A Question Of Responsibility

From Jeff Kerkove's Instagram story

"Self-Support". It is a term I am intimately familiar with. Both as an event promoter and as an event participant. I've written reams on the subject here, mostly in conjunction with Trans Iowa, the ultra-distance gravel event I put on for 14 years, starting out things there with Jeff Kerkove. 

Jeff left Trans Iowa in about 2007, and since then he has not let his foot off the gas when it comes to self-supported, ultra-endurance bicycle riding/racing. This year he has already tackled the Atlas Mountains in Africa and most recently the Ozark Gravel Doom, or now just known as "DOOM", by setting the FKT for the event breaking Hailey Moore's previous record set just last year. Jeff's time was 42Hrs, 23min, shaving nearly an entire day off the previous record. By the way, the event is self-supported. 

43,000ft of vertical, 390 miles, and you have to get your own water and food. Oh.....and resupply is not guaranteed. Per Jeff's Instagram post:

"Resupply is lean. It’s even leaner when you cannot rely on said resupplies even being open even though their store hours say so. I resupplied at mile 90. Had pizza at mile 293 because my resupply 45 miles earlier was closed. The last resupply was Dollar General at mile 351 – arriving with just 5 minutes to spare."

Jeff also wrote that many years of this event saw no one finish at all. So, it has a certain reputation. Certain elements of the challenge certainly could be ferreted out, should you want to put yourself to this test. Research, understanding, and preparation are vital to success at such events. Also vital: Knowing when to stop. Also vital: Understanding your responsibility in undertaking a challenge with a high rate of failure. 

From Sonya Looney's Twitter feed.

 So, what is all this about "understanding your responsibility" as a self-supported rider anyway? 

Well, many times I have witnessed and have read about riders in these sorts of events that fail and then take the "blame someone else" route to justify their quitting. We saw this at the Gravel Doom event. One participant was upset that a resupply point that "might be open" wasn't and decided that they could not go on. It was intimated that that this was the fault of the race organizer. Of course, this also happened to Jeff, who persevered, somehow, and not only won, but set the fastest known time, (FKT) in the process.  

Jeff used to tell me all the time that everything has to work perfectly for a rider to finish one of these types of events. That does not always happen, and when it doesn't? Nutrition, mechanicals, weather, or even your mental state can make it so that you do not finish. 

Ultra-endurance events call out for a high degree of personal integrity, discipline, and discernment. One of the tenets of the genre' I was taught was that self-extraction from an event was to be highly prized and a thing worth being celebrated and acknowledged by others. The thing is, as a society and as a group, cyclists don't do this. Failure is seen in a negative light, and being able to know "when to say when" is an art that seems to be lost on many folks. It's hard to find that "right" balance, and well, if hard things are to be avoided, which seems to be the case these days, then maybe that is why blame games are played out like we see sometimes. 

But whatever. I think it is valuable to just have thrown yourself at a challenge, with all the resources and research you can muster, and then do the thing. If that ends in a non-completion of a challenge, well, that is still a very valuable thing. If you are learning anything, that is. 

By the way, "Congratulations, Jeff!" And Congratulations to anyone who tried that event and rode in it. 

A Question Of Responsibility

From Jeff Kerkove's Instagram story

"Self-Support". It is a term I am intimately familiar with. Both as an event promoter and as an event participant. I've written reams on the subject here, mostly in conjunction with Trans Iowa, the ultra-distance gravel event I put on for 14 years, starting out things there with Jeff Kerkove. 

Jeff left Trans Iowa in about 2007, and since then he has not let his foot off the gas when it comes to self-supported, ultra-endurance bicycle riding/racing. This year he has already tackled the Atlas Mountains in Africa and most recently the Ozark Gravel Doom, or now just known as "DOOM", by setting the FKT for the event breaking Hailey Moore's previous record set just last year. Jeff's time was 42Hrs, 23min, shaving nearly an entire day off the previous record. By the way, the event is self-supported. 

43,000ft of vertical, 390 miles, and you have to get your own water and food. Oh.....and resupply is not guaranteed. Per Jeff's Instagram post:

"Resupply is lean. It’s even leaner when you cannot rely on said resupplies even being open even though their store hours say so. I resupplied at mile 90. Had pizza at mile 293 because my resupply 45 miles earlier was closed. The last resupply was Dollar General at mile 351 – arriving with just 5 minutes to spare."

Jeff also wrote that many years of this event saw no one finish at all. So, it has a certain reputation. Certain elements of the challenge certainly could be ferreted out, should you want to put yourself to this test. Research, understanding, and preparation are vital to success at such events. Also vital: Knowing when to stop. Also vital: Understanding your responsibility in undertaking a challenge with a high rate of failure. 

From Sonya Looney's Twitter feed.

 So, what is all this about "understanding your responsibility" as a self-supported rider anyway? 

Well, many times I have witnessed and have read about riders in these sorts of events that fail and then take the "blame someone else" route to justify their quitting. We saw this at the Gravel Doom event. One participant was upset that a resupply point that "might be open" wasn't and decided that they could not go on. It was intimated that that this was the fault of the race organizer. Of course, this also happened to Jeff, who persevered, somehow, and not only won, but set the fastest known time, (FKT) in the process.  

Jeff used to tell me all the time that everything has to work perfectly for a rider to finish one of these types of events. That does not always happen, and when it doesn't? Nutrition, mechanicals, weather, or even your mental state can make it so that you do not finish. 

Ultra-endurance events call out for a high degree of personal integrity, discipline, and discernment. One of the tenets of the genre' I was taught was that self-extraction from an event was to be highly prized and a thing worth being celebrated and acknowledged by others. The thing is, as a society and as a group, cyclists don't do this. Failure is seen in a negative light, and being able to know "when to say when" is an art that seems to be lost on many folks. It's hard to find that "right" balance, and well, if hard things are to be avoided, which seems to be the case these days, then maybe that is why blame games are played out like we see sometimes. 

But whatever. I think it is valuable to just have thrown yourself at a challenge, with all the resources and research you can muster, and then do the thing. If that ends in a non-completion of a challenge, well, that is still a very valuable thing. If you are learning anything, that is. 

By the way, "Congratulations, Jeff!" And Congratulations to anyone who tried that event and rode in it. 

Technology Shifts What It Means To Be "Self-Supported"

(L-R) Troy Meyeraan and GT. Self-supported circa 1995

NOTE: Large doses of "my opinion" will be handed out in gloppy dollops today. You've been forewarned.....

There was a big kerfuffle involving a bike packing event and a certain individual recently that got me to thinking about "rules", 'self-support', and why those terms don't mean what they used to anymore. 

I made the mistake of reading a Facebook comment thread that went into the depths of several folk's opinions, feelings, and ideas on those terms, (and others) which has helped prompt this post today, but this post is not about that specific situation. Just to be perfectly clear.

