you wish you could
August 20, 2008
August 19, 2008
Peacock Groove and Babes in Bikeland
Erik Noren (he's like the jerky brother I never wanted) framebuilder extraordinaire has graciously agreed to provide Babes in Bikeland, an all girl alleycat coming up on September 27th (details at www.mplsdoesbike.com) with a custom Peacock Groove frameset to give away.
Erik honed his skills at the local legend Croll, before opening up Peacock Groove five years ago. He builds some of the sickest, most creative bikes anywhere and is renowned for his full custom work. Anything goes at PG.
The race will likely be the largest all female alleycat in the country and now has a top prize that will undoubtedly draw racers from all over.
Check out this picture of Mr. CutiePants and know that he will be ready.
Bow down to the Groove!
Props to Erik, for supporting Minneapolis' bicycle culture. I hope you all out there think about where you're bike comes from and decided to buy from local craftsman, especially the ones who constantly support the community: namely Peacock Groove and my man Brad at Capricorn.
They actually care about you.
Erik honed his skills at the local legend Croll, before opening up Peacock Groove five years ago. He builds some of the sickest, most creative bikes anywhere and is renowned for his full custom work. Anything goes at PG.
The race will likely be the largest all female alleycat in the country and now has a top prize that will undoubtedly draw racers from all over.
Check out this picture of Mr. CutiePants and know that he will be ready.
Bow down to the Groove!
Props to Erik, for supporting Minneapolis' bicycle culture. I hope you all out there think about where you're bike comes from and decided to buy from local craftsman, especially the ones who constantly support the community: namely Peacock Groove and my man Brad at Capricorn.
They actually care about you.
August 15, 2008
Galactic Mystery Solvers...
Digging through some old files I unearthed some Galactic Mystery Solvers... designs that B.Ridget did in 2005 at the very beginning of this rollercoaster known as Bike Jerks. Galactic Mystery Solvers..., or GMS, was the name of my first little company. The name was taken from the episode of the Simpsons where Springfield hires Frank Gehry to build an operahouse, which later becomes a prison. Homer is a prison snitch and in the shower he spies a "GMS" tattoo on Drederick Tatum. According to Drederick "Galacatic Myster Solvers, my childhood gang. The only mystery we couldn't solve was how not to grow up."
I thought the name GMS would be the perfect name for a bike shop, a bike brand or just about anything. I still do and sometimes dream of opening my own shop under that banner. I later felt though that ripping off the Simpsons wasn't the best way to name my company and that I would be much better off with an original name which turned out to be BikeJerks, which like many dumb ideas came from a bad in joke at the bike shop I was working in at the time.
So anyway I was digging through these old files and have decided to revamp a few of them for release as limited edition shirts which will be available soon. These shirts will not say GMS on them but rather will carry the Bike Jerks marque. I do plan on reviving the GMS marque one of these days, as my garage business, matt's wheel business, or maybe a bike gang. we'll see.
here's an example of one of B.Ridges' design that we are not bringing back, but that I still love for it's ridiculousness.
Viva GMS!!
I thought the name GMS would be the perfect name for a bike shop, a bike brand or just about anything. I still do and sometimes dream of opening my own shop under that banner. I later felt though that ripping off the Simpsons wasn't the best way to name my company and that I would be much better off with an original name which turned out to be BikeJerks, which like many dumb ideas came from a bad in joke at the bike shop I was working in at the time.
So anyway I was digging through these old files and have decided to revamp a few of them for release as limited edition shirts which will be available soon. These shirts will not say GMS on them but rather will carry the Bike Jerks marque. I do plan on reviving the GMS marque one of these days, as my garage business, matt's wheel business, or maybe a bike gang. we'll see.
here's an example of one of B.Ridges' design that we are not bringing back, but that I still love for it's ridiculousness.
Viva GMS!!
August 13, 2008
B.Ridget's new Colnago
Recently B.Ridge decided that she needed a new bike and being something of an aesthete, she set her mind on the storied Colnago mark.
After a bit of searching and some help from a friend (thanks Seve) this lovely little number was procured.
It's a 1999 Colnago Masterlight in team Rabobank colors. The photo doesn't do it justice, it's freaking stunning.
We are planning a geared build with traditional drop bars. We are both very excited about the new addition and I am a bit jealous as she now has arguably the nicest bike in the family.
I'll post pics of the build when it's done.
After a bit of searching and some help from a friend (thanks Seve) this lovely little number was procured.
It's a 1999 Colnago Masterlight in team Rabobank colors. The photo doesn't do it justice, it's freaking stunning.
