Vol. 1
CYCLR.COM | DIGITAL MAGAZINE
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sponsor
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CONTENTS TRIGGER BELL. 22 - 29 PROCESS: KENNEDY CITY BICYCLES. 30 - 43 ALEX DAW: THE MAN BEHIND SPIN. 52 - 57 LIZZIE ARMISTEAD. 90 - 93 CYCLE EAST. 94 - 99
10 - 11
THINGS TO DO. 14 - 21
HOT OFF THE PRESS. 46 - 51
SKYCYCLE. 60 - 63
8 BALL BIKES. 66 - 73
8 BALL BIKES. 74 - 79
A CHAT WITH TOKYOBIKE’S NEIL DAVIS. 80 - 85
THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANIGNG. 102 - 107
GOOD NOSH. 100 - 101
STEW BIRCH: A BROOKS OBSESSION. 4 | CYCLR
Johnathan Cherry Photography 5 | VOL. 1
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Johnathan Cherry Photography
THE TEAM EDITOR IN CHIEF Gerry Newton
SENIOR EDITOR
FEATURES EDITOR
Hugh Thomas
Steph Mann
DESIGN DIRECTION Cyclr
CONTRIBUTORS James Kennedy, James Borley, Jason Brown, Stew Birch, Urban Daily, Jonathan Cherry, Anna Brones, Steve Lowry, Kobi Ansong
FRONT COVER Photography: Jonathan Cherry Model: Florence Hill Brand: Kennedy City Bicycles
SPECIAL THANKS Atlanta Tech Village, Hugh Chappell, Downtown Rider, Kobi Ansong, Spin London, CycleScheme, Lynette Nylander Stefan Buxton, Orla Keefe CYCLR.COM facebook.com/cyclr - @cyclr - hello@cyclr.com Atlanta + London Web. Mobile. Digital. Print 7 | VOL. 1
EDITORS LETTER. CHANGES COME IN WAVES. T
his year CYCLR has evolved, moving beyond a dot com destination, to a brand that seeks to share its passion for bike design, lifestyle and culture an audience through a broader spectrum of media. Building on the success of Cyclr.com, the digital magazine provides a more comprehensive editorial publication focusing on bike culture, urban commentary, brands and the people that form the urban scene. The theme for our inaugural magazine issue is ‘New Wave’. With the explosion in urban cycling culture giving birth to new brands, events and projects, the CYCLR magazine seeks to tell the stories with this issue. Drawing inspiration from cyclr.com, the CYCLR magazine is a true celebration of grassroots bike culture. For this issue our Senior Editor, Hugh Thomas, caught up with Tokyobike London’s Neil Davis, sought cooking tips from culinary cyclist Anna Brones, and spoke peculiar photography obsessions with Stew Birch. Meanwhile Features Editor Steph Mann shares her thoughts on urban infrastructure cycling project SkyCycle and has brisk chat with London 2012 silver medalist and Team GB cyclist Lizzie Armistead in between her hectic training schedule. As for me, in between circumnavigating the United States meeting new cycling brands and immersing myself in foreign cycling communities, I caught up with SPIN London founder Alex Daw, and spoke with 8 Balls Bikes founder James Middleton about the challenges of a building a new bike brand. On a minuscule-operating budget, our team has worked tirelessly to form a digital publication with a fresh approach to cycling media that provides an editorial celebration of grassroots bike culture. So bike friends, sit back, relax and hopefully the boat won’t rock too much with the amount of waves caused by these marvelous people featured in the pages ahead.
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THE EXECUTORS. T
he bike-loving fanatics behind this issue. We’re not performance cyclists, wearing tights and looking for a physical record to break – we just love bikes. CYCLR is for us. CYCLR is you. CYCLR is everyday, for every cyclists.
STEPH MANN FEATURES EDITOR “Cycling enthusiast, on road and off! My bike is my escape.”
GERRY NEWTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HUGH THOMAS SENIOR EDITOR “Churning out bicycle related nonsense for no discernable reason since 2013. Also before that.”
“My bicycles are my only opportunity for a non-monogamous relationship”
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THINGS TO DO. Several cycling events we at CYCLR are quite fond of.
28.03
SPIN LONDON, TRUMAN BREWERY
11.04
BESPOKED, LEE VALLEY VELODROME
A whole host of cycling related entertainment including tips from a former bike thief, funny stuff from Dutch funnyman Wooter Reijs, Gold medalist Mark Colbourne’s inspiring story, Bike Polo, BMX demos, DJs, exclusively brewed beer &, believe it or not, lots of bicycles.
The handmade bicycle show. This year’s is hosted at the Olympic Velodrome that will only just be open to the public. The current number of exhibitors is around 150, and is sure to grow.
18.05
TWEED RUN, LONDON Afternoon tea and shortbread with the Queen’s corgis is less British than this. Despite this being only it’s sixth year, The Tweed Run is becoming a global phenomenon, with events last year being held as far away as Tokyo.
16.06
BHF’S LONDON TO BRIGHTON For anyone feeling sprightly enough, The British Heart Foundation run an annual night ride, day ride, and off-road ride city to city, each one totalling 54 miles. They’re legendary, apparently.
