Thursday, February 25, 2010
Whatever Happened to Old Fashioned Bike Gangs?
No I'm not insinuating to go out to collect a bunch of hoodlums to create a gang. I'm talking about a group of riders who would plan days ahead to go out on a weekend to just venture out (or in) of the city. We leave our cell phones behind, we leave our worries behind, all we bring is a water bottle and the foreshadowing satisfaction of an adventure. Ride into areas you haven't been before, go down mountains you've never descended on, ride up mountains you never believed you could ascend. Forget everything we know, for one day let our wheels and pedals think for us.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Chains for Fools
Has anyone seen the funky Spot Brand Bikes popping up all over town? You may be asking whose Spot, and what makes their bikes better than the big cats in the game. Spot Bicycles, located out of Golden, Colorado, has stumbled upon a wild technology and now Trek is starting to copy their lead.
The company emerged in 1997, adamantly committed to the single-speed mountain bike. Their single-speed mindset has led Spot, in collaboration with the Gates Company, to develop a chainless technology which stands to revolutionize the bicycle, and make a real splash on the single speed scene. Instead of the traditional chain, Spot utilizes a patented Poly Chain Carbon Belt Drive. The fifty-five gram belt, never needs oil and performs great in adverse conditions like rain, snow, and mud. As all riders know, the steel chain doesn’t always rock out in the mud; and in Colorado you never know when the sky will open and your dusty trail morphs into a swamp.
I recently tried out the Spot Longboard (yes the bikes name is Longboard), and I had a Zen like experience. Ripping trails causes some serious chain slap, but when riding the Longboard the only noise you here is your 29inch tires floating over the rocks and sand. I usually ride mountain bikes with at least twenty one gears, but the efficiency of the Longboard may be changing my mind. The hydraulics disk breaks stop on a dime, and the front suspension provides a confident pop through technical downhill. The true temper steel frames offers a light frame with a reassuring stability. The Longboard ensures a smile, and at the end of the day you just hose down the belt.
Further more, Spot Brand Bikes is a local company, and passionate about the Front Range bicycle community. Unlike Trek, Giant, and Mongoose, Spot is proud to declare each bike hand welded inside the states. Riding a bike keeps your footprint down, and when the manufacturing takes place right down the road you can feel good about your bikes birthplace. Spot also offers custom paint jobs; paying close attention to detail every paint job transforms the bike into a work of art.
The company also partners with Oskar Blues Brewery to put on some fun ride events. They even have their own Bicycle Bar in Golden, which mingles them into the Colorado micro-brew scene. It’s great to see Spot Brand Bikes growing, and as you look around town, I bet you start to notice the belt drive silently coasting along.
The company emerged in 1997, adamantly committed to the single-speed mountain bike. Their single-speed mindset has led Spot, in collaboration with the Gates Company, to develop a chainless technology which stands to revolutionize the bicycle, and make a real splash on the single speed scene. Instead of the traditional chain, Spot utilizes a patented Poly Chain Carbon Belt Drive. The fifty-five gram belt, never needs oil and performs great in adverse conditions like rain, snow, and mud. As all riders know, the steel chain doesn’t always rock out in the mud; and in Colorado you never know when the sky will open and your dusty trail morphs into a swamp.
I recently tried out the Spot Longboard (yes the bikes name is Longboard), and I had a Zen like experience. Ripping trails causes some serious chain slap, but when riding the Longboard the only noise you here is your 29inch tires floating over the rocks and sand. I usually ride mountain bikes with at least twenty one gears, but the efficiency of the Longboard may be changing my mind. The hydraulics disk breaks stop on a dime, and the front suspension provides a confident pop through technical downhill. The true temper steel frames offers a light frame with a reassuring stability. The Longboard ensures a smile, and at the end of the day you just hose down the belt.
Further more, Spot Brand Bikes is a local company, and passionate about the Front Range bicycle community. Unlike Trek, Giant, and Mongoose, Spot is proud to declare each bike hand welded inside the states. Riding a bike keeps your footprint down, and when the manufacturing takes place right down the road you can feel good about your bikes birthplace. Spot also offers custom paint jobs; paying close attention to detail every paint job transforms the bike into a work of art.
