rons bikes blog dot com

whilst milling around MADE at the end of the day a month ago now, I spotted a bike just my style from behind in the crowd. the mars red, and then over it’s shoulder a well broken in large burgundy fabs chest. as I got closer the red bits shimmered like rubies in the muted afternoon light. I lurked and then said “nice bike!”. thats how I’ve met people 90 percent of the time my whole adult life really.

as it turned out, the rider of this bike was Tom Norman AKA @dirtsloth — someone who’s bike travels and photography I have been following along with deep enjoyment for a few years (I think?) now.

we took a picture together and someone off handedly mentioned we looked like father and son. I know I am going a bit grey — maybe I can see it — I’d be a proud father. anyway, I only had my Ricoh GR IIIx with me, but decided I wanted to document this Merlin for this very blog. so here ya go folks!

the gold details with the red — the vintage Paul bits — impressed and humbled.

XTR post —- c’mon folks — you see the red nips on the wheels?? and do I need to mention the Ringlé?

painting a fresco here.

my (Ron’s) ortho bars. always such a good upgrade to a vintage MTB trail cruiser. and this bag is one of the first batches we did in CT 4 years ago. love how the wax ages. and love how many places this bag as been!

okay! if you are on this blog avoiding IG, then check out Tom’s blog. the photos are as inspiring as this bike!

XO RR