Beautiful gift (2011 Christmas)

How was your Christmas? Good? Get everything you wanted? I did. And more. Let me tell you about an amazing gift I got.

I'm the proud Papa to 2 girls, my wife and I have been trying to raise them to be caring and compassionate women. They are kids (well one kid and one teen) and have a bunch of growing to do and we don't expect perfection from them, but we are so proud of them when we hear back from teachers, parents and other kids that they are being kind or thoughtful.

So the girls were so excited to present me with my Christmas gift yesterday. They gave me an envelope which I opened to see the cards below.

I know. Most parents are really happy and proud of their kids homemade crafty cards. And I am. I really love their notes to me and I've kept most of their cards through the years. However this years was extra special.

That is one from the big girl. It says:

Dear Papa, This year for Christmas pork chop and I decided to get you something very special. We donated enough money to the charity World Vision for a girl in Cambodia or India to receive a bike. Now the girl and her family will have quicker & for the girl a safer mode of transportation.

Unfortunately many girls get hurt or even taken on their walk to the market or school. Many then stop going to school because of this. But now the girl who received the bike doesn't have to give up her education, and chance at excelling in the world.

Pork chop and I decided this donation would be a perfect gift for you because of your passion of bicycling. Now your passion is able to help and keep a girl, just like us, safe.

♥ Love you & Merry Christmas,
big girl

The Pork Chop gave me this one:

Dear Papa,
Papa this year we donated $85 to World Vision. The money will go to a girl. It will give her a bike to go (to) and from work/school. They need bikes because  when girls like us go (to) and from school, they get hurt or even kidnapped. We thought you'd like this gift because...
1. You love big girl and I and you wouldn't want that happening to us.
2. You like bikes a lot and it will go to someone who needs it.
3. You are a very caring papa/man.
Loves
Porky

How great is that? They pooled together and did something that will help a girl continue her education and have a safer means to get around.

World Vision is a trustworthy organization with 85% of it's operating expenses going to it's programs, helping children, women and families in need.

In countries like Cambodia and India, many girls are forced to drop out of school because they live too far away or risk dangers such as violence or kidnapping on their walking route. Your gift of a bicycle will provide safe, speedy transportation for these eager young students, enabling them to achieve their dreams of education — and a brighter future.

Click this link http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?section=10401&item=1445838 to donate a bicycle yourself.

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Merry Christmas

Just wishing you and yours, a very merry Christmas. Enjoy the day. And lets get a ride in before the new years.

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Cat 3 Comics - Issue 1 (part 2)

This a part 2 of the 1st issue of Cat 3 comics. You can see part one here: http://anello-grande.blogspot.com/2011/12/cat-3-comics-issue-1-part-1.html

The Back to the Future article is great. Some of the things they thought were outlandish really aren't, and many of the things are at least partially true.

Link to other Cat 3 comic book posts
Cat 3 Comics - Issue 1 (part 1)
Cat 3 Comics - Issue 1 (part 3)
Cat 3 Comics - Issue 2 (part 1)
Cat 3 Comics - Issue 2 (part 2)

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Twin Cities Bike Swap is 2/12/12

OK, I really think I'm gonna head up this year. I have a list of things I'd like to look for.

2012 Twin Cities Bike Swap

Sunday February 12th, 2012
9AM – 2PM
Schwan Event Center
National Sports Center, Blaine MN
Admission: $5

The 2012 Twin Cities Bike Swap is Sunday February 12th. What better place to find the perfect Valentines Day gift than at the Bike Swap where any and all things bikes can be found. This is rapidly becoming an institution on the twin cities cycling scene that you do not want to miss.

For even more info, or if you're interested in selling something at the swap, visit the site. http://www.twincitiesbikeswap.com/

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Walk it off Wheels...

There is a video embedded in this post that you may not be able to view. Click through to the blog to watch it. Justin Bieber gets rad in a wheelchair.

This guy is my hero for today. For serious. This guy isn't letting anything keep him from getting RAD! What stops you?

Found on DrunkCyclist.com

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Cat 3 Comics - Issue 1 (part 1)

So I was going through some stuff the other week and came across my old Cat 3 comic books. So I figured I'd scan them and upload them for the world to read. Click each page to see a large version.

They are old school, and a little on the corn ball side. But the truths of the sport are still the same.

