Well things are rolling along nicely for 2010. I just returned from a trip to the mother ship up in Morgan Hill to discuss team and series with two of the companies head honchos.

Every time I visit the big "S", the place always blows my mind.

Whether its the new product, the show room floor or the staff…. The whole place seems really dialed in as well oiled machine.

I gave myself a good scare messing around when I thought the electric chair upstairs displaying the helmets was a prop. I decided to flip the red power lever to see what would happen and to my surprised the thing came alive with a deep vibrating, pulsating sound that made me jump…..I guess that's what you get for messing around with things you shouldn't!

The meeting between myself, Sho-Air president Scott Tedro, Bobby "The Beast" Behan and Ben "The enforcer" Capron was enlightening to say the least. To add to the surrealism to the whole thing, The Captain himself called into the meeting and was pumped into the room via a massive BOSE speaker system. Fittingly, Ned sounded like the voice of God himself as his voice permeated the ceiling tiles as he chimed in on topics and gave us his input. Considering Ned has been with Specialized for several decades, I just thought the whole scenario was too funny.

After the meeting, Bobby gave Scott and I a quick tour. We got a sneak peek at some of the new product and equipment coming out for 2010. The stuff I saw was unbelievable and it looks like Specialized really does believe in their "Innovate or Die" mantra!

Later that night, we met up with Bobby for dinner at one of his local Morgan Hill Thai food haunts. Unfortunately, Ben "The Enforcer" Capron had parenting and family duties back home and was unable to join us.

We still managed to have a good time and get back to the hotel at a decent hour.

On Friday morning, I hooked up with R&D guy Eric Schuda and Global Marketing guru Sam Benedict. It was good to catch up with these two, especially Eric who is a So. Cal transplant and who I have known through Rock N Road Cyclery for many years. Its refreshing to see Eric find a company where his passion and experience is well used.

I then hopped a flight out of San Jose back home to O.C., just in time to start my weekend.

Until Next Time,

The Red Cowboy