Obsessed

People always say it like it’s a bad thing.

I think everybody should have an obsession, a passion for something that runs so deep it becomes part of almost everything they do. As you may have guessed, my particular obsession is cycling. I suspect if you are reading this, you likely suffer from the same affliction. Yes, there are cynics and detractors who don’t understand it, but perhaps they should just be thankful my obsession isn’t something more destructive, like lighting things on fire.

There are many clues that will indicate you have succumbed to Cult Velo and happily guzzled the Kool-aid. For example: when you travel, you are less interested in visiting any landmarks of cultural or historic significance than finding the best bike shop in town. Guilty as charged, pass the pitcher.

My good friend Matt Warburton of Emdoubleyu Design in Vancouver is not only a fellow graphic designer (and a darn good one at that), but also a fellow bike obssessive. He is a total rockstar in my books right now because he just sent me one of these awesome new jerseys he designed for a nifty little bike shop in North Vancouver appropriately named Obsession Bikes.

Pure awesomeness. That’s the logo he designed for them at the top of the post. I think it’s great, and like all great logos distills the essence of a company’s philosophy down to its simplest form. It is unique, elegant and speaks a thousand words.

When I checked out the shop’s website (also designed by Matt), it became apparent that these guys drank the Kool-aid too. Then they set up their very own Kool-aid stand. In addition to selling and servicing bikes, they are truly cycling evangelists, bringing forth the good and blessed Word of Cog to the unwashed masses. They support Bikes for Tykes, The North Shore Bikefest, and all sorts of other races and bike-related goodness. They also hold weekly group rides, spin classes and carry some pretty kickass bikes.

Mmmmmm. Bikes.

I have not had the pleasure of going there yet, but you can bet on my next trip to Vancouver I will forgo the Olympic Village, Stanley Park AND the Capilano Bridge to go raise a glass of Kool-aide with my friend Matt and the folks at Obsession Bikes. I’d encourage you to do the same. You’ll be in very good company.