Q and A with Jarad Scheurer

1. Name, Age, Occupation.
Jared Allen Scheurer 22 Fun Dude

2. Were do you live?
Boca Raton, FL

3. What are you riding these days?
Surly Steamroller polo modded out with dual brakes to single lever, flats, 39t-20tratio, Panaracer RIBMO 3.2 tires, risers, and shitty flip flop wheel set.

BMX bike is a S and M Josh Stricker with Profile Wheels, Profile Cranks, Slam bars, Odyssey Fork, Thomson seat post and Primo Seat and really old cast aluminum Hoffman Stem!

4. Explain Heart Of Gold. Were do you see it going?
It is a organic clothing brand me and Kelli started in hopes of providing people with a sweet option of having organic fair trade clothing with art from a variety of artists printed by us. That idea was pretty idealistic seeing as everyone and their brother thinks that they can start a clothing brand and saturated the "market". Therefore, people like us who actually print our clothing end up with a bunch of shirts sitting on the shelf. I am going to have a big sale and get rid of it all. Trying to do something good in today's society is a big waste of time.

5. You are a very hardcore Bike Polo player. What is going to happen when the X-Games contacts you and your team and asks you to play in the next televised extreme challenge?
SELL OUTTT for sure.

6. In the last year or so, the whole Bike Polo scene has blown up. Do you see the South Florida teams being recognized? Or is everybody just swinging from your nuts and they just want free T-Shirts?
We are definitely getting recognized at the tournaments, we get allot of shit because we are as south as it gets but we show allot of heart and try our best and end up having some really great games. AS far as my nuts go, i don't want anyone swinging on them.

7. How do you feel about the rest of the South Florida Cycling Community?
There's alot of good people in it, but there is absolutely no sense of community and a lot of fashion over function. I've been to a lot of other cities with thriving communities and they all really work together and got something good going on. I think so many people jumped into riding fixed gear bikes who barely even touched a bike before... therefore putting a bunch of very dangerous people on the road on track bikes with no brakes or control... no wonder people get hit by cars. South Florida kids in general are very clique oriented and need to get over themselves and start having fun TOGETHER.

8. You recently organized the FIRST Ft. Lauderdale Call to Cranks weekend. Beside a few other people in South Florida holding events and gatherings. Do you see more activities being setup?
There's allot of talk, and no walk. Besides the loose cannons which is basically just a race to see who can get to the bar faster and get free beer... There are some monthly bike rides put on by some funny hat company too and polo def goes down twice a week.. Other than that, there aren't really any other consistent bike events going on.


9. You do alot of traveling for events. Tell us what you see happening in other areas of the country that you would like to see happen down here in South Florida.
Community support. Events go down and people won't even drive 5-10 miles miles to have some fun and ride with a bunch of like minded people to create something unique. Nothing is going to happen until people start thinking about WHAT they can do on their bike instead of what color rims they can PUT ON.

10. One of the prizes for Call to Cranks was a Heart of Gold, Headset Collaboration Hat. Tell everyone why that prize was better than a set of B43's
Because it was hand made with love and dedication! Not by a machine over in Australia.


11. When can we expect to see you grab a tall boy and kick back?
I'm skipping drinking and all that soft shit and going straight to hardcore drugs like heroin and meth.

12. When you and Kelli decide to tie the knot. Can we expect to be invited to a black tie polo tournament followed by a romantic bike dance?
Who knows!?

June Monthly Ride Pics

Had around 30 riders show up. Thanks for having faith in Mother Nature. She held back the rain for the ride. Good times. See you all next month. Also thanks to Urban Velo, Staisha, Cynthya,
and McSorley's

http://s703.photobucket.com/albums/ww31/jburneth/FTL%20Monthly%20Ride%20June/?albumview=grid

Loose Cannons

I expect to see everyone from FTL at this. I think we have been extremely lucky in regards to all the events that keep happening. Lets keep up the good work South Florida!!!!

