Randonneur in custom blue

Panniers in two-tone Waxed Canvas

Beautiful Tool Rolls for Synaptic Cycles-Joe Bartoe

I've been doing a lot of custom runs for shops this year. Joe at Synaptic and I have been talking about doing a tool roll for a while.  Joe supplies customers with high end bicycle rentals in southern California.  He wanted a purpose build roll that had everything his customers would need on a fast road ride. The bag needed to reflect the colors of his shop, and his personal aethetic, it turned out great! One thing that really takes the bags to another level for shops is having Falls Creek Outfitters supply custom patches. Walter is great in finding the size, colors, and patch design layout that fits your style.

Deposit for custom work

I've posted a page on the website, hope this is helpful.
You can now use a credit card or paypal using the site.

http://www.ruthworkssf.com/store/p58/Deposit.html

Go-Fast Porteur

Custom Keirin Tote in waxed canvas, leather, xpac, and solid brass for Winter Bicycles

Randonneur Handlebar Bag in Green Canvas with Natural Leather and Solid Brass Hardware

Custom Porteur for 44 Bikes by Christopher Henry

Great way to start my day, thanks for the photo Chris!

What goes into a custom job, a poem in list form

Lots of talking.

more talking

more talking.

measuring.

more talking.

designing

drawing

layout

sourcing

cutting

prepping

cutting leather

working the leather

punching holes and slots

more layout

confirming the final layout

sewing

finishing

eat

attaching other build elements

staging

photographing

posting

promoting

building  website

packing

delivering to post office

shipping

emailing owner that it's on it's way

repeat

every day

Ride Report: Mt. Tam 100k

Riding, for me, is always challenging.

Regardless of distance or terrain or weather, each ride has it's own challenges.

For the Mt. Tam 100k, I was ready for a full day of suffering up climbs, but I wasn't ready for what actually happened.

The sun disappeared quick and the gentle rain started.

Then the wind and rain increased just as the climbing started.

At the peak of the first climb, the rain kicked even harder.

I was underdressed and my hands and arms went numb at the top of the second climb. 

Then visibility went to zero in the heavy fog and driving rain.

I panicked twice and put my foot down to prevent myself from being blown sideways off the bike.

Then up the ridge, up 7 sisters, and up to the top of Mt. Tam.

At the peak, I notice my flat tire, which I changed with frozen hands.

Then I noticed my shoe had come apart.

Luckily I got to sea level safely and finished with a few minutes to spare. 

Thanks to Rob, RBA for the SF Randonneurs, for designing this route, a RUSA 100k Permanente.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4608765

Next time, warmer clothes and duct tape.

This weather didn't last long.

Bottles re-filled and ready for the climbing.

Time to add duct tape to my emergency kit.