Category Archives: Rivendell

Gone Solo

Posted on June 17, 2013 | 4 Comments


Quickbeam

This weekend I snuck in some time to do a 50-mile solo outing on my Rivendell Quickbeam. After all the tandeming with Felkerino, this was an excellent way to change up the bike riding.

Purchased in 2004 or so, Rivendell no longer makes the Quickbeam. Rivendell changed their single speed model from the Quickbean to the SimpleOne. Felkerino has one of the latter. However, they stopped selling those as well, and I do not believe that Rivendell is currently making a single speed.

My Quickbeam probably offers the starkest contrast in ride from our Co-Motion tandem of any of my bikes. Both bikes fit me perfectly, but aside from that they are so different from each other.

Quickbeam

The simplicity of a single speed is wonderful. I never have to think about shifting, only about how to approach the next rise. My gearing is pretty low, 40×18, making the bike ideal for rollers (say the ones on the Custis Trail) or for carrying a little bit of a load.

The Quickbeam is among the lighter bikes I own and has a lively responsive feel. The word that comes to mind to describe this bike is lithe. That feel is partly because I am not working to get two people in motion, just me, but it’s also the nature of the ride.

I really love going uphill on my Quickbeam. Hills are when I notice how much less effort it is to get a single up a hill compared to a tandem. It’s a refreshing difference to feel the oomph of your legs pushing into the pedals and have your bike move forward that much faster in response.

People sometimes ask me if my Quickbeam is fixed. No, it is not, as I revoked my fixie license for my own safety. Also, I love coasting downhill.

Quickbeam and me

Venturing out for the occasional weekend solo adventure is a reminder of my own strength and abilities. I’m not a fast rider– I don’t keep a cycling computer on the Quickbeam so I cannot tell you how fast I’m not– but I keep a steady pace and get down the road without a lot of drama.

The single speed helps me fall into my own ride. I can only pedal so fast or I start to spin out. Shifting is not an option. I suppose I could manually drop down the 32-tooth front ring, but that is really not practical shifting. If people pass me, I don’t think about it much. It’s easy to sink into the rhythm of the road.

There is something meditative about a single speed and something good for the soul about the occasional solo ride. They bring balance to my cycling and renew my appreciation for the varied types of riding that comprise my rich bikey life.

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Sunday Joy Ridin’ on the Rivendell Romulus

Posted on March 10, 2013 | 3 Comments

Felkerino and I decided to go on a post-200K brevet joy ride today to bask in the recently arrived warm weather and pay a visit to family out in Northern Virginia.

Vienna with the Rivendell Romulus

Because of all the stop-and-go movement of the urban environment, we left the tandem in the Dining Room Bike Shop and opted for single bikes on our 50-mile outing. Felkerino rode his Rivendell Bleriot, and I chose my Rivendell Romulus.

Felkerino on the Bleriot

Felkerino on the Bleriot

The recently-arrived spring weather made for beautiful riding. Bright sunshine and warm temperatures– how could anyone resist? I think most of D.C. was out enjoying the day. The Custis and W&OD Trails were heavily trafficked with runners, recreational cyclists, sport cyclists, children on training wheels, and walkers.

Even with all the congestion, we had a great day. Yesterday’s brevet had sucked most of the pop out of my legs so I rode at a slow but steady pace.

The Rivendell Romulus is the first “brevet bike” I ever purchased, and the most money I had ever spent on a bicycle. At the time, I was not sure what I was doing or if my investment would pay off, but Felkerino encouraged me to make the purchase. Thousands of miles later I still take great pleasure in riding (and taking pictures of) this bike.

Romulus in Falls Church

During our outing, I found myself reminiscing about a Sunday drive in Iowa from many years ago. Myrle, one of the retired farmers in our area, had a vintage 1960s cherry red Ford Thunderbird and he had invited his granddaughter and me to go out on a Sunday drive with him.

We meandered over county highways enjoying the sheer experience of being in the car. Corn fields passed by as country music played on the AM radio. As we drove I remember inspecting the carefully designed details of the dashboard. The white upholstered seats were large and luxurious (at least in my memory).

