VW Squareback
This shot went up on my Instagram, but this car, with board and bike in tow, is too good not to post here. The shot was taken on a day trip to Santa Barbara last weekend.
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Rapha “To The Sun”
Today Rapha released a capsule collection dubbed “To The Sun.” It consists of three pieces, a jersey, arm warmers and a cap. The collection is a nod to the early season race from Paris to Nice. For 2015, the race takes place March 8th through 15th. The collection is available now directly from Rapha.
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Blackburn Ranger Program
The Blackburn Ranger Program is beginning its third installation this month. For those interested in becoming a brand ambassador, there is a simple sign up sheet with the directions needed to submit an entry. I like the concept behind the ranger program, and imagine it would be a great deal of fun for the right candidate.
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Assos iJ.suisseOlympiakos_s7
The jersey I am wearing in the above photo is the Assos iJ.suisseOlympiakos_s7. Don’t let the name fool you. Assos has a language of their own, but simply put, the piece is a long sleeve jersey meant for cooler days. Some might call it a jacket, but in keeping with the Assos lexicon, it is an intermediate piece, best worn over an Assos base layer. The temperature range calls for it to be worn in the 45 to 60 fahrenheit range. I find that for the LA winters, this is really the perfect piece. The construction is by no means simple. It consists of seventeen patterns and six different textiles. The windproof stratagonUltra airBlock fabric at the front and the ASSOS Type.v X121 summer textile for the side and rear panels combine to regulate your body temperature and provide a breathable and extremely comfortable jersey. When put on, it feels as if it was hand tailored for your body, and gives the impression of wearing a second protective skin. High praise? Perhaps, but I have to say that it has become a favorite piece, and I find myself longing for cooler days to be able to wear it. There are murmurings from the disbelievers that Assos jerseys are patterned for the racer, but I believe the iJ.suisseOlympiakos_s7 goes a long way to dispelling that notion. It is an extremely well designed piece that will keep all cyclists happy on the bike for hours on end. And, isn’t that what it’s all about, staying happy while riding?
Some keen observers might question the bike in the photo. This is a Simpson Velorig VR 1. A review will be forthcoming, but in the meantime, check out the website. Beautiful design, and a really fun bicycle.
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A Glorious Time
I realize the posts have been few and far between in the last few weeks, so I believe an explanation is in order. Luckily I was given two weeks off over the holidays, and I have been taking full advantage, hanging out with friends and family, skiing and riding my bike. It has been a pleasure doing it all, and the writing and posting has definitely taken a back seat. Regular posting will resume, but I still have five more days of vacation, so hang tight. In the meantime, following are links to some favorite products I’ve been playing around with the last month or so. The Calfee pictured above is at the top of the list.
• Calfee Dragonfly Adventure
• Shimano Sport Camera
• Chris King Alloy Ride Disc Wheels
• Assos Tiburu Bib Shorts
• Lake Cycling CX402 Shoes
• Lezyne Road Caddy
• Simpson Velorig VR1
• House Industries Bidon
More to follow on all these, but in the meantime I am going riding. Thank you all for keeping an eye on Velospeak, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Rapha Festive 500
Last year I signed up for the Rapha Festive 500 and failed miserably. Life took over, and holiday obligations took more time than I had anticipated. This year I have signed up once again in hopes of reaching the goal of 500 kilometers between the 24th and 31st of December. Not sure I’ll make it, but it will sure be fun trying. Sign up here to join the fun.
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Porsche 911 “68R” & #277
I’ve known Magnus Walker for some time now, and I’ve always been impressed with his drive and ambition. From clothing to cars, this man has accomplished more than most would in several lifetimes. Earlier this year, I felt fortunate to be able to connect Magnus with the folks at TEDxUCLA. In his talk, Magnus recounted his story and the idea of living life with “go with your gut” as the primary motivator. The talk is worth watching, and the story fascinating. So, from clothing designer to Porsche designer to a TED talk, what more could this man aspire to? Well, pictured above are 1/43 scale models of two of Magnus’s most iconic cars. In my book, that’s a crowning achievement. The Schuco editions are available directly through their webshop with a substantial price attached. Even for a miniature Porsche by Magnus, you will have to pony up plenty of Euros, but they sure would look nice on a shelf.
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Danner Boots
Danner has been making boots for a long time, a very long time. Since the company’s founding in 1932 by Charles Danner, the tradition of those bygone days of bootmaking continues to thrive in Portland, Oregon. Danner also continues to handcraft a portion of its line in the USA, in Portland to be exact, and Danner has appropriately dubbed it the Stumptown Collection. A short time back I was invited to see the line at an event in downtown LA. It was the first time I was able to see a large selection of Danner boots and shoes all in one spot, and it was remarkable. I could have easily been happy with any I saw. In the end, I chose the boot you see above, the Vista Street. The construction is flawless. The solid Livetech outsole is lightweight while providing supreme support. The brogue detailing is office friendly and belies the fact that the boot is waterproof by way of a GORE-TEX® lining. The boot is built on the 971 last, making for a fit that accommodates wider feet such as mine. The moment I first put these on I appreciated the comfort the design provides. This boot is equally appropriate for going out to dinner or exploring a ghost town. Maybe a little explanation is needed there – when I received these boots, I was headed out on a road trip to the Eastern Sierra to explore Bodie, CA, a beautifully preserved ghost town. I climbed around the entire town in the Vista Street boots, and pulled off what many say not to do, which is to wear a new pair of shoes on a trip or adventure. Well, I did, and I never regretted it, not even once. The boots are good to go right out of the box. The breaking-in period is non-existent. So, am I a fan? Absolutely. Danner boots will be part of my wardrobe for years to come.
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Mission Workshop Sansom
Just received notice of a new release from Mission Workshop. The Sansom shirt is a water repellent button-up work shirt made from a rugged Schoeller Turkish stretch cotton with a NanoSphere® water repellent finish. Made in San Francisco, this is sure to be a top seller for Mission Workshop.
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Shinola-Los Angeles
Shinola, the purveyor of fine goods made in Detroit, Michigan, opened its first retail outlet on the West Coast. The new store is located at 3515 Sunset Blvd. in the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. I was able to get a sneak peek of the shop towards the end of last month. Shinola pulled out all the stops for this wonderfully well appointed location. The bicycles, leather goods and watches are all beautifully displayed in a manner befitting the finely crafted objects. The watches have the most real estate, and I’d be hard pressed to find a watch I don’t think is stunning. Seeing them on the website is one thing, but seeing them in person is the way to appreciate the workmanship and design of each piece. The leather goods are equally well displayed, and again are awash in detail. The bicycles are what first drew me to Shinola, and they continue to beckon. The Runwell in orange remains high on my wishlist. Every time I see this bicycle, I want to grab it and take it for a spin. It’s not often a motionless bicycle inspires such a strong reaction from me. I’ve heard rumors more bicycles are on the way, and the watches seem to multiply daily. For a real treat, head on in to the shop and have a look at all these fine pieces still faithfully handcrafted in Detroit.
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