The company also partners with Oskar Blues Brewery to put on some fun ride events. They even have their own Bicycle Bar in Golden, which mingles them into the Colorado micro-brew scene. It’s great to see Spot Brand Bikes growing, and as you look around town, I bet you start to notice the belt drive silently coasting along.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Awesome+Awesome=Awesomer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS_0puMJ1gQ
You may think it's real, you may think it's fake but surely enough it's awesome. Imagine riding as fast as traffic on the freeway! Speeds range from 55-75mph, going that fast is practically impossible but who says we can't dream? I think the fastest I've gone or heard of anyone going was in the rage of 35-40 mph give or take. I just can't imagine going any faster unless you want the skin on your face folding back. How fast have you gone? Please share.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Facts are Straight
http://www.bhsi.org/stats.htm
These costs are direct my friends. We can avoid a lot of trouble by simply wearing a helmet. Helmets make you look prettier or more handsome. In fact I think it's the new fashion thing. If you think you look weird or nerdy wearing one, you don't. No one cares what kind of helmet you are wearing. Does it matter anyways? You pass them within a matter of seconds. If you ride consistently you have a higher chance of getting into an accident.
Forget new school clothes, get a new sexy helmet and kill two birds with one stone.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Down The Rabbit Hole
Check out the article: http://www.dailycamera.com/archivesearch/ci_14325910?IADID=Search-www.dailycamera.com-www.dailycamera.com
Impressionistic, broad gestures, pastoral colors, these terms describe the recent exhibition of oil painter Mike Brouse, yet his whimsical representation of the bicycle creates a space which leads us Down the Rabbit Hole. Unfortunately, I have yet to experience the work in person, though I’m instantly struck by the local artists’ ability to capture innocence. The bicycle connects us to our childhood, a time we often forget and seldom revisit.
The paintings cleverly exclude the rider, leaving us to confront the bicycle. The images originate from photographs of bikes scene around Boulder and primarily include classic road bikes and old single speeds. These bikes transport me to a location where worries dissolve and simplicity rules. I recognize the artist’s intentions may be otherwise, yet as a critical examiner of the fine arts, I must say that’s where Brouse’s work takes me.
Brouse also committed 10 percent of his earnings to World Bicycle Relief, an organization I’ve mentioned before, working to distribute bicycles around the world to less fortunate riders. The generous donation comes from a person clearly invested in seeing the promotion of the two wheel world. Artists typically get pinched by galleries, and to take another cut shows serious compassion.
Bicycles dominate Boulder’s vernacular, a staple in our regional identity. I appreciate Mike Brouse for reminding us of our special community. So if you find yourself riding down Pine Street, stop in the St. John’s Art Gallery and take a trip down the rabbit hole.
Impressionistic, broad gestures, pastoral colors, these terms describe the recent exhibition of oil painter Mike Brouse, yet his whimsical representation of the bicycle creates a space which leads us Down the Rabbit Hole. Unfortunately, I have yet to experience the work in person, though I’m instantly struck by the local artists’ ability to capture innocence. The bicycle connects us to our childhood, a time we often forget and seldom revisit.
The paintings cleverly exclude the rider, leaving us to confront the bicycle. The images originate from photographs of bikes scene around Boulder and primarily include classic road bikes and old single speeds. These bikes transport me to a location where worries dissolve and simplicity rules. I recognize the artist’s intentions may be otherwise, yet as a critical examiner of the fine arts, I must say that’s where Brouse’s work takes me.
Brouse also committed 10 percent of his earnings to World Bicycle Relief, an organization I’ve mentioned before, working to distribute bicycles around the world to less fortunate riders. The generous donation comes from a person clearly invested in seeing the promotion of the two wheel world. Artists typically get pinched by galleries, and to take another cut shows serious compassion.
