First off, we have to lay a bit of news about the up coming The Austrian Cycle Messenger Championships on you. I expect that the private Swobo jet should be off of blocks by then, and we shall be winging that way directly.

Last time I was in Austria, I was so broke I had to steal a tooth brush to maintain my oral hygiene. It was at that point I realized I hadnt eaten anything more than an apple and a loaf of bread in three days. Ahhh, the follies of youth. I expect this trip wont be much different.

From time to time I get a little high on myself, and think Im a bit of a tough guy, then Ray sends me a clip of Johan Museeuw, and I realize Im not much more than a fat slob.

For some reason that makes me recall a story I heard once. A guy shamelessly asked 'Diamond' David Lee Roth what it was like to be a has-been. He casually replied "better to be a has-been, then a never will be."

It pains me how I resemble that remark.

And from CO;
"I just threw up in my mouth a little bit...but then I swallowed it.

Hope this babble finds you all well, probably getting your proverbial "swerve" on at a happy hour, or in some cases, a sad hour at your local shithole drinkery. I have been out for a bit, but from what I have read in my absence, all hell has broken loose on numerous occasions over the last few weeks...The blog I know and love was likened to someone taking a shit on the keyboard, which is absolute bullshit because I have in fact shat on the keys, and upon doing so ljskfhsduiyrewurjksncfx appeared on the screen...so that dude is a liar.

Stevil came under attack by the "Grumpy Girls" for some strange reason, I still can't figure out if the proper mia culpa's were dolled out, but as far as I am concerned they can go fuck themselves. I for one love having my photo taken, and do so as often as possible....Just as soon as I can get this digi camera stuff figured out you all can see me over and over and over.

Over the past few weeks I rode from Telluride to Moab through the trails of the San Juan hut system. 200 miles of mtn. bike riding through every western scenery one can imagine. It was sort of a celebration cause my pops kicked cancer...70 years old and still ripping the single track.

Today my bro (who just got back from a 6 month tour from Afghanistan) and I rode the Independence Pass leg of Ride The Rockies. One of the nations greatest representation of cycling culture, it was amazing to see 6 year olds on tandems riding along side 68 year old granny's on De Rosa's (my mom). Such a great display of just getting out and doing it, which is, after all, the reason we all ride....right? (That and to get our pictures taken).

The sickest snippet for me was seeing a double amputee, with one arm, killing it all the way to the summit...then riding down. The shit I say!!

Hope you all have a great weekend, lay it down for those who can't,
CO"

I cant recall just how the CO and I began our correspondence with one another, but what I do know is his experiences and observations begged to be documented by camera, and from the first email I received from him in which he described something along the lines of being beat up by an ex girlfriends father for attempting stripper moves on a pole in his house, then breaking it, causing a chain reaction which resulted in our hero being thrown through the screen door and landing on a pile in the middle of a table of food surrounded by the lady of the houses bridge club, I begged him to send some photos.

Were still waiting.

Friend of Swobo, and photog extraordinaire, Peter Haakon Thompson has some work at the Jen Bekman Gallery which is having its opening reception in New York City this evening. If youre in the hood, and are in the mood for some free jug wine, swing by and get youre culture on.

Actually, the offer for a free Swobo t-shirt for anyone whos willing to go to the gallery, and get a picture of themselves laying a sneak attack hug on Peter still stands.
We double dog dare you.

Ive scanned my emails for news of the weird, and things are looking a bit bleak as far as a Friday Hero goes.
Im gonna go out on a limb and offer up this weeks Fridays Hero to anyone who picks me up one of these.
My ring size is 11.
Just like my IQ.

Ok, screw that. Im going to have to double up on the Friday Hero this week, as I just came across this from The San Francisco Bicycle Messenger Association;

"SFBMA Statue Scrub-Down
As a new public service, SF bike messengers scrubbed down the Mechanics Statue last Wednesday. Snapping on latex gloves, they picked up cigarettes and debris, scrubbed away pigeon and other excrement, and generally de-stinkified an SF historical landmark and slug-spot. Passers-by did ask questions, even if they didn't particularly care to listen to the answers. Thanks to Liza for initiating this action and thanks to Peet's Coffee for water and cups. If there's interest, this statue cleaning will continue Wednesdays, 5.15-5.45 before messenger kickball at 6pm."

Thats pretty cool. If I had a dime for every time Ive sat in the shadow of that statue and snacked on a cheese bread from Specialty's Bakery, and a small cup of Peets coffee, Id be a rich, rich man. Or at least Id have enough money to buy a few dozen cheese breads and small coffees.

Everybody have a great weekend.
Sleep in, eat biscuits and gravy, tell someone you love that youre glad theyre there, and then get rad.