34x18

Rasenmäher

2011-12-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

We are selling off this Rasenmäher ridden by Henri Lesewitz at this year's Critical Dirt Cyclocross stage race. The Rasenmäher frameset features oversized Columbus Life tubing, 44mm headtube with a tapered carbon 3T disc cross fork. The build is solid with SRAM Force, Chris King, Thomson & 3T. The bike is very clean and in excellent condition.

Geometry
TT - 55
ST - 53
HT - 135
CS - 425
BB Drop - 67
HT Angle - 72
ST Angle - 73.5

Rasenmäher CX Disc / 3T Luteus Fork
Chris King ISO (Brown)/ NoTubes Crest29 Wheelset by Lightwolf
SRAM Force Group/ Rival OCT Cross Cranks & BB7 Brakes
Chris King Inset Tapered - Brown
Chris King SRAM BB - Brown
3T Ergoterra CX handlebar
Thomson X4 Stem
Thomson Masterpiece Seatpost
Clement PDX Crosscrusade Tires
Fizik Tundra2 Seat
Parlee Carbon Derailleur Clamp
POP Titanium Quickrelease

Price - 2995 EUR

Inquiries - info(at)cremacycles.com

Crosstivus

2011-12-03T05:47:00.000-08:00

This time of the year always presents a paradox. Cyclocross is in full swing, the muddy, gnarly (not too mention) fun part of the season, while it also is a season for hunkering down to enjoy some good homemade, slowfood, seemingly trying to put on a nice layer of pre-winter insulation. Then there is the anticipation of the ensuing snow season and all of its sweet winter sport treats. Ah the torture...

Some good friends of mine in the eastern part of Germany have embraced the season are are combining a couple of my favorite aspects of the season to create some really cool events. If you happen to be in or near Leipzig, then I would implore you to check out Winter Radale. A crosstivus of special sorts with a grassroots cross race followed by good food, drinks and healthy helping of some the of nicest people I have had the pleasure of being around. Here is a teaser:

another event deserving of a visit is the Glühweinrennen in Dresden. 4 EUR, a helmet, a mug (you'll need it if you want some spiced hot red wine) and costume get you in for what is sure to be a good time. Need proof?

Last but least are the CX Single Speed Italian Championships put on by the single speed mafia and Biciclista. This one is for a not to miss (unless your name is Julie or Chris - in which case you might be held down and branded...)

http://loslobos06.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/events/132469646863604/

Besides great racing, food and prizes, there is a contest for the "Best Single Speed Crosser", make sure to bring your Blingle-speed because you will be going up some seriously stylish Italians!

Go!

2011-11-02T01:58:00.000-07:00

Started off the Cross racing season for myself this past weekend with the Bavarian CX Championships in Mindelheim on what was more an XC than a CX course. Dominated by a splintered climb to the top of a hill, the course had quite a bit elevation gain in it with a fast downhill that was singletrack at the top before opening up onto an open green field for the rest of the descent. All in all the course was boring, too bad because they could have laid out a much nicer course given the terrain they had to work with...

For me I was just trying to ease myself into the pain-cave for the first time this season. With a strong field on hand, my goal was mid-pack to kick start things. Starting from the back, I picked a few off in the super loose first few gravel corners, then had to dismount the only time over the double barriers since everyone else was fumbling just to get through them. The best came when we hit the fly over the first time, couple people got tangled go up the ramp and with out carpet or some sort of texture, the ramp face became a slide for those with not enough momentum to make it up. Seeing a hole on the very left side I dismounted at the bottom, grabbed the railing and dashed up the side before remounting at the top. That was another few spots in the plus.

From there I just put down the hammer and tried to make steady gains with out blowing myself up. In the end I landed just outside the top 10 with an 11th, a respectable result to start the season. One thing that I enjoyed a lot was disc brakes, given the speed and length of the descent, I was able to descend faster than the others with my extra stopping power.

This weekend we have a double header on tap, Mannheim and Lorsch. Mannheim will be a mere tune up for Lorsch, but I still have a ways to go fitness wise to be able to ride with the front guys. Will have to look at races further down the road to be in the mix up front...

Afterglow

2011-10-27T01:17:00.000-07:00

it was the perfect weekend. cool, clear and crisp autumn air, gathering of like minded souls and golden fall foliage pitted against a storybook Alpen backdrop.

Thanks to everyone who made the journey and shared in a memorable weekend with us!

Crosstoberfest Flickr page

Photos: Gerrit, Martino, Michalis, Dirk & Ulf

In case you forgot how to...

2011-10-27T01:04:00.001-07:00

Crosstoberfest

2011-10-14T01:22:00.000-07:00

a weekend dedicated to cyclocross...

www.cremacross.com

CD 2011

2011-10-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Part of me was at the 2011 edition of Critical Dirt, a hardcore 'cross stage race across former Eastern Germany, 480+ kilometers of body punishing roads, forest trails and other obscure pathways that the Harry Otter Punk Society cooked up over four days. In my absence we still fielded two of our CremaCycles Rasenmähers piloted by two of our good friends, Henri Lesewitz and Stephan Geiss. Henri will be doing a write up on the bike in an upcoming issue of Tour Magazin here in Germany, Stephan will spread the Crema love via ProCycling. Stephan also became our one-man team for Biciclista and CremaCycles and did a stand up job in the process with a 4th, 1st, 2nd and 2nd place on all four stages and being a contender for the overall. Our buddy Benno from Switzerland rightfully nabbed the overall from Stephan, but both came away with mutual respect and best of all fond memories from their experience.

Big Thank You to Stephan for representing! Here are some snapshots from his journey, we will post more photos and links as they come available.

Barista

2011-09-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

Chris King paid us a visit during EuroBike. Check it out here

2011-07-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

just a year ago a group of 80-some riders rode across sun-scorched roads, gravel, cobbles and other un imaginable pathways as part of a 4 stage cross race from Dresden to Leipzig. It would be one of the most memorable events I have had the privilege to take part in. This year Critical Dirt will play host to another cyclocross stage race, this time 4 days and 500kms... Sure to be a memorable one!

Freshly Brewed Goodness

2011-06-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

Freiburg retrospec

2011-05-26T23:56:00.000-07:00

STXC Freiburg

2011-05-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

STXC racing has a appeal for its simplicity. Not just for the format, but the courses you can create out of simple layouts. Freiburg provided us with a great venue to put a super rad event - part dirt jump park & part crit. This combo made for some fast paced, 'man did I just pull that double?', elbow on elbow racing. What looked like an event tailored to the dirt riders (they did dominate the qualies with each of the 3 heats being won by a dirt jumper), turned out to be a battle field that saw the XC guys with skills come back late in the game to take the win. Stephan Geiss beat out series leader Arne Thoma for the win (taking home a starting spot in this year's edition of the Critical Dirt). 3 races thus far - 3 winners. The table is set for Willingen - another bmx-style course for what is sure to be a sweet weekend of racing! David G & I will line for the STXC - while David & Basti will rock the enduro. Ouch!

In the meantime here are some pics from this past weekend:

11XC004

2011-04-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

It is not the first CremaCycles frame that we built, but it is the first to be ridden. This sweet pearl-white 29er went to a good friend in Colorado and is now on tour through the southwest part of the US riding various single tracks during Mike & Soph's spring break. Soph was in the need of a new bike to replace her old Litespeed soft-tail so I was stoked when she let me build a 29er for her and even more glad to hear that she loves it! Thanks Mike & Soph - looking forward to hearing about you adventures from the road! And good luck on the expansion of Aemono (great local food spot in Telluride).

Re-Cycled

2011-04-20T23:24:00.000-07:00

we are rapidly approaching our first Freiburg Collective show, and things have come together nicely. Still plenty to do, but things look good. A nice, and I feel very fitting addition, to the weekend is the Fahrstil Classic MTB Ride, a mountain bike ride on vintage mountain bikes from Freiburg to Kirchzarten, site of the 1995 World Mountain Bike Championships, which I happened to be at with my buddy DG. He had his YoEddy and me with my Brodie Expresso milling around the living legends of the sport. Besides taking in the races, we hung out with guys like Brian Lopes, Mike King, H-Ball, Frischi and others. It was all so accessible and laid back - the same atmosphere we wish to instill for the FC.

We love classic mtbs too, they are not only asthetically appealing, the are the renaissance of mountain biking when designs were clean and simple. The parts were mostly machined, rough and industrial yet still beautiful and elegant. They oozed style.

But what old is new again. Looking and the handbuilt sector there is a number of companies with healthy demand and production schedules, and niche's like cross and 29er's keep ferrous metals in demand. We have been building not only what I would consider modern, high-performing machines for customers (ie SSR road bikes and Ti 29ers with Lefty's), but have done (with more in the que) more classic style bikes with a modern flair. Take this Deluxe 29er for instance. A classic frame and fork of steel transformed into a more modern 29er, relaxed geometry accompanied by a parts list that reads like it is from the golden era of mtbing - Avid, Chris King, Paul, Phil Wood, King Cage...yet all of which are modern, finely machined and precise component choices. Mix in some new names like Enve, Fizik and you have a stealthy modern classic.

we are looking forward to building more rides like these while also pushing the perceptions of what was previously thought possible. Our customers challenge us to create dream rides and the companies we have the pleasure of working with help us in this endeavor. The Freiburg Collective will show what other builders are coming up with in the department of dreambikes, we are looking forward to all of the inspiration and stoke on hand!

Lines

2011-04-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

One of the things I have always loved about racing, all forms of racing is line selection. The search for the perfect line. It is an experimentation that starts when reconing the course and continues through to polishing the lines out during the race. Each lap is cleaner than the last, you are faster and feel more on top of it. And when you have the course dialed, it is such an awesome feeling, flowing around the course with ease.

We were given a challenge this past weekend to build our short track on what seemed to be less than average facilities. Basti & I ended up putting together a really nice 3 min lap that had super tight turns, a couple dismounts, a difficult and tight maze through a stand of trees and topped off with a spiral thru some very loose gravel. So finding the fastest line was a process of trial and error. Already when warming up I was experimenting with the various lines, first inside then outside and trying all variations in between.

First and foremost I was proud to have been able to stoke people with the course we laid out, second I was amped to get to actually race it and ride with others trying to rally the ideal line. In my warm up I was able to pull the nose wheelie into the trees (which was the key of nailing the hairpin without dabbing), but was unable to do the same in the race. Next time. There was so much to enjoy on around the course, but the sweeping high speed corners were so sick. Full speed leaning the corners was a blast. It is amazing how fast you can take some of these corners.

Looking forward to more races and dialing in the perfect line this season.

Happenings

2011-03-27T04:27:00.000-07:00

As CremaCycles rolls on for 2011, we have a lot happening to include our own Short Track Series that has started to take on a life of its own. Originally we had planned four events, then Bike Magazin came along and asked us to add a fifth at their Bike Festival in Willingen, of course we couldn't rufuse. This coming weekend is the second round of the series at FeldTest in Leipzig. Good reason for me to go an visit one of my favorite cities in Europe, not too mention we will be demoing some of our IF's up there.

We have set up a 'micro-site' around the series and for future events, CremaCross has all of the info one needs to get in on the STXC 2011 and be looking for more events in the future!

Another event we are helping put on is the Freiburg Collective on May 7 & 8 in the southern part of Germany. It will be an outdoor exhibition focusing on handmade bike, components and apparel. The will be a myriad of activities and events surrounding this great weekend in the Black Forest to include demos, Rapha Road Ride, guided mountainbike rides, evening exhibition and of course our Short Track race - which may be the most challenging of the series. We will also be giving away a coveted start place to this year's Critical Dirt stage race.

Besides putting on our own events we will be hitting several other festivals, races, events and shows this year.

Bavarian Riviera

2011-03-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

Cross bike out the door from my house, over picturesque farm roads, through villages being drenched by sunshine - ah, spring! Rolled over the foothills to the Alps, the hills were glowing an emerald green, before beginning my ascent up the Vilstal direction Tannheimer Tal. The climb was playful full of short sharp ascent and descents, winding with the river through the valley, gaining overall altitude at a conservative pace. In the shadows it was moist to where the cross tires sounded like tearing velcro, and even met some snow along the way. On my final ascent I was met by a nearly 1km long snow field, partly rideable the other part requiring 'cross shoulder carry. Up the last steep pitch was a fight against gravity, mud and snow. Once over the top, an aw-inspiring snow covered Alp panorama greeted me as the warmth of the sun was my companion rolling down the other side into the valley of Tannheim. Scurrying along the valley floor, my bike was aimed towards Graen, a light ascent the whole way, the back roads sometimes were covered by the remains of a nordic season that has slowly disappeared. I even road a section of groomed trail that was somewhere between ice and a slush cone, a section on which I could actually get really motoring down. In Graen, made left and turned back towards Germany, as fast mountain road descent that sent spray up from the occassional snow melt streams that criss-crossed the road way.

