My Substack

Happy Birthday!

When the one-year mark of my “live” Substack came up, I thought it might be a good time to reflect on the past 12 months while contemplating what might be coming up next going forward.

The original idea for a Substack was as the written expansion of any particular podcast episode. Even though I take copious notes when I record a conversation, it’s in the editing, when I’m given a second chance at the topic and the guest, that stuff pops into my head and Substack gives me the opportunity to explore and voice that “stuff.”

While the differences between my podcast and Substack are glaringly obvious – spoken vs written - I believe there are similarities that keep my mind engaged with them both. First and foremost, it’s you – my listeners and readers.

I have found a unique sense of ongoing loyalty from both listeners and readers, and that loyalty coupled with the feedback I receive, is a huge part of the motivation for me to keep pursuing great stories and interesting people.

I think another incentive for me is that FOMO thing – fear of missing out – or maybe it’s about not fading into obscurity.

After a 5+ decade career in this bike business, I believe that I have a seldom seen perspective – from being a long-time bike shop owner and a race and ride director, to being a working journalist.

And then there is my history of speaking out about many topics that probably irritate the hell out of some folks. (You know who you are!) In the past, my writing has often been directed AT the industry - and it’s often been an angry diatribe.

Substack has given me a new, different, and maybe softer voice. Now, I like to think of it as my reflections about the present, past, and the future, directed to my listening and reading audience. If the industry gleans anything from it, even better.

Finally, I’d like to say thank you to everyone who follows, comments, shares, and subscribes to my ramblings. I truly appreciate your support and input and hope to continue to pique your interest with compelling stories and my occasionally different (or read that quirky) perspective.

So, please continue to read, comment, support, and share the work. And once again – thank you!