Slow Motion with D

Some know, some don't, but about a month ago I applied for a job with Pedro's. Well, after weeks of emails, phone calls, interviews, waiting and wondering, I was offered the job on Friday. My new job title is: Pedro's Technical Representative for the Western region of North America. So, basically, if you're a bike shop in the top 20% of national retailers, and located between B.C (eh!) and Sacramento, as well as Colorado, I'm gonna be stopping by to spread the Pedro's love. Hopefully I'll be able to hit some of the cooler, smaller shops in those areas too. Pedro's has always been involved with the environment, but now more than ever, they're...I mean, we're stepping up our commitment to keeping our world clean. Biodegradable cleaners, lubes made with renewable resources and corn based packaging (safe for compost) are just some of the ways Pedro's is hoping to become an industry leader (and example), for how products can be environmentally friendly.

Check out these new products. The Green Fizz will be used at the bike wash stations at Sea Otter.

So, yeah, starting this weekend with a flight to Florida (never thought I'd go there), then up to Massachusetts, then back to OR, I'm gonna be on the road for a few weeks a month. Oh, the trip from MA to OR...I'm driving. Cross country!!!! In this:

2007 Dodge Sprinter Van, bio-diesel. Yes, painted with flowers and Peace signs. This is my new vehicle. Let the hippie comments start flowing. If you see me on the road, wave and say hi! I'm getting satellite radio installed tomorrow morning, so I'll be able to listen to 80s music all the time!!!! If you see me singing, "Love is a battlefield," just keep driving by. So excited. Needless to say, I'm excited and nervous to start the new phase of my life. Don't worry, I'm keeping Westside Video open and I think it'll be better than ever. I'm excited to see old friends and meet lots of new people in my travels.

My man Murrdog and I had a plan in college. After we graduated, we wanted to convert an old short bus into a road trip machine. We were gonna load it up as living quarters and bring all our gear. Bikes, climbing equipment, boats and camping gear. The plan was to hit all the best spots to ride, climb, boat etc. In between hot spots, we'd stop at trail maintenance days, larger festivals and races. Of course, we were gonna get companies to sponsor us with free gear and gas and we were even going to write several monthly columns on-line and in print. Well, this job may be the closest I get to that dream, and it's pretty darn close, only I'm guaranteed health insurance and a pay check. It's in my job description to go on rides. I get to bring my dog and can even bring the GF or a friend along for trips. I'm gonna ride and see places I otherwise may have never seen.  The company has a commitment to the environment. I think this could be one of the best experiences of my life. So, if you see me in your town, or at an event, come over and chat. Chances are you'll walk away with a little more knowledge about a company with a commitment to helping the environment...and maybe a bottle of lube that you'll feel good about putting on your bike.

Thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to writing about my experiences. If you know epic spots I should stop, eat at etc. let me know. 

Chainj is good.