I was back in Minneapolis recently for work, and was lucky enough to hook up with Erik Noren of Peacock Groove again to ride one of his handmade bikes. On my last visit I saw a preview of a killer bike he was taking up to NHABS – the “Country Mile”. It was sparkly gold, built of some of the best components out there, and looked like a hell of a good time for any type of riding you wanted to do. According to Erik, he built the bike to go wherever the rider lead – hauling, road riding, touring, cyclocross, trails, you get the idea. Well, color me shocked when I walked in and he said I could borrow that one if I wanted. After much squeeing, I grabbed the beauty and rode away quickly before he could change his mind (but after he showed my how to use Campy).

I had so much fun riding that bike around the city. When I left his place I didn’t have much of a goal or direction other than to make it over to the Grease Rag that evening for their 2nd Tuesday night meet up. Last visit we ended up in a BLIZZARD and I bailed on most riding. This time it was chilly, but I was totally thrilled to ride on the trail and appreciate the city, the other riders, and how awesome it is to be in a bike friendly area. After stopping for a bite at a little cafe, I found the route over to Recovery Bikes, the Grease Rag host for the evening, to have a bike hang out with some chickies.

This is one of their newest meet ups, so there weren’t a lot of new visitors that needed help that evening. This allowed the regulars to do some of their own work, and it was so great to sit back and watch the ladies fix up their stuff like total pros. Low was performing some TLC on her winter bike, which had been stored up during the summer months. The other girls were doing things like truing wheels, changing to winter tires, and changing chain rings. Afterward we went out for a drink at a local bar and talked about all sorts of things while listening to the sultry sounds of karaoke singers.

Kat and I met up the next day for a ride and some lunch. We did a circuit around the city and it felt so so good. It had been a while since I just went on a ride just for the heck of it (cyclocross is taking over!). We stalked the above Peace Coffee guy for a little while so I could try and get a photo, and I think he got a little annoyed. Sorry dude! But, transporting coffee by bike? SO COOL!

I had so much fun on this trip hanging out and riding with some great women who ride in a great city. Whenever I leave bike friendly places like this, I leave knowing that the reason these cities are so great is because of the PEOPLE. People who stand up for what they want and, wonder of wonders, can actually get it! Go Minneapolis Go!

This weekend I was especially glad for Summertime. I spent pretty much the entire weekend outdoors and most of that on a bike.

Friday I went on a ride with Amos, a friend who is working on a Comprehensive Bike Plan for Bici Cooperative. We rode for 3 hours all over town documenting the bike lanes, the current conditions and roads that are good candidates for bike facilities.

That night I rode with a traveling companion to an art opening that was incredible and then the Magic City Brewfest where I enjoyed at least 30 tastings of beer. Riding a little drunk, while not legal or safe, can sometimes be really fun…especially when someone is riding along with you.

Saturday I rode to Urban Standard for a coffee aka Hangover cure and then got ready to hit the road to Huntsville where a bunch of us were riding in their alleycat. Due to some friendly rivalry, I let Anna and her riding buddy go ahead while I rode with the gang from Pie Lab. We took it easy, got lost for at least 5 miles and nearly got DFL (ok, one of us did and we all shared the prizes). Ross and Anna got 2nd and 3rd out of towner prizes! It was such a good time. On the way home all 6 of us jammed into one small Waffle House booth and bonded over hashbrowns and chocolate milk.

forgive the crappy iphone photos

Sunday I slept in, then headed to the Cahaba River, while Anna hit up the Bump and Grind Mountain Bike Race, where our friend Sam took first place. I stayed up much too late drinking beer, bbq’ing and talking with some lovely people. I even went into a tree house and accidentally touched a live snake.

Treehouse of horror!

With weekends like these, what is not to love?

This weekend was a glorious biking weekend!  The weather was warm (ok, hot) and the sun was shining.  I saw many people on the roads and bikes locked to racks.

Saturday a bunch of us took to the roads and headed to Greensboro, AL for a bike race.  Bike Lab, a project in conjunction with Pie Lab held a Barnraising race to get their shop ready.  Photos to come, but we had an amazing time!

kegs and bikes are like PB &J

mmm pie...good pre race meal!

Anna and I ready to kick ass! (she beat me by 2 min)

eating together after the race

Sunday was Anna’s Birthday extravaganza.  Pool, mimosas, sangria, brunch foods, bikes and friends.  The bikes sat by the pool alongside us. Later that day I rode to church in my baby blue linen pants and sandals and felt like a million bucks!  All the kids were shouting “Miss Elisa, Miss Elisa, I want to ride your bike!”.  One of the best things about riding to church is how all the kids relate to me based on the fact that we all love to ride bikes.  It truly does make you feel like a kid again

I think Freddy got a nice tan

How was your weekend?

Normally I borrow a truck for all the big stuff and then use my car to take boxes (I move a lot…hopefully that will change!), but with no car I am dependent on friends.  So far, I have had 3 offer to help me and lend me a car. The key to living successfully in Birmingham without a car is to have fantastic friends! and boy howdy, do I.  (yes, I just said “boy howdy”)

I will be documenting all of my moving adventures and posting them here. I am also going to be taking small trips on the bike with my bag packed.  I have until the end of the month to be out of my old place, so luckily I have a bit of time to work with.

Anyone have any tips?

*I know I could use a u-haul, but am trying not to have to go that route

Joshua, a cycling badass

I digress…

So, they have DUTCH BIKES!  In alabama.  Startling and wonderful, I know.  Last weekend as I was serving up coffee, J pulled up on his Azor.  Being the pushy friend that I am, I told him I would take it for a spin while he shopped.  Which I did.  Of course I loved loved loved it.  Here are some photos documenting my wonderful experience, as well as some showing what a badass J is with all the groceries he carried up the hill.  This hill is not to be fucked with.  It is intense and would kill a lesser man.

A bicycle for 2? Maybe not!

on second thought, maybe we should borrow it for a date!

test riding in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot...classy

makes it look easy

coming up: Kristin’s Oma and the Bakfiets!  Richman’s FTW

PieLab, an initiative of Project M, is focused on community development and engagement in Hale County, AL.

PieLab is a welcoming community space on Greensboro’s Main Street that provides delicious pie and coffee, as well as retail and hospitality job training for local youth through the YouthBuild Program. More than simply a pie shop, PieLab operates as a community design center focusing on community development projects and small business incubation in Greensboro and the surrounding five counties.

From their website, mmm.pielab.org

I walked in and noticed one thing: BIKES! They were all over the place. After talking a bit, they mentioned that they wanted to start a bike collective and needed some help. hurrah! We exchanged cards and ideas, ate some killer pie, visited a bit and then set out.

Dirt walls!

For the next hour we drove through Hale County to see the Rural Studio projects. It was inspiring, to say the least. Oh, did I mention that our tour guides were one past and one present Rural Studio students? Yeah, that was awesome.

Mason's bend Chapel project

After the car tour, we parked back at Pie Lab and 3 of us took our bikes and toured the buildings in Greensboro. It was a blast, seeing the inspiration and work of hope-filled, talented folks. If ever in Alabama, I highly suggest you check both out. A sweet, inspiring day spent with new and old friends. A good day.

Dash and Andrew in front of 2 of the 20K homes

Dog Pound Project

For the full set of photos, check it out here. Thanks to everyone at Pie Lab, Rural Studio and the awesome folks we let me tag along!