Posts

The Esker Lorax Steel Complete - First Impressions

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  Click here to go to Esker's website to see the bike Last fall, after learning Esker was bringing back the Lorax in steel and what it was actually going to be, I became quite excited.  When I was told more, sent the geometry and what the parts build would be, my anticipation grew like a little kid tucked in on Christmas Eve, trying with all their might to fall asleep and bring the morning quicker.   I Could Not Wait .  And then it arrived a couple weeks ago, so super duper thanks to Esker for getting me one early, mostly because we're a dealer and we believe in this bike - but also because I wouldn't stop pestering them.  Esker gets it: take care of those who take care of you, and we could not be more thankful.  Immediately I built it up - meticulously - quickly slapped on a water cage and pedals, closed up the shop, and started my commute home with the ascent to - and up - Dirt Tunnel.  What a hell of a first impression.  For those who d...

Ride the Ridge June 9nd

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  Join us Sunday June 9th to Ride the Ridge of the Oakland Hills! We'll pedal sections of it and find nice stopping points to regroup, have snacks, and enjoy the day.  Then we'll finish up at the Union City Bart for a trip back... or you can keep on riding!  Coyote Hills is not far from Bart and it is a beautiful place, especially at sunset.  And if you like you can take the Bay Trail back, or just keep on going across the Dumbarton Bridge and continue around the whole Bay! This route was inspired by the Bay Area Triple Crossover , and I was going to use that route until I did the pre-ride.  The trails on the eastern side of Lake Chabot are in bad shape, and not a lot of fun.  I am super thankful that Parks is working hard to get them back for us all to use.  So, we will deviate from the original route by taking the trails on the west side of Lake Chabot so we can reach maximum fun! NOTE:  This is an off road bike ride that can be done on a gravel...

Let's go for Picnic, and Fly a Kite!

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  At our last picnic ride, we chatted about how much fun it is to fly a kite.  So that's what we are doing Sunday May 19th! Meet at the Piedmont Shop at high noon, and we'll ride down to Berkeley Marina to picnic and fly kites!   If you don't have a kite, well now's the time to get one! This is all about community and sharing, so bring enough to share for a great afternoon potluck!

Bikecamping at Sibley

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  Mother Nature is bringing some rain in the morning, so we'll be skipping the mountain bike ride and just riding up Tunnel at 6pm when the shop closes.   Yup!  Another bikepacking trip for everyone! This time we'll be headed to Sibley for an over-nighter.  There are bathrooms and water, but that's about it.  Make sure to bring all the food you will need along with your camping gear! We have two routes for you to choose from: The short route option: Meet at the Piedmont Shop and plan to start riding at 4pm.  We'll pedal up Broadway to Tunnel to make our way to the campsite.  Check out the ridewithgps link !  Yup, it is a long climb up, but that's all you have to do and you have all the time you need to do it.  You will be rewarded with AMAZING views of the Bay, as well as the feeling of accomplishment you will have by getting there!   The long route option: Meet at the Piedmont Shop and plan to start riding at 1pm.  This is a r...

Let's go for a ride!

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Supporting   It is very important that you read all of the descriptions and instructions. If you do not follow the instructions you will not be eligible to participate, and we really don't want anyone to miss out.  ___________________________________________________________________________________________     The Ultimate Alleycat January 20 - 21 2024 Who? Teams of two. What? The Ultimate Alleycat / Scavenger Hunt Where? START   Westside Joe’s Bikes 4319 Piedmont Ave. Oakland, CA 94611   FINISH  Line 51 Brewing   303 Castro St, Oakland, CA 94607   When? January 20th / 21st 2024 How? See below Why? Because riding bikes is AWESOME! And raising money to support youth getting on bicycles is EVEN MORE AWESOMER!      Please visit all the sponsors listed at the bottom. Without them, well, it wouldn't be that great. ___________________________________________________________________________________________     How do I sign...