6.22.2012

Where to start…Let me first apologize for the lack of excitement on here. I promise you the inactivity does not directly reflect my life. A lot has been going on. I’ve been trying to think of the right post to return back to. Do I write about the Tour de France starting next week? Or about how I sold my car? Or about how I am about to buy a new car? Maybe I could write about my race season. Or maybe I could talk about all the music festivals I am going to this summer. Oh, and Joe and Saskia from HOC are getting married, I couldn’t mention that. I did climb Mt Charelston on my bike last weekend, I guess I could talk about that too. How about we just get started and see how many posts go up…


Location:Attempting to make blog contact...

6.20.2012

I'm alive

I feel it's time to break the silence on here...



4.22.2012

SELLA

4.10.2012

my-life-according-to-my-phone

My life as of late...



4.04.2012

Tour de Sol

Took 10th overall in Tour de Sol Stage Race.

I took 21st in the TT. A full minute behind the leader. Not too bad. I think once I build my TT bike it will be a whole new ballgame. I passed my 30sec and 1min guy. I was stoked on that.

I took 12th in the horribly windy Crit. I worked so hard just to stay in the back. Haha. It was crazy crosswind. No matter where I went I couldn't get in the draft. I only felt good during the last five laps. On last lap, last corner I went a bit too wide. It was a super long sprint, so I didn't jump right away. A few guys passed me, but once I jumped I gained them back at the line. I need to be up there for the last lap. That's 2 12th place crits. I was kinda worn out from the TT before.

I took 11th in the road race. This was a tough, tough race for me. The weather was windy in town and heavy clouds were hovering over gunlock, UT. No one really knew what time each category went off, so I tried to be ready by 8:30, which is when we went off. It started sprinkling. I wore my long sleeve jersey and leg warmers. I did this course before, so I knew what to expect. The first big climb always strings out the field and the first group up the hill stay away. So I was in perfect position starting the climb. I'm out of my saddle and the wind, rain, and pain of no warm up starts to set in. I fall back but keep the leaders a few bike lengths back. I crest the hill and the leaders have already started breaking away. I'm in the same position I was last year, but I refused to just sit and wait for the peloton. I start charging but I am gaining no ground. After a solo effort, Travis from Le Rois comes up next to me and tells me to get on! He has five other riders with him. We start a good rotating paceline and make good time. After an hour of pushing hard and keeping the pace hot we catch the group!! I felt so accomplished. All of five of us gave eachother high fives and pats on the back because we can not believe we caught the leaders. For a while we thought it was hopeless. If the pace slowed down, myself or someone would launch off the front and pull. Once we got to the leaders I was pretty tired. The efforts and matches I burned to catch the group took a major toll. There was about 8 miles left. I stayed in the back to recover. After a bonk breaker bar and some swigs of my waterbottle I was ready to move up. Five miles to go. People try to attack but because of the sequential hills nothing would stay away, and I knew this. It was going to come down to a field sprint. Before the final hill to the finish, someone attacks and it breaks the group. I attach to the tail end but can't move up. My legs are dying and soaking wet. I push as hard as I can. I manage to pass one rider up the hill. And it was over. 11th place, which would later put me in 10th. I felt so proud of myself for not giving up and catching the lead group!

3.30.2012

RIP AIR FRANCE

Sorta like a dream, isn't it...no better.

I was writing about these guys a month ago, talking about how they are set to come out with a new album. Well I guess they are calling it quits. Their response is they couldn't make a proper follow up to their beautiful debut EP.

Air France represented a fun time in my life. I'm happy that they provided the soundtrack.

GW X RAPHA

Garrett Chow, newest Rapha model.

This is Garrett Chow. He is a bad ass. He rides bikes fast, runs MASH and designs cool bikes. He's wearing the Rapha S/S Long Sleeve Gingham Shirt. I need more clothes I can ride in that aren't lycra. It's now been added to my wish list.

3.28.2012

Redlands Criterium

Took 12th in the kamikaze crash fest.

I'm very happy with my result and particularly happy I didn't crash. There were 6 different crashes, taking a few riders down in each! But the Redlands Crit is a sketchy course. I knew that from the year before when I took 17th. The first turn is a 45degree turn and someone went down on the second lap in that corner. I did my best to stay out of the wind, keep an inside line, and keep myself up front. That all changed when there was a really bad crash and the race had to be neutralized. Greg from NuVision went down during that crash. No one really knew when we were to start racing again so the field got bottled up.

