Something 2 Wheels

The three sisters

2012-02-10T13:39:00.001+11:00

Everybody loves a bit of sexy in the morning

2011-12-15T08:53:00.001+11:00

We parked next to this bad boy this morning

Sweet black betty

2011-12-02T10:54:00.002+11:00

Walked out my front door and look at my happy friday surprise!

Tweeting like a rockinrobin

2011-12-01T23:02:00.001+11:00

Recently have got back into the social media network and I must say, it's addictive. Because all of a sudden, there's an instantaneous outlet for my creativity which often times is stuck behind a calculator.

For instance, check out this cute vespa I found a few weeks back!

Inspired, Rejuvenated and a happy camper

2011-09-03T20:45:00.000+10:00

It's been a while since I've posted - but never fear - the adventures are a streamin!

When Thomas and Yumi swung past Sydney over Easter, they were talking about a cycling adventure from Cape Soya, the Northern most tip of Japan to Cape Sata, the Southern most tip of Japan, and they invited me along for the beginning of their trip. They wanted to give themselves a physical challenge, and whilst at it, raise money for ADVANCE - a not-for-profit in London supporting women and children experiencing Domestic Violence.

So, a few months later, Thomas, Yumi and I embarked on an adventure around Hokkaido in Japan. We left Tokyo to catch a ferry at Oarai which would drop us off at Tomakomai.

From Tomakomai we caught a train to Wakkanai where the real adventure started. We made it to Soya, the northern most point in Japan.

I loved that in Japan, it doesn't matter what you ride, it's that you get out into your world and explore it with both hands open. The owner of this scooter had his bike so ladden with camp gear and every comfort you'd ever want.

I also loved that the Japanese were more than happy for us to stay in bus shelters, or rest areas / parks along the way. They were more concerned that we were able to have a safe night's sleep, than where we slept.

Here, a little bus shelter gave us some reprive from rain and cold wind:

The landscape was absolutely gorgeous and Thomas and Yumi were awesome company. (as always). Yumi was a major star - not having ridden a bicycle that much before this trip, she just powered on - never giving up!

People were so active I was really impressed. We passed a 1,000 km run / biking event; and these crazy kids doing a 100 km marathon.

We went through lake districts, climbed a 13 km ascent to 644 m above sea level and this was our reward:

That night we rewarded ourselves, by chance, with the most incredible camp site. Not only did they had an onsen, but this was the view I woke up to from my tent:

Just short of 1,000 kms we were in Sapporo. Thomas and Yumi had plenty of time to hit the 1,000 km and I had one last opportunity. A trip between Sapporo and Chitose airport where I'd head off to Tokyo. This was our farewell photo:

And I made it. 42 kms before 9am I made it into Chitose Airport. Packed my bike and bags, and came home to Syd-en-ney...

MAJOR thanks to Iwao, and the Ikeda family who hosted us in Tokyo and Sapporo, and my travel companions, Thomas and Yumi.

If you'd like to sponsor Thomas and Yumi as they fundraise for ADVANCE - supporting women and children suffering domestic violence - donate here!

be still my beating heart

2011-06-12T22:49:00.000+10:00

via southsiders

London to Amsterdam

2011-06-12T21:59:00.000+10:00

If I rode fixed gear, and was still living in London, I'd be hankering to go on this adventure with the 5th Floor!

Go on, take a load off cause you know you want to

2011-06-11T11:59:00.000+10:00

Innovative, comfy and reuses bits n bobs we all have lying around. Take a load off in a home-made chair like this:

Via Cycling Weapon of Mass Destruction

Messenger v Merc

2011-05-12T21:35:00.000+10:00

Snoopin the web-based streets, and found this classy race between a NY messenger and a Mercedes Benz!

via CycleZine

Put your safety googles on

2011-05-06T21:33:00.000+10:00

Hanging out with the safety idea, this one is from Brittnay Morrow.

How to Avoid Skinning Yourself Alive - Brittany Morrow from Brittany Morrow on Vimeo.

Thanks Ben!

You know you can look cute with a Helmet, don't you?

2011-05-06T20:41:00.000+10:00

Garance always has the most gorgeous people snaps. I miss London, I miss Europe, and I'm certainly wishing I knew New York!

Helmets can look cute too!

International Chicks on Bikes Day

2011-05-05T23:17:00.000+10:00

International Female Ride Day Tomorroz!

Get on yer scooter, yer moto and ride safe!

Pity the Fool

2011-03-26T18:53:00.000+11:00

So you dunno what kind of pranks to do on April Foolz day? Well, get yerself to the all girls Alley Kat @ Melburn supporting WIRE.

Vegan friendly BBQ @ the finish line. Via Pony Bikes.

Worn out cause I've had the time of my life

2011-03-02T20:55:00.001+11:00

Out and about with my friend Di tonight and and we came across this billboard for Dunlop Volley shoes. Clean, crisp and reminded me of the Pyrmont malarky the courier boyz get up to.

Check out the whole 'worn out' Volley campaign!

Said sugar make it slow And we'll come together fine

2011-02-28T22:17:00.003+11:00

Don't normally repost stuff like this, but geeze, all we need is a little patience, tolerance and remembering that everybody else's life is just as precious to them as yours is to you.

Still can't believe this actually happened during a peaceful Critical Mass outing in Brazil on Friday. Thoughts are with everybody affected. Thankful nobody was killed.

Read about it here. Thanks Yogi & Shifty for the heads up!

Sydney Minors

2011-02-09T22:56:00.000+11:00

Was real nice hanging out with the bike polo kids on the weekend! As promised, photos are up and about, so here's some to get you lusting over all the fun we had:

Get over here for more!

Bike my day

2011-02-08T21:57:00.000+11:00

Nice production by N8 productions via FLWRIDER

Bike my day #N8Productions from FORISBAN on Vimeo.

Get those mallets out!

2011-02-05T11:05:00.000+11:00

Gosh what a hot day to kick off the Sydney Minor bicycle polo comp! Will be wearing plenty of sunscreen and taking an esky to protect my beers from this heat!

Photos to come - promise!

Juliet

2011-01-26T10:41:00.001+11:00

I've been tracking the Red Bull velodrome for the past few weeks now. This is by far the best photo I've come across! Juliet of Charge bikes giving the boyz a run for their money!

Looked like a loada fun. Shame I wasn't in my old home town to check out the scene! Looking fwd to April that's for sure!

Via pedalconsumption

I've waited all my life for you, and now, my dream comes true!

2010-12-05T17:31:00.000+11:00

Ever since the death of Brad, I've had a hole in my soul. Tarn of Primate frames understood my distress, and took to the drawing board to recreate a new, improved Brad.

Based on the same geometry with a few tweaks and all steel frame and forks, we added disk brakes and riser bars to increase visibility and improved handling.

Thanks Tarn of Primate frames for the wonderful workmanship and unfettered patience with my ever changing mind.

Thanks also to Dave of Brisbane Outdoor gear for my custom beernutt!
More photos here!

Deus Biker's Build off!

2010-11-29T00:00:00.000+11:00

I'm loving summer - all the kool bikers get themselves out and about and all the awesome 2 wheeled action to get involved with!

Really wish I was able to get to the Deus build off yesterday!

Check out Flilipe Hefler's slide show here!

Chicks that spin the globe: Foto Comp!!!

2010-11-25T21:03:00.001+11:00

Candy Cranks have done it again! If you're a chick, and you ride a bike (pedal power) get yerself into this Foto Comp!

Stunning n lustful prizes to be had from Ladies all over the globe (you'd expect nothing else from our Magic Megz!):

More greedy details HERE! Happy Snapping!

All that's missing is the pink hotpants

2010-11-23T20:34:00.001+11:00

Tarn's said I can pick up the New Brad tomorrow night. My wonderful friend Shaynie said I'll look like Pinkie Tuscadero from Happy Days. Since I could only vaguely remembered her, I checked her out on You Tube...

I've been lusting after you, if only you'd look my way

2010-11-21T15:50:00.000+11:00

Haven't been that inspired lately so haven't really written much these past few weeks... However, add a little sunshine, a good spin through the mountains, and inspiration is everywhere!

Figured I'd show y'all the newest moto that BMW have got me lusting after. Their F800R... This poor darlin' was sitting outside all lonely and wanting a friend at Frasers Concord last weekend...

Here's the bad-assed pin up version from the US photo reel:

Kiera might do it for some, but it's this Ducati that does it for me

2010-10-10T22:30:00.000+11:00

Kiera Knightly is the face of Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle, and here's the pics snapped from their new advert.

I'm loving the Duke, but maybe we can get rid of the training wheels please?

A bit of Jake Cake is good for everybody

2010-10-10T16:35:00.000+11:00

My mate Jake has started riding a rad R65 and never had been to Deus.

Being home not yet a week, I took it upon myself to ensure we rectified this absurd situation. We were eager to get into the Royal National Park, so we foolishly (or intelligently - I'm not quite sure...) we didn't hang around for the 2 wheeled porn shop to open (we'd still be there right now).

Jake had also never spun through the Royal National Park on his R65. By the time we went through the gates, there were already two accidents reported... One with a motorcyclist and another a mountain biker. Seriously - you gotta play it safe on the road kids!

Anyways, here's Jake with another BMW friend we found along the way...

Reality bites, and I've had the time of my life

2010-09-19T19:15:00.001+10:00

Well, I've been pretty slack in keeping you guys in the loop of where I've been. Partly because the internet I've had access to over the past few days has been pretty poor, and in other respects, when I got to my destination, I was completely knackered and writing was the last thing on my mind.

So where have I been?

From Meijillones we continued up the coastline to Iquique where we met up with Jens and his new group for dinner. My Spanish was getting better which was such a relief!

Then we went to Mamina in the middle of the desert where there was a thermal spring. Legend has it that an Inca king's daughter lost her sight, and was brought to Mamina where she regained her sight.

For me, it was not only a paradise amongst the desert, but also the centre of a BHP Billiton (Aussie mining company) copper mine, where I was invited to the resident's monthly BBQ.

After Mamina, we made our way up to Arica. One tank of fuel got us 320 kilometres (there was no gas stations in between, and needless to say the first thing I did was go buy a reserve tank). I didn't like tight fuel situations. I preferred to play it safe.

Entry into Arica

Arica is one of those towns that it is necessary to have your own transport. Out at San Miguel there is a museum where you can see mummies pre dating those of Egyptian times. The photos didn't come out so well, cause I wasn't allowed to use the flash. So you'll have to trust me on this one. :-)

And you can experience the region's olives.

Heading out of Arica we went to Putre. Isabella managed 5,250 metres above sea level before her engine would cut out.

We saw some incredible mountains, glaciers, high altitude lakes, and froze our fingers off. How I longed for my heated hand grips!