Back in the Freistaat, I started exploring new back roads weaving together a sweet rolling route of pave, gravel and even double track through the fields back to Fuessen.

Yes it was a good day.

Annette's SSR & Paul's Ti Deluxe

2011-03-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

Here is our most recent builds, the first an amazing looking SSR for one of our lady customers. Rapha inspired paint, Enve road fork, Campa SR11, Lightweight wheels, Thomson stem and post make for the perfect accessories to the Columbus XCr frame.

Next up is Paul's Ti Deluxe, a solid mix of SRAM XO, Fox Talas, Chris King, Thomson and a custom Ti bar.

This Ti Deluxe is so svelt with the polished logos, blasted finish and nice blue highlights courtesy the King, Nokon, crankbrothers and Fox anno bits. The Fox Talas provides some versatility to the ride, 90 mm for around Paul's home in Belgium and a full 120mm for when he hits the Alps in the summer.

Thanks guys, enjoy your rides!

Groove

2011-03-16T00:24:00.001-07:00

Mother King

2011-03-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

Now Serving

2011-03-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

After a solid winter of snow, skiing and playing I am ready for a small sampling of spring followed up by a healthy course of summer. My recent trip to NAHBS in Austin only furthered my hunger for a warmer climate change, as I basked in the warm sun while soaking in mid-70's temps. It was a feast for the eyes and soul what all of the frame builders there were dishing out. Anyone who believes that handmade bikes are lagging in technical advances need not look further than what was on display in Austin. A broad swath of builders were showing off all sorts of ideas: integrated headsets, internal routing (even disc brake routing), disc brake cross bikes, mixing of materials and advancement of materials - it was all there. No doubt why some of the bigger companies like Mavic, Easton, Enve had booths there and why I saw reps from many other big names roaming the show as well.

Part of my mission was to introduce 3T to the world of frame building and to show off some products I have been helping them with. We were showing builders the new disc-cross fork and the new Ergoterra cross specific bar, talked about the new 29er fork along with many other of 3T's vast offerings.

Back home I was quickly getting ready for the following weekend in Berlin, our first show of the season and the first stop on the STXC series. The show was a big success, lots of visitors, interest in Crema & IF. We showed off some new wears we did with Biciclista, soon available in our online shop.

The short track was very well received as we had a very cool and funky indoor/ outdoor track in Berlin. Riders started in the show halls rode outdoors through some whoops, some dirt ups and downs, then back inside for a trip down some stairs, through the halls around an indoor pump track to complete the lap. SofaKing (aka Arne Thoma) rocked the field fresh off winning the CCC Dresden Cross Cup to take the win with Stefan Geiss (Nicolai) and Stijn (Stijn Cycles) in tow.

We served up some of our great espresso all weekend over conversations of the coming year. Everyone is definitely ready for more, I say serve it up!

Ready, set, GO!

2011-01-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

vorfreude

2011-01-14T22:52:00.000-08:00

our friends over at Orme will be releasing a photo book of the 2010/11 cyclocross season in Italy. It will features photos and words from the Single Speed cyclocross series which we unfortunately were unable to take part in... With the rest of you we will have to wait for the book to be released to experience the series in full-four color glory. Until then I leave you with some really dirty bike porn...

photo: Orme.tv

G-Rover

2011-01-08T22:34:00.000-08:00

through the eyes of G-Rover as shown by velogogo

National Championships

2011-01-07T03:49:00.000-08:00

this weekend there are some important titles on the line, title to decide who will have the honor to wear their national colors for the next twelve months as cyclcross champions of their nation. But one title has already been given, no I am not talking about the US title, this is something far more important (sorry Todd). Yesterday under grey skies and muddy conditions - ideal for 'cross - the Single Speed Italian Championships took place in Rockville. Reports are just now trickling in (probably due to the large consumption of alcohol following the race) but it seems good times were had by all in attendance.

Here are some images from the race (top 2 photos - our main man Martin from ertzui film/ 3 photo Luca Bassi took 3rd/ bottom photo the aftermath - photos courtsey OrmeTV):

This way to report and photos

turning it up a notch

2011-01-06T07:08:00.000-08:00

Shortly after my last cx race back in November I turned my bike in for boards - both single and double planks. This winter has been good, really good. Some nice snowboard powder days in Austria, cruising the groomers from my front door on the skate skis and getting back into telemark skiing. Beside my aspirations in some upcoming nordic events, laying some solid base and body work for the ensuing cycling season.

Occassionally I throw a leg over the trainer to spin the legs out but pretty much saving for the snow these days.

The boys up in one of my favorite parts of the world, Dresden will be throwing it down middle of this month at the Goldsprint Massacre II Those looking to prove their bravado will have some stiff competition and surely a good time waiting to be had.

When: 15.01.2011
Registration 14 Uhr
Start 16 Uhr
Where: ALTES WETTBÜRO DRESDEN, Antonstrasse 8 – 01097 Dresden

We are a proud supporter of this event and look forward to seeing and hearing about the after math.

Speaking of aftermath, the Italian's are have their own version of mud-wrestling to crown the single speed cx champion. Our own Luca Bassi is flying the Crema colors in his campaign to be king of the mud hole on top of Spiedo's IF PX. Make us proud Luke!

Luke stylin' our skinsuit. We will be showing off our new teamkit very soon along with some other goodies...

Stay tuned and enjoy the ride!

2011

2010-12-30T10:14:00.000-08:00

We're ready - r u?

Season's Greetings

2010-12-20T22:46:00.000-08:00

2010 was a good year for sure, but not one without its challenges and ups & downs. Our business was re-born as CremaCycles and with that a wave of positive change that we are still riding out. We took part in some great events, the pinnacle being Critical Dirt and formed some lasting friendships and partnerships along the way. Personally I found my way back to racing, something I am very much looking forward going after with even more ernst in 2011. Injury & illness were un-welcomed passengers in 2010 - hoping to find means of mitigating those for 2011.

We are fortunate to be in this industry and living the life we lead. It is a pleasure to share in our passions with so many like minded souls and to actively engage the next generation, getting them equally as stoked on our outdoor lifestyle.

Thanks to all of you that have shared in our journey thus far and contributed to our success - too many to mention here (I would pretty much have to upload my whole contact database and insert them all here...) but you know who you are. Thanks to those who put forth the effort to make our activities better through advocacy & volunteer work, sponsorship, organization and participation at events. And thanks to those who keep the stoke going...we look forward to hearing and seeing more from your endeavors.

2011 looks very promising full of challenges, changes and new ideas - we can't wait.
Thanks & wish you all of healthy & happy Holiday Season and 2011!

Ti Amo

2010-11-29T05:48:00.000-08:00

Our good friends down in Italy have been up to it again, a full-on single speed cyclocross series where the name of the game is fun! Not too mention some serious racing in the mud. Stefano Spedini, the godfather of the one-geared mafiaoza in our southern neighboring land, also happens to be the kingpin and mastermind behind this series. Speedo also happens to be a proud IF owner and founder of some of the finest threads out of Italy.

SSCXIC

Vaihingen CX

2010-11-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

Don't know when it happened, but it did. I am a changed rider. My M.O. was always to go out fast and try to hang on to it. Sometimes it worked, sometimes not. A few times earlier on I sat in and waited to see how the race would unfold - those turned out to be some of my most memorable days on a bike.

A couple years out of the game, riding for pleasure and running business, I find myself slowly making the foray back into competitive cycling at a higher level. But this time around my perspective is different, I feel more secure in what I am doing. Not that I am confident or think I will succeed, but I am OK if it doesn't happen and with that come some inner tranquility. Also I feel a mature strength and confidence in my riding skill that wasn't there before. I am a stronger all-around rider than I was before - not as fast (yet), but better.

With this I have been campaigning at cyclocross races across Germany this fall, and to date with mixed success. Despite poor starts and an off day or two, my results have been OK, but still not what they were. So heading into the Cyclocross in Vaihingen (Stuttgart) I wanted to have a strong race and see what my true potential at the moment is.

Having picked a spot on the front row, I was ready to do battle, but the BDR commissar was not happy that more than 8 riders were lined up in the 8 given slots. After some dumbs stares and mumbling, I gave up my spot knowing the race would not be won into the first corner despite the efforts of others. Once again my plan was to sit in and see how the race unfolds. Sure enough off the start several charged off the front, and I slotted in around 15th or so.

Quickly the field stretched out and within a half a lap, the pretenders were sorted out from the contenders. Now I was sitting in 7th on the back of the front train. They started the Juniors, Elite Women and our group, Elite 40+. The youngsters were leading the charge and I was happy to let them do the work. Around lap 3 the gas went out and it seemed no one wanted to push the pace, being the only 40+ rider in the group, it was in my interest to keep the train moving keeping the other 40+ out of the ride. So I pushed forward causing a stir and the group and quickly the pace went back up. The result was a split in the group and I found myself with two others going off the front, but once again I sat in letting them lead the charge. Don't get me wrong, I was working, out of the saddle out of every corner, mashing the pedals on the climbs, taking risks going into the barriers at full-speed. It was by no means a free ride.

The laps peeled off and we were flying, then one of them flatted, I told him not to give up and try to come back on given the large gap we had. Meanwhile the lone Junior and myself swapped breaking wind at the front, putting on a great show for the crowds around the course. It was great to be recognized and cheered on by so many people around the course - thanks to all all who fired me on during the race!

With 3 to go, I suffered some side cramps and had to get out of the gas a little, this opened up the gap a little. I was trying some deep yoga breathing to get things back under control and slowly was able to get back down to business by the end of the second to last lap. But the damage was done and not matter my efforts, the Junior rider would solo in for the overall win. My consolation was a strong 2nd in the overall and winning the 40+, I was as much amped as I was relieved. It was a great day in the saddle and even though I turned myself inside out, it felt great.

Still not where I was when I was at the top of my game, but the spark is there, and so far it has been a positive experience. The plan is to keep going and see where I can take it, with some goals along the way and will surely be an adventure.

Custom(er) Rides

2010-11-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

Here are a few rides we have built for some customer that are getting pedaled around here in Germany:

First up the man Carsten Winkler and his Planet X single speed. Classic & yet stylish build. He is also our tattoo man, you can see his IF tattoo in our current catalog.

Another classy Planet X done up in Omaha Orange and White panels belongs to Martin Gilluck. Martin is one-half of the ertzui equations, those guys responsible for our oh so awesome Cyclocross flick.

Okay, so this is not a customer's bike, but happens to be my own (re)new(ed) spielzeug. 3 years and a few paint jobs (we keep freshening this one up for the shows) and she still looks great. Probably better than ever in Pink. The frame is a one-off Factory Lightweight steel Deluxe and the complete bike comes in at around 8kg. Grrrrrrrr......

This is Joerg's Deluxe. It is bad ass. Nuff said.

Images from Mannheim

2010-10-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Images courtesy Ubi Blutsventje.

CX Mannheim

2010-10-11T01:01:00.000-07:00

The feet are firmly planted back on European soil, we now have of a week of 'reality' behind us. It was nice to be in Füssen before heading out for our first CX race of the season. My week was spent working with customers on pending orders and attending to the overwhelming positive response from EuroBike. CremaCycles has taken on nice life of its own. I also spent a lot of time looking for a showroom for Crema, yep that's right, we are taking it up a notch. Full-on showroom, fitting studio & workshop pretty exciting stuff, and more so we will be better able to meet the growing needs of our customers and business.

In between the cracks we did some riding on the cross bikes in some truly nice, very Autumn weather in Öst Allgäu. Moist green fields pitched a beautiful contrast the fall foliage and blue skies. Before the bags were fully unpacked from our nearly month long absence from Füssen, we were packing up again to head to the Pfalz for a week of 'cross.

First up a cross race in Mannheim to open up the legs and to pitch our own cross race the following weekend. Racing for me has taken on a different roll than it did in my previous life as a serious contender. In this life my approach is much more relaxed and is more centered around the experience than the result. Don't get me wrong, I am still a competitor and want to be up front mixing it up, but I am also realistic about what is possible.