This first story is an all to familiar tale of the "friendly" training ride, that's actually a hammerfest of pain. But we love it don't we?

A little motivation from Mr. Coppi.

This next story is about racing smarter then the rest.

This is a little more then 1/2 of the first issue. I want to try to do a little every week till I get all 4 issues up.


Link to other Cat 3 comic book posts
Cat 3 Comics - Issue 1 (part 2)
Cat 3 Comics - Issue 1 (part 3)
Cat 3 Comics - Issue 2 (part 1)
Cat 3 Comics - Issue 2 (part 2)

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Buying off the gray market

Just Riding Along Bike Shop (JRABS) is a big supporter of KINDHuman sports (previously Team TOMS cycling). The other day the owner Travis posted the following note which has caused me to put some thought in how I purchase my cycling items. I got permission from Travis to repost it here because he wants the word to get out about. You can see the original facebook posting here (https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150445220314604), and feel free to share it as you wish.

Yesterday I posted that JRABS will have a new "corking policy": "There will be a 20% surcharge for the initial or re-installation of items purchased through eBay stores or overseas discounters. This fee will not apply to items purchased through any U.S. dealer with a legitimate store front." This posting has stirred up much controversy, which I think is good. This policy will be in effect from this point forward. I will also be adding this line: "we will offer a 10% discount on installation for products that are purchased through us".

Businessdictionary.com defines Gray Market as: Genuine branded goods (called 'gray goods') sold outside of an authorized sales-territory (or by non-authorized dealers in an authorized territory) at prices lower than being charged in authorized sales territories (or by authorized dealers).

Anytime a U.S. consumer purchase products from dealers such as Chain Reaction Cycles & Total Cycling in Ireland, or ProBikeKit.com in the U.K. is buying gray market merchandise. Unfortunately the laws in Europe are quite different, as are the channels of distribution. It has nothing to do with the value of the Dollar vs. the Euro. European bicycle shops buy directly from the manufacturer. U.S. shops buy from a distributor. The distributor buys from either the manufacturer or an importer. Not only is there a mark-up for this "middle man", there are also shipping costs and import tariffs. Instead of charging MSRP, or slightly below it, the aforementioned dealers (and others) have decided that instead of making a good margin on a few products, they would rather make less margin on many products, in order to get there name out. These dealers are able to sell products for far less than U.S. retailers; and in many cases, less than what we can buy the products for from our distributors.

The majority of the time, the consumer has no idea what's going on. They just see that the price is less from these gray-market suppliers and think that it's a great deal. I don't really blame them, as it does look like a good deal.

The most common manufacturer to fall victim to this practice is my favorite bicycle components manufacturer, Campagnolo. As you may know, being a Campy Pro Shop is something that I'm proud of and passionate about. To learn more about Campagnolo, and there current situation in today's global climate, you can go here: http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/italian-job

Everyone knows that the global economy is in great trouble, and jobs are scarce. As some of you may know, I have had to lay off John and Chad, and it's just me here now, trying to keep JRABS in business through the winter. Almost every day I have some sort of gray market product come through here, usually from consumers who have trusted me to work on their bikes for years. I have been doing this since 1986, and even as a little kid before that I was doing mechanical work on bikes for my friends. Basically, it's safe to say that I know what I'm doing. However it's very difficult and frustrating to have these products brought in to me every day when I am just trying to stay in business. To this day, I have not brought home one dime from work since I opened the store in on my 38th birthday (9/13/09) - seriously. One might say "You should be lucky that anybody is bringing you any business at all", and maybe that is correct. However, it goes deeper than just dollars - it's about what's right.

When one buys from these companies they are: a) putting money in the pockets of somebody unknown, b) hurting the local economy, c) getting products with no warranty whatsoever, d) dealing with poor customer service after the sale - try to return something to them e) Could be in violation of U.S. Custom's import tariffs (everything over $2,000 must be reported - I STRONGLY recommend reading this: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/basic_trade/internet_purchases.xml

The buyer becomes the importer, and is responsible for all duties paid. The seller could care less. JRABS has reported violators, and will continue to do so. I have to do what I can to protect my business and the local economy. Whenever gray market purchasers complain about the unemployment rate, the value of the dollar, etc. they should look at themselves as being part of the problem. Could you imagine going to your favorite Italian restaurant and when the waiter says "Would you like some freshly grated parmesan cheese?" you pull out your own that you bought online and say "Yes, but I brought my own, so if you don't mind grating it over my plate for me that would be great. I bought this Italian D.O.P. Parmesan Reggiano on the internet." It sounds silly, but it's the EXACT same thing as taking your Italian bicycle parts to the local bike shop and asking them to install them on your frame, when you could have purchased these items from your LBS.