I've had the special privilege of having done self-supported cycling before, during, and after the start of the"Age of Information", as we once called this. (Maybe we are in the "Age of Disinformation" now, eh?) The times when if one wanted to 'disappear', it was as easy as just walking out the door without telling anyone where you were going. Now? Good luck with that, because you likely are addicted to a smart phone, and 'getting lost' is about 1000 times harder to do these days than it used to be. 

In fact, we are so inundated with information and 'contact' that we don't really even understand what being 'disconnected' even means, much less what it feels like. Take anyone the age of 25 years or younger. They have no memories of pre-smart phone days, most likely, and for sure, they cannot imagine a world where one would have to wait for information a day, a week, or two months, like we used to have to wait for news back in the day. 

I remember weekly T.V. shows where you had all week to wait until the next episode. Now people 'binge-watch' streaming series in one sitting. Marathon watching season after season of a T.V. series as if they were some sort of content-gobbling, ultra-entertained athlete.  And yet, we want more....

Ryan taking a photo of me. We had to wait to get it developed until after the tour!

And all of this affects ultra-endurance events like bike packing, and some forms of gravel events as well. The changes in society which have occurred run cross-ways with some folks who had some sense of 'the times before social media' and how things felt and were done back then. Some others say it is 'no big deal', while others just cannot even begin to understand why anyone is upset. And even if they are, it doesn't matter. 

This all goes back a decade or more. Events of recent times are just a further manifestation of what happened in the 00's. I recall some individuals who were trying to hold to a certain standard for ultra-endurance events, but eventually, it was of no use. The tsunami of adopted tech, cultural change, and appetite (addiction?) for more content won the day. 

So, who is right? Who is wrong? What is 'better'? Those are great questions to ask, discuss, and ponder. Answers will vary from person to person. I can only say one thing with any certainty- Things are very different now, and you cannot recreate how it was in the past. 

Technology is so pervasive that any notion of doing something- say like what John Stamstad did in the late 1990's when he ITT'ed the Great Divide route- is no longer a possibility. What he had to go through, experience, and overcome is different than how one would experience things now. Was it 'harder to do' back then? Well, if technology makes our lives easier? Then yes, it was harder back then. Both mentally and physically. Again- you can discuss that all day long, but having done things myself on either end of the technology divide, I fall on the side of "things are easier now".

Ted King winning the DK200 in 2016

And now you have people, entities, municipalities, and more making money off this "content creation" which comes out of gravel racing, or bike-packing events. That changes things even more. When Trans Iowa started in 2005, only the small community of endurance cycling fans even cared about the event, or what had happened. There was no 'money' in doing it from a promotions or athlete side. Now? 

Pffft! 

You've got to wonder how many athletes would fall away if there were no longer any endorsements, media fame, or salaries involved in participating in gravel events or bike-packing events. Yes- some measure success by monetary and social worthiness metrics. But trust me, that ain't how it got started. 

Of course, I would be a hypocrite if I did not recognize that I have personally benefited from those who have made a living out of the gravel and ultra-cycling/bike packing arenas. The cycling industry made us great products, and that doesn't happen without money being made. Events happened which made some amount of money, which perpetuated the gravel scene, and eventually brought a light to my contributions. Sure, I get that. 

But if no one had noticed us in 2005, or cared, I would still be happily riding my 2003 Karate Monkey on gravel roads here. It is what I love to do, and being "famous", or having had some modicum of "success" is not my central focus for what I do. In fact, it doesn't really matter in the end. By the way, my life would have been way less complicated and stressful had no one cared or noticed us and our little gravel event. That said, there have been a lot of good things come out of this, and I am happy now. So, there is that as well. 

My Karate Monkey which was my gravel sled here shown in 2006.

But what about the whole 'self-supported' ethos now? Well, here's the thing as I see it: Content creation is at odds with what many see as being 'self-supported'. Just how that works is what isn't quite as clear, or as easy to explain, maybe because, as I previously mentioned, most of the youth of today have never experienced 'disconnection', and many adults past the age of 25 have forgotten what that feels like. And then- there is a large sub-set of people who don't give a damn about what it once was like and would rather define what 'self-support' means on their own terms. 

But you have to realize that a lot of what drives the friction we're seeing in gravel events and in bike-packing events, (and in other sports as well) is how changes are being made to accommodate more content for consumption. Film crews, drone shots, cameras mounted to bikes and athletes, announcers, fancy finish-line areas, media access, and in-event reporting via social media has created access heretofore unheard of for cycling events. Even format changes and rule changes are being made to accommodate more content creation to engage more people.  Sure- there are predecessors which one can point to. Motos in big stage events on Pro road tours being a good example. But content extraction during events is pervasive now and people want more. Well, that's what we think and what makes money, anyway. 

And I'd argue that the original philosophy behind 'self-support' is antithetical to 'fame' and/or making coin off your efforts. But that philosophy is under attack, and is changing, and as I stated before, can we ever really go there again? Our addiction to technology would seem to point to that answer being a hard "No". 

Note: I may do another companion post to this speaking about "rules" for events. Stay tuned....

Technology Shifts What It Means To Be "Self-Supported"

(L-R) Troy Meyeraan and GT. Self-supported circa 1995

NOTE: Large doses of "my opinion" will be handed out in gloppy dollops today. You've been forewarned.....

There was a big kerfuffle involving a bike packing event and a certain individual recently that got me to thinking about "rules", 'self-support', and why those terms don't mean what they used to anymore. 

I made the mistake of reading a Facebook comment thread that went into the depths of several folk's opinions, feelings, and ideas on those terms, (and others) which has helped prompt this post today, but this post is not about that specific situation. Just to be perfectly clear.

I've had the special privilege of having done self-supported cycling before, during, and after the start of the"Age of Information", as we once called this. (Maybe we are in the "Age of Disinformation" now, eh?) The times when if one wanted to 'disappear', it was as easy as just walking out the door without telling anyone where you were going. Now? Good luck with that, because you likely are addicted to a smart phone, and 'getting lost' is about 1000 times harder to do these days than it used to be. 

In fact, we are so inundated with information and 'contact' that we don't really even understand what being 'disconnected' even means, much less what it feels like. Take anyone the age of 25 years or younger. They have no memories of pre-smart phone days, most likely, and for sure, they cannot imagine a world where one would have to wait for information a day, a week, or two months, like we used to have to wait for news back in the day. 

I remember weekly T.V. shows where you had all week to wait until the next episode. Now people 'binge-watch' streaming series in one sitting. Marathon watching season after season of a T.V. series as if they were some sort of content-gobbling, ultra-entertained athlete.  And yet, we want more....

