tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806289850469973772011-08-01T10:50:05.388-07:00cycling advocacy and one-upsmanship in EugeneAlexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.comBlogger1801100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-40474862923179746122010-10-28T23:25:00.000-07:002010-10-28T23:28:11.276-07:00

Showed this to some friends after dinner and one said, "what is this called?" and I had to answer, "huh?" He clarified, "how do I find this online?" and I had to answer, "Oh, it's not. This is just on my computer."So I posted it. And this one, too.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-20335713271881142382010-09-15T23:29:00.000-07:002010-09-15T23:37:35.852-07:00

Documented my sweetheart's first experience traveling by bicycle on film.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-80987662089385126672010-05-17T12:36:00.000-07:002010-05-17T12:47:31.389-07:00

New spokes for Blaise's 48-inch Kennedy wheel came in last Monday. Here's a little time-lapse from the iMac at the shop in the OP Barn. We relaced all the trailing spokes so there was actually a cross in the pattern, put spoke prep in every nipple, and trued and tensioned it up as best as we could. There was still a pretty bad hop in it because the spokes were made out of questionable steel and

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-11600582142766812702010-05-12T18:25:00.000-07:002010-05-12T18:32:27.894-07:00

Spent the weekend tying things up and then tearing them apart with the Rock The Bike crew for the Willamette Valley Music fest. I'm trying to catch up on school now, so I'll refer y'all to coverage from We Bike Eugene and Rock The Bike. Also check out their respective flickr streams.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-38636323431430859512010-05-09T21:58:00.000-07:002010-05-09T21:59:34.245-07:00

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-18361135970799945912010-04-25T20:52:00.000-07:002010-04-25T20:55:49.881-07:00

Finished my first photo project for the term last week. There's bikes and stuff in it.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-9685974612345742152010-03-28T16:31:00.000-07:002010-03-29T08:34:32.441-07:00

Saw this on UV today:I had always wondered what would happen if Wally World used their epic subsidization resources to make a somewhat practical commuter bike. From the picture, it appears to have a three-piece bottom bracket, track ends, and metal pedals. So what if it’s made in a sweatshop with cheap aluminum; at least it’s displacing the typical “QUADRUPLE SUSPENSION BAJILLION SPEED”

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-73861613640969896792010-03-28T13:30:00.000-07:002010-03-28T14:02:38.693-07:00

I finally developed and scanned the only roll of film I shot on the NY-LA ride. With a really fun piece on Eugene polo still on the back-burner, I figured I ought to post SOMETHING for the month of March. So:Red, meat.Diner in Georgia.Roy leads the pack through town.Tyler gets excited about camping.Socks.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-62446341463800557122010-02-13T15:26:00.001-08:002010-02-13T15:27:41.299-08:00

Pretty sloppy little HDR pano of the court last Friday. See it as a QTVR here.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-75946450959024318342010-02-04T15:56:00.000-08:002010-02-04T16:01:07.845-08:00

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-31297539146614937392010-01-26T11:35:00.000-08:002010-01-26T12:44:43.841-08:00

Visited a sort of "town hall meeting" for active transport advocacy in Eugene this weekend. A host of familiar local and non-local businesses and groups were present as well as some newer ones. There were also several large maps of the city posted up for community members to point out portions of the city which could be improved for bikers and walkers with better infrastructure.(See this one big

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-19867782712534635162010-01-10T10:38:00.001-08:002010-01-10T10:50:07.076-08:00

Weather looks good, but I can't go. Previous ride reports here and photos here.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-24857569623851565042010-01-08T11:09:00.000-08:002010-01-10T10:51:14.173-08:00

A certain Schwinn equipped with a Sturmey-Archer 3-speed came in for repair one time too many this week. The hub was overdue for an overhaul, which I'd never done on an internally geared hub before, so I oped to lace up a simple coaster hub.Lacing the wheel was easy. Measuring the no-name hub and rim took a bit of time. Cutting the spokes to length, filing them, and turning threads onto their

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-72749656854815653832009-12-03T16:11:00.001-08:002009-12-03T16:13:44.614-08:00

Did a typology of handlebars for my photo final. While I'd like to get it properly photographed, the best I can do to share it online is this digital mockup:It's called "handlebars are people, too."

