200: NAHBS - EMBRO Awards - Part One.

EMBRO Award: Best Road Bicycle (Race)
Winner: Zanconato "Max" Road

above photos by Whit Yost

Road Racing: CONFIRM
Belgie Rating: HIGH
Edge Carbon Clincher Rating: OFF THE CHART


The results are in and now you shall have them (yes I am aware that I skipped Cross -for now). There was a little bit of question (from the higher ups) as to why I was doing this at the show. Why should I put together my own awards show when The Don already has one? Why Not? That is the simplest answer, but the real reason is two-fold.

A: Content - Things to talk about in Embrocation Cycling Journal
B: The People - They want to take your money? Well, then you should have a say with the judging at NAHBS. Hell, I want to take your money, so you should have something to say in ECJ.

I do not know if you know this, but I am always trying to find ways to gather up a little content. No offense to anyone in charge over there, I could rely on what comes out of it, or I could chase it down myself. Chances are that if you hold up these bikes with a different set of lenses that maybe you might see something that you missed otherwise. (Which I would guess is what they are doing with their panel of judges) Also, I have no idea who does their judging but apparently they did not realize that they already had a tandem category when they gave BEST ROAD BIKE to Bilenky Cycles for a Tandem. And it should go without saying that I am a huge fan of the Bilenky family. But really my friends? A tandem? "Pffff" that is what I say to that.

So, that is just one example of — A: Road Bike to talk about (it wasn't a tandem) in the publication. And B: You (the people who voted at the show) chose it, so you had a say in it.

We also did our own awards so that we could talk about the racier end of the family. And I do not just mean that weird uncle who kept trying to play grabass with your cousin Suzy, that was just weird. I mean race bikes.


I thought a lot about just this subject as I threw my leg over the ol trusty steed not once, but twice this past weekend. The weather in this fair state of Oregon was nothing short of magnificent. And when the weather turns in this direction it is without hesitation that I will reach for the "race bike." If I were a professional judger of "race bikes," which I am not I would look at them with a few different things in mind. Categories, if you will. Now, these would not be the most technical ways to look at bicycles, just my own approach so bare with me.

1) Awesomeness - this is mostly the aesthetics department. How does the bicycle look and how would I (being the judge) look astride a machine of this caliber? (obviously we are only judging the highest of caliber here.) Is the paint something that looks like it was gleaned from a mid 90's Alien Drag Race movie? Or does it have the subtle tones and unweilding power of...well, I do not know what... The thing about "awesomeness" is that it also goes miles in the ability to catch ones eye while at a tradeshow, and this, my friends is a not an easy thing to do. With bicycles all but piled from aisle to aisle you need something that is going to jump out and grab your attention.

Example: One company that does this day in and day out is Independent Fabrication. Every time they go to a show they find another way to keep things fresh. Could have something to do with my man Clint putting the finishing touches on them? Could also have to do with the fact that they care about what they're doing over there and that is kind of a big deal.


2) Weightness- We are talking race bicycles here right? Well, then guess what...weight is going to be a factor. And just as it might be tough to drag your own 150 lb frame (and I am using frame here in place of "body") up a mountain...it would most definitely be tougher to push your 150 lb frame and a 25 lb frame (bicycle in this case) up that same mountain. So, I am going to say the lighter, the better. I am also aware of this strange ability for bicycles to "ride light" which I would have to say that my Richard Sachs bicycle does.

Standout in this area would have to be Crumpton Cycles. With again, the IF wrecking ball close behind, but maybe I am a little biased?

3) Lateral Stiffness - Not really, just trying to throw you off with that one.

4) "Work Hard and Be Nice to People." This is actually kind of a big one for me. Because I am thinking about things in the terms of being a customer and the customer experience. For example I like dealing with Richard Sachs because he is a really nice guy - if you have ever stepped up to talk to him you would know this. Chris Igleheart gives me the biggest hug every time I see him - this is an action that makes me want to give him my money. Tyler from IF has slapped me on the ass more than once (I'm not sure exactly what this means). And Dave Kirk and his wife were excited to show me their new logo and paint jobs, this bodes well because I instantly made a connection with them (being a fan of graphics) and I remembered them when I went on to something else.

5) Historical Relavence — What do you know about these builders and where do they come from? And how does this sort of thing relate to you? I like the stories that go behind these builders. How many frames do they build in a given year? How long have they been doing this craft? What sort of riding do they personally do?(Sachs still races cross and Igleheart rides more than anyone I know). And all of these things become a factor in owning what you as a customer would consider the best bicycle EVER...

