about pump the whole place. I’d recommend a fun warm up on the Cascara Trail, Connect to Lloyd, and wander from there.  2009-08-26T15:08:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/i-got-a-car-so-i-can-bike-more/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/i-got-a-car-so-i-can-bike-more/ I know, I know. It sounds like a load of crap. But honestly - I’ve been over two years of non-car-ownership - partly to see if it was possible in this crazy world (easy, by the way) and partly just to save on the car payments, gas, insurance, etc. I’m legit in the don’t-need-a-car camp. But seriously; The ONE part of my life that seems it would benefit from having a vehicle is the mountain biking. I need to be able to get to the trailhead even if my friends are being lame. I need to be able to stop by the Colonnade on the way home from work and not have it take an extra 2 hours (a Stinky is a terrible commuter). I need to be able to transport all these goddam bikes around to the various trails, events and shops where all the action is happening.... so I got a car - a bus really - specifically so I can bike MORE, not less. Yeah, it seems strange to buy a car fully in support of biking (which was at one point ultimately to NOT have a car), but oh well. I guess I’m pretty OK with “strange”. And to tell you the truth, the less I believe this wonderful life has any meaning, the less I am concerned about some of that other stuff like the “environment” and “the right thing to do” and all that. I’m gonna go ahead and have some fun for my short stay on this planet, and I figure as long as I’m not really hurting anyone else, good-e-fucking-nuff. Anyway, I’ll still be bike commuting plenty, you can be sure of that. Now for the fun part. I’m pretty stoked to load some mountain bikes into this beast and enjoy a cold beer or two after a hard ride, maybe lunch. Maybe camp out in Moab, etc. Good times, I’m sure. I already gave her the test fit, you can quickly/easily toss three mountain bikes in the back (wheels on) and still have room for three passengers. That’s plenty. You’ll be seeing updates as things progress.. Tomorrow I’m installing a fold-out bed in the back. This is going to be fun. 2009-08-23T05:03:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/craigs-list-a-few-things-from-the-bike-shop/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/craigs-list-a-few-things-from-the-bike-shop/ Hee-larious craigslist posting from the bike shop. If you shitheads had any money, you wouldn't NEED a vintage Poo-zhow to get laid. Go have an ironic mustache growing contest in front of American Apparel, so that I can continue selling $300 bikes to fatties, which is what keeps the lights on. To the author of this craigslist post: write for Velotopia! (We'll keep your identity a secret.) 2009-08-21T20:26:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/motor-bikes-are-rad/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/motor-bikes-are-rad/ Last week I was commuting on the electric bike, feeling sort of smug and embarrassed at the same time… smug as I pass people like the wind, with nary a peddle stroke. Embarrassed while I’m waiting at a stop light and they can see that I am a healthy, 30-something riding an electric bike. So I was sitting at a light on Ravenna, feeling mostly smug - because like Frodo’s Ring of Power, the more you use the electric bike, your shame slips away, heart turns dark, and you forget the embarrassment (and you start talking to yourself). I pulled way forward at the line, so the other cyclists that were gathering behind me couldn’t look me in the eyes. I knew I was smarter than them, but I also knew they wouldn’t understand. I heard what I thought was a weed eater pulling up to the line behind me, and just as the light turned green, some guy on a GAS-powered bicycle blew past me like I was standing still! Turns out there is somebody even smugger and more-embarrassed than myself. Only his ride looked kind of badass. It was an old, black beach cruiser with a tiny gas engine sitting right in the middle of the frame. He was wearing a sort of German Army helmet (Helmut?), which really completed the look. A pair of vintage leather aviation goggles and he would have been straight out of an Indiana Jones flick. I kicked myself for not having my camera and then I watched him speed away, noisily, into the distance. I’ve seen these things once or twice before, but I know little about them. Who makes them?? The bike gods heard my cries and delivered my this little beauty, while wandering around Westport, yesterday. The bike is an OP, according to the logos all over it. There are no markings that I could see on the motor. A little Google searching, and I found no OP motor-bikes, but I did find plenty of 50-80cc kits that you could attach to the bicycle of your choice. Maybe they are all kits. Either way they look AWESOME, and if the whole Thunderdome thing ever goes down, I am getting one for sure. Check out these prices, looks like you can get the deluxe kit for only $150 (that’s half the cost of an electric kit). BikeBerry Piston Bikes King’s Motor Bikes Golden Eagle (different config) I’m sure there are plenty of others, I just grabbed these at random. Good to know where they are coming from. Regardless, I think they are super cool looking, and they remind me of something kind of nostalgic, vintage or whatever - like out of The Rocketeer. Too bad they are so gawd-awful noisy. I guess there is still no replacement for a good ol’ leg-powered bike. 2009-08-20T14:14:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/it-happened-in-switzerland-part-ii/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/it-happened-in-switzerland-part-ii/ Here are some more