Today whilst out and about, perusing the second hand wares of the local Goodwill, I spied a 20 inch for nothing that would be just about perfect for a kid I know. Only problem was, how to get it home. Fortunately, the xtracycle is proving to really be a primo design. With just a few clicks of some straps, the bike was on board and we were on our way. Easy Cheesy. It was a happy Friday find and more evidence of how useful the family wagon is.
September 4th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Pretty swank kids seat setup. I just trust that mine will hang on!
Good call on not running the Footsies. My daughter uses them to climb up, then puts her feet in the bags. She won’t let me ditch them. I always wind up pinning my feet under the things. They’ll break my ankle sooner or later.
I know it’s taken you a while to warm up to it, but when the website makes the seemingly bold claim that an XtraCycle will change your life, they really aren’t kidding. Not life changing like tireless quads, free beer, regrown hair and world peace, but lots of little things that add up. Like bringing home a few gallons of milk and a casebox on the bike. Taking the kids to school and soccer practice – books, balls and everything. Trips to Target and Trader Joes. Toting coolers of ice to the neighborhood crit. Stuff I always used the car for because it was just easier. Bustin’ out the big rig is just more fun.
September 4th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Every time I have tried to transport an additional bike home I get stopped by the cops and have to sit on the curb while the po-po runs the serial numbers to see if they are stolen. After the last GABA bike swap I had a frame strapped to my back and was holding a new mt. bike with my spare hand while on my old steely road bike. Ride through the U of A and next thing I know I am in handcuffs and being interrogated on where I stole the bikes. I guess I look like a methhead.
September 4th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
I agree about the change your life stuff. I knew I was going to like mine when I got it, but I had no idea how much I was going to like it. Funny you mention the thrift store. I spend way more time in thrift stores now that I know I can get whatever schwag I buy back home.
I have even carried a full-sized person and his bicycle on my Xtra-cycle when he flatted on a community bike ride.
September 4th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Remembering: Ernest H. Simpson, ‘The Bicycle Man’
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2009/09/remembering_ernest_h_simpson_t.html#more
September 5th, 2009 at 7:58 am
Bryant can’t drive, leave country
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2009/09/04/bryant-conditions.html
September 5th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Yo Ugly, since my kid is only 2, I bolted a 2″ strap and buckle setup on the snapdeck to use as a seat belt and it works like a charm, allowing me the peace of mind knowing that the boy wont inadvertently bounce or fall off.
Only issue is that crashing in any way is simply not an option; but it never was/is anyway with little man on board.
In comparison to The Bicycle Man, I have a growing collection of townies in the yard that I’m slowly piecing together for the same purpose of giving them away. It makes me feel pretty stoked to get townies rolling, and give them up to various folks here in Phlagstaff. Good times. If I could do it full time, that would be very cool. Such a simple and cheap thing – a townie. Everybody should have one.
September 5th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Hey Gnome, you can make a living doing it. I can give you all the pointers you need.. Making old bike new, and get them on the road again is a Great thing, and if it makes you happy, its the best investment a man can make. I was gonna do a small shop in Flag, as you know, but have moved the operation to Edinburgh. Its fun being youre own boss, and playing w/ old stuff. Im currently working on 4 diff. restoration projects. A 47 Flying Scot, a 52 Flying Scot, A 51 Bates “Cantiflx” and a 38 Claud Butler. And its better than Drugs…And I like Drugs. Flag could do w/ a second hand bike shop. So no more schooling, Get a small loan from??? rent a small shop/garage, and get to it….
September 6th, 2009 at 10:00 am
hi, nik. glad to read you’re still keeping it down. that rules. represent. bye, nik.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Nothing makes me happy like bikes begetting bikes. It’s like midget porn with bikes. Keep up the good work.
September 10th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Hey Gnome: r u going? http://www.gnome-fest.net/