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20.06
L’EROICA BRITANNIA
03.07
RAPHA TEMPEST, YORKSHIRE
For the very first time, this Italian tradition that looks 100 years older than it actually is invades UK shores. An event dedicated to the celebration of age old glamour and the effortless style of days gone by, but this time accompanied with tables full of Bakewell tarts rather than buckets of Chianti.
This isn’t just a bike race. With on-site DJs, cinema screens, workshops, stalls, fireworks, bars, and luxury camping facilities, this event has more entertainment and indulgence than a small city. Not only that, the Yorkshire Dales provides the perfect backdrop.
05.07
GRAND DÉPART, YORKSHIRE A mere portion of Yorkshire’s 100-day festival celebrating its culture to the watching world, the Grand Départ marks the start of the Tour de France with the Wholly Bike Trail, an artisan bike show, The Ghost Peloton, bike friendly outdoor cinemas, and poetry about bike love to name a few.
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TICKHILL GRAND PRIX, YORKSHIRE
You could be easily mistaken if you thought the Tickhill Grand Prix was a historic event with a rich history. The thing is you couldn’t be further from the truth. The Tickhill Grand Prix exploded onto the Cycle Racing scene in September 2013, and has already cemented itself as a must attend event.
06.09
KERRY BICYCLE FESTIVAL The best Ireland has to offer, this festival is by no means short of eccentricity. Hosting advocacy talks, music, fashion, art exhibitions and comedy standups, KBF pretty much has culture on tap. Highlights include The Slow Bicycle Race and Meals on Wheels. 11 | VOL. 1
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sponsor
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HOT OFF THE PRESS. A few short bike-related bulletins to kick off this issue’s proceedings. words HUGH THOMAS
STOLEN BICYCLE RETURNED AFTER BIKEREGISTER CHECK A 19 year-old man was stopped by police for riding on the pavement in the Bethnal Green Road area. After running a check with the frame numbers on BikeRegister’s database, police determined the bike had been taken from a woman 13 miles away in Houndslow. The 19 year-old was arrested for suspicions of theft and handling of stolen goods and the bike returned to its grateful owner.
CYCLING ORGANISATIONS OPPOSE ‘STAY BACK’ STICKERS Stickers reading ‘cyclists – stay back’ that have been appearing on the rear ends of cabs and TfL vehicles were denounced by several cycling bodies in a joint statement. The statement has demanded the removal of these stickers, as they imply cyclists are ‘second-class’ road users and that such warnings are only appropriate on HGV’s because of their blind spots.
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BORIS JOHNSON’S BIKE DESTROYED It is hoped that Boris Johnson gives more attention to the maintenance of London roads after he hit a pothole on his daily commute. The bike, named by him as ‘Old Bikey’, met its maker when, in Johnson’s own words, he ‘went over the handle bars before making brief but thorough contact with the wet tarmac.’ Back in the saddle, Boris realised things weren’t quite right when steering Old Bikey ‘was like trying to run a coalition with the Lib Dems.’
THE LATEST NEWS
words URBAN DAILY photography HUGH THOMAS
LONDON Andrew Gilligan plans to address the CYCLE demands stipulated to him in a petition SAFETY backed by 37,000 signatures. PETITION In response to the letYIELDS ter, TfL’s aims will include a ban on lorries RESULTS without safeguards, potentially banning lorries from peak
times altogether. Offering optional training for London cyclists will also feature, however proposals to accelerate the spending of cycling investments were rejected.
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2014: YEAR OF THE HORSE YOU SAY? NO, THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE ‘INDEPENDENT BIKE DEALER’. words HUGH THOMAS
The Bicycle Man, Bike Store, London 16 | CYCLR
THANKS to Cyclescheme, you
ment on equipment such as lights and helmets, commercial training and advice for retailers, and improved opportunities for those retailers hoping to extend their own offers and promotions with Cyclescheme.
may be eligible to save up to something in the region of 25% - 42% on a new bike. With over 2,000 shops in the UK to choose from, that’s a pretty hefty saving, but you’re only eligible if your employer has signed up. These improvements hope to capitalise on last year’s outstandIn a recent conference with the ing success, as the numbers of Bicycle Association of GB, Brit- employees taking advantage of ish Cycling, and employers listed the Cycle to Work saving saw a under the scheme, Cyclescheme 16.4% increase from last year’s announced further plans to sup- number. port independent bike dealers. 2014 will bring a ‘Cyclescheme Academy’ which aims to better inform retailers of the commercial opportunities available, an ‘Equipment Only’ option for those seeking outside invest-
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CYCLESCHEME IN NUMBERS.
Brands Over 500
Cycling brands available through Cyclescheme.
Retailers Over 2,000
Retailers work with Cyclescheme.
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People Over 425,000
People have obtained a bike through Cyclescheme.
Spend ÂŁ700
On average is spent by people who use Cyclecheme.
Savings 25% - 42%
Represents the percentage savings made through Cyclescheme (savings dependent on individual tax arrangements).
Learn More About Cyclescheme at cyclescheme.co.uk 19 | VOL. 1
‘KAISER THIEFS’ PLAGIARISE STURMEY-ARCHER LOGO. words JASON BROWN edit HUGH THOMAS
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The 110-year old manufacturer has pointed the finger at the Leeds band for ‘blatantly’ emulating the design of their logo for the Kaiser Chiefs’ new album. The band however have defended their decision by claiming their chosen aesthetic was a tribute to one of England’s oldest cycling companies.
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trigger bell.
