STOLEN: Green Specialized Stumpjumper with Xtracycle longtail attachment.  

Stolen from neighborhood Southwest of Fairgrounds between 11pm May 22nd and 6am May 23rd.
If you have info regarding this theft please email

• Sage green Stumpjumper frame (serial #95A0652)
• Red Marzocchi Atom 80 fork
• Shimano Alfine Dynamo front hub
• B&M headlight
• Blue padded deck
• Rear handle bars
• Shimano XTR rear hub
• Schawble Marathon front tire
• Kenda rear tire
• BG seat
• SRAM grips and gripshifters
• XT cranks
• Planet Bike front and rear fenders
• Bell
• Two rear reflectors mounted to the Xtracycle freeloaders
• Avid BB7 front disc brakes

@tymorrisonheath put out the call for cargo cyclists to load up his possessions by bicycle and move them from near Koch and 11th out across the interstate to some storage units on Rouse.  The Bozeman Fix cargo hauling crew showed up ready to move.  On the scene was the Bozeman Daily Chronicle's Jodi Hausen who shot this short video:

If the video doesn't load, see it in the left-sidebar of the on the Chronicle's website article Bozeman's bike week kicks off with kid's rodeo.

.

June 25th, 2011. Mark thine calendars.  

allhailtheblackmarket.com

This video is so full of artists that I got a confused a few times. Is the "organic" "environment" that the riders will be riding the same as the ramps, or will they simply be hanging their fixed gears on the walls as if they were also art?

So confusing! The one thing that is more confusing to me is why these dudes aren't riding bmx? I know there is a separation with the whole fixed/free thing, but dude come on. I've seen 12 year olds getting more air on their walmart bikes than these dudes on their $3000 fixed/freestyle bikes.

But at least their riding and having fun on bikes. I can't get too mad at them for that, even though peg grinds with 700c wheels are still stupid.

Alleycat Easter Keg Hunt - April 29th, 6:30pm at Peet's Hill Parking Lot (near library)

Submitted by @bznbybike

What I wouldn't give for the opportunity to do a frame-stand on this gorgeous number.  

Re-blogged from AHTBM.

Alleycat Easter Keg Hunt - April 29th, 6:30pm at Peet's Hill Parking Lot (near library)

We're getting amped to play some hardcourt bike polo and as such have scheduled the first game of the season for THURSDAY, APRIL 7TH starting at 6:00 PM.  We'll be gathering on the playground behind HAWTHORNE SCHOOL located at the corner of Rouse and Mendenhall.  The weather is very fickle in Montana this time of year but we've been known to play in a little rain or snow.  If there is a full on blizzard occurring don't bother coming down, but if the weather is doing a balancing act between rain, sun, snow, etc then put on your trusty rain jacket, rubber boots, and come join us. 

If you're new to bike polo we're a bunch of outgoing, friendly people who will happily lend you a bicycle, mallet, and give you whatever sort of hand-holding you might need to learn how to play.  It's early in the season so we'll be certain to play some beginner games where we focus on people learning the sport rather than winning.  Things to consider bringing if you have them are a bicycle that can get beat up (don't worry, we'll have some to lend out if you only have a nice bike), a helmet, closed-toe shoes, long pants, long shirt, and good vibes.  If you're a little afraid to come join some new people, consider bringing a friend.  We really, really, really want to get some good turnouts of people to play polo this year.  Join us!

THURSDAY, APRIL 7TH starting at 6:00 PM there will be HARDCOURT BIKE POLO on the playground behind HAWTHORNE SCHOOL. 

See you Thursday,
The Bozeman Fix

The 4th Annual Westbeach Chinese Downhill.

Polo season approaches... prepare thineself. 

So while all ya'll Bozemanites have been shredding the gnar with epic pow, I've been playing bike polo and mountain biking a bunch. I know many of you will be stoked on this article about "Biker Polo".


http://chattanoogabikepolo.blogspot.com/

Gallatin Valley Bike Club Spring Party

Attention Bozeman cyclists, the 2011 GVBC spring party is tonight - Wednesday, March 23, at 6 pm at the Lindley Center. There will be pizza and beer (it's a keg so bring your own mug or you can purchase a GVBC pint glass for $5).

