NOT show #305 – July 16, 2016

Spent a couple of days on the Erie Canal Towpath in NY with some friends of ours from Oswego, NY this week.  Rode from Lockport to Brockport and back, self-supported, with great tailwinds on day 1 and killer headwinds on day 2.  And, we thought Cleveland had some fierce winds!

Some highlights of the trip included:

– Watching how the locks work in Lockport.  What a feat of engineering this stuff is!

– Finding a GREAT coffee shop in Middleport – Alternative Grounds Caffe.  Excellent coffee, fabulous food, beautiful store!

– Heard an excellent 4-man band – The Third Degree Hot Rockin Band – in Brockport on Thursday night.  Bunch of retired “hippie” types playing everything from Van Morrison and the Beatles to CCR.  Great vocals, guitars, and drums!  90 minutes of non-stop fun.

– Found out we can do this “self supported” tour thing just fine.

Back next week with a brand new show.  Will be speaking with NPR Senior Political Reporter from Oregon Public Radio, Jeff Mapes.  He was in town for the RNC and I had a chance to sit down with him and talk about his book, “Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities” as well as some of his thoughts about the Convention.

If you have a chance – go for a ride!

 

NAHBS2016 – Opening Day

FIRST THOUGHTS ON NAHBS 2016

Being the first one in the convention center is pretty cool. The show floor is empty, the carpets are vacuumed, and the atmosphere is calm.

Walking around the aisles, it’s difficult to believe that less than 90 minutes from now, the hall will be filled with industry folks – they are first today for an hour – and then the general public that will begin to file in to see the expansive array of bicycles, accessories, and components that make up the 2016 North American Handmade Show.

There is a lovely tribute to Brian Baylis, who passed away last week, and whose loss will be felt by so many here this weekend.

I am very lucky to be able to know so many of these people and see how their work reflects their passions, their personalities, and expertise.

As the finishing touches are put on the booths, the exhibitors begin chatting with one another, renewing old friendships, trading their “builders'” stories, and getting ready for what will hopefully be a busy and productive day.

10:00am Sacramento Time – and the “throngs” are lined up outside the convention hall waiting to get in.

Now the show is about to go into full-swing. If you’ve never been to one of these events, it’s sort of like controlled chaos, only with bikes! Lots, and lots, and lots of bikes.

Next entry coming soon….

A Commentary on Abbott’s “Signorina”

Signorina

I’ve been struggling with my thoughts about the Abbott “Signorina” bicycle displayed at NAHBS that has created both outrage and controversy.

As a student of art (I attended art school at the college level), I can appreciate that one man sees Mona Lisa where another might see a Mapplethorpe and take offense.  By definition, “art” is objective; but, intent comes into play here and by adding his “survey” to the photos on his web site, Mr. Abbott moves away from art and into the realm of just plain creepy and lewd.

So, I will not be judge and jury; but, I do reserve my right to call out something that is in bad taste and suggest that Mr. Abbott’s judgment in this case was way off base.

One would hope that the bicycle world has moved away from the “teenage boy” image and into adulthood.