Ryan taking a photo of me. We had to wait to get it developed until after the tour!

And all of this affects ultra-endurance events like bike packing, and some forms of gravel events as well. The changes in society which have occurred run cross-ways with some folks who had some sense of 'the times before social media' and how things felt and were done back then. Some others say it is 'no big deal', while others just cannot even begin to understand why anyone is upset. And even if they are, it doesn't matter. 

This all goes back a decade or more. Events of recent times are just a further manifestation of what happened in the 00's. I recall some individuals who were trying to hold to a certain standard for ultra-endurance events, but eventually, it was of no use. The tsunami of adopted tech, cultural change, and appetite (addiction?) for more content won the day. 

So, who is right? Who is wrong? What is 'better'? Those are great questions to ask, discuss, and ponder. Answers will vary from person to person. I can only say one thing with any certainty- Things are very different now, and you cannot recreate how it was in the past. 

Technology is so pervasive that any notion of doing something- say like what John Stamstad did in the late 1990's when he ITT'ed the Great Divide route- is no longer a possibility. What he had to go through, experience, and overcome is different than how one would experience things now. Was it 'harder to do' back then? Well, if technology makes our lives easier? Then yes, it was harder back then. Both mentally and physically. Again- you can discuss that all day long, but having done things myself on either end of the technology divide, I fall on the side of "things are easier now".

Ted King winning the DK200 in 2016

And now you have people, entities, municipalities, and more making money off this "content creation" which comes out of gravel racing, or bike-packing events. That changes things even more. When Trans Iowa started in 2005, only the small community of endurance cycling fans even cared about the event, or what had happened. There was no 'money' in doing it from a promotions or athlete side. Now? 

Pffft! 

You've got to wonder how many athletes would fall away if there were no longer any endorsements, media fame, or salaries involved in participating in gravel events or bike-packing events. Yes- some measure success by monetary and social worthiness metrics. But trust me, that ain't how it got started. 

Of course, I would be a hypocrite if I did not recognize that I have personally benefited from those who have made a living out of the gravel and ultra-cycling/bike packing arenas. The cycling industry made us great products, and that doesn't happen without money being made. Events happened which made some amount of money, which perpetuated the gravel scene, and eventually brought a light to my contributions. Sure, I get that. 

But if no one had noticed us in 2005, or cared, I would still be happily riding my 2003 Karate Monkey on gravel roads here. It is what I love to do, and being "famous", or having had some modicum of "success" is not my central focus for what I do. In fact, it doesn't really matter in the end. By the way, my life would have been way less complicated and stressful had no one cared or noticed us and our little gravel event. That said, there have been a lot of good things come out of this, and I am happy now. So, there is that as well. 

My Karate Monkey which was my gravel sled here shown in 2006.

But what about the whole 'self-supported' ethos now? Well, here's the thing as I see it: Content creation is at odds with what many see as being 'self-supported'. Just how that works is what isn't quite as clear, or as easy to explain, maybe because, as I previously mentioned, most of the youth of today have never experienced 'disconnection', and many adults past the age of 25 have forgotten what that feels like. And then- there is a large sub-set of people who don't give a damn about what it once was like and would rather define what 'self-support' means on their own terms. 

But you have to realize that a lot of what drives the friction we're seeing in gravel events and in bike-packing events, (and in other sports as well) is how changes are being made to accommodate more content for consumption. Film crews, drone shots, cameras mounted to bikes and athletes, announcers, fancy finish-line areas, media access, and in-event reporting via social media has created access heretofore unheard of for cycling events. Even format changes and rule changes are being made to accommodate more content creation to engage more people.  Sure- there are predecessors which one can point to. Motos in big stage events on Pro road tours being a good example. But content extraction during events is pervasive now and people want more. Well, that's what we think and what makes money, anyway. 

And I'd argue that the original philosophy behind 'self-support' is antithetical to 'fame' and/or making coin off your efforts. But that philosophy is under attack, and is changing, and as I stated before, can we ever really go there again? Our addiction to technology would seem to point to that answer being a hard "No". 

Note: I may do another companion post to this speaking about "rules" for events. Stay tuned....

Oh Yeah! That Reminds Me.....

Gravel Worlds posted this on their Facebook page and other social media over the weekend.

 Having been a promoter, organizer, chief cook and bottle washer for a gravel event or two in my lifetime, I tend to notice things other promoters in the space are doing. Over the weekend I spotted a message from the promoters of Gravel Worlds regarding the issues with having extra cars on course. This is something that really triggers me, so I apologize in advance here for the oncoming rant......

First off- NOTE: Gravel Worlds is a self-supported event. I know many of you here reading this understand what that actually means, but I am consistently reminded that most people do not understand what that means. 

If they did, this entire 'cars out on course' issue would be a moot point, but because we live in a world that cries foul if they cannot access information immediately, and because we have over-protection built into our culture these days, misunderstandings arise. And due to this, the term 'self-support' doesn't register with many people. It is because they feel as if they have a right to know and by-golly! They are going to get that information even if it means driving on roads that they would almost assuredly not even consider driving on otherwise. All under the guise of 'spectating', which is code for "I must know what is going on!" As if by being there they could confer some well meaning 'vibes' and 'cheer' to spur their rider onward. Which, by the way, is exactly why they should NOT be out on course, first and foremost. Because by 'cheering' on and 'spectating' you take away from the self-support elements of the event. Spectators actually demean the rider's efforts in a self-supported event. It is all due to selfishness. 

Think that is crazy talk? Explain 'home field advantage' to me then. See...... Spectators are an anathema to self-supported racing. 

Secondly, and one could argue this is the most important point, (but I will leave that discussion for another day), is that drivers out on course are a danger to riders. Furthermore, this traffic is not natural to the area and it disturbs the very reasons why people love to ride gravel, which for many is to get away from cars! It's difficult enough that we have to dodge local farmers and their agricultural machines, (and we gladly defer our positions on the road to them) but when you add in drivers unfamiliar with gravel-travel, well, it becomes a nightmare for the riders in the event. At the very least, it is a bother, at the worst? You could cause an unnecessary accident. 

Oh, and by the way, you strangers stick out like a sore thumb. It is easy to spot non-locals out driving the gravel, looking for 'their riders'. For one thing, bike racks, nice SUV's, and out of state plates are not a usual thing out in the Styx. I could go on.... 

But the thing that grinds my gears is that we have to keep messaging the same thing over and over again, year after year. It gets tiresome, and it reminds me why I am happy to be out of promoting gravel events now. After 15 years, I think I've paid the dues. But that doesn't mean I still don't pay attention, or care, and because I do, it provokes rants like these. So, please do a thing: Be an ambassador to those who 'don't get it yet'. But be nice!  

