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James

@jamesonthefront

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My roadside story. Toronto Canada
@bridgebikeworks

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♡ waking up with you

Morning magic. We did an extended coffee ride, past the Tree. The Tree remains beautiful but its meaning has evolved as I have evolved. The solitude of the Tree is strong, but a real partnership is stronger.

#cyclinglife #wymtm by @jamesonthefront

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9 hours ago

go slow (but don't really)

Last Monday a fun-loving crew joined me on a photo project for the regions tourism board. I curated a quiet and picturesque route east. While overcast, the weather was warm and the colours popping. I took both the Nikon (for the project) and the Ricoh for some fun shots.

So I've been following a trend of out of focus photos on socials. While cool, it can be overdone. Lazy even. A lot goes into getting the right aperture and shutter speed that captures the details of cycling and nature. Or blending motion with static. That said I like the sense of motion these pics emulate.

So I've been experimenting with my own approach that combines both clarity and motion, and enhancing the film feel with grain, texture and positive light curves. Ive added some of the Ricoh settings to the pics for reference.

It was an amazing day with this crew. Much more to be shared in time!

#durhamregion #thebeautyofcycling #ricohiv by @jamesonthefront

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a day ago

back to the cap

A throwback to the prettiest ride in Mallorca - the Cap de Formentor. Get there early so the low sun makes the colours pop, and the traffic low. It was @louuontwo first ride in Europe - can you imagine opening your international travel account with this as the down deposit?

#mallorcacycling taken in Cap de Formentor by @jamesonthefront

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2 days ago

city creative

City riding: Its like learning a new skill and perspective. Everything from finding routes, navigating them safely and - the exciting part - capturing new perspectives on the camera. The Ricoh GR IV makes this easy, but you have to be quick!

Lindsay's riding the Surveyor on Vittoria Cora Pros 38mm - this is the perfect tire for the city. Time to ditch the 28s!

Isn't that bike fire 🔥? Suits her perfectly 👌

#torontocycling by @jamesonthefront

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3 days ago

doing the thing

Its been a busy week doing the thing (i.e., cycling) and less time posting about the thing. Isn't that the way its supposed to be?

I once read that constancy is the greatest form of courage. In this age of appearances, AI, and quick fixes, it could be argued that the consistency of doing is less important than the performative act of appearing to be pursing excellence. Its as if intention has been confused with intentionality, the later requires action and accountability while the former does not. This reaches into many aspects of our life beyond cycling to relationships and work.

The aspect of cycling that I have always appreciated its its demand to do the work. As the seasons becomes cold and dark, the demand to do the work is even more challenging - regardless if it's indoors or outdoors. It requires greater intentionality.

But the rewards are fantastic.

We enjoyed brilliant city and country rides, saw the sunrise over both the city and farmland, and a mix of road and gravel.

On that constancy thing: By no means would I suggest anyone keeps burying their head in the sand repeating the same broken patterns. Thats avoidance.

Sometimes we need to stop, redirect and recommit. Thats the action. Ending something isnt failure but an opportunity to grow and learn. Sure you may be criticized, but usually from bystanders who would rather talk than be participants in the doing.

#thislife by @jamesonthefront

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4 days ago

deeper in fall | falling in deep

Experiencing the season in the best way with the best people.

#thebeautyofcycling by @jamesonthefront

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8 days ago

mallorca mems

It was my last day solo before I met @louuontwo and the crew. I was also expecting my bike to finally arrive. So I decided to be a bit of a tourist riding to Soller and through some back roads. It was a very enjoyable day that filled my cup. It helped that my bike arrived at the cafe while I was editing the days photos.

Something also special happened. I came across a market where a husband and wife had a leather stand. I love bracelets but often find the cheap tourist variety. This place was different. The Dutch couple moved to Mallorca and crafted everything themselves. I found many pieces, getting a couple to bring home for others. Then I found a piece that really spoke to me (pictured).

I had lost a prized possession earlier this year and was wondering how I would replace it. So many memories were held by that lost piece of leather that, in hindsight, was time to let go of. I came across this peice feeling I had found it. She sized it for me, and I was off feeling invigorated.

