Bike Jerks

Trash Bags Stupor Bowl Speed Race Champ Bag.

2012-02-01T11:42:00.000-06:00

All I've got to say is that Andy knocked it out of the park on this one. Holy shit is this amazing.

Hopefully I'll be in the running to win this bad boy.

Skate Video Wednesday

2012-02-01T11:00:00.000-06:00

Tuesday

2012-02-01T10:00:00.000-06:00

Favorite Things: Craft Active Glove

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

I've been using these gloves since the middle of last winter, they are minimally bulky and retail for around $50. I've got thousands of miles in them, and so far they are none the worse for wear. I use them for temperatures between 30 and 10 degrees, though they are best suited for 15-20.

I've ridden down to zero with them on occasion and while I wasn't exactly warm, all my digits survived. I now carry a set of Gore liner gloves with me in case I get caught out there with the wrong equipment. I can layer them under these with no problem, plenty of room now that the padding has gotten broken in from use.

Highly recommended.

Sunday

2012-01-31T19:15:00.000-06:00

Did some screen printing in the morning and then my back went out on me. Nothing acute that I can point to, all of a sudden it just started aching, and my spine went into an s-curve. I've had a shitty back since high school hockey so it's nothing new, but the bummer obviously is that Stupor Bowl is this weekend and I'd like the chance to once more defend my crown and attempt a 3-peat.

I've spent the past few days at home laid up, so we'll have to see how it goes. Going to try to ride the bike tomorrow, though I can't sit in a chair for more than a minute without a ton of pain. Wish me luck.

Cool Story Bro!

2012-01-30T19:37:00.000-06:00

BMX Video Monday

2012-01-30T14:05:00.001-06:00

All-City Design Process: Space Horse Dropouts

2012-01-30T14:04:00.000-06:00

Big blog post about our design process regarding the Space Horse dropouts on the AC Blog.

Go give it a read

Pacific Blue

2012-01-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

I remember, being so stoked on this show in junior high. Here's a Hans Rey's guest appearance. Anybody know who the other stunt rider is? I believe that Brian Lopes used to stunt on this show, but I don't think it's him.

Happy Birthday D.O.

2012-01-29T11:06:00.000-06:00

and a photo of Josh doing Karaoke that he wanted to see on the blog.

Friday Night In Los Angeles

2012-01-28T12:44:00.002-06:00

Ozzie, his boy, and King Of Dispatchers, The Dark Side

Finally for Steve T

L.A. for the win.

Friday Funday with B.Ridget

2012-01-27T12:00:00.000-06:00

Stolen Bike Alert: Chicago

2012-01-26T19:31:00.000-06:00

the city not the street in MPLS.

From Emily down in Chicago:

I'm a student at DePaul University and over Christmas break, I got my bike stolen. It was locked up outside of my residence hall and thief cut both my hard lock and my cord lock. The bike is a brand new black Globe Work, serial number WSBC602100683G, and I'm absolutely dying to get it back.

If you see it please let us know.

AC O.G. Kits are In

2012-01-26T11:45:00.001-06:00

get some.

Crucial Jams

2012-01-26T10:43:00.002-06:00

File under PEELING OUT/STRUTTIN' IN TALL BOOTS

One for DPow

2012-01-26T10:00:00.000-06:00

here's to you

Sunday- Evening

2012-01-26T09:00:00.001-06:00

It was a classic Wisconsin Supper Club experience.

Having grown up in prime Supper Club territory, it never occurred to me that this was a purely Upper Midwest, 'Sconnie in particular, phenomenon. It was always just part of the landscape. It wasn't until this year when Trevor spoke of his love of Supper Clubs that I even started to question my lack of appreciation. Then I saw this article in the NY Times about two supper clubs right near my childhood home (one literally a five minute walk away, the other where I had my prom dinner) and realized that it was a thing. I even only realized this past weekend that the Red Stag Supper Club in town is a hipster appropriation of the genre.

On the way home on Sunday we stopped at a place just outside of Westby Wisconsin.

Check the time warp

All-City + Milwaukee

2012-01-25T16:59:00.003-06:00

Here's one guaranteed to bring a tear to the ol Mar$ters eye.

