Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail...

That's a phrase one of my ASU professors used frequently. It's such a simple idea yet it is rarely put into action. But when put into action, it can carry one a long way. Well, SORBA-CSRA is definitely planning for success. I went to the Christmas party last night and everyone was discussing new things for 2009. So here's a couple of things that are starting to snowball. There will not be a Baker's Dozen this year...if you didn't know this, take a second to gather your emotions. OK. Instead there will be an epic ride, and I mean epic...as in a 100 mile option! Start training now. The idea is to link up FATS, Lick Fork, Wine & Turkey Creek, and Modoc. I can't remember the exact date, but I know it was the first or last weekend in May (sorry). Also in May is the 17th Annual Lock to Lock Ride. That will be on May 17th and we're going to try to top last year's ride! Lastly, is a FATS Time Trial series. AJBW will be the sponsor and Dustin Gaddis will be spearheading the organizational end of things. 6 trails, 6 weeks, 6 chances to show what you've got! Look for that in summer of 2009. One more thing, save the date...March 15th. We've got something of epic proportions coming this way. Stay tuned for details...

Mark Mulville gets high in the PA woods

Video courtesy of www.deluxebmx.com 

Flossin, Tossin, Crissin, and Crossin!

Ross Douglas aka ACC Team Manager has stepped up and created a blog for the Augusta Cross Coalition. It's here that you'll get race highlights, team member placings, and weekly cross race predictions. Check it out at http://www.augustacrosscoalition.blogspot.com/

CycloRoss in agonizing pain as he puts the pedal to the metal at the 07 Augusta Race

The Latest in Technology from GIANT

Giant has just released their newest offering for 2009 and it's even more technologically advanced than this. Even the most savvy of bicycle enthusiast will have a hard time wrapping their head around this one. The bicycle industry will never be the same from this day forward. What makes it so mind boggling is the fact that there is no advanced composite technology, there is no cutting edge Maestro suspension technology, and it doesn't even run on Hybrid technology. It's the all new 2009 Giant Metal Belt Buckle. Simply mount the buckle to a leather belt, run it through the belt loops on your pants, run the belt through the opening on the buckle, adjust tension, snap buckle into hole on belt, and voila! It will hold your pants up no matter how rigorous the activity. But the technology doesn't stop there! It also includes a laser cut, bottle opener. If you're in a pinch to quench your thirst with a fine frothy beverage, the Giant Belt Buckle has got you covered! Simply insert the top of your favorite beverage into the opening device at a 45 degree angle, making sure to get the bottle cap behind the upper lip of the opening mechanism. Now with you hand around the base of the bottle, apply downward force at a moderate speed and bam...You just saved yourself from the deadly clutches of dehydration. Unfortunately, Giant produced a very small batch of this example of high quality craftsmanship, so you gotta know someone who knows someone to even have a chance of owning one. Fortunately, I know people...

FATS Brah!

Here's a quick edit of some footage at the FATS using the Helmet Hero Helmet Cam. It's a little bumpy at times so watch it in high quality mode. Don't forget FATS will be closed 10/11 - 10/24, except on Sundays, for hunting season. Don't get shot, wear orange!

Alright Stop, Collaborate and Listen...

So a few weeks ago I went to The Canyons in Utah for the Giant 2009 model preview/dealer pep rally. Needless to say the weather was amazing (90 degrees, 20% humidity), the scenery was beautiful, and an excellent time was had. I got to ride mountain bike trails at 7000 feet, it's very interesting when your legs are not burning, but you can barely breath. I saw some of Giant's best work to date. And I met the super nice folks behind Giant Bicycles. I also had the opportunity to talk with the co-founder of Giant Bicycles, Tony Lo. He was not only very approachable, but also very humble and down to earth. It was quite amazing, seeing that he runs a $1 Billion bicycle company! But I would have to say the highlight of my trip was on the return flight home. It's 7:30am, I'm boarding my plane and in front of me is someone that looks very familiar. It's eating me up trying to figure it out. Then I'm given a clue in the form of a small ankle tattoo... V.I.P. Yep, Yep, Vanilla-friggin-Ice. So the whole flight back I was thinking, if he's around when we land, I gotta snap a pic. So I got off the plane as quick as possible, which seems impossible, looked around, no VIP. Damn, like sand slipping through my fingers. So I find the gate for my connection and proceed to walk across the terminal. Wait, there he is again. So like a 13-year old crazed N-Sync fan I jetted across the way and said what's up. Surprisingly enough he was a pretty cool guy and allowed me to snap a blurry pic (this was due to my hand shaking uncontrollably). I was on a roll, but it was time to go solo. Wait, where's my 5.0 with the rag top down so my hair can blow...