The Thunderbird felt grand and awesome, and I felt totally cool to be getting a ride in it. It’s the only time I’ve been in a car like that and one of the rare occasions where I’ve gone for a drive just to go for a drive and watch the corn grow.

Today’s ride on the Romulus evoked a similar sensation, only better in so many ways. Instead of watching the world go by in front of the windshield while encased in a vehicle, I was immersed in the elements with my bike.

Rivendell Romulus

I reveled in the feel of my hands on the bars; they felt so well-placed, aligned just right with my shoulders. The reach from the saddle to the bars allows an optimal stretch for my back. I feel like the bike was made for my body. It rides smoothly as I  pedal over the pavement.

The handling and responsiveness of the Romulus is lively. Perhaps this is relative to my Surly Long Haul Trucker, a bike I also love, but that has a heavier feel overall. I push the pedals of the Romulus and we’re off. It happily responds to any instructions I give it. The Campy Ergo shifters are a fun change, making for easy adjustments during a standing climb, although for long rides I am still a fan of bar ends.

The leather mud flap on the front fender adds a refined look to the bike. I suppose the lugs do, too, but frankly I am not a huge lugs person. Give me a clean weld and I am equally happy.

When I initially purchased the bike, I felt the light blue of the bike was too pearly and flashy. Over time, I’ve grown to love it and can’t imagine ever tiring of its bright hue.

Romulus by the Potomac

The Rivendell is a beautiful steed and it was wonderful to take it out for a leisurely sun-filled Sunday joy ride. I didn’t have any country music playing in the background, but the chirping birds and the sound of the spring peepers more than made up for that. And Felkerino’s company wasn’t bad, either.

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Posted in Commute Reflections, Rivendell

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A Return to the Single Bike Lifestyle

Posted on December 16, 2012 | 11 Comments
A weekend century on the Rivendell Romulus (c) Felkerino

A weekend century on the Rivendell Romulus (c) Felkerino

This past year, we retired our custom-fit Co-Motion tandem. It wasn’t by choice. Over the six years we had owned it and an estimated 25,000 miles, it gradually developed a crack in the area near the stoker seat tube. Felkerino wrote a post about it complete with a photo of the crack, here.

As you can see in the post’s photo, the crack was located right at the stoker seat tube weld. I’ve been trying not to take that too personally. Co-Motion diagnosed that the crack emerged because the weld was not strong enough and we have since been working with them on a replacement tandem.

For a while we rode our back-up tandem, a Cannondale mountain frame also known fondly as “the lead sled.” I wrote earlier this year about the differences between the Co-Motion and the Cannondale. Aluminum versus steel, 26-inch versus 700C wheels, and a significantly shorter reach for me on the Cannondale.

The Cannondale tandem on tour this summer

The Cannondale tandem on tour this summer

This short reach became a problem on rides over 80-90 miles, primarily in my shoulder zone and lower back. I felt hunched and as though my shoulders were squishing my pectoral muscles. I called it the Quasimodo effect.

Additionally, as rides exceeded 70 miles or so, I would begin squirming in the saddle, as my lower back sent me signals of discomfort. Because of the shorter reach, I could not stretch out enough over the bike to distribute my weight well, and I think these two areas of my body were doing more than their share to support me.

The lead sled works well on gravel road rides, and the fit is fine for rides less than 80 miles or rides where we will do a lot of standing. However, it is not suited to being a brevet bike, especially when Felkerino and I both have single bikes that are extremely comfortable and carry us over brevet distances in a pain-free fashion.

The Rivendell Romulus

The Rivendell Romulus

Enter the Rivendell Romulus, which has now become my primary weekend bike. I had mixed feelings about this at first. I’d become accustomed to riding tandem on weekends. While I ride a single bike almost daily, it is usually for rides shorter than 50 miles.

Almost all long rides (centuries and longer) over the past few years have been on tandem. As a stoker, I like having someone to block the brunt of the elements. I could take both hands off the bars and reach freely into my jersey pockets. If I wanted to delayer, I could easily do so since I wasn’t steering.

