Bianchista: September 2011

Rapha Lookbook

Rapha have launched their AW11 lookbook online for all to enjoy. Featuring luscious photo and video craftings from Ben Ingham, each of their ranges is presented in the stunning backdrop of the Alps, managing the impossible and further glamourising their products and eking out every last bit of desirability. Think of it as a kind of online carharrt brand book, something I used to absolutely love picking up a copy of. Head on over to http://lookbook.rapha.cc/ to watch the films and see their newly launched products. Lots of new colourways too (a rather cute berry seems to feature this year, complimenting their nice blue teal-coloured material from last year.
I particularly love the new womens range film featuring their new ladies rider Julie Krasniak. A name to watch for this cross season!

Le Coq Sportif x L’Eroica 2011 Capsule Collection

Acciaio 2012

H-O-T!

Darkstar

NZ Via Prop Plane

Dunedin > Christchurch > Nelson via prop plane, New Zealand, 25/09/11

Roots

Bianchista, aged 7, about to drill a session on a Raleigh Mag Burner, resplendent in terry towelling pyjama ensemble. Complete with bidon-sock matching style.

Getting High Part II

Yesterday I ran off a mountain slope and enjoyed a 20 minute descent into Queenstown, NZ.

Cahors Challenge

Some good friends of bianchista are undertaking an amazing charity ride, a 500-mile team ride Starting under the historic walls of the maritime city of St Malo, the route will travel Brittany into Normandy and head south over the Loire. Then, following river valleys that climb into the foothills of the Massif Central, , Riding on south towards the headwaters of the Dordogne on day three. The final day of the Challenge is where riders will see the finish line at the 14^th century medieval bridge over the river Lot at Cahors, home to the “black wine” revered by Tzars, Popes and Princes.

Laura, Claire, Lisa and Blandine are raising funds for the highly noble cause of research for the Alzheimers Society charity. Swing by the girls' justgiving page, and donate to help them reach their target of £1000. Allez Allez ladies, may there be an eternal tailwind at your disposal

Getting High

Crossvegas 2011

The Hidden Alps

How To Break A Track Record Night

The wonderful legend of cycling that is Graeme Obree is taking part in a special discussion night on 22nd September, discussion the mechanics of bike and body, and what it truly takes to ride fast on the track. Full details of the event and the free booking link can be found here

"Join us for the first in the new season of Engineering Club talks to hear Graeme Obree'The Flying Scotsman', bicycle innovator and twice holder of the 1 hour world record explain what it takes for both bodies and bikes. Mike Taylor of Hopkins Architects, designers of the 2012 Velodrome, will look at the history of cycling tracks and how they have influenced world records. Klaus Bode of BDSP, also part of the Velodrome design team will explain how they are creating the optimum track environment for record-breaking." - http://www.engineeringclub.org.uk/talks.asp

Rapha Ladies Cross Skills Evening

The very awesome and very fast lady of cross Claire 'boom' Beaumont is dishing out two skills classes for ladies looking to improve upon their skills or simply dip their toe into the knobbly-tyred racing scene. Rapha are holding two evenings in London where Claire will guide groups on techniques such as mounting/dismounting, running with the bike and cornering, with attendees getting to test out their skills on a mini cross course.

Each session will end in the pub for a drink and a chance to chat all things cross. For more information and to register for a place on the mini clinics, visit the event sites for 15 September and 22 September. The classes are free and informal, and guaranteed fun. A perfect cross appetizer in anticipation of the upcoming Rapha Supercross events.

Neon

Noticing a trend for lairy neon bike stuff at the moment, I wholeheartedly approve. Making hi-vis cool is no small task, below are some nice examples!

More Dunedin Riding

Iv been braving the chilly mornings and heading out everyday to what can only be described as an amazing head-clearing session, smattered with scenery that takes my breath away constantly. The traffic volume is low, with secluded climbs leading away from a coastline boasting crystal clear waters. Below are a few ride snapshots, il pen something up later this week.