Harrison Ford, 78, was spotted this week in the U.K. sporting a full cycling kit, presumably while taking a break from filming the fifth Indiana Jones film. Which got me thinking, if you could take a bike ride with any movie character, who would it be? My choice: Ace Ventura. High energy, endlessly amusing, guaranteed wildlife sightings.
Like what you see? Forward this email and invite your friends to subscribe.
As the world continues to experience shortages of everything from lumber to hazelnut syrup, a knock-on effect is an increased demand for “gently used” alternatives and close substitutes such as reclaimed wood and, well, vanilla syrup, I suppose.
For cyclists, the inability to buy 2021 models means shoppers are looking at vintage bikes with renewed enthusiasm. Having just given some TLC to my wife’s 2005 Trek 2100 (it’s now old enough to legally drive), I can attest that many oldie bikes are, indeed, goodies.
Crank It
Dark Horse at the Iron Horse
Photo credit: Floyd Cox
Durango’s Iron Horse Bicycle Classic invites riders to race the narrow gauge train – and each other – to the old mining town of Silverton, located about 50 miles to the north. With two summits over 10,000 feet standing mightily in the way of the finish line, it’s not for the faint of heart. But how about the young at heart?
This year, a nineteen-year-old newcomer named Riley Amos finished ahead of the pack. The win is an echo of the 2017 IHBC, when Tour de France standout Sepp Kuss, then just 22 years old, surprised spectators by chasing down Albuquerque’s Mark Aasmundstad. So, is this the start of a promising cycling career for teenage dream Riley Amos? Time will tell.
Coffee Stop
Eat Pasta, Go Fasta
Photo credit: Danijela Prijovic
Gluten-free and whole-wheat options aside, I’d argue that about 95% of pasta tastes more or less the same. Sure, fresh and dried pasta aren't exactly. But let’s be honest. Once your pasta is covered in an exquisite pesto or arrabbiata, can you really tell the difference? That’s why a next-level sauce equates to pure pasta joy.
I recently watched the episode of Netflix’s The Chef Show in which hosts Roy Choi and Jon Favreau make a spaghetti sauce. It’s cheap, simple, and full of flavor. Paired with a pile of your favorite pasta shape, it’s a top-notch pre-ride (day before) or post-ride meal. If you whip it up for your cycling friends, they'll love you even more than they already do. Recipe here – let’s get cookin’.
Jaunt Back
Polka Dot Jersey
Photo credit: Rob Wingate
What makes those Tour de France climbs so legendary? The steepness? The length? The grueling weather conditions? Yes, yes, yes. And then some. This article breaks down each of the mountain stages of the Tour, and sheds new light (for me) on the sheer ridiculousness of blasting up-hill, hour after hour, day after day, at full throttle.
Cool Down
Beauty on the Inside
Photo credit: pinkbike
When it comes to design, where cars go, bikes follow. You used to be able to access just about every part of a car’s engine from under the hood – now, so much is hidden from view under plastic covers, you’re lucky if you can actually reach anything more than the dipstick.
The latest parallel to this in bike design is the reimagined 2022 Scott Spark, which fully encloses the rear shock within the bike’s frame. Frankly, I think it looks damn good – but is it preferable to other models with the rear shock fully exposed? As with brake and shifter cables, the trade-off of reduced access for improved aesthetics is one we all saw coming. If the trend continues, what’s the next component to go in-house?
Peel Off
Giphy
Today, I’m leaving San Diego so I can go tear up the mile-high trails of Durango, Colorado. As a result, there’s no newsletter next week. I’ll catch up with y’all in the Group Ride on June 25.
In the meantime, if you come upon something you think should be featured in Group Ride, please send it along.
Group Ride is a newsletter for the social cyclist. I curate content from bike manufacturers, shops and media sources to bring you information and inspiration to ride more confidently and comfortably.
