Fresh and Clean

Today I had a dentist appointment on the other side of town. Actually the office is right close to where I used to live, so I was able to ride some of my old commute route. I was fun to do it again. I hadn't ridden my bike on that route since I've moved and I remember just why it was that I rode every single day, regardless of the weather. Very beautiful for being in the middle of town.
Good news on the tooth side. I'd missed the my dentist appointments for the past 2 1/2 years, and the doc said everything looks really really good and no cavities or anything to worry about. I was glad to hear this. I hate the feeling after they freeze your brains out. Drooling, mumbling speech. Not fun. Especially when your job requires copious amounts of time on the phone.

Lost it

After close to a month not riding to work, the ride today almost killed me. I've been riding a little hear and there, but nothing more than a few miles. You really lose the base you build up when you don't ride much. Time was still only 1hr 47min for the 26 miles, but I was crying up the hills. Taking too many stop breaks. Not breaks for photos or water, just breaks to stop pedaling for a few seconds. Shame shame shame.

Oh well, just need to pick up me britches and ride more. Easy problem to solve.

Sequoia is feeling so so great though with that sky-rise Nitto stem. When I installed them I had to put new brake cables on, and I trimmed them to match the stem at full extension. I can always go lower with it, and I'd be covered if I like it nice and high. So far,I like it nice and high. No sore neck, no sore wrists, just a comfortable touring ride.

So many bikes, so little cash

Well, I should first start of by saying it's not like I'm broke. I've got a decent job and have been very fortunate.

The problem I have is that I have this never ending obsession with owning new and different bicycles. I want to try them all. To test them. You can't get to know a bike and how it feels in a bike shop or even on a short test ride.

The other problem is that my taste in bikes is probably like most anyone who would be reading this. Not BSOs that can be had for $199 at Walmart. I'm talking a decent "budget" bike that run $1K or more. Face it, any decent bike that has any components worth speaking of is going to set you back at least one g-note. That figure by some standards is cheap. I could very easily list 10 bikes in my memory I've seen that are over $3K and have seen some sub 15lb machines that run you up in the 10 to 15 K range.

So really, my bikes are cheap aren't they? That problem with the wanting to try them all comes into play here. I would say I've spent around $7K on bicycles in the last 3 years. The problem is, I could quite easily spend $7K more in the next 3 years buying bicycles that are very different and I genuinely think would be so different to the point of justifying keeping the bikes I have now and getting the $7K worth of new ones. They're all different and fill a different niche.

Here's a few questions I'd like to put out there.

1. Do you or would you sell bikes that you currently have that you like, but don't "love" to finance the purchase of new bikes that you're curious about. I mean very curious about.
2. Have you found a bike that you absolutely would hate to get rid of.
3. Do you think you ever could find that just one bike that you think might work for every area of your riding?
4. If so, what bike and why.

I knew a guy I used to motorbike with who changed out his ride at least twice a year. Here in Calgary with such a short riding season, that's often! He would just buy a bike, ride it, make some notes, tweak it mildly and then move on to the next one. His wife always commented that after 23 years of marriage, she's just glad he feels that way about motorbikes, not her.

Part of it is contentment also isn't it? I think it's incredibly important to be happy with what you have. If you are not, you will forever be lacking, because you will never have it all. No one will ever have it all.

I'm getting very close to finding a bike that I absolutely would hate to get rid of and I think it's my sequoia. I still need to put many more miles on it and I've only had it about 2 months, but so far, it just feels so good. It almost feels so good that I don't need a recumbent. The recumbent feels so good too. I wish I could just take 1 month off of work and ride my bikes all day, everyday. I think by the end of that month, and day and after day comparison, I'd have a clear mind.

In fact, I'd probably decide I need to keep them both, and just buy another bike.

Boy, that's swell

I kind of wish they still talked like this in advertising material.

My Next Bike?

Soon I hope.

Rodeos like Xctracycles & Xtracycles like Rodeos

It's here. The rodeo in big R. Fireworks just ended, the mayhem ensues.

I've gotten some interesting looks on the extra tonight. First while my oldest and I went for a zip to pick up some Chinese food for diner. But, I must say, the Xtra is perfect for something like this. I don't have a stoker handle bar for my little helper, but he was just fine holding on to the seat post for the short distance we had. The old cardboard tray (I wonder if the restauraunt is trying to be a little greener - no more plastic bags) with our order, fit just great in the freeloaders.

