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September 15, 2012
As a supplement to our last podcast where we talked about bearing care, here is a segment from the “How it’s Made” television series that I occasionally become obsessed with.
There is another segment of the series where the chain assembly is shown. It also looks like there is a brief shot of the same Campagnolo inspection machine as seen on the cover of Rouleur Issue #23.
There will be a quiz at the end of the next podcast.
Go to the Source – twojohnspodcast.missingsaddle.com
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August 29, 2012
Dear Two Johns,
Long time listener, first time emailer.
I am convinced that Vinokourov is Rolf from the Sound of Music. I mentioned this to my wife whilst watching this movie with her and she thought I was crazy and proceeded to get mad at me for always bringing cycling into every conversation we have. How can we be sure that Vino is Vino and not some child movie star or descendant thereof, perhaps he’s a vampire and will never age, which would explain his blood doping suspension a few years back. Just look at them. They look IDENTICAL.
Robbie Canuck
*** errors and omissions:
- We apologize for the sometimes garbled audio feed. We continue to work on polishing the production level but this podcast had an occasional audio feed issue
-We are aware there is a riders’ union
-We are aware of the inconsistency of some of our content and rider commentary with the Olympic winner and other issues discussed in the podcast. ***
Much has happened since our last podcast, 5 new iphones have been released, the world knows a new boy band and we have both probably gotten 1/16″ shorter. None the less, the Two Johns are back and podcasting! The promise of another cyclocross season has got us all a chatter talking about Kingswood TT’s, equipment and a bigger than ever. The podcast starts off covering some of the events that transpired since our last podcast. We wind up griping about how modern bikes don’t meet the quality of previous eras…
Among the endeavors since the last podcast…
Go to the Source – twojohnspodcast.missingsaddle.com
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Think you’ve got the pipes to announce one of the OVCX races? Want to be a part of the excitement that is the Gun Club Cyclocross race on October 14? Are you willing and able to announce the entire day? Call 513-253-0180 and give me 1 to 2 minutes of your best Dave Towle. I’ll select the winner about 2 weeks before the event.
If you are selected I’ll pay you $100 for the day’s announcing plus breakfast, lunch, and I may even let you shoot the shotgun to start one of the races.
Good luck — John G.
Go to the Source – twojohnspodcast.missingsaddle.com
Filed by Two Johns Podcast at August 29th, 2012 under Featured, Podcast
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June 24, 2012
Jim Startt is a former teammate and old friend. He has lived in Paris for over 20 years covering pro cycling. His iconic photographs have appeared in many cycling publications, in books, and online. He has published numerous books on the sport and of his pictures. He’s Bicycling Magazine’s European Correspondent. I sat down with him at a Paris cafe to talk to him about his work and the Tour de France.
James-Startt & Laurent Jalebert
Go to the Source – twojohnspodcast.missingsaddle.com
Filed by Two Johns Podcast at June 24th, 2012 under Featured, Podcast
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June 20, 2012
Top ten tips for people coming to a VéloVacations Provence Camp:
1 – Bring your own seat
If you are renting a bike from us bring your own seat. ”My hoo ha hurts,” I heard one female client say to another. I can adjust angle, height, fore and aft but nothing is like your own saddle.
2 – Provence is hilly
There are multiple mountain ranges around Malaucene. A 100k ride can feel much longer. Any ride that goes over the Ventoux feels really long. Going up the Ventoux in anything under 2 hours is going to be very hard for you.
3 – Yes, you can drink the tap water
4 – No, you cannot get a coffee to go
The French would think you are from Mars if you ask and there is no cup to put it in.
5 – Portions and drinks are small
Just live with the fact that your 1664 is going to come in a 25cl bottle. Don’t order two at once. Just drink your beer slowly.
6 – Say hello, please, and thank you
Learning to say these things in French is not difficult. Use them when you enter and exit a shop. If you don’t you will be thought to be rude, a thief, or both.
7 – Chamois
No need to each breakfast in chamois. Or do anything else but cycling, for that matter, in chamois. Chamois is your friend on the bike but your enemy off.
8 – Do not pass someone on the right
Should not have to explain this one.
9 – Do not stop in the middle of the street
You might be on vacation but the white-van-man driver is not and will run you down. Pull off the road and take your picture of the lovely chateau.
10 – Prepare to be photographed
When climbing the Ventoux there are photographers near the top who will snap your pic then hand you a little slip of paper with their website where you can go and find yourself in full climbing glory. Normally they are within 3k of the summit and set up a sign or roadside banners to alert you of their presence. Wipe the snot off your face, zip up that jersey, compose yourself so you can get a PRO picture like this.
Do not do this…
Or this…
Ok, one more –
11 – Tip your guides
We have taken care of you, your bikes, and your rides. A little something for the effort is greatly appreciated.
I have worked as a cycling guide in France for the past 10 years for VéloSport Vacations. We lead clients through France watching the Tour de France, riding in Provence, or climbing the Alpes and Pyrenees. Each trip I learn something. This summer I’ll be based in Malaucene at the foot of Mt. Ventoux.
