Spring Check Up

Just like many of us go to our doctors for an annual physicals, even if we don't feel sick, it is also a great idea to run your bike through a check up at the beginning of the riding season.

Many people take their bicycle to their local bike shop, or ask a more experienced rider to take a look at their bike. This may be the best solution for a beginner, but if you have been riding for awhile, it may be a good idea to try to learn a few of these skills for yourself.

There are many ways to pick up these skills (books, YouTube, websites, and friends) it can help you become a more comfortable rider if you don't have to worry about being stranded if you have a problem with your tires, chain or brakes.  While you may still want to have a professional look it over every now and the, we challenge you to learn at least one repair this May!

Farm and Country

I love these two photos. My guess are that they are from about the same era, but they are such a different feel. The first one looks like typical (or stereotypical) group of Okie Kids, while the second is a group of rather trendy girls more into sport riding. I think the thing that grabbed me about the set is that the girl holding the bike in the first picture, and the girl sitting on the top tube of the bike in the second have almost the same look of joy on their faces. Something about that made me all warm inside.

Early and Late

Maybe this is a little late stylistically, but I love the bow tie and the sweater vest!

On the other hand this may be a little early, but I do like the bike.

Just some pictures...

Kalamazoo Cycle Company

A few days ago I ran across an advertisement for a cool looking basket. After a closer inspection I noticed it was made by the Kalamazoo Cycle Company... this meant I had to find out more about this company and post it… Ironically at the very same time a group called Vanished from KalamazooCounty was posting a blurb about the Kalamazoo Cycle Company. I will let you jump over there to see a few pictures of the actual shop, and find out a little information about it, but here are a few pictures of some of the stuff they made.

Patent number: 558146

Filing date: Jan 9, 1893

What did they mean...

While looking for a picture for something complete different I ran across this  first picture…

I am not really sure what the people at Monarch Bicycles were thinking with this one, maybe, “Our bicycles will take you to wonderful places.” At first I actually thought the lion was eating her, but then realized that she almost looks like she is crying because she is leaving the king of beasts.  So my new guess is “Monarch, the Bike for girls with eye site like Mr Magoo, and serious beard fetishes”  (seems a little wordy)

This second picture also made me look twice. It is clearly trying to tell people that Peugeot Bicycles are light enough for a lady in heals to easily carry up a stairway.  My first thought was, “Why would you advertise that your bike breaks down so much you have to carry it?”

This last one, makes we wonder if they really tried to balance 16 men on the top of a bike. I mean either this a little bit of hyperbole or a safety issue. Either way, “Kids, don’t lie, or try this at home!”

National Bike Month

Hey everyone, May is National Bike Month! To celebrate The Alpena Tweed and Bike Club will try to have a bike related post every day this month! (Sorry in advance if they start getting a little shoddy around the 23^rd…)

What can you do to celebrate? Well here is a list:

1. Ride your bike!
2. Go on a bike ride!
3. … ummm
4. Maybe Click Here for some better ideas!

(Going for a ride is always a good idea)