Please bring something for the potluck. People who's names start with A through M should bring side dish type things, letters N through Z should bring desserts.

If you wish to learn more about the Gallatin Valley Bike Club, visit their website at http://www.gallatinvalleybicycleclub.org

Did I mention there will be a keg?

 @JohnFriedrich hauls the 2009 GVBC keg on his Xtracycle

This kid rips. No pegs and no brakes. Flows trails and kills it on street. And thankfully, he's being innovative with his riding. 

You know how tuck-no-handers on street are lame now? Well, Trey is doing crank to tucks (1:42) and nollie to tucks (2:03). Hell yeah!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

The tool shown below has been the topic of a bit of discussion at the Bike Kitchen as of late. The official name for this device is the Park Tool BT-2 Cable Stretcher.

From the Park Tool website:

Commonly referred to as a "4th Hand", the Park Tool Cable Stretcher pulls cables tight for adjustment of derailleurs and brakes. It features one-hand operation with a thumb lock to hold the cable tight while your hand is freed up to tighten pull-up bolts and nuts. A must for any shop, home or professional.

Stevil from "All Hail The Black Market" posted a little commentary regarding this issue on his blog today with his post Tools come in all shapes and sizes..

From "All Hail the Black Market"

I was never sure why this was called the fourth hand. Personally I only have two and this acts as my third. I suppose if you get down to the nitty gritty, this pinches as well as pulls, so perhaps it would be more appropriately called 'the third and fourth hand', but just so there's no confusion, well simply call it by it's traditional name, a cable puller.

This is what my daily commute looks like:

Keirin: Speed Racers on Nowness.com.

there are some pretty good ones in this clip. Pretty cool min-doc on Keirin racing in Japan.
Watch it here or real nice and BIG here

DINGDINGDING!!!

An often unknown aspect of velo racing are the hazards of the course. 

This dude got a 10 inch piece of pine through his calf during a race!


http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/75367,sport,other-sport,cyclist-azizulhansi-awang-finishes-race-with-a-10in-splinter-through-his-leg

He also got up and finished the race. He was involved in a Keirin race where there is an awesome pace bike and a mad sprint at the end. This isn't the race, but it's a good Keirin race with a sweet crash.



Lauren brought this one to my attention BTW.

Who's interested in a Bozeman showing of Rev Phil's 4:PLAY, because the possibility is very real, and can happen very soon.  Drop a comment.

I couldn't help but post this video. I know most people in Bozeman aren't thinking about road riding right now, but you will be after watching this video. 



One more speed! Campagnolo stuff is so sexy!

 

Jeff Oatley won the Arrowhead 135 (again) and was invited to the Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) which is limited to 50 racers, who may choose a mode of travel (bike, ski, or hike) and a race distance (350 miles to McGrath, or 1100 miles to Nome). 

Here's an article about this crazy dude and his sweet rig:

http://velonews.competitor.com/2009/04/bikes-and-tech/snow-machine-jeff-oatleys-rig-for-the-iditarod-trail-invitational_90132

Valentine's Day Alleycat
Bozeman, MT
6:30pm - Saturday, February 12th, 2011
Meet in the alley behind 12 N. Wilson
Bring $4.00 to enter and be sure to Dress to Impress!

Sheldon Brown (July 14, 1944 – February 4, 2008)

I thought this would be an appropriate image for all ya'll Montanans.

 

pic from:  http://ridesabike.tumblr.com/

An excerpt from singletrackm1nd's blog:

Several years ago John asked me if I wanted to drive to Boise ID for an alleycat called 'Liverdance'. He knew a Boise cyclist dubbed 'Charlie The Ninja', who would let us crash at his place for the weekend. I'm generally socially awkward enough, that I'd normally be apprehensive about hanging with some random people, in an unfamiliar town. But, these were cyclists, so I didn't give it a moment's thought. After a harrowing drive in an '84 Toyota, John and I made it to Boise, and beheld a shadowy figure, beside the road. 

