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.
Wow. I was worried about my collection of Texas bike shops t-shirts might be thought of as weird. Apparently all those visits make me normal according to your theory. Now all the money I was saving for the shrink I can spend on new bike parts !! Cool thanks for the help.
That is a seriously lovely jersey. Even the pink version, yes (but definitely prefer the orange logo). I’m jealous. I wear my green eyes proudly.
Pretty bikes too. Which one will be yours? 😉
Nice store site… and That Look is Dead Sexy… (the bike).
Well,in case you haven’t noticed, those bikes are missing lotsa parts – fenders, lights, … um… training whe.. never mind…
PINK???
Sweet. Not sweetest jersey in the world sweet. But sweet all the same.
Love your site and your article about Obsession: Bikes. MW is a rock star!
I grew up in Winnipeg and came west in the late 80’s. I always think about Winnipeg and the great times I had. We rode our bikes everywhere.
There are three things from Winnipeg have lead me to my Obsession: Bikes.
1. Flat terrain: No better way to learn to love the bike then to not have to climb hills. Though, THE choice bike was a 3 speed- no wind, head wind, tail wind – 3 speeds.
2. The Manitoba Marathon . I became a Dopamine junky at 15 years old.
3. My first new bike purchase at Gooch’s. It was likely Norm who came out to help me turn my paper route into a stylie new road bike. He treated me fair and like an adult. He left me with a great impression. Every time a kid comes into Obsession; Bikes I drop what I am doing to ask him or her about his new bike thus offering them the same awesome service that Gooch’s did when I was a kid.
I love Winnipeg !
James Wilson – Obsession: Bikes
Just went to Obsession Bikes yesterday because my derailleur was not quite right after having made the trip in a box from NYU to NVAN. Super nice folks in that shop! Adjusted my bike in 5 minutes. Then I saw the jerseys! Most excellent design!