Defining the Ineffable with James Murren
Reaching psychological flow
I first heard about Substack from a Joe Rogan Experience interview with Matt Taibbi.
It’s funny that the only thing that stuck with me about the nearly three hour conversation was the fact that Matt Taibbi had a Substack newsletter. I had never heard of it, so I went online and opened it up.
When searching for topics to read about, I typed “mountain biking.”
MTBeer was the first newsletter to pop up. I read through some of Murren’s posts and really liked the content. So for a while, MTBeer was the only Substack I’d get in my email inbox.
I didn’t mind.
If you haven’t read it, check it out. You’ll find stuff like this:
A point/counterpoint between mountain bikers we’ll call Person 1 (P1) and Person 2 (P2) might sound something like this, the notion being that it speaks to the differences in our community:
P1: Dude, you know your tire pressure is too high, don'tcha?
P2: I squeezed 'em and they felt okay to me. Look over there, a deer!
P1: I can't believe how many people still ride with tubes.
P2: Maybe they're riding what they got.
Above is just an excerpt. Read the rest here.
I appreciate his no-bullshit style, his tongue-in-cheek criticism of mountain bike culture and his simple, yet profound, insight into the activity. Read more of his stuff and you’ll learn he has a deep respect of the sport — regardless of how you enjoy it.
So when I started Cycotherapy and started thinking about who to talk to for its “defining the ineffable” series, I knew Murren would need to be someone to talk to.
So here you go. Introducing James Murren. He’s 48, lives in San Diego with his wife and works as a professor of Environmental Policy, Sustainability, and Food Politics at San Diego State University.
As a fellow cyclist, I know you have bikes. Can you list off your steeds?
2014 Cannondale Scalpel, I think. Had an '04 that cracked. Had my receipt. They replaced it with a new carbon frame. 26 inch wheels.
2010 Marin Pine Mountain 29er, Singlespeed. My go-to bike around San Diego.
2015 Surly Pugsley. Desert, snow, and all-around fun bike.
2019 Pivot Mach 6. 27.5. For the big stuff.
No nicknames for any of 'em.
What is the length of your last ride in hours and miles?
Last ride was 3 hours in the Sierra near Fish Camp. I don't know the mileage, as I don't use a bike computer or phone app when I ride.
You write about mountain biking and beer. It's a simple pair, yet it works so well. How did the idea to launch MTBeer come about?
I write Earn Your Beer for Adventure Sports Journal. That's a column/series. On my old blog, I used to write beer/ride kind of entries. They seem to go together and people are interested in hearing stories and learning about beers/breweries that are out there near trails. MTBeer is a space/place on the interwebs to get lost in mountain biking/independent beer musings and stuff.
When did you first get into mountain biking and why?
I've been riding bikes in the woods on trails since I was kid. Mountain biking, as we know it, came naturally during the undergrad years. I haven't stopped since, which was nearly 30 years ago. Why? It's fun!
What has cycling done for you, both professionally and personally?
It keeps me mentally and physically healthy. I've made friends, gone on great trips, and have a brain full of positive memories. On the writing side, I've had much luck/fortune in getting things in print. That helps offset all the costs of owning bikes and going on bike trips! Plus beer!
Describe the feeling that cycling gives you.
Riding a bike on a trail gives me the opportunity to possibly reach the state of psychological flow, along with seeing beautiful places/landscapes. I enjoy feeling like I'm "away," too.
There you have it. Thanks for stopping by to read this.
And thanks to James Murren for taking the time to oblige all of us.
Next week, we’ll spend some time with
, who writes . Check her publication out when you get the chance. Her profile of Tadej Pogačar, published in Cycling Tips in October, was moving. She also wrote about Primož Roglič’s fall during the 16th Stage of La Vuelta. Or was it instead about her? Her transparency, and vulnerability, as a journalist covering the sport is refreshing and exciting.
I believe Bicycling magazine had an article a few years back on the great benefits of a post-ride beer, such as proteins for muscle restoration and the hydration equation. Plus, nothing tastes finer after a hot ride below the Mason Dixon Line in August!