A couple of weeks ago, I went on the road with Sean from Soulcraft and Steve from AHTBM.  We were headed south for the San Diego Custom Bicycle Show in a 1971 Chevy Suburban.

There was a small leak that occasionally allowed some exhaust fumes to enter the cabin…we kept the windows rolled down and our jokes got funnier with each passing mile.  On the way down, we stayed in San Luis Obispo with Tim, an old friend of Sean’s, for a couple of days worth of riding.  The weather and the views were as amazing as the trails.

Our tour guide, Tim, leading the way down after an interminable climb.

View from the top of a ridge above San Luis Obispo.

Sean, ably piloting the Suburban down highway 101.

Steve shown actual size with the Suburban….

I didn’t take any pictures of bikes while I was at the show, forgive me, but there is a nice gallery here at the show website.  Look under the show information tab and click on 2010 Pictures.

I traveled down to Pasadena, California for the Velo Rendezvous and spent three days riding bikes and viewing an amazing collection of vintage lightweights. Ted Ernst brought in his collection of original fixed gear and track bikes from the 1920’s through the 1960’s. There was also an exhibition of Colnagos ranging from 1954 to 1985. The most memorable bicycle that I saw was a beautifully restored Mario Confente.

The Handbuilt Show in Portland last week was really inspiring. This is the third time that I’ve participated in the show and every time I walk away with a deep sense of gratitude for being associated with this group of artisan frame builders that all share a passion for the bicycle. From builders that have been making frames for over 30 years to relative newcomers, every builder brings a point of view that is manifest in the choices they make when building a frame. The myriad interpretations at the show are just a small sampling of what is being done, but having them displayed in that one hall for a few days was overwhelming. Here are a few pictures from our trip to Portland and the booth.