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-69940498581802883352009-11-25T13:43:00.000-08:002009-11-27T07:19:22.222-08:00

Thank you, dear Wheel. It's been a year and a half since I designed and built you with friends Sheldon and Miller. Yes, you were more difficult to raise than the average 3-cross, and I had to lace you more than once before I made you right, but when I finally finished, you were strong and beautiful.Since we've been together, you've done so much for me.Like a good luck charm, it was the day after

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-15735012696646653332009-11-05T08:49:00.000-08:002009-11-05T17:41:53.545-08:00

This forgotten bike has been locked up outside Millrace Studios for weeks, deteriorating. Today, I was so tired of looking at it, sideways, rear wheel out, I healed it with my pocket tool and a few spare minutes before class. Planning to slowly fix it up over time as a secret performance piece. Maybe its owner will take it back by the end of the term.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-81938992003461331642009-11-01T23:27:00.000-08:002009-11-03T12:40:26.871-08:00

Friends from polo Ian and Rose have a band with their friend Joe. They played the Jackalope last night. I recorded a few songs, one of which was actually bike-related.It was a really fun set. Aside from the music, highlights included general sassines, darts, beer, and watching Ian try not to drop a tambourine while playing the melodica.They're called Fueled By Oppression. The songs mentioned

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-10171805339052038802009-10-14T18:28:00.000-07:002009-10-14T18:48:48.449-07:00

After a hearty breakfast, I did a proper tune-up on a NEXT. Normally, I wouldn't spend any time on such a cheap bike, but, as part of my life mission to empower folks through the use of bicycles, I adjusted the brakes, sanded the pads, cleaned the rims, trued the rear wheel, adjusted both derailers, oiled the chain, and aired the tires on this Wal-Mart monstrosity.Why?The other day, just as I was

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-21412105054991639152009-10-13T17:14:00.000-07:002009-10-13T18:18:47.930-07:00

Thanks for the art, Ei.Tired of a scarceness of alleycats in this town, I decided to put one on myself last weekend.Thanks to all the checkpointers and other folks who helped out—you know who you are—for making this happen. I had a lot of fun, and most of you told me you did, too.There were 12 checkpoints on the manifest, which I chose to put in the order I thought was best. Yes, this eliminates

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-63061909777085462682009-10-13T17:08:00.000-07:002009-10-13T17:14:46.945-07:00

Stopped by Eugene Jeans to replace summer cutoffs with full-length Levi's the other day, and Tim treated Jeff and I to a song and some good old-fashioned idle chat.Check it out sometime.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-43195433211013224882009-09-25T11:34:00.000-07:002009-09-25T12:24:36.341-07:00

too trueSo I haven't posted in like a jillion days. To be fair, I've been doing a bunch of Cool Stuff, started two jobs, and a half-job, and am preparing to go back to school. Blogging was so much easier when life was nothing but eating, sleeping, and bike-riding...Anyway, I met this rad dude on the corner of 10th and Willamette while waiting for Irvin and recorded him. Hope that satisfies you,

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-74293021777674631632009-08-28T15:17:00.000-07:002009-08-28T16:01:06.290-07:00

Riding the LA rail to Long Beach to get some sleep after a little polo in North Hollywood, we caught Gary here busking in the middle of our car. He slipped in just as the doors were closing, said, "Hi guys, it's me again," spread his short legs wide for balance and slung the strap over his neck. Some were a little put off, but one kid with a guitar of his own was inspired enough to be the first

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-77248421997676605982009-08-28T14:55:00.000-07:002009-08-28T15:07:25.887-07:00

As a favor to our gracious hosts in Long Beach, we helped out with a fun little piano move. This photo is during, but I have a few more from both before, at Casey's house on East 4th, and after, at a warehouse on Cherry.Listen to this recording for the complete experience. It begins in the back of the truck, with the piano already loaded. Just before the five-minute mark, there's a bit missing

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-37442968116046712562009-08-17T21:44:00.000-07:002009-08-17T21:50:41.122-07:00

