“When he isn’t riding his bike you can probably catch him at an artisanal doughnut shop or considering break dancing lessons.” – TSH
One of the many reasons I like Jake. He’s one slick fella!
Love this write up and the images to follow. Go to Tenspeed Hero and check it out for yourself. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
I chose to go with the polarized option in “Vintage Havana”. I’ve been a black sunglasses guy for the better part of a decade. It was time to branch out and when I saw the Smith Optics Clark in this color way It was a done deal.
Super light weight with little rubber nose pieces that help keep the shades firmly attached to my face. Much needed when I’m out cruising in this Alabama humidity.
To sum it up… these are amazing. This is the second pair of Smith Optics sunglasses I’ve owned and I could be more pleased.
Go to Smith Optics and check out more details. I hope you dig as much as I do.
This is SO good! Chill intensity that I needed to get this Friday started.
Go check out the official trailer for unReal. Makes we wish I owned a mountain bike.
Had one killer hot day yesterday… well, Timo Stark and crew had a killer hot day; I provided support to the group ranging from 5-7 riders throughout the 108 mile ride with 6K+ ft. of climbing. I’ve never provided support to a crew of fast paced riders like this. Come to think of it, I’ve never provided support or photo documented a fast paced group like this from a car (solo) ever. It was an awesome experience capturing the pain each rider was going through throughout the day.
Continually impressed with the Fujifilm X-E2 and exploring where it excels and where it has issues. The issues are minimal and really just take me learning how to best use this tool. All in all the X-E2 handled amazingly using Fujinon 14mm f/2.8, 35mm f/1.4, and Yashica 135mm f/2.8 lenses during this shoot.
This ride was hosted by Timo to celebrate another year of his life and what better way to do that than with death ray Alabama humidity for 5 hours? Unfortunately Infinity Cycling Team rider and friend of Timo’s, Said Assali, traveled to ride and support his teammate but had a mechanical issue that took him out about 3 miles in. Fortunately I was there to drive him back to the starting point. If that’s all the support I provided during the ride I feel like I did my job well. BUT… as the day went on, the heat heated up, the pain slowly creeped up the legs of these men as they became one with their machines grinding over the oven hot pavement; the big ass cooler filled with water, Coca-Cola, Skratch Labs cookies, and other assortment of foods were greatly needed and appreciated.
The robust amount of photos below reflect the day from start to finish. I hope you enjoy!
RIDE. CREATE. SUPPORT. 
The cramps…
This is so sick!!
“The Hauser is designed to go anywhere in all conditions. Complete weatherproof construction ensures your gear will always stay dry.
These limited edition Hauser packs have been constructed using our last stash of the original MultiCam™ Black fabric. This original MultiCam Black pattern has since been retired and replaced with a new version and will not be produced again. The final run of this specific camo pattern has been applied to a US made 500d Cordura and then bonded to a waterproof membrane and reinforced with an x-ply ripstop yarn.
The Hauser hydration pack has a total of four weatherproof exterior pockets to provide easy access to gear, and the included tool-roll is fully removable. The main cargo compartment is secured by a roll-top closure which can also be used in the flap-down configuration to provide additional coverage for the front zippers. Perforated back panel and shoulder straps ensure complete ventilation and moisture management. The Hauser is compatible with most hydration reservoirs up to 3 liters including Camelbak, Hydrapak, Platypus, and Osprey/Nalgene. Use your existing hydration reservoir or purchase one from us. Full zippered opening on hydration pocket allows easy access to reservoir.” – MW
I only had a few minutes to meet up with Chris last week. To be honest, I haven’t really used my new Fujifilm X-E2 and Funijon 35mm lens to shoot any action shots yet so I was pretty amped when Chris and I’s schedules were free to meet up. I thought there was going to be a few limitation comparing the X-E2 Mirrorless to a DSLR from reading a couple reviews, but I couldn’t find any. As you can see, fast action focus is on point! But maybe I don’t have nearly the issues shooting with a slower focusing digital shooter since I transitioned from manual film shooting. Regardless of that fact, I couldn’t be more pleased with Fujifilm products. With each photo shoot I grow more in love!
Go to FOLLY x DIGITAL for more examples of what this little shooter can do! Cheers!
RIDE x CREATE
Love these! Great combo of… well, everything!
“Limited Edition of 21 only for 21 stages of the Tour. Each bag is $150 USD and costs $5 for shipping to the USA and $10 International.”
Go to The Radavist to check out more info on sweet Charlene
Yup… this is great!!
“Over the course of the summer Manual for Speed will be releasing a series of five kits designed by five different artist. The first two kits to be released feature the artwork of Jerry Inscoe and Mike Perry. Additional kits designed by Sigrid Calon, Karan Singh, and Zio Ziegler are set to be released later this summer. Manual for Speed is excited to bring the arresting and colorful work of these artists to the cycling world.”
Or as Manual for Speed would put it:
The way we see it Cycling Kit is an opportunity for Elevated Personal Expression. As such we’re proposing a complete break from the hegemonic monotony of Corporate Body Advertising. Rather than being an unwilling participant in some Business Company’s fall product campaign, why not express your own aesthetic; an aesthetic that says culture counts, style counts and damn it, art counts. While those around you engage in a race to the bottom—Lowest Common Denominator!, Base!, Pedestrian!, Branded Shlock!—with their Quick Step jerseys and their Panera Bread skinsuits. Why not elevate your message to the world? It’s easy, here’s how;
We know what you’re thinking, this sounds great but how do I get started!? Introducing Manual for Speed’s Artist Residency Program Volume One: Chaoscolormotiontracjectory.
We gave five contemporary artists the same creative brief; The Greatest Spectacle on Earth is so much more than bike racing but bike racing is in fact the heart & soul of the Greatest Spectacle on Earth. But what is it about bike racing that we love so much, is it the Chaos, the Color, the Motion and the Trajectory? Yeah, it’s that. Interpret that.
Go to Manual For Speed for more info on these dope kits!
It’s coffee. It’s cold. It’s got nitro bubbles. It’s delicious on all levels.
I’ve had a lot of coffee from sea to shining sea and I gotta tell ya… this takes the cake. The BEST summer treat. If you’re in the Birmingham, AL area definitely keep your eyes peeled to Domestique Coffee’s IG page for pop up brew stations like this. When it’s available, you should be available.
Also stay tuned to DC’s site for long distance purchasing. I will be. 
Sad but true. Team rider Alan Barton is moving to the great city of Portland, OR. Really excited for him and all the new lands he will be dominating via two wheels.
In honor of Alan’s departure the Bici Coop team came together for a farwell ride in the hot hot heat of Birmingham, AL. It was only about 50 miles and 3K+ of climbing which wouldn’t normally be all too difficult, but the heat… that damn heat… it zapped me for sure. Really showed me the power of proper hydration; which I thought I was nailing, but ended up cramping pretty hard towards the end of the ride. No tears from me though! This was one of the best rides I’ve been on this summer. GREAT folks doing great things!
To all my Portland pals… welcome newcomer Alan Barton into your loving arms as I’m sure you will. He will bless your city with all types of good things. Cheers to that!