With this in mind, I found myself lining up mid-pack after a pre-race potty break. Lucky for me, Sandi was holding a spot for me, otherwise I would have started from way back in the bleachers. My thoughts were already to take it easy early on and just ride my own race, but from where I was starting from, I had no choice. Good friend Stijn Deferm had placed himself properly on the front line, and got the hole-shot in true Stijn form. Sandi & I rolled out together, navigated around an early crash and did not make much headway the first half-a-lap.

Once things got strung out a little, I started to work forward, but at a sustainable pace. The race was happening naturally, those who started too fast were starting to pay for it and fell backwards, and slowly we were moving forwards. By mid way, I found myself in the lead group, minus the leader who was taking a flyer off the front. The few guys I was riding with were going at a good pace, but were making lots of mistakes all around the course and expending lots of unnecessary energy. It was an interesting situation to be in, I knew was was faster, stronger and technically better than the guys around me, but just choose to sit in and let them work. One big trump card I had over all of them, and used every lap was bunny hopping the double barriers just before the start finish, and a single barrier a little later. Without effort I could sit back 5 meters behind the group, and pass all of them on the other side form the barriers. It was a lot of fun to play with them. Then one of the group decided he needed to pass in a tight wet corner, total beginners mistake and his carbon frame meeting the light pole paid the price.

For some reason they did not give a a lap count even though they had a lap counter trackside, so it was just play it smart 'til they rang the bell. On the bell lap we were down to two going for the runner-up spot. I let the other guy lead the charge and had him in total control despite his efforts to put lapped riders between us. Hot on his tail, we hit the last corner and he stopped. I was going by any way and hopped the barriers and sprinted to the line. 2nd place. Andreas Thiel who had briefly stopped and then finished third congratulated me and then commenced to complain he did not know the lap count, which I affirmed nor did I. What I did not know was he protested the results because he did not know the lap count to the organizer and it wasn't until the awards that when I was called up as 3rd did I learn of what went down. Too bad. That is not how you wish a fun day of racing to end. The organizers should have pulled me into the discussion since we were racing together and it had an effect on my placing in the end. And to Andreas I would say know your course, ride the race to then end, take responsibility for your own actions and earn your results on the course. But then again the result doesn't matter - it is the experience. For me it was a fun experience to be the 'senior' out there, having fun schooling the other riders and still learning some lessons myself.

EuroBike and Beyond

2010-09-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

Since sometime in July it has been head down and lots of action at the CremaCycles world HQ. Between preparing our new catalogue, prepping for EuroBike and readying myself for a month back in my old stomping grounds in Colorado, I have had barely enough time to breath let alone anything else. Fast forward nearly two months and I am sitting in my old coffee shop Mochas in Gunnison in the middle of my US trip. Several solid days of a high-altitude recreation, good rides and seeing some old good friends.

EuroBike was our high point of the season for CremaCycles with several things coming together at the show. If you haven't checked out my previous post of the awesome ertzui cross clip, do so. Those guys are AV magicians making CX, Crema and yours truly never looking so good! Thanks you guys rock. Sadly I missed out on the premier of the Critical Film (movie from the Critical Dirt race we did this summer) can't wait for that. Back to the show, we had the CX clip running in loop along with other ertzui flicks on our flatscreen in the booth, the best espresso on the show flowing out to eager showgoers, and our new catalogue to feast the eyes on. The vibe was awesome and the feedback positive. Now I am playing catch up from the road trying to get back to all of the inquiries via WiFi.

We have found some great synergy with Biciclista during the year at all of the show we have done together, be looking for more of this in 2011 plus some bigger and better things! Stefano did a fantastic job printing our wall for the stand and a huge thanks to him and Mario for helping set up and tear down. No way I would have made my flight with out those two! Also thanks for the yummy wine from Mario!

With in 24hours of tearing the stand down I was on my way with family in tow to the airport for a good dose of Americano culture. After landing in Denver, we picked up a sweet loaner 29er belt drive single speed Spot brand bike to have at our beck and call for the duration of our Urlaub. We dialed it in by hitting the trails in Bear Creek State Park in Denver before heading to the high-country the next day.

In true outdoor lifestyle fashion, Sandi & I took turns strapping Colin to our back for a hike up and down trail 403 out of Gothic, one of my favorite mtb trails. In the afternoon it was time to tunr the pedals on the ss29er out at Hartman Rocks. The next day we took turns doing laps on Upper/ Wetstone/ Stand up in CB. Day three in Gunni had us riding Hartmans once again, Sandi charged it with Jenny and I went out later with a good riding buddy Eddy. Good times!

Exhausted but happy, we are packing it up and will continue our adventures in Telluride, Sedona and then back up through Colorado.

Stay tuned...

Cross Teaser

2010-09-04T22:04:00.000-07:00

While in Leipzig for Critical Dirt ertzui shot this nice little cross clip with us. Give it a spin and get ready to get your cross on!

Cyclocross

by Ken Bloomer (Crema Cycles / Independent Fabrication)

Shot at Critical Dirt race, Leipzig.

www.cremacycles.com
www.ifbikes.com
www.criticaldirt.com
www.ertzui.de

Out of the hole

2010-08-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

Coming off my 5th illness for 2010, man this is getting old, we had the monumental task of putting on our 2. Mountainbike XC cup in Hochspeyer. Besides my outlook being the gutter along side my health, we have some obstacles tossed in our way making this year's edition tougher than ever. But none the less we hunkered down and got through it.

The course this year lost a section of track due to some construction, but there fore we tacked on another and did some trail maintenance in the process making some sections more ridable, but still techy. Fortunately the weather played along, actually it did a lot to make the track nearly perfect with some showers leading up to the race, for a fast tacky track. An ample helping of singletrack, steep descents and a barely ridable ascent were on the menu for our race.

CremaCycles riders David Guillot and Wolfgang Seyfried represented the If faction since Sandi and I were tied down with organizational obligations, although I did plan on racing this year had I not been sick... dang it! Nonetheless, I found soemthing to replace my desire to be out there swapping paint with others, I grabbed the mic and gave the spectators a play by play from the start/ finish area while spinning (more like hitting shuffle on the iPod) my own blend of music. OK, so I wasn't exactly Dave Towle out there, but got into to it, did it in German, had a blast MC'ing and even made the regional papers for my efforts...LOL!

We kicked off the day with a couple of free kids races, go the little guys and girls stoked on riding, the best part was seeing the little guy who won the peewee race jump up on the podium in his 'mountain champion' jersey as if he belonged up there. Tooo funny.

The whole day had some good tight racing and the course challenged all who came to race. But the men's main races were going off! Fast, tactical racing was the order of the day, since I was calling the action, it was great to see some tactics and attacks playing out on the course. What was especially cool was having a guy like David out there rally not only his sick IF Deluxe 29er 4 speed rigid black& pink bike in his pink Crema kit, but the fact he had a blast rallying the DH's around the course. It was too bad I could not stroll down to the down hill to enjoy the spectical with the many who gathered on the interesting parts of the course.

For me it is fun to put on such an event because I love to do races like this. The courses and formats I come up with are exactly the ones I personally would like to do. Hopefully next year I can stay healthy and jump in with the others for our race. Maybe with a wireless remote I can call the race from the on the tack...

Little side note, if you haven't seen the bike we did for Critical Dirt, you need to! It is freaking sick! Bonus: it is all over the blogosphere, here are some links to check out...

http://www.flickr.com/groups/criticaldirt2010/

http://criticaldirt.com/?p=1296

http://ifbikesblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/crema-steel-cyclocross.html

http://prollyisnotprobably.com/2010/07/independent_fabrication_crema.php

Crossification

2010-07-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

some events transcend convention and are something much bigger than a gathering. Critical Dirt is one such event. It turned out to be so much more than a bike race, and it was such an honor just to be able to meet so many great souls and share in something so much larger. My whole time in Leipzig was special, it always is. The people their are genuine, creative, inspiring and...and...and... Tie that in with a weekend of racing, well not just racing but racing cross... in an uncoventional way, it leaves memories that last.

Full of pictures & sequences that replay over and over in my mind, it is inspiring yet a little overwhelming. There is so much I would like to keep fresh in my mind.

Gerolf, Basti, David and so many others need to be very proud of what they accomplished. This group of people put on a top notch weekend of racing not in just one location, but many. Think of old school rally racing where it was part navigation, part trying to get from A - B fast as possible. And they had us do this on 'cross' bikes over roads in the former eastern part of Germany. People, these roads have not seen maintenance in years. Gnarly. At the end of the stages the CD team provided us with awesome support and some unforgettable meals. On Saturday eve they threw a sweet evening dinner/ party complete with a grass track race. Sunday were two prelim cyclocross heats topped off with a final on what was one of the more difficult cross courses I have ridden, complete with the world's longest sand/ gravel pit. Sick. It was an impressive effort on their behalf, hats off.

The people I had the pleasure of riding with was mix of cyclo-fanatics on everything from pure bread cross racers to mtb w/ skinny tires to road bikes (some w/ profile tires, others not), fixed geared, trekking bikes and the list goes on... What was impressive, was the speed and effort and skills on display. These people were f-ing hauling the mail. We clipped along at 40kmh+ on some of the worst roads, paths and trails I have seen. Wow. Best part, we all worked & rode together. Nice.

Exhausted, sore and wanting more, I sit here and dream about the weekend past. And as everyday life creeps back into my existence, I grasp all the memories I can to take me forward and fuel me for the next adventure that will come my way.

Thanks to all of the CD team, helpers, people who took pictures, shot video, cheered, heckled, and Dresden/ Leipzig for the best event I have ever been to!

Martin & Matthias @ a super little lunch spot in Leipzig

yummy

our train to the start in Dresden

the culprits

Felix's gorgeous Sycip crosser

trying to find the way

a killer mid-day lunch spread

our stage

Two times round the clock in Munich

2010-06-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

We were off to Munich for the weekend for the 24hours in Munich. Sandi was playing guest heavy-hitter on the Team Zyprus squad, while some IF family members, Henri Lesewitz & Michael Vieth, were waving the green-team colors high. My own ti 29 went to one of their team riders Toby for the race.

The venue in the Munich Olympic Park was pretty sweet with a cozy atmosphere with all of the team around the edge of the course on the stadium. The course was less a mountainbike course and more cyclocross, so much so there was even a 'run-up'. Probably a good reason why there so many 29er rolling around the course - but too bad not a cross bike. Seeds of holding a crss race there were sewn in my head and will have to be pursued...

It was great to see Basti & Kay out there at the venue. Kay shot some great pics from our rides at EHBE. They were on hand doing some work for Fahrstil shooting pics and checking out the scene.

Our Buddy Michael who lives in Munich swung by to hang out and afterwards took me for a quick ride through the city. Thomas & Burkhard form Waridi were on hand to illuminate things

It was great see everyone out there, catch up on things and to see all of the racing action.

IF's hanging in the pits

Henri's Deluxe

Michi's Deluxe

The Man, Henri Lesewitz sporting our team kit.

Henri rolling around the Olympic park in Munich

Sandi railing the singletrack

Sandi's team took second in the mixed 4er teams

Next stop, Critical Dirt.

'cross & coffee

2010-06-25T04:24:00.000-07:00

we have started representing embrocation cycling journal over here, which has been an instant fovorite among the euro cycling crowd. who doesn't like it big beautiful pages of cycling goodness. it is the perfect cycling scratching post for the mind. we made it onto their news pages, sporting their cranberry mokka pot tee while appropriately pulling shots at the EHBE show back in May. we have some very cool projects coming up with embro, to include next week's Critical Dirt cyclocross love festival.

we just delivered Flo's escape from the city Ti Planet X 29er, which was awesome to put together with him. This do it all ride will be seeing a lot of action in and around the mountains surrounding Innsbruck. He's as stoked as we. Enjoy the ride Flo!

Keeping it real

2010-06-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

The new UCI rule allowing disc-brakes will surely be a polarizing one, it was before it even came into effect. Those wanting to keep the sport pure were already screaming to keep 'technology' out in favor of traditional rides while others were cheering for discs to aid in riding/ braking performance.

From a traditionalists perspective, I see the need to keep the bikes pure and the riding in the hands of the racers. For me, one of the draws to cyclocross was & is the renaissance of cycling lives in breathes in the sport, where beautiful steel and ti bikes can be seen in droves on any given race weekend. Not too mention that some of the most re-known handmade builders flagship frames are cross steeds. The cross bike still looks much the same as it has since its inception complete with drop bars and skinny tires. Tubulars have seen a resurgence in popularity due to the sport, a market segment that was on the verge of disappearing, with the exception of road teams who could afford to service tubulars. I myself love tubulars as the evidence would point out on some of my favorite t-shirts with additional glue-graffiti on them from fixing or re-gluing my Dugasts. Discbrakes will not change any of this.

