Hey! How has your week been? Here in Holland, Tuesday was King's Day (I rode a paddle boat ~10km!), yesterday was my fiancé, Kristy's birthday, and today I'm sending this from Schiphol already USA bound again to visit my son & daughter. I'll be getting my 2nd Pfizer shot this trip, as well!
On Saturday, as I was already preparing for this issue, I was really enjoyed Jess from No Fun Mag's (aka OFFLINE MATTERS) interview with V. Vale. "Who's V. Vale", you ask?
"In 1977, he founded as sole proprietor Search & Destroy, San Francisco’s first Punk Rock publication. It was published at City Lights Bookstore, where V. Vale worked and was funded by $100 each from Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Allen Ginsberg. In 1980, V. Vale launched as sole proprietor RE/SEARCH. V. Vale is most likely the longest-lasting (and still active) Punk publisher. Although Vale released books which include Jello Biafra, Henry Rollins, Lydia Lunch, and many other Punk notables, RE/SEARCH is actually best known for its impact on the total world of underground culture." (Read more about that here.)
Jess asked Vale about his core principles towards creativity. His reply:
- Try to write in a notebook as soon as you wake up!
- Try to work on projects in the morning as soon as you wake up!
- Try to work all the time, period.
- Take little naps to recharge your creativity—just a few minutes can help!
- Try to ‘channel’ or ‘tap into; your subconscious/unconscious... Then when you're at your computer keyboard you can be ‘channeling’ rather than laboriously trying to ‘write’!!!
Can't say I'm on board with #3 but I know what he means. Besides, half the time I'm riding, I could say I'm working ; )
Ok, here is one more quote to share with you:
Also, ALLOW CHANCE INTO YOUR LIFE. Protect yourself, of course, but ... life is very tricky and very mysterious. Don't rely on logic, which is essentially superficial and non-inclusive. Heed your first intuition! (regarding people, projects, ideas, etc). And try to keep learning NEW WORDS! Having a cat around can help keep the prison of logic at bay! And remember, AESTHETICS DETERMINES CONSUMPTION. But, what are your "aesthetics"?!? Most people don't even know!!! -V. Vale
In many ways, we're hardly out of the pandemic but with lockdowns lifting, millions getting vaccinated and spring weather starting, I think we all could benefit from contemplating what will define our post-pandemic aesthetic.
as always, thank you for reading & sharing!
Jon
p.s.
🤝 Pass this issue on via a tweet, LinkedIn post, or a share on FB.
✨ A 20% off for new newsletter supporters in 2021 here.
☕ Or to say thanks for this issue, considering buying me a coffee.
🙏 Thank you to everyone that supports these issues in many ways!
📷 Banner image from a recent b&w roll of my daughter & me.
Bikes
Go Josie. – The Self-Discovery of Parathlete Josie Fouts
This short film highlights a pivotal point not only of Josie’s cycling journey, but how the bicycle is helping her understand herself on a deeper level.
Also features my friend Leo Rogers. An inspiring film & worth the watch.
Conductor's work for Gravel Epic
"This concept of 'memory making' formed the basis of the creative. Racing bikes and making memories – what can be simpler and more enjoyable than that?"
Great work from the team at Conductor!
Albion launches new Spring/Summer 2021 collection, including first Women’s Range
The addition of Albion’s first women’s products follows an extensive development period working with a dedicated team of womenswear developers and expert wear-testers, to create an exciting new range of performance products specifically for women riders.
Very excited to see this launched & honored that Twotone has the opportunity to support it : )
Creativity
Interview: Underground Living with V. Vale - No Fun Mag
Jess talks to the legendary punk publisher on why black humour, satire, and dark humour are a serious response tool in toxic environments. Check it out!
What's Next? The Discovery Mindset
"It just takes a particular persistent, irrational, optimistically contrarian and imaginatively childish sort to turn nonsense around into the new and perfectly reasonable."
A good read for re-sparking that stoke for discovery!
"How to build a loyal Community as a Sports Tech company?"
I'm doing my first Clubhouse Room panel with Ross Burki from PR Lab next week on May 6th at 16:30 CET. RSVP here.
Friends
LIVE TODAY: Cracked Earth Film Kickstarter
My friend Lian started Shift Cycling Culture, a non-funded, not-for-profit foundation, run by a small team of enthusiasts a few years ago. The next chapter for Shift is this incredible film project. Please consider supporting if you can!
Eleanor Jaskowska & Gaby Thompson – MTB Planning with Komoot #DroptoFlat
Even if you just moved from gravel and road directly to gnarlyrocks and roots. Listen to El and Gaby, they have awesome tips :)
My friend Stefano + a duo of pros from komoot; great episode!
Fasting during Ramadhan or saddle sores
Iman Kagumba is a rising star in the East African gravel riding scene and is going to be racing at the Migration Gravel Race organized by friends of mine from Rotterdam. Great to see local riders there getting global attention!
Radness
A Bivvy, a Phone, and a Drone: Cycling Home from China.
In 2019, Josh Reid went on a 15,000-kilometer, 19-country bikepacking trip from China to his home in the UK, capturing footage along the way to create a 30-minute video that documents his incredible solo ride across Asia and Europe. Follow Josh on insta too!