Restaurants charge a "corking" fee for pouring the wine that the customer brought in for the exact same reason that I will charge this extra 20% on top of regular labor rates for gray market purchases. I have absolutely no problem with products that were purchased at another store that plays by the rules, even mail order. I will gladly install these items, or even used items off of eBay, for my regular labor rate. I will reward my loyal customers who purchase their products from JRABS with a 10% discount on labor.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I welcome your opinions. I'm just trying to do what's right, enjoy what I do, and keep my business afloat.

In closing, I ask that the next time you consider purchasing from one of these companies, to please consider either my store or another U.S.-based shop with a storefront. All you have to do is ask for the best price.

Thanks again,
Travis

Thanks again,
Travis
301.963.1273
www.jrabs.com

Some of you know that I've worked at a couple of bike shops in my life and know some of the struggles the shops face. On the other hand, I'm also a consumer, who isn't in the industry anymore, so don't get the great discounts. I generally buy my stuff from a variety of sources including local shops (Rochester Cycling, Bicycle Sports and Eriks), online (Jenson, Nashbar, etc), and eBay. Heck I even have some affiliate links on this blog in a effort to make enough money to buy a Clif bar one day.

After reading Travis' post, I'm thinking that I should reconsider some of these outlets. To be fair, all of my eBay purchases have been used items from people. But I know that buying from online stores takes money away from local retail.

As I struggle with personal vs. local vs. global economy, I wonder what some of you think. Feel free to comment.

I'm on the Twitters, follow me: @AnelloGrande

Deep Custom - Full Cut

There is a video embedded in this post that you may not be able to view. Click through to the blog to watch it. Justin Bieber riding a fixed gear. Just kidding.

Here you go, in case you didn't get to the Jungle Theater last night. Don't feel bad, I didn't go either. But now you can watch the full cut.

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The weekend

Saturday morning, when I first got up, the outside temp was 1 degree. ONE degree! I know, I'm a wuss and winter is only just starting. There will be days with lows that are much colder. But it still felt really cold to me. So I stayed at home in the warmth. And that was so nice.

After a quick trip to the farmers market with the sweetest lady, I installed my new grey/gray ESI Racers Edge grips.

Unwrapped the cheap foam wrap and ODI Attack wrap. Cleaned the bars with windex and use rubbing alcohol to install the grips to the bars. 

The grips are about the same lengths (just a couple millimeters shorter) then what I had wrapped.

It's really hard to tell, but there is a thick and a thin side to the grips. I think the thinner part is the flattened part.

Final install with about a millimeter of handlebar end exposed (prior to installing the plugs).

After putting on the grips, I removed the bottle cages, as I figure I'll use a CamelBak under my jersey and jacket during winter to keep the water from freezing. Then I replaced the Garmin Edge mount (again). It's a bad design for the 305/205 models in that the lacking tab breaks in cold weather. So I now have to order some more so I have some on hand.

After all this, the afternoon temp warmed up to almost 30 degrees. So it was time to throw on some winter cycling clothes and do a quick lap at Eastwood.

There was actually still some areas that didn't have snow, mainly under the evergreen trees on the "top" sections.

Well a quick lap wasn't so quick, as I was riding snowy singletrack for the first time in my life. Yeah, I've lived in this frozen tundra for almost 15 years, and I've never mountain biked on snow. I've ridden on the road all winter, and even done some gravel rides in all kinds of winter conditions. Yet I've never ridden a mountain bike, on singletrack, in snow.

So a lap that normally take about 50 minutes, took almost 1 hour 5 minutes. Ok I stopped a few times for a minute or 2 to take a picture or drink. But still...

My snow riding skills need some work. Snow is different then dirt and mud. It slips and grabs differently, as well as tires need lower pressure to dig in better.

I ended up being a little overdressed. I think I dressed for lower to mid 20's instead of almost to around 30. I did, however, think my feet could have used my thermal booties to provide some extra insulation.

