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!

Describe Vita Brevis...

After 7 years, I still get hung up here...

In my mind, I'm being asked for a paragraph when I have an entire novel to share. VB has roots so deep within me, it still surprises me. I'm almost offended when it's referred to as a "brand", but that's a simple way to say it in one sentence. It's just so much more in my heart and mind.

Vita Brevis is my true identity, free of all the bullshit that I carry and the masks that we're all guilty of wearing.  I've seen it evolve over the years, always a bi-product of my life. The history has distinct chapters, phases, and the mandatory ups and downs that come with life. I'm so proud of what it is becoming, of the people it has united, of the message it is spreading. It isn't fake, or hiding behind any sort of labels. It's more than shirts and hats, more than stickers, more than all of that. This is my dream manifesting, a dream that I was never even aware of before. It's my opportunity to impact the world around me.

I came across this a while back, and as simple as it is, it spoke to me. 

As I sit here in the old studio, it seems borderline lifeless as everything is packed up and readied for the move. The only things left are a mess and the paintings on the walls. So many great memories, and the promise of so many more. So many of the great moments I've had have been serendipitous, right place at the right time type of happenings. Moving forward, I grin as I realize my ability to see such opportunities, as well as feel my proactive nature. Surround that with positive people and a world primed for my message, and you've got quite a recipe. 

Zero arrogance, a humble heart, and a bold voice. The pen in my hand is my weapon of choice, my creativity the strategy, your inspiration my motivation. Who knows what the next chapter holds for all of us, whether we're blessed with a hundred years or die tomorrow. All I know is I'm blessed to have Vita Brevis, and it's time to make the world feel blessed to have it as well! One life, one love, one chance. This is it friends, bust a grin and carry on! And if your style and wallet will allow it, support the cause and fuel the fire by snagging some gear from the store! 

"A pinch of art, a heavy dose of lifestyle, and a crushing amount of awesome. Vita Brevis (Latin for Life is Short) Clothing (vbclothing.com) is my artistic outlet. I create products and attempt to inspire my fellow people through shirts, art, pictures, videos, words, and promotion. It seems to draw a wide variety of free-thinkers, artists, and general wild-asses, all of whom I think the world needs more of! 

My focus is on casual adventure wear, apparel that has a place in virtually everyone's closet. I place as much emphasis on the feel of my product as I do the appearance. My goal is for your favorite worn out t-shirt to have my logo on it, and for something I do to bring value to your life. Dig in and see if you share the same vibe!"

There you have it friends, Vita Brevis described! And you know it's legit, cuz it's Facebook official! ...Until I decide it needs updating!

-Jeremiah Stone aka "Scratch"

Owner, sales manager, PR director, designer, IT tech, Web Admin, Treasurer, writer, model, janitor, and all-around good guy. "The Connoisseur of Chaos"

Moving Sale this week!