“The Trigger Bell journey has given me an enormous appreciation for the complexities that have to be overcome and the sheer scale of what has to be considered to get a product developed.�
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Stefan Buxton, Trigger Bell
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TRIGGER BELL. Stefan Buxton on the little thing making big waves. words HUGH THOMAS interviewee STEFAN BUXTON
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The bicycle bell, despite its inherent simplicity, has been in development ever since it came into being in 1877. In function and appearance it has not changed all that much, but it’s only relatively recently that we have seen it adapt to better suit modern standards – the Trigger Bell being the latest example.
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signs of abating. We caught up with Stefan to iding with or without a bell is another on- better understand his project and how it has going debate, but Stefan Buxton’s intention developed. is to remove the inconvenience of indecision altogether. He says to Cyclr, ‘it’s interesting; if Hugh Thomas: Hi Stefan. How’s life? I don’t wear a bike helmet I feel exposed and Stefan Buxton: All’s going well thanks. Trigger it’s the same when I don’t have a Trigger Bell Bell has passed its Kickstarter funding target, fitted on my handlebars.. It’s a comfortable has just reached its 600th fantastic supportfeeling having a Trigger Bell at the tip of your er, and last week also became the 37th most popular project globally on Kickstarter. thumb.’ And by all accounts we’re inclined to agree. Stefan has spent the last two years developing a bell that’s easy to use, unobtrusive, is versatile enough to equip almost any bike, but most importantly does not force a loss of control upon the rider. The fruits of his labour have been well rewarded in the form of a hefty £8,300 pledged towards his project on Kickstarter, and public interest is showing no 26 | CYCLR
H: Impressive. What stage are you at now with Trigger Bell? S: In addition to supporting Kickstarter I’m improving the design to make the spring stronger and to make Trigger Bell easier to fit on a broader range of handlebars. The design work is involving the manufacturers so that when the button is pressed for production the manufacturers will be ready to go to build the moulds.
Apart from production I’m also working with UK and international distributors and designing and manufacturing the packaging. The most important things are to keep to the plan and fulfil all the Kickstarter rewards and it’s all looking good so far! H: Congratulations on meeting your fundraising goal. Has the Kickstarter project met your expectations? S: Thank you. The project has exceeded my expectations. Expectations for me were set at the funding target of £5,200 to be reached over 30 days. Trigger Bell reached £5,200 in under 5 days. In addition, the amount of positive feedback and emails that have come from supporters across 30 countries has been nothing short of inspiring.
S: The additional funds will go towards a higher grade of mould to enable more Trigger Bells to be produced from a single mould before a new mould is required. H: Roadies aren’t typically fans of bells, though they have as much reason to need them as any other cyclist. Could Trigger Bell change that? S: I absolutely understand this and I really hope that some Roadies may be converted to Trigger Bell. There’s a couple of incentives: Trigger Bell is so discreet that it hides nicely under the handlebar and brake so that it’s barely noticeable and if someone wants it to better suit their bike they can get a Trigger Bell in a custom colour (and most of these colours will only be available as Kickstarter rewards).
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H: What was the most fascinating part of Trigger Bell’s research/development? Were there any particular challenges? S: The most fascinating part is also the most challenging part. The Trigger Bell journey has given me an enormous appreciation for the complexities that have to be overcome and the sheer scale of what has to be considered to get a product developed. Equally it’s also been fantastic how supportive everyone has been along the journey. For Trigger Bell the process involved understanding, in no particular order, bell physics, hand size dimensions, polymer properties, bike braking and gear/shifting systems, bar grip dimensions and materials, prototyping methods, ergonomics, stress testing, CAD design, metal finishing techniques, injection 28 | CYCLR
moulding principles, short-run manufacturing considerations as well as international manufacturing more broadly. All of this was undertaken alongside continually gathering feedback from fellow cyclists and cycle shops to make sure Trigger Bell truly became a safer bike bell. H: If there was a future product you might invent or design, cycling related or not, what would it be? Trigger Bell is my absolute focus at the moment. With Trigger Bell we can improve one significant angle of cycle safety; pro-actively alerting other road users that a cyclist is there. If there was anything else I could do, it would be to invent a cast iron way of making sure all highway and construction projects included
plenty of cycle friendly/safety features. And a way to make it stop raining at the weekends‌ To contribute to the Trigger Bell campaign and learn a bit more about Stefan, visit Kickstarter.
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PROCESS: KENNEDY CITY BICYCLES words JAMES KENNEDY edit GERRY NEWTON
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A
s with all these things, you never get started without inspiration. One of the first bicycles I ever built was an old navy blue Peugeot frame. I went totally overboard, matching the wheels to the orange streaks on the frame. Even with its questionable colour combinations, I really loved that guy. Other bicycles were built up and passed on in the subsequent years, but I held on to that one until the business started. The geometry of our Kennedy City Bicycle frames in very similar to that of the Peugeot, while drawing on the highlighted lugs of bicycles like the Holdsworth and the laid-back but lightweight style of a Linus beach cruiser. The idea was born. After jotting down some rough (totally inaccurate) numbers, I headed to Eurobike to meet suppliers who might be able to do what I wanted done. When it turned out they could, I returned to London and started viewing properties for what I initially assumed would be our retail outlet. Branding ideas were doodled on scraps of paper and samples started to arrive at our basement flat on the Kingsland Road. We started to narrow down our colours using heavily biased voting systems until we reached an initial 3.
