Full disclosure: as a 2011 Ergon Commuter Team member I was provided these to ride and review. My review in no way is influenced by my inclusion on the team.

Building a better foot trap

As long as I’ve been doing the bikes, flat pedals have largely remained the same. You typically don’t give them much thought, only expecting them to do their job. The only time I think I’ve ever coveted a pair of flat pedals was while holding a pair of Suntour XC Pro Grease Guards. Ironically, that was also the time I was coveting the equally fabled Shimano PD-M737s. I chose the Japanese clipless route in the dawn of the 90′s, never looking back. Back to the point, not much innovation was pursued simply because the industry never thought it was necessary. Enter Ergon. Never one to accept the status quo, the German ergonomic accessory company decided it was time to rethink the flat.

Overall appearance and ride impressions

The pedals are massive. They look like giant paddles or boat pontoons where their more svelt counterparts once resided. “Massive pontoons offering sweet power-transferring solace to a wide range of feet. (pun intended)” Adding to the overall largenicity of their appearance are the thick composite sections making up its construction, and the giant dual reflectors. There is nothing small about these pedals.

The major technical/selling point of the PC2 is its “anatomically contoured platform.” Set at a 6˚ angle to provide a “better joint alignment and varus (knee) angle connection.” Similarly, my road shoes are shimmed to create the same varus angle. I’ve ridden these pedals for several months, many while loaded down with groceries or pulling The Bug in the trailer—not once have my knees complained. Of course, I can’t remember the dark times before I received this enlightened device, but there’s been no new pain regardless.

In order to create a more perfect union, Ergon has provided an inner-stop to both prevent your foot from wandering inward and to help place it intuitively. You’re obviously not obligated to place your feet in the designated ergo-zone, but it definitely helps when you’re in the “COMMUTER ZONE!” (exclaimed in Archer’s DANGER ZONE voice) When you place your feet on their massive surface you’re instantly reassured by stability. They certainly feel bigger than traditional flats, but then you realize that’s a good thing.

Unlike the toothy previous inhabitants, these pedals don’t gouge your shins. While not the best accolade for this product, it more than sold it for me.

I noticed that I had to concentrate ever so slightly when first using them. I managed to start pedaling on the sides rather than the intended surface. Even the sides are large. That might simply be the newness of the polymer bearings, rather than a design issue. It just takes a minor mental adjustment to concentrate on how your pedals are aligned as you begin to push down.

IMO this is the perfect solution for those looking to commute in regular clothes where traditional flats damage dress shoes. The surface is covered by an extremely rocky grip tape that gripped but not so hard it wouldn’t let go. In rainy conditions I noticed that my foot slipped sometimes, but it wasn’t anything alarming. Again, just a minor mental adjustment, and one that should be expected when trading out giant metal teeth that dig into your shoes.

The price

This will be a major sticking point. If I were to be told I’d be paying $70USD for innovative, best-in-class road pedals—there’d be no hesitation. Okay, maybe a slight hesitation since such a pedal couldn’t possibly exist. Creating a $70 top of the line road pedal is akin to unlocking the mystery of cold fusion.

Back to the point, these are best-in-class, but of a class the industry no longer cared about. Cheap, bargain, takeoff pedals thrown in a basket or bottom shelf selling for only a few bucks is the competition these pedals face. However, these pedals aren’t for the “gimme the cheapest replacement” customer. The PC2 pedals are for the savvy urban commuter nattily dressing for the destination in work shoes. They’re for the rider experienced in the benefits of a clipless system and want similar power and ergonomic benefits on their city bike. They’re for those who’ve had enough of OEM and are looking for something better. Traditional flats either provide no traction whatsoever, or tear dress shoes apart—these pedals provide a solution to that dilemma.

Final thoughts and rating

The ultimate commuter pedal is only offset by the steep price. While nearly anyone who rides a bike would benefit from the Ergon PC2, the commuter workforce travelling in plain clothes/regular shoes will gravitate towards these.

PRO FACTORS: Truly innovative design, pedal efficiency, comfort for every rider

OPPORTUNITES: Price, and price only.

RATING: 90% - Price almost drops this to 85%, but design wins out

LINK: The PC2 pedal on Ergon-bike.com

TWITTER: @Ergon_Intl

The cultural dichotomy between Arlington, VA and Whiteford, MD is vaast (Flemish version). Even though I was raised in the northern territory, living in DC and Arlington since 1996 has made it seem alien. So, what’s the best way to integrate yourself into the local populace after a long absence? Wander around the countryside on a pushbike dressed like a ninja scuba diver. Bear with me as I reminisce ever so slightly during my journey through the ol’ stomping grounds.

Heckle this ride on Strava.

The gauntlet was thrown down & immediately run over

Cue: Right on Rt-136 (Whiteford Road)

Feeling cocksure and ready to face the locals I snapped the shot below and loudly tweeted:

Alright hicks, watchu got?! campl.us/hefH

— Cycleboredom (@Cycleboredom) December 25, 2011

Their answer was swiftly sent in the form of a ludicrously oversized 4×4 buzzing me as they illegally passed a turning car on the shoulder. It’s something you expect out here so I was positioned in the grass, but it was a gentle reminder that I’m cycling in the land of the car.

See that rise way in the distance? That’s Whiteford Hill. Living on Rt-136, it comes 2.5 miles into the ride and hits 8.5%. It makes the heart and lungs do funny things. The shoulder disappears when the slow lane starts at the base of the climb forcing you to go anaerobic while cars are passing within feet of you. Thrilling!

Memory Stop: Slate Ridge Elementary School

Cue: Right on Main Street

After the lung-busting ascent and subsequent hope-and-pray decent, I turn onto Main Street for my first stop—the proverbial little red school house. And by red, I mean brick. And by school house, I mean converted apartments.  People are sleeping in my childhood memories.