Personally I think beer-can and plastic bikes have done more damage to the sport that disc brakes will ever do. Downright ugly, cheap looking frames have amateurs clamoring to throw money out the window merely so that they can mimic top pros with their light-weight disposable bikes. I would rather be on a sweet steel crosser with discs that will last me a lifetime of mud-loving fun than the latest carbon bike out of China with its integrated headset, bb & seatpost. It is not carbon bikes that have done this, there are some actually stunning handmade carbon cross bikes out there, it is the paper companies and their business practices. Besides, I love my EDGE carbon wheels and other trick carbon parts on my trusty SSX.

What the lifting of the ban for cross bikes does do is open the door for both bike and component manufactures to produce disc brake compatible frames, forks and parts. While there was a small selection before, we will now see the options filling out with both mechanical and hydraulic versions in all price and performance segments. The one issue I see though is unlike its fat tire cousin mountainbiking, crossers use largely STI dedicated shifters and levers, which means more than likely this will leave most disc brake manufactures on the outside like Formula, Magura, Hayes and so on. Their will be a Shimano or Sram only systems available unless the brake guys figure some things out. Having ridden the Avid mechanical discs on a crosser, I am excited at what lies ahead. I am sure Avid will have a bitchin new mechanical black-ops/ Ultimate disc brake caliper, and you can bet your bottom dollar Tim Johnson and Co. will be on them at a cross race near you later this season.

Funny thing about the new UCI rules are that at the same time disc brakes are allowed, they also bring down the allowable tire width from 35 to 33c, which plays even more in favor of the disc brake rule. Take away handling performance from the tires by reducing the contact patch and volume, disc brakes compensate for this loss with added stopping power making handling somewhat easier.

Ultimately the disc brake rule is good for the sport on many levels. It opens the door for much better braking with little weight penalty, and when viewed with the tire regulations keeps cross, cross. It will breed a whole new segment of bikes that are actually ideal for a large portion of the cycling population out there, while pushing component manufactures to produce real road/ cross compatible disc brake options.

To keep cyclocross pure, it is up to the promoters and course designers from either making grass crits or too technical courses where mtbs/ suspension come into questions. Courses should be an excellent balance of speed, riding skills and obstacles that tip their hat to a cyclocross bicycle. It will be interesting to see how the companies answer the call to the new regulations, and I myself am looking forward to see what will be on display from some of the finest handbuilt bikes next spring in Austin.

UCI to allow disc brakes in cyclo-cross competition

2010-06-20T01:25:00.000-07:00

Other 'cross rules changed by Management Committee

The UCI will allow disc brakes on in cyclo-cross races effective at the beginning of the 2010-2011 'cross season. The organization's management committee approved the change upon the recommendation of its Cyclo-cross Commission.
At the same time, other changes to 'cross rules were approved. The maximum tire width has been reduced from 35mm to 33mm.
The six-obstacle limit on courses has been changed to refer to man-made obstacles. The plank-type obstacles can be up to 40cm tall instead of having to be 40cm tall, and they must be four to six meters apart.
Man-made sand pits are also now allowed and feeding will also be permitted if temperatures exceed 20 degrees Celsius; however, the feeding is limited to pits and can happen only after the first two laps but before the last two laps.
Similarly to mountain biking, commissaires may now invoke the "80 percent rule" and remove a rider who is behind the leader by 80 percent of the leader's lap time. Thus, riders can be pulled before they are lapped.

photo pdxcross.com

3, 2, 1 and we are live...

2010-06-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

The CremaCycles site is up, finally. we still have some tweaking to do, but it is live. Come on over and check it out, we have Independent Fabrication, embrocation journal, soft goodness, coffee, Mule Bars and much more. Give it a spin and let us know what you think.

On the road

2010-06-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some digital images from the weekend. Still on the road this week, scouting and doing some work on the XC course for our mountain bike race on the 01.08. Should be a great race and a sweet course. Adding some switchback to the climb on the backside of the course that forced most to walk - but hey it's mountain biking right? The Singletrail Parcours is shaping up very nicely, even saw a number of kids taking their bike up and down the trails while out for a ride yesterday with Sandi. Great to see the positive impact on young people and getting them out there riding, we need more of this in the world! Which BTW - we offer free entries to all of our youth riders! Get 'em hooked young.

Next stop, Willingen & the BIKE Festival. Hope to go have dinner with a friend from Gunni, Joe Staub one evening. Sandi will be lining up for the Marathon on Saturday.

IFBRT

2010-06-06T08:54:00.001-07:00

Just tossed a post up over on the IFBRT site. Kudos to Sandi & Wolfgang for doing well representing the CremaCycles/ Independent Fabrication banner out there in Niederlinxweiler 2day!

Rock on.

cross

2010-05-30T01:23:00.000-07:00

Style

2010-05-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ultimately, we are all passengers on this crazy ride called life. But we are not helpless, we can influence outcomes and change directions if we try hard enough. But when we band together, that is when it really has an impact.

Starting off on my adventure as an entrepreneur and doing so in a foreign land, I was full of ambition and the desire to make an impact on the world around me. After hitting some bumps in the road, I took my foot off the gas and slowed down to evaluate the situation better. Since then we have not only seen the handmade scene steadily growing, but the passion and culture around it. At the 2010 edition of the EHBE I witnessed this first hand in many ways from the release of Fahrstil to the exchanging of ideas for future projects and the very direction of the showcasing of handbuilt bikes.

It was so great to exchange ideas, share in stories and dream about the future with such an inspired group of people. Stoked. I feel stoked. The best part is I do not feel alone, we are in this together. Doesn't matter if we are speaking about our businesses or collaboration on some projects, together we will push this movement forward.

The world around will change, whether we like or not. Why not try to make a positive impact in the process?

We have a voice, and it shall be heard.

New Team Kit

2010-05-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

The new CremaCycles kit is pretty sweet (even sweeter if you have David's custom Pink version), and it saw a bit of action over the weekend at EHBE and 24 Finale.

Check out race reports over at the IFBRT blog...

EHBE Video - CremaCycles

2010-05-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have rebranded ourselves, no longer ifbikes.de, rather CremaCycles. The name says much more about us and who we are, plus we have some tasty coffee...

European Handmade Bicycle Exhibition - Day 3 from e r t z u i ° film on Vimeo.

Year of the Otter

2010-05-13T13:14:00.001-07:00

OK, I know it is not a video of Critical Dirt, but it does well to serve as motivation for many km's of gravel, dirt and other surprises that the Slow Motion Riders will be serving at CD2010.

Gardasee

2010-05-05T04:15:00.000-07:00

Funny how a long weekend and land you quickly in the middle of he next week scrambling for a gasp of air all the while trying to catch up with things that have piled up in your absence. Gardasee is the official opening of the bike season over here and felt great to tank up some sun and warmth down in Italy. What was nicer was having a sweet setup down there, sharing a booth with Biciclista and having the Italian Single Speed Mafia around.

Stefano brought up his beautiful VW bus and displayed his wears. We had a true Italian street cafe going with our LaMarzocco pumping out the best cup of joe on the show while onlookers got a closer look at our nearly dedicated display of 29er bikes and frames if weren't for Sandi's Ti Deluxe bearing 26" wheels...

David, Jochen, Sandi, Stefano and honorary team member Joachim made for a strong team presence, even only if Sandi, David & Joachim were the only ones to actually race. Joachim took our ti 29er not only for a test ride around the block, but did the marathon on it, and did quite well. You can read more over on his blog.

Despite having 3 days of exhibition, this year I actually managed to get a little riding in, and even hit some long searched for single track thanks to Mario who pointed the way. It had been a while since I have had the pleasure of blasting down trails like that, and I had some serious perma-grin going on!

We have more pics from the weekend here and here. Now for a quick gasp of air and it is EHBE in a couple of weeks!

Bella

2010-05-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

Pink is such a tough color to get right. Too bright and it is obnoxious, too light and it goes unnoticed... IF is doing pink right, Pink Pearl. Need proof? How about all the Italians at this past weekend's BIKE Festival in Lago di Garda who were drooling over my new single speed 29er adorning Pink Pearl w/ Silver/ Black stickers, Sotto Voce KING headset and matching Niner fork.

Here is Mario modeling the Biciclista Argyle Man Jersey, Rolla Cap accented with my IF Steel Deluxe Rosa 29er.

More to come from Gardasee...

IF does BB30

2010-04-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at the following of Lefty's and other Cannondale products. We get requests on a regular basis from customers for Lefty's and SI cranks, which I myself have lusted after the cranks for some time and have looked at options of mounting some to my Ti Deluxe 29er. Fortunately for new customers there is no longer a need for adapters as IF has recently showed off a stellar Ti Deluxe 29er at Sea Otter in the Cannondale booth.

The 29er featured a sweet Lefty Carbon DLR fork and a set of Si cranks mated to the SRAM XX group.

Sandi loved her Lefty & Cannondale when she was on the MTB Chick team. We have toyed w/ the idea of building her a 29er, having seen this ride I think I now know what Sandi's next bike will be...

Pretty in Pink

2010-04-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

Soft pedaling

2010-04-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

It has been a quiet couple fo weeks since my trip to Leipzig, well sort of. We are dropping some really nice customer bikes into the pipeline, couple of them are cyclcross bikes - more details on these later. Speaking of cross, my SSX has been seeing a lot of action as of late with my Ti Deluxe 29er off at Mountain Bike Magazin for a review.

The riding around our area is awesome for cross bikes, a fine mixture of terrain and surface types make for scenic rides with some great exploring. I have been hitting the Landwirtschaft road between hofs and villages, diving off the pave for some gravel/ fire road or even singletrack excursions. Actually found a new section today that linked two villages together.

One cyclocross event you do not want to miss out on is Critical Dirt. registrations starts at 10pm on Sunday and will have limited number of spots open. This will be sold out in no time. We are looking forward to taking part and have a few surprises for the event of our own... Be sure to visit us at EHBE for details!

This weekend we are off to Muessingen for the first German national series race. Sandi will be racing the Elite women with a lot of the top European World Cup riders. It will be awesome to support her for this race and be so much fun to share this with Colin. There will be postings from the event over on the IFBRT blog, so check it.

Enjoy the ride!

Fresh rides: His & Hers Ti Deluxes

2010-04-06T04:08:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of Ti Deluxe builds we just finished up for a couple, Andre & Melanie. Andre needed a big bike while Melanie needed something more petite, of course IF was able to fit both of their needs.

These were custom builds from top to bottom. Custom KING/ EDGE wheels for both, 29 for Andre and 26 for Melanie. Andre went XX while Melanie went XO, both came out looking stunning!

Each had custom paint with Melanie's a combo of Ruby red and White while we did a custom Mango with Black for Andre.

The two (and Lucy) took me on some of their sweet local single track for the first ride where we dialed everything in for them. They loved their bikes and saw instant improvement in their riding because of it. I also handed them some riding skills along the way, and booked them in for a riding clinic later this spring.

If you happen to live around Bad Kreuznach, you might just get a glimps of one of these beauties charging down the local trails. Thanks guys, enjoy the ride!

more pics here

Quick & Dirty

2010-03-30T06:56:00.000-07:00

Threatening weather chased me into Leipzig while on my way to our second Feld Test with the BDO crew. Leipzig left a remarkable impression on me from my last visit so I was eager to go back and see the city and some of the people who I know there. Plus this was sort of a prelude to the Critical Dirt coming this summer, so there was lots of business to tend to.

Promptly stretching legs after five hours of road time, we rolled our demo fleet into the shop for a little preview of the rides we brought along for demoing. Guys and gals in the shop flocked around and we all geeked out on bikes for a while. Beer :30 came and went, and GRover and myself were off for a rendezvous with Basti und Colonel Decker and a fin little local establishment with tasty beverages and tappas.

One of the things I love about Leipzig are its buildings around town, possessing a nobel architecture and civility about them, even though some are run down and are in long need of renovations. Something I did not notice during my last visit were the massive granite slabs, each about 40 - 70 cm wide and at least 10-15 cm thick, that make up the sidewalks around town. A testament to past wealth much like the buildings.

Leipzig seems to be on the cusp of a renaissance, young and talented people are in abundance here despite what one would consider a lack of opportunity. But they are patriotic to their city and are carving their paths to the future. I think that is a reason why I feel such a positive energy emitting from this place located off in the far eastern reached of Germany, that was once in the cold grasps of the former Eastern Block and a silent war.

