211: Man's Last Stand, Again.

You all have seen Joe Staples before right? So, when I mention that he is a part of the team, or talk about how great he is you are not going to be surprised correct? When it comes to Embro West (you have to cross your two middle fingers in the middle when you make the W) Abby, Ryan and Dan are pretty fucking fan-tas-tic, but we need to do these by baby steps for a couple of reasons.

1. Because he is not featured on the Team section of the website (which his lovely wife publicly shamed me for) but then again no one on the Embro West side of things is up there. Which I would think should maybe be taken into account"? And why is that you might ask yourself? Well, that is because - collectively (on the West Coast) we like to "run and gun" as they say. Fly a little "under the radar" if you will.

2. If I were to start to opine on just how awesome all these Cats are, well, then you, dear reader would be here for daaays. Because they are that awesome. But we'll get to that, fear not. There is time for everything.

But I figure, I can talk, and you guys know what I'm talking about. Just let me know if you need filling in, because I can do that as well.


But the reason that Joe is at the forefront of my mind is also two fold. The first because new team bikes have been trickling in. And by trickling I mean that they are here. And two because I saw his (and his lovely wife's) handiwork on the big screen last night. And it kind of blew my mind.

I did not dare take Joe's Helium out of its neatly bound package mainly because I felt it rude to fondle another mans frame that way. But also because the seatmast protruded in this way that made me blush a little bit and just felt wrong to delve into. But I did manage to take a few snaps before he came to whisk it away.

Chances are, if I were a betting man, I would say that an Embrocation Decal set would follow closely behind something like this. "Team it up a bit." Just saying.

Alright, so you saw his bike. Now see this. Or, maybe you actually you have seen it already? This played during the most recent Superbowl. But actually, it is a big deal, because a lot of people watch that game. And to be "in the know" you have to at the very least know that it exists.

And if you were to quiz me on Superbowl knowledge I would more than likely defer to big names such as Brett Favre or Tom Brady (the only two quarterbacks I have known in my adult life - and I by known I mean "aware of.") Them and maybe Joe Montana. But I would not have actually known much about the Superbowl. Which brings us up to date and at the movie theater last night...

Hot Tub Time Machine. (see it, see it, see it, seriously fucking see it, it's hilarious)

So, Kyle, Molly and I are sitting in the movie theater last night (see above) and Man's Last Stand (see below) comes on. Kyle and I decided we like the last guy the best. He is definitely the weirdest. But in this theater. The one where we are about to watch Hot Tub Time Machine (we'll get to that later), this is the largest theater I have been in recently. Maybe ever. And this is what we see, but picture it on the hugest screen ever...





Well, Joe wrote that. He and Jimm pulled the whole thing off with his wife Jessica and Mark Romaneck. Yeah. Same one. Remember when you saw the Weezer El Scorcho? Yes, same Romaneck. He has one of those Director Series guys. No big deal if it was the second version. All that matters is that he's awesome. And the movie One Hour Photo has Robin Williams in it, who was also in Ferngully. See, brought it back around.

But the point of all this is... at the end of the ad, the car drives straight at the camera and then, in a feat that could only be pulled off in a theater of this magnitude, drives straight over the crowd. "Damn, check that out, how do they do that?" is what was uttered, I don't know by whom. "Well, they smash the shit out of a really expensive camera" was my reply. "I know this because I have seen it."

You be the judge. And then, the next time that you see this trick used in movies or tv shows, know that this is what it takes to get this shot. It is not just another small camera with a wide angle lens. This is the real deal. Smashing shit. Kicking ass and taking names later. Right?

210: This Weekend Past

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Riding
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A woman at Heart Roasters the other morning told Joe that of all the cycling clothing in that room (and there was more than a bit) the one with the coffee on it was the best. Which is always nice to hear. Because Coffee is the best. If you are looking to get some of your own, it looks as though the only ones left are the long sleeve jerseys and the leg warmers...


