The dream for most of us gear heads is to have a car you drive to the track, spend the day racing, then take home—no trailer necessary. But most track-focused cars are too stiff and uncomfortable to drive very far on public streets, while road cars are too soft and supple to provide much of a thrill on a circuit. But what if there were one that was just right for both? The 2023 Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica might just be our Goldilocks answer to this quandary.
Yes, It’s Fast!
Last year, Lamborghini debuted the Huracán STO, a road car that prioritizes track experience over driving on public thoroughfares. It was certainly brilliant ripping laps at hellacious speeds, but it was quite evident the STO wasn’t a rig well-suited to bumps in the road. With the 2023 Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica, the Italian maker has effectively created an STO in street clothing. The engine, transmission, and braking system are essentially the same, but the chassis has been given a softer setup, making it more comfortable in everyday situations. Also, Lamborghini has stripped away much of the aero kit, as well as the massive scoop and wing, giving it a more conventional Lamborghini aesthetic.
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Of course those changes are not strictly visual, the Tecnica offers less downforce than the STO, but it does generate 35 percent more rear downforce than the Huracán EVO and 20 percent less drag. Also, Lamborghini has reshaped the underside of the car and the brake vents to keep them cooler and prevent stopping power from fading as you push it on the road or track.
To save a bit of mass, Lambo used lightweight materials including a carbon fiber hood and engine cover to reduce the weight of the Tecnica by 10 kg compared to the EVO RWD.
The aforementioned engine is a naturally aspirated V-10 that savagely throws 631 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. At the 8,500 rpm redline, the sound is both staggering and addictive. Once you hear it, you want to hear it again and again, like your favorite song on repeat.
Controlling how the car deploys that staggering power, the LDVI (Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata) system manages the totality of the car’s dynamic behavior. Drivers have the option of three driving modes: Strada provides maximum comfort; Sport mode sharpens the throttle input, revs higher in automatic, and adds a bit of oversteer to the rear wheels; and Corsa offers maximum lateral and longitudinal grip, the fastest shifting from the gearbox, and greater precision for sticking the line on the track while you try to find the limit.
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On the Road
There are some truly epic driving roads in Spain, especially around the Parc Natural de la Serra Calderona, and if you find yourself behind the wheel of the Tecnica, you’ll want to drive them all.
Pop it into the Sport setting and the Valencian hills come alive with the sounds of V-10 music. Give the Tecnica even a modest amount of throttle and it howls. Push the accelerator further and it screams. Gear shifts are intensely quick, whether you’re lazily rolling in automatic or using the paddles while cosplaying an F1 driver. The carbon ceramic brakes are so strong they could probably yank the Millennium Falcon from hyperspace to a dead stop in a few hundred feet, but the pedal itself feels a bit dull.
Moreover, the throttle response in Strada could be a little sharper. The Tecnica requires a forceful push of the accelerator to wake the engine from its slumber. But that massive V-10 power is only a stomp away. Minor gripes in the big picture.
The softer setup makes the Tecnica a reasonably comfortable place to grind out highway miles or saunter through town. Of course, for most customers, it won’t serve as a daily driver. But it’s certainly versatile enough that it could.
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On the Track
As good as the Huracán Tecnica is on the road, it’s equally adroit on the track. Flicking through turns and hammering the throttle on straights, it’s hard to find the edge in this car lapping the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Raw speed comes so easily to the Tecnica what seems like hair-on-fire-fast in other cars feels easily manageable.
Rear-wheel steering gives the Tecnica both enhanced maneuverability at lower speeds and more lateral stability at faster ones, a feature you appreciate both on the track or during hairpin turns and hills on the open road. Optionally, the same custom Bridgestone Potenza race tires featured on the STO provide insane levels of grip that leave you with the impression there’s no line you can’t hold. But should you get a touch too aggressive, the traction control system can unwind all but the most serious mistakes.
Best of Both Worlds
For those who are going to live the dream and drive their race machine to the track, along with those race specific tires, customers should probably pick up a set of the Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires and some extra rims to swap for track days.
Those lucky few should also add the optional roll bar, though it does significantly diminish the already minimal rear visibility. But when you’re driving a Lamborghini, what’s behind you doesn’t matter…unless they have flashing lights and a siren.
Layering up for colder weather doesn’t mean you have to concede style. Here are the fashionable, purpose-built outerwear pieces that will help pull your fall wardrobe together.
Get the look (above): Nicgid Crossbody Bag ($25; amazon.com); K-Way Orange Le Vrai Jacket ($100; k-way.us); Filson Rail-Splitter Jeans ($250; filson.com); Burton Camo Jacket ($230; burton.com); Buck Mason Cotton Field Tee ($45; buckmason.com); Redwing Copper Heritage Classic Moc ($310; redwing.com)
Iron Heart America Cotton Selvedge Work Shirt ($365; ironheartamerica.com); Buck Mason Cotton Costa Curved Tee ($48; buckmason.com); Dior Men Brown Pants ($1,350; dior.com)
Colin Clark
Dsquared2 Cotton Black Sweater ($995; dsquared2.com); Zegna Linen Workwear Trousers ($1,495; zegna.com); Buck Mason Field Spec Surplus Tee ($45; buckmason.com)
If you love beer, you’re in the right place—at the right time. With over 9,000 breweries in the United States alone, there are more craft beer varieties, styles, and flavors than ever. And, every day, experimentation and innovation are taking beer in new directions. To keep track of what’s brewing, we’re taste-testing and calling out some of the best beers you can find. If you want to pick up something special to drink, check out our favorite beers available now.
