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Yesterday was one of those days where it was sort of hard to get out, but you are so glad you did afterwards.  the morning weather has been in the 40’s, and while I should not complain, it is still chilly.  The plan was to ride out to farmer’s market as usual, but I was stalling, the weather was unpredictable to say the least, heavy winds and fast cold rain showers.  I only ended up catching the edge of one squall on the way home.

The ride was well worth the effort.  Even though I stalled, I still completed what may be one of my top winter projects.  After two years of deliberation, my favorite knickers just got better

with the diaper now in the scrap bin they are infinitely more comfortable, knees and legs are warmer and I will thus be getting back out on more cold mornings.  Now to start looking for a good set of knickers that do not have the pad from the start.  Any reccomendations?

 

Yesterday I made it out for a quick surf check and rode through a quick errand or two.  The weather was chilly, but beautiful.  The last few weeks were on the quiet side here at the blog.  We were working through the loss of my wife’s grandmother as well as a good solid round of the flu, never a dull moment.  With those issues, the associated travel and the holiday madness moving into the rear view mirror I am looking forward to charging into the next year.

Our first round of Ramblers should finally be making it out of paint in the next couple of weeks.  I can not wait to get this batch of five out under their patiently waiting riders.  The next round will be much larger, and the volume will help with the scheduling issues this round had during fabrication, as our team learns how to grow out of being a small fish in a big pond.

Speaking of this next round, the pre-sale is on, there is a significant deal for newsletter subscribers.  Shipping is free for those who can make local pickup here in Ventura.  I am also working on a pick up solution for out Portland customers, either through a scheduled delivery date or with a partnered LBS.  If you fall into either category you can choose the “Free Local Pickup” option at the checkout.

I will be improving the look and feel of the site and storefront incrementally over the next couple of months.  Feedback at each step of the way is welcome, as it helps to know if I am heading in the right direction.

2012 was a good year, 2013 is going to be a big year.  One certain trend last was that milestones consistently came through on the 13th, so I am thinking 2013 is going to be one big milestone in its own right, and I plan working my butt off, but still can not make it happen without your help.  Lets make this year a big one at OAC.

 

I had a couple of sweet shots hit my inbox this morning.  My friend who had me do the 650b conversion on his Trek a while back is starting to get out on some overnights.  around the local mountains.

I am pretty jealous, and thinking we need to get some people together in the next year and make this happen more often.  We really are blessed with a ton of incredible options all within a 40 mile radius.

 

One of the fringe benefits of the business ha been getting to meet a whole new batch of people who I would have likely never otherwise met.  The new vendors, contractors, industry folks, fans and yesterday, press.  I was able to get out for a ride with Juan Carlo from the local paper as well as an active member of the Ventura Bike HUB.

It was a fun time shooting some pics and getting to see another giant smile after a few miles on a Rambler.  I am sure we will be crossing paths much more often from now on.  We went for a windy ride up through Emma Wood state park, crisp and cool, but howling wind.  The park is usually empty of campers this time of year.  This time there was just one couple, and they had the most curios contraption in tow, there was no way we could not stop and check it out.

It turns out that it was a railway signal inspection car from the mid 40’s, and such a cool piece of history.  The owners are on their way up to NorCal for a NARCOA New Years gathering and rally.  The drivetrain was pulled from a Model T, hand crank 2 cycle engine, etc..  Most of it was original, with a few additions like a bell and seat for the grandkids.  This is a perfect example of why getting out on your bike can be such a powerful thing.  What are the chances you would have stopped the car on the freeway to go see what the little yellow car was all about?  A five-minute stop, and we were able to meet a couple preserving a part of our country’s history that I would have never know about. Best part is, we were all having fun, and were outside.

Get out on your bike, meet some new people, explore, stop and check things out, and have fun!