My oldest waiting for the photos to be over. Anxiously awaiting the delicious food that is handled so nicely by them there feeloaders.

Second task; pick up all of the admission wrist bands and the float for opening the gate tomorrow morning. I walked over to get it, and had no idea I would also need to pick up the box full of programs and a several boxes of wrist bands along with a rather chunky home-made cashiers box with $600 spankies inside. I walked back home, grabbed the Xtra, and made easy work of the task at hand.

Free loaders loaded up with paper. Not a light load by any mean, but very well handled.

This bike just fills a void left by almost any other bike, and it has such an incredibly wide range of uses/errands/deployments, you always seem to be finding new tasks to use it for.



If you don't own one of these Xtracycle rigs, I highly suggest you get one. You'll be amazed at how much you'll use it, and how incredibly easy it make a difficult task on bike or foot, easy.

Back in the Day

Our little town (actually it's classified as a village) has a pretty neat history. Some of the key family's have celebrated more than 100 years in Rockyford. With the Rodeo coming up this weekend (I'll be working the admission gate) I thought I'd see what I can find out on ye ole interweb about this little shin-dig. I immediately was distracted by an interesting site with old pictures from all over Canada. Many pages of pictures from Rockyford alone! This one in particular stood out to me. Harwood motors in 1934. Notice the bicycle? Notice the jokesters filling it up with gas? Not much has changed. Lots of folks ride around in the summer, and most of the men in town (at least the ones that share with me Lion's membership) are always looking for a good laugh. I guess it's just part of our heritage. I love this little town.

Alex's Cycle Truck

Alex Wetmore has a great blog to chronicle his bikes and bike related builds. Mostly I've been studying all of the racks he builds up, hoping to glean some tips for my growing interest in building racks. His latest project is really quite amazing. Photo album of the build is here.

He built up this cycle truck from an old bike. Man this thing looks good. With his basement lathe and brazing equipment, I'm amazed at the quality of stuff that he produces. I just wish I live closer to him to pick his brain. He's even getting involved with other local Seattle frame builders to hold groups meetings/discussion on all things bike building. Man it'd be cool to sit in on one of those sessions.

If you're interested in rack building, I suggest you check out his site. He's made it quite easy to navigate and has a whole series of posts with some of the how-to's of brazing including tools, techniques and tips.

Thanks for your great work Alex! Most appreciated.

iBeer

Now the that the iPhone is finally available in Canada, I'm seriously temped to snatch one up. Especially after seeing this application that is available. iBeer. Isn't that just handy dandy.

Bout time I got around to it

Finally got porter up on FGG. Check it.

Celebrate Life

I love having a little girly girl!My hands, her feet. She is precious.

1965 Rambler Malin For Sale

Also for Doug to enjoy more pics. Thanks for the nice words about the car Doug.

Email me if you might be interested in the car. (thought it might be worth a try here?)

Cheers.

Sun, Salsa and an old car

This past weekend was a great one. Spend the whole thing just hanging out with my family at various events. Love those kind of weekends. First, I put my 1965 Rambler Marlin in the Strathmore Fun Runners Show and Shine. My car isn't a hot rod or an incredible show car, but it is quite rare and a great driver. I figured this thing should be seen and enjoyed. Those who are automobile enthusiasts really enjoyed seeing the car and I was shocked to see people starring in the windows for several minutes, pointing out this and that. I even saw a few give me a vote for the best of the 60s. Didn't win, nor did I even think I would. I was just there for fun.

I also slapped a for sale sign on the car. I figured if there was a place to get some exposure, it was at a car show. I simply don't have time for this car, nor am I a hard-core Rambler/AMC guy. I've always wanted a classic car, and in a long sort of way, just kind of came into this car. After 3 years of not driving it enough, I thought I'd see if there was some interest out there. So far there's a bit. I think I'm gong to need to find someone who absolutely loves Ramblers and is looking specifically for a Marlin. There are less than 6000 of them still around today, so it's not like an old impala or something.

I ended up parking my car, walking around and checking out the others, and then took the boys fishing. The show was in a park in Strathmore that has a lake that is stocked with trout. We didnt' catch anything, but we had fun.