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Full Sail Brewing Company Sesión Cerveza
Style: Mexican-style lager
Full Sail first started producing Session in 2005—and it was a big hit due to its drinkability. That line now includes Session Premium Lager, Session IPA, and Session Hazy Pale Ale. Sesión Cerveza is the brewery’s take on a Mexican lager—perfect for the dog days of summer. In 2017, the beer took home a silver for international-style pilsner category at the Great American Beer Festival and, in the same category, a gold at the U.S. Open Beer Championship. Sesión Cerveza boasts a pale straw yellow color with a quickly dissipating head. Its aroma has a combination of bread, yeast, and malt—though not overwhelming. It’s light and hoppy, with a slight bitterness to finish.
This article was produced in partnership with Pendleton Whisky
“I got your six” is a phrase that’s been around for more than a century. It was first coined by American fighter pilots in World War I.
Soldiers used clock positioning to inform direction. For example, twelve o’clock is straight in front of you and six o’clock is right behind you. So, when a WWI fighter pilot said, “I got your six,” it meant, “I got your back.” Enemy pilots would try to get behind your tail and shoot you down, but you trusted your wingman to protect your “six.”
As a former recon marine and retired US Navy SEAL Officer, I have many stories of amazing men and women who have picked me up, covered for me, and protected my “six.” I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them—but one story in particular stands out.
It was September 29, 2006 (Saint Michael’s Day), during the Battle of Ramadi. It was one of the most violent battles of the Iraq War, and I was in command of a 12-man element comprising four Navy SEALs and eight Iraqi scouts. The mission was to provide sniper overwatch support for the famed 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment—the same unit from the HBO series Band of Brothers—as they cleared a highly contested district of the city. We snuck into the enemy-held district during the middle of the night and set up sniper positions on the third-story roof of a prominent building. When the sun rose, we were engaged in sporadic gunfights with Al Qaeda insurgents that remained throughout the day.
About mid-day, Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor, known as “Mikey” by our entire SEAL Platoon, assumed security. A SEAL was located three feet to his left, and I was three feet to his right. An enemy combatant utilized cover and concealment to sneak close enough to our position, then hurled a grenade onto the roof. The grenade barely cleared the lip of the wall, striking Mikey in the chest before settling on the ground. Mikey yelled, “Grenade!” and without hesitation jumped on it to absorb the blast. The other SEAL and I were wounded from shrapnel to the legs, but we survived because of Mikey.
This is the most selfless act anyone can do. Mikey was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest award for selfless valor above and beyond the call of duty. Mikey’s story will soon be told in a book, due to be released this fall.
I consider myself lucky to have experienced this bond—this concept. No matter the circumstances or how bad things got, I knew my tribe always had my six. At the same time, we understood that this was a sacred pact of trust. I would never ask my comrades to break the law or violate their integrity to cover my six. It would defy the meaning of those words.
“I got your six” also means holding your brothers and sisters accountable when you see them violating the ethics and principles we hold dear. That doesn’t mean reporting them to a higher power, but taking a morally courageous action to confront them and provide corrective action to ensure it never happens again.
This notion was the foundation upon which our trust and camaraderie was built, further forged by shared adversity—going to hell and back with one another. This is one of the most powerful unifying principles for top-tier teams, regardless of profession or industry.
Of course, the idea of having one’s back is not solely reserved for military members and the profession of arms. In a non-war environment, this phrase can be used to comfort our fellow man: No matter what happens, I am here to support you. You can trust me. You have my loyalty.
As we approach Independence Day, we should remember and embrace the great many things that unite us as Americans. More than just a phrase, “I’ve got your six” represents an unbreakable bond with our fellow man, whether it be a family member, friend, co-worker, or even a stranger. Most importantly, it reminds us to treat one another with respect and a sense of loyalty, regardless of our personal backgrounds or beliefs.
Look around. There are countless examples of everyday acts of selflessness—a bystander pulling someone out of a burning car, a community rallying around essential workers during COVID-19, anonymous and plentiful donations to help a family that lost everything to a fire.
“I’ve got your six” can be integrated into everyone’s life. It starts with building genuine, trustworthy relationships and reminding yourself that it’s not all about you. Instead, it’s about selflessly caring for the well-being of others.
Building trust within our tribes and the greater American tribe will give us purpose beyond measure.
I’ve got your six, how about you?
