January 30, 2009
Banjo Brothers Prize Bags!
Our good friends at Banjo Brothers sent me five prize bags for Stupor Bowl, the three backpacks are going to trackstand and men's and women's sprints. The two canvas bags are going to the Stupor Bowl organizers to give away at their discretion.
Anytime I throw an event I know that I can count on the guys at Banjo Brothers for support. They have always been exceedingly generous to me and I want to take this opportunity to once more say thank you to them for supporting Bike Jerks and the Minneapolis cycling community.
I have been riding with a Banjo backpack for the better part of a year now and it is the absolute perfect size for my daily life. I also love the fact that it has both a waist strap and a sternum strap and comes with a celly holster. 
Anytime I throw an event I know that I can count on the guys at Banjo Brothers for support. They have always been exceedingly generous to me and I want to take this opportunity to once more say thank you to them for supporting Bike Jerks and the Minneapolis cycling community.
I have been riding with a Banjo backpack for the better part of a year now and it is the absolute perfect size for my daily life. I also love the fact that it has both a waist strap and a sternum strap and comes with a celly holster. 
January 29, 2009
VitaMN story
So VitaMN published a story about Stupor Bowl, written by Amber Schadewald that starts off this way:
Every year, on the weekend of Super Bowl Sunday, Minneapolis hosts one of the largest, longest-running bike races of its kind. It attracts riders from across the country and gains attention from bike communities worldwide. What race is this, you ask? Shhh. It's a secret. The first rule of this race is: Do not talk about the race.
But what happens when an underground event celebrates its 12th year and grows to nearly 400 participants? It's only natural that it will muster some outside curiosity, and come to a crossroads. The name of the race (read quietly): the Stupor Bowl, which takes place on Saturday.
Acquiring information for a story on the event was a legitimate pain. Dozens of voice mails and e-mails went unanswered, and this year's organizers refused to comment. Fans of the race seem to have made a pact of silence, citing valid concerns of being shut down if the race gets too big. Racers are also worried about legal issues and police interference, especially after seeing the popular Critical Mass group rides turned into a police-led parade.
So after it is made clear to the author that the race organizer's in no way want to be part of her story and that they want as little attention as possible, she ignored their wishes and published the piece. I am all for journalistic integrity and the people's right to know but we're not talking about a politicians past or a major news story, we're talking about Stupor Bowl. A counter culture event that wants nothing to do with the mainstream public and who's very existence is threatened by mainstream attention such as this.
Her selfish disregard for the wishes of the people who organize and created this race threatens this race, future races, and the alleycat scene in general.
Amber, you have done a great disservice to the cycling community of Minneapolis, I hope in the future you will not help destroy the very things you seek to report on.
Shame on you and this terrible lapse in judgement. Going ahead with this story was a total dick move.
Every year, on the weekend of Super Bowl Sunday, Minneapolis hosts one of the largest, longest-running bike races of its kind. It attracts riders from across the country and gains attention from bike communities worldwide. What race is this, you ask? Shhh. It's a secret. The first rule of this race is: Do not talk about the race.
But what happens when an underground event celebrates its 12th year and grows to nearly 400 participants? It's only natural that it will muster some outside curiosity, and come to a crossroads. The name of the race (read quietly): the Stupor Bowl, which takes place on Saturday.
Acquiring information for a story on the event was a legitimate pain. Dozens of voice mails and e-mails went unanswered, and this year's organizers refused to comment. Fans of the race seem to have made a pact of silence, citing valid concerns of being shut down if the race gets too big. Racers are also worried about legal issues and police interference, especially after seeing the popular Critical Mass group rides turned into a police-led parade.
So after it is made clear to the author that the race organizer's in no way want to be part of her story and that they want as little attention as possible, she ignored their wishes and published the piece. I am all for journalistic integrity and the people's right to know but we're not talking about a politicians past or a major news story, we're talking about Stupor Bowl. A counter culture event that wants nothing to do with the mainstream public and who's very existence is threatened by mainstream attention such as this.
Her selfish disregard for the wishes of the people who organize and created this race threatens this race, future races, and the alleycat scene in general.
Amber, you have done a great disservice to the cycling community of Minneapolis, I hope in the future you will not help destroy the very things you seek to report on.
Shame on you and this terrible lapse in judgement. Going ahead with this story was a total dick move.
