Chopstork

About a month ago I mentioned we were modifying my Big Wheel for some time trials. Well, the mods are finally done. After the first handle bar extension broke (and because it said “IGWHEEL” instead of “BIGWHEEL” after assembly), Todd made a new one, plus a bunch of other mods. We now have a Big Wheel ready for racing, complete with extended “BIGWHEEL” handles for pedaling clearance, a headset reinforced with bearings, plastic blocks in the front wheel replaced with metal, a new tube for the fork, a “Remove Before Flight” flag, a raised seat (reams of paper), and yes—a carbon fiber-wrapped fork. It doesn’t get any stiffer than that. Old weight limit: 70 lbs. New weight limit: 250 lbs (hoping the rear axle holds—it’s the next weakest link). Now we just need some spinners. Get excited, the races begin next week.

Update: The first race

I had the big wheel I got for BYOBW sitting in my trunk for two weeks, so in a bored moment at work I brought it in for some time trials. The usual crew of troublemakers took some rides on it and decided it needed modifications for pedalability (I wouldn’t be an engineer if I didn’t make up convenient words). So far, we’ve taken off the front (big) wheel and handle bar, and Todd machined an extension for it—complete with an embossed “BIG WHEEL.” It didn’t tighten down well enough, so he’s taken it back home to weld some things together. Awesome. There’s some talk of replacing the fork with a mountain bike suspension, but I say keep it real—all plastic, all the time … except maybe some hidden reinforcement.

I got to looking around, and turns out there’s another big wheel event in Boulder. The Big Wheel Rally. These guys are way into the modifications. They have guides on modifying the various generations of big wheels, and they even sell hand-modified adult-sized big wheels.

I thought that was cool, but then Pherbert showed me the hemi big wheel. Wow.

Yes! Just found out about Bring Your Own Big Wheel (BYOBW) this Sunday. The sixth annual Big Wheel race down Lombard St. Haven’t decided if I’m participating or just spectating. Where to find a big wheel? Maybe I’ll make like the kids in our old ‘hood Potrero Hill and ride a Sunset Scavenger trash can—no rubber wheels, so it’s legal, right?

And from the organizer’s site: “Lombard Street is of course not the crookedest street, especially compared to Vermont Street in Potrero Hill….” Damn straight. Ah, the memories.