Here it is-  The way for you to break into your modeling career.

REI is doing a photo shoot for their urban line in Seattle later this month.  But you need to get on it- because there isn’t much time.  If you have tattoos, piercings, or dyed hair- apparently you go to the head of the class, because you are decidedly more “urban.”  Even though your parents are disappointed in you- you can rub it in their face by becoming a “model.”

What they’re looking for:

• 2 men and 2 women
• Ages 25-35-ish
• You need to fit the clothing sizes : Women: approximately a size 6, small top,  Men: size medium top, size 32 waist, not too tall.
• You need to fill out a casting information sheet, and send it two pictures (head shot and full body shot).

Backstory:

When I moved to Seattle I sold my mountain bike.  I had a 5″ travel Coiler that I had a lot of fun on when I lived in Alaska.  The Colonnade wasn’t completed, and almost everything that I saw in books and online recommended trails on the east side and points beyond.  I’m not a huge fan of having to drive to my point of entry for whatever sport I want to participate in.  Hence my lack of participation in track racing, mountain biking, surfing and even snowboarding- which I found a lot of enjoyment in as a patroller in AK, but have left by the wayside here.

To some, the journey is the destination.  When I’m on my bike and I leave my door to go on an urban CX ride- sure it is.  But it’s not the same for me if I’m on a 5″ bike and have to get to Issaquah with it.  It involves getting there.  Though possible to pedal there, then ride, then ride back- I’m sorry- I won’t be doing that.  I’m a lazy rider.  Like many sports (even a number of cx races)  it involves driving there- carpooling of course, to keep you on your carbon tippy toes.  Way less fun.

But there is hope.

It’s been a while since we’ve brought out the rollers. Well get ready for a good time on May 12th because there is a benefit for Marymoor Velodrome Association that is going to be awesome.  There will be roller racing, a track parts swap and prizes and beer and it all benefits the MVA!  So grab your friends and come down to Hale’s in Fremont on May 12th.  Racing starts at 7:30- so don’t be late!

For sprints- just bring your street shoes- we have bikes set up.  All you need is to be able to spin really fast for around 30 seconds- easy, right?

Nat is bad ass.  His birthday is this weekend and many will be making the the trip to Bellingham to ride in his annual Taint Tuff mountain bike disaster.  Happy Birthday Nat and to the poor souls on the ride- you will hurt.

*because of the NSFW nature of the clip- I assumed it was shot in Portland, OR. It wasn’t. It was shot in Bend, OR. Oh Oregon…

This will be interesting I’m sure.

Bike Works‘ 16th Annual Kids Bike Swap will be held on Saturday, May 12th, 2012, from 10 am – 4 pm at the Rainier Community Center (4600 38th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118).

This event is an opportunity for families to trade in a bike their child has outgrown for a larger bike – just in time for the summer riding season! The Kids Bike Swap helps to facilitate the flow of affordable bicycles within the community and keeps fully functional bikes out of our local landfills.

How the Kids Bike Swap Works
Bike Works staff and volunteers have been hard at work all year refurbishing used bikes to bring to the Kids Bike Swap. On the day of the event, families can bring bikes that their children have outgrown and the bike is assigned a trade-in value. The families can then look through all of the bikes we have fixed up and pick out a new bike. The trade-in value can then be used to deduct from the cost of their new bike. (If the chosen bike’s value exceeds that of the trade-in value, the customer is responsible for the difference.) Typically, when a bike is swapped the customer is able to take home their newly refurbished ride for $20 or less. Families looking to buy a bike, who do not have a bike to trade in, are welcome to shop for a low-cost bike after 12 pm.

NEW THIS YEAR: The Bike Works Community Festival
Join the hundreds of other families participating in the Kids Bike Swap! To make things even better, this year there’s no need to wait in line. Families can drop off their trade-in bike and enjoy all sorts of fun activities until their number is called. In addition to the Bike Swap and bike activities, all families are invited to join in the festival, with kid-friendly bands, gardening tips, food and much more! There will also be a Family Bike Expo, with examples of different bikes and trailers that allow families to be car free. Admission is free and everyone is welcome at the festival. You don’t have to bring a bike to join in all the activities.

Free Helmets
Seattle Children’s will provide helmet fittings and free bike helmets, as well as provide education on bicycle helmet safety.

Another Kickstarter project- along the same lines of the Lazer Urbanize.

I like the idea of having integrated lights for safety- though for real illumination of the road ahead- a more powerful bar or helmet mount would likely be necessary.

Thanks Mike D!

Today in Seattle:

Cyclists of Seattle Rise Up!

I am loving that Seattle has removed the bollards on the BG going from Fremont to Ballard.
Thanks Seattle.