SHHHHH...

Saves Gas, Looks Cool

2013-05-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Love these old Yamaha ads. After the jump, check out some pics from this past weekend. Took the seat and back rest off the XS 400, geek to chic! Now to clean it up, put the seat back on and scout a cool cafe style seat for the future. Almost there...

All stock except for the pipes. Runs well so far...this Summer is the true test! I'm sure I'll be working out some kinks for a few months, but man, it has some power.

Sunny Sports Catalina Shirt

2013-05-14T07:59:00.000-04:00

I swear as a kid I had this exact fabric pattern on a pair of shorts. Granted, they were probably worn out on the underside and elastic-waisted, but hey, this looks familiar. Any way, check out this Sunny Sports Catalina Shirt available over at Self Edge. Wabi-sabi, mate!

To the Fishing Pond

2013-05-13T10:54:00.001-04:00

We headed out Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning this past weekend for some pond fishing. The weather, despite the heavy rain early Saturday, was great. It's a bit of a trek down to the pond and some trees blew down onto the trail. Nothing a chainsaw couldn't fix.

Huge cumulus clouds bobbed in the sky and a slight, brisk wind rippled the pond water. Yielding at least 3 fish each on Saturday, we called it an afternoon and headed back--you know, to grill some meat on the grill. The next day proved to be even better. You wouldn't know it by the pictures, but we really did catch a few keepers. Hope your weekend was relaxing.

Check out more photos from my weekend over on the Flickr...

Weekend Getaway to Northeast PA

2013-05-08T16:21:00.001-04:00

Well, it's not a trip north unless you have your cords and denim packed. Getting out of Philadelphia for the upcoming weekend to catch some fish, drink some beer and play yard games. Should be fun!

The goods:

Best Made Co. Wool Blanket
L.L. Bean Signature Series Cord Shorts (2 + years ago)
Carhartt Denim Shirt
Kaufmann Mercantile Forged Steel Dinner Bell
Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin

The Philadelphian at Dusk

2013-05-03T11:40:00.003-04:00

I've really been making an effort to keep up with my Flickr account...check it out if you'd like.

XS400 Flat Tracker by "Drewpy"

2013-05-01T09:18:00.000-04:00

Behold, "Drewpy's" Flat Tracker build. One of the nicest bikes I've been drooling over this week. I'm so impressed at the complete overhaul his pile-o-rust xs400 got. You can check out his blog or read through the forum about his design, wiring, bits and baubles: here. Really worth picking through, especially if you are an owner of an xs400, as I am. Not half as cool as this guy though. He also has one of the best signatures I've ever seen:

"As I lay rubber down to street, I pray for traction I can keep, but if I spin and begin to slide, please dear God protect my ride"

Sierra Designs Hurricane Rain Jacket Review

2013-04-29T09:40:00.000-04:00

A bit of Spring showers and morning mists can't keep me off the bike. I pulled on my newly acquired Sierra Designs Hurricane Rain Jacket for the occasion. First and foremost the jacket didn't break the bank or require countless hours of research, but it did have to be breathable and waterproof. I checked out REI and they had just the jacket, on sale, in a bright color with all of the right specs. Here's what I found out:

Breathability:
3/5 Stars

There are under arm zips for ventilation, but otherwise a pretty sealed shell. The nylon ripstop fabric is nice and light, but the actual level of breathability leaves me wanting more.

Waterproof:
5/5 Stars

Absolutely worked like a charm. Stopped all of the rain and weather that was thrown at it. I took of the jacket and with a quick shake, flicked all of the excess water off. According to Evo Waterproof ratings, I would say it's between 16,000mm - 20,000mm. I couldn't imagine it as 20,000mm+ based upon the nature and quality of the fabric, but I haven't had extreme enough weather to test it.

Fit/Sizing:
3/5 Stars

I'm really lazy when it comes to returning clothes for the correct size. I'm impatient. But, even though this jacket runs large, I decided that it would be good for layering once it starts to get colder. As a shell for warm weather, it's a bit bulky. The cut is a little too feminine for me (I hate when the bottom flares out) and the picture on the website is a bit misleading. Just show me a front view of the jacket!

