Last Winter my son asked me if he could race the Stupor Bowl messenger race with his neighborhood friend. He was 15 at the time so the first thought that came to mind was “Hell no.” I recalled racing my first Stupor Bowl 18 years ago and remember my mental and physical condition by the end. Concern number one: What would he be seeing, hearing – and maybe be offered – during this event. Concern number two: This is a challenging and potentially dangerous race. In the end, I agreed because he is responsible, has bike skills and a good sense of direction. The Minneapolis messenger crowd may look rough on the edges, but I know they are good people at heart. All went well other than a call for help, “Dad we are in St. Paul, lost and cold”. I gave him the tough love response, “That is part of the game. You’ll find your way home.”
The Steamroller (1” threaded version) was my 2nd Surly frame purchase. It makes a great winter commuter here in Minnesota where the wet, snowy, icy, and salty streets reek havoc on bike parts. Whether you ride fixed or free, brakeless or with brakes, there is not much to go wrong. Keep the chain lubed and rims/pads clean and you can bust through snow drifts all winter long. The bike is quick handling to avoid potholes, ice patches and the occasional renegade steel locomotive. The FFF frame can also handle plenty of the studded tire options on the market if needed. The frame includes fender eyelets on the rear dropout too if you want to keep the spray off your back. Don’t forget to lube the seat post.
This year the boy asked for a new all black Steamroller for Christmas. I had that proud emotional Dad moment similar to when I first saw him ride on two wheels. Maybe this year I will see if I can keep up with him at the 19th Annual Stupor bowl.