We even met a new friend at the Police station (it was another mandatory stop).

Putre to Iquique (returning in order to get permission to cross a tax free zone) was the most rewarding riding days of my life. Not only was the road a challenge - 200 km of dirt and a further 300 tarred. The views stunning.

Yes, that's the road I was embarking upon to complete!

At the Iquique youth hostel, I picked up a hitch-hiker. Even if only for this crazy photo!

Iquique to San Pedro got me through some pretty boring desert stretches.

I was rewarded with meeting some pretty incredible motorcyclists from Brazil. They created a Brazillian BBQ fiesta in my honour and we had an incredible evening together.

Sadly, Isabella's and my last day together had come. It was time to leave San Pedro, and return to Antofagasta via the Salar de Atacama. And what an incredible way to complete the adventure of my lifetime!

A massive thanks to Jens because without his help, I'd never have been able to embark on this dream! For details on how to buy a motorcycle in Chile, check out our detailed description here!

If you are in Germany, get yourself to the next Horizon's unlimited travellers meeting in October this year!

Hasta Leugo mes amigos!

Everywhere she goes, heads turn

2010-09-10T12:26:00.003+10:00

Travelling alone on a tiny motorcycle, you tend to meet a lot of really lovely people. Take a lot of unbeaten tracks and explore. Your mind is completely open to everything around you. Your senses open to exploration. And, it seems, every where we go people just want to talk to us, or watch us in wonder - it's not every day you see a girl on a 125 cc motorcycle touring Chile, apparently.

Day 4: Chanaral to Antofogasta
Isabella and I had to return to Antofogasta for additonal registration papers and our first service. Normally recommended within the first 30 days of ownership, her 1,000 km service was due by day 4. We had 1,341 km when we arrived to Antofogasta!

This time, we followed Route 5 - the Pan Americ Highway. Highlight on the 300 + km desert filled day was the Hand of the Desert. It even gave us the thumbs up!

Day 5: Antofogasta - Juan Lopez - Mejillones
Intially the plan was to get to Tocapilla - but the rego papers took a little longer than expected. We left Antofogasta in the afternoon, and took some time to explore the region to Mejillones (only 100km away).

Highlights:

La Portada - similar to what our Great Ocean's London Bridge USED to look like...

Meeting new friends on the white cliffs of Juan Lopez

Crossing the Meridian of the Tropic of Capricorn

Sunset tour with Alfredo (my hostel owner) at Mejillones.

As always, there's more updates to soon follow! So keep your eyes peeled for the next episode of Isabella's adventures in Northern Chile!

Hasta Leugo mes amigos!

I hear what you're saying, but I beg to disagree

2010-09-08T09:06:00.000+10:00

I've not been online that much these past few days. Partly because I'm backpacking in 'style'. Which doesn't mean I always get to hostels with WIFI.

But the style is that my back pack is being lugged by my gorgeous new pony. Introducing Isabella, my shiny brand new Chilean Honda CG125.

Yes, I hear what you are saying, "Jewlz, are bloody crazy buying a motorcycle in Chile". Sometimes, the crazy option is the only sensible one to take. Renting a motorcycle would have cost double, and well, being so little and light, she's the perfect companion. We can go anywhere!

Already she's just on 5 days old and we are pushing 2,000 km together. I've finally found a hostel with WIFI so I can update you all on my antics.

Day 1: Antofagasta - Chanaral (via TalTal)

We managed a dust storm, heavy fog, rain and found a gorgeous little beach.

If I had a tent and a hot man to keep me warm, we would have slept here for the night. By far my favourite beach thus far, and no, I'm not telling you where it is - I'm gonna come back one day with said tent and hot man!!! haha

Instead we had to push on to Chanaral, braving rain.

Day 2: Chanaral - Copiapo

The sun came out, but don't be fooled that it means warm. Next to the coast you have the Andes. So, it's more than likely you'll actually have quite cold temperatures, and an inversion layer here and there. My jumper didn't make it more than 40 minutes on the back of my pack!

Along the way, there's a gorgeous little town Caldera with a cute church.

And also nearby, a beautiful little beach where Isabella and I had a little tumble. Blasted dogs chased us and I wasn't looking where I was going. Luckily, it was sand. AND we got a beautiful photo at the end...

Day 3: Copiapo - San Jose (the mine) - Chanaral
We had to head back to Antofogasta for the first service and more registration papers. So, an early morning start with the guy from my hotel, Peter, got me to San Jose to visit the mine with the 33 trapped miners. You can only get there if you have relatives or work there. Hence Peter's offer to take me to visit when I expressed my interest in the local's point of view.

The hole in the ground is the entrance to the mine, and the tower at the top is directly above the miners...

Along the way, we found the route for the Dakar race. Here's my impersonation of Annie Seel (pretend there's a motorcycle there please!):

I'll upload the days up until now ASAP. Now, I've gotta go get ready for dinner!

Hasta Leugo mes amigos!

San Pedro and pisco sours!

2010-09-06T00:00:00.001+10:00

Final leg of Sabrina's adventures took us through San Pedro and over to the finale, Antofagasta, Chile. First we had to manage the border crossing. This time it was quicker, because we were returning Chile bikes to Chile. Four stamps later, we were crossing the border! Northern Chile is a stark contrast to Southern Peru.

Southern Peru is quite colourful and green. Northern Chile, is well. Desert.

San Pedro de Atacama is the gateway to everything in the desert of Chile. It's also the gateway to Bolivia and the Salar Unys (that will be another adventure). It is near to the world's largest copper mine. It is the gateway to the Valley of moon. It is the gateway to the Geisers. Basically, it is Northern Chile's adventure capital.

Some pictures of our time include Jaroslav trying to get me pumped up for the next stretch of desert riding.

Sunset at the valley of the moon

Sunrise at the geisers

And through the salt lakes towards Antofagasta...

Returning Sabrina to her to rightful owners, Moto Aventura was pretty tough. Primarily because I couldn't fathom the idea of bus travel for the next few weeks (hold that thought a while). At other times, it was tough because I wasn't going to have my new friends to hang out with - to learn from on a daily basis, to be pushed to be a better rider. And, ok, there would be no more daily doses of BMW moto porn (I did however get to ride a 30th anniversary of GS - 2010 F800GS - when I was helping to wash the bikes for the next group - woot!)!

The tour was conducted by Edelweiss bike tours, and I'd have to say, both the bikes from Moto Aventura and their resident mechanics, added with our tour guide Jens from Edelweiss is the perfect option if you want the adventure without the hassle of organising everything yourself, and you want to take a holiday, and ride beautiful roads.

I felt it was only an Adiu and not an Adios to our new friends. And Sabrina, well tomorrow, she gets a new friend to take through Peru and Chile. To me, she'll always be the Silver Palmonio's cousin, and have a fond space in my heart.

Sometimes, you gotta thank your lucky stars

2010-09-05T10:56:00.000+10:00

Sabrina's adventures continued to Lake Titicaca. Situated on the border of Peru and Bolivia, it is the highest lake in the world - at a massive head exploding 3,811 m above sea level. First, we had to get through Juliaca a city thriving on mayham.

It seemed our bikes took a cue from Juliaca, and half way through the winding streets, the side stand sensor on Stephen's bike broke, so it kept stalling. Seemingly it thought it had the side stand down - all the time. So Jens took the F650GS and gave Stephen the F800GS. Again, we set off to Puno.

Arriving in Puno, a beautiful city on the banks of Lake Titicaca, it seemed a quiet relief. Everybody arrived in one piece. Except many of us experienced altitude sickness by the end of the evening. For me, it felt like my brain was being squished into a really tight space.

Never the less, with the exception of the altitude sickness, Lake Titcaca was incredible. We took a boat to visit the floating Islands and meet the locals.

These hand made islands are made from the 'cork' of the reeds. It can take up to 3 months to begin a new island, which can house up to 4 families. All related. The children go to primary school in buildings based within the islands.

The boys relaxed on the local hand built boat whilst the local boys rowed us to the next island:

Except Yans (my alcatchi friend) figured he could row us to the next island:

Meanwhile, Mr Hodny figured he'd do his best Pirates of the Caribbean impersonation:

In all, it was a nice change to be relaxing on a boat rather than squeezing your knees on two wheels (oops - did I really say that?!).

The second last adventure of Sabrina was Arequipa in Peru before heading back to Chile... Hasta Leugo mes amigos!

If it means being a nun, I'll take that option please!

2010-09-05T00:00:00.000+10:00

Coming into Arequipa, our last stop in Peru, Sabrina taught me the necessity of looking to the left and riding to the right over here.

I have no IDEA why - but I went straight into Aussie road rules mode and started weaving through traffic and looking - yup to the right - rather than the left. At least, I still managed to ride to the right. So one out of two isn't too bad. The boys however, were well and truly ready to wallop me for giving them a heart attack when I pulled out in front of traffic to make my left hand turn. Needless to say, we are all still here, 100% and I've been incredibly fortunate.

It didn't, however, stop me from checking out 2 wheeled porn though along the way!

This gorgeous Honda Motocool CG125 in Peru next to her cousin the trusty bicycle in a mechanic's 'office'.

If ever you get lost, the best GPS is to hail down a taxi and ask them to take you where you want to go. This guy was our GPS to get us through the complicated city of Arequipa and to our hotel. Arequipa is famous for having a cathedral related to that of the Pope. By far one of the most beautiful places to experience is that of the Convent.

Thing is, in the times when this Convent was built, rich women would come here to study - because for women, it was forbidden to study unless you were in the convent. There were two types of nuns - those with money and those without. Novices would come to the convent to study for a while, and then return to their homes, or their future husbands. Others would turn to the convent with their 'calling' when an arranged marriage with say, a 12 year old girl and a 52 year old man was unwanted. Understandably, I can understand - and if in the same situation, I'd prefer the solace of a convent too!

Early morning rises are worth it in the end

2010-09-01T05:46:00.000+10:00

Sabrina's next chapter in our adventure was to get us from the canyon near Curahasi and up to Ollantaytambo - the closest town with a road to Machu Picchu.

The scenery continued to be incredible. From lush valleys following a river to mountain tops, or passing a truck that had missed a corner - stopping all traffic except bicycles and motorcycles for hours. At these times, it seemed every time Jens waved Sabrina and I to go in front, I'd find the crazy trucks or accidents to protect him from. It made for some hair raising moments, but my riding is all the better for it and the journey, incredible.

Highlight of the this chapter's day was our snack from a little Peruvian lady, smoking some pork and potatoes on her front porch, and her incredible doorway looking out to God's country. And when we paid for our snack, our change was a couple of packets of biscuits!

