Archive | 2010

Time for a brew

30 Dec

A caffeine and cake stop is a cycling tradition. But with so many coffee options available, which offer the most benefit?  

Coffee anyone?

Coffee anyone?

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A gift for the mistress

24 Dec

Why leave out the bike this winter? Surely she too deserves a little tlc and to be kept warm over these cold months.

Here’s a little something for your bike for Christmas, guaranteed to keep her nice and warm.

So right but oh so wrong

So right but oh so wrong

Merry Christmas folks!!

Wiggle Verenti Dragon Ride

19 Dec

On Sunday 5th June 2011 there will be an epic 200km sportive called the Wiggle Dragon Ride, which takes place in South Wales between Cardiff and Swansea. 
 
Individual entries for this ride open on-line midnight, Wednesday 29/30th December 2010, hence why this is being posted now so you don’t miss out. Click here for the on-line entry screen, but be warned that their website is very basic, and won’t let you register until midnight on Wednesday 29/30th December 2010.

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La Squadra – BOXING DAY BIKE RIDE

17 Dec

Nonnas Sheffield – Nonnas Chesterfield – Nonnas Sheffield.  Maybe a little detour on route too.

So the year is coming to a swift end and we would like to invite all La Squadies to partake in a winter biking jaunt on BOXING DAY.  Weather permitting of course!

Wrap up warm and meet at Nonnas Sheffield at 9am for Grappa and Espresso to fire up the boilers after a sluggish christmas day.  Ride out into the peaks headed for Nonnas Chesterfield for some cake and more grappa and espresso and maybe a crafty beer just as a top up from the night before.

Would be great to see a good turnout.  A couple of hours thats all.

For those who need some tips on the perils of winter riding check out the link below.  The picture above is part of the adrenalist.com blog.

http://adrenalist.com/category/biking

NEXT YEAR

Keep using the site and early next year we will start to publish a calendar of events and other stuff that will be happening in 2011.  New Kit, another Hot 100 ride, more events, training weekend abroad plus much more.  Hopefully, see you ALL boxing day.

Get onboard – Who’s up for the Gran Corsa?

14 Dec

Our friends at Rapha, Condor and Sharp have teamed up with The Prostate Cancer Charity and Classic Tours to give us an opportunity to ride the same course as the GIRO 2011.

Last night myself, Gian and Mickey went to the official launch of the Prostate Cancer Charity ride launch at cool cycling cafe/shop/joint called Look Mum No Hands.  We have registered and are hoping to be lucky enough to be allowed to take part in what will be a life changing experience on the bike.  See the link below for more info but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something we have all dreamed about while at the same time raising money for a great cause.  Everyones a winner! (more…)

Regression!

13 Dec

During a recent kids Christmas present shopping trip i stumbled upon a store that sold toys from my youth.  Remember these?

Airfix Mk1 Ford Escort

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Gran Corsa

10 Dec

Monday December 13, sees the official launch of the Gran Corsa d’Italia –  a chance for 200 amateur riders to ride the route of next year’s Giro d’Italia and raise money for The Prostate Cancer Charity. In an exclusive sneak preview Laura Fletcher caught up with Rapha Condor Sharp team manager John Herety while team rider Kristian House tried out the climb up Mount Etna.

The Giro D’Italia is one of the world’s most iconic stage races, and with the recent announcement of the route, is also looking to be one of the toughest years yet.  The course takes in the classic climbs of Zoncolan and Rifugio Gardeccia, whilst also stretching itself down to the southern tips of Sicily.

This year, electronics giant Sharp and The Prostate Cancer Charity has opened up the route, for a chance for  mortal amateurs to ride the course as well.  Commencing as the Giro finishes, The Gran Corsa D’Italia will follow the entirety of the 2011 Giro Course, over three weeks.  All proceeds being donated to fight against the most common cancer in men in the UK.

Earlier this month, Rapha Condor Sharp rider Kristian House went to Sicily, to ride the Mt. Etna stage of the Giro – stage 9.  The course involved climbing the active volcano from its northern and southern side, with a descent to sea level, taking in the Ionian Sea, with the snowy, smoking Sicilian spewer in the background.

Full article

http://magazine.bikeradar.com/2010/12/08/exclusive-a-taste-of-the-gran-corsa-ditalia/

News – Team Sky gear up for Revolution 31

9 Dec

Olympic silver medallist Ross Edgar, Russell Downing and Pete Kennaugh will lead Team Sky’s charge at Revolution 31 on Saturday.

Team Sky

Team Sky

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New Sponsorship of Gran Fondo Italian Team

7 Dec

I recently attended the launch presentation of the new Gran Fondo Cycling team which i set up for Planet X to sponsor in 2011, the team will be called Guru Planet X Sella Italia and will be competing in the prestigious Gran Fondo events.
This is the first opportunity for Planet X to introduce the brand into Italy via this Tuscany based cycling team.
Over 80 members of the club attended from all over northern Italy and it was a great to personally meet the members and enjoy hearing the teams plans for next year and to give the first opportunity for members to see a face of a UK company which until the sposorship was an unfamiliar brand.
Within the membership there is a nucleous of an Elite team of riders which competes at the highest level,  3 key riders of this elite team were introduced from the left Ivan Fanelli  (winner of GF Eddy Merckx this year) (ex-cinelli pro0, Alfonso Falzarano from Montecatini Terme…..winner of 3 GF races this year,  7 x 2nd place and 2 x 3rd place, he’s had a great season coming 2nd overall in his category…. and of the womens team they have brought in Claudia Gentile who has had  a great season winning the 2 most important events this year, the Maratona dles Dolomite and Nove Colle at middle level!!….and she’s a looker!
See below the pictures of the team presentation and team kit…

Not a bike in sight…

6 Dec

Thanks again to everyone who made it to our first ever La Squadra christmas party on Sunday night. The food, the beer/vino, the venue and the company were all great. Here’s a selection of pictures taken during the evening.

Winter wonderland

Winter wonderland

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