I hopped out of the car, and threw my left hand up just fast enough to catch a Bud Diesel tallboy. Another tallboy was delivered to John, along with a command to 'slam those beers, and get your bikes out of the car, we've got 30 minutes before "last call"'. We did as told, and soon the three of us were racing fixies in the middle of the night, through a town I'd never been in before, to some bar. I don't remember if I even shook the guy's hand, but I do remember feeling I'd been accepted immediately into the pack. Upon reaching the bar, there was shaking of hands, drinking of whiskey, and talking of shit from people I'd never met, who treated me like an old friend, just because I was a fellow cyclist.

Cyclists Inciting Change Thru LIVE Exchange

This was too funny not to post. Enjoy.

Strategies for Getting Around Without Bike Lights (or Pants) from BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION ALLIANCE on Vimeo.

This post is for Greg and Casey (and John if he still checks his old blog :) And for anyone else who loves old school stuff.

1990 Specialized Epic 

I'm hoping to get to this place this summer. Maybe take a tour to this sweet historical collection.  
Museum of Mountain Bike Art & Technology:

http://mombat.org/MOMBAT/

Paul Thomasberg at Mt. Snow in 1989

Thomasberg is still bad ass!

 

Do you read Velominati? Maybe you're only into fixies and I guess that's okay. But if you ever find yourself falling in love with that burning sensation in your lungs as you maintain your cadence until the top of that hill and masochistically find yourself panting for more... well, there might be more to cycling than you're aware. Read Velominati >>

 

"The hair, the shoes, the slicks. That's enough for me." - Frank @Velominati

So I've moved away from the lovely bike-scene of Bozeman to Chattanooga, TN. It's a bigger city for sure, and there is a ton more traffic and more people than I've been used to over the past three years. One thing I've realized since I moved is that... I hate people! At least large groups of them. So that explains the aggressive street riding I've been posting. It speaks to me.

-Jon Dub

ps: Peg grabs are back biatch! (1:06)


Subrosa - Kyle Hart from Subrosa Brand on Vimeo.

How To Play: Print this out (or save it to your iPhone) and take it to the next indie-rock concert or alleycat bike race you attend. When you get a bingo, be sure to scream "BINGO!" at the top of your lungs, then break a bunch of beer bottles on the floor, get thrown out, and then stand around outside smoking Camel cigarettes.

The Science Of Hipsters T-Shirt

Do you often have difficulty categorizing or describing yourself and your hipper-than-thou friends? Do you sometimes find yourself wishing you had a handy cheat-sheet on hand whenever you're down at (insert local indie bar here) catching the latest Pitchfork-approved flavor of the day before they sell out and sign to a major? Never fear: brush out your ironic mullet, put on your vintage horn-rims, pull on your favorite pair of skinny jeans, and throw on this Periodic Table of Hipsters t-shirt to ensure that you always have the reference you need at your disposal.

Get your own "Science of Hipsters" t-shirt from the Ex-Boyfriend Collection

The following is plagiarized from Bike Snob NYC.

A grin from the face of solitude captivates Every Day to be the best of very bests.

The town and the city enrapture its very being of existence.

A new route or a constant stream of consciousness are the dreams that lift it over a rise or river as the world changes all around.

Every Day complements this potential and greatness to come from the very legs that give it life.

Ride on. Sun. Rain. Smile. Every Day.

( A COMMUTER. )

Translation:

Yes, the ride of the "Every Day" is so transcendent that it will cause the forces of prose and grammar to collapse on themselves like a scene from "Inception," and you will be overcome by waves of redundancy and repetition and redundancy, all while pedaling eternally and endlessly in circular circles towards some blissful horizon on the horizon where there is a store inside of which they sell really expensive coffee, exotic cheeses, and olives priced individually.

And then, when you return to your bicycle with your hemp shopping bag full of coffee, and chesses, and olives, you will find that the bicycle is gone, for it has been stolen, never to be seen again.

Ah... yes, the pow was quite epic today Bra! Well so is this video and there aren't any pow turns.

Into the Void - Johnny Devlin from Shadow Conspiracy on Vimeo.

Upstate NY: A Christmas Tale II Episode II from andrew loaiza on Vimeo.

In this episode the boys get real and show you that it's not always about crunchy dance moves and hot boardwhips--sometimes you gotta fight. Join them as they rip Whiteface a new one with their things. Same mountain, different story. Stay fast. ENJOY!