If y'all want 'the thing' that y'all are chasing in this gravel riding scene, you aren't going to get it with no boundaries. There is a way it works, and a way that it doesn't, and anyone can play. You could get the same 'good thing' we all got back in the day doing it one way. But, if you want to play it your way, go ahead. I know it won't work the same.

Nuff said......

Oh Yeah! That Reminds Me.....

Gravel Worlds posted this on their Facebook page and other social media over the weekend.

 Having been a promoter, organizer, chief cook and bottle washer for a gravel event or two in my lifetime, I tend to notice things other promoters in the space are doing. Over the weekend I spotted a message from the promoters of Gravel Worlds regarding the issues with having extra cars on course. This is something that really triggers me, so I apologize in advance here for the oncoming rant......

First off- NOTE: Gravel Worlds is a self-supported event. I know many of you here reading this understand what that actually means, but I am consistently reminded that most people do not understand what that means. 

If they did, this entire 'cars out on course' issue would be a moot point, but because we live in a world that cries foul if they cannot access information immediately, and because we have over-protection built into our culture these days, misunderstandings arise. And due to this, the term 'self-support' doesn't register with many people. It is because they feel as if they have a right to know and by-golly! They are going to get that information even if it means driving on roads that they would almost assuredly not even consider driving on otherwise. All under the guise of 'spectating', which is code for "I must know what is going on!" As if by being there they could confer some well meaning 'vibes' and 'cheer' to spur their rider onward. Which, by the way, is exactly why they should NOT be out on course, first and foremost. Because by 'cheering' on and 'spectating' you take away from the self-support elements of the event. Spectators actually demean the rider's efforts in a self-supported event. It is all due to selfishness. 

Think that is crazy talk? Explain 'home field advantage' to me then. See...... Spectators are an anathema to self-supported racing. 

Secondly, and one could argue this is the most important point, (but I will leave that discussion for another day), is that drivers out on course are a danger to riders. Furthermore, this traffic is not natural to the area and it disturbs the very reasons why people love to ride gravel, which for many is to get away from cars! It's difficult enough that we have to dodge local farmers and their agricultural machines, (and we gladly defer our positions on the road to them) but when you add in drivers unfamiliar with gravel-travel, well, it becomes a nightmare for the riders in the event. At the very least, it is a bother, at the worst? You could cause an unnecessary accident. 

Oh, and by the way, you strangers stick out like a sore thumb. It is easy to spot non-locals out driving the gravel, looking for 'their riders'. For one thing, bike racks, nice SUV's, and out of state plates are not a usual thing out in the Styx. I could go on.... 

But the thing that grinds my gears is that we have to keep messaging the same thing over and over again, year after year. It gets tiresome, and it reminds me why I am happy to be out of promoting gravel events now. After 15 years, I think I've paid the dues. But that doesn't mean I still don't pay attention, or care, and because I do, it provokes rants like these. So, please do a thing: Be an ambassador to those who 'don't get it yet'. But be nice!  

If y'all want 'the thing' that y'all are chasing in this gravel riding scene, you aren't going to get it with no boundaries. There is a way it works, and a way that it doesn't, and anyone can play. You could get the same 'good thing' we all got back in the day doing it one way. But, if you want to play it your way, go ahead. I know it won't work the same.

Nuff said......

Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Shimano Social Media.

 Mavic Out- Shimano In:

Tuesday it was revealed that Mavic would not be supplying neutral support cars in the Amaury Sports Organization, (conductor of the Tour de France, other major cycling, golf, and motorsports events), races going forward. Mavic had been supplying the nuetral support via their now famous "Yellow Car" since 1973. Mavic, who fell upon hard financial times in recent years, went into receivership, came out with new owners, but no longer has the means to carry on with the traditional support. 

Shimano, a robust company which is has obvious ties to cycling, has stepped in with the "Blue Car" of Shimano Neutral Support and will now serve in that capacity for all Amaury Sports Organization cycling races. 

Comments: Many reactions to this I've seen have been characterized by dismay and a question of whether or not Shimano can be a truly 'neutral' support option for ASO events. So, here's what I have to say in response to those points.....

The traditionalism which is the backbone of Pro Road Racing is not helping the sport to grow. The reaction to the exit of Mavic from its iconic position as a nuetral support in Le Tour is just a symptom of the cancer that lies underneath Pro road racing and should indicate that changes are needed. However; the infrastructure surrounding the monolith which is Pro Road Racing will be tough to move. I mean, the fight to remove the spectacle of 'podium girls' was characterized by far too much resistance by fans of the sport than a modern reading of the room in the 21st Century might indicate. Imagine what those fans would be reacting like if more pressing issues of race relations, gender equity in terms of racing, and fairness were brought to the fore. So, to see the moans of fans when Mavic goes away is to be expected, I suppose. 

And support cars? You all know what I think about that! Now, I wouldn't advocate for an immediate suspension of support cars in the Tour, but why replace Mavic at all? I mean, every team already has a team car. The whole idea of Mavic neutral support came about when in 1972 a team car went down and the principal person at Mavic then decided to loan out a Mavic car to help out. The next year, Mavic neutral support was born. But again, can't we wean these teams off that altogether? I would argue having less cars and motorcycles on route should be the goal, until you have just the Amaury Sports Organization's vehicles out there to facilitate the event. But again- you know where I am coming from with those thoughts. 

Cargo ship image courtesy of Maersk

Evidence That 2020 Might Be A Bit Tight On Parts:

I've been banging on about this for weeks now, but that doesn't mean I am done yet talking about how hard it is going to be to get parts (and complete bikes) in 2021. The shortages are real, and they will affect all aspects of cycling throughout the year. Lately I've noted several things. Specifics are kept out to protect the folks involved....

• Big brands are allocating bikes where the bigger dealers are and/or where the money is waiting. That means that you probably will not get many, or maybe no chances, at test rides or choices to bargain against. There will be limited stock, so you may have to defer on color choices, or equipment spec. You may have to just take what is there at the time you look, because if you do not, someone else will. And no- there will be no sales. No discounts. And from what I've already had a peek at, prices are up significantly over last season. 
• More Smaller Brands Are Going Consumer Direct:  With bikes at a premium, and bigger brands shutting out small brands on dealer floors, look for more consumer direct marketing. There is a network of delivery being set up now that will deliver bikes 100% assembled and I expect many smaller brands to start using this service. It is a nationwide service and should ease folk's fears about consumer direct sales. With this happening on the horizon I fully expect that these smaller brands will start preselling models for delivery at later dates. Prices will reflect that there will no longer be any 'middleman' or bike shop sales. 
• Parts Are Being Rationed To Bike Shops: I've seen this already. Shops will not be able to order bits and pieces at your whim for delivery tomorrow anymore than Amazon will be able to. All across the board parts will be rationed due to severe shortages. Some niche parts, like fat bike hubs, are being found in short supply, or completely unavailable, as manufacturers concentrate on mainstream parts for common usages. So, chains, tires, cassettes, brake pads- All will be harder to get in 2021. Plan ahead! Far ahead! 
• 2021 Models Will Have shorter Runs And Fewer Variants: With short supply of parts, brands will have to take what they can get for 2021, and in some cases I already know that choices are limited to one spec on a model which may have had three to four spec choices in the past. Again- if you see the bike in the right size- you may have to just buy it. Even if you hate the color and don't like the spec, unless you can wait until 2022. 