Liz Nemeth
Introducing Pendleton Whisky’s ‘We’ve Got Your 6’ Limited Military Edition Bottle:
In partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Pendleton Whisky released its fourth-annual, limited-edition military appreciation bottle to honor veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Pendleton Whisky has pledged to donate $100,000 and a portion of proceeds to support the Bob Woodruff Foundation to help create healthy, positive futures for our service members, veterans, and their families.
I am proud to endorse Pendleton’s ‘We’ve Got Your 6’ Limited Edition Military Edition Bottle, which represents the military motto I hold dear to this day. Whiskey was the go-to libation for my units. Toast to a fallen comrade: shot of whiskey. Introduce a new team member: shot of whiskey. Wish farewell to a teammate: shot of whiskey. To this day, I take a shot of whiskey on every anniversary of a fallen teammate.
Yoga mats might seem like a simple piece of gear, but these six-foot rubber pads symbolize more. By unfurling one in a bikram yoga class or at home in front of your favorite yoga channel, you’re creating a physical space to move your body as well as a mental space to invite more mindfulness. Think of the mat as a landing spot for taking care of your entire wellbeing.
If you’re new to the practice or just looking to upgrade your yoga mat, you’ll want to consider a few different features before adding one to your shopping cart. The most noticeable feature on yoga mats is the material they’re made from. Most yoga mats are made from a blend of rubber and polyurethane to provide grip during sweaty workouts, but some mats are made from fabric and plant-derived materials. Yoga brands are being more conscientious about using earth-friendly ingredients, so keep an eye out for mats that are made with recycled content, are FSC-certified, and are chemical-free.
The next feature to consider is thickness. If you’re sensitive to hard surfaces or tend to have joint pain, opt for a thicker mat: It’ll offer more cushioning for your hands, knees, elbows, and feet when they make contact with the ground. You can also add a blanket, pillow, or block for extra support. Keep in mind that the thicker the yoga mat, the larger it’s going to be when rolled up. Thinner mats tend to be lighter and easier to roll up and transport.
Bonus features in some selections include antimicrobial additives, anti-slip coatings, lifetime guarantees, extra surface area, and the use of natural materials like grass and cotton.
To help you choose the right yoga mat, we compiled 15 of our favorites for all types of yoga sessions. Whether you’re planning on sweating out all your worries in a hot yoga class or just doing some after-work stretching, these are the best yoga mats for men in 2022.
Sharing tips on how to make and flavor your own kombucha at home!
Hi friends! Hope you’re having a lovely morning! This week is a bit bonkers and we’re enjoying time with some friends who are here from Florida! I’ll be back on Friday with some faves, but in the meantime, here’s a post from the archives. If you’re curious about making your own kombucha at home, here’s the full how-to!
So, it FINALLY HAPPENED.
After about a year (maybe a little longer?) of inconsistently making kombucha at home, I finally made some that tastes even better than store-bought stuff.
How To Make And Flavor Kombucha At Home
Homemade Orange Cranberry Ginger Kombucha
It was getting really close, and I was happy with the flavor combos I’d tried, but it was always a little too tangy, too sweet, not fizzy enough, etc.
After quite a bit of experimentation, I got the result I’d been searching for my finished kombucha; it was a glorious moment indeed. A warm embrace was shared with the kombucha jar before holding the scoby in the air like a baby Simba while singing a celebratory chant.
(Ok, just in my mind.)
Tips on How to Make Kombucha at Home
-I followed the steps in this post, but will outline them again, updated with the current techniques.
1) The quality of the scoby (the starter bacteria that looks like a flat, opaque gummy disk) makes all the difference in the world. I got an awesome scoby from Amazon, but I’ve also ordered a dud that ended up molding. (A little tidbit about mold: a lot of people are rightfully fearful about making moldy or bad kombucha. If the batch is bad, it’s an obvious thing. You will know it’s bad just by looking at it. The scoby will have blue or greenish patches on it, and well, it will look like mold. Don’t drink it; throw it away to start over.) The scoby I picked up from the farmer’s market in Ocean Beach is a BEAST.
(I got a bottle from the farmer’s market, filled with scoby strands and starter tea. To say I was skeptical would be an understatement. Shame on me.)
I’ve made multiple batches with said amazing scoby and also gave one to Whitney; she now has a full-up scoby hotel.
I like ‘em thick.
Scoby handling guidelines: always make sure your hands, tools, container, anything that comes in contact with the scoby, are fully sanitized. Do not touch the scoby (or stir your kombucha) with anything metal; it can destroy it. Use wood or plastic tools instead.
The Kombucha Fermentation Process
2) After you have your scoby, make your starter tea (black and green tea with NO added essential oils work well). I like the Newman’s Own organic black tea. 8-10 cups of water to 8-10 bags of tea (equal water:tea ratio). After the water comes up to a boil, I add the tea bags, remove from the heat and stir in one cup of organic sugar. Let the tea cool completely to room temperature before straining it and pouring into your kombucha jar (this is a perfect one).
3) Next, you’ll add about 2 cups of starter liquid (or whatever came with your scoby), and gently place the scoby on top. If the scoby and tea are the exact same temperature, it will float beautifully to the top. If it sinks to the bottom, NBD. Just let it swim around and a new scoby will grow on top.
