(just) Riding Along.

Road.Art.13; Marseille.

2011-12-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

This week, I received a submission to The Bicycle Shop Decal Project from a shop in France named Road Art. Thomas also included some photos of what I presume is that shop, and it looks so amazing, I wanted to post them up as well.

BikeRumor Review: Long Term Follow-Up: Ritchey Design WCS Cockpit + Fork

2011-12-08T11:50:00.001-08:00

Check it out.

Recipe Repost: Embrocation Cycling Journal's Curry Butternut Squash Soup

2011-11-30T14:50:00.001-08:00

I'd bookmarked this recipe by Lauren Kling on Embrocation Cycling Journal awhile back and was waiting for a good cold afternoon or a nice farmer's market squash find. When shopping for Thanksgiving, we bought some squash and it didn't make it into the meal, so I knew I had to dig out that bookmark this week.

I altered the recipe slightly; based on what we had on hand, I used 4 cups of chicken broth with 2 cups of water, and forewent the cheese since I was serving it with grilled cheese (that's an age-old Wisconsin secret recipe, passed down from generation to generation).

We had also cooked some quinoa, per the original recipe, but choose to save it for a cold salad for later. The soup and sandwich seemed the perfect amount for lunch.

A successful recipe yields empty dishes.

Recipe from the original posting:

Ingredients:

1 Butternut Squash

6 c. Stock (I use vegetable; you could use any kind of stock or substitute water if you prefer)

1 tbs. Yellow Curry Powder

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Shredded Cheddar Cheese as topping (optional)

To prepare the soup, peel the squash and halve it. Scoop out the seeds and then cut it into 1-2” chunks. Put the squash in a large pot with the 6 cups of stock, a tablespoon of yellow curry powder, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Cover, bring to a boil, and cook on high for about 20 minutes or until the squash is soft enough for a fork to easily pass through it. At this point, I take my potato masher and pummel the squash into pulp. You could also use the “Puree” setting on a blender or food processor to achieve the same result. Once the squash is thoroughly mashed/pureed, turn the heat down to low and allow the soup to simmer uncovered until it has reduced to the desired consistency. This takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and, in addition to allowing the soup to thicken, really lets the flavors set in. When the soup looks almost ready sample it and add any additional seasonings if necessary.

Turkey Takeoff Snapshots

2011-11-27T11:45:00.000-08:00

The Rapha Turkey Takeoff; a challenge to burn 9,000 calories in the four days surrounding Thanksgiving. In those four days, I rode for 16 hours and 19 minutes, covering 251 miles and climbing 8,018 feet, burning a total of 9,036 calories. Below are a series of snapshots from during the challenge, and you can read about a brief moment I experienced.

L to R:
1. Summit of the haunted Turnbull Canyon 2. Fuel for a big ride
3. Bridge at East Fork Road and Highway 39 4. Highway 39, just above 2,000 feet
5. Dam on the San Gabriel River Bikeway 6. My wife's first Thanksgiving dinner
7. Downtown Los Angeles, morning 8. Downtown Los Angeles, evening
9. Mount Wilson 10. Dennison's Schwinn Cyclery, East Los Angeles
11. Men's room grafiti, Birds, Franklin Village 12. Watts Towers
13. The Forum 14. Flat white, Espresso Profeta

Pedaling

2011-11-26T11:05:00.001-08:00

It seems like I've been pedaling for hours, because I've been pedaling for hours. I'd like to stop now, please. But here isn't where I'm going, and where I'm going is still a ways away. I can hear the hum of my tires on the road, the ticking of my chain, the cars passing me as I pass each building. Slowly, everything begins to fade as my mind wanders and soon, my mind is lost. Lost from the fight I had with my wife this morning, lost from the dream of a plate of Thanksgiving leftovers, lost from the hum, the tick and the passing everything. My surroundings no longer exist, except to surround me. I unconsciously begin to veer, back and forth and back again. Harder, and sharper I carve, yet smoothly and graceful, the sound of the tires peaking with each pass as they strain to hold their ground between the pavement and my force. Out of the corner of my eye, a manhole cover. I bunnyhop and land on the other side. The imaginary crowd in my head goes wild with cheers, as I've just won the gold medal in Smooth Carving To Manhole Bunnyhop. The hum and the tick are back. The fight is back and the plate of food too. My surroundings are again passing cars as I pass buildings. I keep pedaling.

Hustle

2011-11-17T12:34:00.001-08:00

Last night, for the first time in a few months, I participated in the Wolfpack Hustle Monday Night Ride. For those of you not familiar with this institution, it was birthed by one of the founding members of Midnight Ridazz. For better or worse, it's a true hustle ride, "not a race but a hustle." In practical terms, that means it's a surging, chaotic, run reds urban adventure. Or something close. Anyway, last night, there was a big group and it was pretty orderly. What's interesting about these night roadie rides is that they have the reputation of being, to some degree, party rides (which they're not- think mindless hard training ride). So they end up becoming a good introduction to roadie culture as kids from more blighted LA neighborhoods become familiar with the exploits of the ride and decide that they can come out to earn their stripes. They quickly realize that riding a fixie, wearing jean cut offs and no helmet will quickly get them dropped, at best, or injured at worst. Most never come back, but those who do graduate to road bikes and lycra. Anyway, it's a great mix of dudes, young and old, pro and street, sophisticated and gritty.

Last night it was the ride's 5th annniversary, and we rode from Silver Lake (Hollywood) to Disney Hall (Downtown) to Dodger Stadium up to Griffith Park (1000 ft of sketchy climbing and descending) back to Hollywood. Good times.

-Albert

BikeRumor Review: Tout Terrain Metropolitan Feat. Gates Carbon Belt Drive

2011-11-16T14:43:00.001-08:00

Check it out.

Amazing Video feat. NO HANDED BIKE MOVES

2011-11-12T09:50:00.001-08:00

Found via Fred or Pro. Think my favorite is the DEF LEPPARD DRUMMER.

Enjoy.

RIP

2011-11-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's Rapha Gentlemen's Ride was an absolutely beautiful day until a fellow rider went down and never got up. Albert and I were part of the group he was descending with, and what we witnessed will continue to affect me with every pedal stroke I take. Albert sent me the following, which is exactly what I'd say if I could've found the words.

It's hard to describe what it's like to see a man breathing his last breaths. One of Roberto's friends posted on Bike Effect's Facebook that he died doing what he loved. I hope he had peace in his final seconds. I didn't know him and I'm sure most of the 50 plus riders there didn't as well, but we all felt connected to him and our thoughts and prayers will be with him.

