May 5th is the Best Day

May is the month where there are so many bike events going on that there simply isn't enough of us to go around, both physically and mentally. In fact the pressure of hitting events, cranking out bikes, and doing our own riding has taken its toll on Kasy... 

Zzzzzzz

And Steve....

We don't let him sleep inside because he would snore the roof right off

This past weekend was fairly low-key-- I went to the New Amsterdam Bike show and Steve ogled Amish cargo bikes in Lancaster-- but NEXT WEEKEND.....

First thing on Saturday we'll be at the Trexlertown Swap Meet, selling Cool Stuff (Steve has an awesome and mobile Cool Stuff collection. It mobilizes itself right out of its crates and into everyone's personal space, so please buy as much Cool Stuff as possible). 

Every cyclist in Philadelphia goes here-- the streets empty completely on swap days.

Depending on van space, this might be your chance to acquire a giant, vintage, beautiful Sterling tandem:

The owner traded it in for a smaller, couplered Bilenky

So be there. 

THEN, hop in your overstuffed car and hare back to Philadelphia top speed for the BEST ALLEYCAT OF THE YEAR:

Seriously.

If last year was any indication, there will be a great rout, awesome activities at every checkpoint, many, many amazing prizes, and a delightful knowledge that your participation is benefitting Neighborhood Bike Works. Here is the website again.  

Even if you can't make the race, definitely be at the afterparty. Goldsprints, raffles, beers, and possibly a chance to see me dancing in public (no cameras, please). 

Oh, and we're donating a paintjob. It's for the kids!

If you feel like your Saturday is a bit under scheduled, you can always go to this in between the Swap and the Race:

I'm kind of stoked about this.

On Sunday? We'll be sleeping. 

See you all May 5th!

Isis

BCW

Spring Days

Good news! That longtail that got stolen in San Francisco has been reunited with its owner!

That's love, right there.

I'm going to try to get hold of Matt to find out the full story, it sounds epic. 

We got a woodchuck! He showed up in a box! 

8 cm seat tube, we are ON it.

He arrived just in time to embark on our epic spring camping trip-- we rode out to Evansburg State Forest on the treacherous trail of the Perkiomen (actually flat as a shovel, but that doesn't sound too macho). Here we are waiting for Steve: 

Must check the email one more time!

We couldn't have picked a lovelier spring day or better company. It was nice to see a ton of cyclists out on the trail, though not a Bilenky among them (come ON, local customers!) I was hoping for more photos of us looking adventurous, but most of them seem to be us eating or lounging. 

Guarding the B.O.B.

Elliot Faust on his first tour, facing off with the 'chuck.

Miles from civilization, Jake's right pedal decided to take off for greener pastures. He bravely muddled along on the stub until we found a bike shop in Collegeville. Steve was treated like the celebrity he is, of course, and Jake was rolling again in no time. Thanks, guys!

Collegeville Bike Sports-- Good dudes. 

Once we arrived at the campsite we found it crawling with boyscouts, who offered us large quantities of meat. They had thick central NY accents and were aggressively friendly. "This is what angels look like," said Jake. 

In the morning, Steve practiced his modeling skillz...

Ankles!

And the woodchuck ate all the sugar...

Bad dietary choices, chum.

And we looked at flowers...

Spring ephemerals everywhere!

So touring season has officially begun. Do YOU have your touring bike ready to go? BECAUSE YOU SHOULD. 

Ride safe, ride far, and don't forget your 'chuck.

Isis

BCW

OH! OH! PINK BILENKY HATS WILL BE AVAILABLE AGAIN NEXT WEEK! ORDER YOURS NOW!