Victoria Park Peacocks???

So, I was out riding over to Brew on Saturday. When out of know were this Peacock runs out in front of me? I have seen them before, but have never had an encounter like the one I had that day. To my surprise, this Peacock ran right in front of me and STOPED!! I slowed down and went around him or her. Not sure. Then a terrible sound rang out. I circled around and was able to take a couple pictures of him and his friend. After living in Victoria Park for 5 years. I have seen Peacocks before and have always thought of this as strange. If anyone has any idea were these things came from let me know. I have heard that they were peoples pets. But who the hell has a Peacock for a pet??

Tribute To Michael Jackson

Last night Thriller Crew held a little tribute to Michael Jackson. A few beers, tricks, and some tunes.
http://s703.photobucket.com/albums/ww31/jburneth/Thriller%20Michael%20Jackson%20Tribute%20Night/?albumview=grid

This weekends activities

Miami Critical Mass. Last Friday of the month. Map,route and more info here. I always hear really good things about this ride. I can never make it because I work till 6PM. Dammit!!

King of Evil 3!!!! This is sure to be a pretty awesome race. Plenty of cool sponsors, HEADSET! And a couple different adult beverage sponsors as well. Not really to sure on the miles, or the style of the race. But I am certain it will be a great turnout and a good time. More info on Flfixed.

Fort Lauderdale's Monthly Ride. Not a Critical Mass. Just old fashion group ride. No blowing stop lights, no I'm faster than you sprints. Route here. 5PM meet up Holiday Park Rinks, 6PM ride out. Ends at McSorley's Pub on A1A and Sunrise BLVD. in Ft. Lauderdale. Free copies of the new issue of Urban Velo to the first 30 people.

R.I.P.

Rest In Peace Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson.

Now I loved Michael Jackson. From the time I was a little tike, I have always thought he was the greatest. For my birthday one year, my parents bought me the double sided record. AWESOME! And I still have it. But not to take anything away from the King of Pop. But.

Farrah Fawcett was just down right beautiful. Jill Munroe, Farrah's Charlies Angels character was the only reason to watch that show. R.I.P. Two amazing people that we all grew up with.

Clif Quench!!

Alright. The last Clif product that I have been testing out. Clif Quench. If you like sport drinks then your definitely going to like this. The first thing I am going to say is don't expect to taste that salty make you even more thirsty beverage. This stuff is awesome. I was lucky enough to try all the flavors and they were all pretty sweet! I even went ahead and stirred me up a tasty adult treat with the Lime-Ade flavor. Out of all the Clif products I got to try out over the last few months, this one is by far my favorite. So go get yourself some Clif Quench, then grab yourself some smooth moonshine, mix it up and get down. Clif Quench! It's what your body needs for pure awesomeness!

FAU Bike Program Bust!!

So good old FAU University in super rich Boca Raton, can't seem to keep the bicycles they have on hand for students. FAU students started the Green Bike Program operated on the honor system. DUMB!!!! The program started with 6 fluorescent green bikes, either donated or abandoned. Now there is none left!!!

OK, seriously, did those kids think that this would actually work? Cmon. Maybe they should invest in those things that are suppose to keep shopping carts on supermarket property. O wait! That doesn't work either. Because there is a shopping cart with a fluorescent green bike in it, in front of my house. Joking!! Full story here.

Comment on this situation. Do you feel that this is a good or bad thing? I think its a good idea. But in this day and age. The honestly system doesn't work.

You Can't Ride A Bike To Alaska It's An Island

Here is another book review. In this bicycling conquest, Mickey Thomas joins a group of riders in Missoula, Montana. Their journey will take them 3,400 miles, in 62 days. Through the Yukon Territory, British Columbia and finally ending in Anchorage, Alaska. Rain, snow, sleet, blood thirsty mosquitoes, are just some of the down falls that continuously plague the group of riders. Almost half the ride is on gravel roads. So they are always fixing flats! Check it out if your in the market for a good read.. Enjoy!

