cargo bike update

The cargo bike went on its first test ride this morning! So far I'm pretty happy with it. I still need to build a kickstand and reinforce a couple of spots. The cranks I put on are too long and hit the ground in corners, but otherwise it rides very nice. I gave it one gear in the front and five in the rear. The brake cable is just temporary, I'll put on a longer one after its painted. I plan on test riding it for a while then it will get torn down and get a paint job, front brake, cargo box, and new cables.

spring is coming

Its starting to warm up here, lots of signs of new life.

New cargo bike

I've been leaving work early or not going at all a lot lately. This isn't so great for the paycheck but it sure is good for my life. I've been getting a little yard work done, preparing for this years garden. I built my cargo trailer, and have been sewing some panniers.

Last week I was trying to think of what I could do with this mountain bike frame I have laying around. I thought of making it into a single speed cruiser. Maybe I would sell it. But I started kicking around this idea for a long john style bike. With a little inspiration from here and a whole bunch of inspiration and support from Tom's cargo bikes ( Tom is super helpful, plus he shows how to build the bikes that he makes and sells), I came up with this.

I'm into it 25 bucks so far, I think I'll only need to buy a couple little things to get it running. I bought the front wheel for 82 cents at a thrift store ( I did buy a new tire and tube). The fork is the original mountain bike fork with 3 inches removed. I built the steerer tube and front of the frame with tubing from a local supplier. Most everything else is leftovers.

I still have to make some steering linkages, build a cargo box or flatbed, add a little paint, brakes, drive train etc. But its moving along fast. I can't wait to test ride this.

Our first CSA box

I picked up our first Full Belly Farm CSA box yesterday. We got spinach, turnips, rutabagas, green garlic, carrots, butternut squash, kale, and 2 Hachiya persimmons. Those are mine. Brian wants nothing to do with those.