038: The Road to Indy. NAHBS 2009

I'm packing my bags and heading out. Is anyone surprised by this? I should think not. The gracious fellows over at Independent Fabrication offered me a coveted spot in their van for the trip from Somerville to Indianapolis, Indiana.

Can anyone tell me why, at the end of february we're heading to Indiana instead of ...well, whatever it doesn't matter. We're heading there anyway.

Our van is packed to the gills with product; softgoods, displays, catalogs and a few sweet bikes as well. They had show this past weekend over in Boston. Check this out over at the Fourth Wall Project pretty cool project that has something to do with buildings that are slated for demolition. I don't know if that is the case for sure, but I heard something to that effect. In any case, even if it isn't it was a great way for a brand like IF to showcase their new products right before the show.

This way, some of their hometown fans, that may not make it out to the Handmade Show get a little sneak preview into their new line.

However, I have to say. There is one bike that they didn't see. Because it wasn't quite ready. Or maybe it was ready and they're just saving it for the show. Or maybe they'll just take it to the show, but not show anyone, because that's the kind of thing they would do. Bring the hype.

Well I'll tell you this. Its ready now. And it looks positively stunning. And I've seen some stunning bikes lately. But what could it be?


I also have a little coverage worked up for the good people over at Cambridge Bicycle. Stay tuned for that. Should be good. They told me to seek out every pink saddle at the show, so we'll see how that turns out...I talked them down from "every leopard print saddle" so that's good.

Also wanted to put up this photo of the old Carrerra Kit. Its from the newest Rouleur and the article is about Nalini clothing. Good stuff.

"Remember the ones that looked like jeans?" is what Embrocation cyclist Peter Bradshaw said to me the other day. So, there you go Peter. But it got me to thinking...about kits...


Friend of the family Adam Myerson recently wrote this. Subsequently it was published in the last Velonews. Its interesting. Very Adam to say the least. Yet the thing that struck me about it was that no matter how punk rock the professional cyclists lifestyle is...its never going to have kits that look like blue-jeans...again...until someone makes some more. And I think Mountain Khakis is in the best spot to make this happen.

There is a photo of High Road cyclist Kim Kirchen in the July issue of ProCycling. It was in the van so I read it. He's wearing the kit and standing next to his friend Frank Schlek. They both look to be about ten years old. The article goes on to talk about the overall PROness behind Kirchen. Who knows about this guy? He's legit. In a Fasso Bortolo - I've Lugged Ullrich up mountians and took the backseat for whomever I work for sort of way.

High Road may have their Georgie and the 'Dish. But this is who I want to know about.

But until then.

Go to this.

037: Humor: A lesson.

This is one of the most amazing things I've seen in a while. I found it here.

A few reasons why I think this is amazing:

1) That this guy had the balls to dress up like this and wait all day just to show off his huge double syringe to Lance. That's patience.

2) In the second frame Floyd Landis is clearly framed between Lance's elbow and syringe boy. Was this planned? If so, amazing execution gentlemen.

3) Lance's Long ass shorts. From my research I have heard that they have a special compression band near the end, and he hates short-shorts. Why does this guy have to come back and kill all the style that is in cycling? Seriously.

4) Horner cracking up in frames three and four. At least someone on that team has a sense of humor. So does A. Schleck apparently because he's cracking up in there too...look for it...

5) Check out the last photo. I love it. This guy not only brought his own pile of cocaine to the party, but when one of the party goers gets angry and pushes him into it, he loves it. Look at the smile on this man's face. He gets it.

Someone help me find this man as I would love to interview him.

Yet, I think that something could be learned from these photos.

A lesson in humor and humility. Laugh it off. That's what I say. Why take yourselves seriously guys? There's no reason for that...you're already counting your calories, heading to bed early, sewing up the front of your underwear when you sleep next to a lady (Sean Kelly?), you might as well lighten up a little. Horner has proved time and time again that he's more than capable of leading the charge. Everyone else just needs to hang on for the ride.