While the weather did not play along, it did not temper participants enthusiasm and both demo days went off superbly. Our IF rides were fully booked and we saw many a happy rider come back with ear to ear smiles. No words are necessary to communicate what they feel.

My visit was all too short, but still it was filled with great exchanges between a growing list of people whom I grown close to and admire. Quick and dirty as Gerolf put it, that is how I like it. But next time we will has to slow it down a little to uncover more of what one of my favorite cities has to offer.

more pics here

Crested Butte Clunkers

2010-03-24T00:14:00.001-07:00

fresh rides 2

2010-03-19T02:44:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here, the trails or in great shape and the warmth is begging us to go out and ride. Just in time we can find inspiration in some fresh rides from a couple of our customers...

David's amazing 1x5 steel Deluxe looks more than capable of eating up his local riding trails around Paris. More on his bike can be found here and here.

If you want to catch a glimps of this stunning ride, you will need to book a trip to the Belgium countryside. Gerrit's steel Deluxe 29er w/ Lefty is a stark contrast of black on white. More pics can be found on IF Rider

I put my own new tasty fresh ride through its first paces the past couple of days in theMountainbikepark Pfaelzerwald, riding some great local singletrack to include the Singletrail Parcours in Hochspeyer. Joining for me for ride was Sacha and his new Deluxe 29er. We pulled some laps on the singletrail parcours charging our big wheels down the sides of the Springertal, eating up the twisting - turning singletrack and all it had to throw at us. Both bikes performed absolutely perefct, great day of riding.

Be looking for a full report and photos on my new ride in the near future...

Berlin Show

2010-03-09T01:39:00.000-08:00

Berlin is a city torn between two worlds, one in the past and one living today. The two are a vivid contrast to other and often coexist on the same street block. The Berliner Fahrrad Schau was the backdrop for my exposure to this unknown world, seeing first hand how one of the most recognizable cities struggles with its split personalities.

Driving into Berlin is an experience in itself, going past the check point which many people had risked their lives to cross into a 'better' world, now an Autobahn streams right through it with no resistance. The only sign things are changing is that the asphalt turns from the smooth surface that the Autobahn is know for into a rough, unmaintained concrete as you drive in.

The expo was right next to the Deutscher Technical Museum, with an old US bomber that surely participated in the infamous Berlin airlift, shiny and silver, but still showing wear of years past perched atop a glistening new architecture. Around the corner ghosts from the past were whispering out of old run-down builds that time had forgotten. The Station itself where the expo was had not faired all that well over the years, but provided for a still comfortable yet industrial backdrop for the show.

Was set up, Stefano, Marcello and myself went for a quick lunch, hopping on the U-Bahn and getting off one stop later at the Pottsdammer Platz. It might have well of been a trip around the world to any big city USA because exiting we were greeted by taller buildings, Starbucks and a myriad of shopping possibilities. Money was abound and this section of town had obviously escaped the past. The only remanence was a section of the Wall that had run through there with a guy dressed up in old Eastern Block military garb stamping peoples passports as part of a tourist attraction.

Later that evening we went to another section of town for dinner, once again the present and past came together to create a unique blend of culture, buildings with bullet holes from a past war towered over trendy locals while beggars and street workers tried to make ends meet in the evening air. A thick layer of gravel covered the sidewalks and streets, signs of a harsh winter and lack of funds to clean things up, much like the past seen in the face of the many buildings and areas around Berlin.

The show itself was good, not great but good. What it lacked in attendance of both public and exhibitors it made up for in enthusiasm and passion for cycling. There were several very nice unique displays on hand around various aspects of cycling culture from reto-mountainbike collections to urban street cycling. And of course there were some good core companies on hand.

Attendees where largely urban-cycling oriented, but there were also plenty on hand who get the whole handmade/ custom bike thing, which was good for us. People poured over our presentation of bikes with the same detail in which they were made. They acquainted themselves with our brands and indulged us in pleasurable conversations over the cycling, coffee and their city. Our LaMarzocco also saw lots of action, not just from attendees, but other exhibitors. One of my pleasures was that catering for the even was all Organic, well not just organic, but really good food on top of that.

Much like the city, I really enjoyed seeing all of the bikes and culture from the show that represented the past, but also being able to draw a line from that to the present with some bikes that have direct lines to the past. My first visit to Berlin was an eye-opener, much like my past visits to the former eastern part of Germany. The sites and the people there have interesting stories to tell and despite the cold past, is one of the warmest places to go.

More pics from the show Berlin Pics

Read on...

2010-03-08T06:19:00.001-08:00

Here is some info on the Heike's Deluxe (which also happens to be the first bike in this 15th Ann year...).

http://www.ifrider.com/15-years-of-indy-fab/

fresh rides

2010-02-27T06:18:00.000-08:00

this one belongs to Heike Fischer from Waridi who are not only a great partner company for us, but nearly all employees are on an IF... Turned out to be a beautiful bike and we look forward to seeing her back down here in Allgaeu soon for another riding clinic weekend.

Berlin is next weekend, and we will have two new customer frames on display along with my my new Ti Deluxe 29er -just finishing the build and will post more at the IFBRT blog soon!

The weather is warm and spring like, but I am still healing, already took Munsingen off my schedule but will be looking to be ready for Gardasee Marathon.

Get out and ride!

Do it.

2010-02-25T01:39:00.000-08:00

Long-distance cyclocross, stage race goodness...

Critical Dirt

Hitting Reset

2010-02-19T05:09:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we just need to stop and listen. After an eye infection, the flu and two surgeries to remove an infected Bursa on my left hip (Bursaitis) stemming from a road crash back in December, I am forced to stop and listen. Outside of these circumstances, a friend of mine has been encouraging me to engage in Yoga, something I used to practice religiously and while laid up in the hospital bed, Sandi dropped of a Thich Nat Than book "The Miracle of Mindefullness". I had to listen to what was being said.

Rather than being bummed about a derailed season of nordic skiing and what was to be an awesome build up to the riding season, I am stoked that I have found my way back to center. Instead of daily rituals of LT's, Tempo skis and high-rev spin classes I find myself limping around our place, settling into deep breathing exercises, internal meditation and beginning the slow process of healing (in more ways than one). Yoga will certainly be a centerpiece as I lay a new, yet stronger foundation.

Even with races in April already looming, I am strong in my confidence to be ready and even stronger than I might have been with out the train going off the tracks. I'm listening, are you?

Pulling Shots

2010-02-12T01:23:00.000-08:00

Having worked in the specialty coffee industry for a number of years and being an all-around java junkie, it has been a long tedious journey to find coffee bliss in Germany. With other words I have had coffee dry spells with short bursts of decent coffee in between. The short oasis' have either been a couple kilos I drag back from the states or care packages from friends.

Fortunately things on looking up on the caffeine front. Armed with a new La Marzocco G3 (this ain't your average machine kids - you could run a full-blown cafe with one of these) and having finally sourced some yummy beans from small roasters here in the fatherland, I can honestly say we are pulling some shots that would rival many North West espresso locations. The best part is just that, the espresso that we are brewing is much like NW espresso, 100% Aribica beans, none of that Robusta crap, with some excellent sustainable growth old strain varietals blended to form complex and yet delicate blends that remind me of the good ol' cafe days.

Having been tinkering in the kitchen with several blends, we have come up with a few we like and will be offering these blends soon via our new online shop and directly at events this year. Not too mention if you make it over for a visit, come in for a bike fitting or just go on a ride here in Fuessen, you will be sure to enjoy a sot of espresso, an Americano or whatever drink you fancy. The barista is on duty, so what can we serve you?

Order # 25334 Deluxe 29er

2010-02-01T12:28:00.000-08:00

This steel 29er is for a good friend of mine who we saved from riding, well lets just say not such a desirable bike prior. The 29er was a good choice for Sacha given that he is taller (190cm), and would help smooth out the trail for him.

The silver frame is subtle and stylish white the white and black details are a bit more flashy creating the perfect balance.

This was a complete build for Sacha, a mix of Shimano and Sram, FOX F29 Fit Fork, Thomson, KING, AMC wheels, Geax treads, Prologo saddle, Ergon grips, Magura Marts SL Mag stoppers and a King Cage. I enjoying building this one up, but I am sure he will enjoy riding it even more.

Bet he can't wait for the snow to melt and go for a ride...

Order # 25336 Deluxe

2010-02-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a beautiful white steel Deluxe we recently built for a customer. It was a near complete new build for him with a mixture of Shimano goodies, Race Face cranks, FOX F100RLC, KING, Fizik and Thomson.

The stark contrast of white and black play out p[erfectly on the clean simple lines of the bike.

Plus the pictures in the snow with the white bike are clean and fresh. Enjoy your new ride Michael!

G-Haus

2010-01-27T00:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome Geekhouse to our offering of handmade works of art to be ridden. We are proudly representing the brand from Marty Walsh in Central Europe and will have two of his beautiful frames on hand in the near future.

Come check out the Geekhouse line at the Berliner Fahrrad Schau 06.-07.03.2010 or drop us line for more info.

Spring in the SW

2010-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

About this time back in my past life in Colorado, while full in nordic/ winter sport stride, thoughts began to drift from the trainer towards the warmth of the desert. Fruita, Moab and Cortez offered up some great early season riding and some tanning time for those pale legs. Here is a sampling of that riding poached of my old friend and coffee junkie Jason Grove of ElCamino Fab MySpace page... I belive this was shot near the OTE Sports shop in Hurricane UT.

Flight of Icaraus

El Camino Fab | MySpace Video

IFBRT

2010-01-24T08:02:00.000-08:00

2010 IF Biciclista Racing Team

Skate Night

2010-01-23T05:40:00.000-08:00

Lead group under the lights in Schwangau

Sandi & I decided to jump into the 2 annaul Skate Night, a night skate skiing race on the lighted loop in Schwangau, at the base of the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. The local sport club puts it on as a fundraiser for local charity, donating 1 EUR per lap from each participant who try turn as many as they can in one hour. This year's edition drew out 122 skiers from ultra-fast to the average hobby skier.

With our first ski-marathon just two weeks out, this would be a great tune up for that along with being a good time racing at night. The 1.5km loop starts off flat for about 100m before going up for short bit and then dropping down into the valley. A ninety-degree bend at speed at the bottom of the first descent has you dancing the skis around the apex and pushing you back to the outside of the track, milking the speed on the next short rise before dropping all the way down into the valley. Through the flats there are some small rises and rollers as you wind around the valley back towards the start/ finish area. A long climb with a a steep section at the end is the last bit on the lap before leveling off and heading back into the start/ finish chute.

The tempo started out easy enough, I was sloughing off not too be out front at the start, but suddenly the pack started to swallow me from behind, so throttling it it I started to try to move up before the first descent and be in a good spot for the fast sharp first corner. Tucked in around eighth, I drafted the first half a lap comfortably, but then daylight started to open a few skiers ahead, and not wanting to be left behind, I jumped out of line and bridged up. We hit the final climb for the first time, it quickly sorted out the contenders from the pretenders, and people were quickly shelled. I made it over the top in fifth and in contact with the lead group.

Things stayed this way for the next couple of laps, before some attacks went off the front. A group of three went, and I was not closing this one. Rather was settled into my pace and would wait and see if they would come back to us. A couple of laps later, one of the three did come back, and we formed a group of three in the chase group with the two about :30sec up on us.

We were making good pace lap after lap, I would pull on the climbs and one other guy pulled on the flats, the third I honestly don't think he could do much and was just hanging on. The climbs was becoming more and more difficult to navigate with the back markers clogging up the lines, and with two to go one moved over right into my line, hanging me up long enough the other two got away. The chase was on. The next two laps I was drilling it to get back on, and I made it at the base of the final climb before the finish sprint. I knew if I wanted 3rd, i had to go and not wait to recover, because there was not going to be enough time. So I tried blowing by them but they both sat right on my heels and went back by at the top.

I would come in 5th, which was awesome for me. I skied exactly how I planned to, up front all race and finished in the top five as I had wished. It was also a super result considering the level of skiers there, former Olympians and National skiers. Best of all it was a fun course, tactical race and some great racing. At the end my HRM read avg = 176 max = 190.

Next weekend - Ski Trail 55k Marathon...

New and improved!

2010-01-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

We are live with the new and improved www.ifbikes.de site. Check it out, take it for a spin and tell us what you think.

Enjoy the ride!

things to come...