Peter from Genuine Guide Gear aka G3 posted the above photo along with his blog post entitled, "My Touring Setup 2011".  Way to get after it sustainably, Peter. 

Peep Game!

Im in NY and my friends and I are making the second installment of Upstate NY: A Christmas Tale. This year it's coming to you in 3 episodes. Here is episode I : The Dance. Enjoy, keep it real.

Upstate NY: A Christmas Tale II Episode I from andrew loaiza on Vimeo.

P.S. Yeah, Sam...there's no powder in NY soooorrry. ha lolz

The solstice bike race movie is in. Fresh from the cutting room floor.

E

The December solstice, or winter solstice will occur on December 21, 2010 in the northern hemisphere. This year a full moon will also coincide with the solstice making it not only the shortest day of 2010 in terms of sunlight, but it will also mean a well-lighted evening.  You know what that means?  Damn straight - - perfect bicycling conditions.

Bicycling fools are invited to participate in what may very well be the first winter alleycat race held in Bozeman. It will be a short (ish?) race focusing on expressing t3h loves for winter riding, the camaraderie of fellow, hardcore cyclists, and a general gettin-er-done-ness sorta atmosphere.

Specifics:
Date: Tuesday, December 21st, 2010
Time: 6:30pm (race to start 'round 7:00)
Start: Bozeman Bike Kitchen (425 E Aspen aka just East of the Meat Shoppe)
What: An alleycat is a scavenger hunt-style bicycle race.  Bring lights, a messenger bag and an open mind.  If you're afraid, come anyway - we'll find someone to ride with you.  If you like bikes and ride 'em in winter, it's guaranteed you'll get along with anyone who attends this wildly stupid event.

Dave Fucking Voelker ca. 1988

Photo by Andrew Hutchison

Yesterday, a Bozeman youth bicyclist was run off the road by a midsized gray vehicle. She was riding her bicycle along Kagy and a car behind her honked multiple times, pulled up beside her, proceeded to swerve at her, causing her to be knocked off her bike and onto the curb.  She escaped the incident without injury but as the vehicle sped off she was unable to make out the license plate or model of the vehicle. 

Bozeman residents are asked to be mindful of a gray, midsized vehicle acting aggressively or dangerously towards you.  If you witness any atrocious behavior such as this, please record the license plate number or any identifying marks and report it to the police. Hit and run incidents are terrifying.  For those who have the nerve to deliberately swerve into a small girl riding within the legal bounds of city and state ordinances a lesson needs to be taught. 

What can you do as a cycle commuter?  Keep in mind that there are a good number of people on the roads who don't know how to drive when the roads are in good shape - let alone when they are icy.  Be defensive, be cooperative, be predictable.  This will help with the friendly, law-abiding automobiles we share the road with.  However, if you encounter a "problem child" and you get hit, yelled at, spit on, or generally harassed, don't take the law into your own hands - it will only get you in trouble and set-back a cause we are working hard to justify.  Call 911 and get the police involved. 

Always watch your back, and always keep riding.

Bavarian Snow Trails from Big Col on Vimeo.

Munich Lupine from Big Col on Vimeo.

Kids, don't use alcohol.  It makes you VERY forgetful. It may also cause you to grow a hippie beard and raise goats for milk on a farm outside of town where you sometimes need to get a ride to when you're drunk, causing you to leave your bicycle someplace and think it's stolen.

Lost Stolen from the Emerson Cultural Center on MSU Campus in Bozeman, Montana on Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

Brand: Peugeot
Model: fixed gear
Color: powder blue with orange stripes
Wheels: 700c deep v
Handlebars: bullhorns (one black, one blue)
Saddle: black and grey

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this bicycle please contact the webmaster there's no need to tell us because the bicycle has been found.

This is a promotional piece for Shimano XTR, we don't endorse any component manufacturer in particular. This is also some awesomeness shot by Anthill Films, it makes me want to ride my bike.

The Story of XTR - Episode 6 from Anthill Films on Vimeo.