January 28, 2009
Stupor Bowl Weekend Polo
Hey all of you out there who are making the trek up for Stupor Bowl. If you're in town tomorrow night MPLS Bike Polo is happening Thursday the 29th at 7pm at the 5th and Washington Parking Garage Downtown. 
January 27, 2009
Stupor Sprints Friday Night
Bike Jerks has been asked by the organizers of Stupor Bowl to run sprints and trackstand. Bring a dollar for sprints, and show up at CRC around 8.
Banjo Brothers has been kind enough to donate prize bags for the event.
Banjo Brothers has been kind enough to donate prize bags for the event.
Almanzo 100
For those that don't know the Almanzo 100 is a hundred mile gravel road race in southern Minnesota, riders must support themselves and navigate. The organizer of the event Chris asked Bike Jerks to sponsor the event this year, and we of course gladly accepted his invitation to be part of this special and unique event. 100 dirty miles is my kind of party.
See you at the race, and if you're thinking about signing up, hurry up and do it already. It's a free race and registration closes at the end of this month.
Almanzo 100
See you at the race, and if you're thinking about signing up, hurry up and do it already. It's a free race and registration closes at the end of this month. Almanzo 100
January 26, 2009
King Kog
Is on the ball, they have a lovely new shop, 
They have this shirt, which references the classic "why can't my boyfriend skate" shirt (yeah I had a subscription to Thrasher from 89-91 (fourth grade, holla))
They also have these nice wool jerseys which are on sale for 20-40 dollars, don't know if they are reproductions or originals but either way if I was in NY I'd check em out.
They have this shirt, which references the classic "why can't my boyfriend skate" shirt (yeah I had a subscription to Thrasher from 89-91 (fourth grade, holla))
They also have these nice wool jerseys which are on sale for 20-40 dollars, don't know if they are reproductions or originals but either way if I was in NY I'd check em out.
January 24, 2009
January 22, 2009
Ice Beards and Stupor Sprints
This morning the Robeast Trevor Crayton showed up at work with a truly spectacular ice beard.
Trevor is the Minneapolis Sprint Champ, so far nobody has ever gotten within two bike lengths of him in a match sprint. Which brings me to the point that Bike Jerks is putting on Stupor Bowl Sprints on Friday the 30th. (the day before Stupor Bowl) We will meetup at Pre-reg at CRC and head out around 9 for Sprints and Trackstand. Trevor's been kind of down playing sprints because he wants to save his energy for the race the next day. But I would like to encourage any of you out of towners who think you've got legs to give our man a try. The Robeast is unstoppable.
Trevor is the Minneapolis Sprint Champ, so far nobody has ever gotten within two bike lengths of him in a match sprint. Which brings me to the point that Bike Jerks is putting on Stupor Bowl Sprints on Friday the 30th. (the day before Stupor Bowl) We will meetup at Pre-reg at CRC and head out around 9 for Sprints and Trackstand. Trevor's been kind of down playing sprints because he wants to save his energy for the race the next day. But I would like to encourage any of you out of towners who think you've got legs to give our man a try. The Robeast is unstoppable.
New Bike Day
Realizing that I need all the horsepower I can muster for Stupor Bowl, yesterday I finished building up my geared Croll frameset. Digging through my parts in the garage felt very much like that scene in Gleaming The Cube where Christian Slater is building up his board for the final showdown. (I looked for that clip on youtube but couldn't find it, if you locate it send me a link). Here are some pics of the buildup and the final product.
My main man Matt built the wheels which are two cross front, three cross rear drive, two cross non drive, tied and soldered via DT Revolutions. They're sick.
The frame and fork are pure Minneapolis steel. For those that don't know, Croll was a local framebuilder here in Minneapolis that went out of business early this decade, and it just so happens that my little buddy Erik from Peacock Groove cut his teeth there. I have always wanted a frame built by Erik but haven't had the beans to plunk down on a Groove and when the chance to pick this baby up came along, I pounced on it. The tubing is Reynolds 853 and the ride is super smooth! It is perhaps the plushest most comfortable bike I have ever swung a leg over. If this thing fits well, I am planning on selling my BMC frameset, hanging my Campy parts on it and making it my fulltime roadbike.
See you at the starting line.
My main man Matt built the wheels which are two cross front, three cross rear drive, two cross non drive, tied and soldered via DT Revolutions. They're sick.
