Quality Check

As of late, I've been thinking a lot about the idea of Quality verses Quantity. Some of this has come about due to my Supply Chain Management class where we examine different type of processes and identifying their corresponding competitive advantages. It makes you look at the world in a different way when you start seeing things as a process with a beginning and an end. The grocery store checkout, the golf shop check-in, the building of a bicycle, etc. All a series of processes and systems.

One hot topic that I have been batting around with a friend of mine is the process of health and well being. It is no big discovery that we eat too much here in the U.S, we want to much here in the U.S and therefore, we consume TOO MUCH here in the U.S. Not unlike the theme of this Dave Matthews Band ditty...Moving on, why? Most would agree that people do things in an excess to try to fill a void. What is it that American's are missing that must make us fill this hole with cheap consumer goods and sub-par "food" and what can we do to stop this process? I'm just going to throw this out there - people say that you can't stop a train that is going this fast...I beg to differ. I have in fact heard of trains derailing. Interestingly enough, here are the most common causes of train derailment according to one Kansas City law firm:

• Failure to perform regular train maintenance
• Failure to properly train employees
• Negligent hiring practices
• Engineer negligence
• Malfunctioning warning signals
• Brake system failure

What I find most interesting about this is that none of them are natural. Deer aren't darting out and getting clapped up sending the caboose spinning, rhinos aren't charging and forcing them off the tracks. It is all user error.

If we go back to the beginning of this process, we must ask ourselves, who is the engineer of the U.S food train and will it ever roll into the station? Or, will it derail due to "engineer negligence?" Clearly, we are no longer in control of our food. If we were, everyone would be fed and we would be eating healthfully. We might actually know what is going into our bodies.

Hmmm, maybe that is the void American's are trying to fill - control. We don't feel we have it. Our great nation of Democracy and putting the power in the hands of the people is filled with people that are over-consuming in every form in an effort to feel in control of something. So the process starts to speed up in an effort to satisfy the pseudo-need of the people and efficiencies are suddenly paramount to quality. So we get processed food to take away variances and keep costs down to satisfy people that think they need more because they don't have any control......and the train speeds up again. Insert Keanu Reeves joke here.


What if we looked at the process from the cost side? It seems that our system efficiencies lie in high volume, low cost. So we produce high volumes of crap to a large amount of large people - which works great in the short run. But what about long term? Seems like our government has engineered a system that will continually shorten the lifespan of it's citizens - while the food companies battle the system by donating profits to disease research so they can keep consumers around longer to ensure future profits. Wow. That sounds like a real bottleneck. In the wealthiest nation in the world...why are we producing the cheapest food? Is cheap food really our competitive advantage? I believe it is time for management to be decentralized and we need to become a more autonomous workforce.


I implore you to take the time to educate yourself about food and to take an interest in your life and your health. Why would you ever let something as inefficient as the government control something as pertinent as your quality of life? You only get one chance...so how will you live - with quantity or quality?


Grow a garden. Eat a carrot. Go for a run.


Peace.Love.Bikes.

The Football Foie Gras Dilemma

2011 will be known as the year I stopped looking at the ESPN homepage for anything interesting. Seems to me like we had the Superbowl followed by a few months of analyzing the Superbowl and then talking about next year's Superbowl followed by draft speculation. Then came various camps and scouting reports before the ever-so-wondrous Draft. Then came all the negotiations and that took up more of our time and just when it seems we may get one football-less week - BAM. Here's pre-season and there goes any chance of another sport making the homepage.

Now, this may peg me as a football hater - I'm not. I actually enjoy watching the games (not in a bar) and analyzing players and plays. I especially enjoy the water cooler conversations and smack talk. But I have to beg the question, why do we require fair and balanced reporting from our regular news programming but do not demand more from our sports coverage?

There is the ancient arguement of the almighty dollar. Yes. Admittedly, there is a huge football following and the media machine has been milking it for a long time. But, I counter with the following - where is the growth opportunity in football? There are some European teams, however they are not "drinking the Kool-Aid" so to speak. And China? Japan? The cultural norms of these countries do not lend themselves to the sport of football. So, there is clearly a large portion of the world that is not going to easily buy into the football machine. So, where will the money be in the future?

