Don't Trust Me (I'm Spoiled)

As I work through my day and think about stuff that would be interesting to write about, I am constantly reminded of why you shouldn't trust me. I mean, I write mostly about bike stuff and there is almost constant reference to events I'm attending, visits from industry types whose job it is to influence me to support them and products that I ride and love from sponsors of the mtn bike race team that I'm on... That is sponsored by my employer...

For instance, in the last two weeks, I have received an invite to a pre-Interbike event with SRAM that is intended to make me feel special and love SRAM AND I just got an email from somebody at Specialized to show up for a dealer event in NC (at Pisgah) to check out the 08 product (again) and provide feedback in a more intimate setting to Sloan, Chamberlain, JoeBuck and Mick. 'More intimate' doesn't mean I'll be wearing lingerie or anything... That I know of...

It's such a twisted web that I can't imagine that anyone takes me at all seriously. And then I remember how expensive all of the stuff I have was... I have paid for almost every part on my bike. I have gotten a few free tires from WTB, but only because they sponsor the team and they sponsor the team because I LOVE their tires and I asked them to. I ride a Specialized bike even though they didn't give me a deal on it. I have a few free pairs of shoes from Spec'd dealer events, but I bought a pair before they gave me any. Pedals? My tenure at Speedplay was a decade ago now and I have bought WAY more pedals than the one pair I was given.

So, maybe I'm not so bad after all. And then I think about what kind of advice I give people...

If you ask me about mtn bikes, I'll offer you an Sworks Enduro ($7k). Road bikes? How about a Moots VaMoots SL 6/4 Ti frame with Dura Ace for $6500. Bike for around town? Nothing beats a Jamis Coda Elite at $1300... Boy am I skewed... Oh, you want a hardtail? Sworks carbon hardtail for $5500. I'm dangerous with your wallet...

I've drilled myself pretty deep into this goofy industry but you can rest assured that I'll be honest. No matter what, I won't ride stuff that sucks, free or not. I spent A LOT of time criticizing people that spend countless hours designing and refining bikes. Most of them don't like me. I don't want anything to compromise my ride because that is the most important centering aspect of my life. Riding allows me the ability to be a good father, husband and employee. If I couldn't ride, I'd be a homicidal maniac. If I get injured, watch for me on the news...

Ride on...