I asked Tyler Johnson if he would be down with me building the oregon manifest bike for him.
The ultimate goal for the bike was for Tyler to have a bike to ride to work (blackbirdballard.com) in a suit and not show up all sweaty.
Almost all the parts and the frame have a black oxide finish that is brushed on by hand and chemically changes the color of the metal.
The basic premise of the Oregon Manifest was to build a great transportation machine, that would be raced 77 miles, with after party clothes, beer and party snacks on-board.
I failed to immediately mention to Tyler the 77 miles, off-road aspect, and the to be announced 5000 feet of climbing.
If draining one of my best friends energy wasn't enough... I had Luthier, Noah Trescott (trescottviolins.wordpress.com) build me a custom wood box to hold the clothes, beer, and food; which held up perfectly and is stained to match the rest of the bike.
Tal Roberts (talroberts.com) took all the photos that actually look good.
Shimano hooked me up with a real nice with the Alfine group.
www.oregonmanifest.com
PS. Can't wait for the next one!
