Pre-Christmas Photo Dump

I've recently been browsing through posts on here and got a resurgence of excitement to begin posting again. Heck, if all we can do nowadays is post things on social outlets, then at least I'll keep up with my 'internet diary,' as I more or less call it. Lots of fun happenings in the last two months all of which include bread, beer, cheer, doggos, and biking. I hope everyone is getting into the spirit of things and looking forward to catching you here more often than not! 

Catchin' Spring Rays

Spring has sprung in Philadelphia and I'm taking full advantage. I made a promise this year to myself to learn something new, again - then never let myself lose it. In walks Skateboarding. And there limps Vanessa.  So here's a few shots from the last two weekends of taking in the sites, being adventurous, and catching a sunset. 

Hope you all are well

Swift Industries: The Perfect Bag For Your Wald Basket

The Sugarloaf Basket Bag by Swift Industries is perfect for your Wald Basket.  It's made to fit in there nice and snug, snap into it, and made to withstand whatever kinda torture you put it through.  Maybe I should, AHEM, sneak this onto my Christmas list?! From $150

Akrigg Behind the Scenes

You've seen a bunch of his videos here, but this is a look at some behind the scenes action as well as the inspiration for each edit.

Vermont's Slopeside Syrup - UnTapped Pure Vermont Maple Syrup

Quite possibly one of the best things I've seen on the net these days!  Portable packets of Pure Vermont Maple Syrup by UnTapped to keep you fueled on the saddle, during a game of hoops, before/after a good workout, or when you need a quick, delicious pick me up. Check out this video about UnTapped's and what they hope to achieve with their product.  I have a feeling its going to be a good winter.  Buy Here.  Check them out on Instagram!

Memorial Day Weekend #RoundUp

Memorial Day weekend is finally upon us.  Time to kick back and enjoy all of the freedoms that we are lucky enough to take advantage of.  Hitting the open road on a bicycle.  Shooting fireworks on the beach.  Camping in the great outdoors.  Swimming in the ocean or jumping off a rope swing.  Whatever your weekend adventures end up being, have fun.  Eat a hot dog, or 5.  Happy Memorial Day!

Tank Top - Jungmaven
Classic Cooler - Coleman
High-Five IPA - Terrapin
Down to Earth IPA - 21st Amendment
Beach Blanket - Almond Surfboards x Woolrich
Bug Repellent - Buzz Away
Knife Endura4 - Spyderco
Troll Bicycle - Surly
Sunglasses - Persol
Cucumber & Cilantro Soap - Wary Meyers via TS

#RoundUps

From All Around the Web, Part 4

Instagram

Some cool things seen around the web:

Blackburn Cooler Panniers

A Beer List That'll Make You Drool
These Chocolate Bars 
A Cool Bottle Opener Found by Nik
Everyday Carry Key Hook
iPhone Air?
Watch This On Netflix
Catch Me On Instagram!

What are you up to this weekend?  Enjoy!

Philly Indego Bike Share

Philly Indego Bike Share is now in full swing.  Kisoks are popping up all over the city and more and more sightings of folks giving the blue bikes a go everyday.  Seriously, check out all of the stations!

I haven't given them a spin yet, but definitely on the agenda when I have some visitors in from out of town.  The bike itself looks like a tank and will surely be tough enough to handle all of the obstacles, weather, and potholes in the city!  Check out the specs here.  I'll have more to report when I pop mad wheelies on 'em in the future.  

Chris Cross 2 Featuring Chris Akrigg

B O O M !  Chris Akrigg is back for round 2 of cross biking!  Check out the latest video "Chris Cross 2" and watch him rip through the forest aboard the mighty Mongoose.  Whether you are a cross rider or not, you can definitely appreciate the style and perfection Chris brings to the table.  

Chris Cross 1 - here

Cycling #RoundUp: Winter and Night Riding

Be seen and heard during your next adventure aboard your trusty steed.  A couple great gadgets here to alert drivers of your presence on the road. The Proviz jacket has amazing reflective qualities at night, check out the link below to see it in action.  Not too steeply priced for a waterproof cycling shell either.

1. Japanese Brass Bell - $19.90
2. Fly6 Rear Light and Camera - $249.00
3. Proviz Cycling Jacket - $139.99
4. Defeet High-Vis Socks - $17.00
5. Defeet High-Vis Glove Liners - $15.00
6. Cateye Front Light - $17.25
7. Nite Ize SpokeLit - $8.00

Fatbike Trials Riding in Southern California

A fun little Fat Bike trials video to get your Tuesday morning going! I love the angles from the Killer Shot swivel cam.

Cycling Gear: Fly 6 HD Rear Camera and Light

\

Commuting in the city can sometimes be a treacherous ordeal.  Distracted drivers, taxi cabs, mindless pedestrians and even other bikers pose a huge threat to your safety.  I've read way too many horror stories and had my fair share of close calls and near misses.  More than half of the time it was the driver's fault.  A team in Australia developed an impressive rear camera and safety light, The Fly6,  attaches to your seat post and captures license plates, other bikers, and all of the threats on your tail end.  720p, HD, and Bluetooth all packed into this tiny device. Now that the rear light has been fully funded on Kickstarter, they're working on the front light as well.

