Morning Commute v.2

Another shot from the overpass in downtown Hampton. Notice the line of cars with brake lights on...it sure is nice to ride right past them.

Morning Commute

I have been meaning to post a picture from my morning commute, but I honestly just kept forgetting the camera. The sunrise is beautiful that comes up by the overpass in downtown Hampton. Most days I zip right past, but I decided to stop and take in the view today.

I usually ride the xtracycle, but my car had to be dropped off at the shop this morning, and the longtail bike won't fit in the car...so the fixie and the Burley trailer stepped up to the challenge. I knew I would have to use the fixie today, so I stopped over at Contees last night, and of course, Walt immediately threw the bike up on the rack, and removed my freewheel so I could tow the trailer. This quick friendly service was done at no charge...except the few bucks I gave him for a six pack...what a neighborhood bike shop should be!

Xtracycle info

If you have ever thought of going "car-lite," or just need a way of hauling a lot of stuff around that doesn't involve buying a gas guzzling SUV, then you NEED an xtracycle. I don't get a dime for saying this, but xtracycle changed my life, and my perspective on what a bike can do. I have moved everything from pumpkins to my wife to surfboards to a 20ft extension ladder just last night. Plus, xtracycle turns those errands into a fun adventure.

In the words of xtracycle:

We understand that the modern world operates at breakneck speed. Freeways are cluttered, errands are always looming, and there never seems to be enough time to get everything done. That's why we put simplicity first. By crafting highly customizable, cargo-friendly bikes we've set out to create a sensible and affordable alternative to automobile dependence. No fluctuating fuel prices, no traffic, and no handlebar balancing acts -- just get on and go..Xtracycle isn't just another bicycle company. It's a labor of love devoted to the evolution of simple, versatile, and sustainable transportation. After 15 years of development in locales like Nicaragua, Kenya, and Stanford University's engineering labs, we're proud to be producing a full line of bicycles and accessories fit for cargo, passengers, and everyday adventures.

If you want more info, check out their website here...or to see what an xtracycle can do, watch this killer video here.

Get one, carry stuff, have fun doing it...

High School Bike Bus

Check out this great video of kids organizing a bike to school group in Orlando, Florida. Killer initiative, and with it being a group thing, the message gets out that bikes are a wonderful way to get in shape, save on gas, and cut down a little on that carbon footprint...not to mention just a whole hell of a lot of fun!

We need something like this in Newport News. With all the fixed gears kids rolling around, you'd think it would already be happening. Maybe some high school teachers (cough, cough, guitar playing ones at Woodside, cough, cough) could get it organized.

I rode up to the cemetery today to see my Pops, and on the way back I decided to hit our local produce market, Dean and Dons. I think the picture says it all, but I had two more pumpkins on the other side...who says you need a car? Thank god for xtracycle!

Brooks Team Pro Alpe d'Huez Saddle

I'm stoked to get my new Brooks Alpe d'Huez saddle...thanks to the Contees' guys for ordering it so quickly! It is the standard Brooks Team Pro saddle with a topographical map of the famous Alpe d'Huez climb in France engraved into the leather. This one also has copper rivets, which are hammered by hand. They aren't kidding when they say it will take some time to break in...this thing is hard as a rock. But when they finally mold to your posterior, Brooks saddles are like Birkenstocks for your ass...you can't beat the comfort, and they'll last a lifetime.

Beautiful Fall Day

We decided to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather, and bike up to the Port Warwick Art and Sculpture Festival this weekend. Veda loved riding in her trailer. It was great passing by the swarm of cars, with stressed out drivers in them, as they circled for a spot in the over crowded parking lot.