Carousel Design Works

Welcome to Carousel Design Works.

Purveyors of fine gear for ultralight bikepacking, endurance racing, winter riding, and lightweight touring. Innovators of lightweight rack-less packing systems for bicycle exploration, and the first name in custom bike bags.

Why go rack-less? It’s all about reducing weight, eliminating mechanical complexity, and making the riding fun. Equip a bike with our ultralight packs and a lightweight backcountry kit and it opens a door to a whole new world of riding possibilities. No heavy racks and bulky panniers to get in the way, and no trailer to tow like an anchor, means you can quit acting like a pack mule and actually enjoy the ride!

Look around. Carousel Design Works gear has become the choice of some of the finest self supported endurance athletes, clandestine backcountry trail ninjas, and discerning bike geeks around the globe. Whether you want to explore high alpine terrain, scorch Great Divide Route, or you simply make touring more fun by carrying less, Carousel Design Works can help you make it happen!

Hi, my name’s Jeff. All the gear you find here is borne from my desire to be able to explore on a bicycle as unencumbered as possible while enjoying the ride. This gear is handcrafted in my small shop, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. CDW gear is meticulously crafted to demanding standards then continually tested and refined by myself, and a collective of some great riders who are as nuts about bikepacking as I am. The equipment offered by CDW represents the continuing evolution of the lightweight touring system I’ve developed. A system that I felt so excited about, I couldn’t help but want to share it with others.

So take a look around. Maybe you’ll find something you like. Then get out and start exploring your world. We are all just passengers on this great carousel of life, so make the most of it and ENJOY THE RIDE!

Happy Trails!

Jeff Boatman

Owner

Site is here...

Grease Monkey Wipes

About Grease Monkey Wipes

Grease Monkey Wipes, a division of Kong Concepts LLC, was created by frustrated cyclists who wanted an easy, portable way to clean up after getting greasy from changing a flat tire.

Owners Tim Stansbury and Erin Whalen are committed to helping everyone, from cyclists to mechanics to motorists to moms, steer clear of grease and grime. Grease Monkey Wipes are the perfect solution for anyone who finds themselves in need of a heavy duty cleaning wipe that can be taken anywhere.

Tim has been an avid cyclist for 5 years and has participated in such events as the Oklahoma Freewheel, 24 Hours of Booty, LIVESTRONG Challenge, and Tour de Cure. When he's not busy saving the world from grease or out riding, Tim enjoys spending time with his wife, dog and cheering on his beloved Ravens. Tim received his BBA and MBA from Oklahoma State University.

Erin shares a passion for entrepreunership and cycling, via the sport of triathlon. Her favorite Grease Monkey Wipes experience was cleaning her bike (and the bikes of her friends) before her first Ironman Triathlon. When she's not saving the world from grease, Erin can be found training, visiting art galleries and building toy robots. Erin received her BBA from the University of Texas.

 

Enjoy the ride,

Team Grease Monkey Wipes

The website is here...

Newsflash: Two BikeStations opening soon!

But, not in Columbus

Bikestation Covina, CA is Coming Soon!

Courtesy of the City of Covina, the first 50 users to sign up will receive a free annual membership.  To take advantage of the new Bikestation Covina and see if you are one of the lucky first 50 click, “Join Now,” and go through the normal sign up process selecting a one year membership.  You will need to select a method of payment and include credit card information as requested to complete the enrollment process.  If you are one of the first 50 you will be notified via e-mail or phone and your fees will be refunded.  If you have any questions you can e-mail us at info@bikestation.com.  Even if you are not one of the first 50 to sign up, City of Covina Residents and users may qualify for special promotional pricing on monthly and yearly memberships.

Bikestation Covina is an unstaffed bike parking facility which provides twenty-four hour access to members only.

And Bikestation Claremont: Coming soon to the historic Claremont Metrolink Station

Kirk Precision Frames - Magnesium bike frames

Hi and welcome to the Kirk Biycles website!

This website came about following my fascination with the Kirk mountain bike and its unique design. I used to own a black Kirk Revolution and had very few problems with it (apart from being stopped all the time by curious passers-by). After a few years I decided to upgrade and modify the bike and the results were posted on my personal website, along with some of my other projects. Then, in 2005 I received an email from Frank Kirk himself, asking if I still had the bike and whether I would consider selling it. That took me by surprise, but a meeting was arranged and both the MTB and Racer were sold to a good home. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this site, feedback is always welcome, as is any further Kirk information.

