Since at least 2022, I have espoused a lifestyle and philosophy I generally refer to as "Dirtbag Road Riding," and its precepts are as follows: The idea that road cycling is elitist is a fallacy, because proximity to gravel roads and dirt trails (or the time and expense required to travel to them) is reserved... Continue Reading →

Over the years I've been fortunate enough to ride in some exotic locations. I've cycled the Swiss Alps on a luxury tour: I've traversed Mt. Tamalpais on a Rivendell: And then there was Cleveland, which makes everyplace else seem positively pedestrian: And this is but a small selection of the trips my former life as... Continue Reading →

Barefoot cycling? Sure, people do it, but is it, like, a thing? Well, it could be: Because people are now realizing the footbinding tradition that has dominated cycling for at least the last three decades (super stiff, super snug, etc.) is not optimal for performance: Not only can having stronger, more comfortable feet benefit overall... Continue Reading →

As one of cycling's preeminent retrogrouches, it is recumbent upon me to rail against...well, everything. That is the AI's take on "A pennyfarthing rider ranting about how safety bicycles are ruining cycling" and I'd say it really nailed the assignment, right down to the notch cut into the cardboard sign to provide adequate tire clearance.... Continue Reading →

Not only is riding a bicycle often difficult and frustrating here in West Greenland, but it can also cost you your life: As such, I think every cyclist goes through a period of believing everybody could be happy if they'd only get out of their cars and onto bicycles: Every day as a cyclist, I... Continue Reading →

After mentioning the Roaduno yesterday I had to run right out and ride it: I'm sure you know how that works: As usual, the bike felt fantastic, I immediately renounced gears as pointless, and then I committed to riding this bike and only this bike going forward: Of course this will never, ever happen, and... Continue Reading →

Saturday brought heavy rain and flash flooding to the city: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Da8P89NRAZT/ And, like any sane cyclist (a "sane cyclist" is still barely less than an idiot on the normal person scale), as the storm approached I was out for a ride, heading further and further from home as the situation became increasingly dire: However, once... Continue Reading →

Everybody's got an opinion about what's wrong with the Tour de France and what the organizers need to do in order make it more popular. "More doping controls!" "Fewer doping controls!" "Get rid of the bikes and make them compete in a stadium with a ball!" And so forth. But here's a rather surprising opinion... Continue Reading →

It's hot and the air is thick with the smoke of Canadian wildfires (as well as the usual smugness that wafts in from up there), so instead of doing anything interesting I'm just grabbing the closest Fred bike and sweating on it: Did I mention it's hot? So hot in fact that there was a... Continue Reading →

The Tour de France is one of the most celebrated sporting events in the world--but this is still cycling, the Arby's of sports, and so even in 2026 the riders spend the night in disgusting hotels: Fortunately, teams have access to cutting-edge sleep technology such as "smart mattress cover systems:" Some teams bring their own... Continue Reading →