Checking out Stigler with Bennett, we bumped into Walter and had a pretty typical exchange: where you from, where ya going, how come, etc. What made it special was his accent and manner.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-77753242756841659282009-08-17T21:09:00.000-07:002009-08-17T21:34:26.605-07:00

Back in July, I was riding with a few others when one of us flatted. We took shelter from the sun in a random driveway and provided moral support while she changed her inner tube. As we stood around, Bill rolled up on his riding mower to see what was happening. After some initial BSing, he ended up taking a look at the day's cue sheet and, from the comfort of his Cub Cadet, provided some

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-13063450031394485612009-08-17T20:54:00.000-07:002009-08-17T21:34:58.792-07:00

Exploring the magical town of Marathon, Texas, I came upon a group of middle-aged, mixed-race men enjoying their Sunday afternoon drinking cheap beer, making fun of each other, and playing music. I hung out for a few.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-2195391304747811162009-08-17T20:40:00.000-07:002009-08-17T22:18:09.587-07:00

Nick, our (rationally) fearful leader, has the unfortunate responsibility of crafting the route for each day's ride and distributing directions, or "cue sheets." One especially unfortunate day in Arkansas, he discovered our destination was actually eight miles further than the cue sheet said, and he had to break the news to all the riders. He caught up to me at Subway, and I, preoccupied by my

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-47144480335997971502009-08-17T20:37:00.000-07:002009-08-17T21:31:45.982-07:00

Hailing from Seminole, OK, George rides his Pugeot commuter with pride. He tells me it has 18 speeds, a basket, a bell, and a seat that's good for his "prostrate."

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-71069521388829825602009-08-12T22:56:00.000-07:002009-08-17T20:12:10.463-07:00

Mind totally blown today.I missed a turn and ended up at the road to Biosphere 2. I asked the guy working on the sign what the deal was. He said it was just two miles off the 77, the tour started in 30 minutes, and it's well worth $20. I leaned on the bike, thought about it, checked my balance, and rode across the cattle guard to a date with science!I'll post the best pictures here, but the

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-11817334928269306082009-08-11T15:22:00.000-07:002009-08-12T05:01:24.834-07:00

So SAG stands for Support And Gear; thusly, the vans are also known as SAG wagons. If you get up in the morning and decide to spend the day in the van instead of on the bike, you're sagging. This is sometimes frowned upon if not scorned, and often prompts effusive excusion or unapologetic admission.The half-sag is when you jump into the van partway into the ride. This happens when a rider has

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-15804908368963828632009-08-09T23:11:00.000-07:002009-08-10T00:12:42.455-07:00

Sagged today. No longer see every day as an opportunity to "rack up the miles." After doing back-to-back-to-back centuries, I feel enough like a badass to take a day off whenever I damn well please. And it will please me to sag tomorrow, because it's eighty miles of straight interstate.I actually asked a few other riders, "why ride tomorrow?" I didn't ask those that are riding every day, because

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-69006665814165563022009-08-04T20:43:00.000-07:002009-08-04T20:47:03.450-07:00

Ten cool points for Northern Route. I'm going to ask my team to do this for Quartzsite->Blythe (just 30.2 miles).

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-16498272036690347232009-07-30T06:17:00.000-07:002009-07-30T07:20:11.104-07:00

To be honest, I probably talk louder and longer than the Watermelon Men in this clip, but when I do allow them to get a word in, they cut it up with each other well. Perhaps my yapping serves to explain some of the details of the tour I've not really fleshed out on the blog thus far. If not that, my most avid reader (and mother) will enjoy the sound of my voice.Remember T-shirt shops? At least

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-29941428925176442172009-07-28T10:08:00.000-07:002009-10-18T23:33:21.625-07:00

This is Bill. He's retired, and says he has a permit to collect cans. There's no deposit to claim in Arkansas; he says he does it "to get away from the old laday, mainly."

