On Thursday I attended a couple local bike events... the world premier of the movie, "Reveal the Path" and a book signing for Grant Petersen's "Just Ride". The book signing was at Hiawatha Cyclery, and they threw a party in Grant's honor. When I showed up there was a good sized crowd hanging out talking about bikes, eating, and drinking beer. It was a fun time, and I wish I had gotten over there a lot earlier. Unfortunately the book signing part of the night didn't start until it was too late (at least for me). I ended up leaving my spot in line and heading over to the Riverside Theater for the movie premier. I should have stayed at the book signing instead. It was a poor choice, and I'm still a bit pissed at myself about it.
That said, I enjoyed the movie, I really did... but it just didn't quite do it for me. It had great scenery and cool locales, but the underlying themes and attempts at provoking thought seemed superficial and contrived. I'll probably watch it again if it goes to Netflix, but it isn't worth buying (unlike "Ride the Divide" which is awesome... I highly recommend it, and I'm NOT an endurance racer).
It was also interesting to attend both of these events back-to-back on the same evening... in particular the different perspectives toward riding and gear, and the general mentality of the event hosts. On one hand you have Salsa and a group of globe trekking adventurers, and the other you have Grant and his down-to-Earth practicality. I have to admit Grant's comments and perspective is a breath of fresh air in an industry full of marketers pushing the extreme. Cyclists are a diverse group, and these two events showed it. Personally I think I fit somewhere between the two... but I'm finding myself leaning more and more toward the utilitarian versatility of Rivendell than the "adventure by bike" brand philosophy of Salsa.
I actually wrote two posts today... scroll down for an update on the custom rack for the 1x1.
I actually wrote two posts today... scroll down for an update on the custom rack for the 1x1.
2 comments:
Funny, I was try to decide between the two, and chose the Reveal The Path showing. Both my wife, and my friend that I ride bikes with all the time, and myself came to the same conclusion you did. A bit too forced, and to me the Alaska bit at the end was sort of a let down too. Ride the Divide was good, this one... not so much.
I've followed for a while. I'm a hack. But I listen and learn. And I know passion. Your words hit home with me.
Post a Comment