Almost at the turnoff for Ollantaytambo, we came across yet another fiesta. This one seemingly in the middle of no where. Again, I believe it was to celebrate the new presidente for the region's win. The costumes and colours of the clothing were mind blowing. Very vibrant, and colourful.

At the top of the hill before arriving in Ollantaytambo, we found a little market run by the locals. Alpaca gloves, beanies, scarves, table runners, table cloths - the list is never ending. I loved how they would plead with you to buy something from them - "me amiga por favor"!

And finally, we arrived in Ollantaytambo. The cobblestoned pavement was incredibly annoying to ride along, but again, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. So, with a strong heart and courage, we made it into the village and were blessed with this incredible hotel at the base of more Inca ruins. These were impressive, so Machu Picchu must be way more impressive!

And impressive it was. Getting up with a sparrows fart (earlier even than what I usually term sparrows fart - sis!) in order to catch the train, we had am impressive tour ahead of us. Coco was our guide for the day - he lives in Cusco and comes to Machu Picchu (8 hour travel plan) to work. He does the Inca trail, and other times, he does day tours like ours. His tour site is here if you are interested.

Anyways, it's pictures of Machu Picchu you are craving for. So, of course, no matter where you go, there is always at least one crazy Australian. So in case I was missing our beloved Kangaroos (with the plethora of Alpacas and Lamas running around the roadsides), an Aussie backpacker made me feel right at home.

Heres Yan with the Peru version of a Kangaroo...

In the afternoon, it was off to Cusco. But that's another chapter of Sabrina's adventure. Hasta Leugo mes amigos!

Down in the Canyon you find a little bit of Paris

2010-08-30T05:34:00.001+10:00

Sabrina's next step in her adventure was to take on the Andes towards Machu Picchu.We took two days to get from Nazca to Ollyantambo (nearest town to Machu Picchu). The roads were glorious and the scenery a never ending slide show of Peruvian postcard pictures.

The slide show included a little girl washing clothes by hand on the roadside, shepherds walking with their sheep in traditional costume. The Lamas and Alpacas dotting the hills. Ladies in colourful skirts and ponchos. Boys joyfully playing marbles in the dirt. A little girl walking her goats down the road with her wicker stick in tow. The images, their vibrancy and aliveness of Peru inundated your mind. You just wanted to suck it all in, wanting it to never stop.

Every corner you had to be aware that you might find a cow standing in the middle of the road, challenging you to cross its path; a donkey standing around on the side of the road as if it owned the place; Lamas meandering across the road or else a truck cutting a corner. In short, eternal vigilence was required!

Although we had a pretty tight schedule to follow, we did find time to have some fun. Locals were always accommodating and I think, riding motorcycles is one of the best ways to travel. People are intriguied - they want to talk to you. Their dreams get fired alive. And of course, they proudly let you sit on their bikes. Here's Jens thinking about giving up his F800GS for this Alteo NF125.

Finally, we were just a few minutes away from our hotel in the Canyon, day one of our two day trek to Machu Picchu. As we turned the corner into the nearest town to our hotel we stumbled across a street party (apparently quite common). This was to celebrate the new president of the region. The boys picked up a few flags for their bikes, and I had to dance at the front of the procession. The whacky things that happen on holidays! :-D

Getting out of town, we came across our hotel, and gosh it was gorgeous, and the restaurant's chef was heavily influenced by Parisian food. In essence - a wonderfully joyous experience! Here's the view from my bedroom:

Nice huh?
Next chapter of Sabrina's adventure: day two of the trek to Ollyantambo and Machu Picchu. Hasta leugo mes amigos!

Where's the bicycles says thou?

2010-08-25T10:27:00.000+10:00

Don't worry, I've definitely been keeping a keen eye on the bicycle scene over here. If you can call it a scene. People use their bikes as a mode of transport, a mode of transporting goods and still, it never ceases to shock me at how poor the bicycles are maintained. There are, however some cute ones.

Take this old style cruiser just sitting on the street - not locked to a pole. Nothing.

and did you see her cute reflector?

Another time, I was only thinking wow - these hills would be an awesome challenge for my mate Macbeth...

and then I met these guys along the way...

Lines all over the place

2010-08-25T09:43:00.001+10:00

We've experienced the most gorgeous weather to date, and although time to blog is scarce on a trip like this, my thoughts are definitely still on the two wheeled adventures so never fear there's more coming!

Our last episode of Sabrina's adventures were making it to Peurto Inca. From Peurto Inca we headed towards Nazca (sometimes spelt Nasca) to see the Nazca lines. The best way to see the Nazca lines is by plane. Our plane was due to leave by 2pm, so we had to make a bee-line and head away from the coast and go inland to the desert, up and over the Andes, and boy was it hot! Lunch, would have to wait.

Our last photo at the coast for a few days - Sabrina was photo shy...

Putting on a brave face in the plane...

My favourite Nazca line - the Monkey

Never fear, I found a few pieces of crazy eye candy for you all in Nazca city.

Coming into town...

This Honda's odometre was scratched out (and presumably not working)

This cute Yamaha parked outside our hotel...

From Nazca we went off to Ollyantambo to get prepared for our adventure to Machu Picchu - so stay tuned for the next episode of the adventures of Sabrina, the Silver Palomino's cousin. Hasta leugo mes amigos!

Welcome to Peru

2010-08-21T22:56:00.001+10:00

We have a wonderful group going through Peru and Chile. 6 Czech republicans, 3 Americans, a German (our guide Jens), a Chilean (our mechanic Jaimes) and little me, only female and the resident Aussie on the trip. All riding BMW enduros. A perfect memory for the 30th anniversary of these wonderous vehicles.

We've had three days now in Peru. The Border crossing from Arica, Chile was surprisingly quick.

In this short time, we've gone from savanah to desert to coastal views. On our first day, many were still getting used to their bikes, having ridden BMW's for the first time. Others were comfortable, and we took it easy.

We went through desert and suddenly coming down the hill there was green pastures, farmers walking their cattle (literally) and a beautiful little city. Our first night was in Moquegua and was a relatively quick ride. It's a pretty city of roughly 70,000 in the valley on the Andes.

Our view from our terrace

Waking up excited and alive, we were ready for our longest ride of the trip. For some, this was their longest ride ever - so this was a particularly exciting adventure. We were to complete just under 600 km to the Peurta Inca, roughly 10km north of Chala. It is believed our destination was the port of the Incas used by the capital in Machu Pichu.

It was an incredible day - through desert to the coast, along the Pan America highway. There was some beautiful twisties and gorgeous scenary. The roads, generally are very well kept which defies your imagination, and allows you to really open up the throttle.

Checking the map is essential - Pieter and Rudy

It was an interesting day. First we lost Stephen when looking for a petrol station. Then we broke the shaft on a F1200GS. Almost unheard of and a very rare occurrence.

We had a new one taxied overnight from Chile and were ready to roll by 9am the next day.

Our taxi drivers and the team

Finally, I jinxed myself and lost the whole team. Yup, send out the scouts!

Everybody was certain I had passed them (hilarious in hindsight since I have the smallest bike) and after arriving at the hotel, realised their mistake for leaving me behind! I showed my tough Aussie stamina and was ever grateful that with the misty coastline, there weren't any Roos to worry about! My angels were again looking out for me making sure I'd not miss the dark turnoff to our hotel ensuring instead that, Johnny Walker (and an open fire) was there to welcome me home and warm me up.

In all, it was all a pretty cool adventure and only on day two of riding! :-D

Sabrina the teenage Beemer

2010-08-21T09:16:00.000+10:00

Meet the Palomino's cousin, Sabrina a 2009 F650GS and my companion for the next two weeks in Chile and Peru.

She's the lower seat version of the Palomino which was a little awkward for the first few kilometres. She is a a youngster at only 32,000 kms and hardly worn in. She can, however hit 170 kph along desert straights with not much of a push, so she's got a youngster's heart that's for sure!

What a wonder to find you here!

2010-08-19T00:00:00.001+10:00

Met the proud owner of this R80RT today.

The R80 kept following me around Arica - seemed everywhere I went, she had moved to the street corner I was at. Till I eventually met her owner. Apparently she's an ex-Police vehicle. Genuine 80,000+ km this baby was hardly even broken in but still had been lovingly (Chilean style) restored. I think that means bringing it back to the original colours? Only because the engine looked like it had made the full 80,000km. But then, everything here is rusty as hell. So who knows what it meant in Aussie standards?

Oh, and guess what else happened today? I officially got the keys to the Palomino's cousin. There is one small catastrophe in all this - we don't have a name for her. She's a sassy Latin American, cause she's 2009 G650GS red hot. :-)

Any ideas?

We set off to Peru tomorrow. Not sure how much WI-FI I'll get whilst I'm on the road. Nor how much spare time I'll have between the cervezas, being the Road Princess, and documenting the BMW porn all around me... So if it's a few days between posts from now on - bear with me. I'll be back soon enough! :-)

Hasta Leugo mes amigos!

200 years is a birthday worth celebrating!

2010-08-18T00:00:00.003+10:00

2010 is the celebration of 200 years of independence in Chile.

To celebrate, Black Demon Motorcycle Club organised a national motorcycle tour of Chile with the help of local motorcycle clubs in each destination. The route was:

Chiloé - Lakes / Saturday January 30 = (448 km)

Los Lagos - Lautaro / Sunday January 31 = (190 km)
Lautaro - Design / Monday February 1 = (245 km)
Conception - Rancagua / Tuesday February 2 = (415 km)
Rancagua - Viña del Mar / Wednesday 03 and Thursday February 4 = (199 km)
Viña del Mar - Coquimbo / Friday February 5 = (442 km)
Coquimbo - Copiapo / Saturday February 6 = (336 km)
Copiapo - Antofagasta / Sunday 07 and Monday, February 8 = (570 km)
Antofagasta - Iquique / Tuesday 09 and Wednesday February 10 = (439 km)
Iquique - Arica / Thursday February 11 = (307 km)

Today, I stumbled upon the memorial in Arica (the end point - and last city before Peru) to celebrate the journey that brought Chiliean motorcyclists together to celebrate their country.

More details here!

I can't help myself

2010-08-17T09:22:00.002+10:00

I've been trolling the web looking for juice on the Bespoke exhibition at the Museum of Art & Design in New York for ages and nearly gave up. Even was tempted to jump on a plane for a day to get me there in order to check it out. Except, the exhibition finished yesterday (gulp!).

Looking for bits for the new Brad so Tarn can get started on the final build, and I happened upon these juicy bits. Luckily, Embrocation Magazine got some pretty decent shots for us to drool over - I couldn't help myself but repost them here!

And this, the workings of my hero: Sacha White of Vanilla Bikes:

The eve before a storm

2010-08-17T02:35:00.003+10:00

I've arrived in Arica. The beginning of my motorcycle adventure through Peru and Chile.

