pushin it through the mushy.

Holy crap hammer,
Chicago winter is phenomenal for bike riding. I must say that today after geting a few good inches on our street, that it is pure pleasure riding through the unplowed back roads an allies. These days I am riding an unholy construction of madness that was once a beautiful shining surly crosscheck. After being hit, and commuting through Philly and Chicago it has been reborn as a black beast from hell, with matching yellow floral rear fender (thank you Electra). I will try to get some pictures up soon. Anyway, there is an ongoing debate about how to set up your winter ride in Chicago so I thought I would put in my two cents. I can't say I would know much different, there is no way in hell I am riding my fast bike in the winter.
So right now I have a 44mm width Mutano Raptor, seated to a velocity blunt and I can still run a rear fender and rack. Surly makes some wide ass bikes, and bless 'em for it. If you want some advice, there's a 52cm cross-check at Rapid Transit that was perfectly assembled by a master mechanic, go buy it now. I digress. What do you ride in the winter? Want to do some riding with me? Any tricks you have for ploughing through 6 inch deep pow?
Well, I am off to hear my friend Al kick a banjo's ass. Enjoy your winter and stop by for clean ups and new tires and such. We will take care of you.

Friday Night Rides.

So back in the Illadelphjawn, we used to gather on Friday nights to drink a brew, relax, and take a sweet lap down Kelly drive to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and back. There were all types of riders, fixies, roadies, cruisers, beaters and the like. It was guaranteed that any given Friday night there were a few people waiting at the first bar with a picther and an itch to cruise after a long week.

There was a Tuesday night ride that ended at midnight at the soft pretzel factory for fresh bags of soft warm pretzels and mustard, maybe a lager or two.

I would love to bring this activity to the grand city of Chicago, and while I am sure there are many such rides, I thought I would start my own. Currently, I am working on routes and poi's. If you have any ideas, or any favorite biker bars, just say the word. Just off the top of my head I thought it would be fun to have a beer or two and cruise through Humboldt Park. Let me know your thoughts.

Welcome

Hey yall and welcome to yet another blog about bikes, riding, and maintenance. I am just trying to do my part, clogging the web with all kinds of information. This will be a place to find great info, local Chicago rides, check out my rides, buddies, some pics and who-knows-what-else.

Currently, I work for Rapid Transit as a mechanic, so if you have any bike questions feel free to ask away.