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-83221405305864842152009-07-27T12:34:00.000-07:002009-08-06T19:42:57.688-07:00

When riding in a group, choosing to stop is normally a democratic process:"There's Judy! Does anybody need water?"or:"Gas station! Bathroom anyone?"but, when a thrift store shows up:"Slowing...Thrift store left! THRIFT STORE! TURNING LEFT!"I even have a whole flickr set dedicated to thrift stops. At one store, Allison couldn't help but pick up a banjo, and even played a little.There was a bunch

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-66249845671761153512009-07-26T17:47:00.000-07:002009-07-26T19:45:56.290-07:00

The good folks at the Digital Duck shipped my MacBook to Dallas, which has finally afforded me the opportunity to edit audio recordings from my phone. I have a bit of a backlog, and will try to put them all up ASAP. If I'm doing this right, you might be able to subscribe in iTunes. Some of them are conversations with colorful locals. This one is a song.This is Wally. He’s a short-order chef at a

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-73060497890864435592009-07-20T17:55:00.000-07:002009-07-21T03:15:00.452-07:00

As the ride reaches its halfway point, things are beginning to gel. Many of us have adjusted to waking early to don stretchy fabric, load our luggage in the truck, wolf down some morning calories, and hit the road at dawn.Some days, I'm up on the tailgate with my pannier before Red The Driver...Some days, like today, I'm scrambling to get a bowl of cereal in me before the vehicles rumble off.I

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-82355853974393194072009-07-13T12:04:00.000-07:002009-08-06T19:24:16.446-07:00

Some other flickr streams from the southern route to enjoy. Many of them actually brought real cameras:Ash's:http://www.flickr.com/photos/sodanopop(Especially this one, this one and this one.)Doug's:http://www.flickr.com/photos/24081430@N06/(I'm partial to these.)Crystal's:http://www.flickr.com/photos/crystaltalbot(These are nice.)Bayla's:http://www.flickr.com/photos/23509357@N06/Matt's:http://

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-54154724310720258152009-07-13T05:51:00.000-07:002009-07-13T13:02:18.160-07:00

Chad, Katie, and Allison breakfasting on the tail of the truck.Kept awake at the campsite by snoring, humidity, laundry, mosquitoes, thunder, lightning. Ended up leaving the tent for the safety of the truck when a crazy storm hit around 3:30. May have snoozed for 15 or so, but never REM'd. Sagging today for my sanity and under advisement from the NWS of penny-size hail.Eight of us are actually

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-6464597652654166182009-07-12T07:58:00.000-07:002009-07-13T11:49:54.961-07:00

Volunteered to sweep today. To stay behind the old dudes, I'm reluctantly breakfasting at my least favorite chain restaurant. Hint: its spokesman is a clown. I almost gave the cashier a brain hemorrage when I asked whether I should get the combo or just order a sandwich and coffee. But at least there's wifi.Rode just shy of 100 miles yesterday. It was especially brutal because the whole team went

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-81877406420307322312009-07-08T13:18:00.000-07:002009-07-08T13:36:40.544-07:00

This is Bennett. He's a really nice guy, but he's also a demon from hell. He'll regularly do 80 mile days in around five hours. I like to call him Big Ring Bennett, because he's never shifted out of his largest chainring in the 1000-odd miles we've done so far; he just stands up and stomps. He's riding a Pinarello with Campy components, but he's used to winning alleycats on a fix in SF.This is

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-34687281611595344742009-07-04T15:45:00.000-07:002009-07-04T15:48:33.702-07:00

Free ride/wild horses from Brian VanFleet on Vimeo.Flmed by Brian from Tampa, FL two days ago. Watch the whole thing. AMAZING.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-37269085243358406412009-07-04T13:45:00.000-07:002009-07-04T14:03:09.892-07:00

As I mentioned before, it's difficult to blog from the iPhone, so I've been focusing on flickr. One fun bonus: since the Apple device has GPS, all the photos are geo-tagged, and can be viewed on a map:Follow me across 'murica!

