a PSA on VPL

Do you kit up in Lycra to ride your nifty carbon-fiber road bicycle? If you read this blog, you probably do. And if you're a serious road cyclist, you've probably gotten sucked into your fair share of pacelines with people that seem way more pro, and hoped they'd consider you worthy. But did you know that no matter how fast you can turn those pedals, you'll still belong to the seventh circle of Fred-dom if you're sporting some VPL over those chamois shorts? And that statistics show I am more likely to develop sympathy saddle sores when I realize that you've gone through the trouble of layering chamois shorts over tighty-whiteys/panties/thongs/anything other than a slather of Assos chamois cream?
Don't be that guy. Or girl. Look out for your own reputation and eliminate the on-bike VPL.
This public service announcement brought to you by pedal-strike.com.

the rapha continental with alex stieda

A video popped up on Facebook the other day, shared by a friend, and I watched it on a wary whim, expecting a front row seat to another story I wouldn't be able to relate to. But a minute in and it suddenly made me smile, bite my lip, and hold my breath. It even got me on the bike this past weekend, if only for a solitary, indoor, hour.
A baby step in the right direction, it came in the form of a gentle push by Rapha, Rich Bravo, and Jeremy Dunn.

Rapha Continental Alberta, Canada with Alex Stieda from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Thanks, guys. Miss you!