4) Cover it with cheesecloth or a paper towel (covered to protect, but with something that will enable it to breathe) and secure with an elastic band before placing in a dark cabinet to ferment. Avoid looking at it while it’s fermenting (the kombucha is brewing!), and start checking the taste of the mixture in about a week. This is where you’ll decide how tangy or sweet you like it.
Dip a clean plastic spoon into the ‘buch and give it a taste. If it’s to your liking, you’re ready for a second ferment! If it’s too sweet, give it a couple more days to become more tangy/acidic. Or if it’s too tangy, move onto the next step (flavoring and second fermentation) and add some extra fruit juice.
The duration for your kombucha fermentation will vary based on your climate and taste preferences. In hot Tucson, it was ready in about a week. In cooler weather, it could take up to two weeks. Be patient, young grasshopper.
Kombucha Brewing
5) When you’re ready for your second fermentation, this is the fun part: flavoring it! Get another jar or two (that has a flip lid, like these ones), or some airtight bottles like mason jars for the second round fermentation + flavoring the mixture.
Here are some flavor ideas:
Fruit juice (apple, berry, orange)
Berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries); I’d recommend using fresh vs. frozen fruit
Herbs (lavender, dried ginger, mint)
Fresh ginger for that zing!
Strawberry basil is also a favorite combo of mine. Have fun experimenting!
To each jar or bottle, add some juice, herbs (if you’d like) and (this is KEY) some dried fruit (like dried cranberries or raisins). The sugar in the dried fruit will continue to feed the bacteria, and will also make the kombucha fizzy. Another thing that helps will fizz factor: dried ginger. This stuff is particularly awesome; a little (like a hefty pinch for each Mason jar) goes a long way. Pour the kombucha into each jar or bottle, but be sure to leave at least 2 cups of kombucha in the original jar to use as your “starter tea” for the next batch.
6) Seal the flavored kombucha and place back in the pantry (in a dark, temperate spot) for 2-3 days.
7) Next, you’ll transfer the jars/bottles from the pantry to the fridge to chill and enjoy! (if you used any “whole” fruits, herbs or berries, strain the mixture before sealing again to place in the fridge.
Homemade Kombucha Tips
So what do you do with the old bottle of kombucha (which now has the old “Mother” scoby in it + the new layer “baby” scoby growing on top)? You separate the baby from the mother (yes, this involves touching it with your hands and cringing as you peel the slimy layers apart). The baby scoby can now venture on its own into the world to make its own kombucha (so you can have two batches growing at once). Or even better: put it in a baggie with some starter tea and gift to a friend! The gift that keeps on giving haha.
A little tip: I only use one scoby for a max of two batches of kombucha, and then will switch over to the baby scoby. They become weaker with each batch, so it’s good to switch to a new scoby after a couple of rounds.
Hope this helped those of you who were considering making your own kombucha!
Kombucha: yay or nay? Have you ever made kombucha at home? If so, what are your favorite flavors? Anything unique that you like to make or ferment? I would love to experiment with homemade ghee or goat cheese!
Sharing a recipe for the best dairy-free broccoli salad. This is the perfect side dish for dinners, delicious leftovers for lunch, and an awesome healthy summer BBQ or potluck side dish.
Hey friends! How’s the day going so far? We’re back in town after a trip to Phoenix for Nationals, and have a mountain of laundry + have some virtual 1:1 appointments.
For today’s post, I thought I’d share a summer side dish recipe! Whenever we have friends over during the summer, finding recipes for the *fun* stuff like appetizers and desserts is always super easy. I always like to make sure we have some kind of salad or vegetable, and am always looking for new favorites. Mia recently shared her favorite broccoli salad recipe with me and I knew I had to post it here on the blog! It lasted about 15 minutes in our house.
I accidentally found out that the girls love raw broccoli when we were low on groceries and I was running out of options while packing their lunch + snacks for school. I’ll typically roast broccoli with dinner and they tend to be pretty meh about it. I needed one more spot to fill in their lunch bento boxes, so I added some raw chopped broccoli. When I picked them up, they both said how much they loved the broccoli in their lunch, and I’ve been adding it ever since. This broccoli salad was a HUGE hit in our house – we each had a bowl and it was gone.
Broccoli salad is a great source of fiber and vitamins. It’s also dairy-free, and includes blanched broccoli, which still has a crunch, but can be easier to digest than raw. You simply mix all of the ingredients into a bowl and enjoy! It’s also a versatile recipe; feel free to customize it as you like. You can swap out the almonds for another type of nut, or use a different type of dried fruit (like dried cranberries or raisins) instead of the dates. Just make sure that you don’t skip the celery seed, as it gives it a unique flavor and crunch.
The best dairy-free broccoli salad
Ingredients
1 head of broccoli (or a 12 oz bag of pre cut florets)
Avocado oil mayo (Chosen foods, Sir Kensington or homemade. I like to make my own, or order Sir Kensington from Thrive Market)
Maple syrup (or honey) for a little bit of sweetness
Celery seed – don’t omit this ingredient!
