Check out NTXadventure.com!!!

I've been playing with a new idea for a website to contribute adventure ideas and material, and it's officially launched! Check it out at NTXadventure.com

A little bit of wisdom, some tips and recommendations, local spots, road trips, mayhem, and other fun stuff- the unofficial guide for the North Texas Wildass!

"The War of Art"

First off... if you don't read, you're missing out. If you claim you don't read for a "lack of time" and yet watch more than an hour of TV, you're fooling yourself! Books can bring so much more to your life, and get parts of your brain firing that you haven't used in a while. Stoke your fire and make some time to read!

That said, one of my favorite sites is http://chrismccombs.net and his writings geared toward "Hardcore Happiness". The dude has a message to spread, and does a great job getting it across. A while back he recommended the book that this post is all about: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. I figured it would be worth 10 bucks to see if it was as great as he claimed, so I bounced over to Amazon and ordered it up. One morning this week, I opened it up with the intention of only reading the foreword or at most a chapter. What I did instead was clear my morning and dig all the way through by lunch. I then threw it in my backpack and have steadily gone back to reread portions, and my wife started digging in as well. I plan on reading it again all the way through, I liked it THAT MUCH.

Pressfield is a guy that has paid decades of dues, had his dreams smashed, been told no, and ridiculed. But he still gets up every morning, fights through, and puts words on the page. He caught a big break when he pumped out The Legend of Bagger Vance despite the fact it was about golf. He's learned a lot of lessons the hard way, and I for one REALLY appreciate learning from other people's hardships and avoiding them like the plague.

This book dives into creativity, but not so much the creative process. Rather, it tackles the setting for making creativity happen. When inspiration meets skill, great things can happen. But as anyone who tries to be a full time creative can tell you, there's a lot of Resistance to this. Pressfield dives face first into this very Resistance, and shows ways to identify and battle the forces that try to stifle creativity. I for one needed the kick in the pants that he offers up, and will put his words into practice.

He explains the difference between an amateur and Pro. And it's brilliant. A solid road map for going pro in whatever it is you do, and the keys to keeping the joy. Your creative outlet is your territory, and an entirely different set of rules apply to it. If you're an entrepreneur or fancy yourself a creative, or just need a little nudge, this book is for you. I for one know what several of my friends will be getting as gifts in the coming months. Grab it, read it, and CREATE EVERY DAY!

-Scratch

Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival Recap

I love bikes, beer, music, my wife, my friends, and road trips. Made sense to load up for this event, so I splurged on the add-on for my bike rack and somehow crammed all our camping gear, riding gear, and entire booth/ inventory setup into the truck with four people for our fifth long weekend in a row. It was quite the load, and after some creative organizing and excellent tie down skills, we hit the road.

I LOVE the drive into NW Arkansas. Just to get out of North Texas and into some hills is amazing, and reminds me how sketchy of a driver I can be on anything but open highway.

We bunkered in for Thursday Happy Hour and a nice evening with friends in Fayetteville. Much love to the Chancellor Hotel for being bike friendly and keeping an eye on the rig over night. 

Just add caffeine, calories, and dirt for a good time. Friday morning breakfast and straight to Slaughter Pen to meet up with some riding buddies!

This should be a testament to how much fun Slaughter Pen is. One of my "to-do's" for the weekend was document everything with pics, videos, etc. We had 2 GoPros and my Nikon, and all I got was this shoddy iPhone pic at the top of the freeride park. I couldn't make myself stop and take pictures, we just wanted to RIDE! Huge props to Brantley on his first ever downhill run, and Jami's first MTB experience!

After visiting Bentonville's bike shops and the original Wal-Mart, it was time for Eureka. A great weekend for tent camping, I actually woke up cold for the first time in a long while! Great KOA facility outside of town. 

Fresh chainring logos for the weekend, loved seeing how many of these made it onto bikes, windows, etc.

...and then we went to work! We tweaked a few things on the booth, and it looked GREAT for the weekend, especially with a couple good looking ladies running around it. Thank you girls for all the help!

Bikes were ridden, minimal blood was shed, and a TON of promotion took place! VB Clothing was a proud sponsor of the Downhill Duo event (combining the DH and Super D Races), and we hope you enjoy the prize packs. It was a great gathering of riders and racers on some of the best trails around. We enjoyed meeting everyone that came by, as well as our fellow vendors! A huge thanks to all the promoters and everyone that came out, now go check out the site and store at VBCLOTHING.COM!!!

New Tunes Time!!!

I distinctly remember walking my fat ass through the mall, past all the cool kids, head down so the girls wouldn't make me blush. Shuffling through the smell of Chikfila and the white noise of a consumer's haven, no time for the arcade. With that bright red sign in my sights, Sam Goody Music was my target as soon as I rounded the corner at dear old Midway Mall (RIP). 

I miss the days of fishing through all the music, thousands of CDs just waiting for me to take a closer look and maybe even a listen. Before Pandora told me what I liked, years before iTunes made everything a click away. Back then there were only rumors of the "Music Genome Project" that would allow apps like Pandora and Slacker to open a whole new realm of noise to my eager ears. 

