Suzie is a Foodie with a Bike

Suzie is a foodie that rides a red Univega. It’s an older bike, but it’s in great shape and only needed a few minor tweaks. While I was busy bending wrenches on her bike, Suzie fixed up a delicious avocado and sprouts sandwich.

Fixin’Bikes: How old were you when you learned to ride a bicycle?

Suzie: I have a vague memory of my dad holding me balanced while I tried to ride a big girl bike when I was five. I don’t remember what kind of bike it was, only that I was inspired to beg for and get a green Huffy dirt bike that I rode everywhere. I think I got that bike in the second grade, back when I was a real bad ass with skinned knees and hypercolor shirts.

FB: That’s a great story. I had a crappy dirt bike from Schuck’s Auto Parts in Second third grade. Hyper color shirts totally didn’t work.

If you could ride your bike anyplace on the planet where would it be?

S: I’ve always wanted to ride down the west coast with a few friends to San Francisco. Since this is totally doable, I guess we should make that happen. Want to? I also want to bike around Scotland and Ireland, or maybe a biking/food tour of Spain or Northern Italy.

FB: My butt starts to hurt if I ride more than 30 miles. I have limits. 

You have a pretty amazing food blog and always seem to be making something incredible. What’s your favorite dish to prepare and eat?

S: Hmm, I love food more than most things, so it’s tough for me to pick a favorite dish that I prepare. I’d have to go with soup for the all-around therapeutic nature of making and eating it. I like all kinds, but I usually end up making some variation of a veggie soup with different spices depending on what is in season and everything. Tonight I had a garlicky crimini mushroom and collard greens soup with homemade chicken stock, thyme, cayenne, and paprika. Delish.

Lastly, I do have a BLAHG. I mostly update it with photos of food. Here you are, Jeff : Plum Pickle : http://plumpickle.tumblr.com/ .

Let’s ride, bud!

Thanks Suzie, will do.

Need your bike fixed up? I can help.

-Jeff

9 months ago  /  8 notes

Summer Is Happy People on Bicycles

There is nothing more rewarding than riding your bicycle in the Summer sun.

In lieu of a proper post and interview here’s some pics of happy people and their bikes. Need your bike tuned up?

Drop me a line,

-Jeff

Gary and his Fuji

Liz and her Scattante

Suzie and her Univega

9 months ago  /  3 notes

Swamped in the Garage!

I’ve been lax about putting up a post this week, mostly because I have been swamped with bike work, repairs and projects.

That’s a good sign. Thanks to everyone who’s hit me up for bike work. Keep it coming!

Need a bike fixed? Drop me a line,

-Jeff

9 months ago  /  1 note

Summer Ritual: Riding to the Colman Pool

Riding my bicycle to the Colman Pool has become an annual summer ritual for me. The heated saltwater pool literally sits on the edge of where the Puget Sound splashes in to the shores of West Seattle’s Lincoln Park.

The ride from my home in Fremont to the West Seattle landmark is a great day trip for riders of all abilities. It’s flat, there’s plenty of places to stop and rest and the scenery is rewarding. My route takes me from my front door to the downtown Seattle waterfront. From there I catch the King County Water Taxi across Elliott Bay (cutting out the pot-hole ridden section from downtown to West Seattle). The water taxi lands at  Seacrest Park after a quick 20-minute ride across the bay.

The water taxi runs every hour and is a quick and scenic trip across the bay. Bikes are allowed on board and there is even a bike rack. The one-way fair is $3.50 (exact change), but they also have ticket kiosks that accept debit/credit cards. Once on board I like to relax on the boat’s rear upper deck. The views of the water, skyline and Olympic Mountains are spectacular.

After landing at Seacrest Park my route heads west along the waterfront alongside Alki beach. The Alki Beach neighborhood is my preferred mid-ride stop to stock up on essentials. There is a market and a slew of decent restaurants and bars to choose from. The pool allows food and beverages, though it’s best to get creative with any adult sodas (Klean canteens work great). No glass is allowed.