My Ride To Work Today

It took me an hour and a half. With one stop. I was a little unprepared. Need to mount some water under the seat. Overall, it was a great ride. There were no scary moments on A1A. And the bridges were cake. The only down fall of the ride was that I was carrying my bag. Filled with a bunch of work stuff.

Q and A with Keirin Cycles

1. Please tell us a little about your shop.

Keirin Cycles is located at 235 9th St. Miami Beach, FL 33139. We opened our doors on January 6th, 2009.

2. Explain why you chose to open a fixed shop?

We saw a need in the community for a track/fixed specific shop that could cater to and help grow the fledgling fixed scene here in south Florida. Don't know if fledgling is the right word, but it's a considerably smaller scene or group of riders down here as compared to most cities.

3. When you get someone wearing Ed Hardy into your shop, does it bother you? Why?

No, we embrace them. The more rhinestones the better.

4. You also rent bicycles. Tell us how that has been working out?

There is a hostel across the street from our shop. Vacationers come from all over the world to visit Miami Beach.

5. Nick. You have mentioned before that you have a giant melon. Did Headset Cycling Caps make you a big enough hat?

No Doubt. I’M THE BOSS!!!!!!

6. I see that you have been having Open Sprint Competitions. Is this something that South Florida can continue to expect monthly?

Yes, every second Thursday of the month. We’re trying to coordinate our next event at a bar that’s centrally located so it’s more convenient for everyone.

7. Thomas, how many days a week are you late to work? Is your tardiness a result of being hungover?
Surprisingly I’m not usually that late. But yes, sometimes I’m here and my mind is still trying to make it to work.

8. Your shop seems to be getting more and more well known, seeing how the fixed gear scene keeps growing. How do you stay up to date on the latests trends?
Here’s a little run down of our day:
-Get up go to Starbucks.
-Watch RAD.
-Go to American Apparel and complain about hipsters.
-Track stand to impress Baristas’ in front of Starbucks.
-Go to the Mac store.
-Wax our Vespa's.
-Go Back to Starbucks then DJ all night long.

9. Beer or wine?
Sparks. Nick will only drink bud light.

10. I have been to your shop on some occasions, and it was closed. Should I call before I come?

We’ve only been closed 2 days in 6 months, and we were actually there, across the street laughing at you.

11. Keirin Cycles seems to be a small shop filled all the right stuff. What is going to happen when you cant fit it anymore?
We’re not going anywhere anytime soon. We’ll organize and revamp it as we go along.

12. What can we expect to see on your showroom floor in the months to come?
Mash XCinelli frames, Bianchis’, and an upcoming Bike Company from us.

The Firecracker Criterium

July 4, there will be a day of racing over at Brian Piccolo Park. The race will be set on a closed course. And has a $1600.00 purse to the days top 5 winners. Read more here.

Cyclist Down!!!!

Triathlete Miguel Tellez was riding in this past weekends Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy when he was struck by a car. He was launched into the air and received some pretty serious injuries. A torn knee, a deep gash and a concussion. The story said that the officer on site watching for traffic was not paying attention. Figures. The video below shows and tells some of the the story.

Urban Velo

Brad over at Urban Velo has sent me in a box of the new issue. I will be passing them out at this months FTL Monthly Ride on June 28. Free copies to the first 30 people. See you then.

This is funny

Check out this video. Knog has a bunch of them.

Go! South Florida Go!

Jared and Kelli, Heart of Gold and a few others are heading up to the Atlanta Bike Polo Tournament. Lets wish them a bunch of luck!!! Kick Ass South Florida!!!

Bike Expo München

I saw this over on Urban Velo. If any anoyone is gonna be in Munich. Go and check this. Wouldn't it be cool if Ft Lauderdale, utilized that big giant convention center for something like this?

