The Radavist

Somehow, yesterday I missed out on posting about Manual for Speed’s exceptional coverage of the Tour Down Under. So, if you haven’t caught up yourself, check out Stage 4 and Stage 5!

In what critics are calling “the best Manual for Speed post in 23.9 hours”, Daniel has continued to explore the various euphemisms of Australia, while working on his own Drop Bear impersonation. The Tour Down Under seems to be going a little better for Manual for Speed. See for yourself at Day 03’s coverage of the TDU.

During the Mythical State of Jefferson Brovet (the ride where I didn’t bonk), we met this character named Kevin Krueger who makes Skid Town Bicycles. These things were built specifically for bombing fireroads and double track and while there ain’t much information on the ‘net about these klunkers, Yonder Journal did manage to capture a few suave gents posing on some of Kevin’s machines.

I felt like it was worth sharing today, especially with Bene’s Trek gracing the front page of the site.

From what I can gather, the Mythical State of Jefferson Brovet is almost ready to launch. I can’t wait to see the photos from that ride!

Even without the sought after green vest (more current evidence), Manual for Speed continues to conquer the Tour Down Under. While the photos are always great, I enjoy reading the story’s copy more. In fact, I’m wondering how long it took for Daniel to order a “long black” or a “pie”. Personally, I like the sauce on the side.

In other news, a Wedgetail Eagle died because the light reflected off MFS’ orange fest distracted it and it flew into a radio tower. Way to go, Tour Down Under. At least Daniel got a pick-me-up.

Anyway, check out Manual for Speed’s great coverage at the Tour Down Under!

… for healthy living. I hope you’re ready for this one! Here’s a little warm weather skid action for all you shredders still stuck in snow. Spring’s coming, it just never left Texas.

Yes, it’s good. Why wouldn’t it be good. In fact, the coverage from CX Nats over at Manual for Speed is great. I love the interview with Walton and Evan.

What are you waiting for? Check it out at Manual for Speed.

Photos by Trevor Hughes

Before the #MessLife hashtag, photographers like Trevor Hughes took to the streets with their 35mm cameras to document the lives of bike messengers. Projects like this inspire me to get out more with my camera and that’s saying something. These are some of the best messenger portraits I’ve seen. Love the Fat City Cycles cap!

See the full photoset at Trevor’s Flickr!

I’m not into motos at all, but I can respect individuals like Jordan and James over at West America. They’re both unique artists and have inspired people to get outdoors. Introduction aside, this article really blew me away. After leaving Portland, James built this work shed in Whistler from salvaged materials, for around $1,000. The architect in me is loving its simplicity!

Whistler’s a huge MTB haven and I’d love to check it out one day, when I do, I’m pretty sure there’s room for my bike in the shed and a few trees for my hammock.

Head over to West America for the full story!

Also, Hufnagel is still selling that SS porteur if anyone’s interested!

The guys at Manual for Speed have been dealt with a classic case of anti-upgraditus. Apparently, the Tour Down Under doesn’t believe that MFS are legitimate photographers. Yet, in this recent field study, photographers with more access just seem to be dicking about.

Here’s a backstory:

“That’s when I was handed the orange vest. Not the blue or the green or even the fluorescent vest, the o-r-a-n-g-e, orange vest.”

Even with their recent Strava Instagram takeover, numerous sponsors and endless piles of incredible photos of professional cycling the guys aren’t taken seriously by the Tour Down Under officials.

Do Manual for Speed a favor and RT this for them.

Help MFS get #upgradecreds at @tourdownunder!!! RT RT RT

— manual for speed (@manualforspeed) January 20, 2014

Photos by Meg McMahon

I’ve been looking all over for nice, bright, sharp photos from CX Nats and Meg’s have been the best so far. Head over to her Flickr for a nice selection.

One person that’s constantly inspiring me in life is Ty from Golden Saddle Cyclery. From crushing the Tour Divide, to riding his fatbike to the top of Baldy (10,000′) in the middle of winter and just general radness. Ty’s always got a camera on him when he seeks out one of his epic rides and I’ve rarely seen any of the photos.

Now he’s got a Tumblr called Tytanium Life. Head over, follow him and stay tuned. I’m sure you’ll see some familiar faces in the mix.

Photo by Brian Vernor

I had the wonderful opportunity a few weeks ago to introduce Brian Vernor to Ian Sutton of Icarus Frames, where he took some photos of Ian’s tiny shop in South Austin. This being my favorite. I’ve shot this photo before, but there’s just something about seeing it in 35mm format… See more at Vernor’s Flickr.

I love picking up film from the lab, especially when it’s just in time for #WheelieWednesdayz.

It’s been fun, but too chaotic and short. Hopefully I’ll be back for more riding and photos! Sorry if I didn’t get to hang out this trip but I’ll be back!

The ladies of the Ritte Women’s Team just launched a new website. Keep an eye on the blog or just click through the visual stimulation!

Apologies for the lack of updates today, I was unable to spend any time online and spent the afternoon working on the story and photos from the weekend. All I’ll say right now is that I had a blast, even though our original plans got shortened a bit.

More to come, including a bunch of rad photos, a review of the AWOL and photos of Erik’s mad-peacock AWOL.

I have no idea what these photos have to do with cyclocross but I love it! Manual for Speed gets weird with NYC Velo, Castelli and Evan Murphy. I love the selfie photo!

Head over to Manual for Speed for more!

This morning, the AWOL team and myself left San Francisco for a three day ride through Henry W. Coe state park down to Morgan Hill. While we have a general idea of how we’ll get down there (i.e. excessive speculation), we’re leaving a lot of room for error. Because, let’s face it, no big ride can go down without something going wrong. At least that’s my track record as of late.

I’ll be riding one of the new hydraulic disc, belt drive AWOL Transcontinental limited edition bikes and shooting photos of the ride for a few features on PiNP.

Come Monday, we’ll be showing my photos from the ride at the premier of the Transcontinental AWOL video at Specialized HQ.

Follow Hellhommus and me on Instagram this weekend for updates!