Bottling Australia

I have to admit, I get a little wigged out at the places that BnC randomly shows up. Strangers in distant pubs, stickers in obscure places, random newspaper articles, and links from strange websites. I think this latest appearance takes the cake for me though.

I always spot the Bicycling Australia magazines at the newsagent, as I’m picking up my copy of Dirt (to prove I’m hardcore), Singletrack (because it’s good) and AMB (to prove I’m an idiot). I always write them off as boring mags for weekend cyclists with very little of interest given my particular tastes. I’m pretty sure I’m still right. Regardless, the ol’ BnC Team Kit has somehow made its way onto the BA Gear website, surrounded by TdF merchandising and guides to the best bike paths around the country. I think Ben and his lack of concentration may have had something to do with it, combined with his love of e-mailing people and talking smack with anyone who’ll give him 30 seconds of their time.

Either way, it does give BnC that ‘super commuter’ cred that we’ve always been looking for. I guess now that we’ve hit the mainstream I’ll have to give up all hopes of becoming an underground hipster merchandise mogul and instead start pushing for more on-air promotion from Phil and Paul. “Now Paul, I may not have mentioned it yet but the top 20 riders in the bunch is really where you want to be. It’s much safer up there and you can really show off your team kit, be it Silence Lotto or Bottles and Chains.”

I am a little curious at to how we somehow ended up in the ‘Training and Nutrition’ clothing section. I suppose someone got confused between drinking sessions and training sessions, or took our talk of hydration at face value. According to the discerning editors at BA Gear, “this jersey is an innovative and fresh design suitable for every cycling enthusiast” and will allow you to “wear a jersey with an exciting and unique design on your next training ride!” Not only that, but we’ve come in at number nine in the category’s top 10 items list, beaten only by a few far more clever and witty jersey designs. I only wonder if being in that list means that someone’s already bought a jersey through the website? Unfortunately, as I tumbled through the list trying to pick my next purchase I realised that the gripping editorial attached to our innovative and fresh design was a little less unique than I originally thought.

Anyway, if you haven’t got a BnC rag already, I’d suggest you “enhance your cycling experience” as quick as you can and go buy one now! Just give it a week or six.