Bicycles dominate Boulder’s vernacular, a staple in our regional identity. I appreciate Mike Brouse for reminding us of our special community. So if you find yourself riding down Pine Street, stop in the St. John’s Art Gallery and take a trip down the rabbit hole.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
It's good we don't have 4 arms
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/3015757321_12d5c4ca6c.jpg
What would you do with four arms? Would you stir your coffee while talking on the phone when you answer the door to give your friend a high five? I'm these things popped up first when you thought of it. Isn't it good we don't have more than two arms? We already multi-task while doing everything else, it wouldn't help if we did it while riding. I always leave everything behind me when I ride; worries, stress, electronics, etc. You might disagree, but if you do; what would you do with four arms?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
An Extra Two
I routinely scour Boulder’s Craigslist seeking the perfect bicycle trailer. My eyes have crossed the paths of several worthy candidates, but every deal has all gone pear shaped. Although I’m never one to force a purchase, as I ride the trails I’m beginning to envy trailer riders and their extra wide turns.
The free-spirit in me has always seen the trailer as liberating, an extension of the body prompting long trips and adventures. The two wheels gliding behind the bike may also serve to haul groceries, books, or other bicycles. I even once saw a fellow Fort Collins rider transplanting their uprooted garden across town via bike trailer. The trailer opens many doors and helps eliminate the excuse that you need to use a car.
The kids also love the trailer, yet I’m not sure certain parents should be allowed to zip across town rattling their babies to sleep. I’m not against the baby buggy, and I’m sure one day my tikes will be strapped inside one, but does anyone wonder about shaken baby syndrome. A casual cruise seems fine, but when parents “Lance Armstrong” with their children holding on for dear life, I begin to pray for our youth.
On the other end, my favorite local contraption goes to the devoted elderly couple who use an unconventional tandem as a means of rehabilitation therapy. The bike has five wheels, two seats, and three handle bars, a true marvel of engineering. The husband sits up front and controlling the bike while his wife, in a recliner seat, pedals to the rhythm of a fixed gear system. The bike/couple always makes me smile, and reminds us that no one ever grows too old to get out and enjoy life, especially on a bicycle.
The free-spirit in me has always seen the trailer as liberating, an extension of the body prompting long trips and adventures. The two wheels gliding behind the bike may also serve to haul groceries, books, or other bicycles. I even once saw a fellow Fort Collins rider transplanting their uprooted garden across town via bike trailer. The trailer opens many doors and helps eliminate the excuse that you need to use a car.
The kids also love the trailer, yet I’m not sure certain parents should be allowed to zip across town rattling their babies to sleep. I’m not against the baby buggy, and I’m sure one day my tikes will be strapped inside one, but does anyone wonder about shaken baby syndrome. A casual cruise seems fine, but when parents “Lance Armstrong” with their children holding on for dear life, I begin to pray for our youth.
On the other end, my favorite local contraption goes to the devoted elderly couple who use an unconventional tandem as a means of rehabilitation therapy. The bike has five wheels, two seats, and three handle bars, a true marvel of engineering. The husband sits up front and controlling the bike while his wife, in a recliner seat, pedals to the rhythm of a fixed gear system. The bike/couple always makes me smile, and reminds us that no one ever grows too old to get out and enjoy life, especially on a bicycle.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Cirque de Bicycle?
Recently I visited a friend in Fort Collins. We were walking downtown when suddenly I noticed them. The "tall bikes". They were locked next to sign posts at lease six feet or higher, and almost looked like some kind of modern day penny farthing. After inquiring as to how they came about, I discovered that they are a recently acquired hobby of a handful of engineering students at CSU. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a member of Fort Collins' aptly-named "High Society" dismount: he rode right up to a light post, hit the brakes, chained up and slid down fireman style. I asked him how to get going on one of those things.
He said, "Well, they're kind of like horses. You just run along side of the thing and step up on it while it's moving. Or you can climb up the light post and get on, but it's easy to fall down that way,". He took off, ten feet up in the air.
While I realize this is the unofficial guide to biking in Boulder, I still have to admit some jealousy over this new trend. Where are our Tall Bikes? Where is the culture? With the "fixie" losing some of it's originality, (now available pre-assembled in nearly every bike shop in Boulder...so much for "one's trash is another's fixie") I have to admit to having the desire to admire some more do-it-yourself home-welders.
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