girl+bike

12. Under the Radar

2010-12-17T23:04:00.002+10:30

Eyewear is what Oakley do very very well. They've been committed to developing high-performance sporting products for women as more than just a 'side project' alongside the mens/unisex gear.

So anyway. The Radar is a wrap-style pair of sunnies that's streamlined and the design for women means that they don't have awkward gaps or sticky-out bits like sometimes happens if you're wearing sunnies that are built for bigger faces.

If hot pink is your thing, then you're in luck but they also come in more muted colours.

All the technical stuff checks out, but like anything you'd have to try them for yourself to see if they're right for you.

> Have a look at Oakley's website for more

11. For loving your skin

2010-12-17T22:50:00.002+10:30

The first time I smelt this stuff I was in heaven. I know it's not strictly 'cycling', but it's always nice to treat your hands after they've been tucked away inside your riding gloves and gripping your handlebars.

How do you describe a fragrance on the internet? Not really possible, except to say 'divine'... and that it goes on like a dream and isn't oily. Aesop was born in Melbourne in 1987 and they combine botanics with science, splashed with whimsy and intellect.

> What is it? Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, AU$25.00 from Aesop

10. Get ahead

2010-12-17T22:39:00.003+10:30

Protect your head with funky colours and retro designs with these helmets from Nutcase. Probably not the kind of helmet to wear if you're thrashing out 100km on the roadie, but if you're swinging your leg over your city bike to cruise into town, they're perfect. Heaps of different colours and designs, 11 vents for keeping your hair sweat-free and complies with Australian standards.

> Costs AU$99.95 and available at Treadly Bike Shop or from Nutcase.

9. For getting dirty

2010-12-10T17:34:00.004+10:30

I love the feeling of riding off road: away from traffic, amongst the trees. Just you, your bike and the ups, downs and flow of the trail. What better way to live in the moment.

A mountain bike should feel like an extension of your body: light, responsive, natural. A bike that's designed for women takes into account things that often make the female anatomy different: shorter torso, narrower shoulders, smaller hands. Angles are adjusted, handlebars aren't so wide, brake levers easier to grab, crank length shorter and even the suspension can be dialled differently.

Scott have taken all these elements and shaped them into the Contessa series of bikes, which includes road and mountain bikes. The Scale RC is a carbon fibre hardtail that doesn't compromise on componentry. Meaning you don't compromise your ride.

> Available through AvantiPlus dealers

8. Somewhere to go

2010-12-08T21:54:00.007+10:30

You can't really wrap this and pop it under the tree, but it will last for longer than the time it would take to unwrap.

Get your bike and go on a journey in 2011.

Where to? Here are some suggestions.

Santos Tour Down Under Sport&Style Legend's Weekend
Live the Tour with Sport&Style. Take part in the thrill of the chase as you cheer on the best riders from around the world in Australia's premier cycling event. 21-23 January 2011.
> More here
...

Pedal in the remote Kimberley, WA
You don't have to have amazing off-road skills and the endurance of an IronMan athlete to partake in this outback mountain biking adventure. Bike, helmet, tent and stunning location all provided.
> More info here
...

Gear Up Girl Challenge, Sydney / Goulburn / Adelaide /
A recreational cycling event for women of all ages and cycling ability. Varying distances and a bit of an expo for all things cycling afterwards. (Photo: Bicycle SA)
> Find out more here

7. Something to read

2010-12-07T21:06:00.003+10:30

Cycling magazine, meet Arty-Designy-Cultural magazine. Now that that introduction is sorted, let us introduce you to Treadlie. A fusion of the two, where bicycles are celebrated for their form as well as their function.

Managing Editor Tamsin O'Neill says:
"Treadlie is for bike lovers, would be bike lovers and those that appreciate great bike design - a magazine devoted to culture, fashion and design. Featuring people and their bikes, bike businesses, cycling cities, bike trail reviews and products."

Issue #1 goes on sale on 17 December, just in time for the Christmas stocking.

> Subscribe online here
> Follow their Tweets here

6. Get a grip

2010-12-06T09:47:00.004+10:30

Achieve maximum comfort and best distribution of pressure with these nifty grips from Ergon. They really are comfortable.

Best thing is, they are made for small hands (big hands don't miss out either!). Plus they are easy to put onto your handlbars and what's more, they make you ride faster (not scientifically proven).