Mostly, though, I just missed our sleek and elegant Co-Motion. It fit me so perfectly. I missed putting my head down on rides and gazing down at the beautiful burnt orange top tube. Felkerino and I had gone on many spectacular rides and tours with that bike.

The Co-Motion Tandem

The Co-Motion Tandem

It was harder than I ever imagined to say good-bye to the Co-Motion. Riding my single served as a reminder that I would never ride that bike again, and that initially bummed me out.

Am I being melodramatic? Yes, a bit, although I now see how people become attached to material objects. A tandem that I thought was beautiful, fit so well, and represented so many good memories has been a tough thing to leave in the past.

Riding the Co-Motion (c) Bill Beck

Riding the Co-Motion (c) Bill Beck

A couple of months have gone by since Felkerino and I started riding singles again on weekend rides, and I’ve since adjusted to and embraced my return to the single lifestyle.

The Rivendell Romulus is a beautiful bike, too. When I settle into the saddle and reach for the bars, my back stretches out happily and I feel at ease and confident.

I have total control of the bike, and don’t have to worry about synchronizing my movements with Felkerino (although he reported that we do stand simultaneously, even on single bikes). Steering, shifting, and braking are all in my hands now.

Weekend century on the Romulus (c) Felkerino

Pedaling away on the Romulus (c) Felkerino

Climbing hills is a treat, as it’s just me and my little single on the grade, as opposed to Felkerino and me hauling our cumulative weight. The Campy Ergo shifting is smooth, and comes in handy if I want to shift while standing. I do have to take the brunt of the cold, but I’ll take cold skin and watery eyes over back and shoulder pain any day.

With the exception of figuring out how to dig into my rear pockets and unwrap my food while wearing gloves, read a cue sheet, and keep the bike moving forward in a straight line all at the same time, I’m doing pretty well.

I can also see Felkerino’s face, as opposed to looking at his Camelbak all day. We can ride a few pedal strokes beside each other, or take turns being in front of each other. I find that a refreshing change.

Felkerino and the Atlantis

Felkerino and the Atlantis

When I ride tandem, it’s difficult for me to discern how much of my effort translates into the tandem’s movement. Riding a single bike gives me an opportunity to assess my conditioning and effort, as 100 percent of the bike’s forward momentum comes from my pedaling. I can see improvement in my leg strength and endurance over the last two years and that boosts my confidence as a rider.

(c) Felkerino

(c) Felkerino

I can’t wait for our new tandem to be built up and road ready, but in the meantime I’m reveling in the new-found freedom and routine of my single bike lifestyle.

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Posted in Cannondale, Co-Motion, Rando Reflections, Rivendell, Tandeming

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Grant Petersen’s Just Ride, the Rivendell Reader & an E-Less Stanza of “The Raven”

Posted on September 28, 2012 | 8 Comments

Grant Petersen, of Rivendell Bicycle Works, appeared at College Park Bicycles last night to talk about his book, Just Ride. I had a great time seeing familiar faces of the #BikeDC community AND meeting the man behind Rivendell Bicycles. Woo!

I won’t rehash the evening too much, as I think he covers much of the material he talked about with us in his book. 

Surprisingly, I found Grant to be quite gracious, friendly, and relaxed. I had worried that the opionated nature I saw in some of his writing might translate into a formidable bike guy. Not true. Thank you, Grant, for visiting our area AND for talking to me despite the fact that I was wearing Sidis!

After discussing the evolution of his book, themes Grant touched on included:

  • you don’t need special clothes for cycling,
  • ride a practical bike that’s comfortable,
  • you don’t need to use cycling as your primary form of exercise because you can get your heart rate up higher by doing other more vigorous activities for shorter periods of time than a bike ride takes,
  • bike advocacy is tough stuff (though he is not an expert in this area), and
  • cycling shouldn’t be approached as work. Rather, it’s something to enjoy. With friends, even.

At least, that is my abbreviated version of the evening’s topics.

Rivendells at Swings Coffee

Grant’s appearance reminded me of several Rivendell Readers back when he discussed the prevalence of the letter “e” in our vocabulary and invited people to submit e-less stanzas of Edgar Allen Poe’s poem, “The Raven.”

