Big Apple Blog

Saturday proved to be one of the most interesting days ever. I attended Bike Kill 2005. What the heck is a bike kill? Well, think of everything normal and safe related to cycling, and then think of the exact opposite. The group Black Label asks for a permit to hold the event in Brooklyn on a dead end street that is, get this, right in front of an elementary school. Strangely enough, the permit has been granted three years in a row.

It is basically Mad Max with bikes. Bikes with cages built around them meant for ramming other bikes, or people as the case may be. Frames welded one on top of the other. Steam roller bikes, choppers, bikes with off centered wheels, chariots, and bikes with frames that swivel.

People then ride these contraptions exactly the opposite as they should; intoxicated and with no helmets, and in a hostile environment no less. Most events include having random objects tossed at the contestants: namely beer cans, rotten food, and tires. Events include: attempts to ride over large piles of debris including old mattresses that are from who knows where, chariot races, a contest to see who could drink a six-pack of beer the fastest, while riding of course, and there are also jousts that take place, but we rolled out before that competition took place.

Someone also donated (at least I hope it was a donation) an old Ford Escort Wagon to the event. A bike ramp was set up and contestants jumped on to the car. That’s right, not over, on to. By the end of the competition the car was upside down – audience participation at it’s best.

It was utter mayhem . . . and it was a blast. As some famous ad slogan states, “No rules. Just right.” I rode around on a few bikes before things started to get totally out of control and spent the rest of the time throwing stuff and taking pictures. Too fun. Pictures of this year below, for a video from last year, click here.

Super Modified

Double Decker

Chariots of . . . mahem

Triple Decker, with third wheel drive

The Fan Favorite – Keg Bike

Steam Roller! Beer cans are no match for it

Blue on a chopper

Gravity testing

The shopping cart “donated” by the neighboring Home Depot was put to good use

Strangely enough, Blue Ended up on the ground more than a few times

Late this summer, I started seriously pondering an adoption. I had the normal concerns of course. You know, commitment, space, care, that type of thing. Being in a Manhattan apartment means space is a huge concern. And then there is the environment and culture of a big city to think about. Safety, crime, and security are huge issues when consideration adding to the family.

But after much thought and getting the wife to hop on board, I decided it was time to take the plunge. I talked with some friends who had first hand experience and I set up an account on a well-known web site and started researching. I received a slew of emails with possibilities. Ends up there are a lot of people out there who make the tough decision to let go.

I was presented with a litany of adoption options. The vast majority of choices were Asian, but European and American opportunities existed as well. I sent out emails to a lot of folks and received detailed reports back. They talked at length about the love they had and the how they had come to the difficult choice of letting go.

After many back and forth exchanges, I finally settled on my choice. I went European, more specifically, French. I picked up my new bundle of joy just recently. Of course I want to share, click here for a picture.

That’s right, my new bundle of joy is a Peugeot. He will be joining his brother, my Cannondale, adopted in 1996. That’s right, this is actually my second adoption – both from loving homes of course.

I hate to say it, but I do love one more one than the other. After all, I’ve had my Cannondale for almost ten years. The Peugeot is going to be my errand bike. You know, the bike you can ride around and lock and no one will hopefully want to steal. The picture actually makes the bike look pretty good. The wheels are dented and wobble a little and the frame is as pock marked as the surface of the moon. Just right to avoid attention!

In case you were wondering, I did add that rear fender shortly after purchase. It’s a patented clothing hanger/water bottle jobbie, but I am willing to share the complicated plans for anyone interested. It was the first thing the dude at the bike shop commented on when I went to buy a new brake cable so I know it’s a winner.

The funny thing is, the lock I purchased for the Peugeot cost more than the bike! And what a lock it is. I had seen “serious” bike chains around the city, but I had never picked one up. I saw one on sale on the Bike Nashbar site and ordered away. The thing weighs as much as a small child.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, Craigs List is the adoption site. The site is almost better than caffeine. It took me a few days to cancel my subscription to the bike for sale list. Receiving mass emails about bikes was like a drug. So if you are looking to adopt, visit Craigs List today.