Thanksgiving is when Americans get more excessive than ever.  We eat too much, drink too much, sit around too much, and get fat too much.  What better a way to start a day of such epic lazy-pathetic-meh-ness than by going out for a bike ride.  And what better a way than to do it when it happens to be eight degrees farenheit out?  Check out the Bike Bliss blog for a nice lil' write-up about cyclists coming together and not racing each other at Bike Bliss - Thanksgiving Ride. 

#ThnksCrnks 2010

All photos © BikeBlissChick

L to R @singletrackm1nd, @tymorrisonheath, @captaine, and @sharalds

@bikeblisschick

Jon W., Lauren C., and Gordie Elizabeth Howe are moving away from Bozeman.  Graduate school and teaching opportunities call and The Bozeman Fix would like to wish them the best.  If you're friends with these folks get 'hold of us and we'll tell you where and when the going away shindig is. 

Gordon Elizabeth Howe before his audition for the film "Somebody Call a Doctor"

The following article is a re-post from GreenLightRide.com

Reed’s Top 10 Winter Riding Tips

These tips are from 1999, but are still as irreverant as they were last century. From a former employee of Quality Bicycle Products who currently works for HED Wheels.  New for ‘1999!

10. Use a bike that has a fork on it.
9. Always put some air in your tires, but not too much.
8. Always look where you’re going, except when looking behind you.
7. Tequila looks like St. Paul tap water, but doesn’t freeze!
6. Dress in layers… of clothing, ketchup and mustard or shaving cream are too slippery.
5. GET ON THE SIDEWALK! GET A CAR!! (oops, those are OTHER PEOPLE’s suggestions)
4. Plan ahead. its too hard to plan backwards.
3. Make sure that when seated comfortably on your bike, that it’s rubber side is down.
2. Color Anodized parts reflect fewer bands of light than silver, so they stay warmer.
1. Never ignore a liquor store.

Yes yes, it's -3 degrees out and my bike like myself is saying what the F*%k.

Put your studs and fenders on and don't forget the neoprene socks. And all the hardcore winter commuters in Bozeman will say "At least it isn't -10 out. It could be worse."

And I agree that it could be worse. But that doesn't mean that I don't long for summer, to be bombing around town as fast as my legs can crank and racing the cars down main street and winning.

Anyway, don't get me wrong. The powder turns are great! But I can't walk out my front door and get them. It's not the same simple satisfaction that I can get from my bikes.

If you're missing summer like myself, this video may help.

T-1 "We Love Colorado" 2010 from joe rich on Vimeo.

Yeah... I don't know what to do with it either. I'm on my 20th viewing and I'm still saying "Wh*t the F#$k" out loud as I'm watching it.

I mean what do you do when you are that good at riding bikes? It has to get boring at times, right? Oh wait... you learn how to do tail tap to front flips off of 15 foot walls. "WTF!"

Note how Danny looks disgusted as he chokes down that red bull. He is clearly the zen master of trials with a bmx street riding edge to him. I think he has his fill of adrenaline and creative outlets. So he probably doesn't need red bull to get him through the day. But whatever keeps this dude riding a bike is cool with me.

Cash those checks Danny and keep killing it!

Uhhh, yeah... but would you even want to take someone home who required being driven in a car?

Photo courtesy of Klamath Falls

Here's a link to MT state law pertaining to bicycling. I personally like to keep this handy.

This is the most important part (in my opinion).

(2) A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable except when:
     (a) overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
     (b) preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; or
     (c) necessary to avoid a condition that makes it unsafe to continue along the right side of the roadway, including but not limited to a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, or a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

An investment banker hit a cyclist, and fled. He was latter later apprehended, and charged. The Judge in the case, feels he shouldn't be charged with a felony, because it might adversely affect this asshat's earning potential.

You can sign a petition regarding this bullshit if you go here.

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

If I ever find myself in Aspen CO, I might look Martin Joel Erzinger up and have a little conversation with him about the value of a Mercedes mirror vs a human life.

Yeh, that's right. Now go ride your bike, Bitch.


Ironclad Performance Wear Cycling Team: A Summer Behind Bars  [TEASER] from Will Walle on Vimeo.

(H/T to Evil Cycling for posting this trailer where I could find it, and pass it on)

Montana-love on the Evil Cycling blog.  Photo by Reuben.