Triathlon. This is one of the largest growing sports in the country(15-20% annual growth for 10yrs) and globally popular, according to USA Triathlon. As far as dollars are concerned, the average income for a US triathlete is in the neighborhood of $126k/yr. They have families and travel and spend money on sporting equipment - did I also mention that there is a huge following worldwide already? Why are we not televising and capitalizing on this? During the 2004 Olympics, the Women's Triathlon event was the third most-watched prime time show for the week of Aug. 22, 2004. The athletes are way better looking than the brutes behind the masks and not to mention, much better role-models for our children. In addition, with three disciplines being displayed in one broadcast, you triple your number of potential viewers. Swimmers, runners and cyclists are all potential viewers in addition to triathletes. That also triples the number of available sponsors while providing a great feature/benefit analysis to said sponsors.

So, there is clearly an argument that there are sports outside of football that do exist in the world. The question is how do we get some airtime love for triathlon - outside of the Universal Sports Channel available only on DirectTV(#lame)? Normally, I would say it comes down to the viewers since we have all the money. However, it is the Nielsen Rating that rule the reporting - but how can you report watching something if it is not on the air to watch?

Alas, I do not have the answer. A bit anticlimactic, admittedly, but I'm hoping someone out there may know a way - I may suggest a bombarding of the ESPN facebook/twitter accounts of requests to broadcast ITU and Ironman events. Any thoughts? Keep in mind, we're doing it for ESPN's own good. It's all about the growth - football has been shoved down our throats for too long. I feel like a duck being prepped for foie gras - don't you? 

What's Your Story, Kimosabe?

As of late, I have viewed running as a discipline to be trained simply to be a better triathlete. In the past, I ran to be a part of something. In junior and high school my friends were runners and I wanted be part of their community. I always enjoyed the challenge and camaraderie. When I developed severe asthma and couldn’t run my sophomore year, I felt I had lost a part of myself as well as the connection to my friends. The idea of NOT being able to do something never sat well with me. I was determined to run. When I moved to Colorado Springs in 2005, I spent the summer huffing, puffing and gagging on treadmills and trails until I knew my lungs were strong enough to call myself a “runner.”

This past weekend I competed in a 70.3 triathlon. I saw so many levels of racers. Even as my swim wave treaded water at the start buoy, the announcer asked to see how many women were doing their first ½ Ironman that morning. It was inspiring to see the raised hands and the nervous smiles accompanied by a squeal of excitement that can only be emitted by women between the ages of 18-29.  On my flight home, I was reading the September issue of Runner’s World magazine. I came across the following quotes:

“This sport has taught me what freedom really means” “…this program helps them realize they can achieve their goals” “For the first time we had a positive experience for everybody…”

I started to think about those women at the race and what motivated them to run triathlon. It reminded me why I started running and racing triathlon – to overcome a weakness that I saw in myself. I was committed to harnessing the power of my body and mind and channel my energy into places I could control as opposed to wasting energy worrying about those I could not. My lungs wanted to be weak but my mind said, “no way dude.”

Everyone has a story. Through triathlon, I have met some of the most amazing people. Their stories keep me grounded and humble. It is easy and trite to compare a marathon or a triathlon to the trials and tribulations of life – “mind over body” “one foot in front of the other” “spandex is a privilege not a right.” But what about on race day? Ever catch yourself sizing up the competition based upon the aero-ness of their helmet? We’ve all been there – whether you are a runner, triathlete, golfer, bowler, thespian, or big game hunter (also known as Cougar Catcher) there are certain times when judging becomes natural and seemingly part of the process. But next time you go to judge, try to think of their story. Think back to why you started and the rookie moves you made. Why are they racing with slime tubes? Who told them the speedo looked great? Maybe they can’t change flats and are willing to make the sacrifice of weight and they lost a bet so they must proudly adorn a Speedo – or they’re just proud of their package. You’re call on that one.