I do have a number of Kirk Revolution front mech hangers available, but sadly I've run out of the ones for the rear.

Thanks. Simon Haydn.

the site is here

36th Mid Ohio Century is April 25th

36th Mid Ohio Century (MOC) - Budget Tour
Sunday, April 25th 7:30-9 a.m.
Mingo Shelter Building, Mingo Park, Delaware, OH. Roads will be marked and maps provided. Travel through Delaware, Morrow, and Marion Counties. Alum Creek Reservoir for all three routes and Scioto River for 100 mile return route. A beautiful scenic and traditional TOSRV warm-up. 35, 65, 100 miles. Fairly flat course with a few small hills. Budget Tour. $2 member, $4 non-member.
Woody Barry 740-375-5906 wbarry333 AT verizon.net


View Larger Map

43rd SPOT is April 17th

43rd SPOT - Budget Tour
Saturday April 17th 7:30-9 a.m.
Cyclist Connection, 200 Cemetery Rd., Canal Winchester, OH. Start is off of 33 South towards Lancaster. Get off at 674/Gender Rd. exit. Left on Waterloo. 35 to 102 miles. Fairly flat course with a few small hills. Roads will be marked and maps provided. Budget Tour. $2 member, $4 non-member.
Bob Allen 614-866-8698 rdavisallen AT earthlink.net
Donna Bush 614-837-6744 bikedonna AT sbcglobal.net


View Larger Map

38th Woodstock is April 10th

Saturday April 10th 7:30-9 a.m.
Westerville Central High School, 7118 Mount Royal Ave., Westerville, OH.  Start is 1/2 mi north of Maxtown Rd on Tussic St in Westerville. Note the NEW starting location. 30/55/100 on relatively flat terrain. Roads will be marked and maps provided.  Budget Tour. $2 member, $4 non-member.
Tricia Kovacs & David Jeffords Bike_woodstock AT att.net 614-476-9093

View Larger Map

Wheeling Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour

Host:

Quick Service Bicycle Shop

Date:	Sunday, May 30, 2010
Time:	9:00am - 2:00pm
Location:	Wheeling Heritage Port

Description

4th Annual tour of the Wheeling Heritage Trail that celebrates the existing trail and gathers support and awareness for trail expansion.

Connect on Facebook

Sling Power Technology by Slingshot Bikes

In every pedal rotation of a traditional bike design there is a "dead" portion in the power stroke where the rider is getting no benefit from the expended effort. With the Slingshot design, we have provided the most efficient use of pedal energy throughout the entire pedal revolution resulting in greater speed with the same expended energy. This difference is achieved as pedal energy is stored in the spring compression - then released at the "dead" portion of the pedal stroke, effectively increasing the length of the power stroke. Any energy not going directly to the rear wheel (forward power) is momentarily stored, returning 100% in the "dead" portion of the power stroke. This returned energy helps balance the power through the pedal stroke and reduces the effect of the dead spot. The net effect is what we call "Sling Power".

Here are the components that allow for the stored energy - release.

Dogbone Flexboard - Located just in front of the seatpost, this board provides independent mid-suspension. The Dogbone is self-aligning and replaceable.

Coil Spring - Located where the head and top join, this spring absorbs shock and stores pedal energy. Different color springs for different size riders. Green=extra strong, red=medium, black=soft.

Stainless Steel Cable - Attached to the coil spring and the bottom bracket, the cable links the front and rear frame components.

Another benefit of the spring, cable, fiberglass board relationship is that the Slingshot frame has the potential to turn every bump in the trail into forward motion. Every bump becomes a boost. This is achieved by utilizing the same stored energy concept explained above - with the added feature of the mid-suspension fiberglass board. When the rider hits a bump in the trail, the front of the bike will absorb the shock by compressing the spring and flexing the fiberglass board (suspension), temporarily increasing the bikes wheelbase. When the bike returns to its normal state, the Slingshot redirects the forces of trail shock into forward motion.

SlingPower is so noticeable - you won't need labratory equipment to detect it!

more...