As you enter from the street you pass the white retaining wall of the house sharing the parking lot with the school. In my first act of public vandalism I drew a line the entire length of the (then) pristine white wall with a giant carrot I had been gifted during our visit to the Whiteford Packing Company down the street. I ended up having to wash the wall as punishment. In an ironic twist of all ironic twists, the owners of the wall ended up being my sitter for 4th and 5th grade years. They had forgiven me by then.

Never truly appreciating its significance when I attended, the fonts over the gym doors are magnificent. Inside, the many horrors of gym class were born. Especially that damn climbing rope…

About 100 yards or so down the street is the view below. Lots of memories of that route to school. I remember jumping across gaps as I balanced on the brick/stone walls in front of these houses. Some were too far to when I was really young, but I distinctly remember the exhilaration once I was able to clear them as I got older. I also recall one of the houses on the right was that creepy one you never wanted to go near. Pretty sure it’s a meth lab now. Some things never change…

Memory Stop: Delta/Cardiff Feed Store

Passed this every morning and afternoon on my way walking to/from school. During the busy season the air was suffocatingly thick with dry corn dust. It smelled amazing.

I loved this Mason-Dixon marker as a kid. It always felt like a historical relic from ancient times. It turns out my feelings were correct as this M-D marker was probably erected in 1765.

Cue: Left on Dooley Road.

Once a wretched hive of scum and villainy, this former gas station/live bait/liquor store is a mere shadow of its former glory. Which makes the fact they have such city-slicker beer like Fat Tire Ale all that more surprising. Although, they might be superimposing dreams of massive 4×4 mudders rather than puny MTB tires.

Cue: Left on Rt-165 (Pylesville Road)

This stretch of road was, and I think still is, where you could find out how fast your car can go. That’s life in the middle of nowhere.

Waaaaay in the distance is our local John Deere dealership, solidifying our ruralnicity. But just before that and just after the tree line ends, there’s a clearing. Which makes that section of road a deer crossing extravaganza, inevitably leading to…

Memory Stop: North Harford Middle School

After a few miles of familiar old fields interspersed with alien looking new housing developments I arrive at my former middle school. Ma Boredom taught here when it opened and only just recently retired after an incredible 40 years of educating. Chapeau!

Although, I don’t remember this being necessary back then. Thank you, nonsensical fear.

Cue: Turn back at roundabout, stay on Rt-165

Bad Memory Stop: North Harford High School

Across the street is my high school. Bad things happened there. Dark things in dark halls. But with the ’07 makeover it looks like a happy happy 90210 school—at least from the outside.

Since the Xmas drivers were getting nuttier and more numerous, I decided to take the road less travelled.

Cue: Right on Old Pylesville Road

Immediately after turning off I snapped this shot of a familiar post-school stop: Halsey’s. All I remember is chocolate chip ice cream cookies. I always seemed to be hungry immediately after school let out.

A little further down the road less travelled is another store of convenience. This one, however, has certainly seen better days. Now it’s a meth lab.

Scenic overlook, maybe. Sadly, many of the local farmers are getting too old to run the farms and are selling their properties. Housing developments are showing up in the strangest places.

Whiteford Hill…Again.

Cue: Right on Rt-136

After a few decent out of saddle efforts on the previous road’s rollers, I was debating whether or not to hit Whiteford Hill again. Deciding to go for it, I put my head down with no intention of stopping for a shot. This GoogMap screener will have to suffice. Fun fact: the speed limit is 30mph, but most travel 15-20mph above that. Notice the complete lack of shoulder. Again, thrilling.

Cue: Left on Jones Road

At the top of the hill, and once I recovered from my greyout, I make a quick left onto a road that I never travelled on in the 23 years I lived here—Jones Road. It’s one of the few remaining dirt roads in the area and I relished the opportunity to get all Rapha Continental on it. My Specialized Roubaix Armadillo Elite did NOT disappoint! Super smooth over rocks, potholes and other various country nastiness.

Cue: Slight left onto Ridge Road

Quickly off of Jones then onto Ridge Road I decided that I had to cross back over using another oft unused road. Back in the day Slate Ridge Road was a fantastic place to hear dueling banjos. But today I was astonished to see some massive houses where Ned Beatty might’ve knelt. In the first 50 yards of the road the grade hits a sweet 9.0%—and my legs started to get pissed.

Cue: Left on Slate Ridge Road

Some Strava evidence, FWIW. Let’s just say I’m not at my ideal climbing weight when compared to my power output. Those two elements will never align, sadly—I’ll never be that skinny!

With nearly everything named after slate, there has to be a reason right? Well here’s why: there’s actual slate on a ridge. No longer in use, the mine yielding slate once deemed the best in the world (Crystal Palace Exposition of 1850), operated from 1734 until 1944.

Cue: Right on Main Street

The rest of Slate Ridge Road drops down into Cardiff but not before providing some descending thrills. I made a right back onto Main Street again this time continuing on into Delta, PA. Starting with staying with the sitter to go to school, all the way up to my debaucherous high school days, this street played a large part in my “development” as a human—for better and for worse. The picture below has nothing to with any of that, though. I just wanted to get a shot of the service bear before it rusted through. Also, I think the shop is now a meth lab.

Yes, that’s a genuine, fully functioning general store!

As I’ve touched on a little earlier, Delta, PA is an old Welsh slate mining colony that ended in tragedy when the remaining inhabitants ate each other in a vain effort to stave off famine during the great blizzards of 2010. Okay, the first part is truthful as evidenced by the evidence provided below as well as the slate pictured 3 shots above.

In this land, the sidewalks are paved with slate.

This African American church has always felt like an embassy in an unfriendly foreign land, but it has thrived since 1900. It should be noted the Confederate flag is still proudly flown in the region, regardless of their location north of the Mason-Dixon.

Immediately to my left: “We’re Knights of the Round Table, We dance when ere we’re able!”