Anyway, I hope to keep riding through winter at least once a week as long as the temps are above 10 or so. Maybe down to zero. But I plan to try to keep my legs a little more fresh then just riding rollers all winter. Anyway, I had a great weekend, hope you did too.

Hey! I'm on the Twitters, follow me: @AnelloGrande

Info on the Rusty Ride

The following was posted on the Rusty Ride Facebook page.

MORC announces the 2012 mn rusty ride

New mountain bike event added to MORC’s fundraising efforts at Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trail.

For Immediate Release: 12/9/2011
Contact: Amanda Scholz
MORC Event Director
morcEvents@gmail.com


Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC), an IMBA chapter, introduces the MN Rusty Ride; A 25//50//100 mile mountain bike race, ride, tour event to support fundraising efforts for mountain bike trails in MN. Event is set to take place on the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails in Ironton/Crosby, MN on August 18, 2012.

The event is set to begin out of Morningside Park in Ironton, MN on August 18. The course will be comprised of a mix of Cuyuna Singletrack, fire roads, and some pavement to create a 25 mile loop that will be repeated. Awards will be given according to class. There will be a kids race on the 18th. As part of the weekend events, there will be bike demos on Sunday, August 19th and a pasta or BBQ feeding on Friday, August 17th. Details are still being worked out and will be posted at www.mnrustyride.com as they are finalized.

The hope is to create an event that is challenging yet appealing for all different skill levels. Placing this event on one of our world-class trails gives riders an opportunity to test their endurance and fortitude but also have fun.

MORC/IMBA is a not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to safeguarding the future of mountain biking in Minnesota through the promotion of responsible riding, establishment and maintenance of mountain biking trails, and preservation of Minnesota's natural resources.

The Trails are an IMBA Bronze Ride Center. The first in the nation, and now 1 of 6 designated Ride Centers in the country. According to the MN DNR website, the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trail System dips, dives and weaves across more than 800 acres of Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. With over 30 purpose-built routes to choose from, everyone from beginner to pro can enjoy the breath-taking rides and overlooks. The trails are enhanced by the deep-red soil, turquoise mine lakes, and white bark of the aspen and birch trees. When taking a break from the exhilarating descents, mountain bikers can watch for bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, beavers and other wildlife.

Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC) began as the North Central Mountain Bike Group (NCMBG) under the umbrella of the Minnesota Coalition of Bicyclists in 1994. March 1998 marked the official name change to MORC as its known today. The membership has grown to over 800 members today. Lebanon Hills was the first single-track mountain bike trail built truly to sustainable standards with heavy involvement from the land manager. To date MORC maintains over 75 miles of trail in the metro area.

###

Visit the page and show them if you're planning to race/ride or even if you're not sure but interested. I think I'd like to see if I can do the 50 mile race.

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ESI Grips

ESI Grips on 2011 Trek Paragon Hello mountain bike racing fans.

Just got these nice grey/gray ESI Racers Edge grips. Gonna have to mount them on the Paragon and give 'en a go.

ESI Silicone Mountain bike grips. Hello mountain bike racing fans.

Vino, buying wins, bike racing ethics

Kolobnev & Vinokourov

So Vino is in the news again. And once again it's not good. Seems like some emails were published in which there is a discussion of Vino paying for his win in the 2010 Liège - Bastogne - Liège. Of course Vino denies doing anything wrong.

Now Vino is an interesting character in the peloton. I loved watching him attack and be reeled in by his T-mobile team mates. I thought he was a strong enough rider able to possibly lead a team. But then he became just another doper. Especially since he denies and continues to deny that he doped.

He took a suspension and returned to racing. Not just returned... but won a spring classic.

This is where things get messy. I believe he did do what they say he did. If it went down the way it's reported, he was in a break and paid Kolobnev to allow him to win.

This isn't new, I've read about teams and riders paying other teams and/or rider(s) to not take a win, or to work for them. I've heard of a rider in a grand tour get a courtesy win in his hometown. Isn't this all the same? Shouldn't a racer always race to win. Isn't that what we want of our racers, that our races are won honestly.

But then, what about gift wins? Armstrong eases at the top of Ventoux to give Pantani the win.Pantani didn't want a gift win and was upset by the gesture. I guess money didn't change hands. So no ethical problem right?

