A sign that the world has changed.

Like we actually need more signs. As if the global depression isn't enough. I now have another sign that the world I once knew is no longer. We had our Bike Swap last weekend. It was loads of fun. For those of you who missed it, we have a video that Carene is editing of the two days. "Carene editing" is also synonymous with, "you may never see it". I'll keep hope alive however. My sign of change is this: If I had 5 bucks for every person who asked me, "what's a swap meet"? I could take a vacation in Wisconsin.
So here it is from Wikipedia.
A flea market or swap meet is a type of bazaar where inexpensive or secondhand goods are sold or bartered.

One would think that given the current economic climate, swap meets would be everywhere. But alas, it seems few people have even heard of them.
Sad...There are many bike swaps during the winter in the Midwest. Do yourself a favor, attend one. You won't regret it. Thinking about the Wiki definition, I really like the word Bazaar. So for next time look out for, "Lugs Bicycle Bazaar", although I'm sure some people still won't actually know what it is. For those who do, check this out.

This saddle was marked $5 dollars and sat around all day Saturday unsold. I got it, and it's no longer for sale. Wait til you see it polished.

A brand new Axiom Pannier bag. Great for the ladies or you softer boys. 20 bucks!

Beautiful vintage britches.

Bike crap galore

No, this wasn't for sale but this fella came by with this hipstered out Eddy Merckx.



There was tons of other stuff, like new cycling shoes for $5 dollars or leather saddles starting at $30. Most attendees had fun and found something to go home with. I'm sure we will do it again. There used to be a shop in Old Town, which is now just called Wells street. The shop was called the Bizarre Bazaar. They had all kinds of wacky stuff inside. It was such a cool place. That's it, that's what I'll call our next swap meet. "The Bizarre Bicycle Bazaar" Stay tuned.

Need help, Changes, Thoughts from You

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I often look at the Chicago area bike commuters. I'm so impressed at the increasing number of cyclists. It's cool to see people from all walks of life pedaling up the avenues. It doesn't matter what their riding. The fact that their out in force every day, makes it a beautiful thing. I saw a Facebook post from Brianna yesterday. Went something like: i feel like crap and i hate cars!!! why the fuck u wanna hit me assholes!

Frustration for sure. It's not an easy feeling when a 6000 lb vehicle is rolling up behind you, it's engine revving way too high to have a civilized person behind the wheel. What really got to me about Brianna's post was one of the replies: i hate bike riders who ride in the street like its fucking 1920s get with it fuckers. ill hit a fool.

What a shithead thing to post. The first thing Brianna should do is de-list the mofo as a Facebook friend. Probably thought he was being funny. Not! Many people have forgotten that driving a car is a privilege not a right. You're not cool and you don't actually own the fucking road.

While I don't really hate cars, it's this kind of attitude that makes me furious. It's my belief that someone dumb enough to make a statement like that should have their privilege revoked. Let them sit on a bus for the next 5 years.

During the drinking hour last night, a few of us were discussing how we've changed as cyclists over the last few years. It was nice to hear many of them say, I'm a lot more courteous than I used to be. Carene said: I even over compensate sometimes. She's says she doesn't want drivers to feel like every cyclist is against them. That's a good attitude to have. Too often I hear cyclists say: I had the right of way! Well dumb ass, the right of way won't matter if you're being dragged 200 feet under a goddamn Escalade.

It's seems there needs to be a movement. Something positive that let's drivers know we are not against them, please don't hurt us, and in the words of Rodney King: can't we all just get along?

Critical Mass, ain't the solution, so please don't write me to inform me of the next mass. Too many massholes for me. Not gonna do it. Ever! Active Tranportation Alliance? Not active enough for me.
So, here today, I say'n let's get the movement started! Who's with me? speak up. As the 60s taught us. You get enough people around a cause, then shit will change. I want to hear from you, if not here then maybe over food/booze. Let's let cyclists know we dig you. Let drivers know we don't hate you, don't try to kill us. Try to join us. I want ideas people. Let's get organized. Let the status quo know we want changes in status. Hit me up.

Just because I know you love photo's, here's Kaitlyn, whose starting to do her own bike repairs.

And here's Haley who is part of a soon to be growing trend of Commuter Cross. A subject for another post.