Where it's at

First off, here is a photo of a Lynskey Rando bike that Gary B. of bikeradar.com is riding and reviewing. I absolutely love this bike. Nice comfortable all-day geometry with room for fatties and fenders. I defiantly want one of these...how many times have I said that since working there. We are dope for folks who have money to spend on their addiction. My father says it best, "Cycling is cheaper than golf and easily 100 times better for you". Although he is not a doctor, I have yet to finad few that disagree. Opinions are welcome.

Work:
As parts begin to arrive, the pressure goes up and the clock spins faster, at least in my world. A few issues on the design and fabrication front have set us back a little, but it has been great to problem solve these issues with some finest builders around. Building a prototype is a mixed bag of what you know will work and what you hope will work. No matter how it looks on paper, it always comes out a bit different. Now multiply that by 3, subtract several weeks, add a loose array of components that do not want to work and you have a pretty good idea of where I am right now. But don't get me wrong, this is a ton of fun. This has been similar to the Vegas experience but slightly smaller in scale. We are taking a similar bike load to this show, but I have very little booth design and presentation materials to create. Don Walker, I thank you for that.

We are very excited to be a part of the NAHBS this year. While it was a last minute decision, I hope that we are well received by the industry folks as well as the public. That is one of the really cool things about this show, anyone who wants to purchase a ticket can go to the show. At Interbike, only industry, dealers or media are allowed. After speaking with Chris D, at Chris King yesterday, my hat's off to those guys. They are taking the responsibility of allowing and managing any exhibiting builder to send all of their show materials to them and they will deliver it to the convention center. Then send it back to you from their shop after the show. That is cooler than a fan. CD said the Portland is totally jazzed on the show and people cannot wait. There are going to be some amazing bikes and parts there, so if you are in the Portland area in early February, stop by for some serious bike porn.

I am pleased to announce that Andy from Dirt Rag will be testing one of our custom 29er's. The exact design and details have yet to be determined. This is exciting for me because I have been trying to get them on one of our bikes for nearly a year now. After the DSG race last year, Maurice and I spoke, but they have a ton of people that want their bikes in their magazine. Which is great. I think highly of their publication and the readers it caters to. It will be awesome to get their thoughts and impressions of our bikes.

Ride:
Jason and I kept the Tuesday night ride tradition alive and went out for a 2 hour tour of North Chatt. The weather was crappy and it was misting a mixed precip the entire time. No other riders to been seen that night. We kept the pace mild and just enjoyed the fact that we were on the bike. Going to get out on the mountain bike tonight for a few hours in the dark. Trying to get hyped up for the next installment of Snake Creek Gap. I am hoping to hook up with Jon McL for another long day at the Tanasi on Saturday. Thinking about an early AM ride at Raccoon Mtn on Sunday and then keep it low key all next week, except on Tuesday of course. My plan is to do some road miles next week to keep the legs loose and then light it up next Saturday in Georgia. I look forward to seeing the Yazoo Crew, or at least those who are not attending the Icycle in NC.