Word on the street is that we are in for another two weeks of rain. This past week/weekend was pretty awesome for riding and ride we did. I think that this is the most amount of riding that I have ever done in the month of March. We rode a couple times with Cindy, not only is she one of the cyclists featured in the new Rapha Women's Line, but she's also a pretty badass rider. And I say "badass rider" because she also rides motorcycles (with photographers on the back, and through Europe) and possibly a Rally Car or two.

Then there was J. Curtes (check out his photos from the Snowboarding world) out and about with his Speedvagen. Have not seen it since the gentleman's race and yes, I think that maybe I did miss the Gold Foil Decals on his hoops. There was some comment on whether or not these 68's were road appropriate. Maybe because they were so loud that everyone got jealous and started looking for a way to get them out of there. Carbon clinchers. Just saying.

Dan Sharp and I both almost fell off our bikes trying to get the closest look possible of the EDGE decals. They look really smart with the whole setup of the Vagen. And when jealousy calls she calls loud and hard. Damn Sirens. It is the time of year for new gear. There will be no denying that. When the sun peaks out just a little bit then the new booties (guilty) socks, kneewarmers appear as if it was christmas morning. How much of a social boner would it be to not be rocking new gear each spring? Sheesh.


Ever notice that there is a certain gait that cyclists adapt off the bike? The appearance is one of a sort of ambulation that one might associate with a cowboy or at the very least a motorcycle tourist. Someone who has been seated most of their life. It looks almost painful but at the same time instantly conveys (to those of us in the know, wink and a nod) that this individual spends more time pedaling a bicycle than actually walking.

I might have stolen that last paragraph out of Bill Strickland's book on big L's comeback. His descriptions of cyclists are so spot on in that they make you look at other riders, at yourself, to attempt to decipher this code that is cycling. Pretty soon I will be ambling along the side streets of Portland attempting to look more 'cowboy.'

Which I would guess in this town might help me to fit in?

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Sneak Attack with Ira Ryan.
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After Black Hammer (more later)
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There was other sorts of riding that happened this weekend as well. Jam packed was this one. The second one you can easily reproduce in the comfort of your home or backyard. It is really easy to do. Or at least the version that I came away with.

Steps:

1. Wrap a dark colored bandanna around your eyes insuring that you cannot see for shit.

2. Run/Ride as fast as you can towards the nearest undergrowth or brush. You will fall.

3. This is where you would think "repeat" would be in order. But it is not. When you crash, which you inevitably will do. Just keep down real low to the ground. And while you are down there, bang your head on the ground a few times, and then just for kicks get your friends to run over you with their bikes. It will be great I promise.

In all honesty. The After Black Hammer went off without a hitch once again. And when the x-rays come back and we hear that nothing has been broken, then we will know the truth. But until then I will leave you with a motorcycle from the shop of James Crowe. Who Shreds. More on that later.

209: A Few Things on Friday.

Fat Marc, you are amazing. I like it when people have good things to say in the comments section. Other than that, not really too much of an idea as to what goes on in the minds of readers. If you are out there.

But yes, there was some pretty sweet times happening in the MAC races. 2008 USGP in Trenton New Jersey was pretty awesome. I had about 10 more psi that was necessary for the slipperiest muddiest course known to man. And instead of doing the proper thing that I knew I needed to do, which was pull over and let air out of my tire. I just kept plodding along trying to make up for it on the long straight stretches. And you were right (it was Pete Rubi) but he did say, matter of factly, "guys, this is not working." At least we had the wherewithall to laugh about it. A lot.

Ok, what else? Couple of sweet little nuggets of truth out there for you.

A Few Things...

1) Where can I get a custom toothbrush made? I wish I was joking, but I am not. I liked the Retrotech one very much. But I saw this one yesterday, and I am really liking it. Plus the flyer promoting it is even more awesome. Draplin Design Company is based here in Portland, OR. And they do some pretty cool stuff, take a look (nay, get lost) in the site. Also, do all of the worlds greatest Cobra Dogs branding and design. Get a shirt.