Great for your mountain bike. Comes with or without bar-ends and in black or cool lime green.

> Get these from Over the Edge Sports in Melrose, SA (these guys are also the Australian distributor). Cost from AU49.95

5. Frame it

2010-12-06T07:39:00.002+10:30

What could be better than pedalling downhill in bursts of sunshine? Framing that moment and hanging it on your wall, of course.

This art print comes from Adelaide artist and maker Naomi Murrell:
"Naomi’s work is big on hope, happiness, and the things that make us laugh. Her products are made with good choices based on a love of people and the planet. She believes in a sustainable future where all design is socially and environmentally responsible."

The print has been silk screen printed onto 300gsm uncoated recycled paper and is signed by the artist.

Comes unframed, but fits perfectly into IKEA Ribba frames, or another frame of your choice.

> Order one here! Costs AU55.00

4. Carry it around

2010-12-05T21:45:00.003+10:30

Put your things in something and carry them around. Make it an over-the-shoulder bag by Crumpler: they're Australian. They're comfortable to wear/carry. They're great for pedalling around with. They come in different colours.

> Find out more about Crumpler here

3. Wear it.

2010-12-05T20:46:00.009+10:30

Wear your passion for bikes loud and proud with these clothes for on and off the bike.

T-shirt, by Mudbric
> Get this from Oxygen Cycles, McLaren Vale SA

Jersey, by Body Torque
> Get this from Body Torque

ChopperGram T-shirt, by Nzo
> Get this here

Not strictly bikey, but you could pedal in this skirt by Chalky Digits
> Find out where to get it here

2. Bicycle Ambulance

2010-12-02T17:46:00.002+10:30

When you buy this bicycle ambulance, you don't actually get to unwrap it yourself - that joy goes to communities in rural Malawi who can then use it to get expectant mothers, the sick and frail to hospitals which can be 30km away. Better than the alternative, which is often in a wheelbarrow.

The gift of a bicycle ambulance can be made through Oxfam (check it out online here) and will set you back AU296.00

Pretty nifty, I'd say.

1. Fast carbon

2010-12-02T10:51:00.004+10:30

I thought I'd post this one first in case you need to do some saving up! But hey, it doesn't hurt to dream and there's always next Christmas, or your next birthday...

This one comes from our kiwi friends at Avanti Bicycle Company. They've been making great bicycles for 25 years now and have put their experience, technology and design behind their new range for women, WISE.

This is from their website:
Women + Insights + Science = EXCELLENCE
We wanted to really understand what women wanted, what they liked and what they disliked when it came to cycling. We also wanted to get the inside information that would enable us to develop bikes that would quite simply be better for women to ride. And so we went out and talked to riders. Specifically, female riders.

So here we have the Avanti Questa Team (RRP AU6999.95)
Yes please, Santa.

'Tis the season, or something like that.

2010-12-01T13:06:00.004+10:30

It's the first of December and I am wondering who let this happen so quickly?? All of a sudden the year is drawing to a speedy exit stage left and soon it will be 2011.

As usually happens this time of year, it's hard to escape any mention of Christmas and all it entails.

So you might be thinking of 'stuff': finding stuff, giving stuff, hinting about stuff you want, receiving stuff. And some of that may be bike stuff.

So let's talk about stuff and where you might look for it.

Each day from now until Christmas day I will post something tempting (presents for others, of course!). I'll try and feature things that are unique, crafted and designed specifically for females and locally sourced where possible.

Have fun and happy pedalling x

[image from www.cyclinginfo.co.uk]

The girl in the red coat

2010-11-18T10:16:00.005+10:30

This brightened my day yesterday. Loved one of the early scenes in the British film 'Wild Target' where Rose (played by the most gorgeous Emily Blunt) cycles through London on a Dutch-style bike in a vivid red coat, weaving in and out of traffic, dodging pedestrians, setting off firecrackers to distract security guards before cycling through the National Gallery. Ha!

(image from www.wildtargetmovie.com)

Little Friday things.

2010-11-12T16:17:00.004+10:30

Have a little look at these bikey vintage things made by Sydney-based Rocket Fuel from vintage and recycled fabrics. Great things to decorate your noggin'.

Bikes from other places (and times).

