Wazygoose

Earlier this month, the girls and I rode down to King's Books to check out the Wazygoose letterpress and book arts fair. We met some local artists, tried our hand at a few antique printing presses, and watched giant posters get pressed by a steamroller. Jeff's Ice Cream was also there selling delicious made in Washington ice cream bars and spreading the good word about his ice cream bike mini-franchises.  A detour to the playground on the way home earned 100% kid approval.

Taking My Pro-Bicycle Agenda to Frost Park

The Frost Park Chalk-Off, held weekly during the Friday lunch hour in downtown Tacoma, seemed like a good place to ride on Earth Day.  Tula and I took the Xtracycle to Proctor for errands, then stopped by Defiance Bicycles, Tacoma's newest bike shop, on the way to Frost Park. 

It is a perfect day to be a riding a bicycle anywhere in Tacoma.  I'm looking forward to getting out again tonight for some 21+ biking action on the MOB Ride.

Do you like to ride bikes on Friday nights?

via LordRocktober

I bet you've been sitting around saying, "Man, those MOB Rides are always on Saturday nights. I'm always busy with [insert lame excuse] on Saturdays."

We'll see you on Friday.

For Sale: Our Beloved Bucket Bike

UPDATE: SOLD!!

There comes a time when you have to thin the herd. It's as Nature intended. And so, we are selling our Madsen Cycles kg271 Bucket Bike.

- 2005 Madsen Cycles kg271 with 8-speed gearing
- Bucket features 2 bench seats, seat buckles for 4 passengers
- Modular DIY rain cover with vinyl windows, Sunbrella fabric
- Upgraded front disc brake (Avid BB5)
- Velo Orange sprung leather saddle
- Schwalbe tires: Marathon front, Big Apple rear
- $800 for the whole kit and caboodle


Between the adjustable handlebar stem and the long seatpost, the bike can accommodate riders of nearly any height. I'm 5'11" and it fits me well with plenty of seatpost to spare.  The whole bike is weight rated to 600 pounds of payload (rider + cargo/passengers.)


We purchased the bike two years ago and are the original owners.  You can see more pictures of the bike in action here.  The bike is currently located in Tacoma, but delivery to the Seattle area can be arranged.  


Email your inquiries to matt[d0t]newport at gmail or post in the comments. Thanks!

UPDATE: SOLD!!

My Commitment to Courage Classic

I recently committed to riding the 20th Annual Courage Classic Bicycle Tour, a fundraising bike ride covering three mountain passes over three days. I've done this ride three time before, always with at least 18 gears to help me comfortably climb to the top of each pass then cruise down the other side at top speed.

This year, I am also committing, here and now, to ride the whole 173 mile course on my single-speed city bike.

Why am I making this commitment? Because the more I think about the staff at the Mary Bridge Child Abuse Intervention Department, and the commitment that they make every day to help children that have been sexually abused, maltreated, or neglected, the more I feel a responsibility to step-up my effort to raise money for this great cause.

Basically, I am now committed to making this ride tougher for me so that you will commit a few more dollars to support the kids that need our help.  Together, we're making a commitment to Stop the Cycle of Child Abuse.

My fundraising goal this year is $5,000.  And since April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, I will also personally match each donation made this month by 10% (e.g. you donate $100, I donate $10), until I reach my goal.

Please make a commitment, too. DONATE HERE.

Many thanks,

Matt Newport

#30DaysofBiking

I was inspired by Kent and Melanie to participate in #30daysofbiking. I'm off-pace to meet my 2011 miles in 2011 goal, so hopefully this will get me back on track and help me commit to riding bikes on days when I have to drive cars for work.

I'll tweet daily about my rides and maybe share a photo or two. This was from Day 2, an Xtracycle trip to watch the Jr. Daffodil Parade with my kids.