Every time I catch myself feeling that occasional hunger for new music, I can almost smell Corn Dog 7 and remember that very hunt. Twenty bucks in my pocket, gonna get some new tunes. Some were a home run that would play over and over in my walkman, while others were a bust and sat in the case until they were traded in or given away. With the nature of my life, I spend about 12 hours a day with some kind of music playing. It carries a great deal of weight, helping carry my mood or express my feelings. But I caught myself unhappy with my Pandora stations, and after a few throwbacks in my library, I was ready for something new...

Enter Bliss N Eso, a 2 MC 1 DJ trio out of Australia with a bag full of tricks and a message to spread. Their 5th Studio album released a week or so back, titled Circus in the Sky.

I was late to our 4th of July celebration thanks to a bike ride with this in the headphones. I just couldn't stop. So much flow, a great rhythm, and the kind of production value that makes it hard to pick out one song. I just want to listen to the whole album start to finish every chance I get. It's unlike anything else I've got, and you can count on me going back and collecting their other albums and EPs. 

I dig hip hop. I love the energy, I love the beats, breaks and drops. However, I don't give a shit about ho's, bugattis, your whip, paint job, or how cool you think you are. So many rappers today have so much skill, but zero substance. You've got millions of people listening, and you're gonna rap about clubs and doo doo (every damn Lil Wayne song has a poop reference). It makes no sense to me. That's what really stands out with Bliss N Eso. Some songs are storytelling ventures that display a ton of talent, and the rest are filled with motivation, inspiration, and samples of the most energy-boosting variety. You can't help but feel good when you listen to it, and it will silence a car full of people so everyone can listen a little closer. 

Much love to Bliss N Eso for this album, and the track that lead me to them (Addicted). If you're a Flobots fan looking for a better tempo, or like the edge of Atmosphere without the hostility, give it a shot. If nothing else, fire up a Bliss N Eso Pandora station and enjoy.

Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey...

     After last year's crash, I made a vow to develop a new habit during my recovery. I grew up seeing the pleasure my Dad gained from reading, but had never experienced it. During school it was strictly business, and I fell into years of the excuse "I don't have time to read". However, I was able to make time, and have since rolled through an average of two books per month, and zero cable bills. I get it now, and find myself often scheduling my day around getting to read. The only downfall is a lack of friends that read, so I find myself with these elaborate conversations, quotes, and ideas that remain internalized.

     And then I remembered that I run this blog, and how under-utilized it has been in the past. It's been a great outlet for some gear reviews, event recaps, and short rants, but I believe I'll had some depth here with a few book reviews. As a self proclaimed adventurer and notorious soloist, I've connected well with authors such as Edward Abbey, Aron Ralston, and Jack London. I definitely enjoy the classics as well as modern novels, but there's a certain vein running in me that enjoys the Science Fiction-esque qualities of older pieces. 

     Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire has hit my buttons on several levels. I found myself throughout the novel making notes of passages I just couldn't wait to go back and explore. 

     Released in 1968, Desert Solitaire is a collection of writings from Abbey's years as a park ranger on the backside of Canyonlands National Park in Utah. He was known for being a very surly, zero f*cks given environmentalist that would much rather spend his time alone in the wilderness than with the company of a society he liked less and less each day. The particular area he was stationed for these writings also happens to hold a dear place in my heart. Canyonlands NP is the area that contains Moab, Arches NP, Green River, and a number of hidden treasures in the desert of Utah. Rather than go into a full synopsis, I'd like to share a few of the parts that really hit home with me in hopes that it will inspire you to step away from the idiot box and pick up a book!

"Where all think alike there is little danger of innovation."

"An economic system which can only expand or expire must be false to all that is human."

"Has joy any survival value in the operations of evolution? I suspect that it does; I suspect that the morose and fearful are doomed to quick extinction. Where there is no joy there can be no courage; and without courage all other virtues are useless."

"Too late for arguments now and as usual not enough time for panic."

"Looking out to this panorama of light, space, rock and silence I am inclined to congratulate the dead man on his choice of jumping off place; he had good taste. He had good luck- I envy him the manner of his going: to die alone, on rock under sun at the brink of the unknown, like a wolf, like a great bird, seems to me very good fortune indeed. To die in the open, under the sky, far from insolent interference of leech and priest, before this desert vastness opening like a window into eternity- that surely was an overwhelming stroke of rare good luck."

"Gaze not too long into the abyss, lest the abyss gaze into thee."

     But above all, the section that raised off the page and screamed at me was the chapter that Abbey explained the value of wilderness as "a base for resistance to centralized domination." Released in 1968, and read in the light of 2013, this passage absolutely dominated my mind for several days. He even explains that his thoughts came from even earlier poets. This was an era before Internet, Monsanto, the War on Terror, and many of the other commonalities we have grown tolerant of. Without further ado, here it is:

"How does this theory apply to the present and future of the famous United States of North America? Suppose we were planning to impose a dictatorial regime upon the American People- the following preparations would be essential:

1. Concentrate the populace in megalopolitan masses so that they can be kept under close surveillance and where, in case of trouble, they can be bombed, burned, gassed, or machine-gunned with a minimum of expense and waste. 

2. Mechanize agriculture to the highest degree of refinement, thus forcing most of the scattered farm and ranching population into the cities. Such a policy is desirable because farmers, woodsmen, cowboys, Indians, fisherman and other relatively self-sufficient types are difficult to manage unless displaced from their natural environment. 