The frame and fork are pure Minneapolis steel. For those that don't know, Croll was a local framebuilder here in Minneapolis that went out of business early this decade, and it just so happens that my little buddy Erik from Peacock Groove cut his teeth there. I have always wanted a frame built by Erik but haven't had the beans to plunk down on a Groove and when the chance to pick this baby up came along, I pounced on it. The tubing is Reynolds 853 and the ride is super smooth! It is perhaps the plushest most comfortable bike I have ever swung a leg over. If this thing fits well, I am planning on selling my BMC frameset, hanging my Campy parts on it and making it my fulltime roadbike.
See you at the starting line.
Uptown Crit
Organizers of the Nature Valley Grand Prix announced the addition of a Friday evening Uptown Criterium to this year's event, a five-day stage race expected to draw 300 professional cyclists to Minnesota. For the new stage in the Minneapolis Uptown neighborhood, pro teams will race around Calhoun Square on a course that comprises six tight corners.
"This is fantastic news for the city of Minneapolis and our booming Uptown District," said Minneapolis Council Member Ralph Remington ,who represents the Uptown neighborhood. "The Nature Valley Grand Prix brings tens of thousands of tourists, sports fans and bicycle enthusiasts onto the streets of the Twin Cities every year. We're thrilled to be a big part of that - and it's fun to go head to head with the Saint Paul Downtown Criterium." Remington is referring to another stage in the race, the criterium held in nearby Lowerton.
The 11th edition of the race, the top-ranked stage race on USA Cycling's National Racing Calendar (NRC), will run in the Twin Cities from June 10 to 14. The other stages will visit Cannon Falls, Mankata and Stillwater.
"This is fantastic news for the city of Minneapolis and our booming Uptown District," said Minneapolis Council Member Ralph Remington ,who represents the Uptown neighborhood. "The Nature Valley Grand Prix brings tens of thousands of tourists, sports fans and bicycle enthusiasts onto the streets of the Twin Cities every year. We're thrilled to be a big part of that - and it's fun to go head to head with the Saint Paul Downtown Criterium." Remington is referring to another stage in the race, the criterium held in nearby Lowerton.
The 11th edition of the race, the top-ranked stage race on USA Cycling's National Racing Calendar (NRC), will run in the Twin Cities from June 10 to 14. The other stages will visit Cannon Falls, Mankata and Stillwater.
January 21, 2009
Capricorn Dropout
here is a random photo of my Capricorn in the stages of being built, the drawn on heart was replaced by a stainless brazed on version.
Hi-Five shirts
If you sent me an email requesting a Hi-Five shirt or hoodie, you're going to have to wait until after Stupor Bowl. Sorry about that but I am very busy with race prep, sprint planning, and making prizes. I will get on it after Stupor Bowl. If you have an order in of any kind and actual currency has changed hands, I am working on it and will get it out before Stupor Bowl.
January 20, 2009
Tricks and Drinks tonight
I crashed on my way home, hit an icy spot on Calhoun parkway and got thrown into a snowbank, and am nursing a sore shoulder.
So I'm bailing on T n D. I hope those of you who were planning on going still, get out there and enjoy yourselves.
So I'm bailing on T n D. I hope those of you who were planning on going still, get out there and enjoy yourselves.
January 19, 2009
thank you
i was down in my little workshop tonight making some prizes for Stupor Bowl, enjoying some whiskey, and listening to cassettes, and a few things came to mind. Maybe you didn't know this, but alot of times Bike Jerks is a real pain in the ass. Most nights when I get home from work the last thing I want to do is spend the night screenprinting. Because I do everything by hand and eyesight, it is often a frustrating experience that pisses me off to no end. Tonight though, I spent in my workshop taking it easy. I was free to make and do pretty much whatever I wanted. I was really enjoying the idea of making prizes for the race and it's at times like these when I think about how fortunate I am that I get to make something, and have someone else actually find some value in it and buy it from me, and I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who makes this possible. Everyone who reads this blog, or buys the things I make in the basement, or comes to the races. Thank you all so much for your patience and support. You encourage me to do so many things that I enjoy. 
Lake Street Death Race Video
Dustin put together his footage from the Lake Street Death Race, and here it is. Bike Jerks was planning on putting out a video of the race as well, but we scrapped it due to our footage being shitty. Congrats on the follow through Dustin! and thanks.
Lake Street Death Race from Mr.Do on Vimeo.
Lake Street Death Race from Mr.Do on Vimeo.
Remember the 90's
I vividly remember the first time I saw a fully padded NYC bike messenger on MTV Sports around 94 or 95. They really captured my fifteen year old imagination. First thing I did was grab an old set of hockey shoulder pads, jump on the Trek and head downtown. Seen on HK Fixed
here are a few more nuggets from the 90's
here are a few more nuggets from the 90's
January 17, 2009
January 16, 2009
Anybody Tried This?
