Happy New Year Everyone!

Ok, so I don't know if "everyone" is the right word there...maybe "one" is more like it. It's been so long I don't know if anyone will find this little corner of the blogosphere any more. So to the one of you who is reading this, Happy New Year!

As anyone who knows me knows, I pretty much stopped writing here when my work blog went live in April. I've never been good at doing two blogs - as we all know by my less than sporadic postings on the Krew's site this last year, too. The work blog took more time than I thought and, to be honest, writing once a day for a blog was enough for awhile.

However, for a variety of reasons, it's time to start up this little ole blog again. Mostly because I have a lot to say that is not work related or appropriate for the work blog. That's pretty much my space, too, but it has a different tone and content than this one did and will. I like it here in "my world".

So, what's been happening in the last 6-8 months? Lots - and I've had lots of thoughts and ideas about public relations and marketing over that time. So much so that my cup runneth over and I've wanted to share those thoughts numerous times but just didn't have a chance. I'm making the time now. Maybe not every day, but regularly.

I'm also starting to write for Life at Perewitz. That's the "Plog" started by Jody Perewitz about all things at Perewitz Cycle Fab. It's interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes there and, many times, it's a total hoot! Jody has added video which can be fascinating (watching Dave Perewitz paint!) to cute (watching the dogs play around). I'll try to add something of interest every once in awhile. Here's my first post there.

I've, barely, continued on The Spokesmen Podcast this year. They have promised not to kick me out of the group, but part of my resolution this year is to attend more often. We did a live and in-person show at Interbike this year in September. That was just too much fun. I wish we could do it that way all the time.

What else? Oh yes, I've tried my hand at both MySpace and Facebook. MySpace isn't my favorite, but I have a couple of friends who are only there so I've kept an account just to keep up with them. Facebook, on the other hand, has me slightly addicted. I love it there. I don't use it for everyone I know, just close friends and family. It's a place where I can truly keep up with the younger generation of my extended family. It seems like they are all on it, all the time. It's a hoot. I love it, love it, love it. I've joined groups, sent gifts, candy and send messages often. It's just plain fun.

LinkedIn has become a highlight for me recently, too. I enjoy having a place where many of my professional contacts are listed, not to mention the ability to look at their contacts to see if there are any good fits there - be it for a graphics person or something else. I know I'm not using it to its full potential yet, but I've already reconnected with some people that I'd lost touch with years ago that I never thought I'd find again. People from former jobs, people from college. It's quite good for the whole professional network.

So, on a day where there are resolutions being made world-wide, here are some of mine:
- I will post regularly in "my world" here on Tidbits and More. Hopefully, some of the tidbits will be interesting to someone out there.
- My whole adult life I've struggled with weight, like so many other people. And, like most of them, I'm tackling that starting today, too.
- I'll attend more Spokesmen podcasts - really!
- It's been way too long since I've been to a bicycle race. This year I'll meet some friends at a race to cheer on my friend Tyler who will be back in the saddle again-finally. It's time for my friends and I to chalk the roads again - we have such a blast doing that together.
- And...well, I predict there will be some personal growth and changes, too, this year. I'll keep those to myself for now, but will share when the time is right.

I think that's it for now. Thanks for indulging me on your New Year's Day. It's good to be back here in my own little world. It's like coming home after a long trip.

Just a long ramble of tidbits after so long. Thanks, so much, for stopping by again.

Happy New Year!

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. goes to....

....HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS!

"One stood out above the rest"...Dale, Jr.

You think????

Hendrick now has....
- Casey Mears...up and comer with his first win under his belt.
- Jimmie Johnson....defending Nextel Cup Champion.
- Jeff Gordon...shortly to be the 5-time Cup Champion.
- Dale Earnhardt, Jr....the fans most popular driver.


I think this is pretty much a dream team!

Jeff Gordon, Jimmie J and Junior. Woa....it doesn't get better than that for this race fan!

R.I.P. Mr. France

It's a sad day in NASCAR...