INITIAL FRAME COLOURS
HOLDSWORTH LUGS
FIRST SAMPLES
We went for a workshop in the end rather than a shopfront and parts started to arrive. We began to recognise that online sales (and therefore delivery) were going to be a big part of the business so we started testing out bike-boxes. Cardboard is expensive in big quantities.
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THE FIRST BICYCLE
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EUROBIKE
FIRST COMPLETE SAMPLE
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BRANDING DODDLES
BRANDING DODDLES
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Finishing touches were now overdue. I finally finished the website and designed the business cards and once all the parts arrived we had ourselves a photoshoot. Our launch party followed at the end of June 2013 and we were live. Almost everything that has followed has been exhausting, enlightening and inspiring in equal measure. We settled in to our workshop in Clapton, had a popup shop round the corner for a month, spurring a very busy autumn of building bicycles.
THE POP-UP STORE, CLAPTON
BIKE BOX TESTING THE BUSINESS CARDS
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THE PARTS ARRIVE
THE WEBSITE - VERSON 1.0
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THE OLD WORKSHOP, CLAPTON
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THE PHOTOSHOOT
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Recently we moved to our new workshop in De Beauvoir Town. Kennedy City Bicycles is nearly a year young and we’re lucky enough to be doing good business. We’re heading in to the Summer with a new black frame, a new porteur handlebar and our magical automatic 2-speed wheels. The sun is shining, we’re having fun and people seem to like our bicycles. Long may it continue.
THE PHOTOSHOOT
THE LAUNCH PARTY
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THE PORTEUR RANGE - KENNEDY CITY BICYCLES
VISIT KENNEDY CITY BICYCLES AT KENNEDYCITYBICYCLES.CC UNIT D, 100 DE BEAUVOIR ROAD LONDON N1 4EN HELLO@KENNEDYCITYBICYCLES.CC (+44) 0207 241 4819
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THE NEW WORKSHOP - KENNEDY CITY BICYCLES
THE BLACK PORTEUR - NEW FOR 2014
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A interview with Culinary Cyclist, Anna Brones 98 - 101
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Rendor byExterior Architecture
SKYCYCLE: THE WAY ONWARDS...AND UPWARDS words STEPH MANN edit HUGH THOMAS
C
ongested streets, dangerous drivers, and a fairly poor cycling infrastructure make riding your bike in a city a little like Russian roulette. A game of chance. The question is...what can be done? The Netherlands, for example, has more bikes than it does people. A quick look at a city like Amsterdam tells us why. The Dutch invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, adding paths that are well marked. They separate signs and lights making them very disti-
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nctive to both cyclists and drivers. In a lot of places in the Netherlands, these cycle paths are even segregated from general traffic. And where cars and bikes do have to share the road, cyclists have priority as “cars are guests� according to the signs. In a culture where cycling is the norm, children are immersed in it from birth. All they see is a lot of cycling done safely and lots of people doing it. This is the difference between here and there. The Dutch education system teaches cycling proficiency as part of its curriculum too. It is a compulsory lesson and they have
rates as high as 90% of children backing. cycling to school. In the UK the most common method of trans- Your head could be in the clouds as you ride your bike over Lonport to school is by car. don’s rush hour traffic. A network The Dutch see cycling as every- of cycle paths literally above railday life. It’s not new, it’s not about way lines could be the future of having the best bike; it’s just about cycling if Mr Foster gets his plans their culture. It is so embedded approved. The project already has that cyclists feel empowered be- the backing of Network Rail and cause they are protected by the Transport for London. law, and respect for fellow cyclists helps too. Unlike the UK with its The idea is a simple one. To build dangerous junctions, careless cycle paths above the rail netdrivers, and bikes seen as pests. work, and to give cyclists access to 220km of car-free bike lanes. The So what are we doing about it design is to suspend the paths on here? Lord Norman Foster pro- pylons 15 meters wide, and with poses SkyCycle, an idea that 200 entrance points. This way you seems utopian, but it could so eas- could cycle around London withily become a reality with the right out the fear of buses and lorries.
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SkyCycle - Exterior Architecture
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The plan has been in development for the last two years and was initially the idea of Exterior Architecture director Sam Martin and Oli Clark, an employee of Exterior Architecture. Sam and Oli wanted to take the idea beyond its concept and take steps to make it a reality alongside Space Syntax, a team who have a passion for cycling and hope to transform cycling in the UK’s capital.
The real issue, as always, is money and funding. As with the California Cycleway, the concept is great, but can it be seen into reality? With cycling in London growing hugely in the last decade, something definitely needs to be done to change our cycling infrastructure. Not to mention that a platform dedicated to be car free would encourage more people to take to their bikes. It would mean fewer accidents and be a much Sam Martin of Exterior Architec- more environmentally friendly alture Ltd says, “SkyCycle is an ur- ternative too. ban cycling solution for London. A cycling utopia, with no buses, no Lord Foster says, “cycling is one cars and no stress.” of my great passions - particularly with a group of friends...” The SkyCycle isn’t the first elevated pathway would most definitely cycle path idea that has ever come open up the social aspect of cyinto thought. The California Cy- cling. There would be enough cleway was in development in the room for friends to cycle along1890s, and was started but nev- side each other, and parents to er finished. The Cycleway never cycle beside their children. Mr made a profit and became a pie Foster states, “I believe that cities in the sky. Will SkyCycle have the where you can walk or cycle, rathsame outcome? er than drive, are more congenial places in which to live. To improve With rail prices on the rise and the quality of life for all in London London’s population continuing and to encourage a new generato grow, the people behind Sky- tion of cyclists, we have to make it Cycle feel it can be a real solution safe.” to congestion problems. If more people cycled to work it would He continues - “By using the corease the traffic in the city centre. ridors above the suburban railCyclists would access the paths ways, we could create a worldvia ramps leading up to the lanes class network of safe, car-free (and down). There would also be cycle routes that are ideally locathydraulic platforms to get cyclists ed for commuters.” up and down to the paths.
