Holiday Gift Guide

The Holidays are right around the corner, I know because my twitter feed has been blowing up with "cyclist gift guides", "stocking stuffers for cyclists", and so on and so forth.  It seems like every major cycling website/blog produces a list of gift ideas for the holidays...and I click on everyone.  Why?  Because I love scoping out new cycling gear, and I'm pretty sure most cyclists do too.  So, I've decided to throw my hat into the ring and share some cool stuff I've found recently.

 Pippo Pozzato Multiscarf

Up your loved one's snood game this holiday season with the Pippo Multiscarf.  Constructed from high performance microfiber the seamless scarf is breathable, sweat absorbent, wind resistant, and sports a multicolored, all-over Pippo print!  (more garish Pippo gear HERE)

Strawfoot Arcade Socks

I saw Strawfoot's newest sock offering a few weeks ago on twitter and immediately knew I needed a pair.  The Arcade sock features an '80s Pac Man theme, comes in 3 colors, and is made in the USA.  (Pick up a pair of their Summer or Neapolitan Wool socks to save on shipping.)

MAAP Contour Cap

 

 The Contour cap from Australian company MAAP draws inspiration from contour lines of the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, Australia.  Like any good cycling cap, it's 100% cotton and made in Italy.  #CapsNotHats

Emily Maye Prints

 

 One of my favorite photographers, Emily Maye, is offering limited edition 8 x 11.5 prints.  I can get lost in her work for hours, but the 100th Tour de France pictured above is my favorite. 

Hermetus Bottle Opener & Resealer

Not that you'd ever have any trouble finishing off a big bottle of your favorite Belgian beer, but if the rare occasion arises, reach for the Hermetus Bottle Opener & Resealer.  The chrome-plated metal opener features a rubber underside, which forms a tight seal when a bottle is slid into it, assuring your beer stays fresh.   Works on 26mm and 29mm bottles.  Made in Germany.

Belgian Boys Club

After much anticipation, the Belgian Boys Club opened their doors this fall.  The limited edition range features the aptly named "Koppenberg" jersey/bibs,  "Bruges" windjacket, and "Brussels" gilet.  Accessories available include: socks, warmers, and the "full gas" baselayer.   The sleek, subtly designed products are 100% Italian made using premium fabrics and have a slim, race cut.  Check out the full range HERE.

Bike Central CX Supporter Cap

 

Although the cyclocross season is drawing to a close this year, you can keep the spirit alive with the CX Supporter Stocking Cap from Bike Central, a small bike shop in LeMars, Iowa.  The dutch rallying cry "HUP! HUP!" is stitched on one side and "BIKE CENTRAL" is on the other.  

Well, I hope that helped you knock the "cyclist who has everything" off you shopping list, or at least introduced you to some cool cycling brands/gear.  If you're still struggling to find a gift for the "cyclist who has everything" in your life, check out Death Spray Custom's Last Minute Xmas Gift Ideas.  Even if you're done shopping, give it a look.

 

Cheers

  

Jingle Cross 2013

Jingle Cross is almost here!  The three day event kicks off Friday night in Iowa City.  I'm really excited to be racing and spectating again this year, despite the predicted temperatures (30 degrees Fahrenheit!)  It's a fantastic, friendly event with an awesome course and tons of racers.  

Here's a few pictures my brother snapped of the elite racing last year.  Enjoy! 

Flandrian Nightmare

During the buildup to Vlaanderen's Mooiste this Sunday, a reoccurring vision keeps popping into my head during lulls at work or as I lay in bed on the cusp of sleep.  And it's a vision I hate.

I am transported back to the Muur van Geraardsbergen in the 2010 edition of De Ronde.  The scene opens with Fabian Cancellara and Tom Boonen side by side, gladiators ascending the famous cobbles of the Muur.  Out of nowhere, the Swiss Champion effortlessly cranks the pace and storms his way up the hellish stones.  The Belgian Champion lurches out of the saddle to give chase, but is unable to respond and violently wrestles his machine to the top of the hill.  It is too late.  15 kilometers remain before the finish, but Fabian has a gap.  It's over.  My nightmare.