Finally with five laps to go I started making my way up. Three laps to go, I'm in single file with the leaders. I have the Le Rois boys in sight, which is what I wanted. They seemed to stay out of trouble until... Two laps to go, two riders cross wheels up front and a few people take off with one lap to go. I quickly follow. I push hard and wait to go into the final turn ready for the uphill sprint. Out of the turn, I wait and then launch. I manage to only pass one person but finished with the main pack that dodged the final crash. Sure enough two riders crash at the line. Fuck dude. I don't think I have written the word "crash" that much before haha. Finished 12th.

I also realized mid-race that I forgot to press start on my garmin. (facepalm) which is whatever because I didn't have my powertap on. Well on to training and Tour de Sol in St. George, UT. After yesterday's finish I'm feeling good. This has been my best result so far. I'm going to try and keep this positive momentum going.

3.22.2012

I SAW RADIOHEAD

Put a big checkmark on my bucket list...I saw Radiohead.

Megan got me tickets to Radiohead as a Christmas present. Three months flew by and it was time to take the boring drive to Phoenix, AZ. After a quick dinner and pre-game drinks we were finally in our seats to see Radiohead!

They opened with "Bloom", the first track off their new album King of Limbs. The second Thom Yorke's voice echoed over the layers of guitars and drums I knew I was in for a treat. The place went into a frenzy. Everyone got out of their seats and grooved uncontrollably so a greatest hits set list. They played a lot of deep cuts, by which I mean, not the singles. While they did not stray far from "Weird Fishes" and "15steps", they also ventured into songs I forgot they had in the arsenal. Airbag was a track that had everyone screaming from the first note.

We were seated far back enough to see they whole crowd but close enough to see Thom's signature muppet-like dance moves. He is such an infectious front man. He had everyone in his control. Radiohead have gotten a bit more political in the past few years. They made a huge statement by not playing in the US while George Bush was in office (hence Hail to the Thief). They have also made a conscious effort to use alternative-fuel tour buses and lower watt LCD blubs for their live show. Thom did make an interesting statement about politicians wearing makeup. It came out of nowhere and by itself; no explanation just throwing it out there. It didn't seem to matter because the audience went crazy when they went into "Lotus Flower" after that.

In all, they played for 2 1/2 hours and went through 26 songs. Quite a set! I was bummed they didn't play more from OK Computer, although they did close with "Paranoid Android". Before launching into that classic, Thom Yorke said, "We have a suprise for everyone."

The show ended too soon. I wish they would have played for five hours. I'm positive everyone in that stadium would have stayed that long too. It's stil sort of surreal when I say to myself that I saw them. I've been waiting to see Radiohead since the first time I heard them in 8th grade. I feel like I can die happy now. Until next time Mr. Yorke...

Spot-On Games

Austin-based media/game company on the rise.

My buddy Kris Miller ventured to Austin to work on a new multimedia-game company called Chances Media. With one app and a SXSW Tech presentation under their belt, they are taking pledges to keep it going. After their angel investor pulled out for family reasons, they are now turning to family, friends, and friends of friends. Chances Media has already experiences recognition in local business journals. The app (Spot-On) is continuing to grow in popularity and a new word game is in the beta phase.

Austin is like the new Silicon Valley. Everyone is working for or with a new media start-up coming. There's a very good reason why SXSW is held there every year. So it's the right place, right time; now we just need to get our ducks in a row.

You can pledge and learn more about Spot-On Games and Chances Media here...

3.19.2012

Milan - San Remo

Simon Gerrans (GreenEdge) take the sprint over Fabian

It seemed like a repeat of last years Paris-Roubaix, Fabian Cancellara makes a winning move and no one would pull. Fabian dragged Gerrans and Nabali to the final km and Gerrans sprints around Fabian and inches him at the line! Fabian Cancellara is a machine right now and it's going to be interesting how he takes this momentum and strength to the next few classics races.

Turn the volume down before you watch this...just a warning haha

3.12.2012

Thee Oh Sees

3.07.2012

MARNI X H&M

Marni is the latest high-end fashion house to collab with H&M.