2) Speedvagen/Rapha/Hemi
There has been a new partnership abreast. That between Rapha, Speedvagen and Hemi. It looks a little something like the below photo. Basically it means going really fast and looking really sweet when you are doing it. I cannot, will not take credit for this one either. This one was brought to you today by Mr. Joe Staples. And if you are wondering who that character might be? Well, someone emailed me today and asked where they could learn more about applying Embrocation. Look no futher my friend.

In all seriousness though you should take a moment to peruse through the newly formed Speedbloggen. Sacha and company are churning out the hits at the moment and most specifically there has been a lot of buzz and speculation surrounding the Rapha/Speedvagen Cyclocross Team. Sacha addresses some of that here, but so far all we have is some really sweet looking kits and bikes. And trust me when I say that if I knew more, you would be the first to know...


3) Good Habits Clean Living - the second printing of the Major Taylor pamphlet by Chris Piasick is pretty damn sick looking. I kind of dig these two blues together. Maybe it is because I have so man fond memories of racing against a dominating cycling team with the same colors, but maybe it is just becuase I love these colors together. I also like that he is using Repeat Press to make stuf for him. I was fortunat enough to get in and see that place. Very cool and some very old letterpress machinery that is a little mindblowing.


4) Vans Supercorsa Italia Edition.
Well, I guess I need to get some new Vans. I mean, I wear them all the time anyway. They help me do sweet tricks on my longboard. Not really, but I do think that they are pretty awesome and Spring is almost here. I found this through Trackosaurus, again. Cause he's dope. Also digging the fact that they attempt to pay tribute to the jerseys of the Giro. White - Youngest, Green - KOM, Pink - Leader, Cyan - Sprints, and Black - for the last place finisher. All signs point them being availible in July (two months after the Giro.)


Ok, that is all.

208: Straight Outa Nottingham.

You have heard me talk about this bike. Well here it is. In all its single-speed glory. Thanks to everyone who wrote in requesting the bicycle. Both of you. You did the right thing and went with your heart and I appreciate that. Sincerely. And I have not forgotten about you. Really.

And maybe you find it rude, that I post these photos after the fact? But, I guess that is just the breaks. I had tons of great submissions (four total) and people really went all out (by writing emails). Just asking you to think outside the box a little is all. Take a chance. Take a chance on a dream? What am I even saying I do not know?

I did have a savior in all of this though. One man went out of his way to put a little creativity back out there in the world. I mean, the truth of the matter (this is the sunshine talking) that we do so much TAKING these days that maybe it was time to give back a little bit? So, this guy went and made a board game out of it. What the fuck? It works as well...

Kyle and I gave him the 20 questions about it and he responded like he knew what the hell he was talking about. I'll have to get back to you on the name (which means I'm going to make him change it to something with BRO in it.) The little moving figurines are a used chamois, a Mach3 razor, and a worn out set of road cleats all cast in copper. It is going to be that big. And if you happen to follow Kyle VonH on twatter: @newantarctica you might have seen some of the preliminary drawings that are definitely going into the final design of the board game.

God damn that is a hot saddle.

There is a little bit of mud there on the Pabst logo but I somehow thought that appropriate. This bike has been ridden sweetly and caressed through the mud a limited number of times. Each time was with great care and attention to the pain that was searing through my body at the time. Going straight from a legitimately (attempted) A Cross race to that was not what I would call a pleasant experience. But still Reigning Holeshot Champion Tony Pereira did ok with it.

