That was the process for my last bike, the Gunnar. I originally was going to build it as the ultimate 700c commuter. Then I remembered that I originally originally purchased the frame for straight road use. Having always wanted  a classic steel road racing machine that decided it’s final outcome.

“I’ve added a new-found love for cargo bikes and velo-utilitarianism to my already well-rounded bike lust.”

I’ve been staring at some absolutely gorgeous, full-on cargo bikes from Metrofiets and Joe Bike. But living in an apartment and the $3K+ price tags pretty much kill those dreams. So the next option naturally was an XtraCycle. I have a not-used-in-a-long-time GT Zaskar that was my first choice for the extension operation. Unfortunately, my leaving the job and the price of the equipment made that a decision for the near future. Plus, there’s a small (very small) chance that I might ride off-road again… But wait, I have a recently retired Bridgestone MB-4 that might do the trick! It’ll need some help, but with a nice rack system, some fenders, and a new rigid fork with tabs, this things will be a grocery gettin’ machine! As this project comes together I’ll make sure to post some updates. I’ll be adding images to Flickr, and notifying through Twitter if you need to indulge in some Boredom!

Guess I have to get some bags and panniers as well though…

Velo-Utilitarian Parts List

Minoura Gamoh Front Rack (my favorite part!)

Portland Design Works Payload Rear Rack

SKS Commuter Fenders 26″

Bontrager Satellite Trekking Bars

Wald #867 Cruiser Bar

Coming from the Revolution and the efforts we’ve put forth there in advancing the cause of cyclist, I’ve become hyper-aware of any public interactions with dealing with bikes. Whether it be car v. bike, runner v. bike, or bike v. bike, you become attuned to how we as cyclists act in the variety of situations we’re thrown into. Needless to say, I’ve shifted into the “beyond reproach” phase of my public cycling. For us to battle the hostility we face from motorists, and just about anyone that comes into contact with us these days, we need to take the high road. But we also need to take the high road when it comes to interacting with ourselves, within our own burgeoning community here in DC/VA.

What kind of message are we sending to the infrequent cyclists who attended this past Hub Spin when they’re barked at by aggressively riding pathletes trying to get in a race workout on a congested bike path? Why would they want to ride the Mt. Vernon trail again if they’re afraid that they’ll be yelled at for going “to slow” on a recreational, multi-use path? Those riders acting like it’s the end of the freaking world that they’ve had to use their brakes to slow down for a more casual cyclist are no different than the driver who gets bent out of shape when they find themselves behind a cyclist on the road.

I was brushed myself by one of these douchebags during our ride while rolling along the Potomac on Gravelly Point. He gave me a sharp, “ON YOUR LEFT!!!“, then braked suddenly to avoid the oncoming biker from the other direction. He and his close-following friend were visually upset that they were inconvenienced by our large group. They were pissed that we were enjoying cycling on a bike path!? It’s that kind of mentality that will keep our cycling community in the dark-ages because casual riders will never want to battle with the DC Metro area pathlete. I on the other hand, want to throw a tree branch into your spokes and flip you onto your giant, inconvenienced head!

If we want out community to grow so we can have a larger collective group in order to make the DC Metro area safer for all of us out there we have to respect each other first. The site of 50+ people in casual clothing riding bikes into DC to see a Nationals baseball game should be an incredibly positive one; not an eye-roll inducing roadblock. It means good things are happening. If you can’t see that and celebrate with the rest of us, get off the path.

The interaction with the bike station couldn’t have been any simpler. Insert your membership key into the slot designated for the bike you chose and a yellow indicator light blinks while it’s thinking. Once it’s verified that you’re good to go, you get a green light and the lock mechanism releases the bike; smooth and simple. It’s interesting to note that the triangular part that the station lock clamps onto also houses the GPS device to track your bike’s usage and location. Each full station is solar powered which in turn means no need to be tied down to the local power grid. The benefit of not being tied to the grid means they can be transported relatively easily and placed where the need is greatest.

There’s not much more than that to the system. It’s remarkably simple and straightforward. Which hopefully translates to more usage from those who normally wouldn’t seek to access bikeshare.

Stop by and check the Capital Bikeshare bike and bike station at the Arlington County Fair through the end of this weekend.

Obviously I’m changing things here visually, but I’ll be adding some new flavors to the Boredom mix. During my time at the Revolution, I picked up a new side of cycling that I really wasn’t focused on before-advocacy. Whether it’s promoting a car free/car light lifestyle, or writing about the lack of North-South connectors in Arlington, you’ll start seeing it alongside all the other nonsensical rambling I’m known for. Those of you that have followed me on the @RevCycles Twitter account may be accustomed to my non-denominational style postings. That was due to working in a retail shop where it’s bad business to piss off your customers/following. Here I don’t give a ****. There’s a lot of crazy **** going on out there from alternative transportation budget cuts to angry vindictive motorists; and I aim to take that on.

In the near future I have a few more changes and additions to the Boredom media conglomerate. Those will stay safely under my hat.

Friday bore witness to the final act of a ridiculous 5 year saga—Pinkey at Revolution built my Gunnar Roadie. Why is this ridiculous you ask? It’s ridiculous because I bought the frame 5 years ago. It’s also ridiculous because it’s built with parts that’ve seen their 8th birthday. Finally, this entire build is ridiculous because I only needed to buy a chain and some new tires. Everything else I had “in stock”, so to say.

Here’s rundown of components:

• Bontrager carbon cranks
• Bontrager xXx Light fork
• Deda Black Stick post
• Fizik Arionne saddle
• 3t Less stem
• Deda 215 bar
• Bontrager Aero wheelset
• Time RXS Titan pedals
• Shimano Dura-Ace rear derailleur (from Giant)
• Shimano 105 front derailleur
• Shimano 105 Black shifters
• Shimano 105 brakes

Not a bad bunch of parts. Especially since they were sitting in storage.