If you have been reading you may already know that Jiu Jitsu isn't my only hobby. I'm also a pretty avid runner, with a focus on
Adventure Racing. Having competed in several events in 2011, I have double that number scheduled in 2012. I'll be starting with the January (Brrr) TX Coast Tough Mudder next week. You may not know that the world of cycling has an equivalent to these runs, and that is a sport called Cyclocross.
Cyclocross or "Cross" as it is known is run on a mixed media style course, made up of combinations of paved of road, grass, snow and mud with obstacles that require rider skill to negotiate. The courses include climbs, and descents on loose and most times muddy surfaces. There are also hurdles that require dismount, and remount of the bicycle while on the run. The course is typically a closed loop over a fixed distance, and the object is to lap the course as many times as possible in a fixed time period. It requires a combination of bike handling skill, endurance, and speed not found in other bicycle mounted sports. I've been fascinated by 'Cross since the first time I witnessed a race. The riders were hardy, tough people with considerable control, and skill. The observers in the crowd were rowdy cowbell ringing types who love to watch the riders test their medal, and drink beer. Everyone loves drinking beer (me too). Since my first experience I have wanted to ride 'Cross to be a part of the action. Riding requires equipment, and that is where I fall short. I just don't have the dough to drop on a good steed for this purpose. I have saved money to buy a bike, but every time I get close something seems to come up- a new transmission or tires for the truck, repairs to the house, or medical bills for my wife. Each time this happens I say "next year is the year" and I start saving again. Now I've figured out a way that I may be able to make this happen in the near-er future.
Foundry Cycles is offering a "Tradesman" position, this position comes with a Foundry Brand bicycle. Foundry builds the
Auger which looks to be a first class 'cross tool well beyond my means as a consumer. It's an exchange. I'd have to earn the bike by spreading the word about the brand all around Colorado, and here on my blog as well as other social medias. Foundry is a brand new bicycle brand, building carbon bikes that have a work-horse ethos about them. It appears they are looking for people like me who will not only torture test their equipment, but also evangelize for the new brand in environments where their market cross section would flock- places like oh say- Mud Runs. I honestly think events like Snow-Dash, Warrior Dash, Rugged Maniac, Spartan Challenge and Tough Mudder are like gateway drugs into a more rugged cross section of the population. These are people who push themselves, and their gear to the outer limits of durability. These are the kind of people Foundry is looking for to consume their products. Why would I be a good Tradesman? I'm outgoing, and technically knowledgeable since I worked in a bike shop in High school and continue to follow trends in cycle technology. I'm "in the know" enough about the industry to have been following Foundry's brand development for well over a year. As has been proven with my experiences with other brands I have supported, I know how to do rep a product without being phoney. I'm already at the center of a market cross section. I have no less than 5 events scheduled for 2012, and if provided the means (an Auger) I'd enter regional 'Cross races as a means to demo the bike, meet with like minded individuals, and film for the planned upcoming web series "Phil Vs." which will be broadcast on YouTube. Think Man vs. Food without the calorie count. We actually plan to have me undertake a variety of challenges (cycling from Denver to Vail for instance) and film them under the auspices of "Here is an average guy doing things you wouldn't try- but maybe you could or should" The Auger would be prominently featured in the cycling episodes of the web show, as well as the Rocky style training montage we plan to include in every webisode. I have already secured an editor to put together the episodes from raw footage to be shot via GoPro, and hand held cam. 2012 aims to be a big year for getting out amongst my fellow mud enthusiasts. I hope Foundry chooses to be a part of it.