Rest in peace, Roberto.

Lucky 7

2011-11-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

I was an obstinate kid and former punk rocker (who wasn't) who rolled with other trouble makers and renegade cyclists. After years of holding out, I finally gave in to the pleasure and performance of cycling specific apparel. None of my former pals have followed. Anyway, it got me thinking about my rules of lycra. Inspired by the famous/infamous Velominati's rules they are as follows:

No pro kits. I'm a grown man. I still play pick up ball and the only players who wear Kobe jerseys are kids.
Limit team or club kits on club rides to once a month, unless the club ride is sponsored by my club. Some dudes have to rock their colors on every single ride. It's called a club ride, yo. Not a race, not a crit, not a challenge, etc. Ritte cats, I'm looking at you.
Check your shorts/bibs before you roll. You know what's between your shorts and your junk? Nothing. The first layer worn over genitalia is usually known as underwear. We're out there exerting ourselves with less clothing on our lower halves than the average hooker (actually they wear shorts with no underwear as well, but you get the idea). Bottom line: no holes in da shorts...in any area.
If you're shaped like a woman, get a woman's opinion on the fit of your shorts. Your wife, your girlfriend, the girl at the bike shop. Any woman.
I don't match my socks to my kit. Even a label whore would show some restraint.
If you spent more on your shoes than your wheels, you're doing it wrong.
Rapha always looks good, but research shows it makes you 5mph slower.

That's my lucky 7.

-Albert

Welcome A New Author; Albert

2011-11-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

I've been riding a lot with Albert lately, when I'm not riding alone. Listening to him tell his stories as we roll along and watching him chat up anybody we come across has inspired me to ask a few friends to contribute writing for this blog, with him being the first.

He's one of those guys who is always down to ride, with almost any amount of notice, and a ride with him can go as long as you want it to, thanks to his Google Maps-esque sense of direction.

"We want to make a left here..."

And, when we're not riding together, he sends me photos like this one:

Tomorrow will be his first post, hope you enjoy it.

Beauty

2011-10-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

Another Favorite Tool

2011-10-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

A Favorite Tool

2011-10-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Succor

2011-09-28T22:15:00.000-07:00

My Neighborhood Has The Best Insane People

2011-09-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

Lady: "I have a road from about 1969. I can't remember the name. Name some bike brands."

Me: "There's lots of road bike brands from the late 60's."

Lady: "Sure, I know. Just start naming them. It was a popular one."

Me: "Um..."

Lady: (pointing and laughing) "Oh! You don't know ANY. It's a Raleigh."

Me: "Wow."

Earn Your Turns

2011-09-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

I've never suffered on a bicycle, like I did today.

It was like quitting smoking. All you want to do is walk down to the liquor store and buy a pack of cigarettes and light up, and each minute that you choose not to do that is a small victory. You know that it will not be like that always, but it feels like that anyway. You know that all your pain, all your feelings, they can be solved by just giving in.

All I wanted to do today was turn around. Each and every time a pedal came over the top, it was a victory. It was that bad. I was suffering that much. Each and every pedal stroke should have been the last. At any moment, I could've said, "you know, this road points down too." But I didn't, and I'm not going to lie and pretend that pride had nothing to do with that, because my riding partner, Albert, was already up ahead. And this was my idea in the first place.

But I made it, and it felt good. It felt good like not being able to remember when I smoked my last cigarette.

Welcome Home To CA

2011-08-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

STL+MKE+MPLS+SF+BOS+CLE+PITT+NYC=LA

2011-08-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

Interesting post this morning on Metro's blog, The Source, which is based on a found graphic that shows eight major US cities arranged into Los Angeles' city borders. It offers some insight on the biggest obstacle faced by our local public transportation agencies, and I think it should make us appreciate how good their services actually are.

Milwaukee In 22 Photos

2011-08-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

The Menu:
Bratwurst – Miller Park
Italian sausage – Miller Park
Chocolate custard – Gille’s
Sprecher Irish Stout – Irish Fest
Cheese(butter)burger – Solly’s
Corn – Irish Fest
Corned Beef sandwich – McBob’s, Irish Fest
Blue Moon ice cream – Cedar Crest, Irish Fest
Riverwest Stein – Irish Fest
California Burger w/hash brown – George Webb
Gold Coast sub – Suburpia
Oskar Blues Gubna – Comet Café
Mac and Cheese – Comet Café
Kinnickinnic whiskey – Burnhearts Bar
Reuben rolls – Irish Fest
Karl’s Packers bratwurst (cheddar + jalapeno), cheeseburger – Best friend’s BBQ
German Chocolate cake – homemade by mom
Kinnickinnic whiskey - to bring home
Chicago hot dog + tater tots – Sammy’s
Coffee – Fuel Café
Cheesy Artichoke melt – Fuel Café
Spotted Cow – airport Chilis

(this is not everything I ate, just what I remembered to capture with my camera phone prior to stuffing into my face)

Hardcovers Are For Your Bookshelf...

2011-08-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

...and paperbacks are for reading. Wanted my own copy of Ten Points (after reading it from the library) and found one in paperback online for $10. Turns out it is an advance copy, which may contain editing errors, and can now be sold as a collectible.

Had no idea this type of thing even existed.

I Feel Faster Already

2011-08-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

In honor of my Grandpa Don's white shoes.

Tootsie

2011-08-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

Stencil Vs. Bicycle

2011-08-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

Got this photo sent to me by Duncan on Twitter in response to the Decal Project. It doesn't quite fit what that site is all about, but is still worthy of a post.

BikeRumor Review: Initial Reactions: Ritchey Design WCS Cockpit + Fork

2011-07-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

Check it out.

BikeRumor Review: Sportique Active Body And Skin Care

2011-06-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

Check it out.

BikeRumor Review: Swiftwick Merino Socks

2011-06-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

Check it out.

I Needed Another Coffee Mug Like I Needed Another Hole In My Head

2011-06-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

Rapha Cycle Club SF Visit

2011-06-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

Project Cielo; Croce d'Aune

2011-06-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

I had an idea. I wanted to tell the story of Tulio Campagnolo's journey up a mountain in Italy, and into the history books. I wanted to fictionalize the loss that would lead to the invention of the quick release skewer with a little bit of creative writing from Mr. Campagnolo's perspective. The point of all this was to add to the documentation of this Project, for me to find a unique way to tell you all that I had purchased Campagnolo Record skewers, because after all, they invented them.

