Category / Bike Related

by Adron

Talking Bakfiets

Recently I was out running errands on my R & M Load 75. I’d stopped by my storage unit to drop off a few crates of things that didn’t need to be sitting around my garage. Then I’d headed over to Village Square Cafe for a diner like breakfast.

Then went about seeing if I could find a plugin somewhere to charge my bike, as my charge was low. I had my spare battery set just for good measure, but I was down to ~35% because I’d forgotten to charge the bike earlier the previous night. So I didn’t technically need a charge but I figured it would be nice to charge up if I could. Albeit, something I’m astutely aware of now, is that there are next to zero publicly accessible outlets in Redmond. Not really surprising, electricity isn’t cheap, but I was sure I’d seen a few I could *borrow* a charge from. 😬

In the end, that would be kind of stealing, but places also let you easily charge your laptop, albeit that’s negligible vs. two monster bike batteries. Still not charging an excessive multi-ton car, but substantially more than I presume most places to want to offer for free.

Anyway, I didn’t find one but I did go rolling into the Town Center and met Nina (Spelling?) as she walked right up to me and inquired about the R&M Load 75. After discussing for a few minutes I hope to see her riding about on a new Load 75 in the near future with her kiddo! It’d be great to have more company over here on the east side in the bakfiets community!

On that note, I’m going to finally get around to setting up a bakfiets meet here on the east side, stay tuned over @ https://bakfiets.bike/ to get that notification (i.e. subscribe for email and you’ll get notified in your inbox). So far this year has started off a bit nuts and with the closure of G&O a few months ago it really threw me off for starting the bakfiets meets!

Eastside Link Light Rail

One of the places I’ve started frequenting to work in, as it’s nice and large, plenty of seats, is the Dote at Redmond Technology Station. Two issues, which is kind of standard for Microsoft, is that they get places like this on campus but then don’t really truly open them up to the public. They don’t offer a public wifi but sometimes have the public Microsoft account that you can use. But that’s a bit sketch, to which hopefully Microsoft sorts that out with the private businesses that they invite onto campus to operate but then make them operate as pseudo private establishments. A coffee shop in this modern era has wifi, so come on Microsoft, let em’ have truly public usable wifi!

But I digress, wifi aside, it’s a really interesting location. Super chill to work there, however I am concerned it stays open over time considering the current state of light rail opening (it’s partially open).

The starter line, as it has been dubbed, runs from Redmond Technology Station to Bellevue South. The key population center it runs through is Bellevue, which provides some anchor to a degree, albeit very few people seem ready to use it in Bellevue and as many in the area know, Bellevue is about as auto-dependent and pedestrian friendly as a parking lot. There are parts of it that are nice but overall it isn’t really acclimate to walking or to using transit, sadly enough. It’ll get there one day, considering the transit center and routes, but overall the people here are a bit myopic about the whole situation – so far.

That’s it for today’s thoughts, back into introspection.

by Adron

Brass tacks review after 416 days of owning and riding the hell out of a Riese & Müller Load 75!

In this VLOG episode I give you a straight up brass tacks review of where I am with my Riese & Müller Load 75, the fun the trials and tribulations and my recommendation on purchase.

  • 0:21 Start of monologue on my Riese & Müller Load75.
  • 1:33 The basic run down of what I bought, back when I bought the bike. Key parts plus additional recent additions, including the trailer and all.
  • 2:00 The trailer and trailer hitch addition.
  • 2:20 Continuing the run down on drive train, battery arrangement, display, blinkers button for helmet blinkers, and hub.
  • 3:40 Even though I don’t have trouble with my hub/gear (so far) my recommendation is…
  • 3:53 The break down of the brake system and the breakage that happened with top reservoir leak.
  • 5:15 Discussing hills, hill climbs, distance, and use of a bike like this among the numerous hills.
  • 6:45 Discussing the front form and suspension, and their lack of rust on mine.
  • 7:22 The puncture in the foot well.
  • 7:30 The impacts on the steering bar.
  • 8:40 Discussing riding at the weight limit, something I’ve done a number of times.
  • 9:20 My main missions: kid hauling, grocery getting, hauling guitar and amp equipment, carrying records, and more.
  • 9:52 Income and suggestion to buy or not to buy an Riese & Müller Load75.
  • 11:44 My recommendation.
  • 12:20 Maintenance, strong maintenance suggestions.

Recorded a VLOG on this topic too, you can watch that here.

by Adron

Record Recon Seattle (Metro Area): Mission 1

This post, and VLOG, details the adventures of my first record recon. A set of missions I discussed some time ago and am only now getting around to BLOGing VLOGing them! But hey, better late than never!

This, mission 1, involves traversing the Cross Kirkland Corridor, originating from Redmond and ending in Bellevue so that I can get recon data on Vortex Music & Movies and Silver Platters.

