[ swarm theory ]

Recently I’ve been working on Algerbikes.com -  a new ecommerce site for Grand Rapids, Michigan based bicycle retailer Alger Cyclery. This has been a special project because it moves away from my normal “consulting” role, and into one that is more hands-on with design and development. Its been fun AND frustrating, but now I know what I don’t know. The site is a work in progress, but we are definitely in it for the long haul with the goal of becoming a leading internet bicycle retailer.  Algerbikes.com

The October VeloNews “velonotes” featured laundry detergent that is gentle on cycling clothing. Unfortunately, they left out my favorite “kit friendly” detergent Dropps.

Dropps is an innovative liquid detergent that makes laundry “laundr-easy”. Its super concentrated formula fits in tiny pre-measured “toss-and-go” dissolvable pacs. Once unleashed in your washer its tough on dirt, but easy on your favorite kit. Added bonus - the small Dropps laundry pacs are travel friendly, making them must for your cycling getaway’s.

The World Bicycle Relief organization helps provide bicycles to Africa. They currently have a program where your donation will be matched dollar for dollar. When you give one wheel, a generous supporter will give the other. Donate a whole bike, and recipients in Zambia will get twice as much. Visit Double Bike Match to make a financial contribution.

I was watching the Tour over the weekend and noticed the return of an old school campaign for Specialized Bikes “Innovate or Die”.  I always thought that was such a kick-ass slogan, but somewhere around the late 1990’s it seemed to disappear.  Perhaps riders were not sure who was supposed to “innovate”?  These days the topic of innovation is getting major media play, gracing the covers of all the top business magazines and websites.

Specialized has always been innovative - as a designers, builders, and as marketers.  The Specialized ads have historically been about the ride - with less talk, more imagination.  The kind of stuff you would want to hang on your wall.  Innovate or Die!

I finally have a new bike that I think is worth sharing to the world. From what I’ve been able to find out about the bike (haven’t really been looking too hard), this Zenith fat tire was built around 1950. My buddy “E” had this baby sitting in his garage so we did a swap. This thing is a total blast to ride and a refreshing change from my other rides.