3. Restrict the possession of firearms to the police and the regular military organizations.

4. Encourage or at least fail to discourage population growth. Large masses of people are more easily manipulated and dominated than scattered individuals. 

5. Continue military conscription. Nothing excels military training for creating in young men an attitude of prompt, cheerful obedience to officially constituted authority. 

6. Divert attention from deep conflicts within the society by engaging in foreign wars; make support of these wars a test of loyalty, thereby exposing and isolating potential opposition to the new order.

7. Overlay the nation with a finely reticulated network of communications, airlines and interstate autobahns. 

8. Raze the wilderness. Dam the rivers, flood the canyons, drain the swamps, log the forests, strip-mine the hills, bulldoze the mountains, irrigate the deserts and improve the national parks into national parking lots."

     Let that sink in a bit as you read it through the eyes of today. He's a brilliant author, rough and unapologetic. It doesn't get much better than this!

Run For the Hills 2013 Video!!!

Here we go! Thanks to Dustin Suitors for the excellent filming, edited by yours truly!

The Second Annual Run for the Hills Mud Run at Loose Wheels, Texas!




Run For the Hills 2013 from Vita Brevis on Vimeo.

Run for the Hills Mud Run 2013 Recap...

With a dozen additional obstacles and the infamous water slide expanded, this year's mud run proved to be a sloppy mess of a good time!

Vita Brevis Clothing was happy to be a sponsor and vendor for the event, and I for one had an absolute blast seeing everyone coming through the finish line on the way to a much deserved hosing off courtesy of a local fire truck. I heard several people say last year that it was the hardest mud run they'd ever done, which is impressive with all of the powerhouse events that we've seen in previous years. However, one look at the topography of this property will remind you that this run has definitely earned its name.

Even with the threat of bad weather, we hung out through some wind and rain to finish off the day in ideal conditions for playing in the mud! A HUGE thank you to everyone who came by and showed their support for VB, and props to all the people that came together to make this event a reality!

And a special word to Team Solus- Thank you so much for your continued support, you guys looked great out there! Congrats on the team win!

Run for the Hills!!!

HUGE weekend coming up!

Saturday marks the second Run For the Hills, a local mud run benefitting Firefighters. It's a great event, and has been improved on drastically (even though it was already a blast!)

Take a look at last year's video, and then go to the event site and REGISTER!!! Vita Brevis Clothing is a proud sponsor and will also be set up as a vendor on the day of the event, so come say hi and collect a high five!

Run for the Hills Event Site

What's up with that logo?

I get the question all the time: 

"What does the gas mask mean?" 

"What's the deal with the mask?" 

"What's up with that logo?"

     While it may not be the most self-explanatory design out there, it does have some reasoning behind it. My original logo concept was an hourglass that saw many different manifestations that you may see on some of the very first gear produced. However, it lacked that "stamp" feel, and usually just acted as filler since it couldn't quite demand the aesthetic attention that the gas mask can. 

     For me, the original hourglass represented a countdown, time running out, etc. This bode well with the concept of Vita Brevis- "Life is Short" in that time is always running out- each minute gone by is a minute you'll never have again. But I struggled for years before I really pinpointed what it was about that design that just didn't grab my heart. There was something weak, complacent, victimizing about looking at an hourglass. Sitting there watching the sand fall just seemed far too passive for what VB Clothing was evolving into. The concept of time running out is sound, but there is no action or call to arms with that mentality. Anyone can live their life as a spectator, counting grains of sand until it's empty. But we don't get to flip our metaphorical hourglass over and do it again. When it's over, it's over, and I for one refuse to sit idly by watching it tick-tock away until I'm dust. 

     Enter the mask... 

     A militaristic symbol to many, a warning label to others. It most often represents a fearful situation in which one can't even trust the very air they breathe. A poisoning, an attack, a war. And that's exactly how I view what's happening around us. While our air may be breathable now, there is a poisonous fog rolling over the world as we know it. We see basic human rights under attack globally, while integrity crumbles under the fist of ego and "progress". Freedom redefined, and an entire race of human beings losing sight of what it means to be just that. Kids that can exhaust an iPad, but unable to handle sticks and rocks. People who struggle to smile, who have lost sight of what it means to be happy. Although the opportunity to connect is stronger than it has ever been, we seem to distance ourselves further and further from the world around us. Passive living, waiting on that next great drug or product to come along and make us happy when all we need is ourselves. 

     To me, the mask stands firm as a tool to salvage more life. It represents my opportunity to filter the poison from my life, giving me that vital breath of life and a clear vision as I focus on making the absolute most out of the life I have left. More art, more laughs, more enjoyment. Getting outside and playing, having a blast every single day, and creating things that inspire my fellow man. You ask me what the mask stands for? It's the reminder that I get another chance at living well every day. When I see you wearing my gear, I see a breath of life I was able to share. You may only see a shirt, but I see the ground-up process to become who I am today. I feel like I've squeezed just a little bit more out of life every time I see it. When one dons a gas mask, it isn't just for giggles or because it's the cool thing to do. It's a fight. A fight for clean air, a fight for your future, a fight to survive.The VB mask is an artistic representation of digging in and going forward with all you have. Clear eyes, clear heart. Now THAT is a message I can stand behind. 

