Beware Man with Torch

Saturday, 7/29, saw a full Yukon full of Karen's pastries fueled bike junkies road tripping to San Francisco and Berkely. While a reason is really not required, we did have a purpose to this trip. Brian C. was looking forward to picking up his new Soma Double Cross frameset from American Cyclery, Bryan B. was on the look out for parts to equip his next project, the Markeleyville Ascent Vehicle (MAV), Cousin Steve was looking to outfit his recently acquired Specialized Sequioa, I was looking for handlebars, Bob R. was scouting for a Campy pedal dust cap and Bob G was just looking (his wallet was the safest - the rest of us were flirting with financial disaster). Filling out the third row was Bob G's son Ryan and Bryan B's boys Levi and Arron (hope I spelled that right).

At American Cyclery, Brian C. was the big hitter. After debating colors and sizes he decided that the in-stock color (black) was not what he wanted. He placed an order for a British Racing Green 62cm Soma Double Cross , delivery is scheduled. Brian has been intriqued by Bryan B's talk of touring the Lost Coast. This is his first step into the touring waters, he's already one hell of a road rider. Bob R. found his dust cap, we sold one of Bryan's boys to fund it. Steel Campy Record dust caps ain't cheap. I left with a set of my favorite handlebars, the On-One Midge.

We had lunch at a burrito place on Haight, just down from Amoeba Records. Absolutely the best tamale I've had in California, and from the looks of it the burritos were pretty darn good too. Any place that sells Mexican Cokes (no high fructose corn syrup!, Coke like it used to taste) in a half-liter bottle is OK with me. Amoeba is an incredible store and I need to return when time (and money) isn't an issue. Cool find at Amoeba; a vinyl copy of Krafwerks "Tour De France" album new in the wrapper for $6.99. It is now part of Bob R's. TdF shrine.

While at Jitensha, Bryan B. added to the stash of parts for the MAV. Rims, seat post, cable hangers and randonneur bars made the trip home. The bars were so nice that both Bob G and I picked up a pair. Cousin Steve is getting a set of Honjo's for his b-day (Steve, don't read this) from his sis.

We had a special treat while at Jitensha, Bob R's friend Tom T. dropped by to show us his new Toie. An absolutely beautiful bike, the custom stem and rack were especially nice. Pics here.
We also had the pleasure of seeing the Ebisu that was road tested in the latest issue of Vintage Bicycle Quarterly. Hiroshi's bicycle builds are on a completely different level and have to be seen to be appreciated. Another bike that had me wishing I had been born rich instead of.... no, wait. Wasn't born good looking either. Damn.

We wrapped it up with coffees at Coles in Berkeley (Cokes from Safeway for the coffee dis-inclined) another place I won't be able to pass up when I'm in the Bay Area. They make an excellent cup of joe. All in all it was a great day spent with great friends.