Here's another chunk of evidence. This from the Niner Bikes folks. Read their take on things here.

The Emporia GA Pro Silver Edition wheel.

HED Offers Polished Silver Wheels:

In a land of black anodized components, HED offering a silver edition of their Emporia GA Pro wheels is 'news'. back in 1990, that news would have been met with a solid chorus of 'So what?!!" Why? Because back then, it was black, not silver, which was the oddball anodization color for components. In fact, when Shimano got into the high end road bike market, it made a splash when it debuted with black anodized Dura Ace parts. Weirdos! Didn't they know that road bike parts are always silver? (Yes- actually that was the predominant thinking back then)

Well, that may help you understand why it is that in 2021 when silver anodized anything is seen as weird. In a sea of black anodized bits and baubles, the way to make your limited edition wheels stand out is to make them silver. And not just silver, but polished silver, for that gleaming, sparkly look. 

Actually, Velocity USA has offered polished silver as an option for years. I happen to have a nice set of A23 wheels in polished silver. But that doesn't make silver common, not by a long shot, and when you see all the modernistic design put into today's components, you most often see black, or worse, flat black. Gah! That's the worst of all. I wish more classic design and silver anodization would come back. That would be a refreshing change from the post-modern style of plastiky looking, boring black stuff that is put out there now. 

Maybe one reason we see so much black and not the silver, smooth, glowing anodization we used to see is that there has to be a lot of polishing done to the surface to gain that smooth, chrome-like look. If you are a fan of Velocity stuff, you may know they charge a not insignificant fee for the polished look. Similarly, these HED wheels cost more due to the silver polished appearance. So, from that standpoint, I get why black is all we see, but I am willing to bet that many people would be willing to pay the price if the latest stuff was offered in silver- and if it looked classy- not like some art project gone wrong. 

Public Service Announcement: 

 

It was brought to my attention this past week via social media that some people missed that I am no longer producing, putting on, or devising events for people to come ride. 

 

I decided to retire from those endeavors since I was put into a spot during 2020 where the pandemic kind of took all of those old habits of producing events off my plate. I had no choice, really. I couldn't in good conscious put on any sort of an event. 

 

This in turn led to many miles of riding alone, contemplating my life, amongst other things. After some time went by, I came to realize that I was enjoying riding my bicycles a lot more. I wasn't thinking about events or what they demanded from me to put on. I didn't have deadlines to meet. I didn't have loose ends to tie up. I could just ride my bicycles. And.......it turns out I had a lot more fun doing that than I had been having recently with regard to events production. 

 

I realized I had been doing this- putting together routes and events- for 15+ years. That's a long time to have a lot on your mind. I figured I had done my best to give a lot of folks an experience. Experiences that I hope made a difference in their lives. But I had to call an end to it once I realized that it was just time to turn the page on that part of my life. I was an event director, a 'race director', if you will. I've done that. I don't need to keep pushing into that as I've accomplished a lot of goals for myself, learned loads, and pretty much have mined that vein out. Now I will be turning to other challenges. 

 

So, if you missed coming to one of my events over the years, but always wanted to 'someday', well, let this be a lesson. There is no "Someday". That is a myth constructed to make you miss out on growing and doing. (See yesterday's post!) There is only "Today", and if the opportunities of Today are there, there is no guarantee that they will be in the future. Best to grab that bull by the horns and go do it. Everyone is different in this respect, so I cannot say anything specific for you. Just don't put "it" off, whatever that "it" is for you.

That's it for this week. Have a safe and active weekend!

Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Shimano Social Media.

 Mavic Out- Shimano In:

Tuesday it was revealed that Mavic would not be supplying neutral support cars in the Amaury Sports Organization, (conductor of the Tour de France, other major cycling, golf, and motorsports events), races going forward. Mavic had been supplying the nuetral support via their now famous "Yellow Car" since 1973. Mavic, who fell upon hard financial times in recent years, went into receivership, came out with new owners, but no longer has the means to carry on with the traditional support. 

Shimano, a robust company which is has obvious ties to cycling, has stepped in with the "Blue Car" of Shimano Neutral Support and will now serve in that capacity for all Amaury Sports Organization cycling races. 

Comments: Many reactions to this I've seen have been characterized by dismay and a question of whether or not Shimano can be a truly 'neutral' support option for ASO events. So, here's what I have to say in response to those points.....

The traditionalism which is the backbone of Pro Road Racing is not helping the sport to grow. The reaction to the exit of Mavic from its iconic position as a nuetral support in Le Tour is just a symptom of the cancer that lies underneath Pro road racing and should indicate that changes are needed. However; the infrastructure surrounding the monolith which is Pro Road Racing will be tough to move. I mean, the fight to remove the spectacle of 'podium girls' was characterized by far too much resistance by fans of the sport than a modern reading of the room in the 21st Century might indicate. Imagine what those fans would be reacting like if more pressing issues of race relations, gender equity in terms of racing, and fairness were brought to the fore. So, to see the moans of fans when Mavic goes away is to be expected, I suppose. 

And support cars? You all know what I think about that! Now, I wouldn't advocate for an immediate suspension of support cars in the Tour, but why replace Mavic at all? I mean, every team already has a team car. The whole idea of Mavic neutral support came about when in 1972 a team car went down and the principal person at Mavic then decided to loan out a Mavic car to help out. The next year, Mavic neutral support was born. But again, can't we wean these teams off that altogether? I would argue having less cars and motorcycles on route should be the goal, until you have just the Amaury Sports Organization's vehicles out there to facilitate the event. But again- you know where I am coming from with those thoughts. 

Cargo ship image courtesy of Maersk

Evidence That 2020 Might Be A Bit Tight On Parts:

I've been banging on about this for weeks now, but that doesn't mean I am done yet talking about how hard it is going to be to get parts (and complete bikes) in 2021. The shortages are real, and they will affect all aspects of cycling throughout the year. Lately I've noted several things. Specifics are kept out to protect the folks involved....

