The Street Kings

Bitter sweet DDR4

2010-10-31T18:41:00.002-07:00

The race was a success, the night wasn't. Six street kings in the break early with two other riders pushing the pace. Billy flatted before stop 2 leaving local street icon Wesperado to fend against six hard riders. I caught up with the group at the death tunnel where Wes got hung up. We left as a group of seven headed to the final two stops. I got popped going over Curry where Wes caught up to me. We finished together a few moments behind the lead group. St Paul came in first and earned the PBR bike. Keeping that in house was important. James T, Radar, Ish, Isaac, and Coat-x rounded out the top six.. All street kings. The bitter part was the BMX jump off didn't go as planned and my wife was hit and seriously injured by an errant bike. I spent the night in the ER and ICU with her while the doctors monitor her for internal bleeding. A lot of people reached out asking how she is doing and wishing her a speedy recovery. My familys appreciation goes out to those people. Thank you
SK

Get ready to rumble

2010-10-25T20:30:00.003-07:00

Its going to be big. 150+ riders. Including the SK's newest member: Coat-X. 10 Street Kings in the lead group? I think its doable. Weve got the strongest crew ever assembled, to take this race by storm.

yes i had to do some spring cleaning.

Dagger Death Race 4

2010-10-18T19:42:00.005-07:00

Its happening again this year. 10/30/10 All the mayhem, all the miles, all the beers. An SK win is a must. Im putting a personal stake in the race this year and putting up the PBR bike as a prize for the fastest rider. Not that i dont think getting a tattoo isnt a cool way to win a race, its just not the way to win a bike. I feel good, i know this is a different race then the last one, but i think i can get out there and make some noise. I plan on hitting it hard, Tomorrows ride will hopefully firm up the team makeup. Speaking of makeup, here is the costumes we will be rolling.
Ill take Cap, the rest are up for grabs. I have 8 including my get up. I hope to have a full squad on fight night. And i plan on raging after. like a fucking superhero.

SK ride Wednesday

2010-09-27T19:54:00.002-07:00

Be there.

SK low post. Pole position

2010-09-19T10:57:00.003-07:00

Last night was the choose your own adventure alleycat. It was the first real event this year outside of indoor sprints. I felt like i had some things going for me; I have some fitness, i know the area, and the twist to the race played well to my strong suits; AZFixed knowledge, and common sense. There were about 35 racers at the start, four Street Kings including myself and they were all hitters. We were 1-3 at the first stop, Isaac, Ish and then me. The first question: What is Suicidekings real name? each race had a multiple choice and the answer led you another local park if you got it right you progressed, if not, you had to find the correct one and continue. I got all 5 questions right and that helped me considerably. I figure the distance overall was about 10 miles total. As i said common sense played a role as one question was wrong but i was able to deduce from the stops we had already visited, and the park i was at, where the next stop should be. Isaac and Ish both missed this question and ironically it was one that involved them: "Who won FixEd?" the right answer was Isaac and Ishmael. the one-two punch in a team event won handily. Unfortunately their name wasnt one of the choices. They panicked and guessed wrong twice. By the time they got straigtened out i was already two stops further along and met them at the second to the final stop. It was hard to tell where you were in the standing as people were bouncing from stop to stop on different "adventures" i put everything i had into getting back to TBP and got there a few minutes before Ishmael. It felt good. There was a sprint back to the bar as a race after the race. Isaac and Ish went 1-2 on that leg. i sat up and still got there 5th. What a night.

2010-08-30T20:09:00.002-07:00

I will be representing the Street king crew at the first ever indoor world championships this year during interbike. I feel good, i feel like i could get off a good time. i dont have the ace in hole...youth. But i can still get off. Im hoping Bucket will get on the bikes and have a go. He won the first Rollerwars and has proven hes got the technique and legs to get it done. Inerbike 2010. Oh yeah!

It's on!

