All Discussions Tagged 'bikes' - Zoobird2024-03-28T14:49:35Zhttps://www.zoobird.com/group/bikezoo/forum/topic/listForTag?groupUrl=bikezoo&tag=bikes&feed=yes&xn_auth=noBicycle Commuting in Portlandtag:www.zoobird.com,2014-07-22:2129360:Topic:566002014-07-22T16:20:59.024ZMichael Levinhttps://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310081127?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310081127?profile=original" width="495"></img></a> I am here in Portland where commuting by any means is a treat. Bicycle commuting is everywhere. People ride the nicest, most interesting bikes, from old to new. Traffic has a different disposition here in Stumptown. Cars recognize bicyclists and they even stop for pedestrians. Thats confusing unless you're aware of it and ready to take advantage of the…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310081127?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310081127?profile=original" width="495" class="align-full"/></a>I am here in Portland where commuting by any means is a treat. Bicycle commuting is everywhere. People ride the nicest, most interesting bikes, from old to new. Traffic has a different disposition here in Stumptown. Cars recognize bicyclists and they even stop for pedestrians. Thats confusing unless you're aware of it and ready to take advantage of the politeness.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Last time I was here, I bought a bike in advance on cl and rode it while I was here. This time, I'll either rent one or borrow one from a friend. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Have any bike stories to share? I'll have a bunch before you know it!</p>
<p></p> 1975 NOS Atala Grand Sporttag:www.zoobird.com,2013-04-13:2129360:Topic:534352013-04-13T12:29:08.535ZMichael Levinhttps://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/5730893298/" title="Sexy Ride - '75 Atala Grand Prix and Maserati by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img alt="Sexy Ride - '75 Atala Grand Prix and Maserati" height="1936" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3359/5730893298_23de290735_o.jpg" width="2592"></img></a></p>
<p>Here's a NOS Atala Grand Sport. It was rescued from one of those abandoned storage units. I got it from the rescuer after he looked it up and realized it was a fine riding, collectable Italian road bike. So, it wasn't cheap, but it is unusual for a couple of reasons. It had the original tires on it, which I replaced. All the decals…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/5730893298/" title="Sexy Ride - '75 Atala Grand Prix and Maserati by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3359/5730893298_23de290735_o.jpg" alt="Sexy Ride - '75 Atala Grand Prix and Maserati" height="1936" width="2592"/></a></p>
<p>Here's a NOS Atala Grand Sport. It was rescued from one of those abandoned storage units. I got it from the rescuer after he looked it up and realized it was a fine riding, collectable Italian road bike. So, it wasn't cheap, but it is unusual for a couple of reasons. It had the original tires on it, which I replaced. All the decals are intact and the paint is a brilliant canary yellow. How often do you get a chance to test ride a 40 year old Atala that's practically new?<br/> Drop by the Bike Preserve and try it out. I think you'll agree that they don't make 'em like they used to.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/5724625606/" title="'75 Atala Grand Prix by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3413/5724625606_dae56d2e1e_o.jpg" alt="'75 Atala Grand Prix" height="1936" width="2592"/></a></p>
<p>A few more photos <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=17499697%40N00&q=atala&m=text" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/5724625606/" title="'75 Atala Grand Prix by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3413/5724625606_dae56d2e1e_o.jpg" alt="'75 Atala Grand Prix" height="1936" width="2592"/></a></p> Basso ::: 1980's classic road bike from Italytag:www.zoobird.com,2013-04-13:2129360:Topic:532582013-04-13T12:15:57.414ZMichael Levinhttps://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p>This is one of the best road bikes around. It's a Basso. All Campagnolo, hand sewn leather wrapped handlebars, rides like ice. Love it. What do you know about Basso?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8464804245/" title="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: '80's Basso. by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img alt="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: '80's Basso." height="612" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8464804245_81c5f37e5b_o.jpg" width="612"></img></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>A few more photos here:…</p>
