Moth Attack Getting Ready for Summer

The weather in Los Angeles is still cool, but it feels like summer is already in full swing. Bikes are always popular in mild, sunny Southern California, but I haven't had a summer in LA that didn't come and go in a flash of events. Races each weekend bring friends to town or take us out of town. There are a few coming up that we are getting ready for once summer really does arrive.

I had a great showing at the San Diego Custom Bicycle Show in April for the second year in a row. I knew what I was walking into finally after going out blindly last year. It was great to see a lot of familiar faces both in other frame builders, and other cycling enthusiasts. In all aspects of cycling, there is a great camaraderie that is possibly unbeatable by any other sport or lifestyle, and it flows over into the business side of things. I took three very different bicycles with me in contrast to last year where both of the bikes I had were built for the same purpose. There was something for everyone to get excited about. I still have to learn how to promote myself better. I'm not sure I'll ever be great at talking myself up, but the bike world is at least forgiving of that short-coming. The guys that are good in that respect did enough talking for me!

The grant has been specifically targeted toward a new event in July that has great promise to be a long-lasting tradition within our team. We've been regulars at events held by the promoter and organizer, and are really happy to be a part of the launch of a 3-day rally in and all around Marin County. A good friend, teammate and phenomenal cyclist is going to ride the bike the grant (and I) will build. We've been narrowing down the specific demands of the event and future events the bike will be used in as well as the specific demands of the rider. The coolest part about building custom bicycles is adding little touches that compliment the rider's personality and style, not just my own flair. One reason this event is important to me as a professional frame builder is a totally unique aspect. The organizer is holding a bike show with all of the bikes that are ridden at the event. I'll also be riding, so I'll make up 2 of 100 bikes. Next year, we'll have to bring some more riders.