photographic highlights of mountain biking in Switzerland. I got to check many things off my list. Variable mountain weather, check. Cows wearing giant bells, check. St. Bernard wearing whiskey barrel, check. Amazing singletrack, check. Taking air while wearing knee-high socks, check. Eating my weight in bread, meat and cheese, check. Finding amazing coffee in remote mountain passes, check. Making great new friends and laughing a bunch, check. Breaking my tibial plateau into tiny little pieces, check. Oops, wait, that wasn’t on the list. It happened on the seventh day of riding (maybe there’s a reason the Bible tells us to rest on the seventh day?) in the shadow of the Matterhorn. We had taken our bikes on the train to the top of the mountain, and were riding the first section of trail in 60mph wind gusts. (See, I’m setting up the wind to take the blame). We reached a section where the trail emptied out into a large clearing, down a hill and then up a little rise. I was moving down that hill, fast! And then I was moving up the rise, fast! I was feeling the mountain biking love. And then, right as I reached the top of the rise, I caught a tiny bit of air, and suddenly everything went wrong, and I lost my front wheel and went down hard, saying out loud, “Oh shit, I’m going to die.” I didn’t die, but wow did that hurt. I was still on the ground trying to figure out which way was up when a herd of wooly sheep happened on the scene, and swarmed me and the three guys in our group who had stopped to see if I was still breathing. I thought I was hallucinating them, but here’s the proof (thanks to Paddy for having the handy camera): So now I’m off my leg for another 9 weeks while my bone knits itself back together. I’d like to point out that while I experienced no signs or symptoms of shock when my tibia exploded, I did almost pass out when the doctor told me how long it would be until I can take steps on my own. It is KILLING me to not be on my bike, but at least I have great memories, a stack of good books and a bottle of T3s to keep me company. Look for me out on the roads and trails again starting in early 2010! 2009-08-17T15:00:01-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/leadville-100-lance-knows-how-to-win/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/leadville-100-lance-knows-how-to-win/ Lance takes the Leadville 100 with a flat tire. 2009-08-16T05:15:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/it-happened-in-switzerland-part-i/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/it-happened-in-switzerland-part-i/ So I’ve had an interesting month—took my dream vacation (courtesy of Big Mountain) and did a crazy mountain biking trip in Switzerland. One of the highlights was being on the scene for Stage 15 of the Tour de France, which finished in the Swiss village of Verbier. People started to set up their spectating stakeouts early that morning. Here’s what it looked like from the chairlift, on our way to the top of the mountain. We spent all day biking singletrack above Verbier, and then cruised down into the village about 45 minutes before the Tour riders came through. This sight greeted us. Yikes. After being passed by countless sponsor vehicles, many of them hurling strange Tour-related paraphernalia printed in languages I couldn’t read, the official motorcycles leading the Tour riders came through. The crowd surged, a strange Swiss mosh pit smelling like unshaved armpits, sunscreen and cheese. And then, Contador! He had just made his big attack and came through looking strong. Several riders later, Lance! He looked more tired than Contador but was still moving at a pretty good clip. A while after that, Big George! I love him, so I made sure we got a photo of him. Here’s me wearing my souvenir hat. It was unbelievably cool to be there for a live stage of the Tour. I highly recommend it! And if you can figure out how to put in a 40-mile mountain bike ride the same day, I can tell you that you’ll feel almost as accomplished as those lean, mean, road-riding machines. P.S. Speaking of road-riding machines, we lost a great one when Jose Hernando was killed on Lake Washington Boulevard in July. There’s a memorial ride for him this Sunday, and donations will be accepted to help his family. You can lean more on the Cucina Fresca team site. 2009-08-13T14:01:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/its-all-about-the-performance-what/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/its-all-about-the-performance-what/ 2009-08-13T05:16:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/check-this-good-piece-on-b-cycle-bike-share/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/check-this-good-piece-on-b-cycle-bike-share/ Read the article at: http://www.good.is/post/b-cycle-bike-sharing-in-the-states/ Great Idea....finally in the States. Should we lobby for this in Seattle? I think so! http://bcycle.com/who_wants_it_more/ 2009-08-12T22:22:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/colonnade-posters-for-sale/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/colonnade-posters-for-sale/ If you’re not yet familiar with Seattle’s Colonnade Mt Bike Park, it’s time to wake the hell up. And if you already like to ride there, perhaps you have noticed this totally awesome map. Well, much like a public radio fund-drive, if you enjoy riding there (for free), please help support the park by buying your own copy of the totally-awesomely-illustrated map/poster. Make a donation of $25 (or more) to Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance and we will get you your poster. They are HUGE, same size as the one in the park, 36 x 24 inches, professionally printed on high-quality paper. Please put a note in the online donation