Amanda

Shawn Linehan came into the shop to snap some pictures of Sean, me, and the new guy (Kurt). Wow, we look amazing! Check out the rest out HERE

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James Wilson‘s latest and greatest video: CROSS UP!!!! I am so excited about this video because every time I watch it, I get to relive the race over and over again. Amazing!

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As you out there on the internet may already know our beloved boss and pal, KV, has moved on to Chris King. He was the first manager of 21st and he spent 5 years making this place the household name it is today. The torch was passed onto a nice young man by the name of Nick “Cash Wrap” Wood. Not only is he a great guy, he knows his shit, and you can get lost in his eyes for days. Days! Well, since he’s been here 21st has been undergoing a lot of changes and since I posted shop tour photos not to long ago, I thought I would keep everyone out there up to date. Isn’t that nice of me? They don’t call me Amanda “Helps Old Ladies Across The Street” Sundvor for nothing. It’s because I’m nice. Not sure what the “Cash Wrap” thing is all about. You’ll have to ask Nick. Seriously…. ask him. I’m too scared.

Welcome to 21st! Come on in, hoser.

As you can see we took out some of the wall bike displays, moved the bikes to the floor, and used that space for the register. Word on the street is we are going to put “sweet art” up on the big empty wall. I don’t know why I am learning about the goings on in the shop from people on the street. I mean, I know we are the talk of the town, but… come on…

Our trusty Buccaneer is still here and Taco Sean still has #1. Kyle’s score is holding strong in the #2 and Papa Tong is still #3 despite Muck’s idel threats.

This is Cash Wrap’s “Blue Steel” look… he makes us call him that. I have no clue why, he won’t tell us. I’ve tried calling him Nick on several occasions and it just seems to piss him off. So, if you want to make good with the new boss call him Cash Wrap, not Nick. He hates the name Nick.

Service is getting buttoned up as well. With the season upon us we’ve updated tools, organized product, and stream lined how we take in service. I am going to speak for all of us and say that we are all pleased with the direction things are going. I don’t let them talk and if they try I just talk louder.

With the register gone there was a big open space that for some reason screamed to the customer “hey follow me back to my workbench and hang out with me while I fix your flat”. I don’t know why, but it did. It’s not that I don’t love our customers and don’t want them to hang out…. it’s that I love them too much and back in service can be a dangerous place. Tools drop and they can fall on you. Trust me, I know…. I’m usually the one dropping them. Now with the service bar there, our customers can get front row seats on their repairs and still feel like they are hanging out. Look at that!

Here’s my bench. There is something very nice about having your own workspace. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like when I am not here the boys don’t use my bench. There are two benches, that would be dumb. Don’t be dumb guys… you can totally use it.

I don’t know if Sean just didn’t believe me when I told him his sign he made was crooked or he just stopped caring, but this picture clearly shows it’s off kilter so if it’s a matter of disbelief… Believe Sean, believe. If it’s a matter of not caring I am urging our customers to come in and give Sean a hug. Not only does he love hugs from strangers, but he needs them now more than ever. Folks, I am moving on from this shop that I love so much onto a different adventure. Sean is happy for me, but I catch him pouting and shaking his head at me throughout my day. He’s sad, I can feel it. Take care of my little guy for me. He’s a sensitive flower and we are very attached.

Working at 21st has been the 3 best years of my life…. despite the fact I broke a bone every year. I’ve met some of the best people that I have had the privilege to know through the shop including my best friend, Sean. I love you, Taco! We’ve made sweet videos with the help of our great friend, James “Baby Face, Jimmy Jam” Wilson. While working here I was inspired to start throwing bike events under the name Backyard Blam and the shop has supported me every event, every step of the way. Thanks Park. Leaving here is bitter sweet. I am leaving for bigger things, but I am leaving a place that I have put so much of my heart and soul into and a place that has given me just as much in return. This is my home away from home and if I could have my dogs here it would be. These are my boys. This is my place. This is my love. The opportunity to move on fell into my lap. It was a big step up and I had to jump on it. I will miss you… but don’t worry, I will still be here in Portland and Backyard Blam will still be killing it.

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I don’t know about you, but I love free stuff especially when it rules. Maybe you know this already, but I throw bike events under the name Backyard Blam and Knog has been a long time sponsor. They’ve been good to me. Well, I was stoked out of my mind to get a set of Blinders to try out before they were released.

Press… that’s me.

I like that they are small USB rechargeable, so you don’t have to use the CR2032 batteries because those things aren’t cheap. The first night out with them my friend said she didn’t want to ride behind me because my lights were blinding her and I simply said “they’re Blinders, baby”. With 44 lumens in the back and 88 up front cars are sure to see you. I have been hit from behind before and let me tell you, it’s not fun. Anyone who says different is lying to your face and you deserve better than that. I want a light in the back that no one is going to miss and the Blinder is that light. I tried to take a picture of it on my bike when it was lit up, but it just looked like a bright red and white light. So, enjoy this video instead…

Sick beats, Knog. Sicker lights.
We’ve placed our pre order already and will be stocking these bad boys as soon as they hit the market. Boom.

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Maybe you know this, maybe you don’t….. but 21st Ave Bicycle‘s sister shop is the Fat Tire Farm, Portland’s go to MTB shop. Sure, we at 21st are the funnier and more attractive of the two shops, but that’s neither here nor there. Well, the boys at the Farm took a page out of our book and came out with their shop promo video made by our dear friend, James Wilson. Check it.

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A big thanks to our good friend, James Wilson, for shooting Cross Up. Here is the teaser with more to come.

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Johnathan Maus from Bike Portland did a great write up on Cross Up. Check it out HERE

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