Like Versace, Lanvin, and Jimmy Choo, Marni is the next big name in fashion to do a collaborative collection with H&M. The collection comes out tomorrow (March 8th) at selected H&M's and goes online worldwide the day after (March 9th). The young, Californian, summer-time campaign video was directed by miss Sofia Coppalla. If you live in Las Vegas, go to the Forum Shops at 8am for first dibs.

3.06.2012

Di2 vs EPS

The ever evolving discussion over groupo supremacy.

Article HERE

2.26.2012

What We Do Is Secret

You have five years.

After Sufferfest I made myself a large breakfast/lunch, put my recovery leggings on and watched What We Do Is Secret. It's a documentary about the legendary LA-punk band The Germs. While known more for their stage antics than music, The Germs set the landscape for American punk and hardcore. I never did get into them when I was younger, but I definitely knew who they were and that they were important. So much of the punk recordings in the late 70's sounded like garbage but it was all about the atmosphere and ideas it created inside you. It's strange, I actually remember being in LA in 2007 and hearing that they were filming this movie. There was a flyer in Ameoba records saying they needed extras for the movie.

Why I didn't go, I have no idea, but I remember vividly thinking now would be a good time to dive into them. The story of the Germs is like most in punk rock; ending too soon. Destruction and suicide are a common place in the history of punk rock. Most punk bands in the late 70's quit before they make it too big in order to keep the legacy of a certain time and scene. You don't get that much these days. And I guess that's what draws me to these primitive recordings.


Sufferfest

93 miles. 5 hours. +8000ft of climbing. +3000 calories. excellent day out.

2.23.2012

not-so-weekly update post

I rode to work without leg warmers for the first time this year.

Pardon my silence on here. I've been keeping myself busy with my regular masters; work, cycling, and Megan. The weather is slowing turning to spring. Although the season is usally short lived, I love it. The race season IS in full swing.


Mauricio Prado won his second race of the season, giving Allegiant Cycling their third win. James Pearce took 4th overall in the Valley of Sun Stage Race and got himself a cat2 upgrade. So there is a lot to be happy about over in our camp. This weekend everyone is taking a break from travelling and racing to participate in the Sufferfest...the first of three this year. This Saturday we will have to do two loops - Mt Potosi - one loop. Thats enough climbing to simulate any race if you ask me. I will most likely do a small crit in LA before the Tour de Sol at the end of March.

Megan and I will venture off to Phoenix to see Radiohead in less than a month!! I can't believe how time flies. Radiohead is one of the bands I need to see before I die. So now I can mark that one off. I still have to hug a live grizzly bear though.

I've been listening to this song every morning...

1.31.2012

Shit Cyclists Say

Man I'm bonking right now...

Well it was bound to happen, Shit Cyclist Say. Over the past few months the trend of Shit ____ say has gone viral. Theres a video for almost anyone. Some good and some really bad. And while I did think to myself, "there's some ridiculous shit cyclist say, and only cyclist say." So I waited patiently, and sure enough it was made...and pretty accurate too. He makes some funny comments about his coach telling him to stay in zone2. This hits pretty close to home as that is my workout for tomorrow.

Although, I don't believe the roads are better in Europe...

1.29.2012

PCK RR and Mothballs Crit

The 2012 race season is off to a great start.

I got home only a few hours ago but I feel I should post all this now while it is fresh in my head. James, Chcuk and I ventured off to Santa Barbara to compete in the Poor College Kids Road Race in Los Olivos, CA and Mothballs Criterium in Goleta, CA. The weather was perfect. It stayed in the upper 70's during the day and there was no need for any leg or arm warmers during the races.

I took 21st in the PCK RR. It was a very short (28 mile) race, just a quick one lap with a big of a climb at the end. This was my first road race of the season and I can not wait for more. It's strange how calm I felt going +30mph downhill, only inches away from total strangers and their bikes. I guess you really have to trust yourself and the people around you. While I had some decent luck in my race, Chcuk took an excellent 9th place in his race.

This is Mike Hand. He is a total badass, I mean just look at his legs. He gave Allegiant Cycling our first win of the season by taking 1st in the Masters +35!! In a field with two National and a WORLD champion, he really brought the hammer down. This is great motivation for our entire team and this is surely the shape of things to come.