• Big brands are allocating bikes where the bigger dealers are and/or where the money is waiting. That means that you probably will not get many, or maybe no chances, at test rides or choices to bargain against. There will be limited stock, so you may have to defer on color choices, or equipment spec. You may have to just take what is there at the time you look, because if you do not, someone else will. And no- there will be no sales. No discounts. And from what I've already had a peek at, prices are up significantly over last season. 
• More Smaller Brands Are Going Consumer Direct:  With bikes at a premium, and bigger brands shutting out small brands on dealer floors, look for more consumer direct marketing. There is a network of delivery being set up now that will deliver bikes 100% assembled and I expect many smaller brands to start using this service. It is a nationwide service and should ease folk's fears about consumer direct sales. With this happening on the horizon I fully expect that these smaller brands will start preselling models for delivery at later dates. Prices will reflect that there will no longer be any 'middleman' or bike shop sales. 
• Parts Are Being Rationed To Bike Shops: I've seen this already. Shops will not be able to order bits and pieces at your whim for delivery tomorrow anymore than Amazon will be able to. All across the board parts will be rationed due to severe shortages. Some niche parts, like fat bike hubs, are being found in short supply, or completely unavailable, as manufacturers concentrate on mainstream parts for common usages. So, chains, tires, cassettes, brake pads- All will be harder to get in 2021. Plan ahead! Far ahead! 
• 2021 Models Will Have shorter Runs And Fewer Variants: With short supply of parts, brands will have to take what they can get for 2021, and in some cases I already know that choices are limited to one spec on a model which may have had three to four spec choices in the past. Again- if you see the bike in the right size- you may have to just buy it. Even if you hate the color and don't like the spec, unless you can wait until 2022. 

Here's another chunk of evidence. This from the Niner Bikes folks. Read their take on things here.

The Emporia GA Pro Silver Edition wheel.

HED Offers Polished Silver Wheels:

In a land of black anodized components, HED offering a silver edition of their Emporia GA Pro wheels is 'news'. back in 1990, that news would have been met with a solid chorus of 'So what?!!" Why? Because back then, it was black, not silver, which was the oddball anodization color for components. In fact, when Shimano got into the high end road bike market, it made a splash when it debuted with black anodized Dura Ace parts. Weirdos! Didn't they know that road bike parts are always silver? (Yes- actually that was the predominant thinking back then)

Well, that may help you understand why it is that in 2021 when silver anodized anything is seen as weird. In a sea of black anodized bits and baubles, the way to make your limited edition wheels stand out is to make them silver. And not just silver, but polished silver, for that gleaming, sparkly look. 

Actually, Velocity USA has offered polished silver as an option for years. I happen to have a nice set of A23 wheels in polished silver. But that doesn't make silver common, not by a long shot, and when you see all the modernistic design put into today's components, you most often see black, or worse, flat black. Gah! That's the worst of all. I wish more classic design and silver anodization would come back. That would be a refreshing change from the post-modern style of plastiky looking, boring black stuff that is put out there now. 

Maybe one reason we see so much black and not the silver, smooth, glowing anodization we used to see is that there has to be a lot of polishing done to the surface to gain that smooth, chrome-like look. If you are a fan of Velocity stuff, you may know they charge a not insignificant fee for the polished look. Similarly, these HED wheels cost more due to the silver polished appearance. So, from that standpoint, I get why black is all we see, but I am willing to bet that many people would be willing to pay the price if the latest stuff was offered in silver- and if it looked classy- not like some art project gone wrong. 

Public Service Announcement: 

 

It was brought to my attention this past week via social media that some people missed that I am no longer producing, putting on, or devising events for people to come ride. 

 

I decided to retire from those endeavors since I was put into a spot during 2020 where the pandemic kind of took all of those old habits of producing events off my plate. I had no choice, really. I couldn't in good conscious put on any sort of an event. 

 

This in turn led to many miles of riding alone, contemplating my life, amongst other things. After some time went by, I came to realize that I was enjoying riding my bicycles a lot more. I wasn't thinking about events or what they demanded from me to put on. I didn't have deadlines to meet. I didn't have loose ends to tie up. I could just ride my bicycles. And.......it turns out I had a lot more fun doing that than I had been having recently with regard to events production. 

 

I realized I had been doing this- putting together routes and events- for 15+ years. That's a long time to have a lot on your mind. I figured I had done my best to give a lot of folks an experience. Experiences that I hope made a difference in their lives. But I had to call an end to it once I realized that it was just time to turn the page on that part of my life. I was an event director, a 'race director', if you will. I've done that. I don't need to keep pushing into that as I've accomplished a lot of goals for myself, learned loads, and pretty much have mined that vein out. Now I will be turning to other challenges. 

 

So, if you missed coming to one of my events over the years, but always wanted to 'someday', well, let this be a lesson. There is no "Someday". That is a myth constructed to make you miss out on growing and doing. (See yesterday's post!) There is only "Today", and if the opportunities of Today are there, there is no guarantee that they will be in the future. Best to grab that bull by the horns and go do it. Everyone is different in this respect, so I cannot say anything specific for you. Just don't put "it" off, whatever that "it" is for you.

That's it for this week. Have a safe and active weekend!

Friday News And Views

The "Truck With No Name" got new shoes.

Not Sexy News About Car Repairs:

Ever since I blew out something in the exhaust system at the C.O.G. 100 on the "Truck With No Name", I've been pretty low key on travel. Well, it wasn't just the exhaust, but it also was the fact that my tires were shot. The fronts especially. It wasn't road worthy anymore, and it was going to take a stack-o-hundies to get me back on the road again.

Bad timing for me what with taxes due and all. But I had a plan. That included selling off the Ti Mukluk. I had to get enough funds to repair the truck. Well, the plan came through, and now I'm off and running once again.

So, for those who were wondering, my exhaust broke after the first catalytic converter at a flange where two bolts held things together. I guess that connection disintegrated and was hastened to its demise by my abusive driving in gross and extreme conditions the day before the C.O.G. 100. That wasn't much to fix, but it did set off a check engine light because there is an O2 sensor downstream of where the break was. The computer needed to be reset, so that was an expense. Of course, the tires, mounting, balancing, and old tire disposal was part of that as well.

All good to go now. So, future trips are a "GO" as for now and I'm glad to have this rig at my disposal once again.

Could this become a familiar site at gravel road races. Image courtesy of Mavic's website

Growing Pains In Gravel Racing:

If there is one thing any website based media likes it is controversial subject matter. (CLICK BAIT) Of course, websites exist mostly by virtue of advertiser dollars unless, like this blogspot, the owner is not motivated by profiteering. (That or I am plain stupid, you decide.) Anyway......

Cyclo Cross Magazine ran a story about some gravel races out East that had neutral support.

They, by their own admission, say that the initial Instagram posting generated "some good discussion", so by that measure, the story was successful. I'm sure the website numbers are stacking up from the article. Good for them.