Great Allegheny Passage Video

Dirty Dozen DVD Trailer

Saturday, April 3rd, TSURURADIO will be hosting a Super Awesome NO-FRILLS Bike Ride for Breast Cancer!!!

more here...

Save the Date! - Bike the C-Bus 2010 is September 4, 2010

Let us know you will be attending on Facebook
Become a fan of the ride on Facebook
The website is here...

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: National Trail and Mileage Count

Rail-Trail Statistics

The following content is updated periodically to provide current information about Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and rail-trail development at the national and state level.

The table below reflects known rail-trails and total trail mileage.

On this page:

• National Rail-Trail Trail and Trail Mileage Counts
• State Rail-Trail Trail and Trail Mileage Counts
• Longest Rail-Trails in America

National Rail-Trail Trail and Trail Mileage Counts:

• Open: 1,631 open rail-trails for a total of 19,578 miles
• Projects: 724 rail-trail projects for a total of 8,676 miles

State Rail-Trail Trail and Trail Mileage Counts:

	Open		Project
State	Trails	Miles	Trails	Miles
AK	3	38	4	247
AL	12	61	4	5
AR	13	213	7	127
AZ	12	63	2	8
CA	93	544	41	395
CO	34	347	11	466
CT	21	150	14	157
DC	1	11	1	9
DE	4	69	4	22
FL	42	397	42	571
GA	15	152	6	94
HI	3	16	2	17
IA	66	780	21	396
ID	14	344	7	165
IL	61	704	13	143
IN	42	188	12	45
KS	10	209	25	324
KY	10	32	17	224
LA	3	88	2	65
MA	35	194	65	395
MD	27	157	9	137
ME	23	298	3	66
MI	129	2,392	32	360
MN	76	2,327	12	157
MO	9	304	12	100
MS	6	71	4	48
MT	15	101	12	236
NC	23	74	4	79
ND	4	28	3	75
NE	22	303	19	494
NH	63	488	12	192
NJ	48	265	14	103
NM	7	26	7	138
NV	3	46	2	13
NY	94	1,289	53	460
OH	79	771	35	256
OK	7	45	5	64
OR	14	215	10	28
PA	142	1,434	55	488
RI	12	59	4	47
SC	13	81	9	50
SD	3	114	1	1
TN	20	74	7	70
TX	18	204	26	552
UT	9	75	1	8
VA	32	283	12	69
VT	17	197	7	70
WA	73	959	22	108
WI	81	1,782	22	241
WV	64	501	9	58
WY	4	45	1	13

more...

Tuesday Night Ride Report - 02022010

We rode from Goodale Park north through Clintonville and over to the northeast side where we ended at Taco Nazo on 161 and Maple Canyon. We all downed some tacos and FREE horchata! Then we rode south on Maple Canyon through Tamarack and west over the pedestrian bridge to Indianola. South through town. The group did about 22 miles. I did 26.5. Great weather, cool and dry.

Joint Press Release of Greg LeMond and Trek Bicycle Corporation

Cycling legend Greg LeMond and Trek Bicycle Corporation announced an agreement to close out all remaining issues for the business venture they began in 1995, and to provide funding for a charity near Greg’s heart.

“Greg has a hard-won place in the Pantheon of bicycle racing, and we are proud of what we were able to accomplish together,” said Trek’s President John Burke. “Trek respects Greg’s efforts and commitment to the charitable foundation, 1in6.org, and Trek is pleased to lend its support to that very worthwhile endeavor.”

Three-time Tour de France winner LeMond said: “I am pleased to resolve the issues between Trek and myself and am happy to be able to move forward with the things important in my life. I appreciate Trek’s support for the work of 1in6.org. I take deep satisfaction in this resolution and believe it will have a positive impact on those that can benefit most from the purpose of 1in6.org.”

Contact Information: Ralph A. Weber, 414.587.2500 (for Trek)
James A. DiBoise, 415.947.2114 (for LeMond)

Williams Cycling 30x - $489 Ceramic bearing wheelset!

THE BOMBER - light, but bulletproof.