2010-11-09T16:06:00.006+10:30

Bikes that have caught my eye somewhere, sometime.

This bike was waiting for its owner one night outside the Wheatsheaf hotel, Adelaide.

...

Wandering around Old Cromwell Town, NZ
...

Bikes are everywhere in Shanghai, China

It's raining.

2010-11-02T13:35:00.002+10:30

Again. What a long winter we've had! I'm here at work, but what I feel like doing is riding trails and getting all muddy.

I like...

2010-11-01T15:22:00.006+10:30

...unexpectedly finding new bike shops! This little beauty is tucked away in Adelaide's Ebenezer Place, a stone's throw from the yummy Chocolate Bean cafe. Sam, Em and Rusty the shop dog have just opened this store called Treadly, full of shiny dutch-style bikes, fast fixies and parts to tinker with.

Go and say hello. Immediately.

Friday smile.

2010-10-29T12:59:00.003+10:30

Bicycles make me smile. I was feeling a little flat, but with no good reason besides just a bit of the 'blerghs'.

This makes me smile. I hope it makes you smile too, knowing that bicycles are providing simple, sustainable relief to people in underdeveloped regions of the world.

oh my!

2010-10-27T17:11:00.004+10:30

I came across this today via Twitter, posted by the author of this blog.

All I could think of was, "oh my!"

Have a look for yourself.

You can see more of this here.

Sunny afternoon forest ride

2010-10-25T12:47:00.003+10:30

What better thing to do on a sunny Sunday afternoon than explore a forest by mountain bike. This forest is one of the Barossa's hidden gems here in South Australia. The ride was just right for an afternoon sojourn: carefree, breezy and full of laughs.

The best part was the Silentium sparkling shiraz consumed afterwards. Now that's perfect.

fixie friday

2010-10-22T19:35:00.003+10:30

follow this link for some fixie fun.

It's Friday... inspire me!

2010-10-22T12:55:00.005+10:30

back on the boards...

2010-10-22T00:05:00.002+10:30

...and loving it! It's the second time I've made a track 'comeback', and once again I'm wondering why I stopped in the interim. (Besides work/life/work/work/life etc etc).

My legs may not be as fast as I'd like them to be, but it all came back really quickly - that is, all the keep-pedalling, hold-the-line, don't-slide-down-the-track business.

It's loads of fun and such a buzz.

There's some other ladies who are racing as well, it's all super encouraging. Saturday women's-only training sessions have been a great thing as well!

If you're in Adelaide, have a look here. Maybe even come and try!

green with envy

2010-10-21T23:50:00.003+10:30

The other day, I happened to find myself in the McLaren Vale, a gorgeous little spot with some rather nice wineries scattered around. It's also home to this groovy little bike shop, Oxygen Cycles, which you should visit if you're in the Vale. Actually, you MUST visit.

If not to cast your eyes upon this little beauty. I couldn't help but stare, then gently touch it.

It's name is Civia Loring and it's lovely. The mudguards and racks are made from bamboo.

Pop in and say hello, maybe even take her home.

girls that rock!

2009-12-12T15:43:00.008+10:30

These girls are a great inspiration for anyone who loves to pedal.

Niki Gudex // Pro MTB rider, graphic designer & model. This Sydney-based global citizen is smart, creative and rides like the wind whether it's downhill, XC, on the road or cruising the urban landscapes.
www.nikigudex.com

Jill Kintner // Another arty-sporty chick who's got Olympic bronze in BMX, three World Championship titles in the MTB discipline of 4X, two World Cup series championships, heaps of World Cup, national titles and Norba series championship wins... This woman is driven, creative and uber cool.
www.jillkintner.com

Jayne Rutter // This is a girl who jumped on a bike and hasn't looked back! She's super fit, races XC, downhill and 4X and has just been sponsored by Team Banshee Australia.
www.jaynerutter.com

Anna Meares // Possibly the fastest woman ever to pedal a bike. A down-to-earth champion hailing from regional Queensland, Anna rides with passion, is an amazing strategist, can read her opponents, has had amazing recovery from injury, and has shown again and again what it's like to win (and on the rare occasion, not win!) with grace. Along with her sister, Kerrie, Anna is truly an inspiration.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Meares

> more to come!

little bit of history again.

