Philly Bike Expo 2014

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays the organizers, exhibitors, and attendees from the swift completion of their appointed rounds should be the motto of the organizers and exhibitors of the Philly Bike Expo. Since its inception this show has endured blizzards and hurricanes when the show opens. Even the advertising has evolved from cyclists riding through Philadelphia with a billboard trailer in tow. To an actual billboard on I-76.

If you go to the Philly Bike Expo and expect the attendees to be dressed in spandex and clacking around in clipless shoes you would be sadly mistaken. The few who did were very out of place. The majority were smartly dressed couples and families with young children.

The bike demo area is always an interesting place to go to. With a wide range of exhibitors attending the show the bike demo area had Bullit Cargo bikes, Gazelles, Bromptons, Xtracycles, and Fat Bikes. Including models with electric assists. I took a few laps on a Bullit and once you get the hang of it they handle quite nicely.

The exhibitors were the usual collection of bike retailers, clothing, equipment, and accessories. There were a few standout exhibitors, including one of the human powered vehicles from the Kennsington Kinetic Sculpture Derby and a trick riding demonstration.

The two most understated booths however were the ones that spoke the loudest if you knew what you were looking at. The first was Via Bicycles with just a sign and a bike. But not just any bike a fully restored 1890’s touring bike with a front suspension. An almost near match to the bike used by “The Lost Cyclist” from one of the Saturday seminars. Curtis and his staff rode the bike over from their shop, but if you thought you might get a chance to ride this bike in the demo area forget it. The pedals alone are $500, each.

The other exhibitor was distinguished white haired gentleman with a British accent with nothing more than a handful non-cycling books on display. It took me a minute to realize that I was talking to legendary frame builder E. David Moulton. Whose bikes bikes have been ridden in the Olympics and the Tour de France.

One of the things that I enjoy is the diversity of the seminars, its more than just bikes and bike building. Since I only had limited time during the weekend I elected to attend Bikesnob NYC who speaks with a mix of wit and wisdom.

And of course it wouldn't be a bike expo if it didn't have indoor valet bike parking,  courtesy of Neighborhood Bike Works. On Sunday afternoon they had parked over 600 bikes.

Over the years I have attended many trade shows as an exhibitor and I know how much work is involved. The Bilenky team did an excellent job and I look forward to next year.

                       

Ferdinand needs dental heros

A few years ago a litter of kittens turned up on the doorstep of Bilenky Cycle Works all of them were adopted except for one who was named Ferdinand and became the resident Shop Cat. From a little kitten Ferdinand has grown up to the size of small dog. He has taken on many roles at Bilenky Cycle Works since his first days as Shop Cat. 

Office Manager

 

Stress Management Consultant

And just how big is Ferdinand?

Ferdinand needs your help. He needs immediate dental surgery as his long term survival may be at risk. Whether you are a cat lover or have enjoyed the Bilenky Junkyard Cross. Donate what you can afford, because every little bit helps

To donate use this link - http://www.gofundme.com/dqnen0

Redbull SSXCWC Junkyard Cross - 2013 wrap up

With the Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships (SSCXWC) happening in Philadelphia the same weekend attendance was down and many of the local riders were at Belmont Plateau. It became readily apparent that this was not the Bilenky Junkyard Cross, instead it was the Redbull SSXCWC Junkyard Cross.

Colin Firth and his unique brand of heckling was MIA, replaced by a Redbull announcer who did a very bad imitation of the old monster truck commercials. There was a higher douche bag to spectator ratio than normal. The worst occurred at the shot tent at the van tunnel, which created a great deal of confusion about which way racers should go and backed up the tunnel entrance. One racer not realizing what was going on followed the to riders ahead of him. When he failed to take a shot he was restrained and forced to start at the end of the pack.

The addition of the ramp by Redbull at the car hurdle was questionable since it was mean't for bikes with heavy frames, 26” wheels, and inexperienced trick riders. The ramp was designed to launch cyclists up instead of guide them across.While it created some spectacular jumps There was one serious accident that required an ambulance and a second before the ramp was removed.

There were some shining moments though in spite of the corporate makeover. Ones that I hope will inspire and carry over into next years race.