Sunday after church we headed to the Sun and Salsa festival as I mentioned earlier. Great weather. Hot, hot and not a cloud in the sky. Heaps of great Salsa to be had, unfortunately, we didn't get too much tasting in. The crowds were insane, and I really, really hate large crowds of people. That has something to do with our decision to move to a town of around 300 people. Not many large crowds where I'm from.
own Salsa. I hope to give round 1 a go the next evening or so.

Drove the Marlin to work again this morning and man does this thing get attention. A quick stop at Tim Hortons can turn into a mini history lesson in American Automobile History very quickly. And it's not my doing. I just answer the questions that are thrown out there. Good fun though.

BTW, the trunk would fit a Tikit quite nicely.

Business Travel

Flight over Texas Waiting for a shuttle at FLL
Still waiting for a Shuttle at FLL
I need a bike friday!

Gettin all Nitto with it

I've really enjoyed my Specialized Sequoia I recently purchased from Pat. Great tube set, great geometry and the drive train and brakes are tight. I was very surprised with how great this was, being as I was buying it second hand. One always thinks things must be worn out, brakes not graby, drive train not shifty. Not the case with this ride. Everything works and feels like I think it probably did coming off the showroom floor. I bought several brand new bikes, and this one feels just as good as any of those. The only thing I've wanted to change was the stem. I think this frame is a little on the small size for me, but somehow it seems to be working out. Even if a bike looks small (based on seat post and stem extension) if it feels right, it's right. Right?
I had an old Nitto Technomic stem kickin in the parts bin for a while. Problem was it was for a 25.4 handlebar, and the other 4 decent drop bars in my parts bin were 26. Until I remembered a bike my neighbour brought over for me out of the county dump/transfer station. I also remembered that it was actually a nice vintage Nitto bar. Could it possibly be a 25.4? That would be too sweet. Too sweet it was! I was actually thinking of buying the Nitto Noodle bar which while holding in my hands were very comfy, sure they would be on the bike also. But, this one seems alright. Undamaged and in great shape.
Slap on the lovely cork tape (I've always loved the look of khaki bar tape) that Cornell gave me with the bike, and I think I'm in business. I rode it around last night for a wee little bit and this feel ridiculously comfortable. Down on the drops would be comfy for and extended period of time, riding the hoods is nice and relaxed and up on top of the bars feels a bit cruiser like, perfect for simply taking in the scenery. I might end up sliding the stem down a little, but I thought I should start out as high as possible when installing the new brake lines.
My thinking is changing a lot as I ride more. I've adopted the Rivendell philosophy of bicycle fit and I'm quite enjoying it. I'm not a racer, I don't even do club rides. Most of my riding is done on a long commute, and every now and then I'll head out for a rec ride mostly to take pictures and enjoy being outside. My bikes are starting to reflect that. I sold my Allez. Bought this steel bike, and love commuting on my recumbent. Still have a thing for fixies. That bike is very comfy too. I think that more people would cycle if there were more bikes like my sequoia available from bike shops. I really don't get a kick out of my LBS anymore and generally only make a stop there when I need a part or accessories. To find bikes more like this, it's either search classifieds to find a decent version, or roll out the doe on the Internet. Steel is real, and feels great. Just as a bike should.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Well, I’ve had this ole 2 stroke bike motor kicken around the garage for a few years and thought I might as well give it a go. I was cleaning out the garage last week and found a frame I’d been saving up in my rafters that I thought would be a perfect candidate for the little put put.

Mounted it all up and tried my darndest to get the thing to fire. No luck. I’ve rebuilt many many 2 stroke engines in my days, dirt bikes, weedwackers, you name it, and sure I could have given this one some love, but I don’t think it’s worth it anymore. If I had nothing to do and wanted to learn about these things, I might. I already know how to do it and how they work.

I was getting plenty of spark, but no gas into the cylinder. I think that the reed valve was stuck closed. Probably from this thing sitting around for 5 or so years. So, scratch that idea. Besides, why on earth would a cyclist want a motor on his bicycle anyway? Maybe a crazy cargo bike or something, but a 10 speed? Seems stupid to me. I’m glad it didn’t work. I think this bike might be better suited to build up as a fixed or SS for someone who needs one.

