There are some modern, even out of this world, designs. Here's Brent Ruegamer's blackbird concept bike from last years show.
If you think your bike is light at 8-9kg, how about this 3kg offering from Nick Crumpton? Hey! That looks like my fixie :)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Handmade bike show
The North American Handmade Bicycle Show is sheduled for February 8-10 in Portland, Oregon, USA. The show is full of beautifully hand-crafted frames and custom made parts. Most of which are classic (oldstyle) designs made of steel with lugged tubes and hand-painted livery. Like this frame being made on a jig by legendary frame maker Richard Sachs.
There are some modern, even out of this world, designs. Here's Brent Ruegamer's blackbird concept bike from last years show.
If you think your bike is light at 8-9kg, how about this 3kg offering from Nick Crumpton? Hey! That looks like my fixie :)
There are some modern, even out of this world, designs. Here's Brent Ruegamer's blackbird concept bike from last years show.
If you think your bike is light at 8-9kg, how about this 3kg offering from Nick Crumpton? Hey! That looks like my fixie :)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
What's this got to do with cycling???
"Here's another entry for your comp"
"How is this cycling related?" I asked.
"It's of one of your cyclists" came the answer.
"Who?"
"Not telling...."
Does anyone know who it is????
And what's the dog's name?
Answers to: VelocityFiji@gmail.com
"How is this cycling related?" I asked.
"It's of one of your cyclists" came the answer.
"Who?"
"Not telling...."
Does anyone know who it is????
And what's the dog's name?
Answers to: VelocityFiji@gmail.com
No cycling... blame Gene :(
Here's what my yard looks like and power line and tree in Naimawi Street.
Cyclone Gene blew down trees and powerlines that made it a little dangerous for cycling. There were reports, however, of one cyclist going about 70km with a cyclone Gene tailwind.
I'll go for a ride later and take some pics
Cyclone Gene blew down trees and powerlines that made it a little dangerous for cycling. There were reports, however, of one cyclist going about 70km with a cyclone Gene tailwind.
I'll go for a ride later and take some pics
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Over the hills and far away...
Ebony and ivory on the Naqali bridge
Over the hills and far away... Well not that far, just to Naqali and back. Sunday morning was just right. Not too hot. A little overcast. No rain. The route has a few rolling hills and a couple of nasty ones. I got half way up the nastiest hill and a little brown Fiji dog came tearing out of the undergrowth at me. I don't usually react to dogs... just give 'em a squirt from the water bottle of they get too close. But this one gave me such a shock that I nearly fell off the bike. I lost all momentum and had to walk up the rest of the hill. To tell you the truth I would have probably ended up walking anyway, but the dog was a good excuse :)
By the time I got to Naqali bridge the rest were on the way back so, I only got one pic. See ebony and ivory above... not a bad pic seeing as it was on the self timer.
:D
Friday, January 25, 2008
No way!
Ahhh! the good old days... No Lycra, no oakleys, no cycling jerseys, no gloves, no STI shifters, no clipless pedals, no cycling shoes, no chamois, no lube, no helmets, no hammer gel, no HEED, no support vehicles, no coffee rides, no after ride egg n bacon, no power bars, no pockets in the back of your shirts, no heart rate monitors, no cadence sensors, no GPS, no training logs, no female cyclists, no brand name bikes, no carbon fibre :O.... how on earth did we cycle? :D
First entries
Wow that was fast... Here's the first couple of entries I'd expect no less from one of our fastest cyclists. Thanks Joon
Keep 'em coming guys.
Your bike pics HERE!
We're setting up a gallery of members (and their family) bikes, Road, MTB, Hybrid, trikes... whatever..) so send me a pic of your ride, with a brief description, and it'll be posted on this site.
There's a prize each month for the best pic... BEST PIC not best bike... 'cos I have all those :P
If you don't have a pic of your bike, any cycling related photo wil do. BUT it must be taken by you!
Here's one to get the ball rolling. It's a Specialized Langster Fixed Gear bike. Only one cog on the back and no gear shifters, 'cos theres no gears... duh! The rear wheel is fixed which means there is no freewheel... can't stop pedaling. It's not easy to ride and it's a REAL bugger going up and DOWN hills but once you get the hanh of it, it's great fun! I've been riding this everyday this week and amazingly my average speed has gone UP. BTW if I don't get any other pics I will claim the prize!!! So, make sure you send thems in. :D
There's a prize each month for the best pic... BEST PIC not best bike... 'cos I have all those :P
If you don't have a pic of your bike, any cycling related photo wil do. BUT it must be taken by you!