Price:
4/5 Stars

Super cheap closeout price on REI. $49 dollars plus a pair of socks to earn free shipping, can't beat it. I would never drop $80 bucks on this.

Overall opinion, the jacket was cheap enough to let it's lack of breathability slide. It's kept me perfectly dry and is super lightweight. I see myself wearing this a lot for hiking and as a rain jacket. I'm not super excited about the fit, but it will work out and be handy in the Fall/Winter. I would recommend to everyone to spend the ~$50 or so and pick up a waterproof shell for cycling, it makes the morning commute a lot more tolerable.

Stay dry and have a great Monday! Oh and there's a men's version of the jacket too.

Topo Designs x Breckenridge Brewery Urban Outdoor Pack

2013-04-26T07:54:00.000-04:00

You're consolidating the gear and realize you need the perfect pack to bring a six-pack and some gear for the trek. Look no further than the collaboration between Breckenridge Brewery and Topo Designs. Together they've created the Urban Outdoor Pack that'll keep your beer cold and your stuff dry. $140 bones, buy here.

Easing Into Sunday Evening With An Old Fashioned

2013-04-21T19:46:00.001-04:00

Muddle sugar, dash of water and bitters in the bottom of your Old Fashioned glass. Drop in orange peel, muddle more. Cubes next, then bourbon. That's how I like it, hold the damn cherry and don't even mention soda water. Happy Sunday!

Old Fashioneds

End of Winter Exploring: Philadelphia, PA

2013-04-18T10:56:00.000-04:00

When you become the tour guide of the very city you live in, things can get a bit stressful. So much to see, so little time. Then to consider what your tourists want to actually see and do may not be what you usually like to do.

Sometimes these situation can lead to stress and anxiety, but this time, a few months ago, the situation led to an exploration of places I rarely ever set foot near. And I liked it, hopefully my guests did to.

So I thought to mention some places I like in Philly, and places I would like to go...after the jump:

Disclaimer*: This is a small list of some things I currently enjoy and places I've been wanting to check out lately. It's by no means a complete list of EVERYTHING there is to do in Philly, just some places I thought to mention. Feel free to add to the list! Or tell me about your experiences!

Like

1.) Drink (of the alcohol variety):
-North Star Bar
-Brigid's
-Frankford Hall
-P.O.P.E.
-Nodding Head
-Hawthorne's
-Ranstead Room
-Dos Segundos Cantina
-Village Whiskey

2.) Coffee
-Elixir
-Nook
-OCF Fairmount
-Ultimo
-Shot Tower

3.) Parks/Places
-Fairmount Park
-Wissahickon Park
-Rittenhouse Park
-Race Street Pier
-Longwood Gardens (outside of Philly) here & here
-Franklin Square

4.) Clothing/Boutique
-Art In The Age of Mechanical Reproduction
-Sugarcube
- Art Star

5.) Brunch
-Honey's Sit 'n Eat
-Sabrina's
-Morning Glory
-RyBread
-Brigid's
-OCF
-Nook

6.) Museums
-Philadelphia Art Museum + Perelman Building
-Barnes Foundation

Would Like To See/Do:

1.) Drink (of the alcohol variety):
-Hopsing Laundromat
-Talula's Garden

3.) Parks/Places
-Fairmount Park: Cherry Blossoms and Japanese House
-Valley Forge: Bike from PHL->VF->PHL
-Yards Brewery Tour
-Philadelphia Brewing Company Tour
-Victory Brewery

4.) Clothing/Boutique
-Vagabond

5.) Brunch
-Federal Donuts

Losing some steam, but feel free to send any additions to the list!

Lamps For the Cabin

2013-04-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Looking for the ultimate lamp for the cabin? Look no further, Wm. Lamb & Sons has just the home accessories for you. This is by far one of the coolest lamp shades I've seen in a while. Check it out.

Walking Around Old City, Philadelphia

2013-04-16T15:00:00.006-04:00

Here are some unusual but interesting shots I snapped in Old City, Philadelphia PA. All of them sort of show a contrast in colors or old vs. modern, something I always find really interesting in every city. It's absolutely beautiful outside, but if you're stuck indoors like I am, here are some cool things recently:

-Chambray, Jeans For Your Head and Feet - GQ
-First Shirt Amazonas - Our Legacy
-Clogs or Sandals - Birkenstock
-'Through the Mill', Biking Video - Chris Akrigg
-These Really Bright Shoes - Street Etiquette
-Great Gatsby Movie Set Design - Architectural Digest
-All Black Eames Furniture - Cool Hunting
-This Instagram - Cold Splinters

You can always skip the chat and head straight over to my Flickr for pictures...

