Erich Zechar @Erich@a2mi.social

For learning how to fix your own bike, Ann Arbor's own co-op, Common Cycle, is a fantastic resource. Open Sundays 11-3 at 416 W Huron.

Spent the morning volunteering as a mechanic for the first time.

Observations: if you get there at 11 it's pretty quiet. After 12:30 and you might have to wait.

Cool group of people there!

today's voicemail from the Red Cross was unexpected

summary of last night:

protected William st bike lane passes, Griswold opposing.

Sidewalks at Northside move to public hearing phase

yearly water rate increases approved 6-5

Lumm water rate restructuring denied 6-5

downzoning fails near Washtenaw dairy, succeeds in another neighborhood

scooters!

Mayor veto brings out political grandstanding

now if only it wasn't going to rain all darn week.

Part of the pleasure of this weekend's dirt road bike ride was the satisfaction of my new tubeless tire setup. My first time attempting tubeless and it went quite well, and I'm happy with the result - a full pound(!) lighter for each wheel.

I was going to pay the local bike shop to do it, but then I wouldn't be able to fix it in the future.

#diy

Also I hate bike shorts but what is the alternative? Maybe Yoga pants?

Had a great medium-length bike ride today. Learned a few things:

1) jeans not appropriate
2) dirt roads outside the city are great
3) There's a convent!
4) eating a full coney breakfast pre-ride? Not the best idea.

Thinking about mens fashion this weekend after that podcast. I'm really a shlub. I don't mind being a shlub, but would like to be a more fashionable shlub if that's a thing.

my problem is always that edge where fashion becomes costume. Would rather not veer into costume territory. I don't have the self confidence for that.

re all the Convo here on cargo bikes

I know a family locally who has the same one I use and love (mine pictured) who are selling theirs in the next month or so.

it's a Workcycles Kr8 with Bafang electric motor. I'd guess a price of about $2500 or less, which is about half what you'd pay new.

instead of buying a lifted Jeep, convertible, etc people will invest in their wardrobes

Listening to War on Cars podcast- interesting point re: city dwellers and fashion.

In suburban life much of our wealth and personal expression is tied into car ownership.

City dwellers tend to spend more on fashion for personal expression, as they are more visible outside their vehicles.

One of the coolest thing about the bike rally today was the variety of bikes now - 7 families on like 9 different bikes.

when we bought our Bakfiets about 4 years ago, there were really only two front loading options, and two longtails. And electric drives we're just beginning to be a thing.

E-cargo bikes are a revelation.

surprisingly good turnout at the family bike meetup today. I think we had 7 families maybe? And of course the sunshine was glorious.

any family/kid-centric bikers interested - group of us will be meeting at Island Park tomorrow to go for a ride to and around Gallup. Meet at 1130ish on the island.

@samfirke and @csalzman and anyone interested is welcome

Some friends are planning a family friendly bike ride this Saturday.

Meetup spot was chosen: the Diag at noon.

I can think of 420 reasons this is not a great plan!

Go Green/ Go White! I am beyond happy that MSU beat Duke.

Just a heads up to all youse woodworkers *cough @csalzman

This weekend is the last days for Fingerle. Might be some good deals left.

@samfirke it's an XS. 46-52CM.

@samfirke still need a helmet?

@csalzman how was the DIY exhaust job? My Volvo all of a sudden needs exhaust work. :(

fun fact: this computer cost $4300 new in 1989.