After a carbo-loaded dinner and a good night sleep, we headed North to Goleta, CA for the Mothballs Crit. This was my first crit of the season and I was a bit hesitant on doing a crit so early in the year. These races are magnets for wrecks and injuries. But I manned up and lined up. To my surprise it was actually pretty smooth. The NuVision boys were out and we worked together. I managed to dodge a crash and come in 15th place. After the race, we all took a recovery ride to the coast.






Next week will bring me to San Diego for the Boulevard RR and Red Trolley Crit...

1.24.2012

YEARS

Thank you for showing me this Kris Miller

The rings on a cross section cut of a tree can tell scientists a lot about the conditions of its surroundings at different time periods as well as the overall age of the tree itself. But it can also help us tell what the tree sounds like thanks to this fancy record player-like contraption that uses light and some other electronics to transcode the rings in to piano notes.

Seen over at Public School.

I came in early to work and my eyes are heavy. Coffee is helping. This video is so soothing, it blends well with my morning cup. It really portrays how beautiful, calm, and ominous nature can be.

1.19.2012

not-so-weekly update post

It's Thursday and I'm trying to do as little as possible...

Winter training has been going great. I fell into my groove and learned to juggle (that's a metaphor) everything. My first race of the 2012 season is in two weeks. While they are not top priority races I am going to take them seriously. Jan 28th will bring me to Los Olivos, CA for Poor College Kids RR and Jan 29th will bring me to Mothballs Crit. Should be a good weekend of racing and seeing my California friends. It's kind of going to be like the first day of school; everyone will be showing off what they got over the break and how much stronger they are. Everyone wants to believe they are stronger and smarter than the season before last.


Hopefully everyone signed the "stop SOPA and PIPA acts"
The Obama Administration wrote..."While we believe that online piracy by foreign websites is a serious problem that requires a serious legislative response, we will not support legislation that reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risk, or undermines the dynamic, innovative global Internet," and, "Any effort to combat online piracy must guard against the risk of online censorship of lawful activity and must not inhibit innovation by our dynamic businesses large and small."

I am missing my home town a lot right now...

1.12.2012

BMC SR02 For Sale

For Sale: BMC SR02

Joe Ison from HOC and BriteSport is selling a 2011 54cm BMC SR02 w/ Shimano 105 Components. Great entry level aluminum bike for $1200 (Retail is $1500). Someone should definitely give this a good home. Contact Joe or myself for more details.

1.10.2012

Coachella Lineup Announced

Refused and At the Drive-In reunite after a decade of silence.

Sadly, ehh...what am I saying, luckily, I will not be attending Coachella. But it is a banger lineup this year. Two post-hardcore legends Refused and At the Drive-In will be playing along with the usual heavy hitters. Refused annouced that they are "Not Fucking Dead" and have Coachella and Way Out West Fest (Sweden) as their only dates. ATDI set the Internet on fire with their comeback announcement but no other dates have been announced. I really hope they play out West. Seeing ATDI and Radiohead in the same year would be amazing. Speaking of, Radiohead is also set to headline Saturday, but I am seeing them this March with Megan!

The Refused website statement...
It's been a motley 14 years since our band came apart. We've all kept busy in our respective endeavors but we've all remained friends and kept in touch. There have been offers, and lots of jokes about these offers. We've sort of looked down from our high horses and made fun of people who've just wanted to share the psychopathic intensity that we would deliver on a nightly basis in our post-pubescent prime. A reunion has just seemed irrelevant to us. Too much other shit to do…

We never did The Shape of Punk To Come justice back when it came out, too tangled up in petty internal bickering to really focus on the job. And suddenly there's this possibility to do it like it was intended. We wanna do it over, do it right. For the people who've kept the music alive through the years, but also for our own sakes… See you in the pit.

1.09.2012

not-so-weekly update post

My life according to my iPhone...lately







1.03.2012

Watch a New Episode of Portlandia

"Battlestar Galactica" inspired episode.

The second season of Carrie Brownstein (Wild Flag/Sleater-Kinney) and Fred Armisen's (SNL/Trenchmouth) "Portlandia" premieres January 6 on IFC. Watch a full episode online right now, below. Spoiler alert: it features Eddie Vedder and Jeff Goldblum and music from Washed Out, and is inspired by "Battlestar Galactica".

1.02.2012

2012

This is going to be my champagne year.