It sounded like a fun exercise and I sent in an e-less stanza I wrote. Mine did not make the cut of those that were published in the Rivendell Reader, but I did receive a nice Rivendell gift certificate that helped to offset the purchase of a Nitto Campee rack I bought from them.

Below is the original stanza (which is the third of “The Raven”) followed by my e-less version.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me– filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating,
‘Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door,
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door.
This it is, and nothing more.

E-Less Version

Tragic silky sighs from rustling curtains of dark orchid stain
Disturbing sounds do thrill my body with ’til now unknown fantastic horrors;
So that now, to halt such soul-dizzying strain, I stand continuously saying,
‘Tis a visitor wishing to pay a visit rap tap tapping at that room’s door
A nocturnal individual who prompts admission at that door;
This is all, and not a myriad of crazy thoughts that in my brain do war.

That was a fun activity. Not a bikey post, really, but certainly inspired by a bikey person.

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Bikes to Like: Kevin T.’s Rivendell Atlantis

Posted on November 21, 2011 | 4 Comments

Since we’ve been on the subject of randonneurs and coffeeneurs in Alaska, I thought I’d start out the week with a long overdue Bikes to Like, featuring my flickr friend and RBA of the Alaska Randonneurs, Kevin Turinsky. What kind of bike does this Alaska randonneur choose for the varied conditions Alaska offers? Read on and find out!

Kevin and Atlantis on an S240 (c) Kevin Turinsky

1. What kind of bike do you have?

A 2005 Rivendell Atlantis 61cm.

2. Where do you ride it?

I live and ride in and around Anchorage, Alaska. However, I’ve taken this bike all over Southcentral and Interior Alaska. We’ve got some beautiful roads up here. It’s been ridden down in Homer (the “End of the Road”), up in Denali National Park, and up around Delta Junction and Tok.

I use it as a road bike, primarily for commuting and riding brevets, but I also ride it as a mountain bike on the trails up here. I’ve even raced a full season of ‘cross with it, and I didn’t come in last!

It’s gone to Maui with me three times. I’ve put on a ton of kilometers there. The riding in Maui is just incredible. I couldn’t go back without the Atlantis.

3. What do you like about your bike?

I was really torn between getting a Rambouillet and the Atlantis. I’m glad I got the Atlantis.

What I like most about it is its versatility. I have three sets of wheels that totally change the personality of the Atlantis. I have my Velocity Synergys that I commute, mountain bike, and ‘cross with; Aeroheads for brevets; and SnowCats (44mm wide) for winter.

The Atlantis has an incredible amount of wheel clearance; it has super wide chainstays, and a big, tall fork. This alone lets me have one bike to do most everything with.

I don’t know of another conventional road-type bike that I could put SnowCat rims with 52mm WTB Nanos on and ride winter trails with. Granted, it’s not like riding a real Fatbike with 80mm rims, but it allows me a lot of winter riding! Packed trails are great!

I like that it’s stout too. This bike gets handled a lot. Initially I was afraid the tubes were too beefy. But this bike can handle being put in the back of a pickup with some saw horses, chainsaws, and crab pots and getting jostled around a bit.

The lovely Atlantis (c) Kevin Turinsky

4. If you had to describe your bike in one word, what would it be?

Eager.

5. Fenders or no fenders?

Oh, definitely fenders! I’m known for having a fender fetish. My roadie friends tease me about it. Fenders are critical here in Alaska. I went to school in Seattle and discovered their benefits there. I just use the plastic ones because I’m always changing my tire sizes and wheels.

Fenders are so key during brevets with hours of cold rain. They keep you so much cleaner and drier. I think you’re crazy to ride without them.

I do wish SKS made extra-long fenders. I noticed they have a new, longer set on the market now. But I’m experimenting with extending my own, a la zip-ties.

I don’t really use fenders in the winter, of course. However, I do put little sheets of Coroplast on the bottoms of my front and rear racks. The only time I’ve ridden without fenders is on Maui.

6. What is one of your favorite memories with this bicycle?

Late fall S24Os (sub-24-hour overnight) up in the Chugach Range behind Anchorage, not making the summit and riding home through the snow.

