INDEPENDENT STORYTELLING PLATFORM DOCUMENTING GRASSROOTS RACE CULTURE AND THE COMMUNITIES BEHIND IT
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Reflections
I’m often asked to describe or define what the term “loam” means. Simply put, it is dirt. More technically, “Loam is a type of soil that’s got a lot going on: loam contains clay, sand, and decaying organic substances.“ That describes perfectly the soil we build trails and ride on here in the Pacific Northwest. But the Loam Coffee origin story began in a place not known for its rich soil … the Sonoran Desert. So, how did Loam Coffee come into being? Let me tell you a story …
It was literally a year ago today that I was sitting in a coffee shop in Santa Barbara, California, with my journal and laptop open. Since I was on the coast, it seemed appropriate to listen to the Beach Fossils on Spotify. I sat there wide-eyed and excited. After selling Loam Coffee three years prior, it was mine again. I just got it back before hopping on a plane to attend a wedding in California. Now what?
Like you, I’ve had more adventures on my bike than I can count, from mountain biking to gravel riding to a few races here and there over the decades. But do you know what? Most of the memories of those rides are hazy. They don’t always come to the front of my mind quickly. But you know what I vividly remember? All of the misadventures.
One of my favorite podcasts is Trail EAffect, hosted by Josh Blum. It’s my go-to when I ride laps at our local in-city bike park in Portland. In the podcast, Josh interviews various people involved in trail building. At the end of an interview, he often asks, “What do you look for in a trail town?” I love that question and think about it often. I have my answer, but I am curious: how would you answer it?
2023 was a momentous year for me personally and for Loam Coffee. When I sold Loam back in 2020, I was excited and relieved. Those feelings slowly turned to mourning and loss. Therefore, when I reacquired Loam in March, I was ecstatic … and still am. As I reflect on 2023, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and excitement for the future. Let me share why …
It certainly has been a week of ups and downs around here. First, Nacho the Van was stolen last Wednesday night/Thursday morning. While there was a lot of uncertainty that we’d ever see Nacho again, we received a call from Portland Police that they had found it Sunday night. But that’s not the end of the story …
