Just 'cos.
Friday, February 27, 2009
NAHBS 2009
If you can't be at the show this weekend, then follow the liveblog here. Hopefully I'll have some pics up next week.
Vallie Components Street Fixed Hub
Damn, that's a burly looking hub! The Vallie Components Street Fixed Hub is a fixed-fixed, ISO 6 bolt pattern track hub, designed for hard courier, track and 700CMX abuse. Check them at at NAHBS this weekend, or get more details here.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tracklocross 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
New Rapha Product Mega Post
New Rapha gear, including new stowaway jackets, cycling caps, "legend" t-shirts and a whole raft of jerseys, are coming soon...
Check the Rapha page for updates. Originally seen over at BikeRadar.
Check the Rapha page for updates. Originally seen over at BikeRadar.
Ciöcc Mockba '80
I saw this over at Prolly's: the Ciöcc Mockba '80, a reissue of the Ciöcc steel track frame made for the 1980 Moscow Olympics. So nice. Look at those clearances! I'm glad to see a frame maker like Ciöcc get in on the vintage game, like Selle San Marco did with its reissued saddle line. Alex over at StraightChain has a funny story about how the founders of Colnago, Ciöcc, De Rosa and Pinarello were friends and played cards together, which explains why some of these companies have card suits as their logos. Apocryphal? Probally. But a nice story, nonetheless. I'm looking forward to seeing how the fake bike blogs handle a name like Ciöcc, seeing as they can't even spell Cinelli UnicaNItor right. Ha!
Team Pegasus Shirts!
Using glow-in-the-dark technology that was considered "space age" in the 1980's, your favorite Midwestern team of cycling misfits and gobshites brings you its new t-shirts!
Available in black or pink and featuring a glow-in-the-dark pegasus skeleton, $20 will get you one, postage paid anywhere in the US. Available here any day now.
Available in black or pink and featuring a glow-in-the-dark pegasus skeleton, $20 will get you one, postage paid anywhere in the US. Available here any day now.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
COG Magazine 1 Year Anniversary Party Photos
It looks like the COG Magazine 1st year anniversary party in Chicago was a huge success. Even with the snow tons of people came out to view the exhibit, and to get drunk and pelt BenVC with beer cans. I can't believe I missed that. Here are some of Gavin Gould's excellent photos of the night:
The crowd view the exhibit. Some of my favorite people are in this photo, including Jason Jenkins. Howya, Jason! Photo by Gavin.
Jeff Perkins apparently trying to convince the Burgers that he did this painting. Photo by Gavin.
Well done to the lads from COG for making the party go off, and congrats to them on the 1st anniversary of their excellent magazine, which is definitely the best representation of all sides of the track bike scene right now. Long may it continue. Thanks to Gavin for the photos. Check out more of his stuff here, and check out Yohei Morita's photos of the party here.
The crowd view the exhibit. Some of my favorite people are in this photo, including Jason Jenkins. Howya, Jason! Photo by Gavin.
Jeff Perkins apparently trying to convince the Burgers that he did this painting. Photo by Gavin.Well done to the lads from COG for making the party go off, and congrats to them on the 1st anniversary of their excellent magazine, which is definitely the best representation of all sides of the track bike scene right now. Long may it continue. Thanks to Gavin for the photos. Check out more of his stuff here, and check out Yohei Morita's photos of the party here.
Monster Track X
The 10th iteration of the famous NYC alleycat is almost upon us. Hypebeast says Monster Track is "known for its brutal nature" and Monster Track X "will once again test the testicular fortitude of its participants." Brutal nature! Testicular fortitude! I lol'd.
This race is the real deal. The race proper is on Feb 28th in NYC, but there's a whole weekend of side events going on, including GoldSprints roller races, sprints and tricks. Don't miss it. Hypebeast would be disappointed in you.
Details here.
This race is the real deal. The race proper is on Feb 28th in NYC, but there's a whole weekend of side events going on, including GoldSprints roller races, sprints and tricks. Don't miss it. Hypebeast would be disappointed in you.
Details here.
Monster Track DVD
I've mentioned this before, but Play In Traffic Productions released an awesome DVD of NYC's biggest and baddest, Monster Track, filmed by the famous Lucas Brunelle.
The DVD features:
Track Kaiju, a short film documenting the adventures of Sino and Hal, two messengers from Tokyo, who come to NYC to race Monster Track and are shownaround town by world famous messenger Mike Dee.
Monster Track a Race Video, a short video capturing the thrill of Monster Track from the only perspective that counts: the racers. Featuring the helmet camera footage of Lucas Brunelle following the finest city riders through the middle of live traffic.
