Ten Years Later: The Big Fix Reunion

Ten years after the start of the Big Fix in June 2006, a small group of BF alums will meet in Davis, CA, at the same start location to reminisce and share a few days of camaraderie. A lot has happened since we left Davis on a bright, warm June morning a decade ago, and it's a good guess we'll be talking about what has changed. What hasn't changed is the shared experience that we had, and the many fond memories from that ride.

 

The reunion ride starts at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 17, in Davis' Central Park. Look for the pink-and-white Big Fix jerseys. All riders and bikes are welcome--fixed gears optional.

Fascinating Classic Cycling

Hard to tell if there's any Campagnolo in these videos, but this archival footage, mostly from Paris in the 1930s and 40s, is full of fascinating images. Look closely and you'll see many things that recently became "new" again after all these years--recumbent bicycles, small-wheeled bikes, arm-powered "rowing" bicycles, high performance trailers, and more.

http://youtu.be/jdlpJqHxLxk

 

The Reviews Are Coming In ...

... for Paris Brest Paris: The Movie, our latest video production. Here's what viewers are saying:

"Fantastic. I started watching, sure that it would be just another boring bike video.
I was wrong. Susan & I watched, spellbound. We got a real feel for the event..." Steve, California

"Great, great video. I am so tired after watching and empathizing that I think I will go take a nap. Thanks for the effort to put this together. It is an inspiration" Jim, Massachusetts

"Artfully done and incredibly evocative! Bravo, and thanks for sharing that for we armchair PBPers." Jim, California

You can view our video of PBP here.

My, How Time Flies

It seems like yesterday (almost) that we rolled back into Saint Quentin after completing Paris-Brest-Paris on our fixed-gear bicycle. We had high hopes of posting entries from the course, hopes that were dashed on the rocks of rain, fatigue, and a stunning lack of internet access in the French countryside. We did take a lot of photos, however, which are available here. In case you're interested, you can also find photos of our PBP bicycle here (scroll down to see our green Quickbeam). The photo that appears with this posting is of us (Eric) sleeping on the floor at Carhaix on the return leg. We found the PBP poster laying around, and it worked perfectly to keep the cold breezes off while we snoozed. Total sleep for the 83 hours we rode was about three hours.

Sun!

Just a few hours before the first riders start, and the sun has come
out. Looks like the 80- and 90-hour groups will have dry roads heading
out of town

Check-In

Due to the rain, bike check has been cancelled--the organizers will
check bikes at the starting line(!) Here is a shot of riders from
dozens of nations checking in at the gymnasium.

Rain!

We woke up to rain this morning (Sunday). Forecast is looking damp.

Bikes, Bikes and More Bikes

The bike room is *really* full!