Then I opened Issue 4 (the Italian Issue) of Peloton Magazine to page 094 and found Jered Gruber's story on the same subject. It included words from Tulio's son, Valentino, and incredible photos from their ride up the very mountain pass that set it all into motion 90 years ago. Needless to say, my heart sunk a little, but it did make me feel a little better that I had a similar idea, although my execution would not have been quite as thorough (an interview with the son AND a ride up the mountain?! C'mon!).

What an incredible piece to read. Kudos, Mr. Gruber.

Alone Time

2011-06-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

I needed some alone time.

It's been a hard year so far, and it's not even half over. With the stresses of plain old life and the injury that took months of riding, my biggest release, away from me... I was losing it.

I just needed to go out and suffer alone.

Near the top of the first and biggest climb, there was a man getting out of his truck. He stood there as I passed, knowing what I had just gone through, and threw me a thumbs up with a big mustachioed smile. It would be the only personal interaction I'd have all morning, between kissing my wife goodbye and finding my co-worker waiting for me to open the shop.

I just needed to get a little more lost.

I missed a turn. A pretty important one, actually. Thus, I dropped into the Valley, which was precisely the opposite of where I needed to be. There's nothing quite like the wind in your hair on a twisty descent and the realization that you need to turn around and climb right back up it (and not on purpose.)

I just needed to let it out.

I worked the the whole day, then rode home and fell asleep before I had a chance to crack a beer and rub my legs down; my post-ride nighttime ritual. This morning, I felt better, but not great. However, sitting in the car driving to work, I just broke down and cried. Not about anything in particular. More like, about it all. Now, as I sit and finish this post, I feel great.

I just needed to ride.

After & Before

2011-05-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

In Onore Del Giro d'Italia

2011-05-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

It cannot be said more perfectly than the way I. Martin Imports said it today on Twitter:

"Today at the Giro the peloton put on a display of class and sportsmanship the rest of the professional sports world could learn from."

Bill F**king Murray

2011-04-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

Woke up to this photo in my email from my best friend, Chris. Can't think of a better way to start the day. Thanks dude.

Cobble Wobble

2011-04-28T13:11:00.001-07:00

(via I. Martin Imports' Twitter)

Almost Five Weeks

2011-04-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

The surface looks more gruesome than it feels. The wound is healing and the dead skin flaking away. (You can see right in the middle of the nail, where the tooth of the cog punctured through.)

However, the broken bone in the tip continues to give me cause for concern. Been having a hard time gripping anything with the thumb, and have no feeling on the tip. Have a pending appointment with a hand specialist at UCLA.

Twenty-six Hours; LA-OAK-LA

2011-04-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

These nineteen random photos follow me from Los Angeles to Oakland and back to Los Angeles over a twenty-six hour span, to work at the first stop of the Railroad Revival Tour.

Ridden Hard and Put Away...

2011-04-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

The owner of this Rauler looked like he had ridden away in 1979, partied really hard somewhere, and was just rolling back through for some lights and tubes. When he went to pay, I wasn't surprised to see that he was carrying all his personal items in his jersey pocket, in a Crown Royal bag.

Video: Bike Night At The Hammer

2011-04-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

My friend Gordon posted this on my Facebook this morning. For about ten seconds, starting around 0:46, you can see me (in the cap, flannel and backpack) looking for Gordon while trying to carry two beers and a bunch of papers they handed me when we walked in, all with a broken thumb. The camera, however, is clearly more interested in that other guy's search for his missing sleeves.

Bike Night At The Hammer

2011-04-16T13:26:00.000-07:00

The terrible quality of these photos is a clear indicator of my sobriety for the night. So much more happening than I caught, mostly because I ran my battery down in the parking area taking too many photos for The Bicycle Shop Decal Project.

All Sewn Up

2011-03-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a quiet day, which started rainy enough to cancel a ride we'd planned. It was to be a test run of what we are hoping will become our regular Sunday shop ride. A handful of us, of varied skill levels, were going out to make sure the time and distance were appropriate for a group such as ours.

However, at 7am my phone began to blow up with cancellations across the board. The least experienced of the bunch was the last to cancel, which made me want to go out with just him, but I knew he wasn't ready for the rain just yet. I peeled my bibs and knee warmers back off and laid back down for a bit, making plans with the wife to drive in together and get breakfast. The last thing my wife said to me when we got to the shop at 10am was, "be careful please, I have one of my bad feelings."

At 3:08pm, I'd be on the phone with her again, asking "remember that bad feeling you had? I'm on my way to the emergency room..."

It gets gory. If you don't want to read the details, and see a more graphic photo, click here to go away. Otherwise click 'more' and/or scroll down, depending on how you got here, to continue...

I was replacing a tire on a fixie. Some sort of tricked fixed thing with lots of flat black, anodized colors and 26" tires. The dad and son were hanging about, asking questions and waiting. The bike was a squeaky, creaky mess.

After the new rear tire was on, and I made sure the chain was nice and tight the way those kids like it, I was regaling them with tales of appropriate chain lubrication and maintenance while I applied my favorite, Chain-L. The thing I love about that stuff, is you can give the pedals a nice crank, and apply it to the speeding chain and literally listen to the chain quiet down.

They were impressed.

But the next step, which is wiping the excess from the chain, is where this story goes wrong. The experienced mechanics know what's coming, and have probably already cringed. A few passes in, something caught and my thumb went all the way around, through the cog with the chain. The pop that plays over and over in my head was the sound of a tooth of the cog puncturing my nail. I taught a few kids a new word, grabbed my hand and ran to the restroom. Rinsing it off, I could see there was some serious damage. The nail was caved in and the tip of my thumb was more detached, than it was attached. Rubbing some dirt on it and going back to work wasn't going to be an option this time. So, I went back out, hand wrapped in a rag, and announced that I would be requiring a trip to the ER, and we were off to UCLA.

When I entered the ER, I apparently didn't look so wonderful, because I was assisted immediately and made my way through each step quicker than I had ever experienced. Within thirty minutes, I had a room and a slew of nurses and two doctors had looked at my hand. They weren't rushing to fix it quite yet, but I got something for the pain, and an x-ray within the first hour.

About the time my wife arrived, I got my diagnosis and they discussed with us what would be done to repair it. The tip of my thumb was partially severed, through the nail. The cog tooth had exited through the pad of my thumb, but that wound was not big enough to need attention. This had also resulted in a tuft fracture; in layman's terms, the bone below my nail which constituted the tip of my thumb was shattered or crushed.

