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I don't really know how to begin posts these days. Nothing's normal, and everything's fucked.
How does one navigate the world when monsters are actively dismantling the body that governs the cluster of states in which you live?
Truth be told, this past week has put me so hard on my heels, I've been physically despondent. It's been every single bit of news that's crossed my deck that's left me feeling sick. I realize I offered a good directive last week and I should have activity taken my own advice but sometimes I'm my own worst enemy.
So, having said that, did anyone watch the Cyclocross World Championships of Cyclocrossings this weekend? *Spoiler alert dead ahead*;
A couple of weeks ago I said that the UCI having races available for streaming was the best thing they've done in at least 15 years, and was rightfully called out. The UCI has never done anything good.
But getting to watch the honches do battle all winter has been the best and I thank the UCI for making it available for the rest of us schlubs.
I've only just this morning watched the U23 races but the women's race was almost what you would have imagined. Pieterse chased second for pretty much the entire race, and with one dab in the final corner, Lucinda Brand lost the win to Fem van Empel;
Now, with the elite men's race, I obviously had pretty lofty hopes for Wout van Aert, but starting back in 14th place ensured that he had his work cut out for him. The light went green, MVP was gone, and everyone was fighting for second.
When the mud settled, Thibau snatched third, van Aert heroically battled his way to second, and as anyone with eyeballs could have guessed, MVP snagged first like it was candy from a baby;
They were saying his laps were around 7 minutes per and his last two or three laps were a minute and five seconds ahead of second place. He was actually going faster as the race went.
How is this even possible?
I looked pretty closely at this course, and I was wondering- At my fittest, and most figtingest, I don't think I could break a nine minute lap. Truly some heroic shit.
While we're on the topic of cyclocross, and the season's end, it's only right for me to ask folks if they remember 'Pure Sweet Hell'?
I sure do. I remember seeing Vernor and WKB lurking around races with their dumb little cameras, and laboring over it tirelessly. I remember the premieres, and laughing at Justin Robninson's absolute care-free mastery of his craft. If you haven't seen it, or if it's been a decade (or more), well, then there you go.
It was a simpler time, to be sure.
While we're discussing all things bike related, maybe you'd like to now learn about one of my most favorite feeds as it pertains things things four-wheeled related.
Some month ago (perhaps at this stage, it's been in the years), I came across an IG feed called the Raddidaddii (needs some help in its branding), and I fell headlong in love with not only his efforts in spiffing forgotten spots, but his array of weird gumby-legged 80s tricks;
Personally, it's soothing to me. If this strikes your fancy, follow up with his YouTube channel, and fall sweetly asleep with the sounds of blazing wheels in your ears from this point forward.
Now, before we all get back to heading towards the ink black drink, here's the newest episode of Revolting;


1 comment
Hey, a soggy life jacket still floats. Thanks to you and Robot for helping us keep our heads above water.