     

Bluebonnet Adventure Fest Weekend Recap

     What a great weekend! I was lucky enough to have my P-I-C (partner in crime) in tow for the Bluebonnet Adventure Fest in Burnet, Texas for a great escape to chilly mornings, rocky trails, and another great race weekend with what some newly familiar faces.

     The previous week wasn't the greatest. Our house was a bit tense, then sorrowful as we came to the realization that my beloved Corgi, Scooter, was being rejected and therefore targeted by the other dogs. Spats turned to vicious fights, with the poor little guy being on the receiving end far too often. We concluded that the best solution was to find him a home where he could shine as the solo dog. Thankfully, our excellent network of friends and dog lovers came through with the perfect home. He is now responsible for filling three little girl's childhoods with lifelong memories of growing up with a great dog. Much love and thanks to the Boyle family- I hope he brings you as much happiness as he has to me! I'm thankful to say that we've received several messages that his first weekend at the new home has been full of love and joy. Thank you guys so much.

Farewells aren't the easiest. Be a good boy.

     After holding back grown man tears over my little Scooter bud, I knew the only way to keep from slipping into a funk would be to stay busy. Thankfully, Terra Firma Promo was there to help with their highly anticipated Bluebonnet Adventure Fest at Reveille Peak Ranch, a destination I've longed to visit since they opened. With truck loaded and the final confirmation that it was just me and the wife for the weekend, it was time to hit the road. After a far too heavy dose of Dallas traffic, we passed through West, TX, in the wake of  tragedy. Such a huge event will forever rewrite the lives in a small town such as West. Many prayers to all those affected. 

     Upon arrival and with burritos secured, we set up camp and found the registration table under a beautiful pavilion on the water. This Ranch is more of a resort in my opinion, such a great getaway. I was already committed to the Adventure Race, and Candice's eyes lit up when the Xterra 5k was mentioned. We secured an entry for her and made our way back to camp where we propped up at the neighbor's fire and proceeded to make friends with a great crew out of San Antonio. 

     Race morning is one of my all time favorite moments in life. I love the mix of preparation, panic, and adrenaline. And it was an even more enjoyable experience when shared with my wife. It was even better when they announced that her 5k was the running portion of my race, so we would get to run together. 

Chilly morning Race Face

Ready to Rock

     She did great, especially considering the terrain we ran. I had to hustle pretty hard, but caught her in the last half mile to finish together before I took off on the bike leg of my race. Congrats baby, I'm proud of you, and looking forward to doing some more! Despite the frustration I still experience with running, I kept my mind well and put in a great ride. I absolutely love technical, rocky, singletrack trails- and there was plenty to love. The first 2/3 were flowing single and wide track, but the last 1/3 of the ride was just awesome. I counted 18 passes and infinite grins as I focused through all the rocks on some beautiful trail. Jeep road brought us in to camp (where I was easily passed by an older lady- props to you on a great ride and race!), and we ran to the kayak portion. Here's where it got interesting: Terra Firma keeps the field even here by requiring that everyone use their inflatable boats, oars, and pfd's. I'd severely underestimated just how difficult it would be to paddle that thing across the lake. Several curse words flew, and I found myself just laying back as a reminder of how nice the day was. I was immensely relieved when I hit shore again, only to find that we weren't quite finished yet. After a crab walk through the sand and crossing a cove on telephone poles, I finally crossed the finish line with a 2:04. 10th place in Solo Male (and there were more than 10 in the class). 

Don't fall off, don't fall off, don't fall off...

Handsome bald guy finishing strong...ish.

They had great keg beer, she was a happy girl. Post race happy face.

Post race pain face. Easily cured by said great keg beer.

     One does not simply go to Reveille Peak Ranch and sit back for the rest of the weekend. It's a beautiful property absolutely riddled with great trails and views. After a few hours of visiting and recovering, I felt it was time to at least go check out the flow trail. I'd spent a lot of time looking forward to riding this line full of berms, jumps, and other fun features, and today was the day despite my protesting legs. I had a great solo session on the jumps and managed to piece the entire line together with the exception of one booter that required a little more commitment than I was willing to give alone. Whoever built that trail, kudos and thank you! Was so nice getting to step up the speed and air for the first time in over a year! Afterwards I returned to camp, longing for another trail ride but unsure of my body's willingness. Noticing some mechanical issues with the Remedy, I parked it and cruised the hardtail to see if the keg was emptied yet as I abandoned the idea of any more miles. 

     After a perfect beer on the dock, I threw my leg over the bike and subtly opted to go left towards the trails instead of back to camp. What followed was a three hour ride I'll never forget. With map in hand, I took every bit of singletrack I could until I found myself miles from camp. I then pieced together a loop that delivered so many smiles, I'll never forget it. True singletrack with flowing sections, technical rocks, and amazing views. I knew I was living well when I caught myself chasing lizards and running my hand along the quarts veins in the rock slabs. As much as part of me wanted to just get lost and stay all night, I found my way back to camp just in time for sunset and some much needed dinner. Much love to the friendly faces around the campfire that night, it was great meeting you, and I hope we cross paths again!

     In all, the weekend was amazing. More great memories made, some quality time with the lady, more friendly faces, and a wave of peace that Scooter is not only happy, but bringing joy to his new family. Life is good, let's live more of it!

Break time

Selfie to remember youth when I'm old and gray

Fastest lizards I've ever seen. Thanks for posing!

