Author Archives: 16incheswestofpeoria

About 16incheswestofpeoria

Former bicycle mechanic, current peruser of books, feeder of birds.

Building better signs

Posted on September 5, 2017

It’s fun to ride a gravel bike. Unless, that is, you’re focused on the idea that some roads are really supposed to be blacktop. Like Santa Fe Road in Hallock Township.  Back in the spring, workers turned three sections of … Continue reading →

Posted in Infrastructure, Report from the road, Sekai 2500 | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Aside by side

Posted on July 18, 2017

I don’t usually spend this much time developing a well-researched, thoughtful and detailed essay on SUV marketing, popularity and distribution, but jeebus, Toyota. Jeebus.

Posted in Co-Motion tandem, Report from the road | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Day 30. #30daysofbiking

Posted on April 30, 2017

If we give objects too much power, and we do, it’s because we invest them with memory. So, what’s this bicycle about? Chicago steel. Peoria rust. A four-year-old falling off a trike and, after getting patched up and reassured by … Continue reading →

Posted in #30daysofbiking, Report from the road, Schwinn Corvette | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Day 29. #30daysofbiking

Posted on April 29, 2017

Only one person is judging the effect of wind on play today. This person is focusing on his core competency. Making a couple of adjustments. (No different from any other law-abiding citizen.) And considering the fact that when this frame … Continue reading →

Posted in #30daysofbiking, Report from the road, Schwinn Sports Tourer | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Day 28. #30daysofbiking

Posted on April 28, 2017

At one time, Gary Fisher considered this a mountain bike. Then he grew his moustache. And I changed a couple of parts. Good times.

Posted in #30daysofbiking, Fisher | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Day 27. #30daysofbiking

Posted on April 27, 2017

Short rides this week. A couple of test rides, too. (Once you assemble them, you have to test them out.) Today’s spin is on a bicycle unlike any in my stable: the Specialized Roll.  (Just noticed my friend Kate has … Continue reading →

Posted in #30daysofbiking, Bushwhacker, Report from the road, Specialized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Day 25. #30daysofbiking

Posted on April 25, 2017

That’s one reason I call this website 16incheswestofpeoria. Another reason? Calling it bluebobthebellbottomedbananaboy would have been confusing. Today’s ride: On the Rock Island Greenway, just south of Bicycle Safety Town. And back to the shop.

Posted in #30daysofbiking, Bike Friday tikit, Report from the road | Tagged , , | 2 Comments