Summer beach riding camping trips down on the Kenai Peninsula along Cook Inlet with our daughter.

Pre-dawn starts from Haiku, Maui to Hana and back.

A brutal 400K, riding at night through howling wind and driving rain, exhausted, alone, and too afraid to stop and rest because I knew I’d die of hypothermia.

Atlantis and Cat in the Carradice (c) Kevin Turinsky

7. Does your bike have a name? If so, what is it?

Nope. We just refer to it as “The Atlantis”

8. What is your favorite accessory on your bike and why?

It’s a toss up between the Nelson Longflap, the Nitto front rack/basket combo, and the Crane bell.

If I had to have just one favorite, it would be the basket. It gets back to that versatility thing again. The basket is great for camping. It’s wonderful for commuting. It’s carried a lot of salmon. I put two rose bushes in it for Mother’s day.

Every bike in our family, including our tandem, has that rack/basket setup. Our daughter rides to piano lessons with her music in her basket. It’s also the best way to carry almost enough beer on a bike!

For brevets I just snip the zip-ties and put my Berthoud bag on.

“Tis the Season. Atlantis and the illuminated Front Basket (c) Kevin Turinsky

9. If your bike could talk, what is one thing it would say to you?

“Kev, you don’t ride enough! Get off that damn computer, do some wrenchin’, and let’s ride!”

10. What did I forget to ask that you want to tell me about your bike?

What kind of grease do you use? Phil.
What’s with that bar tape? Cinelli cork, double-wrapped.
Why do you ride a 61 when you could really be riding a 64? It’s much safer dismounting in soft snow from a 61.

Thanks so much for your insightful and entertaining post, Kevin. My husband loves his Atlantis, too, and it’s great to see how you make it a bike for so many things throughout the seasons.

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Quickbeam Single Speeding and its Pleasures

Posted on June 28, 2011 | 6 Comments

Quickbeam visits the White House

Lately I’ve been riding my Rivendell Quickbeam around. It started because my Surly got so dirty I just couldn’t take it anymore and I set it aside for a bath. Then I cleaned the Surly and now I still can’t ride it because it’s clean, and riding it will make it dirty again. And since Felkerino and are no longer dating and he is my real life spouse, I have to clean all my own bikes. Sigh. Life is rough.

I did not always ride single speed. I used to have an aluminum Specialized Langster fixed gear.

Have you ever ridden an aluminum fixed gear? Holy cow!

Every time I rode it over the city’s bumpy streets I was sure my teeth would all fall out. Also, even though I had brakes, I could never figure out the synergy or whatever is supposed to exist between you and your fixed gear bike. I just felt like I had no business being on the road with it. Riding fixed was just NOT for me.

Because the Langster’s ride was so rough, I sold it instead of setting it up with a freewheel, and put the money towards the purchase of a Rivendell Quickbeam.

The Quickbeam is one awesome bike for getting around town.

You’re riding that now?

First, I don’t have to worry about it getting dirty because it’s already dirty, although not to the point that I need to wash my hands every time I touch it.

It’s also a fairly springy steed, especially when compared to my Surly. (However, now that the Surly is clean, it is quite possible that it weighs a few pounds less and could be slightly springier than it was.) When I push on the Quickbeam’s pedals, it jumps. I like that feeling. It’s also a great fit. The saddle height, setback, and reach all feel perfect. Rivendell did a nice job with this bike.

The Quickbeam is good for danger pandas!

The Quickbeam is a simple riding experience. The gear ratio is 40:18. Do you know what that means? It means no commute racing! The mellow gearing eliminates my ability to even compete in those kinds of antics. Yes, I’m totally out of the running, which makes my commutes that much more serene.

In addition, I never have to think about shifting (sort of like stoking the tandem). I ride with the terrain and alter my pedaling accordingly. For riding around the city and gentle rollers, that suits me just fine.

Quickbeam visits the Lincoln Memorial

I will be back on the Surly, my go-to commuter, soon enough. In the meantime, the Quickbeam is a nice change of pace. It offers some simplicity and pleasurable riding amid the heat of the summer, the mobs of tourists, and crowded D.C. streets. And I don’t have to worry one bit about riding through a puddle or in the rain because, hey, it’s already dirty.