Cue: Continue on Main Street as it turns into Atom Road/Peach Bottom Road

Slate is everywhere, and it’s not always in slabs. Sometimes it’s in chunks. Drove by this for years and never noticed it. Bikes get you closer to your surroundings. And by surroundings, I mean this creepy haunted house.

Going in for a bit of detail, you’ll notice that amazingness is involved. That’s slate people—its sole desire is to break into slabs.

Cue: Right onto Slateville Road

Making the final stretch of what I consider the back way to getting home, I’m greeted with this National Geographic-esque facial of Americana. Or, at least, that’s what I think when I see it.

Cue: Turn right on Prospect Road

Make it to the church, turn right and you’re faced with this. I love these expanses.

The final miles of the ride are played out on unmarked, crap chip-seal rollers with a nasty pop waiting at the end. It hits 10%, but at this point of the ride and considering how bad my legs are feeling now it might as well be this:

Again, no shot considering I approached this climb with fear-driven speed only to cramp halfway up. Amusingly, there’s no Google Street View shot since this is too remote for them to consider.

A few more turns and I’m home. I was too tired to snap a shot where I got plowed by a car in 6th grade while riding my bike. It’s very close to home, and seems to be a nexus of disaster. The house whose driveway I bolted into the street from burned down last year. Creepy.

Finally, if you’ve read this far, I’m sorry.

Huy image by: Claus Moser on Flickr.

Not unlike the semi-sweet reflux following a fantastic dinner, Part II returns to satiate the insatiable. You’ll be looking for the digestives after 6 more helpings of narcissism seasoned with desperation. I deviate slightly from the standard fare “bike stuff lust” of the last post. Finally, I end up humping a traditional new-year’s contrivance. Prepare yourself.

I ain’t got no power, but I want technology to tell me, regardless

Tying in with the previous post’s Garmin issue, I desire even more data. And by need, I mean I don’t, but it would be nice. As an early adopter of power tech I’ve gone too far w/out, again, knowing how feeble my power output is. No matter how burning the truth may be when my averaged power scores are validated by truth of specific technology, I still want that burning. So, a CycleOps PowerTap, or an SRM, or even that weird Garmin pedal dongle thing would do just nicely. Let’s make this happen.

Team Zembro! Embro/Gage Collab

I have small needs as well. One of my favorite cycling shirts of recent memory is the collaboration between Embrocation Cycling Magazine and Gage+DeSoto. Moka pots and Lemond’s legendary Team Z!—what’s not to love? We needs it, we wants it!

Glass of the gods, and a full-frame

Thanks to a generous D80 hand-me-down gift from Pa Boredom, I’ve finally been able to shoot proper product shots. But this is a sickening list of excesses, right? Why stop at the D80 when there’s full-frame sensor DSLRs to be had. I’m obviously covetous of such common shooters as the Nikon D3 or Canon 1D, but let’s take it a bit further. Howsabout a meager studio setup starting with a Hasselblad H4D-200MS, coming in at a scant $44K—w/out a lens. Or if that’s a bit much, why not the Leica S2? I’m not above lowering my standards. Lens-wise, there’s too much to choose from. I’ll just take the best from Sigma, Leica, Canon and Nikon if you don’t mind.

Drivetrain, drivetrain, drivetrain

I am in the unenviable position of owning 3 road bikes adorned with aging 9-speed Shimano groupsets. One of these bikes has a front right shifter that’s getting more temperamental by the day. I imagine that I’ll be stripping one of them (like I already am) for replacement parts. This makes me a sad panda. But what leaves me truly depressed and curled up in a darkened room listening to The Cure is the price of components today. Since there’s no backward-compatibility between 10 and 9, I would have to purchase a drivetrain almost entirely.

Gimme a Klassieker

I want a Spring Classic. I’m not paying for one, I simply want the gift. Push me along in the bunch, get my effing bottles, and tow me up the bergs. Whatever you do, just let me cross the line first.

On a serious note…

*Dons smoking jacket, stands in front of a crackling fire, lights pipe* Let us now indulge in yet another clichéd year-end tradition: the resolution. I racked my brain for minutes on end and came up with nothing more than this: get more better. Mainly, I need to get more better at posting regularly. I’ve managed to compile a massive backlog of half-written posts only to manage not to finish them for various reasons. One of those reasons is I’m lazy. Another reason is I’ve been avoiding confrontation on various fronts, but especially when it comes to advocacy issues. Rest assured that is changing for year 2012.

Thanks for reading and for choking down unprecedented levels of snaark during the 2011 season. Here’s to an unbearable amount in 2012!

Portrait images by Lord Kristof Ramon (@kristoframon) from his portrait collection on Flickr.

♫It’s that time of year♫, when the cycling blog world succumbs to such trite pastimes as the “fantastic gifts for your cyclist” post, or “the cycling year in review.” Luckily for all of us, THIS is also that moment. However, I’m going to spice this up a few notches by making it completely about me. This is a sickeningly narcissistic traipse through the depths of my own wanton depravity. I feel like I can indulge in such things as I’ve recently celebrated my 40th year of pain and suffering whilst barreling headlong through a minor mid-life crisis. None of these selections are in order, and yes, there is a Part Deux on deck.

What, this? Oh, it’s just a Porsche

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. We always want another bike. We can’t help it. Consider these choices my midlife crisis meltdown Porsche purchase. My all-time favorite brand has to be Colnago. I fell in love with the Mapei C-40 at the turn of the century and the fire of that affair has never been tamed. These days my heart skips a beat for the C-59. Its blood also runs hot like a fiery volcano. I also have the hots-on for the Crumpton Corsa-M. I’d be dead scared to ride it anywhere, but I’d sure love to have one.

Next, and off the beaten path, are two models that I actually see myself astride. First, and for obvious aesthetically Flemish reasons, I long to mount a Ritte Bosberg. The colorway is so choice, plus nearly every review loves it in a platonically unsolicited fashion. Second, and probably my most realistic choice, is the November Bikes Wheelhouse. Fashioned out of pure, high-modulus evil, the Wheelhouse delivers both on price and dopeness. Yes, dopeness is a technical term and it’s measured on the Richter Scale.