The beards were beardier and iconic. Maybe next year there will be a best beard award, real and faux.

                                               

                                                    

Stephen Bilenky  - The man, the beard, the legend

The mighty Unicorn from last year was back.

One competitor raced on a 80's era Dahon folding bike and rode over the ramp.

There was a preview of a Trek Fat Bike that will be available in 2014.

The car hurdle was a single car instead of two which gave everyone time to get the running start needed to clear a higher than normal barricade. The ramp added some advantage in several heats when two or three racers at the same time would vault the car and run or ride over it to gain better position.

The single walkway at the tractor was changed to two, which avoided back ups.

Redbull sponsors high speed motor sports and when it comes to bicycles its BMX, mountain bike and downhill mountain bike racing. The type of riding that involves high speed maneuvering, big air, and the potential for spectacular crashes. Everything that cyclocross is not. This years Redbull SSCXWC Bilenky Junkyard Cross were best summed up in response to the Redbull audio truck, “you know how it goes, when the corporate world gets a whiff of a grass roots happening.” I look forward to next year when it returns to its local roots.

Bilenky Junkyard Cross - 2013

On Saturday, December 7 the Bilenky Junkyard Cross will ride again. Finishing a heat is a prize unto itself. Set in a junkyard abutting the Bilenky shop this race requires you to navigate a wide range of surfaces with barriers and hazards you would never normally encounter.

The course surface varies from dirt, packed earth, gravel, to pavement along with some oil, radiator and transmission fluid mixed in. Then of course there are the barricades; the junk yard provides a wide range of obstacles. So what are some of the things you can do to prepare for the race if your trying to place in your heat?

1. Don't ride clipped in. Last year I saw several riders switch from clipless pedals to BMX pedals. They were off and on their bikes so often they were losing time and position when they struggled to clip in. BMX pedals are wider so they are easier to get your foot on and they are still grippy enough to keep sneakers from slipping.
2. Wear sneakers instead of cycling shoes. Riding shoes with cleats will leave you at a disadvantage on many of the sections of the course which may require you to run on a wooden walkway or climb over the hood of a car. Shoes with cleats will leave you off balance with no traction.
3. While you are going to see many people riding standard cyclocross bikes, the course does not always give you the time to shift gears. Some of the fastest and most aggressive riders are the riders on single speed mountain bikes and BMX. These are the competitors who think nothing of bunny hopping a car used as a hurdle. Or pulling wheelies through the start/finish line like one competitor did last year.
   4. Do not underestimate the influence of the spectators. Last year in the middle of a heat the car hurdles were quickly mofided with ramps and the second car had ramps on both sides. When one racer squeezed through a gap between the car hurdle and edge of the course, spectators filled in the gap with car tires and when that racer came around again they had quite the surprise. 

There are some suggestions I would also like to make to the course designers.

The frequent comment I heard from the competitors was there was no place to pass. It may be time to reconsider the course design. The car hurdles create a larger than normal hurdle, but they only allow for one racer at a time to get over it. The same can be said for the mini van used as a tunnel. 

With all of the options of things that can be found in the junk yard perhaps its time to revitalize the course to allow for passing and faster speeds in certain sections. By making the hurdles and barricades able to accommodate more than one person at a time. Create a slalom with tires stacked three high and tied together in groups of three to form a triangle for stability.

Another challenge faced last year was in one of the last races ended a few laps short when some of the spectators started yelling “you won” as the pack came through the start/finish line, when the heat had not ended. Purchase a standard, checkered finish line flag so there is a clear indicator as to when the heat is over.

Some other concerns include increasing the number of port-a-potties as last years were full to capacity at the end of the day. As well as the possibility of moving the food truck to a location that is not right on top of the course.

As always it goes without saying that the Bilenky Junkyard Cross has become one of the most popular and challenging local Cyclocross races. It has developed such a following that last year a saw numerous out of state license plates including; New York, Maryland, New Jersey, and Indiana. This is a must see race that should be on everyone's list of things to do.

