Bianchista: May 2011

Specialized Superwide Tape

Spotted here

· New 10mm wider version of the Roubaix Tape (30mm–40mm) improves finish of the tape and smooths out the grip area.

· Easier to wrap and no need for the small strip that covers the brake/shifter, so lighter.

· No more drifting of the tape in the bends due to stretching of the tape or high temperatures.

· Available in the shops from June/July 2011.

Elite Italia

Elite have released special edition products celebrating 150 years of Italy. Well thats what I can ascertain from the Japanese text and a very crude translating program!

Canyon hills all golden glow,
Coyotes laughing, dears dashing,
Pedals turning, my heart yearning,
Where shall I go?
Steep broken road, I am slow,
My pulse is beating, soul freeing,
Troubles fading, fears are leaving,
So now I know.
At the crest, I catch my breath.
Stalling slightly, leaning lightly,
Then departing, fast descending,
This hill has depth!

Wheels beneath me never give.

Motion thrills me, wind instills me,

Road so curving, ride so soothing,

Out here I live.

*MErider*

James climbs with the sunrays

Shimano Ultegra Electronic?

Can anyone confirm, provide info?

Kiss

RCC Rides Yorkshire (The Greatest County EVER)

I recently went to take part in the RCC 'Deano's Yorkshire Dales' ride. A tough 80 miles or so (I rode in the broomwagon for about ten, so was shy of the 140k distance - Im ashamed admit that day was certainly not my finest hour form-wise!).
The route was a challenging razz around some very fine northern villages - we were treated to undulating and incredibly windy descents. Such was the headwind that it took club strong-man Steve to shepherd a few of us back together - thanks for such a strong draft!

A particularly scenic part of the world

Riders were briefed on the route, and awarded a patch kit commemorating participation on the ride. It was a great chance for members to mingle, and we met many of our northern contingent.

Maximum credit to Andy (C) for providing such a brutal but beautiful route

A quick stop by the broom wagon allows for a regrouping

We were joined by one of my hero's Mr Dean Downing. Imagine my delight when I discovered he went to my high school and we shared a few jokes about some insane teachers we had! Was a great experience to see how easy a ride like this is to a pro, he shared some tips and some banter with the group and helped make it quite a special day. Its not every ride you get to draft one of your fave pro behinds ;)

Condors Conrad turned up and promptly smashed the ride - hes riding like an absolute trooper this season, and was tres cool to see him taking off the front as soon as the tarmac went skywards...

Conrad looks back as the fuzz try to bust the ride. Single file people! (quiet day?)

A very nice formation of club riders

Martin chooses a novel drying solution at the cafe stop

A chance to rest my tired feet and scoff a caramel slice

A cracking bit of sun - good soulfood

smile!

Thank you to Charlie and Janet for facilitating a brilliant ride - fully supported is something I could happily get used to! Also massive kudos to Andy although really you deserve a slap for devising such a hard route :-)

Very Nice....

via flickr

Stem Lust

Weenie!

spotted over at Blacksmith Cycles

Condor Cycles Chase The Lincoln GP

If you're not familiar with the work of Andy Waterma n then I thoroughly suggest you acquaint yourself with someone I consider to be one of the biggest rising stars in photography and now film-making. Andy's work has always impressed me, knitting together an exciting fresh perspective and aesthetic with a passion for all things bicycle, his projects put out over the past year or two are truly wicked. From gorgeous shots he produced for Condor Cycles new catalogue, to medium format cyclocross shots, to a delish early season belgian race-fest featured in Cycle Sport magazine, or more recently his race-chasing series video work with Condor, Andy is always one to watch. Peep the latest video below in the Race Chasing series following RCS around the UK...