We are planning a geared build with traditional drop bars. We are both very excited about the new addition and I am a bit jealous as she now has arguably the nicest bike in the family.
I'll post pics of the build when it's done.
August 11, 2008
Connor's last T and D
It's Connor's last Tricks and Drinks before he heads off to Grand Rapids to get educated. We will be riding tonight. I would say likely at the All City trick spot and other locations around the downtown. Be there to send the kid off in style.
August 10, 2008
All City Portraits are up!!!
Link Here
The Photographer Linda Sue Amundson's lovely photos are available for purchase if you'd like to own any of these.
Big thanks Linda, the photos are amazing. She even made Zito look good!
Here's pricing if anyone wants prints:
8 wallets - $5.00
4x5 or 4x6 - $1.50 each
5x7s - $3.00 each
8x10s protective lustre spray - $6.00 each or $12.00 mounted
11x14 protective lustre sprayed and mounted - $25 each
To order email Linda Sue at lindasue.lp@gmail.com.
August 9, 2008
Death Race Recap
The Lake Street Death Race took place yesterday. we had four helmet cams in action one on Landon, one on Landon's Bro, I had one on the front and one facing rear. Haven't gotten a chance to look at any of the footage yet but I'm optimistic that there's some good stuff.
So here's how the race went down from my perspective:
All day I had butterflies in my stomach and I felt incredibly guilty for encouraging anyone to participate in such a dangerous race. Honestly I was scared. This race was a very unsafe proposition.
I rounded up some helmet cams at work, met Kevin (Bike Jerks official video guy and tech guru) before the race to sort them out and we were off to the library for the start around 6:10.
Twelve racers signed up, including one recumbent and we packed the curb at Lake and Hen waiting for a red light, once the light turned all the racers lined up in the crosswalk across the whole breadth or Lake Street facing East. On the green we were off and I got off to a slow start but soon found myself third from the front, within a few more blocks it was Landon, Graff (skinny kid on a Surly and a Bike Jerks hat), and myself at the front. I was starting to worry that I wouldn't be able to shake Landon, and it would end in sprint for the line. Graff didn't worry me as the kid is new to alleycats and I figured he couldn't hang with the big boys.
Just out of uptown and in the lead I managed to squeeze through a changing light right before the crossing cars started zipping through the intersection and when I looked back the only rider with me was Graff. I kicked it down and prepared to lose the kid, but he hung tight the whole way through South Minnie. At one point we even snuck between two parked cop cars who were almost completely blocking the East going lane.
Looking back Graff had started to yo yo a bit and was no longer on my side the whole time. I sensed that he was hurting as much as I was, and believe me I was hurting the whole way. This race was a fucking sprint and my old lungs and tired legs were not exactly thrilled with this endeavor.
So he was about 10 to 20 yards back when we hit a mild hill a few blocks before you get to Hiawatha. As soon as I saw the hill I decided I was going to break my chaser, I got out of the saddle and launched a sprint up and over the hill. He wasn't able to follow my move and the next time I was able to look back I put about a block on him.
I knew that if I got through the Hiawatha intersection clean I was golden, and my roomate Matt was even there with a PBR in hand to cheer me on. A police car was waiting for the light under Hiawatha and I wasn't sure how to handle it, but 20 yards from the intersection it went green and I flew by the parked cruiser. I was pretty confident the race was won but I continued full on for the last section to the river, not wanting to be done in by hubris. By the time I reached Jay I had about four blocks on Graff, and I was excited to have made some beer money for the weekend.
it was an awesome race and I want to send my respect to Graff for the strong second place showing, expect more from this kid in the future. And thanks for representing in your bike jerks gear.
I think the whole race only took about 9 or 10 minutes and the video should be coming soon.
Watch for it.
So here's how the race went down from my perspective:
All day I had butterflies in my stomach and I felt incredibly guilty for encouraging anyone to participate in such a dangerous race. Honestly I was scared. This race was a very unsafe proposition.
I rounded up some helmet cams at work, met Kevin (Bike Jerks official video guy and tech guru) before the race to sort them out and we were off to the library for the start around 6:10.
Twelve racers signed up, including one recumbent and we packed the curb at Lake and Hen waiting for a red light, once the light turned all the racers lined up in the crosswalk across the whole breadth or Lake Street facing East. On the green we were off and I got off to a slow start but soon found myself third from the front, within a few more blocks it was Landon, Graff (skinny kid on a Surly and a Bike Jerks hat), and myself at the front. I was starting to worry that I wouldn't be able to shake Landon, and it would end in sprint for the line. Graff didn't worry me as the kid is new to alleycats and I figured he couldn't hang with the big boys.
