Category: Cycling

  • Team Lightning Lab

    Team Lightning Lab Cycling Jersey

    As a cyclist, I’m always envisioning designs for cycling kit and being inspired by all the fantastic options out there. Sometimes I even take on a related project or two.

    While in New Zealand, I had the opportunity to design a jersey and bib for Lightning Lab (the brand for Creative HQ’s various acceleration programs). As I’m hoping to have the finished kit in-hand soon, I wanted to give a little sneak peek of what’s to come. (Thanks to Danny and the team at Ultimo for their eternal patience.)

    For more cycling and adventure-related content, don’t miss my latest activity on Instagram.

  • For a Good Cause

    Gravel Road

    As you may know, sometimes I jump on my bicycle and ride a few miles for a good cause. And sometimes I make such a decision at the last minute with less than ideal planning and training. Part of the fun, really.

    Well, this Saturday, I’ll be riding the 65-mile course at the Texas Mamma Jamma to benefit some fantastic Central Texas organizations that help breast cancer fighters and survivors. There’s still time to join me on the ride. And there’s still time to donate!

    Feel free to follow along and witness the shenanigans via Instagram — and stay tuned for a sneak peek at my new cycling-related charity endeavor called Microadventu.re. Can’t wait to share more.

    See you out there on the road.

  • The Rimutaka Cycle Trail

    I recently embarked on a solo bikepacking adventure around the Rimutaka Cycle Trail. 183 kilometers of scenic vistas and gravel road, with a bit of soul-searching along the way. Below are a few of my favorite photos from the journey to Greytown and back. For more data and details, check out the ride via my Strava profile.

    Raleigh Stuntman

    Northwards

    Rimutaka Rail Trail Tunnel

    Horseshoe Bend

    Ocean Beach

    Wellington

    Pencarrow Lighthouse

    Ocean Beach

  • A Bit of Belgium in Austin

    Cyclocross

    The 2015 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships arrived in Austin this week, and I honestly can’t remember the last time I was this excited about attending a sporting event. What I’m not excited about is the traditional Belgian weather that is accompanying the festivities — it’s freezing outside.

    While I don’t consider myself a photographer, I picked up my DSLR for the first time in ages to shoot the singlespeed championship races on opening day.

    Explore more of my photos and commentary in issue number 20 of Bike Hugger Magazine.

  • Gran Fondo

    Gran Fondo

    Since my jump to self-employment in late July, I’ve longed to take a cycling trip for some quality soul-searching. Nothing hits the reset button for my heart, mind and body more than a challenging bike ride. After ruling out overnight adventures due to my current schedule, I finally decided that November 25th would be the day for my big solo ride. The Tuesday before the Thanksgiving holiday.

    It turned out to be the most perfect of days.

    Inspired in part by Strava’s monthly Gran Fondo challenges, I selected a 70+ mile route that took me from Fredericksburg to Kerrville and back. I went just above the 130 km / 80.6 mile mark to unlock November’s Gran Fondo jersey, a motivational (and marketing) strategy that I find to be very appropriate for the cycling community.

    Countless cattle guards and low-water crossings, plenty of roadkill (mostly armadillos), herds of goats and alpaca, one minor mechanical issue, a mystical moment with three deer running alongside me, the most picturesque Hill Country views this side of the Guadalupe River, a few leg-breaking hills on the return — just a few of the sights and experiences that befell me on the road.

    A few tips and recommendations for this particular route:

    • The Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg has public restrooms. Parking at the Marktplatz worked wonderfully.
    • There is a Jack & Adam’s and Hill Country Bicycle Works in Fredericksburg for any last-minute supplies.
    • Make sure to carry everything you may need. There are long stretches where you won’t come across a convenience store, much less another human being.
    • Just to reinforce the above, bring plenty of water and food.
    • In addition to the usual items for more than one tire repair, make sure to bring your chain tool.
    • Even with next to no traffic in the middle of nowhere, it’s always a good idea to stay as far to the right as possible.
    • When in Fredericksburg, go German for your post-ride feast at the Fredericksburg Brewery.

    Overall a fantastic reminder that it’s the journey, not the destination, that counts.

  • Taking Off the Training Wheels

    Sometimes I’m asked to write a few words on a particular subject or another. The crew at Bike Hugger once again gave me the opportunity to do just that for their digital magazine.

    “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” – Mark Twain

    It’s amazing what your kid can learn, especially when the knowledge comes from others. Sure, my five year-old son is watching and absorbing a vast array of my own unfortunate behaviors — some of my more colorful language for example. But as soon as I rightfully took his training wheels off in an effort to teach him to ride a bicycle, he looked me straight in the eye with a “you’re unqualified for this” stare. And I’m concerned he might be right.

    As a result of our modest progress, I signed him up for a “Biking Class for Kids” with a local shop. On the subject of removing his pedals to first perfect his balance, perhaps he would trust Cindy, the professional mountain biker he met just three minutes ago, more than me.

    “You become a parent thinking you’ll teach your kids, but you soon discover they are the ones doing the teaching.” – The best advice my dad ever gave me (outside of how babies are made)

    The bike class occurred the day before his very first day of kindergarten. Life transitions abound. The thing no one tells you when you become a parent is how vulnerable you will become. How emotional you are when all your childhood fears and traumas of youth spill out. Your heart aches for what is ahead, as you can only protect them from so much.

    “Dad, what if I crash?”

    “Well, sometimes that might happen. But it’s how you’ll learn to become a better rider,” I explain.

    We buy a set of elbow and knee pads.

    “Dad, I’m scared of crashing.”

    “That’s okay… that’s normal. I was okay after I crashed in that race. Remember?” Come to think of it, I wasn’t.

    “Then can I get some gloves like you, Dad?”

    After quite a search for the right size, we buy a pair of gloves with flames on them.

    “You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn’t like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.” – Grandma from the 1989 film, Parenthood

    “Put on your helmet,” I remind him for the seventh time. A lucky number.

    He builds up some speed, my hand on his back. His feet on the rotating pedals now. A gentle push.

    The letting go.

    He rides on his own about 30 feet down the sidewalk, loses his balance and topples hard on the concrete.

    My heart skips a beat.

    How we recover from the crashes in our life make us who we are. I’m at once terrified, proud and excited to see what he does next.

    Photo by Adrienne O’Keefe.

  • Moments from My First Interbike

    Every so often I get invited to write an article on the tech or events industry. Less often do I get invited to write about my passion for cycling. Well, the crew at Bike Hugger gave me the opportunity to do just that regarding my recent trip to Interbike. I was honored to share a few glimpses into my inaugural experience for Bike Hugger’s new digital magazine.
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