Every Day Adventurers

Jessy Clonts, our neighbor in the Bay Area, test rode a Radish for 30-days this spring. This is a journal about her expectations, experiences and feedback. Enjoy!

Day 2

I rode the Radish to my trainer’s studio for a kettlebell session, and when he opened the gate to greet me, he chuckled.

“What’s that?”

“It’s my new Cadillac! Isn’t it great?”

His wife stopped by to say hello and noticed the Radish parked out front.

“This is what I need for grocery shopping,” she said as she sized it up.

“That’s exactly what you can use it for!” In just two days, I have become Xtracycle’s newest Roots Radical.

We discussed how she is currently shopping for groceries, by slinging the bags on her handlebars. Her front tire gets wobbly, she can’t turn very well. Very unsafe.

I explained how the Radish handles (so smooth), how easy it is to turn (so easy), and how much it costs (so totally worth it).

I told her how I’ve used it so far and how I plan to use it in the future, and she was visibly excited. She wants one.

“I can really see this being a revolutionary urban bike,” she decided. I concur!

Later at the downtown Berkeley library bike racks, I pulled up next to a woman unhitching a bike that was longer than mine by a good twelve inches. She had a trailercycle attachment on her standard bike for her four year old daughter.

“Now that’s what I want,” she said wearily as I locked up.

Eager for more Xtracycle talk, I told her how much I’ve loved it in the two days I’ve been on it.

“I highly recommend it. It’s just so easy!” I said, as she struggled to maneuver out of a tight clearance area.

She explained that she had checked it out before at a Solano bike shop, but the Radish is just too expensive for her. My inner Xtracycle saleswoman kicked in.

“Oh, well you know they also have the Free Radical kit for your standard bike. It’s significantly less expensive.”

“Really? I didn’t know that. Thanks! I might have to check that out.”

In my Xtracycle conversion, I’m also trying to create other converts. And it feels good.

Jessy Clonts, our neighbor in the Bay Area, test rode a Radish for 30-days this spring. This is a journal about her expectations, experiences and feedback. Enjoy!

Everyone talks about living their lives more “green,” and reducing their carbon footprint, but beyond taking reusable bags to the store in the City CarShare Prius and composting the recyclable compact fluorescent light bulbs, who truly walks the walk?

When a friend challenged me to forgo driving for riding an Xtracycle for 30 days, I secretly panicked for a moment, then accepted enthusiastically. Like many Californians, I enjoy an active lifestyle that includes biking for fun.

But this challenge required me to run all of my errands on bike, and the Midwest in me couldn’t imagine hauling groceries on two wheels. I know people do it everyday, but I am notoriously clumsy; my last bike crash was about three weeks prior to the challenge and I’m still nursing a sprained wrist.

I’m determined to prove not only that I can rise to the challenge and do well, but that I truly can modify my lifestyle in a positive, healthy, responsible (and less expensive) way. Anyone can try anything for a month, but I want to want to embrace a bicycle lifestyle permanently.

I don’t expect this 30-day challenge to be easy, but I do expect it to be interesting. And so it begins.

Day 1

I have to admit I was nervous to convert from a “regular” bike to an Xtracycle. I worried about the safety, the handling, and whether or not I could be trusted not to crash it. As I took it for a test spin I worried about my turn radius; could I cut sharp corners if I needed to? Could I brake hard and fast? What if I needed to bail off the seat? In the midst of my concerns, I had somehow turned into some sort of danger-wielding stunt master. But once I rode it around a parking lot a couple of times, I realized it actually handled better than my “regular” bike.

For the inaugural trip out, I loaded the Free Loader saddlebags with my heavy backpack, climbing gear, a change of clothing, and a water bottle. I put my U-lock in the handy hidden pocket and off I rode to the gym. Cruising down the bicycle boulevard, I got nods and smiles from nearly everyone I passed. Was that normal? Having rocked a rusted vintage Specialized for the last year, I felt like a million bucks on my shiny new Radish.

Pulling up to the bike rack at Berkeley Ironworks, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to lock up the bike as I normally would. But my U-lock did its job. The back end of the bike protruded an extra 15 inches further than the other bikes, and I couldn’t help but smile to myself when I looked back at my Radish parked alongside the rest of the bikes.

My friends were intrigued. They wanted a ride on the back. We jetted to an empty parking lot where we took turns giving each other rides on the Snap Deck. One friend managed to give both 115-pound girls a tandem ride; the triumph of the evening.

When I got home, my landlord was pulling in the trash cans from the sidewalk.

“Nice bike. It looks like a station wagon!”

“Thanks,” I said. “That’s sort of the idea!”

Welcome to our High Sierra Music Festival 2009 blog recap. Each of our four, intrepid co-workers who attended the festival will share with you our insights, experiences and strenuous moments. Enjoy!