A Simple Sesh at the Trails

I present the first video from the all new AJBW YouTube Channel! Here's an edit of Charlie Mooney and I at the Westview Trails complete with some helmet cam action. No bangers, just a simple, post-work session on a hot summer night. Pay special attention to the fact that I'm rolling a BMX and Charlie's shredding the MTB. Ahhhh, harmony. No matter what type of bike you ride, it's all bike riding. Don't hate...Appreciate! Stay tuned to www.youtube.com/andyjordans for more.

No Title Necessary

The First Ever AJBW Bicepathon!

So Paul Kannady of multi-Ironman finishing fame comes in the other day and notices the sizeable guns on team AJBW rider Michael Michaels. Typical comments were made regarding his pythons and then someone suggested getting a measurement. Nate came through with the tape struggling to wrap it around the behemoth of a muscle. We were all stunned. Next thing you know everyone's competitive side surfaced and we're all getting our guns measured.

Be the first to match the measurements with the correct bicep owner and get your choice of a free limited edition AJBW T-shirt or limited edition AJBW hat. Excludes all competitors in Bicepathon 2008. Here are the dimensions for me, Nate, Ethan, Michael, and Paul:

12.25"

12.50"

13"
13.5"

14.25"

Leave your answer in the form of a comment on this post. Good luck to all!

Are you paying attention?

This is worth watching. Link courtesy of ESM.

Trickster Tricked

So I'm cruising home after work the other day and I happened to catch a glimpse of the AJBW race van in the reflection of a window. Wait...What the...something sparkly? I slow down to take a look in the next reflection and notice that I now have a chrome rim on the driver side front wheel. Immediatley after I start to see other people noticing said rim and I can't help but LOL. What can he not afford 3 more chrome hubcaps they think to themselves? Did someone else have one chrome hubcap and need three more to make a set? How I didn't notice this thing of beauty on the van is still a mystery. And where the heck it came from was a bigger one. I immediately think Ethan or Mike. After a phone call and a what the heck are you talking about from Ethan, I become perplexed. The next morning I call Nate to see about borrowing a tool and he says, "By the way, you like your new rim?" Seems someone tricked the trickster.

Fly Whips

Here's a spy pic of the 2009 TCR Advanced equipped with the all new DA group. Seriously sick! Comments??? Pic courtesy of www.pezcyclingnews.com

No Title Necessary

Uhm...yeah.

I'm absolutely stunned right now. This is seriously serious business.

Vapors - 2 Wheel Issue

If you've heard of Vapors you already know it's a sick magazine/digital flip book covering street couture, skateboarding, bikes, music, and everything in between. If you haven't, now's a good time to check it out. Issue 48 is the 2-Wheel Issue and has something for any fan of cycles. DJ Greyboy's Sidehack, Retailer's Rigs, a shout-out to RAD, Mash SF Scene Report, and a lot more. Check it out here.

The Getter

I came across this bike while perusing the pages of http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/. This was the first bike built by the guy (not sure of his name) behind Fast Boy Cycles. Fast Boy specializes in hand-crafted "custom bicycles built to your likeness." Well, I for one like this one as it's perfect for carrying this, this, and thanks to Ed G, this. I never thought I would see a bike that looks so sick equipped with a basket and fenders. It's bikes like these that remind us of the reason for riding. Have fun!

You Tube Search

I just searched the word bicycle on You Tube and this was the first result. Perfect...

Mama Said Knock You Out!!!!

The human body is quite resilient. This is so wild, it's almost gross. Check out more from action figure.

The latest in bicycle technology

If you don't know, now you know

Happy Birthday Nate! You're how old? Wait, do numbers go that high?

We got...

That's right, mad links ya'll. Check out what we check out on the web that is worldly.