They planned to sew my thumb's tip back on, both through the flesh and the nail, and performed a 'digital block' which involved pumping my thumb full of anesthesia that would last six hours, and left me unaware of them even touching me, let alone what they planned to do. There's two stitches in the flesh on the side of the nail, and then they burned four holes in my nail using a white hot iron thingy, and used said holes to stitch the nail back together. By doing it in this manner, the bone would put back into the best position to heal.

After a week or so, the stitches will come out and from there I'm told it will be four weeks before I'll be able to put pressure on my thumb. After then, I should still be cautious and use my discretion, as the bone will not be 100%. Even now, four days later, it's not the wound that is painful. It is the feeling that my thumb is not connected to the bone inside it.

So there you have it. Be careful when you work on bicycles, man.

PS- I was fifty-three miles away from logging a thousand miles in 2011. Double ouch.

Good Service Is Good Service

2011-03-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

Have incoming packages from Los Angeles, Portland (x two), Minneapolis and the United Kingdom (x two). I love that, as per usual, the first to arrive was the package from the furthest away. Thanks for always having the best service, Rapha.

Found Photo

2011-03-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

Took this with the waterproof camera phone awhile back, not sure what my intent was for it. Probably some smart ass comment about Los Angeles and riding in the rain (the few days a year that happens).

Keirin: Speed Racers

2011-03-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

Keirin: Speed Racers on Nowness.com.

God Bless The Public Library (For Vintage Playboy)

2011-03-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

Project Cielo; Wheels In The House

2011-02-27T15:05:00.000-08:00

Many, many thanks to Milton at I. Martin Imports for building these. They are simply beautiful, and are probably the nicest bicycle anything I've ever owned. Also, thank you to Ryan for helping me choose the right stuff, and for helping Maestro get everything in place to do the build.

So excited.

Project Cielo; Please Hold...

2011-02-23T13:45:00.001-08:00

My brain, it just never stops working. Part of the reason I chose to purchase the frame last is because you never know what may come up. Turns out, I've been given something very serious to think about. Something may be available to me, that I didn't believe was an option, and in the quest for a dream bike, I need to consider this.

Update (02/27/11): I've officially abandoned the Cielo Sportif as my frame choice, which wasn't an easy decision as photos stream in from the NAHBS of their newest offerings. In the interest of saving future embarrassment, I'll refrain from naming my new frame choice, until it's in hand. However I'm going to keep the name here, Project Cielo, because the word 'cielo' means 'heaven' in Spanish. While I may not be using a Cielo brand frame, I still expect this bike to be heavenly.

Anything With Gears On It...

2011-02-17T18:17:00.000-08:00

The Gold Standard

2011-02-10T17:15:00.001-08:00

Couple months ago, I wrote up a guest post on Pedalr, about a friend's quest for the perfect bike. Since then, he sent it out to Waterford for the full restoration treatment, got himself a full Ritchey WCS kit and some Campy Record. It's basically the nicest bike I've ever put together. The photo does it no justice, at all.

Repost: Bikes of San Francisco

2011-02-04T15:12:00.000-08:00

Thanks to pedalr's twitter for the find.

BikeRumor Review: Chrome Yalta Backpack

2011-01-29T11:38:00.000-08:00

Check it out.

Floyd Looks Disapprovingly Upon Your Drinking Problem

2011-01-28T11:15:00.000-08:00

BikeRumor Review: Put Me Back On My Bike

2011-01-26T16:24:00.000-08:00

Check it out.

BikeRumor Review: Light & Motion Lights

2011-01-25T10:04:00.000-08:00

Check it out.

Coach Phil Jackson Rides A Bike

2011-01-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

Photo via Sports Illustrated Vault.

Today Is A Good Day

2011-01-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

Amongst other things, a customer dropped off five years worth of ProCycling and Cycling Weekly magazines for the "library." Awesome.

They Keep Calling Me

2011-01-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

Riding my bicycle nearly every day of the year isn't why I moved to Southern California, but it's a happy side-effect. In the few years I've lived here, I haven't made much notice of the mountains surrounding me. I knew they were there, on the days that the smog wasn't obscuring them, and I would occasionally remark of their beauty.

However, lately I find myself immensely distracted by them. I try to figure out which peak is which. I take note of where I am, whatroadamIonwhichdirectionamIgoingwhereisthepeakinrelationtome, so I can check a map later. I study them, looking for roads, towers, routes, landmarks and whatnot. Looking for a spot from which I could look down upon where I am right now. Tired from a ride, or from spending too long in the car, I examine Google Earth and ride reports, looking for the best ways to the top.

One thing is for sure; my path through life is clearly going to be taking a turn upwards.

Photo Courtesy of Cole Maness @ the Freeman Transport blog

Project Cielo; Lacing A Dream

2011-01-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -Heinz Stucke

I don't think that a pre-built wheelset belongs on a true "dream bike." Don't get me wrong, something like a Mavic Ksyrium SL is beautiful, but if that's the wheel you choose for your "dream bike" then you just aren't using your imagination. Wheels can make or break a bike and to pick something so important out of a catalog, already built, it just doesn't seem like the best choice to me.

Of course, "best" is subjective, isn't it?

For that reason, this isn't about the specific parts. I chose what I felt were the best parts for the bike, the riding and for me and the way wheels react under me. The dispense with the details; Mavic Open Pro CD, Sapim CX-Ray, White Industries H2/H3 (titanium freehub). All black, 32h, 3-cross.

What this is about, is control over every aspect of the process. To dream, and try to realize the dream as much as possible, right on down to who builds the wheels. I'm perfectly capable of doing so, as I'm a adept mechanic with the skills to build a relatively straight forward wheelset like this. However, I recognize that a master wheelbuilder, I am not. Nor am I an artist in the way some masters are. For a wheel as important to me as this, I want an artist.

Enter, Maestro.

As story is told, Milton of I. Martin Imports is the mechanic of Los Angeles. He handbuilt more than a thousand wheels for the 1984 Olympic athletes (which adds to my connection to him, as I got my start in the bicycle world working for an '84 silver medalist in track pursuit; Milton probably built his wheels) and has worked on the rides of some of the best cyclists in the world. He is a master wheelbuilder and artist, and I have the utmost respect for him and his skills.

He's who I want building the wheels for my dream bike.

