The Little Things

Today!

Hey Denverites, If you happen to be near the Flagship REI store between 10 and 2pm today, look for the Bike Depot booth, strategically located between the main entrance and that spot where you have to walk to get from the bike path to Starbucks. Yep, we're crafty that way.

The Bike Depot is the place in Denver to do it yourself!  Take a class, donate an old bike or parts, bring your bike in during Fix-Your-Bike hours and have full access to a real live bike shop to make your own repairs and improvements.  Been wanting to build up your dream bike?  The Depot is the place!  Used parts galore and access to every hot new line of goods you can imagine! 

Best part of it all, your contribution to the Depot (bikes, money, membership, volunteer time, spirit) all goes to support access to bikes, bike education and healthy living alternatives for those less fortunate.  The Depot distributes hundreds of bikes each year, with education on how to maintain the bike and ride safely, to people of all ages who otherwise wouldn't have access to a bike.

The Bike Depot
2825 Fairfax
Denver
303-393-1963

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In other news, the Swoopy Mixte is on the Mixte Gallery today!  Go check it out....

Getting Closer

I've made a few decisions on what is to become of Irene Fenderbottom, the ridiculously comfortable mixte.  Since the Swoopy One is going to live with my  mother and enjoy hours of riding with her and because Mrs. Gale went to a new home, Irene's getting a make over. 

Here are the plans, thus far, and subject to change....hourly.

1. I'm building new wheels - 650b's.  Her original 27" steel wheels are as true as they can get and they don't stop in the rain worth a darn.  I've done all the measuring and testing and even put The Swoopy One's 650b's on her for a spin.  It's going to work wonderfully.  I already have a pair of VO fluted fenders which will work with the 650b wheels.

2. She's getting a two-speed kickback hub.  I really like the look of her as a single speed but would love a little versatility.  With Sturmey Archer's new S2C, released last year and getting some fun praise, I figured, what the heck!  I can keep the nice clean look of a single speed with just a touch of versatility.

3. She's getting a powder coat.  I know some purists would look at her and wonder how dare I, her paint looks great.  Well, I 'm simply not a fan of her in white.  The only reason I held on to Mrs. Gale so long even though she wasn't comfortable for me was because I loved her looks.  The only reason I don't ride Irene very often is because of her looks.  Vain?  Sure.

This leaves two undecided issues, the color and to coaster brake or not to coaster brake.  I'm going to borrow a bike with a coaster brake this week so I can get a feel for riding one again.  I mean, it's been 35 years....maybe more! 

On color, I'm seriously considering recreating the highly metallic silverish blue of Mrs. Gale fame.  Either than or a deep dark navy blue.  I'll likely decide while at the powder coater.

I'll likely order the wheel makin's this week, once I decide on a hub.  And since it supposed to be pretty rainy a couple of days later in the week I'll drive to work one day and take some time over the lunch hour to take the frame in.

All that said, I'm open to other suggestions.  Bring them on!

These...

Are now on this...

Of course its been raining much of the day so I only got to swing around the block a couple of times to test her out but I could tell immediately that she's going to ride much better.  It's amazing what a worn out drive train will do to performance. 

This Ain't Your Mama's School Fundraiser

The last two weekends have been spent at my kids' schools major fundraisers. Thankfully, our schools are awesome and there aren't any carnivals or silent auctions.  We prefer live music.

Kids kickin' it to one of the many bands at Tellerpalooza, hosted by the Mercury Cafe.  This year's line up included Monroe Monroe, Judge Roughneck, The Heyday, Petals of Spain and Earmark Saints

And today was Stedman Elementary's Bones and Tones, hosted by Quixote's True Blue.  The Baker did BBQ for the masses and we were treated to the musical stylings of Evergreen Hum, The Jazz Lady, The Two Late Bluegrass Band, Roots Rock and Cellar Door

Thanks to all who played, danced, drank, ate and had fun!

Sping is Springing

I should be pushing it up Left Hand Canyon with my Bike Depot century teammates this morning but instead I'm sitting here with B2 watching old episodes of Pink Panther and gazing out the window at the tulips. 

I'm still having some knee issues from my last hill climb. I know mountain riding isn't my thing and each time I try it, that fact is confirmed. 

I'll stick to the flatter rides, like this simple jaunt up the Platte Trail a few weeks ago.