Skate Video Wednesday

2012-01-25T11:00:00.000-06:00

Sunday - Afternoon

2012-01-25T10:00:00.000-06:00

getting motivated to move.

It's Working

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000-06:00

Pick up a new copy of Urban Velo and revel in the amazingness. The first worldwide Bike Jerks ad.

If there was any doubt, I hope this clears things up. I am totally winning the bike industry.

Dose of Awesome

2012-01-24T12:40:00.003-06:00

via

Saturday

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-06:00

Headed to Josh's family's cabin down near Viroqua Wisconsin. I've never really been down to that particular area of Wisconsin (Westby which isn't far, is the closest I've gotten), but I've heard a lot of great things. Much of the produce that is available at the Minneapolis' coops come from the area and it has a reputation of being sort of a hippy town.

Regardless of the hippies, the landscape was fucking gorgeous. Huge bluffs everywhere.

On Saturday we arrived, tucked into some booze, and got into the best sledding session of our lives at around midnight. It was awesome.

Treasure reading Small Arms Monthly (or something like that)

No electricity, no problem. Battery operated.

Monday

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000-06:00

Ice Beardz

2012-01-23T16:54:00.002-06:00

I know some of you look ever so forward to my typical nonstop winter ice beard posting, and with this year's mild winter you have been sorely deprived.

I'm going to start fixing that.

Starting now.

I hope this lets you all breathe a little easier.

PLANET HOPS and KS YUN

2012-01-23T11:26:00.002-06:00

T,D_2nd shooting from KS Yun on Vimeo.

Love it.

BMX Video Monday

2012-01-23T09:00:00.000-06:00

Lucas Porzio: 7 days in Tampa. from Profile Racing on Vimeo.

Cliches Happen For A Reason

2012-01-22T19:33:00.002-06:00

I'm sure you're as Yawny-McYawnington by these Shit People Say videos, but this one is relevant to me cause it's too well done. Thank you to whoever made this and immortalized all the reasons why I ride the bikes I do now, why I couldn't take roadie "culture" (I use the word culture very loosely) anymore, why one of the last shops I worked at drove me fucking mental, and why if you talk like this - even if you're a fucking pro, I can't take you seriously. It's also a reminder of why the cycling industry counts on this mindset to keep selling overpriced unsafe garbage to the riders who only want to get "faster" bikes without working to get faster themselves. There's a reason why your $1100 dollar PowerTap wheel gives you the same readings as your $15 dollar Bell Sports computer - the money spent didn't change anything. And no it's not the mechanics fault.

Gone

2012-01-21T09:45:00.002-06:00

Gonna hole up in a cabin for the weekend. No bikes, just dogs, whiskey, and a battery operated turntable.

Friday Funday with B.Ridget

2012-01-20T14:28:00.000-06:00

dance party begins around the 1:25 mark

Cross Up at the Lumberyard: Portland

2012-01-19T09:00:00.001-06:00

If this wasn't Stupor Bowl weekend you can bet your ass I'd be there.

nostalgia

2012-01-18T20:30:00.002-06:00

This is probably better filed under Jeff's "cool story bro" category, but I've had a little too much rye whiskey and I'm feeling nostalgic (a sad, melancholic thing that happens occasionally after you turn 30).

Anyway, above my desk sits my favorite alleycat poster that I endlessly stare at while procrastinating (see below). A Quebecois gave this to me in 2005 (I think), after I towed him to 4th place in the race in the city after the CMWC in New York (yes, even I used to race a bike in cities with cars!).

He designed the poster and drew it by hand on thick stock paper. Now, I may just be partial to the amazing behind the back Dominque Wilkens style dragon slaying happening in this poster—but then again, this mien on this dragon is pretty kick ass. I mean, it isn't clear if this leaping cyclist actually kills this dragon or if he merely wounds him.

Then again, I could just be partial because it reminds me of the mural I grew up with that was painted on the labor center in Austin, Mn for the 1984 P-9 strike against Hormel ("Cram your Spam!"). The price of your cursed wealth, good god we have paid in full.

All that and "Abolish Apartheid." Minnesota, a progressive place.

