Inside the Portland Design Works (PDW) compound exists a thing called the Circulus. To joke that it is a direct reflection of life is not to say that it is not true. Day in and day out, the modern “nose to the grindstone” that we all know all too well. Around and around we go. And here we are at the end of the day back in the same spot. If you get a chance you should take a spin on this thing and think you’ll get what I mean…unless you’re scared?
It has been raining for days here in Portland. The kind of rain that forces you off your bike and into the confines of your basement, where, like our good friend Steven Hunter you may spend hours staring at the dim flicker of a television screen whilst turning your legs over and over again. I will not do such a thing, but it is these things that separate the two of us. He is a better man for it. I, a lazier, more slothlike imitation. No worries though, for Steven, purveyor of such fine movies that he is, leaves behind relics of modern cinema for me to peruse. The most recent, Countryman, is a mix of jujitsu, rasta, militarismo with just a touch of magic thrown in for fun. Palm Pictures picks some real doozies eh? Good stuff.
I stated recently, in a brief recap of a little bit of NAHBS that you should wait for coverage in printed form. Well, oddly enough, a mere two weeks or so later and you now have the opportunity to do just that.
Bang! The Issue starts off with a bang, like I did there. Photos of Campagnolo from the always awesome Taz Darling. Read that sentence again, and then think about what it actually means. (Photos of CAMPAGNOLO. Have you seen that before?? Me either.) And it purports to be only “part one.” Seriously? You’re killing me here. Not only are you guys cranking the fuck out of your publication (this one is FAT – like heavy) but you’re just stock piling the content so we can fucking drool all over the place. Thanks for that.
Then there is an interview with Geraint Thomas (proper hitter.) Have not read this one yet, but it has been warned that this lad can party as well as he can race his bike, so I’m curious to see what comes of it.
See, the thing is, I knew exactly which I needed to read. Matt Seaton’s Rattle and Hum. I was really hoping for a lyric by lyric translation of that classic and heartwarming album that would help me to wear more fly-like sunglasses AND save the children, but alas, it was not to be. Instead the story, which includes not only our Continental pal Piers North but the ever present man behind Rep-Radio one Derrick Lewis. And some pee.
I met Matt in New York City the last time I was there. (Riding a Pegoretti custom painted with The Guardian logos. He had just raced the Grants Tomb Crit and was by far the fittest looking of the racing bunch out there. And I’m just talking about his team. But maybe that was because the only other ones I saw were either – sitting on the sidelines watching – or – possibly Rick Rubin has taken up bike racing. Either way. Good times there. Also check out Matt’s Guardian entry How one New York bike lane could affect the future of cycling worldwide Talk about moving to NYC and taking the bike lifestyle head on. Amazing and what was more amazing was that when I snapped this photo Seaton was being questioned by a bystander on just this article. Read it. Then read the follow up Is New York really ‘too New York’ for cycling? That is a lot to take in. Do it slowly. Then head out on the one ride possible to you – New York – 9W. That is it. That’s all you get.
Sorry to get distracted with actual news for a second there, lets get back to the issue at hand[madebikes.] There is a piece about the North American Handmade Bicycle Show also in this issue. Remember when I warned of just this a few weeks back? I had no idea that it was going to be the quick (jealous much??<< talking about me here) Ben Ingham took the photos and I wrote the words. Weird combo I know (tried and true veteran teamed up with what amounts to be the brains of a drunk teenager?) In any case I have not heard from Mr. Andrews since I sent him the piece late late late in the night a few short weeks ago. So, I can only assume one thing. He’s off crashing cars somewhere around Paris-Roubaix? But, that is what happens, you don’t call, you don’t write, and the rest of us are left to make up stories about you. I’ll just continue on assuming that he absolutely loved it and cannot stop raving about it to all his friends…
You ever wonder what it looks like behind the scenes at one of these shoots? This NAHBS one was really glamorous. We got to hang out on this really clean loading docks and craft services served up little cucumber sandwiches for the majority of the day. Just so that we could, you know, keep our energy up. Here is Cole running support for the crew… or just looking hungover…. no offense pal, I think I might have been too. The photos did come out looking fan-fucking-tastic though. Bina Bilenky – a now frequent contributor – Joe Bell and Keith Anderson, Richard Sachs is in there as well our good friend Christopher Igleheart, oh yeah and those crazy Geekhouse kids too. Check it out, it would mean a lot to me, and probably to them as well, they are really good people and it is fun to go and see them each year at the NAHBS…. Ok, there’s my push.
You can get Rouleur #23 from our webstore (see above) or from 21st Avenue Bicycles if you are here in Portland. They have been stocking a pretty awesome array of publications that stand right at their front counter. Magazines like The Ride Journal.
The Ride Journal – Five
This is a good one too and one that I have to admit I have not been able to really sit with either. I’m slacking I’m slacking, I know this. There are pieces from the Mission Cycling folks down in SF and a few other notables. One in particular comes from one of our West Coast Contributors Mr. Kyle Von Hoetzendorff. Fuck yeah man! It is called D.I.Y and talks about some of the Black Hammer (formerly known as Black Hamer) rides that he has put on over the past year.
It should be noted that this guy really likes riding bikes and has gone far above and beyond the call of duty (not the video game) to promote a few different styles of racing. There is the underground nighttime race, generally popular with the track bike alley cat crowd, Kyle pretty much took back the night with this one. Why does it have to be in alleys? And involve cats? Why can it not be in the wooded hills of the Pacific Northwest? Well, it can, and it should, and it is always a lot of fun. Even if I do get lost most of the time and fall flat on my face in front of others the rest.
He’s doing good things this Kyle guy. Pay attention to that. And that is all that I have for you. Ok, wait, I lied. One more. But I had to take this one with my iPhone, so forgive me. Although I did put my keys next to it so you have some sort of understanding just how small this publication is, or how oversized my keys are.
Get one here – Gage & Desoto – $8.00