"Bill France, Jr. Dies at 74"

"He had a remarkable career and an even-more remarkable life. Words cannot express how much he'll be missed by myself and the rest of our family and by the NASCAR industry overall."
- Brian France, son and NASCAR chairman

Changing Tunes

"I feel really bad about this case. Basso is the worst that could happen to me - it has ruined my image. I need to fix that and right now it's a tough job."
Bjarne Riis, August, 2006

"I have taken doping. I have taken EPO. I have made errors and I would like to apologize....My jersey is at home in a cardboard box. They are welcome to come and get it. I have my memories for myself."
Bjarne Riis, May, 2007

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. leaves DEI

This has been rumored for quite some time, but here is Dale, Junior, in his own words, announcing that he will be leaving the company his father built at the end of this race season.

What will happen next? We can only wait and see. There are a lot of theories and I'm sure there is more planned than he's letting on. From the marketing/PR side of things, he's smart to do this announcement today, which, to some people, will be a negative announcement. Then, a week or month down the line announce his future plans when it can be a pure celebratory announcement.

What do you think? Will he race for himself through JR Motorsports? Will he go with Richard Childress, like his dad did (3 car or not)? Where else might he end up?

And...will DEI relinquish the 8 number and give it to Dale to race with wherever he goes next? Race teams 'own' the numbers, but that was his grandfather's number....and so much associated with Dale. I can't picture that it would be a popular decision to put someone else in the 8 car for DEI. Then again, they may just hold it like RCR is holding the 3 number for the future.

Wherever he goes and whatever he chooses to do next, I hope it is a great adventure for him. We know the fans will follow no matter where he goes.

So, what do you think?

Just a speedy tidbit for today. Thanks for stopping by.

Tyler Hamilton in IMAX

Some of you may remember back in 2003 that there was an IMAX movie, "Brain Power" being filmed during the Tour DAY France. It was to feature Tyler Hamilton and focus on the pain a body goes through during an event like that. The film makers couldn't have known that they picked the perfect rider to focus on. This was the year that Tyler broke his collarbone early on in Le Tour and continued on every single day of Le Tour - even winning a stage. I have a poster on my wall of him winning the stage, by the way.

After the drug accusations, the film folks decided to re-film and cut out Tyler. From a PR perspective, I get it. From a film perspective, I don't. He was still the perfect, perfect specimen for pain in an event - broken collarbone on a bike...in the mountains...being more than competetive. I'll bet they have great footage. Up until now, we didn't get to see too much of it.

But, that has all changed now that my friend and fellow Spokesmen, Carlton Reid, has posted a clip on YouTube and will be posting even more on Quickrelease.tv.

Check it out. It's spectacular footage. Forget about all the drug hoopla going on and just enjoy the views in this piece.

Just a little tidbit for today. Thanks for stopping by.

Ivan Basso

When I turned on my computer and saw the news about Ivan Basso I admit I was so sad. I look forward to hearing what he has to say today.

It's a sad day in cycling. Not because Basso wanted to be honest, but because he felt he had to do it in the first place.

More and more, I'm thinking it is time for all of us who love cycling to concentrate on every day riding. Personally, the pros are just disappointing and frustrating to me.

Just a tiny tidbit this morning. Thanks for stopping by.

Jeff Gordon gets #76

(Photo:AP/Paul Connors)

Congratulations to Jeff Gordon and his Hendrick Motorsports team for last night's win at Phoenix. This ties him with the late Dale Earnhardt for 76 all time NASCAR wins. He mentioned last night that he didn't want his excitement to come off the wrong way (as arrogant, I assume). I think he did a nice job of showing, during his victory lap/celebration, that he knows he shares the spot on the list with one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. Nicely done, Jeff. Nicely done.

Just a speedy tidbit for today. Thanks for stopping by.

Tour de Georgia

Although I am not able to get to the Tour de Georgia this year (bummer), I feel as though I'm part of the fun thanks to Reva (also known as Reval Keneval to you folks). Along with her friend and wonderful husband she is making sure that BK, Tim Jackson and I are all represented on the roads.

She's also there cheering on our friend Tyler. It's been such a long time since we could be there, in person, rooting for him. We first chalked the road for Tyler back at the Longsjo Classic in Fitchburg many, many moons ago. It was a blast! I so wish I could be there, but I know Reval is doing a great job.

Thanks, Reval!!!!

Allez Tyler!

Just a cycling tidbit for today. Thanks for stopping by.

