Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Song in the brain...

If you appreciate this kind of music this video is brilliant. If not, its funny or weird. Either way, enjoy.

more weekend...

Saturday was my day to host a Cyclebum brand bicycle adventure tour extravaganza.

But first, food...and for only me at the table...beer.

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Then, over to Jack and Adams for some shopping. It turns out, Shiner was having a sign-up event for the Shiner bash.

And wouldn't ya know, more beer!

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Next, over to the Austin Bike Zoo for Frankenbike.

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Quiz: Which company bought out the maker of this hub:

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Quiz: This dog wanted to see what a cyclebum tastes like (Yes/No)

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Then over to lance's museum...err...bike shop, Mellow Johnny's.

Here is the $12,000 bike often talked about

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Here is a really cool dura-ace TT brake.

Quiz: Name the type of brake

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So you want to see what Austin road cycling is about?

360 it is.

Via Rollingwood:
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Now that I had utilized my afternoon beer, time to re-up.

The people I was hangin' around with were non-cyclists and sport cyclists. It seems they got a real kick out of me riding downtown to drink instead of jumping in the car with my roommate. Truth is, I just like to leave when I want to leave. I must admit though, if was fun beating them to destinations.

My roommate and I suggested, errr demanded, we go to Gingerman.

We did. I had dogfish head and other stuff.

Then, things got strange.......but entertaining.

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Monday, March 30, 2009

Distilled Funk...

Was friday opposite day?

So after reading up on my blog list, it seems things were messier than I personally saw. Some say the cops are assaulting CM, and threatening light runners with insta-jail. Others say riders acted recklessly. Another hints, and perhaps the youtube video enforces, that this last CM may be the beginning of escalating police presence at future CMs.

As far as the red lights go. Riding in CM has its risks. You should be aware that riding in it does not immune you from a personal assault and/or law troubles.

Hows this for an idea. Actually obey the lights? If you've ever driven in a caravan you know you just have to sloooooow down and everyone will get back together.

At the very least, it will trip out the coppers and drivers. For me, that's worth it.

I saw this happen in London.

Or we can do what we do and accept the risks.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Critical Mass

Rumors and accounts that I have heard about critical mass appear to be out of date, or greatly exaggerated.

Now.

Meet Mr. Frontosa, my roomate's BFF.......well....for 25 years at most.

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Ok. Back to our regularly scheduled program.

So ya, I had a good time.

The crowd was a good mix.

The attitude was non-confrontational, but still empowered.

I think I've seen more aggression at a full moon ride actually.

The corking is still a touchy subject for me, and I have no absolute view.

I mean, if we stay together and approach cautiously, there would be no need for it.

I will be going again.

My contribution to the gangsta theme: Doggystyle album cover shirt

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Collecting on the west mall:

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And we are off:

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Round-a-bout Action!



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Break time:

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Capital:

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This legend will be in Austin soon.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Critical Mass

I have been cyclebumming it for about 5 years here. I remember back when I first started, I was rummaging around the interwebz for Austin cycling events. I read about CM action here in the late 90's and went one Friday to see if it was still running. No one showed up.

Now here we are. It is my understanding that there are hundreds of humans, and a few unidentifiable critters, that show up for this thang.

I have, in private discussion, criticized what I assume to be happening on these rides.

I confess.

I've had a prejudice against CM.

Today I will give it a fair shake.

Ganked (since borrowing would be against the spirit of the theme) from ATXBS:

A new ride....

A new ride has popped up. In fact, a new ride-call hub has popped up.

Social Cycling ATX

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=56122823659&ref=ts

Last night was their first facebook-organized ride.

I see a lot of promise in the Thursday evening ride.

I think that it focuses on a niche that is kinda underrepresented. Rides round these parts can be either heavy on sport or fashion, but this one was heavy on nothing. Just a old fashion chill ride that starts at a time friendly to working folk.

On top of that, the idea is for the people to create their own rides for their own niche.

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