From Alki Beach my route heads south along the water and eventually through a short section of the neighborhood. There’s a tricky section here that looks like you’re headed down some well maintained alley near Lowman Beach Park. The alley opens up on to a gravel footpath that leads to the pool.

There are bike racks and an ice cream truck outside the pool. Admission is $4.75 for adults and the public swim runs from 1:45-4:45 p.m. daily.

The views of the sound are spectacular on a sunny day.

I’ll be leading this ride this Sunday, July 16. Want to ride with me?

-Fixin’Bikes

10 months ago  /  5 notes

Surveying Seattle’s Music and Landscape with Andrew

Andrew is never not hustling. He rides a lime green Gary Fisher road bike, has a respectable headband collection and writes about music passionately.

Fixin’ Bikes: How does riding your bike fit into your active lifestyle?

Andrew: I ride to coffee shops and various places around the city, sometimes to buses if I want to go to the Eastside or something like that. I like getting out and seeing Seattle — a lot of water and vistas. Makes me feel like I’m exercising, a little. It’s about pleasure for me, and convenience, eliminating short car trips. I’m not “the bike guy,” and haven’t yet done a ride over 30 miles long. But I ride every day. It’s fun. 

FB: What’s your favorite place to ride to?

A: Probably on Lake Washington Boulevard from Leschi down to Seward Park. Riding along the lake is really pretty. You can see Bellevue on the other side, and mountains behind it. Seattle takes good care of its parks over there. There’s a string of them, each park linking to the next one, and then Seward is like the grand finale at the end. Tennis courts, a beach, a little three mile loop. A great park. 

FB: Well said. That is an unbeatable ride in the summer. There’s also the Kurt Cobain Park and Howell Beach along that route. BTW, Howell Beach is Seattle’s unofficial nude beach.

You recently got a turntable, what were the first three records you bought?

A: Turntable was given to me by a friend, and I was buying records before I had it — some I used to play on other people’s stereos, some I bought just bought to have. So I already had some music. I was most excited to play three seven inches by Explode Into Colors, the Truckasauras album “Quarters,” and Cam’ron/Kanye West “Down and Out.” Most recent album purchased: Fleet Foxes, “Helplessness Blues.”

FB: That Fleet Foxes album is the perfect soundtrack to a summer of camping, hiking, and backyard BBQing. Thanks, Andrew.

Note: Andrew writes about music at Matson on Music.

Want to be featured on this blog? Need your bike fixed up?

Drop me a line,

-Fixin’ Bikes.

11 months ago  /  1 note

Have you seen this dog?

Because she is effin’ amazing. Just look at her majesty. In ancient times a dog like Ilsa would command armies and have a stable of errand boys to tend to her every need.

Fixin’ Bikes:You hang out a lot, huh?

Ilsa: Pet me.

FB: Ever bitten anyone?

I: I am a good dog.

FB: What’s your favorite treat?

I: Leg.

Note: Fixin’ Bikes has been overwhelmed by all the support. Thanks to all. Need your bike dialed in?

Get in touch,

-Fixin’ Bikes

11 months ago  /  1 note

Girls of Summer: All-Girl AlleyCat Race

The ladies at Menstrual Monday are hosting an all-girl alleycat race at 3 p.m. on Sunday June 11. Registration opens at 2 p.m. at the I-5 Colonade (map) near Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood.

There are many reasons why you should come to this race, but the most important reason is that it will be a blast. Come to race or just come to ride, either way you’ll get to meet new people and will most likely come away with a prize.

Speaking of prizes, MM has done a fantastic job of compiling an astounding prize pile. $2,000 worth of prizes will be given away at the finish line, which virtually gurantees all participants to come away with something.

Flyer and more info after the jump:

Read More

11 months ago  /  0 notes