With things still winding up for the season and racing yet to begin, my mind is starting to wander. After logging some time yesterday in 60 degree weather I finally didn’t have to psych myself up to go for a long ride. Before heading out into below 40 degree temps. for four hours or more you have tell yourself how badass you think you are for doing it and think about how suffering through the cold will result in you crossing the line with your arms in the air at some point of the season. But yesterday, the first time I've seen my knees while riding a bike in ages, I was just loving being out on the bike with a good group of guys and I was able to expend mental energy on things other than how bad it sucks to not be able to feel your toes.
As my mind wandered to different places, it dawned on me that I had been so caught up with training and trying to get stronger that I had forgotten about possibly the most important part of racing bikes, style! During that euphoric ride it dawned on me that I was not going to be able to rock my own style while on the bike this year. Now that I've reached this level of racing I'll be sporting the same things all my teammates are wearing. Don't get me wrong, I'm far from complaining. The teams' sponsors are all great and we'll be riding some really flash gear this season. The kits are amazing, I’ve heard the Kane bikes look great, the gear is all top notch. All things said, I think Mountain Khakis fueled by Jittery Joe's is going to be one of the best looking teams in the world this year and I’m eternally grateful for anything I’m given to ride. I couldn't be more excited. Having said that, in years past when I have had to pay for equipment I've been able to add my own flair and twist, making it distinctly Evan. Now that I’m fortunate enough to have great support from amazing sponsors, I've been forced to look for style outlets in other places.
I've been pondering the Euro mullet for a while now. I've been close before but never pulled the trigger. With the mane getting out of control and in need of a trim, it could be right around the corner. I could immediately go into a full-on Euro mullet as we speak. But then you have to decide if you want to keep it trim, like a Giovanni Visconti, or maybe bring some old school fury Ekimov style. There’s also the question, are you fast enough? In order to sport the mullet you have to back it up with your legs. Nothing’s worse than a Cat 3 with pro syndrome that thinks he can back up the $5,000 bike his parent’s bought him with a trip to Great Clips. Hmmm, I don’t know if I can handle that pressure yet.
My new Timex Expedition, courtesy of my amazing boss Chris Ramm, is atrociously huge, orange and awesome. How more PRO can you get than a watch that matches your kit? It will also compliment the rugged outdoor theme I’ll be rocking to races courtesy of Mt. Khakis. You can believe I’ll be enjoying a bud and some coffee in my original mountain pants (follow the link for an explanation). Throw a cyclist in the pants that coined the term ‘MK butt’ and you can’t miss, with the bartender or the barista. I’m no Cipollini, but then again, he’s no Evan.
The quest for ultimate coolness will never end, but I guess that’s it for now. Up next, who knows, maybe I’ll race some bikes.
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