March 31st, 2006 §
While in PA on my mini vacation I went into Philadelphia for a little bit of a visit with an old friend (Donna.) We went into a couple shops including Trophy Bikes and Via Bicycle. Both were very cool in their own way.
Trophy does a ton of commuting & off the norm bikes. Much like Black Sheep. The manager (maybe even owner) showed me all the cool things in his shop & was simply stoked to talk about cycling. It is very very very cool to find someone like that. When you can talk about your passion with someone that is as passionate leaves a funny feeling inside.
Now Via was something out of my dreams. Hundreds of old bikes & parts. Crusty used Brooks saddles hanging out of the rafters. The staff wasn’t as helpful but they were somewhat busy. I would say both these shops are must stop shops if you are in the Philly area.
After Via Bikes & a good cup of caramel flavored Joe we wandered back to the car. On the way I found the coolest mosiac artist garden. The artist happened to be working & unlocked the gates for us to look around. It put the taste of art back in my mouth. I don’t believe that the guy (the artist) charges admission and he offers classes on the weekends for people to learn how to tile. The pictures don’t do it justice. I will have to revisit this summer when I am back in the area.
Some photos before I leave for work. For more check out the Philly gallery.
March 29th, 2006 §
A quick note.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEANNIE!
It’s my wonderful ladies 25th birthday!!!
-side note-
I’m now in Maryland. I’ll be driving home to Charlotte tomorrow afternoon. Please call if you are bored.
March 25th, 2006 §
I do love my single swizzle.
March 25th, 2006 §
Rode this morning with Jacob at Poplar Tent (Beech Springs.) It was a GREAT ride. Being off the bike for a little under a week has really put a toll on my legs finding themselves. I needed a break though. I don’t want to be going at it too hard and burning myself out in March!
It was awesome to ride with Jacob on his big boy Morewood Shova while I am on my hardtail single swizzle. The swizzle took everything that I allowed it to get, I am a pretty big wuss on a new trail & tend to ride pretty slowly. In riding really slow I killed all momentum to flow through things. I look forward to riding the trail & learning where everything is. It seemed to have a little bit of everything for anyone.
Here’s some photos of Jacob be Gnar-Core and all riding today.
March 24th, 2006 §
Leaving Sunday night after work for Maryland. Plan on being in Maryland till Monday afternoon & then traveling up to Philly. Have a bunch of awesome plans with the girlfriend & then driving back to Maryland on Wednesday afternoon. Riding Thursday & then heading home to Charlotte that evening.
Much to do before I can leave Sunday. We are doing a ton of planning for the shop right now. Lighting, clothing, bikes & labor prices are all changing. Also have the girlfriends bike to finish, and mine to mount some new wheels on.
My buddy Andrew I visited at Clemson has come down with a horrible flu. I hope my immune system is up to the challenge and some extra sleep will be the answer to keep it away from me. We shall see – I plan on taking a nap at work today!
Time for a shower and off to the shop.
March 23rd, 2006 §
1st late night post is my photos from Clemson :
Death Valley & the ROCK. Supposedly the whole football team & student body stroke the rock before every game. I don’t know about you but that’s a ton of stroking.
I found a sweet old schwinn on campus. Check out those fenders!
Between Andrew & I we drank a ton of wine. One of them has dancing monkeys, one is called Gnarly Head, & one is the Red Bicyclette.
I had a good time as I’ve said a couple times now. Andrew came down with the flu the morning after our drinking party and I am really hoping I don’t get it. Here’s to good times with an old friend!
The rest of the photos are here.
March 22nd, 2006 §
Back in town. Getting ready for the grub ride. Need to upload tons of photos tonight.
In short : Good time was had. Too much wine as drank. No riding happened. Sunshine Bikes have a great group of people working there. Too bad I stood them up this morning. Next time I’ll plan my trip around riding and not drinking.
Hope you are enjoying the great weather!
March 20th, 2006 §
The girlfriend brought gifts with her on this last trip. The gifts were several CD’s which I am currently planting on the ipod for my trip tomorrow.
A quick list :
Erin McKeown – We Will Become Like Birds
Morrissey – Live at Earls Court
David Gray – Life in Slow Motion
Indigo Girls – Rites of Passage
Madonna – Confessions on a Dance Floor
Tori Amos – Under the Pink
Indigo Girls – All That We Let In
Jack Johnson – Curious George Soundtrack
Everwood
Chieftans – The Essential Chieftans
James Blunt – Back to Bedlam
Alanis Morissette – The Collection
Out of all of them I have given a good listen to Alanis, James Blunt, Erin McKeown & David Gray. I do heart Alanis and David Gray. Alanis isn’t someone I could listen to on repeat & David is. I’ll have a better review on this music and all the ones I added last week after my drives in the upcoming week.