I remember reading a review for a Renovo bicycle this past fall in Men's Journal.
This was around the time I put it in my head I wanted wood accents for my fixed gear and was completely blown away by such a supremely engineered piece of wood.
I cruised the site for info, made my first attempt at wood handle bars and have since tried to figure out a cost-effective way to make functional parts.
While we were in Portland last month, Team Motts emerged from Roots Organic Brewing Company around dinnertime to come face to face with a middle aged guy with an insanely unique bike.
The guy happened to be Ken Wheeler, owner and brain trust, of Renovo Hardwood Bicycles and the bike happened to be one of his own:
No doubt, the pint of beer had something to do with our wonderment but seeing a piece of maple wood fashioned into an everyday pony-whip has a way of making your jaw drop.
The Dreamer, The Lover and The Voice of Reason began their journey in the majestic Humphrey Terminal.
At O'Kelley's. With Guinness's. And grins.
An elated bar tab carried positively onto an delayed airline flight. So much so, in fact, the boys' social commentary earned a round of beers from the Nestle salesman seated in the row ahead.
The stewardess doted upon team the team with the curiosity of a brood hen hatching another species.
Mott's was established as team sponsor mid-flight after The Dreamer declared to the fuselage, "I got the Mott's" and a round was distributed.
Henceforth, team MVP is awarded the iconic room temperature apple juice. Like Gatorade on the football coach or chugging milk at the racetrack.
Only less appetizing.
Arrive Portland, OR (Arrive Portland, OR)
How do you fit Team Motts, six bags and one snowboard into a wagon?
Head to the gas station and buy the following:
6 6-packs of local beer
Lolly-pops
Cigarettes
A framed poster of Al Pacino, Scarface incognito
What went to the airport as an A4, returned home as an A6.
CJ Dirt (formally Colin J. Lebens), The Smoker, accompanied the team to home base, in NW Portland city where bags were unfurled and toasts were had.
Our first meal of Day 2, Friday, took place at 3:00 in the morning at an all night diner called Roxy.
Five of us ordered a delicacy called the "Heart Attack Platter." Issac's pancakes were made fun, but The Voice of Reason has the last laugh in the morning.
All six ordered, not a mug of coffee, but a carafe. A piece.
The theme of the weekend was established that night as "overkill."
Nine days until The Bike Bar touches down in Portland for the adventure trip of the season.
Planning our two-wheeled pony retreat, we kicked around the idea of having it coincide with one of the major beer festivals. Due to scheduling, we picked a weekend and figured we would postulate our own beer tour if something did not arise.
Friends. Something is a-rose-ing.
What's better than riding bicycles and drinking beer?
Bicycles and organized beer drinking.
The Oregon Brewers Guild is hosting its 2009 Barleywine Festaroon at the Lucky Labrador Beer Hall, in Northwest Portland.
A 36 beer list will attempt to make jovial friends with the members of The Bike Bar. We, in turn, will welcome them with a smile and extend a gentlemanly handshake.
...and then call each beer a cowardly cheat, challenging it to a leg-wrestling match.