Bottom line, try to hear the story. You might just learn something.  

Peace.Love.Bikes

#iTRI

I Get Knocked Down...

This morning was another tough workout with the TriScottsdale crew. Every Tuesday and Thursday I go out for a ride with TriScottsdale or ONEMultisport and push myself to the limits. Sometimes I can hang and sometimes...well, I just have to let the front of the pack ride off into the horizon while I try to regain consciousness from the black-out pain in my legs. This morning I was not in a battling mood. I have a race next weekend and am just getting in miles without injury at the moment (working through some IT band stuff). So as the leaders pulled away, I enjoyed the view of fit men in spandex and laughed. Oddly enough was the song that popped into my head - Chumbawamba - I Get Knocked Down. I could hardly believe my fortune. Such a happy song on such a sticky humid morning when I would normally be beating myself up for not catching the front group on the hills. Nope. Not this morning. I got knocked down, and I stayed there relishing the moment, basking in the proverbial rays of defeat. Post ride, I went for a run with Lewis Elliot and one other team member just to let my quads know they don't own me. What? Someone has to show them who's boss - I can't have them getting unruley.

Moral of the story? I get knocked down, but I get up again...You're never gonna keep me down.

PeaceLoveBikes - that's why #iTRI

I Don't Date, I Train

I was at the Silverman 70.3 last November and saw a guy with a t-shirt that said, "I Don't Date, I Train." First thought? Toolbag. Second thought? Toolbag. Eight months later, what do I think? Toolbag. Now that we've covered how I feel about this strapping young lad's need to wear this shirt let's focus on what it says. Ultra Marathon Runner, Dean Karnazes, wrote "Endurance sports either strengthen a relationship or destroy it." I think most of us can attest to this. Type-A people with addictive personalities tend to flock to the multisport community like flies to horse pucky. However, not only do endurance sports test your relationships with others, for me, it has tested the relationship I have with myself. On a daily basis I ebb and flow between love, hate, doubt, resentment and then back to love and finally settling on contentment - I never go to bed angry with myself. I find it makes for an awkward morning.

Although this is nothing groundbreaking, it is worth a thought. If you are going to date a multisport athlete, be sure to buckle up and be ready for  the ride. In general, we are quirky, regimented, sometimes messy (physically or mentally) and prone to severe introspection. In fact you may need to buy a bike and start riding it for us to even notice you...we tend to look from the ground up - we notice shoes and bikes before faces. If you ever get the compliment "you have nice eyes" from a triathlete that means they are Sooooo into you. We rarely get that far. I typically judge by calves and top tube length. But that's just me.

Peace.Love.Bikes

The Sounds of Recovery

Oh sweet rest day. As of late, I've been pushing the training pretty hard and loving every minute of it. However, recovery is just as important - so I'm told. In light of  a fantastic thunderstorm last night and a dehydration headache this morning (oops) I decided to take the morning off and start working bright and early. I'm finding the experience to be delightful. I must admit that the songs that have been popping into my head have been equally as amazing. I have no idea where they are coming from but here they are, just weaving themselves into my morning routine. In fact, why don't I share them with you the best way I know how - Casey Kasem style.

Dear Casey, this morning the alarm went off at 4:10am and despite having nothing to do at that hour, I couldn't fall back asleep. Can you play me a song to help me relax? signed, Sleepless in Scottsdale

Dear Sleepless, I think I have just the thing to help you get some rest - take some advice from Frankie Goes to Hollywood and "Relax, Don't Do It."

Dear Casey, this morning I searched high and low for something that I actually wanted to eat in the kitchen. Finally, I settled on a bowl of fruit. Not only is my stomach still empty, I feel like I'm still on the hunt for something more in my life. Signed, On the Prowl.

Dear Prowler, it sounds like you are a hunter in search of soul food. Avoid the excess starches in your diet and take a dose of Duran Duran to ease your wolf-like hunger.

Dear Casey, I was driving to Starbucks this morning and was thinking how people can really act fake with one another. Why do we always have to be nice and obliging to others when we have no interest in their lives? And somedays, I don't want to behave like an adult. Why does society have to be so...civil? Signed, Impolite Society.