The 'cycling industry' in and of itself is not done yet. Its still has a few tricks up its collective sleeve. This is where cycling is going to be saved. I can't do it all myself though, so I enlisted the help of a few new friends.


I mentioned before that I was traveling with Brock Webster. At one point in the trip Brock was mistakenly identified by the editor of Velonews as the 'Rock Lobster' guy. Whoops. Sorry, that's Paul Sadoff, but good try anyway. I did like his response when told that he was incorrect with the name..."oh, sorry, I used to drink a lot." This is all hearsay by the way. But definitely what I'm talking about. Humor.

So, after laughing a few times about this interaction myself, Brock and Seve (the man crafting the whole affair) decided that this would probably be the best way to represent the BMC brand.

It is a two part ad. Could be almost a music video if you think about it.

Part one:

-Get a funk band. Something local. Dress them to the T. I'm talking red shirts, white pants, and hopefully if we can pull it off, matching red shoes. (Note to self: get the pantone color from the red in the BMC shirt and see if we can match that.) Also necessary is a character who's willing to play this part. Something that's going to be a little eccentricity mixed with maybe just a touch of hippy values, combine that with an exquisite sense of the dance floor and we're set to move on to part two.

Part Two:

-All shock value here with this one. Hope like hell that most people haven't been hiding under rocks the past few years and know who Napoleon Dynamite is. If they don't we're fucked. Either way, as much of a spectacle the we can make out of this, the better. Get the locals involved. "Oh my god, he's soooo cute." This is our target market. Aging women that will run right out and buy a BMC or two for their brothers? Sisters? Boyfriends? It doesn't matter at this point. We've hit they nail on the head, these are customers for life.

They identify.

Humor. Look it up.

036: Burgers in Your Jersey Pocket.

Another one of my favorite domestic cyclist has to be Mr. Horner.

Why?

Is it because he's always smiling like the Cheshire Cat? No, that's not it, but that is a bonus.

Is it because at one time or another he's been teammates with the likes of Landis, Johnson, Armstrong, and even Mark McCormack? Nope, not that either.

It's because he eats cheeseburgers.

I kid you not. Again, I'm going to refer to Armstrong's Twitter.
Fuck. I can't stay away from that thing. I snapped these photos at the Prologue, and sure enough, that night as I'm brushing up on my Twits (pun intended) I see that Armstrong has Twitter-ed Horner coming back into the team camp with an In-N-Out Burger bag filled to the brim with burgers. Animal style.

This is brimming with amazing-ness for a few reasons. One being meat. The other being that In-n-out is known for its off the menu-menu. They even make a burger called the "Flying Dutchman." And why shouldn't they? The Dutchman is two meat patties with two slices of cheese and onions. Nothing else.

Perfect cycling food.

I would put that in my jersey pocket any day of the week.
Speaking of which, have I mentioned that I really like food.

In fact, today I rode around most of the day with a roast beef sandwich in my jersey pocket. I was afraid that it was going to get cold, but then I realized that my jersey got steamy enough to kind of keep it warm for a few hours. Even the mayo, greens and caramelized onions snuggled between the toasted (hours earlier) baguette were ready to be eaten at any moment.

Does it sound like I'm on drugs? Because I'm not.

It just feels that good to be back in Cambridge.

So, thanks for that Horner.

035: Tour of California: Stage 3 - TJ's Gloves.

OUCH team captain Mr. Tim Johnson shows off his glove selection at the start of the race today. Cyclingnews.com correspondent Kristin Robbins said "I get the impression that morale is pretty low. Everyone, both the riders and the directors are just trying to stay positive..." or something to that effect.

Yet, I didn't see that with Johnson. He was cracking jokes and smiling the whole time I talked with him. Other riders confirmed this as well that his attitude is what makes him a natural leader in the peloton. His going off the front to get a few KOM points during Stage One confirms this as well. I'll just come right out and say it, I'm a fan. He's personable on and off the bike, a fierce cross and road racer and wore a skinsuit that looked like Captain America for the entirety of the season. What's not to like?

