Read. Ride. Roll.

brands.

2011-10-25T11:36:00.009-04:00

Brands. There are few brands that add value to a product, that is to say most brands are just a design team. I can think of two companies that stand behind their products they design and even make things, try Dell Computer and Trek Bikes. The cool factor here is, namely, making of something here in the U.S. with passion. When I think Dell, I envision a whole team from design, to fabrication, to sales much of which is located in Texas, of course it has foreign and domestic components. Go there and see them putting together the computers if you wish. Same goes for Trek bikes. Maybe there is some correlation there. The more vested a company is here at home, typically the better products (and services) they make. Just call American Express, they give you a 'happy ending' at end of every call. This is my belief. I am Dan k.

http://n.pr/r7Vl6J

Hank Williams Jr.

2011-10-03T22:49:00.001-04:00

Did HW Jr. really compare Pres Obama to Hitler?

the. little. things.

2011-08-05T23:57:00.001-04:00

Todays ride. Augi says to me, "dude do you have your camera?" It was the same as it ever was. Reminiscing back to some 15 years ago standing on a frozen spring fed pond in the middle of winter, here we go today. The sun. The sky. A group of 'canoers' all women. "Stop. Dan. Those women are so cool. We think we're cool But it is them who are really cool. Look at them sitting therearound in some crazy canoe trip all of 60 + having the time of their life." And he was right. So we stopped, introduced ourselves, and took a picture with some really cool ladies in the middle of the afternoon on a bike ride.

electrify me.

2010-05-05T09:58:00.002-04:00

mars needs woman.

2010-01-18T22:40:00.001-05:00

In response to my email stating she is a felon...amoung other things.

-----Original Message-----
From: do-not-reply@masterfoodsusa.com [mailto:do-not-reply@masterfoodsusa.com]
Sent: Monday, January 18, 2010 5:13 PM
To: dkotwicki@yahoo.com
Subject: DOVE CHOCOLATE.

Dear Mr. Kotwicki,

In response to your email regarding DOVE CHOCOLATE.

Thank you for your email.

We are sorry to hear that you are disappointed with DOVE CHOCOLATE MARTHA STEWART EDITION.

We appreciate your feedback and will share your comments with our Marketing Associates.

Have a great day!

Your Friends at Mars Chocolate North America

MM/cl011132929A

Please do NOT reply to this email. If you would like to respond to this message, click on the link below.

oh tom.

2010-01-14T01:33:00.003-05:00

it does matter.

2009-11-04T02:08:00.003-05:00

This man came up to me at the last bike race and said, "I know you...I read you blog." Great cause here it is...the web of connection and just minutes after upload look what happens. We carry humanity with us wherever you may roam.

hey cupcake!

2009-10-06T19:49:00.003-04:00

There is something you don't see everyday...Airstream trailer selling the best south Red Velvet (cake) cupcakes for $2.50 injected with real whipped cream if you like.... unless you live in Austin. You see this stuff when you ride a bike, in a car you just may pass it bye. The bike breeds stories. Training in Austin frequently.

bike austin. listen to soko.

2009-09-29T15:47:00.004-04:00

Bike Austin.

Listen to Soko!
Love.
Dan k.

29er bikes are faster.

2009-09-28T14:58:00.000-04:00

U.S. on U.S, on us.

2009-07-31T12:32:00.001-04:00

From: Michael_xxx@Dell.com [mailto:Michael_xxx@Dell.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2009 3:05 PM
To: dan.xxx@xxx.net
Subject: RE:

Its been fun buddy. Oh, I bought a Trek 7.3FX bike last week. Riding it everyday and love it!

From: Dan
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2009 2:04 PM
To: Michael
Cc: David
Subject: RE:

Say it is not so…Lozano we love you and miss you.

Sincerely,

Dan Kotwicki

From: Michael
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2009 1:37 PM
To: Michael
Cc: David
Subject:

Hello,
I wanted to let you know that I will be taking on a management role here at Dell and will no longer be your point of contact effective as of today. It has been a pleasure and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to have worked with you.
Please contact David at 512-946-xxxx going forward as he will manage your account and your clients.
Thank you so much for your business and again, it has been a pleasure.

Michael
Dell Inc.
P: 512-946-xxxx

when in lourdes.

