Fat Tire Flyer: Repack and the Birth of Mountain Biking - Charlie Kelly

After reading about its release to the masses, I picked up a copy of Charlie Kelly's new book a few weeks ago. Upon arrival to the official Dan O estate, I quickly read through it as I'm usually disposed to do with a new book. Especially one about old school mountain biking. The book did not disappoint, well done indeed.

Recently during a rainy weekend, I pulled it off the bookshelf for a slower reread and ponder the historical photos also included at no extra charge. Call now, operators are standing by.

As you may or may not be aware, Charlie Kelly was a key player in what you and I now call "Mountain Biking". Yes, other folks also constructed similar bikes during that era - and even earlier - but Charlie Kelly, Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, Tom Ritchey and others collaborated, created, and marketed what evolved into what the mountain bike scene is today. They are truly the founding fathers of the mountain bike movement.

And not to forget Wende Cragg, the godmother of mountain bikes. She was there riding with this gang and without her impressive collection of photographs, we wouldn't have the visual documentary of this bicycle revolution. Fantastic that she carried a camera during this early adventure.

Being the old school mountain biker myself - first mountain bike for me in 1984 - I was already familiar with story about the birth of it all. This through various articles and media over the years. Even so, this book being the best of 'em. Story of it all in chronological order through the eyes and words of Kelly himself. You couldn't ask for better tour guide.

Some of the other folks from that era have become a bit more famous and certainly more wealthily, via bike companies associated to them. When it comes down to it though, Kelly was also right there and perhaps the most collaborative of 'em all. From modifying Schwinn klunkers into early prototype mountain bikes, starting the first production mountain bike company, organizing the first downhill Repack mountain bike races and large scale organized rides, the creation of NORBA, to the first mountain bike publication - Fat Tire Flyer. The blueprint of mountain biking today.

Kelly truly defines the soul of mountain biking and his impact still resonates through the sport today. Check out this book and you'll see why. Highly recommended.

Match it up with this DVD and you'll become seriously schooled and perhaps nod your helmet in appreciation, next time you roll that modern long travel rig down your favorite trail.

The Legends Inspire

I caught this story on the VeloNews site - one of my favorite sites and print magazine as well - race report on the Tamarancho Dirt Classic, recently held in Marin County, the birthplace of mountain biking as we know it today.

I've never heard of this race, but certainly some of the people who competed you've heard of - well, if you're an old school mountain biker like me - you have for sure. Hit VeloNews for the full story. I really enjoyed it, so took the liberty of posting a few pictures here....



Joe Breeze, mountain bike pioneer and one of the dudes who helped kick off the whole mountain bike scene. From making custom frames, to racing Repack, to starting his own bike company, to pushing the bicycle transportation agenda. I don't know exactly how old Joe is, but he's certainly not a kid anymore. Here, Joe is styling in the Masters class aboard one of his latest mountain bikes. Joe Breeze is someone I'd dig sharing a ride or a meal with - always comes across as the super nice guy in any interview that I've come across. Combine that with what he's contributed to the bike world, would be some cool conversation for sure.

Ned Overend, what can you say? A living legend. Here, Ned pounds it out in the Pro class at 55 years old. That my friends is pretty freaking incredible. To be competitive at the Pro level at 55 is just plain unbelievable. Plus, again - another super nice dude. Awesome. A true legend and role model for cycling.

Otis Guy rocking the bar ends in the Masters class. Otis is another mountain bike pioneer from the early days of mountain biking. His custom frames for that crazy Softride beam stand out in my mind, from "Back in the day". He still makes custom frames as well as being a fireman. Dude, check out those arms. Is he a mountain bike racer or a boxer?

Reading about these guys still racing and riding made my day. It also inspires me to some extent. If these guys can still crank it at this level, at their age, I can drag my sorry ass out of bed to ride to work, plus suffer in the occasional mountain bike race - all in the name of fun. It's also a reminder that cycling is a lifetime sport. Oh, and what a life it is.

Ride on.....and race on.

Breezer Mountain Bikes - Back in Action

I've read recently that Breezer was planning to put out mountain bikes once again. I've been checking their website for details and finally, lo and behold - there they are to ogle. They look fantastic - to me anyway. Fully modern hardtail with old school Breezer graphics. Smart parts pick - all XT - and really, do you need anything more? Fox fork - best out there. Frames available in steel and aluminum. I'd have a hard time deciding between the two, but would relish the opportunity should it arise. The 18.5" size looks to fit me perfectly. Please send money - small bills, unmarked. I'd really like to see one in the flesh, uh - metal, so to speak.

As you may or may not know, Joe Breeze is behind Breezer bikes. Well, used to be - he sold the company, but is still involved in some capacity. If you ride mountain bikes and don't know who Joe Breeze is, I suggest you get your ass to mountain bike history school ASAP. Call now, classes are forming. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

The illustrious Mr. Breeze is one of the founding fathers of mountain biking - one of the folks who kick started this whole mountain bike thing - at least as we know it today. He designed and built the first actual mountain bike frame, after he and other famous cohorts (Gary Fisher, Charlie Kelly, Tom Ritchey, etc.) started thrashing around on old ballooner Schwinns. He also was involved with NORBA, the first mountain bike racing organization, and even designed the NORBA logo. Old school mountain bikers now nodding heads in approval and shedding a tear. Go ahead, no one is looking.

During the '90s and I don't remember exactly when production ceased, Breezer made some really nice mountain bikes. They looked very much like the new models - well, paint anyway. I always thought the bikes looked cool, since they retained a bit of the old Schwinn graphics - kind of a tribute to the ancient clunker bikes that started it all.

Later, Breezer focused solely on commuting and transportation bikes, with Joe himself very involved with the pushing the bikes as transportation agenda. A noble cause indeed.

Out of the zillions of bikes out there, the occasional one really catches my attention and starts the mental gymnastics of how can I afford this. The new Breezer mountain bike is on that list.