NOTE: These are only but a few of the many I so dearly covet, and they’re only carbon. Not to leave out Firefly, Baum, and Strong just to name a few.

I need to portage cargo gaslessly

Let’s just make this clear at the jump—I can’t stand my friggin’ trailer. I can’t see The Bug, nor can I hear The Bug. I hate that she’s trailing behind me. Also, the Franken-porteur is slowly dying. I’ll eventually have to replace the entire drivetrain. That’s $$$ that could be spent on a true cargo bike. There’s a tie for my Suburban 4×4 SUV replacement. Long have I longed for both a Metrofiets and BULLITT bakfiets or cargo bike.

Metrofiets has the non-traditional traditional style locked down, while BULLITT takes it up a few notches. The big question is, though, whether or not I can get this thing into our apartment. A possible solution is the Joe Bike Boxbike. It’s a little shorter than the Metro and BULLITT—but not much. Now which of these fine companies wants to sponsor me and get supreme coverage?

To complete the circle as a well rounded velo-utilitarian, I’m a fan of Ira Ryan’s and Tony Pereira’s porteurs—so classy. Not every car-free trip needs to be epic and the timeless porteur keeps ‘em simple and light. Plus, nothing beats owning a bike that elicits a “Nice rack!” comment from strangers.

Boredom needs some new shoes!

Switching it up from the ostentatious to the modest yet garish—I want a few pairs of the Mavic Zxellium Ultimates. By far the most recognizable shoe in the pro peloton, it’s the only non-white shoe I actively covet. These are honest-to-Merckx +10 for your PRO status. I’m sure there are some other shoes worthy of mention, but I honestly can’t think of any after staring at the Zxellium’s yellow beauty. NOTE: before suggesting an alternative, it should be known I don’t dig constrictor snakes for my shoe enclosures.

Frickin’ Lazers and Salices

I may have been hasty with my first knee-jerk reaction to the bombsauce Salice eyewear Tejay Vangarderan was rocking at the Giro. Actually, I’m positive—I want them. I am so unbelievably sick of the Oaklenization of the peloton. I need something different—a new drug if you will. Salice fit that bill nicely. They are grande, they’re over the top, and they’re excruciatingly Italian! Although, I can’t decide which models I like—so I simply must attain them all.

Not as in your face as their Italian competition, but deserving of a place upon your face as an optical opiate is the new line of eyewear from their Belgian brethren, Lazer. Already a disgusting fanboy (but not review affectingly so) of their helmet line, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that I literally dropped an #ompoop when word of their new optics line was announced. People, they have MAGNETS!

The most epic cycling wardrobe, ever

This isn’t a hard one to guess. Love the Rapha, and I want it all. Okay, maybe not some of the Paul Smith collection, ‘cuz me and purple don’t get along. Standouts that I don’t already own are: the Classic Softshell, Bomber Jacket, Pro Team Jacket, Team Issue Rain Jacket, and the Classic Bib Shorts. But I don’t only want the modern collection, I want some of the older models as well. For instance, the Belgian jersey, and the Legends tees need to be reissued just for me, thank you very much.

The Next-Gen Garmin 500

For someone who used to never ride w/out a HR monitor telling them how pathetic their fitness was, I’ve been riding w/out an HR monitor for quite a while. Using the iPhone is a temporary fix to something that needs to be rectified. I’m a huge fan of the Garmin 500, but I don’t want this one. I want the next one. This model has been out for several years and I don’t want to shell out cash money only to find out a new version will be released. So Garmin, make the new one, send it to me and I’ll ride the living **** outta it and let you know how it works. I’ll even give you one of my primo design/marketing tips: make the colorway blue denim and call it the 501. Can’t get better than that. Until then, Strava can guesstimate my paltry power and suffer scores from GPS alone.

The fun ain’t stopping here!

Part II (not il) drops this week—stay tuned.

Those of you who dabble in the seedy pro cycling side of Twitter will no doubt know of photographer extraordinaire, Jered Gruber (T: @JeredGruber). You’re also probably familiar with the events surrounding the 2012 Giro d’Italia route presentation and how they managed to grab Jered’s shot w/out his knowledge. Already highly interested in Jered’s work, it was piqued as he and his wife Ashley (T: @A_Gruber), returned to the States after a long stint in Europe. Knowing how fantastic his images are and that he was covering some of the biggest races while shooting product shots for Castelli, I was shocked to find him selling some of his bikes to cover expenses. Here he is selling some of his, as a cyclist, prized possessions while one of his shots was being paraded around Italy and the net.

After getting hyped up on Twitter for a second time after the Giro account tweeted the shot in question again, I decided that the entire story needed to be told. Jered was kind enough to oblige, so I sent him some questions that I felt would shed some light on the situation.

Give us a little backstory on the shot:

The shot was taken at the end of May for Castelli’s 2012 Summer catalog. We went to the Dolomites with Garmin-Cervelo’s Peter Stetina, who had just finished the Giro in the top twenty – his first Grand Tour.

We shot on the Fedaia, Giau, and Valparola that day, but it seems like we got it right in a big way on the Giau.

In what manner was the image available on the web?

The image was available almost immediately on my Flickr page with no copyright or anything. It wasn’t at full size though – just 1200 pixels wide.

I’ve long tried to avoid watermarks. I don’t like watermarks. I don’t like to be distrustful. I guess I always want to assume the best in people. It’s why I hate to lock my house door or my car door. I’ve always felt like I shouldn’t have to protect an image or lock my doors…I’m starting to realize that it might be a good idea though.

