This weekend the weather was glorious.  Hard to believe since it is freezing outside again and predicting snow! J and I headed out on our bikes, his being new to him and the first time he has ridden in ~15 years!  We rode all over town, enjoying the sunshine and the city.  I think he did a damn good job and he seems to like it.  Another convert!

J and 'red', waiting on me to finish at the bank. Hotties!

What's a day without a cupcake from The Urban Standard?

...and a visit to Jones Valley Urban Farm?

J and the Rooster having some guy talk (the chickens were clucking away)

Graffiti and bikes make me happy

The end of a wonderful 2 days on the bike

Lots of things going down on March 6 in the ATL, so I thought I would give them a shout out.  Anna will be headed that way, but unfortunately I don’t think it is going to happen for me.  Booooo!!!

The kids in Atlanta know how to throw a race/party, so I can pretty much guarantee a good time.

After the race, head over for this killer bike Art Opening.  10% of proceeds benefitting Sopo, a Bici-Coop like bike shop (actually, it is our inspiration!)

Hey ladies!  If you’re anything like us, you’ve been drooling over all things Rapha since your pappa took your training wheels off.  Well finally they’ve gotten around to making a few wearables for our gender, and they’re up on the website now: Rapha Women’s!  The product list is slim – jersey, shorts, and a jacket - but I’m glad they’re taking their sumptuous design in a female direction, and I’m looking forward to future goodies they will produce.

This is the Stowaway Jacket.  I want.  The asymmetrical zipper positioning is nice.

Here’s a picture of women (yes! women! straight off the Rapha website!) wearing said jacket.  Ow Ow!

The main problem, which is a sore subject for all Rapha prodcut admierers regardless of gender, is that they’re fucking expensive as hell!  At $260, I shall not be purchasing this little gem any time soon, if ever.

So, Rapha, how about you make these about 1/3 of the price they are currently listed?  And send me one for free?  That would be greeeeeeeat.

The main lesson to take away from the 2nd Annual Heartbrakes Alley Cat benefiting Bici Cooperative is, if you don’t do Karaoke, you’re a pussy.

Well, ok maybe that’s a little harsh, but that’s what I think anyway.

The evening’s race participants traversed all manner of experience, gender, age, race, and regional loyalty (as well as one threesome), and it’s interesting to note that each race is marked by the significant number of new faces.  Which I think is great, because they all roll up to the finish line completely exhausted and by the end of the night can’t wait until the next race.

Stops included a dance competition and a fortune teller that had racers doing math problems, spelling derailleur, or generally making fools of themselves in front of strangers.  At one destination a shot called the “ashtray”, if taken, would give the racer a 4 minute time bonus.  When I questioned the racers afterward as to whether it was worth the terrible burning sensation, the responses were mixed.

Prizes went out to first, second, and third place, as well as first out of town team, first mixed gender team, first junior, and DFL.  Which means that most participants won something in the end. They liked that.

The after party consisted of ridiculous photo booth fun, dance party time with DJ Nastique, karaoke, and pie.  Oh the pie.  It was absolutely delicious and savored by all.  Especially considering the amazing group of people who brought it up from Greensboro, AL from their Pie Lab.  You should take a moment and check out what they’ve got going on over there; it’s inspiring to say the least.

The karaoke was of course fantastic.  Duets, medal renditions, and extreme tone deafness stand out as beautiful moments.

The beer was flowing, the company was wonderful, and I think it’s safe to say that good times were had by all.

One last thanks to all our sponsors and donators – we couldn’t have done it without you: Chrome, Knog, Rickshaw Bags, Good People Brewing, Higher Ground Roasters, Masi, T Photographic, DJ Nastique, Magic City Wholesale, and Pie Lab.

And, of course, Elisa and I were just fabulous.

I keep apologizing for slacking in writing, yet I keep not writing.  Oops.

It has been a cold, cold time here in Birmingham.  3 occasions of snow in the last week!  Oh, and I have had walking Pneumonia.  Good times.  I also moved successfully using panniers and friend’s trucks!  Here are some photos of our snow days. Enjoy.