Dear Impolite, you sound like a b#$ch. However, I believe Men Without Hats may have created a world you may enjoy where "you can act real rude and totally removed..." in their chart topper Safety Dance. 

Dear Casey, Australian, Cadel Evans won el Tour de France yesterday. I was thinking we should honor his win with an Aussie band that demonstrates his determination and overall bad-ass...ness. Any ideas? Signed, Doesn't Know how to use Google to look this up himself.

Dear Computer Illiterate, first, you easily could have found this yourself. Second, I can't believe you couldn't come up with an appropriate Aussie song by yourself. Let me simultaneously educate you on one of the greatest bands and songs from down under...EVER. From INXS, here's Devil Inside. Congrats Cadel...you're an animal. 

So those are just a few songs that are going through my head during this day of recovery. My question is - What runs through your head when you're not thinking about the workout ahead of you?

Peace.Love.Bikes

Bike Shop or Beacon of Hope

The idyllic bike shop of yesteryear is small and located in some quaint downtown area surrounded by coffee shops, bars, and live music. But honestly, what bike shop can afford those prime locations anymore – without being the only guy in town? With limited space, the inventory of this “perfect” shop is often restricted to a very particular type of bike – mountain bikes in a mountain town, high-end road bikes in affluent neighborhoods and in those hip neo-urban areas of today’s rebel youth, vintage frames with the latest in Italian components hanging from ironic rafters, displayed by hipsters in tight jeans and scarves that sigh as you walk in the door. Do any of these sound appealing?

When I first moved to Scottsdale and got into cycling, I was in search of a bike shop I could call my own. I wanted to learn everything there was to know about a bike. I wanted the people in the shop to know me by name. I searched and searched and was ignored time and time again. Maybe they could sense the un-coolness as I walked in the door. I have never apologized for ignorance more in my life. It was as if I had to bow down to their superior bike knowledge before they would even look up from their computers or get up from behind the counter. I honestly thought I was going to have to start kissing chainrings to prove my unworthiness.

Soon after, the decision to fuel my addiction was made and I began to look for work in a bike shop. With roots in Scottsdale as well as being family owned and operated I knew Landis Cyclery was the shop for me. It had the makings of a perfect bike shop - cruisers, hybrids, a wide range of road bikes, mountain bikes to hit every trail and for the first time ever, I walked in the door of a shop and was greeted with a smile. This was a shop for everyone. Lucky for me, I was hired and have never been happier. I’m surrounded by beautiful things all day that hold unique significance to everyone that walks through the door.

I’ve discovered that everyone in the shop works here for reasons beyond financial. A mecca for those in a transition period or those that have a profound love for bikes. In my triathlete community I am surrounded by carbon fiber, free speed, and aero bars. But, at the bike shop, I have been exposed to the bmx punk, the century-lovin’ roadies, the hardcore mountain “dude,” and a world of fixies, cruisers and some of the most beautiful steel frames I have ever seen - I'm "April in Wonderland."

It is this passion for ALL bikes that has kept Landis Cyclery relevant since 1912 and one of the many reasons I am proud to be part of their business. With that in mind, I have decided to write this weekly blog, to show our passion for bikes – from the Diamondback with cobwebs at the back of the garage to the Pinarello with a Campy Record groupo. We all ride for some purpose – fitness, social, competition, DUI. Landis is here to build a relationship with you and your bike – because often, that bike is not just a machine. It may have a name and a personality all its own. Personally, my tri-bike is a Russian assassin named Sasha and my mountain bike is a frisky little rascal named Roxxy. Come and introduce us to your bikes!

Also, I will be chronicling the triumphs and tribulations of the triathlon game. I’ve noticed that there are a ton of people that want to get into the sport, but may feel intimidated. Hopefully we can breakdown some of those barriers and help you to feel comfortable at the start line. I look forward to getting some feedback - please feel free to email me your questions or stop by the shop!

Peace.Love.Bikes