I was wondering if any of you out there have actually used this method to remove a cog. holla back.
January 15, 2009
Shirt for Burd
I sent burd a custom Good Girl shirt and here it is:
I love printing the good girl with two inks on top of each other, it produces a really nice effect. this one is light blue under black.
I love printing the good girl with two inks on top of each other, it produces a really nice effect. this one is light blue under black.
Don't Give Up.
It's cold as shit in Minnesota, but there's still fun to be had. Went for a long trail ride the other day on the GMS(Galactic Mystery Solvers...) bike.
Super fun, but I need to put some gears on this thing for offroad trail riding.
You'll notice the bandana around neck, it's not for hipster cred. It is to control heat loss from the top of the jacket. The best piece of winter riding advice I've ever recieved was "staying warm is all about regulating your neck." Truer words were never spoken.
Super fun, but I need to put some gears on this thing for offroad trail riding.
You'll notice the bandana around neck, it's not for hipster cred. It is to control heat loss from the top of the jacket. The best piece of winter riding advice I've ever recieved was "staying warm is all about regulating your neck." Truer words were never spoken.
January 14, 2009
New Charge Prototype
Text From Charge's site, frameset pic from Prolly's:
Charge Scissor F+F Prototype
As you may or may not know I have been working with Charge on developing a new frame-set. We started with the Plug and tweaked the geometry to make it more suitable for trick riding.
The front end is extended for more clearance and the head tube angle is steeper.
The seat tube is shorter giving a slope on the top tube and more stand over clearance. The forks are longer and have shorter rake to make bar spins easier, they also have lightweight tapered legs.
This frame has Tange prestige butted top and down tubes so is quite a lot lighter weight than the steel plug.
There are still a couple of small final changes but it looks really good. It will have no break holes and the final colour is not yet determined, though i am quite liking the orange!
Can’t wait to test this frame set out and meet Tom & Tony on the Fixedgearlondon Eurotrip next week!
SuperTed
Charge Scissor F+F Prototype
As you may or may not know I have been working with Charge on developing a new frame-set. We started with the Plug and tweaked the geometry to make it more suitable for trick riding.
The front end is extended for more clearance and the head tube angle is steeper.
The seat tube is shorter giving a slope on the top tube and more stand over clearance. The forks are longer and have shorter rake to make bar spins easier, they also have lightweight tapered legs.
This frame has Tange prestige butted top and down tubes so is quite a lot lighter weight than the steel plug.
There are still a couple of small final changes but it looks really good. It will have no break holes and the final colour is not yet determined, though i am quite liking the orange!
Can’t wait to test this frame set out and meet Tom & Tony on the Fixedgearlondon Eurotrip next week!
SuperTed
January 13, 2009
One Special Hat
The guy who called dibs on this blue hat hasn't completed the transaction, which means its available. shoot me an email at jeff[at]bikejerks.com if you'd like to be it's owner. $15
Bootleg Profile
Burd posted my rider profile for Bootleg Sessions Vol 3. yesterday. It's been a great couple of months for Bike Jerks and Minneapolis. Things are kind of blowing up right now, and I feel really fortunate and proud that we've been able to shine a light on Minneapolis and the kids here. It's also been great for keeping me motivated and psyched through this long winter. It was -34 with the windchill when I woke up this morning, and it's real easy to let winter get to you and prevent you from riding. But right now I couldn't be more excited about it. We've got Stupor Bowl at the end of the month, we've got a couple of warehouse spaces that we've been riding, the beard (nature's balaclava) is coming in real nice, and the All-City parts will be dropping soon. big things are happening in the upper midwest. 
link here for my rider profile
link here for my rider profile
Pony Up!
Our friend Austin Horse rode away with the win in Boston's Pony Up II race, and look what he won. A custom mess bag from Minneapolis' own Andy Larson. Congrats to Austin and nice work Andy. Looks like Austin will be in top form for Stupor Bowl at the end of the month.
I also spotted this photo from the race, and if you squint real hard you can make out the BikeJerks stickers on the fork legs. I still get excited anytime I see a reference to my little company anywhere.
I also spotted this photo from the race, and if you squint real hard you can make out the BikeJerks stickers on the fork legs. I still get excited anytime I see a reference to my little company anywhere.
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