2010 Thought You Knew Us Calendar
The TyK Project was created to address modern day stereotypes of women. Frustrated with being pegged as either mechanically savvy but asexual, or cute but inept with their bikes, these PinUps showcase the dual nature that women cyclists embody.
The Ladies of TyK are everyday cyclists. They are not models. These women ride the streets of Chicago for a living, for transportation, or just for fun. But once in the photo studio, they’re given a chance to show off their femininity.
The Ladies who participate in the TyK Project learn to embrace their sexy side, too often crushed down in favor of being taken seriously.
The PinUp Calendar forces people to look at the women they see every day, dirty and greasy, riding their bikes out on the street, as feminine and sexual beings. It forces people to realize that just because a woman is wearing a dress doesn’t mean she’s unable to fix a flat.
The Proceeds from the TyK Project go directly to the Chicago Women’s Health Center [CWHC]. Providing health care and health education to women in Chicago, they have long filled a gap in the US health care system. TyK is proud to give CWHC a leg up.
Below are a few snapshots from the 2009 Calendar. Calendars are available here.
Death Spray Custom handlebars (not wrap)
Death Spray Custom partnered with Cinelli to create these featherlight carbon handlebars. No vinyl wrap or stickers. 
WOOLPOWER: HIGH PERFORMANCE GARMENTS FROM SWEDEN.
From time to time I feel compelled to recommend a product to my readers. Today is such a day. I'm here to tell you that WOOLPOWER is heaven sent.
After being blasted by over 2 feet of snow this weekend, I finally found myself with the opportunity to break out a mid-layer garmet I have been dying to put too the test. Recently, I scored a Woolpower Full Zip Jacket 400 for an incredible deal of only $50 at MidwayUSA. (sorry, price is already back up to $117). Not cheap, but even at $117, I think it's worth it.
I'm not going to go into great detail about why I loved it. Fact is, the garmet did everything it claimed it could. It was warm and comfortable, it wicked away moisture like nobody's business (layers above and below were soaked, but this layer was dry), it was even self cleaning like it claimed. In short is was arguably the best purchase I've ever made when it comes to clothing. I couldn't possible love it more. I wish I had bought 2. In fact, I am going to get a 2nd, and probably several other garmets from Woolpower in the upcoming weeks. It's that good.
My new favorite article of clothing.
I'm usually against labels, but I love this product so much that I'm even excited about the label stitched into the back collar
The material is knit so that one side is smooth, and the other has terry loops. The lofty terry loops, in combination with the crimp in the wool fibers, creates a knitwear capable of trapping a lot of air. Up to 80% of the material actually consists of air, which means that the material has an excellent capacity to trap body heat. The more air you can keep still around the body, the more heat you can retain.
Oh, almost forgot. One of the coolest features of this garmet, and undoubtebly a source of pride for those manufacturing it, is that each garmet is created by one seamstress. No assembly line here. One seamstress, one garmet. And to prove it, Woolpower has each seamstress affix their own label onto it. Bye the way, thank you Lise-Lotte Rundstrom...I absolutely love my jacket.
The finished, shaped pieces are sewn together to create a finished garment. Each garment is sewn by one seamstress.
The UCI Bans Ritte Racing’s Bosberg
Oh man, have I mentioned how much of a fan I've become of Ritte Racing. These videos are great.
Once your done with that video. Check out the behind the scenes footage from their recent shoot.
Revolution Cycles Snowmageddon 2010 Photo Contest
From Revolution Cycles Due to the overwhelming success of the Snowpocalypse of 2009 contest, we’re bringing in another 2 feet of snow and giving you another chance to participate! We’ll deliver the snow (approximately 16-24 inches of the white fluffy stuff), and all you have to do is venture outside and snap some photos of bikes and snow. You can be on the bike, you can find a bicycle-like object buried in the snow, or you can fashion your own bicycle-snowman creation. Get creative! Think bikes! Win Revo-cash-money! I Have a Photo. Now What? Submit your image to our facebook wall and title it SNOWMAGEDDON Photo Contest. You can add more to the description, but make sure the contest title is included. One image per person, please. Contest Details We're giving away a $10 gift card to Revolution Cycles! The gift card is good at any and all of our locations. One winner will be selected for the photo contest. Each participant may submit only one photo. The Revo marketing machine will be judging your submissions based on originality/creativity and relevance (we want to see bikes! And snow!). Please post your submissions by Friday, February 12th and we'll announce the lucky winner on Monday, February 15th.
This is the previous winner
More fun from Ritte Racing
It's no secret that I've become quite of fan of Ritte Racing. In fact, I have a hunch that you'll likely spot me in one of their kits later this year. Now, if I could only drum up the loot in order to score one of their beautiful Bosbergs.
eBay + beer + iphone = ramen noodles until my next paycheck
There is one thing I should have figured out about myself by now...and that's to not track ebay auctions while I have a beer in my hand. The lethal combination has wobbled my finances on several occasions. A carefree $500 here and $900 there, never feel as fun in the morning. In defense of myself, I must say that I always score great deals when I'm in this wide-eyed tunnel visioned state. I've scored a Dean Duke titanium frame for $600, some Mavic rims laced with DT Swiss/Hugi hubs for $200. Both exceptional deals. The problem is not in the purchase price. The problem is in my lack of forthsight when it comes to bills and/or holidays that are on the horizon. Alas, the deadly combination of eBay, beer, and my iphone reared it's head again last night. While I should have been focusing on the pub trivia on hand, I was instead watching a set of new 2006 Mantiou R7 Platinum forks. By now you know how this story ends. For the purchase price of $242 (shipping included) I am now the owner of these. That $242 isn't bad at all. I thinks it's a great deal. But if you combine that with the possible $275 charge if I win the Leadville 100 lottery along with Valentines day and what you get is trouble.
Time to look under some sofa cushions.
A mere 2.9lbs. I do like that.
Snotcycle 2010 photos
As part of my daily cycling fix, I stopped over at District Cycling today. While there I came across a recap of the 2010 Snotcycle race held in Leesburg, MD. What made this event special was the sudden and heavy snow that led to a beautiful and brutal event. Thankfully for all of us, Bruce Buckley who goes by SEPants on Flickr was out there taking photos. The colorful jerseys amidst the snowy white forest made for absolutely stunning photographs. Below are just are small sample. More can be found here.
I chose not to enter this event on account of being as fit as a sloth. But, man oh man, I can't tell you how much I regret that decision. Sometimes just showing up is enough. I'll consider this a lesson learned.
Yakkay Bicycle Helmet
These new entries into the helmet community from Yakkay are undoubtedly inspired by equestrian helmets. I could definitely definitely definitely see these catching on with the lasses. Or if you're a Polo playing bicycle riding lad.
From their website: The main function of your bicycle helmet is to protect your head. But that doesn't mean you have to compromise on your style when wearing it. If you are among those who use your head, you are using a helmet, and if you are also among those who appreciate looking stylish - you wear a YAKKAY helmet. YAKKAY helmets are specially designed for you, so you can feel safe and stylish at the same time. Available in 4 styles.
A Beautiful Klunker
Came across this one in the gallery section over at Rat Rod Bikes today. It's a gorgeous ride. Also, it's worth checking out the trailer for the Klunkerz movie which documents the origin of mountain bike racing.
