Getting radical. I like the lighting......

Stoke!

I have seen most if not all mountain bike videos since they were invented (Premier of pulp traction in Vancouver in 97!). I dig the films and can respect the riders but the riding they are doing is so far from what my riding is that I don't get stoked to ride after watching them. Then I saw this:

Lars N Bars gets Klunking from Transition Bikes on Vimeo.

Who wants to ride now?

Good times!

See you on the trail,

Armand

You'll thank me later

Soundtrack for tomorrow...and perhaps the rest of the week!



Instant classic!

Day off!?!?!?!?

This is my fifth season of having my shop. Today was the first day I have ever been scheduled off. I now have two guys that are more than capable to take care of the place when I'm not around. I do not plan on being an absentee owner ( at least not inside the next 10 years) but a day off is just not something I have had the luxury of in quite some time.

So what I do with a day off? Take a wild guess.....yeah, bike rides!

I planned my escape from the Republic so I could enjoy some dry roads in and around the big city. I awoke to rain in the valley and fresh snow on top of the chief. A clear sign that I needed to get the hell outa town! I had arranged to meet my friend Matt at a Cafe just off Main and Broadway. The plan was I'd ride from the North Shore and meet him there. Not known for my love of mornings I was greeted by this bit of motivation:


With that in mind got my ass into gear and headed out. I arrived at my planned parking spot and suited up. It was only drizzling slightly as I rolled out. I was stoked to be on my bike and was marveling at how light my bike was feeling under me as I made my way up the Iron Workers bridge. It was about mid span when I figured out why the bike felt so light.....no bottles! Ahh shit.

I rolled on and made it to the meeting spot on time but bottleless. Matt arrived shortly after and we decided that we had better have a coffee and a snack before we set out (just in-case).



Feeling far more caffeinated and sugared we set off. First stop was Mats house for some borrowed bottles....then we rode! We spun out the Ontario bike route to Marine Drive then out to UBC then along the Spanish Banks.

(Sorry Hornland, your bike really messed up the look of this shot. If you squint you should be able to make out a little bit of your front wheel!)

We then took in a sampling of Vancouver's great bike paths, heading towards Stanley Park. If you have never ridden a road bike around the park it is really a must do. So Rad. Quiet road unreal views and even a fun little climb in there to make sure you are paying attention.

Is nice! I like!

(Teen Wolf in stretchy pants)

We headed over the Lions Gate in seek of a cafe to relieve of more drinks and snacks. We found one and did some more drinking and eating of treats.


While enjoying the treats we spotted this in front of us:


Can you spot the evil genius at work in this shot? Well here is the short version in full on bike geek speak. Buddy has a frame built for 26" wheels. He wanted to run 700C wheels. On the Front he runs a disc and because the brake mounts to the hub no problem running the other wheel size. On the rear no disc tabs so he has to run rim brakes. The 700c rim is larger then the bike was intended to take so the rim brakes don't line up. This is a problem. Solution? Dude built a wheel using two rims! One for braking and one to mount his tire onto. Evil Genius!!!!!

And that was how I spent the majority of my day off! Not bad.

Been awhile

I know it has been almost 2 months since I have posted in this space. I have been having a great time both on the bike and in life in general. I have been taking lots of pictures and have lots of stories to tell but have not been able to find the time to pull it all together. I am very much alive for those concerned about such things.

This Sunday is the biggest day of the year for bike racing in Belgium. Check this out:



So much a part of the culture it's crazy!!!! Just like Squamish in June for the test.....well sort of like that but about 10 million more people tuning in!

If you have never seen this event before find yourself a good video feed and get up early on Sunday to watch a cultural event live!

Please note: This event can not be watched in English. Try the Sporza feed for the proper Flemish feed.

Track racing is full on!!!

Around Christmas time we posted this on the the riderepublic site. Words and our sub-par photo journalism skills could not do the event justice. The below video and it seems to capture the chaos of the Madison very effectively. imagine watching this happen just a few feet in front of your eyes as you enjoy a cold beer with some friends...good times.




It looks and sounds like a great excuse to get an other new ride!!! Might have to give it a go some time soon....stay tuned.

Squamish living up to stereo types since 1925