Milton, aka Maestro, with California State Champion, Antony Galvan

Project Cielo; Something To Look Forward To

2011-01-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

The project is officially underway, as the first parts have already been ordered and arrived. However, that is for another day. Today, I want to tell you about a jersey.

Rapha put out of series of jerseys commemorating legends of cycling, each with a little story to accompany. Commissioned films based on the stories were to follow. My favorite of the legends, jerseys and films all happened to be the same, which I feel speaks to the mindset I'm in while I create this new dream bike. The pink/cream/grey jersey for Dario Pegoretti, who is the subject of the film D' Acciaio (Of Steel).

As I readied to place the first order, I found Rapha was having a sale for the holidays. It was a sign. So, along with the first batch of parts, I ordered this jersey. It will stay in the bag in my drawer, awaiting the completion of my new bike, at which time I will proudly don it for the maiden voyage.

Can't wait.

City Of Angels

2011-01-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

Went mountain biking awhile back, second time in a decade. Just found the forgotten photos in my cellphone. Got destroyed on the climbs, wrecked on the decent. All worth it for the view over the city, and a small reminder why it is some of us live here.

Project Cielo; The Beginning

2011-01-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

Image Courtesy of Cielo Cycles.

“Love is an attempt to change a piece of a dream world into reality.” -Henry David Thoreau

This project existed in my imagination long before it had a name or brand attached to it, sort of like a person in a dream with a blurry face. The bicycle is a character in a short fiction story that has been forming in my mind for a year or so now, which is due to spill onto paper any day now. I call it a character because, although it is ridden by the main protagonist, my bike shop mechanic mind has of course, made the bicycle itself rich with its own feel and meaning.

When I first saw the Cielo Sportif, I knew it was the detail to what I had been daydreaming of. I began to build the bike in my mind. But at some point, I simply found myself imagining riding it, and I knew something had changed. It was not just the bike from my story anymore. It was now the bike that would take me into the next phase of my cycling journey; to the top of mountains, to the edges of the world and back. It was my new bike. I think most cyclists can relate; you see it and you know it is the one. As with every plan, there’s been some changes; some things to make the real bike different from the bike in my story. Changes that make it mine, not his. Changes that reflect what it is to me, instead of what it is to him.

As I embark on the journey of building this dream bike, I want to thank my loving wife. Without her, this whole thing may still just be a blurry face.

BikeRumor Review; Owleye Lights

2011-01-09T10:21:00.000-08:00

Check it out.

Review: Princeton Tec Push Headlight

2011-01-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

Check out my review of the light that saved my life over at Bike Rumor.

GDGFHKEK

2010-12-31T13:52:00.000-08:00

"Gary Fisher 'Grateful Dead' Hoo Koo E Koo NOT FOR SALE"

BikeRumor Review: Chain-L

2010-12-21T10:26:00.000-08:00

Check it out.

Rain Rain, Go Away

2010-12-18T10:45:00.000-08:00

BikeRumor Review: Rapha Soap

2010-12-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

Check it out.

Beauty; Freeman Transport

2010-12-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

Anyone Up For Dollar PBRs at the Bacon Doughnuts Taco Truck?

2010-12-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

image courtesy of marriedtothesea.com

Follow Up Review: Mission Workshop Vandal Backpack

2010-12-03T07:26:00.000-08:00

Almost a year ago, I gave my first impression of the Mission Workshop Vandal...

See what I think now, after using the sh*t out of it, over at Bike Rumor.

Old Tools

2010-11-27T14:11:00.000-08:00

It can be so satisfying to use an old tool. One you know has a modern replacement, but you couldn't bring yourself to get rid of. Once or twice a year you get to pull it out, use it as it was originally intended and be glad it was still there in the back of your toolbox.

Black Friday; Of Steel.

2010-11-26T07:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Turkey Day.

2010-11-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

TBSDP has moved!

2010-11-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

I was starting to feel like this blog was getting bogged down with all the Bicycle Decal Project photos; it is going much better than I anticipated. They're posting daily, and I have enough for weeks to come, with more coming all the time.

So, those posts have all been removed from here and moved to their own site, and all future decal posts will be at The Bicycle Shop Decal Project.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy.

Trying To Class Up This Joint...

2010-11-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

Library

2010-11-13T13:31:00.000-08:00

Running On Empty

2010-11-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

You know a coffee maker belongs in the shop when it has a fuel gauge on it.

Recipe Repost: Rapha Cooks Tuna

2010-11-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

Originally found on Rapha's blog, courtesy of Matt Card. I've made this meal several times for my family. It's quite easy to make, and is always a favorite. Enjoy.

While each recipe is based on one can of tuna and designed to serve two to three, they can easily be doubled to serve twice that.

Farfalle with Tuna, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Herbs

Serves 2 to 3

Ortiz-brand tuna is widely available and outstanding (I've had really good luck with Dave's out of Santa Cruz. -Chris). And make sure to use good-quality anchovies too; otherwise they will undermine the tuna.

Kosher salt

6 to 8 ounces farfalle pasta

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves, sliced thin

¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon capers

3 to 4 oil-packed anchovies, chopped fine

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, hydrated in boiling water (if dried), and sliced thin

¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 lemon

Ground black pepper

1. Bring large pot of water to boil and season aggressively with salt. Cook pasta, stirring frequently, until al dente, drain.

2. Meanwhile, combine oil, garlic, pepper flakes, capers, and anchovies in large skillet over medium-high heat and cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is very soft and just beginning to turn golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook until hot, about 2 minutes. Gently stir in tuna, herbs, and pasta; gently blend and sprinkle liberally with lemon juice and ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Image courtesy of rapha.cc

Winter's Coming! A Recipe For Cod Chowder

2010-11-10T17:26:00.001-08:00

Last week, I'm sitting on the train wearing knee warmers, and wind vest and reading this book, and I decide that I'm making cod chowder for dinner. After a stop at the grocery store (in full roadie outfit and Speedplay cleats, mind you), and some Googling, and started in on my own take on the recipes I found. After rave reviews, and a second batch request fullfilled, I've decided to share. Enjoy it with an Anchor Steam, you won't be sorry.