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-69556054739123139042009-07-03T16:35:00.000-07:002009-07-03T16:36:09.380-07:00

Flipping through the iPhone, deleting pics to make room, I saw this. My heart may have caught in my throat for a minute.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-72929044288018853672009-06-27T15:12:00.001-07:002009-06-28T07:05:37.005-07:00

blogging by phone hard. flickn' by phone easy. set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dinosaur1/sets/72157620631693794/

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-34148917918023338062009-06-25T08:04:00.001-07:002009-06-25T08:04:35.797-07:00

We're regrouping after riding across the big bridge to NJ. Had to hike up and down about two dozen flights of stairs. It's been about 20 minutes of waiting, and everybody is fighting boredom by eating Luna bars and bananas, drinking water, adjusting their saddles, blogging, etc.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-4879440975946360522009-06-25T00:06:00.000-07:002009-06-25T00:07:12.365-07:00

Drinking instant coffee in a hotel bathroom in NJ, because in 30 minutes, I'm putting the bike in the truck and we're going to Columbus Circle to make media appearances. At 9, we ride back to NJ.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-66247799166635084792009-06-24T14:42:00.000-07:002009-06-24T14:43:24.441-07:00

buddies on a bmx zip past me in the rain as i walk to pauls to give him his key. i note this and do it myself oftener than before.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-87606493762523734042009-06-24T06:54:00.001-07:002009-06-24T06:54:33.634-07:00

Finally meeting all the other riders and support staff in person. Learning logistics for daily schedules, purity of New Zeland and its vodka, parties, etc.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-31287137905171217282009-06-23T07:05:00.001-07:002009-06-23T07:05:49.217-07:00

adjusted to the time difference with the aid of espresso, coffee, and french toast. music was campy but tolerable. sat on the porch and watched a cute NYU summer-schooler argue vehemently on her bluetooth, turning back and forth on the sidewalk, gesticulating and shaking her head. off to chinatown to pick up my jambox.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-6921206291886651042009-06-22T15:58:00.000-07:002009-06-22T16:22:36.879-07:00

Relaxing at Paul's apartment after a busy day out yesterday. Sportingmy new tee from the polo tourney. I didn't have a team, but got a pickupgame in. One of the organizers, Fiona Ryan, also makes nifty caps. I plan tobuy one of the poker-visor jobs through her website when I get my first 42Ride check. Check her stuff at fifocycle.com.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-33088557316825563042009-06-21T16:20:00.001-07:002009-06-21T16:20:44.166-07:00

at the festival for program 13

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-74862141432640396332009-06-21T13:06:00.000-07:002009-06-21T13:07:18.075-07:00

@ the pit!

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-11025245133568144612009-06-20T21:44:00.001-07:002009-06-20T21:44:37.737-07:00

eating a snickers before loading gear and boarding PATH

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-26168230831639492472009-06-20T20:41:00.000-07:002009-06-20T20:42:17.296-07:00

arrived safely and will assemble at baggage claim. my "tool chest" is hanging on the chainring

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-82739021553914449032009-06-20T11:39:00.001-07:002009-06-20T11:39:34.355-07:00

Noah helped me lug the bike box to the bus stop.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-38483000677541592362009-06-19T19:17:00.000-07:002009-06-19T19:27:43.367-07:00

Well the rain didn't let up, so I walked to Powell's, bought a poncho, asked nicely for three large garbage bags to protect my cardboard bicycle suitcase.Molly, the owner of Velo Shop, made a valiant effort to talk me out of my plan, but nonetheless allowed me to use her shop space to attach box to bike, bags to box.Jordan rode with me to his house from downtown. It took twice as long as usual,

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-4474369684642111872009-06-19T11:13:00.000-07:002009-06-19T11:55:57.941-07:00

I'm about to go to velo shop to pick up a bike box and pack up the bike. Alaska/Horizon says it needs to be shorter than 63 inches and lighter than 50 to check as regular luggage without an oversize/overweight charge. I think I'll have to put the racks and fenders in another box with the wheels, then distribute my personal effects among the two so that they're both exactly 50 pounds. I'm not

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-17662010313267507932009-06-17T20:40:00.000-07:002009-06-17T21:07:22.445-07:00

Halfway up 99E, I stopped to rest my toes at an exemplary wood-carving museum, Pearson's Art Gallery. You see a lot of folky wood carvings on the roadside in rural OR, but how often do you see a 12' moose? Not very, thankyouverymuch.Though the "open" sign was off, I was uploading the first shot to my flickr when this fella popped out from behind the fence. He said his name is Ken Williams, and