Videos made with the Fly6

Price: $249

The Ride Journal | Past & Present

The Ride Journal is a compilation of bike stories and pictures for the avid cyclist.  We're talking mountain, randonneur, lycra-wearing, racing, track, mud--everything you want a fine bicycling journal to cover, Apart from the wonderful content and killer images, 100% of the money made on the journal is donated to various charities.  You may download (for free) past issues and purchase new releases, here.

From All Around the Web, Part 3

We've finally had a cold snap here in Philadelphia, PA.  A little bit of snow fell earlier in the week and Muffin could not be more excited!  Here are a few things on my radar this week:

- These Snacking Squirrels
- Mat's visit to Birmingham
- This very real and reflective post by Tee
- Mountain Biking/Snow Posts over on Yeti Rides
- Still loving this Winter Warmer Beer
- A Great Sale over at Mr. Porter
- Limited Edition Shinola Bikes!
- This beautiful video of the Dolomites
- Ariele Lasko's Instagram and woodworking

Velodrome in South Philly?

There has been talk about building a $100 million dollar world-class velodrome in FDR park in S. Philadelphia.  The addition to the park would revitalize a sad, run down splash of greenery near the large sporting complex area.  Four acres are required to build the structure, we'll wait and see if the city is willing to let it go in exchange for a facelift.  In order to appeal to wider audiences, the proposed 6,000 seat building will also house concerts and alternate sporting events, so that'd be neat, right?

From All Around the Web

Girard Avenue House. November 15, 2014

1. Check out this kickstarter for Hendo Hoverboards.
2. Ginger McCabe's 1977 XS400 motorcycle 
3. A really great book by Steven Johnson, The Ghost Map
4. This adorable fox photo from Nat Geo
5. In case you missed it, Philae Comet Lander info
6. This Denim shirt/jacket by Ardour
7. Mat's great photo and write up, here
8. This recipe for a sweet treat that does not require baking
9. Living vicariously through Astrid's Mallorca vacation pictures (yay film!)
10. A movie that'll make you want a pint or three.  Love this!
11. Getting cold, but I got the bike out a week ago
12. Hope you're following me on Instagram!

Velo Orange Six Pack Rack

They've gone and done it!!  Velo Orange unveils the beautiful little Six Pack Rack of your dreams.  Made out of stainless steel and available in polished alloy (above) your ride is gonna scream "party bike" with this one.  I'm so pumped about this accessory.  I bet you know what I want for Christmas.  Perfect for storing all those sweet brews I talk about so often. #BeerReview

Message me if you want to mail one my way!

Cycling Caps

I recently picked up a monthly subscription to Bicycling Magazine.  Now, I'm not a lycra-wearing road cyclists, an extreme mountain biker (though I dabble), or a cross rider, but I do love reading about gear and news from the professional front.  The center fold this month could not have been more appealing, hundreds of cycling caps through the years and a nice little write up to justify the wearing and history of the cap.

I have a few caps hanging around and used to wear them in colder weather while on the dirt trails or when it rained.  I have to admit that though guys can for the most part pull off wearing the cap, it is much harder for women.  Do you agree?   Maybe I have a funny shaped head.

I've read a dozen or so articles about the history and "how to wear" guides for the old casquette.  Here's my favorite how-to guide over at Cycling Tips.

What are your thoughts on the cycling cap?  Do you wear it solely while riding?  Or is it okay to accessorize your daily wear with it?  Are you a collector?

It's raining here in these parts, but you enjoy your weekend wherever you are!

Mission Workshop in San Francisco

Inside Mission Workshop

Proper testing of the Vandal

Subtle Signage

The Vandal, 3 months in

At the beginning of May I wrote about a variety of bicycle commuting bags that would suit my needs in various ways.  I touched on the high and low points of each bag and the cost.  Recently I had the opportunity to visit the flagship Mission Workshop store in San Francisco (check out my vacation posts) and from that point forward was sold on the MW Vandal.

The store is tucked away in a little alley off of Valencia Street.  The big sliding barn doors open wide for a cool view of the inventory and space.  I fiddled around with just about every bag in the store, weighing my options. Admittedly, the price tag and shock took a moment to sink in.

Annually I commute approximately 2,500 miles on my bike.  Rain, cold, snow, sunshine, humidity, and all types of weather are common here in Pennsylvania. Having a piece of gear that could get me through each season was, at this point, not something I wanted to skimp on.  

So I decided to bite the bullet and go all in.  Three months down the road, I am still happy with my purchase and impressed at how it has performed so far.  I look forward to many, many years with this bag.  

Here are some of my favorite features of the Mission Workshop's Vandal bag:

- Lifetime guarantee

- Padded straps with padded back rest 

- Expands from a 22 Liter capacity to 44 Liters!!!

- Waterproof

- Chest straps that are horizontally and vertically adjustable

- Roll or flap top closing

- Tough as nails velcro

- Great buckles (and they now offer metal buckles that can be switched out)

- Craftsmanship

- Repairs for life

*AND I mentioned to the man helping me that a friend's MW bag had a zipper malfunction.  He said the bag can be shipped back for repairs and they will send out a bag for the friend to use while his is being repaired! 

Danny MacAskill's Visually Stunning Epecuen - Volator's Cut