Ingredients

1 - large onion - diced
5 - yellow potatoes - cubed to approximately 1"
1 1/2 pounds - fresh cod - cut into 1" chunks
2 cups - water
1 cup - clam juice
1 cup - milk
1 cup - heavy cream
1 - bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon - dried red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon - Old Bay seasoning
1 1/4 teaspoons - kosher salt
2 tablespoons - butter
Fresh Pepper
Sea Salt

Preparation

Melt the butter in the bottom of a large pot, stir in onions. Simmer medium low heat until onions begin to become translucent. Approximately 5-10 minutes.
Add water, clam juice, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, Old Bay, salt. Stir together, and add potatoes.
Keep on medium low and simmer until potatoes begin to soften. I usually stick a fork in, if the potato falls back off, you're good. Approximately 20 minutes.
Add milk and cream. This is also when I start to add pepper. There's no measurement for this, but I like to pepper the f**k out of everything. Simmer on medium low for at least 20 minutes. However, I've found that this step can be drawn out on low heat for a pretty long time, until you're ready to eat.
Add cod. Simmer on medium low for approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cover. Let sit for about 10 minutes to allow fish to finish cooking.
Remove the bay leaf and season to taste with sea salt and fresh pepper.

I recommend garnishing with oyster crackers.

The Rules

2010-11-08T13:20:00.000-08:00

Read The Rules.

My favorite:

RULE 58:

Never buy bikes, parts or accessories online. Going into your local shop, asking myriad inane questions, tying up the staff’s time, then going online to buy is akin to sleeping with your best friend’s wife, then having a beer with him after. You may as well go into your local shop and spit in the owners face. Online is evil and will be the death of the bike shop. If you enter a shop with parts you have bought online and expect them to fit them, be prepared to be told to see your online seller for fitting and warranty help.

Click

2010-11-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

RIP Swrve Trousers

2010-11-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

After thousands of miles, wore a hole in the ass. Today, after a few hundred miles of riding with said hole, I finally sat down and caught the nose of my saddle on it.

I'll be replacing them with the same pants because they are that awesome.

RIP.

The Bicycle Shop Decal Project

2010-10-31T12:07:00.000-07:00

Working at a shop in a city like Los Angeles, especially near a major university, I get to see bikes from all over the county. And one of my favorite things about that is seeing the shop decals.

Sometimes the artwork is awesome. Sometimes the shop's name is clever. Sometimes it tells me the bike is from somewhere far away, or from the very shop I work at, but from long ago. But I can always be sure that the decals tell a story, however brief it may be.

View The Bicycle Shop Decal Project.

Random Table Top Bits

2010-10-20T20:03:00.001-07:00

BikeRumor Review: Randi Jo Fabrications Apron

2010-10-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

Check it out.

Thank You Ritchey

2010-10-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

Texting Me.

2010-10-04T10:22:00.001-07:00

Date: 7:39pm Sun, Oct 3
From: Eddie
To: Me

Date: 7:41pm Sun, Oct 3

From: Me

To: Eddie

Why are you sending me pictures of bikes?

Date: 7:55pm Sun, Oct 3
From: Eddie
To: Me

Its clean, what is it worth?

Date: 7:56pm Sun, Oct 3
From: Me
To: Eddie

3 speed?

Date: 7:56pm Sun, Oct 3

From: Eddie

To: Me

Yes

Date: 8:42am Mon, Oct 4

From: Me

To: Eddie

I think that bike is worth a lot of money. There was a rare white schwinn with fenders that was gifted to the king of belgium by the governor of illinois back in the 70's only before it got there it was stolen in an act of jealousy and revolution by a french insurgent. He attempted to use the stolen bike as a dowery to buy a german princess' hand in marriage, hoping to capitalize on the germans' equal hatred of those belgians at the time. But it didn't work and the bike went underground. If that's what you just found, well then that's quite remarkable.

Date: 9:02am Mon, Oct 4
From: Eddie

To: Me

a simple no would suffice.

It's A Matter Of Timing

2010-09-28T14:35:00.001-07:00

At 113°F, yesterday was the hottest day in Los Angeles in recorded history, dating back to 1877. I packed away the Swrve trousers and pulled out the Bellwether bibs I got awhile back, but hadn't ridden in yet.

Yeah, being on the Metro train thru South LA in a full kit is exactly as uncomfortable as I thought it would be.

Riding home for the night, I heard that all too familiar thump thump thump thwap thwap thwap. I reached my hand down behind the seat tube to wipe the tire, then hesitated slightly as I remembered the nearly brand new glove on my hand. But as the sound continued, I shoved my hand down figuring there's really no great time to ruin a glove, new or not.

I felt whatever it was hit my glove, just once, before I withdrew it quickly and pulled to the side of the road. Since I spend my days fixing people's tires, I know I can fix whatever is wrong with my tire, therefore my first glance is at the glove to find damage. None. As I spin the rear wheel around, I find a screw head. Crap.

I unscrew it to reveal a 1" long screw. It luckily hadn't yet let any air out yet, and therefore hadn't done any damage to the rim yet either. But it sure took a chunk out of the rubber, and left a nice enough hole in the casing. I start to survey my situation; I know I have a spare tube and a pump, but what about this hole? As I dig thru my bag, I find a single one dollar bill.

I recall my friend throwing said dollar bill back at me after running for croissants in the morning. He claims it was my change, and I didn't see how I possibly was owed change. But I chose not to argue and shoved it into my bag. At this moment, I am simply happy to not have to walk or call for a ride (although a part of me couldn't help but think of the Swiss restaurant down the street with Erdinger on tap, where I could wait...).

I quickly threw in my spare tube, positioned the dollar under the hole in the tire, got it pumped up and back on the bike, cleaned up my area and was on my way. It carried me safely the few miles further I had to go, which tells me it should hold until a replacement comes. A replacement that I had ordered only a few hours before this, because this tire had a lot of miles on it and I wanted a spare on hand.

How's that for timing?

At the train station, a man asked for change to get some food. I apologized that I had none, thinking of my last dollar inside the tire, and gave him the Bonk Breaker from my jersey pocket. He excitedly replied, "God bless," and walked on. I found myself happy that he replied that way, rather than a mere thank you, something I hadn't felt in the many years during which my faith was in question.

Inside the train, after talking bikes and bearings and tattoos, a man asks if I believe in God. Surprising myself, I reply, "yes," because of the moment only minutes earlier. He asks, in that case, for my prayer for him. He didn't say why, and I didn't ask. But my prayer, he will get.

Take That, UCI Weight Limit.

2010-09-20T17:12:00.000-07:00

2010 Cervelo R3SL

14.88 pounds. With the full SRM kit. And cages. (the bottles finally push it over the 15 pound mark)

Two years ago, someone sold our customer a custom 10 speed Campy Record Colnago C50 with full Bontrager parts. The project was born of pure laziness, as Bontrager sutff is easy to order, and it was ridiculous to see all that Italian beauty accented with it. This is not to say that there's anything wrong with Bontrager components, most are very nice; they just don't belong on a Campy-equipped Colnago.

