Cycling Paradise?

This is a first. I may have never linked the word "Paradise" to a conversation about Wisconsin. And to be truthful, it really is not paradise - because there is no such thing. But, the Trempealeau County area of Wisconsin is a mighty fine place to be a road biker. This Spring, Stephen Regenold, my dynamic adventure journalist partner and I rode in the area for two days. I had heard the hype and was expecting it to be overstated, but what I found was truly special. The area combines a seemingly endless web of backcountry farm roads with the (almost complete) lack of motorist traffic. To some cyclists that might just equate to cycling paradise - especially if that cyclist lives and rides in the Minneapolis area like I do. Potholes, trucks, glass, traffic lights, people in a rush - all these things are absent in paradise, er, I mean Trempealeau.

Go read the full article and maybe try to squeeze in a fall weekend in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin. You'll thank me.

NY Times Story

Be on the lookout!

These two are wanted for rabble-rousing and chocolate stealing. They have many alias's ("Jelly face Jones", and "Action Jackson" to name a few) and disguises (see photos). They may be hanging around wherever ice cream trucks can be found and are generally keeping a low profile by staying mobile. Their primary means of transportation is bicycle. If you see them, keep them busy with knock-knock jokes and call their parents immediately.

Guns, Knives, Fur hats, etc...

I'm going to skip the explanations and just insist that you follow the link and read the article for yourself. It was quite an event. My favorite part was watching 9-10 yr olds throw knives like back-alley brawlers. Don't mess with the Rendezvous kids!

Check it out here: NY Times Rendezvous article

Tough motorcycles: part three

Another exciting installment of tough, garage built motorcycles. This one comes courtesy of Dave Polgreen, aka - "Tha' Nuts". Dave is no stranger to nice machinery. Since I've known him, he's built at least 3 show stopping bikes, owned several nice cars (one, a 60's Cadillac), and hoarded enough antique motorcycle parts to start a small museum. He's one of the most talented builders I've had the pleasure to personally know.

This bike is his Shovelhead Harley that he built at home, in his own garage. The tank and fenders are genuine antiques, well preserved from the heyday of choppers. He found them and decided to build a bike to go with them.

These images were taken for a great little magazine out of Australia called "Greasy Kulture". Last fall we met in Northeast Minneapolis and shot this beauty. Since then he's built another stunning bike that I hope to shoot later this year as well. The bar was raised even further - well done, sir. Stay tuned for that.