Wissahickon Mountain Biking, Philadelphia PA

2013-04-15T10:38:00.000-04:00

Got out there Sunday morning to spin the crank and get a little vitamin D. The trails weren't as crowded as expected and I captured a few quiet moments alone on the trail. Wissahickon is the closest place from my house to mountain bike and not too bad. The trail is fast-paced, technical and fun. You don't need lycra and fancy gear out there, just bring your clanker and get going. I found my way to Elixir in the afternoon to get a little pick-me-up. Nice weekend, hope you enjoyed it.

Frankford Hall: Spring Visit

2013-04-14T04:30:00.000-04:00

I frequent Frankford Hall, it's a pretty nice establishment. Spring is the ultimate time to go, fires are still lit, weather is spot on and the food and beer just seems to taste better. I also enjoyed it immensely here as well.

Gearing Up For April Showers

2013-04-13T05:00:00.000-04:00

We're halfway into April here and the rainy season has begun. I underestimated the rain on Friday morning and ended up sopping wet from my early morning bicycle commute. The rainy weather can get you down, especially if you are like me and you've been waiting for nice weekend weather to mountain bike in. Cheer up, here's a list of gear that'll get you through the day and keep you (for the most part) dry!

1. LL Bean Classic Anorak
2. Swiss Army Bike Tool
3. Rapha Short Trousers
4. Otter Wax Waterproofer
5. Velo-Orange Hammered Fenders
6. Mission Workshop Waxed Canvas Rucksack
7. Asos FlyFish Embroidery
8. Five Ten Impact II Grippy Shoe
9. Sweet Action Cream Ale - Post Ride Brew

Pre-Order: Tracko Splinter Camo Cycling Vest

2013-04-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

Pretty cool design coming from Tracko. Manufactured by Endo Customs in downtown Los Angeles, CA. I'm always up for a little camo in the woods and it seems Tracko has been rolling out the camo gear for a bit of time now. With a $125 price tag and %100 polyester, you gotta weigh your options here. Head on over to the site for more deets.

And for all of you sitting in your cubicle itching to get out there...Chris Akrigg is at it again, recovering from his crazy fall and cranking out some fun videos for our viewing pleasure. Check it out!!!

How a Bicycle is Made: Raleigh Factory Nottingham, UK 1945

2013-04-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Raleigh Bicycle Factory in Nottingham, UK(1945). Every single piece of steel is meticulously drawn, machined, engineered and tested inside the facility. Prepare to learn a little something new about what went into that ol' bicycle of yours. This film is filed in the (and property of) British Council Film Collection.

National Tourist Routes in Norway

2013-04-10T09:48:00.000-04:00

As if I needed one more reason to dream about taking a vacation to Norway, I got wind of this project underway. This project "features an array of architects including Margrete Friis, Peter Zumthor, PUSHAK arkitekter, Code Arkitektur, Manthey Kula, Snøhetta AS, and Jensen and Skodvin to name a few. The architects have worked together to connect the dots throughout the country and form a network of breathtaking valleys, farms, rivers, and mountain cliffs – creating a lattice of scenic masterpieces." KNSTRCT

Spring Weekend in Philadelphia

2013-04-08T20:08:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone out there had a great weekend! The weather was perfect all weekend and there was lots to do and see. Bike riding, exploring different neighborhoods and eating good food.

Beer Review (11): Sixpoint Sweet Action Cream Ale

2013-04-06T07:30:00.000-04:00

Brewery: Sixpoint Brewery | Beer: Sweet Action Cream Ale Beer Advocate Score: 88 Abv: 5.20%

Surprising jolts of hops will hit your taste buds and leave you with a loss for words. Serious kick packed in this big ol' can. Smooth, fresh, just what you need to welcome warmer weather into your life. This cream ale is something surprising and something addicting. Yep, they have a pretty neat site and blog too.