Plus, his glove selection for the day not only shows off his mindfullness of spending hours in the saddle, but his support, in every way for the Livestrong foundation. In a manner of speaking. What I really want to know is what is this jacket that he's wearing? It looks good. Functional and good.


Brock Webster (or BRock Lobster as we've come to call him) is one of my traveling partners for this trip. He is also the owner of Steamboat, CO based Orange Peel Bicycles, was regalling me with tales of the days when he would race bicycles in the wet early spring of PA. I didn't believe that he would duct tape dishwashing gloves to his wrists for the really wet days. Now I do.

My buddy Colin asked to see more stuff from New England racers. So, there you have it. Tim Johnson and his former CCB teammate Tyler Hamilton. I asked him what it was that was making his legs shine from miles away. He smiled when I asked and I thought he wasn't going to tell me, then he snickered and said "vaseline."

In other news:
Rapha crew continues to dazzle.

Is dazzle the right word? I think so. BikesnobNYC called us "studiously edgy." So I think that we'll go with that for the moment. What does that actually mean though? I do wear glasses sometimes, but that's because I like to do things, like see, for example. He also lambasts us for our ice bath scenario. The funny thing was, I sat in the ice bath because after riding 300 some odd miles in two days my legs hurt. I guess there's no way to avoid contrived if someone is following you around with a camera all the time. Ah well, at least we weren't painting anarchy signs on everything.

And Damn if those pesky edgy Continental riders aren't everywhere. Seven Cycles recently announced that they're building a bicycle for a certain new addition to our East Coast crew. Does that mean that we're going to have to take another boyband photo? Cause I don't know if we can replicate that. I flexed my calf so hard for that shot that I couldn't walk for days after it, let alone ride down from Mt. Wachusett where we "staged" (ie: rode 100 miles) to get to.

Sigh.

Speaking of Seven. I saw a Triad at Paolo Alto bicycles today. I don't think I've ever seen one of these bikes up close and I was intrigued, in more ways than one. One because I've been testing a carbon bike that I'm really liking and I wonder how the two stack up. And two, because of the name. Seven always keeps me guessing about their names and where they get them. Does Rob name them all? Is Triad Latin for Dragonfly?

I think not.

034: Rapha Rides the TOC - Episode 2

Rapha Rides the TOC - Episode 2 from RAPHA on Vimeo.

I think that internally we're calling this one "suffering."

This was the day that my IT band blew up. Probably the single most painful thing I've ever felt on the bike. Each pedal stroke caused my whole body to flinch and at one point it must have looked like I was riding a bucking bronco. Not good.

The video however, is good. Score another win for D. Christiansen.

033: TOC Stage One: Mechanics

Tour of California: Stage One, The Mechanics. from j. dunn on Vimeo.

Here's a little video shot at the end of stage one. Lots of great footage from hanging out with these guys, the team mechanics. In my opinion these are the real unsung hero's of these grand tours. All day they are on the edge of their seats, literally, waiting for something to happen, hoping that nothing goes wrong. Then, as soon as the riders get off their bikes the mechanics pack them into their bus, take them to the hotel and then, amazingly, pull each bike almost completely apart and clean every inch (in an even more amazing display of speed) and put them back together, ready to ride the next day.

I watched BMC head mechanic Ian Sherburne pull all the cassettes off of the wheels and spare wheels and set them up with the predetermined cassettes for the next day. Then he installed a new fork in one bike, then he tuned up the derailleurs...what seemed like a neverending line of team bicycles was quickly slayed by the three mechs. Which is also why they are talking about their beverage choices in the film.

Also interesting to note is the rain falling in the puddle in the background. Not only were these guys waiting all in the rain in case something happened, but they stood around in the thick California drizzle re-assembling the light carbon frames.