Ex Bike Champ Gets Busted

Melissa "Missy" Giove got busted Thursday with over 400 pounds of the green stuff at her friends home in Upstate NY. Damm cant a champion downhill rider do a little? Full story here

New Headset Pieces!! Check em Out!!

Head on over to Headset Clothing and check out some new lids Staisha just completed. I'm all about the MTV one!!

Also head on over to Urban Velo and checkout a write up on Headset.

Clif Builder's Bar!!

The Clif Builder's Protein Bar is great!! PACKED with a ton of protein, vitamin's, and it's all natural. The Builder's bar is sure to give you a sweet boost next time you wanna go and get rad!! The bars are labeled vegan, but Clif has taken the liberty of clearly stating that traces of dairy may be found, seeing that the bars are manufactured with equipment used with dairy. But Clif takes a great deal of pride in their products and do all they can to use ingredients with no animal products in the ingredient declarations. There is a ton of different flavors, and all feature the same amounts of proteins and good stuff. So the next time your not feeling your peak self. Go and grab some Builder's Bars, the perfect way to start your night or day off with awesome!!! Info

Q and A with Davie Dave

1.Name, Age, Occupation.
David Castrillo, 21, Student @ FAU/Pharmacy Tech

2. Were do you live?
Davie! Florida, but I've been known to frequently stray from the area.

3. What are you riding?
Right now I ride a Late 80s/Early 90s (not sure) Ciocc Enemy 60cm with campy, nitto, and American bits. It's all a mish-mash of durable parts, not really any time specific/country related themes. 49x16.

4. You are a very committed Velodrome rider. Please tell me why, and what you like most about it.
I don't know why I do it, it hurts quite a bit to ride as fast as you can. call me a masochist but John Cougar Mellencamp said it best in his hit single "hurts so good."

5. How tall are you?
I'm 6'3". Grow-er not a show-er.

6. Do you like beer? What kinds?
Why don't you ask me if I like to breathe?? Of course i love the golden and oftentimes brown beverage! I used to be more open minded about my cheap beers, but since hanging out with, well, namely Germans, my tolerance for subpar beer has decreased dramatically. Some top choices would have to be Delirium, Chimay, No. 11, and of course the poorhouse classic, Schaeffer. ;)

7. Explain why bikes are important to you?
They're just incredible devices. Such an old and proven design for efficiency and awesome. Oh and they're pretty much just rad in general.

8. How do you feel about the South Florida Fixed Gear Scene?
Soooo much more cohesive than even a year and a half ago. Call to cranks was the first major FTL bike weekend and I think it was a tremendous success. I'd say it's fucking amazing.

9. If you were told that you could never ride your bicycle anymore, what would your reaction be?
Either chain smoke cigarettes for the rest of my life or jerk off with my own tears. Probably both at the same time.

10. What's tighter? Your cut off jean shorts or your spandex?
That's a very difficult question. I'd say the spandex have a little more give, but I'd need to get actual test samples from each measured in PSI.

11. Who's faster you or Jeremy[TC]?
This varies greatly depending on how many prescription painkillers Jeremy has consumed in the past 48 hours and if either of us have taken Nitroshot predigested enzyme. Oh and real-time beer count. Lets just say beer to Jeremy is like Popeye's spinach. beer is my kryptonite.

12. Do you ride fixed gear bikes and drive a Volkswagen because your a hipster?The easy answer to this question is yes. It is also the complicated answer.

13. Tell us why you don't have any Headset Cycling Hats?
I'm basically blowing' it. Who's in charge over there anyway??

14. Have you ever been told that your too skinny and it sucks drafting off you? And that you should probably gain some weight if you want to continue to have riding partners?
Haha, I was actually told I have big ass at a party recently, so I basically don't know what to believe.

Lake Worth Alley Cat

This Sunday June 21, 2009
5PM

Meet at Little Owl Bar

Swimming, Cycling and Running?