<p>This is one of the best road bikes around. It's a Basso. All Campagnolo, hand sewn leather wrapped handlebars, rides like ice. Love it. What do you know about Basso?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8464804245/" title="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: '80's Basso. by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8464804245_81c5f37e5b_o.jpg" alt="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: '80's Basso." height="612" width="612"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>A few more photos here: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=17499697@N00&q=basso">http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=17499697@N00&q=basso</a></p> Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Pake - fixed gear, fast.tag:www.zoobird.com,2013-04-13:2129360:Topic:534312013-04-13T11:44:15.582ZMichael Levinhttps://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8644332025/" title="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Pake - fixed gear, fast. by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8644332025_0929512b74_o.jpg" alt="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Pake - fixed gear, fast." height="1936" width="2592"/></a></p>
<p>Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Pake - fixed gear, fast.</p>
<p>Check the comments here for a description of this bike and how it rides.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8644332025/" title="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Pake - fixed gear, fast. by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8644332025_0929512b74_o.jpg" alt="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Pake - fixed gear, fast." height="1936" width="2592"/></a></p>
<p>Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Pake - fixed gear, fast.</p>
<p>Check the comments here for a description of this bike and how it rides.</p> Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Bamboo Biketag:www.zoobird.com,2013-03-22:2129360:Topic:531142013-03-22T12:15:19.391ZMichael Levinhttps://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8579043925/" title="Bamboo Bicycle by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img alt="Bamboo Bicycle" height="720" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8579043925_ed40f632f0_o.jpg" width="960"></img></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ff0000;">Today's Bike of the Day {BotD} is a bamboo bike spotted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dan.kahn1" target="_blank">Dan (the man) Kahn</a>.</span></em></p>
<p>Bamboo is an interesting material. The sinewy fibers make it extremely strong. It also grows like a…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8579043925/" title="Bamboo Bicycle by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8579043925_ed40f632f0_o.jpg" alt="Bamboo Bicycle" height="720" width="960"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ff0000;">Today's Bike of the Day {BotD} is a bamboo bike spotted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dan.kahn1" target="_blank">Dan (the man) Kahn</a>.</span></em></p>
<p>Bamboo is an interesting material. The sinewy fibers make it extremely strong. It also grows like a weed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a width="450" height="600" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079928?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="450" height="600" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079928?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>In fact, <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/profile/JoseCaraballo" target="_blank">Jose Caraballo</a>, "<a href="http://www.tempehshop.com/" target="_blank">Jose the Tempeh Man</a>", our friend here on Zoobird discovered a species of bamboo with a solid core. Imagine the possibilities. Jose's planted some on his finca in the Yucatan. Click <a href="http://www.tempehmaker.com/" target="_blank">here</a> for a tour of his estate. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8579079719/" title="Jose Caraballo's Bamboo Loom by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8521/8579079719_7969c37a41_o.jpg" alt="Jose Caraballo's Bamboo Loom" height="375" width="500"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Jose invented a bamboo loom! You can make all sorts of stuff with it, like fences! Just think of it...Read about it <a href="http://www.elephantjournal.com/2010/11/joses-bamboo-loom/" target="_blank">here</a> on Elephant Journal.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310081195?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310081195?profile=original"/></a>Bamboo bikes are mostly handmade these days. The bikes you see are typically one-offs, made by artisans. Here's how to build a bamboo bicycle. Click <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/group/bikezoo/forum/topics/how-to-build-a-bamboo-bicycle" target="_blank">this link</a> to read about it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What do you think? Bamboo is abundant, sustainable and strong. Gotta love it. What's stopping us from moving forward on these?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310081314?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310081314?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p>News flash! We've opened a bike store. Read all about it <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/profiles/blogs/the-bike-preserve" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Konatag:www.zoobird.com,2013-03-21:2129360:Topic:531112013-03-21T11:09:21.997ZMichael Levinhttps://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8576303061/" title="Bike of the Da {BotD} ::: Kona by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img alt="Bike of the Da {BotD} ::: Kona" height="1530" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8576303061_72a8d8abc8_o.jpg" width="2048"></img></a></p>