Here's one to get the ball rolling. It's a Specialized Langster Fixed Gear bike. Only one cog on the back and no gear shifters, 'cos theres no gears... duh! The rear wheel is fixed which means there is no freewheel... can't stop pedaling. It's not easy to ride and it's a REAL bugger going up and DOWN hills but once you get the hanh of it, it's great fun! I've been riding this everyday this week and amazingly my average speed has gone UP. BTW if I don't get any other pics I will claim the prize!!! So, make sure you send thems in. :D
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Velocity group grows by 50% :)
We now have three members (Velomancer, yeewahsing, FijiGlen) on the Velocity My Cycling Log Group who have cycled nearly 600km since 01 Jan 08. 340km of those in the last 7 days!!!
I've noticed my average speed increase 5km/h since I joined the Velocity My Cycling Log Group. And my milage (kilometreage just doesn't sound right... does it?) has increased dramatically... probably because this log is public and I don't want to look like a complete wimp. Or, it could be because I set myself a goal of 150km per week. While this is not easy it is doable if I put my mind (and body) to it.
I missed riding yesterday and I was very conscious that if I didn't put some extra Ks in today to catch up, I'd really fall behind.
So, I find the structure of the Velocity My Cycling Log Group along with the feeling that if I don't put in the kilometres the whole group total and average goes down.... AND not embarrassing myself all good motivators.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Power to the pedal competition
Power to the pedal design competition <--click here to enter
The push for bicycle use is gaining global relevance not just as a leisure activity, but as a solution to a range of problems like pollution, congestion, rising gas prices and issues surrounding community health. In urban areas around the world, advocacy groups are staking a claim for bicycles and educating the public about the benefits of biking as a means of transport, fitness and fun.
Promoting bicycle use also means enabling it; local governments are being tasked to improve infrastructure to create more convenient and safer routes as well as incentives for biking. City initiatives like Bike to Work Day and other bike share projects are promoting public awareness of the positive impact of biking on health, wellbeing and the environment.
This competition calls for a biking accessory or add-on for existing bikes that would improve the bicycling experience and encourage more people to make biking their primary means of transport – more convenient, more enjoyable, safer and more integrated into daily lifestyles – whether it's for commuting, working, shopping, transporting, leisure or all of the above. In your description, you should define the user scenario and design problem that your design attempts to solve.
You cannot enter any design that already exists on the market or has been put into commercial production, or that you do not own the rights to.
Note: The submission and announcement deadlines may be subject to change.
Judging Criteria
Judging criteria specific to this competition are:
Overall effectiveness: How well does the solution provide an answer to the design problem?
Creativity: How innovative and cost-effective is the thinking behind the design?
Practicality: How successfully can the design be produced or put into practice? Can it be adapted for local production? Does it add to the safety of the cyclist, too?
Aesthetics: How strong is the design in terms of overall form and presentation?
Ecology: How well does the design respond to environmental concerns through considerations such as choice of materials, production techniques, life-span, upgrade, durability, weight, recycle, or re-use factors?
Prizes: 1st prize: $5000, 2nd prize: $3000, 3rd prize: $1500, Most Popular prize: $500
Application Closes: 30/04/2008
Public Voting: 01/05/2008 - 13/05/2008
Results Announcement: 20/05/2008
The push for bicycle use is gaining global relevance not just as a leisure activity, but as a solution to a range of problems like pollution, congestion, rising gas prices and issues surrounding community health. In urban areas around the world, advocacy groups are staking a claim for bicycles and educating the public about the benefits of biking as a means of transport, fitness and fun.
Promoting bicycle use also means enabling it; local governments are being tasked to improve infrastructure to create more convenient and safer routes as well as incentives for biking. City initiatives like Bike to Work Day and other bike share projects are promoting public awareness of the positive impact of biking on health, wellbeing and the environment.
This competition calls for a biking accessory or add-on for existing bikes that would improve the bicycling experience and encourage more people to make biking their primary means of transport – more convenient, more enjoyable, safer and more integrated into daily lifestyles – whether it's for commuting, working, shopping, transporting, leisure or all of the above. In your description, you should define the user scenario and design problem that your design attempts to solve.
You cannot enter any design that already exists on the market or has been put into commercial production, or that you do not own the rights to.
Note: The submission and announcement deadlines may be subject to change.
Judging Criteria
Judging criteria specific to this competition are:
Overall effectiveness: How well does the solution provide an answer to the design problem?
Creativity: How innovative and cost-effective is the thinking behind the design?
Practicality: How successfully can the design be produced or put into practice? Can it be adapted for local production? Does it add to the safety of the cyclist, too?
Aesthetics: How strong is the design in terms of overall form and presentation?