2009-07-21T06:04:00.004-04:00

Need I say more?

it doesn't get any better than this...

2009-06-30T23:35:00.014-04:00

July is Tour de France. The technology in Trek bikes is enough to make even foreigners smile as they pick up a bike that the pros could be using...available to the public off the shelf at any shop that sells Trek...smile...yes, it is made in Waterloo Wisconsin...NOT China. My job as an ambassador to cyclists, a liaison if you will between the believers and those that don’t in the two wheeled world is to turn heads and make waves, to race bikes and live my passion, to stir a curiosity among all I encounter. To preach the word. If you are feeling lonely, buy a Trek, just look at all the people that came up to me in France with a 14.4 pound Trek Madone road bike. The ONLY mass produced carbon bike that is made in the United States that I know of. Keep it real. Buy one. Free lessons for all that do...I have two. The Tour de France is days away, be sure to check it out- Dan k.

nyc or paris?

2009-06-29T23:46:00.002-04:00

nyc or paris?

Parisians certainly love their McDonald's. How about an environment tax for eating at these places?

damn bling.

2009-06-29T07:53:00.003-04:00

I missed it. Maybe they will have a "summer bling." I'll take my bike and camera for documentation purposes. The only "Bling" I have are my bikes.

mash with lance.

2009-06-26T00:19:00.001-04:00

Like him or leave him, he is a regular guy, hanging with the bros, even riding without a helmet. In Austin, TX.

specialized. i am dumb...only if you ride one.

2009-06-18T20:03:00.002-04:00

Everybody knows that Specialized does not make one product in the U.S. Looking for a job? There is no passion in Specialized bikes so they, in their ads, have to convey that they have sustenance when in all actuality there is a complete lack thereof. I altered the jpeg to express my feelings.

1 place & 24 seconds form the podium.

2009-06-18T03:30:00.013-04:00

Left work at 3 AM (bartender/part-time). Bed by 4:30. Up at 6:30. Drive 109 miles to race, ride and get high on my bike. Some dismiss the Michigan series in favor of this or that State, but for whom the bell tolls…you just have to grab a wheel and hold on because Michigan is fast. Focus, and if you are religious even say a prayer. 22 Miles of all single-track with 10 times crossing various rivers, knee high, 30 feet across at the USACyling sanctioned event, Ruby Campground. A light, responsive bike like a Fisher 29er is always fun, finding the big gear after the first lap of 5 just adds to the fun. 1 spot and 24 seconds from the podium and the cash, the later is always nice, but the former is where the love can be found. See you at www.lumberjack100.com this weekend.

miles.

2009-06-13T03:24:00.007-04:00

Miles and miles and miles to go. Bike fest two years ago, last year and yet today. Ann Arbor a bloom and the streets blocked and filled. I have found myself in small town after small town on two wheels…solo in so many ways. Work. Sleep. Eat. Ride. Life. That is it for now. And that is all I need for capitalism always keeps you wanting more. Lumberjack 100, Saturday June 20, 2009. Mountain Race Race #4. The only thing missing is you.

made.

2009-06-04T23:18:00.002-04:00

From: "dan k"
Date: May 12, 2009 6:36:46 PM GMT+02:00
To:
Subject: 180 g

Is the pro 104 made in Italy?

Dan k.
http://29times.blogspot.com
____________________________

From: ProNet, Inc. [mailto:info@ProNetCycling.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 4:09 PM
To: dkotwicki@yahoo.com
Subject: LIMAR PRO 104 180 g

Dan:

Your message below to Limar was forwarded to us as their agent for the U.S.A..

All Limar helmets are designed and engineered in Italy but about three years ago production was moved to China, currently the Pro104 is not available for sale in the U.S.A. as the large size just recently passed CPSC approval and only after adding carbon weave to the helmet which raised the weight to about 250 grams and suggested price to $199.99 so at this time we are waiting for the medium to pass CPSC before importing them.
Check it out at ProNet Cycling
Regards,
Bob
ProNet, Inc.
910 N. Cambrian Ave.
Bremerton, WA 98312
U.S.A.