This is just my way of looking at a show like the NAHBS. Blink judgments and quick assesments are the way to go namely because as a buyer you do not have time at the show to look through everything. I definitely did not get to see everything that I was hoping to see. This might also be because I was trying to work in two booths and take a few photos along the way as well. Whew.

But as this week progresses I will tell you who won each category and then take a little more of an in depth look at who each of these people are. And of course how it all relates back to riding bicycles, embrocating your leggies, and well, I can't think of a third one at the moment.

Does any of that make sense?

197: NAHBS 2010 — Day1, Spoiler Alert

Tomorrow the door will open and hundreds of thousands of people will quite literally pour through the doors to see what is new in the handmade bicycle world. Richmond is a pretty strange place. Very run down at the moment, and when we asked Chris Distefano, who is originally from Richmond, what happened to here the only thing he could say is "America happened to Richmond." So, take that for what you will.

The day started out as any day at a convention might. With loads to be unpacked and a few large crates placed throughout the hall. I would say that it is a real challenge to stand out in way of display. The real reason, because it takes a lot of effort to put together a booth, to make it something different than just another booth with a few bikes in it. Which is why I added "overall booth design" to the Embro Awards. Oh, wait did I forget to tell you about this?

Hopefully no one takes this as an attack (because I know that things can get sensitive around here) because it is really just my attempt to get some content for the next issue. There are awards that are given out at the show, but after I had so much fun at the end of the year with the Embro Awards I thought that it might be a good idea to carry it over this way.

So, there are two way to participate with this.

1) Show up at the show and fill out on of these cards. Do a little voting and then hand it back in to see who gets the award.

2) If you cannot be at the show. Take a look at the card above. I would send you one, but that might take a little too long. Then, as you are perusing the interwebs and all the photos that will be coming out in the next couple days, send me an email with your choices (jeremyddunn@gmail.com). That way your vote will still be counted. Fair enough?

I am going to do some little photos and profiles of the winners and I am also going to photograph some of the cards, so hopefully we get something interesting back from this. Or we might get kicked out of the show forever and ever again. But, I really hope not.

Also, if you are going to stop by the booth you can also pick up one of these little beauties. Put this guy together to highlight the racing team. On the front is a photo by Chris Milliman that is the inside front cover of Volume5. The back has a great Museeuw quote that Molly and I uncovered at the Flanders museum last year.


Alright, enough about that, actually I think we might be coming back to that a little more throughout the weekend. But I actually got a few sneak peeks for you from the show. I do not really know where to start, so I will just kind of go for it here.

There are some pretty cool things that I am psyched about. And maybe even a few things that I am confused about as well. Things like, where did those shifters come from (they are in the Igleheart Booth) and why do I not do more things with a cordless drill? But the thing that confused me the most this evening was when Nate from Signal Cycles put a spoon in his nose. That was weird.

180: The Year in Review: Sports and Leisure

SPORT AND LEISURE

I know, I know, we have moved on into the new year, but I am determined to finish what I started here.

Went for another run last night. It is kind of strange actually. I found myself looking for things to shove in my pockets. You forget just how light you can travel when on foot. A goo packet, maybe a spare tube, at the very least an allen wrench? None of these things are necessary to head out for a run. My question though is this: Do running shoes all look space-age these days? My adidas "jogging" look the part with in terms of their 70's throw back, but my body is going to kill me in about one more run in them. The soles are completely worn down...

Right. So, lets combine Sport and Leisure.

That is what this bicycle stuff is anyway? I mean, I'm looking around right now and I don't see any professional cyclists. Try as I might to improve I'm going to stay CAT34EVS (you can have that for your vanity plate). A lesson that I was taught be an elder statesmen of the CAT6 variety. He turned CAT2 the next summer. But, alas we are here to talk about the cycling lifestyle or, as Pete Rubijono, a teammate that I have had some great fortune to call friend, calls "The Athletic Community."

The interesting thing that he could do with this little phrase is to keep everyone on the same level. If someone came over to complain that Cary was blasting "What is Love?" - yes, the one by Haddaway, too loud out of the back of his car Pete would stop them with a quick gesture and say.. "Whoa, whoa whoa, take it easy we're all part of the Athletic Community here." And somehow that was enough... or the song switched to the Motorhead Covers Metallica (thereby making it good) CD and their complaints were drowned out anyway.

So, with that lets see what we have here.

I guess that would make it the best of Amateur Night no? And I will leave the Embro team out of it. Which I kind of didn't by just mentioning them.

