You have to love it when actual experts embrace the Internet and decide to “give it all away”.  In the bicycle world, Sheldon Brown was the prime example.  Mark Bittman seems to be today’s cooking populist.  For harmonica, it’s got to be Adam Gussow.

It almost doesn’t matter what Adam is teaching.  His style is addictive.  Equal parts authority and humility.  Both inspiration and instruction.  His Youtube lessons are some of the best that I have received on any topic.

Does every little knowledge niche have an Internet icon?  If I hadn’t picked up the harmonica, I never would have “met” Adam.   He only exists to a tiny bubble of enthusiasts - that is, thousands and thousands of Youtube viewers.

Who else should I know about right now?  Who is giving the best lessons on the Internet – in any subject?

I don’t care how long your Mundo Cargo is.  Carrying a piano on your bike is a bitch.

That’s why it’s important for cycling pianists to find another instrument to accompany them on their adventures.  I auditioned five:

Kalimba: A sweet sound and rugged as can be – steel tines on a wood box.  It only measures around 4x6x1 inches and weighs nothing.  I bought the Treble version with a built in pick-up mic from Paul Tracey.  This is a wonderfully companionable instrument, but I just can’t get into it.  No matter what I try, I can’t find a style or tuning that really feels expressive to me.  Also, I’m not sure that I like the hand position when you play it.   It kind-of looks like you are thumb-typing on your Blackberry.  Is this cool?  I dunno.

Ukulele: Officially back in style for today’s crooners, the Uke can be very inexpensive.  We got one for $twenty-five at Buckdancer’s Choice.  They are a little large and fragile, however.  I’m not sure how long they will last in your pannier.  Or strapped under the saddle.

Melodica: A natural extension of the piano keyboard, these things are great fun.  Expressive and intuitive.  Honer makes a student version that cost $50 back in 2007 or so.  The sinking dollar may have changed that.  It comes with a case that measures around 12x6x2.  The only problem- no matter how many hipster bands use them, I can’t stop thinking about The Hooters.

Casio SK-1: The world’s first accessible sampler, this thing was everywhere circa 1982.  Now, thanks to Comrade Circuit Bender, they are really difficult to get.  I got lucky on ebay and landed one for $forty.  Now, I’m afraid to break it.  But really, any small table-hooter will do the trick.  Personally, I can’t get into playing synthesisers outdoors.  It just feels wrong.  Maybe I’m too old..

So, I am getting serious about my Harmonica again.  A favorite of hobos and superstars, this humble instrument packs a ton of emotion into a steel box the size of a stick of gum.  It’s comfortable at a campfire or in a bar-room.  Famously thrifty, for $thirty you can get a very good instrument and you will be picking out diatonic tunes instantly.  More money or more practice (your pick!) and you can bring additional musical keys into reach.

More Harmonica madness to follow…

Keep your eyes open at Target.  Sometimes they have oddball bike stuff hiding in plain view.

Yesterday, I saw a Schwinn-brand POV “persistence of vision” display for your bicycle spokes.  For $twelve!  That’s cheap enough for me to buy!  Of course, I didn’t.  But you should.

Have you seen one of these things?  Neither Target nor Schwinn are willing to admit to this product on their websites.  But it looks roughly like this.

The one at Target allows you to display 10 characters.  Which started me thinking.  What would I display?

• We’re on 2WHEELSBBY 
• Title 29-A, Chapter 19, §2070, 1-A is too long – maybe 3FEET2PASS
• GOLOOKABOU t.com.  Nah.

Any other ideas?

Case 1:  Looking good with axle pegs – via Soul Side Down

Case 2:  Make her do the work - via Amsterdam Bicycles

It’s September and the weather is getting colder.  Break out your sport coat and blue jeans.  Maybe a bomber jacket?

How about horn rim glasses?  Badge for your lapel?  Style is everything, you know.

This one goes out to all the loyal bicycle commuters out there.

I don’t know for sure that this song is about cycling, but the message applies:  Stay away from gasoline.  And be sure to play it safe on the road.

I Asked For Water – Howlin’ Wolf

Oh, I asked her for water, she brought me gasoline.
Oh, I asked her for water, she brought me gasoline.
That’s the troublingest woman that I ever seen.
The church bell tollin’, the hearse come driving slow.
The church bell tollin’, the hearse come driving slow.
I hope my baby, don’t leave me no more.
Oh tell me baby, when are you coming back home?
Oh tell me baby, when are you coming back home?
You know I love you baby, but you’ve been gone too long.

I don’t know the band Dirty Hands, but when they showed up as a popular download on The Hype Machine I figured it was worth a listen.

The song is ”Get On Your Bike Charley“.  Pop-punk about love and speed.  Check it out.