The following video of the logistics, the trip to Vortex, and then from Vortex to Silver Platters along with some thoughts on the pedestrian unfriendliness of the area. Continue reading for maps & more specifics of the trip plus links to the individual record store reviews.

Vortex Music & Movies (Video Review)

Let’s dig in to where this all starts. First, I’ll be departing from home via Education Hill as usual. From there it’ll be a short jaunt down a private road to catch the Sammamish Trail for a distance so short it’s barely worth counting! Next, a turn down 116th to Willow Road, then a turn at the intersection of madness at 124th and Willows Road. There it is the beginning of the hill climb up to the first point to cross over 124th and join the Eastrail Trail onward.

Once you get here, near the Totem Lake Park (Natural Area?), turn and traverse the wetlands on the raised trail. (Check the video to see what it looks like, I show some of it.) Then it’s 120th, to 128th, to 116th (I know, confusing, check the map, it’s actually pretty straight forward.) Then into the strip mall and you’re basically there.

Silver Platters (Bellevue) (Video Review)

The next stop is a local music store chain with locations in Lynnwood and SODO. This involves traveling back down 120th NE and merging back on to Eastrail. From there traveling all the way south to 52nd and dropping down to Lake Washington Drive.

An aside: This section of trail is also referred to as the Cross Kirkland Corridor. However the rail to trails sections that are being converted to trail run from Nakashima Barn in Skagit County, south through to Snohomish, then there’s a big unfinished gap that is in the works, then resumes in Woodinville, merges into the Sammamish Trail through Redmond and into Kirkland, then continues even further south to Renton and beyond. It’s a very very long, and gorgeous trail. Numerous segments aren’t finished, but the Kirkland segment is done and usable to interconnect to many points in the area.

Lake Washington Drive eventually becomes Bellevue Way where Silver Platters is located. Getting to this location via bike was less than stellar. As you can see in the VLOG there were a number of times I ended up traveling in the streets and snaking in and out of cagers stuck at their lights or just sitting in traffic stuck. Mind you, this is just standard daily traffic too, it wasn’t like I was taking this trip at rush hour!

But I digress, made it over to Silver Platters with relative ease. In spite of the less than ideal riding conditions for that last little stretch, the majority of the trip over there was stunningly beautiful. If you haven’t been on the Cross Kirkland Corridor section of the Eastrail you should find time in your busy schedule to get over there. The views of the lake and of Seattle in the distance plus so many other things makes for a very enjoyable trip.

Summarized Ride

In this VLOG and blog I’ve shared my experience of my first mission in the record recon series, where I explore local music stores. Starting from Redmond heading to Totem Lake, then I embarked on a journey along the Cross Kirkland Corridor to Bellevue, aiming to gather recon data on Vortex Music & Movies and Silver Platters. The video captures the logistics of my trip, highlighting the pedestrian-unfriendly areas and the scenic beauty of the route. Despite the challenges, the trip was visually stunning, especially the Cross Kirkland Corridor section of the Eastrail, showcasing breathtaking views of Lake Washington and Seattle. Hope you enjoyed the ride about, and if you’re interested in the record store reviews, and summary of what albums I picked up here is a list to those posts with VLOGs.

by Adron

The Early Week in Pittsburgh

The day after arriving, I headed out into the city for a day of work. On this day I wanted to try out Gasoline Street Coffee. With a short ride up over the bridge from South Side Flats into the city I arrive at Gasoline Street. One of the excellent things about the South Side Flats, is if you’re commuting into downtown Pittsburgh you could literally walk and beat most commuters into the city. The commute from this area is wildly easy to get into and out of the city.

The week that I was in the city, the weather was absolute perfection every day I was there. I kid you not, perfect temperature, perfect visibility, zero rain (until literally the last few hours while I was departing), zero fog, no smog, it was just spectacular!

Once I cleared the bridge into the city from the South Side Flats I made a kind of zig zag through several blocks, on one I went the wrong way not realizing it was a one way, and eventually passed under tram station shown below, which looked pretty nice and modern. As I was rolling along too there were a ton of police all over this part of the city, which I realized the station was over this way and it all made sense.

As I rolled up to Gasoline Street Coffee, it wasn’t an street nor was it related to gasoline, but there were plenty of private vehicles parked on the literal *public* sidewalk in front of the place. Which, as usual for this sort of behavior, makes for a very unpleasant approach to any type of establishment.

I strolled inside for my morning brew and was greeted by – contrary to the outside – a pleasant hello and a spastic and cool interior! The inside of the place definitely had more of an street feel to it, and overall had a bunch of cool seating, tables, and other amenities. But being the weather was absolute perfection, I opted to have my coffee outside at one of the tables.

After fueling up with caffeine, it was time for the remaining commute – all of about 6-7 minutes – into the downtown office building city core.

Car Free Core? Pedestrian Focused?

