We’re back from our short off-season hiatus. As is proper with a short holiday, we truly attempted to allow ourselves a break from social media and unnecessary distractions and instead chose to focus on the activities of the moment and the people we were with. And while we didn’t spend much of our break on our own bikes, we did get the opportunity to explore some new places where bikes were being used—on multiple occasions we had to take note of when we were the bike path rather than the pedestrian line. Our group also received a couple warnings from on-coming bike bells. Rather than feeling chastised, we were actually delighted to be in a place where bikes were ubiquitous and being utilized even in colder temperatures. It was a nice reminder that bikes are just great modes of transportation, no matter where you live and what you journey you’re on.

wheels we’re following

kit we’re eyeing

where we’re riding

café-stop reading

It’s hard to quantify the single most important bodily sensation needed for cycling. Sight. Hearing. Muscle control. We’re not sure. However, when ride junk miles through out town in order to reach the more tranquil country roads miles away, hearing is essential for us. Even after we reach our those quiet lanes, we again appreciate our sense of hearing as we begin to notice the sounds of nature, the road, and our exertion. Joe Lindsey’s “Ride Sounds” from The Escape Collective has us considering our own riding experiences in his essay on how going deaf and regaining his hearing changed his relationship with cycling.

off the back of the newsletter

Say good-bye to the brown bibs: Ag2r-Citroën is changing its kits, sponsors, and name. Also, Sam Bennett will be riding a Van Rysel bike as part of the newly rebranded Decathlon-Ag2r La Mondiale. Folks are wondering if Van Aert can target and win at the Giro. We personally think so. Jan Ullrich discussed doping and his past. Pidcock, van Aert, and Van Der Poel are on a cyclocross collision course. Take a moment to listen to Geriant Thomas chat with Orla Chennaoui about breaking the mould of cycling coverage and interviewing cycling super stars. We enjoyed this Love Letter to Inner Tubes. If you have a love-hate relationship with inner tubes, this t-shirt might be for you.

If you are enjoying the OTB Cycling Digest