My heart burst this weekend, into a thousand sparkles of light. Never before have I encountered such a wonderful collision of natural beauty, glorious humanity and perfect escape.

Two weeks ago, Peter and Andrea, with a little help from the rest of the crew, started stripping, cutting, tearing, unscrewing, sanding and painting the ’77 Airstream that was parked in our lot (a gift from Ross’ grandfather). Our dream was to convert a cramped living space into a spacious traveling showcase for our company, and to transport our fleet of Radishes, known as the Red Hot Roots, to festivals for event organizers to green their event and learn more about Xtracycle longtails.

Airstream Updating

Official Tour Shirt

As usual with our small company, everything was down to the wire. Our initial departure time was slated for 10AM on Wednesday. That expectation started to crumble as soon as our intern, Nathan, texted to inform me the night before that he crashed in the Port of Oakland alley cat severely damaging his face and totaling his ride. With him being down and out, I had to BART over to SF to pick up our Red Hot Roots Tour shirts Wednesday morning. Which is always fun considering that bikes are not allowed until 8:45AM.

I snagged the shirts (they are sexy, and instead of Plastisol we used a water based ink for a soft feel – Jeff of the Loin hooked us up!), sprinted back to BART and rolled into work right around 10AM, thinking we’d be ready to roll. Turns out the universe said, “Whoa, Nelly,” and made us tackle a variety of problems and finaglings before finally leaving at 6PM. I’ll leave Ross and Nate to detail their U-Haul experiences.

10 Snug Xtracycles

With our fleet stowed safely in the “belly of the whale” (thanks Gary Fisher), we were finally on the road. Traffic was in full effect on 580N, but we were stoked just to have the bay breeze rushing in the cab. Cherries and raspberries filled our famished bellies as we headed north.

Just as we crossed the Richmond-San Mateo Bridge, our high-tech U-Haul F150 alerted us to low tire pressure. A quick scan out the window revealed a hissing sound out of the front tire. We pulled over, and in 5-minutes flat (pun intended) managed to drop the spare, wrench off the flat and get back on the road. Quite possibly one of the easiest, most fun flats ever. Oh, and it helps to have three mechanically inclined people to make it easier.

Knowing that our delayed departure had already shifted our plans, we took a leisurely approach for the rest of the drive. Glorious weather graced us the entire way, we even encountered a swarm of dragonflies between a massive apricot grove just as the sun was setting.

Streamsettin'

A wonderful Thai restaurant re-lit their stoves for us despite the fact that we arrived past closing time. We gorged ourselves on some yummy red and green curry while chilling in the Airstream.

Back on the road, Ross easily navigated the twisty turns leading to Quincy. Despite traveling in the evening, the three-quarters waxing moon helped sprinkle light on the deep Yuba river gorge below. Nate was right, this ride does make you feel like you’re on a human scale train set.

Once in Quincy, we started seeing festival direction signs. This is where we learned one of our biggest lessons: persons in yellow (PIY) jackets are given strict orders not to believe, or help you, in any way. They are only there to point, say, “No,” and insert you back into a line until someone else with official status can point you in the correct way. We drove around asking PIYs where sponsors line up and arrive. Finally, after about four different PIYs, we ended up at the entrance of the Will Call lane, but not after one dude tried to scalp $20 from us for “allowing us to park in line.” Nate, still on his A-game despite the long day and late night, asked for a receipt, which threw a wrench in the spokes of the scammer. We got our Hamilton back and motored on through the grass, Airstream in tow.

Finally, a PIY with some power/knowledge, named Sasquatch (small feet though…), guided us to the front of the line. Since it was past 12AM, the Will Call box office was closed. Content with this information and position in line, we brushed teeth and claimed a bed in the bala de plata.

Holding the Line

6AM rolls around with a friendly knock from Sasquatch alerting us that we need to be in the cab of the U-Haul, despite the fact that they won’t let anyone in until 8AM. So, we wrench ourselves up from slumber, letting Nate sleep, thinking we could handle it between Ross and I. A fun dance ensues between the car, some PIYs and the Will Call box office (a line I find out I’m not supposed to be in or cross). 7AM rolls around with still no clue as to what’s going on, other cars are getting their tickets and parking passes, despite us being first in our line. Time to wake Nate. He rises, cellphone and ID in hand and pursues a person with fanny-pack (PWF). This seems to be the ticket since dude walks up to the Will Call line and returns with our tickets and pass, but no instructions on where to go.

Ross Using Inertia to Help Us Find Our Way

Joy! We have the tickets and decide to at least start moving since it’s harder to tell a F150 and 31′ Airstream to turn around. Our new strategy, ask every PIY where sponsors might setup. Tim, a fairly knowledgeable-seeming PIY, suggests that we get in the back of the line of RVs waiting to get into the RV camping spot. This seems foolish, and thankfully Nate was finally able to ring Casey, on of our points-of-contact for the festival. He gave us the lowdown, pointed us to Gate 3 and said ignore everyone and head over there. Thanks Casey, you saved us hours of frustration.