Tel: 1-800-279-3793 or 360-782-2463 Fax: 360-782-2479
e-mail BobK@ProNetCycling.com or info@ProNetCycling.com
Skype Online – BobkPronet

PRONET Inc. Sales Agents for:

in the last 30 days or there about (May 2009).

2009-06-04T03:03:00.005-04:00

I was totally going to write a review about something cool, like the Misfits Box Set or my 300 lb Trinitron TV but I don’t watch TV and the music is personal, but I just can’t shake this feelin’. In the last 30 days I have raced twice. I have smelled the fresh cut grass and the flowers…the flowers are in bloom, wild and ready, just the way I like them.

I dissed my friend Dave in favor of work. That bummed me out. I kissed like I have never been kissed, like I had catching up to do.

I had some dental work done, I am not from England. I made plans for France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and to lose 10 pounds. I have altered my training. I am going back to 2005 standards. ROAD biking. 90% road bike and 10% mountain bike. 6 hour rides several times a week. That is very, very tough for me as I love the dirt. The power output is a must. The cardio is no problem. I had some friends in from WI. I turned on my AC in my car to find it was broken. GM filed for bankruptcy and I still don’t have health insurance. I have 3 more 100 mile bike races, 3 other big races and a handful of local races including cross. I sold 2 Presidio cross bikes and I know I now I need one. Made in WI baby. I race this Sunday in Grayling, Michigan. I love to love. For the love of baby jesus in a baby jesus tux tee shirt please visit http://29ercrew.com and think about me, your brother Dan K(otwicki) – MI. Late- P.S. Floyd Landis was guilty and the Red Wings will win the Stanley Cup.

insert non sequitur.

2009-05-24T21:56:00.011-04:00

Keeping it real for those out of state, mind or head. What is really Detroit Tiger Stadium.

On Wednesday I walked down stairs into the basement of my condo here in the mid-west. I found something I lost. It was sort of déjà vous.

Roughly French for "again you", deja vous is the experience of thinking that one has been oneself before, perhaps in a past life, or in this same one, but several days ago. Extremely self-aware people are often unable to avoid experiencing deja vous throughout every minute of their waking lives. (and fuck, I know how that feels.)

Insert non sequitur

Self aware, something my ex-girlfriend is not. The woman below however is not the ex-girlfriend and is self aware...and she is super cute.

What I found was a weird looking bike with curly handlebars. The name read Trek, the model Madone. It is the flagship of road bikes. It is handmade in Waterloo, WI, USA....and there was a twin, apparently I have two of them, an old one (pre-2008), and a new one (post-2008).

I love to ride it. As a matter of fact I swap them every other day now, mountain bike, road bike, mountain bike, road bike. While my house is empty with no significant other, I have found another love, a lost love and as a matter of fact I have 8 of them. They call hang heel to tow from the rafters. They never sleep in, they never leave dirty dishes, they toil from sun up to sun down, they communicate what they are feeling, and they rarely let me down. They are my bikes. They read Trek. They read Fisher. Peroid.

in the last 30 days or there about (April 2009).

2009-05-01T03:43:00.008-04:00

I got a call driving on 248 just outside of Allentown, PA I got a call from a girl who saw my ad to rent a room, she said, “Hi, I want to rent a room from you but I Googled you name and I think I might like you and don’t think it would be a good idea to rent the room.” A man on ‘local loop’ (loosely interconnected trail system) in Ann Arbor upon approaching a decent on our bikes states, “You look faster than me, you go first.” What gave it away, I thought? Was it the fact that we I started the climb you were almost to the top and I caught you. I bought headphones that fall out of my ears all the time. I went to ATX (Austin, TX for 12 days). I woke up on my return to a dream of her where she sent me a letter with a SASE, I sent myself to her in ATX (Austin, TX). I fell in love with Bat For Lashes. I found love within. I kissed like I have never kissed before. I sold a bike. I tried to rent and extra room. I shared my room. I saw my friends from Wisconsin that are really from Michigan. We had a sleep over. I slept over. I celebrated my Grandma’s 85 year. I spoke to my friend in China. I got some new business for my business. I fell and broke my ribs…again. I spoke to my ex…for a minute. I visited an ex. I got a shipment from Trek Bikes with my name on it. And Chrysler filed for bankruptcy. I watched Garden State. And I kissed more, like I had never kissed before. So there’s that.