Seventeen 2009 BMW enduros in the car park getting the once over. G650GS, F650GS, F800GS, F1200GS. New oil and filters. Fuel. Chains checked. Impeccably cleaned. Heaven on two wheels.

I go up to check out my gorgeous red G650GS companion (she's in a class of her own so I know she's mine!), and begin to wonder if I should have taken the opportunity to get me a F800GS, then talk myself back into the G650GS. It will be safer for me to ride something I know on the other side of the road. Besides the F800GS's standard seat is a bitch for long trips. Nah, my little G650GS is going to be fine for this adventure. Besides she's going to be perfect meandering through the little streets.

Then I introduce myself and say "holla!" to the busy bees. My tour guide. The mechanic. The truck driver.

What do you know? Solo Espanol is spoken by everybody. No German. No French. No English. I'm sure it said on their website that all these were spoken. Come to think about it, I also read there were only going to be a maximum of 8 people per group. Perhaps there's two groups?? WHO KNOWS! All I can say is this is going to be an interesting next two weeks. But we knew that already - right?

I guess there's no time like the present to learn Spanish. Best go brush up my directions by the pool, maybe con una cerveza!

View from my bedroom. :-)

Coffee and art

2010-08-17T02:08:00.000+10:00

My usual haunt in La Serena was a little coffee shop called 'cafe express' a family run cafe that had a mean steak sandwich and great coffee. They also had local art up on the walls, in particular, this painting of a single speed demon:

Adventures with Trev's cousin, Julio

2010-08-14T10:47:00.003+10:00

Meet Trev's (Sharon's Trek) cousin, Julio. A rusty chained (with not a lick of lube in sight) Trek that was my trusty Chilean companion today.

We went from La Serena to Coquimbo, approximately 11km away. 10km of which was bike path along the beach. We got on the bike path at the lighthouse.

Beginning our pilgrimage, we noticed how wide the bicycle path was. Dedicated for the majority of the way (very generous shared pathway at other times) all along the beach to Coquimba.

There were plenty of opportunties to rest at a cafe or bar along the way or even a park bench to admire the other side of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding Andes, my everlasting companions.

Arriving in Coquimba, a fishing town, we (briefly) visited the fish markets

before meeting a security guard, who at first was about to tell us off for going somewhere wrong, but upon hearing my appaulling accent, instead decided to act as my tourist information advisor (or hell advisor - I'm not sure). Apparently it was necessary to go to the cross on the hill. The views are beautiful. Although we had eyed off the Cross the whole way to Coquimba, one look at the hill was a little daunting. And no map!

The views had best be bloody beautiful was my first thought. My second, was well what else am I going to do today? So, off we went. Up the hill. We got about 2/3 up, and then we saw a pathway. I must admit, I chickened out, and pushed Julio up it. Macbeth & Joe of CBD did pop in my mind, and I thought how much both would love this for a challenge:

And the views were spectacular, even just before arriving at the cross. Yes, those are snow covered Andes in the very distance...

Even a bit of unexpected local graffiti at the near to the end of the pilgrimage to brighten things up and keep me motivated to see what else was around the corner.

And finally, we arrived. Feeling a little worse for wear, but exhaulted just the same.

Let me tell you though, the ride DOWN the hill was an absolute blast! :-D

Driving me wild with excitement

2010-08-13T00:00:00.004+10:00

Where do I start? Today was the most comfortable bus ride I've ever taken. I'm even ashamed to be Australian because of it. We travel similar distances to Chileans yet our buses are no better than brick seats with walls. On the bright side, we do have seatbelts that have both ends so you can click clack front and back.

Add to my embarrassment, the roads here in Chile are divine. I mean totally divine. Not a pot hole in sight! If you choose not to pay the tolls and take the 'longer' and free way, you get all the twisties you could wish for going up and down the Andes. The trip from Santiago to La Serena is absolutely stunning.

Upon leaving Santiago smog disappears and the Andes become your constant companion. Whether they be snow capped, savannah with cacti, or both they are stunning. Imposing. Grandeuse. The complete landscape in one panorama. I dozed off to sleep for a brief moment, awoke to snow covered Andes in the distance, savannah in early spring time bloom, and to my left, sand dunes and stunning near untouched coast line dotted with volcanic rock with not a cloud in the sky. I could get used to this. Easily.

Yet, I longed for a moto. Not only would I have photos for you because I would have been able to stop, I'd have been absolutely enraptured (and probably stunned to the point of not being able to write this!). At a loss, I'd have missed my lessons in Spanish from Rodorigo. So, in all, I suppose things panned out well. I arrived safely in La Serena, eager to explore a city that felt like it had a strong pulse.

Wandering around, I found that I love La Serena. With policemen on BMW's like these, what is there NOT to love???

Tomorrow - a hired Trek and I will go explore the coastline...

Breaking all the rules

2010-08-13T00:00:00.001+10:00

Normally, I'm only interested in two wheels. Today, I make a tiny exception, and add the occassional third.

Really useful carrying bicycle cars. Used to transport goods from one side of the city to the next, or be the face of fruit and veggie stalls on sidewalks

Thing I noticed quite vividly is that Santiago is perfect for fixies or single speeds. I only saw one single speed (I was too slow to take a picture), but no fixies. You see, there is no room for 'nonsense' here. Fashion must be useful. Fixies are fashionable, but not always practical. So for the average Joe to pick up a fixie, I suspect it will be a long while before that scene takes off here. Soaking in all the similiarites and differences of a new city towards your own, is always curious don't you think?

It's refreshing to come to a city that is busy, yet still has a strong sense of courtesy. Pedestrians and cyclists (pedal and moto) get right of way - people are conscious of them - which is now so dissimilar to Sydney. It's as if in Sydney, we have become so self absorbed about our own business, we forget about others. Everybody is the centre of the universe, cept there can only be one centre - surely? Here in Santiago, everybody wants to go about their business but still let you go about yours in a mindful kind of way.

Maybe it is because of the surrounding magnificent mountains that soar above you, making you remember that we, as individuals, are but a small equation in the world. Or maybe, it is just the culture. In any case, I like it. A lot.

Come fly with me

2010-08-12T13:26:00.000+10:00

Photos I missed uploading yesterday.... Apologies for the lack of wheels, but I wanted to share the experience just the same!

Waking up to dawn (again). Always weird doing time travel (backwards).

Hovering over Santiago - Andes in view

And here, the Andes in all their snow-capped glory...

You waited, thus are rewarded

2010-08-12T10:19:00.002+10:00

I suppose you are dying to see what kind of two wheels I found along the way today as I meandered around the streets of Santiago.

First Saw this advertisement for Deus scralled upon a wall...

Then this monster: a bicycle in fair disrepair with a disel gas tank attached..

The proud owner says he can get over 14km per 1L of gas. Just start pedalling and VROOM! you are off! Doesn't seem like good economy to me - but with all travel, there is a likelihood of something being lost in translation...

So you want a motorcycle?

Just go to your local department store... These babies were sitting next to sports shoes and sports jackets, and their pedal partners, bicycles...

Even MaccaD's gets in on the motorcycle scene...

Park your bike at a busy corner, get free advertising!

So as you can see, first day in Chile was successful two wheeled bliss. Traffic is polite, people friendy. Fashion is useful fashion. Everything here has a purpose. No extravagence (ok perhaps with the volume of food you are delivered - for $AUD15 I had a beer, pizza and empracitos that was enough to feed two people!).

Hola from South America!

2010-08-11T05:58:00.000+10:00

Having a few technical problems, so the photo will come later... Sorry kids!

There's something to be said about getting on a plane, bumping into a friend in customs, and then being the social butterfly of your 'pod' of seats on the plane. Going from daylight of a day, and turning back time to go back through the night and arrive "1" hour after you've left. Leaving a city soaked by rain, and arriving in a city valley, surrounded by snow capped mountains.

Yes, I could get used to this.

AND if Peru is any where near as organised as Chile, riding the Palomino's cousin is gonna be a dream. Everybody is so curtious - and car drivers even wait for you to cross the road.

Ok off to enjoy a siesta!

Adios Amigos!

2010-08-09T23:36:00.001+10:00

The Palomino is in fine form today. Gosh I'm gonna miss her!

But hey, her cousin is gonna be mighty fine!

Map of my trip here!

Chile e Peru! Here we come!

Hasta Leugo!

Gold Sprints!

2010-08-06T00:00:00.005+10:00

Went to the last heats for the Gold Sprints @ the Galleria tonight... Great turnout! Next Thurs is the FINALS.... Get your laughing gear over there!

Setting up yer bike...

Kelsey after her win and Jean-kneen after her world premier!

Stephan wondering if he should become a girl and wear the chick's version of 'Alan Jones get
on yer Bike' shirt from Three Point Turnz.

Whoops I've done it again

2010-08-05T23:18:00.000+10:00

Ok, so Sundays are when I'm supposed to do the Lazy thang and check out other people's sites... But I can't wait after seeing these tyres!

I want 'em for my new Brad! Preferably in PINK LED lights. But hey. I'll suffice with blue. Pink and Blue go well together afterall...

Thanks Cool Hunter!

Vrooom!

2010-08-05T00:00:00.000+10:00

Gaining inspiration from older style Beemers lately. With Jake Cake announcing the purchase of his first motorcycle - an old R65 - I remembered being told of this luscious 1928 R47 at Classic Throttle Shop in North Sydney. And wow she's beautiful!

If you've got a spare $AUD50k then this baby can be yours! I say: PWHAH!

After the storm there's a quiet that chills my bones

2010-08-04T00:00:00.001+10:00

Last night was pretty hairy in Old Sydnay town. The wild wind took over the city, raging through the beachfronts and up the coast.

Aquabumps takes photos every morning in Bondi and documents them on their website. Today they got some pretty spectacular photos of some poor bicycle and motorcycle souls in the aftermath this morning.

Made me want to cry.

Silver linings on every cloud

2010-08-03T00:00:00.004+10:00

Today was the beginning of the final count down. Only five more days of work before a huge adventure in South America. Buzzing over the bridge happily singing in my helmet life was feeling pretty good.

Add to that rolling into the Palomino's usual hideout, we got to hang out with another Silver Gem. The Moto Guzzi Custom V50 was there, sitting on her own. So the Palomino took up a part of the kerb to hang out together.

The V50's got a few new bits. Perhaps she's had some work done which is why we haven't seen her for quite some time? In any case, we were happy to see her back in all her glory.

Welcome back Ms Moto Guzzi!

Bling Bling: Pink!

2010-08-02T23:02:00.003+10:00

OK, so now time to get serious and look for brakes for the New Brad replacement. The frame is ready to go, and now it's time to get the bits ready. I figure - why should it only be fixies that have colour co-ordination? Why not intense colour co-ordination on my new cyclo-cross kinda bike too??

