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Bicycle Times #20

Features

The lure of gravel

A new breed of race is cropping up in the Midwest, one that promises a grueling but beautiful ride—the gravel grinder. Two such events, The Gravel Worlds and the Dirty Kanza 200, highlight the experience. By Eric Benjamin.

In this issue

Wheel News: A report from Velocity 2012, rehabilitating prisoners with bikes, and an old transportation hub gets a modern makeover.

Vintage Velo: Kirk Precision The exotic wonder material—magnesium.

Places to Ride: Brown County State Park

By Robert Annis

Many people out west were left scratching their heads when the International Mountain Bicycling Association bestowed “Epic” status on Brown County State Park in southern Indiana last year. But folks who ride these trails on a regular basis had their own question: “What took so long?”

In this issue

Pedaling for a cause

Going the distance with charity rides: four riders tell their stories, plus advice on making the most of the event.

Ride home

A poem on surfing the waves of traffic.

Peace and harmony while bicycle touring with friends

How to ensure a positive "personality of the journey."

In this issue

From the outside looking in

By Abram Eric Landes and Eric Benjamin

We’ve covered the Trans-Sylvania Epic and Dirty Kanza 200 before, but there’s something about these two races that keep us coming back.

What's brewing in Bentonville

By Josh Patterson

Cover illustration by Chris B. Murray.

Features

Ladies First, By Melanie Strong

But what began as a transparent effort to win the heart of a man turned into a lifelong passion. Thanks to the many men who are often the ones to teach us how to ride, but please let us pass.

Land of Enchantment, By Robert Ward

The adventure continues with Bicycle Times #17.

Features

Cars Are Like Microwaves I A possessed microwave leads to enlightenment. by Addison Wilhite

The 2012 North American Handmade Bicycle Show I A brief sampling of the wonders we saw in Sacramento. by Marie Autrey and Justin Steiner

 Another step on our continuing journey. Each Dirt Rag back issue was lovingly crafted from the finest ingredients, and like fine wine, gets better with age.

In this issue

2012 North American Handmade Bicycle Show, By Marie Autrey

There’s more to NAHBS than just eye-candy. The show is also about pushing the limits of design and fabrication. This year we chose to highlight the bikes that we most wanted to ride.