Use yer legs, ride yer bike!

I'm all over it.

Salsa festival. How can one say no?

DIY Camera Bike Mount

Photojojo (the greatest photo newsletter) just put up this little ditty that was kind of cool. Easy enough to figure out on your own, but nice to have the how to. I've got all the stuff kicking around my garage, might have to give it a try.

Organic Hybrid V1

DG has a little post about some work he's doing with an Xtracycle and a gas engine. It should be interesting to find out everything that he has done and hear how it works. Pics and more info here.

NSRBR

Cross Canada on two (motorized) wheels

This picture was taken leaving my Dad's farm. Note the Bike Entry to his farm? Bike nut for sure. My Dad on his HD far right.

My Dad is on a trip across Canada right now on his bike. No, don't get too inspired, it's a Harley. He is making the trip with 3 of his friends and you can read all about it here.

My Dad is the only gent riding a Harley, there are a few beamers and a Goldwing, but it looks like it would be a great trip. They are really making time to get far east, spend some time there touring and them head back west via the Northern US. Ride safe Dad and have fun!

Like Father, Like Son

My boy is getting into bikes and loves riding as much as I do it seems. He recently discovered the front rack on my snow bike, and I was blown away by how many times he kept wanting to go on the triails. I wondered if he would even be able to hold on, let alone want to stay on for periods upward of 45 minutes! We found a little loop by our camp ground, and I think we did it about 15 times, each time ending with him saying, "Can we go again Daddy?" What a great time, for him and for me.

Rack Building

I've decided to try my hand at rack building. I've always wanted something for my fixie, but the bike is so clean looking, I couldn't bring myself to slapping on any old rack. Nothing was worthy of this stead. Until, I built one.

hot off the press (not that hot, I am holding it)

Brazing is actually not that difficult. I had to dig back in my memory to my trade school days, where they tried to teach us the theory on brazing. Later in the class we were supposed to braze a few joints in some pipe, but I ended up spending my time rebuilding axial flow compressors. I digress.

Long story short, I wanted to build something small, light (the bike is incredibly light and I'd hate to give that up) and that was almost unnoticeable when there was nothing on it. I still wanted my fixie to be a fixie. Clean. Simple.

This picture shows what the location of the panniers ends up being. Just a nice amount of heal clearance for my size 11s.

I painted it to match the rest of the bike, and I think it does a good job of blending in. Can't wait to ride this to work and see how she stands up.

I plan on building a few more racks. After that, I'll try a portier front rack. Something I've always wanted. For that I'll also need a new bike project to mount it to. Always searching.....

Cheers.

Gravel Bike

Up and built a little project bike. One I've had kicken around for quite some time now. Frame actually came back to me after I gave it away about a year ago. My neighbour found it in the dump, and knowing that I'm a bike nut, decided he'd bring it to me. Fancy that. I gave this bike to a friend of mine and was quite hesitant to do so. He's since moved away and the bike came back to me.

Simple concept. Steel (cheap crappy steel though) 27" wheels, vintage Nitto Bar, Shimano 600 12 speed drive train (also vintage obviously) and a tune up.

Runs nice. Drive train is in incredible condition. I don't think this bike has ever been stored outside. The saddle is even in great condition, and for only the dial in rides, quite comfortable so far.

I live on a gravel road. The roads in the town that I live in are all gravel, except for two. I've got about a block of gravel and then I'm on the black top heading out to the highway. But, I've also got miles upon miles of gravel roads that all go to somewhere. Where? I don't know, but I intend to find out. On this bike. If this doesn't work our, I've always got my pink bike which would be well suited, but I thought if I actually have a few gears, I could actually make good time on the gravel. We'll see. Maybe it should be done SS.

I think the fenders are going to have to come off. I can only imagine how quick I'll get sick of hearing rocks rolling up and along the fender.

The other nice thing with this bike, is I don't care what happens to it. I've it gets beat up, run over (sans me) or stolen, I could care less. Something that makes sense for gravel.

A baby is God's opinion that life should go on

One of my favorite quotes of all time. No clue who first said it. I am so proud to be the father of a little girl now. My daughter, and third wonderful child, was born early in the morning on Saturday.
Busy busy now, but full of love, live and laughter. Life is So Good!