Sometimes it can be fun to be cranky...
When I'm not out running trails I really enjoy riding my bikes, a more recent development for me. I did the bike thing growing up, then got my license and promptly decided never to sweat again. However in the last couple years I've become a regular rider, and made it a personal goal to use my car as little as possible. Living in the Twin Cities I'm blessed with miles of trails, both on and off of the road. Today's post is a quick peek at my current rides, much like my life these are subject to frequent change.
Surly Big Dummy
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| Regular grocery haul on the Big Dummy |
This is a recent purchase and I just can't say enough good things about it, stable, smooth, fun, practical the Big Dummy seems to be all of those things and more. From grocery runs to hauling bike frames to the casual ride this bike has performed above and beyond. With all the accessories available on the web you can turn it into a mobile bar, bring your children to school, or pick up all those supplies for the porch you haven't built on your house yet.
Surly Pugsley
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| Deep in the Minnesota River Bottoms |
Fat is always better, at least when it comes to the Pugsley. Riding over snow, sand, and anything else nature wants to throw at you it's the Hummer of bikes, without all the wasted gas of course. I've wanted one of these for a long time and this custom build is the end result. Living so close to the MN River Bottoms means that I'm out on this thing all the time. Pavement is no problem and of course the looks that you get are just priceless. I've lost count of the number of conversations I've had that started with, "What the heck is that thing?"
All-City Big Block
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| Snap on fenders to keep your butt dry |
The workhorse of my bike stable, fixed or free depending on how reckless I'm feeling. Front brake because I almost killed myself one too many times try to stop, yes I know I'm not a true fixed gear rider and I've made peace with that. Super solid custom build just gets me where I need to go and keeps me out of my car...shouldn't that be the goal for us all.
Bikes are tools, artwork, and marvels of engineering. I feel so much more connected when I riding, it's the perfect way to start and end every single day. If you've got one you haven't ridden for awhile take it out, brush the dust off, pay your friend some Mountain Dew to help you fix it up, and go hit those trails. Have a great day everyone!