Marathon Monday

It's Marathon Monday here in New England. It's a wild, wild day here, too. Temps are in the mid-to upper 40s, which would normally be perfect for the runners. However, there is driving rain and wind gusts up to 50+mph.

The race is still set to go at an earlier time than normal (for years it's gone off at noon). This year it's 9:25am for the wheelchair race start. 9:35am for women. 10am for men. That's a little over 2 hours to go from now, but they aren't predicting that the winds will die down at all by that time.

I have a special place in my heart for the marathon and I know the race director is the best in the business, but I just hope everyone is safe today. Watch those flying branches everyone and be safe.

Just a windy tidbit today. Thanks for stopping by.

Kryptonite Has a Blog!

It's official and you heard it here first*- Kryptonite now has an official blog. Check it out.

*Ok, you heard it here first because I author both blogs....but you knew that already. :)

Just a speedy announcement. Thanks for stopping by.

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter to all who celebrate this holiday. To those that don't, I wish you an enjoyable day with your family and friends!

I know this blog has been neglected lately, but with all the travel I've been doing for work combined with the 11-12 hour days at the office when I'm in town, there hasn't been a lot of motivation to get on the computer when I get home. It happens.

But, a lot of the work I've been doing the public will start to see in the next couple of weeks. This week there will be a new blog in the blogosphere....and the week after that there will be a brand new website...and then a complete brand relaunch. It's a lot of work, but I think the results will be something people like. At least I hope so!

More on all that later, right now it's time to go spend some time with family. And then, tonight...watch the new Sopranos episode!!!

Hoppy, Hoppy Easter to all of you.

Thanks for stopping by.

NASCAR & My Favorite Rock Band - Together

I don't know how I've missed this up to this point. For race fans from Boston, it doesn't get any better than this. NASCAR and the Bad Boys of Boston teaming up together for a slightly altered rendition of "Back in the Saddle" for ESPN's 2007 coverage. The concert footage was from Las Vegas and Mohegan Sun and the stages were set up like the band was at a track with race tires and equipment.

I might just need to go watch it again. NASCAR. Aerosmith. Good deal.

Just a zippy tidbit for today. Thanks for stopping by.

It's Spring in New England

It was such a great weekend, temperature-wise, in New England that I actually saw my first recreational cyclist yesterday. Now, I've seen folks riding to work and guys that look like they are seriously training or something, all winter. I've even seen a few kids riding to school. But, you usually don't see plain ole recreational cyclists in the middle of winter here (I'd know this because I am one).

Yesterday, I saw the first! I was so excited, it made me think that maybe I should get out my bike and see what needs to be done to it before Spring really gets here. I'm so glad that guy was out there as I drove by - gives me hope that Spring is right around the corner.

Today, I saw at least 10 motorcycles go by my house, too. All kinds and colors. Another sign of spring.

Ok, I know, just like anyone else who lives in or has lived in New England, that we can still get a blizzard. Oh yes, not just snow, but an honest to goodness blizzard. But, for now, I'm enjoying my little slice of spring in New England. And...better yet, I'm thinking about my bicycle....

Just a little spring tidbit from New England. Thanks for stopping by.

Why I Blog - The Kick I Needed

So, the last month has been hectic, to say the least. Two trade shows in two different countries, an entire website needed to be written in a week - yes, a week - and the flu made an appearance during the middle of it all. Craziness, I tell you. No energy to blog after all that, especially during the flu gremlin. But, there is always someone who will kick you in the pants and make you get moving again, right? That would be New York Times Jackson (aka The Masi Guy). Truth be told, it usually is and I appreciate him for that.

I see that he's tagged me with the newest meme, "5 Reasons Why I Blog". I feel so 'in', which is too funny. But, before I start, I suggest that you read Tim's reasons. He's always a pleasurable read.

So...why do I blog (when I can find the time, that is...).....

1. Learning. I started to blog so that I could learn all about this phenomenon called 'blogging'. I wanted to learn the ins and outs and try to be a 'cool kid'. Ok, so I'm not so much of a cool kid even over a year later, but I am still learning. Even when I'm not writing, I'm reading and learning. This has been a great educational experience for me both professionally and personally.