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Network Rail said that they would “welcome the proposals” and “are always happy to look at ways we can contribute to improving travel and transport in London. We will continue to liaise with all involved as the aspiration for this innovative scheme develops.” With SkyCycle looking like it would be a cheaper alternative to changing existing roads, or building tunnels to accommodate cyclists, there doesn’t seem to be much standing in the way of it. Not to mention the fact that it would generate new business on the routes themselves, so let’s get our feet off the grounds, our heads in the sky, and cycle.
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“For me it’s all about people having an authentic experience in an unconventional location. I want people to see ‘new’ things.”
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Alex Daw, SPIN
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ALEX DAW. THE MAN BEHIND SPIN WORDS & INTERVIEW BY GERRY NEWTON That’s until I met Alex in Hackney, his shabby, chic East London neighborhood. Alex Daw refuses to put SPIN in a box. The SPIN brand lives and breathes in a gray area, somewhere between the signature approach to bike shows and his dreamy aspirations for what a bike show should be. In a time where urban cycling culture is exploding globally, SPIN provides a stage to showcase indie and forward-thinking cycle brands from the global cycling community. SPIN is a show that speaks not only to bike enthusiasts, but to those new to the cycling lifestyle.
ALEX DAW, SPIN
D
o you love bike shows? I don’t. I’ve spent countless hours pursuing my love for bikes. I often joke that my love for bikes revolves around the opportunity it affords me to explore a non-monogamous relationship – I own several. I’m addicted to the bike’s simplicity and I’m loyal to the cycling lifestyle. Cycling is a gift that keeps on giving, and a way of life that never ceases to teach me something new. Yet, in my ten years of riding I have only attended a handle full of bike shows, with the majority providing uninspiring experiences.
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Of course, SPIN shares many of the same characteristics of shows such as the London Bike Show and the Cycle Show in Birmingham. In exchange for an entrance fee you will discover a collection of brands showcasing their products in various sizes - it is still a bike show after all. The similarities with SPIN and other bike shows pretty much ends there. Where traditional bike shows act as brand exhibitions, SPIN is a celebration. It is the festiveness of the Notting Hill Carnival and the excitement of contemporary design and innovation that defines the Tate Modern. Simply put, SPIN is a festival. For a show that’s smaller in size and budget compared to industry compadres, the show’s program is anything, but modest. Staying true to its ‘festival’ tag, alongside the indie fashion-
forward exhibiting their craft, the event invites you to discover live bike-polo action, BMX demonstrations, street food, DJ’s, craft ale, and presentations from a collection of speakers at the ‘Speakers Corner’. In a time when cycling culture is exploding globally, SPIN provides a stage appropriately geared towards showcasing the work of a diverse collection of indie brands. Blurring the lines between street art and fine art by trade, it wasn’t surprising that Alex Daw is the captain steering the SPIN movement forward. His same disruptive approach to art has evolved into a truly unique event with far reaching potential. CYCLR sought insight into his journey to date, and his future ambitions for SPIN.
ices for every show element are frightening, this keeps us on our toes. Chloe, my girlfriend left work to help out, working with her daily has been a challenge. G: Tell me a bit about the format for the event. What will this year have that last year didn’t? A: Tons more. People can discover more exciting exhibitors, the world firsts in terms of showcasing inventons, creations and brand new bikes & associated products. Some great talks, performances and music to!
G: Is there a heightened interest from sponsors and the general public for this year’s event? A: Our sponsor this year is Bikeregister whom are a great partner as they look to protect bikes from the hands of thieves and criminals. Aside from some teething problems, the general public have been fantastic, Spin is for evGerry Newton: I guess the first question I pose eryone so there’s a wide web of accessibility to you is why? to the show for those interested in cycling or Alex Daw: I want to celebrate the spirit of in- converts! dependence, I am excited by it. I wanted to create a fresh dimension to the concept of the G: Why should people attend SPIN? trade show. For me it’s all about people having A: If anyone reading this is free the weekend an authentic experience in an unconventional of the 28th March, and want’s something to location. I want people to see ‘new’ things. fill a few hours and is looking for a change to the usual cycle event or just event in general, G: Where did the name SPIN derive from? Spin LDN is the show for you! A: It solidifies our take on cycling, the gravitational pull, the motion. It references the con- G: Where will the SPIN be in 5 years time? stant ability to change and diversify,and al- A: In several locations annually and in various ludes to playing records, amongst other stuff. guises. World takeover is merely a matter of time (cue dr evil esque snigger with heavy unG: So SPIN is days away from its third show dertones of sarcasm). now, but how are things different this time round? Any particular challenges in building G: What sort of bikes or equipment do you go on your success last time out? after? Any names you’re particularly looking A: Everything is bigger, more ambitious and forward to seeing at SPIN? that takes time, resources and money. It’s A: Oh I! I’m into clean, simple design and relibeen hard staying indie and keeping it grass- ability with a dash of heritage. I’m really lookroots. London is a competitive city and the pr- ing forward to seeing Festka, Field, Deanima 55 | VOL. 1
SPIN
SPIN XMAS
& SPIN titanium at the show. In terms of accessories, again i’m not that fussy and never look or feel ‘cool’ unless north of the border. I’m looking forward to seeing the live-crash tests from Hovding and their invisible helmet, an LED jacket from Esthete in Paris, Union of pedlars are pushing some nice stuff and also Pelagro look fun! I’ll also partaking in a spot of bike polo.