Told my friend's husband my idea, and he pointed me in the direction of Tech X2 Pink Hope. Not only does it have style, it's also the right colours. Pink and Silver! 160mm rotor, designed and tested in England. I'm liking it. A lot.

Not cause I'm all techy and know my stuff. Is more cause it looks like fun colours that will work with my colour scheme. My job is to find kool whacky stuff that might look good for my bike. I'm learning as I go 'what works and what doesn't n Tarn is being uber patient with unlearned me.

Hope say the brake is "the perfect blend of power, low weight and adjustability". I reckon that's a good start...

Eco friendly bicycles

2010-08-02T00:00:00.002+10:00

Found a verte book in my travels recently, and although we've seen the wooden Waldmeister bicycle before, it's good to revisit good design. Their site says "the special charm of the Waldmeister lies in the harmonic fusion of the natural substances wood and leather with high-tech materials like carbon and titanium and in the reduction of everything to the basics."

Getting a bit of dirt on you is good clean fun

2010-08-01T20:44:00.000+10:00

Stepped out for coffee, and look what I found! A gorgeous (happily dirty) single speed GT mountain bike straight off the mountains in Leura!

Send me postcards from Sorrento

2010-08-01T20:36:00.001+10:00

What gorgeous postcards to come across! Can't wait to see what I find in South America!

You make me wild with excitement

2010-07-29T00:01:00.000+10:00

The Palomino seems to collect friends every where we go. Loving this bad boy, around town, geared up, ready for everything Ducati that the Palomino hung out with on the weekend whilst I shopped for my Jeans.

Kick arse lights, LED custom indicators. This Duke has been thrown around a little - the Carbon front mud guard broken. But he's kinda like the moto version of Yogi's Rough Diamond.

Complete with the never to get lost, GPS. Personally, I like to get lost every now and then! It adds a little spice and adventure to life...

Wait Mr Post Man!

2010-07-27T23:11:00.001+10:00

Post cards are almost a thing of the past. I don't know about you, but getting one in the mail is something I am always happy to receive.

That good old fashioned message that arrives after somebody has thought fondly of you in some exotic place, some time in the recent past. You receive it not at a click of a button, but with a push of the pen and a lick of a stamp, and a promise that it will arrive.

Velo Vogue

2010-07-26T23:35:00.006+10:00

Ever wonder where Paris Vogue find their inspiration? "Street Looks" is their blog column where Parisians are snapped going about their daily routine... Comme le Satorialist.

Stylishly Parisian daily routine I might add. Off to work, going home, out with friends. Characteristically chic, Parisians ooze style like no other. For instance, this is Veronique, a director of marketing, sporting a stylish outfit on her velo.

You see, riding un velo in Paris is not only a means of transport, but is a stylish affair. Zara, Givenchy, and a Rolex watch not to mention her gorgeous heels! No spandex to be seen.

Veronique shows that style can also be practical.

Oh Paris, me manques!

Two more weeks, and I'm itching with excitement

2010-07-25T23:00:00.006+10:00

Only two more weeks, and then I'll be heading to South America. Specifically Chile, Peru and Bolivia. I'm quite excited and can't really wait to be heading on such an incredible trip and starting the new chapter.

In preparation, I got me a couple of pairs of Draggins. Not only do they fit like a glove, but they're perfect for ensuring I've got the appropriate protection when riding the moto, but also, that I'll have stylish jeans to wear around town.

I got a pair of the new waxed-cotton SLIX which are perfect for being one helluva sexy lady on and off a moto...

If only my dernier actually looked like this:

And also a pair of MINX. Which, well makes me a Minx on and off the moto. Just add jeans and voila - I'm a MINX. Hahaha :-)

To be serious, I've worn Draggins for a few years now, and they wear really well. I've always felt protected and had piece of mind. Not only can I look decent on the motorcycle, but I can also do so safely, without the need to always wear my leathers.

I tried plenty of other motorcycle jeans and to be honest, no other brand got it right. Either the designers think women don't have hips, or they think that anybody with a normal waistline (i.e. not a size 8) is a size 16, and then they just hung off you like a rag.

Draggins not only got the designs right, the stretch jean perfect, but the length was LONG!! I'm happy wearing them, and I am so happy I have long jeans that fit, and are perfect for the Palomino and I. Thanks Draggin Jeans! Keep the Aussie product rollin!

Sprints @ Deus Swap Meet #5

2010-07-25T11:16:00.005+10:00

It was kinda heart breaking to witness a grown man wondering what the hell just happened. In essence, Stephan lost his job at Deus swap meet as the sprints race caller yesterday.

The spectators didn't have anything to worry about cause Zac was there to take up the role with both hands, and called the father son race.

After the race, Zac was a total gentleman, and gave Stephan his job back. Why? Because he had further plans for the afternoon: didn't you know he had to head over to Australia's largest toy sale with his little sister?

Stephan, a little relieved to not have lost his job completely, was still a little shook up by the whole ordeal.

Zac - you are the MAN!

Shoot me, and I'll still get up

2010-07-24T13:33:00.003+10:00

Ok, so don't get alarmed... It's just a play on the word "shoot". Shoot with a camera. That's what Nick Brandreth does.

From New Jersey, Nick's photography is unbridled, adventurous and raw. Self proclaimed part time adventurer - his style is quite refreshing and individual. Minimal play with the end product as well. The compositions are strong, gutsy and depict his subjects with their own individual flavour.

A must see. Some of his bicycle work is below... Just enough to get you wanting more so you can swing by his portfolio...

Thanks Prolly for the intro!

100 years on, you're still going strong

2010-07-22T00:00:00.042+10:00

We've all been following the hundredth anniversary of Le Tour de France and we're all on the edge of our seats. Big names have been pushed to the bottom of the rung, and Lance's final attempt at the Yellow Jersey has been all but lost. New kid on the block, Andy Schleck has been pushing the old hands and Cadel is injured again.

Today's session goes through the col du tourmalet. This is the same area of the Pyrenees as the original Tour riders. No longer usually included in modern day tours (due to the degree of extreme difficulty), this year's is in tribute of 100 years of le Tour de France during stage 17.

Recently, the col du tourmalet was conquered by Rapha, who created a documentary tribute saluting the original riders. Rapha's team rode new bikes with as similar as possible products as the original Tour cyclists. They drew the line however at compromising safety - instead of the glass containers with candle, they used modern day hallogen lighting products.

Their inspirational tribute ride is in documentary style is below.

The 1910 Challenge from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Good luck today boys! Here's hoping you can say: "SHUT UP LEGS" as you go over the mountains!

2010-07-21T00:00:00.001+10:00

Can't wait to see the whole of this collaboration with I love Dust and Greg Falski.

Riders are from "The 5th Floor" - a collective of London Fixed riders who catch up every Tuesday at 7pm for ‘Tuesday Night Tricks’ on the top (5th) floor of White Rows car park. The 5th Floor "enjoy and participate in all factions of fixed gear riding; tricks, track, traffic, touring…"

If in Old London Town, get yourself over to meet up with them on Tuesday Night!

First seen at Pedal Consumption!

My two favourite things

2010-07-20T00:00:00.000+10:00

My two most favourite things are Rapha gear and Condor bicycles. Add the two together and you have my favourite cycling team in history.

Here they are on the Vail to Vail.

Rapha Continental | Vail to Vail from RAPHA on Vimeo.

I does love it when you show me my city

2010-07-19T15:39:00.004+10:00

My most favourite bicycle mechanic is Joe Dodd of City Bike Depot. Bicycles seem to whisper in his ear, and tell him their woes. With a flick of his wrist, and wipe of his hands on his low riding jeans, your bike is back on the road.

No flashy cockyness.

Just quietly confident.

That's our Joe Dodd.

Here's his version of our beautiful adopted city: Sydney.

Joe Dodd, riding for Leaf Cycles. Produced by Oliver Smith from CTN Imports on Vimeo.

Photos by Tristan Cardew found here!

Beernutt!

2010-07-19T00:00:00.004+10:00

Dave at Brisbane outdoor gear has been one of my hero's for a long while - ever since he made me my very own Babycandy after I was distraught that my favourite colour combination was sold out.

And all I can say is hell, he's done it again. With the top tube,

converting into a beer cooler! Only one word for it: Genius!

Can't wait till summer rolls round for beers in the park! Dave - you rock my world man!!!

Rollin past you, I gotta turn around

2010-07-18T00:00:00.006+10:00

Who wouldn't turn around and wanna closer look to a special piece of eye candy like this gorgeously 'bad boy' restored Phoenix, parked on the side of the road?

Upon closer inspection the garage it was parked outside was in fact one of Sydney's best kept secrets (and this one, I'm not gonna share the location of - cause it won't be a secret no more now would it?). It's the "Do not park here day or night cafe".

Beautifully converted garage with an eclectic mix of recycled and new furniture, this has your local cafe round the corner kinda feel. Pop in, say G'day, have a cup of coffee, and be welcomed like a local. Enjoy the peace and quiet in what is normally a manic city.

This cafe is the brain-child of interior designer and motorcycle restorer, Lucas. His philosophy is simple "there's no need to work hard in a busy cafe. Food should come from a place of love" he said as he handed us a glass of water to refresh our thirsty palate. Careful to keep it that way, Lucas stressed that he likes his cafe being a neighbourhood affair, quiet and relaxing 'by all means put my cafe on your blog, but please respect my location, and don't disclose it'.

And why would I? I hate it when my favourite cafe gets overrun with the heaving population of Sydney DINKS and the quality of food goes down the drain because they're too busy to make it consistently fabulous.

Opening hours are easy to determine. "If the roller door is up, we're open. If it's down, we're closed."

Give me some string and I'll go a mile

2010-07-17T20:19:00.001+10:00

The Zen and I were rollin with the girls today.

We hung out, drank coffee in a Newtown Cafe called A Coffee and a Yarn. A uber chic place where you can grab a coffee, have a chat and knit. Yes, I said knit. Not that we did much knitting - it had been a long time in between seeing one another so there was more yarning (with our jaws) whilst we perved on the bicycles rollin past than anything else.

I love Newtown's vacant walls "designed" by graffiti artists. Add a few bicycles piled to the pole, and voila, the perfect scenery to enjoy at your fingertips!

A Coffee and a Yarn can be found on 413 King Street, Newtown.

Electric wonder

2010-07-16T00:00:00.044+10:00

Who said electric motorcycles can't go fast?

The World's first electric Superbike Grande Prix occurred on the 10th July this year in the UK. Two women were racing: in 3rd place was Jenny Tinmouth (motorcycle mechanic and currently the fastest female on the TT supersport circuit); and Annie Seel (winner Dakar 2010 women's division). Seel was the rider for Morris Motorcycles with the new Mavizen TTX02 Superbike.