As I finished up the last 2 blocks, I realized that these last two blocks were heavily, VERY heavily focused on pedestrian oriented activities. This first one, is this park in between these gleaming cavernous glass lined towers. It’s an open space park where people often sit and eat during the day, or just meet for discussion or whatever else may be going on. I made several visits to this area and it was nice, a great way to get some air and get out of the building environments.

The next space, which is literally just the next block over, is another square but lined with restaurants, bars, and other eating establishments, along with a rim of trees that adds a great aspect to the whole square. Again, just like the other park(square?) I ate here several times during the week and it was rather splendid.

Just for the detail, here’s where the two blocks are in downtown Pittsburgh.

Anyway, watch the video, and see it as I travel through the streets and narrate it all for you!

Pittsburgh Day 5 Part 1 – “Daily Commute” & a stop at Gasoline Alley

Millvale & Attic Records

Later in the day, after all those working hours, I headed back to South Side Flats and then headed out with my pack to go explore Attic Records. Attic Records is just outside of Pittsburgh in a small town called Millvale. Just on the northeast side of Pittsburgh along the north side of the Allegheny River.

This next episode is all about that trip back out of the South Side Flats, across the city core of Pittsburgh, and along the north side trail along the Allegheny River. It’s a stunning route, and one – for those visiting – I highly recommend riding!

Once I rolled into Attic Records, I wished I’d brought another $5 grand to spend on records and a larger pack to carry it all in! Attic is a jack pot of albums! I could have just stayed in this shop checking albums out all day, but alas, I managed to keep it to about an hour of perusing and then purchasing only 2 albums at the time! Just crazy!

Overall though, an absolutely great shop, so if you’re into or getting into vinyl and live around the Pittsburgh area just go ahead and put their address in your “places to go regularly” list!

For a full review of the record shop, plus a few other details check out my record shop review on Vicious Shred here. This trip and visit marks the start of Mission 2 of my record recon missions for Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Day 5 Part 2 – Attic Records in Millvale! CHECK THEM OUT!

Finally I wrap up day 5 of this trip, with a visit to Government Center Records, Randyland, and The Government Center. Wrapping up record recon mission 2! I’ll leave you to watch the VLOG instead of elaborating however. Enjoy!

by Adron

A Week in Pittsburgh Begins!

After the grand trip across a vast expanse of the United States, I was finally approaching Pittsburgh! I’d been looking forward to visiting Pittsburgh for years now, so I was STOKED!

The day started at around 5am, as I pondered my arrival and the logistics of the situation on the train. I had some commentary, which I added in the VLOG. So be sure to check that out.

Then arrival in Pittsburgh. This image is from the train as we crossed the river.

In the VLOG you get to see this some, but lets talk about the station in Pittsburgh. For the first thing to experience coming into the city, it is a major let down. It reflects horribly on the United States as a whole – as does our passenger rail in general – but this was an embarrassment of riches right here. The station is in what I’d consider the basement of what used to be the train station. The train station itself however is a bunch of apartments or condos, and the grand entrance is now just the entrance to those apartments. So the grand station that used to exist is now a basement with apartments – which you can’t really walk around – there are signs warning you not to, on top of that basement.

Overall, it’s kind of an insult to Americans to have taken a grand station of this nature, dumped the station into the basement, and stuck a few arbitrarily built – and likely very inefficient apartments in the once grand station.

It’s now kind of just a dump. It made me sad. But I digress, the adventure in Pittsburgh was just beginning and I wasn’t going to let the embarrassment of a station ruin my trip!

Pittsburgh Arrival Day 4 Part 1 – Arriving into Union Station & Initial Explorations.

Once arrived and finally detrained and out of the station, the mess that it was, I made my way out into the streets of Pittsburgh for an exploratory bike ride around the city. This became an absolutely stellar first experience in the city and more than made up for the dumpy station.

In this video I’ve got relive maps guiding the way so you can see exactly where I went, along with some stellar photos I took of the city. I rode up onto a bridge, through a kind of messed up, stinky, car-dependent part of the city so I could get these pictures and ALMOST DIED TWICE! I point that out in the video too, so if you are ever there, dear readers, be wary of the western bridge over the Ohio River! It’s got a sketchy approach on both side! Watch these next two episodes for that part of the adventure.

Pittsburgh Arrival Day 4 Part 2 – Arrived & Exploring the Ohio River “West Wend Bridge”!
Pittsburgh Arrival Day 4 Part 3 – Heading to south Pittsburgh to get some coffee & try to check in!

Finally, after all that exploration – from 5:30am to about 7:45am – I finally make my way form the north side of Pittsburgh over the the Travelers Rest, where I’d be staying for the week. I wrap up the day one VLOGs with the final check in, checking out Travelers Rest, and I show you the accommodations I’ve picked up for the stay!

Pittsburgh Arrival Day 4 Part 4 – Delanie’s & Travelers Rest. You GOTTA check these places out!