Thursday, May 26, 2011

Tonka Cycle - Hopkins, MN

They recently relocated to this great new location.  The place looks terrific!





La Crosse, WI

La Crosse has been called "God's Country" for good reason.  The place has some of the most spectaculars views of anywhere in the USA.  The bluffs along the Mississippi river provide great a home to the American Eagle not to mention some great climbs for local rides.





Heading West

Former owner of Bikes LTD, Shawn Werner

Bike Ltd - La Crosse, WI




The first photo was shot in 1989 on my monthly visit to Bike LTD.  In 1989 the New Orleans Saints held their training camp in La Crosse.  Shawn (the owner then) and I  worked out deal to have the coaching staff ride Giant bikes. The head coach that year?  Mike Ditka - Da coach. 

Bikes LTD 1989

Bikes LTD today


Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Budget Bicycle - Madison, WI

Perhaps the best overall bike shop in the USA.  It was good to reconnect with the crew at Budget.  The blue mini van in the first photo was mine from 1990 to 1993 while I worked for Giant.  I logged just over 100k miles on that vehicle.  Roger purchased the van in 1993 and still uses it daily.


Lovely day!







Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Attitude Sports - Fond du Lac, WI




Four time RAAM finisher Dave Hasse was happy to see the IZIP roll up into the parking lot.  Dave and I go back more than 20 years.   




Wheel & Sprocket - Hales Corners, WI

Had a great visit at perhaps the best all around bike shop in the USA.  Chris Kegel was a very gracious host.




Liza was not happy the boys were not wearing helmets.  Lead by example?






Saturday, May 21, 2011

Watching the Gas Prices


It's tough to find regular gas for under $4.00 anywhere in Southern California.  As we all know the price of gas will have an effect on the bike business this year so I have been keeping a close eye on the upward spiral.

These photos have been taken at the same station in Carlsbad, CA since late February.   God only knows where it goes from here.....

5/21/2011




4/23/2011



4/10/2011



4/3/2011


3/23/2011


2/22/2011




Friday, May 13, 2011

Kegel's - Rockford, IL

I was here back January just after a major snow storm.  Images from then and now.....








.