From Repack to Rwanda…

There is a fantastic exhibit that just opened at the San Francisco International Airport.  The good news is that it is before security in the international terminal which means that anyone can go – no need to be flying.  “From Repack to Rwanda:  The Origins, Evolution, and Global Reach of the Mountain Bike” is on exhibit through February 2013.  The exhibit focuses on Bay Area builders with a heavy emphasis on the early days through the early 1990s.  There are a lot of bikes on display that are owned by friends on mine.  They’re really proud of seeing their bikes there.  The Salsa custom that is on display has gone through my shop on its way to its current owner who, after receiving it, took it on an epic ride from Aspen, CO to Crested Butte, CO and back via Pearl Pass to Aspen. 

It was pretty great seeing lots of friends at the opening reception last Friday.  It was even more fun riding with them the following day.  We met at the Java Hut in Fairfax for a ride up towards Mt. Tam and then up towards Pine Mountain so we could get to the top of Repack to finish the ride back in Fairfax at Gestalt Haus.  Former Ross Indian team rider, John Loomis joined us for the ride after receiving an e-mail from Jacquie Phelan who accompanied us.  We even had a guy from New Zealand who just happened to be coming through SFO the night of the reception and arrived for the ride after 3 bus rides from the city.  

I rode my Ibis.  In addition to adding a splash of color to the otherwise muted bikes, it’s just a damn fun bike to ride.  However, this Salsa was also on the ride and it made my Ibis look plain by comparison. 

Rest stop waiting for the rest of the group.  Sixteen people showed up.

Four Cunninghams made the ride.

At the top of Repack.  Some folks had to get back early and missed the marbly descent down Repack.

Blood was shed by a couple of riders on Repack.  Everyone rode out.

After the ride, we convened at Gestalt Haus in Fairfax for beer and, in my case, pastrami sandwiches.  Otis Guy had ridden over on his Series I Breezer to join us.

Joe Breeze also swung by for a beer.  Here’s Joe with Otis’ Breezer.

The book.

A couple of klunkers formerly piloted by Joe and Otis.

Charlie

Pretty damn great couple of days.  And to the question if I have anything in the exhibit, yes, a set of my Shimano M747 pedals adorns one of the bikes.

(What’s playing:  Waylon Jennings A Long Time Ago)