Thursday, October 23, 2008

Pibby's Bicycle Repair Benefit Raffle for Richmond-MORE!

Pibby's Bicycle Repair is hosting a raffle to benefit the Richmond Chapter of MORE. The prize is a Wilderness Trail Bikes LazerDisc XC 26"
wheelset, complete with Shimano SM-RT75 160mm disc brake rotors, Michelin XC dry2 tires, and Salsa Flip-Offs stainless steel skewers.
Total package valued at $750!

One ticket costs $5, or strengthen your chances with three tickets for $10. There will be no limit on the number of tickets you can buy because ALL of the proceeds will go into trail work and advocacy in the Richmond area.

The drawing for the wheels will be held at the RA-MORE information table on November 9th during Richmond Multisports' Twisted Tire Fall Cup mountain bike race at Poor Farm Park. You do not need to be present at the drawing to win the wheels. Please contact Chip at Pibby's Bicycle Repair, pibbys@mac.com, for tickets and information.

Pibby's Bicycle Repair
731 W. Marshall St.
Richmond, Virginia 23220

804 622-4778 phone
pibbys at mac dot com
www.pibbys.com

Tuesday - Saturday
10 am - 6 pm

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Metro Perspective...

People often ask "why" when someone mentions using a singlespeed (SS) or a fixie (singlespeed bike w/out the ability to coast) and usually it's dismissed by others around as a "crazy thought," a "fad," or "someone just trying to be different."

I usually will argue that it's about the simplicity of simply riding, but here Metro took it deeper. A clear next level incite to why so many of us long to ride without gears, suspension or all of the above.

This came out of this post.
But that’s the first step of addiction. It’s a gateway bike part, you start with free wheelin’ and that leads to wanting to try new things like gears, then before you know it you’ve blown all your money on derailleurs, cassettes, big rings, little rings and shifty bits. If that wasn’t bad enough you will finally find yourself off the deep end one day living in a trailer park but happy that all you have left in life (and all that you need) is your full suspension bike. That’s the way the mind of a junkie works. If you get “lucky” you might find yourself a high roller or drug dealer (rather than a blue collar tweaker) that can afford to live the good life and indulge in fancy things like Carbon and Titanium. Then my friend you might be fooled into thinking you are on top of the word with your high end full-suspension all carbon fiber 19 pound, 27 geared, all Ti bolts and aluminum rotors high zoot mountain bike that practically rides it’s self. But you my friend are wrong.

I was just talking to someone a few weeks ago that was riding a very nice looking very expensive bike. I ask him how he liked the bike and he said “the bike rides it’s self I just sit on top and pedal, I don’t even have to think about line choice as the suspension lets me roll over anything. I think 5” of travel is perfect for the local (JRPS, Poor Farm, PSP) trails.

Being polite I told him “good to hear, she’s a beauty, have a nice ride today.” But in my mind I was thinking, I can go to the gym and sit atop a stationary bike and “just pedal w/o thinking.” As a matter of fact that’s the only way that I can stand to ride a bike indoors! I come to the trails for the experience. I like to interact and be in control (or at least feel in control of the situation). I like to know how hard I can lean into a corner before my tire breaks loose or what the easy and hard lines are through a tricky section. I like to know that there is a rock drop/jump up ahead that I can’t quite make yet but one day I will practice it enough to do it with style and make someone else who can’t do it say WOW the way I say it when I see someone do it now.

I like riding my bike to be like a relationship with a girlfriend/boyfriend. There should be a lot of hands on stuff and a lot of action. Some uncertainty is necessary and the payout is always a good feeling.

Others apparently view riding their bike as some view their marriage. They just sit back and put in just enough effort to keep the thing rolling not really knowing exactly how to get through a certain rough time other than to just hold on and trust that instinct and love (suspension) will pull them through unharmed. It’s a very passive game of pleasure.

Think about the crazy stuff you did when you were dating verses the stuff you do (or did) while married. That’s kind of how I view biking. At the end of the day though ride what ever gets you off!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Ah, the Spirit of Cycling...


The spirit of cycling can be a very unique experience for each of us, but somehow I think it touches all of us on a level few can describe.

Bikes are each their own works of art in terms of form and function and VillageIdiots RatRod is a prime example of unique flava' meets function = art.

Friday, October 3, 2008

> Olde Fashioned Group Ride, Poca Sunday at 1200 Noon

So what da ya say?!

What: A fun social ride of the Lakeview trails
Where: Pocahontas State Park
When:High Noon
Meet Place: Heritage Center parking

Anyone, Everyone, come one, come all as it looks to be a perfect riding day...

Followed up by a BBQ near the swimming pool area.
Just look for all the cars with bike racks.

Charcoal will be supplied, just bring your choice cut, side, or drinks to share.
Plates, napkins, etc are always welcome too.

For more information, here is the link to the forums thread: Ride & BBQ Link