Eric Williams is coming to Revolution Bike Fest…and shared his excitement about the weekend November 9-11.  He “gets it”.. Eric is a pastor in Garden Grove, dad of 3 girls, and Races Over the Hump Elite and finishes mid-pack and still comes every week, because he loves the competition, vibe, fun and friends…he’s a true fun and fast rider that loves bikes, racing, people, and the latest and greatest of bike.

Eric and daughter Julia share a family moment at Over the Hump this summer.

So much of my work revolves in creating speeches or talks that remain memorable in people’s heads after my discourse is done.  One classic way to accomplish this is by engaging an acrostic—using the first letter of each segment to spell out a word or message. Here’s my shot at Revolution’s Message.

R – E – V – O – L – U – T – I – O – N

R – eputation

To me what makes this event worth going is the reputation on which it stands.  The fine folks who created Over the Hump, HUNKR, Ride for Rwanda and more are throwing this event.  If you have attended one, or all of these events, you know the outstanding job this team does in throwing some of the best cycling events in Southern California.

E – ighty miles.  

That is about the distance from Orange County to Castaic Lake.  If you travel at the right time, this equates to about an hour-ish of travel time.  It isn’t extremely far and it will be very interesting to check out the venue. Speaking of which…

V – enue Looks Rad!

This is just what I have seen and heard, but I am always interested in riding in a new area.  I know that PedalFest runs their races at Castaic, Mountain Bike Action spends time riding, testing, and shooting photos for their magazine there, and countless other mountain bikers ride there as well.  I think it is an intriguing place to go ride and a stunning backdrop when off the bike

O – utside.

 Who doesn’t love to be outside!  This is why we ride! To get outdoors, escape the fluorescent lights, sterile circulated air and, computer screens.  To get our eyes on some natural beauty, breathe deep fresh air, and let the sunshine help detox our bodies from all the time we spend inside!

L – ive music.

Yeah!  Why not?!?  When you’re done riding, having a band or two play some classic songs and some new ones is a perfect way to unwind and relax.  Who doesn’t love a little live music to provide a backdrop to share some stories from the day?

U – p and Comer.  

Could this be a So-Cal Sea Otter?  An alternate Interbike more focused on riding and celebrating than specific product launches?  Could this be an up and coming event that might shape cycling in the future? It sure does have the recipe to be something special!

T – ry something New. Demo day!!

No, not the Chip Gaines Fixer-Upper kind…the kind we are interested in!  Swinging our legs over a different bike brand, style of bike, or even an e-bike!! Why not try a few different bikes on the 3.5 mile loop!

I – mprovement.  

What if you used this weekend for a little ‘off-season’ improvement.  There are a few races to jump in on. There is so much bike knowledge present. There are tons of folks who can give you tips, insights, advice and have experience in all areas of cycling.  Can you think of a better weekend to improve your skills both on and off the bike?

O – pportunity.  

Really at the end of the day, this is an opportunity.  To learn. To grow. To challenge yourself. To challenge others. To chill out. To laugh. To play.  To get away. This is an opportunity well worth your investment and time.

N – ow.  

Commit to it now.  So much of our lives, especially in our culture, we wait, thinking a better option might come along, and we drag our feet until the end, then scramble to sign up, get everything ready, read the directions, schedule etc.  But what if you committed now, and spent the next 5 weeks building in excitement, anticipation, and enthusiasm? You dialed in your camping (or hotel) set up. You got your bike tuned and ready. You invited a few friends and rolled into Revolution prepared!!  

That’s the way I roll.  I’m signed up and ready to spend a weekend eating, sleeping and breathing all things cycling!