Category: cycling

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Welcome 2014

Posted on by dots and spaces

It use to be that this blog was more about design and illustration, with a side helping of bikes…and now.

Here's Paul Steely self proclaimed urban humanist talking about his love of cycling whilst donning a lovely Giro Reverb Helmet that I think I'll be treating myself to for 2014.

We spent a lovely Christmas as a little family and looking forward to waking up tomorrow and taking on the challenges of a new year. I have a few resolutions and I'll share some below.

1. Cycle 1000 miles+ (this year I covered 840 miles, 34 rides recorded on strava – about once every 10 days).
2. See a friend or family member each month for a drink
3. Write a script
4. Read more (for myself and to my boys)
5. A few more nights out for Mrs Dots and myself.
6. Do my job differently
7. Run 5k (we've both entered the Monster Race, so we have to train hard)
8. Clear the attic by Easter
9. Get smart at maths so I can help my son with his homework
10. Build a platform in the tree (not quite a treehouse)

There are many more besides, I don't think I'm very creative any more, I imagine that's a common feeling that those of us who work with creative people in a sort of producer role (in fact I think that sounds a bit grand for what I do). I don't even feel that I write very well these days. Don't worry – I'm not down on myself – I think it's all there, but a bit rusty and only by forcing myself to start making things and enjoying language through reading and watching film as I used to; will I find the inspiration and opportunity to be creative in my own right. I do know people who believe the word "creative" to be a bit indulgent, but I don't think it is if you use it as a verb and not as a noun as in "I'm a creative". I think there might be worse things to call youself…possibly. 

So, I need to make sure this isn't empty thinking, I need to get on my bike. 

 

How a bicycle is made

Posted on by dots and spaces

 

Sweet film about how Raleigh made thier bikes. I'm feeling the cycling world at the moment, despite being a bit poorly (and hence time to write here) I've been watching the good times at the Velodrome, especially impressed with the Women's Team Pursuit, what a gutsy trio, made it look effortless. Also have to mention Bradley Wiggins, and I know Olympics fever is high, but I couldn't have dreamt as a child that a British cyclist would win the Tour. He was amazing, Sky looked ever Postal and dominant, I know Froome was good, but he wasn't quite there in the time trial, and Bradley didn't have the same edge in the mountains, so that's when you know it's a team sport and it takes a whole heap of guys to win the race. 

It all leaves me inspired and wanting to get on the bike…and I think I might have found something.

Tokyo Bike Parking

Posted on by dots and spaces

What a brilliant and creative solution solve bike storage needs. When I think about the contrast between planners in the UK and those in Japan and wonder if such a creative solution to an urban issue would ever be employed here. I also admire the way these inventions are adopted and used.

Design is there to offer unity between the different stakeholders, and find common solutions. I think in the UK,  the emphasis always falls one way or the other, and users are often left bemused by schemes imposed in an often heavy-handed way. Despite its sophistication, there's a simplicity to this bike park which is worth noting.

Strong Island Summer Bike Ride 2009

Posted on by dots and spaces

Strong Island Roundabout from Tristan on Vimeo.

Had a lovely ride out with Neil, Charlie and Emil on the back, joined in the fun of around a hundred cyclists riding an eight mile stretch along the seafront and through Southsea. Some photos here and a link to the Strong Island website, where you can find a few more films and photos of the event. A great website, fast becoming the best way to find out what's happening in Pompey. www.strong-island.co.uk

London to Brighton

Posted on by dots and spaces

Bike77

Yes, for the third time of asking, I will be heading out from London on the road to Brighton with the cycling thousands. Not too many days left, but I'm off dairy and won't have a beer until its over. The ride takes place on Sunday 21st June and my start time is 8.30am. Please sponsor me at http://www.justgiving.com/getonthebike raising money for the British Heart Foundation, a great cause – I'm sure you'll agree. I'll post up some photos, and hope to capture a little video. Thank you in advance for you kind support. You might even have noticed the widget on the side of the blog, keeping you up to date with how much I've raised.

Howies film

Posted on by dots and spaces


I have been buying howies t-shirts for years now, they're fun, comfortable and quite expensive. My Cardigan connection means that I've been able to pounce on some seconds and sale items, and I've even had the occasional splurge. I really enjoy the catalogue, which has always got a few interesting things to say alongside the pictures of people looking lively and active wearing the gear. There is this slightly naisal smugness sometimes, and it would be nice to see the human side to them, I like to see imperfections me, it's reasurring. Sometimes they come across badly, indulgent and aloof, but every now and then they do something like this photo project and you think good on ya. Bit sad, as I lost my nice Howies woolley hat, man it kept my bonce warm, but it got half-inched in a restaurant in London. boo. Anyway, enjoy the film, nice print technique.

Trackosaurus Rex and Tweed

Posted on by dots and spaces

Tweed

Photo – Kit Oates – full set here.

I don’t even think I qualify as a fakenger, maybe a wanna-be fakenger? There seems to be plenty of internet chatter about the rise of courier culture – fixies, bags, rolled up jeans, rapha caps. I stand guilty as charged. In fact I’m still saving up for some of these things. I don’t think they notice me so much here on the south coast, but fakengers have infiltrated the London scene and are even turning up to messenger events…and even winning. I also wear Vans, but don’t have a skateboard. That’s pretty awful too isn’t it?

Anyway, I wanted to have a run around some of the cool sites that I’ve found whilst searching for the chic that’ll make me look good on a bike. (I need work). Trackosaurus Rex is a great site, with tons of videos of people doing crazy stuff on bikes and the low down on new bits and pieces – wheels, clothes, frames etc. I’m also dipping into City Cycling which has a load of issues of its on-line mag with great articles about bikes (of all kinds).

I’m also waiting in eager anticipation of The Tweed Cycling Club, I’ll be on the lookout for a dapper pair of plus-fours. In fact there are some fantastic videos of the former tweed wearing cycling masses. Go seek at thebikeshow.net – these were originally posted at The Chap – purveyors of fine moustache themed gentlemanliness.

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