Salt & pepper, to taste
Onion powder
Red onion
Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
Toasted, sliced almonds or pecans (you can also use walnuts, sunflower seeds or cashews)
Chopped dates
Bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped, optional (I used turkey bacon and it was SO good)
Instructions
Step One
Chop the broccoli into florets. Fill a 2 qt saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Salt the water and drop in the raw broccoli florets into the pot. Set a timer for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Set next to the stove. When the timer ends, skim the broccoli from the hot water and submerge into the ice bath. Let stand in the ice bath for 5 minutes.
Step Two
Remove broccoli from the ice bath and allow it to drain on paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth.
Step Three
In a large bowl, combine mayo, maple syrup, celery seed, salt, black pepper, onion powder, chopped onion, and vinegar. Whisk to combine.
Step Four
Add broccoli and stir to coat completely. Add toasted, sliced almonds and chopped dates. Next, add the optional bacon if you’re using bacon.
Step Five
Chill the salad until ready to serve. Can be made up to 4 hours before serving!
*Tip: to make this a fully vegan broccoli salad, use Vegan mayo and skip the bacon. I love serving this with some protein, like grilled chicken or fish.
How long is broccoli salad good in the fridge?
If you use blanched broccoli, which can be easier to digest than raw broccoli, it will keep for one day. If you choose to use raw (which absolutely works with this recipe!), it will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Cool and crispy salad that is perfect to pair with any protein. This salad is also easier to digest thanks to the blanched broccoli. Very versatile and easy to customize! Keep it low-carb by omitting the dried fruit or substitute raisins or diced apples for the dates. This dairy-free broccoli salad is the perfect summer side dish!
Author:Gina Harney // The Fitnessista
Prep Time:15 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes
Ingredients
1 head of broccoli, chopped into florets (or a 12 oz bag of pre cut florets)
½ cup avocado oil mayo (chosen foods, sir kensington or homemade)
1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
1 tsp celery seed
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 tsp onion powder
¼ cup red onion, finely minced
¼ cup apple cider or red wine vinegar
⅓ cup toasted, sliced almonds or pecans
¼ cup chopped dates
3 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped, optional
Instructions
Fill a 2 qt saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Salt the water and drop in the raw broccoli florets. Set a timer for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Set next to the stove. When the timer ends, skim the broccoli from the hot water and submerge into the ice bath. Let stand in the ice bath for 5 minutes.
Remove broccoli from the ice bath and allow it to drain on paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth.
In a large bowl, combine mayo, maple syrup, celery seed, salt, black pepper, onion powder, chopped onion, and vinegar. Whisk to combine.
Add broccoli and stir to coat completely.
Add toasted, sliced almonds and chopped dates. Bacon, optional.
Chill the salad until ready to serve. Can be made up to 4 hours before serving.
The girls and I absolutely LOVED this one. If you’re looking for a delicious summer side dish, definitely give it a whirl!
So tell me, friends: what are some of your favorite summer recipes? Please link it up in the comments below!
Glen Powell nearly didn’t end up in the cast of the box-office-smashing Top Gun: Maverick. Originally the charismatic actor had screen tested to play “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of Anthony Edward’s “Goose” from the original movie. When that role went to Miles Teller, Powell thought he might be left high and dry from the long-awaited Top Gun sequel. That’s when Tom Cruise came to him with a different mission: playing the “Iceman”-like Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin—if he chose to accept it.
“I have to give Tom credit because he gave me confidence that we’d be able to build something special together with Hangman,” says Powell. No surprise, Cruise was right. The resulting hotshot aviator is the perfect antagonist for “Rooster”—as well as Tom Cruise’s “Maverick.” Perhaps even more than the original, the movie is a true team effort—following young ace F-18 pilots as they train for a seemingly-impossible mission under Maverick’s tutelage. The sequences at the titular naval tactics program and on the aircraft carrier were all done for real, with actors like Powell living on-site among the enlisted personnel. “I’m glad that I signed on,” says Powell. “I could’ve missed the experience of a lifetime.”
We spoke with Powell about living on Navy bases, working out with the cast, filming that beach football scene, and learning from Tom Cruise.
Men’s Journal: Are you glad Tom Cruise and Paramount decided to wait for this movie to release on the big screen?
Glen Powell: There has never been a movie more primed for the big screen than this one, since we shot in IMAX with cameras that have never before been used in jets like this. There had to be a lot of cooperation from the U.S. Navy to get this done in a way that couldn’t have been executed otherwise. Seeing this on a 50-inch screen at home or on an iPhone would’ve been a huge bummer.
How’d you feel stepping into the sequel of one of the biggest action movies ever?
I’m a big fan of the original Top Gun. It’s one of the reasons I became an actor. That movie had action, romance, iconic lines, and everyone in it just looks cool. Once you’ve seen the movie, you’re pumped up to go fast. You want to pedal your bike until the gears fall off.