With the fuel cap replaced with connectivity points, the Mavizen TTX02 Superbike, was specifically designed for the worlds first Electric GP. It is challenging the motorcycling world with innovation. Styled like a traditional superbike you'll be surprised to see that it has an operating system similar to your laptop, wireless technology and USB connection points. Yes, it's like a "laptop with wheels". Quick ones.

Looks kinda hot to me. Photos from the July's round of the e-Grand Prix here.

With a Grand Prix already set up for electric motorcycles and all the leading edge technology, the electric motorcycle is putting a bite in the traditionalists camp. It's almost like when film got lost to digitial in the camera scene. Then, the traditionalists threw up their hands and said film would never be made redundant. It isn't, but there's not a lot of it around for the average punter.

Traditionalists like the Speed Junkies disagree that electric bikes have a place in the world of motorcyclists "No Spark Plugs? Smell of Race Fuel, Loud Exhausts Spitting flames in downshift, porting, polishing, cams, valves, pistons, headers…Fireballs… I Had enough with this Electric Bike Craziness lately..." Even putting photos up like this to rally their support:

Whatever your feelings, electric motorcycles are going to be motorcycles of the future. I just hope that ultimate girl power Trinity of the Matrix isn't getting on one any time soon.

You make me go so wild, I just can't see straight

2010-07-15T22:17:00.002+10:00

Have you ever felt like you can't control yourself over the love you feel for another? And that you just want to shout it out to the world, not caring how it looks to anybody else?

Well this gentleman has made a video for the love he has for his cafe racer. The love he feels just explodes to the point of passionate obsession. To be honest... it's a little...

Comical.

Comical, perhaps because, I totally get it.

Thanks BIKEEXIF!

Making new friends

2010-07-14T01:06:00.002+10:00

The Zen has made a new friend.

A sweet red Vespa on Crown St. He's not unacquainted with Vespas, given Megz owns a real cute one white one, but it's always nice to make new friends with two wheels. Right?

If only the bright white on the rims was from something way more exciting like white hot steel from the heat of the brakes on metal as we flew through the streets in Surry Hills pausing to pose next to this Vespa. Alas, although the imagination can run wild, and The Zen is white hot kool, the glare is really from the flash and not the disk brakes (which are no where near the rims).

Instead, it was more a pensive midnight roll home, where the quiet of the streets inspired a country like existence in the hub of the city.

Stylin up the streets on two wheels

2010-07-13T00:00:00.000+10:00

The Satorialist is one of my favourite blogs celebrating globe trotting on-street fashion. This week, loads of photos got posted with stylish people having fun, going to work or posing with their bicycles. I especially liked the gentleman on a highly polished Chrome fixie on the cobble-stoned street. His youthfulness was impeccable.

The more I looked at these photographs, it struck me that this was the common theme throughout: youthfulness. It doesn't matter how old, how young or how middle aged you are. When you're riding your bike, you are youthful. Free. Delighted. The wind on your face. The moments shared. Smiles.

Thank you The Satorialist once again for your inspiration!

The smell of oil, and the thrum of an engine

2010-07-12T00:00:00.006+10:00

Falcon Motorcycles are a huge inspiration to the cafe racer community across the world. When Falcon's new Kestrel video was posted up on The Vintagent, I just wanted a piece of the action - I imagined myself there from the moment I pressed play.

I could smell the first burst of fuel and oil attacking your senses as the engine turned over. The thrum of the engine as it powered through the hot, sweaty, yet quiet desert road. Yeah, I wanted a piece of this action real bad. I'm sure you would too which is why I reposted it here - as The Vintagent says "It looks like an ad for a bike you can't buy, sexy but a little frustrating".

Just cause I'm on two wheels, doesn't mean I don't have style!

2010-07-11T18:42:00.001+10:00

You won't find any spandex here, but you will find 100% style for everything bicycling related with women's specific Adeline Adeline, New York city.

Complete with Doggie carrying basket!

Where:

147 Reade Street
(between Greenwich & Hudson)
New York, NY 10003
212-227-1150

PH: 888-9X0-BIKE
PH: 888-996-2453

Map

Hours:

T - F 12pm - 7:30pm
S - S 11am -7:30pm

Lock me up, but don't throw away the key

2010-07-11T18:26:00.000+10:00

Grip Lock is an innovative motorcycle lock designed and produced in New Zealand. Locking onto your grip and brake lever, this product is easier to use than a standard disk lock, with the added benefit that you won't ever have that dreaded moment of forgetting the disk lock and dropping your prize and joy!

With free delivery worldwide, 100% satisfaction guarantee and product warranty, simple to use, and easy to carry - this product is soon to be the revolution in mobile motorcycle security. Available in pink, green, black, red and yellow.

Get one here!

When in Hollywood, get me some vino at Bar Covell

2010-07-11T17:29:00.001+10:00

A Gemini Rising has just finished filming No one's gonna love you - the Paul Epworth mix.

To celebrate, the crew apparently went to Bar Covell wine bar, Hollywood. And hell, if this is any reflection of their decor they've got hanging on the walls - you gotta get yourself in there and enjoy a vino! 4628 Hollywood Boulevard.

I just wanna piece of you, will you be mine?

2010-07-11T00:01:00.001+10:00

We're painting up the New Brad this week and I am supposed to be finalising my colour choice...

Instead, I think I've found me my new pedals. :-D Am loving these Phoenix pedals and V2 straps. Via PedalConsumption.

France me manques

2010-07-09T00:02:00.001+10:00

How can one not be inspired by the Tour de France? Not only do we have the world's most hard core, determined and inspiring men on Earth for 20 days, but we also have some of the most beautiful countryside with it!

Cadel, Cavendish and Livestrong Armstrong, we wish you all well!

Keep up to date with SMH photos:

Thank GOD for SBS - watch it live for the 2nd year online! Woot Woot!

You just keep on stealing my heart

2010-07-08T00:19:00.008+10:00

When I was 15, I heard my first Ducati rumbling down the main drag of the little town I grew up in. It was a red Supersport. From then on, I can tell a Duke from a mile away - the rhythm of the broom vroom vroom strikes a chord with my heart. They inspired my imagination.

It took me another 14 years to turn this inspiration into courage. I stopped being a pillion passenger, got my riders license and bought my first motorcycle. A Kawasaki ZZR250. Now, I have The Silver Palomino - and we were made for one another.

But that doesn't stop me wanting a Ducati.

When opportunity knocks on a sparkling winter's day, how could I deny The Silver Palomino the pleasure of spending the day with two friends?? A black Monster and her Big Brother.

What was your inspiration to get your riders licence?

Don't give me one more excuse, I've heard it all before

2010-07-07T00:00:00.000+10:00

Ever thought - I'd like to cycle to work, but it's just too far away? The mind is a funny thing. We can convince ourselves that something is too difficult when in fact, it's actually quite simple. You just need to put one leg over a saddle and the other will follow the lead.

To get your brain in the mental state to enable you to realistically consider putting that leg over the saddle, an innovative website "the no excuse zone" has quashed your fears that riding to work is too difficult. The brainchild of Mike Harris, the No Excuse Zone and CycleCity Initiative collates six-week intensive research of what distance is an achievable ride for the average person in 20 minutes and by what route for a selection of cities in Australia and Europe.

In each city, Harris discussed the infrastructure, implementation and management with leading figures in the local cycling community. Extensive research and mapping resulted in each city's No Excuse Zone. By comparing each city's cycling infrastructure, Harris is able to help cities determine strategies that promote cycling. For individuals, it gives us a helping hand to dust off a bicycle in the garage and be inspired to tidy it up and get back on the peddling program!

The peddling program is represented through cities participating in the No Excuse Zones. That is, if you live within these boundaries and you are able bodied, there is no excuse not to cycle to work.

Melbourne:

Sydney:

Brisbane:

European cities also currently mapped include Amsterdam, Berlin and Copenhagen.

Thanks Michael for the reminder, and Candy Cranks for first raising awareness of No Excuse Zone last year!

Lock me up n keep me safe!

2010-07-06T00:07:00.003+10:00

I don't know about you, but with limited space, and often, not having a lockup garage makes things a bit hard when it comes to keeping your motorcycle or bicycle safe from theft. Many apartment blocks have car spaces, in communal car parks. Sometimes you might have a garage door. Sometimes not. So where do you leave your pride and joy and know when you come back, it will be in the same condition that you left it?

Ride the Machine answered this pressing question when they blogged Urban-Artrock's bike box earlier this week. An Austrian based design company, they tackled the problem of how to keep your motorcycle safe, in a lock up garage, with savy street aesthetics.

Available in either showcase style (XX only) like this one, or in solid form garage design (S - XX). The website says that custom sizes are also available based on customer need.

Then, Urban-Artrock took these garages one step further, and looked at the needs for bicyclists. In Europe, electric bicycles are becoming all the rage. So, Urban-Artrock took into consideration the need for electric charging stations, kept with the idea of sustainability, and developed solar powered bicycle re-charging stations that were also lock up garages for commuters.

Nice huh?

Back home in Australia, our practicality makes our designs less aesthetic, but not less effective. For instance, AdShell's project for Perth Transit Authority saw mesh bicycle shelters popping up at train stations, enableing commuters to lock up their bicycle in a shed made of mesh - similar to that used in prisons, and catch the train to / from work.

Safety level: Maximum security.

For the readers out there - what similar projects / designs are you seeing in your home patch?

Go for gold Anna Meares!

2010-07-05T00:01:00.002+10:00

Was at Kelbo's place and saw this advert for the Commonwealth Games.

Meares is one helluva kick arse cyclist! Back from neck injury in a velodrome accident from 2008, she wasn't going to give up. Two millimetres more in her neck injury, and she'd be a quadriplegic. In times like those, you don't think of what could have been, but instead, be grateful for what is, and then stick to your guns and get back on the horse!

Anna Meares good luck for gold!

Inspiration from the street

2010-07-04T00:00:00.003+10:00

The Satorialist gets inspiration from the street, and following his lead, I found these products along the way during the Sydney Tweed Run last Sunday - I found them to be kool, and hope you do too!

Meet Nickie the Queen of Sydney 2010 Tweed Style!

She made this gorgeous hat to go over her helmet so that her helmet wouldn't look so ghastly white for the ride, and ruin her outfit!

She said it was simple to make, and I reckon it would look great as an everyday piece! There is no need to compromise style when it comes to safety!

If you don't want to make one yourself, check out YAKKAY who make similar products.