$7.00 Bucks

Monday Funny's

Road To Roubaix/Open Sprint Pics!

Here are some pictures that I snapped. Enjoy.

http://s703.photobucket.com/albums/ww31/jburneth/Sake%20Sprints/?albumview=grid

Urban Assault Ride

Now I completely understand that I am promoting an event that doesn't even have a Florida date. But cmon, check this out! This is a yearly event that New Belgium Brewing host and sponsors. Watch the video and insanity that this creates. I contacted someone from the event and their response was " We’ll talk to New Belgium about FL when they start to distribute their beer there."

I understand that Florida gets the shaft on allot of the good micro brews. So that's why we need to step it up! If there is a demand for a product let our voices be heard. Write, email, send pictures of yourself riding your bike naked holding a Fat Tire! Do something. New Belgium plans on starting distribution to the Southeast this year. But as usual Florida is excluded from the Southeast...

Plans for the future

I recently wrote a letter to some hot shot politician in concern to why Tri-Rail does not share the Florida East Coast Railway tracks. Below is the proposed project that I was lead too. After you read this please take this short survey:

Project Description

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 4 is leading a regional partnership that is conducting the South Florida East Coast Corridor (SFECC) Transit Analysis Study. The scope of this Transit Analysis Study (TAS) is to develop and analyze alternatives that potentially integrate passenger and freight transport along the SFECC, which is centered along the existing FEC Railway. The study will consider various alignments and transit technologies. Right-of-way on streets and areas parallel to the SFECC, as well as stretches of waterways, will be evaluated for the alternative transit routes. The different technologies that will be considered include bus, waterway transit, light-rail, commuter-rail, and heavy-rail.

Project Purpose and Need

Travel along the eastern portions of the three counties, mainly along I-95, U.S. 1 and Old Dixie/Federal Highway, has become increasingly difficult due to growth in development and traffic. Due to the area’s economic growth, the need for freight transport along the existing railways into the area’s airports and seaports has also increased. Therefore, a regional solution is being sought by the study partners to relieve roadway congestion along the roadways while providing the needed freight transport to the area. Additional transit service along the corridor would provide connectivity to existing and proposed transit (Tri-Rail, Metrorail, Miami streetcar, East-West Line in Broward). It would connect to the three major airports, Miami International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International and Palm Beach International as well as the four regional airports within the tri-county area, and to the seaports, Port of Miami, Port Everglades and Port of Palm Beach.
The study will also seek to assure that the increasing flow of freight to and from the seaports and airports adjacent to the FEC Railway is not affected if those tracks are shared with passenger rail service. Such sharing has been achieved successfully in many other areas of the country

SUPPORT THIS!!!!

Open Sprints / Road to Roubaix Viewing

Keiring Cycles will be hosting there Monthly Open Sprints, and screening the documentary Road to Roubaix. Registration at 8:15PM screening to begin at 8:30PM. Hope to see you all!!!

Tour de France Penitentiaire

Guess what the French are doing with their convicts. A 2 week 1,370 mile 15 stage race, That's what! The Tour de France Penitentiare started June 4, in Paris. The stages are based on the distance between prisons. So that means no glory after a winning day. They say that any "breakaways or escapes are strictly for forbidden"

I think that this is an amazing idea. Here's a thought. Next time the police catch a bicycle thief here is South Florida. Lets make him have to ride across Alligator Alley at high noon on the hottest day of the year. I think that's a great way to set an example. Full story here.

Cool Video!!

fixed city Trailer [subtitled] from fixed city on Vimeo.

Burro Bag Hip Pouch

I won this bag as a prize at this years Call To Cranks Alley Cat. I was so excited to finally get my hands on one of these convenient little pouch's. This sturdy as hell pouch loops onto your belt and sits comfortably on your hip. I barely realize its there when I am riding. Big enough to hold all the basic tools you need with some extra room for camera,phone,etc. The one con I have have is it only holds 3 12oz cans of the High Life. Checkout Burro Bags out of Jacksonville, FL. They make some awesome stuff that looks great and is durable as hell

Carb Boom!!

