January 29th, 2012, Embarcadero at Market Street, San Francisco, California. A total of 3 or 4 days of rain this winter, the weather God has been gracious to dry weather sportives!

Our friend and genius linguist, John Pasden, of Sinosplice, Allset Learning, Shanghai, CHINA, has released the “Grammar Wiki” for learning Chinese grammar. He’s been on the project for the past year and finally, the time has come to “emerge from its cave.” More on the resource here and here. Finally go check it out in all of its glory: Chinese Grammar Wiki!

Photo by Fernando / Three Bears for the Jollies Ride

Over the past year, RACINGMIX lifestyle design has been about Wheels of Steel WoS. If you’ve been with me recently, you know riding is what I live for – and if you haven’t been with me, it’s because I’ve been riding. Although I’m bummed it took three decades to figure that out, I’m delighted to have found this epic sport of expression. Joining Rock The Bike last spring solidified the lifestyle. Grabbed cycling by the (bull)horns and the lifestyle goes hard!

Behold, the Wheels of Steel WoS avatar on Strava.

Wheels of Steel began as a weekly ride with my friend, Miles, to condition our legs for winter snowboarding. Bicycling kept the legs active in the off-season so that when we hit the high elevation mountain, our legs wouldn’t go sore. It worked, and the riding continued with influence from cycling friends, John & Chris (commute by bicycle in China / New Zealand), Russell (cat racer), Greg (cat racer), Dave (commute, single speed), Nick (commute, touring), and Paul (commute, performance, sustainable business). Although it was a combination of variables, their lead-by-example lifestyle allowed me to consider selling my car in winter of 2009, a choice that was considered impossible or unreasonable to others at the time. (The typical perspective is that it’s reasonable to drive to a gym to run on a treadmill). Today, I’m cycling 100 miles a week for sport, health, commute, and fun. For the record, there is more to come from Wheels of Steel!

Although I do not drink (notice the cap is intact), I can pick a stand out from hundreds of beers and drafts at Oakland’s Beer Revolution. I lead by example in the No Hangovers club.

Photo by Jillian / Forever 21 Ride

I want to thank my friends and family that together live and support my motto: RIDE EVERY DAY. – Wilson

This kid, Rich Hil, from Connecticut, CT, the son of fashion designer, Tommy Hilfiger. Hes doing his darnedest to break free from the successful father association. First heard about Ricky Hil when he was interviewed by Bongo Boy on YouTube. Hils lyrical content is delivered to the hippies and centers around blowing trees, popping pills, breezies getting high on lines of cocaine, and Hil dismissing the Wall Street flamboyance and extravagance that his upbringing gifted him by default. If comfortable with the loadie subject, you will follow the melodic connections Hil makes through the eighties babies set. It is easy to diss the rich when you come from the rich, but as a complete package of music, I dig Hils youthful and naive truthfulness, his underdog modus operandi, firing off emotions direct from the sleeve. Rep!

Artwork, mixtape compilation by RACINGMIX. Tracklisting below.

More on Rich Hil

Seasoned persimmons being issued to Wheels of Steel riders after the bike party. Photo: Navi

Fall is like Spring, supreme balanced weather with a surprise to be had by all! Mom dropped by with pumpkins, thank you!

Spend so much time on the BART train, feeling the B-Town favorite, “BART Train” by Malki Means King. Segments filmed throughout Berkeley including the East Bay Bike Party!

“Last Train”

August Weekends! Upcoming…

* Music: Rich Hil Mixtape
* Photos: Mash SF Paradise Loop Fixed Ride
* Photos: Mash SF Twin Peaks Time Trial
* Book: Paperboy artist proof review

Finished…

* Photos: Century Fridays!
* Photos: BAM XI Fine Line Imports FLI

 ”Grown Man, status!” Sorta’ Friggin’ Pumped! #SFP! 50 mile Wheels of Steel #WoS ride today:

Concord -> Walnut Creek -> Lafayette -> Orinda -> Wildcat Canyon -> Grizzly Peak -> Canyon -> Moraga -> St. Mary’s Rd. -> return to Concord.

Time approximately 12 noon leave to 4:30pm return. Temperatures ranging from the 70s to 90s. Thanks to Cotton for spearheading the journey, designed to be ridden with company, highly recommended! Not all mileage is created equal, especially when riding fixed and brakeless (p.s. for the win). A number of times, I caught myself silly smiling or laughing out loud as I was riding in disbelief that it’s… all…possible!