Saturday, October 29, 2011

Saturday Morning Video

Ok, the relevant part of this video is that 3 years ago we (Citizens of the USA) were in the same energy crisis that we are in today. The non-relevant part is that I had an Aerospoke front wheel.

Revolutions Community Bicycle Shop from Revolutions on Vimeo.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Chrome Midway Pro

On our recent trip to Chicago I stumbled upon the Chrome boutique in Wicker Park. I really hadn't planned on buying a new bag but I figured I'd go in and take a look. We skipped past the bags and headed right for the shoes. Now I definitely don't have as many shoes as Em but I have quite a few. Several friends have some Chrome shoes and they like them but I was interested in the SPD compatible models. Until now I would wear my cycling shoes and carry a pair of regular shoes in my backpack and I'm always looking for a way to reduce the amount of stuff I need to carry. I opted for the Midway Pro, a mid-top shoe that will give me a bit of ankle support and also be a good winter shoe.

My first ride was pretty positive. The cleat bridge is pushed more forward than my other shoes so I had to make some adjustments mid commute but after that I was on the ball again and riding comfortably. The next morning I was a little flustered when my cleat released as I was taking off from the light at Cooper and Union. Thinking that it was just a fluke I tried to purposefully pull out from that spot again and I hit my knee on my handlebar! Now I was hurt and frustrated. I took it easy the rest of my commute. I know that I can put a shim under the cleat to improve the cleat/pedal interface but that would negate the purpose of having an SPD street shoe - the cleats should not contact the ground when I'm walking around.

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Anyone else with these shoes experiencing this same issue? Solved this issue? I'm going to keep riding them because they still do their job; maybe they will improve with wear?

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Tool de France



From the same crew that brings you custom painted Surly's. I think I need to visit Japan.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The Next Level

I started the bike rack map as a way to showcase the artistic racks found around town as well as give people an idea of the plethora of places to which one can ride a bike. It's been a tremendous project and one that has been a lot of fun; after all, I get to ride my bike and take pictures, two things I really enjoy.

If this sounds like I'm stopping the project then I've got you fooled. What's happening is that the City of Memphis is taking over the project; building upon what I've started!

It's a big project. Believe me, I've been doing it for a while by myself. For this phase, though, the City is seeking volunteers to help with the project. Per an email from Kyle Wagenschutz:

If you are interested in becoming part of a team of volunteers that will be working to locate, map, and document the current availability of bicycle parking in the City of Memphis, please consider meeting with us on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 from 5:30pm-6:30pm at Republic Coffee, 2924 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38111 (in the back meeting room). Please respond to kyle.wagenschutz@memphistn.gov to RSVP your attendance.

Hope to see you there!

Memphis Pedicab Company

There's a new startup that's servicing downtown: Memphis Pedicab Company. The intent is to provide downtown workers an easier way to travel across downtown in a door-to-door fashion. They're posting pictures on their facebook and the people look like they've just won Cash Cab! That may be because the rides are FREE! The drivers work for tips!

There has been a pedicab company in Memphis before, as Paul Ryburn remembers and this Daily News article from 1998 but per my emails with MPC (this might not work: MPC is my abbreviation for Memphis Pizza Cafe.) it is not the same company. I'm with Paul in hoping that they stick around.

Think you'd like to try your pedal mettle? Contact MPC through this craigslist ad: http://memphis.craigslist.org/lab/2630237057.html.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Mobile Music Machine

Live From Memphis, with the help of the National Ornamental Metal Museum and Revolutions Community Bicycle Shop has built a bicycle with a stage! They've taken it out for a test ride or two and tonight they will be riding around downtown with local musician Grace Askew performing. Ride-alongs are encouraged!

Check the pictures here.

Hey Man, You're Missed!

Man on bike - m4m - 31 (Midtown)

Date: 2011-10-09, 4:24PM CDT
Reply to:
Reply To This Post

Hey man, I was in a parking lot when you rode by. I pulled up next to you and we agreed to meet back at the store in 30 to 40 minutes. What happened? I want to meet you

Location: Midtown
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 2641041476

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Broad Avenue Art Walk

Friday marks the 6th annual Broad Avenue Art Walk. Last years Art Walk was a pretty awesome affair with us having a bike shop set up. This year Victory Bicycle Studio is moving to Broad Ave but the actual move is planned for the Monday/Tuesday after the Art Walk so there won't be a bike shop set up. But that doesn't mean there won't be anything bike related happening. Nathan Berry will have an exhibit of cyclists in casual attire and I'm sure there will be lots of other artists with bike-themed pieces. Take a look at the website for more info.

Greenline Missed Connection

I've totally been waiting for someone to post a Greenline Missed Connection. I was hoping for it to be two strangers passing on bikes but I'll settle for one on a bike and one walking, so here it is:

Beautiful girl on the Greenline - m4w - 35 (germantown)

Date: 2011-10-01, 9:11PM CDT
Reply to:
Reply To This Post

I was riding a filthy bike across the bridge in haste to get to ride some trails at shelby farms and I came across you walking your dog and taking photographs. I'm reallly shy so when I rode up to you, I spent most of the time, talking to your dog and smiling...sorry, but you were too pretty for me to just open up an impromptu conversation with. If you would like to catch up on that conversation we could have had, please let me know. I'll buy the drinks, and you just e-mail me back with the color of my jersey in the subject line...

Location: germantown
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 2627977241

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Cyclocrunk Charging $15

As a testament to its appeal the producers of Cyclocrunk have upped the entry fee from $7 to $15 this year. Why the increase? Insurance. The Tennessee Bicycle Racing Association (TBRA) is covering the race so that also means you need a race license. If you don't have a race license, you can purchase one at the event for $5.

In addition to being insured I've been told that there will also be another surprise. We'll just have to wait until tonight so find out what that surprise is.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Madison Avenue Repaving Begins

I wanted to post this picture this morning but I was having L-USER problems. So now that I'm not on a phone...



No word yet on what striping option Mayor AC Wharton has decided to pursue.

Riding home on broken pavement was quite fun, though.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Cyclocrunk

Cyclocrunk dates have been posted! This year the crunk will take place on Wednesdays instead of Tuesdays. Click the link for all the details!