Just out of uptown and in the lead I managed to squeeze through a changing light right before the crossing cars started zipping through the intersection and when I looked back the only rider with me was Graff. I kicked it down and prepared to lose the kid, but he hung tight the whole way through South Minnie. At one point we even snuck between two parked cop cars who were almost completely blocking the East going lane.
Looking back Graff had started to yo yo a bit and was no longer on my side the whole time. I sensed that he was hurting as much as I was, and believe me I was hurting the whole way. This race was a fucking sprint and my old lungs and tired legs were not exactly thrilled with this endeavor.
So he was about 10 to 20 yards back when we hit a mild hill a few blocks before you get to Hiawatha. As soon as I saw the hill I decided I was going to break my chaser, I got out of the saddle and launched a sprint up and over the hill. He wasn't able to follow my move and the next time I was able to look back I put about a block on him.
I knew that if I got through the Hiawatha intersection clean I was golden, and my roomate Matt was even there with a PBR in hand to cheer me on. A police car was waiting for the light under Hiawatha and I wasn't sure how to handle it, but 20 yards from the intersection it went green and I flew by the parked cruiser. I was pretty confident the race was won but I continued full on for the last section to the river, not wanting to be done in by hubris. By the time I reached Jay I had about four blocks on Graff, and I was excited to have made some beer money for the weekend.
it was an awesome race and I want to send my respect to Graff for the strong second place showing, expect more from this kid in the future. And thanks for representing in your bike jerks gear.
I think the whole race only took about 9 or 10 minutes and the video should be coming soon.
Watch for it.
August 7, 2008
August 5, 2008
Lake Street Death Race 8/8
Lake Street Death Race!!! Be at the Walker Library (Lagoon and Hennepin) at precisely 6:35 PM. Entry is $5. Winner takes all.
It's a straight shot from Uptown to St. Paul via Lake Street.
I plan on racing and filming via helmet cam for a Bike Jerks video or possible Bicycle Film Fest entry for next year. I'd really like to see some Minneapolis representation at the festival and this race fits the bill. It's a perfect race to film as all the riders will likely be somewhat bunched and there are no turns. There is also likely going to be lots of starts and stops which always makes for good video as other racers fly by and vice versa.
Here's what I need:
If you have a helmet cam, show up wearing it. If you don't, borrow one. The more cameras the more likely we are of getting some real quality footage.
Show the fuck up and race, the more people riding the better. Obviously I encourage everyone to ride within their limits and not risk their lives for this stupid shit but the more people riding the likelihood of catching something special increases.
You show up and race, I'll do my best to make you famous.
Deal?
Also for those of you who missed Southside Suicide last weekend, it was a blast. Thanks again to Leif for putting it on.
I successfully defended my title and pushed my unbeaten streak in drinking races to three. Woot!
It's a straight shot from Uptown to St. Paul via Lake Street.
I plan on racing and filming via helmet cam for a Bike Jerks video or possible Bicycle Film Fest entry for next year. I'd really like to see some Minneapolis representation at the festival and this race fits the bill. It's a perfect race to film as all the riders will likely be somewhat bunched and there are no turns. There is also likely going to be lots of starts and stops which always makes for good video as other racers fly by and vice versa.
Here's what I need:
If you have a helmet cam, show up wearing it. If you don't, borrow one. The more cameras the more likely we are of getting some real quality footage.
Show the fuck up and race, the more people riding the better. Obviously I encourage everyone to ride within their limits and not risk their lives for this stupid shit but the more people riding the likelihood of catching something special increases.
You show up and race, I'll do my best to make you famous.
Deal?
Also for those of you who missed Southside Suicide last weekend, it was a blast. Thanks again to Leif for putting it on.
I successfully defended my title and pushed my unbeaten streak in drinking races to three. Woot!
Riding Tonight
If any of you out there are reading this and wondering what's going on with Tricks and Drinks. Some of us will be out around 10pm at the spot in the warehouse district where the All City shenanigans were held.
come on out.
come on out.