A: Chris Boardman, Hoy and Bradley Wiggins will be immortalised and awoken from their cryogenic hyper-sleep to teach future generations how to pedal & hard! Small villages and hamlets will be pedal powered by convicts, city dwellers will be ‘sky-cycling’ through clear, clean air above London whilst the city below has become the UK’s answer to Venice. As the final fires of the fossil fuels burn, we all party - toasting to the end of pollution, G: What will happen when the world’s fuel sup- traffic accidents and unnecessary warring in ply dries up? Will we all be riding bikes through the Middle East! Cycling emerges as the savunpolluted air into the sunset and live happily iour of humanity and the perfect bike is sent ever after? to space for alien planets to learn from earths 56 | CYCLR
…or something?! G: And finally. Do you believe in having a monogamous relationship with your bike? A: Sure.
SPIN LONDON TRUMAN BREWERY, SHOREDITCH LONDON MARCH 28TH-30TH 2014 You can buy tickets for the show online for just £6.00 or £10.00 if you pay on the door. To learn more about SPIN, head over to SPINLDN.com.
SPIN XMAS
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Lizzie in action against Marianne Vos A Conversation with Team GB Cyclist, Lizzie Armistead 88 - 91
photo AFP/GETTY 59 | VOL. 1
8 BALL BIKES. 8ball founder and SPIN exhibitor James Middleton talks about business escapades, how to better treat a world filling up with cyclists, and what he most looks forward to at this year’s event. e’ve been putting the wrong stuff in our mouths. words HUGH THOMAS interview GERRY NEWTON
‘I
think I serve people who ride bicycles rather than cyclists,’ says founder, entrepreneur and nice man James Middleton. ‘My bicycles aren’t sports bikes, or mountain bikes; they’re getting around bikes or having fun bikes. They’re designed to be bombproof and reliable and look so good you want to ride them.’ By the look of 8ball’s catalogue, we’re inclined to agree, but what is it exactly that makes this young bike builder tick? In the summer of 2010, James’ ‘8ball’ – a cus60 | CYCLR
tomised Schwinn beach cruiser – was stolen from outside his flat. Unhappy with what the market had to provide in terms of a replacement, James set about making his own. With an emphasis on custom built bikes that were stylish, functional but most of all affordable, the ‘zen’ James got out of putting bikes together developed into something more than just a pastime. And so 8ball came to life; a venture born out of loss. ‘8ball is a labour of love,’ James tells Cyclr. ‘I g-
homepage gives you some idea that in terms of what people are looking for, James has hit the nail on the head. It might have more to do with the mantra that comes along with an 8ball bike – that James prefers to serve ‘people who ride’ rather than ‘cyclists’ – though much of James’ success could be owed to how his company is run. ‘One of the benefits of being a small company is agility,’ he says. ‘I can change things at the drop of a hat without having to mess with a whole production line, because I am the production line.’ Once more, 8ball continues to be ‘in development’ due to its adaptive nature. ‘Based on what I’ve learned, I’m always discovering new supply partners that can have an impact on my plans. But how does James cope with the demand, And I’m always looking to expand my range.’ given he is a one man team? The answer would be rather well, as he consistently ships out high quality bikes that leave his customers more than satisfied. One glance at 8ball’s et steel frames handmade to my specifications in the Far East, then ship them over and assemble the build from carefully curated components. I wanted old fashioned elements, which is why I like to use Sturmey-Archer hubs and leather finishing kits and steel for the frames. But I tried to bring that up to date with things like the colour scheme, some tweaks to the geometry, and sealed cartridge bearings in all the moving parts. You see, I’ve had bottom brackets disintegrate under me and felt wheels with spokes like coat hangers, so the individual components I prefer to source from proper big name distributors closer to home.’
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But what’s most refreshing about James and his methods is his empathy towards the most common breed of cyclist. The cycling boom has been a huge benefit to people like him, but there are many that fail to recognise the importance of nurturing new cyclists and getting them past that initial stage of reluctance in taking to the road for the first time. ‘Living and cycling in London I understand that a lot of people find the concept of cycling absolutely terrifying. This is amplified by reports in the media and a kind of snobbery element in cycling culture. Public perception, or what I call the ‘hive mind’ has a lot to do with this and it’s a universal obligation incumbent on everyone to be more respectful and tolerant.’
for commuting and generally getting around London. Then a road bike built on a Dolan Preffisio frame for long rides and triathlons. Then an old Raleigh Max with huge tyres and some weird stuff done to it just because, and pretty soon I think I’m going to have to start testing out some new ideas so I’ll need a new frame to play with.’