Drew's favs
http://www.defgrip.net/ - Loosely based on bicycle motocross.
http://www.dwell.com/ - Cool stuff for your dwelling.
http://www.drummerworld.com/ - The world of drummers.

Nate's favs
http://www.light-bikes.de/ - over the top mtb and road bikes
http://www.benjiescaferacer.com/home.html - cafe style motorcyles with lots of attention to detail
http://www.cyclingnews.com/ - everything to do with bike racing

Andy's favs (believe it or not he can navigate the internet, barely)
http://www.weather.com/ - the weather determines all aspects of life, and riding.
http://www.youtube.com/ - probably something music oriented...Gino Vanelli anyone?

K.I.S.S.

When most people think of BMX they immediately think of backflips, the X-Games, and energy drinks. And you know what...that's perfectly fine. But when I think of Bicycle Motocross, I think of the simple things. And it doesn't get any better than BMX veteran, Brian Foster, illustrating how to scrub some speed. Still don't have goosebumps? Well, maybe the trailer to Odyssey's newest video will get it done.

You gotta know when to hold 'em...

...and Ethan "The Expediter" knows when to fold 'em. Let's just say he wasn't exactly expediting things on this particular day. That said, Nate gave him the appropriate hat...

Mythbusters Busted by Bunnyhop

I still laugh everytime I watch this.

George Hincapie hollers at Andy!

While Andy was at the Tour of California this weekend, George Hincapie, of Team High Road, stopped him for a quick pic and some convo. Andy said that George is absolutely thrilled with the prototype Giant TCR Advanced SL and looks forward to riding the Tour de Georgia aboard the highest quality machine known to man.
Pic courtesy of www.andrewvontz.com

Shiver Me Timbers!

The Black Pearl! (Click image for full size)

Here's the first bike check for the blog.

Pake Frame/Fork
Velocity Deep V Rims, laced with DT Spokes to Gran Compe Hubs, wrapped in Soma Everwears; Sugino Crank & Chainring, EAI Cog, Sugino Lockring, Izumi Eco Chain tensioned by MKS;
MKS Pedals with Soma Clips and Straps;
Modolo Track Bar & Stella Azzurra Latte Stem;
Selle San Marco Rolls Saddle.

FATS is Epic!

The FATS (Forks Area Trail System) has been awarded the coveted Epic status by IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association). FATS is the first trail from South Carolina to receive acknowledgement of this magnitude. Make sure you give the people from SORBA-CSRA a pat on the back, as a lot of hard work went into making this trail happen. There's an ongoing story about the new phase of FATS including a little history at bicycling.com. Check it here then go shred the trails brah!

A Leisurely Stroll around the City?

This is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever seen. Keep in mind that these guys are on fixed gears (they can't stop pedaling) and they have no brakes. The video kicks in at about 0:50 and is a little over 4 minutes long. Enjoy.

Spy pics of Skatecity

Here's a couple of shots I took from my visit to Skatecity the other night (that's Harlem Hotshot Levi Wilson killing the quarter). The only obstacle you can't see in these photos is the mini ramp behind the bowl corner. The park area is done, but they're still working on lavatories as well as an area to hangout and conduct day to day business activities. That said, the park is not officially open, but they are allowing people to ride from 7:00 pm until, for $10. The funds raised are going towards the completion of the facility. Here's a map to the park. So grab your BMX, or MTB, and come...

Meet Todd Corley

If you've been on an AJBW group road ride you probably know Todd Corley. And if you've ridden with him you know that he's got a good sprint. But I'll bet you didn't know that he has skills on a skateboard as well. A couple of days ago Todd comes in early before a ride and says, "Hey, I got a new skateboard." Being that I used to "skate and destroy" I was eager to check it out. One kick and push later, and I'm destroyed. I just about shattered my wrist carving "turn one" of the showroom floor. That was enough for me so I asked Todd to show Nate and I some sweet moves. Now keep in mind that Todd has just gotten off work, so he's still wearing his steel toe boots. And skating in steel toe boots is kinda like riding your SPD-SL equipped road bike at the Dublin Century in a pair of flip-flops. He proceeds to kick and push...CLICK!BAM! One steel toe equipped, perfectly executed kickflip ollie.
Drew =0, Todd =1. Stay tuned for the rematch.