<p>There I was, all geared up for a conference in Boulder and I found myself looking at <a href="http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/wyndham-pounds/" target="_blank">Couchsurfing</a>. No sooner did I post, Wyndham Pounds contacted me with a place on the east side of town. We met, my concerns about distance from city center were allayed by Boulder's…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8576303061/" title="Bike of the Da {BotD} ::: Kona by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8576303061_72a8d8abc8_o.jpg" alt="Bike of the Da {BotD} ::: Kona" height="1530" width="2048"/></a></p>
<p>There I was, all geared up for a conference in Boulder and I found myself looking at <a href="http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/wyndham-pounds/" target="_blank">Couchsurfing</a>. No sooner did I post, Wyndham Pounds contacted me with a place on the east side of town. We met, my concerns about distance from city center were allayed by Boulder's wonderful recreation trail system, one in particular which ran along the river straight from his place to town.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310080065?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310080065?profile=original" width="222"/></a></p>
<p>I dropped by and <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/profile/WyndhamPounds" target="_blank">Wyndham</a> explained that he was an <a href="http://wyndhampounds.com/" target="_blank">itinerant massage therapist</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/wyndham108" target="_blank">movie/documentary maker</a> and <a href="http://worldcitizenblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">thrill seeker</a>. He'd just been in the far east, traveling around on this Kona. The frame had broken and Kona shipped him a new one. Kona had been very accommodating. If I remember correctly, the issue was minor, but Kona shipped him a new frame in no time at all and he wound up having a great time.</p>
<p></p>
<p><object width="425" height="344" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SH3sdOfJ8A4?version=3"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="false"></param><embed wmode="opaque" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SH3sdOfJ8A4?version=3" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="false"></embed> </object>
</p>
<p>Here's an example of Wyndham's work. He shot this in Cruising around Wat Tat Luang in Vientiane, Laos from a bike (I believe) using some sort of mount for his video camera.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/5175875656/" title="{BotD} Abbie's Kona (Portand MAX) by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4092/5175875656_cc94084972_o.jpg" alt="{BotD} Abbie's Kona (Portand MAX)" height="1936" width="2592"/></a></p>
<p>I'd seen lots of Konas here and there. Abbie's Kona, the one above, was a commuter in Portland I saw on the MAX train. Portland, OR is all set up for public transit.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/416892834/" title="Hei Hei Kona by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/156/416892834_3bad486c71_o.jpg" alt="Hei Hei Kona" height="480" width="640"/></a></p>
<p>This Hei Hei Kona was lounging around in the snow in Crested Butte, CO.</p>
<p>So, back to Wyndham's Kona. Set up for touring, it's light weight, not over the top in terms of price, has disc brakes and is, in my opinion, a very good looking bike. Wyndham said he loved it. What else can I say? Do you have a favorite touring bike? My favorites include:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/2430609619/" title="Dawes Galaxy by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2356/2430609619_9d68099130_o.jpg" alt="Dawes Galaxy" height="640" width="480"/></a></p>
<p>My Dawes Galaxy. I got it in college and it was over 10 years old then! It's the one bike I've clung to all these years. Many have come and gone, but the Galaxy is my go to bike. Recently, a friend rebuilt it. Dave likes restoring musical instruments. He says cleaning and polishing old saxophones and trumpets, etc is relaxing. So, when he saw my Dawes, he offered to disassemble it and shine it up for me. Nice!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/3972410745/" title="Bike to Market by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2641/3972410745_028b10ef2c_o.jpg" alt="Bike to Market" height="600" width="800"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>This is the bike that was the basis for my <a href="www.zoobird.com/group/bikezoo/forum/topics/2129360:Topic:4686" target="_blank">friendship with Niles</a>, the owner of Recycled Cycles. It had a problem with the derailleurs. I'd already replaced the front one and Dave enlisted Musa of 8th Ave Bike's and Coffee's help to get the rear one and some other bits and bobs taken care of. It's a beauty. It's the bike I brought with me as *the* example of my comfortable bike I'd like to model a custom Villin after when I visited Lex of <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/group/bikezoo/forum/topics/2129360:Topic:6509" target="_blank">Villin Cycle Works</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/6749320519/" title="Dawes Galaxy bike by a lake full of alligators in Gainesville, FL by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6749320519_26cd2eb707_o.png" alt="Dawes Galaxy bike by a lake full of alligators in Gainesville, FL" height="960" width="640"/></a></p>
