Dear X-Factor

In an attempt to help you with your marketing, I am giving you some much "deserved" attention today. I want to help. I'm a helper. It's what I do.

OK, that's not it at all. Truth is, I had so much fun writing my response to you that I wanted to make sure both you and I got the attention you so rightly deserve.

The below are the comments from yesterday's blog, "My Wealth and Speed".

xfactor said...
I'm surprised to see you post such a lengthy response defending your 'richness' against some 5-word comment. Why stoop to that level; as they say... I mean, why even give it a second thought. *smirk*Oh, and where were you in the 'B'Race?!?!
July 8, 2009 12:34 PM

cory redmond said...
I have nothing TO defend. I'm not financially wealthy and work in the construction industry.This wasn't so much a response as it was a pondering on my part as to why someone would be so angry toward me when they don't know me. Frankly, I don't give a shit if some socially dysfunctional fucktard doesn't like me. It's probably better for me. Lol With regard to the B race, I was exactly where I said I would be and pretty pleased about yesterday. I did what Jay and my coach wanted me to do...especially considering my Monday wreck and current race-heavy schedule. Why do you ask?
July 8, 2009 1:23 PM

xfactor said...
hah, race heavy schedule. you have to finish the races for that to count...or do more than a handful of laps. the problem this brosky has with your bike is that you are a cat 4 woman, and you're riding a better cross frame than much more deserving riders. its a cross bike...pros dont even ride carbon.
July 8, 2009 10:56 PM

[presses button to let the fun begin]

First, let me thank you for your comments, X-Factor. While I may not agree with you, readers like you only prove why bike shops like me riding their bikes. Love me or hate me, people always know what I'm riding...and people like yourself have clearly taken extra care to make certain you can "accurately" report every component and fiber on each of my bikes. I'm not kidding.

If you actually read my blogs, you would know that I have never patted myself on the back for being a racer and actually pretty recently wrote in a blog that pokes fun of the fact that I am most often simply a marketing piece for a bike or team.

There's a reason why, regardless of my obvious racing suckage, people notice me. I promote products and companies in a positive and excited way. I am friendly to people and always have a smile...especially when talking bikes or talking to someone new to cycling. I get people in the saddle and often, into the bike shop.

How many other last place racers can you name? Can you tell me who they race for or which bike they ride? I doubt it.

Mike Weiss jokes that I must have a secret PR department. I don’t. However, I am a fantastic team player. I am always seen cheering my friends in their races (and mine), regardless of my racing status on that day. Also, I just really like bicycles and when Mike Weiss, Jay Thomas, or Russ and Adrienne sell me a bike, wheels or upgrades, they know that my ass will be in that saddle. Rolling marketing...free of charge. Don’t think we don’t all know that there is a bit of the, "Hey! She sucks and has a badass bike! If SHE can do it, I can do it!” mentality going on. There is. You’ve proved it. You want my bike. Our plan worked...and always will.

Believe me, I do understand your frustration about "deserving" and fairness. And I'm not sure if it's your refreshing and youthful naivety or your beaten down bitterness which intrigues me the most about you, but I get it. I get your frustration.

Currently I have an image in my head of you as a 6 year old boy throwing a blue streaked fit when his mom buys him a GI Joe when all the cool kids had Transformers. I imagine that temper tantrum didn't work then and it probably won't work out too well for you later in life either.

Look, I am never going to be a great racer. So what? Me getting or not getting this cx bike is not going to make you a better racer, so it really shouldn't matter to you.

I don't owe you or anyone an explanation about this bike, but I do find your comments rather amusing. You clearly have this bike, and the business of racing in general, confused a bit.

1. This is not Ridley’s top of the line bike. It is mid-level. It is way under $3K, so not a bank breaker, at all. It's a teaser, if you will.

2. If there is a Pro who cannot afford my bike, they must not be a very good Pro or not have a very good deal, since soooooo many pro deals come with bikes. (Dude, my boyfriend isn't a Pro and he has a bike deal!) Why? They want people riding their bikes...in lots of races. People who love racing and will promote the sport and the products. Want a Ridley? Apply for a Ridley sponsorship. Seriously. I don't think many, if anyone, has one here in town, so they'd at least read your app. I'll even help you write your essay. (Not a joke.)

On a funnier and lighter side, of course a stupid Cat 4 woman needs a carbon cross bike that the Pros don’t even ride! You said it yourself. I’m weak. Pros are strong. They can lift heavier bikes. Additionally, because I am so slow, there is almost no chance that I will wreck my carbon bike like the faster and more deserving racers who are right there in the heat.

...but seriously, wouldn’t that suck more? You spend the money on a carbon hottie just to have it crack in a crash? Now THAT would suck!

OK, this was fun. You really are my favorite commenter and you keep me on my toes. I hope we get to chat in person some time. I bet you’re a trip!

Next up, I will be writing a blog about my wide feet with their uneven toes and how I constantly buy absolutely fucking spectacular shoes which I wear to my job at a construction company in Jefferson County. (Believe me, I feel your pain on this one too!) I want you to brush up on your Italian designers so you can beat me down about how non-supermodel feet like mine do not deserve pretty Prada sandals.

*blows kisses*

PS: I will be sucking tonight in the B race at the Alpine Shop Dirt Crits. I will be the girl in the Fulcrum Coaching skinsuit riding the badass Cannondale CX-5 cross bike sold to me by Mike Weiss at Big Shark, running the creek in my Specialized BG Pro carbon mtb shoes and drinking out of my Specialized Susan G Koman water bottle, both purchased at Mesa Bicycles. Pre-race, I can be seen slamming my raspberry Hammer gel purchased at Trek St. Louis. See ya there!

*wink*