Granted, Ive been on the sidelines for a good many of the rides this summer, but as the informal architect I was always there in spirit. Since I havent had a report of any sort for a few weeks, I thought it would be appropriate to compile a set of images taken over the years as sort of a tribute to forgetting about the mid-week doldrums and doing something nice for ones self just for the hell of it..

*It should be noted that the above image depicts a perfectly smashed 24 oz. can, with the top neatly folded back into place. If you think that this is no small feat, I defy you to attempt this stunt and achieve the same result.*

Folks have emailed me from time to time and said that theyd like to get something like this cooking on their own, but didnt really know how to go about it.

I think I just said you need some friends, some bikes, some beer, (you know- if youre into that sort of thing), and a night to burn. Sure, it sometimes makes Thursday a little more painful than it ought to be, but the point is to give you something to look forward to in the middle of the week besides 'The Fall Guy', or whatever is on television on Wednesday nights these days.

It doesnt seem as though its been three years that weve been doing this, but as far as that goes, heres to three more.

In closing, heres a link to our friend Johns blog in which he details the sickening sage of his and his wifes bikes being straight took.
Keep your eyes peeled.

Id also like to include an email from JP;

"DC just launched the country’s first automated bike-sharing system last week. It’s the same system San Francisco may get fairly soon. While at a bbq a bunch of us decided it was our civic duty to see if they would handle the rigors of real urban cycling. After some drag racing, skid and trials competition and other tomfoolery they proved their true worth in making for a quick beer run.

The size of the front rack and the matching color make it look like it was made for a case of Budweiser. For what its worth, the 3-speed bikes handle great even with a heavy load and took our abuse like champs."

Bike sharing...

Now if they would just include a box of beer on each bike we could rightfully regain our post as the greatest country on earth.

For the hell of it, Ill now include some art that doesnt suck by the hands of Ms. Allyson Haller.

Allysons actually illustrated a book that my own sister wrote that Im quite looking forward to, and as soon as I get my hands on a copy, you can bet that Ill make a hearty mention of it here.

The new Spooky Bikes jersey might very well be the ugliest thing of absolute beauty Ive ever laid my cocked eyes on.

(By the way Mickey,... I wear a large.)

And for those of you unfortunate enough to be unaware of Spooky and their tremendous legacy-
Go back to school, junior.

TinaB sent this bit of awesomeness to us.

If I can get my hands on a fleet of those, Ive got a feat of strength thatll make your toes curl.

Also, theres been alot of information about the 2008 SSWC that has been posted on the interweb as of late but this video depicts an entire aspect of it that I have absolutely no recollection of.

I would now also like to include a P.S....
Sarah Palin? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!................

That makes just about as much sense as Santa Cruz's own epic curiosity of 'Signhenge.'

...which from where I stand, is not very much.