Hello! This new bi-weekly rhythm is a thing! Maybe a new summer schedule?
This issue was well begun, aka 'half done', for some time already but the summer start in Amsterdam with the kids here getting out of school, a few new client pitches (hits & misses) + some recent wins on coverage (see below!) has kept me extra busy!
Also, I've been skateboarding more. I'm risking life & limb dropping in to impress my 10 year old and to push myself a bit, ha! Also, my daughter turned 8 and we've been recording music (more of this soon!). I even did a bit of riding in last Friday with Ben from Shimano on his bday w/ Jeff from Ritchey & my man Erwin of Mantel.
By the way, this week's title comes from author of ‘Conspiracy,’ ‘Ego is the Enemy’ & ‘The Obstacle Is The Way’, Ryan Holiday & his recent post: 33 Things I Stole From People Smarter Than Me.
Here are my favorite 5:
- The past year has revealed some things about a lot of folks that I know well — or at least I thought I did. But as I feel myself rushing to judgment, I think of the beautiful line from F. Scott Fitzgerald at the beginning of The Great Gatsby: “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.”
- I’ve heard this wisdom from many different writers over the years, but as time passes, the truth of it becomes more and more clear: When someone tells you something is wrong, they’re almost always right. When someone tells you how to fix it, they’re almost always wrong. This applies to both writing and life.
- A few years ago, I was exploring a book project with Lance Armstrong, and he showed me some of the texts people had sent him when his world came crashing down during his doping allegations. “Some people lean in when their friends take heat,” he said. “Some people lean away.” I decided I wanted to be a lean-in type, even if I didn’t necessarily agree with everything that was said and done. It’s possible to be there for a friend even while letting them know you think they’re in the wrong.
- Speaking of which, an essential piece of advice I have gotten from the author Steven Pressfield: There are professional habits and amateur ones. Which are you practicing? Is this a pro or an amateur move? Ask yourself that. Constantly.
- “Well begun is half done” is a proverb I try to live by. It has been a long journey, but slowly and steadily optimizing my morning has made more impact on my life than anything else.
As always, thank you for reading and I wish you a great weekend ahead,
Jon
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Cover image by: erwinsikkens.com
Bikes
'Is cycling the whitest sport on Earth?' — Ayesha McGowan, the first African-American women's rider
There are just five black riders in the WorldTour and five in the Pro Continental ranks, the second tier of professional racing
Behind the design: Rapha + Outdoor Voices - Far Ride magazine
"...we learned so much about how cycling should be and how it can feel for people when they get that first burst of excitement from riding a bike."
I dig the look of this collection & enjoyed Far Ride's peek into the process. : )
He Who Tattooed the Single Speed MTB World Champs: The Jake Tong Interview
Jake Tong shares his cycling story, and ideas for what the bike industry can do to welcome more people of color to the sport.
The last time Jake visited Amsterdam, he tattooed a devil tiger on my knee : )
You should get a @papatong tattoo, too!
Twotone Work
Twotone Clients' Corona Challenge Convos
While many industries are struggling to keep their heads above water, the cycling industry is one of the few industries that is booming right now. So as the era of Corona carries on and 2020’s paradigm-shifting pandemic remains a theme of nearly every conversation: the team here at Twotone decided to make a concerted effort to really understand how our clients have been affected by Covid-19.
- Has it actually been a blessing in disguise for our clients and the industry at large?
- What adversity has been overcome and how did they do it?
- We asked five of our clients one question: “What are the top 3 changes you’ve made to run your business to accommodate corona conditions?”.
We hope these insights will help you understand what has been going on in the cycling industry, learn about what has worked for our clients, and identify what could potentially help your business, even if you’re in a different industry.
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MEGA THANKS to Renate for making this initiative happen!
The President of Estonia visited Ampler's Berlin showroom drew attention to the importance of sustainable transportation & gifted a Stout to Germany's president.
The visit is the first by a visiting head of state to Germany since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions. President Kaljulaid's visit to Ampler was show her support for the brand and the growing global cycling trend. So cool! She stated:
I think bicycles have the power to change the world and save our planet, but also save us as healthy human beings. Being outside, for me being on my bike, this is a special feeling and I’m so happy that Ampler makes this feeling possible for more people.
June was a mega month for Ampler internationally: Here in Holland, they won "best buy" in Fietstest.nl's recent e-bike comparison feature. In England, Jonathan Shannon from UK’s fitness magazine Coach Mag thoroughly tested the Ampler Curt e-bike and said:
This high-end flat bar road e-bike is a fantastic way to zip around a city
Check Ampler's latest Tech Talk to get the scoop on the nuts & bolts of their bikes.
Soigneur - Soigneur Travel: Flanders
To travel to Flanders is to make a pilgrimage to one of cycling’s meccas. The place is steeped in racing heritage, soaked in the world’s finest beers, and smothered in a rich culture that has been blended together like the finest Flemish stew. The five Dutch-speaking provinces of northern Belgium make up Flanders. Travel beyond the boundaries of the city centres of Antwerp or Ghent, and you’ll find a rural people whose love of cycling is, per capita, unmatched anywhere in the world.
The border to Belgium is open again and Andrew Juiliano shared some Flanders highlights and route with komoot. Been too long since I've been back!
Learning
Stuff They Don’t Tell You: How To Pitch
I have Joey Asher's book: "How To Win A Pitch" on my desk. I just noticed it's 10+ years old. This post is brand spanking new!
I've been fortunate to be pitching Twotone's services more often recently. (A welcome change of pace!) and this We Transfer post is good for anyone doing the same!
Media Relations: everything you need to know
This guide contains tips and resources from senior journalists and PR veterans on how to nail your media relations.
So honoured to have Twotone featured in this public relations industry defining guide from pr.co. If you work in PR, media relations and even marketing, this wealth of information will be worth your while to read. There are 6 chapters, so pour some coffee & get comfortable!
Bike Industry: Commit to Diversity
Learn how bike industry can take concrete action to commit to diversity. I'm committed to do my part, are you?
Radness
My friend Kike of ODE Systems interviewed me about Passion, Cycling, Remote Roads, And Decision Making.
Kike Molares stopped by Workspace Six last week to pick my brain about some familiar topics as well as some unexpected ones!