Hello!
I hope you've had a good weekend! I'm about to meet my friend Dean from Atlanta, who's been touring through Germany. Dean was always one of the OG messengers in our scene. Many couriers that I meet today still know 'The Deaner' from NACCCs & CMWCs over the years. He just arrived here in Amsterdam & I'm stoked to hang out.
Before I roll, I'm proud to ship this issue to you! What some readers know & others may not, is that every subject line of this newsletter has rhymed since Nº71 in 2016!
So, about this week's lead-in:
“A stitch in time (saves nine)” is a somewhat archaic phrase that refers to the importance of solving problems preemptively, rather than later down the line. The idiom has been in use in English since before the eighteenth century and was first recorded in Thomas Fuller’s 1732 book, Gnomologia: A Collection of the Proverbs, Maxims and Adages That Inspired Benjamin Franklin and Poor Richard’s Almanack. [source]
I chose this one because tackling a task sooner than later typically has an outcome that's greater. I've been challenging myself to 'postpone procrastination' by sticking to self-imposed deadlines, doing the damn thing, and opting to do things obviously when I should.
Not something I've struggled with per sé but with several dusty to-dos, why not do them today?
As always, thank you for reading & sharing this newsletter,
Jon
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Cycling
BADLANDS | ULTRACYCLING THROUGH EUROPE'S ONLY DESERT
As Badlands approaches, podcast hosts Maya and Olivia will be speaking with athletes, media, and organizers to discover what makes Badlands so special.
Our very own, Kike Molares, a native of Spain, is returning to his home country to compete in his first bikepacking race. Wish him luck! Say hello to him at Sea Otter Europe as well!
ACM’s Outsider Insiders: Biola Babawale
Xena Goldman's zines make you feel empowered, included & excited to ride your bike!
Business
Nine Sources of Advantage
Nine sources of advantage:
- Raw talent/intelligence – Some people are just naturally better and smarter.
- Hard work – Some people work harder.
- Differentiation – Seeing the world differently. Doing something different. Reading different books. Interpreting the same information differently.
- Process / Discipline – Creating a process and following it. Working out every day is a great example.
- Talent Collector – The ability to hire the best people and get the most out of them.
- Patience – A lack of patience changes the outcome.
- Ability to take pain – Are you willing to look like an idiot to get better? How much risk are you willing to take, AND, importantly, can you handle the losses?
- Temperament – Keeping your head when everyone else is losing theirs.
- Luck
Like Shane says: most of these are within your control. ; )
What future of work in a warmer world?
There’s a simple way to improve your decision-making, according to a cognitive scientist
Art Markman, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, wrote this short article about decision-making. My favorite quotes:
"Unfortunately, the information that is easiest to compare across options may not be the information that is most important for determining your satisfaction with the decision afterward. [...] When the stakes are high, it’s worth it to do the work required to understand and evaluate each option individually."
Friends
Hahn Rossman at Concours de Machines & Paris Brest Paris
So Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) started today! Here is the route & here is lots of info about the ride. Hahn Rossman arrived a few days early to also compete in this year's Concours de Machines. Read more about the rules & requirements for the builds here.
He entered the bike pictured above into the contest and penned this very impressive technical dossier for his entry. What an awesome bike! It will be piloted by Olivier Sels on his 3rd PBP. And this will be Hahn's 4th PBP! Good luck to you both!
READER’S RIG: JIMBO’S B BLOQUE BIKES CUSTOM
World of Wattkraft | Cycling, Content, Creativity: a focus on 8000Watt
Radness
2 SEPTEMBER - BEST OF MARNIX 2023
*SIGN UP NOW* for the Best Of Marnix - Dive Deep 23’ Competitions!
Register now for AM 16-, AM 16+, WOMEN, PRO, and BEST TRICK JAM.
BMX bike and helmet are mandatory. Attending the contest? Attend for free!
Date: Saturday, September 2, 2023 Duration: 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Marnix Bowl, Eerste Marnixplantsoen, 1015 ZA Amsterdam
Dive deep into the world of BMX and join Soulcycle for a day full of adrenaline, spectacular tricks, and unforgettable moments. The Soulcycle Best of MarniX event brings together the best riders, an amazing atmosphere, and an epic location for an unparalleled experience!