The Things Pete Carried
Yawp Cyclery
You may or may not know that this blog occasionally features a series called "What's in Your Bag" (by occasionally I mean one other time). From this point forward, the name of the series is changed to "The Things They Carried." Anyway, the idea is that maybe you'll see something in someone else's bag that you should be carrying yourself. Before we get into Pete's description of his bike and gear, here's something you should know about Pete. There are some things I've seen him carry that he excluded from his photo. He once brought on a group ride a five-gallon ziplock bag full of dried crabapples, which were like healthy Jolly Ranchers. I ate hundreds of apples, and the next day my jaw and my digestive system wouldn't let me forget. Also, I've never seen Pete's bags without about forty beers in them, which he generously shares. Now, without further ado, allow me to introduce Pete. Everybody, this is Pete:
"Glitter Dreams Surly Straggler turned sinister commuter with Gevenalle shifters, Velo Orange fenders, Schwalbe 700c Marathons, Surly front rack, squishy Serfas saddle, flat pedals, Cygolite tail- and Niterider head-light, and some cages for water cups from Illegal Pete's. Plus a saddlebag with repair/spare items and a U-lock mounted to the seat tube...about that U-lock.
A lapse in judgment turned the violet-plague into a unicycle when some Space Monkey's homework assignment required them to remind me that humanity is inherently evil. The Knights at YAWP! are cooking up a replacement wheel and I'm a firm believer that you always upgrade when replacing a bicycle part. Silver linings.
I commute daily, around 1500 miles/year plus additional for transportation needs. Here I showcase my maximum payload--the Denver winter assault kit. Any fairer weather and I start sloughing pieces into a cardboard box where it waxes and wanes with response to the forecast.
Two Swift Industries Mini Short Stack Panniers rated at 46L
Surly Junk straps, essential grocery run survival
Oakley sunnies and nameless clears
Buff, headband, hat, and Smartwool watch cap
Patagonia R1 fleece and a Rab pull-over
Arc' hardshell and REI rain pants
OR gloves and hardshell glove covers
GORETEX over-the-ankle and toe-tip shoe covers
Lunch, complete with spork
Work uniform
Stethoscope and a gypsy camp of pens, shears, and forceps
Wallet, keys, phone, and phone charging equipment
Water bottle and reusable shopping bags
Give me Chapstick, or give me Death
Once the machine has returned to the stable to stand side-by-side with the other two-wheelers that have been pulling its duty, I have security plans and stainless steal zip ties. Rest assured, the greatest improvement is time and wear."