Viva Chicago

Jaden and Shiprek circa 2003.

My favorite taqueria in Chicago got some space in the Times this morning but they didn't mention the salsa...

The Loop shuts down early, but a $2 ride on the El brought us to Wicker Park's Division Street, a strip of hipster-stuffed fusion restaurants. We ignored them in favor of La Pasadita, a taqueria around the corner. Actually, La Pasadita occupied three different storefronts, each filled with both Latino families and young non-Hispanic groups. We settled on the one at 1132 North Ashland Avenue only after seeking advice from hungry-looking firefighters at the station across the street.

Viva Durango pt. 5

Here are a few pictures from Thursday, Oct. 18 when we woke up at a beautiful campground on the Colorado river outside of Moab, fiddled with Phil's bike for a few hours, rode the beginners loop of Slickrock trail then had to take off in order to meet Doom in Mancos by four and follow him to Durango and the Thursday night single speed ride and pubcrawl.


Don't fall on these.

Dabby wanted a glamour shot.





A spur of the moment stop on Highway 191.


I don't know what setting Dabby had the camera on but it turned out kind of cool.

Revphil, looking confident with the rock. He claims to be the only player ever cut from the Linfield football team.

We had an excellent experience at Burgerboy in Cortez. Look at that menu! I had the bacon burger which was almost more than I could handle. I can't imagine what the 3-D would be like. I'm also intrigued by the Frito Pie.

I asked Dabby his opinion of Burger Boy's corndogs on a scale of one to five.

Our first view of Dr. Doom's house in Mancos.

Doom's house was full of crazy Doom art, and a very pleasant place to spend some time.

Of course there was a bathtub in the kitchen.

I saw a little bit of myself in some of his art.


Doom shoots a lot of slides.


Doom's bikeshop.

Doom's workstand.

Wagon Wheel was a sponsor of the Dead Fest.

Bailey at his space.
At this point in the evening my bike was was one of the keystones of the bike pile.

Upcoming Events

"Champions of Scalleycat is a 24-hour long race hosted in the glorious capital of legalized gambling, prostitution, and 24-hour liquor stores: Reno, Nevada. Conceptualized as a mix between a scavenger hunt and an alleycat, the race is a day-long blasphemous romp through Reno on April Fool's Day of every year."

Word is the Republic of Doom is showing up en masse for this event. I think TW should represent as well and we can throw an epic polo tournament inside of their 24 hr alleycat.

Viva Durango pt. 4

I haven't written much about the Durango trip because I was hoping Dabby would pull it together and pay his debts to Disco and I. Unfortunately my optimism and trust in my fellow man was unfounded this time as Dabby proceeded to lie his way across 4 states and back.

But let's focus on the high points. It was a fun trip overall, lots of challenging riding, great weather the whole time, a great polo tournament and lots of new friends. Durango seems to be full of fantastic people. I heard the word special applied to Doom, Bailey and Chad over the weekend and I think it fits. They are all creative, enthusiastic, and incredibly skilled on mountain and polo bikes. Thanks for putting on an incredible event, I can't believe you drew so many people in such a small town.

I'd also like to thank Heather, Thad, Doom and Colin for putting us up on various nights, if you ever find yourselves near Rickreall don't hesitate to stop by. Also thanks to Russell and the Durango Cyclery and all the volunteers. I'll be back next year with a bigger and more reliable posse.

Bailey and Doom with the polo trophy. I hope Chad spells my name right when he engraves it.

At Phil's World. In my opinion the most fun of all the trails we tried. The Ribcage at sunset was intense.

A carrot made of tires and hubcaps.

Doom and Dabby at Phil's World.

We rode Greg Herbold and Bicycle Bob out of town on their way to Phoenix and Costa Rica.


An emu at Hole in the Rock.


I can't remember this guy's name but I like his style.

Viva Durango pt.3

Sheep migration.
photo by Dabby

Our boy band photo.

This trail ends in Colin's yard.

The coffin Doom made for Bailey's stolen bike, "Killer".

Dabby making himself at home at Colin's.

What a sweet crib.

Doom at the start of the Rally.
photo by Rev. Phil

Heather. Thanks for putting up with us!
photo by RP

photo by RP

At the start of the Rally.

This one is for Dee.

Viva Durango pt. 2

Team WRECK triumphant.
photo by Rev. Phil


Every picture of Chad is a glamour shot.
photo by RP

I had some trouble against Bailey.
photo by RP

Bailey on the attack.
photo by RP

Dabby had some good games.
photo by RP


Some art at Bailey's space.


The prize belt.

Hogsback from the finish line. If you zoom in on this you can see three riders on the trail.