New York's Alright, If You Like Saxophones. And "Dutch" Bicycles...
according to this article in the New York Times.
And, naturally, there is an expensive way to dress to go along with it. So I want to know when Swobo is going to come correct with the $1995 wool blazer? You know, to ride to work in. Dammit, Parr, you've missed the boat again. But in all seriousness, there is a bit of truth in this article, and an interesting quote from George Bliss: “I use to think that car culture was the problem, but now I think it’s bike culture." "Bike Culture," that over-used droll tart of an Amerikan moniker, can definitely be a bit of an insiders club. Who hasn't felt snubbed when walking into the high-end road shop to buy a tube, maybe look for some new tires, all the while being met with the steely glare of some Cat. 4 World Champion, mocking your ride and its distinct lack of up-to-the-moment kit?
Or maybe your "scene" (barf) is over-run by 22 year-old art school hipsters on re-cycle(d) fixed gear buckets who show complete and utter disdain for your lack of top tube pad, or, your *gasp* front brake, when you meet at the stop light? Progress is definitely being made in American cities and towns, but until people learn to "just get on with it," a corollary attributed to the fine folks over at Copenhagen Cycle Chic, then it will continue to be a long road (no pun intended) before cycling is fully integrated and considered "normal." Which reminds me of a thought I had while out riding today. It would seem that the average American non-cyclist equates cycling with Lance Armstrong. Why else does his name show up in every article highlighting tensions between cyclists, other road users, or, even other park users? So when some ignoramus behind the wheel shouts "go Lance!" to me while I'm out riding and minding my business, I usually want to scoff and reply, "Yeah, but that guy's skinny." To which the assailant would probably reply: "So, that means you like the guy?" But I digress...
Moving right along, I've been meaning to get this info out to yinz for awhile now, but you know how I like to put the 'punk' back in punctual. All-around nice guy, Bunny-costume wizard, B-Rose, 2nd to only Abe Froman, Sausage King of Chicago, has rebooted his venerable Shockspital biz
in a nice venue located in the back of another venerable Mpls. Institution, The Alternative Bike & Board Shop. Go on over and say "Hi!" when in the 612.
Stevil coitus-interuptussed to add this: "So, do you know whats happening in Tuscon this weekend? Besides the big party celebrating all that is me that is...
It's the Urban Assault Ride folks, and El Capitan Josh and his crew of die-hard helpers have been burning the midnight oil all year in preparation for this year's series." So there it is. If you're in, or around Tucson this weekend, you know what to do. If you see DeeJay, kick him in the groin from me, too...
In other action nooze, we'd like to just give a pre-game shout out to the following madness:
Saturday, May 9. All girl Alley Cat in Austin, TX:
Sunday, May 24th. Underpant & Heavy Cans, in PDX:
This one's down the road a piece, but Sov sez so:
Lastly, and probably most ghastly, the dishonorable Mayor of Drunkingham is returning to haunt our fair city in May. Lock up your daughters, hide your small pets:
Ok, now that that's over with, thanks for your attention to these fine matters. For the next 48 hours I suggest you recline in some fine corinthian leather. Meanwhile, I'll be over here, getting comfortable with the pain. B.I.H.
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Comments
make your own party with your own pals, and make the bike the funnest part of all, and when 5o yr olds snark, especially on a road ride, i find it best to get right up in there space, and give a little Robbie McEwen sideways head push and then sprint, then do a big skid in front of them... xoxo slappy, oh and for the record i have a broken leg, but i'll ride with anyone anytime, you know, that i'm like, available
Posted by: slappy | April 20, 2009 12:09 PM
Two thoughts:
1) I don't have to ride anybody else's bike, so it's not really my concern what they're riding.
2) The NYT doesn't seem to have much actual interest in bicycles.
Posted by: Da Robot | April 20, 2009 11:46 AM
I always ride alone, too. I want a ladies group, but the less core women I meet and plan rides with never follow through because it's not their priority. The really core women I meet and wish to ride with have strict priorities with impenetrable packs and regiments already in place. Sorry everyone, I'm not "training to race", but I ride every day and want company and challenges!
And what does a lady have to do to meet a counterpart - a nice guy whose life revolves around bikes and riding but isn't a freak that monitors his calories used on the trainer, or changes out saddles to color-coordinate with his kit for the day, or drives to the ride?