Go to the Source – twojohnspodcast.missingsaddle.com
Filed by Two Johns Podcast at June 20th, 2012 under Featured, Podcast
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June 8, 2012
While John G is providing us with glimpses into his June in France, anticipation is growing for this year’s Tour, can Wiggins do it on a swimmer’s preparation plan? How predictive are Dauphine results for July? Will Bruyneel and the Schlecks make an appearance on Maury? Those are all great questions, but I am still thinking back to the Giro. This year, won in a surprise by Canadian, Ryder Hesjedal, subsequently filling the curling halls with the arguments of Ryder supplanting Steve Bauer as the most heralded Canadian cyclist, I am left with a few thoughts about how in today’s era, the Giro is underrated and undervalued, much like he movie ‘Saturday Night Fever’.
I am a child of the 1970’s; however, I was a bit young when ‘Saturday Night Fever’ came out to understand it. I think it was mixed up with the weirdness of the Ropers on ‘Threes Company‘ and why Klinger, a lebanese guy from Toledo, was allowed by the military to wear women’s clothing in order to get a section 8. I just know that it had a cool fold out full sized artwork album cover with John Travolta striking his iconic pose and a pink pig on the center of the album, but even as a kid I gathered that the movie was very popular because of its fantastic dance scenes and poofy haired star. Later in life after watching it, I found it to be a well told story transcending illuminated flooring and a snapshot of the disco world: well more than people gave it credit.
Let’s start with the obvious, both ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and the Tour of Italy both feature Italians (or Italian-Americans)
They both have players in attention getting suits
They both feature medallions
(Maybe my point is Travolta and Cipo are similar?)
Gotta keep looking good
Their story lines both involve unrequited aspiration of glory and its subsequent disappointments
Whether it is Tony realizing his place in the world, of Cunego on stage 15 of this year finding his place in the world as support for Scarponi, they both show the story of people aspiring to do something more than their current state. The thrill of the glitzy dance floor or thrill of winning a stage or overall of your nation tour.
The Giro is not the Tour in terms of importance, contracts and exposure and which frees the riders to make more interesting moves or tactics. Maybe the average speeds for the stages are lower, maybe the bunch doesn’t ride as hard between the climbs, but there are very human elements I find following the Giro that reminds me of ‘Saturday Night Fever’ that are under appreciated.
Go to the Source – twojohnspodcast.missingsaddle.com
Filed by Two Johns Podcast at June 8th, 2012 under Featured, Podcast
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June 6, 2012
Believe it or not the life of the cycling guide/mechanic/coach/cultural ambassador/riding buddy can be fairly tiring. Friends back home, and here too, say “wow! what a great job you have.” And it’s true, riding your bike through Provence every day is a great job, but the hours are fairly long. I’m in the workshop every morning at 8:00 about an hour and a half before the ride(s) depart. I go over the bikes, pump tires, get the car supplies ready. There’s a real rhythm to the morning that starts when I roll up the garage door and flip on the lights. The little things really help my mornings run smoothly.
my kit's organized so I'm ready when the clients come down
Radios charged and ready for guides and follow car (that red box is my Jawbone Jambox speaker – it's a must have for any workshop
a tidy work space for good feng shui
chairs waiting for changing shoes
some say O.C.D., some say organized. metal drawers and plastic containers fill the need
I have worked as a cycling guide in France for the past 10 years for VéloSport Vacations. We lead clients through France watching the Tour de France, riding in Provence, or climbing the Alpes and Pyrenees. Each trip I learn something. This summer I’ll be based in Malaucene at the foot of Mt. Ventoux.
Go to the Source – twojohnspodcast.missingsaddle.com
Filed by Two Johns Podcast at June 6th, 2012 under Featured, Podcast
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June 1, 2012
The view from my bed at Chez Gutowsky. It's always beautifully cool in the morning
I muled over pounds of Bob's Red Mill steel cut oats. Can't imagine starting the day without
Espresso? Yes, 2 Johns please
This is my commute (via mtn. bike) through our village
The gates of the Arts et Vie where our clients stay
I open the workshop at 8:00 a.m.
Clients assemble for a 9:00 a.m. ride depart
Rest stop mid ride in Gigondas.
Mike drives the support car.
Riders have a look at the ancient Roman bridge in Vaison.
The ride back towards town with Mt. Ventoux in the distance
Post ride lunch with the boss
Omelette, frites, salade… that'll do
Back to the work for 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. shop hours
Trying to stay organized
Ludo the groundskeeper comes by multiple times and teaches me swear words in French
Chris and I scan the pool for topless sunbathers
Back to work keeping the car clean
Dinner with the clients Chris explains the menu (or tells a bad joke)
No rabbit, but there is duck
Happy campers
I have worked as a cycling guide in France for the past 10 years for VéloSport Vacations. We lead clients through France watching the Tour de France, riding in Provence, or climbing the Alpes and Pyrenees. Each trip I learn something. This summer I’ll be based in Malaucene at the foot of Mt. Ventoux.