I really like what these guys are doing though. Both the SSCXWC and Raleigh. I have seen a disconnect between brands and "scenes" happen before. We all have. And it isn't happening here. Whatever Sally's practices "off the court" may be, "on the court" he has his eye on the ball. Always. What I am still trying to figure out though... is why, when I had that red and black Raleigh CX bike in 2004 or 05 (you know, the one with the carbon rear triangle, I'm sure I have photos somewhere)


My how the times have changed huh? The ones of myself from that era are pretty funny as well. Richard Fries took to calling me "the bearded gent" for a while. Could not tell if that was a gentle urging to shave or something else entirely. It was also around this time that we started making trips down to the MACC series and Fat Marc and I instantly became frenemies. I wish I could remember how the start of that friendship went? A mid-race conversation? A passing thought as we brushed shoulders on the course?

Me: You're wearing a pink helmet.
Marc: Yup.
race race race pedal pedal pedal turn race pedal pedal pedal
Me: You always wear that helmet?
Marc: Pretty much.
race race race pedal pedal pedal turn race pedal pedal pedal

Seriously though I don't think that is how it went down, and I want to remember. Damn it. I think that it had something to do with me coming down and stealing precious points away from his boy in the B's. There might have been some hostility even at one point. (a very- who do these guys think they are kind of thing) but I'm betting that it was Marc who tempered everything with a joke. I also remember that after a couple years our relationship (yeah I took it there) progressed to a point where if I got to the start line and could not find him I would just let fly with a "MAAAARC" which in turn would be answered "DUUUUUNNNN." Primitive I know, but also effective.

So, enough for the trip down memory lane...

My real question was this...

Why did my Raleigh Cross Bike (the Red and Black one) have 135mm spacing in the rear? It was the only one out of the whole batch that had it. Ideas? Was it only so that I could use my Spinergy Wheels with the frame? Thought so.

207: King Kong Classic2

KV reminded me of this today. So good. 2006 Tour de Suisse

Remember when I said that Tom Boonen was going to win Milan San Remo? Well, I was right and finally CD and I can agree on something. At the party last night he came up to me and said...

CD:
"Do you know who won today?"

Me:
"Yes, of course. Tom Boonen."

CD:
"You are correct because Oscar Freire was being helped by the Right Hand of God."
Fact.

And I do not remember who was standing with us when all of this happened, but I am sure that they were mystified beyond reason. This MSR outcome makes me even happier than if Boonen would have won. Oh, I do love our Booger Sugar touting Belgian friend. (That's streetcode for Cocaine.) But Freire? When he is anywhere near the front in the last few K's he reaches into his jersey pocket and pulls out sheer magic. The three time WC is a crafty-crafty man who knows where to be and when to be there. Besides, who would not want a leadout from the Liquigas team?

King-Kong Classic

Number two went off without a hitch. Especially with Daniel Lloyd, the Cervelo Test Team rider pictured in the KKC2 flier being alerted to his participation in at least the photo portion of the ride. This photo was from last years Gent-Wevelgem. Straight up and over the town of Gent, and we were standing at the top of the hill as Daniel and Co. flew past.

The real best part though? MsR was the talk of the town as we rolled out on the now monthly King Kong Classic ride/race/friendly slugfest. Is it monthly now?

Also Dave G. from River City Bicycles was on the ride. And he was all talk about the MSR race as well, I snapped this photo just as I heard him telling Matt Kare that he was actually present in 2002 when Cippolini won. I find that to be pretty damn awesome. Plus, his use of the full on fendered steel bike was a pretty awesome sight to behold.


Abby and I were speculating on whether or not the previous days good weather had anything to do with every ones good moods. People were calling to us from their Porchside viewing spots and we cruised up Thompson and into the hills. She made the great observation that there was reportedly great weather all over the country. "I hope that everyone goes into this Health care Reform vote as happy as we are. And I guess they were.

The weather looked as though it was going to hold off for at least the first bit, but by the time we made it to the top of Thomson it was already starting to come down. And no one wants to stand around in the rain. So, off we went. Things got a little tense when we hit the gravel sector, we will call it Gravel Sector 1, or GS1, if you will. At GS1 is where things really started to heat up and I watched Weaver pedal through a full on two wheel Tokyo Drift through the first right hander. It was awesome.