Once you got the role, when did flight training begin for real?
Not long afterwards. I have a few friends who are military pilots, so I went down to Miramar beforehand to kick it with that crew and live with them. I like to be around the real deal whenever I’m prepping for something. Over the course of the experience, all of the young pilots were living together in close quarters. When the actual flight training began, we started with the Cessna, went to the Extra EA-300, then the L-39, and finally the F-18. That’s how we worked our way up to understand the physics of the airplane and get acclimated to all the G-force. There was additional training, too—like a helo dunker where they spin you blindfolded underwater, then make you escape the cockpit by breaking glass and swimming out. The goal was to be as legit Top Gun pilots as possible in that short amount of prep time. I actually got my pilot’s license just a little while after we wrapped.
What was it like flying in the F-18s?
I was in the cockpit with the best aviators in the world who were doing maneuvers they’d never done before. The preparation was key to be ready in those moments because we were taking around 7 Gs. The affect that can have on your body is serious. We were taught a number of tricks and exercises that the pilots do during flights to keep from passing out. But it was all worth it. With the cameras in there, it was so authentic. You can see we’re really feeling it during those scenes.
Living among the Navy service members must have helped bring authenticity to the film, too.
There’s no question that staying on the Navy bases and on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Roosevelt, all in the real pilots quarters, was profoundly helpful. On the bases—we were at North Island, Miramar, Lemoore, Fallon, and Whiting. We’d wake up, work out, go fly an acrobatic plane, then work with the actual Top Gun team on the script. So for a good long time, my life was the Navy.
Were actual fighter pilots on the set a lot—given how close you were working with the U.S. Navy?
There was one guy we called “Jo Pro”—his name is Joseph Prospect—who was a liaison between our film and the Navy. Then there was Brian “Ferg” Ferguson, an accomplished pilot who was essentially the Navy’s rep on the set with us. CDR Christopher ‘POPS’ Papaioanu, who runs Top Gun, was there with us too. They were the three key people who I connected with every single day. If I had any questions about protocol, I could just reach out to them. There’s no debate that the first movie did amazing things for the U.S. Navy as far as perception, visibility, and recruitment. Of course we hope to have a similar affect with Top Gun: Maverick. The cooperation of the Navy was integral to the production of this movie. We’re using actual war machines in this film—and you can’t rent them. Without them we would’ve been in some huge studio surrounded by a bunch of green screens pretending fly. Luckily, the heads of the Navy saw value in it, so we got to be in actual F-18s for a year and a half.
Beyond the movie liaisons, what were your interactions like with other soldiers on base?
I was wearing my flight suit the entire time with my cover on my head. On base, the carrier soldiers would salute me. I’d try to stop them and explain I was just an actor and not really a solider with rank over them. Most of the time they were just really confused and it would take a long time to explain it. At a certain point I just had to assume the role and act the part on or off camera. I had to walk the walk and talk the talk.
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Speaking of talking the talk, what was your communication with the leaders and actual instructors at Top Gun?
I was giving briefs to the leads at Top Gun before I was going up. That made sense because even though this was a movie, it was made with the Navy, and I was going up in a true war machine. These planes are super sophisticated and obviously expensive. That meant I had to give my flight brief to the commander at Top Gun, as well as the director and Tom Cruise. I had to tell them the airspeed we’d be going, orientation to the sun, proximity to other planes, and when we’re going to be pulling off certain maneuvers. In other words, the same sort of briefs you’d do on a mission. By the end of it, I really felt like I’d done a deployment with the U.S. Navy. The fastest, easiest, and quickest one ever, but a deployment nonetheless. The guys who really do it are the true heroes.
I’m guessing you wanted to get into pretty good shape for this because of the role’s physical demands—not to mention a certain football scene we’ll get into later. How’d you take all that on?
I knew I was going to have to get in some sort of shape for this movie, and originally I was planning on just working out on my own. Then I discovered Ultimate Performance here in Los Angeles. I have a few friends who’ve gotten in really great shape there, like Lamorne Morris. I saw their transformations and was blown away. If there was ever a time to lean a little more into the training for a role, I figured this was it. I went in there and immediately connected with UP owner, Nick Mitchell.
Did you set some specific training goals there to prepare for the movie?
The one big note I had for Nick—and I think he had the same thoughts from the get-go—was that I didn’t want to get too huge. At the end of the day, I’m playing a pilot. I need to be able to fit in the cockpit of my plane and into a flight suit. These guys are lean and mean. There’s a lot of physical exertion to fly fighter jets to the level that we were, and to take those Gs. But to add to that, I was looking to get shredded. Everybody is different, but with my body if I throw around heavy weight, that’s where I end up. I actually didn’t really do any cardio. The extent of my cardio was running for maybe 5 to 10 minutes. For nutrition I was staying on a very high-protein diet. There were no cheat days when it came to preparing for the next Top Gun.
Can you take us inside those workouts with Nick? How did his program differ from what you’ve done in the past?