Among other things, it’s James’s ideas and experimentation that have got him this far, which is why SPIN were so delighted to have him along last year and invite him back for an appearance this year. ‘SPIN has a really good crowd, an intimate atmosphere and a strong support for indie brands with no crowding from the big boys. While I’d really love to make This being an opinion that was in no small part some sales at SPIN, I really enjoy just chatting grown out of a devastating experience when, to people and meeting other small businesses a few months after 8ball was stolen in 2010, in a similar position.’ James’ girlfriend was hit and crushed by an HGV. She having mercifully survived the in- So you heard it from the man himself –James cident, James had to endure anxious waits in is more than happy to receive a chat-up from hospital corridors, inaccurate media reports, his stall if you’re keen to learn more about his and inconsiderate liability claims from insur- bikes and his story, though if you’re feeling ance companies before things could go back a bit shy he can always let the cyclery in his to the closest thing to what he originally con- shop do the talking at 8ballbikes.co.uk. sidered normal. James was able to keep his chin up, though the whole affair forced him to have second thoughts about cycling around London, and 8ball was in danger of shutting-up shop before it had even got going. Spurred by the realisation that he’d be missing out on spending his life doing what he wanted and encouraged by the promising attention cycling was being shown in London, James became committed to doing his part in getting people out on two wheels, and by all accounts it certainly shows – James has his own garage for various bikes that he tests first hand before he deems them fit for public consumption. ‘At the moment I have my own brand fixie 62 | CYCLR
Australian Cowhide Saddle
Drop Bars with Australian Cowhide Tape
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TICKHILLGP.COM
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CYCLR.COM
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RACHEL BONNE
HIGHLIGHTS SERIES. WORDS & INTERVIEW BY GERRY NEWTON
Do you ever feel like your weekly routine gets a
little monotonous? Do you desperately need something new to inspire you, but don’t know where to go, or what to buy? Yup, me too. Desperate for a little colour in my life, I caught up with a few CYCLR friends in search of places to go, new routes to ride, and cool products to buy.
DANI FOFFA
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RACHEL BONNEY
THE NEW UNION
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HIGHLIGHTS BY THE NEW UNION
LEO, RICH, ALEX, JAMES THE NEW UNION SOUNDCLOUD.COM/THE NEWUNION BRIGHTON, UK
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1. Iydea, Brighton Great vegetarian place that is just the right level of middle class. 2. Tate Modern An art gallery housing a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art. 3. Snoopers Paradise, Brighton A store that sells literally everything, including bike parts! 4. Cyclr For a bike design & culture fix. 7
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5. Small Batch Coffee Shop Premium, luxury coffee roaster based in Brighton. 6. Baker St Bikes, Brighton We’ve been going there for 10 years to fix our poorly bikes. 7. 64 Degrees, Brighton For when you want to eat really small portions of food, for an incredibly high amount of money. 8. Brighton to Eastbourne A delightful route along the Sussex heritage coastline. 69 | VOL. 1
HIGHLIGHTS BY RACHEL BONNEY
MICHAUX BAGS FOUNDER MICHAUXCLUB.COM LONDON, UK 5
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1. Sodo Pizza, Clapton Get the chef’s table for the most lively experience. Never not busy. 2. The Gowlett, Peckham Rye Make friends with the pub dog Dalls and he’ll fall asleep on your lap. 3. Tonkotsu, Dean Street Tasty Japanese ramen. 4. Nicolas Jaar Listening to live set’s on youtube gets us moving every time. 5. Brancaster Beach, Norfolk Explore the abandoned beach huts 6. Dr Marten’s Classic white Dr Marten’s shoes. The shiny leather mean’s the white is easy to maintain and the rubber sole makes it durable and comfortable on the pedals. 7. American Appar High-Waisted Jeans American Apparel high-waisted jeans - perfect for maintaining modesty, while the 4% elastane content is essential for flexibility when cycling. 8. Sawako Furuno My leopard print helmet gains a compliment every time I wear it fellow cyclists, cab drivers, lorry drivers, the postman. Someone will always comment.
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HIGHLIGHTS BY DANI FOFFA
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1. Poppies Fish and Chips, East London Still the best Fish and Chips in town. 2. Franco Manca, Brixton Whenever I fancy a pizza I go to Franco Manca, I can’t forget my Italian roots. 3. LTJ Bukem For those drum and bass sessions at the shop. 4. Ludovico Einaudi An Italian pianist and composer, for when I need to chill-out and relax. 5. Tommasini One of my favourite classic Italian bike brands. 72 | CYCLR
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6. Condor If I had to pick a British brand it would Condor. 7. Schindelhauer If was after something uber-contemporary, I’d go for a Schindelhauer. 8. Ride The Stelvio Pass If you feel ambitious, the Stelvio Pass in the Alps is an incredible ride. I would highly recommend everyone to ride there at least once in their lifetime! 6
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A CHAT WITH TOKYOBIKE’S NEIL DAVIS words HUGH THOMAS interview HUGH THOMAS brand TOKYOBIKE location EAST LONDON interviewee NEIL DAVIS tokyobike.co.uk
Eight years after Ichiro Kanai founded tokyobike, his gorgeously crafted bicycles had reached UK shores, bringing a hefty piece of Japanese cycling culture along with them. ‘Despite working in the bike component industry for years,’ says London branch owner, interviewee, and carbon-based life form Neil Davis, ‘Ichiro is at heart a designer and came up with the concept for tokyobike some time before cycling became so fashionable. It is him and the attractive mantra with which he founded this company that we can thank for being here. We make bikes for people to use as a tool to enjoy the city and just like in Tokyo, our customers reflect the huge diversity of life in London.’ It’s certainly only a matter of time before tokyobike reaches out to other cultures and continents, but we’re here to discuss how things are going in the meantime 74 | CYCLR
H: Which one of your bikes is a customer favourite? A: The Bisou is the best selling model. A lot of girls struggle to find a simple light-weight bike without ‘go faster’ stripes, and the Bisou fits. The beautiful colours also help. H: How much of what you do accounts for beauty in design? Is putting together a functional bike that’s aesthetically pleasing all there is to it? A: The concept was a bike designed for the city, but pared back to its most basic elements. Colour is very important too though. We are all drawn instinctively to colour and so a lot of thought goes into choosing the right hues for the range.
