From the Rubbish Bin

My dad noticed this bike in a recycling dumpster and, having every right to take it out, he did. It's a Hawthorne 3-spd ("333" hub) from who-knows-when. The brand was sold at Montgomery-Ward department stores at one time. Dad thought it looked pretty good.

This is the second bike I've prettied-up with a 333 hub, so I was somewhat familiar with this level of quality (i.e. low.)  While the bike may not be suitable for someone of my size and willingness to sprint and jump curbs, this bicycle seems to have some life left as a quiet grocery hauler or a guest bike for my little sister.  After some adjustment, the hub still works fine (the entire right grip is the the shifter between L-N-H), but the brakes need newer pads, cables, and housing.  For less than $10 at 2nd Cycle, I should be able to put this bike safely back on the road. That's my meager shopping list taped to the stem.

I think my little sister is going to enjoy the narrow handlebars and sparkle vinyl saddle (not to mention the fact that the previous owner was likely a Muppet.)

Turkicanus Bicyclette in Tacoma

via LordRocktober

Podiumed

The Bone Collector Alley Cat race was awesome. I squeaked out a 3rd Place finish by 12 seconds. First time I've been on the podium EVER.

The Starting Line

Choose-Your-Own Course: my route was ~16 miles. 

There was a race official at every stop to punch your card and track your progress.

The Finish!

The Time Keeper

The Battle for Third!

I actually thought I had a good chance at winning, but the McKinley Hill at the end kicked my ass.  I wore Cho-Pat straps on both knees as this was the first time since I injured myself this summer where I was riding hard. I'm happy to report that I had no pain afterward. Woot!  More to follow on the injury recovery process...

Alley Cat Race This Saturday...in Tacoma!

Here is the good word from Lord Rocktober:

THE BONE COLLECTOR

ALLEY CAT RACE 2011

Saturday, October 15th

3:00pm - Registration

4:00pm - Race Starts

$5  -  entry fee

Meet up at: THE ACME GRUB CAGE TAVERN ::  Tacoma, WA

The race will be the stuff of legend...the winners elevated as immortals...uh....yeah...pretty much. Up for grabs is a badass trophy for 1st placed guy and girl! Prizes for top 3 finishers as well. Plus all the the street cred you can shovel into your little ego. Ready to throw it down? Strategy could be the winning ingredient over brut strength, plus there will be opportunities for time bonuses at many of the race checkpoints! Rain or dry we race – (We’re riding bikes...how crazy cool is that?!) 21+ and biking is at your own risk...so don't fall down yo! Spread the word!

TACOMA MOB RIDERS  —  We Own the Streets!!!

Fender Weather

It's pouring in Tacoma this morning, the first heavy rainfall of the new school year. If you're trying to figure out a way to keep your kids dry on their ride to school, look no further than an old campaign sign.  It's made from coroplast, a corrugated plastic, and it works great for making waterproof things like fenders.  I had to re-reuse the coroplast fender from our trail-a-bike to hack a front and rear fender for Gwen's 16" Schwinn.  Not my best ziptie creation, but it will do for now.  She was actually pretty stoked to have her bike look more like the grown-up bikes in our stable and asked that we also add a spokecard.  Anything to keep you riding, Kid!

Check out Kent's Bike Blog to witness a true coroplast master at work.