Monster Track Not a Race Video, a series of interviews revealing the minds of the veteran messengers, the rookies racers and everyone in between right before the big race and answering the number one question: why race Monster Track?
Watch it to get yourself all psyched up for Monster Track 10. Pick it up here.
The DVD features:
Track Kaiju, a short film documenting the adventures of Sino and Hal, two messengers from Tokyo, who come to NYC to race Monster Track and are shownaround town by world famous messenger Mike Dee.
Monster Track a Race Video, a short video capturing the thrill of Monster Track from the only perspective that counts: the racers. Featuring the helmet camera footage of Lucas Brunelle following the finest city riders through the middle of live traffic.
Monster Track Not a Race Video, a series of interviews revealing the minds of the veteran messengers, the rookies racers and everyone in between right before the big race and answering the number one question: why race Monster Track?
Watch it to get yourself all psyched up for Monster Track 10. Pick it up here.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Nitto Bullhorns
Just saw these over at Cyclope. They said they're Nitto, and they look like RB-021's with a rounded bar end, but I'm not sure. Anyone know for definite what make and model number these are?
[update] These are indeed from Nitto. They're the new RB-021 SLP, developed with EAI. Stainless-steel, capped, and high-polished. I like 'em a lot. Thanks for the info, Jordan!
[update 2] They may not be made by Nitto after all... Local expert casts aspersions on Nitto provenance. See comments for details.
[update 3] So, it has been confirmed by a source at Ben's Cycle in Milwaukee that these bars are definitely made by Nitto, specially for EAI. Ben's will have them in by the end of next week, so check here to get 'em.
MASH vs. Security
This really annoyed me, and I'm not yet completely sure why, because it's not like I was involved or even know the people who were involved. It just reminded me of how arbitrary security guards and cops can be.
What harm would it have been to let Garret Chow ride across the finish line? The MASH guys had been riding across California for 8 days, and dude just wanted to ride across the line of the Tour of California stage that finished in his home town. But no. Indignant at the very idea, some rent-a-cop decided to literally tackle him off his bike. Maybe there are some insurance issues that I don't know of, maybe the ToC would be liable if someone riding the course got hurt. But if that's the case, it doesn't really make sense that this official thought it would be okay to physically tackle Garrett.
I think the explanation is much more interesting: put a person in a structural position where they have power, even if that power is minuscule and extends only as far, say, as protecting a finish line in a bike race, and when that power is challenged they will often react disproportionately, because some people just seem to become so identifed with their alloted role that they feel personally threatened when that role is threatened. Garrett riding across the line wouldn't have caused any harm to the ToC or the city of Pasedena. We all know this. But in the moment, that official was reacting not to the idea of someone riding across the line, but to the idea of someone resisting him.
Power and identity are complex things, and when a structure empowers someone, it's always interesting to see the extent of the articulation between the two, the extent to which power can become an identity.
Read more about the MASH ride across California here and here.
[update] Got an email from Mike Martin over at MASH. He said they weren't trying to piss anyone off, they just wanted to ride the full stage each day. He also said that GC getting tackled wasn't a big deal, but that this was the only stage where anyone had a problem with them riding across the line. Prior to this they'd been able to ride the entirety of each stage. Thanks for the email, Mike.
What harm would it have been to let Garret Chow ride across the finish line? The MASH guys had been riding across California for 8 days, and dude just wanted to ride across the line of the Tour of California stage that finished in his home town. But no. Indignant at the very idea, some rent-a-cop decided to literally tackle him off his bike. Maybe there are some insurance issues that I don't know of, maybe the ToC would be liable if someone riding the course got hurt. But if that's the case, it doesn't really make sense that this official thought it would be okay to physically tackle Garrett.
I think the explanation is much more interesting: put a person in a structural position where they have power, even if that power is minuscule and extends only as far, say, as protecting a finish line in a bike race, and when that power is challenged they will often react disproportionately, because some people just seem to become so identifed with their alloted role that they feel personally threatened when that role is threatened. Garrett riding across the line wouldn't have caused any harm to the ToC or the city of Pasedena. We all know this. But in the moment, that official was reacting not to the idea of someone riding across the line, but to the idea of someone resisting him.
Power and identity are complex things, and when a structure empowers someone, it's always interesting to see the extent of the articulation between the two, the extent to which power can become an identity.
Read more about the MASH ride across California here and here.