August 3, 2008
All-City Results expanded
I had some requests to dig a little deeper into the results so here they are:
Womens:
1 Jana 2 Steph 3 Rita 4 Kat 5 Cayla 6 Maria (these are the ladies with complete manifests)
Masters: Jana
Time Trial: Erin W 9min 20 sec, Rita 9 22, Susan 9 35, Cayla 9 50
Mens:
1 Brauer, 2 Trevor, 3 Benjammin, 4 Jason P, 5 Landon, 6 Tim W, 7 Martin, 8 Bjorn, 9 Phil, 10 Curly Bro, 11 Mitch O, 12 Jon Z, 13 Aaron H, 14 Eric R, 15 Pike, 16 Timothy H, 17 Anthony Kwan, 18 Mark F, 19 Micah, 20 Matt S, 21 Nick W, 22 Arthur, 23 Tim Harincar, 24 Ramon, 25 Stephen G 26 Jake Elmquist, 27 Jake, 28 Joe Berens, 29 Andrew Bender-Dahl, 30 Jeremy W, 31 Keith T, 32 Mike Holsky, 33 Nathan W, 34 Noel C, 35 Brandon Bass, 36 Tim Roach, 37 Peter A, 38 David Corgan, 39 Mikolai A
Masters: Martin
Time Trial: 1 Benjammin 7min 50 sec, 2 Jason P 8 00, 3 Trevor 8 05, 4 Brauer 8 11, 5 Pike 8 12, 6 Matt S 8 18, 7 Nick W 8 20, 7 Martin 8 20, 9 Curly 8 30, 10 Mark Burns 8 38, 11 Dan H 8 50, 12 Timothy 8 55, 13 Peter Akimoto 9 09, 14 Mark F 9 10, 15 Chris T 9 15, 16 JPS 9 17, 17 Evan Burke 9 17, 18 Landon 9 20, 19 Joel E 9 20
Womens:
1 Jana 2 Steph 3 Rita 4 Kat 5 Cayla 6 Maria (these are the ladies with complete manifests)
Masters: Jana
Time Trial: Erin W 9min 20 sec, Rita 9 22, Susan 9 35, Cayla 9 50
Mens:
1 Brauer, 2 Trevor, 3 Benjammin, 4 Jason P, 5 Landon, 6 Tim W, 7 Martin, 8 Bjorn, 9 Phil, 10 Curly Bro, 11 Mitch O, 12 Jon Z, 13 Aaron H, 14 Eric R, 15 Pike, 16 Timothy H, 17 Anthony Kwan, 18 Mark F, 19 Micah, 20 Matt S, 21 Nick W, 22 Arthur, 23 Tim Harincar, 24 Ramon, 25 Stephen G 26 Jake Elmquist, 27 Jake, 28 Joe Berens, 29 Andrew Bender-Dahl, 30 Jeremy W, 31 Keith T, 32 Mike Holsky, 33 Nathan W, 34 Noel C, 35 Brandon Bass, 36 Tim Roach, 37 Peter A, 38 David Corgan, 39 Mikolai A
Masters: Martin
Time Trial: 1 Benjammin 7min 50 sec, 2 Jason P 8 00, 3 Trevor 8 05, 4 Brauer 8 11, 5 Pike 8 12, 6 Matt S 8 18, 7 Nick W 8 20, 7 Martin 8 20, 9 Curly 8 30, 10 Mark Burns 8 38, 11 Dan H 8 50, 12 Timothy 8 55, 13 Peter Akimoto 9 09, 14 Mark F 9 10, 15 Chris T 9 15, 16 JPS 9 17, 17 Evan Burke 9 17, 18 Landon 9 20, 19 Joel E 9 20
When Cyclocross is outlawed only outlaws will Cyclocross
Word on the street is that the city is turning down several peoples permits for cross races in the city parks this year, so we're taking it underground. Keep your ears open for free illegal cross racing coming this September.
No UCI fees, no bullshit, just down and dirty racing in the mud and as always you can ride whatever you want but singles and fixies are preferred. I'd really love to see a fixed gear cross scene emerge.
In preparation I made some changes to my winter commuter, and she's looking tough and mean and oh so classic Minnesotan.
I've got my horse ready, you better go and saddle up.
August 1, 2008
Police Community Response to Cyclist Assault
Here's the link to a police officer forum where they are discussing the incident
it ain't pretty
In other news I was pulled over this morning on Xerxes near the Southdale Mall. Busted for running a red. I slowed down and checked for traffic and deeming it safe I proceeded through. I explained this to the officer along with "I'm running late for work" and guess what? no ticket for me this time. They ain't all bad.
it ain't pretty
In other news I was pulled over this morning on Xerxes near the Southdale Mall. Busted for running a red. I slowed down and checked for traffic and deeming it safe I proceeded through. I explained this to the officer along with "I'm running late for work" and guess what? no ticket for me this time. They ain't all bad.
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