That’s exactly the mentality we went in with—to find something beyond what I’d accomplished before. So the sessions were very, very serious. Sure, we would catch up a little bit during the warmup and stretching, but once the routine started, it was all focus. Over the years, it’s clear that Nick has learned exactly how far to push people—to take it to that limit without endangering you. I’ve seen other trainers who don’t have that talent, so they’re afraid of taking it to the next gear. Or they do and cause more trouble than good. I was working with extremely heavy weights, the biggest I’ve ever gone before. We were maxing out everything. There were no easy pullups or chinups. I would have 70 pounds around my waist. I was pushed to pure exhaustion every time I was in there.
What got you through it?
Nick would often repeat a single helpful phrase: “Remember why you’re here.” That became my mantra every time I was working out—even if he wasn’t around. Now I have a sign in my home gym with that phrase on it.
Was it difficult to get workouts in when you were on the Naval airbases with the rest of the cast?
When you’re on these bases, especially as long as we were, you can’t help but become a bit of a gym rat. It’s just what everyone does—especially when you get grounded because of the weather. There’s nothing else to really do. But we made it fun. We had a game where we’d try to punish each other with the workouts. We were doing circuit workouts, and everybody would take turns picking the most brutal exercise ever. As you can imagine, the gyms are really impressive on these bases. Getting to train there was awesome. The high-tech gear was all in the indoor gym where people were working out constantly, but the outdoor gym was what we enjoyed the most. That’s where they had all the tires, heavy chains, sleds, and pullup bars. That’s where we really tortured each other—but it kept us entertained and in shape.
Was that shirtless beach football scene some added motivation to look the part—and do justice to the original Top Gun’s iconic volleyball montage?
I don’t think anyone in the cast of the first Top Gun imagined that volleyball montage becoming as iconic as it is. I mean, who could’ve known that it would be this copied, spoofed, and historic? Of course, this time around, the cast for Top Gun: Maverick knew it was going to be a big deal. The bar had been set really high with the original. So I have to admit that knowing that added an additional incentive when it came to prepping for this physically. There was no doubt in our minds that hundreds of millions of people were going to be watching this footage of us shirtless—and critiquing. There’s a lot of pressure that comes with that information, but as Tom likes to say, “Pressure is a privilege.” That’s true. It’s a privilege to be doing our version of such an iconic scene.
How would you describe the actual filming experience of that scene?
It was one of the first things we filmed. That was a great move, because you spend all this time getting into shape and it can be hard to maintain while you’re on set working these long shooting days. The tough thing was that we didn’t realize the filming demands of the montage, which was a lot of camera angles and long lenses. So after we’d filmed for an entire day on the beach with Tom, playing our hardest and looking our best, we thought we were done and went out that night to celebrate—drinking and eating wings and tater tots. The next morning, we found out they were only getting Tom’s angles and would be shooting the rest of us the following week. We were like, “What?!” Then we ran back to the gym. We shot that whole thing about three or four times in total. It became the running joke—time to do the beach football scene again.
Did you pick up any pointers from Tom Cruise about how he stays in such great shape? What was it like to work with him on this film?
There’s no question he puts immense effort into staying in peak condition—much like his dedication for the movies he leads. I remember having to guard Tom during the beach football scene and I was blown away. I like to think I’m pretty fast, but Tom is just so fast. The fact that he’s getting close to 60 years old and is sprinting on the beach is insane. I mean, it doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense. So when he talks about how he works out and how he eats, of course I’m going to listen. The truth is he has tremendous discipline in all aspects of his life. He’s disciplined in how he treats his body and what he puts into his body. Tom’s diet principles—which is a lot of lean fish and veggies—make a lot of sense to me. And I don’t think there was a day when he didn’t work out. You hear these stories about actors with workout trailers that never get used. His was used constantly. There were a lot of days where he’d invite us over to his trailer to hang out, chat, and eat. A lot of movie stars don’t really go out of their way to share wisdom. They tend to shy away from taking on that mentor role. Tom is the exact opposite. He really revels in being an instructor and a teacher. He’s also very aware that people want that time with him to gain insight into what makes him so great at what he does. He’s aware that he’s done something in this industry that’s completely unprecedented.
He’s an open book. He loves talking about movies, but that’s not all he likes to talk about. Plus, he doesn’t want to just be listened to. He likes hearing what everyone else is up to. I think that’s what keeps him at the top. He’s insanely curious and he’s not one to rest on his laurels. I paid close to attention to how he treats people, listens to people, and how he runs his career. “Tom Cruise Film School” has been very good for me.
Preparing for a mountain bike ride follows a fairly standard routine: after you put on a jersey and shorts (but before the sunscreen, gloves, and helmet) you fill a water bottle, grab your repair kit, a hand pump, a windbreaker, some snacks, and maybe even a beer to crack open post-ride. And where do all of those items go? That’s where mountain bike backpacks come in handy.
If you ride, you likely have one. It’s multi-pocketed yet lightweight, and it has seen you through countless hours of trail time. These days, it might be looking a little tattered, sun-bleached, and worn out; maybe it smells a little funny, or it’s so sweat-stained you could probably use it as a salt lick. You’ve definitely bonded with your mountain bike backpack, but it might be time for an upgrade.