I tried this stuff out at Loose Canons recently. I was very pleased with the out come. On a sweaty night riding into a strong headwind, I started to slow down quick. So I reached into my pouch and pulled out a Carb Boom! Energy Gel. Riped the top off with my teeth and started enjoying the Vanilla Orange flavor. A little weird at first but after a few moments I surprisingly started to get my energy back. The overall energy burst maybe lasts around 30 minutes. The gel packs are filled with a bunch of electrolytes,carbs. So next time when your racing your friends to the bar for a drink and loser gets first round. Take one of these and cherish your victory!!! More info here

Q and A with Jeremy Dawson [TC]

1. State your name, age and occupation.
Jeremy Dawson, 29, Graphic Designer and Bike Slinger

2. Were do you lay your head?
In the bosoms of angels?

3. What are you riding these days?

Velodrome - Trek T1 60cm - usually 49x15 - DuraAce hubs laced to Mavic Tubular rims, FSA Carbon Pro Cranks, Speedplay Zero Track pedals, Flite Ti Seat, Nitto Track Bars
Daily - KHS Aero Pursuit 58cm - 49x17 - Velocity Deep Vs, Sugino 75 BB and Crankset, Chris King Headset, Campy Record Track Pedals, Regal Ti Seat, currently set-up with Nitto Pursuit Bars
Trick - FBM Sword - 59cm - 46x17 - Velocity B43s, Profile Chainring, Shadow Conspiracy Torid Cranks and PC pedals with PowerGrips, 29er fork, Eastern BMX Stem, AtomLab TrailKing Bars, Turbo Seat

4. Explain Thriller Crew. What is it, how it became, plans for the future.
ThrillerCrew is tight group of friends that share the common goal of "getting rad". It basically started when Russ Saunders received a page from Jesus Christ. Upon calling him back (Russ had

to wait for his phone to get turned back on), Jesus explained his wishes for him to "get with a sick, tight clique and go all out." So, apparently we're apparently "Elitist Pricks". I like to think we're just laterally stiff and vertically compliant. Plans for the future... ride to a faster fate.

5. If you had to chose a world without beer or bikes what would you choose?
A world without bikes would be a lot easier to deal with if I still had beer, but damn that is a tough choice.

6. Do you see yourself becoming an old guy and riding a beach cruiser with a basket only on Sundays?
Naw. I'm gonna come out of retirement at 37 and go for my 8th TdF win. Plus, there's no chance I'll ever be an old guy.

7. Explain your worst injury sustained on a bicycle?
There have been a few concussions, a separated shoulder, countless slipped pedals turned shinburgers, but I think falling backwards over a handrail riding my trials bike was probably the worst. A bruised disc was all that became of it, but that was back pain that truly hurt.

8. I have seen videos of you riding trials bikes. Do you still ride them?
I need to give my trials bike more attention, it is a little frustrating riding at a certain level, putting it down for a while and trying to get back to that level.

9. What would you say if I told you that trails bikes are stupid and you look stupid bouncing around on 1 tire?

As long as you recognize the sport as the highest form of bike control and I can ride over stuff you can't even walk over, it's cool.

10. Do you see the South Florida Bicycle Scene getting bigger in the future?
Ever since we started showing up places as groups, people seem intrigued and want to get involved. I am asked to build and find bikes for people constantly. I think growth of the bike community is inevitable and I'm all for it.

11. Do you think that the South Florida Fixed Gear Scene will get recognized by all the other scenes in the country?
I think widespread recognition at this point depends largely on doing something truly unique. The unfortunate reality is that all the individualism displayed in picking candy-colored bike parts, making a bike film, wearing knickers, etc. is completely negated when everyone's doing the same thing. We need to be the people that thought to weld one bike on top of another and ride around, race on rollers in a bar, make a mallet out of a ski pole... you know. Whatever ends up gaining us that recognition... I'm pretty sure it's going to involve the bums in Holiday Park.