Williams designed the 30x is for the peloton's big powerhouses. Added spokecounts
to 24 front/28 rear make this wheelset perfect for the bigger rider, yet still tips the
scales at a light 1639 grams and can handle all the punishment you can dish out.
This is the wheelset able to withstand the cobbles of a Belgian classic or the rutted
descents of a mud-caked cyclocross course.

At a 225 pound rider weight limit, the 30x is probably Williams most versatile wheelset. Running Hybrid Ceramic Bearings in the hubs, the 30x will offer rock solid dependable performance under the harshest of conditions. Light, bombproof, superior performance.

• Hybrid ceramic bearings• 700C Clincher• Shimano 9/10 or Campy 10• Hand built construction• Easy maintenance• Niobium superalloy rim material• Bladed spokes• Williams quick release skewers• High performance brake pads

Website is here

From the mailbag: B1 Tuneup Sale

Once again B1 Bicycles is offering their full tune-up at 1/2 off the normal $59.99 price.
$29.98 gets you a pro tune-up from our factory trained bicycle technicians who will give your machine the love it deserves and have it ready for pick up or delivery within 2 business days.  The deal is going until March 15th this year, longer than our competitors.  Also, if you bought your bike from us get that baby in here for your free check up!!  We look forward to serving you once again and if you are new to town or us, earning your business.  Thank you,

--
Casey Karnes
Owner
B1 Bicycles

Stolen Bike Alert - Columbus, OH

Stolen bike: 50cm Steelman Cyclocross. Campagnolo Record Ergo Levers and RD. DT Swiss Rims, XTR/Centaur hubs. Disk brake front. Red frame, white fork, white bar tape, Rivendell Jack Brown green tire in the rear, Maxxis Raze tire front. Flite perfortated saddle. Thomson seatpost. Deda Stem/handlebars. Any information at all appreciated. 330-328-3960

Saris T-Bone - Car rack to floor rack

Rack it. Pack it. Park it Love it.
Introducing T-Bones: The hitch rack with a higher purpose.

Most racks are happy to just sit around when they're not attached to your car. But it's clear that T-Bones wants to be the hardest working rack in the world. When it isn't busy being a high-performance hitch rack, it's a convenient bike storage solution for your home.
In between, it folds up to fit in the T-Bones Transport Bag so you can transition between your home and vehicle with ease. Try getting that kind of 24x7 service from your current rack system.

Video


Website

Boom BMX

Metrofiets Beer Carrier for Hopworks Urban Brewing (Portland, OR)

Bikeportland Story is here...
Metrofiets Website is here....
BiketoBeerfest website

YAK TRAILER

The original BOB, the YAK trailer carries up to 70 pounds of groceries, laundry, or auto parts (for when your car breaks down). It attaches to virtually any bike's rear wheel hub, including nonstandard 29er and tandem wheels, creating a low, stable, center of gravity; improved performance; and excellent aerodynamics. YAKs are compatible with full-suspension bikes as well as those that have solid-axle hubs.
Yak 28 trailers are for 28" wheels, 29er mountain bikes, and 700c road bikes with full wrap fenders. Santana version designed for 160mm rear spacing of Santana Tandems. Yak Plus models include the BOB Dry Sak.

more...

Yay Bikes February 2010 Newsletter

2010’s Bike 2 Work Challenge

You are invited to join our 2010 planning process! We meetweekly on Tuesdays from 7-8:30pm at the Yay Bikes! office (82 East 16th Ave). You are not required to attend every meeting to be involved; contact Austin to learn more and join the mailing list.

Our committees are:

• Data: Writes the rules of the game and allows us to evaluate our impact
• Info/Promo: Creates promotional materials and the packets of information for Challenge participants
• Sponsorship: Solicit cash donations and prizes for winning teams
• Outreach/Education: Presents B2WW at organizations to encourage their participation, educates people on how to cycle to work, and gets businesses to participate in the Bicycle Friendly Business program
• Events: Coordinates the Kick-Off & Award Ceremonies
• Media/PR: Promotes B2WW

We hope you’ll give some thought to where you belong on the planning team and come prepared to share your ideas! Also, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Bike Month activities via our friends at The Enrichment Association(just put “Bike Month” in the subject)!