<p>I love the Dawes. Gainesville is full of beautiful places to ride. When I want to go out exploring, the Dawes is my first choice.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/4047622082/" title="Dawes Super Galaxy ::: Irish Style! by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3488/4047622082_596b0ca701_o.jpg" alt="Dawes Super Galaxy ::: Irish Style!" height="600" width="800"/></a></p>
<p>Dawes is Raleigh's chief competitor in the UK and Ireland. The Galaxy is a bell weather model. Here's a modern Super Galaxy I saw not far from my house when I lived in Sandymount, Dublin.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/3125824422/" title="Dawes Edge by Lake Maitland, Florida by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3126/3125824422_811926b1b4_o.jpg" alt="Dawes Edge by Lake Maitland, Florida" height="600" width="800"/></a></p>
<p>I was good one year and asked Santa for a new bike. I hadn't had a new bike for over 20 years. As usual, I shopped and shopped. I wanted a Dawes and I leaned toward getting a new Galaxy. This was '98 and new Galaxy's were going for about 500 Punts. A Punt was about $1.40. My only hesitation was that, even though my Galaxy was already over 30 years old in '98, it was still a fine rider. I'd seen bike commuters and messengers drafting behind Dublin city buses on urban assault weapons, as <a href="http://millnerbuilt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jeremy Millner</a> refers to them, and wouldn't you know it, I found new one in a bike shop on sale for 480 Punts. So, I got me an Edge. Still have it. I ride the Galaxy far more, though.</p>
<p><p></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/7536505802/" title="Bridgestone XO-1 by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7536505802_3a80796e35_o.jpg" alt="Bridgestone XO-1" height="717" width="960"/></a></p>
<p>Another bike worth mentioning (understatement) is the Bridgestone XO-1. The short story is Grant Peterson, former Bridgestone product manager, decided to be iconoclastic and assemble bikes that were more functional and reflected components that worked well, rather than being just good deals or popular brands. He produced the XO-1 in '92-'93 plus or minus, and only made about 1000 bikes per year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/3614971667/" title="Bridgestone XO-1 by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3366/3614971667_1be49c9c11_o.jpg" alt="Bridgestone XO-1" height="1200" width="1600"/></a></p>
<p>I was visiting my podnuh <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelHauser" target="_blank">Michael</a> in Berkeley and found this XO-1 on craigslist. Took the train, met <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/profile/KevinMcAuliffe" target="_blank">Kevin</a> and had a great time while his roommates were heating up the atmosphere talking politics in the boarding house where he lived. One ride and I was hooked. This <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/photo/bridgestone-xo1?commentId=2129360%3AComment%3A18081" target="_blank">link</a> has the whole story.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/3615790038/" title="Bridgestone XO-1 by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2476/3615790038_63b818ccfb_o.jpg" alt="Bridgestone XO-1" height="1200" width="1600"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The XO-1 is such a cult figure, there's a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/48959876679/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=bridgestone+owners+bunch&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a" target="_blank">sites</a> all about them. Like I said, they only made 1000 per year for a couple of years. I took it to Niles looking for tires. Niles showed me some fatties. He said "These are great. They are soft and cushy, cost about $15 and I've had no complaints." I got a pair and bingo. Nothing like a new set of tires on a bike. You don't need no stinkin' $80 tires on your bike.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Another thing Grant Peterson made popular was moustache handlebars. I took the XO up to <a href="http://www.bikecoffeehouse.com/" target="_blank">8ABC</a> and had Musa work his magic. I tried 'em and no way. They kill my back.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So the final setup is drop bars with bar end shifters. Love it. Musa did a brilliant job setting it up. Here's a set of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/sets/72157619466342765/with/3615790038/" target="_blank">photos</a> showing it in many different incarnations.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p> Gainesville Composttag:www.zoobird.com,2013-03-09:2129360:Topic:526132013-03-09T14:04:53.397ZMichael Levinhttps://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8542115366/" title="IMG_5054 by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5054" height="1936" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8542115366_94d3b1239d_o.jpg" width="2592"></img></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ff0000;">From waste to food. That's Gainesville Compost's motto. Compost is nothing new. So what's it all about?