Saves Gas, Looks Cool

Love these old Yamaha ads.  After the jump, check out some pics from this past weekend.  Took the seat and back rest off the XS 400, geek to chic!  Now to clean it up, put the seat back on and scout a cool cafe style seat for the future.  Almost there...

Sunny Sports Catalina Shirt

I swear as a kid I had this exact fabric pattern on a pair of shorts.  Granted, they were probably worn out on the underside and elastic-waisted, but hey, this looks familiar.  Any way, check out this Sunny Sports Catalina Shirt available over at Self Edge.  Wabi-sabi, mate!

To the Fishing Pond

We headed out Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning this past weekend for some pond fishing.  The weather, despite the heavy rain early Saturday, was great.  It's a bit of a trek down to the pond and some trees blew down onto the trail.  Nothing a chainsaw couldn't fix.  

Huge cumulus clouds bobbed in the sky and a slight, brisk wind rippled the pond water.  Yielding at least 3 fish each on Saturday, we called it an afternoon and headed back--you know, to grill some meat on the grill.  The next day proved to be even better.  You wouldn't know it by the pictures, but we really did catch a few keepers.  Hope your weekend was relaxing.

Check out more photos from my weekend over on the Flickr...

Weekend Getaway to Northeast PA

Well, it's not a trip north unless you have your cords and denim packed.  Getting out of Philadelphia for the upcoming weekend to catch some fish, drink some beer and play yard games.  Should be fun!

The Philadelphian at Dusk

I've really been making an effort to keep up with my Flickr account...check it out if you'd like.

XS400 Flat Tracker by "Drewpy"

Behold, "Drewpy's" Flat Tracker build.  One of the nicest bikes I've been drooling over this week.  I'm so impressed at the complete overhaul his pile-o-rust xs400 got.  You can check out his blog or read through the forum about his design, wiring, bits and baubles: here.  Really worth picking through, especially if you are an owner of an xs400, as I am.  Not half as cool as this guy though.  He also has one of the best signatures I've ever seen:

"As I lay rubber down to street, I pray for traction I can keep, but if I spin and begin to slide, please dear God protect my ride"

Sierra Designs Hurricane Rain Jacket Review

A bit of Spring showers and morning mists can't keep me off the bike.  I pulled on my newly acquired Sierra Designs Hurricane Rain Jacket for the occasion.  First and foremost the jacket didn't break the bank or require countless hours of research, but it did have to be breathable and waterproof.  I checked out REI and they had just the jacket, on sale, in a bright color with all of the right specs.  Here's what I found out:

Breathability:
3/5 Stars

There are under arm zips for ventilation, but otherwise a pretty sealed shell.  The nylon ripstop fabric is nice and light, but the actual level of breathability leaves me wanting more.

Waterproof:
5/5 Stars

Absolutely worked like a charm.  Stopped all of the rain and weather that was thrown at it.  I took of the jacket and with a quick shake, flicked all of the excess water off.  According to Evo Waterproof ratings, I would say it's between 16,000mm - 20,000mm.  I couldn't imagine it as 20,000mm+ based upon the nature and quality of the fabric, but I haven't had extreme enough weather to test it.

Fit/Sizing:
3/5 Stars

I'm really lazy when it comes to returning clothes for the correct size.  I'm impatient.  But, even though this jacket runs large, I decided that it would be good for layering once it starts to get colder.  As a shell for warm weather, it's a bit bulky.  The cut is a little too feminine for me (I hate when the bottom flares out) and the picture on the website is a bit misleading.  Just show me a front view of the jacket!

Price:
4/5 Stars

Super cheap closeout price on REI.  $49 dollars plus a pair of socks to earn free shipping, can't beat it.  I would never drop $80 bucks on this.

Overall opinion, the jacket was cheap enough to let it's lack of breathability slide.  It's kept me perfectly dry and is super lightweight.  I see myself wearing this a lot for hiking and as a rain jacket.  I'm not super excited about the fit, but it will work out and be handy in the Fall/Winter.  I would recommend to everyone to spend the ~$50 or so and pick up a waterproof shell for cycling, it makes the morning commute a lot more tolerable.

Stay dry and have a great Monday!  Oh and there's a men's version of the jacket too.

Topo Designs x Breckenridge Brewery Urban Outdoor Pack

You're consolidating the gear and realize you need the perfect pack to bring a six-pack and some gear for the trek.  Look no further than the collaboration between Breckenridge Brewery and Topo Designs.  Together they've created the Urban Outdoor Pack that'll keep your beer cold and your stuff dry.  $140 bones, buy here.