Quarterly Women’s Cycling Forums

Women in the United States bike far less than men; we represent a huge potential area of growth for bicycling. To tap this potential, Yay Bikes! will host four conversational forums for women cyclists and wanna-be cyclists in 2010. At these events we’ll gather data on what cycling means to us, how we experience cycling in Columbus, and what our vision is for cycling in this city. This information will be used to develop a women’s cycling agenda with specific outcomes to be pursued in 2011. Save the following dates and join us:

• February 28, 2-5pm [RSVP here]
• May 30, 2-5pm
• August 29, 2-5pm
• November 14, 2-5pm

Yay Yoga (For Cyclists)!

Mountaintop Pose

Yogi Diana Pearson has agreed to teach a yoga class* that addresses the body issues specific to cyclists! The course begins Feb 13, 10:30am to 12pm at Summit on 16th. Classes are $10 each and will run for as long as we have interest! RSVP to Diana to join the class.

When asked how this will be different from a regular yoga class, Diana said, “Cycling, although a noble and wonderful passtime, brings with it issues related to the hips and lower back that can lead to serious pain and inflexibility if not balanced out. Specifically, cycylists tend to have short hamstrings and longer quads. This imbalance can cause torn hamstrings or blown out knees. The idea of this kind of class is to help cyclists protect their bodies so they can enjoy their sport and prevent injury.”
*Mountaintop yoga bike poses not featured…yet…! 

Andrew Hulvey, Emerging Advocate

Andrew Hulvey

One goal for Yay Bikes! is to support people as they become advocates for the kind of cycling they’d like to see in Central Ohio. Starting this month, we’ll highlight the successes of these “emerging advocates” in this new  feature. First up: Andrew Hulvey!

Andrew has been on the cycling scene in Columbus for more than two years, working as a Pedal Instead volunteer, organizing and leading Critical Manners rides, and generating conversation on our forums. But over the past few months, Andrew has stepped up in a big way to become the primary voice for Yay Bikes! online (see his consistent, intelligent, and open-minded commentary as “lifeontwowheels” on Yay Bikes!, The Dispatch, ColumbusUnderground, and many others). His quest to understand and articulate the needs of local cyclists recently culminated in an outstanding analysis of the Hilltop Mobility Plan and subsequent relationship building on Columbus’s West Side.

Wood Bikes You Can Make

Wooden Bikes
Fun Bikes that you can make yourself, from wood and metal

So you want to build a bike in the worst possible way... 
My epiphany came when was trying to make a large castor wheel for a parade float.  I drilled a hole in a scrap of redwood 4x6 lumber and mounted an old Campagnolo bike headset in it.  I installed an old bike fork through it and attaching a wheel to make a BIG castor wheel.  But many other possibilities emerged.  I was also immediately captivated by the incongruous look of an old piece of lumber sporting a fine headset and supporting a fork and wheel.

more...

Cateye Cyclometer - Track your carbon offset

COMMUTER WIRELESS

The first ever cycle computer specifically designed for commuters and those who ride for transportation, errands, and utility.

Critical trip details make the CatEye Commuter Computer the best option for making your rides stress-free.  Estimated Time of Arrival, clock, temperature, and back light help you stay on schedule.  The new larger font size makes it even easier to read trip details with a quick glance.  Carbon Offset information is included along with standard computer features so you will not only feel better from the ride, you’ll feel better about the ride.

The Carbon Offsets are computed by using a fixed 150g/km or 240g/mile figure and multiplying it by the distance ridden.  It tracks it in real time and shows day to day, week to week, month to month and total carbon saved.

The innovative FlexTight™ bracket mounts quickly, securely and without tools to virtually any handlebar or stem. The tool-free speed sensor mounts effortlessly to any standard fork.

more...

Bike vs London Underground - Bike won!

Bike vs London Underground

TAGS : BIKE, CYCLING IN LONDON, LONDON CYCLING, TFL
CATEGORIES : CYCLING IN LONDON

What is faster – the London Underground or a bicycle?

Video included at the end of this post

Everyone can remember the excellent Top Gear episode where Richard Hammond travelled by bike to London City Airport and beat his co-presenters who between them used a car, a boat and public transport. It made for a thrilling episode and was a great victory for all those who support cycling.

I however wanted to take this experiment a little further and try it out in some popular destinations in London you or I may travel to daily to see which of the two might win.

