Visiting a Master (Curt Goodrich)
 

On Friday, my brother and I made a very quick trip from Illinois to the moonscape known as Minnesota. He had an eBay purchase to pick up in Duluth and asked me if I wanted to go along to help with the driving so I gladly obliged with the condition that we stop in Minneapolis on the way home. The reason for my wanting to stop in one of the Twin Cities was, of course, to see Curt Goodrich for a fitting and check out the place where the master creates his works of rideable art.

Curt and I had exchanged emails prior to the trip so this wasn't a drop-in visit. I wanted him to measure me and receive some reassurance that the fitting I went through with the local Fit Kit guy was indeed off the mark. What I found when I got to the shop was interesting to say the very least.

The shop is located in one of the old General Mills buildings in the business district of Minneapolis. It is a really cool setup where a lot of other unique small business occupy spaces as well. The one closest to him, I believe, makes organic snack foods and the smell of spices in the corridor leading to Curt's is pungent.

We looked around at the machines and tables that Curt uses to create art. My brother, an airplane mechanic, marvelled at the older press and mill while I was blown away by Curt's personal ride (Rivendell) that was well used and looked as if it was ridden in every single season of the year. It reminded me a lot of e-Richie's rig with plenty of dirt and muck to show that, yes, you are supposed to ride these bikes not just look at them.

Once Curt finished the brief tour of his shop, we talked a bit about bikes I'd owned, what was comfortable, what wasn't, and the type of riding I wanted to do with this bike. We'd established a while ago that a club racer would be right for me and our conversation on Saturday confirmed it. He then went about the measurments which were very easy and informal. I was glad of that given the formality of the environment when going through Fit Kit.

Measurements out of the way, we briefly talked about lug options and what I was looking for regarding feel and performance and I assured him that I'd leave the rest to him. Overall, it was a super experience and a very short visit with a great guy. He's an unassuming gentleman who graciously took time out of his rather busy schedule to help a customer and a fan...

Very cool....I love stories like this.

Any free samples laying around? ;)

There were some neat bikes there. A Rambo on the peg, a 62cm Goodrich on the angle table, and quite a few Rivs near the paintbooth. The coolest was Curt's personal rig with 650b wheels that looked like it had been through the ringer. It was pretty light and was as versatile as you'd imagine. Overall, a cooler experience than one could dream of but also very humbling. Now, if only my brother had something to pick up in Bozeman, Montana...

cool-any photos of his work?

Both my brother and I forgot to bring cameras. This was a very short trip (less than 24 hours) so we didn't bother to even stop for a disposable camera. Now I'm wishing I'd brought one because I'd like to have hardcopy memories of the scenery, architecture, and the shop...

Curt Goodrich is located in the building closest to Hennepin Avenue (paralleling it) if one pulls into the driveway nearest the little coffee shop.
He is a true gentleman-among-gentlemen and a craftsman on top of his game. No cyclist should visit Minneapolis without arranging a workshop visit and brief tour.