LOOKING FOR YELLOWBIRD DEALERS
Over the past year I have poured a serious amount of energy into Yellow Bird Thread Works. What started as a fun project to sew frame bags for myself and my close friends has grown and morphed in ways I had not predicted. It’s been a fun and rewarding endeavour. Up until pretty recent, my ability to sell product exceeded my ability to produce product. So, I didn’t see much value in advertising or having dealers and such. Well, now I that seems to have changed and I am looking to keep this momentum and growth. I have had a few shops (TRUE CYCLERY, VASHON BIKES, THE BIKEARY, RONS BIKES and I know I am forgetting some) stock and sell my products and It has been really helpful both for sales and for exposure. I would love to keep nurturing that growth. If you work at or own a shop or if you have a local shop that you love, let’s talk! I have recently restructured my dealer pricing to make sure it’s a good deal for everyone.
-Brian
brianedwardtucker@gmail.com
Nutmeg Spring Fling 2023
This was the third year for this event. Each year brings a larger crowd than the previous. I would estimate this one had about 100 people from all over the Northeast. Lots of familiar faces and lots of hugs. The weather was absolutely fantastic and the black flys were pretty merciful. I did as much of the ATB route as my legs would allow. My fitness is not where I would like it to be, but that’s fine. Seemed like plenty of others in the same boat and it was nice to just fall in with groups that had a similar pace. I made it a point to try and ride with different groups through different parts of the day. Lots of people I already knew and lots of new friends. Prior to the start I just assumed I would be fine to do the extra ride at the end of the day to get home. That was going to be an extra 15 miles with three notable hills. Tuns out I was cooked by the end of the event. My buddy Josh was a sweetheart (as he is) and gave me a ride over the river and home. Now I am tired and happy. Here are a few pictures from the day. I took way less than I had anticipated, but that’s fine.
COMITO SHIPWRECK
When I am on my bike or in my studio being creative, I tend reflect on people and events that have helped me on my journey in life. For whatever reason, as I started this design, I kept thinking about an old friend. No need to go into any real details here, but there were a bunch of years after college where I lived in a constant struggle. Self esteem was low the world felt like a tough place. One afternoon I was out riding my dirt jump bike by myself. I was living in a new place and had no bike friends. This guy rode over to me with a big smile and asked if he could ride with me. He tried to apologize for having a lower skill level than me thinking I cared about that. This guy never stopped smiling. He was so happy to be out in the world and on a bicycle. “THIS GUY GETS IT” I told myself. He offered to show me some other trails in the area and just like that, Daniel was my friend. I really valued his attitude and his perspective on the world. I still do. There were a few conversations I had with Daniel in times where I was really struggling. His words and delivery were like a ray of light in the dark. I don’t think this was anything exceptional or even noteworthy for him. It’s just Daniel being himself. I’ve taken a lot of notes on how to exist in this world from him. When I felt like an absolute shipwreck, he was the friend who knew what to say. So, with love, respect and gratitude for my friend, I have named this NIGHT CAP the COMITO SHIPWRECK.
Is that bag company making metal bike parts?
Yeah. YellowBirdThreadWorks was born out of my need to tinker, design and make stuff. It’s what I’ve always done. It’s who I am. Over the past few years I have made a shift from perpetual bike shop mechanic (25 years) to aerospace machinist. What a natural shift. Probably ten or fifteen years later than it should have happened, but it’s my path and I’m on it. In the same way that the bag making took shape, my metal bike parts came from a feeling of “I wan to figure that out and make it my own way.” I want equal attention to function, aesthetics, durability, materials and the craftsmanship that brings it all together. So, in my mind and in my way of processing and creating, the CNC mills and lathes are no different than my sewing machines. My thoughts early on in this particular project were to establish a separate brand for the new product. They are metal works not sewing. Once i started in on the creative process, I felt less compelled to do that. Maybe down the road they will split or perhaps YellowBird will rebrand in some way that better covers my different enterprises and is less specific. I’m not all that worried about it. So, yeah, the bag company makes some metal stuff too. I’m really pleased with how things are taking off and I’m so full of gratitude for everyone who has been supportive.
-Brian / YellowBird
Maintaining the Rituals
It’s one thing to do things out of routine. It’s another thing to act with thoughtfulness and intention. I drink coffee all the time. Really, all the time. However, taking a part of my day to go out to a special place in the woods and then taking the time to make the coffee is a different experience. This action provides a time for me to be present and to clear my head. It provides a little sanity at times where I need it. So, here are some photos of todays coffee outside.
Check check check it out
Just wrapped up this custom padded bag for some audio gear for a client. I’m really happy with the coyote brown with the red zipper. It’s a treat making larger bags.
Ron's Spring Fling 2022
Ron’s Bikes hosted the 2022 Spring Fling. This is the season opener for our Nutmeg crew. About thirty people showed up to follow an excellent route and hang out in the woods. This was a prime example of a Ron route. It had fifty miles of dirt, back roads, rocks, roots, more rocks, steep climbs, techy descents, more rocks, a few water crossings and some killer scenery. It was primo! It’s always a treat spending time with friends, old and new. Thanks to everyone who showed up and big thanks to Ron for making it happen. Now for some pictures.
