We are pleased to announce our second leisurely, themed ride to be held in the glorious city of Pittsburgh. In following with the relaxed style of the Tweed Ride earlier this spring, but with apparel adjustments more in tune with a hot August afternoon, we present the Second Sunday Seersucker Saunter Spectacular.

The ride will be just short of 10 miles, and shall prevail at a slow enough pace so as to never break into a full sweat. The saunter will start in Schenley Park, at the top of the upper field near the turn around in Overlook Drive, and progress through the Park, Southside, Downtown and a brief stint in the Northside before retiring to the courtyard of the Priory Hotel, where light refreshments will be served. The entire experience will begin at 9:30 AM on Sunday the 8th of August, 2010, which coincides quite nicely with Bike-PGH’s BikeFest celebration.

Please joins us in our joy of riding and appreciating the bicycle’s heritage on the 8th. Whether head-to-toe garb, or simply in the mindset to enjoy a relaxed ride with good company, it should be a great time. Feel free to download either the Poster or Map by click on the image to retrieve a PDF format file.

]]> http://clankworks.com/news/second-sunday-seersucker-saunter-spectacular/feed/ 1 http://clankworks.com/news/a-country-bike-trip/ http://clankworks.com/news/a-country-bike-trip/#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:22:38 +0000 drew http://clankworks.com/?p=461

A lockhouse along the old C&O Canal

Though it is now getting to be old news, I wanted to share some reflections (and better; photographs!) on the couple-day bike trip I took recently. I rode from the shop here in Lawrenceville to a town called Hancock in Maryland. Hancock is one of the many towns that straddles the Allegheney Passage-C&O Towpath bike route, which will wisk even the most casual cyclotourist along some 330 miles of packed gravel trail all the way from McKeesport, PA to Georgetown, just northwest of Washington D.C.

This was the first that I’ve done anything like touring, and while it rendered me exhausted and sore, I can’t wait to get out on the road again. To me, this particular route highlighted the sheer elegance of using a bicycle as a means for long distance travel from one place to another.

Hiding from a thunderstorm under a bridge at the eastern continental divide.

This particular bike has never been so loaded- it’s the venerable daily runner. It handled a variety of rougher terrain admirably- save for the inevitable flat or two.  Since this was a first foray into the world of loaded touring, I wasn’t too sure about how much of what would be best to haul along. The other employer was thankfully able to provide me with a sleeping bag and lightweight tent free of charge, which packed small and were easy to set up at the end of an exhausting day.

My trip consisted of two nights of camping, the first night just short of Ohiopyle, PA, and the second some ten miles past the C&O trailhead in Cumberland, MD.

Passing through Ohiopyle at the beginning of the second day.

Best moment of the trip? By far, bursting out of the dark and chilly Big Savage Tunnel, a 3300 foot long restored rail tunnel, to this view:

At any rate, fantastic trip. Enough words now- just a few more pictures.

Left to Right: Steel City Diamonds, Gears and Chevrons

A new option we  have been working on for the Plank Fender is finally complete. Using retroreflective vinyl, the same stuff that is used for road signs for high visibility at night, we have created a few custom decals for the Plank Fenders. The vinyl is added in between oiling steps, insuring it is equally protected against the elements as your beautiful fender (and rear end!). Available immediately in the gears, chevron and steel city diamonds for $39.00.

What’s wrong with you? You’re on a bike, why aren’t you smiling?!

Which of course, made me smile.

Rumors that this prototype was discovered attached to a bicycle outside of a beer garden in the bay area are clearly exaggerated, as we are based in Pittsburgh and there is no way that could happen. However, any staff member that may have been responsible will be dealt with swiftly.

While we will still refute that such a product exists, if it were to be released, it would be some time this summer, would perhaps be at a price-point of $79, and would be exclusive to AT&T, with the possibility of a Verizon model.

Please direct any future questions regarding such products to the comment system, or the contact page, so our public relations department can better assist you.

**Incase this makes no sense to you, read this over first.

My love of all things epicurean aside, I couldn’t resist this one. Head on over to Obscure Games Pittsburgh to sign up for the game of 1930s-style street stickball they are putting together for this coming sunday, the 25th of April. The location is secret- so you have to sign up to get the details. Should be fun! All you’ll need to join in are some period clothes, and a $5 donation to OGP.

update:

Great game last sunday! Hope to be joining Adam for another one soon. Some images, for your consideration here, or see some more.

You can pick one up over at MyORB.

We want to say thank you to everyone who came out for the ride this weekend, as well as a BIG thanks everyone who went to bat for the ride on blogs and message boards. Great turnout, and a great ride- it was fantastic to meet everyone, and we hope you had as good a time as we did. If you have any images from the ride that you’d like to share, email us at info@clankworks.com, and we’ll get more of a gallery going we will add it to our Flickr Set. Again… thank you!

Do stay tuned for a summertime “Seersucker Saunter” in just a few short months!

Massing in Doughboy.

Checking out the 1905 Columbia (wooden rims!)

On our way through Allegheny West.

At Piper’s Pub for pints!