Local bike shop removed all options for walk-ins (on appointment only), even for little stuff. Bad move if you ask me. People will just get stuff online, instead of scheduling for one-off purchases. The only strength physical shops have is the fact they are physical and reachable.

Vélo Canada's 2025 Pedal Poll is happening from June 3-8!

"The count is a chance to evaluate the state of cycling in our communities. Together we get a “snapshot” of what cycling looks like in communities across Canada, at the same time, year over year."

You can sign up to volunteer for a counting shift in your community.

Here is a link for people in Guelph:

https://signup.com/mobileweb/2.0/vspot.html?activitykey=58158332205#choose_event_page

140km at 24km/h (average) - not too bad for the old workhorse (meaning, both the tour bike and myself).

Riding today I have seen a tandem tricycle. It reminded me that a good smooth riding bike, of whatever kind, is one of the greatest joys ever. It empowers people.

Hey @cycling, apparently that freehub should just slide off the Novatec D792 axle, yet somehow it doesn't
Should I just whack the opposite side of the axle with a rubber mallet until it comes off? Say, put a 10 mm hex key inside the axle and go for it.
(New axle ordered anyway but due to public holiday tomorrow I won't get it until Monday)

I'm unaffiliated -- came across the link in my morning RSS feed, via Hackaday. But I thought this was a great enough Kickstarter for cyclists to share here:

https://hackaday.com/2025/05/01/a-dual-mirror-system-for-better-cycling-safety/

Squeezing range out of Riff Raff like Beast Rabban on the Frubes. #bikestodon

Taking care of US "business" with tariffs they said. Not for mom and pop bike (gear) shops it seems. A crying shame, that's what it is.

“I’m the U.S. manufacturer using U.S.-made materials and Trump is putting me out of business,” Willson says.

https://bikepacking.com/news/oveja-negra-colorado-sun-story/

The Dutch Love Their Bicycles. Helmets? Not So Much.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/world/europe/bicycles-helmets-dutch.html?unlocked_article_code=1.BU8.LzKQ.cLujtU40q1VM&smid=url-share

Can't leave everything to batteries. Dave absolutely is the apocalypse bike, just got to engage easy trundle mode (like loaded touring, so slow!). Riff Raff is a Skyrim bike: fast travel, terrain lol, "see that landmark, you can go there". #bikestodon

Took the new MacGuffin out for a rolling 40k cafe run and It Was Good. #bikestodon

New bike day! Shakedown ride complete, ebike grin nailed on. #bikestodon

I waxed my chains. Bike maintenance these days sounds like some dirty dirty shenanigans.

Fun lunch ride up to the tip with a trailer full of cuttings. Picked up a couple of admirers on the way back. #boblife #bikestodon

Ok, #bikestodon … anyone out there have recommendations for an indoor roller trainer? I ride a vintage Cannondale mountain bike outfitted with fairly unknobby tires. Looking for something that will help me keep moving until the weather warms up.

Good overview of the state of PFAS in outdoor clothing/gear (in this case in the context of cycling, but scales elsewhere).

https://bikepacking.com/plog/forever-chemicals-pfas/

Slowly finishing the touring / gravel bike. Added a small Allygn front rack and Gramm tourpacking Diamond bag. Expensive, but more than worth the money (both EU based small companies, excellent quality).

I also added marlin spike top bar protective wrapping using 3mm paracord, with a turk's head knot on both sides.

https://www.gramm-tourpacking.com/shopnow/diamondbagtallrx36black

“Ontario stands out as the only jurisdiction in the world that bans children on e-bikes”
- Jamie Stuckless

(Non-paywalled) https://archive.is/RQnTe

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/dropping-off-your-kids-at-school-on-an-e-bike-here-s-why-you-might/article_68bc095c-e3cd-11ef-af1e-270e6186a629.html