The words.

We walked arm in arm
But I didn't feel his touch
A desire I'd first tried to hide,
That tingling inside was gone
And when he asked me:
'do you still love me?'
I had to look away
I didn't want to tell him
That my heart grows colder with each day

When you love someone
But the thrill is gone
And your kisses at night
Are replaced with tears
And when your dreams are on
A train to train wreck town
Then I ask you now, what's a girl to do?

He said he'd take me away
That we'd work things out
And I didn't want to tell him
But it was then I had to say
Over the times we've shared
It's all blackened out
And my bat lightning heart
Wants to fly away

When you love someone
But the thrill is gone
And your kisses at night
Are replaced with tears
And when your dreams are on
A train to train wreck town
Then I ask you now, what's a girl to do?

What's a girl to do?
What's a girl to do?
What's a girl to do?

spiritually full of belief.

2009-04-13T22:27:00.005-04:00

my lover is a believer and i am full of an unknown belief but i know that i am not alone in my disdain for organized religion. i spend my sundays and wednesdays riding my bike. really the video is is worth a watch and the lyrics a listen. I recognize 60 people or thereabout and you? xo - Dan k.

in the know.

2009-04-02T08:35:00.013-04:00

So she's hot, athletic AND (i never use caps) on a bike. No really she rides, albeit the wrong brand of bike. "For the love of god" (John Blushi voice in Animal House) someone tell me more about her. I wonder if she would be interested in spending the night at the summit of the Col d' Glandon in a car where the high Savoie meet the high Alpes in France? Check it. http://www.nikigudex.com/model.html

If you have the time or are in the know check it below.

bible thumpin' Luddites abound!

2009-04-01T08:17:00.012-04:00

Jim James. A stud athlete. An Xtera specialist. A Ned Overend of the mid-west. A Luddite like those in bible thumbin' OK, PA, TX and FL, but he like me is religious in the least unless you call waking up on a Saturday or Sunday and riding/racing your bike like the cops were after you. The day he embraces technology marks a change in thinking for the world, like going from a modern to a post-modern world or actually pulling out of Iraq or electing a black U.S. President or getting a good healthy veggie burger at McDonald's in the U.S. Jim like Ned, like Obama is a nice guy. The day that Jim James embraces "Made in USA" all carbon Trek Madone 6.9's Pro Red @ about 14.3 lbs out of the box means it is time to play the piano, cello and violin. It's time to climb the 2009 mountains of life. To re-think. Re-tool, re-gain and pass not markers of GDP or DOW but our own mental barriers. It is time to shave the beard and become lighter in effect as one and as a society. To go faster. To get higher. It is time to re-love. I live alone but I live with the love, gratitude and luxury of all these ephemeral "things." The fact that I am upside down in my condo, in my bank account, in love doesn't matter. The only thing I can do is get back on and ride my bike picking up my bike with one finger makes life a bit easier. And that is not ephemeral. That is physical. That is fact. This is fun. Where ever you may roam. I will climb every god damn mountain solo or with you until all my bodily fluids are gone finishing first place or last, but I will finish. I will put it down.

Funny world. As I am about to click publish, Jim sends me this. I have not talked to him in over a month. It is re: staying in France this summer.

From: JimJames@XXXXX.com [mailto:JimJames@XXXXX.com]

Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 8:54 AM

To: dan@XXXXX.net

Subject: RE: Dan k races etape du tour in France - 5 years in a row

Yo.

Roberta and I are making accommodation plans in Bourg for a week or two. We could increase size from 2 to 4/5 if you or someone wanted to stay with us. Dates 7/11 to 7/27.

see the likeness?

2009-03-31T00:02:00.018-04:00

See the likeness? Both like younger girls. Both full of passion. Both cute. Both love Europe. Both ride "Made in USA" all carbonTrek Madone 6.9's Pro Red @ about 14.3 lbs out of the box. Both had broken collarbones that required plates over the bone with a ton of screws. I broke the one the way I vote, he did the same or so I guess. I love Austin, TX. He loves Austin. His pic pre cut. My pic post cut hence the smile. Both completed a racing season on our bicycle after our injury...wait... Never say never. You dig?