2010 Documentary
Bilenky Junkyard Cross (A Short Film) from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

2012 Race Highlights
 

It was an experience

If you weren't at Rittenhouse Square last Thursday at 6pm you missed on opportunity to ride with Bike Snob NYC and a unique collection bicycles and their owners. The bikes ranged from the standard array of ten speeds, fixies and mountain bikes, along with a long tail bike, a Bike Fiet, a vintage Penny Farthing, and a Schwinn Triplet. As well as Bike Snob NYC's folder, a very nice bike, but I won't reveal what it is.

The Triplet was a rather unique bike, a steel framed Schwinn with drum bikes, and when you make a turn, its like make a turn in a truck. All of your turns are long and wide. I talked with the owner had he has several tandems in addition to the triplet. But what makes the triplet owner a rare individual is that he lives in a town house and he stores it inside. Which means carrying it up a flight of stairs, which is no easy feat.

Bike Snob NYC is one of the most low key and self-deprecating individuals I have ever met. Having him visit your town is like Weird Al Yankovic does a parody of your song. It’s an honor to be selected and you know that everyone will enjoy hearing it.

As for the ride itself you'll have to have to read about it here. But I will say this; Curtis of Via Bicycle made several emergency repair assists that kept everyone on the road and Bilenky Cycle Works for organizing this event.

He is COMING!

Thanks to the efforts of the Bilenky Cycle Works, on Thursday May 9 Philadelphia will be graced with the presence the internationally renowned bicycle blogger Bike Snob NYC. Blogging since 2007 the BSNYC blog is summed up in his own words; “While I love cycling and embrace it in all its forms, I'm also extremely critical. So I present to you my venting for your amusement and betterment. No offense meant to the critiqued. Always keep riding!”

But this is more than a mere visit; he will be in Philadelphia to promote the final book in his trilogy, Bike Snob Abroad. In this book Bike Snob NYC travels the United States and Europe with his young son to find out what it really means to be a bike friendly country. “Bike Snob NYC takes us on his most personal narrative journey yet, and ultimately shines a light on the growing pains that exist in any culture that asks smart phone-obsessed text-happy pedestrians, the two-wheeled, and the four-wheeled to share the road.”

Bilenky Cycle Works has organized a 6pm bicycle ride with Bike Snob NYC through Philadelphia to be followed by a book signing and merry making. For more information and to sign up use this link to go to the Facebook page.

2012 Bilenky Junkyard Cross - Its a wrap

What started a company party has transformed into one of the première and unique regional cyclocross races. No longer a local Philadelphia event; there were cars, vans, and SUV's with license plates from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Indiana parked at Bilenky Cycle Works. This race attracts everyone from competitive racers to people who come out to try their luck; as one racer put it, “I just want to finish”. While not everyone can win their were some crowd favorites; the guy who rode all of his heats in a unicorn mask and the young lady in the women’s division wearing black Uggs.

The Mighty Unicorn

Nothing about the Bilenky Junkyard Cyclocross can be described as standard or regulation. The barriers include cars as hurdles, a mini van as a tunnel, and the narrow pathways where parts are stored become a maze. The surface of the course includes dirt, concrete, and gravel with a mix of oil, transmission fluid, metal fragments, and pebbles of safety glass. 

A tight squeeze

 

 

What Hurdle?

The spectators often have as much fun as the riders and in some small ways influence the race. In two incidents at the car hurdles riders experienced major mechanical failures, spontaneous pit crews from the spectators got them back into the race. They also redesign the course by adding ramps at the car hurdles in time for the bmx/alternate bikes and men’s finals. In one instance when a racer squeezed between the edge of the course and a car hurdle, only to find on the next lap that tires barricaded the hole.

Spontaneous Pit Crew

Catching big air

They don't look like soccer mom's.

There were plenty of cyclocross and mountain bikes and every year there is a growing mount of BMX and single speed bikes. Along with tandems, and modified beach cruisers. This year one rider brought a Pugsley, with tires close to 4 inches wide tires this bicycle was like a steamroller on the course. Some of the fastest and most aggressive riding came in the BMX/alternate bike heats, were the two car hurdles were bunny hopped instead of being hurdled. One BMX racer was a big crowd pleaser as he did wheelies through the start/finish zone during each lap. 