2009-12-12T14:31:00.004+10:30

Getting to know... Sara Carrigan

2009-12-10T10:58:00.006+10:30

A couple of years back, girl+bike had the pleasure of talking to Aussie cyclist Sara Carrigan, winner of the Women's Road Race at the Athens Olympics in 2004. Thought you might like to check it out!

...............................................................................................
Everyone knows Sara Carrigan since she outsmarted her opponent in the finishline sprint to take the gold medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics. If you're anything like me, you were screaming in your loungeroom in the middle of the night, watching on TV as the world's best women cyclists sweated it out on a heady Mediterranean day. Riding a tactically perfect race, with the support of her fantastic Australian teammates, Sara became what every athlete dreams: Olympic champion.

So, somewhere in her sock drawer sits a reminder of the fact that she did, in fact, win the pinnacle of prizes. (Well, I can't say for certain it's in her sock drawer, but to tell you the truth, I forgot to ask her where it's kept.)

You'd probably forgive her if somewhere along the line her head got a bit swelled with the fact that almost every Australian knows her name, or because she has the letters 'OAM' after her name. Or because she has gone into the history books as an Olympic Champion.

But the thing about Sara Carrigan is she's a bloody nice chick. She's articulate, friendly and passionate, and always willing to have a chat. She's not just a champion of elite sport, but of everyone who aspires to a dream.

She rocks out to ACDC, misses her fam and friends when she's away racing and loves ice cream. And you know the best thing? She truly loves riding her bike.

girl+bike spoke to Sara about cycling, bikes and life in general, at the bike show held in Melbourne in October 2006. Here's what she had to say...

It’s been two years since you won the women’s road race in Athens. How’s life as an Olympic Champion?

What has been totally incredible after having achieved my Olympic dream is how absolutely everyone has wanted to share and live the emotion with me! It is such a personal achievement and to have so many people in Australia and from overseas wanting to share it with me is wonderfully amazing and makes it all the more worthwhile! I didn’t realise just how much an achievement such as this could touch so many far and wide.

Was winning the Olympics something you always dreamed of, or was it a case of 'let’s see how far I can take my cycling'?

To represent Australia at the Olympic Games and to win Gold has always been a dream of mine since I was in primary school. Back then, I wasn't sure in which sport but when I found cycling and loved it, it went from there.

Tell us how you started cycling and how you ended up a professional racer?

I was always sporty and I guess growing up on a farm contributed to my love of the outdoors but I was actually introduced to cycling through a talent identification program when I was 15. It was run in conjunction with the local cycling Club, Gold Coast CATS and my school, Somerset College where 15 students were chosen, given bikes and all the necessary equipment for 10 weeks. Cycling is not as easy to become involved in as other sports so presenting the opportunity to young children through a school program is beneficial in more ways than one! Learning and riding together as a group was so much fun. I had no idea the whole world of cycling existed until I became involved and found that I loved riding and racing my bike at the same time!

What’s the hardest thing about being a professional cyclist?

The hardest thing for me has been spending 7 months away from home each year. I do love the travel and living the European lifestyle but there’s nothing better than flying back home to Oz!

From the outside, professional cycling (men’s in particular) seems quite glamorous... What’s it really like?

A lot of our time is spent on the road, living out of a suitcase. Of the 7 months that I was away last year, I counted 5 weeks that I was actually at my ‘home’ base in Holland. It is so nice to stay in one spot for a period of time after having travelled so much.

Do your friends ‘get’ what you do and why you do it?

I do believe that many know and understand just how much commitment, perseverance, dedication and hard work is required to achieve such major goals in life. However, to receive the backing and support from those closest to you is crucial and something I truly cherish. The acceptance and understanding of my loved ones of what I have set out to achieve is truly irreplaceable and without it, would make my journey almost impossible.

What is the most encouraging thing that someone has ever said to you throughout your cycling career?

I can list a number of quotes that have really inspired me at different times throughout my career, however a couple that seem to stick with me the most is that, ‘The power and strength to achieve anything is within you. You must take yourself wherever it is you want to go. Do not compromise yourself because you are all you’ve got. The first and best victory is to conquer self.’

Where is the most beautiful place you’ve ridden your bike?

