Photos From J.C.

Justin at http://southernvelo.org/ took these photos a while back when I was riding the Bridgestone as a fixie. He takes some great shots. 

Destroy Polo Practice: Cody from David Hoffnung on Vimeo.
Highlights from last Sunday's bike polo game, where Cody was certainly player of the day.  He had a pretty spectacular crash, and then despite saying he'd been psyched-out by it, came back to win a five-point game on his own. More people need to come give this a try. I always leave the court feeling a bit surprised by how much fun we have.

Destroy Video Teaser

Just started playing with cameras. Mounting all over the bike you get a neat perspective of the movements. Enjoy the teaser.

Rain Falls as I Pedal

So, looks like winter may finally be giving way to spring. Don't get too excited unless you love rain, cuz thats what were in for. I personally don't mind the winter if I'm geared and although refreshing at times, I find spring showers to be a  warm tease leading to summer nights. Nevertheless I continue my car-free quest. This year is a bit different in that im better prepared than seasons of old. I guess just to make sure, i should be double checking my list.

• Underarmor base layer-check
• bib shorts and tights-check
• thin wool socks (i wear them year round)-double check
• Tasty vintage jerseys-check
• the Weather Channel. know what your in for and when. Just because its a rainy day doesnt mean you must get caught in the heaviest windiest part of it all. Timing is sometimes a big key role. -check
• rear fender that will fit all my bikes-check
• neoprene booties-check
• now this next one was a christmas gift from my lady friend, i probably wouldnt have bought one for myself, but its so badass that i dont ever wanna go without it, and if u can getcha one go for it, and that is thermal/windproof/water resistant l/s LG jersey jacket. not only does it work, but i feel like Johnny Quest or Velo-Batman or whatever when im wearing it.-check
• Waterproof overtrousers that easily fit over lycra, but over jeans and whatever else too. -check
• Headband to cover my floppy lobes-check
• Wrap around shades-check
• Headlight with a high/wide beam combo-check
• full finger gloves-check
• waterproof bag. I like the rolltop packs by Chrome Bags. -check
• My 86' Bridgestone-check
• time investment to keep my tasty steel and vintage drivetrains from gettin all gunked up.-check
• the nerve to just go for it-check

So now that you have seen my checklist, maybe its time to be working on your own checklist. With all your bases covered you dont have to be that guy driving instead of riding, and falling back on weak excuses. Instead you could be that dude who isnt afraid to commit to riding in all conditions, even if its those consecutive April showers. Oh, and another little note. Some people <---hipsters....... hate on tech gear when urban riding. My guess is that they never tried it. If LG and other high end riding gear companies provide their products for the pro peleton, think of how effective it must be. It becomes urban when worn with the right attitude. Try this shiz out. I doubt you will go back to riding in the rain in a hoodie ever again.

Killin' It Out There

So, it didnt take long for the only stock parts left on my fixie to start failing. That is the frame and fork. I posted earlier that i was suprised how much i liked the fixie and how i shouldve bought a nicer one that could be built up by an ex bmxer like myself. Well, i went cheap and now the bike is no more. The fork is way bent. it wont barspin and the steel is soft. like i ran the bike into a wall to straighten the rake and it worked long enough for a few more tricks till it gave way to a spongy sensation of  failure. Im in too deep not to find a replacement. When the time came to start 180s and hoping out of keos, and tail tapping everything i could, i followed through and realized a couple little places in my timing that i could get more "umph!" outta the way i was handling the bike. The bike couldnt handle it. Period. Started landing more technical maneuvers only to realize that i could go farther. Now my progression is dead in the water. Oh, just wait. I will find my replacement. It wont be generic. It will be beefy. My ambitions will be bold. The riding will be fresh. Oh, my friend, just you wait and see. Level Up.