Freddy Fenders

I recently decided to put fenders on my cyclo cross bike mainly because I enjoy the look of resentment from cross riders, but also to try to stay a little clean on my morning commute. Planet Bike made a fender called, Freddy Fenders, an excellent fender discontinued due to the fact that the former artist with the same name patended his name. I would have expected that from Cher but not the Texas Tornado. Anyway, the fender was awesome. I put it through some hell. I rode through dirty water, thick mud, loose mud, grass, everything. My shoes were a little messy, but from my ankle up was spotless. Great piece of gear. I recommend them highly. On fenders I say, don't skimp. Don't buy the crappy plastic ones that only cost $10 at the velo swap, splurge. This purchase will keep you on the road when others drive. That is the goal, right? To show up to that important tie wearing event on your bike, able to smuggly lock your bike next to the building. Slyly inserting into almost every conversation, "No, I didn't have any problem finding a parking place." Stupid motorists.

Meditations on Snow

Snowfall. It is like an old relative from childhood in so many ways. In the middle of summer, when you are farthest way from actually experiencing the uncomfortable presence of the second cousin season, you almost miss him. Usually on an uncomfortably hot day I will remember how good it feels to warm up after a long walk in the middle of winter. But then, as you are getting ready to head out the door for an early fall ride, he shows up at your door, ruining your chances of riding for a long time. Then he just will not leave. He borrows money, (heating bills), and he is always so damn depressing. It is like watching the parts of Everybody Loves Raymond that were left on the editing room floor…(I am implying that that show sucked and I would hate to see what didn’t make the cut.) Well, bring in your damn suitcase cousin. It looks like you plan on staying a while. But instead of crashing on my couch for a few month, he crashes in my ass. It really isn’t cool.