Cycling can be a very social sport and provides the opportunity for many to travel overseas. There are so many beautiful places to ride your bike whether it is through the Swiss Alps, through Tuscan villages, the Gold Coast hinterland or along the beautiful beaches by yourself or with a group. I do love riding my bike and love to schedule in a coffee shop stop every now and then.

Tell us a bit about what you are up to these days?

I made the decision to have a break for the remainder of 2006 after the Commonwealth Games and experience a ‘normal life’ of full time uni and work, combined with enjoying other activities that have not been possible due to the heavy workload of training commitments. Something that has been really exciting during this time is becoming involved with Teschner Bikes in designing a women’s specific bike, called the 'Diva'. Whilst cycling has been largely a male dominated sport, women are now enjoying the fruits of cycling more than ever! Compared to men, women traditionally have a shorter trunk length relative to leg length, narrower shoulders and a different pelvic structure so there is a real demand for bikes that give us (women) the same choices in performance, speed and fit as the men so we too can enjoy cycling with no limits. The Teschner 'Diva' now provides the opportunity for young junior girls and ladies alike to purchase an off-the-rack bike with the appropriate frame geometry, crank lengths, handlebars and saddle to suit a woman’s body, thus eliminating the need for expensive alterations.

OK, now for some fun... Fill in these gaps!

rides a Blue and Gold Teschner Diva

listens to AC/DC

raced bikes for 10 years

wishes for everyone to be happy

thinks about Beijing Gold

likes dancing

laughed at Carl Baron

hates drug cheats

eats Baskin & Robins Ice cream

misses my friends and family when I’m away for 7 months each year.

A 'herstory' of cycling?

2009-12-10T10:15:00.006+10:30

1. In the 1890s, one-third of those in the market for a bicycle were women.

2. Cycling aided the shift from tight corsets and long dresses, to shorter skirts and bloomers - much more sensible to cycle in!

3. In 1894-5, Annie 'Londonderry' Kopchovsky is the first woman to ride around the world.

4. The first womens cycling world champion was crowned in 1958 (50 years ago).

5. Susan B. Anthony commented: “Let me tell you what I think of bicycling…I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride on a wheel. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance.”

6. The bicycle was considered by some to be a threat to the 'proper' social order. Women were travelling more freely and away from the surveillance of her husband!

7. Women cycled in the Olympics for the first time in 1984.

8. The first mountain bike world championships were held in 1990, in Durango, Spain.

9. This year there are 37 professional women's road cycling teams registered with the UCI (cycling's world governing body).

10. Cycling group 'Women's Mountain Bike and Tea Society' (WOMBATS) was formed in 1984 to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for women who like riding off road, but weren't sure how/where/who with.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T23:51:00.002+10:30

Well, it's 2007 already. Last year went past really quickly, as they seem to do! girl+bike is getting along steadily, but we've got some big and exciting plans for the coming year.

travel... trips... interviews... women's specific skills camps... loads of fun and more. We are looking forward to sharing it with you all. And plenty of riding in there as well - of course!

Today was my birthday, and to celebrate this girl plus her bike, and her boy plus his bike went to check out the recently opened Eagle Mountain Bike Park on the outskirts of Adelaide. With kilometres of nicely winding singletrack, the park is a huge asset to the bike community in Adelaide, not to mention the wider community, making it easier for people to get into mountain biking in a purpose-built, fun environment. Trails are rated green (=easiest), blue (=moderate) and black (=hardest) making it great for riders of all levels of skills and fitness to find a trail that they can have fun on and gradually build up their skills.

I was excited to take my new Specialized Stumpjumper Women's FSR Comp (check it out here ) out to play, and it (Bella) had a great time too. Compared to the men's Stumpy, which I had previously been riding, the women's design is a bit shorter in the top tube, and has a slightly shorter wheelbase which I find much better for handling. It climbs well (pity I don't at the moment!) and it great around tight, twisty tracks. I used to feel like I was constantly wrestling with the men's Stumpy (in the same size as my new women's model) where my new one feels much more intuitive and glides along the trails.

The park has some great XC singletracks, as well as a DH course and a couple of other technical runs, all of which I will have great fun exploring in the coming months... looking forward to it, that's for sure.

I'll post some pics up soon of my new Stumpy!

Until then, good times and happy riding.

Don't forget to check out www.girlplusbike.com if you haven't already, and tell your friends about it too!