There were a few things that happened after that but most of them involved heavy breathing, at least on my end, and me staring cross eyed at the wheel in front of me. Especially when that wheel in front of me belongs to a couple of people. 1. Molly testing out her new Ridley Helium. And 2. New father Shannon Skerritt on his fully fender-ed ultra commuter. The bottles were a dead giveaway though.

I flatted out of the first version of this ride/race and did not get to see the entirety of the climb. Well, today I found out what I was missing and it involved a little bit of and incline. Some grunting, and then more of an incline. This (photo below) is what kept me going for the entirety of the ride. While I could not hide in the vast shadow/wind block that is the Weaver (that is not meant as an offense either.) I did have the image burned into my retinas for the majority of the ride.

Weaver got this when he was over for the Cyclocross worlds a couple months ago. And I have to check with a few anonymous sources but I do believe that this is the same character that raced in the full Budweiser kit in the Luxembourg Cross Race last year. I remember this clearly mainly because the only other Americans that I knew there were Yash and his girlfriend (now fiance Megan). But someone else in the crowd, and I couldn't tell where it was coming from - just kept yelling "Goooooo Budman!! YEAHHH BUDMAN."

It made me feel gross and unamerican.

But now I am over it.

Also, we had a little bit of a party over at Ampersand the other night. Great stuff came of that and thank you to everyone who came out to help celebrate and make Volume 5 possible. Take for example this little guy. To end on a cute note is always good. Especially when it involves a super great Spider-Man hoodie...

206: More More More.

Evil Ryan keeps asking about Ping-Pong this weekend, and the only thing that I could think was. Ping-Pong Porno Paddles. Not because I am really that into...(which am I going to say?) Porno, but because this would be a sweet thing to have on hand. Plus David Neevel made them and that makes them awesomer...why? Because he has a beard and I just saw a photo of him holding cookies at a bar downtown. Beards and cookies.

Also, there have been a little bit of sweet-age showing up at the office for the party this weekend. Mr. Sachs himself sent over a print which looks really good and was done by House Industries. I want you to have one.


And the Chris Piascik Major Taylor piece showed up. The little pamphlet style book looks really great. Take a look through his site as there are some great hand drawn letters happening over there. Really good looking stuff. So, there is that. But in all honesty, I really really like this one not only for the historical reference, but also for its overall message. It sounds like M. Taylor is the kind of guy that I would not mind hanging out with. "Don't Forget to Play the Game Fair." How do you even argue with that?

Also heard that he is going to be printing a full on letterpress style one. So, that should be good too.



There will be some T-Shirts on hand as well. I did a little T-shirt section in the new publication and have been getting some good feedback on it. Actually I just made that I up, I haven't gotten much feedback on it, but in an effort to "Play the Game Fair" I just thought that I should let you know where I am coming from. The guy working the hotel desk at the NAHBS said that he really liked this section though because I had sweet "tats". Thanks man, but I have realized (maybe just tonight) that I kept getting tattoos to cover up the really bad ones. They are good now, but when it first got going... yikes...(what I was 17.)

I'm going to do a similar spread like this for amateur cycling kits the next time around, so let me know if you think that I should feature yours. Because, really, I probably should. And wait till you see how I am going to shoot it. (Ones I am hoping for - Wooly Mammoth, PBS, CBS, HUPIS LIBRIS, ATMO, Pony Shop, Ritte, Cambridge Bicycle, Geekhouse, IF... what am I forgetting? I know that I am forgetting a few there.) So, send me over an email if you think that your kit should be featured.

But here is what the TShirt looks like. If you are not going to be albe to make the party. You are in luck! You can still get one of your own on these shirts. Which I made by hand. Well, sort of. I printed out the logo and then placed some tracing paper over it. But, it seems to make a better story if you actually made it by hand.