For my love of Time Lapses...

Yosemite HD from Project Yosemite on Vimeo.

Another little excerpt...

     "Yet beyond the paucity and the solitude of the surrounding desert, it was an exultant thought that peeled back the veneer of our self-important delusions. We are not grand because we are at the top of the food chain or because we can alter our environment- the environment will outlast us with its unfathomable forces and unyielding powers. But rather than be bound and defeated by our insignificance, we are bold because we exercise our will anyway, despite the ephemeral and delicate presence we have in this desert, on this planet, in this universe."
                                     -Aron Ralston

   

Texas Quest Adventure Race Recap...

     Well... I might be addicted. 

     This past weekend marked my second Adventure Race (Bike, Trek, Paddle), and so far we are 2/2 for having a blast. After getting my first taste, I wanted more ASAP, and a post popped up on the Facebook feed about a Texas Adventure Racing event near Huntsville on the 13th. And here's the kicker... for FREE! I took it as a sign and loaded everything last minute for a blast south. 

     With such late notice, I didn't figure on rallying anyone else into it, so I jumped at it solo for the trip. I typically get an empty feeling in my gut when I do these kinds of things all alone. I've been blessed with so many good friends and a great wife that I'm accustomed to good company at all times. "Happiness only real when shared" was the revelation that Christopher McCandless, a famous solo adventurer, came to. I've been trying to put much more effort into shared experiences in this new chapter of my life. However, the beauty of this kind of racing is that I was only gone for about 24 hours. And anyone that knows me knows that's a pretty common gap if I get obsessive with a task or destination. The other great thing is the Adventure Racing community. Usually the guy with tattoos and a shaved head that shows up by himself isn't the first one invited to share the campfire. But that wasn't so this weekend. 

     The drive south was exactly what you'd expect... traffic in Dallas followed by nothing for a few hours. Solo drives are great for people with no hair- windows down, radio UP. A quick stop and visit at the Chili's in Huntsville (same one I ate at the night before winning the Caney Creek Enduro in 2011), and back on the FM roads that lead out into the woods. Camp and transition area were set up at a great little spot inside the National Forest, surrounded by pine forest except for a perfect little window for stargazing. The fire was already started and the sun was setting, so I scrambled to get camp set and organized. All was well with the exception of my tent, which I've only set up a couple times so far. Some mismatched poles left the sides drooping in to the point that my 4 person tent barely fit one cot (diagonally), but it wasn't bad enough to redo. Soon after I found myself discussing the use of Pop Tarts as heat shielding for spacecraft with a batch of NASA Engineers, Aussies, and marathon runners. Several friendly faces around the fire made for a good time and a reminder that I'm not completely solo. (Shout out to all of you and hope to see you again soon!) Eventually the clock drove us to our tents for the night. 

     Race morning saw a chill in the air and a larger group than expected. I recognized a few of the cars from the previous weekend, but no familiar faces with the exception of the night before. Time to prep the new Camelbak (review coming soon), chow down, and stretch better than last time in hopes of avoiding the rookie cramps. 

     At 9:15, the race officially started with a scramble to the maps, water, and special tests at camp. I opted to save the paddle for last with my hatred for wet socks, and instead took a run at two of the special tests. I love the creativity here, and you locals can expect to see some odd challenges come out after a few backyard beers! Upon completion, it was time to tackle the run/ walk/ modified wobble. I watched the map and soon realized the scale of it was more than I've ever done. I was prepared for 3-4 miles, but somehow made it through 7.5 beautiful pine forest miles. I wished for my camera several times, and especially looked forward to hitting the same loop with wheels beneath me! Huge thanks to the group that ran with me for several miles, and to Kathryn for keeping me company the last couple miles and keeping me from turning this adventure race into an adventure stroll. Coming in from the run, I opted to finish my special tests with a shoe toss and my first go on a slackline (shaky to say the least).

     Next was the bike leg, the part that I'm most comfortable with. Pedal pedal pedal, and pedal some more. I'm not sure the final mileage count, but it was a good ride, especially after the long trek. Several downed trees, fresh trail, and creek crossings kept me huffing and puffing, but I love that winding singletrack in the trees! One of the aforementioned down trees hung me up, but I wasn't aware of the damage until a shift and two cranks grenaded my drivetrain. A broken derailleur hanger had me sitting still until I remembered a little trick. Within a few minutes I was rolling ghetto singlespeed, and managed to finish out the bike leg as strong as I'd started. 

Dear stray branch... if I wanted to ride singlespeed, I would have brought my singlespeed. 

     Hauling the kayak to the water, I felt much stronger than I did the previous week. With the last two checks in sight, I charged the short paddle. After working my way off a sandbar, I threw the boat over my shoulder and hustled in for a 3:35 finish time. 

     

Post Race Death Face

     

     Another great time, and another cold beer reward! I then enjoyed a visit with the main promoter and his family, which included a gorgeous Australian Shepherd that gave me that final push for home that I needed. A few goodbyes and back on the road, I was home in time for dinner and drinks with my people. I'm starting to like this. 

Mighty San Gabriel Adventure Race Recap

So. Much. Fun.

