Well the ink is just dry on a very successful Livestrong Challenge/Ride for the Roses week, the 13th. It was our, SRAM’s Neutral Support, first time pitching in on this keystone Austin event, and we can only say “IMPRESSIVE.”

From the day we first arrived, it seemed Austin rolled out the red carpet for the arrival of thousands of LAF minded cyclists. Weather, bike lanes, grub/coffee/trailer-cupcakes, accommodations and all around good vibes made for tops in hospitality. Today’s TRD cover model, Mellow Johnny’s, the event’s host bike shop, proved to be for the most geeked-out techs among us the embodiment of the event.

MJ’s opened on May 10, 2008 and we’ve seen a steady progression towards retail superstardom with international reach, thanks in part to a certain shop owner’s penchant for donning the shop kit, but the staff, hustle and atmosphere of the joint more than deliver on the growing mystique.

Adding to the already well oiled and heeled coffee shop annex, Juan Pelota’s Cafe; the service area; Lance’s collection of famed machines; and overall top selections in bikes, accessories & soft goods, MJ’s has been busy filling out the rest of the former depot-warehouse space.

The soon to be formally launched Radio Shack Team & Trek Livestrong U23 Service Course is nearing completion & Kevin Livingston’s Pedal Hard Training Center has moved in downstairs along with it’s own Retul Fit Studio A few steps further and you can spec out your next custom build with limitless selection of in stock hardware. ‘Warmed our hearts to see so much Zipp and SRAM gear and it’s cool to see a fully dialed Trek Project 1 studio in action. Too much pressure? Run back upstairs, simplify & spec out an XX 29′R or a fixie in the Track Shack.

During our final hours in town, with rain streaming down outside, we went back to shop one last time for coffee and one last fix. Sure enough, Jeff Castelaz and his Pablove Ride staff had just pulled up for a well deserved break on their continental crossing. It was great to meet Jeff in person and feel the energy of the man first hand.

MJ’s delivered once again.