Great Falls

I'm in Great Falls tonight.  It only took 8 hours to drive here.  The white out conditions south of Pocatello and climbing up Monida Pass were fun.  Cities with military bases are not always the best places to be.  I can say that because I've spent plenty of time in Jacksonville.  I'll be happy to be back on the road tomorrow evening, headed to the Bitterroot Valley, with Great Falls in my rear view mirror.  Just look what happened to Humpty Dumpty.  I get to present a short talk tomorrow before I drive away.  I have not done that since 1994, so I may bomb.

http://joomla.wildlife.org/Montana//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=204&Itemid=353

Yesterday's Fall

I had a long work day yesterday.  I started at 4am and returned home at 10pm.  I think I broke bones in my bottom and neck.

That hurt.  Now go pick up your computer; see if it is broken.

Seems to be working.  Looks safe at the bottom of this hill.  Dude, there's snow on your ass.

Does that hurt when you land on your neck like that?

Thinking About Fixed Gear Cyclocross

I've been thinkin' 'bout cross today.  I'm not sure why.  I have not been on a real bike ride in months.  My heart rate has not been elevated since January 8.  Perhaps I'm thinking about cross because it's a windy blowy snowy sort of day, and the memory of last season is still fresh in my mind.  I rode the geared bike for the entire last half of the season.  Three of my four wins were on the geared bike.  Even so, here is what I'm thinking.  For next year, in every race, I'm going to be on the fixed gear set up.  I may even wear cut off jeans.  This will be a good way to support my new sponsor, Robert Hamlin Bicycles.

Like Watching Paint Dry

And the paint is drying.  Just a few more brush strokes, some more deep cleaning, fix the broken window, put up more slat wall, another visit from Fire Marshal Bill, several days of organizing, and I should be ready.  I may even start building some bicycles next week.  If it seems like I'm not in a hurry, it's because I'm not.  Although, I will need some cash flow soon.  Starting up again has put me over $5,000 in the red.  And, I'll be on the road this weekend checking cameras on I-70 and US 6 for the Doctor.

All Over Again

Five years ago to the day, Paul Stewart was painting the shop.  Tonight, he is painting it again.  Strange.  And this time, my work area has blue walls.  Like the ocean.

Pake C'mute

A link to the past!  No need to reinvent the (bicycle) wheel.  In the middle of 2009 I was headed toward a new business model.  Two years later, I'm just trying to follow through, albeit without the catchy name.  I'm sure my ideas will catch on, and all of Logan, Utah will be rolling around on Pake C'mute frames built to their exact needs and dreams.  Right.

http://roberthamlin.blogspot.com/2009/06/pake-cmute.html

Versautility

Yes, I'm creating a new word.  What I really want to create is a new mindset about bicycles that have versatility and utility.  Versautility.  I've posted rants before about how in just a few decades bicycles have gone from 5 speeds to 11 speeds, and from tested and proven frame design to high-tech high-dollar carbon and full suspension motorcycles without engines with 5 or more inches of travel.  If you want that, and you have the $4,000 to spend, fine.  Good.  I can even sell you a bicycle like that.  It would perform fantasticly.  But, it would have no versautility.  I'd rather not sell a bicycle like that.

I want to sell you this bicycle.  I have all sizes in stock.  It's heavy.  It only has 16 speeds.  It is 100% rigid chromoly steel.  It works great.  It's a 29er mountain bike (really, if you want a mountain bike, this will do a fantastic job, ask my wife, this is the bike she rides).  If you want an indestructible curb crushing, pothole pounding, snow sliding commuter, this is your ticket.  If I put on 700x32 cyclocross tires for you, it's going to feel really fast.  But wait, there's more.  This bicycle has eyelets to mount front and rear racks.  That means it's also a heavy duty touring bicycle, capable of extended back-country off-road adventures.  Does it have disc brakes?  No.  But just take a test ride after I set up the v-brakes.  Give the levers a good squeeze, and you'll go right over the bars.  Really.  You don't need disc brakes if you use this bicycle as described above.  The price, you ask?  You know gas will be back up to $4 per gallon this summer?  What price would you have to pay for all this?  $699.  That's only about a dozen tanks of gas for your car.

Riddle Me This Batman

What costs $150 less than a Soma Double Cross frame yet has more versatility (hint: semi-horizontal drop-outs)?  I just ordered 3 of them.  I'll show you the answer next post.  Or just scroll down a few posts.

Bidness

• State and local business licenses, business checking account, and liability policy are all in the works.
• Fire Marshall (not Bill) and Building Inspector to be scheduled.
• Ordering these soon.  It's still all the mountain bike anyone needs.  I can even set it up with 32x24.  If that doesn't work, walk up the hill.  No, you do not need suspension.  Really, really.  I'm telling you the truth.

Yep

I'm opening up the shop again.  170 E Center.  Alright now, pick yourself up off the floor.  I know I said never again.  I've changed my mind.  I'll have all the business licences and liability insurance by the end of the week.  Crazy, huh?  It's just something I need to do.  It's still part of my path.

It will be different this time:  no credit, no cheap Fuji, less hours, more custom-fitted-steel-frame-utilitarian-one-bike-does-it-all options.  These bicycles will have so many options.  Want a cross bike?  Want a commuter?  Want a fixie?  Want a road bike?  You choose:  flat bars, drop bars, flared drop bars, racks, gears, singlespeed, fixed, fenders, etc.  I'll even do 7 speed thumb shifters for you.

http://www.pakebikes.com/product/F8EF09/C%27Mute+Frame

And, if you want an inexpensive-high quality off the shelf bicycle, I plan on having Redline bicycles available again.  They still make the best steel framed 29ers and metro-road bicycles for the best price.  Here is one classic example.

My Rope

The end of my rope
Turn and use the other end
Or, make a short splice

Life is a circle
Multiple infinite loops
From the Buddha mind

I may need more than
Meditation and symbols
Pedaling circles

Sitting on the couch
A rare moment by myself
Quiet reflection

I'm thinking about
Going for a nice long ride
A cold gravel road

We will drive instead
Up the canyon to go ski
Whole fam damily

I'll learn to snow board
I have a split board and boots
The right equipment

I'll learn to go down
Then I will try to skin up
The back country calls