     I've felt a draw towards adventure racing for a while, but never has the time been better than now! Coming off of my injury and trying to steer clear of motorized recreation, it seemed like a great sport to dive into. I like kayaking, hiking, and LOVE to ride my bike, so it made sense to me to give it a shot. I've also been looking for good promotion outlets for Vita Brevis Clothing and a scene where not only I can get involved, but I can introduce my people to something fun as well. This past weekend we jumped right in to one of Too Cool Racing's events and gave it a go...
     Adventure Racing is a sport where you combine some endurance based activities (trekking, kayaking, biking, etc) along with some navigation/ orienteering, and make a day of it. Events can be set up as 3-4 hour sprints, 12 hour adventures, or longer endurance expeditions. They usually combine some unknown activities like rope skills, puzzles, climbing, or who knows what throughout the course as well. Teams of 2,3, or solo participants take off and endure the fun!
     This particular event, the Mighty San Gabriel AR took place in Georgetown, TX the weekend of April 6, 2013. We chose to do the sprint course, which was approximately 1-3 miles paddling, 3-5 miles on foot, and 8-10 miles on the bikes with some special tests thrown in to keep it interesting. I suckered my buddy Brantley into signing up as a solo act after I had entered the race and he saw how excited I was.

     Loaded and ready to go, with no clue what to expect from the race, we made the drive to Georgetown Friday afternoon. We made it to the campsite early and set up camp before we ventured into Round Rock for check in and dinner. 

      With dinner in hand, we headed for camp with the intention of emptying a few good beers in the woods. We were hoping to return to a full campsite with racers from all over hanging out with the same intentions, but instead it was a quiet calm evening with a little wheelie practice and early bed time. Most of the other campers arrived between 9:30 and 10 after we'd lost our steam and decided it was best to get some rest.

     Race morning came to life early as everyone began prepping and others arrived. Per usual, there were some last minute tweaks to be made before the racer's meeting.

      With minimal information and still not quite sure exactly what to expect, we thought it best to snap a before picture.

      Within a few minutes, the race was under way, and I found myself on the most dreaded leg first- the run. Strangely enough, the adrenaline put us much further towards the front than expected as we made our way to the 6 checkpoints laid out for us on foot. I held up better than expected, but was steadily giving ground as I was reminded of all the awful things my leg has been through. A good dose of road running, trail, and good old fashioned bushwhacking got us to all 6 checks, and I got to watch Brantley test his luck as he bounded blindly down a ravine that claimed a nearby competitor's ankle. We spotted a shortcut to the transition area and came in surprisingly well for what I figured would be the worst segment of the race for myself.
     After completing a puzzle, and with a fresh map in hand, it was time to ride! I knew this would be my strong point, so I was excited and cranking. As we dropped into the trail, it grew technical with a nice downward slope and some mean rocks. Having already paid my dues and leaving my flesh on rocks of the same nature in my previous racing career, I made several passes and had a blast pinning it through the terrain. Soon after, the rocks were gone and it was time to spin some miles on the shore to the next two checks. A wrong turn led me two miles off path before recovering, and my curses broke the morning silence for anyone in earshot. With frustration level high and cramping becoming an issue, I struggled to find the checkpoints on what was supposed to be my strongest suit. Chalk it up to rookie mistakes and that stubborn enduro mindset. I soon found myself too ignorant to find a smoother way and mashed my way UP the very same rocks I'd bombed down before. A pedal strike, misstep, and missed tree in a slow corner sent me rolling into a creek bed. I soon recovered, fought through another set of cramps, and mashed my way back to the transition area. Brantley had some issues involving a flat tire, the same missed turn, and a faceplant. None of which won me "friend of the year award" since I had a pump and he'd already spent his CO2 cartridges chasing me.
     Upon arrival, there was another special test involving a seesaw, balloon between my knees, and some car tires. It was a fun change of pace from my frustrated spinning after wasting so much time with stupid mistakes. Next on the list were two paddle checkpoints, just in time for the windiest conditions of the day. Whitecaps abounded, even with all the trees in the water to break them. The wind pushed in our faces the entire time, and the going was snail paced. It was rough enough that I saw a couple flipped canoes, and waves were coming over the front of my kayak and filling it up. At this point, it was all adventure, without much race to be seen. I was struggling to not go backwards. After finding my way to the second check at the end of a wind-pushed cove, I realized the struggle I would face trying to paddle out. Opting to kill my legs and save my arms for the big water row across the bay, I drained my boat and threw it over my shoulder for a hike to the furthest possible point. With the end in sight, I paddled through white caps and trees to the opposite shore and repeated my drain/ over the shoulder routine for the steep uphill climb to the finish. With legs protesting, I made it to the top and found my way to the middle of a supportive crowd. Race is over, where's the beer?
     Brantley struggled with cramping legs and the mental beat down a good endurance event can dish out, but managed to tote his kayak to the top shortly after and find the finish line. It felt great to sit back with that in our past. Recovery drinks would flow and stories swapped as we met several fellow racers from all over Texas. This is our kind of scene, and will most definitely not be our last time at an adventure race. As I wrap up this entry, I can't help but wonder- if we crammed that much into a sprint, how much more could we experience in a 12 hour? Give it a few days for him to forgive me, and present the idea after a few beers when the girls are around. Nobody backs down in that situation.

A delicious little excerpt on chaos...

