A Week of Finding Great Things, Ep 43
In all honesty, this was a quiet week for finding things. I know it might seem counterintuitive for someone who runs a newsletter about “things” to be not so impressed by the level of consumerism at this time of year, but the brain is rarely rational. So, instead, I will be sharing YouTube videos that have caught my eye, gave me a laugh, or left me captivated.
Red Bull - The Ultimate Run
For whatever reason, I love watching skiing content, even though I do not ski (I did a bit growing up). Regardless, this 10-minute video is one of my go-to’s if I want my jaw to hit the floor and be in complete awe of what the human body can accomplish.
UCI Cyclocross World Cup - Hulst
I know cycling is a hugely niche sport to watch, but cyclocross is a discipline within the sport that is far and away the most exciting. It is a mix of mountain biking, road biking, gravel biking and cross-country running. The courses involve mud, steep hills, sand pits, stairs (that the riders need to hop off their bike to go over), and the constant threat of crashing.
If you want an hour of chaos in your life, I recommend watching Cyclocross!
Festive 500 - Sleepless in Seattle
This was one of the first short-form documentaries I watched that got me interested in cycling. The Festive 500 is an unsanctioned cycling event that challenges people to bike 500 kilometres over an 8-day stretch from December 23rd to 31st. Originally started by clothing brand, Rapha, the only prize is a digital discount code and a virtual badge on Strava. Still, there is something special about finding a way to ride that much in an 8-day stretch, especially as the distance will most likely be covered in cold, wet, miserable weather.
At some point in my life, I will accomplish a Festive 500.
I ate at every Rainforest Cafe in the Country
Switching gears completely, we move into the comedy genre. Eddy Burback is an incredibly talented YouTuber who decided that a good use of his time would be to do a road trip around America, eating at every single Rainforest Cafe. For those who are unaware, Rainforest Cafe is a chain of restaurants known for its intense decor, featuring animatronics, simulated lightning storm sounds, and relatively mediocre food. While the popularity of the chain has dwindled in the mainstream, it has found some new success appealing to those who seek out “ironic” experiences and want to try quintessential Americana.
This video is a fever dream, so please watch it with an open mind!
REESE COOPER Presents: “How To Make a Chore Coat”
This video is a bit of a deep cut for me. During the pandemic, Reese Cooper released a DIY kit for a Chore Coat. In a moment of inspiration, I purchased the kit. One problem, I didn’t know how to sew, nor had I ever tried. Sadly, I never completed the kit, and it now sits in my sister’s basement, collecting dust.
Maybe one day I will learn to sew, but what I do know is that my family will always poke fun at the fact that I wanted a “chore coat”, when I have rarely, if ever, been in a barn, undertaken blue-collar activities, or strayed from my relatively urbanite experience.
Happy holidays for whatever you celebrate!
Benjamin