Numbers

2012-01-18T13:44:00.002-06:00

Pretty proud of my lady today. We went on one of our morning rides and she killed a stinker that's been toying with both of us for a bit. A 3/4 mile 6.3% 286 ft elevation gain stinker. On her brakeless Dropout with a 46x17. Cause we came out here with our Milwaukee ratios, you know. Then down the other side. I got a soft spot for tuff chicks. 'Specially this one.

Favorite Things: Surly Tall Thick Wool Socks

2012-01-18T10:00:00.000-06:00

I've got to give my homies at Surly a high five for this shit. This shit's been keeping my toes and lower legs warm all winter.

They are the maximum thickness of sock that will fit in my Sidis so I be wearing them like mad.

Tall, thick, and seem like they'll last for years. You should get some.

Records

2012-01-18T09:00:00.000-06:00

On Sunday I took a day off from riding and went to Treehouse and Cheapo. These are the scores.

Savoy Brown "A Step Further," Kris Kristofferson "Border Lord," Tony Joe White "Black and White," Nashville Pussy "High as Hell."

awesome homemade video to accompany, made from various Kristofferson movie clips

I was super pumped to get this copy of High as Hell for $7.

Check out the ridiculousness

I love this record in the same fashion that I love Van Halen 1, I'd say it's a guilty pleasure, but I don't much feel guilty.

At Treehouse I picked up Deadmoon "Defiance."

Deadmoon is one of those bands that you find out about and you get bummed because you could have been listening to them for years already.

so good.

Still The Best Bike Check

2012-01-17T23:29:00.001-06:00

Eric Puckett: bike check 2009 from AJ Austin on Vimeo.

Crucial Jams

2012-01-17T23:01:00.002-06:00

Here at BIKE JERKS we appreciate gems. Multi purpose gems. For rides, ladies, haircuts... our unique edge is that we don't give no fuck. But we know a good riff and how to use it. Lay back in the cut.

I Told You Not to Do the Sparkles

2012-01-17T21:37:00.002-06:00

This is seriously the best thing on the internet. Wisconsin is so spectacular.

inspiring stuff

(sorry to follow up the previous post with something so lighthearted, but the world does need to laugh)

Greenway Mugging

2012-01-17T20:15:00.000-06:00

Saw this on Bike Love today and figured it made sense to put it in front of as many eyes as possible.

Please watch out, be careful, take care, and look out for each other.

bloody girl by ebbmart

At ~8:30 pm a guy on a bike waved me down, to warn me of some suspicious guys he felt were trying to jump him. He asked "should I call the cops?" To which I replied "HELL YES!" and pulled out my Kryptonite for the remaining block I was to be on the Greenway.

As I was preparing to turn off into the park after the Freewheel (between 10-11th), I saw what looked like a bike on its side (blinkies askew) and some shadowy figures moving clumsily, manuvering what looked like a bag or back pack. I realised I had music playing and lifted my earflap to the sound of a female voice screaming.

Krypto out, I rushed the group, yelling in my deepest, loudest voice to "GET THE FUCK OFF HER, LEAVE HER ALONE!! THE COPS HAVE ALREADY BEEN CALLED!!". As I raced toward them, lock swinging above my head, the two attackers ran up the convienienty placed stairs to 12th Ave; leaving a bloodied, sobbing and very shaken girl.

After making sure she was not too badly ingured - her eyes tracked well, she was able to answer questions (what do you want, I'm not an EMT), covering her exposed hands and head; and sitting her down on my bag - I called 911 and did all that fun stuff.

Big TOTH to this girl - when asked by myself and the police if the thieves got anything, she blithly nodded no, and then described all the things I would freak out if I lost (keys, phone and wallet) having been in her backpack, that they took. She also *smiled* just a bit when I asked if I could take a picture. What a badass.

Huge WOTK(ryptonite) to the scumbag POS assholes that did this to her.

Please be VERY CAREFUL on the Greenway at night or early morning, people. One of the guys was wearing a t-shirt, which, to me, means they live in the immediate area. I didnt see their features well enought to make any descriptive statement about them, as I was focused on the girl, but it would seem they wear dark clothing and work in pairs, or more. If you see suspicious activity, DO NOT hesitate to stop and/or avoid that section of trail, and call 911 to report it. He should absolutely not feel guilty, but if the guy that warned me had called it in, it is possible that this girl would not have been accosted, or at very least, the aggressors might have even been cought on the bridge (wishful thinking)

Related - I woke up this morning from a restless sleep, and a dream where I U-locked one of the muggers to a fence by his neck... I think I still had some adrenaline pumping through me.

