In the city, city of San Jose.

I heard somewhere that California knows how to party. I hope they give lessons because I'll be there for a week. I'm filling my head with mass quanities of bicycle knowledge so that when I return you can all complain about how I talk even more about bicycles. But when I return my frame should be painted and my new wheels won't be far away. Speaking of wheels, if anyone wants a Hed 3 front wheel for $350 let me know. The catch is that it's tubular.

The Reading List

Photo from Amazon.com

I'm only up to Chapter 7 but everything so far has been very interesting. For instance, Madison Square Garden was originally designed as a velodrome; Taylor raced his first 6-day there.

Go to bed instead?

According to a letter being circulated to the LBS's, Meritan (formerly Senior Services) has decided to cancel the 2008 Midnight Classic Bicycle Tour. This year will instead be an "evaluative" year. The main reason for this, as deduced from the letter, seems to be the cost of police services. Now ask yourself, "When was the last time I needed a police escort to ride my bike?"



Meritan has, in the past, done a tremendous job of bringing together over a thousand cyclists in the city of Memphis for a 17 mile ride. I've seen families cycling up Poplar Avenue in traffic to attend this ride. The cost of the ride is $20, which broken down presumably goes towards insurance, police, permit, advertising, t-shirts, and refreshments. When was the last time you needed any of that stuff to ride your bicycle?

This June I would like to see over a thousand cyclists take to the streets without a police escort, without a special t-shirt, and without a Coca-Cola. And you don't even have to do it for Meritan. Take that $20 and donate it to whomever you want. Even if you donate it to your own pocket! Lots of cities do this on a regular basis! I'll tell you what: if you feel like riding your bicycle at midnight this June 14th, 2008 I'll ride with you. I'll be at the public library on Poplar with my bicycle, my helmet and my lights and we'll have ourselves 17 miles of fun without the police.

Photo from the Commercial Appeal

Sincerely

A BIG Thank YOU to everyone who came out last night. Extra Special thanks to the MASH crew, Dale And Kristen at Light Years Vintage, and Andrew at the MeDiA Co-Op. Congrats to Denis for winning footdown and Josh Gorman for longest skid (and blowing a tire). Here's a couple of pics and a footdown video for your enjoyment:

Honestly, I didn't see it.

Photo courtesy of trackosaurusrex.

Et tu, Memphis?

University of Memphis Racing Team

Josh Gorman told me that The University has agreed to start a bicycle racing team. They need 10 members to start so be on the lookout for more infomation around campus and at the local bike shops.

In just a few hours

I've spent the past few days trying to find information about Memphis during the prohibition and I've learned a few things. I've also done my share of shit-talking today so hopefully my research will pay off.

Sheldon Brown 1944-2008

Harris Cyclery
His Website

Parking Garages...

Are not just great for the Downs. Chase and I were taking a break from trying out a camera handlebar mount.




I think we need a better camera. Or better light.