Ahh Youth

Peter sent this picture from 98. That was a long time ago. What a blast from the past, skinny, short hair, shocks, and gears too! Thanks Peter.

Wheel Building

Building a bicycle wheel is truly therapeutic. It starts with only a hub, a rim, and a big handful of spokes and nipples. The finished product is a work of art. It's also a form of healing, wholeness, strength, and fullness. Round, symmetrical, and rhythmic, it comes full circle. Right two and in, right two and in, left five, over under and in, left five, over under and in. Groups of 4, repeat the pattern, eight more groups of four to go, three-cross, 36 hole, and your done. The circle is complete. Strength in numbers. A hoop under tension.

Weaving spokes, hub, rim
Symmetry, form, and function
An endless circle

A Spring haiku

Almost overnight
the grass turned a bright green
after the soft rain

Updates

OK readers, hang in there while I update the site. I'm trying to bury the details about each bicycle I have in stock and links to the manufacturers' sites deeper in my site. Because I have a blog and not a web-site, it is not so easy. I have been told I need to keep people on my site rather than sending them away. So, like I said, hang in there.

Today is my day off. So, I have to go to work and catch up on some repairs and builds. I may even get to the dishes and laundry later today. ...nah.

Again, thanks everyone for all the support!

Shop News

New Redline bicycles will be here later this week. Biria bicycles will arrive early next week. Build, build, build.

The shop will be closed from April 3 until April 9. I am going home to Florida for Easter to see my sisters and extended family.

A Long Day

It was that and more. The maroon Biria in the photo of the shop now belongs to Michelle. I know she will enjoy it. On Monday I will order more of the Biria Touring City 8-speeds. These really are great bikes. I also sold a late 80's Motobecane road bike. It gets bar tape and a go-over and should go out the door in the morning. I want to say thank you to everyone who has bought a bike, had repairs done, or just dropped by to say hello and give such nice compliments on the shop. My goal is to continue to give you all the best service I can. Goodnight.

Humans on my right
I roll behind the Deer Fence
Mountains on my left

Black Elk spoke about
Hang-Around-The-Fort-People
Waiting for hand outs

A hundred wild elk
Eating hay behind the fence
Brings tears to my face

Why the tall Deer Fence?
With countless bones at its base
To save apples, shrubs?

Take the Deer Fence down
Let mountains and humans blend
Leave only a trail

Spring at Last?

Chickadees singing
Songs from every compass point
Snow melting quickly

Another Great Day

Four bicycles went out the door today! Scott took home a late 70's Japanese Schwinn (lugged frame, nice) as is. I will put a new chain and freewheel on it and turn it into a single speed at a later date. With new wheels and Tektro 521's this will be one sweet bicycle. For now, if it ain't broke, don't fix it? Keith bought a new Sun Comfort Sport Select. Ronald bought a Sun Retro Alloy 3-speed for his spouse and the last Cadillac! He got the "deal" on the Caddy, cost plus shipping. Thank you Ronald and Keith. Cash flow means I can pay some debt.

I'm Open

The Fire Marshall (his name was not Bill) says I am good to go. So, I am officially open. Today was a great first day. Three people came by looking for used bikes. I don't have very many ready to go but I'll be working on some soon. Lisa McKinnon came by and bought lights and helmets today, and a repair or two came in. I'm going to be real busy.

I've Received a Sign

I've always heard that "a business with no sign is a sign of no business." Well, now I have one. A Superior Sign, too. Thank you Dave Barber. If you ever need a sign, call Dave, 753-8702. The City building inspector came by and said things look good. He noted that my building was a real mess and that I've made a few improvements. The fire inspector is scheduled to come by today, and then I will be official. I will be building bikes, ordering bikes, and hopefully doing a lot of repairs and spring tune ups. So, come on in.

From Basement to Beautiful

Here is a picture of Clark's restored ride, a 53 Corvette. Last summer this bike was sitting in my basement collecting dust. Nice work Clark.

I know I've said this before, but I really mean it this time. The new shop will be open by the end of this week.