Can you keep a secret? Well, it’s not too much of a secret, but I’m headed back to indiana next weekend. The reason it’s a secret is because my mom doesn’t know, and it’s her birthday, so it’s a bit of a surprise.

Coincidentally, I am also going home to indiana the same weekend that the North American Handmade Bike Show is going on. I’ve wanted to go for a few years, and it’s never worked out, or at least I’ve never had a good excuse to to go it.

I’m pretty excited to check out all the cool builders out there. I would like to say that I’m not going in looking for anything in particular, but that would be a lie. I’ve had some devious thoughts about something titanium lately. I also wouldn’t mind something with SNS couplers or some other airline-charge-avoiding configuration.

Mmmmm. . . titanium. . . .

If anyone has any suggestions for builders that I shouldn’t miss, let me know. I’ll have at least one full day of walking around the show, maybe even another half day depending on when I head back up to indy from b-town.

Speaking of handmade frames, in case you haven’t seen the news yet, Joe Murray (The Legend), Jon Bon Benson (The Rockstar) and Stu Henderson (The Metalworking Guru) have started their latest endeavor. I present to you Sendero Cycles. Handmade, fully custom frames made right here in flagpole, A-Z by some of the most knowledgeable folks around.

The best part? They’re an introductory pricing of only $1300. That is damn cheap for a fully custom frame. Make sure you check out their gallery and the blog for the latest news.

Definitely some cool stuff in the works over there, from JBB’s new winter bike (the “phogsly”) to the new tubing bender for custom racks they just got in. I think I may have to sketch out a few concepts for some big dummy accessories that I’ve been thinking about and send them that way.

Those guys won’t be at NAHBS this year, but will be at the San Diego Custom Bike Show at the beginning of April. Might have to tag along if I haven’t had my fill of custom bikes by then.

Send along your suggestions or if you want me to take any particular pictures at NAHBS in the next week or so, and I’ll see what I can do while I’m out there.

Peace out.