032: Rapha Rides TOC - Episode 1

Rapha Rides TOC - Episode 1 from RAPHA on Vimeo.

The good ol boys over at Rapha put up another of the short segments that we shot while riding the TOC course. Dave Christiansen followed us and shot these segments. Really amazing stuff, just looking at the footage takes me back to the ride. Its funny how much one can actually forget about experiences like these, its good to have these visual reminders to fall back on. I especially enjoy the opening montage. Black and white with haunting music layered over the images.

There is also the Rapha Continental still photography that went up on the site at the same time. Really amazing stuff. Take a look through the photos and see if you can see where Embrocation sneaks in, just for one shot. I think its under the section titled "part one." This is a product that we are producing and will be ready to ship in the coming weeks/month.

031: TOC Prologue

Tour of California: Prologue from j. dunn on Vimeo.

Shot this video from the BMC team car yesterday at the Tour of California. I didn't bother to change the audio at all, because one of the things that I was really psyched about during the prologue was the crowd. I don't think I've seen a bigger crowd at a cycling event in the states. Pretty amazing stuff.

More on that later...

Also, check out some of the Rapha Continental goings on....we were featured in the Oregonian today, the business section in fact.
Good stuff...

030: Amgen Tour of California - Prologue

It is my goal to provide the best coverage that I can during the Tour of California. Yet, when I look around at other websites, they seem to be doing a pretty good job of making sure the Pro's get their glossy images pasted everywhere. So, I'm putting it to you as the reader. You're getting all this right? Or is it just PVB that looks at my site?

What do you want to see from the Tour of California?

BKW is already snapping away unrestrained.

We can go anywhere with this people? From the best shaved legs, to the "What not to wear of Pro Cycling..." I'm talking anything here. So, if its more of Neil's star fangled booties, I'll do it. You just let me know.


The other exciting thing is that I'm testing out a few new products for people. Rapha kicked down their Leather Town Glove that I'm kind of into. They don't have the insulation to deal with the New England cold, but here in California where its just a bit brisk in the morning (ok yesterday it rained all day I admit it) they are working out rather nice.

My initial reaction is that they are going to be great. Performance wise? I can't say yet, I haven't ridden them enough, but they look great. Both times that I've taken them out for a spin, people I've been riding with have said things like "whoa, Sunday drive much?" and "whoa, you look like you should be driving a 'freshly waxed S4' with those." And frankly, that's what I like to hear.

029: Tour of California

Rapha Rides The Tour of California from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Trying to catch a plane, but go check this out...
Rapha Continental

028: Jeremy Powers Interview: Back from the Promised Land.

I've been thinking a lot about process the last few days.

Putting the finishing touches on Embrocation Volume3. Good times are in the air. Its interesting that when I start to get in this mode everything else comes to a halt. I stop calling people back, bedtime comes before you know it, but usually its something like 4 or 5am. I also start fidgeting and sweating more, not sure if that's related though.

So, what I do is try to break up the screen time (that's time spent in front of a computer screen) with funny little games. Things like - cleaning up dog vomit (really happened-not my dog,) making tea, riding for hours outside and interviewing Jeremy Powers (also really happened.)

Returning 'home' from a recent ride I saw that I received an email from a one, Mr. Powers. Just a general checking in and remembering that I had a few photos of him from the recent trip to the ol' Belgium I goaded him in to answering a few questions.

Bam. And here it is.

ECJ: So, now that you're back [from Belgium], what is your initial feeling about the season?

J.Powers: The season was a smash. Our team, Cannondale / cyclocrossworld.com hit the podium at every single race it entered in the United States excluding one. Tim won the USGP, Jamey won the New England series, I cracked the Top 5 in the UCI ranking and Jamey and I made it to the front of a couple of European races. For me personally, I just want to continue to build on that next year.



Compare your racing in the States to what was going on in Europe.