I made the test as fair as possible by starting and ending the journey standing on the same spot. For tube route planning and estimating journey times I used TfL’s journey planner. Above ground I used Bike Route Toaster to plot a suitable route. I then exported the data to my iPhone which is mounted to my bike using the Bicio bike mount.

Predicted times

According to TfL’s planner the journeys should take:

	Tube	Bike
Swiss Cottage to Covent Garden	21 minutes	23 minutes
Covent Garden to London Bridge	19 minutes	Not available
London Bridge to Mornington Crescent	18 minutes	23 minutes more...

The Gubbins Experiment - One year without a car

The outsider

I'm an outsider. "The Gubbins Experiment", my vow to take no car journeys in 2009, either as driver or passenger, has made me so, and in two particular ways.

1. Citizen of a local world

Although I'm already a cyclist and public transit user, I can't fall back on the car to 'fill in the gaps' when I would like it to. It's forced me to adopt a more self-sufficient, local frame of mind. The workable parameters of my world have begun to shrink in accordance.

The combustion engine represents the something-for-nothing way of living that dominates our modern world. It's an existence dependent on borrowing from the past (fossil fuel energy) and from the future (the health of the planet). In exchange for ease of movement now, we commit the Earth to ever expanding ecological debt and we invest ourselves in systems with no future. With peak oil looming, the mass oil-based mass private transport system isn't going to work for much longer.

The reality of energy simply doesn't work the way we have been living. Reality with a future will be intensely local. Food, materials, services, infrastructure, transport: without oil to propel us around the globe, all of these will shortly begin a re-sizing from state, national, and global back to local.

We might as well start by experimenting with life without our cars now. The Gubbins Experiment has made me intensely aware of this need. As an outsider looking in, I see so clearly now how doomed the current transport system is.

2. The violence of the car

As an outsider, I've come to realize how violent the act of driving is. Our public spaces, the areas outside of our buildings, have become death strips populated by dangerous chunks of metal that threaten to take out anybody who puts a foot wrong. The alienation and dehumanization of society owes much to the combustion engine. It was not what we were promised at the dawn of the mass automobile society.

Picture in your mind a world where car use is an exception not a rule. Imagine quiet, clean streets of friendly faces and moderate pace. You cross the street wherever you like, your children are free to play next to the road, birdsong is once more audible, the streets become safe once more, you start to see the same people again and again and the first shoots of community begin to grow. Think of what effect all this would have on your daily peace of mind. That could one day become a reality if we wanted it to be so.

I'm very critical of what world cars have helped create, but I'm less condemnatory of drivers. All people, including drivers, act according to their level of understanding and with the field of view afforded to them. As an ex-driver, I relate to the view of cars as indispensable in the modern age (even though I now see the error of such a view). I understand how firmly entrenched people are in the car world and that many couldn't simply walk away from their cars. As a result, it's such people who most need to start talking about post-car existence. My inventory lacks a crystal ball but I'm betting that such a time will come. Let's start talking.

Pedalite 360 Degree Visibility Pedal Lights

Pedalite 360 Degree Visibility Pedal Lights are the unique battery-free pedal lights for bicycles that have been designed to make cyclists more visible to motorists day and night from any angle including the side.

When cycling it is vitally importance to being seen from the side by other road users and to ensure you have lighting on a bicycle even during daylight hours for when you ride through a shadow or a cloud comes overhead.

Pedalite pedals also help cyclists create their own virtual cycle lane as motorists naturally give cyclists with Pedalite pedals a wider berth and distance, increasing their safety. 

As soon as cyclists start pedaling the Pedalite pedals uniquely harvest and store a small amount of energy from the bicycle so the lights continue to flash when the cyclist is freewheeling or has stopped at a road junction.

the website is here...

Raise your hand if you haven't heard of Seagull Bags located here in Columbus...

Full sized Standard bags

The original model, around in some form or another since Seagull’s humble beginnings in 2003-ish. Totally waterproof. Light and comfortable, yet still tough as nails. Comes with a few essential features, so you can add the options you need for what you’re going to use it for. Available in different sizes for different sized bodies and different sized loads. And since all Standards are built to order, we can make it in a slew of color combinations, as well as with custom art.