Bozeman's Team Muleterro threw down a superb cyclocross event for the second year in a row October 30th, 2010.  Mulecross 2010 was a well-run event on a well-designed course.  This wasn't a boring European course but rather a stellar mix of traditional 'cross elements and some creative obstacles like the "Mule Pie", "The Blender", and a pump-track section.  

The Bozeman Fix shenanigans crew was on hand to catch the event on video and a couple of us even (*gasp*) rode bikes in the event.  Taylor and samh got jiggy on cargo bikes, Jon Dub pedaled his single speed 'til he puked, and "Not Andrew" got "Not Clothed". 



Mulecross Cyclocross 2010 from samh on Vimeo.

ANTHEM II trailer from Stew Johnson on Vimeo.

Friday, October 29th, 2010 7:00pm

Come to The Filling Station (2005 N Rouse) on Friday at 7:00pm and meet inside or out (all ages welcome to: Ride bikes!  Ride bikes!  Ride bikes!  Be it rain or merely darkness of night, come to Bozeman's Halloween Alleycat Bicycle race.

What to bring:

1. A bicycle
2. Bicycle lights
3. Writing utensil
4. Costume (highly recommended aka potential death to non-participants)
5. Picture taking device (camera/phone/if you don't have one use your writing utensil)
6. $5 (entry fee to cover costs and all extra goes into prize pool)

What to expect:

1. Awesomesauce
2. Prizes
3. A spokecard 
4. More awesomesauce*

*Guest appearance by @singletrackm1nd as he pays homage to Cher by performing scenes from her film, "Tea with Mussolini".

This guy is super creative.

Tim Knoll BMX from tim knoll on Vimeo.

This edit is totally redonkulous! Every trick should be in slow motion, but isn't for some dumb reason. Probably couldn't find the right music to slow it down.

Anyway enjoy it. It probably deserves a second look.


Tony Hamlin Kink Puffins Edit from Kink Bike Co. on Vimeo.

The Fixie Sixty (2) race went off on September 25th, 2010 with beautiful weather, a quality turnout, and a trying course, all followed up with a couple pints of good beer.  Racers Sam and Ned carried video cameras and captured some footage of the race.  Check out the 4:15 piece edited and posted by Sam.

Fixie Sixty (2) on Vimeo.

Race Results:

1. Andrew 
2. Josh 
3. Sam 
4. Ned 
5. Mike 
6. Ben 
7. Justin 
8. Alice 
9. Reuben (DNF)
10. Brian (DNF)

Race Sign-Up Sheet

 Less Gears More Beers

Friday: 10:29:10 7:00PM The Filling Station, 2005 N Rouse (Inside or out)

Ride bikes!

Be it rain or merely darkness of night, come to Bozeman's Halloween Alleycat Bicycle race.

What to bring:
1a: Lights
1b: A bicycle
2: Writing utensil
3: Costume (highly recommended)
4: Picture taking device (camera/phone/if you don't have one use your writing utensil)
5: $5 (entry fee to cover costs and all extra goes into prize pool)

What to expect:

1: Awesomesauce and Prizes! (even a Spokecard =0)

Oh Noes! There will be an Alleycat Bicycle Race Friday, October 29th, 7:00PM

Expect awesomesauce!

Meeting location and more information to follow . . .

Nebraska Supersonic is an full-length indie comedy by filmmaker Jeremy Lerman.  Think Clerks but with bicycles.  Bong hits, nudity, bicycles, shenanigans.   Thanks to Urban Velo for pointing this out. 

www.nebraskasupersonic.com

The Xtra-Ty-cle

Trip Interbike remix from Ty Morrow on Vimeo.

Readers of The Bozeman Fix blog are privy to a little pre-race beta for this weekend's Fixie Sixty (2) race. Below is a map, elevation profile, and statistical breakdown of the race course. Also available is an interactive version viewable as a Google map.

The race will follow a closed format meaning that riders will be expected to ride the route as mapped below.  In order to limit shortcuts there will be a series of stops and/or tasks along the way. 