After several pricey repair bills, replacing chains and cassettes, we convinced the customer we could build him a nicer bike, more suited to his needs. His only two requirements were that it have an SRM and be under 15 pounds. Thanks to Ritchey, SRAM, Cervélo, Continental, Look and Fi'zi:k, we were able to make that happen.

Hello Again.

2010-09-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

198? Greg LeMond Coors Light Team Edition

It's been awhile, huh?

I started contributing to Bike Rumor a couple months ago, mostly stemming from my attending the 2011 Felt Bicycles launch.

That was a surreal experience, feeling quite over my head as I became more and more surrounded by the people I generally read on a daily basis. So when Joe Parkin walked into the room, only two days after I finished both his books; well, that freaked me out. I calmed down and made it through, and made a series of posts I was happy with, and am looking forward to contributing more over there. It even prompted me to buy a new camera for myself for my birthday, which should arrive any day now.

Mostly, I've been riding a lot, and working a lot. The shop has been busy; lots of crummy work, a few fun projects like the Coors Light bike at the front of this post. I made my commuter officially Shimano-free, but also stripped it of it's name, Clementine, after reading BSNYC's book and realizing that it *is* just a bike and my attachment to it was hypocritical, considering how I advise others.

I traveled back to Milwaukee for a long weekend, spent time with friends and family and went to the Great Downer Avenue Bike Race, which had a disappointing turnout, apparently due to poor promoters and the fact that a better promoted race happened there a month earlier.

Oh well, I suppose things they are a changin'.

Stupid Budget Cuts.

2010-06-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

I just received this response from a Materials Selector in the Collection Development Services of the County of Los Angeles Public Library.

Dear Chris,

Thank you for your requests for Joe Parkin's books Come and Gone and A Dog in a Hat. Unfortunately, recent budget cuts and uncertain funding until the end of our fiscal year (June 30) prohibit me from ordering these titles at this time. I will be sure to keep the information on file should the budget picture improve or next year's funds allow for ordering them. My regrets that I could not accommodate your request.

It was worth a shot.

Los Angeles Bike To Work Week Events.

2010-05-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

Taken from LA Streetsblog:

Monday:

Downtown Los Angeles - In front of the new LAPD Headquarters, now with bike racks, Chief Charlie Beck will join Metro Chair Ara Najarian, City Council member Tom LaBonge, LADOT General Manager Rita Robinson, LACBC Executive Director Jennifer Klausner, and Metro CEO Art Leahy, will encourage motorists to safely share the road with bicyclists. The press conference begins at 8:00 A.M.

Glendale - At 7:00 P.M., the Glendale Library hosts a showing of Contested Streets. This film tells the story of New York City in the 20th Century and how the transportation decision forever altered the city. It should be noted that the film ends before the Janette Sadik-Kahn takeover of NYCDOT.

Tuesday:

Downtown Los Angeles - It's the Blessing of the Bikes at Good Samaritan Hospital at 8:00 A.M. Always a crowd pleaser, and there's good food! And, the hospital hands out the "Golden Spoke." Previous winners include LaBonge and former Mayor Richard Riordan.

Wednesday:

Downtown Los Angeles - Metro sponsors a bike tour of Downtown Los Angeles starting and ending at the Olvera Street South Plaza. Ride starts at 8:00.

Thursday:

Everywhere - It's Bike to Work Day! Some transit agencies, including Metro and LADOT, offer free rides to cyclists and of course there will be "pit stops" set up around the county to make the morning commute easier. For a list or participating transit agencies, click here. For a map of the pit stops, click here.

Friday:

Pasadena - It's the Pasadena Crosstown Ride. Very similar to Wednesday's ride in the Downtown, but in Pasadena. The ride starts at 7:00 P.M. in the One Colorado Courtyard. Arrive a little early so you have time to sign-in. Following the ride will be a screening of "Return of the Scorcher" and then an after party. Sounds like a good time at One Colorado.

Saturday:

Culver City - It's the first annual Culver City Family Bike Ride. The ride runs from 10 A.M. to noon and starts and ends at Veteran's Memorial Park Children's Playground.

Pasadena- Families and Bikes Day in Central Park. Join C.I.C.L.E. and the City of Pasadena and other enthusiastic parents on Saturday, May 22nd from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM for this free, fun and informational day centered around the bicycle.

Glendale - Another tour ride. This time, visit all of the historic parks of Glendale in one fell swoop. Meet at 9:00 A.M. at Chess Park on Brand Blvd. (227 N. Brand Blvd).

Get 'em Before They're Gone!

2010-04-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

The I(chainheart)LA stickers are almost gone, only have about 30 of them left. So if you've been holding out, now's the time because printing prices went up and I doubt I'll get another batch made.
http://www.ridingalong.com/p/store.html

Gesundheit.

2010-04-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

The Annual Blessing of the Bicycles at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Blessings to begin at 8 a.m.!

Get Blessed!
Get Breakfast!
Get a Free Bike Check!

For more information call Good Samaritan Hospital: (213) 977-2911

To send us names of your friends and loved ones you want to honor at the event, email us at bicycles@goodsam.org

For reals this time.

2010-04-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't figure it out; April Fools. But what's funny about yesterday's post, at least to me, is that those lights are so bright that as I ride that strectch it's crossed my mind that the scenario I joked about could be possible.

I've been rocking a Planet Bike SuperFlash pretty much since they came out. It figures that the first light I've ever seen that would make me think twice would be from former Planet Bikers and current Portland Designer Workers. When I saw the new Portland Design Works Radbot 1000, I was in. It's twice as bright, it has a reflector and it makes coffee*. However, it wasn't available thru any of the distributors I had access to. Then, my SuperFlash flooded and they were gracious enough to offer me a replacement, even though it still worked when dry. Since I'm a sucker for good customer service, I decided that I needed to continue to support their product.

*not really

However, we started stocking the then available Radbot 500 and it was really an impressive light, and we couldn't keep them in stock. So, when the Radbot 1000 was finally available I couldn't help myself, and I justified it by the fact that I needed a light while I sent the SuperFlash back for replacement. And when the new SuperFlash came back, I could use it on my bag instead of the mildly-unimpressive-after-extensive-use Blackburn Flea I had. Dang, I'm sly.