2010-08-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

A new alleycat flyer hit AZFixed earlier this week, Sept 18th, Tempe. The thread alluded to knowledge of prior races and events as primers for the stops. Needless to say it made me stop and think about some of the races I have either thrown or attended. Good times. One race that sticks out predominantly when discussing; the “good ol’ days”, is the race for the cure. I loved that race. It had all the elements of your run of the mill alleycat but was kicked up a notch with the involvement of the police and security at the hospital. Looking back it’s easy to laugh at, a literal gang of 40 bikers blowing past a security check point into the parking lot of what is essentially a jail. The security team overreacted and chaos ensued. The adrenaline was all that kept me going for the remainder of the night. I got lost on ASU campus, nearly puked after doing the shot of Tabasco sauce, shotgunned not one, but two beers in Hipster Compton, and got hit square in the eyes with a handful of flour at stop five after the person manning the stop yelled; “Anthrax!”. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. AZfixed was in its infancy, the Street Kings were still recruiting members and finding our place in the community, and although there was an alleycat every five or six weeks, no one forgot that race. If people are still talking about your race three years later you must have gotten something right. I cant wait till the 18th. Game on.

Everything old is new again...

2010-08-12T18:44:00.002-07:00

Im back. At least that’s what my legs feel like. Some days I don’t even need the i-pod and I can put up PR’s on desert classic in both distance and time. Im training although for nothing in specific. I figure my sweet spot is somewhere around a 45 minute effort. Or your typical local crit period. Since the time period that I like to refer to as; “the corner” or the moment I stopped racing to impress anyone else and committed to riding only if it felt good and I felt like it, I haven’t suited up to race except indoors. My legs have never felt better, and my bike collection feels just right as well instead of bloated and unmanageable full of bikes I felt guilty not riding. I lost weight and a good amount of my bike excess during, and leading up to the summer bike swap. While I don’t think anyone will accuse me of being lean, I don’t think fat fits me today either. I still have racing goals this year; The DC crit, the world indoor sprints at Interbike, Tour De Scottsdale. It’s just a matter of how I get there this year that has made the difference. It hurt standing on the sidelines last year during, arguably, the most successful Thunder season to date. I don’t profess to be able to see the future, but the Street kings are going to be getting lean this year too. I want to apply the lessons I learned at “the corner” to that crew as well. It is not middle school, there is no requirements on attendance except a desire to be there. Love it or leave it. Well be at the bar.

SK roll call and roll out.

2010-05-09T20:31:00.002-07:00

We could all use a little exercise. SK Ride this Thursday be there. Same time same place. Since my last post we have welcomed a new member. Zig Zag. The crew is really coming along. I think we will have solid finishes to any local events this year. There are still a few more strong candidates before rush finishes for the season and the action begins. Perhaps someone will get tapped this week. Official business from the last ride included votes on what events are considered Premier events and worthy of title and award. We also put some thought into what our cat would be this year. I cant wait till thursday. Lets get it on!

Can i get a what what?

2010-03-18T09:58:00.002-07:00

Full crew out last night. It felt good just to be on a bike, good weather and a few beers. We inducted a new member; Dauber, and laid groundwork for at least two more member applications. members voting last night include:

XXI

St. Paul

Jackson

Isaac

Agent Orange

James T.

Last Chance

Radar

Skittles

It becomes apparent the group has become a bit lax for a hardcore bike gang. There were many suggestions tabled in disucssion of possible sanctions and actions.

in other business voted on by a majority,

1.Radar was awarded a headbadge for his podium effort in Daggers deathrace III. The top award was given to the guy that got the tattoo and beat the bikes back to the finish, but we all know who won.

2. any submission involving the name "goatsie" will be stricken from the record.