     "I had become more and more enraged and mystified by the idiot decisions made by my countrymen. And then I had come suddenly to pity them, for I understood how innocent and natural it was for them to behave so abominably, and with such abominable results: They were doing their best to live like people invented in story books. This was the reason Americans shot each other so often: It was a convenient literary device for ending short stories and books.
     Why were so many Americans treated by their government as though their lives were as disposable as paper facial tissues? Because that was the way authors customarily treated bit-part players in their made-up tales.
     And so on.
     Once I understood what was making America such a dangerous, unhappy nation of people who had nothing to do with real life, I resolved to shun storytelling. I would write about life. Every person would be exactly as important as any other. All facts would also be given equal weightiness. Nothing would be left out. Let others bring order to chaos. I would bring chaos to order, instead, which I think I have done.
     If all writers would do that, then perhaps citizens not in the literary trades will understand that there is no order in the world around us, that we must adapt ourselves to the requirements of chaos instead.
     It is hard to adapt to chaos, but it can be done. I am living proof of that: It can be done."

-Kurt Vonnegut's Breakfast of Champions, written in 1973

Transition TransAM 26" in all its proper glory...

ONE bike??? I have to narrow it down to ONE FRIGGIN BIKE!!! But how? I ride a lot of different stuff, and it's just a must that I have 17 different bikes in my garage/ house to maintain...

Enter the BAMF of one-bike collections for a wannabe freeriding damaged dirt jumper with a multiple concussion downhill career. Blah Blah Blah, 29er this, full squish that, all mountain vs trail vs XC vs dj. Hold my beer and watch THIS!

so fresh and clean...

I was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed with all the mags and Interwebs telling me I needed a different bike for every single ride. I was bouncing back from some ridiculous injuries that had kept me down for far too long, and I just couldn't wait to put rubber to ground. Problem is, what bike do you get for everything from the pump track you built to gravel roads to the trails you'll sneak out to when you get the chance? What gearing and components? What suspension? And what about the fact that all your money has gone to the insurance company, hospital, anesthesia, etc?

From house to beer in 9 minutes

Simple answer: find the most versatile geometry hardtail you can wheelie, and sacrifice the build from the dirt jumper you can't ride worth a crap. You don't look cool in girl jeans, you're almost 200 lbs, and your hair is too short/ receding anyways. Having been a fanboy of Transition since the first trail-or-park pics, you should reach out to them and see about that TransAM. It looks cool and the numbers say it'll feel right. Just so happens the white frame looks GREAT with my red and black build. Gearing you say? Nah, let's singlespeed it for a while.

Since then, I've logged I don't know how many miles on her... and she's lived a very diverse life throughout that time. Road rides, pump track laps, gravel grinders, urban, trail, and even commuter miles have accumulated. And they all lead to one conclusion: I love this bike. She's been geared, singlespeeded, and had every kind of tire you can imagine. She even wore a geeky seatbag and headlight for a while!

Why do I like the Tranny so much?

-Look at her! Ano red, white, black, and good geometry... she looks SOOO good! You know you're gonna have a good ride when you catch yourself smiling before you even take her off the rack. Style, my friend... you gotta look good to feel good.

-Riding is very nice. Such predictable and natural feeling geometry. She's laid back just enough to roll over/ through a lot of stuff that would twist up an XC bike, and she never feels twitchy. You can run the seat high and pedal all day, or drop it low and do all kinds of strange stuff normally reserved for a DJ/ park bike. Add to that option the fact that she'll clear a full on DH tire, and you've got yourself a whole bag of options. And who doesn't like options?

-I like to wheelie. Full on sit back, pedal/ brake white trash wheelies for blocks at a time. So much so that there's significantly more wear on my back tire than front. That said, the TransAM might be the easiest to wheelie bike in EVERY build that I've ever had. I love it. She also jumps well for being a larger frame!

-Efficiency and gram-shaving aren't my thing. I've always used heavier builds, and I've never been in good enough shape for it to matter much. However, I've traveled with this bike and ridden many pedally trails without any fuss. It never feels like a pig, she just does whatever I ask. During her commuter days, a set of hookworms and some higher gearing got me all over town, never hesitating to throw a wheely or bounce up/ off or over anything that needed to be bounced.

pure white trash.

I feel especially confident on board the TransAM, and every time I change the tires or drivetrain, it's just like getting a new bike that I can automatically ride with ease. Luckily, my stable is full at the present moment, and I'm very glad of it. However, I look forward to the occasional hardtail trail ride or urban session. If I'm ever forced down to one bike again (God forbid) I know exactly which one will stay off the chopping block! Best all around ride I've ever had, and she looks good too! Now let's go ride!

Full commuter garb. Looks nerdy until I get RAD on it!

My buddy liked it so much... he got one too!

The new Studio!!!

    

      I knew 2013 would be a big year, whether I wanted it to or not! After being sidelined most of 2012 with a few surgeries and recoveries, I felt behind and ready to catch up! As a very goal-oriented person, I decided to re-paint the big picture of my life, and the biggest way I wanted to do so was a new environment for myself and my pack. It was time to set up shop and let some roots grow, right here in North Texas! 