Cross’ in the states is growing quick. I’m not going to compare cross’ in the United States to Europe, Just because cross’ has a culture and following that’s really deep in Europe and has been since the beginning of the sport it created, But the level of racing, the events and spectators in the states, is getting higher and higher every season, so things are working and its positive to watch and be part of.

How many years is this for you, going over to Europe?

My first Christmas -- cross’ worlds trip went down in 2003, I was 20 years old. So this is my sixth time.

I know you had been doing it for a couple of years back, as a junior, what has changed since you've been going over there?

I raced worlds in Czech republic in 01’ and not a whole lot has changed, the euro’s still go fast… I guess Belgium finally got rice milk and I can use my credit card at the gas station…that’s nice right!?

What goes through your head when you line up at a World Championship race?

A lot of things, this year, probably because I’m older (25), I realized how much the world championships means to me and cyclocross. It’s the highest honor cross’ has currently. That said, I want to make cross’ worlds a bigger priority of mine in the next couple years.

Was there a strategy going into it, as an American do you get together with Trebon, Page and others and make a plan?

No, we’re really not at that level yet, it’s a bit of dog eat dog for the moment and not enough guys are racing at identical levels. IE- One race Ryan or Jon are in the top ten and I’m in the 20’s and vice versa, so there isn’t really anyone to look out for like that.


I know that Cross isn't as team oriented as road racing, but you must talk to each other about some of it right?

Tim, Jamey and I all talk about how we race and what our plan of attack on a particular weekend, absolutely. A lot of tactics just play themselves out, at the end of the day, if someone’s going hard, the other guy is going just as hard so it’s really based on who’s tearing off legs on a given day.


Did you make any pals in the Euro Cross Peloton?

Ahhg. Every year I try to go out of my way to say hello and be socialable. It’s tough, I don’t speak amazing Flemish / Dutch, but all the dutch riders are cool and outgoing guys. Personally, I talk to everyone, even when they don’t want to talk, I say hello.

Or a personal favorite that you like seeing at every race? Stybar's Hairstylist, or Alberts secret 14 year old girlfriend, that kind of thing?

Boom is cool. He talks some shit to get everyone stirred and then throws down. Their really isn’t anyone I dislike. I talk to a lot of the riders from all the countries, it’s not how you may think, “ohg man those French guys stink, they never talk” One guy here and their may not be as outgoing, but it’s the same here in the states as it is over there. Some guys are chill and others are cocky.

Seriously, what they fuck is going on with Boom's Hair?

He’s Euro bro! You have to embrace it. That’s why I gel up the hawk for Europe every year, I gotta fit in ya know?!

Did you ever get to touch it, or did it ever whip you in the face while riding near him?

Nah. It was a bit of a rats nest!

Speak to the parking lot etiquette, do you think that having a huge photo of yourself plastered on the size of a ginormous RV is the way to go?

Hey. If having an escalade stretch made sense in Europe, they’d have it. It just has to do with being practical and getting the job done for the euro’s. Everyone in his or her camp can fit in RV, its warm inside, has a shower. It’s easy. If they didn’t put a picture of themselves on the side, what else would do you put on there?!


What kind of things did you do off the bike while in Belgium?

Ahh, we kicked it at the house a lot. I went to a bunch of coffee shops. Got some famous chocolates, I tried to go westvleteren abbey and get some beer from the most famous Belgian abbey in the world, but they were closed when I went. My girlfriend Emily was over for a couple weeks,I went shoppin a bunch. Ahg. I watched the entire box set of Entourage. Haha.

I know that for me it was all Belgian Beer and Beautiful women, but I'm thinking a hardman like yourself has to stay pretty celibate to maintain that professional decorum...

I just live like I normally would when I’m back home for the most part, emails, phone calls, training etc.


Every time I see you we talk about music and playlists. What have you got for me? What did you listen to while you were traveling around Belgium?

I just enjoy music and I like a lot aspects of their industry. The creative personalities, obviously the music itself, its just a passion of mine.

