Mamnick Hibell

Thom over at Mamnick has created the most beautiful looking leather shoes inspired by the touring legend of Ian Hibell. The shoe, named after its rugged-muse, is handmade in Derbyshire in homage to its inspiration of Hibell. 100% leather the shoes are available in both a black & brown flavour. Perfect for a spot of touring of city riding, these will look dandy both in & out the saddle. 

There's also a very nice little piece about Hibell over at the Mamnick journal.  

Pin-Ups

Spotted over at the very cool Atelier du Velo online shop. Head on over to check out some cool unique vintage bike bits.

Cycling Souvenirs

The very kind Jerry from cycling souvenirs website sent me over a natty couple of cups from his online cycling souvenir outfit to enjoy this week. I love the La Vie Claire Mondrian inspired mug, perfect to enjoy a winter post-ride hot chocolate in, and the Alpe d'Huez espresso set is a lovely little homage to the tradiotional french road marking for the climb.

The website boasts loads of really nice gift ideas for all budgets, perfect for picking up those xmas presents for the rider in your life. From cufflinks to posters to cycling miniatures  Jerry has got you covered. Its also the only place in the UK you can get your hands on the Cycling Inquisition Colombian jersey from the very excellent blog. Check them out at their website http://www.cyclingsouvenirs.com .

Velojam

Huge shouts out & respect to the organisers of the Velojam at the beginning of the month. What an awesome event. I only managed to get down for an hour or so, but in that time I was blown away by the amount of ladies racing and their standard! jeeees these girls across all three categories were drilling it. So impressive to see such a high standard of racing. The atmosphere was super nice and chilled, with all different levels getting involved in some track-based shenanigans.

One to stick in the diary to maybe give a shot in 2014! Well done all.

What Are You For?

Bill Strickland, of Bicycling magazine & Kapelmuur Independent fame recently posted a question to us, the cyclist... that is, he asked "what are you for?".
With the instant online social-outlets of twitter, facebook, blogger et al of today, there is so much opined regarding the ills and negative aspects of all contained within our bubble of two wheels. So Bill asks the question, what is that is good in our world? What is it you stand (or ride) for?

I am for encouragement. I will seek to share the beauty of cycling by being a good ambassador for my sport. Riding with those a little less familiar with the sport, showing them this is just about the most enjoyable act of freedom that can be found to escape the rat race of the daily grind! By helping others achieve their targets and goals, I get to share in that enthusiasm. Frankly... its infectious.

I am for the simplicity of cycling... not being required to compartmentalise each aspect of cycling into some sort of pseudo-theory and analyse every last ounce of passion and spontaneity out of the ride. Im for just tossing a lycra'd leg over the top tube and embracing the days encounters. A blank canvas if you will.

I am most definitely for that last rider shelling himself to finish. I love that within cycling, even bottom place is celebrated as a triumph. Gutsy determinism is praised in recognition of that slog to reach the flamme rouge. Take traditional team sports... there is always a winner and a loser. Losers are not liked, and the opponents despised. In our world, we celebrate all! If that isn't worth being proud of, I don't know what is.

I am most definitely for the suffering. The spikey sting of lactic post ride, glowing legs with a matching smile after pushing the pedals hard. The sacrifice and reward is abundant, but the ratio always seems to tip in the most favourable way.

I am totally fr the adventurous little detour, the roads less ridden. Give me friends, quiet roads and laughter on a bike and il show you a perfect day! 

VeloJam

This Saturday  5th October sees the return of the women's track meet 'VeloJam' from those ladies over at Team Mule Bar. Saturday 5th sees Herne Hill play host to an evenings track-bike based festivities, with 15 races over 3 categories, the evening promises to cater for all levels of riders, from elite race whippets to novice first-time-racers. A unique womens only event, ladies will have the opportunity to scoop up a share of the pretty hefty £1000 prize fund, with lots of prizes on offer for individual performances. 

The velojam promises to provide a party atmosphere whilst promoting track racing at all levels. More info can be found on the schedule of individual events here plus some handy tips for kit & race prep. 

VeloJam Facebook

VeloJam Twitter