Posted by: Thatonelady | April 20, 2009 10:12 AM
Thatoneguy-
They're doing it wrong.
Stay rad.
xoxo,
Johnny
Posted by: Johnny | April 19, 2009 06:43 PM
uh, i hate to pick nits, but isn't may 31st a sunday? ooobs ain't open sundays... ciao-der
Posted by: reed | April 19, 2009 06:16 AM
I always find that "function before fashion, dick face" works pretty well.
And then you proceed to hand their asses to them on the ride.
They'll never look at you cross again.
Posted by: Stevil | April 18, 2009 04:02 PM
Your comments about "bike culture" hit home for me.
Today was the first day I ever rode my road bike with other people. I always ride alone. I found a local cycling club, and decided to give it a try. Met up early in the morning, and within seconds I was told "nice shorts", mockingly. I was wearing fairly snug Dickies cut-offs (not cargo shorts or anything) over tights. A minute after that, it was my jersey that got it. "What a relic, oh my god", the tone was brutal. this from a 50 year old. the jersey is an old polyster one, black, nice roomy pockets. probably from some amateur team in the 70s. I bought on ebay for six bucks, which i think is rather nice. then my bike got it too. i was asked what i had, told them and the guy says "that could be competition worthy i guess." My shoes were later mocked too, Specialized Sonoma's. I know they are not proper road cycling shoes (SPD, they flex etc)...but by the time that happened i was seriously bummed. As an aging ex-punk rock type...i've figured out that there's really no room in road cycling for people like me. you're either a doctor with a personal trainer...or a 19 year old douche with a fixie (no offense, i'm just in a bad mood)
i guess it's back to me riding alone. ugh.
Posted by: Thatoneguy | April 18, 2009 03:08 PM
Thanks Stevil,
I wondered where my Mercier went.
-B
Posted by: Bluenoser | April 18, 2009 01:10 PM
Nice use of the plural "yinz" stevil! Are you a steeltown native?
Posted by: nerdthan | April 17, 2009 03:52 PM
all the trails in nisene are downhill trails (clearly indicated by the 100+ vehicles parked at the top). idiot. don't let me catch you going UP tractor..
Posted by: trama | April 17, 2009 03:02 PM
That Upper West Side Dandy's cycling outfit cost a total of $5,007.00, excluding the "Dutch" bicycle and cocaine.
Posted by: Loudass, Esq. | April 17, 2009 11:50 AM
I think it should be pointed out that even the "quasi-urbane coked-up kids" (thanks to Stephen Malkmus for that brilliant phrase,)on fixies and SS are still riding bicycles.
Posted by: billhepp | April 17, 2009 10:58 AM
Brad...Hellllooooo..
Posted by: Stevil | April 17, 2009 09:26 AM
have you seen fear doing that song on snl? it is great!
Posted by: dfl brad | April 17, 2009 08:59 AM
So bizarre, I don't drive past recreational softball games and yell "get off the roids Bonds"... Nor do I scream "go Shaq" everytime I see someone shooting baskets. It seems like the lights are on in America, but nobody's home...
Posted by: BikeLemming | April 17, 2009 08:49 AM
I do hate all the Go Lance! yells I receive. I will however admit Go Lance! may be the nicest thing people yell. Beats having bags of compost thrown at you.
Posted by: Nick | April 17, 2009 08:28 AM
To be fair, it's all downhill from here. Hello Friday.
Posted by: Robert | April 17, 2009 08:03 AM
as current cat 4 world champion i thought i'd clarify...every time one of you baggy short, mixed kit, steel bike riding (i mean steel? who still rides steel? its so archaic) apes passes me it causes a distraction, causing my heart rate to elevate out of zone 1 and consequently a lapse in training occurs. how do you expect me to defend my title? oh never mind, i'll just move back to Boulder to train, where they understand serious athletes.
Posted by: Anonymous | April 17, 2009 07:53 AM
While out on a cross ride I was told "hey Lance Armstrong- These are downhill trails!" by a gaggle of full-faced douchebags. Both points being incorrect. I am actually not Lance, nor was it a direction specific trail.
The Nims are everywhere.
Posted by: Stevil | April 17, 2009 06:21 AM