</span></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Chris Cano and Steven Kanner run a new operation called Gainesville Compost in Florida. It's a novel idea where they take bikes fitted with…</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8542115366/" title="IMG_5054 by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8542115366_94d3b1239d_o.jpg" alt="IMG_5054" height="1936" width="2592"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #ff0000;" class="font-size-4">From waste to food. That's Gainesville Compost's motto. Compost is nothing new. So what's it all about?</span></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Chris Cano and Steven Kanner run a new operation called Gainesville Compost in Florida. It's a novel idea where they take bikes fitted with trailers and go around picking up compost here and there, from businesses and individuals. Then, then haul it back to the hub and weigh it, drop it off and the magic begins.</em><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UKlDz9MEAW8?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" height="344" width="459"></iframe>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>3-phase composting is the workflow for the process by which the raw organic refuse first heats up and ultimately becomes "black gold: rich, fertile soil that can be used then to plant tasty edibles that wind up in your belly!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>That's not all. There's a vermiculture operation going on at the hub, too. Vermiculture is what you call it when you take a bunch of creepy crawlers and give them space to have their own party. The organic waste that you just saw is to those worm's what Ken Kesey carried around on his magic bus. They frolic and play in the bio stuff and get so happy they just shit. Their castings are another form of "black gold". Why? Because it's a rich medium to use as plant fertilizer.</p>
<p> <iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hCNLTApqYy0?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" height="344" width="459"></iframe>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>You might think it's useless to try and harness all that garbage and turn it into fertilizer. I mean, lots of folks see swelling landmasses of garbage dumps, our contemporary midden, as it were, and think whattayagonnado? Too much. These guys are nuts. 650 LBs is bupkis. We're talking tons and tons, mountains of crap. But, there's more.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Kanner makes trailers and bike racks. Not just junky stuff you see in discount store. This is artisan product that he's crafted with his two hands, some beautiful metal and a welder. He makes trailers and racks that convert your bike into an uber-hauling machine.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8541008191/" title="IMG_5057 by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8238/8541008191_b5b529a671_o.jpg" alt="IMG_5057" height="1280" width="720"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Did you notice that front rack in shiny metal? He made that out of electrical conduit. It's strong, light, looks nice and costs practically nothing. What could be better? Those trailers are like the song that mention no rough edges. Forgive me, the name escapes me, but my point is that you take some clean metal, a talented welder with a vision and some paint, in this case mellow yellow and put 'em all together and what do you get? Like Reese's you wind up with great tastes that taste great together. That lightweight, strong, beautiful trailer turns you bike into a utilitarian device that combined with pure energy from your quads, etc is a superb hauler.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And, yes - you can have one, too! Not only that, but if you buy one, here's what you get for free: kidding. But, you really can have one. Kanner is taking small orders and making friends and business partnerships to help spread the joy. It's a good idea he and Steven are not afraid to share. I don't see no stinkin' trademarks or intellectual property. I just see enthusiasm, clear thinking and a desire to do good and have a frippin' blast.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p> Line of Sight (movie)tag:www.zoobird.com,2013-02-24:2129360:Topic:520522013-02-24T20:30:29.858ZMichael Levinhttps://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0npCFw9TEnA?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque" width="480"></iframe>
</p>
<p></p>
<p>Line of Sight is a movie about fixies and shredding and everything else. In a word, it's exciting. You'll have fun with the music, just shut your eyes and enjoy it. If you like, you can watch the movie, too. A lot of it's shot with a GoPro style camera. I'm joking, of course, about shutting your eyes, but the music is fantastic and gets the…</p>
<p><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0npCFw9TEnA?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p></p>
