Why the Hell Not?

As a curious person who often asks, “Why the hell not?” I was recently thinking about all the great people I surround myself with who say, “Well, this is why.” Besides a natural need for balance, this past year has been in a state of repose — going about life dutifully managing for the “why not.”

As I sat down to write this column, I started thinking about just how excited I am for warmer months ahead. It feels like brighter horizons are giving us a chance to explore life anew — a convenient segue to talk about the latest issue of Gear Patrol Magazine.

Here at Gear Patrol, summer previews have always been about ideas and products. But after a year like no other, I find myself craving something else: motivation. It’s a good thing, then, that the issue you’re holding is full of it. One of the greatest gifts is an unexpected upside, and you’ll find much of that in the pages to follow.

If you’re itching to look at the world beyond the screen, I’ll point you straight to “How to Pack for a Microadventure” (p.130). Our deputy editor, Jack Seemer, went all out drafting buyer’s blueprints for near-home pursuits — from cycling a “century” (that’s bike speak for 100 miles) to overnight overlanding. Turn to page 120 and join us in Japan for an exclusive look behind the scenes with Tommy O’Gara, a native Nebraskan who has spent the past 40 years of his life crafting a reputation as one of the most inspired designers in eyewear. And speaking of inspiration, our outdoors and fitness editor, Steve Mazzucchi, an avid cyclist himself, takes a timely look at the people and brands paving new roads in the cycling world. His story, “Cycle of Change” (p. 52) goes inside the burgeoning movement to make the sport more diverse. It’s gear. It’s inclusive. And it’s refreshingly colorful.

In that same vein, I wanted to share a personal note: As a person of color working in an industry with a homogeneous reputation, I, too, have been on a personal journey of race and understanding. Not just as an individual but also as a dad and an Asian-American leader of an organization in a position to do better. The past year has heightened my sense of awareness and responsibility, but it’s also forced necessary discussions that have, at the very least, greased the wheels of progress.

At Gear Patrol, that dialogue began last year through questions, conversations and pitches. Today, it continues through journalism, resources and internal stewardship. I can do better. Gear Patrol can do better. But as a person of color working behind the scenes to help foster an environment of change, I can personally attest to our entire team’s commitment to be more mindful, inclusive and equitable — and I hope you’ll continue to see that in the work we do and the service we provide.

With that said, welcome to spring. It’s been a long winter, so I hope you’ll be inspired to pursue something new or get out there. Safely. And perhaps, you can start to look at life with a welcome sense of “why the hell not?” yourself.