In preparation for the big day,
a couple of weeks ago I was invited to a Women's Cycling Evening at Evans in
London's West End (I know, it sounds like a theatre production). However, this
event was too good to miss and I managed to be there early enough to receive a
goody bag. There were about 30 of us and
we all took advantage of the food and drink kindly provided.
A member of staff gave an
interesting talk on how to gear up for winter, introducing base layers, jerseys
and various outer layers depending on the weather. The special discounts available for the
evening allowed me to stock up on Defeet socks and a Helly Hansen merino baselayer.
It was a very enjoyable,
informative and positive evening - not least as it highlighted how female
cyclists are of all ages, riding all sorts of bicycles. I met some serious
commuters, triathletes and those who just like to travel a couple of miles
every few days. Apparently statisticians
across the cycling fraternity frequently find that the percentage of
male/female cyclists is not 50:50. I
have no idea why this is - I have so much fun riding my bike that I just want
everyone else to do it too!
It was really encouraging to
know that organisations are doing more than just selling merchandise. Evans have also run maintenance classes and
they arrange rides. They are not alone. Velovixen (am I really on their website?!)
and Brompton are also leading rides as indeed do CTC . Riding in a group means that you have less to
think about because the route is the concern of someone else so you can just
concentrate on pedalling and chatting!
Continuing with the Christmas
shopping.... the Buy British theme I followed (as much as I could) for my bike
for life is brilliantly being followed by Spin London who earlier in the year
hosted an Urban Bike Show that showcased British designers and British
products.
It went really well - not least because of the very
high standard and ingenuity of the products and the people behind them. Small, independent bicycle and accessory
businesses were given centre stage without being in the shadow of the big boys/girls.
From 29th November until 1st December Spin London are hosting a
Christmas Coffee and Shopping event and I popped in to see what was what. I wasn't disappointed. They have set it up as
a small Christmas Fayre, with stalls of hot food, hot drinks and a coffee
market that could keep you caffeinated until Christmas!
The bicycle peeps included Mosquito Bikes who are based in Islington. They have
introduced Velocity GB, a London based designer making clothes to ride in. I
will have to encourage Fitzrovia Cycles who
produced my bike for life to go and have a look!
I met Beelco who
are designing outerwear and Ragpicker.cc Ragpicker who are
sponsoring the 5th floor racing team
I caught up with Rachel who is the star behind Michaux
and have found my perfect Christmas present.
Roadrags, Fused Bags
and Paulus Quiros Paulus Quiros (beautiful and I wished my Woodrup was there!) were alongside Hackney GT
- all brilliant brands behind which were their actual creators - not the Sales
Team but the real deal.
As I left I caught up with the
man behind Trophy- the
innovative way to store your bicycle which has been
announced Winner of the Best New Product Award at Home London 2013. Well
done Ross, that's fantastic! And your fixed tandem is amazing!
The Fayre may be small but it
is well worth a visit - definitely don't eat anything before you go there and
whatever you do, keep off the coffee - you will be spoilt for choice!
Thank you Spin London - the
shows you put together are a real reflection on the passion for cycling that
it, to me, deserves.