2010-01-04T08:34:00.000-08:00

Ti Deluxe 29er XC race machine for 2010

2010

2010-01-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

Another year, a new decade and we continue down the road where it leads no one knows. We had a great time during the holidays, some biking, some skiing and lots of playing. We try to tune Colin in to the European and American cultures and traditions which can be a challenge. But he takes it all in stride and does well with all of the activities and ongoings. He wished for a bike this year with no influence from me...but then again I am not surprised because that is what mommy and daddy do - a lot! But I have to admit there was a bit of pride when he would answer the all to often question "what did you wish for Christmas Colin?" An immediate, firm answer was "a bike." He got his wish, a Laufrad (walking bike) and he has been cruising our apartment since. Can't wait to get him outside this spring.

But I want to ride outside

ifbikes.de had a great year in 2009 and we are off to a great start in 2010. Lots of really cool bikes in the system right now and some sick builds happening around here. This Crown Jewel we are doing for Alek almost makes me want a road bike...almost. If I would, it would be something like this though for sure, absolutely gorgeous!

Alex's Crown Jewel

details...

More details

Mmmm - paint

LaMarzocco will be giving us a sweet espresso machine for events in 2010, we will use it at special dealer and larger events and festivals. We are getting the Linea which is a Barista's dream. Add to that we will have some of our own coffee roasted for us by Speicherstadt, we will have some great espresso and brews for IF fans this year!

Linea - a handmade, stainless steel work of art that happens to pull some of the best shots.

Final touches are going on our website and 2010 Team kit, we will be stylin' for sure this year!

Wish everyone the best in 2010, may it be a peaceful, prosperous and joyful one for all. See you on the trails!

Seasons Greetings

2009-12-21T11:21:00.000-08:00

I ♥ Italians

2009-12-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

Andrea doing some skinsuit testing for Biciclista

you have to love the land that brought us espresso, grappa and the vespa... Italians above all are passionate, every experience I have had with people from the country shaped like a boot has been a memorable one (sometimes I wish I could forget...). Since Gardasee this eyar I have found some new friends south of Austria who are a passionate bunch of single speeding hooligans. In envy I have followed their antics from a far, as they bolg their exploits on LosLobos. Lead by SS-Mafia kingpin Stefano Spedini (whom I affectionately refer to Speedo) who also runs Biciclista, a sweet small manufacture of some of the most original bad ass cyclingwear you will lay your eyes on. They happen also to be our team clothing supplier for 2010.

Andrea Compri and Luca Bassi have recently joined the ranks of ifbikes.de customers, both taking bitchin' 29ers to race/ ride on next season. Andrea went with a sweet rigid 29er single speed steel Deluxe with IF rigid fork, while Luca went with a Ti 29 Deluxe corrected for 80mm - a cross country speed weapon! Speedo has a Planet X thus far, we will have to see about getting him a limited edition Bicilista Deluxe 29er next year...

Others on the team include our good friend out of France David Guillot is also in the mix with a sick rigid steel 29er, can't wait to see his paint!

A new 29er for one lucky Mr. Wenzel

Add Wolfgang Seyfried, Jochen Schäffler, Sandi and myself to the mix, and you have a pretty diverse sick team! We will be killing it at events around Europe next year with some killer Apres event parties... Look out Gardasee, we are coming and will be taking over the place.

skid marks

2009-11-19T08:56:00.001-08:00

coffee ride

2009-11-19T07:22:00.000-08:00

Chris Sheppard coined the phrase in one of his training articles that appeared in Mountain Bike Magazine. A coffee ride is when you go for an easy spin around some local trails and end up at a local coffee shop/ café for a good cup of joe. My old buddy DG used to pull this one back in the day when I lived in Germany the first time around, but instead of a café it was a gas station and instead of coffee it was red Bull...

Now serving a delectable variety of delicious singletrack.

After two harder days this week, the legs were asking for something on the lighter side, but the grey matter wanted something fun, besides we have been enjoying super late fall weather via the "fern". Fern is German for hairdryer or warm wind, and that is exactly what we have. The warm air comes pouring over the Alps from Italy making for sunny warm days, we had nearly 70F today!

Would you like another serving?

On the riding menu today was the locals loop which includes a spin out to the Alatsee, climb up to the Kolberweg, a sweet techy single track, and back into Füssen. I ended up making two rounds as I thought I had lost some money on the trail, but instead of stuffing it into my rear pocket, it ended up somewhere down my bibs...

Eine tasse Espresso, yummy

Back in town I rolled the Fußgangerzone in the Altstadt over the cobbles. Füssen is actually a very scenic old town surrounded by spectacular castles and town wall. We are looking forward to the Advent Zeit (Christmas time and markets) here and they have already put up the Weihnachtsbaum.

29er squeezed in at the café

The rest of the week and weekend should be this nice as well. Darn it, I guess I will have to keep on riding...

Füssen Altstadt loking up toward the Schloß. Notice the Christmas tree is up already, top left corner of the picture?

Trick Teil

2009-11-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

Ralph Berner(former top MTB World Cup racer) and his brother Timo have made a name for themselves in cyclocross here in Germany both through racing and product design. They design and offer carbon cross frames, but also have an interesting line of side products in addition. Some of these products include aftermarket carbon pulley cages for derailuers that they will install, and even have an 'areo' version for the road. They also have cross brakes, touted as the lightest on the market, but one of the neat little trinkets I found was this carbon cable hangar.

the Berner Cable Hangar neatly goes between your spacer stack and headset

What is cool about this part is not that it is carbon, but rather how it works. The carbon plate flexes under braking aiding in preventing fork stutter, you know that sometimes violent shudder under heavy braking? One German magazine tested the hangar and reported that it increases braking power. While I believ with properly tuned brakes you can have both power and no fork-shudder, this is still a neat little part. It is light weight and looks trick.

Cable goes into a stainless steel cable stop.

More info available at: http://berner-bikes.com/

somewhere in between

2009-11-13T10:07:00.000-08:00

still chasing the dream
I used to have a saying in my profile on this blog, it read something like "If you write it down, post it on the wall and read it everyday, it will come true," it is something I really believe in. Self-confidence can go along ways, sometimes all the way, in making the difference. There were poinent times in my life where I was sure of myself and my abilities, at those moments little if anything could have stopped me accomplishing my goals. That goes for all facets of my life, not just racing.

The writing is on the wall and I am already on my way along my next journey to the top.

Karlsruhe City Cross

2009-11-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

if there were ever 'ideal' cross weather, that is what the conditions were today in Karlsruhe. Cold, damp so moist air that you could almost cut it with a knife, with weeks worth of precipitation softening up the ground. The venue was awesome with a big hill in the middle where one could spectate the whole race from the single vantage point. The course had power sections, up and down and many other varibles with little place to rest. The sand pit was some of the deepest heaviest sand I have ever encountered, wreaking havoc on many.

After a way cool ride on trails with Big Wheel brothers Michael and Justin in the Pfalz the day before, we met up with Basti, Holger and some others for 40 mins of doing circles on grass. I pre-rode with Holger and I have to say his techniques for 'surfing' his singloe fixed cross bike was very impressive - too bad there were no points for style, Holger would have won with those skids and white Sidi's...

Not sure what to expect from the 30+ field, Justin and myself took up spots in the 2nd row. Waiting for your typical sprint at the start, the slow roll off took me be surprise, so I quickly nabbed the hole-shot and ran with it. Not punching too hard, I still strung the field out and quickly made a selection of three riders off the front.

But it felt like I was missing just a tick of speed and could not quite dig in all the way. So one slipped by and rode away. My brakes sucked and I rode timid to put it nicely on the descents, kind of bummed I did not go for it more in the early going. As the race progressed so did my confidence, able later in the going to take faster more aggressive lines.

The third guy wanted my spot, and even took it for half of a lap, but a bobble in the sand trap and I had it back and from there opened the gap. Late in the race I caught Michael to put him down a lap, but he slugged it out. His converted road Schwinn Paramount looked pretty cool, but probably was serving him well on the very slick, steep off-camber sections doted around the course.

A mechanical took Holger out, or so he claims... Justin wasn't that far behind me in the end, something like 6th or 8th. Good race, lots of fun. It will be one we come back to for sure. Next weekend: Rosenheim.

not yet

2009-11-04T12:29:00.000-08:00

we drove up from Bayern today to the Pfalz, the weather is pretty much late fall all across the fatherland right now...cold and wt! We had snow back in our forecast the last few days but still had some great rides in Hopfen.

Sandi & I spun around the villages around her hometown, sandstone famrhouses with red ivy pitted against a grey skyed backdrop provided some cool scenes during our ride. Looking forward to FINALLY racing again, seems like ages since Oberstdorf... Normally this time in the season we have quite a few CX races in the skinsuits and are thinking of off season. This year it seems I am just getting going and the party is already over... Still, we will get our licks in and then get on the nordic skis for some solid off-season training and prep for 2010. We have a very cool group forming for the IF Euro Grassroots program - stay tuned!

the downward swing

2009-10-30T04:59:00.001-07:00

these are beautiful days, deep into autumn, thinking about winter (sounds like who cannot think about with all of the early snow around the globe everyone is talking about...). Football (both the round and oblongkind) and cyclocross are in the meaty part of the season - I still have yet to race, but in training I am a champion... Next weekend we get to drill ourselves, and I even conned some unsuspecting cyclists to join me in an hour of pain worship to the grass gods - good times. IF vs. Fixie Inc is the billing, I have carved Holger's name into my EDGE carbon bar and I look forward to taking him to the ropes on his disc-brake, single speed, fixed geared Pure Blood. Sorry Holger - but this ain't bike polo. I still want to see him bunny hop that bad boy.

We live in Füssen which fortunate for us happens to be one of the more beautiful spots on the face of the planet. here are some pics:

Overtime I have built up a tasty selection of gnarly technical singletrails, fast forest road, back-woods cyclocross and high alpine rides to select from - and we haven't even scratched the riding potential surface yet.

I have the craving for slow food as of late and have been experimenting in the kitchen, homemade Pumpkin Raviolis were my last creation, next up, sweet potato/ apple soup.

Sandi pulled her Pro license from the BDR, she's rolling in the big leagues again, lok out Fraulein!

Anyone up form some cross and beers next weekend?

speed of life

2009-10-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

Life blurring by

Memorable quote from Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Ferris: Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

Profound but true. My struggle is to stay grounded, in the moment and it is hard sometimes. My awareness that the days, weeks and years are just reeling off has been compounded by the existence of Colin in my life. He is visual proof we are not getting any younger. He also grounds me, I love every minute with him and it is a refreshing view to see the world through his eyes. There is so much I want to do and share with the little man. Not too mention his own experiences he needs to make.

Year 2 for ifbikes.de is winding down, but there is no sign of slowing down. My dream was always to combine a passion of mine with work and the sum of that is taking the plunge off the deep end not only as a entrepenuer, but in a foreign land. It has had its challenges, but anything worth while does. If it were easy...

We broke away from our daily routine (not that there is anything routine about them) ato take in the fall colors with Colin, gather some leaves and buckeyes, and to stop and look around - sure was beautiful.

Colin and me

Garmisch

2009-09-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

The C-Man and me
Me leadingthem through the wiesen
Sandi post race w/ splatter
Back in the day, Garmisch was the highlight of sorts of the season, but then again I hadn't been exposed to Colorado racing yet... But none the less, I was looking forward to this one, racing on some old turf in perfect conditions, wet, cold and sloppy. Like in the old days, there were some fast Germans on hand led by Marathon maverick Andi Stroebl. The field was about 50/50 with US military guys towing the line with some ueber-trained locals, and like in years past, local nation was out front quick. Vying for Andi's wheel were myself and about five others, a little twist of the throttle on my behalf and I had his wheel and the line. Andi and his Teammate led out the first lap and would slowly pull away throughout the race, we were left fighting for the scrpas and podiums. After a bobble from Justin Pocca, Big Wheel team rider, I had a grip on third for the middle sector of the race, leaving Justin to fight off some locals. But in the latter, one guy picked me up and dropped me, while Justin was quickly reversing his deficit to me. With one to go I kept the gas on just enought to keep Justin at bay and preserve my fourth overall and second in the Masters (first American and 29er - right Justin ;P). This was a fun course, no difficult and more like a cyclocross including two run-ups per lap...hopefully Rapha will send my cross bike soon so i can break here in.

