I was just over at Bicycle Sport Shop’s site and was very happy to see they are sponsoring a ride with Gary Smith and Joe Ingram of Independent Fabrication next Friday, January 30 at noon starting from the South Lamar store.

As an aspiring framebuilder, I’ve really admired Independent Fabrication’s story as an up and coming custom frame building enterprise that have struggled with the challenges of growth. They started with borrowed space in the corner of a workshop and made a name for themselves when cyclists started winning races on their bikes. As an employee owned company full of folks passionate about cycling, they’re a company to watch.

Gary Smith is former president of The Timberland Company’s outdoor group who purchased a majority share in Independent Fabrication in 2008. Joe Ingram is IF’s CFO.

The ride will be a casual 23 mile tour of Austin. I plan to attend and report back for those who can’t get off work mid-day.