Pugsley in the pit

 

King of the Wheelies

Another factor that makes the Bilenky Junkyard Cyclocross are the prizes for the winner each category. This year crowns for the men and tiaras for the women were designed by Bilenky Cycle Works employee Isis Shiffer. With their unique design and Steam Punk esthetic these are the type awards that will make this memorable to the winners more so than any trophy. 

2012 Bilenky Junkyard Cross

On Sunday, December 16, 2012 the Bilenky Cycle Works Junkyard Cross will start at 10:00am.

Before I go into details about this race there are some very important questions to be answered.

Will there be beer?  $1 beers to help pay for renting the junkyard.

Will there be food? Sold by Chewy's Food Truck.

This annual event first started as company open house it has evolved into one of the most competitive unofficial cyclocross races in the region. Held in a junkyard the course is a classic example of a cyclocross held in an urban setting.  The course features a wealth of man made and unforgiving barriers and obstacles. Add Stephen Bilenky and his crew of ingenious bicycle gremlins and you never know from one year to the next what to expect from the course.

In the past the course has included steep flyovers (bridges) hurdles from wheel rims, a pit filled with sofa cushions, tunnels using a van and a semi trailer, narrow alleys turned into a leaf filled tunnel, and a seesaw.  The surface of the course is dirt, gravel, and pavement covered with debris and various oily fluids. This year there may even be explosions, according to a recent Facebook post on the Bilenky Cycle Works page. 

The easiest way to get to this event is to bicycle there, as parking is very limited. A group ride is departing from Bicycle Revolutions. The Junkyard Cross opens at 10:00am with the first heats by 11:00am and should conclude by 3:00pm

2011 Annual Bilenky Junkyard Cyclocross

Looking to take a break from all of the Christmas festivities, then come to the 2011 Annual Bilenky Junkyard Cyclocross on Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 10am to 4pm.

First started as a fun race, it has evolved into friendly competition. Held in a junkyard the course offers a range of surface conditions from paved to dirt single track so the course is a challenge for Cyclocross and Mountain Bikes. Along with some equally challenging barricades: ramps, tunnels, bridges, hurdles, running sections, and a seesaw. Weather is also a factor; the surface could be muddy, frozen, or covered in snow. What makes this a truly unique experience is that it’s held in a junkyard creating some rather unique course markers and adding the chance of flat tires due to debris.

Over the years the number of racers has increased and this year to improve safety and increase speed Bilenky Cycle Works is holding smaller heats to avoid bottlenecks at the obstacles. Which means a full day of racing for racers and spectators alike.

Make sure to bring plenty of cash; Chewy's Food Truck will be on site throughout the day providing breakfast and lunch. And of course there will be beer.

To find out more use this link to go to the Bilenky Cyclocross Facebook event page, you can also register as a racer here. At a cost of $10, if register in advance, this will be the most fun you can have on two wheels.

Want to get sense about what to expect, watch this video

Where is Philadelphia's Bike Culture?

One of the things that I find so frustrating about the greater Philadelphia area is a lack of bike culture. Something beyond the century rides that populate the calendar and rides with an ineffective political messages like Critical Mass and the Word Wide Naked Bike Ride. The one thing that Philadelphia lacks is events that can be described as a party on wheels.

For example Los Angeles has the Midnight Ridazz, a loosely affiliated group of cyclists who have created social rides that are described as a party on wheels. In New York City Times Up has a diverse collection of rides that explore New York City like moonlight rides through Central Park. Car free happy hours are becoming more commonplace and yet none of this happens in Philadelphia.

We have a city full of college students and business professionals that these types of rides and events would attract. But there is a lack of vision and leadership, no one seems to be willing to step up and take some initiative on a consistent basis.

Occasionally there are glimmers of hope, flashes of creativity that show the possibilities when people make an effort. Like the Bilenky Cyclocross, a cyclocross race that occurs in December in a local junkyard with a course designed by Bilenky Cycle Works. What started out as a slightly silly, slightly serious race has begun to attract racers from beyond Philadelphia. In three years the Philadelphia Tweed Ride has grown over 125 riders and how many rides have you heard of that include a rest stop to play croquet. Most recently the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia transformed the top level of parking garage into an outdoor movie night that drew a crowd of over 130 people and one dog.

There is potential and there are possibilities. It will take inspiration and motivation to create rides like the Midnight Ridazz and other events.