At the bottom of infamous Rocktore climb (or in this case.. descent) there’s a little liquor store that’s cut from the same mold as the Rockstore itself. Classic vintage California mom and pop awesomeness and the last vesitges of family run business catering to bikers and the leather bound. You can just feel Steve McQueen’s man-energy while you drink a Mexican Coke and decide what way you’re rolling home. So easy to worry about making your training gains and not notice the amazing characters that are a part of every great ride. How the hell did I used to push the 53 up this thing?

Sometimes it’s nice to just point it that way and see where you end up. I think the shuffle function on the ipod is having the same impact upon route choice. Mash-ups are the new Monday-map.

Stats: Miles as justification for a giant Pig n Fig (proscuitto sandwich) at Earl’s on the way into work this afternoon. Venice and Culver City locals know what I mean….

My friends that race masters are showing up on rides with brand new Venges, Madones, SuperSixes… And the newness is pretty cool (and great motivation). Nice to see masters racing so well supported with bikes fom the future.. and these guys train so hard (huge respect). And I think… shoot, I want a new bike too. I look at my 2008 Vagen… it gets ridden in some shape or form nearly every morning (no matter what it doesnt love me back.. so, days are skipped when the woman is up for hanging out). The paint isn’t even chipped in any real way. It looks newish. It feels amazing. I have love with it. And I’d only want another one for my next bike. I’m so screwed with this thing… 3 or 4 years old and we’re just really still playing with each other.

Word is from the mothership that they are blowing out all remaining stock of Vanilla and SV kit at 50% off, free shipping on orders over $100.00, and buy 2 get one free on all t-shirts.
The sooner this stuff is blown… the sooner new softgoods will come. Check the Vanilla website for order info.