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-22781365517808405752009-06-17T13:07:00.000-07:002009-06-17T13:08:52.902-07:00

Watering up at Java Jo's in Salem.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-19637405904268449552009-06-16T05:32:00.001-07:002009-06-16T05:32:39.939-07:00

To finish the bike.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-18189042208040653382009-06-15T12:49:00.000-07:002009-06-15T12:50:21.103-07:00

...on the basket bike.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-23232941874036167332009-06-14T01:15:00.000-07:002009-06-14T01:16:36.634-07:00

At One Cup.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-82418173611555699772009-06-13T12:26:00.000-07:002009-06-13T17:34:22.843-07:00

I finished the 'cross race...Dead last.Being such a nice guy, I trailered Garrett's polo bike to the event 'cuz he's coming straight from work. This made me late, and I forgot to take some air out of my tires.After the first lap, I over-deflated and promptly pinch-flatted. On the bright side, there's a flat-fix comp soon.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-48433759145766816822009-06-13T10:13:00.000-07:002009-06-13T10:14:19.013-07:00

And ready for the free 'cross race at Bike Day, with just under an hour to spare. Also bringing toeclips for polo.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-44217456195917985982009-06-13T09:40:00.000-07:002009-06-13T09:41:19.529-07:00

...with the 'cross Univega.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-90064563942392668342009-06-12T21:59:00.000-07:002009-06-12T22:00:14.027-07:00

Painted my cranks and stem white to match saddle. Put them in the toaster oven to bake the paint. Burnt 'em.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-87432543534065626132009-06-12T18:54:00.000-07:002009-06-12T18:55:23.722-07:00

In my garage. Kimchi swaps his two-piece cranks for Origin8 forged singlespeed stuff, Garrett tunes up a friend's commuter, Taylor tensions up his touring wheel. I'm stripping the paint off my cranks with a belt sander to rattle-can them white.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-67388017768827785742009-06-12T10:21:00.000-07:002009-06-12T10:22:54.694-07:00

Started doing Bikram's Yoga to prepare for long, sultry days on the Southern Route of the 42 Ride. It's hot.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-24102648311426159212009-06-11T12:53:00.000-07:002009-06-13T00:16:41.767-07:00

Thought I was going on the Northern route. This is false. I'm goin' down South. Here's the route in a google map. Not the exact turn-by-turn route—just an ordered list.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-25620821008939432972009-06-10T12:13:00.001-07:002009-06-11T02:56:00.115-07:00

Expander bolts in Shimano bar-end shifters tighten *to the left.*

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-79196272364144415242009-06-10T12:09:00.001-07:002009-06-11T02:55:10.410-07:00

...is the name of friend Paul Moore's new shop. Opens soon.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-29068528510564787192009-06-10T10:24:00.000-07:002009-06-11T03:07:55.087-07:00

From jfortytwoThrough the magic of the internet, I've discovered weblogs from a handful of other 42Riders.These bloggers will be braving the mountains on the northern route:...Well, it's irrelevant.Be Extraordinary.Inside the Mind of the WombatjfortytwoMikey Wallyride it like you stole itAnd these will suffer the heat with me in the south:CladninHardcourt Bike PoloThat's all for now. I'll add to

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-2292263741574252332009-06-09T02:17:00.000-07:002009-06-10T10:55:59.227-07:00

Drag to the crit course for legit track events on a paved oval. Also with typical alleycat sideshows, polo, and of course tasty beverages.Go fast. Turn left. Win a prize. Bring your own container.Ups to Colin for putting this one together and to Eilif for the art.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-51528642028384340942009-06-07T11:58:00.000-07:002009-06-07T11:59:16.342-07:00

Borrowing a cruiser from the UO Outdoor Program for the Tour de Franzia.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-27233120947001035012009-06-07T10:23:00.000-07:002009-06-07T10:25:45.506-07:00

Last ride with Karissa for awhile. She'll be riding with her other "manstress," Luke Demoe while I'm touring, so he's taking over before I leave and doing some serious group rides with her starting Thursday.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-76544314561645205282009-06-06T15:54:00.001-07:002009-06-10T10:55:18.697-07:00

Finally!I've wanted to lace a wheel this way for over a year now.It was tricky to bring up to tension and true, but it's so pretty.I mean, look at it. For bigger versions of these snaps, check my flickr. I've added them to the "wheel" set. This one's my favorite, and it would make a great desktop background.Now I just have to finish the rest of the bike...

