Monstercross News

A few of you may know this already, but awhile back we came up with and designed the Further bottle. The idea was spawned out of my own experience over the years.

It was a very rewarding project and grateful Jim at Merry Sales saw the vision and was willing to back it at the time. But the real reward has been seeing so many pros and endurance athletes who have taken to using them as well to achieve top the finishes in races to using them in FKT efforts. Knowing this bottle is making a difference and appreciated.

It’s also been rewarding to see who has done custom bottles in that time. was the first and a huge honor that Steve saw the value in it, he was one of the OG MTB pioneers and was one of the key founders of WTB.

is another who did a run and if you’ve followed them long enough you know John and the team are picky and know what the like.

Btw both have their versions of the bottle for sale on their websites. And of course sells their version still too as well.

Many of you often hear me wax poetically of the achievements, history, and amazing people of my hometown of Winona. There is something truly magical and amazing about the place and people. However, what I often leave out is the presence of strong undercurrent that pulls people down into an unforgiving darkness as well.

Grade school I was friends with a couple guys who would quickly ended up at the Red Wing Juvenile Corrections facility for teens that earned a spot there. Both have been in and out jail ever since.

In high school I remember ending up at a small party with my buddy Pete and a few others I’d known for years. I personally didn’t drink then, but was willing to drive folks. First thing that caught my eye was a friends 10 year old little brother with a beer in his hand. Definetly drunk. Soon our friends mom was home, drunk as could be. It was a reality check for sure.

In high school the guy next to my locker, Matt Strelow, was shot and killed by a friend of his. Ironically his dad was a sherif. One of our neighbors the coroner. And my sister Jami was good friends with the killers sister. They had been drinking in a neighborhood bar not far from dad’s biz.

My dear friend Debi Martinson, who’s like family to me, just told me her cousin has been missing for a week now. Turns out she’d be hanging with one of the guys who ended up in Red Wing. Not a good crowd at all. Debi has been helping with the search efforts and just got word today a body was found but no word yet on if it’s her cousin. Hope not, but I also know it could be.

My hometown is full of good people. Even argue those who’ve been pulled down by the undercurrent are at heart. Just bad situations that don’t do much good they can get pulled into. Hopefully her cousin is found, and can get back on the right track again. I’ve seen that happen with enough folks back home I have faith it’s still possible for anyone.

32” anyone?

Glad I got in on a Meriwether Cycles Ponderosa when I did before he closed up. When guys I know like Jason Boucher who designed the Fargo/Woodchipper when he ran Salsa has two and John Watson at The Radavist has two. Well. I know how those two guys think and they get to ride soooo many more bikes than me. So I decided to do it.

That was just the beginning however, and the moment I started working with Whit witnessed first hand I realized why these guys spoke so highly of him. His attention to details was exceptional. Them when I built it up and road it…yep. Amazing. Light and smooth but not a noodle at all. Just…perfect.

Previously was on a Tumbleweed Stargazer, honestly a bike i didn’t see the need to replace anytime soon. Jason had one and loved it. Knew John enjoyed it and had one too. Again, 2 guys who can ride what they want. And it is amazing. But doesn’t mean I didn’t have some thoughts of my own on how to make it my own.

So when the Ponderosa was announced and I saw the geometry and the couple tweaks one was allowed I knew I had to pull the trigger. Basically everything I thought I’d change was or could be. And that fork…well that fork is a fine reminder that a well made steel fork is worth the weight gain.

Build in comments. I’ve had this bike for a year now. No immediate desire or need to change anything out right now. Maybe the bars for Btchn Ti Drop Bars one day. But that’s it.

So smooth. So fast. So fun. Thanks again .cycles it was such a pleasure working with you. Hope all is well.

Ps if anyone is curious has some great articles on its development worth checking out. Oh and while there, buy merch. Gotta keep independent cycling media alive. And John’s a good dude doing it for all the right reasons.

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Being from Minnesota and having a lot of friends all over the state on both sides that are not good with what’s going down and scared even if 2 hours away from it all. Well. Can’t say it’s been easy. I’m not getting my “news” on this from “the news”. I’m getting it from folks I used to race mountain bikes with. Folks I went to college with. Family. Hell friends I’ve had since I was in first grade even. Friends of all social and economic backgrounds. It’s all too real. And lots more will eventually come out as well. It’s nuts.

Anyone who knows me will tell ya up not much for political parties and all that bs. But I am all about people. I’m fascinated by people and what they’re capable of. Their stories. Their lives. Regardless of politics…when possible. Some of the best bread baked in town is made by a really good dude who just happens to have a bit of extreme ring Tourette’s for some reason sometimes. But I get him off politics our conversations are great. He genuinely cares overall about all. Don’t get it. But also never got why people love top 40 music either.

If you have a memorial ride planned in your town or city in memory of Alex please feel free to share below.

Ask all sides pause on comments for this post. This is about people not politics. We the people need to find common ground and work together more than ever. It’s critical. Can’t stress that enough.

United we stand. Divided we fall.

Get out for a ride today if ya can.

Curious do we have any Santa Fe folks following us? Down here until tomorrow morning and my day has some freedom to meet folks for coffee or a beer. DM me if ya are. Staying near the plaza.

In Salida for NYE and made a pit stop at to chat with the ladies and get some goodies. Happy New Year everyone!

Interesting design from !!
25 years ago while working for LEW Composites I got the chance to tour their facility near Boston. It was super clean and impressive. Staff was great. Nice to see them still kicking ass.

The new rear der looks fantastic on this Neo retro build. Can’t wait to try that rear der out. I’ve personally got one bike with the ratio 12 speed shifter conversion kit in and very impressed with it.