Nickie also had this really cute Rack Tote from Po Campo, a Chicago based company. Available in Gold, Green Damask and like Vickie's Tropical Sunset for $USD160. Ideal accessory for your bicycle - you can attach it to your rack, and when you lock your bike up, have a stylish handbag.

Then there was Matt, who had a Dursley Pedersen from the 1900's. He had this incredibly gorgeous leather bag from Kunst and Leder in Germany.

These guys also make some pretty interesting saddles like this bird's face and beak! Way out whacky, but nice just the same!

Sometimes it's a big world out there, but fate keeps bringing you back

2010-07-03T00:24:00.003+10:00

Ever thought you could do something a little quirky and not get caught? Like stopping to take a photo of a gorgeous motorcycle down a dark alleyway, drooling uncontrollably, and get away with it? Your little secret?

Blissfully unawares, and focused on getting a photograph that embodied the beauty of a lovely old impeccably chromed up Honda - I almost jumped out of my skin when I heard "Jewlz what on EARTH are you doing?" from behind me. To me, it was obvious what I was doing. I just never thought I'd get caught doing it by somebody who knew me. In fact, who on EARTH knew me down this dark alleyway?

Brendon and I met on the bus going to work five years ago when I first moved back from Europe. He was doing his French homework, I was looking over his shoulder, and eventually said 'Parlez vous Francais?'. Startled, he looked up and said, "er no, I'm learning". Our morning clock seemed to be stuck on the slightly late button and we inevitably became bus buddies, and eventually friends. We would share stories of our lives and adventures as we were happily tossed from side to side along the bumpy road over the bridge, smiling in our new friendship.

And that's how simple it is to forge a friendship in a city. Soon after, we added Sally. She is Brendon's neighbour. Before we knew it, a small community was created, centered around our morning bus commute. We would have BBQ's and hang out on weekends. Meet on the bus, or go to events together. It was fun having nothing in common except our bus trips to work - cause we had to work on our friendships, adding colour and depth.

When I stopped catching the bus and restarted riding my bicycle to work, I missed out on meeting up with Sally and Brendon. Our worlds slowly moved away from one another. We all still live in the same area. Sally and Brendon still catch the bus together. More so these days, we will see each other in random circumstances, like tonight's impromptu photo shoot of this impeccable retro Honda.

Splitting at the edges and don't wanna look back

2010-07-02T11:11:00.004+10:00

Friday has just got better!

I am breaking all the rules and posting up again today, but with a PHWAH factor 100 what's a girl gonna do?! Wish magazine's fashion shoot is hot off the press and making me dream of Ducati all over again...

For the full photoshoot, check out James Cant photography

Dude, you're rockin my world!

Wanna share your ride wid me?

2010-07-02T00:00:00.070+10:00

There is no better way to get around a city than by bicycle. It is cheap, clean for the environment, you get inspired by everything around you, and your daily exercise. Not to mention it reduces congestion in built up areas. A lot of wins. But what do you do if you are visiting a city and don't have a bicycle, or you often visit a city for work, but don't want to lug your bicycle around with you?

Arguably the most bicycle-friendly city in Australia, Melbourne has embraced a solution to these dilemmas. Meet: Melbourne Bike Share. Similar bike share programs are found in 135 cities around the world with an estimated 86,000 bicycles on four continents, with a further 45 programs planned in 22 nations over 2009 / 2010. The Melbourne Bicycle share allows you to hire a bicycle for $AUD50 a year, $AUD8 a week, or $AUD2.50 a day which is quite economical.

The Melbourne Bike Share (MBS) program works by first purchasing a pass by credit card at the bicycle station or subscribing to the service online. If you are an annual member, you use your MBS key you received in the mail, and unlock a bike of your choice at the bike dock. To return the bike, you can lock it at any other MBS bike dock. That is, you don't have to return the bike to the same bike station. So if you had to get from Flinders station to the Uni, you could pick up your bike, peddle over to the Uni and drop the bike off there in time for your class to begin! No more hassle or worry associated with where to lock your bike up!

But it's not only individuals who can benefit from the MBS program. Companies wanting to reduce their carbon footprint have also been targeted by the MBS program. Corporate subscriptions are available so that employees may bike share to company meetings. These subscriptions allow subscriptions to be transferred from employee to employee, and have the added incentive that the first hour of every trip is free (corporate subscriptions are based on an hourly usage rate). Imagine a taxi where the first hour is free? For city meetings, this provides a very economical option for corporations, let alone the reduction in their carbon footprint.

Reducing carbon footprints is taken seriously by the Victorian Government, who have funded the MBS through their $AUD38 billion State Transport Plan. Designed to integrate with existing public transport infrastructure, but with lower than the average public transport ticket prices with a structure that heavily encourages short trips (less than one hour), you can be sure to see more blue bicycles flying around in Melbourne!

Current MBS location points:

Way to go Melburn! Sydney, are we next pretty please?

For more information check out Melbourne Bike Share!

Exiting via the gift shop

2010-06-30T22:08:00.002+10:00

Those of you who are Banksy followers, get your laughing gear around this:

Now showing at Dendy Newtown.

Stylin it up on the streets

2010-06-30T00:06:00.008+10:00

The Satorialist is one of my favourite blogs to keep tabs on. Every day there is a prolific display of on the street fashion that has been found. They've even been nominated in the top 100 design influences by Time Magazine.

I particularly love that when in Sydney for the Fashion Week back in April, he found one of the newest most hip cafe's with the best coffee in Surry Hills. Yup, I'm talkin' Remy and Lee's. Lee is one wicked cyclist - she won Candy Crank's Star Trek back in April this year.

If you're needing a coffee fix, get yourself over to Remy and Lee's on 547 Bourke Street, Surry Hills. Open 7am till 4pm 7 days a week!

Then, there's the Italian dude with his burnt orange vespa helmet in Milan. Like how does the Satorialist just KNOW where all the uber hip people are gonna be?

Check out the daily fix here!

When I see you smile, my heart flutters

2010-06-29T00:00:00.015+10:00

What's a girl to do when the storm clouds part, and the sunshine angel comes out to play?

For me, it's no better time than to take the Silver Palomino out for a spin and throw away the cobwebs. We went up to Manly and up to Sydney Harbour National Park's North Head lookout, or as a colleague laughingly called it, "make out point".

Steeped in history, North Heads has free entry (parking costs $3 per day). Being the entrance to the spectacular Sydney Harbour, you could be forgiven if you thought you were further than 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Sydney city - and that's by ferry! It was here that on 29 January 1788 that captain Hunter and Lieutenant Bradley landed to survey Sydney Harbour after the arrival of the first fleet three days earlier, and became some of the earliest British and Aborigine interaction. Prior to British settlement, this area was associated with the Gayimai clan, and also used by the Koradgee (or spiritual leader) of the Cameraigal clan for their sacred ceremonies of healing and burial.

From the 1830's to as late as 1984, ships arriving in Sydney with suspected contagious disease stopped inside North Head to allow passengers and crew to disembark for an average 40 day stay, in order to quarantine and protect local residents from becoming sick. The site was chosen as a quarantine area because of the desirable location as the first safe anchorage point inside the Harbour; natural springs to ensure water supply and at the time, a safe distance from the centre of Sydney.

Today, the Quarantine station is an educational centre; home to the Boilerhouse restaurant and has exclusive B&B accommodation.

For more history and details for current events, check out the quarantine station's website.

What I love the most about the Silver Palomino is how she ignites dreams amongst everybody we meet. Whether it be a Honda sports bike rider complaining about their uncomfortable saddle after whizzing up next to us with his girlfriend (who I might add was one of the most accomplished pillion passengers I've seen - she carried coffees up from Manly with incredible poise). Or the middle aged gentleman who wished he could still ride, but had given up his motorcycle when family commitments made it necessary. Yes, the Silver Palomino knows how to use her charm and inspire freedom and joy amongst people, and that's what I love most about her. Also, the adventures we have together teach me something every time.

Tink I had a Tweedie good time!

2010-06-28T00:00:00.018+10:00

Ever wondered what it would be like to be dapper and feel like an English Lady or Gentleman - even if just for one day? Sydney cyclists who went to the Tweed Run on Sunday were surprised by how good it feels to be dashing.

Organisers say over 130 people donned their tweed outfits, dusted off their bicycles and braved the clear crisp morning and arrived at Town Hall between 8 am and 9am, where they joined fellow dashing damsels and gentlemen for the 2nd Tweed Run of Sydney.

Winding our way through the city over to Kent street and up towards Hickson road where we breathed in the stunning water views and took opportunities to be photographed, we then headed up to Taylor Square and through Surry Hills and Alexandra, where we joined the boys of Pista Resistance for bike Polo.

This is Matt, he won the most vintage bicycle of the Tweed Run. His bicycle is a Dursley Pedersen which was designed in the early 1900's. Mr Pedersen wanted a bicycle that was built for comfort and this was the result. The saddle is leather, strapped to the bike by straps which is probably the simplest and most light weight version of suspension on the market - even today!

Then, I met Tui - this wonderfully inspired Lady was riding - wait for it - a CONDOR Fratello! Wahooooo! Now this Condor was especially beautiful - being from the 60th anniversary special editions. I drooled over these last year (online) and finally my wildest dreams were answered. Ok, so I'm drooling. But my Condor Italia was my pride and joy for 6 years, and Condor cyclists are like Beemer motorcyclists. We just can't stop talking about how well they're made, and how well we're looked after when we get over to Greys Inn Road.

More photos here!

Thanks Susan of Rocket Fuel for organising; Yogi and the Red Lantern team; Sydney BMA for tea and coffee; and DoubleOh2 for design work!

Be sure to check out the next Lazy Sundays - where new products inspired from the Tweed riders will be posted!

You're driving me wild 'n I just wanna piece of you

2010-06-27T00:07:00.011+10:00

Are you always on the look out for stylish clothes / products that inspire you to ride your bike (motor or pied powered)? If so, then welcome to Lazy Sundays column.

Lazy cause I'm finding juice from other blogs / websites making up my daily read during the week, and what better day than a Sunday to be Lazy?

So here we go!

Get over to Zlog's boutique to order your new tank top - bargain at $USD25!

Loving the bicycle wheeled "O" (and the tattoos are sexy too - however, I am sad to report they're not included with the tank top).

Check out these Bagatoe pedal strap for Euro20! Outlets throughout Europe, USA, Japan and Taiwan.

Bagaboo is a small manufacturing company based in Hungary who make messenger bags and accessories, designed by an ex-Budapest messenger. You can also customise your product with the colour you want.

Their user friendly website even shows you how to install your toestraps making their product ultra user friendly!

Sheriff hubs are hot off the press in 32 or 36 hole. Everybody is raving about them from Prolly to Trackasurus and Pedal Consumption so if you're ready to build up a track wheel, these babies are the ones to go for!

