What is holding you back?

Hey Guys,

It has been a while since I have posted. I have a million lame excuses why. We all do. That is what this post is going to be all about. God willing none of us will ever have a “real set back.” Sometimes we have to call ourselves on our own b.s.. Stop and think about it. What is really holding you back? In the mean time check out this video:

Daniel Pelletier absolutely kills it! Imagine the balls it takes just to be a kid that is “different.” I am so impressed that he even at the skatepark and then throw in the fact that he absolutely kills it! So again I ask you: What is your excuse? I guess none of us has one. Now get out there and make it happen this holiday weekend!

Performance

Ever since Andy Samberg came out with his hit video, “I’m on a Boat” it seems like everyone is making a mock rap video these days and athletes are no different. If this doesn’t get you out of your seat and onto your bike, I don’t know what will!

another one from the ski industry

The edge of never.

I just got a chance to see this one.

It is amazing!

There is a better trailer and a link to buy the book, click here
It is a great inspiring story!

Watch this and never say “I can’t” again

Matt Gilman’s latest video, features plenty of riding footage and lends a new perspective to it all by documenting Matt walking out the sections beforehand with his cane. Matt is blind, yet with careful planning and some friends giving a prompt here and there is able to ride bike trials lines well beyond the ability of many able bodied trials riders. At the end of the video Matt issues a challenge to track stand with a blindfold on. Well it is a rainy day in the mountains and I just spent the last 30 minutes in the living room blindfolded on the fixie. Not being able to see makes it damn neat impossible to balance. I am in complete awe of Matt and inspired to improve my bike handling skills.

Thanks for reading! Now I need to get back on the bike and nail this trackstand!

Let the wild rumpus begin!

I was so excited when I heard that legendary skateboard film maker, Spike Jonze, was making the Where the Wild Things are movie. I grew up watching his skate movies, always coming away inspired to skate harder and to learn new tricks. Wild Things was my absolute favorite book as a kid. I loved the story and the drawings. check out the trailer

It looks like it is going to be the most visually stunning movie I have ever seen. David Eggers, wrote the screen play and Arcade Fire did the soundtrack. As an athlete I always drew a lot of inspiration from Art, Music and Books.

Here is another clip of Maurice Sendak (author of Wild Things talking about the movie). Talking about Spike and the movie:

What books and movies have inspired you guys?

Just a few announcements…

If you are in the Vail Valley, make sure to swing by e-town, in Edwards, for the Team FD Fundraiser. It starts ar 5pm and goes til 8. There will be awesome raffles and silent auction items. I am crossing my fingers that I win the tandem mountain bike.

If you were watching the tour today you saw Lance flying around the lake on This, yet another custom bike as part of Stages the global art exhibit to raise money for Livestrong.

What are you doing this weekend? Wanna ride? I am doing the Colorado Eagle River Ride, a 100 mile loop starting and finishing in Beaver Creek. It is a beautiful route and raises money for the Snowboard Outreach Society

Sometimes the best thing an athlete can give us is a little entertainment and a laugh. Check out the new Nike P-Rod video.

thanks for reading!

mike

Yield to Life

Lance Armstrong is not the only athlete in the pro peloton who is using his status for good. American super-star, David Zabriskie, started Yield to Life after getting hit by a car for the second time. They say that you are not really a pro cyclist until you get hit by a car. Last year I got my USCF pro license and found myself on the hood of an SUV. I was unscathed, except for some cuts and bruises. My bike survived as well. The seat was broken in half but that was it. I still can’t help thinking what would have happened if I had not been able to make it up on the hood. If I had not, I would have been literally run over, a thought that still haunts me. Dave experienced huge setbacks and hospital time after both of his accidents. Dave wants to raise awareness about sharing the road for both motorists and cyclists.

Tyler Farrar, American Sprinting Bad Ass, and Zabriskie’s teammate on Garmin is also passionately involved in the cause. Tyler’s Dad, Ed, was riding his bike when he was hit head on by a car. Ed lost the use of his legs. Cycling continues to grow in popularity. As is does, so to does the need for cyclists and motorists to be respectful and aware of one another. Check out this ESPN article for more info about Dr. Farrar.

The Time is Nau

Nau is a really progressive clothing company. Not only do they make really cool looking clothes that are made with organic/recycled materials they also donate 2% of each sale to a charitable cause. Consumers actually choose where the 2% goes within several pre-selected causes. F

This year Nau is launching their first annual Grant for Change. It is a $10,000 grant for those who instigate lasting, positive change in their communities. One of the categories is for ATHLETES who are challenging assumptions about what it means to move through the world. Nominations are open until August 17th and voting is open until August 31st. This is a really cool and progressive idea form a really cool and progressive company, take some time and check it out!

Here is a video about Nau sponsored athlete making a difference:

Bike for a good cause.

With Brad out of pocket at First Descents Camp, this is becoming bike week here at Athletes Giving. I see more and more people out on their bikes as the Tour de France heats up. Hopefully all of you guys are catching tour fever and are getting out on the bikes. So why not take your new found Bike-Stoke and use it for a good cause? Every weekend there are fun, well supported group rides that benefit charitable causes. There are rides all over the country to benifit MS. For a ride near you please check out http://www.bikems.org/. To find other charity rides in your area check out http://www.bikeride.com/. Search “touring” or “special events.”

Thanks for reading, now get out and ride!

mike

What the heck is a Chalk-Bot?

For years cycling fans have been painting words of encouragement for their favorite racers on the roads of major races. Nike/LiveStrong have taken this concept to the next level with Chalkbot:

Do you have something to say to Lance to bring him to Paris in yellow? Text LIVESTRONG followed by your message to 36453 or go to wearyellow.com