The Giau image isn’t really an example of this though. The image that really underlines the need for “Kristof Ramon… told me that my picture had just won a signed Fabian Cancellara jersey…for someone else.”watermarking was the Fabian Cancellara shot from Flanders this year. Some guy swiped the image entirely from my Flickr page and submitted it for a Leopard Trek Facebook contest. He won. The only reason I ever found out was through the great photographer, Kristof Ramon. He told me that my picture had just won a signed Fabian Cancellara jersey…for someone else. It was absurd. I still can’t believe that happened.

I feel like plagiarism can happen to anyone. If you read someone’s words enough, it’s possible that you can state your own words in a very similar fashion. With a photograph though, that’s just not possible. If you use a picture that isn’t yours and say that it’s yours – that’s just filthy.

I noticed that the image wasn’t watermarked on your Flickr site, and many of your shots are. Is there a reason it wasn’t?

I didn’t start watermarking until around September of this year. I had known that I probably should for a long time, but overall, I just hate it. I’ll do it from here on out, just to make sure there aren’t any more incidents like the Cancellara one, but the Giro situation didn’t happen because of a lack of watermark…

The Giro got the image from Castelli. From what I’ve been told, new Giro director Michele Acquarone saw the image at Castelli’s stand at Eurobike. He loved the shot and asked for it to print for his office and for some Giro materials. I would never fault Castelli for passing along an image in that situation. However, the Giro decided to use the image in a BIG way, which was a little bit different than had originally been stated.

Go through the events from the moment you discovered your shot was used by the Giro:

We were sitting in the studio at the Giro presentation, just happy to have made it on time. While taking some deep breaths and feeling grateful to have found a seat, we were sort of, but not really watching images scroll across the giant screen at the front. Then, my picture popped up. It was only for half a second, Ashley didn’t even see it – but I saw it. I was exhausted from the last week of insane traveling, so I seriously questioned myself whether or not that actually just happened.

I didn’t see it again after that, but as we were leaving, I started seeing my picture everywhere. The Giro gave away folders and posters to all the guests with ticket stubs. The Giau image was on the folder, but the real surprise was in the poster tubes – an even bigger version of the Giau image.

I couldn’t believe it. I had no idea where it came from, but I knew I wanted my own poster and folder! I went up to the stand to get it, but the ladies wouldn’t give me the poster and folder, because I didn’t have a ticket stub – I was just media.

“They wouldn’t give me my own poster. I couldn’t believe that I couldn’t get a poster of my own – in my mind stolen – image. I had no idea how they had gotten it at that point, so there I was, begging to get a poster of my own work – a lunatic babbling in English to two Italian speakers.”They wouldn’t give me my own poster. I couldn’t believe that I couldn’t get a poster of my own – in my mind stolen – image. I had no idea how they had gotten it at that point, so there I was, begging to get a poster of my own work – a lunatic babbling in English to two Italian speakers. They eventually relented and were quite surprised when I pulled the poster out and finally got the message through: that’s my shot!

I found out a few minutes later that it came from Castelli, but I couldn’t help thinking how hopeless this all was. It was without question the biggest honor I could imagine, except nobody knew it was my picture. Our year flooded back to me – a great year of traveling, working, writing, and taking pictures, sure, but overall, it was entirely unprofitable mess. Up to that point, we had made 250 dollars off of our pictures…ever. I was so happy that an organization as big as the Giro loved the picture, but I was so, so sad to have it shoved in my face once again that I wasn’t worth money or even the mention of my name.

That situation has changed dramatically in the last couple months, but that feeling still remains. I want to do everything possible to make sure we don’t get used in 2012. We’re happy to call 2011 a learning experience, but if the same stuff continues to happen in 2012, it will be a result of utter stupidity and laziness on our part.

My parents always said that I have to learn everything the hard way. 2011 was yet another instance of that in terms of the business, contract, rights side of photography. It would be a damn shame to make the same mistakes again next year.

What have RCS/Giro media team done as compensation?

It’s not clear yet how I’ll be compensated, but they’ve been really communicative and willing to work something out.

We’ve had a few phone conversations with the people at the Giro, and they’ve been really supportive. They’ve proposed the idea of us taking pictures of RCS events – all of their cycling events like the Strade Bianche, Milano-Sanremo, the Giro, Lombardia, etc, plus the Milano Marathon.

I wouldn’t be taking normal pictures though – the goal would be to get scenics of the races. They’d provide us with a car, and our only task would be to take pretty pictures. It sounds like a dream job, but it’s about to be 2012 and my new promise kicks in – the business end has to be taken care of in a satisfactory fashion for that to work out. I love the thought of it, but I don’t want to continue behaving like the 2011 version of me: “You want pictures? For free? Sure!”

I don’t want to come across as a gimme gimme spoiled entitled ass, but I don’t think it’s too much to ask to be compensated for our work. I hope it’s not too much to dream that one day we can make a legitimate go out of it as photographers.

On the other end, I just can’t afford to spend that much time not making money. I recently talked to a great photographer based in Italy, Dan Patitucci. He said to ask ourselves: is there something better that we could be doing with our time?

If the job is to journey around Italy in 2011 chasing bike races and a marathon for free or a pittance, you’re damn well right there’s something better we could be doing with our time…like riding bikes and making a living. With all of that said – I’m really happy that the RCS has even made this offer. It’s a huge honor, and I really hope it works out.

Has this created any issues with selling the original image?

Surprisingly, I don’t think so. The people that are interested in purchasing the image don’t care that it’s available at basically full size from both the Giro and Castelli. I’m blown away by this fact, and extremely humbled. The people that want the image, want it from me. Sometimes they’re even requesting for it to be signed by me. Some people want my signature on one of my pictures that will hang on their wall. How crazy is that?!

We decided to do a limited run of the Giau shot – 100 prints, signed, and numbered. We’ve sold about 50 so far. It’s a start!

Will this change how you display your images on the web in the future?

No, not really. I will watermark my images, and I’ll continue to show them at a decent size. I don’t ever want to be so paranoid about the possibility of someone taking my images that it stops me from showing what we’re up to.