Thst night I enjoyed a simple meal and the took to the streets of Fornalutx for a self portrait. A few years ago I took these portraits feeling somewhat alone as I travelled. Now, new bracelet, I was taking them as a man who felt seen, connected and excited to build a future.

That lost bracelet is gone. We are ready to create new stories with this one.

#cyclinglife by @jamesonthefront

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9 days ago

ju | last rising

There was a moment in yesterday's final @jackedupcoffeeto ride that verges on the spiritual. Its a common moment often experienced during the fall, but it feels fresh everytime. You probably experienced it yourself.

You know those stretches of riding in the cold dark morning, waiting to feel the warmth in your body while you keep moving forward. Arising over that climb or out of the trees the sun greets you. As if it was waiting for your arrival. For a moment nothing else matters but the moment itself. Pure presence.

As if all following a silent hymn, the crew let out a collective sigh. Hope. Joy.

What a great way to finish the 5th JU season, one that I will take forward not knowing what comes next.

I want to thank Jack and the entire crew at @jackedupcoffeeto for their support, and to all those that participated this season. Each of you brought something special to make this community what it has become over 5 years. Thank you.

#cyclinglife by @jamesonthefront

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11 days ago

a week | we got this

Autumn colours are taking hold. The dark and cold have embraced the mornings, requiring us to charge the lamps, finds our thermals and spend at least 30min staring at the weather app trying to figure out the mystery of what to wear for the ride.

But there was more than cycling that happened this week. Another cold darkness.

Yes, this is a cycling page. But cycling is about life as it is sport. Making a comment about the Cornell 7 (and the many more complicit bystands) is not a political statement. Its a statement about human decency.

Through my years I've been a part of men cycling groups and often found them to be problematic. Its not the riding - but the chit chat and the clash of egos in the bunch or after ride socials. The passive comments about gender and sexuality seemed to go unchecked, and when you check them you feel like you ruined the party. Ive ruined a few parties.

Cycling is just better with woman. Period.

These days I am left saddened by the lack of male accountability and decorum. And while it starts with those right at the top of power (e.g., potus?), the fault really falls to those in the room who don't hold that power to account. The seven men - despicable criminals. The school trustees and all that said nothing - despiseable accomplices who failed in the test of humanity and masculinity.

And like the frame in this post, we still make woman responsible to defend themselves, to justify their agency, to cry foul.

Where are the men in the room?

Ive come to think that perhaps the greatest challenge we have is to raise men in a way that embraces their masculinity, strength and courage, while elevating their empathy and sense of accountability to others. The Left shamed men and in so doing, alienated them. They turned to those who would falsely protect and empower them, who excused their behavior as juat "boys being boys", who failed to take on the hard task of teaching to become men.

Ive turned the comments off for this post because I dont think this requires any further discussion, just action.

#thislife by @jamesonthefront

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12 days ago

merci montreal

On the day of the woman's road race we went to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for a few laps - and surprisingly it was a blast! Of course there was a crowd, but the Circuit was fast and safe, allowing me to do a few hot laps while still being out with Linds. From there we hit up a a coffee shop, then the race, then my fav café in Montreal @cafeneve ... just love that window seat.

#montreal #cyclinglife by @jamesonthefront

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15 days ago

Unusual taxi ride in Montreal taken in Montreal, Canada by @jamesonthefront

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15 days ago

vanilla

I prefer to call it the Little Daddy, cuz there was nothing vanilla about our ride across the north coast of Mallora.

Taking an early bus trip to Andrax, we hit the road after a quick coffee and cake. Right from the get go the scenery was incredible (to be honest, the first few hours were the highlight, the middle a busy blur and long climb up the Puig, and the last hour a fast rip downhill back to Pollenca.

Louie and I kept pace together while others were following their own specific goals. I think when you travel in a group its best to be flexible so everyone gets what they need, and then celebrate together at the end. Which we did, with a wonderful dinner out in town that night.

I took the bw @ricoh_gr_canada on this ride, and experimented with different shutter settings.

Amazing day!

#mallorca by @jamesonthefront

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16 days ago