So now, here I am. I have a SuperFlash Stealth on my bag and a Radbot 1000 on my bike (it uses the same mount as the Planet Bike even!).

I can honestly say that I don't remember ever having been afforded so much room by motorists as I have since these two lights started working together. I've been honked at less. I've had less close calls. I am more visible, from further away. Most of all, there is no doubt, NONE, that I am there. God forbid anything happen to me, I am confident that a lawyer would simply need to show a judge or jury these lights as proof that I did all I could to be seen on the road.

These lights make me safer. Being safe is worth almost any cost, but it is absolutely, without a doubt, worth the $60 in MSRP for these two lights. I would and do recommend either of these lights to anyone using any other light. They are an upgrade worth every penny.

Just released from prison with a teardrop tattoo.

2010-04-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

Not really. Last night, while trying to ride my bicycle home from work, I was detained and questioned for several hours by the LAX Airport police, agents from Homeland Security and representatives of the FAA. After an exhausting night, I've slept and regrouped enough to recount my night to my faithful readers.

My bicycle commute consists of two riding segments, and one train segment. One of the stations I use is the Metro Green Line Aviation Station, and to get to and from that station, I use Aviation Boulevard. For those of you who are not familiar, Aviation Blvd. literally passes thru LAX. It's a lightless, fenced corridor with the runways on one side and the empty space to allow planes a clear approach on the other. It's a truly fantastic ride, when you can time it just perfectly with a landing plane, which is aiming for a runway that begins only a couple hundred yards away.

However, this stretch of road is terrifying at night, as it is pitch black, windy and filled with airport shuttles and trucks transporting cargo to the facilities nearby. The #2 lane is substandard and potholed, forcing me to take the lane each night. I do it, but with fear.

That stretch of road is the reason I have a Road ID. That stretch of road is the reason I have a NiteRider MiNewt 200. That stretch of road is the reason I light up my back like a Xmas tree with a Planet Bike Superflash Stealth and a Portland Design Works Radbot 1000.

As it turns out that last one is a bad idea, because the road is that dark for a reason.

You see, when planes are landing they rely on instruments, and apparently the red lit beacons that are placed strategically on the runways and approaches. So when a pilot sees pulsing red lights, as bright as the beacons, maybe from a Planet Bike Superflash Stealth and a Portland Design Works Radbot 1000, moving slowly across the front of the runway, they notify the tower and ask what's up. Subsequently, the Airport Police find those lights and the bike they're attached to, detain its operator and call the FAA and Homeland Security.

So, I got to spend the night answering a thousand questions a thousand times about myself, my family, my beliefs, why I ride my bike, why I ride my bike there, where I bought my Planet Bike Superflash Stealth and a Portland Design Works Radbot 1000, where I'm from, why I moved here, etc. etc. until my release early this morning.

The end result of said questioning is that I am, in fact, not a terrorist who was attempting to bring down a commercial jet with my overly bright taillights and just a nutjob cyclist who wished not to be harmed by a motorist, and whom has been officially asked to use La Cienaga Blvd. to get past LAX from now on.

Goodbye iPhone; Hello Freedom.

2010-03-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

The other day, I was giving directions to a customer. The entire time I did so, I was met with a long sighs and eye rolls, as the place I was directing him to just seemed too far to deal with. It's not. It's exactly 3 miles away. I assured him that it wasn't far and wouldn't take long, but he didn't believe me. It's like, in another city even.

When I was done with him, he stayed in the store for a bit, making phones to friends and family, presumably saying goodbyes and letting them know he'd be out of cell service during his journey. Then he played with his phone for a few minutes to plot his course...

On the way out, my co-worker reiterated another option that would prevent him from needing to make this journey (that I provided before the directions) and he replied, "No thanks, I looked it up on my phone and it's not far away at all."

Let me just text this real quick: OMGSRSLY?

It reminded me of the Office episode where the GPS tells Michael to make a right turn, and he immediately turns into a lake.

Now, I had been talking to the guy for a bit before the directions even came up, and this guy was stupid. Like I-was-surprised-he-got-dressed-correctly-that-morning stupid. So maybe he just needs to reply on his phone in order to get thru life. But I can't help but wonder if he's stupid because he relies on his phone to get thru life. Chicken or the egg, right?

There's no motivation to know things anymore, you can look it up on the internet from your pocket. You don't need a sense of direction, there's Google Maps with GPS accuracy. You don't even need to talk to people anymore, just text! (don't forget though, that you'll be paying over $100 a month for the "convenience")

Well, I'm out.

I like paper. I like pens. I like books with pages. I like folding the pages just right and doing the Monday crossword puzzle. I like folding the pages just right and staring blankly at the Friday crossword puzzle. I like having time to myself and my thoughts. I like the sound of my friends' voices.

I've been guilty of all I now denounce, with my well-worn couple year old iPhone 2G. I know there's some definite convenience there that I'll miss, but since when is the most convenient way the best way? Did it really make my life better? We'll see. My new phone shipped today, and is super badass. All the pictures of it show construction workers wearing hardhats and drinking black coffee while sending texts about lumber. ::feels manly::

Luckily, I have company. My wife tossed her Blackberry tether and together our new phone bill will barely clear $100 TOGETHER. And my best friend in Milwaukee got the same phone I'm getting, so we'll be annoying across the country with the walkie talkie feature, which is just like texting only with voices.

So, now that you've read my crazy person rant, look in the upper right corner of your screen. Click the little X and then go outside and ride your bike or call your mother or read a book or something.

Congrats on a Dozen Years.

2010-03-11T14:29:00.000-08:00

About 10 years ago, when I was in college, my roommate got married and had invited all the guys he worked with at the bike shop (I worked at a different shop). I still vividly remember myself and that crew making our way thru the city via bicycle; from the eating spot in the Third Ward to the next drinking spot on the East Side. We even stopped at Bastille Days to grab a cigar.

We were sitting at a table on the patio, drinks in hand, when the rest of the guys showed up via automobile.

That was thanks to John, a messenger and part-time mechanic, who was leading our pack on his 70/80's Rainbow Jersey-made track frame. He was one of the founding members of Breakaway Bicycle Courier, who are celebrating their 12 year anniversary.

That will always be one of my favorite memories of cycling in Milwaukee.

Congrats gentlemen (and ladies), I'll be raising my pint to you.

Nau Contest

2010-03-11T12:28:00.000-08:00

Enter to win a really nice hoody here.

Really dug this photo edit...

2010-03-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

Got a new iPhone app called Lo-Mob, which is really fun to play with.