After several "off" years, these two titans meet again, healthy and hungrier than ever, and many fans are looking forward to a battle similar to 4 years ago.  That being said, the duel could easily be thwarted by the likes of Sagan, Terpstra, Vanmarcke, and host of other riders.

Personally, I hope the race plays out like 2010, but with roles reversed.   Tommeke puts the hammer down and drops Fabs on the Paterberg, solos to the line, and wins a record breaking fourth Ronde.

 Ooh la la  la la

Summer Caps by Lucky Basterds

There is no such thing as too many cycling caps.  So with that in mind, check out the Summer Ride floral caps from Lucky Basterds.  They are limited edition and on sale now, so act quick and grab one before they're gone!  HERE

 Check out their other products and Custom Projects too.

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2014

Finally!  Everyone's favorite time of year.  Classics season!   Up to bat first, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.  I decided to stray from the beaten path with my predictions for this race.  

 So, without further ado...you're 2014 bearded contenders!

1. Tom Boonen

via Team Sky

Near perfection!  Fantastic shape, exquisite grooming, and ideal length make him the clear favorite.

  Although he's never won Omloop, all the pieces of the puzzle appear to be falling into place for Tommeke.  Overall, magnificent. 

 2. Luca Paolini (& Pippo)

via Pozzato's instagram

The Italian Uber bros are both donning some exciting facial hair this year.

Paolini, last years winner, is sporting a lumberjackesque beard that looks full and burly.  Gazing at him from a distance, one would say he's the odds on favorite.  But upon closer examination, his beard reveals a somewhat fuzzy mess that is similar to an Ewok or chia pet.  If he keeps it groomed, we could see a repeat from Il Gerva.

 Pozzato is rocking the conquistador look.  His excellent mustache, accompanied by a solid soul patch, could see him vanquish the cobbles much like Hernan Cortes and the Aztecs.  Unfortunately, Lampre did not get invited to Omloop or KBK this year.  So we won't see him conquer the podium this weekend :(
(follow his instagram though, he's sure to post some interesting photos)

3. Thor Hushovd

Via BMC Racing

'Stubble' has always been the name of the game for the Bear from Grimstad.  Throughout the season we routinely see the ebb and flow of his 5 o'clock shadow.  This spring, however, Thor's beard is pronounced and ready to go.  Sandy blonde color holds him back though, leaving him at the bottom step of the podium.  

Wildcard.  Guillame Van Keirsbulck

via Tim De Waele

Van Keirsbulck has long served as Tom Boonen's body double, but now might be his chance to break out of that role.  Like Tommeke, his beard has great shape and is well maintained.  He is lacking length and maturity, but as he continues to grow, he just might surprise the favorites.

Outside Contenders...
I'm sure there are other riders I'm forgetting/unaware of that have facial hair this year.  If you see a bearded rider on the Omloop starting line, plan on a top 15 finish for them.

Honorable Mentions

  Sir Bradley Wiggins

via Team Sky

  Simon Geschke

Via CyclingTips

 These two beards would definitely be in the mix at the end of the 198km race, but unfortunately they are not racing. (something about climbing and grand tours)  Don't put your money on them.

Pour some of your favorite Belgian beer, grab some frites & mayo, and let the fun begin!
(check cyclingfans.com for livestream info)

 

 

 

  

The BRR Ride

The Bike Ride to Rippey (BRR Ride) is held annually on the 1st Saturday in February, rain or shine.  The route goes travels from Perry to Rippey and back to Perry (Iowa) for a total of 24 miles, fueled mostly by beer and whiskey.  A dusting of fresh powder fell in the morning, much to my delight, leaving the sparsely traveled country roads covered in snow.   17 degrees and a 10 mile an hour wind, made for a lovely day out on the bike.

About 6 miles in, many riders stopped for refreshments.

Including Kyle and his Scwhinn Varsity (below) 

 The real party, however, was in the midway town: Rippey 

 After fueling up, we found our bikes and headed back to Perry.

We made it back in one piece (barely, Doug!) and had a hell of a time.  I strongly urge you to mark this ride down on your calenders and participate some time in the future.  It's a blast!  Check out Bike Iowa for more information about registration and dates.

Special thanks to our support crew, who lugged our beer around and provided asylum for our frozen toes.

The End