But you know why it rankles people? Because "change", that's why. Look, it is no secret that road cycling has fallen on hard times. The rise of cell phone usage, distracted driving, the issue of doping in road racing, these things have all taken the interest out of riding road racing style bikes. The theory behind exploring back roads on more capable bikes that still offer the drop bar experience has taken root amongst riders and the events based around these ideals have prospered. Is it any wonder then that Pros, brands, marketing people, and racing teams are looking at "gravel based events" as a way to enjoin these people in their ways of doing things? No..... It is not a surprise to me, at any rate. Why wouldn't these companies, Pros, and teams come to their senses and join in the fun? I have no idea why they wouldn't.

So, you are going to get Pros visiting gravel events and racing in them. This "neutral support" thing is going to happen for those riders that are into such goofy things. Why on Earth it is considered worthy is beyond me other than to say it is easier. And we all know a LOT of people want to push the "easy button". Whatever. Their loss.......

Anyway, my advice is to not criticize this sort of thing, or pay any attention to it. Go do the events you would like to see prosper, and guess what? They will. Sit at home and bitch? Well, pretty soon the folks with all the money and power will get their way. Vote with your dollars, time, and participation. Well, that is if you give a rip one way or the other.

A former CX Pro is going to do an "Endless Gravel Summer" tour for Donnelly. Image courtesy of Donnelly.

Moar On This Changing Scene:

So, to further drive home my point, here is another example of a brand and a former Pro CX racer who have teamed up to go to a few of the top gravel events to promote gravel product from Donnelly and drive more folks to their brand. Is this a bad thing?

If you were the owner of a business like this, it is actually a smart move. Plus, Donnelly, (formerly Clement), has been on the forefront of gravel cycling for years. They are no "johnny come lately" brand. The product is well regarded by gravel riders all over and the brand is legit. So, those who don't know what they are talking about may graon when they see this, but as a business move, it is what you do. I get it.

I know it seems like everyone and their brother's sister is coming over to the gravel scene and trying to make hay. It actually seems true when you pay attention, but again- this is where the money is because people are spending it on this stuff. If gravel cycling wasn't a thing with a ton of folks, this wouldn't be happening, and I would just be some weirdo out on Burton Avenue grinding away on my Karate Monkey single speed yet. (Well......maybe I am a weirdo, but you get the picture.) So, if you are into gravel all-road cycling, look in the mirror when you feel like the "scene is getting ruined". Because you and a whole metric ton of other people that like this scene is why this stuff is happening. Take the people, and with that- the money- away, and this stuff becomes a moot point.

And That Isn't All:

In the coming days things will come to light that will further drive home that the whole gravel/all-road cycling scene has become a big deal. Changes. More changes......

Okay, so that's a wrap on this week. have a great weekend and ride those bicycles!

Friday News And Views

The "Truck With No Name" got new shoes.

Not Sexy News About Car Repairs:

Ever since I blew out something in the exhaust system at the C.O.G. 100 on the "Truck With No Name", I've been pretty low key on travel. Well, it wasn't just the exhaust, but it also was the fact that my tires were shot. The fronts especially. It wasn't road worthy anymore, and it was going to take a stack-o-hundies to get me back on the road again.

Bad timing for me what with taxes due and all. But I had a plan. That included selling off the Ti Mukluk. I had to get enough funds to repair the truck. Well, the plan came through, and now I'm off and running once again.

So, for those who were wondering, my exhaust broke after the first catalytic converter at a flange where two bolts held things together. I guess that connection disintegrated and was hastened to its demise by my abusive driving in gross and extreme conditions the day before the C.O.G. 100. That wasn't much to fix, but it did set off a check engine light because there is an O2 sensor downstream of where the break was. The computer needed to be reset, so that was an expense. Of course, the tires, mounting, balancing, and old tire disposal was part of that as well.

All good to go now. So, future trips are a "GO" as for now and I'm glad to have this rig at my disposal once again.

Could this become a familiar site at gravel road races. Image courtesy of Mavic's website

Growing Pains In Gravel Racing:

If there is one thing any website based media likes it is controversial subject matter. (CLICK BAIT) Of course, websites exist mostly by virtue of advertiser dollars unless, like this blogspot, the owner is not motivated by profiteering. (That or I am plain stupid, you decide.) Anyway......

Cyclo Cross Magazine ran a story about some gravel races out East that had neutral support.

They, by their own admission, say that the initial Instagram posting generated "some good discussion", so by that measure, the story was successful. I'm sure the website numbers are stacking up from the article. Good for them.

But you know why it rankles people? Because "change", that's why. Look, it is no secret that road cycling has fallen on hard times. The rise of cell phone usage, distracted driving, the issue of doping in road racing, these things have all taken the interest out of riding road racing style bikes. The theory behind exploring back roads on more capable bikes that still offer the drop bar experience has taken root amongst riders and the events based around these ideals have prospered. Is it any wonder then that Pros, brands, marketing people, and racing teams are looking at "gravel based events" as a way to enjoin these people in their ways of doing things? No..... It is not a surprise to me, at any rate. Why wouldn't these companies, Pros, and teams come to their senses and join in the fun? I have no idea why they wouldn't.

So, you are going to get Pros visiting gravel events and racing in them. This "neutral support" thing is going to happen for those riders that are into such goofy things. Why on Earth it is considered worthy is beyond me other than to say it is easier. And we all know a LOT of people want to push the "easy button". Whatever. Their loss.......

Anyway, my advice is to not criticize this sort of thing, or pay any attention to it. Go do the events you would like to see prosper, and guess what? They will. Sit at home and bitch? Well, pretty soon the folks with all the money and power will get their way. Vote with your dollars, time, and participation. Well, that is if you give a rip one way or the other.

A former CX Pro is going to do an "Endless Gravel Summer" tour for Donnelly. Image courtesy of Donnelly.

Moar On This Changing Scene:

So, to further drive home my point, here is another example of a brand and a former Pro CX racer who have teamed up to go to a few of the top gravel events to promote gravel product from Donnelly and drive more folks to their brand. Is this a bad thing?

If you were the owner of a business like this, it is actually a smart move. Plus, Donnelly, (formerly Clement), has been on the forefront of gravel cycling for years. They are no "johnny come lately" brand. The product is well regarded by gravel riders all over and the brand is legit. So, those who don't know what they are talking about may graon when they see this, but as a business move, it is what you do. I get it.

I know it seems like everyone and their brother's sister is coming over to the gravel scene and trying to make hay. It actually seems true when you pay attention, but again- this is where the money is because people are spending it on this stuff. If gravel cycling wasn't a thing with a ton of folks, this wouldn't be happening, and I would just be some weirdo out on Burton Avenue grinding away on my Karate Monkey single speed yet. (Well......maybe I am a weirdo, but you get the picture.) So, if you are into gravel all-road cycling, look in the mirror when you feel like the "scene is getting ruined". Because you and a whole metric ton of other people that like this scene is why this stuff is happening. Take the people, and with that- the money- away, and this stuff becomes a moot point.

