Fast becoming a local favorite, Twisted Trails: Least of the Beast is a story about the future of cycling but it all starts in Venice, Florida. Right from the first chapter we are taken on a ride through the wilds of the T. Mabry Carlton Reserve as our main character learns that Florida has more to offer than sunshine and beaches. Look what the reviewers have to say... "Hutchinson writes with a deep love and  knowledge of the sport" Indie Reviews "A Grand coming of age tale" Jack Magnus, Reader's Favorite - 5 stars "Entertaining and Inspiring" Jeff F - 5 Stars There are two ways to get a copy of this book. You can grab a Kindle copy at Amazon.com or you can get a paperback copy at Venice's Favorite Bike Shop - Bicycles International. Bicycles International 1744 S. TAMIAMI TRL  (941) 497-1590 MONDAY-FRIDAY 9:30AM - 5:30PM SATURDAY 9:30AM - 5:00PM SUNDAY 9:30AM - 1:30PM

Mon, June 29th, 2015 (Englewood, FL) - I love training. Not more than competition but there is a real sense of purpose that comes from pushing yourself to a new level with a clear goal in mind. This is my second day of an eight week build up to the fall Cyclocross season. Last year I tried CX for the first time and fell in love. It combines all the things I love about Mountain Biking with all the things I enjoyed about BMX Racing. Last year I could only afford to do 4 races but this year I have sponsors and a schedule. A little help goes a long way. As for the process, I'm already sweating. Weighed in at 175.6 and will check that number as the summer goes on. I have a series of conditioning exercises plus CX riding blocks all lined up on my white boards (Of which I have 3). I'll be keeping careful track of RPE's, nutrition, hydration, miles and hours on the bike as well as personal records for each exercise in my home gym. I plan to suffer, OCD style! It is crazy ...

I have only ever tested a handful of 29ers. I generally found them to be more stable, aggressive on technical downhills with laid out geometry that felt race focused. While that sense of balance and control left a positive impression, I have never been able to afford such a beast. However, I will get to race one. Bicycles International of Venice and Luksha Reconstruction noticed my recent boost in name recognition, mostly due to the popularity of my book Twisted Trails . Then I told them about my ambitious racing schedule so they decided to sponsor me for the 2015 season. What I needed most was a bike good enough for cross country racing and gravel grinders. It didn't have to be a world beater but it had to stand a step above my now beat up Trek Four Series. Admittedly, that would be an easy task. "What kind of bikes do you see at the races?" asked Jason Luksha, owner of Luksha Reconstruction. While the trends have been fluctuating over the years between 26, 27...