Wolf Drawn: Gap to Laceration

2012-01-17T20:02:00.002-06:00

Photos from my Iphone

2012-01-17T19:48:00.003-06:00

for the first time since I got it this fall, I dumped the photos from my phone.

here are some highlights.

"vinyal to get Toto and Badfinger!"

found at Cheapo Records this past Sunday

Stupor Bowl 15

2012-01-17T11:54:00.000-06:00

It's back. The second oldest continually running messenger race in the world (next to Halloween in NYC), and one of the biggest anywhere with 400 people or so registering each year.

This year's Stupor will be taking place February 4th.

If you're not from here, you better make plans now, because this is not to be missed. If you're from here, I'll see you there.

Effin' A to the J

2012-01-16T19:06:00.003-06:00

Any body knows Tina and I treat A.J. like our boy. We want the best for him and are proud of all his accomplishments. Such a nice young man.

Texas Jibs from AJ Austin on Vimeo.

Get out here and visit Dude!

All-City Vertical Dropouts

2012-01-16T16:16:00.002-06:00

I'm biased of course, but shit these are hot.

via

Saturday

2012-01-16T11:01:00.000-06:00

In an effort to try to love the fat bike I took my Pugsley down to the River Bottoms on Saturday for what turned out to be a long four and a half hour ride.

First order of business was to check out this abandoned road that I'd scouted earlier on my cross bike.

That dead ended and left me searching for a way to cross to the other side of a stream. Luckily a way was found.

I then rode the low road to the trails to 35W. The trail was good and it was fun, but the whole time I kept wishing that I was on my mountain bike so I could pump and catch air off the rad sand dune pump track sections.

Cool Story Bro

2012-01-16T11:00:00.002-06:00

On the way back from record shopping I was riding down Blaisdell and had just passed through an intersection with traffic lights, when a cop car pulled alongside me and flashed the lights. I pulled to a stop and they immediately blasted a flashlight to my eyes, "Do you know that riding without a headlight is illegal?"

At this point I didn't know what I was being pulled over for, truth be told while I knew that there were no cars coming in any direction, I have absolutely no idea what color the light was when I went through.

I replied to the query with a shrug of the shoulders, then looked down and realized that I had an unlit Knog on my bars. I turned it on and said sorry. They then asked if I had a state idea and I went for my wallet.

While they ran my info one of the officers told me that I didn't have brakes on my bike and asked if I rode downtown, to which I replied sometimes. I don't live or work downtown, but sometimes I ride there. "Cops downtown will give you a ticket for that."

They then handed me back my id after checking for warrants. I wanted to ask why they pulled me over, but any run in with a cop where I don't receive a ticket is rare, so I didn't want to blow it.

Twin Cities Bike Swap

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

It's coming up, don't forget to register.

BMX Video Monday

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-06:00

Sunday In Los Angeles

2012-01-15T21:45:00.002-06:00

Dark Iggy and Ozzie, Princes of L.A.
Thanks for watching the Packers lose with me.

Solid exploring.

Sunday

2012-01-15T20:49:00.001-06:00

A Woman After Jeff's Own Heart

2012-01-15T12:58:00.002-06:00

COCKTAIL TIME! from EIT! on Vimeo.

Friday Funday with B.Ridget

2012-01-13T19:12:00.001-06:00

Interview on Bike Rumor

2012-01-13T15:08:00.000-06:00

Bike Rumor just posted a little interview I did with them

Go give it a read.

Records

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-06:00

I've had these a while but I forgot to post them until now.

James Gang, Orion, Silver Jews (Tanglewood Numbers, the one I was missing on vinyl and is currently not in print, yea me), Savoy Brown, Billy Ocean, The O'Jays, Carl Perkins

I picked up this Savoy Brown, not knowing who or what they were, based on the awesome cover art and the date (70 I think). They had a bunch of their records and this one is so good that I hope to go back and pick up a few more.

I'm also trying to get my hands on anything I can by Orion. This album isn't as good as the Rockabilly Rebel record I bought a few months ago, but beyond the Elvis shtick, his shit is good as gold.

