Bike Hugger 

While not a political blog, here at Hugga HQ, the Barack Obama Is Your New Bicycle site is worth noting.

Barak Obama reminded me it was Valentine’s Day. Barak Obama pumped up your tires before a big race. Barak Obama pinned your race number for you. Barak Obama paced you all the way to work.

Photographer Yohei Morita stopped by my shop last week and dropped off a copy of COG magazine, a magazine devoted to the machines and culture of fixed gear, with a authentic Japanese influence. The current issue featured an article about pro keirin racers and the online edition features a collection of Tokyo messenger portraits.

I swear to God I remember seeing some of these riders last summer when I was in Tokyo. My friends lived in Akasaka, so I’d get food and groceries from Roppongi which was rife with messengers.

Restoring a 1969 AMF Discoverer Roadmaster is some good bike loving … or the thought that went into a belt drive with a Rohloff and a mini S&S coupling. There’s also the time spent teaching a child about her bike and the danger of loving a bike too much. My bike love photo is this one from our trip to Maui.

from the Bike Hugger Photostream.

Just yesterday I was talking to Lindsay at Crumpler about his Independent Fabrication bike and today a sad email comes in about a stolen IF Crown Jewel. Any bike stolen is a loss, but it’s much worse when it’s a custom, a prized possession, and you’re a college student with no money.

If you see some crackhead or other thief riding this bike, let us know here and we’ll tip Meghan and send her Valentine’s day wishes.

We’re gathering schwag for the BBQ, getting everything ready, and planning product giveways. New sponsors include Crumpler USA, Reynolds Cycling, REI Austin, and Sock Guy.

Considering the road ride, we may just race the Tunis-Roubaix X, ride the Spokes ‘n Spurs, or the Jesuit Ranger Roundup and focus on the Urban Ride.

We’ll update the rides and BBQ details, including the giveaways, here and on the BBQ page.