Jon's Bikes

I was just about to post two pictures of Jon's bikes and then I read Jon's blog. Very funny coincidence.

One of Jon's friends in Boise was asking why we need so many bikes or rather why we need so many Merckx bikes. I do agree they appear similar and some we do not ride as much as we like. The reasons are many but they seem rather silly when one has to speak of them.  Somehow stating the subtle differences of riding a Corsa from a MX leader just seems lame.

Patrick in our riding group figures he needs three. One his Look 555 is his all rounder-all condition bike. He also needs a white and black BMC Pro Machine because it would be great for TEAM CATALOGUE to all be on similar bikes. And then he needs a Look 595...why? because it would be everything he wanted in a bike. It would only be for the smoothest pavement and only for days where he felt like do some speed work or winning a field sprint. 

I for one want many bikes because I just love to look at them. Which is why I was going to post these pictures of Jon's bikes.

Luke

Cred, Street

This evening in Boise, while enjoying a slice of pizza with some associates, three fixie kids (20 somethings on fixed geared bikes) rode up and then, as if drawn by an invisible force, they walked to my bike and starred with mouths agape. It was as if Eddy Merckx himself were there. One of them said, "that's the first one I've seen in person," and another said, "This is definitely the first one I've seen." They talked to us a while and then said, "I'll see you later..." and then pointing at me, "I'll definitely see you later because you have the coolest bike in town." After they left my associates were visibly (and vocally) impressed with the street cred that I apparently have. Ah, cred. It’s nice to have cred.

Which got me thinking: I need to take more pictures of my bike.

And last week a kid on a Canondale track bike rode by and said, “That is the sickest ass bike.” “Thank you, I like yours too,” I responded. It’s the polite thing to do.

Todd's

Todd's bike even has the same stem as my bike.

P.S. I did not realize the Luke had already posted this image. But it looks good in B&W.

Battle Mountain

Human Powered Speed Trail

New Ride

Here is my new Look 555, also my first build, started in Champaign last Wednesday and finished in Luke's studio on Thursday. She's got about 100 miles on her so far, including our epic ride on Saturday along Lake Michigan during the rainiest day in Chicago meteorological history, and I must say I am totally smitten. Hopefully I will have more ride pictures soon. Thanks to Luke for the good deal on the Chorus group, finally bringing me from 9 to 10 speeds.

More on Mormon Crickets

Some years ago in Utah there was a plague of M. Crickets and thanks to thousands of Gulls, California Gulls, the plague was cured. That is why the state bird of Utah is the California Gull.
The Birds probably did not fly from California for this mission. California is just their name.

More Wildlife

This wild animal was encountered on road the goes through Rocky Canyon. This dirt road goes from Boise to Highway 21. I would advise riding a mountain bike, not a cross or road bike. There is long climb - someone told me 8 miles - that is so dusty that one will spin in place if he/she tries to stand. But the up hill is quite pleasant compared with the descent on the other side. I could (almost) not break hard enough to stop. I was expecting to have sore hands today but miraculously, I do not.
Other unpleasant aspects, at least this time of year, of this ride are the flies. You can hear one on the video.

Armstrong, Lance

In an exclusive interview with Tenspeed, Lance spilled the beans on plans to compete in several pro cycling races including the Tour de France or trying out for a professional baseball team.

Idaho Velodrome and Cycle Park

Our velodrome. It's the sandy thing beyond the blacktop. It is not quite finished.