16 Months…

16 Months is how long it took for my youngest son Chris (the same one that wrote the poem) to grow enough to ride a Bianchi Eros that I had. When I first brought it home he claimed it. Even though an older brother of his was already big enough, he said it was his.

I got her because she is just beautiful and I couldn’t bear to see her possibly get mistreated. So, she has hung in the rafters of the garage. Occasionally he would beg me to bring it down so he could try and straddle it.  Finally I told him that “when he can touch the overhead door track” we would try again.

I don’t know if it was all just growth or if the constant leaping he has been doing in basketball but, he did it. He touched that track. So, today I brought down that pretty little lady and aired up the tires. He walked her down the drive a little way and threw his leg over.

I could tell right off that there was no way I would get him off again anytime soon. He may be up on his toes a bit but he can ride that 26″ wheeled little beauty and there is nothing that will separate them now.

He waited 16 months for this day.

I am not sure who is happier him, or me.

 

Carl

Words to live by.

Yehuda Moon and the Kickstand Cyclery – Bicycle Comics | Doubt on a Ride

This came up just when I needed it. I also never expected something so deep from Joe.

Bike to Work Day in Longmont, CO

Bike to Work day Longmont Colorado edition

Click for a little bigger

Bicycle Friendly Community ’04-’12

Chillin’

I think this was the best coffee I had, and I had a lot.

Mmmm, pancakes and sausage.does a body good

What is it about watching the only guy working

The only other fixed gear but mine I saw

The guy on the right came from Loveland

Station at the Y

Present and past

Stretch Coolness

Bike Club Baiku

Here are some examples of bicycle based haiku. This was a “homework” assignment I gave to my bike club kids.

“Write a haiku about bikes” I said. “What is a haiku” they said. “5-7-5 syllables” I said. They said ummm ok….
Any way, four of them got one or more done and I came up with a couple.

Baiku

My bike is wicked

It has foot pegs on the wheels

I fly on my bike

_____________

My bike has cool wheels

My bike wheels have many spokes

A blur on the street

______________

Speeding super fast

Through the muddy grass

A big grass killer

______________

Serenity sweet

The breeze caresses my back

I’ll sweat later on

Turning northward oof

The breeze now a hurricane

Spinning gone just mash

Head down chest heaving

Turn ahead, a copse of trees

Relief, rest, home soon

_______________

Cars and trucks rush by

Honks and cheers they cry I think

You walk on sidewalk

_______________

Hybrid car driving

Quietly sneaking beside

Your conscience scared me

_______________

Left right stop air brake

Look left right left back front turn

Start slow use helmet

________________

I like riding bikes

My friend and I like bikes

I enjoy bike club

________________

I love my new bike

It is red and black with gears

My bike is awesome!

________________

Carl

The Stable…

…or quiver. “The Boss” calls it my “harem”.

This is “Tyra” Fenders a Wonder! Stock Mongoose Tyax Elite with Planet Bike fenders and a DIY bike light

This is “Keley” my first fixed gear conversion. In this picture I had spent around fifty dollars for parts and paint.

This is “GiGi” my second fixed gear. I went really spendy on this one and bought a new cog, tires, tubes and some new to me pedals. the frame I traded for and the rest is parts bin.

This is “Sophie” and has been accused of being the catalyst of my renewed bicycle geekism. I found her on a corner with a sign that said free. I tore everything apart and cleaned and lubed and adjusted. I learned later that it “should” have been harder because she has a two-speed kickback coaster brake hub, made by Bendix. Apparently they aren’t very user friendly. Oh well, now I know it was difficult. NOT!

This is “Martha” found beneath a HUGE pile of other bikes on top of a Volkswagon van. The wheels in this picture are now on GiGi. I have a set of 27″ more appropriate for her. Do you like my emergency fender?

The next project to finish is a Schwinn Suburban. I just need to get some more elbow grease from the shop.

Thanks,
Carl