Get into it

You know you're a wheelbuilder when....

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-06:00

you've got yourself a tied and soldered spoke roach clip

myself, not really so much of a wheelbuilder

Crucial Jams

2012-01-12T11:53:00.002-06:00

Every once in awhile, suppression force field weakens, and you remember. Better to know about filth than to go get a Chocolate Mousse from Baker's Square - (moment on the lips, lifetime on the hips :} omg lol) Now get back to service with a smirk. And go hang out with the friends on the short list. You know what's good.

Wednesday

2012-01-12T11:00:00.000-06:00

PDW Stainless Pint Glass

2012-01-12T10:00:00.000-06:00

and a hardy round of the thanks to my homies at Portland Design Works for making my day with the arrival of this lovely gift in the mail today.

And I know just what to do with it.

Dose of Awesome

2012-01-12T09:00:00.000-06:00

did I tell ya or did I tell ya

Rose Bowl Flea Market

2012-01-11T19:14:00.003-06:00

Went and checked out the Rose Bowl Flea Market last Sunday. Biggest in the country. If you can't find it here Brother, it doesn't exist, I tell you what. Holy shit is this thing massive. 2nd Sunday of every month.

And yes. Even these.

$400 for a Reynolds 531 Campy Record/Stronglight Professional Model. Dude was like - "Yep, It's in good shape. It has new handlebar tape." Damn.

Skate Video Wednesday

2012-01-11T11:00:00.000-06:00

you might want to watch this.

Thank You

2012-01-11T10:00:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to say thank you to the fucking universe, or global warming, or whatever forces are responsible for bestowing upon us the best winter for riding that I can remember. We're headed towards the normal January shit show at this point, but oh what a glorious few months it's been.

Proud to say that I made the most out of it. I bet I rode more in the last 60 days than in any other two month period in years. Hope you did the same.

Winter Essentials

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-06:00

look on the bright side

Peter and Kevin

2012-01-11T08:26:00.001-06:00

The boys and their jam.

Flying Fortress

2012-01-10T21:48:00.001-06:00

From Here

Sunday Exploring: Part 3

2012-01-10T11:00:00.002-06:00

To continue on last months Sunday Exploring Part 1 and Part 2 here is part 3.

Same bridge, but this time Josh and I were down there riding bikes with the dogs and explored the island that is only accessible during the low water months from the Sibley side.

The first thing we found was this rad little hobo camp

It was a nailed together "structure" with a whole bunch of found metal objects strewn about.

three prong roaster

I totally wanted to grab this to give to a friend for his collection, but Josh wouldn't let me.

The camp even had a freaking sky chair

sunburst

First Surly Nate tracks I've seen in the wild

There were some huge ass trees on the island

The woods were open and gave me a spectacular idea. Mountain Bike Party. No one gives a shit about this land that floods 80% in the Spring and since there is no undergrowth you can totally just freestyle around in the woods on a MTB. We could do some epic games of Hare n Hound in there.

Stay tuned.

Turtle Style

2012-01-10T10:00:00.000-06:00

Last week after the New Years Eve ice storm the roads were covered in ridges of ice. On my way to work one morning I hit a rut wrong and went tumbling off my bike, landing on my back and sliding.

Wore two holes in the flap straight through two pieces of truck tarp.

It was kind of like those stories you hear about mountain bikers falling off cliffs and landing on their Camelbak's saving their lives.

yeah, just like that.

The Weather

2012-01-10T09:00:00.001-06:00

On my ride home today this is all I wore

and I was hot.

It's been a crazy winter, though supposedly we'll be back in the teens by the end of the week.

New All-City Jersey and Bibs

2012-01-09T14:57:00.000-06:00

Over at AC we've got a new kit with Twin Six in the pipeline that should be here at the end of January. These are a compliment, not a replacement for the original design.

O.G. bibs and jersey

read more at the AC Blog

Trail Report: Lake Minnetonka LRT

2012-01-09T11:00:00.000-06:00

On Saturday I rode out to Excelsior using the Cedar Lake trail to get to the Lake Minnetonka LRT. These crushed limestone paths are a spectacular asset to the Minneapolis cycling community, and while flat, the scenery is amazing. Especially as you get out towards Lake Minnetonka.

