S-Works BG Road Shoes - Just got these in the mail from a shop in NYC after looking for the blue and white colorway forever. I guess the 2010 models just dropped but I like the look of these better. Haven't had a chance to ride them a whole lot just yet but so far they're nice and stiff (w/ the FACT Carbon sole). Also digging the "Boa rotary closure system as opposed to the straps I have on the Sidis. I got comfortable in the Sidis but for me personally, I could never get a good feel for how tight or loose to tighten the straps on the velcro. I know that sounds kinda wack but it's true. The midsection of my feet would get numb and I would adjust the straps accordingly. I would switch it up with placement and such, and it would work for a while but then get numb again. The Boa system lets me tighten the top and midsection of my foot to a comfy, yet secure feeling point, but it's not constricting either. I'll let you know how these S-Works feel after a couple of months, but so far so good. And they look dope too!
For my birthday last month Saskia got me "The Tour Is Won on the Alpe: Alpe d'Huez and the Classic Battles of the Tour de France" by Jean-Paul Vespini. Only read a couple of chapters so far, but it's basically about the history of this great historic climb, how the organizers of the tour came about deciding to go through this ski resort village, and the dozens of legendary stories that are told with it. Hey Sas, your dad would be happy to know that the Alpe's nickname is "Dutch Mountain". Thanks again for the book Sas!
Also just got my copy of the Embrocation Cycling Journal Volume #4. Now those of you that know me know that I'm a noob to the road cycling world (coming from the world of track bikes), but got into it wholeheartedly and kind of innocent in a way. I don't really talk to anyone about it (maybe except Jonathan B.) although it would probably be fun and helpful for me, I do my own research with bikes and racing, and I usually ride my road bike by myself. That's kinda just how it's been for me ever since I took the interest of road cycling. And I love it. Anyway back to Embrocation. A couple months ago I stumble upon the site via a blog post somewhere (maybe on the MASH site or something) and find out it's a journal/zine/online presence that has different points of views about the cycling world, from varying authors in it's blog section. Then I realize they have their journals in print form too which was awesome! Now at first I didn't jump to buying the print version right away, but after following the authors and their interesting entries (interesting for me anyway), I decided to buy it because I can NEVER have enough magazines=). The journal is fresh. Refreshing, I would say. From the beginning pages, it's great. Photo spreads on Phil Wood hubs and it's workers doing their thing. So sick. TOC stories from Rapha and a personal recount by Garrett Chow and how the MASH experience was, riding the route on track bikes. What I really dig about it though is the varied writing styles. Founder/creator Jeremy Dunn, who is also a part of the Rapha Continental team, does what I think is a great job of putting together a collection of writing that makes you feel that you might actually be at Paris Roubaix, or maybe that you might want to check out NAHBS or Oregon Manifest next year. I know, I know, it's only one issue that I've read, but there are many different articles in there for all types! The "anatomy of a t-shirt" write up is really neat too, as it breaks down the color and design of a simple shirt, and the simple thought process behind that. Another cool thing I thought about the journal was that each article or story isn't long winded in the sense that a story drags on. There may be a longer story, but it definitely doesn't get boring. For the most part they're all easy and enjoyable reads accompanied by awesome pictures. I think if I were to describe what I thought of Embrocation Journal, I would say it's fun. Seems like everyone involved is having fun, and it's another inspiration for me to keep on doing what I'm doing. They write what they want to write, and they cover what THEY want to cover. That's awesome you know?
Don't be lazy and just watch this video to peep the pics. I would encourage you to pick up a copy at http://www.embrocationmagazine.com/store
Embrocation Volume 4 - with Molly Cameron from j. dunn on Vimeo.
-Joe
i heard good shit about those shoes, man. they may be pricey, but i tried them on too and they were sooo comfortable.
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