     I'm not very picky about my living space, but there are some strict requirements when it comes to my work space and the mutts. We are a force to be reckoned with! Worrying about losing my beloved studio and armed with a strange list of desires, I set out to find a home that would suffice in the area that I wanted to be in. Location is key, as one of my big goals is to ride my bicycle so much that the battery on my truck dies. This means I have to be VERY picky in what no one would call a "bicycle-friendly" town. I needed to be close (pedaling distance) to some food, entertainment, and friends. Also, I need some serious space. I grew accustomed to the compound, a 20,000 square foot facility attached to 52 acres of nearly lawless land, very quickly and was not too keen on leaving. With the way I am, the way my wife is, and our ridiculous pack of animals, I didn't have much faith in finding anything that would work. 

     With my Real Estate Broker license and keys in hand, I set out all over the areas I was interested in to learn some more. What I found has worked so well that I have trouble looking back on anything from the past! Without going into too much detail (I'm still old school about posting too much online), here's the breakdown: Steazy '70's split level with an enclosed garage turned game room, with an additional 2 car garage in a pocket neighborhood that has one of the best parks in town as the backyard. Add a 7' tall fence, some signature styling via my wife and I, and about three months worth of daily Lowe's trips later, she's coming to life! My favorite rooms- the garage and studio (ex-game room) or what I've referred to as my "Dojo" have seen the bulk of my skill-less, profanity intensive craftsmanship as I faced the learning curve of home remodeling. But I've kept pushing, and it looks great! Enough blabbering for now, check out some pics and the time lapse video from taking the studio from mild to wild!

Apex found & Heaven bound...

Great vid from the always enjoyable Adventure Journal! The Joy of Air! Great reading from a little dude accompanied by great footage, perfect for the kid in all of us! Enjoy!




The Joy of Air from ARC'TERYX on Vimeo.

CRKT Folts Minimalist Bowie Review

First off, I LOVE knives! Ever since I was a little guy, I've been known to dabble with some nifty blades. One of my favorite birthday presents was a throwing knife given to me by my Dad at age 8 (still have it too). How did I learn not to run with a knife in hand? Busted my ass in the pasture with a garage sale survival knife and ripped my hand open. Lesson learned. That said, I'm a somewhat credible source... somewhat.

Over the last few months, I've been on the lookout for a good fixed blade for everyday carry. As much as I love my quick flip pocket knife, I thought the fixed blade might serve well, and my pockets were getting full. I'm moving into town, and will be rambling around via bicycle a LOT. I've heard the horror stories of people being ambushed, jumped, etc, and wanted a layer of protection in addition to my beard and 190 lbs of manliness. I also know how handy a quick blade can be when a stray shoelace makes its way into the chainwheel and plants you in the middle of the street. But ultimately, I wanted a justifiable way to try out a cool fixed blade, and at $20 I figured this was the ticket!

First off, there are several carry options with this knife. It comes with a secure kydex sheath that locks the knife in place when not in use. I'm sure it will smooth out as it breaks in, but I like that there is no risk of it just falling out. The sheath has several holes for different setups. Many people refer to this class of blade as a "neck knife" made to be hung and worn around the neck via paracord. This way its always right there under the shirt and ready. I don't care much for this, but it may prove useful as the weather gets warm and I start wearing bike shorts without belt loops. Instead, I opted to put together the belt loop option. It comes as a kit with a couple screws and spacers that allow for several angles and mounting options. My favorite thus far is a cross-draw belt mount that is easily accessible, yet remains hidden.

After toting her for a couple weeks now, it's become part of my wardrobe while my folder stays home. Now I keep my real weapon in the right pocket, my trusty Sharpie. I've been moving furniture, boxes, and working on the new house most days, and the Folts design has been magnificent. With one hand I can get it out and do whatever I need. The blade is VERY sharp out of the box, and makes quick work of any cardboard, tape, or zip ties I've encountered. The grooved grip locks in perfectly for two or three fingers, and gives a confident feel without the risk of the blade folding back in during heavy use. Sitting here typing, it doesn't dig in or get uncomfortable. It's always there and ready, never a nuisance  and gives more confidence than a folder if trouble were to arise.

That said, I'm a worst-case scenario type of thinker. What if I get cornered, charged, clotheslined off the bike, etc by some would-be attacker? Having a slight limp and a hot wife, defense is often on my mind. Here's my thoughts on a blade for self-defense: If you're in a situation, draw a gun, and drop the the attacker, your troubles have just begun. Even in Texas, you're in the position now where you have to stand before authorities or possibly even a jury and convince them that it was the only option. As a dude that's 6' tall, bearded, active, and a little rough looking, I'm not leaving my fate to a panel of people that couldn't even get out of jury duty. Take the same scenario: one to several attackers corners me and the lady, or ambushes me. I whip out a 2 inch utility blade from my belt, take a couple hits, and proceed to slice and dice my way out of said situation. A blade this small moves as fast and accurately as your hand. If I can move quick enough to slap the assailant, that's another leak for them. A few slaps and a lot of blood later, most people lose their fight and revert to a childlike state of terror. Then I can stand in front of that same panel with my beautiful wife and a black eye, show them the little knife I bought from the local outdoors store, and damn near be hailed as a hero. Much better in my opinion. I also don't have to worry about "brandishing a weapon" or carrying a weapon into an illegal setting. This is a concealed utility blade that can serve in those worst case moments, not a weapon.

Concluding, I'm very happy with the purchase. Great knife! And now begins the goal I have with all my equipment (and body): use it and abuse it for its entire useful life!