3. The rule; "you get your name when you get your frame" was seconded and agreed upon tabling a new name for Skippy

4. The name change process was ratified and agreed upon for members inquiring.

5. Date was set for next group ride April 22

SK Out

SK rolls...again

2009-10-28T21:20:00.002-07:00

Street Kings Slay Central and go 1-2 for their troubles. What a scene, 80 riders tearing down traffic on a Friday night point to point. Owen (Cecil) and Radar come across in first and second. Other SK riders in attendance: Sgt Fury and SK. The after party was at the bike co-op that benefited by the race itself. The Rusty Spoke. After partying at the shed and picnic table that is the rusty spoke, i realized two things: 1. Why they need donations even small ones like the small portion of the race entry fees. and 2. Why its called the Rusty Spoke. I hope they can put the money to good use, the world needs more bike co-ops. And Phoenix needs more alleycats. perfect fit. This week: Dagger Death race III.

A historic night.

2009-10-10T12:40:00.003-07:00

Two new members introduced to the fold. Skittles and Sgt Fury. The voting was supported by a majority of the group and ratified according to SK law. Two upcoming events were agreed upon as "premiere events" and are therefore eligible for both badges and rank. Central Slayer, an HCD production and sequel to Kill Mill (SK podium sweep last outing) and Dagger Death race on Halloween (first and second place for SK teams last year).

The next big thing?

2009-08-03T20:17:00.002-07:00

Interbike 2009. The West coast alleycat is a drag of the Vegas Strip. The Street Kings will have wheels and money on the line.

Housekeeping

2009-07-30T19:43:00.002-07:00

Last nights ride was one for the books. The entire crew (save one member) turned out. Good food, good beer, and good friends. There was more than a bit of catching up to do for official business. The following were recorded as meeting minutes and voting issues:

1. Ishmael was granted a bid of good standing and farewell as he relocates to Connecticut.
Passed 9-0
2. The Donger (not present) was not afforded the same status due in part to abstention as well as a lack the requisite "going away beer".
Rejected 1-8
3. Radar was placed on administrative probation for issues that will not be described herein and will remain in sealed meeting minutes. Lets just say i think he learned his lesson.
Upheld 5-4
Items submitted for vote by members lacking the requisite rank to bring issues to a vote:
Issac being placed on administrative probation.
The creation of a Montana SK chapter

Lets go.

2009-07-28T20:20:00.003-07:00

Fresh horses and tequilla for my men, for tonight......we ride!
Its expected to be 114 degrees tomorrow. Maricopa county has issued a heat advisory ( i guess that means there are people in Arizona that would otherwise not know it was friggen hot) but there are things to discuss, beer to drink, songs to be sung. Actually no songs to be sung but i wish someone would come up with a fight song or team jingle. I think it would add a bit of legitimacy. Speaking of legitimacy, i was invited to sit in at BicycleRadio.com last night and discuss Arizonas premiere fixed gear crew; The Street Kings. The subject of photos like this never came up. The fact that my crew has all the local alleycat talent locked up, did however. Its all over town babe.

Europa!

2009-07-25T06:06:00.007-07:00

Turns out its easy to get lost in Europe. The small towns, language barrier, and all those goddam roundabouts make for quite a difficult go. Finding the tour stages in France was as difficult as finding a glass of ice in Italy. As none of us really knew our way around or were adept at the language, deciding which turn to take usually was decided by popular vote. The map and my gut instinct said left, but the vote in the car was 4-0 to turn right. Lets just say there was something lost in translation.

Custom

2009-07-12T20:39:00.004-07:00

Have you ever watched Orange county choppers? Well if you havent there is a group of guys somewhere back east ( I guess its not Orange county California) that build motorcycles for famous people and celebrities and sports guys etc. Here is one they made for cycling strong man Lance Armstrong.

I thought I could do the same thing with fixed gear bikes. You know, check the guys out and then make a bike that is unique and special for them. Since i dont know any real bona fide celebs, i had to make due. I think its going to make a great looking resume.

Here is Olympic swimmer Inge De bruijn.

And here is the bike i put together for her with some minor mods for comfort sake.

A tribute piece i did for Michael Jackson. I think it speaks to his love of both plastic toys and children.

Its a work in progress.

The count from Sesame Street. (not actually the count, but the guy that runs the puppet on Tuesdays and Sundays for the Omaha affiliate.

Its whimsical and makes mathmatical sense. One...one gear. Two...two brakes. Three...three dollar water bottle.

