There is something about a new bike, the look, the smell….something. First, you give it a once over looking at all the new gadgets and shiny new parts, second the urge takes over and you jump on… you want to see what this baby can do! Every new bike has a wow factor, like wow, this rides nice or wow, it handles great. Then it happens… you want to see how fast you can go on it… the wind whipping in your hair ( or the lack of it ), speed tears running down your cheeks, you are tucked low to the handle bars. Your mind is totally present, your senses are heightened and you are trying to feel every little thing about the bike. How does it react when I do this or what about if I give this much brake here? Everything looks and feels different. You are totally in the moment.

We all recently received new bikes for our trip. Pete at Norco bikes in Canada hooked us up with new VFR2 touring style bikes and a full array of all the Axiom bags and all the other goodies we could eat. Pete seemed to know exactly what we needed. The bikes are really beautiful and it was quite hard to keep our cool when they wheeled them out fully loaded with bright red Axiom bags and jet black frames. It also didn’t help that with in seconds Jason and Sean where hooting and hollering as they road around the parking lot. But that is just what happens with shiny new bikes…. Thanks Pete.

The VFR2 really handles nice

For more pics, click below:

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Thank you to everyone for coming out on Saturday and supporting our project. We were able to raise $1,400 for the film (as well as have the party of the summer)! The wildness of the dunk tank, the fierce battles on the ping pong table, the delicious hot dogs, the refreshing Mac and Jack’s beer, the party-starting Aha Toro tequila, and Sean and Ian’s guided tours through Andrew Miller’s virtual China were among the highlights from the night. If you missed the party, check out the photos below. Thanks again for your support and generous donations. Also, even though the party is over…we’re still accepting donations for the film to help pay for the cost of our translator/guide.

Our new Norco bicycle, Axiom Paneers, and Sealine bag on display at the party

For additional photos from the party, click below:

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Ride a Rickshaw through Virtual China! Play Actual Ping-Pong! Watch the Olympics! Get Wet! Get Drunk! Support Man Zou!

Saturday, August 16th is the party you’ve been waiting all summer for: it’s the Man Zou fundraiser!

Georgetown – 8pm
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Last week I summited Mt Rainier (14,410 ft), one day after my 30th birthday. My Dad and I had been training for months and spent 4 long days on the mountain in a variety of intense weather conditions. Instead of taking the more heavily traveled Disappointment Cleaver route, we decided to take the Emmons Glacier, a more scenic and strenuous route. At the summit there were fierce winds (see picture below) and it was quite a challenge, but overall it was an amazing experience that was exciting to be a part of. Thanks to RMI and the other members of our team.

Reidster at the summit of Mt. Rainier (the guy on the right).

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