The Radavist

These days, I can never decide if I want to race, or shoot photos at events like this. Last night’s Cycleast and Beat the Clock Cycling Urbocross looked so rad. Half singletrack and half bike path sprinting seemed like a 50/50 fun to pain ratio for me. I can eat up dirt just fine but I don’t have the fitness for long, paved straight aways. On a whim, after showing up in plain clothes, I entered the race and was doing fine sitting in second until I got a pinch flat. So it goes. At least I got to take a few more photos!

This set is weird. Half of it is of a local racer’s Black Cat SSCX and the other, pre, mid and post race photos. Either way, it’s a bit of radness everyone can enjoy. Check out more in the Gallery! Many thanks to Cycleast and Beat the Clock for putting on this event. See ya next week…

Golden Saddle Cyclery has a lot of really incredible customers, who happen to own really incredible bicycles. I usually sit there all day and just pick off the gems that walk through the door. Case in point: Hans’ Rock Lobster Cross.

Like most people forking out money for a custom bike, Hans was very mindful of what he wanted. The truth is, most people don’t need a cross bike for racing. But for travel, dirt roads, weekend getaways, light touring, singletrack, fireroads and yes, maybe the occasional race, they’re one of the most perfect machines.

Hans and I talked a lot about this bike via email (it happens a lot). He was initially drawn to a lightweight race machine but he kept describing the kind of riding I do on my cross bike. So I asked, “what will you really be using this bike for?”. He ended up going with a more versatile tubing selection, much like I had on my cross machine.

The end result, as seen here, came out superb. See for yourself in the Gallery!

Each Wednesday night, for the next three weeks, Beat the Clock Cycling will be throwing some short and fun cross races in Austin. Dubbed “Urbocross”, this series is part alleycat style race and part traditional cross circuit races. Last night, a good number of people showed up as the sun was setting on the east side of town to take part in the 20 mile race. Sure, speed counts, but like all alleycat races, your route will make or break you. That and making sure you get your manifest signed at all the check points…

I had fun shooting this race and everyone had fun racing. That’s a win / win if you ask me. See ya next week, Austin. Check out more photos in the Gallery!

Every party involved with this bike are such great people. Chris Igleheart, life-long frame builder, Keith Anderson, phenomenal painter and Jen, owner of Panty Raid and general rad woman. When Jen reached out to Chris at the 2012 NAHBS, she wanted a “do it all” bike. Something with a little more tire, more stopping power and still cross race ready if she ever felt the desire. I kind of feel like that’s what a lot of people look for in a cross bike. The main challenge with this frame, as with any small frameset, is making it look good and I think everyone nailed it! Including Golden Saddle Cyclery on the stellar build!

Pardon my hasty photos, the sun was going down and it was my last night in LA, hence the crossed-chain… At any rate, see more in the Gallery!

I don’t know if you know this but camouflage is “in” right now and so is cyclocross. A few months ago, Kyle from Tracko got his ENVE fork painted by Death Spray Custom, for a new bike coming in time for cross season. When Ty didn’t have a fork for Cross Vegas, Kyle let him borrow it. Enough of a backstory? The fork looks great on the black Nature Boy Zona, especially with the Easton camo tape. Let’s just say Ty is living the dream…

Hey, #CrossIsHere. Each year, Cross Vegas represents the kick-off for cyclocross racing in the States. Everyone’s stoked, racing new bikes, on freshly trained legs and ready to stare down those beer hand ups (or get beer thrown in their faces). This year, I did things a little differently, focusing more on the singlespeed race and rider / bike portraits. I’ve got more coming from the other races, but for now, enjoy!

Check out more in the Gallery!

People look great on pink bikes. They’re not as ostentatious as red bikes and evoke a certain “fun” energy, especially when they’re pedaled by Ty from Golden Saddle Cyclery. Riding with that dude is always rad and it doesn’t hurt when you get to check out this steed from all angles (including launching into the air).

The Seven Mudhoney is a no-nonsense cross machine. Built from Seven’s Origin™ butted steel, it’s light, responsive and best of all, can be thrashed with ease. Just add some bike control…

Check out more photos in the Gallery!