12. Tell us why Headset is awesome!!!!
Headset is awesome because the product is truly unique and they have a great website.

Badass!

This past Sunday while riding around town I came across these kids shredding Downtown FTL.. If you see them out skating stop and say what up. Little shredders!!!!

Road To Roubaix Screening!!

Keirin Cycles will be hosting their monthly Open Sprints Thursday June 11. There will also be a screening of Road To Roubaix. Unless the Florida Mail System doesn't feel like doing their job and my package will just sit at the Sistrunk Post Office for a week. But I'm staying positive, and I know that my delivery will be on my doorstep early this week... Here's the deal:



Keirin Cycles Open Sprints

Registration is at 8pm

Screening of Road to Roubaix to start shortly after

Open Sprints at 10pm

Bicycle Humor

Lets start the week off with some laughs!!

Bicycle Film Festival

This years Bicycle Film Festival will be heading down to Florida on two separate dates. The Orlando dates are August 21-22 and the Miami dates will be December 3-6 2009. I attended last years festival in Chicago and I was very impressed by the whole event. There were a ton of parties and keggers during the time the festival was in town and a whole bunch of bike related games and cool activities. And I saw some pretty awesome bicycle movies. So this should be fun as hell. Here's a trailer for a short that will will be playing:

Road to Roubaix

I got the chance to see this amazing film at last years Bicycle Film Festival in Chitown. And I must say what a pleasure it was. Being my first BFF experience, I got to see a pretty awesome movie. Based on the grueling one day Pairs-Roubaix race. This documentary style flick highlights all the races ups and downs. It captures the race in a different perspective than television. You learn about the history, the now and the future of the Pairs-Roubaix. And the future will still have the cobblestones! Check it out and purchase here

Your soooo green!

Not only is this person practicing good green habits by driving a Smart Car. But they felt it necessary to include their bike on this mission. Some people just try way to hard. But I will still give them an A for the effort...

Group Ride Pics

Just some pictures from May's Monthly. Enjoy!

http://s703.photobucket.com/albums/ww31/jburneth/FTL%20Monthly%20Ride/?albumview=grid

Ft. Lauderdale Monthly Ride 06/28/09

This months ride is going to take us from Holiday Park south thru THE TUNNEL! We will then venture off US1 and take Perimeter Rd. around the airport, leading us back around to 17ST Causeway, and YES! we will make a stop at Total Wine and Moes!! Then ending at A1A and Sunrise Blvd . Who doesn't like the beach on a hot day!! Here's the deal:

Sunday June 28, 2009
Meet up 5PM Holiday Park Rinks
6PM Ride Out
View the link for the route:

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/fl/fort-lauderdale/995124371277359982

Q and A with Angel Franco!!

1. State your name, age and occupation.

Angel, 29, Architect

2. Were do you live?

Fort Lauderdale, FL

3. How long have bicycles been apart of your life?

About 9yrs now.

4. What are you riding these days?
Um…lets see, today is Wednesday right, so I can be seen on a Marinoni Ultimo 55cm frame with Miche cranks 50t x 15t, 700c Weinmann wheelset, and bullhorns or drop bars.

5. How many bikes do you have?
This is going to take a while, you better get yourself another beer: Marinoni Ultimo, Specialized Sworks E5 Tarmac, Specialized Sworks E5 Aerotech Prototype, Specialized Sworks Tricross, Specialized Stuntjumper FSR 120, Ironhorse SGS Team, Giant STP, GT Ruckus, Electra Beachcruiser, a tall bike, and a tiny bike.