Publish Post

austin on ann arbor (the mitten & its peps)

2009-03-28T15:02:00.003-04:00

Four days without a bike ride was a needed rest...and sometimes you need one just to see what normal is in a crazy world. Thank-you for being you.

basement + words.

2009-03-07T15:25:00.011-05:00

It takes a boy to say, "I like you," a player to say, "I want you." and a man to say, "Baby I love you." I have done all three, however I am not sure what that means but have a Paczki while I go for a bike ride. It is the American way.

it never stops. but we must.

2009-03-05T21:59:00.001-05:00

moving me. heavy rotation.

2009-03-04T08:47:00.011-05:00

American Idol sucks ass and is waste of time and resources. Check this. Do you know Brett Dennen? You heard it here; hear? And I heard it from my heart and we share our toys. I am stoked, honored & I'd be lying if i said I was not a bit scared. Much love as hard as life may be at times it is good to have friends near and far - I remain yours in mind, body and spirit - as always - dan k

There ain’t no reason things are this way.
Its how they always been and they intend to stay.
I can't explain why we live this way, we do it everyday.
Preachers on the podium speakin’ of saints in seance,
Prophets on the sidewalk beggin’ for change,
Old ladies laughing from the fire escape, cursing my name.
I got a basket full of lemons and they all taste the same,
A window and a pigeon with a broken wing,
You can spend your whole life workin’ for something
Just to have it taken away.
People walk around pushing back their debts,
Wearing pay checks like necklaces and bracelets,
Talking ‘bout nothing, not thinking ‘bout death,
Every little heartbeat, every little breath.
People walk a tight rope on a razors edge
Carrying their hurt and hatred and weapons.
It could be a bomb or a bullet or a pen
Or a thought or a word or a sentence.

There Ain't no reason things are this way.
It's how they always been and they intend to stay
I don’t know why I say the things I say, but I say them anyway.
But love will come set me free
Love will come set me free,I do believe
Love will come set me free, I know it will
Love will come set me free, yes.

Prison walls still standing tall,
Some things never change at all.

Keep on buildin’ prisons, gonna fill them all,
Keep on buildin’ bombs, gonna drop them all.
Working your fingers bear to the bone,
Breaking your back, make you sell your soul.
Like a lung that’s filled with coal, suffocatin’ slow.
The wind blows wild and I may move,
The politicians lie and I am not fooled.
You don't need no reason or a three piece suit to argue the truth.
The air on my skin and the world under my toes,
Slavery stitched into the fabric of my clothes,
Chaos and commotion wherever I go, love I try to follow.

Love will come set me free
Love will come set me free, I do believe
Love will come set me free, I know it will
Love will come set me free, yes.

There ain't no reason things are this way
It’s how they always been and they intend to stay
I can't explain why we live this way, we do it everyday.

hearts. hogs. ides and ties.