So these babies are the real deal, uber kool hubs for your new wheels...

Get em from All City Cycles if you're fortunate enough to live in Fixed Speed city heaven, NYC.

Everybody needs a wallet right? Check out these recycled handmade denim wallets with tweed liners from San Fransisco based Archive Bags!

Finding a pair of socks and a warm fire

2010-06-26T00:06:00.007+10:00

Crisp sunny weather, with not a cloud in the sky is perfect weather for taking the Silver Palomino out for a spin. Add a winter's chill and you realise that a bit of local knowledge and the right gear can make all the difference to a comfortable and safe ride.

My first decent ride on my own since breaking my finger in February this year, took the Palomino and I to Australia's Capital - Canberra. I decided to buzz down after Spanish classes to see my sister's family over the June long weekend. With one hour of sunshine remaining, even with my heated hand-grips, it wasn't too long until the chill factor got to near unbearable levels. Trappers Bakery in Goulburn is, and always has been my pitt stop in shining armour when heading south. Why? Primarily because in winter, it is the one place that will guarantee a wood fire to warm your fingers and toast your backside so you can stop shivering. Add superb coffee and meat pie - et voila - we have road trip heaven, no matter the season. In winter, just make sure you arrive before 8:30 pm (when they close) for the fire!

My hand held up surprisingly well in the cold and didn't tire as easily as I feared. However, after freezing my toes off and shaking like a leaf in a windy storm, I made it my mission to find decent, warm socks for the journey home. I always maintain that when you are looking for something for extreme weather, you go shopping where people live in that climate. In this instance, Canberra being inland and close to the Snowy Mountains, you're sure to get some pretty icy days. They also have an extremely good community for outdoor adventurists. So by default, their camping and adventure stores stock everything you could ever want for cold climates. I dragged my sister trekking through the adventure shop strip in Civic where my mission to find warm socks was accomplished. I settled on Horizon 85% merino wool alpine socks at $40 per pair from Mountain Designs. At first I was concerned I was being too extravagant, but when I asked myself if I was prepared to get home tomorrow without feeling my feet I decided I was more concerned about my safety than $40. I took a leap of faith, and bought said socks.

They are not only warm, but the thickness is perfect - you don't feel like you are wearing ten pairs of socks instead, they are closer to the thickness of a very good pair of athletic socks. What I particularly love about merino wool is that you get the warmth you need without making you sweaty - my feet felt warm throughout the journey home, but not overheated even after four hours of riding. The socks were also a perfect length - coming up to the top of my motorcycle boots - so I had an extra layer of protective warmth on my shins.

They also seem to go pretty well when thrown in the wash - so they are easy to maintain. They didn't pile even when I threw them in with a normal wash (and no woolen soap). I wouldn't, however, throw them in a dryer in case they shrink like most wool products do.

These merino socks came with an added bonus as you are supporting Australian merino farmers when you purchase them.

Trappers Bakery: Located at the big Merino (McDonalds Goulburn exit). Opening hours: Mon - Sun 8 am to 8:30 pm.

Mountain Designs stores can be found in Australia and New Zealand.

She's a wanderer, going round and round and round

2010-06-25T00:00:00.002+10:00

With all the new cycling ways, and the plethora of advertising campaigns these days with a groovy bicycle and a pretty girl, Sydney is finally waking up and cycling is starting to gain the inertia of popularity.

The city of Sydney have performed studies showing that for every $1 they spend on cycle ways the return in economic benefit back to the community is $3.88 (or near enough to $4 like advertised), whilst individual benefits to health and lower costs associated with running a bicycle versus a car was calculated to be $4.07 per commuter trip. This is in comparison to the economic benefit of $1 spend to improving roadways - receiving a mere $2 economic return to the community. By installing cycleways, the City of Sydney and our community will save an estimated $506 million over 30 years. Thank goodness our local government is finally getting on the band wagon for what us cyclists have been lobbying for, for years!

Even just a few months back, wandering around the city wasn't that much fun for bicycle spotting. Of course, you'd see the occasional pole with a bicycle of sorts attached. Today, it seemed the heavens had opened as there were bicycles on most street poles, and only one or two lonely bicycle parking rings along the way. What used to be a 10 minute walk, turned into 30 minutes of bliss!

First, I stumbled across this gorgeous colour coordinated Panio roadster with Velocity (An Australian manufacturer) "Deep V's". Very stylish and well maintained. The clean lines of silver and original paint job, just goes to show you don't need to buy a brand new bike, or pay a fortune to update an old one, to have a lovely steed.

What seemed like a few moments passed, and I stumbled across this beautiful build.

Again, an older frame this time with straight forks (as Yogi says, it makes for an agile ride). A lick of new paint, converted to fixed speed with Velocity B43's and white leather Concor saddle. It was a very sweet "whip" indeed, and perfect for the fixie scene popping up all over Sydney (check out the Sunday sessions from 1 Martin place from 5:30 pm).

The greatest inspiration came later in the day when I met a young cyclist and her bicycle in Chatswood.

This is Stella and her dad. She was very proud that a lady was taking photos of her bicycle as she came to collect it after shopping with her dad. With a beautiful big smile, she rides to school every day. Proudly donning her helmet she posed like a true super star for this blog. Her gorgeous Apollo is exactly what her dad says it is - "simple but does the job". And that's what makes it so stunning.

Bicycles don't have to be the latest and greatest for you to enjoy riding. Nor do you need to wear spandex to take cycling seriously. Stella's Apollo was well maintained, with the correct equipment so that right from the get-go, it is obvious she will have the necessary foundations to become a great cyclist no matter where she goes in her life.

Meeting Stella and her dad made me smile and brought back so many fond memories of my little blue bike with spokey dokes. Stella also inspired the realisation that as our next generation cyclist, we need to nurture and give guidance to her and her peers. We all need to work together to make a safe community for this new generation (as well as ours) to cycle in. Because one day, she will look back on her years riding to school, and have her many fond memories keeping her young at heart whilst ever she cycles. And, thankfully, because of our investment now, she will have safe city riding passage via our cycleways.

City of Sydney - keep up the great work and Stella - thanks sweetie for the inspiration!

Expanding your mind with the 17th Biennale

2010-06-24T10:49:00.002+10:00

On an unusually warm winter's day, with not a cloud in the sky, we headed over to visit the 17th Biennale of Sydney on Cockatoo Island.

Every year, the Biennale celebrates Australian and international contemporary artists during a three month festival extravaganza in Sydney. Amongst other venues, the main highlights are found at the Museum of Contemporary Art and huge installations within the historic buildings and stunning backdrop of Cockatoo Island.

This year, the festival is themed: The beauty of distance - Songs of survival in a precarious age. For it is our distance from the rest of the world that allows us to be ourselves - displaying our differences within our common similarities - making us "according to the circumstances – beautiful, terrifying, attractive, boring, sexy, unsettling, fascinating, challenging, funny, stimulating, horrific or even many of these at once."

Walking around Cockatoo Island awakened every sensory gland. Steeped in history, it was the perfect canvas for contemporary sculptures, videos, paintings, photographs. The old buildings, mining tunnels, and warehouses alighted your sense of smell with damp rock, wharping wood, old grease, sawdust, even cool nothingness.

All of a sudden you are tempted into a room with an old posh voice overshadowed by a piano eerily hanging mid-air playing, as if, by a ghost of Cockatoo Island.

Tickling your spine.

Other installations are less eerie, and are instead spectacular. Take for instance, "Inopportune: Stage One" - a series of nine cars seemingly exploding at various stages of performing a somersault, cleverly inspiring your imagination to conjur the arresting visual effect of a car exploding. In reality, the installation is in a static environment, but you see if you can get your brain to stop making the links as if it actually happening in motion!

That this festival could possibly be free is something that we should not take for granted. From the hundreds of volunteers who give us their time, the sponsors who help pay for the exhibitions, the government funded spaces (Cockatoo Island / MCA / NSW Art Gallery etc) must all be thanked in giving us the opportunity to see this incredible contemporary art extravaganza. This is why we are Australian. This is why being so geographically isolated from the rest of the world, the beauty of our distance, makes us so generous - our good old Aussie spirit!

How to get to Cockatoo Island: Free ferry from Wharf 2/3 Walsh Bay or Circular Quay (MCA side) every hour Mon - Fri or Every half hour on weekends. Download the full timetable here.

To camp at Cockatoo Island, book now!

Avoid missing out! 17th Biennale runs until 1st August 2010.

A Country Girl kinda cafe? Sadly, not.

2010-06-23T17:49:00.007+10:00

Those who know me well, know I'm a self-confessed country girl, and I'm always excited when I see a bit of the bush coming to the city.

But hang on a minute - I really got to ask - since when has RM Williams, "The Bush Outfitter" started up a cafe of their own and thought it a great idea to whack it in a huge Westfield and said they're proud to open what they call an "outback High Street cafe"?

Like, what?!? Have RM Williams lost their mind, and hired somebody from the UK to do their copywrite these days and employed city folk to give them ideas of what they think being a country Australian in the city really is? For starters, "High Street" is an United Kingdom phrase, not a blimey Australian phrase. And there's no way you'll find a cafe looking like the below or having their menu in the outback! Let alone on their main drag!

Then, to whack their new "tea house" (and yes, they can't make up their mind if it is a tea house or cafe) in Westfield Chatswood of all places, is adding more fuel to the fire. Apparently they even have one of these fangled tea house / cafes in Geelong!

For me, I believe an RM Williams cafe is a brilliant idea had it been executed properly. This is a city cafe pretending to be a country cafe, and that just don't sit with a girl like me.

RM Williams, if you really wanted to bring the country to the city in cafe style - why not find yourself a quirky old milk bar style terrace with a huge corrugated iron awning and put some RM Williams old skool paraphernalia along the walls and really do it right? This city doesn't need another Gloria Jeans from RM Williams. It needs a real country cafe from the real RM WIlliams!

RM Williams what were you thinking?

Inspiration via an ink pen

2010-06-22T00:50:00.006+10:00

Greg Ugalde is one of my favourite contemporary artists. To be honest, I just can't get enough of his work and I'm turning almost stalker like in my quest to find his newest bits and pieces. I'd happily cover my walls in his designs. I'd happily go around in the dead of night to steal NYC alley cat posters (if I were to go to NYC that is!).

Bicycle and courier inspired, his work is not only phenomenal and intricate but the graphics are unbelievable. How can somebody draw like this?! Whether it be an eagle-man powering through the streets of New York city on his fixie, or a panther with sprinting cyclist claws coming to grab you, every time you see an Ugalde, you are thrown into a vivid world of wonder and your imagination, ignited.

Thanks Prolly for the initial introduction, and thanks to Mr Ugalde for your everlasting world of wide eyed wonder.

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