This was the first time I had scoped any of the them out since winter, and I'd expect them all to be in pretty much the same condition which in my recent experience is freaking perfect.

There is still some snow and ice in a few shady sections but no mud. The parts that I rode are all totally passable on a road bike so there's no worry about needing a cross or mountain bike.

Get out there.

Favorite Things: Whiskey

2012-01-09T10:00:00.000-06:00

As you all know, I like booze.
A lot.

Thankfully not in that sad, can't-get-shit-together way, but in a loving, warm, tender, wholesome way.

Before we go any further though, let me just get something out of the way. I don't give a rats ass about your single malt blah blah Scotch or Irish whiskey. While I occasionally enjoy both, neither of those genres make my heart sing. For me and my sweet tooth, it's bourbon (or Kentucky Whiskey in the case of Jack) that really gets me jazzed.

I will also go a step further and admit (I say admit because all you liquor snobs out there will surely scoff) that while I sometimes take my whiskey on the rocks or out of a flask, I'm mostly into cocktails. Whiskey Ginger or Whiskey Coke to be exact, both garnished with a lime.

Here are my two top picks. One for deliciousness, and the other for price.

Let's discuss

Best Cheap Whiskey: Evan Williams

I pretty much default to Evan or Beam if I want to spend under $15 on a bottle, but I'm giving the nod to the Evan because you get a liter instead of a fifth and unlike Beam which is sometimes priced a bit high, you can almost always get a bottle of Evan for under $13.

It's decent in a mixed drink (way better than most bars "rail") and is totally sippable with an ice cube. It also has a darker color and richer flavor than Beam IMO.

Best Overall Whiskey: Jack Daniels Single Barrel

In discussions with other folks who like whiskey I always feel like a bit of an unsophisticated hick redneck admitting that Single Barrel Jack is my favorite. But for me no drink in the world is tastier than a well made whiskey Coke made with JD SB.

On my way up North after living in my van down in Alabama (climbing), my buddy and me stopped off for a tour of the distillery. I came away pretty damned impressed with their operation and the care that goes into making Jack.

*An interesting sidenote is that they only use their oak barrels once then sell them to other distilleries who use them over and over again.

On the tour I learned how Single Barrel differs from standard black label JD. The answer is that it doesn't. This $40-45 bottle is the exact same process as the $20 black label, the difference lies in the bottling and aging.

They have a seven story building in which they house the oak barrels, the upper floors experience more dramatic fluctuations in temperature than the lower from season to season. Over the years this affects the taste of the whiskey and after 8 years when they are getting ready to bottle it, the master distiller goes through and tastes the barrels on the top floor to find the best.

These best barrels are not blended together with other barrels like the rest of the production (to ensure consistency), but become Single Barrel.

It's crazy delicious

BMX Video Monday

2012-01-09T09:00:00.002-06:00

Some Minneapolis awesomeness in this welcome to Sunday edit from Erik Elstran. Check the familiar spots, like the garage, and our buddy Jesse Hilliard making a cameo at 2:31

Welcome to the Team / Erik Elstran from Sunday Bikes

Saturday

2012-01-09T08:04:00.000-06:00

Working

2012-01-08T21:00:00.000-06:00

on some musette bags.

got to get it dialed.

Friday Funday with B.Ridget

2012-01-06T13:00:00.000-06:00

Bandit Cross: Ruining it for Everyone Trailer

2012-01-05T15:45:00.003-06:00

Recently the video crew from the QBP mothership asked if I'd be interested in making a video about the series. As this is something that I deeply love and wish to spread the idea that any a-hole can throw a race and do something positive for their cycling community, I of course said "Yes." The full length (for a short) isn't done yet, but they just released this little trailer.

If you are wondering about the title, it's a phrase coined by Stevil Kinevil of AHTBM in regards to his experiences with people who take cyclocross seriously. You see at first there were a bunch of naysayers from the "legit" racing community who said that we were going to stigmatize and ruin cyclocross. Fortunately we just wrapped up our 2nd year and there has been nothing but good vibes and great times. Many folks who can't afford to race "legit" cross have come out, and many people who were too intimidated to try it anywhere else have fallen in love with cyclocross and moved into organized racing. And still others who don't give a shit about "real" cyclocross racing, but do love to have fun on their bikes with their friends show up every time.