The internet, Flickr, Twitter all have made me, us. I respect that, I’m thankful for that, and I plan on continuing to post as much as I can to Flickr and anywhere else people are interested in having my pictures/words.

Where can the public see more of your images?

As always, the best place to see my images is on Flickr. If you’re looking to purchase images, we have a solid selection on our new Zenfolio storefront. If you want to see them in print form, you can usually find quite a few in an issue of Peloton Magazine.

Are your images available for sale?

See above. It’s a slow learning process, but we’re starting to figure out how to best move pictures from our cameras, to the computer, and hopefully further to someone who really likes our work. We don’t know the slightest bit about what we’re doing, so we’re stumbling along trying to figure it out.

Connect with Jered and Ashley

Portfolio: Gruberimages.zenfolio.com
Twitter: @JeredGruber
Twitter: @A_Gruber
Flickr: Flickr.com/smashred
Facebook: facebook.com/jeredgruber
Blog: Jeredgruber.com
Email: jeredgruber [at] gmail [dot] com

According to Laurent ‘Le Professeur’ Fignon this was the collaborative effort of both he and his directeur sportif Cyrille Guimard. While I see the transformative genius behind the work, there had to be someone that thought it was a bad idea. But as Fignon revealed in his autobiography, he was proud of it. So I’m guessing that if you’re trying to keep your job on the team, you don’t cross épées w/ the star and the directeur.

It should be noted, however, that Laurent also had a hand in the design of the fabulous and legendary Système U kit. That, in and of itself, should absolve the bespectacled Frenchman of his impending detestable creation. You decide.

Castorama Legend: Laurent Fignon

While his best years weren’t with the French DIY shop sponsored team (’90-’92), Fignon was still their most famous member. I have nothing but admiration for ‘Le Professeur’, as he was affectionately known, so no snaark here. But, for our next legend…

Castorama Legend: Bjarne Riis

Ahhh, Mr. Future 60% Percent. Before his infamous blood-boosted reign at Gewiss-Ballan and Team Telekom, he spent a few formative years at Castorama as Fignon’s faithful strongman (’89-’91).

Castorama Legend: Jacky Durand

The masterful breakaway artist, Dudu gave Castorama their biggest win, bar none. Winning the ’92 Ronde Van Vlaadaren in his traditional “Tete de la Course” style solidified him as a naturalized Belgian. But, Jacky also donned the infamous doo-rag. For proper name-referencing Frenchnicity, we’ll call it a Du-rag. The Du-Rag tickles the taint between pro and, well, not. But, it’s Jacky, so we overlooked it. Our leniency may be in part that his usage corresponded with the only human being capable of turning the hated head wrap into a PRO force for good: Marco ‘Il Pirata’ Pantani. And that was only because he was a pirate.

Castorama Legend: Laurent Brochard

Perhaps the most visually egregious of all the Castorma suspects is Laurent Brochard (’92-94). Before he became the ’07 road champ, or embroiled in the Festina affair, he and his sentient Euro-mullet posed for THAT shot. ‘Nuff said.

The Cycleboredom/Castorama Remix Shirt

Definitely won’t put a dent in your Tour-winning réputation.

Like it? Make it yours: US Store / UK Store

Image credits: Cyclingnews, CyclingArchives, Gentside, Velopaint, and Cyclingnews again.

Parting Shot

Backstory: Typically when I create a new site background, I just scavenge a shot from the net crediting the photographer on the image. Not the greatest solution, but not the worst. As I was scouring teh netz for CX shots to poach, everyone I found was someone I knew through Twitter. For once, it didn’t feel right to simply grab a shot w/out asking first. As I was about to DM Joe for permission to pimp use his image, my brain made big thoughts. A thought bubble said, “Why not do this as a regular feature?” Why not call attention to a photographer I like by making one of their shots a featured background? My brain was onto something. Another bubble appeared, “Why not convert this post fuel into a mini-interview as well?” Winning! Check out the big brain on Boredom! So I came up with a set of 5 standard questions to ask each photographer I feature.

5 Questions With: focuses on cycling photographers whom I think are pushing the envelope. In a field rife with traditional race documentation, these snappers not only see the race they capture the race. I intend to celebrate them with this series.

I hope you enjoy this first edition with Vancouver-based Joe Sales.

Tell us about the featured shot:

The image is from the 2010 USA Nationals in Bend and features Barry Wicks with about 3 laps to go riding his guts out to 6th overall. There were so many interesting characters at the run-up that I hung around that spot for at least a full lap. I had shot the stairs off to the left side for a lap and then I went down to the bottom of the stairs to try and get a different angle of the awesome spectators and racers. The last two Nationals in Bend were really great for crowds, easily the best of the 8 or so USA cross nationals I’ve been too It helps that Gumby showed up.

What got you into photographing cycling?

I’ve always both had a camera and been a bike person but until a few years ago I never really gave much real thought to cycling photography. About 6 years ago I crashed my cross bike really hard while training with some juniors and I broke my left thumb and destroyed my right shoulder as well as getting a big concussion. I had to have two surgeries over the course of a year which meant I was off the bike for a long time. As part of my convalescence I bought myself a DSLR and took it to all the cross races I was missing. Hardly anyone had a digital camera then and I began helping out the junior RAD Racing Team with images for grant and sponsorship requests. My pictures were terrible but I was hooked and started to learn more about photography. As I progressed and improved opportunities started to come my way I’ve been had some great experiences behind the camera the last couple of years.

My primary career is being a dad. This year marks my 21st year as a full time domestique to my wife. Photography really helped me keep my head up when I was dealing with my crash injuries and not being able to ride my bike and at the same time it allowed me to stay connected with the cycling community in a new way. As my kids get older I have more time to dedicate to photography and now almost all my spare time is spent either taking photos or learning about photography. My idea of a perfect day is riding with my kids and friends, carrying a camera and stopping to take pictures. My kids always tease me and say I use the camera as an excuse to stop and catch my breath on a ride. I’m not doing as much race photography lately but I’m always taking pictures and I’m currently trying to decide which photographic direction I should move towards next.