Also, the fun is not going to stop this weekend. Or at the very least on Saturday. The Veloforma Gals are having their own little party right down the street and I highly recommend that you go and check this one out as well. I am planning on it. Dave Roth, our man in the field, said that he went to this event last year and every girl on the team was dressed up and looking positively great in what could almost pass as evening wear. That is a good reason to be there.

and then...

On Sunday morning when you wake up with a hangover from having too much beer. Then I guess you could come and ride this. I seriously just found this flyer on the way over here and scanned it into the computer. Fresh off the press or something... Anyway, I did the first one and it was so much fun that I think I will do it again.

PS - Boonen is definitely going to win Milan San Remo. Cavendish is out getting his teeth fixed and who else do we have? Hausler? Nope, injured. Maybe someone old and crusty?

Also, the same Dave Roth that was pushing me to break it up with the EMBRO awards harped on me so badly tonight for not following through with all of them that I think they will continue. I really thought that people were over the NAHBS and didn't care too much so I thought I would just save it all for the actual issue. But worry not, I'll finish it out.

See you Saturday.

205: Never Been to Spain (the song.)

Ampersand
2916 Alberta Street PDX
3/20/2010
6-10pm

Mention free beer. Just mention it.

See? I told you that the Flyer out of Ampersand would be much better than mine. If for no other reason than they got the address correct. I got that word that there is going to be some Mad Alchemy action up in this piece as well. Yes, I said up in this piece. That was almost as "street" as when CD quoted Biggie Smalls this morning. Judas Priest I am used to, but Biggie plucks at the heartstrings.

Did I mention that I am excited to hang out with everyone this weekend, albeit nervous? Tina Brubaker twitted, or tweeted that she was coming and things were going to get "broke." And then on top of that 21st Avenue bicycles commented that they were going to "destroy everything in sight." Am I to take this as a sign that things may actually get broken at the Ampersand Shop? That is not what I had in mind.

I simply thought that we could get together and discuss some of the issues of the day?

Some of the issues of the day:

1) This amazing post on Craigslist. "Black turtle mud spikes = Pinhead designed and tested to raise hell" I don't even know what that means, but it makes me laugh.

2) Corey Haim. What happened little buddy? (Ok, we all know what happened.)

3) Speaking of Mind Melting. My mind melted when I saw this on Tracko today. You can find a few other ones on the site of Jorge Leon. Sir, you are now in the awesomebook just for putting this little collection together. Virenqe and Indurain are my favorites. Ok, I like Delgado too. Ok, they are all pretty awesome. I fucking love Virenque's haircut on this too. I'm doing that for the summer.

Every time I think about Indurain, or even hear the mention of his name I think about Spain. I was there a few years ago and somehow found myself humping this crappy mountain bike up throught hills that I could not fathom now if I tried. Everywhere you looked there was sunshine and goats. You would have to stop in the road and wait on the hot tarmac for them to move along. Then get a running start and jam on the broken pedals and hope for the best.

You know how they (people who have no clue about cycling) shout "Gooo Lance" whenever they see you in a cycling kit? (Shame on you if you wear yellow). Well, over there they chant something else and it goes "In-du-rain, In-duuu-rain." It only took me about seven goat herders to figure out what they were saying. And the instant it did my hear swelled to three times its normal size and tears squeezed from my eyes.

Thanks Spain.

4) The Spanish Mashburn
Speaking of Spain, my teammate Kyle Smith (I can still say teammate if he's on the East Coast right?) and former teammate Nick Mashburn (Cambridge Bicycle and now Svelte? Awesome!) are riding their right now. And I am insanely jealous. I guess I will go ride Otto Miller to punish those thoughts out of my silly little head tomorrow.

See you in a couple days. Or not. But before I go, I'll leave you with this little photo. It was a twitter post earlier today, but before that I printed it in Embrocation Volume one. And before that someone took it and then gave it to my other Hero Steve Pucci.

