Are You Staying Dry?
February 1, 2010
It seems as though it was just a few days ago when I wrapped up 2009. Now it is Feb 1, then in 28 days it will be March, then in…It really sneaks up on you!
At this point, I was to have raced two events already. Unfortunately, reasons beyond my control didn’t permit it. No guide, no ride, no drive It’s the nature of the beast but with it being very early in the season it can happen. Redding has a great cycling community with a strong contingent of year-round riders. As the traditional cycling season closes in there will be many more opportunities for me to work with my usual suspects.
Speaking of the local cycling scene, the conditions Sunday were just amazing! Heidi and I set out on a local “Tour de West Side” and spent part of the day in perfect temps, grippy dirt and no people. We made a stop at “Top of the World” where Heidi had a chance to take in the spectacular 360 veiw of the Redding area – a nice reward after a bit of hard work to get there. We commented that here it was a Sunday, near ideal weather conditions, little standing water , and few trail users out. Regardless we enjoyed a few hours of the many trail options that are just a hop, skip and a jump from our doors…translated, just a short pedal away. . We did cross paths with the forever young, ageless wonder Mike Simpson on his cross bike with (as I am supremely confident) a huge smile on his face. Mike rides/races with a like-minded group for local hammers The Owen’s Health-Care Team. These guys not only compete at a very high level, they are all hard-working professionals from all walks of life who work full-time, are full-time fathers, husbands and cycling advocates. These “boys in blue” are constantly riding some gawd-awful amount of miles, and always supporting local cycling events.
A Few Randoms:
Rob Roskopp is an alternative sports legend. At one point, he was ripping kind lines in a swimming pool as a professional skateboarder. Today, he owns the raddest mountain bike company on the planet: Santa Cruz Bicycles. His Santa Cruz Syndicate is, arguably, the most successful team of professional riders ever put together. With the likes of World Champ Steve Peat and Greg Minaar heading the downhill squad and Jamie Goldman along with Kirt Voorhies pushing the limits of freeriding, the team makes a mark wherever they put wheels on the dirt. When Rob gets involved, throw some dollars down in Vegas as it’s a sure bet to turn to gold. He has made such an impact in out- of- the- mainstream- sports movement that the headphone company, Skull Candy, has recently come out with “The Rob Roskopp” model of headphones. These will compliment the long-produced “Rob Roskopp” skateboard by Santa Cruz Skateboards…and no, he does not own the skate and surfboard company of the same name (he skated for them as a pro back in the day).
Two words I am hearing waaaaay to much;” TRANSPARENCY and “ORGANIC.” Everything I hear or read about concerning politics seems to contain the word “transparency.” There is nothing about the current political climate that resembles ANYTHING “transparent.” Same goes for entertainment, movies, and rap with their over use of “organic.” Now, I might bring the ire of some, but I know the meaning of the word “organic” and (in my unqualified opinion) some folks are REALLY taking liberties with the Webster’s dictionary version.
The Ride Blind Racing Brain Trust met last Tuesday. Lauren, Chris and I (with Heidi acting in a consultant capacity) had a productive meeting to discuss our direction for 2010. We set some ambitious goals for the year from tweaking the web site, and increasing exposure, as well as many other topics that were discussed. Stay tuned…again, it’s gonna be fun for all!
Did you listen to the President’s State of the Union Address last Wednesday!? What did you think? He certainly has had his hands full during his first year. I was a bit disappointed with his tone, his language. Mr. Obama appeared to work very hard at sounding “everyday” — to sound like the everyday, average American fighting to stay afloat. I want him to fight FOR me in Washington. I want him to fight FOR every citizen of our nation, however, I expect our president to SOUND Presidential. I heard 8 years of former President Bush and his “good ol’ boy” slang that left him sounding…well, like an idiot. Last week, I kept hearing “you guys,” “”we gotta” and others that made me cringe a bit knowing how eloquent the guy is. Almost a “talking down” (intentionally) to his audience. Just my opinion:) By the way, bashing the Supreme Court during a national address? Hmmm, I might have waited and taken them aside; never in public. Lastly, we constantly are made aware of how far apart our parties are and Mr. Obama made it one his talking points to address the need for a more cooperative environment in Washington…for the people of course. The next day, on the east coast, The President and Repubs were AT EACH OTHER’S THROATS in another public forum, being recorded and replayed time and time again. Both sides, including Obama, were catty, divisive, and juvenile in how they openly treated each other. Didn’t he just espouse cooperation the night before?
Enough politics, I’m out. No really, I’m headed out for a ride:)
Cheers Mates,
Bobby