I was rifling through my stack of business cards and came across two from Japan that I thought I’d share.

Now these sites are pretty much all in Japanese, but regardless, they’re worth visiting. If only to state the fact that we’re a global family. People everywhere are feeling the love of riding and that makes it all so worthwhile.

Shibuya is insane. Crisscrossing streets. Tons of people. Shopping everywhere. More neon than anyone should ever be subjected to. But directly behind a street of traffic, in view of the train, across from a park you’ll find WBase. When we met up with our friends from Mash they took us to this shop. WBase is a bmx shop carrying a number of great companies such as Wethepeople, Chris King, Cadence, and REload. Soon they’ll be opening a track shop upstairs as well. The guys running the shop are friendly and the selection is spot on. Just as any good shop WBase has a relaxed and inviting feeling. Rip showed us an amazing time in Tokyo and for that we’re indebted to him. I can’t wait to get back.

Then we’ve got Gunung. Handmade clothing and apparel made by Atsushi Yamamoto. That name may be unheard of for the most part in the states, but in Japan his name is growing. His label is called Gunung. Hats, pants, belts, and other random pieces are all made one by one. I picked up a bunch of his stuff while I was in Japan and I’ve been wearing it since. The pants I got are cut right above the ankle and taper perfectly. The pockets are different than any other pant I’ve ever worn. They’ve even got an unnoticable pad in the rear making riding even more enjoyable. And the hats fit perfectly under a helmet. I’m sold! You can find his stuff online at Depot, but not in the states. For now that is…

If you’ve never been, you probably know someone who has. I bet they’ll tell you what I know now. Japan is a hidden treasure full of great people, great scenery, and most of all great food. Someday you should make a trip out there.

In other news, it snowed last night in Seattle. It didn’t stay around for the morning, which I was a bit bummed out about, but I’m sure it’ll be back. Yes!

I’m always amused when I find a new source of time wasting on the internet.

We at Cranked are big fans of this site. Mr. Pilder has an enjoyable way with words and it’s one of the first things I look at in the morning. As you can see he’s got a blog and he mentions this site. Interesting writing, involving bikes, new bookmark!

My friend Seth is covering for me today. It’s his first day solo as a messenger in Seattle. He’s smart, lightning fast, and eager to get moving. Good luck Seth! You’re gonna kill it.

All in a day’s work I guess.

Have a great Thanksgiving. Eat more than you can handle, drink more than you should, and work it all off pedal stroke after pedal stroke. Man it’s good being a cyclist.

Interesting discussion going on over at Streetsblog about segregated bike lanes. Worthwhile thoughts for our own Bicycle Master Plan? What are your thoughts? These decisions may be made without our input, let’s make sure that doesn’t happen and get your voice heard, attend the BMP meetings on the 5th and 7th of December.

So I’ve taken the B.O.B. out a time or two before—picked up a new printer, got a big ol’ load of groceries—but today I put it to another test and B.O.B. performed quite well.

Today I hauled a piece of furniture to my girlfriend’s theatre, just a small end table, it didn’t fit in the B.O.B. at all, but sat rather nicely on the top, lashed down with the bungee cable and some thin line. Here’s the bike at Seattle’s I-5 Collonade MT Bike park:

There was little bombing down Capitol Hill, the route I took was the smoothest I could choose. It was rather slow going though, as to not rattle the nails and tacks out of this prop-to-be. There was no standing for climbing hills either, too heavy of a load to keep it stable, and there was absolutely no hands-free riding—I managed to not wreck out while attempting this, but the handlebars just wobbled uncontrollably everytime. And you in the silver Volkswagen, 618-SUY, did you feel righteous for not allowing me to pass you on the Fremont bridge? Blocking me with your stupid car. Try it again prick, you’re lucky I was in a good mood, don’t forget about karma.

I have to thank B.O.B. for putting me in this good mood. The trailer is a really awesome device to add to your bike, and while this is the only one I’ve ever used, the way it tracks behind your bike and easily handles dropping off of curbs and down hills, there is little worry about losing your load. I did not attempt any curb drops while carrying the wood end table, maybe next time I will with this other piece of furniture that needs to get to Ballard…