T-minus

2009-07-09T20:28:00.003-07:00

7 days until the Street Kings are taking this show international. Thats right, a handpicked crew of Kings are headed over the pond to take care of some business. When i say business i mean kicking ass and taking names. Up to this point the ass kicking has been mostly on a local basis, but i thought why not expand the empire? Blow this shit up right? Turns out the tickets I got on Ebay for the Michael Jackson comeback tour, last month to surprise the boys with are worth less than the king of pop himself but i am sure we can find something else to keep busy with. I for one plan on drinking enough european ale to stimulate the European union. Here are my current concerns for the venture:
1) XXI goes about two meters in height, thats about 20 cm longer than the average bed in Italy.
2) Can i get a 12 pack down during the 15 minute layover in Philidelphia?
3) An Amerstam day trip is looking less likely by the minute.
4) Is a speedo required or recommended?

Happy fourth of July.

2009-07-04T11:25:00.002-07:00

I thought i would take the single speed out for a spin this morning. What a disaster. I flatted with a ripped sidewall on the rear only a couple of miles out. I tried to cover the tear with flat fluid and re-gas it up. No soap. Not to worry, i had a tube to replace the tubeless set up. Once i wrestled the liner out and dumped the remainder of the fluid from the tire, i blew a bit into the tube just to give it some shape. It wouldnt even take air. Upon inspection i find a four inch split on one of the seams. Now i need a tube and air. I reassemble the bike and start the hike back, the IF across my back. At some point in my shifting the bike from shoulder to shoulder, the rear tire catches a huge piece of cactus and then deposits it in my left kidney. The walk itself wasnt that bad, although i only passed a handful of bikers, no 29ers. The problem with hike-a-bike isnt the weight of the bike or the heat, its the stiff soles of the biking shoes that dont allow your foot to flex. Thats great for biking, terrible for hiking. I ended up with half-dollar sized blisters on the back of both feet. The only thing that kept me going with a smile was remembering i had the first stage of the tour recorded and waiting at home. the Council of Doom makes their debut today. The day is going to get better, it cant get worse.

Its on....on like...

2009-07-02T19:35:00.003-07:00

You know what its on like. Dont make me say it. The Council of doom is set and the other teams are scrambling. There have been multiple team "adjustments" by other SK members. A scramble if you will to out think the thinker. My team was set months ago after months of careful planning and stategery. Now all i have to do is spring the trap. It goes without saying, and yes i had to make this warning months ago too, anyone dopes, ecspecially if they are repping with SK, They get called out right here on the interwebs. Nothing else needs said on that matter. In other business news: SK ride next Tuesday. Donger has put in for a transfer and will need a majority vote to carry his title that far outside of controlled territory. I can tell you his initial bid to create a faction in his new abode and call it the "Prairie Kings" will not be voted on as it was defeated with presidential veto after a round of hearty ridicule. Perhaps by ride time we will have a little better view of this years tour shakeout, perhaps not. Time will tell.

Tom is a wanted man.

2009-06-29T18:57:00.004-07:00

Tom Boonen is screwing up my fantasy tour. We all know by now that Tommy got busted for riding the white lion and was booted from the tour. Well he is appealing that decision and has pushed back the announcement of the TDF official riders list by two two days. Which in turn has me waiting to unveil my super team: The legion of Doom! on an unsuspecting public. Stay tuned for the details as the announcement of the final lineup is going to be VERY close to the start of the tour. Dont get caught short again this year.

Via con Dios.

2009-06-26T17:49:00.003-07:00

Johnny Utah: "Via Con Dios"
That was one of the final lines of the cinematic gem; Point break.
There has never been a more dramatic ending to a so-bad-its-good movie. The rough translation
from Spanish is: Go with God. Don't you wish everything in life came to its end with such
obvious conclusion? If you don't know what i am talking about, ask any Green Bay Packers fan what they think about Brett Favre. See if they have an opinion on not knowing when to quit. I on the other hand may realize when my time has come and then inexplicably... gone. I dont think i will suit up next year and race. I will still do the local tour-de's but im done trying to beat anyone from point A to point B. Im going to try and put some more soul back into my biking. I know its early but here are a few of my cycling goals for the upcoming year;
1. Epic mountain bike ride. I know this is hard to quantify, but i think the trip should be at least two, hopefully three days of solid riding. Part of the Northern section of the AZT would be ideal.