And That Isn't All:

In the coming days things will come to light that will further drive home that the whole gravel/all-road cycling scene has become a big deal. Changes. More changes......

Okay, so that's a wrap on this week. have a great weekend and ride those bicycles!

It's Dead

These gizmos and more have pretty much changed the face of "self-supported" racing forever.

Self-supported racing, for the most part, is dead. It has been for many years now. You may not have noticed it, but things are not what they used to be.

I've been keenly aware of this since I started Trans Iowa event production with Jeff Kerkove back in 2004-2005. Every year since, self-supported endurance efforts became easier and easier, at least in terms of the little corner of that which I have observed along the way. When the genre' made a final turn into a form of supported event participation on a grand scale is something I cannot pinpoint exactly, I just know it happened.

First off, let me say that the physical part remains a challenge like to that which men and women took on earlier in my time around this stuff.  I don't belittle that part at all. What I am saying is that the other major hurdle competitors face, the mental part, has changed vastly since those days when I became part of Trans Iowa. The differences are huge. Mental, emotional, and even spiritual support is so much a part of the events now that no one takes thought as to how impactful that part of riding these events is today compared to the lack of those support mechanisms ten, fifteen years ago. 

The evidence abounds, and it is right there in front of us if we pay attention. Read race reports, for example, and you will see how it works. I read one the other day for Gravel Worlds that mentioned how a rider was about to quit when a call to this person's significant other was made and this person changed the mind of the rider, offering what was called out by the author of the report as "support". You've no doubt read or heard about things like this before.

Or how about checkpoint appearances by family members eager to support a rider, or even in my report about Gravel Worlds, when I mentioned the "Trail Angels" in that small village I passed through? Then there are the "likes" and texts, and other social media connections. It all adds up. Imagine riding a long event without any possibility of any of those things I mentioned. 

That's how it used to be, at one time. Early Trans Iowa events featured zero social media. Heck, you couldn't even get a cell phone to work 80% of the time. That quickly changed though. By Trans Iowa v5, I noted that riders were using cell phones to talk to loved ones, getting encouraged, coached, and "supported" by those voices on the other end. Then it went to social media being used, texts, GPS tracking, and occasionally we were aware that there was a possibility of a support person for certain riders. This meant I had to get more eyes out on course after v8, and we were pretty vigilant about looking for odd cars and signs of support.

But it was the electronic technology that really changed the face of self-supported racing. As far as I can tell, there is no going back either. Too bad, because anyone that says their event is "self-supported" isn't really considering what that means in 2018 and beyond versus what they maybe think it means in a romanticized, nostalgic sense. To my mind, "self-supported" isn't happening anymore. It's dead.

It's Dead

These gizmos and more have pretty much changed the face of "self-supported" racing forever.

Self-supported racing, for the most part, is dead. It has been for many years now. You may not have noticed it, but things are not what they used to be.

I've been keenly aware of this since I started Trans Iowa event production with Jeff Kerkove back in 2004-2005. Every year since, self-supported endurance efforts became easier and easier, at least in terms of the little corner of that which I have observed along the way. When the genre' made a final turn into a form of supported event participation on a grand scale is something I cannot pinpoint exactly, I just know it happened.

First off, let me say that the physical part remains a challenge like to that which men and women took on earlier in my time around this stuff.  I don't belittle that part at all. What I am saying is that the other major hurdle competitors face, the mental part, has changed vastly since those days when I became part of Trans Iowa. The differences are huge. Mental, emotional, and even spiritual support is so much a part of the events now that no one takes thought as to how impactful that part of riding these events is today compared to the lack of those support mechanisms ten, fifteen years ago. 

The evidence abounds, and it is right there in front of us if we pay attention. Read race reports, for example, and you will see how it works. I read one the other day for Gravel Worlds that mentioned how a rider was about to quit when a call to this person's significant other was made and this person changed the mind of the rider, offering what was called out by the author of the report as "support". You've no doubt read or heard about things like this before.

Or how about checkpoint appearances by family members eager to support a rider, or even in my report about Gravel Worlds, when I mentioned the "Trail Angels" in that small village I passed through? Then there are the "likes" and texts, and other social media connections. It all adds up. Imagine riding a long event without any possibility of any of those things I mentioned. 

That's how it used to be, at one time. Early Trans Iowa events featured zero social media. Heck, you couldn't even get a cell phone to work 80% of the time. That quickly changed though. By Trans Iowa v5, I noted that riders were using cell phones to talk to loved ones, getting encouraged, coached, and "supported" by those voices on the other end. Then it went to social media being used, texts, GPS tracking, and occasionally we were aware that there was a possibility of a support person for certain riders. This meant I had to get more eyes out on course after v8, and we were pretty vigilant about looking for odd cars and signs of support.

But it was the electronic technology that really changed the face of self-supported racing. As far as I can tell, there is no going back either. Too bad, because anyone that says their event is "self-supported" isn't really considering what that means in 2018 and beyond versus what they maybe think it means in a romanticized, nostalgic sense. To my mind, "self-supported" isn't happening anymore. It's dead.

#biggrin

The Dirty Kanza 200 was co-founded by Joel Dyke

Got some sad news today. Joel Dyke, the affable, wiry guy that helped start the Dirty Kanza 200, was found dead this morning due to a tragic accident in his home.

I always liked Joel from the minute I met the guy. I first found out about him when he got in contact with Jeff Kerkove and I concerning how someone could put on such an event as Trans Iowa. Joel and his friend, Jim Cummings, were interested in maybe doing something similar down in Kansas. Jeff and I were really excited to find out about this and we did what we could to encourage them. In fact, Joel even came up and rode in the first and second versions of Trans Iowa.

Joel Dyke, (L) at T.I.V2

Joel was a kind, sweet soul and I will always remember that when ever he e-mailed me he would refer to me in his notes as "sexy pants". At first, that took me aback, but I came to realize it was just his sense of humor towards those he thought well of.

He also would be quick to encourage me if he sensed I was struggling with something having to do with Trans Iowa. He would often message me or e-mail me, always ending his encouragement with "big grin".

It's been a long while since I have seen Joel and now I won't ever again here. I'll miss his encouragement and all he did to encourage cycling and especially self-supported gravel rides. However; his memory and his influence will live on. Every time I see wild flowers lining a lonely stretch of gravel with a horizon of blue sky punctuated by puffy clouds, I'll look beside me and see a ghostly image of a lanky gent with a toothy grin on bike with a rug snake and think about Joel Dyke.

Ride On..............#biggrin