Features

• 1000d Cordura exterior.Waterproof and extremely abrasion-resistant. You pick the outside colors - we have tons.
• 18 oz vinyl interior. This is the ultimate in waterproof fabrics. This 100% waterproof liner floats inside of the shell and guarantees that no water will seep in through the seams.
• Two deep pockets on the outside under the flap. These are great for holding beer, clothes, tools, plague rats, and anything else you can figure out to put in there. No pockets in Small size.
• 1.5 inch Duraflex buckles to hold the flap down. More durable and easier to release than the usual 1” buckles that most companies use. Combined withindustrial 2” Velcro (seven colors), you won’t find a more solid closure.
• A completely adjustable main strap with an under-arm (anti-sway) strap.Angled for maximum comfort. I work very hard to make sure that we have the best strap designs that exist.
• Easy to adjust slim buckle on all sizes except Small, which gets a hard plastic buckle.
• A completely closing interior pocket(12” x 6”).
• Completely customizable. Check out the pockets and straps & flaps options.
• WEBSITE IS HERE

The Jimi Wallet

THE JIMI™ WALLET MOVEMENT

Jimi™ wallet is a really handy and stylish way to carry your essentials and free yourself from the clutter and bulk of the traditional wallet/pocket book. It's compact, water resistant, and translucent - as much at home in a hipster's pocket, a busy Mom's diaper bag or around the neck of an exec. breezing through airport security!

Already a hit with the cycling, motorbike and snow sport community, Jimi wallet's a smart urban accessory and it's great in the great outdoors. Students we've heard from say that they love it at school because it's translucent, hangs on a lanyard and is great for showing ID.

Jimi wallet's also an award winning, US-made product that's being sold everywhere from Lance Armstrong's new bike store in Austin, TX to tiny boutiques in Tokyo. And to top it all, Jimi wallet is manufactured from 100% recycled and recyclable materials, and 1% of its sales revenue is invested in the environment. And priced at under $15, it makes a great gift anytime of year.

So break free and get yourself a Jimi! 

Saturday 2/23/10 Ride Recap

Saturday's forecast was for mid 40's and a peek of sunshine. Well, I saw the peek of sunshine and it was in the upper 40's and hit 50 briefly when the sun made an appearance. I decided to ride the Ridge Runner route which has 2000+ feet of climbing and is 60+ miles. A slight wind out of the southeast plagued me for most of the ride, but I had a tailwind heading from my house north to New Albany. As I headed east toward Granville I had a slight wind hitting my face, but as the day wears on a slight wind takes its toll. When I stopped for a break a big diesel pickup truck roared by and on the back in vinyl letters it said, "my carbon footprint is bigger than yours," which I thought was quite funny in a sad and ignorant way. I stopped at the Fredonia Mall and Store for a drink and snack. I don't know why they call it a Mall because it is a tiny gas station with old school analog gas pumps and a little grocery store. People always ask me about my Jimi wallet when I look for my debit card. The cashier at the store commented she liked the orange color and how it held cash and cards. Check out their website because it is a pretty nice wallet to carry when riding since it is minimalistic. I then looped down to Granville and made my way back west with a slight tailwind. I noticed on that section of the road that drivers will give more clearance for roadkill than a cyclist. When I turned south I again had to contend with a headwind.

Finished with 62.5 miles and averaged 15.1mph.

From the mailbag: Tour Down Under Report - Walt drives the moto for Graham the photographer

Another TDU update from Walt


Half-way through yesterdays stage, as I was struggling to hold the Yamaha upright in a frightening cross wind that must have blown most of McLaren Vale's top soil into my eyes and mouth, I reflected on some of the commentary I heard earlier in the day as we were preparing for the start of stage 4 in Norwood. I was thinking that it may be true that TDU has come a long way since its first edition in 1998 however its success is largely hinged to the timing, structure and format of the event.  For starters, it takes place in the beginning of the cycling season during our summer, when most of the northern hemisphere is under snow, torrential downpours or freezing conditions, so the alternative in the case of most teams would amount to a cold and wet training camp somewhere.  The other big bonus is that the teams are based in one hotel, the Adelaide Hilton, and each of the stages start and finish within a short distance from 'home'. Indeed, on some stages the racers actually ride to the start in convoy and when they do have to drive in team cars its never longer than an hour or so.  It really presents as a glorified training camp with free business class flights, and those 'better' teams, who a few years ago were put off by the extreme Adelaide heat in the peak of summer, are today obliged to attend as part of the Pro Tour conditions. 