[update] Got an email from Mike Martin over at MASH. He said they weren't trying to piss anyone off, they just wanted to ride the full stage each day. He also said that GC getting tackled wasn't a big deal, but that this was the only stage where anyone had a problem with them riding across the line. Prior to this they'd been able to ride the entirety of each stage. Thanks for the email, Mike.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Stairmaster
The final stage of the Tour Da Chicago: The Stairmaster - Saturday Feb 28th - 8pm - Chicago IL. The Stairmaster is a blast, definitely the funnest alleycat I've ever done. Get ready to shoulder that bike!
MASH Tour of California
Hipster Nascar Cycling Caps Are Sold Out
Thanks to everyone who emailed me about the hats! I'm sorry that I didn't get more made, but I really wasn't sure how many people would want one. To everyone who bought one, I'll be sending them out soon. And thanks to Lyle and Kelly at Cognition Caps for making them!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Hipster Nascar Cycling Caps For Sale
So I finally got off my arse and managed to get some Hipster Nascar cycling caps made by the good folks at Cognition Caps. The caps are grey, with the logo embroidered on the side and the marking lines of a velodrome embroidered on the underside of the brim. This way, when you're in the pub after a race night at the track, you can use the brim of the hat to illustrate exactly where you were in turn 4 when you got boxed-in. It's great for making excuses.
And, if you buy a cap, you might get a few Hipster Nascar badges thrown in. Might being the operative word.
The caps are $28 each, with free postage to anywhere in the world. I only had 10 made, and I don't think I'll be having anymore made anytime soon, so these are limited edition. If you want one, email me (address is on the top right of the page) and I'll send you the PayPal details.
And if you're looking for sweet cycling caps check out Cognition Caps.
And, if you buy a cap, you might get a few Hipster Nascar badges thrown in. Might being the operative word.
The caps are $28 each, with free postage to anywhere in the world. I only had 10 made, and I don't think I'll be having anymore made anytime soon, so these are limited edition. If you want one, email me (address is on the top right of the page) and I'll send you the PayPal details.
And if you're looking for sweet cycling caps check out Cognition Caps.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Bermondsey Bike Parking
Monday, February 16, 2009
COG Magazine 1 Year Anniversary Party
COG magazine are having their 1 year anniversary and official book launch party in Chicago this coming Saturday, February 21. It'll be a full day of shenanigans, from 3pm to 11pm, at the AV Aerie, 2000 W. Fulton. The guys from COG had a few problems organizing the venue, so there are earlier versions of the flyer still circulating that say the day begins at 6pm. It doesn't, it begins at 3pm. DO NO MISS THOSE 3 HOURS OF DRINKING. It would be a shame. Details here.
Hoy Crashes
Chris Hoy had a nasty crash at the World Cup meet in Copenhagen over the weekend, when he and the French rider Kevin Sireau hooked up coming out of a turn in the keirin, sending Hoy crashing and taking out fellow Brit Ross Edgar.
Hoy goes down, taking out Edgar behind him. Photo: PA Wire/PA
Hoy lying trackside with the scars of his wreck visible. Photo: John Giles/PA.
Hoy lay motionless trackside for a few minutes before slowly getting to his feet and waving gingerly to the crowd. Although he didn't suffer any serious injuries, he does have some bad swelling on his hip, which is making it difficult for team doctors to determine the extent of the muscle damage. Hoy told The Guardian that he may struggle to be fit in time for the World Championships "but [the World Championships] are a long way off and I'm still optimistic." More coverage of the World Cup series and the run-up to the World Championships over on The Guardian.
Thanks to Val for the heads-up.
Hoy goes down, taking out Edgar behind him. Photo: PA Wire/PA
Hoy lying trackside with the scars of his wreck visible. Photo: John Giles/PA.Thanks to Val for the heads-up.
Black History Month
Learn about one of the first African-American World Champions in any sport, Marshall "Major" Taylor, at an exhibition in Houston sponsored by Black Gold Cycling and Boone Cycles (the shop my father-in-law used to hang out at in the 60s and 70s, apparently). The exhibition is happening all this week. Details here.
Friday, February 13, 2009
NoBrakes and Kazane and Dick Lane
That rhymes. Amazed? Anyway, the people at NoBrakes and the people at Kazane are coming together to run the first pro-level race festival of the season at Dick Lane Velodrome this year, and they decided to sell a sweet one-off Kazane/NoBrakes track bike to get the sponsorship effort started.
I do like me some black and pink, it's the best "colourway." Check out more pics of the bike here, and if you fancy supporting the racing at Dick Lane while getting a sweet track bike for 25% under retail, buy the bike from NoBrakes.
I do like me some black and pink, it's the best "colourway." Check out more pics of the bike here, and if you fancy supporting the racing at Dick Lane while getting a sweet track bike for 25% under retail, buy the bike from NoBrakes.
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