What are your favorite cameras/lenses for shooting races?

I don’t really have a favorite camera or lens, I like just about every camera I’ve ever used for one reason or another but my lens tastes have evolved considerably. Right now I pretty much only shoot what are considered normal lenses, the equivalent of a 50mm on a full frame digital body or a 35mm film camera. About 90% of the images I’ve shot in the last year were with a normal lens. I prefer images that don’t draw too much attention to the equipment used and put the emphasis as much as possible on content and subject. Also, I don’t like carrying around tons of a gear which makes a 50 mm prime really attractive to me.

I shoot film and digital. Digital allows me to take chances and film makes me be more deliberate. My digital cameras are Canons, I’ve been using 1D bodies because the weather seals are awesome. I’ve shot in torrential rain and they just keep working, a feature that is really ipmortant for cyclocross. Digital is great for a lot of reasons including containing costs, super high iso performance and instant feedback but I also really like film. This last year I’ve been shooting 35mm, medium format, 4X5 and instant film. My favorite film camera is my Konica Hexar RF. Its a sweet little camera, really versatile and a joy to use. I try to have it with me all the time. The camera I shoot the most is probably my phone. Cell phone cameras are quickly becoming quite good. I take thousands of phone pictures and I really enjoy connecting with friends and family through image based social media.

I’m not immune to new camera hype, there are a bunch of cameras I’d love to try to see what I can do with them but I don’t think it matters that much which camera you use just as long as you know the strengths and weakness of what you have and use it accordingly.

What’s your post-processing routine?

I use Apple’s Aperture for all of my processing. I always shoot RAW but sometimes when I need to output a gallery really fast I shoot both RAW and jpegs at the same time and everything always goes straight into aperture. In aperture I sort, tag and rank my images and then I start to process files. If I want black and white images I export to a plugin, usually NIK silver EFEX pro. I rarely use photoshop. All my film scans go straight into aperture as well. I don’t do a lot of post, I’m just not into it that much. With so much readily accessible and relatively cheap processing software its tempting to over-work an image but I really prefer images that are subtly processed and as honest as possible. My biggest struggle is getting digital colors the way I want them. That is one of the appeals of film for me, I really like the look of color film and I know pretty much exactly what the film I choose will look like when I scan it. I have quite a bit of black and white on my main website but I actually have a strong preference for color images and I’m working hard at being a better color photographer.

Any tips for capturing the perfect cycling shot?

The perfect shot? I don’t have a direct answer to this question. For me what is great about cross, more than anything, is the proximity of the riders to the spectators and the relationship and vibe that develops between them over an hour long race. I love this aspect of cross and lately most of my cross pictures have been about this interaction and connection that takes place during a race, from a single hand gesturing over the tape to a mob of people screaming at a back-bencher. That’s what the picture you have featured here is all about; people on and off the bike having a great time celebrating human physical achievement on two wheels. What I often see in the fans and feel myself is the emotion and excitement of an adrenalin dump that you get when racers are really hanging it out and racing at their absolute hardest. When you photograph anything you are telling people about yourself, what it is you value and what kind of a person you are. Same with when you value one image over another. All I really want my bike images to say is: bikes and bike people are awesome. So I suppose my suggestion would be to simply think about what is you want to show people about cyclocross. For me it’s a beautiful and exciting sport full of interesting people.

Final thoughts and links

There were a surfeit of images I wanted to include in this post, but that would’ve rendered Joe’s portfolio unnecessary. Yet, I still had a tough time deciding which ones I wanted to include. Then I realized the dilemma was due to the fact most of his shots were indicative of what I’m looking to convey with the 5 Minutes With series. Joe conveniently describes this perfectly on my last, and admittedly fluff (but nevertheless effective), question. I guess I chose well.

Please make a point to visit Joe’s portfolio site, and if you appreciate his work let him know on Twitter.
Website: joesales.ca
Twitter: @JoeySales
Tumblr: thejoesales.tumblr.com
Instagram: JoeySales

Yeah, that’s right, it’s a pump. And yes, this is a review of a pump—the Portland Design Works magic flute™, to be exact.

A (new) pump in the hand is worth 2 flats in the…

When PDW sent their magic flute™($60USD) pump for me to ride/review, I was stoked. Although, that same stoked feeling you get with nearly every product you buy/receive is a little different with a pump. Don’t get me wrong, the shiny metallic body, the laser etched logo, the anodized green shaft, and the elegantly clean look of the CO2 attachment were all irresistible. But when it comes down to it, I didn’t want to use the pump at all. It’s not unlike a North-African despot’s golden fire extinguisher. It looks fantastic, but you hope you never have to use it.

But it’s inevitable. Just as inevitable as an Italian pro receiving “nutritional advice” from Ferrari, you’ll eventually get a flat. That inevitability increases when you inject something new into your routine—like a new pump. Not long after they sent me the pump, I got a DM from PDW inquiring as to whether or not I had a chance to try it out yet. I had to answer. By replying “No.” I knew I’d get a chance sooner than later. I was right.

Serenaded by the magic flute’s performance

Nearly a week after answering PDW, I had more mechanicals and flats in a span of 3 days than I’ve had in years. So how did the magic flute™ perform in this ruthless theatre of action? Flawlessly. First flat allowed me to marvel at its powerful pumping action. It efficiently inflated the flaccid butyl vessel into the stout, weight supporting, race-ready 700c tube it was born to be. No, I didn’t engage in the ridiculousness of a pump count, nor did I test if it reached the appropriate atmosphere or not.

The pump is surprisingly light considering its all alloy construction. Additionally, I’m a huge fan of the thumb-lock inclusion on the device. Not all mini-pumps have one, making the connection with the valve imperfect. The only thing I could see making this better would be making the handle convert to a ‘T’ shape. It’s not necessary on this pump, but it would’ve made the magic flute™ perfect, at least for me.

