Sunday, December 6, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Commuting: 10 Degrees
I woke up today to find that it was around 10 degrees air temp with a windchill that put it around 2, factor in your speed moving on the bike and it starts to get pretty cold. A few weeks back I posted what I wear when it is 40 degrees, and here's the rundown for 10.
The outfit: full length Dickies, with thermal tights underneath. I prefer long johns to the lycra kind because my legs always feel like shit when I have tight ass clothes clinging to them. I like the freedom of movement traditional thermals provide. Wind shell with two long sleeve wool jerseys underneath. On the way home from work, it's usually a little warmer and if it's above 10 I'll usually just wear one long sleeve. The shell is a Patagonia Krushell that is no longer in manufacture. Coming from a climbing background I like outdoor companies products for outerwear rather than cycling companies. However many jackets in their line are cut for a harness and thus are fairly short in front and lead to the dreaded "red belly" from the cold and wind. This guy is nice and long, and the side and chest pockets double as vents. It's not very water repellent, but unless it's precipitating actively I prefer the breathability and will sacrifice waterproofness.
Glasses are a must, as is something around the neck. A large part of staying comfortable while biking is regulating your neck temperature effectively. I can unzip my jacket to vent the core while still having full frontal coverage.
Super awesome Chuey hat discussed in below post
Down Grandoe gloves: only good for 5 degrees and colder (remember the wind chill) otherwise too hot.
Awesome pink leg band, and neoprene shoe cover.
Winter cycling shoe. I hate these things because they pedal so much crappier than my regular shoes, but sometimes you need them.
So that's how I dress when it starts getting f'ing cold. If you've got winter wear tips, let's hear em.
stay warm and keep riding
The outfit: full length Dickies, with thermal tights underneath. I prefer long johns to the lycra kind because my legs always feel like shit when I have tight ass clothes clinging to them. I like the freedom of movement traditional thermals provide. Wind shell with two long sleeve wool jerseys underneath. On the way home from work, it's usually a little warmer and if it's above 10 I'll usually just wear one long sleeve. The shell is a Patagonia Krushell that is no longer in manufacture. Coming from a climbing background I like outdoor companies products for outerwear rather than cycling companies. However many jackets in their line are cut for a harness and thus are fairly short in front and lead to the dreaded "red belly" from the cold and wind. This guy is nice and long, and the side and chest pockets double as vents. It's not very water repellent, but unless it's precipitating actively I prefer the breathability and will sacrifice waterproofness.
Glasses are a must, as is something around the neck. A large part of staying comfortable while biking is regulating your neck temperature effectively. I can unzip my jacket to vent the core while still having full frontal coverage.
Super awesome Chuey hat discussed in below post
Down Grandoe gloves: only good for 5 degrees and colder (remember the wind chill) otherwise too hot.
Awesome pink leg band, and neoprene shoe cover.
Winter cycling shoe. I hate these things because they pedal so much crappier than my regular shoes, but sometimes you need them.
So that's how I dress when it starts getting f'ing cold. If you've got winter wear tips, let's hear em.
stay warm and keep riding
Chuey Brand Winter Hats
Last year as part of my prize package for Stupor Bowl I received a Chuey Brand winter cycling cap
If it is above 25 degrees I will wear my Grovecraft wool hat, but when it dips below that mark I reach for the Chuey
For those of you who aren't familiar with Chuey, they are handmade in San Francisco by a crew of working and ex messengers. I love this hat and cannot recommend one enough. It's warm enough for me to wear well below zero (I put a balaclava over it if it's under 0, air temp), it's stylish for a winter hat, and super comfortable. If you are in the market for a warm ass winter cap, you should definitely check Chuey Brand out.
If it is above 25 degrees I will wear my Grovecraft wool hat, but when it dips below that mark I reach for the Chuey
For those of you who aren't familiar with Chuey, they are handmade in San Francisco by a crew of working and ex messengers. I love this hat and cannot recommend one enough. It's warm enough for me to wear well below zero (I put a balaclava over it if it's under 0, air temp), it's stylish for a winter hat, and super comfortable. If you are in the market for a warm ass winter cap, you should definitely check Chuey Brand out.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
One More Cross Race
This Saturday, Jay "Hollywood" Henderson is putting on a non sanctioned cross race to raise money and gifts for Toys for Tots.
When – Saturday, December 5th
Where – Vander bee Park 92nd and Colfax Bloomington
First race is 30 minutes starting at 11:00am
Second race is 60 minutes starting at 11:45am
Entry fee is $10.00 or an unwrapped toy for toys for tots.
Results will be a clip board at the finish line. Write your name after you cross the line.
When – Saturday, December 5th
Where – Vander bee Park 92nd and Colfax Bloomington
First race is 30 minutes starting at 11:00am
Second race is 60 minutes starting at 11:45am
Entry fee is $10.00 or an unwrapped toy for toys for tots.
Results will be a clip board at the finish line. Write your name after you cross the line.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Beauty and the Bike Short
" This is an 8 minute version of our 55 minute documentary Beauty and the Bike. The film follows two groups of young women from Darlington and Bremen. Between them, they discover what makes - and stops - teenage girls from cycling."
St. Ides is back!
from Andy Larson:
The Minneapolis Bike Messenger Association (MBMA) is reconstituting itself, and plans to be a more active participant in the Minneapolis bike culture-- so everyone has more to look forward to than just our annual Stupor Bowl.
