"Walking is one of the great forms of inactivity and in a world of striving and consumerism and grasping and impatience it is one of only very few potential forms of inactivity left. It is what makes it precious" – Thomas J Bevan
Thomas' article, 'Walking as Inactivity', caught my eye this week and I fancied it as a solid intro for bike-themed newsletter not only because of the irony of being depicted as an inactivity but also because I happily walk to shop for Twotone lunch almost daily, while calling with my kids in the States afterwards, and I enjoy exploring our office's neighborhood by foot after that.
Apparently something as innocuous and 'inactive' as a 20-minute walk, according to Dr. Tara Zwart, can help to:
🔬 promote neurogenesis (the birth of new brain cells) which is essential to improving cognitive function.
🧘🏻 improve and maintain mental health
🩺 support the health and function of synapses
🛡️ protect your brain from aging and neurodegenerative diseases
But Thomas' point above is actually to avoid degenerating the "thrillingly, daringly subversive non-activity of moseying around the neighbourhood for no reason other than the sheer pleasure of being alive" by aspiring to be visibly productive or solely another life hack. Kinda like a run or ride without a Strava record; just explore and nothing more. Maybe without the earbuds in, no kudos, no likes nor steps counted, tracked heart rate or post to celebrate, your next ride, run or walk will give your mind more peace for thought & you'll be less a robot.
It's Monday. Try taking a walk to explore after lunch! : )
with appreciation,
Jon
Upcoming Events
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August
- 🇳🇱 31 Best of Marnix BMX Comp September
- 🇨🇿 5-8 Bohemian Border Bash Camp
- 🇳🇱 8 Women's 100 at WS6
- 🇪🇸 20-22 Sea Otter Girona
- 🇳🇱 27 Dox Under The Tracks
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October
- 🇩🇪 18-20 Bespoked Dresden
- 🇳🇱 25-26 Cargo Bike Festival November
- 🇳🇱 29 Twotone Ten Year Party!
Bikes
Old Man Mountain & Astral Outback Painted Hills Ano
GCN Goes for YouTube Memberships
I think this is not only a vital but valuable move for fans of GCN. It can take the reliance off brand interests and sponsorships thus giving viewers what they want. A shame to see so much complaining in the comments. What do you think?
Here. There. Everywhere. Episode 3: Namibia
SRAM's Miranda Miller dives into Onguza and the story behind the brand. Kudos for shining a light on this company and smaller players in the big bike game!
Ideas
A Love Letter To Amsterdam
The Global Backlash Against Tourist
"It's also worth noting that the Amsterdammers who complain about tourists in their own city often contribute to similar issues abroad—after all, the Dutch travel 2.5 times more than the average European." 😉
Aaron Panone Talks Provisional Patents, IP Paydays & Inventor Immortality
Friends
Iris Slappendel's Journey from Professional Cyclist to Designer and Advocate
Escape Collective's Dave Rome sits down with Ricky Feather and others at Spoken Bike Show
Ricky talks about his new Wkndr line and Josh from SILCA also makes a cameo as well! Escape's Spoken coverage is here. And you can support Escape Collective here.
Gunnar's Single Speed Worlds '24 Photography
Single speed culture is one of cycling's quirkiest & most wholesome subcultures. Nothing says less is more than bikes with no gears and simply having a blast together without any governing parties, official organizations, or other bureaucratic boomers. Great snaps, Gunnar!
Radness
Rolf Prima / White Industries Showcase a Quirk Mamtor at MADE
Thank you very much for reading!
Here's to walking the walk this week!
