holiday rant #1 ...it's all about the engine

...not the latest zoom zooms and wham whams that marketers have created for planned obsolescence that powers your bike. This time of year always challenges us to remember that notion. My favorite and most useful cycling parts and pieces are all decades old and continue to serve their purpose well. AC has always said he'll upgrade his 9 speed shifters when he gets dropped because of them (not going to happen). Looking at social media, a neophyte would think they need to be on a 10k dollar bike in 400 dollar shoes and rolling 2k dollar wheels to fit in which is totally bogus. It's great to see folks enjoying new shwag but a bummer if they're under the impression it will make their experience "better".

The automobile marketers are having an absolute field day this holiday season feeding at the trough of the adventure van seeking crowd. These 40k dollar vehicles are popping up like whack a moles around town and it's hard to believe folks have the disposable income to handle these purchases. Unfortunately, they probably financed them essentially adding to their monthly train which in Santa Cruz can lead to the nasty balancing act of straddling the razor edge of 'financial despair' and 'I think we're going to make it'.

On a positive note, don't feel obligated to fall into the trap, be brave and save your monies to leverage how you spend your life energy hours (not at work paying for the zoom zooms and wham whams). Enjoy your earned time off from work and remember to rent vans don't regret vans. We love you all and peace in the world.

frustrated about the holiday spending frenzy.. the Boardwalk has Whack a Mole