Los Angeles :: Visiting Swrve

Kai on the L.A. Metro

I’ll never forget the first time I slipped on a pair of messenger knickers. It was love at first rotation. I recall thinking, why haven’t I had a pair of these before? Super-comfy – thanks to the lightweight, woven, four-way stretch fabric – I’ve come to realize that messenger knickers are to cycle touring what bridle [Read More…]

Santa Barbara :: Meeting John Jones

After a wonderful night’s sleep at Refugio State Park, we rode through Goleta then on to Santa Barbara for the evening. We couldn’t help but stop to window shop as we made our way to the Agave Inn, a sweet little place, which we strategically picked due to its proximity to our scheduled appointment with world-renowned and master wheel builder, John Jones. [Read More…]

Wanderlite Daypack : An Exceptional Alternative

Including rest days while on a long distance bike tour are an important part of extended travel. So, out on the road, when we’re not on our bikes but still somewhere we want to explore on foot, both of us will require a bag of some sort to carry our essential belongings around with us.

Although we’ve considered the simple option of slinging a shoulder-strapped front pannier over each [Read More…]

Our Web Host: Recipient of Green Business Leader Award

Canvas Dreams, our web host, just received the 2010 Green Business Leader Award!

Members of Green America voted for the accredited business member and Portland-based sustainable Web hosting provider, in recognition of the “the extraordinary leadership efforts of one business that has used its position in the marketplace to organize consumers and businesses together to build a more sustainable economy.”

[Read More…]

The Building of My Bike : The Frame

Taking Measurements

This past Monday, Kai and I stopped by to visit my frame builders, Ryan and Marie, of Folk Engineered. We spent a couple of hours with them, collecting my measurements and discussing the details of my ideal frame. It was very exciting to be able to spend time talking about my bike and our upcoming trip with fellow bike [Read More…]