Anyone a fan of the Sweet Action? Any new recommendations? I'm keeping a list!

USPS Forever Stamps: Vintage Seed Packets

2013-04-05T07:30:00.000-04:00

The United States Postal Service does it again with another beautiful Forever stamp run. While I love the bicycling forever stamps and the Americana themed stamps, this one really caught my eye. It must be Spring! Check out the Vintage Seed Packet stamps and remember to send some tangible mail!

Kershaw Ken Onion Leek One Year Later

2013-04-04T09:03:00.001-04:00

I've had the Kershaw Ken Onion Leek for about a year now and posted about here, here and here (because I'm really not joking when I say it'll be a great gift). This is the best pocket knife I've ever had and for many reasons. First, it holds a super sharp edge like a champ. I've sharpened it about 3 times on a stone to keep the razor-like edge. The best thing about the knife is the speed safe opening mechanism, you only need one hand and the flick of a finger to open it. It's super slender and lightweight and fits in my pocket more conveniently than my chapstick. There's a lock on the bottom to keep the blade from flicking open, another useful little feature. For around $45.00 I can't think of a better tool. I use mine anywhere from food cutting, box cutting, bike tool as an emergency, whittling, pry bar and much more...I really abuse it.

Bye Noam Chomsky Mural

2013-04-03T01:30:00.000-04:00

A couple of years ago I posted a picture of one of my favorite murals in Philly. The Noam Chomsky mural on 19th & Fairmount Ave. will be replaced with new units. "According to Plan Philly, the mural honoring one of Philly’s – and the world’s – finest thinkers will soon be covered up by 15 new rental apartments, seven parking spaces, and “some type of food retail space.” -- You can read this take on it

I for one think that street art is temporary and the evolution of building and neighborhood renovations are inevitable. Sad to see this one go when there are tons of TERRIBLE murals in Philadelphia. See Broad and Spring Garden....

EEEEEEEK

Beer Review (10): Brooklyn Lager

2013-04-02T08:39:00.000-04:00

Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery | Beer: Lager Beer Advocate Score: 86 Abv: 5.20%

I've had many different beers from Brooklyn Brewery and I was never really hooked until the lager. I'll admit, I love cracking open a nice Yeungling lager and letting the sweet, frothy booze become a regular activity after hot summer days in the sun. Brooklyn lager may very well be my second go-to cheapish lager, a sure crowd-pleaser.

Golden pour, hops, malt, sweet finish...what more could you want? Get some. I plan on stopping by the brewery on my next day trip to the big apple.

Bill's Old Bike Barn, Bloomsburg PA

2013-04-01T10:08:00.000-04:00

Notice the leather waist belt. This was worn because the old rigid frames didn't offer much support.

Kleines Kettenkraftrad HK 101

Harley Topper

Billville

We hopped in the car Saturday and drove about an hour to Bloomsburg, PA. On the way, we jumped out of the car to see the Forestry service stocking Lackawanna State park with trout. Each family would walk up and grab a bucket to release into the stream. We hurried on our way since Bill's Old Bike Barn was only open for a limited time on Saturdays.

The outside looked like a hoarders paradise, motorcycle parts strewn about, some shaped into fun garden creatures and re-purposed into bird feeders. I was skeptical about the inside. Well, inside it was pristine, neatly organized and overwhelming. For a 5 buck fee, you could walk around at your leisure and get lost in the expansive collections of motorcycles, car parts, posters, fishing memorabilia, taxidermy animals (bull moose and more) and a whole town recreated to look like Downtown Berwick. Complete with the hold bar from Berwick Hotel.

Every bike in the warehouse ran when it was parked in the facility about 10 years ago. Old Indian bikes with side cars, Moto Guzzi, Harley Davidson, Rolls Royce, Triumph, Puch, Garelli, you name it, it was in there. A neat section in the back had old Harley engines cut away at various sections so you can see how the pistons would fire and how each part worked together. Also, there were tons of bikes with old Carbine lamps and neat gadgets you don't see nowadays. I'll have some film coming in the next few weeks with couple of cool WWII German BMW bikes inside too. If you ever pass through the area, take an hour (at least) and see the place.