form so they know you want a map - something like “Gimme my Colonnade poster, jerks!” should do the trick. They will be mailed out IF you live far away and you request it, but to keep costs down, we are hand-delivering as many as possible. This is a fund-raiser, after all - want to raise the funds, not spend ‘em. Funds are used to maintain and improve the park. This money goes to stuff like new rocks, gravel, tools, wood and all the nice materials that make the place so much more than a dust-covered hill under the freeway. I have a stash of maps, and I can get you one myself - in fact I will be riding down at ye olde ‘nade this very afternoon (from around 4- 5pm). If you let me know ahead of time, I will bring one for you. 2009-08-07T19:19:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/i-know-zeb/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/i-know-zeb/ This is a pic of Zeb that I took at the Colonnade last summer. He’s a pretty nice guy and a great trials rider - way better than me, anyway. He works at Fluidride, which as far as I can tell, is Seattle’s premier downhill/freeride shop. They have done some work on my DH bikes and they are always good for tips, trail beta, advice, whatever. I went there last year for the first time because I was interested in trials riding, and I heard that they knew where I might be able to get a bike (which they did, Jerry suggested Pinkbike). At that time they invited me to come along for one of their regular Wednesday night urban rides (something like: Trials riders are rare… we gotta stick together). I just made it out last night for the first time - I should have gone a long time ago. I got some good bike setup tips and a lot of great inspiration just by watching the “pros”. My own riding improved noticeably, in 2 hours, just from being there, watching, trying stuff - and mostly from the roofing tar that was given to me, which I rubbed onto my rims. A little tar on the rims makes even my old roller-cam brakes lock like a bench vise. Nice, very nice. I could immediately feel a vast improvement in my ability to control the bike. It was also suggested that I grind my rims, to give the brake pads something more to grip. Moral of the story? I meet people who are “interested in trials” every now and then. Bottom line: If you are really interested… go ride with some people who know what they are doing. It is worth 1000 times the forums, instructional DVDs and online tutorial videos. And bike setup is just as important as technique. A couple minor tweaks to my brake levers, a longer stem, etc… also a big help. You can only get that from a real person, standing in front of you, looking at your bike/style/etc. Zeb, Jerry, Peter, Max, Jeff, everybody - thanks for not making too much fun of my rainbow-colored bike. See you next time. 2009-08-06T17:08:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/biketype/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/biketype/ I was doing some research on some of my favorite graphic designers Carlos Segura… and found myself intrigued by much of the work Segura Inc in Chicago does. Segura Inc was the beginning of a series of commercial ventures that expanded Carlos Segura’s creative efforts. In 1994, the T26 Digital Type Foundry was born to explore the typographical side of the business. T26 fonts are now distributed throughout the world. And since then, 5 additional ventures have been created. 5inch and Cartype with further expansions of the typographical segment with Biketype, Mototype, and Trucktype. A website featuring a comprehensive collection of emblems, bike company histories, logos, typographical & graphical reviews, design features and just about anything that is bike related. Check it out… an online museum of sorts. Biketype Mototype 5inch Cartype Trucktype 2009-08-05T15:50:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/i-got-this-rainbow-bike/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/i-got-this-rainbow-bike/ Man, I have been wanting a trials bike since the moment I sold my last one - but the cash from that sale funded a super-rad downhill bike, and that has been well worth it. So last night I found a trials bike for dirt cheap and pounced on it. There’s just one catch: It’s really old, roller-cam brakes, one-piece crank and all that. That’s fine. But the real catch: It’s friggin’ rainbow colored! Damn. No matter. I rode it and it is awesome - bitchin’, actually. This is a relatively rare 24-inch wheels model. That is the standard (larger) size BMX wheel, and just ever-so-slightly smaller than a typical 26-inch mountain bike wheel. Perfect. A little easier to learn on than 26 inches, but will be better for transferring skills to the trail than a “mod” (20-inch) trials bike - and much less goofy looking too (sorry mod riders). This bike is a Kuwahara, a classic BMX manufacturer, and one of the first on the trials scene after Monty. Great. It feels really solid, and is surprisingly light for a vintage cro-moly frame. At first glance this looked to me like something that belonged in a museum, but a couple minutes above the saddle and I could tell that we were going to be happy together. I dragged out my old pallets and started hopping. Fun times. 2009-08-04T15:24:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/blind-trials-rider/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/blind-trials-rider/ 2009-08-01T18:38:00-08:00 http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/kranked-mountain-bike-movie-premier-tonight/ http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/kranked-mountain-bike-movie-premier-tonight/ This is gonna be fun! Be there. More info about the Kranked Revolve premier. Kranked Revolve trailer 2009-07-30T16:14:00-08:00