Alert as ever.

August 4, 2026

(*Insert snorting/snoring/stirring noises here.) Uh, ok, here we go. I'm up... Let's get into it.

First things first- It's no secret I'm a big fan of John 'Speedo/Swami' Reis. Why, I wrote about it a week ago.

So to say I was positively chuffed with last week's announcement that Rocket had scheduled a small tour in support of a record comprised of freshly rescued/recovered songs from the 'Scream Dracula Scream' sessions would be the understatement of the forevers;

The state of art is on fire, indeed;

Now, how I'm going to dance my ass off while wearing giant pants and protecting an LP with my life all at the same time will be another matter entirely, but I suppose will be a problem for future me to figure out;

For those with concern, I blew the arm pit areas out last year while bartending, and they are back in the shop to get elastic gussets installed to allow for additional movement.

While they do look stunning, Action Pants®™© they are not;

Anyhü, for those who respect the rock, there are your marching orders.

And for those who respect the rock, but live too far away from the country formerly known as the USA, I offer this;

Make note and get down.

In other news of stupid costumes and wearing them at a bike race, Joe, Greg, and I made our way to the 2026 SSCXWC venue this weekend to scout the course, and I ain't lying when I say the event promoters are ambitious, and if everything goes to plan, it's going to be an absolutely insane weekend.

Truth be told, I had a tiny bit of anxiety as they discussed the myriad of different possibilities of everything they have in store, because I tend to not be a goal oriented person.

Also, previously, I had been kinda lukewarm warm about all things SSCXWC. I hadn't been to one since it was in San Francisco (whenever that was), and I was even kinda lukewarm then, but the kids in charge of this year's blowout have a real fire in their bellies, and I'm inspired by their drive.

I did take a few random photos to post just to give you an idea of what I saw over the course of my time en route, while walking the venue grounds, and then at a post-ride lunch, where I treated myself to a near mortal wounding via a jalapeño popper;