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Issue 26
OTB Contributor
December 08, 2023
Earlier this week we found ourselves doing some math: five hundred divided by eight divided again by five then multiplied by three. We had do that final part because we don’t often use metric. The answer that we were searching for wasn’t necessarily a unit of length (though that was the answer we got); we were instead attempting to get a sense of time. I suppose we could take our answer and then divide again by fifteen or twenty or twenty five depending on how fast we think we can ride in the cold, dark afternoons of late December. We didn’t come to any conclusions or make any commitments, but we do know that, if we had an e-bike, the task wouldn’t be as daunting. We also noticed that folks have strong opinions that an e-bike could even be an option. Read the comments if you enjoy doom scrolling.
wheels we’re following
kit we’re eyeing
where we’re riding
café-stop reading
The banal saying that “cycling is my therapy” is perhaps a dangerous sentiment. While cycling can be therapeutic, it is no replacement for good therapy. That being said, there is much physical, emotional, and intellectual good that can be found while riding a bike, and Peter Cossins’ poignant article reminiscing about a recently passed friend while riding up the Col de Marmare is a good reminder of the truths behind the sentiment. The article from La Course en Tete is must read.
Shimano labor conditions are being investigated. In order to be more competitive, Ineos is mixing up its management. Mathieu van Der Poel has a special relationship with Remco Evenepoel while hanging out in Spain. The third wheel Wout Van Aert will be participating in his first cyclocross race of the season in Essen this weekend. We’re counting down the days until the Tour Down Under, so is Julian Alaphilippe. Tacx’s new Neo 3M smart trainer joining the “motion plate” trend. Felt Bicycles is being sold. We’re not totally sold on the process, but here’s a guide to picking some music for your indoor trainer rides. We are sold on this short video on how cycling caps are made.