My favorite show / podcast is Smashtime radio with Clinton Sparks. It’s got new exclusive tunes, remixs, interviews etc. It’s great for me because I can download it and off I go with out having to put together a new playlist before each ride. And it’s free!

Personally I was surprised with how good the Belgian radio stations were at playing different and interesting stuff....

Yeh, the contracts are different over there and the rotation doesn’t seem to be as brutal! But, seriously. The belgies are the best at playing out a song over and over and over. Some songs are battered over there so bad, anytime I hear it, I just change the shit immediately.

Speculoos Paste? Best thing ever? Better than Peanut Butter?

Ohg. It’s good…really good. It’s not peanut butter…

I never figured out besides eating it out of the jar or on a rice cracker, what to put it on. It doesn’t really go with anything.

What other dietary concerns did you deal with across the pond?

None, Belgium really came up in the last couple years, they had all the little crap I wanted, like rice milk. Belgium caught on and my guts were happy the whole time I was there.

Have any spectacular meals, or were you cooking for yourself the whole time?

We always go to a couple great dinner’s. Ryan and I hit this place ‘poppy’s’ in Ieper which was awesome. And, Vincents in Izegem is always really good. I love to cook big meals, so I think we made some really good home cooked meals too.

And with that, who's a better cook, you or Trebon?

Me. Ryan doesn’t even like handling raw meat let alone cooking it.


Alright, here's the big one, the tough question. In your opinion (and I saw you race with the best of them while I was there and hold your own) what is it going to take for the Americans to be more competitive with the rest of the world?

More dedication from the everyone to race cross exclusively. No one can race 6months on the road bike and then 6 months cross’ and then go over and expect to be doing either discipline at the top of their game.

So I guess the problem is getting the money to pay the top guys enough to make a decent living where they can strictly focus on cross’

What's next for you? You mentioned that you were heading out to Training Camp with the Jelly Belly Team. Do you get a break from cycling ever?

I’m out of Tour of California. Danny (team director) said enough was enough and that I could take my break now and get ready for some races later in the season. It was music to my ears, I really needed this break.


Any big plans or team-ups going on for the year?

I’m pretty certain Cannondale is going to be back on board and I know cyclocrossworld.com will be happening, so it will be very similar to this past year.

Like a Dolce and Gabbana JPows exclusive eyewear?

You know anyone at D&G that can make that happen for me? Haha

Lill John Remix Collection?

Haha. LJ’s got his own line with Oakley I believe…so I don’t think he’ll be rockin them!

I know you're cooking up something and I want to know what it is...

My dream is to promote cyclo cross to the masses and have it become a household sport. I hope in the next couple years cross’ can have the spotlight with television and try to grow things and showcase how fun and exciting cross’ can be!


Leave us with the best Playlist that you've going on at the moment:

1) Girls on the Dance Floor feat. (24/8) - The Far East Movement
2) Rockin that Shit - The Dream
3) I'm In Miami Bitch - LMFAO
4) Blame it feat. T-Pain - Jamie Foxx
5) I Get It In - 50 Cent
6) Crack a Bottle - Emminem, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent
7) Feel It - DJ Felli Fel (too many 'featurings' to type)
8) Universal Mind Control - Common
9) I Love College - Asher Roth
10) Turnin' Me On (feat Lil Wayne) - Keri Hilson (I always have time to type Lil Wayne)
11) Beautiful - Akon, Colby O'Donis, and Kardinal Offishal (that's not a typo)
12) See You in My Nightmares feat Lil Wayne - Kanye West

027: Chop Chop, Open Shop

Ira's shop opening the other night was a pretty raucous event. His workshop, which is located below a bike shop in the prestigious area of Portland known as St. Johns, was the perfect place for such a gathering. People milled about seemingly comfortable in an environment filled with machines large and small. Into this quaint shop were jammed a veritable who's who of Portland, Oregon...such as:

18- Chris King Employees (seriously these people are everywhere). One of these informed me that she doesn't like going to the movies. A generalization I know, but I don't ask for these confessions, they just happen. I informed her that Conan the Barbarian is playing at the $3 Larelherst Cinema. That should change her mind.