The second flat allowed me to used the CO2 device. It very clearly is labeled OPEN and CLOSE with directional arrows on the top. This makes it extremely easy to get it right the first time. I know I’ve been mid-ride, super tired, winded, and made a mistake in the order of its use and blew two(!) cartridges out. That day, I was riding minimalist (read: stupid), carrying just the inflation chuck. Had to ask a passer-by to for a pump to use. There he was, clad in full-Fred hi-vis (not the cool kind), looking smugly at the pro-boy wearing a full team kit using his hand pump. Not cool.

Therein lies the beauty of the magic flute™, it has a backup plan. Burn a CO2, and you still have the traditional pump to not only just get you home, but to continue your ride at a decent pressure.

Final Thoughts and Rating

The PDW magic flute™ pump is nearly a perfect product. From aesthetics to performance, it simply shines. I say nearly perfect due to my desire for a t-handle, and well, it’s a pump. No pump could ever receive a perfect PRO rating. Except when it gets you where you need to go.

PRO FACTORS: Beautifully designed, highly efficient, surprisingly lightweight.

OPPORTUNITIES: Would love to see the addition of a t-handle, plus it can’t help that it’s a pump…

RATING: 95% – Not only does it’s job with aplomb, it simply looks PRO.

LINK: magic flute™ on RidePDW.com

TWITTER: @portlanddesignw

If you haven’t seen J-Pow’s cyclocross flavored video series yet, then recognize and realize you live a sad insular life. ‘Cuz it’s like a hit from a sunshine filled crack pipe—quick and addictive, but w/out the whole front teeth loss thing. During these dark times as the UCI Overlord presides over our beloved sport like Sauron over Middle Earth, it’s seeds like these where we glean the raw unrefined joy of cycling in the competitive realm. Jeremy Powers truly hearts bike racing. He loves each facet, be it positive or negative, and shares it with us in small poignant doses.

What I find truly refreshing (no snark), is that he lets it all hang out. Sometimes awkward (freestyle rapping), but mostly brilliant (racing, giving interviews, etc.), “… it’s like a hit from a sunshine filled crack pipe—quick and addictive, but w/out the whole front teeth loss thing. “you get a rough-cut version of what goes into Jeremy’s life as a pro cyclocross racer. For season two, even though his racing started slowly as he wasn’t finishing to his liking, he wasn’t afraid to show how it affected him. The ending of E3 felt more like The Empire Strikes Back than a candid CX documentary. In E4, after crossing the line 2nd at GP Gloucester you could definitely sense how much Powers wanted this win as the camera followed him while he rolled silent in his thoughts.

E4′s highlight, though, is the final bit with CX superstar Ted King. I heard a bit of the “poser in the Liquigas kit” story on Twitter, but it was hilarious to see those two tell it.

The next installment of BTB should be exciting as J-Pow finished a fantastic 10th at the Plzen Cross World Cup.

While the majority of us may be jaded by the endless deluge of “behind the scenes” or “real life” shows these days, cycling fans don’t get much like what Behind The Barriers offers. The last one who did give us an exclusive, all-access, behind the scenes series turned out to be less than what we thought. Or more directly, it turned out to be a highly polished yellow turd.

And with that, I present:

Wants are typically born from an visceral emotion. A want is not typically needed. In order to close the all important gap betwixt want and need, one must add well-founded points of necessity. Let’s take a look at the recently released Rapha Pro Team Jacket, and see if I can convince myself it’s a worthy addition to my winter kit arsenal.

Niche spot in your winter arsenal

The Rapha Pro Team Jacket ($275USD) will more than likely fill a very specific spot in your winter kit collection. The Polartec® softshell should allow for a brief foray into wet inclement weather. However, Rapha specifically notes that the jacket is not waterproof and that their Rain Jacket is more suited for the task. Super-Roubaix fleece panels on the rear keep you warm and ventilated.

Conceptually, think hard efforts in some pretty wretched temps and dodgy weather conditions. You don’t want anything bulky or constricting during an intense session, nor do you want it to be a personal humidor with limited breathability. Truthfully for me, this substantially overlaps their Winter Jersey that I own right up until the sky starts spitting. Once it starts to get wet, I have this covered with my 5 Y/O Gore Cosmo softshell jacket. At this point, if you’re thinking there’s no reason for me to consider the jacket, you’d be wrong.

So why do I need it?

2 things, that sound like a 90′s Brit-Pop band, get me about this piece: the cut and the colorways. The “GTFO of my way while I’m charging up the switchbacks of the Col du Galibier” aero race cut produces a mighty-fine profile that I can’t take my eyes off of. The fact that it’s a partial softshell makes it all that more attractive. The traditional Rapha black w/ white is always a winner, but the addition of the hi-vis chartreuse color seals the deal. I may have the black Winter Jersey, and a black Gore softshell jacket, but I don’t have either of them in eye-searing yellow! And THAT’S why I need it. The (infinitely more important) cold-blocking winter protection materials, or the trim tailored cut is just the icing, or gravy on top.

After re-reading this, I realize my color-based argument might be a little thin to convince Mrs. Boredom that I need this. I probably should use a highlighter to highlight the hi-vis yellow…

3 similar products to the Rapha Pro Team Jacket

Gore Bike Wear Xenon SO Jacket ($230USD Competitive Cyclist): Insulated “extreme cyclist posture” Gore WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shell jacket.

Assos Airjack 851 Jacket ($370USD Competitive Cyclist): Airblock 851 4-way stretch fabric designed with focus on “incredible anotomic contouring.”

De Marchi Contour Racing 3L Jacket ($270USD Competitive Cyclist): Thermashield and ThermoRoubaix fabrics in a “form following cut.”

All images courtesy of  Rapha.cc.