<p>Line of Sight is a movie about fixies and shredding and everything else. In a word, it's exciting. You'll have fun with the music, just shut your eyes and enjoy it. If you like, you can watch the movie, too. A lot of it's shot with a GoPro style camera. I'm joking, of course, about shutting your eyes, but the music is fantastic and gets the adrenaline up. The footage is even better. This is what crazed riding is about, if you wondered. If you can't see the link above, click <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/video/line-of-sight-lucas-brunelle" target="_blank">here</a> to go directly to the movie page. Enjoy, and please let us know what you think.</p> Rivendell Atlantis and Fuji Espreetag:www.zoobird.com,2012-11-18:2129360:Topic:508972012-11-18T11:50:25.430ZMichael Levinhttps://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p>I subscribe to a few online bike groups. Often, someone will post a bike wanted ad. This morning, I noticed a Rivendell wanted ad on the <a href="http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch/topics" target="_blank">RBW Owners Bunch mailing list</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One reply pointed to an eBay listing for an Atlantis frame. I had to look.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079707?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079707?profile=original" width="690"></img></a></p>
<p>This is it. It's a…</p>
<p>I subscribe to a few online bike groups. Often, someone will post a bike wanted ad. This morning, I noticed a Rivendell wanted ad on the <a href="http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch/topics" target="_blank">RBW Owners Bunch mailing list</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One reply pointed to an eBay listing for an Atlantis frame. I had to look.</p>
<p> <a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079707?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079707?profile=original" width="690"/></a></p>
<p>This is it. It's a 51 cm Rivendell Atlantis, 2001 model. Well worn, according to the owner, but a beaut. Here are two shots of it all built up.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079796?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079796?profile=original" width="742"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>This first shot from the Rivendell <a href="http://www.rivbike.com">www.rivbike.com</a> website, I believe.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310084145?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310084145?profile=original" width="692"/></a></p>
<p>This one is of it all built up for off road riding.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/5700613105/" title="Fuji Espree '85 by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2758/5700613105_996bb6a421.jpg" alt="Fuji Espree '85" height="374" width="500"/></a></p>
<p>I bought a 51 cm Fuji Espree recently thinking my wife would love it. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a little big for her.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/5693714995/" title="Fuji Espree by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3084/5693714995_428b05412b.jpg" alt="Fuji Espree" height="374" width="500"/></a><br/> The braze ons are similar to the Riv's and it's all ready to be set up for touring. So why would someone want to spend so much on a Rivendell? That's an easy question for me to answer, but I thought I'd put it out here for you all to ponder and discuss.</p> Bridgestone MB'stag:www.zoobird.com,2012-11-18:2129360:Topic:508932012-11-18T11:25:24.587ZMichael Levinhttps://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/4550810438/" title="Gainesville Garden Bike Tour 2010 - Bridgestone MB-2 by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img alt="Gainesville Garden Bike Tour 2010 - Bridgestone MB-2" height="375" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4057/4550810438_61cee7874e.jpg" width="500"></img></a></p>
<p>(<em>photo of MB-2 from the Gainesville Garden Tour, 2010</em>)</p>
<p></p>
<p>I was in 8th Ave Bikes and Coffee last week and a gent came in with his Bridgestone MB-5. He was torn about whether or not to keep it. He had purchased a more modern off road bike and was about to move out of town. He'd owned his MB since original…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/4550810438/" title="Gainesville Garden Bike Tour 2010 - Bridgestone MB-2 by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4057/4550810438_61cee7874e.jpg" alt="Gainesville Garden Bike Tour 2010 - Bridgestone MB-2" height="375" width="500"/></a></p>
<p>(<em>photo of MB-2 from the Gainesville Garden Tour, 2010</em>)</p>
<p></p>
<p>I was in 8th Ave Bikes and Coffee last week and a gent came in with his Bridgestone MB-5. He was torn about whether or not to keep it. He had purchased a more modern off road bike and was about to move out of town. He'd owned his MB since original purchase, new. It had a rusty chain and showed signs it hadn't been used a lot lately. Well, we got to talking and I think I convinced him to reconsider selling it. It's in 8ABC's capable hands now, being tuned up.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Meanwhile, I thought I'd post a photo or two of MB's I've seen that might be interesting and inspiring. I hope my new friend Jorge joins Bike Zoo and pops up a photo of his MB-5.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>