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-75361596551937303572009-06-06T13:42:00.001-07:002009-06-06T16:16:25.849-07:00

Since Garrett built their anniversary bikes, Andrea's commuter has become the grocery/laundry hauler.It weighs about 65 pounds unladen, but dig those wire panniers, eh?

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-18754215676730364492009-06-06T09:22:00.001-07:002009-06-06T09:22:56.927-07:00

Just about there...

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-48050855697606093062009-06-05T11:20:00.001-07:002009-06-05T11:20:54.226-07:00

...for his Mac Mini OS disc, I found my old thermarest!

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-86537983192710341082009-06-05T10:28:00.000-07:002009-06-05T10:32:33.602-07:00

The 42 Ride has an official webspace of its own:http://welikebike42.com/For now, it's just a placeholder, but click through and bookmark it now, eh?

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-24719818237673039372009-06-05T09:48:00.001-07:002009-06-05T10:15:54.373-07:00

Bought a junker from BRING recycling for $15 and paid me a few more to get it going. I brought it back to him as he was shopping for herb-garden starts at the Down to Earth on Willamette.He's here visiting his daughter, who works at the especially bike-friendly Roosevelt Middle School and borrowed a bike to do a West Eugene Wetlands tour. He had so much fun riding around, he wanted something to

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-85497415767764503752009-06-05T00:06:00.001-07:002009-06-05T10:13:42.734-07:00

...is tricky.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-40028801406287697632009-06-04T11:17:00.000-07:002009-06-04T13:26:00.382-07:00

Picked up Jeremiah's touring bike today. It looks like I've made the cut, along with 41 other riders, to represent the Bicycle Film Festival and its sponsor, 42Below vodka on an expenses-paid, cross-country cycling tour called the 42Ride. I'm kind of a little bit excited. Maybe.The bike is a truly excellent tourer, but needs a little work; the rear wheel was hastily built with inexpensive spokes

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-5256115652335900172009-05-31T14:13:00.001-07:002009-05-31T15:01:27.671-07:00

Put some photos from the 2009 Spring Roll in a set on my flickr. Thanks to everybody who came, the prize contributors, This by Them, Red Barn, Sam Bond's, Susan Stumpf, April DeLaurier, Paul Moore, and Food For Lane County!If I find the time, I'll do a full writeup later. For now, be sure to read the photo captions.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-36489472295734182122009-05-29T14:37:00.000-07:002009-05-29T14:43:46.028-07:00

To promote active transport, for my own edification, and to look cool, all of the prizes for the Spring Roll have been picked up by bicycle. Here's a few of them.We have 50 of those Novara water bottles for anybody who doesn't want a pint glass.The CETMA 5-rail, which I forgot to photograph with the rest, comes with all mounting hardware and instructions.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-63125082820167417872009-05-28T02:29:00.000-07:002009-05-28T02:44:53.152-07:00

So my roommate Garrett just built up a fixed Bike Friday. He'd talked about building a fixed folder before, always with a maniacal grin...Who knew it would draw a similar smile from every person who rides it?As it turns out, tricks are really easy on this thing. Ian landed a mini-Keo on his first try (took a few more to get it on film), and I can almost do backwards circles on it! And I don't

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-11621065714499718672009-05-26T12:32:00.001-07:002009-05-26T12:36:36.535-07:00

It was so much fun! Last time I bicycled this far, it was a solo ride. Please check the Flickr set. Includes sweet videos and tells the story in the mouse-over notes.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-47050932689221593582009-05-20T19:30:00.001-07:002009-05-20T19:31:57.112-07:00

Someone from PDXFixed was hip enough to come down to the Eug and take a few snaps of Saturday's alleycat. Thanks, Bryan for sending me the link!