2. Throw a fixed gear alleycat for the ages. Or at least that people will remember two months later

3. Build a bike. Not just buy a bunch of parts and tighten the bolts. I mean build a frame, fork, an then bolt all the shit to it. This technically isn't a cycling goal i guess but it hits the same theme.

The dead presidents in point break only robbed banks to afford to "find the ultimate ride" or the perfect wave i suppose. Surfers have this connection to the ocean that roadies will never have with the asphalt. Some mountain bikers have a small slice of it for the outdoors in general or for nature etc. But for surfers its spiritual, its got soul. I want a bigger piece of that feeling. The two times i am guaranteed that rush is: single speed mountain bike riding on a do-able trail, or riding fixed gears with the Street Kings.

Utah! Get me two!

Bodhi: What's the matter with you guys? This was never about the money, this was about us against the system. That system that kills the human spirit. We stand for something. We are here to show those guys that are inching their way on the freeways in their metal coffins that the human sprit is still alive.

A little quiz

2009-06-23T20:11:00.004-07:00

Summer school
you know how it works. Read the question. click the correct answer.
NO MOUSE OVERS PUSSIES! click the picture for the story after
you have completed the quiz.
right answers get THIS
wrong answers get all wet too
1.

This dented Pista Concept recently sold on Ebay for what amount throwing
Posters on AZFixed and Cycling Weapon of Mass Destruction, into quite a
tizzy.

A. $215.50
B. $325.00
C. $475.00
D $545.00

2.

The unlucky bastard that stole Lances TT bike at the Tour de California was
sentenced to how long in prison?

A. 30 days
B. 6 months
C. 1 year
D. 2 years.
E. 36 times more prison time than the NFL guy that killed a pedestrian while drunk.

3.

This Schwinn Paramount was spotted on ebay and sold for $544.75. Who was the prior owner?

A. Lance Armstrong
B. One of the guys from MASH San francisco
C. The late Sheldon Brown.
D. The Street Kings own Bucket.

4.

The cyclist in this picture can be identified how?:
A. She is wearing a pink bikini
B. She is wearing a red bikini
C. She is wearing a black bikini
D. Me wearing her ass for a hat

How did you do?
100% =Super record
75% = Record
50% = Chorus
25%= that crap that comes with walmart bikes
0%= Judas Priest you couldnt even spot the chick with the hot ass? You just found a ticket out or the lack of an invite in, to the SK club buddy.

SK ride on wednesday

2009-06-15T20:15:00.002-07:00

I have already taken a number of RSVP's for Wednesdays ride. The following have not reported in not in alphabetical order,however they do include ride status:
Frank the Tank:Not only missing... Back of a milk carton missing
Agent Orange: Recently returned stateside, his appearance is assumed and expected
Radar: Has been flying under himself lately (get it?) appearance is mandatory
Last Chance: Aware of mission status and expected roll out. no RSVP at this time
Bucket: No RSVP. Currently on probation. Missing wednesday could be fatal
Donger: Ten weeks of vacation a year will take their toll on anyone i guess. Donger need ride!
James T.: Last contact could have been compromised. Status 50%

Conversions.

2009-06-10T19:51:00.002-07:00

We have all struggled with the thought of cutting up a road bike to become our next fixed gear project. That yard sale lugged frame looks so neglected that it is just begging to be shaved, painted and repacked. I think this bike speaks for itself. Simple Raleigh convert. I'd like to see a little more commitment. Chop that hanger lets get it on.

Aint no way this bikes owner rides this thing without scrambling his eggs. Look at that saddle attitude. Two minutes tops. I like the hand painted lugs and the agro stem.