We're planning on throwing a monthly race or event, the first off will be the St. Ides race on Friday, December 11th. We're trying to put on fun events for all, but we're also going to try to help out some good causes in the process, hence the entry fee being knocked down to $1 if you bring an item of warm clothing to donate to the start. all donations for this race will be given to the Bridge organization for at need and homeless youth. http://www.bridgeforyouth.org/
St. Ides will be a relatively short race around downtown minneapolis, and will feature classic St. Ides race themes such as the snack food / st. ides special brew challenge. (sorry, you should be 21 to race)
everyone is invited to come on out. winner will receive a cash prize. it should be fun, and it will help a good cause. stay tuned for more events in the future.
I'm hoping that the classic themes will turn into the classic St. Ides course. Martin, I hope to see you there.
Art Basel freak bike installation
New York Black Label member Ryan Doyle has an installation at Art Basel in Miami this weekend
Experience Doyle's three part bike exhibition featuring the Hell-a-Copter, the Regurgitator and Tall Bike Jousting at Art Basel Miami Beach, December 3 - 6, 2009.
Doyle may seem familiar if you've seen the movie B.I.K.E. which chronicles the Black Label New York chapter and one man's desperate quest for admittance.
I can't help but smile and giggle anytime that movie or anyone associated with it is brought up. I'll never forget the moment in the film when the protagonist gives his impression of the difference between the Minneapolis Black Label chapter (original) and the New York (second) one. I'm paraphrasing here so you'll have to forgive me if the quote isn't 100% accurate:
"We're (New York kids) a bunch of middle class art fags, and they're (Minneapolis) a bunch of down and out gutter punks"
Rarely have I ever been so proud of my adopted home
Experience Doyle's three part bike exhibition featuring the Hell-a-Copter, the Regurgitator and Tall Bike Jousting at Art Basel Miami Beach, December 3 - 6, 2009.
Doyle may seem familiar if you've seen the movie B.I.K.E. which chronicles the Black Label New York chapter and one man's desperate quest for admittance.
I can't help but smile and giggle anytime that movie or anyone associated with it is brought up. I'll never forget the moment in the film when the protagonist gives his impression of the difference between the Minneapolis Black Label chapter (original) and the New York (second) one. I'm paraphrasing here so you'll have to forgive me if the quote isn't 100% accurate:
"We're (New York kids) a bunch of middle class art fags, and they're (Minneapolis) a bunch of down and out gutter punks"
Rarely have I ever been so proud of my adopted home
Cogs for Cans Race Boston
Sent off a little sponsor package to Cogs for Cans alleycat in Boston today
*they got a little wrinkley in my bag*
no flyer yet but here is the gist of what's going down:
participants ride from supermarket to supermarket picking up canned goods and other non-perishables and then everyone brings the goods that they have collected over the course of the event to the final checkpoint, which will later be transported via bike to food banks in the area.
if you're in the area you should check out this race for a good cause
*they got a little wrinkley in my bag*
no flyer yet but here is the gist of what's going down:
participants ride from supermarket to supermarket picking up canned goods and other non-perishables and then everyone brings the goods that they have collected over the course of the event to the final checkpoint, which will later be transported via bike to food banks in the area.
if you're in the area you should check out this race for a good cause
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
University of Minnesota Bike Center
Funding has been approved for a bike center at the University of Minnesota. The project called the "University of Minnesota Bike Center" (makes sense) has been approved for grant in the amount of $524,571 and will reportedly be run by the Hub Bike Coop
The University Bike Center will be constructed in a fromer transit waiting area of the University's Oak Street Parking Ramp and will provide repair, retail, secure bike storage, restrooms/changing rooms, trip planning, program space and the RFID benefits system.
*this post needed a picture*
The University Bike Center will be constructed in a fromer transit waiting area of the University's Oak Street Parking Ramp and will provide repair, retail, secure bike storage, restrooms/changing rooms, trip planning, program space and the RFID benefits system.
*this post needed a picture*
Plemon Toe Straps
JVZ recently clued me in to the existence of the Plemon double toe straps. After doing a little digging, these seem to have made their way into finer shops throughout California
Here is the word from the Plemon website: After years of working as bicycle messengers, it came to us that there was a need for a high quality toe clip strap, that was not only tough and resilient but stylish as well; thus, 'PlemonsCo' was born. Tested by real cycle messengers in SF, our Double Toe Clip Straps are of the highest quality and extremely durable. We only use solid brass rivets and buckles so the straps will not slip when you need them to hold the most
As my dude pointed out to me, they bear a striking resemblance to my beloved Freeman Transport double straps. Is Plemon the maker of the Freemans? I don't know for sure. Of course I could email Nathan and find out, but I'd rather one of you tell me. I know you know.
If these are of the same quality as the Freeman's I can assure you that they're the bombshit, and encourage you to pick up a pair. The price is very right.
Here is the word from the Plemon website: After years of working as bicycle messengers, it came to us that there was a need for a high quality toe clip strap, that was not only tough and resilient but stylish as well; thus, 'PlemonsCo' was born. Tested by real cycle messengers in SF, our Double Toe Clip Straps are of the highest quality and extremely durable. We only use solid brass rivets and buckles so the straps will not slip when you need them to hold the most
As my dude pointed out to me, they bear a striking resemblance to my beloved Freeman Transport double straps. Is Plemon the maker of the Freemans? I don't know for sure. Of course I could email Nathan and find out, but I'd rather one of you tell me. I know you know.
If these are of the same quality as the Freeman's I can assure you that they're the bombshit, and encourage you to pick up a pair. The price is very right.
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