Tom Tom

In previous posts, I have made mention to a friend and former co-worker of mine named Tom. Tom is a great guy, extremely creative, funny and has a huge enthusiasm for all things cycling. He is responsible for the manifesto design and the 'NDJR' logo you see on the banner.

It should then come as so surprise that he will be joining in on all the No Drive fun. Bringing his insight, thoughts, and observations to the No Drive blog.

Enjoy but be kind. He's a youngin'.

If you read the blog...

On Facebook? Read the blog? Let's be friends. Follow the arrow.

The new Rig.

So I did it.

I got a cross bike, A 2006 Cannondale Cyclocross Optimo 3. Since switching over to the new shop, this bike had caught my eye and seemed to be the right fit for what my needs/wants were for a TransIowa bike and whatever else I decide to throw at it. This time, unlike with my old Poprad, I went the 'traditional' route in sizing a CX bike. I went with a 56.

I have already changed out the seat to a B17 and re-wrapped the handlebars with the tan tape for a little sweetness.
The overall fit of the bike seems to be dialed, some minor adjustments with the stem length and handlebar placement and I'm off. The only thing I might debate changing is the crank, but that is a long time coming and right now would be more to have a full Shimano drivetrain than anything else.

Now that I have the bike, I just need to decide if I'm going to a Kisscross event this Sunday.

Manifesto

Now. I highly recommend that you click on the 'manifesto' above to get clear understanding of what I'm writing about tonight. You might have noticed this little icon on the right side of the page for some time, hardly readable [somewhat intentionally so...]. This came out of a little brainstorming between myself and Tom. Tom, a college student, former co-worker, hipster to some, ladies man to others, all around great guy, was telling me about a discussion he and his roommate were having about this idea of 'no drive, just ride.' and they jokingly started talking about a rant or manifesto talking about this. Now, don't hold me that what I just wrote as being the whole story; what I do know is that we [Tom and I] were talking about this and later that night I emailed Tom my thoughts. With some correction of my poor English and grammar, Tom through this all together.

I think it's good, maybe should be a t-shirt.

*Note: I just realized that there are some grammatical errors in the 'manifesto'. This soon will be corrected.

Looky Looky.

Well, today was a good day. Besides a day long rain storm, I was able to get breakfast with a friend, spend some time at Barnes and Noble just catching up on a bunch of random partial reads of books that seemed interesting and then I get to work and receive this in the mail...

That's right folks, it's the Team Edition BD2 by Ergon. I had recently decided that an Ergon bag was going to be the best choice for Trans Iowa this May and looked into getting one. Needless to say after a few brief emails I was able to get my hands on one. I can't expresss how excited I am to finally get my hands on one, to try one out in 'real' urban conditions all in preperation for May 2 and 3.

I can't say it was really an easy decision for me to go backpack since I've run a messenger bag for years, after hearing the praises from folks who shoot it straight when it comes to these things, I'm excited to see what it can handle and do. This is actually one of the first items, bicycling related or other, that I felt the need to read the instructions and get the bag dialed to me especially given that Ergon puts so much weight into there ergonomic specific design. Easy to read, easy to adjust, it was ready in no time. Now just for some ride time with it. Which will come Monday at the latest given that I'm traveling with my parents to Youngstown State for their game against Northern Iowa.

It'll be good to see how the BD2 holds up for commuting. Plenty of posts to follow on that topic.

What was learned today.

Today was really just another day. A few big things of note... I now am in possession of the rig I'll be using for Trans Iowa this May. Yes, this is a big thing, but as what I do I'm changing a few things on it and next week pictures and thoughts of what this new rig will be or is. Secondly, I learned a lot today about the screen printing process. I've got some dreams for where NDJR might go and today was one very small step, actually more of a half step. But unfortunately a few things had to go back to the drawing board to make this next step launch properly. Watch out, more to come!

Yep. Just a teaser for now.

Pay it forward.

If you're at all close to me, you might already know this... and yes, I do to find it mildly difficult to talk about it because I don't like making a big deal about it. But when I have friends who I am very close and care about, I often to whatever I can to show them a little love. Bottke would be one of those people, much like a brother I often forget that he is a few years younger than me. There is just a massive amount of respect I have for him, the way he lives his life, the intentionality of even the words he uses. There is just so much I could go on saying. Let's just there is a bit of 'Guy Love'...



Anyways. The picture at the top is of Summer, Brian's lovely wife and their new Xtracycle. They've been talking for a few months about getting one but didn't have a frame for it to go on. Fortunately, I was in a position where I could share the love, if you will, and hook him up with a frame. That's right, it's the old 1x1 frame... the frame that's made it around Europa [Vance to Carl to Kerkove to Me to now B.]. I don't how many frames and/or bikes that have made it's way to B. but each have always been given with the stipulation that if you decide to get rid of one you must spread to love and pass it on. I do believe that one single speed is in Chicago now, via the Twin Cities, and another is making it's way around the Cedar Valley.

So I guess tonight, I'm writing to say... Share the love.