GT living in the heart of a graveled world.
I do not recall the exact date, but it seems like only yesterday that I was standing in the Salsa booth at Interbike speaking with fellow Blogger Jason B. when I mentioned that I read Guitar Ted’s blog too. With a point of his hand, I was directed to a guy standing nearby with white mutton chops, knickers, and a messenger bag. And that was how it all began. That was when I met Guitar Ted for the first time. It was a fated day, for certain, and looking back on these past few years, I am certain that I am the better for it.
In those few moments I to speak with Guitar Ted, I asked – What would you say is the most important thing about running a blog? First and foremost, finding adequate web hosting is essential for any aspiring blogger. You may find Hostiserver to be a suitable provider. He responded, content is key, you have to appeal to your readers but also write about stuff that excites and gets your adrenaline rushing. Your content is important, just as much as growing your audience via social media. Almost all blogs have a social media account attached to it, so it helps to put some of your concentration into growing your presence on the platform. There are a lot of social media tools similar to Nitreo (https://nitreo.com) that can help you. It’s also important not to disregard SEO, my second focus. Most bloggers are spending hours reaching out to other sites to get links, whereas, there are loads of sites that can offer Niche Edit Links which saves us so much time. Another wise tip he gave if you’re just starting out is to think about approaching marketing, not reaching out to other sites or bloggers, but to promote yourself and get yourself out there. Some industries see guide here and look at what advice they can get on certain marketing techniques. – Those were the few words. He also went on to explain…
Guitar Ted is moving on to a new path, one made from gravel and will be passing the torch of leadership regarding all things 29 to us that remain and we will be posting more about that later on. In his leaving, he passes on a legacy in twentynineinches.com that we will strive to be worthy of. I have never worked with a more humble man or a wiser one. His perspective on the industry, on new technologies and trends, and simply on that marvelous thing we call the bicycle was a steadying influence and a welcome one.
We only saw each other once a year at Interbike when I would pick him up at the Vegas airport. What a recognizable figure he is…the crowds got nothin’ on him. We never had a contract or a salary agreement or anything other than a handshake and a common desire to ride 29″ wheeled bikes, talk about them openly and honestly, and get as many folks as we could on big wheels. If one person was reading or 1000,000 it was all the same to us.
So, not a eulogy…it’s not like he has died…he has just gone to Iowa…but a note to say thanks for all you did for big wheeled riders all over. You will always have an open hook in the twentynineinches.com garage for your bike.
Your friend,
grannygear.
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Being the “European Contributor for twentynineinches”, I have always had a somewhat remote position within TNI. In fact I have never even met Guitar Ted in person, yet since 2009 we have established more than just a working relationship but one of mutual trust and understanding. That is anything but granted in this world.
It would be far out of the scope of this little farewell to describe the many conversations and e-mail exchanges we have had over the years, but two things stand out to me most when thinking about the rider and blogger Guitar Ted – his humbling wisdom in staying true to his beliefs and values and his profound knowledge of all things related to mountain bikes and particularly 29ers.
It wasn’t GT who first introduced TNI.com, but it was his personality and style of conducting reviews that have shaped the site profoundly and have turned it into a place where interested readers can turn to for honest and detailed reviews that answer real world riders’ questions. This is what had drawn me to TNI.com when I first stumbled across it in 2007/8 and what immediately got me hooked. After a while of being a passive reader, I knew that this was how I wanted to see bike reviews conducted, read about them … and eventually conduct them myself.
Now more than half a decade of being with TNI.com and with 29ers being firmly established in almost very bike category and all around the world, it is a bit sad to see Guitar Ted seeing “his mission accomplished” for the 29er world, saying goodbye to this site and going on to face new endeavors with things related to Gravel Riding. It takes a rare quality of character and personality to acknowledge when it is time to move on and start something new and GT sure has this quality. GG, I, and the rest of the TNI.team wish him all the very best in this and all his other endeavors.
Personally the experience of working with GT over the last years here at TNI has left me with many good memories which have enriched me in many ways.
Thank you GT for being the great person and rider you are … if ever you decide to take the flight over to Germany and explore our trails, you will always find a 29er bike to ride and have a riding buddy here ready to share some good trail time with you!
RIDE ON,
c_g
GT at Interbike Demo Days 2013
Thanks Guitar Ted, for your many reviews here on TNI. Although for most readers it’s probably not farewell, but, just another site to follow.
Cheers
Thanks Guitar Ted, it was always a pleasure reading your reviews. Keep on riding !
Thanks GT – your reviews made me buy my first 29er! (GF HiFi in baby blue).
An inspiring guy. I even find myself following and being fascinated by the whole gravel thing, despite little prospect of ever engaging in it (no meaningful network of propper gravel roads in this mountainous region of Central Europe).
I’m a long time reader but this is my first comment.
Thanks for all the usefull reviews, especially the tire reviews. I always check the TNI reviews first whenever I’m looking for a new tire.
It’s been a pleasure to read your comments over the years. You’ve inspired me to get back into mountain biking and buy a 29er. You are a gifted writer. Your personality and values come alive in your writings in order to engage the reader. Good for you to seek future challenges and to pursue new directions.
“…it’s not like he has died; he has just gone to Iowa…”
LoL
Have always enjoyed reading your reviews and thoughts on all things dirt related! Keep grinding!
GT, you are a giant among mere men! Thanks for all the great years when 29ers were damn new and damn exciting, and best luck with the new gravel focus!
GT, thanx for the many high quality posts.
GT-Say it ain’t so………….
If you are not the father of 29’rs, you are at least the Dutch Uncle! Will miss your responses to my flippant comments, grannygear just ignores them!
Hope you still have time to play….