RIDING HIGH

Is there anything that has not already been done? Maybe we need to just do it anyway and not be concerned about being first.

ALL STEAMED UP

This past Friday evening found us excitedly entering a very impressive old factory building in Waltham, Massachusetts which is now the home of The Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation www.crmi.org. We were there to check out a Steampunk themed show in which two of our crew members had gotten involved. The Orienteer and Straat, aka Fendabenda, were quickly found flying in formation by means of that anti-gravity thing that they do. They were hovering in one of the three gallery areas accompanied by a six-pack of the most interesting and mysterious machines we have seen in quite some time. We had no idea that the usually reclusive twosome had made so many new friends from obviously good tribes. The atmosphere created by so many machines and their creators in such close proximity was so intoxicating we found our heads swooning.

We took our leave, shortly after the announcements, acknowledgments, and awards had been made, comfortable in the belief that our mates would be safe and happy during the six-month cruise they have embarked upon. They do really love having visitors and can be seen at the Museum from now until the end of May 2011. Check out the museum site for hours of operation.

NEW MEMBER JOINS TEAM

In 1898 the Columbia Bicycle Company was apparently living large on profits from tapping the bottomless reserves of pleasure seeking cyclists. Included in their line was offered a wheel known as The Model 49 Racer. This machine was light, fast, affordable and very fixed.
We are delighted to announce that one of these machines has come to reside at our headquarters and has already undergone the initial "What are you going to do with that?" intake process.
Below are some initial contact photographs in all of their usual crappy cell-phone splendor. We will be adding more as the additional preening progresses.

DAAWN

As you gaze detachedly at the array of pieces to your puzzle, an image of the final solution begins to take shape.

Your vision clarifies and an emotional response builds towards it.

The satisfaction created by such an experience is fully embraced until it slowly becomes absorbed into to sub-conscious where it will remain until called upon again by its creator.

This is the moment when you take ownership of the work.

EVERLAASTELODION Breakdown

After marinating in Marvel Mystery Oil for about a month, the crew was finally able to take advantage of the long week-end to break down the "Beast" and remove a mountain of rust and flakey paint.

Once broken down, assessment of conditions were positive save for the fact that the handlebar and stem are still frozen in place by years of exposure.

Next: Stem and bars must be removed.

ALL THAT MIGHT BE SAINTLY

Our recent excursion to Newbury Street for a haircut and stroll was viewed as nothing too exciting

RRBBO5 Review

Once again we are struck with awe by the caliber of works submitted by the most talented and creative community of builders in recent memory*.
Casting our votes for which rat was the best, we were faced with well over sixty entries to choose from. Since they were all outstanding, we first thought that a sixty-six way tie for first place would be the only way to ensure that everyone received their due credit. This seemed to be the safest proposal but, where is the fun in that! We then ruthlessly and without mercy hacked the number down to a Bakers Dozen. Still too wussy you say. Ok, Top Five then!

*Our memory sucks.