Emir is a fellow cyclist here in Minneapolis and all-around great individual. He rides a sweet Specialized AWOL (Radio Raheem) and is a talented photographer as well. Like me, he has ties to the west coast (Portland) so it is a privilege to have met him out here given his rich and fascinating history in traveling, life experience, and cycling. He was kind enough to document the aftermath of me and my Salsa Beargrease (Ursula) upon completion of the Alexander this year in Spring Valley, Minnesota. Thank you Emir!
Photos documenting the 2015 Alexander 380 by me. Post-Alexander photos via Emir. Water crossing (Root River) photos via Todd Bauer (TMB Images). Thank you both for capturing this special moment/race!
"The chemistry must be respected." - Walter White
A big thanks to Angry Catfish for 26 pounds of sweetness. With a Salsa Beargrease frame, Whisky Parts Co No. 9 carbon fat rims, and 5 inch 45NRTH Dillinger 5 tyres, the bike is essentially just carbon fiber (graphene sheets) and rubber (polymers of 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, aka isoprene). Throw some carbon and hydrogen together and you've got an incredibly lucky and happy Balvindar. It's interesting in that my several years out here have seen significant changes personally and professional. Minnesota is not San Diego, and it's about time I embraced what makes this state unique and great. Bring on winter.
Spoiler alert: it's a trap, err, loop.
"Here I stand, I can do no other," - Martin Luther, Ninety-Five Theses, Halloween 1517