cyclosophy

[cyclosophy]

That was a good day.

Why Cycling Matters

I went for a ride the other day for the first time in several weeks as my injured ankle has been giving me grief again.  I was tired, and my ankle was not happy (neither was my right hamstring, come to that), but it didn’t matter.  I was energised by turning the pedals.  What mattered was that it was cold and dark, but I was riding.

As I rode, I began to think about why I love cycling.  Why does it matter so much to me?  Perhaps it was the death of cyclist Maria Defino on these very roads not so long ago that put me in this reflective mood, but my senses were sharpened to the experience of my ride.

What mattered was that, as I rode under the streetlights in the darkness, my shadow sprinted over the top of me, coaxing me to follow.  What mattered was that I heard the familiar hum of tyres on tarmac as a group ride passed me in a blinking mass of tail lights calling “Riders right!”

What mattered was that, as I rode through the suburbs, I could smell the breakfasts of the working men of Sydney flowing out into the streets from the cafes and takeaways: coffee, bacon, freshly baked bread, and the sting of salt and vinegar on hot chips - not to mention the scent of dope smoke trailing behind a skateboarder who happened to crossed my path.

What mattered was that I saw the dawn of a new day, the still hidden sun’s purple and orange glow slowly climbing its way up a wispy ladder of light cloud.

What mattered was that I was revelling in being a part of this pre-dawn that so many don’t see.  I was out there with my dodgy ankle, my tight hamstring and my cold hands, and I was loving every minute of it.  

[cyclosophy]

I've since met Jens, and he signed this for me! They say never met your heroes, but he was awesome! A class act.

I know this goes against rule #17, but I’m wearing this in honour of @thejensie today for his last day on the Tour.

[cyclosophy]

This is a painting! 🤯

tadej pogačar - tour de france 2020

digital paint

february 2021

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🤣🤣

[cyclosophy]

Nice!

#Cannondale did the right thing by going green. Factory-original 1995 Icelandic Green #CannondaleTrack still holds up 🍀 (at Portland, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvHShk1j9Mn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19grbz3b62cmh

[cyclosophy]

Classics season is here!

This is bike racing, the real pinnacle of the sport where a rider needs it all to win.

[cyclosophy]

I'm going back to uni tomorrow, and I'm going to commute for the first time. I bought this vintage frame on eBay for $60 a few years ago, and I've been collecting old bits for a cheap singlespeed since then. I've finally got it all together and working today. I'm really stoked with this thing! Thanks to Omafiets in Redfern for helping out with the last few bits and pieces to get it on the road.

[cyclosophy]

No amount of #CinelliLaser steeze can offset Portland’s famous Prozac weather. Back home to purge the parts bin. (at Portland, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqh1RPvDJo6/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=73lgfw3ojbk6

[cyclosophy]

Thompson Custom Bicycles by Cycle Exif

[cyclosophy]

Thompson Custom Bicycles by Cycle Exif

[cyclosophy]

#KeithHaring and @attaquer. It's a good combo. Thanks for the awesome #atqxkh cap and socks guys! #atq #attaquer #popart #haring #wtfkits #cyclingfashion #cyclingstyle #sydneyrides #cyclingsydney #capsnothats

[cyclosophy]

Somewhere, a marketing director is explaining to a straight-edged German executive that no, this man with their company name on his hat is not high as shit, and yes, he is a good exposure for the brand.

(Sagan’s post-race interview from Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2017, via NOS)

[cyclosophy]

Six day racer Piet van Kempen taking a break.

[cyclosophy]

If you're into cars, please check out my first article and photos on the new website for car enthusiasts created by renowned car restorer and coachbuilder Brian Tanti.

[cyclosophy]

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Oleg Tinkov (let's face it, who else would it be).

[cyclosophy]

Whoa.

[cyclosophy]

This Elliott Bros frameset from the 1930s is stunningly beautiful!