Go to the Source – twojohnspodcast.missingsaddle.com
Filed by Two Johns Podcast at June 1st, 2012 under Featured, Podcast
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May 27, 2012
“Service Course” is just the Euro way to say garage, workshop, whatever. I set up a temporary service course at the Arts et Vie residence where our clients will stay for the week. It is somewhat of an undertaking but a nice touch when clients arrive and the space is well laid out and looks lived in. The space doubles as ride depart and arrival headquarters plus I do bike shop hours each day when clients can come hang and have a cold 1664 or get there bikes worked on. All bikes, shoes, helmets, ride food, and spares are securely stored here so folks just come down in the morning kitted up and ready to ride.
before
before
after
PS — I broke my strict chickentarian diet yesterday…
I have worked as a cycling guide in France for the past 10 years for VéloSport Vacations. We lead clients through France watching the Tour de France, riding in Provence, or climbing the Alpes and Pyrenees. Each trip I learn something. This summer I’ll be based in Malaucene at the foot of Mt. Ventoux.
Go to the Source – twojohnspodcast.missingsaddle.com
Filed by Two Johns Podcast at May 27th, 2012 under Featured, Podcast
No comments on this post yet
“Service Course” is just the Euro way to say garage, workshop, whatever. I set up a temporary service course at the Arts et Vie residence where our clients will stay for the week. It is somewhat of an undertaking but a nice touch when clients arrive and the space is well laid out and looks lived in. The space doubles as ride depart and arrival headquarters plus I do bike shop hours each day when clients can come hang and have a cold 1664 or get there bikes worked on. All bikes, shoes, helmets, ride food, and spares are securely stored here so folks just come down in the morning kitted up and ready to ride.
before
before
after
PS — I broke my strict chickentarian diet yesterday…
I have worked as a cycling guide in France for the past 10 years for VéloSport Vacations. We lead clients through France watching the Tour de France, riding in Provence, or climbing the Alpes and Pyrenees. Each trip I learn something. This summer I’ll be based in Malaucene at the foot of Mt. Ventoux.
Go to the Source – twojohnspodcast.missingsaddle.com
Filed by Two Johns Podcast at May 27th, 2012 under Featured, Podcast
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May 25, 2012
You know you’ve got a good job when your to do list is preview some cycling routes in Provence. That’s just what I did today and will do tomorrow in anticipation of the first wave of client arrivals.
My ride #1 (ride #2 was later in the day with le Patron, Chris) took me out of our little hamlet of Malaucéne and up the gentle climb of the Col du la Chaine. It’s only a 4k 472m climb, but right out of the chute it is a lactic acid bloat-fest. After that it’s a killer twisty up and down road hugging the side of the Dentelles (dahn-tell) range, thus names because of its jagged profile that looks like a row of teeth.
The loop took me past the Saint Amant, on of my absolute favorites, down into Beaume de Venise, through Vacqueyras then onto Gigondas. The cool thing about being based here, and why I had to re-familiarize myself with this loop is because we use these totally cool, one-laner goat path type roads. You’ll see the occasional farmer driving on his tractor and that’s about it, save the magpies.
The return goes through Vaison la Romaine and over an ancient Roman bridge. The direct route back to Malaucéne from there is on the D938, but of course my route took the unmarked backroads, which I’d be happy to show you if you come on one of the trips.
I have worked as a cycling guide in France for the past 10 years for VéloSport Vacations. We lead clients through France watching the Tour de France, riding in Provence, or climbing the Alpes and Pyrenees. Each trip I learn something. This summer I’ll be based in Malaucene at the foot of Mt. Ventoux.
Go to the Source – twojohnspodcast.missingsaddle.com
Filed by Two Johns Podcast at May 25th, 2012 under Featured, Podcast
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May 24, 2012
The days leading up to client arrivals sees me prepping bikes. We’ve got a nice fleet of rentals in our “Service Course” as VSV HQ. Mostly Felts with some Specialized and Fuji’s.
our tidy shop with Mini
Some clients bring their own bikes, some rent from us. Personally I think it’s better to rent and save the hassle of traveling with your bike. We have 5 rentals for the first week. Clients send their measurements – frame size, seat height, reach, setback, etc – and I set the bikes up. I make sure they’re clean, tuned, and ready. They just bring their pedals and helmets.
We’ve leased a Peugeot 308 Wagon for the summer. I racked it today. Tomorrow I will decal it up for the pro look. We use the car to follow our rides and shuttle clients.
A clean bike makes a good first impression and gives me a chance to inspect everything.
a well earned pastis
I have worked as a cycling guide in France for the past 10 years for VéloSport Vacations. We lead clients through France watching the Tour de France, riding in Provence, or climbing the Alpes and Pyrenees. Each trip I learn something. This summer I’ll be based in Malaucene at the foot of Mt. Ventoux.
Go to the Source – twojohnspodcast.missingsaddle.com
Filed by Two Johns Podcast at May 24th, 2012 under Featured, Podcast
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