I'm just kidding.  You will never hear me talk about power meters.  This is a power meter free zone.  That's it, the last time they will ever be mentioned.  Power meter.  Okay, I let it slip one more time.  Ah hell, I don't even own one.  One of those gauges-who-must-not-be-named.  I just know I kick ass when I beat cars from block to block cuz of traffic lights and because I'm full of the p-word. For the record, it's actually spelled "powah."  Like yowzah, y'know?

So a power meter walks into a bar...

"Watt's up?" he says.  Ya.  That's the punch line.  Sorry, okay, really done.  It's gotta be some kind of passing mood.

But for shits and giggles, I will indulge you.  "Watt's up" is this column, what's going on is this first, most epic post, what shakin' is your new favorite e-zine and blog.  Expect me to pander to your material weaknesses and exploit your guiltiest temptations.  You can decide later if that's a good thing.  First, I think it's best if we start with SUPER low expectations (see aforementioned meters of powah and associated jokes of the horrible kind) and it can only possibly be up from there.  Expect tirades of frustration over how much time and opportunity there isn't to get two wheels on the road and play, eyes lit like the kiddies on Christmas morning.  Also look for outpourings of exuberance and jubilation at the simplest joys of a pedaling existence.

There will be bike talk, and not-bike talk.  Buried deep beneath it all with be the intrinsic take-home message that everything at its essence is really a metaphor for life, whether it's the trail you've bombed, the donuts you've inhaled, the bike you've built, the day you've shared, football, foosball, futbol, et al.  I promise nothing except to listen, as I know this will evolve just as sure as any relationship, and you and I will learn more together.

But for now, I wanted to say that my name is Byron.  I will be your guide and your steward, your foil and your friend, your advisor and your sounding board this evening.  Pretend like we're just about to go on a really long, fun ride together.  Eyes lit like the kiddies on Christmas morning.  With that, Happy Holidays.  Happy New Year.  Just...happy.  There will be a next time.