Hello!
Can you believe it? We're two weeks out from the end of everyone's least favorite year ever. Even the people I know who had a 'good' year, don't call it anything other than a bad year. And, as Boris says below: "2021 won’t be a cakewalk either." 😅
At least for Twotone, this year is wrapping up with some new client kickoffs, some great launches, media wins & market growth for some long-standing customers, and a modest 6-year anniversary cycling cap (They look awesome!) that we'll put up for pre-order soon instead of our annual anniversary party at our office. Last year 's was a rager!
So, this week I poked around for articles, bullet points, and fodder for the typical action-oriented preamble that prefaces this nearly weekly missive over the past 211 issues.
Anything from a bittersweet recap to a handful of reasons to have the hope that 2021 will bounce us back to normal would have been fine. (Is 'normal' even what we're after at all?) Right as I realized that that silver bullet article didn't exist...
I found Wajahat Ali's one day old NYT OpEd & spoiler alert: "most of the issues that made 2020 feel like a horror story will roll along with us into the new year." ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
"[We] us must confront the brutal realities head-on. Let’s resolve to be patient and steadfast. Let’s resolve to spend 2021 fighting for science, facts, democracy and compassion and repairing all that was lost in 2020. After a full year of that, maybe — just maybe — 2022 will be better." - Wajahat Ali
To me, this is the most succinct manifesto to adhere to in 2021.
Next year isn't gonna bounce back out of the gate.
Nope, next year is about the long game.
We've got awhile to wait for it to get great. ❤️
In the meantime, have a wonderful holiday & happy new year in whatever semblance of celebration & corona-compatible closeness you can with your family & friends!
and, as always, thank you for reading,
Jon
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This week’s banner image courtesy of Fara Cycling.
p.s. Share the stoke & pass the newsletter on to your friends & colleagues via a tweet, a post on LinkedIn, or a share on FB.
Cycling
Fara Cycling's Oslo Project
[Oslo's] unique cycling ecosystem has inspired a new movement where "gravel" and "road" ride have melted into one. This is the origins of The Oslo Project - with the aim of creating the ultimate mixed-surface bike and 2021 will see us take the next step in this evolution. But to close off 2020 we wanted to take a look back before the world got turned upside down and the beginning of The Oslo Project."
More about FARA Cycling & The Oslo Project in our newsroom.
Soigneur Cycling Journal #21
Soigneur is back with a print edition featuring a wide selection of fine images from a bizarre year in cycling.
From the start of the season, when it was business as usual, the lockdown that challenged both amateurs and pros, to the much anticipated, short, but packed calendar of Grand Tours, Worlds, and Classics.
Featuring contributions by the likes of Chris Auld, Jered Gruber, Sean Hardy, Charly Lopez, and Brazo de Hierro.
Rouleur Conversations podcast: Ned Boulting's Road Book and Simon Mottram from Rapha
Laka is about to launch in the Netherlands & Twotone is keen to help with the rollout.
I've followed both Rouleur & Rapha since the beginning (have the 2007 photo annual on my desk) so when I saw Laka was sponsoring this series, I gave this episode a listen. (Laka recap & then Mottram segment begins at 13:30)
Ideas
The Secret to True Kindness
Research shows it's measured by the benefit of the doubt.
Great attitude adjustment inspiration here!
2021 won’t be a cakewalk for entrepreneurs — but keep fighting
Boris from TNW makes cheesy jokes.
Some fun pop culture trivia about grit in this one!
2020 Bikepacking Awards, Films and Photography
Ok, the first of two Bikepacking.com awards links this week. (yeah, they're that good!)
This post is comprised of 31 awards in nine different categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Trip Photography, Best Event Documentation, Best Writing, and more. Find them all here…
Friends
The Big Bike Boom, Mark Two [Video]
My good friend Jim Hodgson recently produced a short film about the need for cycling infrastructure in the wake the Corona-inspired bike boom; especially in the states.
If you like his style, check out: sceneshop.us
How I reached my racing weight with the help of Nutrfy (and some training)
Spoiler alert: "When planned correctly, you can easily get down to low body fat while still eating normally and healthy."
Interest piqued? Sign up here.
p.s. the author of this article & founder of Nutrfy, is also the editor behind, Let's be Fwends is a journal about technology, experiences, and the media landscape.
2020 Bikepacking Awards: People and Routes
Several friends made their way into this inspiring list including Lian van Leeuwen & a loop that several Berlin homies often tag: #lostinBrandenburg
Radness
India’s Yuwa Foundation Needs Your Help To Continue Paving The Path To Success For Girls.
Before our intern Coline head back to Lyon after a two-month internship at Twotone, she put together this press release about Yuwa.
Click through to learn more but the call to action here is to drum up some attention:
- Yuwa and the Yuwa girls, and the important work they’re doing
- Interview Yuwa's founder and/or interview graduating girls, teacher,s or coaches.
- Share the crowdfunding for school + the need for a new corporate sponsor.
- Opportunity to sponsor a student, a coach, or a teacher.