Ecology: How well does the design respond to environmental concerns through considerations such as choice of materials, production techniques, life-span, upgrade, durability, weight, recycle, or re-use factors?
Prizes: 1st prize: $5000, 2nd prize: $3000, 3rd prize: $1500, Most Popular prize: $500
Application Closes: 30/04/2008
Public Voting: 01/05/2008 - 13/05/2008
Results Announcement: 20/05/2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
My Cycling Log
I did a quick 10k this morning to try and build up some Ks on My Cycling Log.
This is a free website where you can log you distances, heart rate, route, bikes used (if you have more than one) and you can view your progress as bar charts. I has a section where you can set yourself a weekly, monthly or annual target and log your rides on My Cycling Log and it will take care of all the calculations.
Here's a pic of one of the pages. You'll notice the loooow Ks for the past two weeks... not good :( ... although I didn't cycle last week coz I couldn't move more than 5 metres away from a loo :(
I've set myself a modest target of 150km per week (around 21.5km per day) ... sounds easy but if you miss a couple of days it can be hard to catch up. There is a facility in My Cycling Log for a group log so if anyone is interested let me know and we can set it up. I've put the link in the "Bike Suff" column on the left... check it out!
While we're on training. I was going to TRY and do a few days a week at the USP gym. Those of you who haven't seen the USP Gym, it's well worth checking out. If there's enough people interested in becoming a member we should be able to get a group rate... again, let me know.
This is a free website where you can log you distances, heart rate, route, bikes used (if you have more than one) and you can view your progress as bar charts. I has a section where you can set yourself a weekly, monthly or annual target and log your rides on My Cycling Log and it will take care of all the calculations.
Here's a pic of one of the pages. You'll notice the loooow Ks for the past two weeks... not good :( ... although I didn't cycle last week coz I couldn't move more than 5 metres away from a loo :(
I've set myself a modest target of 150km per week (around 21.5km per day) ... sounds easy but if you miss a couple of days it can be hard to catch up. There is a facility in My Cycling Log for a group log so if anyone is interested let me know and we can set it up. I've put the link in the "Bike Suff" column on the left... check it out!
While we're on training. I was going to TRY and do a few days a week at the USP gym. Those of you who haven't seen the USP Gym, it's well worth checking out. If there's enough people interested in becoming a member we should be able to get a group rate... again, let me know.
A VERY quite weekend
Only three people turned up to the Saturday morning ride... but despite the low turnout it was a beautiful morning... and the coffee was good.
Sunday ... I think everyone (except one who turned up at 6.30am) was in extra-malua mode.
Sunday ... I think everyone (except one who turned up at 6.30am) was in extra-malua mode.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Innovate or Die - Winner
Specialized, the bike manufacturer, has announced the winner of its Innovate or Die contest. The company set a challenge to participants to come up with a pedal-powered invention that could have a positive impact on the environment.
The winner is the Aquaduct, a bike that stores and filters water. Aquaduct was the brainchild of five California-based design students who wanted to address the 1.1 billion people in the world who don’t have access to clean drinking water. The pedal-powered machine transports and filters water without burning fossil fuels or wood, both of which contribute to CO2 emissions.
See the vid on YouTube.
The winner is the Aquaduct, a bike that stores and filters water. Aquaduct was the brainchild of five California-based design students who wanted to address the 1.1 billion people in the world who don’t have access to clean drinking water. The pedal-powered machine transports and filters water without burning fossil fuels or wood, both of which contribute to CO2 emissions.
See the vid on YouTube.
Monday, January 14, 2008
After Work Rides
Monday and Wednesday After Work Rides
There are two regular weekday rides. Monday and Wednesday at around 5pm (after work) from Esquires (RoC1) along the sea wall. If 5pm is a little hard just cycle along the sea front and you'll be able to join the group on the road. We usually cycle along Queen Elizabeth Drive and back (a few times) or an anti-clockwise loop > QED (towards Suva Point) > Turn left up Muanikau Rd. > Turn left into Sukuna Rd . Through Nasese > Trun left along QED . If you miss the start just cycle this route CLOCKWISE and you should meet the group coming towards you.
C U on the Road. :D
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Sunday Cycle
Just a short one. Lami to Big Clock and back. Then bangers and scrambled eggs for Brekkie... Three cyclists. The "master" turned up later... the fat boys didn't eat all the sausages :)
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Saturday Cycle
Surprise, surprise.... I turned up a few mins late to our Saturday morning coffee ride... and there's actually a GROUP to ride with. The last few weeks only one or two turn up.
Here's the gang after the ride having a coffee or three at Esquires.