1- 8 year old guy that not only informed me his pant pockets had been filled with 5lbs of sand earlier in the day, but also that if he starred in "Drunk Wars" which is the Drunk version of Star Wars, he would play Obi-Drunk Kenobi. Where did he come up with that? He must have some sort of twisted parent or something? (Notice I said Parent.)

12 - Bottle Caps that allow you to play Rock Paper Scissors, or "Roshambo" if you're into the whole brevity thing. Isn't Portland wacky?


1 - Henry James Jig.

0 - These guys were there too, and it was a straight up Midwestern love fest since they're originally from the Wisco as well.

23 - Amazing Cycling posters.
Tscmil, DeVlaeminck, Chippo, Merckx to name a few.


2- A Magazine Publisher.


46 - people wearing Free PVB t-shirts. I could only snap one though, the devilish D. Roth. Someone asked Dave what this "PVB" stood for and he rattled off a description of mythic proportions...I believe the phrases "at every race on the east coast," and "everyone know's The Pvb" were used. Epic.*
*Its at these moments, as a friend, that you get to kind of step back and smile. And no, I didn't tell anyone about the "crashing" incident.

1 - Of my favorite photographers. Dan Sharp Was spotted chatting with my new favorite businessman, the owner of Ampersand Vintage and the root of the ephemera craze. At least in my mind anyway.

The piles of bikes outside the shop warmed my heart as it sounds like the weather in good ol Boston hasn't made for the best cycling these days...that is unless you've got a Pink-Panda Equipped, Studded-Tire Snow Eating Fixed Gear Bicycle. Watch out for that shit will roll straight up and over you. Guaranteed.

Stay gold Boston. I still think of you often.

026: Ira Ryan pays the bills.

Went to Ira Ryan's open studio this evening.
Last evening was Jordan Huffnagel's event of the same vein.
Both were fun, but might take me a minute to get caught up on.

Right before I took this picture he said to me...
"do you ever wonder how I really pay the bills?"
I didn't know what he meant, but whatever.

025: Along the Way: Roadkill.

As promised here is the list of roadkill that I saw on the 700 miles that we rode through California. If you're squeamish, look away, or don't read it. I didn't look away. I saw it all. Took it in. I've also provided some musical selections that should help your perusal, they are noted with a (*.)

Skunk. (12) These little black and white stripey guys seem to be getting it all over California. I stopped counting at 12. This is not the state land mammal of any one of our fine fifty, which is a shame.

Possum. (3) It was two, and then on the last day I saw one. It reminded me of the time we did this ride and PVB and I saw a whole family of dead possum on the road. PVB rode up next to me, we made eye contact and spoke of it only to say we'd never speak of it again.
*Merle Haggard Mamma Tried

Sheep Head. That's all I saw. The head. We were grinding up a slow climb on the second or third day, coming out of SF when we saw this one. The funny thing is that when you're in this situation you think that you're the only one seeing the minutiae of the ride and then mention it, like I did, thinking you're some profit of roadkill and everyone goes "oh yeah, on the climb the second day, yeah, it was all withered and weird looking." Oh well.

Small Dog. With collar. The aforementioned Chihuahua. This time it was Cole and I that shared this ugly moment.



Potbelly Pig. Is this getting old yet?
* Conway Twitty's Its Only Make Believe.

Huge Fucking Snake. This thing had to be about 8 feet long and maybe 8 weeks dead. I rolled over it while Chad from the Sram support car (of course we had a Sram support car) pulled me back from 5 mile wrong turn. I remember thinking..."that is a huge fucking snake." No one else saw this one. Bam!
*George Jones The Race is On

Hawk, or Falcon. I'm not a bird expert. There is an article coming out in Embrocation Volume3 about one, but its not me. This was a really large bird with white and gold-ish looking feathers.

