Monday, August 28, 2006

Barn Burning and my Single Speed Obsession

This past week I finally made the time to see some live music, it has been way too long. A few nights ago I drove into Providence to catch Barn Burning at Julian's. It was my first time to see them live, and I was impressed. Definite early-REM and Pavement influences. It was an acoustic show, which allowed the foursome to play around a little. Providence is a rather small city, and musically often gets overshadowed by Boston. I prefer to see music in Providence, there is less of a scene, it is cheaper, and not so polished. Julian's seems to be the place for Providence's art school crowd, lots of tattoos and vintage t-shirts. Bike messenger chic as my buddy Tom referred to the crowd. Anyhow, it was great to see some new music, and if you are near Providence on September 16, check out Barn Burning at Jake's Bar & Grille (w/ Willard Grant Conspiracy).

Before the show started I stopped by the Trinity Brewhouse, one of my favorite hangs in Providence. Walking in I notice this amazing single speed bike from Circle A Cycles locked to a meter. Now I have had bicycles on the brain since getting back into riding this summer, but now I really have the single speed fever bad. The team at Circle A turn out some of the coolest custom bikes I have ever seen, serious bikes with no attitude. Not everyone gets the single speed thing, especially the dude at my local bike shop who wants to sell me a new bike. For me I like the idea of a superlight bike that is so simple to maintain, nothing really to break or adjust. Who needs 27 gears when you live in one of the flatest places in New England? I would love a new bike though, my 14 year old mountain bike is getting tired. With two little ones I have more hobbies than I have time for and I have decided that it would be better to focus on one thing for now. Freetime is rare these days, and when I do get a couple of hours to myself I prefer the simplicity of hopping on my bike and going, plus cycling is something I see myself doing forever. So for now you will find my kayak, surfboard, XC skis, and skateboard on craigslist. The money I get will be used to convert my mountain bike into a single speed, or if I sell everything, maybe a sweet cyclo-cross bike from the good folks at Circle A. Donations are now being accepted.


Listening to: The Flaming Lips- The Soft Bulletin

4 comments:

Rambling Canuck said...

Ahh...getting the single-speed bug, I see. Join the club. My buddy who lives down the street just got one - I don't think it even has breaks. So light and easy. I'm with you here. I will defintely keep my mtn bike for off-roading, but would love to have a road bike to kick around town.

JMH said...

Single-speeds and fixies seem to be all the rage in Boston, NYC, and San Fran, sure it is the same in PDX. I dig their simplicity, and for me will be the perfect commuter set-up. Mine will definately have brakes, too many crazy drivers cutting me off.

chell-belle said...

my new surly cross-check converts to an SS AND it cost less than a $1000. (I know that's still a lot of money but its relative) I am loving that bike, btw. I say sell the stuff you aren't using and invest in a new bike that you will keep forever. If you have a local custom builder and you love their bikes, then go for it.

Anonymous said...

...please where can I buy a unicorn?