2009-02-25T10:47:00.021-05:00

Me and my bike...
My Valentine’s Day you ask; a bit late, but full of love. There was no mistletoe on Christmas 2008 and thus no kiss of relevancy. There was my heart on Valentine’s Day, but no physical other to share mine with. Well I don’t like organized activities as awhole, I do like organic gatherings.
Holidays that involve capital as I am not a capitalist, I am not down with. On that list of organized holidays however are Halloween and Valentine’s Day. These are somewhat acceptable, if only a reminder to step outside yourself and look, giggle and guffaw at your body, your “self.” Who doesn’t like to dress as if they are not them...if only for a moment?
Laugh not at the image but laugh at what sometimes we can lose sight of, well. I’ll speak for myself, what I can lose sight of sometimes is me. Every 3-4 months “Dan the policeman” knocks on my door to check in with “Dan the man” to make sure I he staying true to himself. Sometimes I arrest myself and spend the night in a jail with no walls or bars but somehow I am stuck a prisoner of my own mind. Some days the losing myself means finding a new me, a lost me or just me; even that which is “not me,” (or in French Nott Mee.) Sometimes it includes the same words just said in the previous sentence but regarding others, friends and foes (the finding of them!). Finding new places to go in my mind as well is one of my favorite things to do. There is no valentine today, tomorrow or the next, only the idea of having a valentine other than myself, like my alter ego cop that arrests me, I will be my own cupid this year fortunate as equally as it is sad. Now that all sounds too serious so if you want a real holiday perhaps try Ground Hog Day with Punxsutawney Phil. F’kin A’. (space) My favorite Wacko’s are not from Waco, they are from Pennsylvania-I mean that. People come by the droves to catch a peak at a ground hog every February 2 nd. Just 23 days ago Punxsutawney Phil promised 6 more weeks of winter that means we have three more weeks of it ending March 15 or so. Ah, the Ides of March. Actually I could live in Texas (Austin) only. Can’t stand Republicans. In fact if I was on match.com I think I would put that. Yes, in fact, I would put that. Can’t stand Republicans. Wait a minute, furthermore my profile would read something like this, ladies take note…
Things to know about me: single, cute (that’s subjective) and educated (sort of) guy booked some weekend days in spring-fall for bicycle racing, typically mountain bike racing. That is way more adventurous than riding on the road. It’s my passion and I get high doing it. Sure you can come. How sweet. They even have kids races, it is so cute. Never been to a titty bar, never want to go but sexuality should not be ignored either. There is nothing more important than a kiss, it should be like a snowflake no two should be the same. The kiss is the entry to the soul. Hydration is key to a healthy life. I love to see people kiss…I love communication. I can climb mountains like a mother fucker.
I am so easy going BUT…if you go to the shooting range, like to hunt, frequent sporting events as a spectator more than 1 a month, play video games more than 1 hour a week, watch tons of TV or sports on TV, wear tons of makeup or are conservative or ultra conservative, it’s probably not worth your time to check me out. Must have job and sleep not more than 8 hours a day/average. If I need to be a stay at home dad, I will.

Deep fried dough. Paczki. Just what the doctor (without national health care) ordered. He/she gets paid to service fat asses. Capitalism obviously doesn’t work. How secure is your job or your friends? When will employers stop asking employees, “How many units were sold,” but rather ask, “How was the customer experience?” Date me and have a better customer experience, for I am not a unit. A girlfriend of mine actually cheated on her then boyfriend with me. Human nature = capitalism = need for 'Policeman Dan'. Knock knock knock. Dan says, "You are under arrest, for loving too many units & eating too many Paczki’s. Come out with your communication guns loaded and lay your words down."
I live in a mini Austin, TX, its called Ann Arbor. I live in Michigan. I am branded, but not stagnant. I am grounded but not stuck. I am what I am and that’s all that I am. Nuff. Not snuff. That’s for units. This is what I think about when I ride my bike. Peace. See you soon. My Valentine. I heart Austin. I heart u!!!

not boston. not chicago. this is detroit!

2009-01-28T13:46:00.002-05:00

talk to the hand casue' the head aint listening.

2009-01-23T20:39:00.004-05:00

Single (why not), cute (that's subjective) and educated (formally and informally) . Now on with the show. This one is dedicated to my first follower. You know you.

Did you ever have a heart to heart at a grocery store? On the phone? In the car? While sitting on the bench? With yourself? Well if you haven’t done those things you haven’t lived. Of course that is my opinion. When you are down and you have to pick yourself up. When you are up and you have to slow your self down. Your cadence is too high. Or you are pushing too big a gear. A deep breath. A trip to Florida and family, as disjointed as mine might be it is always nice…for the most part. The solitude of a 101 mile solo bike ride on New Year’s Eve ending at a fav burrito place Tijuana Flats gives you the space and time you need to think. Rides (in my case bike rides but nevertheless a metaphor for your transport vehicle into better worlds) is probably why I live. Why I love? That’s a whole another story. So this slice of life will have to do for now. I have my word and while it may take me awhile to get there I always love and I always get there. I got no time for hate. We are well into 2009 and I am well into me. My letter came as did some dreams on Tuesday. I am riding a bike this year, might I add, again, for the Fisher Bikes http://29ercrew.com/. So those dreams you have tucked in your pocket. The only one holding you back is you. You can make it happen anywhere you are. Just get back on the bike and GO! I really don’t like excuses and I am human so I in fact have made some. I’ve had that talk with myself that I speak of. Have you had that talk with me? You have if you are my friend, my brother. If you want to have that talk with me I am here. We will meet in the middle. I will have more details then. For now. My love. My life. My my eye!

Dan k.