2. Collaboration. I've met some super intelligent folks through this blog and had the good fortune of collaborating with some of them. Lee took a huge leap of faith last year and, shortly after 'meeting' me, asked me to edit a piece of his work. Going back to reason one...I learned so much from reading his work and collaborating with him - it was a complete pleasure. I've also collaborated with Tim Grahl and a host of others that I met through blogging. It's very rewarding and highly flattering. Selfishly, I hope this trend continues.

3. Conversations. I love to get to know people, hear their ideas and discuss them - even if they differ with mine - heck, especially if they differ from mine. This blog gives me another way to converse with people. The conversations that have been started here with some topics have been great fun and stimulating. Some have moved to other blogs and continued along their merry way there with additional input. I love that.

4. 'Meeting' You! So many people have come by in the last year plus and left a comment - people I have similar interests with, yet never would have met without this blog. That would be you - yes, you! I get a big 'ole grin on my face when someone new leaves a comment on a post about NASCAR (hey, how about Juan Pablo Montoya this weekend?!) or about the Tour DAY France. Someone I don't know - someone who was reading all along - someone who has similar interests and then just pops off a little comment. I really enjoy that. Keep 'em coming.

5. Having a voice. Anyone who has met me in person knows I, absolutely, have a voice! But, I mean here, in the blogosphere and in this ever changing marketing world we live in. I have a place to voice my opinions about a variety of topics and, hopefully, spark a conversation that I can learn from. I hope that I don't use this space to pontificate - I'd hate that and I try to stay away from that, but I do enjoy having a space for my voice. Thank you for indulging me.

So, there you have it. 5 reasons why I blog - maybe not as often as I'd like, but I do when I can.

And now I tag..... Tim Grahl - because, if you don't know Tim through blogging, you will in the not-so-distant-future. He's got so much going on over in his 'neighborhood'.
Rich Kelly - I know he's getting ready to go to the Bike Summit, but I like to encourage his blogging because he has good things to say....
Mike Wagner - one of those intelligent folks I've had the pleasure to 'meet' through blogging and he always, always, always teaches me something.
Jake McKee - Big in Japan honcho and one smart cookie!

Just some tidbits for tonight. Thanks for continuing to stop by after so long!

No Floyd Landis in Le Tour This Year

Breaking Cycling News.....

Reuters is reporting that "Landis will not take part in the Tour de France". There is quite an article with full quotes from Floyd. Check it out.

Speedy tidbit for this morning. Thanks for stopping by.

Racing Tidbit

No, not cycling this time....

The countdown has begun....

Only 10 days until the Daytona 500 and the start of the NASCAR season!

NASCAR has even debuted a new website with an even more robust news section. Check it out.

Just a speedy tidbit this morning. Thanks for stopping by.

New Music Video

So, what do you do, in the dead of winter, if you are a famous custom motorcycle builder? Do you stay in and create more beautiful machines? Sure, but you also take time out to shoot music videos. Well, you do if you are Dave Perewitz.

Last month Dave went down to be part of the new Hank Williams, Jr. video. It's all edited now and playing on CMT. If you aren't a CMT watcher, you can catch it on everyone's favorite video site, YouTube, of course. It's "A Country Boy Can Survive" and it's a good one. Check it out.

Just a little music tidbit for you. Thanks for stopping by.

Hamilton on Landis

Yes, Tyler believes Floyd, too.

"I never rode with Floyd on the same team, but

I know him a little bit from our time together

in Spain," he said. "I don't believe he would do something

like that and I believe him when he says he's innocent."

It's great to see shots like this - it's been a long time coming. Thanks to cyclingnews.com for the great photos of Tyler's return for those of us who wish we could be there in person. This is the next best thing. More racing tomorrow!

Just another cycling tidbit. Thanks for stopping by.

On to Etoile de Besseges

It's so good to see photos like this again. Tyler Hamilton, in full racing gear, getting ready to race in Europe again.

Velonews reports that Tyler finished in the pack during his first race in two years yesterday. I'm sure he's glad that is over and done with and now he can get back to a stage race. Coincidentally, Etoile de Besseges is a five day race that starts today.

Allez, Allez, Tyler! It's good to have you back in the thick of things. Wish I could be there.

Just a little tidbit for this morning. Thanks for stopping by.