I just realized I never posted my bike here. So here is my daily rider bike. A VooDoo Wanga frame with sliding dropouts and Shimano Alfine 8 speed internally geared hub. Nitto Dove bars, Axiom Champlain panniers, Tailwind front bags, Nashbar front rack, Brooks B67 antique brown saddle.

Ah how the tables have turned…

First: “wow!”. Second: “Its about damn time”. And to think, all it took was a little crunch on the ol’ wallet. Since March gas has really gone up too, would love to see the numbers now. Saw diesel at $5.05 yesterday, gas at $4.07. Here’s to $10 a gallon gas!

Source: Reuters
March driving down for 1st time since 1979: government

Two cyclists lane split heavy traffic in LA. Lane splitting in California is legal practice too

I like the cut of these guys’ jib (although I’m admittedly not fond of the full suspension). Katz Bikes is aiming to produce a maintenance free bike with a rather clever drivetrain system.

Came across this picture of a Suntour LePree rear derailleur with the odd configuration of 3 pulleys. What I have gathered is that the extra pulley allows for additional chain capacity and permits as large as a massive 42T rear cog. Pretty useful gadget for touring. The technology was developed in conjuction with Nishiki.

Finally got my hands on a cheap second hand trailer for hauling various items. Put it to use yesterday by hauling in 15 gallons of waste vegetable oil (for running in my diesel) and a house plant that was being thrown out behind the supermarket (I can save it!). The trailer actually worked out better than expected. Only problem for me was that my Voodoo frame has an incredibly short 16″ chainstay length so attaching the trailer hitch mount in its normal place was not possible; I had to instead attach it to a seatstay.

Another thing I discovered: cars give you a LOT of room when you have a trailer. Don’t know if they thought I had some kids in there or what but here’s some advice, if you want cars to keep their distance, always ride with a trailer.

(Excuse the craptastic cameraphone picture)