For me Bandit Cross has been a truly transcendent experience, I was a bit burned out on the whiny and pissy attitudes of people at the alleycats and Bandit Cross' no prizes, no money, no nothing but pride aspect has once more allowed me to see the goodness in the community. Everyone's invited, everyone's welcome, just show up and bring a good attitude. That is what it's all about.

pop some corn and get into it.

Bandit Cross: Ruining It For Everybody Trailer from Quality Bicycle Products on Vimeo.

Bandit Cross Photos

2012-01-05T09:04:00.001-06:00

Last Saturday 20 or so of us gathered for the last Bandit Cross of 2011, a running of the Sibley to Low Road, and you know what? We actually really raced it this time.

A bunch of heavies (current masters world track champion or something or other and his crew) showed up and smoked the single speeds (except for Brandon, nice job homie). But they were within eyeball distance, and everyone in attendance seemed to have a real good time including yours truly.

pre race beers

fixins for beer-mosas

check out the ti fork on this Moots, f'ing sick

post race

Thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday, and thanks to everyone who supported Bandit Cross this year!

Like A Hunting Falcon

2012-01-04T21:07:00.002-06:00

So this KICK ASS photo by Brian Vernor was posted on John's site today and I recognized the event as the cross race Tina and I attended a month back or so.

Sorry John - Ty is actually on his NATURE BOY. Know how Professor Sugar can jump like that? Cause The NATURE BOY was named one of the best cross bikes of 2011 by BikeRadar.com and that's the kind of shit Jeff made sure every ALL-CITY could do. Nice job Fam. Proud of you.

Crucial Jams

2012-01-04T19:30:00.002-06:00

I need a '67 El Camino out here to blast these Crucial Jams. Sizzlin'.

Senior Photo

2012-01-04T19:20:00.001-06:00

by Tina
Happy Wednesday Everybody!

$10 Off Trash Bags Picker Mittens For Bike Jerks Blog Readers

2012-01-04T11:00:00.004-06:00

Andy emailed me to say that he's willing to give readers of the blog $10 off his new Picker mittens if they enter the promo code "bikejerksruinedmylife" at checkout.

This is the first time anyone has been willing to give readers of the blog a discount on anything so you should probably go get some if you're at all concerned about keeping your digits warm this winter.

I should also say that A. it's cool to see Andy thinking outside the normal custom bag maker box and B. it's always awesome when someone uses their real world day to day experiences (messing in the Midwest winter) to drive product design.

Classic Style

2012-01-04T10:00:00.003-06:00

from here to eternity mother fucker

Skate Video Wednesday

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not afraid to admit that I can't get enough Rodney Mullen.

I can't accurately explain it beyond that it's awesome, but it just gets me so hyped.

as Mark would say "I want to punch myself in the face"

Angel Race NYC 1999

2012-01-03T18:41:00.001-06:00

Short film about the NYC 4th of July race in 1999.

Our own Martin Rudnick took 3rd in this one.

Trash Bags Garbage Picker Mittens

2012-01-03T11:00:00.003-06:00

Two weeks ago Andy from Trash Bags dropped these mittens on me to test out. They are his new Picker model and they have just been made available to the public as of yesterday.

Check it out.

topside is Cordura with a stretch panel over the knuckles for freedom of movement (the orange strip), and reflective accents

bottoms are black cordura with a terry cloth snot wiper (not well shown) on the thumb

The mittens come with handmade fleece liners made from military surplus fleece. The removable liner allows the owner to use the mittens through a much larger temperature range and make substitutions for personal preference. I for example have been using them with a liner glove.

detail of fleece liner

I haven't been using them much due to the warm temperatures, but it looks like we're back to the deep freeze routine so expect a full report down the line.

The gloves retail for $75 and are handmade in MPLS.

Monday

2012-01-03T10:00:00.000-06:00

finished all of my bike projects and reworked the stereo in the shop.

Schwinn Factory Trained Service

2012-01-03T09:00:00.003-06:00

B's dad gave me these two little gems for Christmas.

a patch and tie pin

He earned these by completing the training at the mobile Schwinn school when it came to Minneapolis during the 70's.

I was honored that he passed them down to me. Super cool.

Now only if I wore ties...

