Red Wine, Gravel Roads and Vintage Bikes.

The brainchild of Giancarlo Brocci, the inaugural L'Eroica "race" set off in 1997 from Gaiole in Chianti, Italy, as an initiative to protect the remaining stradi bianchi, or, white gravel roads of Tuscany. Nowadays 2,400 riders partake in the scenic  tour. Not really a race but a kind of cycling ode to the slow movement which, of course, began in Italy too. So, taking in the scenery and stopping for regular ribollita soup, cake and wine are just as important as finishing. No carbon fibre nor bikes pre 1987 in sight, the event is preceded by a weekend exhibition and market of vintage bikes, cycling gear and well worn tweed.

Trailer Ain't Trash

Kevin Cyr's Camper Bike is an eye-catching, functioning piece of sculptural art and the subject of a magnificent series of paintings, drawings and photographs. But where are Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz?

Ceci n'est pas une bicyclete

Bikes sure have hit the mainstream. Urban Outfitters, a site I usually go to for some T-shirt inspiration, has started selling custom bikes via partner Republic Bikes.

I'm Still in Love With You Sydney - First Night Sydney Festival featuring Al Green

First night of the Sydney Festival kicks off tomorrow with lots of free events including soul legend Al Green. Get down to The Domain on Saturday 9th Jan and sway those hips baby...

There's a Boom Box On My Bike...

CRX or BMX? This New York Times piece "Biking to a Different Beat" is too cool for school.. Only in Noo Yawk...

Which Pannier? THAT is the question.

Ahhh...which Pannier....THAT is the question.
I've just come across Queen Bee Creations in Portland, Oregon. They do "hip" bags for mums and dads and have started selling panniers. It's great to see some diversification out there in the offerings to cyclists...for those of us who try hard not to wear the shiny stuff. Trust Portland, Oregon to come up with such great designers. Oregon is decades ahead of New South Wales in terms of cycling infrastructure and the design obviously follows suit.

New York Times Bargain Basement Tweed Dress Code...

Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and Brooks Brothers have already got your next year's Tweed Run outfit sorted. Bargain Basement stuff. Check out the New York Times photo shoot. My friend calls it "Civil War Chic"