BEST ELBOWING OUT OF ANOTHER BELGIAN-THEMED TEAM
Ritte Van Vlaanderen

photo by Jay Yoshizumi

They win in both the Sporting sense, and the Leisure.

I have to say, maybe the time has come for a new light blue and Belgian squad? Or at least "You've met your match?" Or maybe "There can be only one?" Any way you slice it these guys are ace. Their graphic design is spot on as well as their "colourways." And just the simple fact that they got together to shoot the above photo already puts them a cut about the rest. I will expect to see more of these guys. Read this interview by Stevil: The Day the Earth Stood Still.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Mission Cycling: These guys just look like they're having a lot of fun. Coffee. Food. And they won bonus points in my book for contributing something to ever-growing The Ride Journal. I picked up a copy off their website a couple weeks ago, but it looks as though they might be sold out. Anyway they have a great piece in there. Plus, bonus points for having someone that I went to high-school with on their team. - Z - lets talk some shit, there isn't anyone else from Wisco reading this (besides you Jedd,) right?

Wooly Mammoth: When in Austin I got to meet a couple of these cats. Great guys and never without a beer in there hands. Which warms my heart. Great looking kits as well. "Romancer." So good. But, you know, that being said...

CRAAAZIEST KITS
Geekhouse Racing Team

photo (Geekhouse Flickr)

And then there is the matter of...

PRO-CYCLIST OF THE YEAR
You Choose.

You could argue a number of ways for a great many cyclists. Contador this, Armstrong that World Champion Australian this, and amazing Sprinter that. I mean who doesn't like to think about break-away Heinrich Hausler stomping away on the pedals? Or Boom when he took those sprint points at the Vuelta? But really, what about the working man? Also, although Cross is just past it seems like I am already thinking about the Road more and more these days.

Photo (Cycling Weekly)

Jeremy Hunt: Cervelo Test Team

There is a pretty great Profile of Jeremy Hunt in the newest Rouleur Magazine. No joke. I am not the biggest fan of Michael Barry usually, but he nails it on this one. Maybe it was because he was trying his hardest to compare himself to Hunt that he did such a great job? Maybe it is just because Hunt is a hands down baddass? Two time Brit National Champ - yeah, no big deal, now you nead to lead Sastre to be protected up through the hills - sure, why not? And let little Heinrich have some fun too, before you smash his frosted tips. Besides from the sounds of it he was "bored waiting for the sprint" anyway.

Image (RideStrong)

Julian Dean: Garmin-Slipstream

Sure, maybe some early season bumps and bruises left him out of most of the competition but this guy might also be one of those resident badass' (maybe becuase he and Hunt were on CA together?) This was Thor's leadout train and I'm guessing now preforms the same operative for Tyler Ferrar (or should be?). Also, just the simple fact that he was le grimpeur's "grimpeur of the year" makes him a-ok in my book. Read that post for a better year in review than I could ever hope for - chapeau.

Tim Johnson - Cannondale/CXWorld - United Healthcare

The photo above is from this past year at the Tour of California. Now, we know that that Tim Johnson is a pretty great Cyclocross Racer as he is our Current US National Champion. And we know that he is a pretty awesome road racer too as he has raced for the likes of more than one good team. Well, we also know that he is a great guy and has a good sense of humor (he wants to remake Rad) and these things will win out with me every time. Especially the Rad.

For real. I could go on and on with this one. All day.

PRO CYCLOCROSS RACER (Euro-M)
Zdenek Stybar

PRO CYCLOCROSS RACER (Euro-F)
Marrianne Vos

THING TO LOOK FORWARD FOR SPRING
Climbing

Now all I need are some Pajamas or Softpants, as I have heard them called, and my Leisure duties would be closer to complete. Ok, maybe throw in some slippers, and did I mention I am thinking of taking up Pipe Smoking? That would be Leisurely right? Molly Cameron and I discussed this past weekend and she thinks it might help my cycling.

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Editors Note

Remember in the History post when we took a look at what Stephanie from Belgium had to offer? No relation to Mario de by the way. In any case, a nice viewer happened to chime in on that post to offer some live footage insight into the often times brilliant Stephanie Clerckx. What I am trying to say here is that there is video to go along with this. Yes, I linked it twice. This could be big news in the cycling world. A live girl in a cycling kit. But I have been wrong before (about girls in BE.)

179: The Year in Review: Science and Nature.

SCIENCE AND NATURE

You thought I was done, didn't you?