204: Spring is in the Air.

Is it possible to get too excited that Classics Season (something other folks like to call Springtime) is finally upon us? What is it that makes me want to pour over old photos and video looking for answers? Can VDB pull it off? The above piece was written by the esteemed (and nominee for Delaware Cycling Hall of Fame) writer Fat Marc Vanderbacon. Yes, and yes please.

Thanks Radio Freddy for giving us this brief — hands draped over the bars — lesson in Style.



But who can we speak to as this years equivalent? A punchy, flashy replacement for our recently downed hero? The younger Schleck? He needs a little bit of class yet...has too much of that scrubbed clean feel to him? Do you know what I am talking about here, or am I making this up?

Does anyone really care you are asking yourself? R. Freddy cares. I care. Which is also why there may be a reciept for some white overshoes and matching gloves sitting right next to me. (no I did not audition to play mickey mouse at a talent show.) Ok, sorry about this little tangent, I can hash these things out for myself up Otto Miller this Wednesday (12:30).

I know what is on everyone's mind these days: How can I get Tony Periera's autograph? I have a few ideas, but the one that I keep coming back to is to head over to Ampersand this coming Saturday and ask him yourself. And I will tell you this much, lets hush our voices for a minute lest someone overhear us. Ira was signing them at the NAHBS. You be the judge on this one.

Speaking of which. There are a lot of Portland representatives that made it into Volume 5. Tori Bortman runs Gracies Wrench out of the Vanilla Workshop these days and wrote a lovely piece about the building of some Edge Tubular wheels. Wheels that you could use for cross, but that you could also use for the Road if you so desired. Super Sexy Dan Sharp photos as well.

I on the other hand am going to be the judge on this one (I know, already too much italics). What if I said that you needed to WRITE to get me to hand over this SSCXWC bike?
It has Ultegra Tubeless Wheels on it. Twitter says so.

So, Myles, Kyle and I have officially talked about it, so I think that we can move forward with this manner. Submissions are now officially open for a the piece that will WIN this bike. The bike featured in the SSCXWC piece mentioned yesterday. I know you have yet to actually see the bike, but let me tell you - its awesome.

Now the question becomes this...What Do I Submit? And I can go ahead and walk you through it if you like, but that would probably defeat the purpose. What I can do is go ahead and give you a few of the early nommination ideas. Think outside the box here people, this is for you.

1. Photo Submission
Molly Cameron went ahead and nominated her mechanic Jake to do a piece (with photos) about what it is like to be a mechanic for her. I like his forrest photos, the ones of his van, and of course the Cyclocross Ones.

2. Sheer Stoke
Both Kyle (who is another judge, mind you and my main ideas man here) and Cory said something to the effect of "I would shred your face off for this bike."But we were listening to heavy metal and drinking heavily, so I am not entirely sure if that is how it actually went down.

3. Written Submission
Maybe you want to sit down and pen a memoir about how Cyclocross has changed your life? That is cool. I would be totally into that. As long as you can do it in less words than you think Hemmingway could, and get punched in the face twice while working on it. Then do that one. But, in all honesty. I do love me some written words.

4. Self Submission (easy tiger)
Molly nomminated herself as well. Not really sure how that is going to work out, but she said it would "be all about her." I guess the point here is if you can come to me and say "this is me, and this is why you should do a story about me AND give me an effing bike AND I am convinced by this (no physical violence please.) Then we will go with this one.

5. Visual Submission
Are you into the design arts? Maybe a Printmaker or Letterpress Agent (don't think that they are actually called that) and you think you have what it takes to help out with doing the Interstitials (Reflections, Distractions, Features) of the publication. That would be a pretty awesome barter.

So, there you go. A few ideas to get you moving. I am really open to anything at this point. The point of it is that I am hoping to print it in an upcoming volume of Embrocation Cycling Journal...so there is that as well.