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Posted in Bikes to Like, Dining Room Bike Shop, Rivendell

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Bikes to Like: Russ’s Rivendell Custom

Posted on May 24, 2011 | 1 Comment

Russ and the Rivendell on the Korea Southern Beauty 600K (c) RUSTYCOOL7

Felkerino and I used to see Russ quite regularly on D.C. Randonneurs brevets. Russ is great riding company. He loves wool, flat pedals, steel bikes, and being outdoors. Also, he always seems totally relaxed when he’s on the bike.

Unfortunately, we don’t see Russ on D.C. Randonneurs rides anymore because he is now stationed in Korea. However, we keep virtual tabs on Russ and his bike via flickr. He’s still riding brevets, only now he does them with the Korea Randonneurs.

(Lothar Hennighausen, a D.C. Randonneur who travels frequently to Korea, started the Korea Randonneurs, and they now offer a full Super Randonneur series. Is that cool or what?)

When we first met Russ, he was riding a Surly Long Haul Trucker in Olive Green, and one day he turned up riding a knock-your-socks-off gorgeous Rivendell custom. There was a lot of ooohing and ahhhing that day. Read more about the bike and check out the pictures. I dare you not to oooh and awww.

Panda Shot on the Rivendell (c) RUSTYCOOL7

1. What kind of bike do you have?

I have a 2000 Rivendell custom that I acquired on eBay in 2007. It was custom built for a gentleman in Alaska who, unfortunately, died of a heart attack in 2007. His entire stable of bikes was auctioned by a professional seller. The bike came to me nicely equipped and as far as I could tell was seldom if ever ridden. The seller even included the original correspondence with Grant Peterson on the details of the build. So it is custom, but not to me.

2. Where do you ride it?

I am stationed in Waegwan, South Korea with the U.S. Army so I ride it only in Korea. Generally I use it for long distance randonneuring and touring.

Russ’s Custom Rivendell, pre-Ostrich bag (c) RUSTYCOOL7

3. What do you like about your bike?

I like that it’s heavy, strong, reliable, and yet graceful and beautiful.

4. Fenders or no fenders?

I do not understand why people ride bikes without fenders.

Rivendell, with fenders (c) RUSTYCOOL7

5. Does your bike have a name?

No, but it is female.

6. What is your favorite accessory on your bike and why?

My favorite accessory is the Ostrich bag because of the cool saying on it: “Excellent equipment of pack and carrying gear for all cyclists at heart. OSTRICH. The Big Bicycling.”

Close-up shot of the Ostrich bag (c) Felkerino

Thanks for sharing your gleaming Rivendell, Russ. I’m so glad you are able to ride brevets and complete a Super Randonneur series in Korea. Pretty cool.

Russ on the Eodu 400K in Korea (c) RUSTYCOOL7

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Bikes to Like: World’s Greatest Randonneur’s Sam Hillborne

Posted on April 13, 2011 | 4 Comments

Because I am surrounded by so much bicycling goodness, I’ve decided to run some Q&A posts on some of the bikes I’ve seen and admired in the D.C. randonneuring and commuting scene. The first post features the World’s Greatest Randonneur’s (WGR) bike.

WGR’s Hillborne

It’s a Sam Hillborne, from Rivendell. Here’s what WGR had to say when I asked him about his bike.

1. What kind of bike do you have?

I think a Samuel Hillborne, but next time I ride it I’ll make sure.

2. Where do you ride it?

Mostly in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Once a year it rolls into North Carolina, buts it’s dark and I don’t stay very long!

3. What do you like about your bike?

I can ride with fat tires and full fenders!!!

4. Fenders or no fenders?

If I didn’t have full fenders how would I express myself artistically with my rockin’ mudflaps?

(c) Bill Beck

(c) Bill Beck

(c) Bill Beck

(c) Bill Beck

5. Does your bike have name? If so, what is it?

My bike gets called names at times! Think of the 7 dirty words. But I’m starting to like Sammy. Ok, from now on I’ll call my bike Sammy.