Part One - Science

Bikes are science right? I mean combined with gravity what are they? Just two wheeled science. So to speak. You may have noticed that I worked out a little bit of a style with the some reviews of Adam, Mo, Molly, and Tim's cyclocross bikes. I kept trying to do this shot, but every time I would try to jump back and snap the photo, I would drop the bike and it was pissing people off.

So, I guess that just leaves mine.

FAVORITE CYCLOCROSS RIG (biased)
Embrocation Cycling Journal
Ridley X-Fire

There was still a bit of Grit on it when I took these. Maybe some Krugers farm mud? Cannot be certain, it all looks the same to me. A couple bottom brackets later and I guess I really did get some of the mud that I was lusting for early in the season.

I do not really know what to say about these bikes. I do not have too much experience on the ol plastico when it comes to Cross racing. But I do like it now. The previous years on the Igleheart had maybe softened (hardened?) me to the ways of the custom builder.

But I had so much damn fun on this bike not to mention it. That is the point of all this anyway right? To have fun on bikes. Bike fun.

I hate to really gush over these bikes (at least my own- even though it does kind of kick a little ass) but it sure does make me proud to be able to look through all these photos and see some other people having fun too.

I met Eric Goodson for the first time out in Bend, OR. See, he races for Embrocation, but joined after I had left the East Coast. Immediately upon meeting him I knew that what I, and now James, have put together in the way of a Racing Team is doing something right. Know why? Because he was a really nice guy. We spoke of racing and riding the Ridley bikes, but mostly we talked about the fact that he got to come across the country and hang out with his brother for Nationals.

Ok, whew. Getting a little verklempt there. Lets move on to prevent the tears from flowing. Actually, I take that back. If you are in the moment go for it. And then try, I implore you, try to not let loose with this viewership polarizing video that Stevil posted up the other day: All Hail the Black Market. Do not watch that if you are at work, unless you do not mind crying in front of your co-workers.

Now that you fully have that out of your system.

BEST CABLES AND HOUSING FOR MUD (Set)
Yokozuna Reaction

It only took me a year to get what I was asking for, but let me tell you it was worth it. These are so good that they do not even warrant a changing every weekend during cross. Seriously. I think that I used one set for two, or even three races. You think I'm joking, but that is ok too. Get some. And they look like something off of the Alien movie set. (Scott and Jeunet more than Cameron and Fincher).

BEST TEN-YEAR OLD PEDALS (White)
Time ATAC Alium

Would that make them best of the Century? Kidding. They might not actually be ten years old. But they might still be awesome. Ok, they are. Everyone seems to be going the way of the XTR, or maybe that is the way that they have been going all along, but that is the way that pedal sponsorship works in the pro's right? No matter what or who you are sponsored by shoes and pedals are the riders choice right? (I might have just made that up.)

I have been using the Time action for going on five years now. At first it was some Ritchey SPD's. I thought they were bad ass because they said Ritchey on them. And then I rode them in some mud. Not such a good idea. One of my fellow riders on the Harris Team (could have been Pete Rubi - probably was Dave Rose - could have been Jim W) mentioned that these were the best pedals for the mud. Have not looked back since.

TYRE OF THE YEAR
Tufo Cubus

These were the only tires (or tyres if you prefer) that I used all year. Maybe it was because they are so damn awesome. But maybe it was because they were affordable and stood up to the test of time. In every condition I had no complaints. And while I do like a nice soft Dugast to keep me warm on the weekends these tyres really did the trick. For the last couple of years it has been the Tufo Flexus, but this year it was time to change it up (because everyone seemed to be sold out.)

Moving on...

Part Two - Nature

Hmm. What to do for the nature end of things. People always tell me that the best way to get more viewers is (not what you think) to put cute things on the website. "What?" is usually my response to that. However, when I put up this video of our good friend Champer Dampers I got a good response. When I tweet cute pictures of cats and dogs, again, people respond.

BEST CAT VIDEO
"So Your Cat Wants a Massage?"
Found via: Everything is Terrible

But we all know that Nature is so much more than that. So much more than the domesticated cats and dogs that we all love. And I do love me some cats. For real. LOL Catz not so much. Iggy and Axel? So much. Those are some cats that I can get into. Here are some other shots of Nature that I took throughout the year. Nature Nurture.

SAN JOSE, CA

BELLA VISTA, AR

CAMBRIDGE, MA

TESSENDERLO, BE

HOOD RIVER, OR

PORTLAND, OR

SACRAMENTO, CA

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

BRUSSELS, BE

PARIS-ROUBAIX, FR

MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, GA

Onward and upward I say. Here is to nature. Shit all this travel (via photo searching) has made me thirsty.