Whether you need to replace your existing pack or you’re shopping for your first, you’re in luck. Many rad new biking-specific packs hit the market this year. Thule, Dakine, CamelBak, Evoc, Osprey, and others all came out of the gate strong with fresh new mountain bike backpacks and lumbar packs. Here’s your guide on what to look for, along with our top picks for 2022.
Types of Mountain Biking Backpacks
What makes a good mountain biking backpack? The answer depends on the rider and the kind of riding they’re doing. Some packs are minimalist—designed to cut weight at every possible stitch, crafted for speed and enduro-style performance. Others are made to withstand abuse or offer maximum storage capacity. And still others are engineered for hydration first and foremost. To help you sort through it all, here’s a general breakdown of the types of packs available (just keep in mind that these styles and features aren’t mutually exclusive):
Hydration packs: Most mountain biking packs are built to accommodate hydration reservoirs, and many others come with them already installed. Hydration packs include a passage for a hose (the part you drink from), a hanger or hook to attach the water reservoir, and a compartment or sleeve to hold it. Some hydration packs also include magnetic or snap-on clips to keep the hose attached to the shoulder strap and easily accessible. Generally, hydration packs put water first and storage second. Even so, most models will include a functional amount of space for other necessary supplies.
Minimalist packs: For some riders, low weight and high speed is the name of the game. They prefer minimalist packs made with lightweight, single-layer materials and just enough pocket space to carry essentials.
Lumbar packs: Lumbar (or fanny) packs are designed to keep the weight of the pack low and centered on your back, which helps keep your overall center of gravity low and over the rear tire (which is better for traction). They’re also easily accessible, and some even come with built-in hydration systems. Most don’t have the capacity for longer rides, where you need to carry more food and supplies, but for quick singletrack attacks, they’re a convenient and comfortable option.
How to Shop and Compare Mountain Biking Backpacks
When comparing mountain biking backpacks, always note the packs’ weights and their storage capacities (usually listed in liters). If you’re looking at options with hydration reservoirs, look for packs that have a clip to hold the hose in place for easy access. Hip and sternum straps are also important, as they hold the pack snug to your back and prevent it from jostling around on your ride. Finally, dedicated pockets for electronics and bike tools are also helpful—they’ll offer some protection for your gadgets and keep your tools within easy reach.
Ready to shop? Read on for the best mountain bike backpacks of 2022.
Did you catch the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday? While the attention was rightfully focused on the Formula 1 drivers battling it out on the track, Sergio Perez’s first-place finish wasn’t the only noteworthy story from the weekend. To mark the occasion, TAG Heuer released the new Monaco Grand Prix, a special edition of its longstanding series of watches inspired by the famous F1 street circuit. The new TAG Heuer Monaco reimagines the square-shaped watch with a new titanium case and details that recall its 1970s forebears.
From the beginning, TAG Heuer Monaco was a watch that broke the mold. It was introduced in 1969, and it departed from several watchmaking conventions. First and most obvious was the square case: It was a rare feature on chronograph timepieces, and it continues to be a hallmark of Monaco watches today. The ’69 original was also waterproof, featured an automatic movement (also rare for chronographs at the time), and stood out thanks to its blue dial with contrasting white and red accents.
Later editions of the Monaco would appear with a range of new colors. In the 1970s, TAG Heuer debuted a version with contrasting grey tones, and later that decade, the company created the famed “Dark Lord” Monaco. The watch got its name from its matte black case, which was paired with orange and red accents for good legibility—a nod to its roots as a tool watch for racing drivers.
Aesthetically, the new TAG Heuer Monaco is a riff on the Dark Lord, but it includes plenty of upgrades. The case is made from DLC-coated titanium for exceptional strength and durability with minimal weight. (Only one previous Monaco, a 2021 limited edition version, was made with titanium—and Max Verstappen wore it during his dominant 2021 F1 season.)
The new Monaco continues with the familiar “circle-in-the-square” layout of previous iterations, but there are new textures on offer: The main dial circle features a satin-brushed finish that contrasts with a rough sandblasted finish on the squared portion of the dial. According to TAG, that finish is inspired by the pavement of F1 tracks and the tires on F1 cars.
Against that rich black background, the bright red chronograph hands really pop, as do the rose gold main hands and indices. To make them even more legible, the hands are coated with Super-LumiNova for better visibility in the dark. Flip it over, and the see-through case back provides a glimpse of more rose gold accents. To top it off, this blacked-out watch is paired with a black alligator leather strap and a black titanium buckle. How’s that for a new Dark Lord?
TAG didn’t skimp on the mechanicals, either. The watch is powered by an in-house-made Heuer 02 automatic movement. It offers a hefty 80-hour power reserve, so you won’t have to worry about this watch stopping if you take it off for a few days. Just like a Formula 1 driver, it’s ready to go full tilt.
The Kombucha Fermentation Process