So it comes down to payout. Kolobnev took a payment to give up a win. I don't think it's right. But it's not the worst thing in bike racing. Like I said, it's been happening in the sport for a long time. I'm sure there are hero's of the sport who have paid for some of their victories.

Now here's something I thought of too. Could this be a red herring, or a distraction to some of the doping allegations going on.

I'm not saying that's what it is, but it's something to think about.

Like I did say though. It's not right, but I thing bike racing has bigger problems to focus on at the moment.

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One Less Car

So One Less Car posted this message on it's blog. Sorry to say, they will no longer be screening shirts and stickers.

Dear friends of One Less Car,

All good things must come to an end, and so must we. As of January 1st, 2012, One Less Car will stop selling clothing and stickers.

I began One Less Car more than six years ago with nothing more than a home screen-printing kit and a love of bicycles. I had no idea how many people shared my love of bike riding until the orders started coming in. I will never forget the first time I saw someone walk past wearing one of my shirts. It was one of the greatest feelings of my life.

Over the years, One Less Car has connected me with an amazing community and led me to opportunities I never could have anticipated. It led to a second business, Bates Crates, which makes hardwood crates for riders who want a quality handmade portage option.

Unfortunately, it has just become too much to maintain two businesses. Both have suffered, as has the One Less Car blog. Rather than operate two businesses poorly, I have decided to devote my energies to Bates Crates. I will fill all open orders, as well as any orders placed through the end of 2011, then One Less Car will close up shop.

One Less Car clothing will live on through our partnership with Pace Sportswear, which this year came out with a line of jerseys and headwear featuring our Classic and Chain Ring logos. All of these can be ordered online at pacesportswear.com and will hopefully find their way soon to your local bike store.

I would like to thank all of our customers and supporters. I still can’t believe all the places I sent shirts over the past several years. After a break, I hope to revive the One Less Car blog and reconnect with all of you there.

Sincerely,
Cole Bates

So maybe no more shirts, but check out BatesCrates. http://batescrates.com/

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Yes! Occupy all streets!

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Ragnarök registration now open

I'm still debating if I want to do this race or not. I think I would end up doing it on the mountain bike instead of the orange fixed or the roadie. Mid April could still see terrible weather conditions so there's no way the roadie would work. And the terrain has a lot of climbing, so I don't think the orange fixed is the best tool. That leaves the Paragon (mountain bike). Maybe I could find tires that would be better for gravel roads.

Anyway, I'm still debating on sending a postcard for this. If you might be interested in racing the Ragnarök, check this link for how to get in: http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/2011/12/postcard-deluge-may-commence.html

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Sounds like some conversations I've had...

There is a video embedded in this post that you may not be able to view. Click through to the blog to watch it. Hello Justin Bieber fans.

Cycling Explained. Hah! so funny. I found this on Gwadzilla's blog. http://gwadzilla.blogspot.com/

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Imagine if this was your driveway

There is a video (may or may not be of Justin Beiber) embedded in this post that you may not be able to view. Click through to the blog to watch it.

Holy cow! Via: manualforspeed.com

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Deep Custom teaser

There is a video embedded in this post that you may not be able to view. Click through to the blog to watch it.

Teaser of a movie to be shown up in the Twin Cities Jungle Theater on 12/12/11 at 7pm. Free admission.

“Deep Custom” was conceived when Art Director Tony Franklin (of publicconvoy.com) and Photographer T.C. Worley (studiobluempls.com) decided to collaborate on a personal project together. Believing their best creations were those unpaid “labor of love” jobs, they embarked to construct something born of passion, and not monetary gain.

Erik Noren, owner of Peacock Groove Custom Cycles was the clear choice for the film’s subject as he embodied this same passion in his bicycle building. No vacations, few days off and even moving into his parents home for a time were all sacrifices he has been willing to make to keep his small shop afloat.

The duo spent the better part of the Summer 2011 filming on weekends and in their free time. A strong theme of giving surrounds this film, as each side contributed time and talent to make this project a success.

This was their first motion project together, but will not be their last. Look for their new production company RoyalAntler to be born soon.

Some details can be found on the Facebook Event page facebook.com/events/245397612191831.

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Ride Everything

There is a video embedded in this post that you may not be able to view. Click through to the blog to watch it.

Interesting video. I thought it was fun except for the bike swap. Thought that was a stupid part. I know, I know... I shouldn't say stupid. It was an extremely unnecessary take.

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