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-55835679069662682792009-05-18T18:18:00.000-07:002009-05-18T19:31:19.289-07:00

Garrett's polo wheel died last week.He made a snazzy new one.And put it on the bike.Bikes lined up for a race Saturday. All fixed except for a BMX and an old 10-speed with the derailers removed and a gold rattle-can-job.Biked most of the way up Spencer's Butte. Hiked from the trailhead on Willamette. I photographed a bunch of Asian exchange students getting photographed at the top.Carbon road

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-70029209308947374882009-05-14T14:16:00.000-07:002009-05-14T14:18:51.520-07:00

And promote bike films and Austrailian vodka. What could be better?Actually, don't apply. I want to do this.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-86392521552371024912009-05-12T15:05:00.000-07:002009-05-13T12:17:10.665-07:00

Just heard a hullo from Colin Fahrion of San Francisco Tweed. He's got a dandy fine blog covering SF's blooming tweed-ride trade. Visit their events page and you'll see there are already two more tweedy SF events planned for 2009. You might also notice a fascinating archive for tweed rides from Chicago, Denver, overseas, and—yes, our rides here in EUG.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-8028550484144491372009-05-04T18:15:00.000-07:002009-05-04T18:18:33.979-07:00

Photos on twaddington's flickr set!

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-34703770795114893622009-04-20T10:20:00.000-07:002009-04-20T10:26:30.364-07:00

Computer-chair potato-ing much today? Crank the volume, set fullscreen, and enjoy these two shorts about riding bikes in Eugene.Now get off your butt and go ride around in the sun.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-4451509491637342942009-04-17T12:58:00.001-07:002009-04-27T01:47:23.434-07:00

The spare-parts bike I built for my good friend Kyle awhile back has been treating him well mechanically, but, as always, there's just one problem: inadequate rust protection. So I picked it up from him yesterday.Here it is in his driveway, resting against his deceased Pontiac. I also nabbed a wheel I had left at his place using the bike's newest feature: a handy basket!Most parts came off with

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-4179566429816608172009-04-17T12:14:00.000-07:002009-04-27T01:46:41.184-07:00

I rode out to the end of the Fern Ridge Path at dawn yesterday. Whenever some friends want to go for a casual ride and we have about an hour, that's the usual route. This time, I went it alone. I enjoyed riding at my own pace, but what's more, I needed the meditative headspace a solo ride affords.I thought about how, for the past few weeks, many posts had gone unwritten because I was worried the

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-12533767117739869392009-04-15T10:40:00.000-07:002009-04-15T11:10:04.561-07:00

Mike sent this to me via the facebook. It's a concise, even-handed argument for the Oregon bill proposing cyclists need only yield at stop signs. Fun animations, and a cute little guitar soundtrack, too. Oh, and check out the cyclist's sweet chainless drive system.By the way, the City of Eugene's official stance on this bill is "neutral." How does that make you feel? And does your legislator know

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-12635082709056991102009-04-12T11:44:00.000-07:002009-04-12T12:07:03.598-07:00

I rode to Valley River Center yesterday. My friend was shocked that, coming from Midtown/College Hill, it's actually faster than driving.The bike racks were encouragingly full, but parking was fast and easy.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-69064201364191411322009-03-31T18:18:00.000-07:002009-03-31T23:37:49.044-07:00

Did a light (fixed-gear-friendly) bike-camping trip over the weekend. I'll do a proper post soon, but have also put up a few photos on the 'book. If you don't know what "book" I'm talking about, good for you. You continue to live in reality while the rest of us give our lives away to this guy.

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780628985046997377.post-9285531425410920392009-03-23T12:47:00.001-07:002009-03-23T14:33:03.399-07:00

Gilad's helmet, featuring Leonardo. Sticker reads: "IF YOU SEE THIS IT MEANS I PASSED YOU"I always knew some folks like to ride bikes in the woods, but aside from a whole-hearted but half-baked attempt at cyclocross last fall, I have basically zero dirt experience. So it was a ton of fun to venture out into the woods yesterday and see what all this squishy-bike business was all about.Kona brought

Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489142528604516984noreply@blogger.com0