Here's the gang after the ride having a coffee or three at Esquires.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Weekly Rides in Suva
Saturdays
RAIN OR SHINE... Get on your bike this Saturday morning.... come and join the easy pace of regular RoC (Esquires) Ride... and enjoy the best coffee in town after the ride at RoC1... err.. I mean Esquires 1.
You don't have to be a Velocity Club Member... You don't have to own a fancy bike... Just bring your helmet, your bike and a smile and enjoy the ride (and the company).
Meet at Esquires Coffee House Cnr Victora Pde and Loftus St. at 7am and cycle around Nasese, Muanikau and along the seawall... nice and easy.
Duration approx 45mins with a break half way
Pace fast, slow, snailpace... it's up to you.
Recovery Espresso, Iced Mocha, Muffins, Croissants
Sundays
Velocity Group ride. Usually a longer distance 30 - 80km, sometimes more.
Every now and then there's breakfast (small donations welcome but not compulsory) at Dom's place after the ride and a chance to watch some cycling (spring classics like Paris - Roubaix or Tour de France DVDs).
Longer rides are sometimes supported but you should bring enough drink, spare tube(s) and tools for the ride as transport cannot always be guaranteed. The group usually splits so if you don't want to try and keep up with the testosterone at the front you can hang back with me and take it (reasonably) easy. Sunscreen is essential as it can be pretty hot even on a cloudy day. Remember to drink regularly .
Weekdays
Monday and Wednesday we have our After Work Rides (if it's not pouring)
Start around 5 -515pm from Esquires 1 (RoC1)
RAIN OR SHINE... Get on your bike this Saturday morning.... come and join the easy pace of regular RoC (Esquires) Ride... and enjoy the best coffee in town after the ride at RoC1... err.. I mean Esquires 1.
You don't have to be a Velocity Club Member... You don't have to own a fancy bike... Just bring your helmet, your bike and a smile and enjoy the ride (and the company).
Meet at Esquires Coffee House Cnr Victora Pde and Loftus St. at 7am and cycle around Nasese, Muanikau and along the seawall... nice and easy.
Duration approx 45mins with a break half way
Pace fast, slow, snailpace... it's up to you.
Recovery Espresso, Iced Mocha, Muffins, Croissants
Sundays
Velocity Group ride. Usually a longer distance 30 - 80km, sometimes more.
Every now and then there's breakfast (small donations welcome but not compulsory) at Dom's place after the ride and a chance to watch some cycling (spring classics like Paris - Roubaix or Tour de France DVDs).
Longer rides are sometimes supported but you should bring enough drink, spare tube(s) and tools for the ride as transport cannot always be guaranteed. The group usually splits so if you don't want to try and keep up with the testosterone at the front you can hang back with me and take it (reasonably) easy. Sunscreen is essential as it can be pretty hot even on a cloudy day. Remember to drink regularly .
Weekdays
Monday and Wednesday we have our After Work Rides (if it's not pouring)
Start around 5 -515pm from Esquires 1 (RoC1)
Friday, January 4, 2008
The wonderful sport
I hope this works... I'm still trying to work out how to embed videos. The guy who made this must be a Lance fan 'coz every second shot is of Armstrong. But there's some pretty inspiring moments. And a couple of sad ones, like Erik Zabe admitting to doping and Joseba Beloki crashing in front of Lance in the 2003 Tour de France. Beloki was in second place in the Tour and smashed his leg, elbow and wrist in the crash. He never regained his form and in 2006 was implicated, and was cleared, in the Spanish doping scandal. The video ends with some memorable victories. Most, if not all are TdF stage wins. Enjoy!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Cycling pics
Send me your cycling pics and I'll post them on this page.
Simple Rules:
1. The photo should be a cycling related pic taken by you.
2. There MUST be at least one bike in the pic.
There'll be a prize for the best pic.
Let's'av'em!
Simple Rules:
1. The photo should be a cycling related pic taken by you.
2. There MUST be at least one bike in the pic.
There'll be a prize for the best pic.
Let's'av'em!
2008 Velocity Jerseys
Happy New Year Everyone!
I'm going to try and keep this blog updated with news and pics. You can help by sending me stories, and photos if you have them, of your rides.
We have just produced a small run of our new 2008 Velocity Cycling Jerseys (see sexy cyclist and male model Prance Arsewrong, above) and they went like "hot wheels"... and we're in the process of organising another run. So, if you missed out or just want more, email Dom. Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL. We've added another colour, Black/White (as modeled by Prance) to go with the Black/Orange and Orange/White (below). Cost FJ$45 and international postage is available (contact me for cost of postage).
Remember to take your camera with you when you ride and send me the pics to post here.
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