Because of this unique format, which was devised in the loins of Olympic champion and TDU father/race director, Mike Turtur, the race involves minimal logistical organization when compared to its demanding sisters like Tour of California or even the Tour of Missouri.  Most of the course is on roads that tend to snake their way through the countryside with very few junctions and cross roads and these are generally well managed by a huge police contigency of 30 police motorcycles and 6 police cars precluding the need for moto marshalls and foot marshalls.  In fact, there are only 11 motos involved and these include;
1.   moto commissaire
1.   Moto neutral spares
4.   Photo motos
4.   TV motos
1.   White board moto


There are no 'food nazis' to contend with because there is no food to distribute as, in the words of Mike Turtur himself, "you normally need to feed yourself anyway" so you need to fend for yourself. You're lucky if you can grab a couple of waters or a few Powerades out of the tour village fridge before you head out and the two polos and hat are normally well and truly trashed by about stage three. So when I hear UCI officials, politicians and racers (including Lance) carrying on about how well it's organized and how its 'truly a world-class event', I keep thinking to myself that perhaps with the exception of the racers themselves, the others should take a trip to the USA to see what 'organization' really means.  Alternatively, you should take a trip down under and see for yourself what 'disorganization' really means!!LOL

But I have to say that the last 20 ks of yesterday's stage in those amazing cross winds were enough to make it all worth-while to me. Graham and I had accosted the RadioShack team car to take some pics of Vaitkus collecting bidons for the rest of the team when we heard Bruynell giving him instructions that the entire team was to attack at the 15 k mark.  So we hovered near the front of the peleton and waited patiently until, as expected, RadioShack gathered and pulled the chain to the point that Vaitkus and Lance rode away from the rest, breaking that invisible link.  I think it was quite accidental, that they actually forced the pace so much that the two just left everyone behind and for the next 10 ks it was an amazing spectacle that pumped the adrenalin throughout my body and sent shivers up my spine. You can imagine the reaction by every photo bike, the chopper, the commissaires and the crowd when they saw the man himself doing business at the coalface of the bike race in the best way he knows. But in the end, the Columbia train took up formation to bridge the gap and drove their sprinter home hard and fast to take out the stage once more.  I'm convinced Greipel is unstoppable in a bunch sprint and the only way to beat him is  where the road goes uphill.

Today's 5th stage took place on a huge circuit around the vineyards of the McLaren Vale and along the beaches of Aldinga but the big test was always going to be the climb up Old Willunga hill which they would need to negotiate twice before crossing the finish line.I kind of had an embarrassing start, initially getting wet in the rain on the way down from Second Valley where I spent the night, then rocking up at the finish location in Willunga instead of the new start location of Snapper Point along the beach at Aldinga. Needless to say, Graham and the other moto dudes had a few laughs on me when I finally got there 15 minutes before the race started (what a Wally)!!! To my defence, I wasnt the only one who didnt realise the change after 12 years of the same routine.

The entire stage was broadcast live so it was particularly important not to do anything silly, and despite the tenacious start on my behalf, we managed to keep out of trouble and took some fantastic shots of the action including falls and every significant attack.  It wasnt until the last time up Old Willunga hill that the race truly exploded however, with the rainbow jersey of Cadell Evans launching a rocketing solo escape on the windy climb.  He was soon joined by three more, the spaniards Valverde and Sanchez and a 19 year old Liquigas rider with a huge future ahead of him, Peter Sagan.  The break stayed away until the very end, negotiating the descent at over 100 kph.  It was exciting, scary stuff to photograph as Greipel's Columbines battled to drag him within race lead parameters.  They were successful in the end as he managed to keep the leader's jersey into tomorrow's final stage with an 11 second lead over Sanchez (TDU winner from 2005).  Luke Roberts of Milram managed to jump the gap for second over Valverde and Evans.  The race isnt over yet but I can hear the fat lady starting to warm up her voice now as it will be hard to take those 11 seconds from Greipel in tomorrow's flat circuit stage around the streets of downtown Adelaide.

Best for now,
Walt