With our newly charged conviction, we confidently uttered the words, “We’re heading to Gate 3,” to our PIY friends who seemed relieved to have this silver behemoth leave their territory. At Gate 3, a helpful Jeff led us into the RV grounds, we were the first ones in and were allowed to snag the spot of choice.

Dialing 'er In

We eyed up a corner under some gorgeous pines to set up shop. With a few turns and twists by Ross, we got the Airstream level and parallel to the dirt path.

The three of us took charge in setting up camp. Our EZ-up tent secured the corner and became our bike repair space. We unloaded the Red Hot Roots fleet and I started to do a final quality check on them before our virgin riders embarked on their maiden voyages.

From the moment we started setting up camp, we made friends with those around us and those passing by. The weather, a glorious 85° and calm, helped the happy feelings stick a little bit more. Hal showed us his shaft-drive bicycle that he picked up from his local Salvation Army store. Lucinda allowed us to set up our tarp covers using her pole system, and Carl, Jeff and the gang offered us to chill at their pad whenever. This same thread of smiling, happy, friendly people followed us throughout the festival.

Nate and Ross Share the Lowdown

Casey was the first to take off on a Red Hot Roots Radish. Being the first to show up, and the one to help us out of our PIY funk, I gave him #1. Turns out, Casey went to school with my best friend, Luke, so that mutual connection was an added bonus to the immediate friendship that sparked between us. Dave, the High Sierra organizer, swung by to pick up his Radish. He was stoked to be free of his golf cart and its noise and girth. From there, various other event heads visited our booth to learn more about our longtail cargo bicycles and how much fun they can be. Sarah, from Merchandise, took off on one; Bindu, from Artist Liaisons, rolled off on a Passenger Kit outfitted Radish and later sent for another one to bolster their crew.

With the majority of the fleet out and about, Ross, Nate and I took off to explore the festival grounds and see just what was in store for us…. And with that, I leave the story telling to continue with them and Lauren. Happy trails!

Another Happy Test Rider

A few weeks ago we sent out a humble request to you, our friends, to help us encourage more riders to get on Xtracycles. Our goal for the month of May was to have another 100 riders, out there, on Xtracycles shaking it like a polaroid picture.

Well, we’re happy to report that as of May 27th we’re up to 70 new riders. Now how many car dealerships can say that! Thank you. Not only for helping us get close to our goal but for riding along side us, in our adventure to get more people out there to experience the lifestyle.

30 more to go!

What we’ve experienced here this month, just confirms what we’re hearing in the news recently – that during the first quarter of 2009 more bikes sold then cars and trucks. Not to say that our industry hasn’t felt the effects of the economy as all sectors have, but that we are gaining ground.

More people are starting to buy bikes, than cars and/or trucks. Aw yeah!

Tell us how your Xtracycle has made a difference in your life. We want to hear about what finally made you take the plunge into the Xtracycle lifestyle and – how it is, now that you’re using yours while riding through the drop off lane at school, with your kids, on your Xtracycle or what you’ve experienced while parking in the VIP parking spots with your Xtracycle at the front door of the grocery store, while the cars circle and circle around the lot looking for that perfect spot.

Come on, tell us.

In the spirit of the Longtail Standard, we happily present you with detailed instructions to build your very own PizzaLoader.

While we’d love to design, prototype and build every idea we sketch out, we’re still a bit grounded in reality and like to choose our products carefully. But don’t get us wrong, we love do-it-together (DIT) approaches to accessories, except the ones involving transportation of wee ones.

With that said we’re pleased to introduce: PizzaLoader! While there are a few bicycle pizza delivery services out there, the costs don’t justify the production on our end. Thank goodness for places like IKEA, where you can find just the right combination of parts to create masterpieces.

Wife and hubby team, Jeremy and Carrie, longed for the ability to carry pizza on their Xtracycle. Unfortunately, the square shape of a pie box leaves too much overhang when using a standard SnapDeck. Combine that factor with greasy, weak cardboard box and you’ll quickly accessorize gravel with your fresh pizza.

Solution? Build a wide-platform SnapDeck with rail to provide proper support and containment for your pizza as it travels from its brick oven womb to your home and, ultimately, belly. Let’s dig in!

Ingredients:

• 4 SnapHooks w/ 5mm Bolts Purchase SnapHooks Here
• 5mm Bolts @ 1.75″ long (the ones that come with SnapHooks are too short)
• 1 IKEA Gorm Bookshelf (19 5/8″ x 20 1/8″) IKEA Store Link
• 1 IKEA Lansa Bar w/ Two Screws (incl) (13 7/8″) IKEA Store Link
• 1 SnapDeck Template PDF Printed & Taped together PDF Link
• Optional Eco-friendly Wood Sealant/Protectant Types | Soy Based | Waterbased

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