I’ve been sorely remiss about writing here lately and for that I’m sorry.  But the good news is that I have been writing.  A lot, actually.

And having work in this economy?  Well, that’s a good thing - am I right?

The other good thing is that I’ve been working on lots of stories that I really love – one of which was the Gracie’s Wrench column that came out in today’s Oregonian.  I met Tori on the start line of the Hillsboro ‘cross race last season and was immediately taken by her cat-eye glasses and brazen willingness to openly mock me for racing with a Garmin Edge 705 (I still make no apologies for this).

I soon put two and two together and realized that this was the woman behind Gracie’s Wrench, a company I’d wondered about for some time.  Who is this Lady Mechanic-preneur?  Can she really teach me to adjust my own brakes?  I don’t believe it!

Then she wrote a startingly eloquent piece that was featured in the Dirty Pictures cyclocross book that PDX Cross put together.  I remember discussing this piece with Mike Davis, who took the lead on editing the content of the book (his wife, Deb Pang-Davis of Cococello Design , was the designer) and sharing a mutual admiration for the woman behind those words.

So I emailed her and convinced friend (and recent cat-4 leg ripper) Lindsay Kandra to take a class with me.

It was fantastic to learn that Tori is as capable at teaching (really – you can have a great mechanic, but it’s not going to help you if they aren’t also an absolutely wonderful teacher) as she is eloquent.

The class is phenomenal and I highly recommend it.  Incidentally, I’ve also heard great things about her wheel-building workshop, though I can’t speak to that from personal experience.

Also, I wanted to give a special thanks to Daniel Sharp who nailed the photography for this piece.  It was a pleasure to work with you, Daniel!

P.S. Happy Easter   Go eat a bunny head.

Bortman means business!

Be prepared to get dirty - this is a hands-on endeavor.

Possibly related (automatically generated) posts:

1. Cascade Cycling Classic Stage 2 Photo Preview Holy smokes. It’s hot in Bend. I’m at the Cascade...
2. Interbike Eye-Candy Part One Well, it’s official.  I’m sick with Bicycle Poisoning.  Walking onto...
3. Wrenching Tidbits from Tori Bortman A few juicy maintenance-related secrets to sweeten your shop life....
4. Interbike Eye Candy Part Two More from the Hubba Hubba category. I heart fast wheels:...
5. Food Bonanza in Progress It’s Sunday and today marks our first full week in...