winter bike is finally done & ready to ride

so, the "Margo Renee" rides again, this time as a winter bike. aluminum cyclocross frame. ideal for this application.

the idea was to build this back up as a commuter, using only parts on hand in the garage.

the two exceptions:

> had to replace the bottom bracket; the bearings were really crunchy
> had to replace the inner chainring; teeth were just too scary

no front derailleur, as i only had one bar end shifter. maybe i'll break the rules & buy one if i come across one later.

6 speed suntour freewheel & mavic MA40 rear wheel

campagnolo nuovo record rear derailleur

went with the "aero" brake levers. it was kind of a toss up between those and the Modolo levers with the cables flapping in the breeze. guess i was feeling 1988 instead of 1958.



of course, i was too impatient to put on the fenders before riding it... and guess what? it snowed after i got to work.

surfing the internets...

MUCH RESPECT

scariest part? Brookfield Police & "City Prosecutor's" complete lack of respect and understanding for Wisconsin law.

act of journalism rating? 8/10.

the good stuff:
> the Milwaukee Bike cop was great.
> how they handled the the "recorded call" with the Brookfield cops, although it seems they couldn't legally use the actual audio, good job.
> the fact that Frings actually followed through on actually taping this stuff commands respect.
> chapeau for disclosing Frings works for MyFox.

the questionable:
> Frings did cross the line with the snowplow incident. I think that's a place where common sense takes over.
> how much of the yelling on the "encounters" is Frings' voice? where does protecting yourself and your rights become egging on an ignorant/distracted/selfish motorist?

> Guess i wanted to see more of an effort to chat with Brookfield officials. for a 5+ minute evergreen piece, i want a little more than "didn't return our calls." (although, THAT would be the folo story... how/why Brookfield thinks it is above state statute.)

Here in Madison, all in all, people are really pretty good. But it only takes one angry/distracted/selfish driver to turn you into a statistic.

please ride safe & pay attention.

committing the act of journalism...

i've discussed this in the past... the lack of journalism in cycling coverage. here's another example, courtesy of cycling news. it wreaks of a bontrager infomercial.
here's why.
first, it's a rumor. rumors are fine for who's dating who on TMZ & ET.

however, i'd like a little more.

how to make it not a rumor? how about a quote from the UCI indicating their intention (or lack of intention) to enforce this 3:1 rule. there isn't even a "the UCI didn't return our calls."

also, who is "awash in panic"? NAMES PEOPLE, NAMES! "we talked with team-XYZ's chief wrench Tullio Campagnolo who said, 'yeah, my DS said...'." geez even a "sources close to three of the teams say," would help.

and then, ?who will have the only legal bikes? wait for it... BONTRAGER. so, some PR person from a manufacturer with deep roots says to James Huang "hey, we're so cool 'cause we designed all our stuff to be rule 1.3.024 friendly. AND... YOU KNOW WHAT I HEARD A UCI GUY IN LINE AT THE PORTA POTTY SAY?"

guess things are tough out there, and a journo's gotta do what a journo's do.

GAK!

so, someone nicked some rides...

looks like some of astana's bikes (including one of lancie's)got ripped off. reminds me of a music video from back in the day...

which was actually a send up of another video.

and you thought that stuff only happened in the slums of Barloworld.

groung hog day

our meteorologist admitted on the air some measure of scientific plausibility in ground hog day. he said that, if it's clear this time of year, it's prolly cold. weather moves in five to six week cycles, so if it's clear on ground hog day and since ground hog day falls six weeks before the vernal equinox, voila!

who says Iraqis are learning to take care of themselves?

looks like one politician has mastered double speak:


highlighted area says:
Provincial governor says government facilities can't be used for politics

sounds like this provincial governor has a bright future in politics, as long as he does it on private property.

i hear illinois is looking for a few good public servants.