BBL@BBC Blast The Cold!

30 heart souls showed up for this morning's edition of the Birmingham Bicycle League winter training ride. Today's ride is sponsored by Birmingham Bicycle Co., Scott Bicycle, Ion Sports Nutrition, Red Bike Coffee and Tracy's. The weather is in the low 40's with a light mist and wet roads but it looks like it's going to clear soon and be a good training day. We want to thank each one of our sponsors and encourage everyone to come out and get involved in Birmingham's best winter training series. Be sure to visit the Tria Cycling Team website @ http://www.bhamvelo.com/blog/ for the latest BBL ride updates and post-ride recaps.

Killer White-tailed Deer Attacks Cyclist (True Story)!

Tuesday night I was doing a night road ride with 3 buddies. We were on Rex Lake approaching Grants Mill Rd. We were slowing for the intersection when we noticed a large buck running along beside us, 10-15 yards off to our right. I shined my light on him and said, "look at that big buck". Steve said, "wouldn't it be bad if he hit one of us?" and 10 seconds later I got ran over by a deer. This stupid animal came from my right, knocked me off my bike and popped my right forearm with one of his antlers (just a minor wound). After I hit the ground, I heard hooves slipping and sliding on pavement and as I looked around the deer was up on his hind legs with his front legs pawing in the air. Needless to say I freaked out and did my best to scramble off the road and out of his way. I can look back on this now and laugh because it is somewhat funny, but at the time I was panicking and totally freaking out.

Went to the doc the next day and got a tetanus shot and an antibiotic, no telling what was on the tips of his antlers before he punctured me.

I've seen them run along beside me many times in the past on the trail and on the road. Next time I see one running along with me I will be stopping abruptly.

Watch out for deer!

Eye Candy

A few recent additions to my collection...enjoy!

• 1953 Claud Butler 25th Anniversary Jubilee model. Cyclo Bendelux 4 speed drive, chrome fork with lantern bracket.
• Pair of little Frenchies, (back) Paris Sport (made by Starnord) wheel size about 20", (back) Motobecane, wheel size about 16". Both have 8 speed Huret drive with downtube shifters.
• 1937 Colson deluxe original. Oogah horn on the bars.

Bike Mechanics are so....funny?!

Why you should buy from a local bike shop...

I recently found this on the terms and conditions page of a on-line discounter of bicycles, parts and accessories (typos corrected)...

Returns & Order Cancellations: In trying to keep our prices low, we do not accept any returns for any reason. We don't want your items back, that's why we sold it to you. Please confirm that you know you want before you order it. If you have any doubt about what you are ordering, do not place an order. You may contact us for pre-sales information about any item if you need more clarifications before you buy it. If you accidentally placed an order and we have not processed it yet, we will gladly cancel the order and refund your moneys. Once an order has been processed you cannot receive a refund for any reason.

Warranties:If you buy something and it breaks, don't complain to us because we didn't make it. Please contact the manufacturer of the item for all warranty questions. We only stock and sell items we believe in and try to carry only the very best items, but sometimes even the best stuff breaks. Please let us know if you are unhappy with a specific item as we would like to know, but please direct all warrant claims directly to the manufacturer of the item.

Wow! I guess that's why stuff is discounted, because they have NO customer service. Buyer beware of any retailer that says up front that they won't help no matter what!