Winter Essentials

2012-01-02T21:15:00.001-06:00

keep partying.

Bicyclist Hit By Snow Plow

2012-01-02T13:09:00.000-06:00

this is sad sad news.

BMX Video Monday

2012-01-02T10:56:00.000-06:00

Chester Blacksmith - Anytime Now from wemakethings on Vimeo.

New Year's Day in Los Angeles

2012-01-01T19:50:00.002-06:00

Since moving out here to Los Angeles, we really spend most of our time listening to Lute and Harpsichord music while enjoying pleasant fragrances (a crackerjack team of super sleuths in MPLS has determined that we'll get "soft" out here just by proxy) but we figured since it was 81 degrees without a cloud in the sky, we might as well ride our bikes. We decided to make a 35ish mile round trip out to Venice and back on our Summoners Of Blackened Vomits bikes - get some ocean and beach in our domepieces and eat some delicious food to make up for last nights errors in judgement. I can just assume that our loyal Westcoaster readers sometimes can't help but take this shit for granted, but I still pinch myself all the live long day that we could repeat a day like today everyday if we wanted to. Winter snow and frigid temps make us tougher and all that blah blah blah. Color me soft then.

It's fucking heaven out here.

Friday Funday with B.Ridge

2011-12-30T13:00:00.000-06:00

Go Rebop!

Winter Bike: Def Wish

2011-12-30T12:04:00.001-06:00

I like to have an around town bike in the winter that doesn't use clip less pedals, and the past few year's that's been my Def Wish. Because I'm not tricking on it, this year I threw some fat mountain tires on it and have been really enjoying riding it around.

It still rolls plenty fast, and I feel like I can crush anything in my path. I'm still hoping that people who have no interest in tricks realize how rad they can be as all arounders (at least the neg bb ones).

still rocking the Ben's limited edition Holdfasts

Low Road To Sibley Race - Watch Out

2011-12-30T11:59:00.001-06:00

While the course as a whole is in awesome condition, there is one little obstacle that I thought any participants should be made aware of.

This little gap that popped up two weeks ago.

Once you start seeing the beaver work on the Sibley side you're getting close. Then there will be a downed log you have to hop, and then the gap. It's easy to clear but if you brake suddenly on approach there's a good chance you'll slide out on the ice.

you have been warned.

Bike Jerks Ad in Urban Velo

2011-12-30T01:25:00.004-06:00

The new Urban Velo just got upped online and it contains the very first national ad for Bike Jerks. Check it out.

fucking ruling.

super proud of this one.

PLANET HOPS 2012

2011-12-29T15:54:00.000-06:00

You know I can't get enough of these guys and KS YUN's stuff.

Go 2012! from KS Yun on Vimeo.

Skate Spot

2011-12-28T11:44:00.000-06:00

Was down by Hidden Falls on Monday and nabbed these shots of the famous roofs and the ledges. I can't believe that with all the riders who have come through in the last few years that we've never taken any of them down here to ride.

It'd be kind of tight on a big bike, but I'm sure it could be worked out.

one part about this spot that I've never understood is that some of it is skate stopped and some ledges have perfect "coping." What's the deal with that? Did the city do that or did skaters? It looks like the city to me because a whole shitload of non skateable stuff has the coping.

Anybody know the deets?

Last Saturday

2011-12-28T11:37:00.000-06:00

Went out with the always dapper Hurl Everstone of CRC. I don't even need to tell you where we went, because even I am getting sick of hearing me talk about the river. And I promise to knock it off soon.

Hurl's Soulcraft roadbike

the sweet Soulcraft headbadge, wish I could see the rest of it after "sucka"

hobo chairs, pretty brilliant

Monday

2011-12-28T11:33:00.000-06:00

Sean Burns vs. Glenn Hughes

2011-12-28T11:28:00.000-06:00

Ever since Sean Burns came to my attention last year after his amazing section in Anthem, it's always bothered me that he looked exactly like someone I've seen before. And it wasn't just the heroin chic, it was an exact match.

Well yesterday I was watching that Evolution of Metal show, and they were talking to one of the guys in Deep Purple (the mark 3 lineup) and boom, it's Glenn Hughes.

Check it.

Sean Burns

Glenn Hughes

Right. Right?

now get back to work.