Sandi took over on riding duties on Sunday, piloting her way into the mtb marathon scene over here by doing the Oberammergau Mountainbike Marathon. There is a complete seris on along the Alps that inlcudes an early season stop in Grand Canaria for all of the ueber-athletes. Riding the middle distance, there was still over 50km and 1600hm on the menu for here and some fast chicas. Sandi rode quickly to the front at the start opening what would be over a 5 min lead by mid-way. But she would be denied after fading in the latter half, barely getting nipped out for the overall buy a mere two minutes, and would have to settle for second. Still estactic as she should be, she was stoked to be racing and was all smiles afterwards. That was until the totally f-ed up the results leaving us to protest and straighten out the results. which they did fix but here is the kicker, we had to go to the start finish to get things sorted, and then walk 5 min back to the awards and when we got back, they had already done hers. Then the organizers tried to give her a cheap jacket as the prize when in reality she had won money! Fortunately we got that fixed as well.

We were both stoked to be racing once again and are looking forward to more, up next for me is the Oberstdorf Marathon on the 26th and then Sandi is competing in our own Crossduathlon (www.crossracer.eu) on the 04, Oktober.

EuroBike

2009-09-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

Eurobike Award
some sick custom IF Dugasts
slick cable hanger from Berner Bikes, it is suppose to stop fork chatter from braking
Joe's 'Tune'ed out Ti Deluxe

Another year, another EuroBike, well almost... This EB for us was awesome. Thanks to economic stimulus from EDGE and IF we ended up in a sweet booth in one of the first halls at the show, the only downer was we were not in the official guide. The booth features two freshly minted Corvid's courtesy of Kevin at IF and Kevin from EDGE. My newly dressed SSX and Joe's Ti Deluxe (which was the real draw adorned in Tune bits - German's like that sort of thing...) rounded out our custom bike palette. The icing on the cake was my, I mean er, Michael's SSR out front at the main entrance as part of the EuroBike Award display having taken home the award for "Best Frame".

Too much happened during the show to comb through it all here, but our booth had all of the major media roll though, bikes went all sorts of directions following the show for photo shoots and articles and there are a few more on the horizon. Beside EDGE and IF, we had Rapha in out booth, not too mention some sweet Fixed shirts complete with IF embroidery. Many players rolled through for meetings and visits, FOX, Rapha, Roleur, Dugast and so on... We also had the pleasure of dining with Rob V from Seven and Bob Parlee and many more industry insiders.

The Leipzig crew was once again in full force, Gerolf and Co. kept us company on serveral occasions and we had the chance to make some plans for 2010. While I did not get to see much of the show myself with meetings all of the time I did get to see a few goodies along the way.

We are still playing catch up from the show, but we can say it was a success on all fronts. Just a little more follow up and we will be ready for some cross racing! MTB race this weekend in Garmisch for me and a marathon for Sandi in Oberammergau on Sunday.

EB Preview

2009-08-26T22:50:00.000-07:00

Eurobike for us is the biggest show in Europe, a great opportunity make contact with dealers and consumers while gaining all important media coverage. One has to have a nice stand that is a bit creative and stylish to stand out. I don't even want to begin to calculate what the big guys spend on their booths - you could probably wipe out some small third world countries debt...

IF is teaming up with EDGE (which if you know our history there is a bit of irony there) and I am bringing not just the bikes but the 'display furniture' for our stand. Luckily for us we have an awesome friend who is a master woodworker who had built us a stand already for EHBE. Some additions and tweaks, and we will have a sharp stand for EuroBike.

First off on Tuesday is DemoDay, we are teaming up with Connex, makers of some of the finest chains in the industry, where people will have chance to throw a leg over one of our two 29ers or 2 26ers on hand. All bikes are outfitted with EDGE wheels and top kits from FOX, Shimano, SRAM, Thomson, Chris King among other shiny bits. We are building our demo fleet up so that people can try it before they buy it. I was even thinking of providing demo bikes for races next season...

Handcrafted beverages for your enjoyment (if you are so lucky...)

You have to be creative to stand out, and it doesn't always have to cost you a fortune to do that, sometimes sweat equity is enough. If you read this blog on a semi-regular basis (it's not that I post regularly...)than you know I like to make my own schnapps (brandy). Last year we made a small batch of apple and our favorite graphic artist Marco P who designed our new logos made us some sweet brown-paper bag looking labels for the schnapps. We will give these out to soem customers, dealers, media and industry types. Did I tell you how good it is, amazing! The good news is that Sandi & I have already gathered Maribellen (they are like a cherry but more yellowish), and will be doing Plum and another batch of apple as well this year - yummy! I figure the schnapps will be a great gift and someone in the media will pick up on it.

nicht nur "white sex", aber IF-sexiness dazu.

Stunning bikes is another sure fire way to get noticed, which is not too difficult with a brand like IF. Toss some EDGE parts on there and you have show stoppers. But sometimes you have to go extra measures, thus I give you ltd edition ifbikes.de Dugast tires. These white babies would make even Greg lust to be on one of our ferrous beauties. These will be glued up on my SSX just back from the painters and will go on a Rapha shoot in Sweden following the show (now if only the owner could go with...)

Green with envy

hard to tell in these photos, but the IF crown logo on the seattube is out new suds crown logo, we will do lots of pics at the show. If that all were not enough to garner us the spotlight, then walking up on stage to accept the 2009 EuroBike Gold Award for Best Frame surely ought to do the trick. Joe and I will accept the award in the evening on the 2nd for our incredible SSR we did for Wiesmann that is in the current issue of RennRad.

It's Hammer Time!

Not that this has anything to do with EuroBike (wouldn't it be sweet to see LA cruising the halls of the show in these pants!), but it is good stuff none the less. I could opt for your standard "Does MC Hammer know you were in his closet?" joke, but I mean come on! Seriously?!? What fashion malfunction occured to make LA adorn a podium in these? Maybe he forgot his pants and these are his girlfriends maternity clothes...

See you at the show!

WonderBra & Tubes

2009-08-08T22:54:00.000-07:00

In preparation for EuroBike, we have been selecting which bikes to have in the EDGE/ IF Bikes stand. There were two obvious bikes that would make it into the show, the new Corvid and the Rapha Continental SSR. Joe's sick sub 9kg Ti Deluxe seemed like another great candidate, so it came down to a toss up between a cyclocross bike and a 29er. Being that the media has finally picked up on the 29er thing, and the EU manufactures as well (I have had a few ask me about sales, performance and geometry), I figured everyone would have one intheir stand this year. Rather than just showing them, we are taking a few to the outdoor demo day on Tuesday (Jeff and Chris D are bringing a couple of Cielo 29er with - curious to see those).

So I decided to refurb my 2 year old SSX for the show. Many riany rides, mud and trails left the once brilliant brushed finish a little dull, so armed with buffing pads from IF I went to work. It did not take long to bring back the luster of the fine brushed finish and in about an hour, the frame looked like new. Another reason I love this material. The ride quality is in my opinion better than any other material out there, it is stiff yet smooth on the trails. Scratch, dent and corrision resistant, I do not understand why you would want anything else, really. Then the fact with a just a little love, your bike can look like new again.

OK, off the soapbox. The bike is heading out for a paint job featuring our new logos to match our soon to be released website and promo materials (not too mention the custom made Dugasts with our logo on them). Can't wait. Besides we are trying to relight the fire of cyclocross here in Germany. You would figure a land that has won World Titles would have more of a scene, but it seems the Germans have a short attention span (think Schummi or Ullrich). If they are not winning (but they are with Hanka), then they are not interested it seems. Fortunately this stereo type does not hold water with small sub-cultures like that in Leipzig, Dresden and other communities where we would like to tap into that passion and build a cross scene.

I also built up Marco's SSX, since his wheels were absent, mine dutifully stepped in and looked good in the process. His bike built up super nice, and the HandleBra is the nicest bar tape I have used. Its musty, rustic smell reminded me of my old local shop back in Iowa, the Cyclery which was in a basement and full of old leather helmets, shoes, saddles and so on. The tape wrapped effortlessly with superb results. It felt great in the hand and looks stunning. We are also carrying this product in our line going forward and look forward to putting this on some more bikes.

Time to build some demo bikes and go for a Sunday ride.

Great looking and feeling HandleBra leather bar tape

Great Clip

2009-08-01T04:26:00.000-07:00

Passing through various wormholes across the net, I came across a great piece of cinematography. this is how cycling videos should be. the shots, camera work, editing and soundtrack add up to something that captures the essence of bike racing. watching this got my pulse going and the stoked the fire to get out there and rub elbows with others. this could be a clip of anyrace, although it is the hallowed grounds of Houffalize, the 'classics' course for mountainbikers. I had the pleasure of racing there back in 2001 on a very rainy, slick course, and it is all it is cracked up to be and more. This is one I would love to make it back to again, maybe next year...

enjoy.

Houffalize World Cup 2009 from Mountain Bike Rider on Vimeo.

Dream On...

2009-07-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

Pre-EuroBike work and hype have my full attention these days. RennRad Magzin is featuring my SSR in their September issue (on the news stand August 14th), it will be in their Dream Bike article with a full four page spread. It is on its way to the EuroBike Awards to be judged with other bikes. We entered in the Roadbike category, it will be interesting to see what comes out...

Here are some pics:

Heimmat

2009-07-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

from on top of the Breitenberg (yes there is some singletrack up there...)
We are finally getting into the groove in sued-bayern, our new heimmat. The riding has been sporadic with running a business, a 21 month old, and what ever else life has to throw at you, but luckily I squeeze some in here and there. Prior to our first riding clinic down here, I was given the kitchen pass to recon some rides for our guests. We have decided to focus on the Pfronten area for our clinics and hopefully will be able to build a parcours there soon, and help build/ expand singletrack options there as well. There are some singletraks, but mostly they are for hikers, even though bikers get on them too, but there is a definite need for more and even separate trails for bikers, not only to mitigate conflicts, but Pfronten markets itself as a mountain bike area.

my twenty9er on some rare Pfronten singletrack - yes I am a convert now - anyone want to by my brand new Ti Deluxe single speed frame?

My brother in law is in town, so I took him around the Forggensee today and up to the front door of the Neuschawnstein Castle. The climb up to the castle you are on a grade of around 12% and with all of the tourists, it gave you the feeling of riding through the crowds of a major stage race in the mountains... Except I don't think some of the tourists thought it was as cool as we did. We were on the cross bike and had a good mix of road, gravel road and trail, it had just rained so it was just a little on the sloppy side.

freshly soiled and full of sweat, the aftermath of my cross ride today

Tomorrow Jochen and I are hitting the Breitenberg, should be good times...

fresh off the jig in sommverville - another soon to be very satisfied ifbikes.de customer bike waiting to be built

Käse-Deutsch

2009-06-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

You know how when you hear your voice recorded, you sound different than you think you do? Well, here is one of me, not only do sound different, but pretty darn funny. If you can understand German than you can hear me just slaughter the language. Nails screeching across a chalkboard sound more appealing! If you can't understand German, still watch, it is a good laugh. The only positive I can say is atleast the laid over some music to partially drown our my Käse-Deutsch...

Bike Sport News Interview

1/2 way point in the year

2009-06-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

I am a little numb... the past three months have been a flurry of activities and a blur of events (some if not all great ones), a quick trip to the US (as seen in digital imagery in my last post), our first fahrtechnik training in Pfronten/ Alps, and this past weekend our rival of a classic XC race in the small corner of Hochspeyer.

Our trip to the US was sparked by a request to help out a budding local roaster in Telluride, Tomboy Coffee Roasters. RC was one of the original roasters for the fabled brand Stumptown, and he continues to turn out some of the best beans I have had. We also spent some time visiting our good friends Mike and Soph (who graciously turned me on to Eastbound and Down, thanks to record on demand I caught all six episodes in three sidesplitting sittings). Mike also had a dinner one evening for a local magazine who will be featuring his home in Rico and a little on his catering business. It was an evening of good food, lots of laughs and a variety of spirits. Gunni was also on our itinerary this time around, we stayed with Dan and Cathy while trying to catch up with others and I was cut off premature in a mtb ride when some black clouds unleashed a spectacular showing of lightening follow by a downpour. Some fresh coffee the next morning at Mochas and getting zinged by Jerry (a local lifestyler that happens to be married to the proprietor), and we were off to Denver to have a short visit with my parents before flying back to the fatherland.

Back in Germany, I spent the following week reconning trails and a parcours for our riding technique class. We found a sweet hotel to work with down in Pfronten and I found some good singletrails, but still have a lot more riding to do before I can honestly say i know my way around. It is a tough job but someone has to do it...

