Feb
27
Courtesy of SFGFC, here’s a cool site called We Are the Magnificent that lets you trick out your own dream fixie. As a bike-child of the early 90’s, I went for the annodized 3D violet and turquoise accents, myself. You?
This site is still in beta, and they say that future versions will allow component choices. Aerospoke? NJS label? BSNYC Seal of Approval? We can only hope. Looks like manufacturers can inquire about representation on the site as well. Fun.
Feb
26
City and merchants want ATOC to return
Filed Under Cycling, Industry News, Interbike, Rides | 2 Comments
In what can only be seen as a positive comment on the impact that last week’s Amgen Tour of California had on the communities it rolled through, the San Diego Union Tribune newspaper today ran an article that described the City of Escondido’s and its merchants’ desire to have the race return next year. Having worked with promoters in the past on organizing local amateur bike races, I know that appeasing the local businesses that are affected by the road closures and logistics is a big part of being able to hold an event. Typically, businesses argue that despite the larger than normal traffic that a race brings to a shopping district, much of this traffic is not there to buy and the inconveniences to their normal customers brought on by race logistics can have a negative effect on their businesses.
So this is great news for the ATOC that the business community in at least this host city was happy with the course of events and wish to have the race back again. I’m sure that this demand will cause some competition from other regional municipalities and – no knock on Escondido here since they stepped up to the plate – am I wrong in thinking that such a significant race as the ATOC should have a grander finishing locale?
On a casual level, a friend of mine from New England who stays with us for some some warm weather training each Spring, rode up to the top of Palomar on Monday and chatted with some people from the general store and restaurant up there that hosted ATOC festivities about their thoughts. After joking about those “crazy people who race their bikes up the side of a mountain like this,” they sincerely commented that they were very impressed with the race and the fans. While they had some great (stellar?) business as a result of all the fans lining the climb, they also were surprised how little litter was left behind. Nice job leaving no trace besides good memories, fellow fans!
I’ll leave you with a photo of me climbing up Palomar the day before the race on a group ride organized by the team at the San Diego Trek Superstores. I’d guess about 200 people participated including the mayor of Escondido. (I’m in the Interbike jersey with the red shoulders). Have to say, though, that while reaching the top was satisfying, the screaming descent with all 21 switchbacks was awesome – after the first few switchbacks where I kept silently repeating to myself “I have faith in my Campy brakes and my ability to set them up properly… I have faith in my Campy brakes and my…”
Feb
23
Interbike Australia
Filed Under Exhibitor News, Industry News, Interbike | 2 Comments
Immitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?
Despite the blatant use of our name and logo, Interbike and Nielsen Business Media are in no way involved with this event announced last Friday. An official statement will be coming shortly, but just wanted to get that out of the way for everyone reading the news this morning.
Update Feb 24: In the comment below from Simon Head of the organizers of the new Melbourne bike show, you can see that they have decided to re-brand the event as Ausbike Australia. Best of luck to them in their new venture!
Trade publication articles on this development here:
Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
Feb
19
R.I.P. – Ride in Peace, Brent
Filed Under Cycling, Industry News, Interbike, OutDoor Demo | Comments Off
We learned the sad news that Brent Thomson, the master trailbuilder at Bootleg Canyon, passed away yesterday. After seemingly recovering well from his post heart attack surgery, he took a turn for the worse in the last few days.
A previous post here about Brent’s condition has become a place for family and friends to post updates and now farewell wishes as he embarks on the most epic of rides.
There is chatter in the industry about how to best honor his memory and continue his legacy. Will keep you posted.
Feb
18
The New York Times on Electronic Shifting
Filed Under Cycling, Exhibitor News, Industry News | 1 Comment
In an article from February 13th titled, “Cycling Enters the Electronic Age With a New Gear-Shifting System,” the New York Times chronicles the current state of electronic shifting for bicycles with the introduction and race debut of Shimano’s Dura Ace Di2. While marveling at the technology, they do voice the concern of many about how it may be going against the very nature of this human-powered machine called a bicycle.
I didn’t realize that this year’s Tour of California was the debut of the system in competition.
A few other interesting tidbits from the piece that is worth reading and is well written:
- Campagnolo’s electronic system is being held back by the company because of the state of the economy
- Bob Stapleton, owner of team Columbia High Road is a big fan and believes that all high end bikes will be electronically equipped withing three years – if not sooner.
- Many pro racers are still skeptical of the new system, but are being respectful of their sponsor by not voicing their concerns to the public.
- Giant will be introducing a bike designed specifically for electronic components later this year for a price of around $14,000.
Definitely worth a read. Shimano’s Devin Walton is quoted in the article.
Devin, I’d be more than happy to test and review Di2 if the Times is not giving you the exposure you need…
Feb
4
Huffington Post features bike culture
Filed Under Industry News | Comments Off
You know, I think we’re onto something here with this bicycle thing…
In the latest installment of mainstream, non-endemic media coverage of the bicycle as a valuable and pefectly legitimate part of modern civilized society, the Hufington Post has launched a section of their site that is dedicated to bike culture. As they put it, “some news is so big it needs its own page.” As far as I’m concerned, bicycles are definitely big news.
The page seems to be an aggregator of all bicycle related posts and articles from the Post. Regardless of your political leanings or opinions of the organization, it’s definitely worth the read and subscribing to their feed.
Thanks to BikeHugger.com for alerting me to this.
Feb
2
Watching the Tour of California on Palomar & Meeting Floyd
Filed Under Cycling, Interbike, Photos, Racing | 4 Comments
On Saturday the Julie and I piled the kids into the car for a ride out to the top of Palomar Mountain, site of the major climb of this year’s Amgen Tour of California on the last stage of the race. I think that it’s safe to assume that Palomar will be the most popular viewing spot for locals since this will be the first time the race has visited deprived San Diego cycling fans on their own turf. The problem is, there’s limited access and it’s not like there are parking spaces lining the narrow two ane access road all the way up to the top. Our plan was to see the climb from a fans point of view and get some idea of what we will need to do to watch the race from a decent spot on the climb without too much stress.
Now if you promise to save us a spot if we’re running late that morning, I’ll let you know what I found out. OK?