6. What is your favorite accessory on your bike and why?

My Bell. I like to ring it after getting to the top of a long climb. It also reminds me of Susan, my significant other, since I stole the bell off her bicycle.

Riding the Hillborne

8. What did I forget to ask that you want to tell me about your bike?

Yeah, bike questions are boring! I always wished someone would ask me questions like: What is you favorite movie and why? Answer: Jaws. Captain Quint is my randonneuring hero. If someone is lucky enough to ride with me in the middle of the night on a 1200k, I will entertain them with some of the best lines from the movie. “We’re going to need a bigger boat!”

One last look at the Hillborne

Thanks, WGR!

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Missing the Bike and Thank You Notes: Quickbeam Edition

Posted on December 6, 2010 | Leave a comment

Before hitting the road to Florida, I participated in Lovely Bicycle’s “Thanking Your Bicycle” giveaway. She invited people to write a few lines thanking their bikes for all they do.

Cycling has become such a pivotal part of my life. It’s how I recreate, commute, shop, and maintain fitness. It was fun to take a few minutes to scrawl out some lines of gratitude. It also helped that I have spent three of the last four weeks sans bike. I’ve had plenty of time to yearn for my two-wheeled companions.

Quickbeam!

I wrote two thank-you notes. The first of these was to my Quickbeam, and I included it below. (Don’t tell the Surly Long Haul Trucker. I did not write it a note, even though I love it just as much, ok?! I just ran out of time.) I’ll post the second note later this week.

I never thought I would see my bicycles like living things, but now I see how this kind of bonding can happen. Each of my bikes has a distinct “personality,” excels at different aspects of bicycling, and helps me get around in myriad ways. Thanks, bikes!

My dear friend and companion Rivendell Quickbeam,

Thank you for riding through life with me.

Every time I make the first pedal stroke down my drive I sense our solid connection. My back, arms, and legs feel totally in sync with you.

You respond to my every need, zipping forward as I apply pressure, gently slowing as I apply the brakes to your rims. (I know you deserve better brakes; I promise to work on that next year.)

I revel in the way we manage traffic and commute together. You (and the Tubus) do such a fine job of hauling all my work clothing and necessities. I can even carry a pannier and ride no-handed. That’s awesome! I know sometimes I carry too much stuff and that bothers you, but you never get too cranky with me.

Your tires are the perfect width. We sail down Washington, D.C., roads without fear of cracks and small debris. On days when I feel like a getaway down the C&O Canal, you offer a smooth ride despite the hardpack and bumps.

I love that you have one gear; we have an uncomplicated life together.

Thank you, Quickbeam, for being so amazing. I know I never gave you another name, but Quickbeam fit you so well. I sometimes forget to share my feelings, but know that I always appreciate your steadiness, beauty, and simplicity.

We were made to ride together, and I am grateful I found you.

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Posted in Bikes to Like, Dining Room Bike Shop, Rivendell

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Devin’s Rivendell Quickbeam with the Double Top Tube

Posted on July 20, 2010 | 5 Comments

Every day I see a bike that attracts my attention.  If I can, I’ll try and take a photo of the bike or at least tell the rider, “Hey, I like your bike!”

Recently, Felkerino and I saw a bike that turned our heads so much we chased the rider down to find out more about it. We don’t normally chase down our fellow cyclists (so don’t be worried, fellow commuters!). However, when we saw this bicycle, we felt we had to seize the moment.

Devin’s Quickbeam at the White House Plaza. Note the double top tube!

While I took photos, Ed asked Devin the story behind his custom-painted 68cm Quickbeam. Apparently the frame had experienced a cracked bottom bracket shell, and he had returned the bike to Rivendell for repairs and a repaint. One of those repairs included adding another top tube to increase the stiffness of the bike. Isn’t it beautiful? I have a few additional pictures posted in my Rivendell flickr set.

Quickbeam, brass bell, and the Sackville bag

Thanks, Devin, for taking the time to talk with us about your Rivendell! It was a pleasure to see your bike out in the city.

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Posted in Bikes to Like, Rivendell

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