This past weekend we organized our first mountainbike race. My cyclocross influence came through as we put together a power course with some sharp climbs, techy descents and fast fire roads. We spent a week pushing in some new singletrack , and what I think is a course with good fluidity and pace. Riders raved about the course, some not so much...but the feedback was 90% positive on the course. We have some dialing to do on the organization side, but all in all it was a great event that left all involved stoked on the sport. I even met an old racing buddy, Wolfgang who was still riding his Yo Eddy, still speced out exactly the way it was when I last saw it, not too mention it was super clean and pretty.

Today it is back to Fuessen and life on the land in Bayern...

Martin Schmidt = Sieger des Elite Rennens
Wolfgang charging his YoEddy down the fresh singletrack
Our brutal short steep climb on the backside of the course

US Trip

2009-05-29T04:41:00.001-07:00

EHBE

2009-05-11T03:14:00.000-07:00

IF @ EHBE
Carsten's tribute
Owners' frames on display
Very slick Fixie Inc seatstay coupler for belt drive
Crisp w/ BB30 & Cannondale 2x9
Crisp Titanium
In a flury of activity, it is nice to have such a show as the EHBE in the middle. The European version of the NAHBS took place over the weekend in the sleepy community of Schwaebisch Gmuend near Stuttgart Germany. It was small gathering of not so big, small (and very small) frame builders, and companies focused on the bike.

For us, it is our tradeshow this year as we are passing on an official presence at Eurobike. Instead we are doing many more grassroots events, trying to give more back to the IF fans out there. For EHBE we have a delectable showing of our range of frames along with a couple of fresh customer rides (thanks to Conni and Carsten...). We also had some sweet eyecandy courtesey of Waridi and KING in our stand, creating a setting one could endulge themselves in sheer bike porn for a long time.

Attendees and other vendors poured over the love be exhibited, making note of the craftsmanship and detail of our rides and parts. So often I was told of how much people loved our bikes, and were IF fans, something very few other companies can boast. It was flattering to hear of the respect and positive feedback, and more so to hear the distances people traveled just to come and see us.

On Saturday evening, together with Waridi we threw a big BBQ with all of the fixens for over 130 party goers. There was an assortment of grilled meat with me be the Grill MC that evening, 4 kegs of beer were made empty and a good time was had by all. My new friends over at RetroVelo lit up the portable bike DJ turntable to provide the ambiance, and the conversations flowed over the whole setting like a spring flood, it was awesome.

Afterwards the fine people of Daily Bread, RetroVelo, Ulrich Vogel, Waridi and myself all went out for a nitecap on the Altstadt of SG. I heard other stories of even later nights, but I was glad to have found my way home by 1am...

With the prior evening consumption of beverages still lingering in my head, it was another great day of talking about all things bikes. It was interesting to meet and see the offerings of the European bike community, there is some definite talent and innovation happening here, and I have developed some ideas out of the show myself. The openess of the builders and open forum on the bike there was inspiring and great to see. Something you will get anywhere else I think.

We had a great show, and look forward to the next edition, and yes we will be back with the BBQ, but bigger, and better. For now, it is off to the states, bis bald.

Closing thoughts on Gardasee

2009-05-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

another brand on the urban-bike assault front

As I sit in a cafe around the corner from our new place (as we are currently internet challenged), I am reflecting on my time at the 2009 BIKE Festival in Gardasee. My last time there was on behalf of Brodie and FOX apparel back in 1996. To be honest, my recollection of that trip is fairly blurred, so it was like being somewhere new for me.

The spectacular views are the perfect backdrop for a season kick-off party, and I was fortunate to hook up with the Italian Single Speed Mafia, supper nice hardcore group of riders who appreciate fine bikes and cheep beer. They also happen to know a lot about Jackass... We swore next year the stars will align and ourselves and Biciclista will colaborate on a stand there (hopefully much more).

did I mention this is paradise...

One ride was all I got in flying solo on behalf of ifbikes.de. Partnering with the ISSM and with wife and kid in tow, I hope to see much more of what the valley has to offer in singletrack commodity. I also hope to have a stand that doesn't smell like unrine, it seems the tree (and the side of my tent) was a popular place for persons to relieve themselves.

An Italian girl is a terrible thing to waste...

The car is already loaded agina, this time EHBE, stay tuned, should be another good weekend...

2009-05-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

Seeside Gardasee

Se of flags Gardasee

Finally, a bar you can actually eat and enjoy...

Dutch importer for Litespeed

Nice group over at Ibis

Super nice guys over at Revolution Sports representing Niner and No Tubes

Does this one match our SUV honey...

Gardasee Day Two

2009-05-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

the thing about attending such a festival is not just to be seen, but to see. See what the consumer is doing, and to observe the market in a 'real world' setting. Granted, real world is dependent on where you find it, you will not meet the same public at a single speed meet as you will at one of the main stream events, but both are equally important and interesting.

Thus far I have been positively surprised by what I have observed and seen at the Gardasee Fest. Today was especially sweet for me as not only did I meet more enthusiasts and fans, but I saw some bikes I actually lust after. First was an Italian who will be a customer of ours in the near future, with his beautiful, near fully retro Yeti with elevated chainstays. There are few symbols of mountain biking's heyday, and this is one of them.

Yeti Ultimate

Yeti Headbadge

The second symbol is none other the a Fat City Cycles Yo Eddy, and yes, there was one of those in its full green to blue faded glory, albeit this one was slightly modernized. But it still had a sweet Mag21 Ti mounted for front end suspension duties also painted to match, nice.

Fat City Cycles

Yo Eddy

I think it is appropriate that we are tucked away in a little corner of the festival, it fits the fact people are still getting know us and many still do not know we exist, I guess I have my work cut out for me. Given the overwhelming positive response here, it will be an enjoyable task to continue to build the brand.

Another observation I have made is that I am astonished how many people 'associated' with the bicycle industry smoke cigarettes... Well atleast here in Europe. I have seen people in their respective booths, riders and spectators smoking all around the festival grounds. For a healthy outdoor sport, if I were an unaware outsider looking in, I would have a poor view of the sport giving the lack of regard for one's own health.

Girl Smoking...

...Smoking Girls

The flip side is the top European rider's have always amazed me with their level of fitness and that also shows. Tanned, muscular legs on both the boys and gals rolled up and down the expo promonade, showing off tan lines of people with out day jobs or short trips to Mallorjca.

Yes, I would like something sweet...

Tomorrow is race day and extended hours for us, 9am to 10pm, I am curious what the day will bring...

Gardasee Day One

2009-04-30T23:39:00.000-07:00

Soaking in the Italian sun

the BIKE Festival in Lago di Garda is the European equivilent to the Sea Otter int he US. It is the un-offical kick off to the biking season and happens to take place in one of the more beautiful locals in Europe. Nestled in South-Tirol, the Gardasee is the destination for many Trans-Alp crossings, as it was the first end point for the first Trans Alp race.

To be honest, it is little festival and more big Industry hype, the organizers included. So why attend on behalf of IF? As many times before, I have found there is an audience for our product almost anywhere we go. People who you wouldn't expect stop and study our bikes with admiring eyes, their passion for riding comes through in their appreciation for the handcrafted bikes on display. So why aren't they riding a custom bike?

Waridi Lights

Representing the Crown

I see a combination of factors, one I have beaten the drum this on one many times, that of price. The German market has seen such violent price erosion that consumers are trained to pay bottom Euro for a bike, forgoing many other factors over the price tag.

Secondly it is the media. the media over here tests in laboratories, not in the real world. You can't quantify craftsmanship, artisan, nor the imperfects that make up perfection, therefor run of the mill aluminium and carbon Chinese bikes win so called 'Tests" with out any regards to real benefits for the consumers. Not too mention they are not open for unconventional thinking like single speeds nor twentyniners (although I am sure some outside the media would like to keep it that way ;-))

So the best way for us to build our brand is to hit these events to connect with those who get it. To keep beating the drum, and spreading the message and to show that there is a real viable option to the Xerox copied, re-branded, bullshit that comes out of the sweat factories of the far east. Rides that embody the spirit of riding and offer a lot more that hyped up marketing jargon.

Besides, I love good espresso, wine and food, do you really need any other reason to come to Italy???

Day 2 tomorrrow.

Leipzig Images

2009-04-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

sizing up Maik
Gerolf
SSX

Leipzig

2009-04-20T11:41:00.001-07:00

There are some cities that have something special, intangible but it is apparent the moment you enter them. They are a live and have a pulse. Now I am not sure if I will ever be a city dweller, but these cities make me ponder the thought. They draw me in an make me want to visit them again and again. For me this is also a rare occurrence that a city is so gravitating, but my trip over the weekend to Leipzig proved to be one of those occasions.

Via an invitation from Bike Department Ost, my auto found itself pointed to the old eastern part of Germany. I am old enough to remember things like the end of the cold war, and the wall coming down, but it is so far removed from even my memory, that was until along the Autobahn I passed a sign marking the old East-West border. It wasn't until I arrived in Leipzig that the difference between East and West started to be revealed.

First off, Leipzig is a beautiful city, not like Rome or Vienna, but in a very historic and noble way. Monuments to its storied past dominate the landscape, icons of good and hard times past. After landing at BDO, hunger drove me out into the street to find some my midday meal. The first thing I noticed about the people on the street, they all seemed content, almost happy. They were buzzing around on bikes, or sitting on benches talking and their was even a festive uprising around some bohemian style music pouring good vibes out onto the street. Something you would expect in Amsterdam with its many street performances and fests.

My liason from BDO, Gerolf was more than hospitable helping me to secure accommodations and arranging a group ride from the shop. There were a few familiar acquaintences Nikita and David along with some fresh faces. on the menu was a tasty plate of Urban singletrack, country roads, some seriously deteoriated back streets and fun riding parks. Besides an abundance of broken glass that riddled almost everywhere we rode (and accounted for two flats cutting down tires and ending my ride slightly prematurely), the were many more cool symbols of Leipzig's history. We rode one of the two hills in Leizig which Nikita explained was a trash mound from the WW2!

Nikita and Gerolf had many stories and background information that they shared readily with us along the ride, very interesting sidenotes to a very fun riding experience. Another one of these antidotes that stood out was the Hafen, a Nazi project that was started but never finished. Basically a large canal shadowed by very large concrete skeletons of three industrial buildings, mere shadows of a forgotten past. There were several burned out remenents of the darkened past, covered in the colorful graphitti of todays challenging urban culture.

After the ride we all had a quick drink together mingeling and making plans for the evening. David and I headed over to Rueckenwind, another very cool shop in Leipzig. If I were ever to own a shop, it would be something like the Rueckenwind, I fell in love with this shop. Ronny, the owner, is a kindred soul, open and passionate about cycling. His shop reflects his warm personality and invites customers in to a sweet bike shop. His focus is urban transport, fixies (although he loathes them) commuters and other unrban transport dominate the showroom in a minimalistic fashion. Not too many bikes to be overwhelming, but enough to wet the pallet and give the customer a taste of what is possible.

David had invited me there for a purpose, Maik whom I had met at SiS was getting new ride, a Ti Deluxe. So we did what I love to do, talk about bikes and get Maik set up. Being a similar stature as I, Maik took a quick spin on my Ti Deluxe and we were to base his dream ride off this bike. We talked some more, tried out my homemade schnapps, did a fitting and had a blast. I did not want to leave. This is what selling bikes should be about, forming a good relationship to your customer, formulating their bike on their desires in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. There was not a better setting than the Rueckenwind to facilitate this process...

Afterwards we hooked up with Gerolf and others at a cool little local hangout for some burgers and beer, good times.

The next day was the demo day on an old Eastern-block velodrome. Pretty cool stuff. David said it best when I mentioned him I thought it was cool to think of all of the historic races and events that must have taken place on the old banked oval as we watched some mtb and bmx dirt jumpers drop down the track and huck tricks. His response was "it is like the geist (meaning ghosts, but also soul) is still speaking to us."

It certainly was.

The demo day was a great for us, our bikes were constantly gone, and in high demand. The best parts was seeing their faces when they returned with ear-to-ear smiles. When the bikes were not out, people would study their details, fascinating over the craftsmanship and perfection. Once again conversations revolved around human-powered two-wheeled machines, and the lifestyle around it. Unfortunately for me I had to pack up fairly quickly at the end of the day to drive to our new home in Hopfen am See to meet my brother-in-law to start setting things up.

We will surely take part again next year, and stick around a little more to soak an incredible city in, and experience more the past and present culture.

(some pics will follow...)