Category: Random Crap

Happy Christmas, jerkfaces

I’m writing this now because I’m a luddite with no internet access bar what I can leach from work once the boss goes home and there’s a very good chance I’ll forget to do it closer to the date. Also, I haven’t posted anything for ages (see above) and christmas seems to be the stupid bloody topic of the hour everywhere, so I may as well stay in theme. Stupid time of year, but it does mean plenty of time off, and as such, plenty of time for riding. Santa came early and got me a fancy new mountain bike, but decided to charge it to my bank account, which means I’m spending a lot of time covered in mud and grinning like an idiot mixed with occasional realisations of financial ruin and crying. If only the rain would stop for half a moment and save me having to clean the damn thing after every single ride (maintenance, huh?).

Free time definitely means there should be some group rides happening, but someone else is going to have to organise them I think. It seems that turnout generally sits at around zero whenever I attempt to drag anyone into the wide beyond, so all you slack fuckers can sort yourselves out. If anything’s happening, please let me know. Beer and bikes hasn’t been a combination in way too long, and despite Hunnibel’s disaster-strewn efforts, there isn’t much better in life than skidding down wet roads with a few beers under the belt. Alcohol numbs the pain anyway, right?

So merry christmas all. If you’re int he south hobart area, please do stop in at Cyclingo and say g’day. I love an excuse to stop working and talk shit for a few minutes. I’ll even try and sell you a bike, like the opportunistic salesprick I am.

Keep it real, keep it rolling, and see if you can do something about stopping this bloody rain.

Kick out the jams!

Yeah boiiiiii! We’re back! Much too much down time at BnC HQ as we shifted into a new hood, new house and a complete lack of internet or working computer. Technology, huh?

But never mind that, strap yourselves in ’cause the action’s about to start again. Alleycats planned for the Hobart summer, reports from across the globe, jerseys (soon, I promise!), hoodies (soon, I promise!), and assorted other shit. Same old BnC you know and love.

Summer’s almost here, days are warm, bikes are begging to be ridden. Get in on it. Grab some wheels, hit the street, hit the dirt, roll your way into summer days and cold beers. We’ll be right there with ya.

Word.

Not dead yet!

Sorry about the quiet times folks! My computer’s currently broken and out of action, Ben’s taken himself off into the desert to find his true inner self (it ain’t gonna be pretty!), and who knows where anyone else is.

On the local news front, the S56 tracks at the bottom of Bracken Lane on Mt Wellington has been bulldozed/destroyed/blocked by the Hobart City Council and signs have been posted advising that they are illegal, as is riding them. This is a real pity, as there was a great little trail network through there. However, it came about due to the actions of some stupid individuals. A local resident was flipped off and abused by several riders who continued on to the trails. She complained to the HCC and it was enough to get the (illegal) trails destroyed.

Continue reading “Not dead yet!”

Life is for the living

Quiet times at BnC HQ. Winter’s just around the corner and it seems to be scratching quite loudly at the door. The thermometer says 3 degrees celcius tonight, which made for an icy ride home at 9pm. Leg warmers are in full effect, as is the windstopper. Winter gloves are on the shelves at the moment and I’m sure it won’t be so long before they’re on hands as well. Not to mention ear warmers, neck warmers, thermals and all other assorted goodies
(I wish). The great thing about winter is that it makes for sweat-free riding. Good layering and good clothing can make for some damn enjoyable rides despite the cold. Early dark means night time trail riding becomes inevitable, which turns all your old favourites into fresh new tracks. Just make sure your lights are fully charged or you’ll end up bleeding on the whole walk home.

Friday night Silo Runs are happening again fairly regularly. We’re meeting on the lawns at Salamanca in Hobart, opposite Knoppies. Usually at about 5:30pm. The rides are casual and not super fast paced. Usually followed by (or involving)
food and some beers at the end of it all. Come along and stretch your legs before the weekend.

Ben’s building his SS mountain bike, while I’ve been taking the opposite direction and riding full carbon XC race machines. The future of the ol’ aluminium hardtail is looking grim indeed, as is the insides of my wallet. Love or lust? Either works for me.

Jerseys are in the works as well, but looking to be somewhat expensive due to our lust for rankings not earned (BnC WCS). Stay tuned ’cause we’ll be looking for feedback shortly.

Plans are happening for skid crits, alleycats, hipster street fixie builds, and plenty of other antics. Keep in touch and let us know what you’re doing over winter. If you want to ride, you know where to find us!

Straight Outta SoHo!

Bike punx, be aware! I just scored an $80 ticket for running a red light in the city centre. All well and good, running reds is illegal and dangerous and getting a ticket is just another risk if you are prone to do it. However, the circumstances involved posed little danger to myself, pedestrians or other road users and it may be worth being aware of for anyone else out there using the roads on their friendly, pollution-free, minimal impact, low space transport. I approached a red light at the corner of Collins St and Elizabeth St, at the corner of the mall. Rather than stopping at the light I rolled left onto the footpath at the end of the mall, paused for a moment to look for a fellow BnC member, before beginning to continue on my way.

Unfortunately the police car waiting at the lights decided that today was the day when there was little else to do, and my number came up. Understandably I’m a little bitter, given the number of times dangerous and illegal moves from cars have endangered my life with no repercussions. What a cunt.

End whinge. Fuck.

Sneaker Freaker

This one’s for Quon.

 

Nike Dunk Gyrizo (Greek for wheel)

BMX

BMX, or Bicycle Moto Cross is the non-motorized version of motocross, but also includes freestyle and jumping. The sport is making its Olympic debut in Beijing this August and Nike athletes will be outfitted in innovative footwear and uniforms.

“Looks like a dunk, but acts like Lance’s cleat.” That statement sums up the power and impact of the Nike Dunk Gyrizo, a shoe specifically designed for BMX racing. The Gyrizo, which is Greek for wheel, is actually built on the same cycling last as Lance Armstrong’s cleat. The external portion of the shoe looks like Nike’s wildly popular Dunk model, but the design of the internal plate transfers power in the up and down strokes of the rider. A strap on the upper and a lace pocket keep laces out of the rider’s spokes while a durable outsole compound was integrated to accommodate a wider bike pedal. Kevlar lace and metal grommets are also used to maximize durability. Rubber and thinner midsole on the shoe allow a rider to walk easily before and after races.

I’m not exactly a Nike fan, but I might rock that shit. Yo.

Link.