6. I hear you have a tall bike? Why?

Yep, a friend was getting rid of it because he was moving so picked it from him to keep it around. It’s fun to ride, different, there is nothing normal about climbing up a bike like a ladder and riding around 5 to 6 feet above where you would normally be. Plus, the air smells better up there.

7. Who do you ride with?

Mostly on my own it’s tough to find people who are into waking up to ride at 6am and not riding to go home at 6am after a long night, of which I have done more than once, if I join anybody it’s usually with anyone from TC and other Fort Lauderdale locals.

8. So, you did the MS Ride with the Keirin Team. How was the 150 mile ride on a fixed gear?

Yeah, the Keirin group was a fun team to ride with. Mostly everyone was on a fixed gear sporting a variety of different setups. We left a little late at the start, but we passed lots of people on the way down to Key Largo. At first I though it would be tricky dealing with other riders on the road with brakes and sudden changes in speed, but that turned out not be an issue, especially since we rode as somewhat of a tight group most of the way. The wind was definitely a factor both days and people were quite surprised to be passed by a group of fixed gear riders. The beers were extra tasty at the end of the long rides.

9. As far as the MIA,FTL,WPB scene were else do you see this going?

It’s tough to say, I was heavily involved (as were some others now riding fixed) with the freeride scene of the late 90’s and up until just recently, when we had a pretty sick community of freeriders in South Florida. There were all kinds of stunts being built, videos being made, and competitions springing up here and there. It really made everything exciting once the local bike shops started backing events up and the industry started making some quality components. Unfortunately, that all died after the hurricanes and after people’s skill levels began exceeding the terrain South Florida had to offer. A bunch of riders moved up north to keep pushing the envelope which kind of broke down the scene. As for the fixed scene, who knows, the flat terrain definitely suits the riding style and replacing components is somewhat cheap since there far fewer moving parts compared to a downhill bike. I think as long as the scene can keep the local shops interested in carrying track components and breweries keep making good beer, then riders can keep their bikes moving to places that have the beer.

10. How do you feel about all the events that keep poping up?

The events are pretty awesome. They are very unique, from bar to bar racing to all out fully sponsored races. Its events like these that will keep current riders interested and new riders to join up. One of the better events just recently were the Open Sprints (a.k.a. watch me bonk, according to Jeremy) hosted by the guys at Keirin. If it keeps its appeal, this event is going to become really popular quick because it is one of the better spectator sports since it all happens in one place and you never lose sight of the action.

11. I hear that you recently got a set of rollers. When could we expect to watch you fall on your face, while trying to attempt the power hour drunk off your ass?

Where did you hear that from? That is privileged information, like when you ask a girl if the curtains match the drapes. I won't give up the date, instead I'll tell you why. I don't do it for the fame or the money. Or even the free beer...actually, it is for the free beer.

12. I see you have a Headset Cycling Hat on, tell us why their awesome?

The hats are extremely comfortable, really well made (mine has gone through all kinds of hell), and unique since they are reversible. You actually get two styles for the price of one, that’s a pretty good deal. It’s also going to help soak up sweat, spit, and beer when I attempt the power hour on a set of rollers.

Headset Cycling Caps WORLDWIDE!!!!!

Mad props to Staisha!!

Headset got a sweet write up on Candy Cranks today.. If your not familiar with Candy Cranks, their a group a gals from all over the world that keep all the ladies up to date on whats going on in the bicycle scene. Based out of Australia, they have a bunch of contributors from all over the globe posting. So checkout the post and give them some love!!!

Bicycling Beyond City Limits

I just finished up reading this great book about bicycling across the country! A story about 6 friends from Northern California, who travel 3,345 miles from West to East on a cycling endeavor. While battling insane headwinds, rain, horrible sleeping conditions and eating sand. They make it from Chico, CA to Santee, SC in 55 days. The group of road riders from Chico experience all sorts of trying challenges. Both personal and physical. They learn about different parts of the country, different people and most importantly, they learn about themselves. Check it out. Unless all you do is read Cog Magazine....