The race will begin after everyone has had a chance to congregate, drink coffee, and visit on Saturday morning.  Please bring a coffee mug to avoid using a paper cup.  We'll have a place to stash them along with a change of clothing for you while you're out racing.  We look forward to seeing and riding with you come Saturday morning!

Fixie Sixty (2) Fixed Gear Bicycle Race

9:30am, Saturday, September 25th, 2010

Rockford Coffee; Bozeman, Montana

For a more detailed look at the course view the interactive Google mapping of the race route.

Course Elevation Profile

Course Details

Friday, September 17th, 2010, 6:00pm
Race starts in alley behind PlonkBring $3

Rad prizes.

(+) Bike (-) Discretion

The Fixie Sixty was first held in October 2008 with an excellent showing of Bozeman cyclists turning out for a sixty mile course around the Gallatin Valley.  With the fall season fast approaching it's time to hit the streets, highways, and dirt roads once again for the Fixie Sixty (2).  

2008 Fixie Sixty participants

This year's course will be sixty (two) miles long and will weave throughout the beautiful roads and paths of the Gallatin Valley.  This may include some light dirt riding but will be primarily asphalt.  As the name implies, the race will be open to fixed gear bicycles only. This is a closed-manifest alleycat race, meaning that the course will be mostly pre-determined and racers will be required to follow said course stopping and various checkpoints along the way. 

• Date: Saturday, September 25th, 2010
• Start: Rockford Coffee in Bozeman (628 W. Main)
• Time: Meet at 9:30 a.m with race to start around 10:00.
• Cost: Bring $5 to cover winning prize and various other haberdashery.
• Weather: If weather is bad, meet at 9:30 a.m. and participants can decide to race or postpone until Sun. Sept. 26th.

You're welcome.

Yup, the time has come for me to move on. After nine years in Bozeman I have accepted the fact that despite the natural beauty here in Montana and the great friendships I'm part of and the amount I've been able to help with the cycling community here I need to move on. I've realized that for as much as I love this state there is limited opportunity available to me.

So what happened? In the space of three weeks I've gone from being “John at Bangtail Bikes” to “John at Specialized”. It's all very sudden and I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around the amount of change in my life in such a short period of time. An opportunity came (partly from being part of the Stumpjumper Trail Crew) that would not be available to me if I stayed in Bozeman. With Specialized I will be doing a lot of what I have been doing here- working to get others on bikes, promoting bike culture, doing geeky bike stuff- but hopefully it will be on a larger scale.

I'll be part of Specialized's dealer education network. This pretty much is a position that is nearly custom-made for me. I'll be able to use my engineering background, I'll talk in front of people, do a bit of design work and write some. I'll be helping to teach bike dealers from around the country about Specialized product and help with media events and product launches. For the more skeptical of you out there, you can say that I'll be serving the Kool-Aid. And I'm okay with that. The people I've met at Specialized do not embody the stereotypical “Company Man”, rather they are people who are intensely passionate about bicycles and also happen to be quite competitive. They are people who believe that what they create is the best and have an intense drive to always be the best. This passion and drive is part of what is exciting about this new endeavor.

Perhaps fitting with this culture I start next week with a trip to Portugal. For a week I'll be meeting the European Specialized contingent and hopefully get out for a few good rides. Upon returning to Bozeman I'll pack my belongings in my trusty Honda Accord and head west to fulfill my personal Manifest Destiny. The future for me is scary and exciting, fraught with danger yet with rewards that can only come from taking a measured risk like this.

Bozeman, I'm thankful of the time I've spent here. You've invited me into your houses for parties, on your porches for beers, on glorious rides in your mountains. I've experienced the best skiing and snowboarding around and you even taught me that floppy heels on ski boots are fun. I've watched both your riding skills and your families grow. You've shared with me the sweetest and most succulent meat you've harvested from the wild. You've taught me that the things most valuable in life are within one's community and that there's no shame in driving a tattered twenty year-old Subaru. After your generosity I feel a bit guilty leaving for personal reasons but this is a mission that I must complete. I'll be back, I will have changed, but one thing I can say for sure is that I will always, always take with me a bit of Montana no matter where I end up.

Thanks for the good times and the memories, Bozeman. I'll always look at this chapter of my life with fondness.

John (aka Mr. DNA)