Deer. I kid you not, its smashed body was not ten feet from a Deer X-ing sign.
*My new favorite song is I Don't Want to Play House by Tammy Wynette

Various Birds. They're everywhere.

Rabbit. For some reason I remember not being surprised that this was the lump in the road I was facing.


Coyote. He looked like he was sleeping.

Pheasant. This was on the last climb on the last day. At this point I was looking for roadkill. I was all alone (off the front mind you) and scanning the roadside for anything to break up the road and this was it...
*Cue Marty Robbins I Walk Alone.

Lance Armstrong. Now, I know what you're thinking, but I know what I saw and that's what I saw. I saw it again this evening when I was perusing my new favorite industry blog/actual newswire that anyone should care about: the "What's New" section of Competitive Cyclists Road Department.


So, my question is. Why can this guy get away with anything? I mean, these shoes are hideous right? Is anyone in agreement with me? Apparently not, because of the 16,108 people that have looked at Lance's aptly named Twit Pic, more than a few have commented on how great they are. Not only have SIXTEEN THOUSAND PEOPLE looked at this photo, but a few have taken the time to comment on how they "Rawk."

Why has there been time taken out of some artists day to paint on something that:
a) is generally facing the ground.
b) will be trashed and scratched the first time it is worn, I mean, I had laser beams painted on the bottom of mine, but then I actually went for a ride in them. Oops, artwork gone.

PS. I'm going to be at the actual Tour of California and can someone inform Mr. Armstrong that he better show up in a Camaro with matching flames and a flaming jumpsuit or I'm going to be really, really disappointed.
* Cue Ring of Fire.

PSS. Can Yakima bring back this ad campaign please?

024: Ira Ryan Open Shop Event

Ira Ryan opened up his shop for me yesterday to get a little sneak peak into what he's doing. So, dear readers (can I call you that?), if you happen to be in the Portland area this weekend you should stop in to check it out.

His walls are lined with vintage cycling posters and it might be worth it solely to check out his personal armada of bicycles. My favorite is his pink commuter that he put together with custom racks and an integrated handlebar (with brake levers welded in).

I have been spending a little bit of time with Ira and he's quite the interesting cat. We have cooked up more than one little scheme that may be developing over the coming weeks/months/years...stay tuned for that I guess.

Here are a few other interesting facts about Ira. Only you'll have to go to his Open Shop Event to find out which ones are true and which ones I just made up.

1) His morning routine involves oatmeal with a wide assortment of additives: figs, dates, almonds, brown sugar, and love.

2) His favorite Cyclist is André Tchmil.

3) Ira is known through the cycling world as "that guy who slept in a ditch overnight to finish that one race that wasn't really a race."

4) Mexican Votive Candles are his one true passion.

5) He's hopeful about the way that the handmade bicycle industry is going.

6) He rides hard with Rapha Continental always on his mind and in his heart.

7) He's actually a hit-man for Sacha White.

Anway, if this little list doesn't go to show that he's an interesting character ( he is from the Midwest) then I think going to check out his shop will.

023: World Champs.

Congrats to these two:
Neils "Prince" Albert and Marianne Vos on their world championship rides. Hopefully my men on the ground, one Slate Olson M.D. and Dr. Zac Daab have some good stories and photo's to fill us in on all the action.

Molly Cameron and I met her during after the Pentage race in Luxembourg. We didn't talk too much about the upcoming World Championship races because after the Pentage race she was heading to Holland to concentrate on the 6 Day Racing circuit, which she informed me has official women's races starting this year (uh, hello is this the Dark Ages.) And not only that, but she was extra excited that they no longer allow smoking in the Velodromes there so that it could also be a pleasant experience for the Cyclists.

She was really sweet though, and her and Molly had a good time talking about everything from music selections to international travel.

So, extra special amazingness to Ms. Vos, it will be interesting to see how the rest of her season shapes up a Gold Medal in the Summer Olympics and another World Championship. Can anyone stop her reign? Doubt it.