for Neil and his shop. Hugh Thomas: Hi, Neil. How’s business? Neil Davis: Business is good. The revolution in cycling is visible from the window of our store. Every day more and more bikes fill the cycle lane that passes outside our shop, and it’s an incredible thing to witness the speed of change. H: Shoreditch is a long way from home. Why the vacation? A: tokyobike is a Japanese company with its headquarters in a quiet, old suburb of Tokyo filled with craftsmen and creativity. The location of the London store in Shoreditch was an attempt to find a place with a similar feeling. We wanted to be surrounded by the culture and creativity here. 75 | VOL. 1
H: We’re seeing something of a cycling ‘epidemic’ at the moment, but what do you think can be done by the governments or big-name organisations or otherwise to really get the world’s people on their bikes? A: Political will can help ‘nudge’ people through taxation or better infrastructure but ultimately people will get on their bikes because it’s the path of least resistance; i.e. it’s the best way to get around the city. H: What’s the best way for an aspiring bike builder/seller/marketer to start out their career hands-on? A: Like any business it’s important to find what you’re good at. Add passion and a lot of hard work and you have a good chance of getting it right. There couldn’t be a better time to get into the bicycle business, but it’s been said many times before it’s not a business you want to do for the money! H: Other than one of your bikes, what should a cyclist equip him or herself with to take on city roads? A: A Herb Lester guide to London on two wheels is a good start. H: Have you attended a SPIN event before? What will interest you most about representing yourself there? A: We exhibited at SPIN in its first year as we believe in what they are trying to do. It’s a celebration of the bicycle but in the context of city life with its mixture of art, design, food and drink.
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H: Does tokyobike have any big plans in store, so to speak? A: There are more tokyobike outlets planned for cultural cities around the world. What works in Tokyo seems to translate well to other cities, so watch this space.
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Alex Daw xtokyobike tokyobike bicycle
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THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGING
words JAMES KENNEDY edit KOBI ANSONG photography JOHNATHAN CHERRY jonathancherry.net location EAST LONDON brand KENNEDY CITY BICYCLES
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looks like a scarf! Or, one that looks like a sort ight now is the best time there has ever of tweed hardhat, or all sorts of things I haven’t even come across yet. been to take up cycling in the city. The other day I got “mentioned” by someone on Twitter. They requested advice on a British equivalent of an unnamed American bicycle brand (because I can’t remember who it was). One of their friends had replied suggesting that they check out our bicycles, and another said that they should cast their gaze over our bikes or the rather wonderful Vickers Bicycles. At first I was flattered, as I always am when someone recommends us. But after having a look at the initial bicycle brand this lady was looking at, I realised we weren’t actually that similar. Vickers had got there first – replying that this person should check out Mango bikes, which were more similar to what it seemed like they were after. I seconded their opinion, and we promptly received a reply praising us for our ability to magnanimously recommend other brands.
We could have lights of varying degrees of power, and varying sizes and colours. Now we have ones that draw pictures in our wheels, or ones that project a cyclist on to the roadway in front of us! We could choose between touring wheels, track wheels, road wheels, and mountain bike wheels. Now, there is a wheel that basically has carbon fibre trampolines between the rim and the hub! They are called loop wheels, and they are crazy. And, we can’t forget the Copenhagen wheel – have you seen that thing? It can turn normal bicycles into electric bicycles!
These are just some of the weird and wonderful technological inventions we’ve seen, but much of the abundant varieties we have recently been afforded are slightly less psychedelic. There is suddenly a bicycle for everyone. The minimum price point has fallen, the maxI hadn’t really thought about it that way until imum has risen, and the territory in between that point, but suddenly it occurred to me how is awash with different styles and aesthetics. suddenly and enormously blessed we are as city cyclists. An absolute plethora of brands You can get customised bicycles for under (of which we are but a speck) have materi- £300 or tens of thousands. You can get single alised over the past couple of years, looking to speeds, 27 speeds or even hubs with an autocater directly to those who choose the bicy- matic gear changer (self-promotion alert). cle as their mode of transportation in the city. From the bicycles themselves to bags, racks, helmets, lights – it’s kicking off out there. Two years ago there were different styles of helmets. You could opt for something racy (as in Tour de France, not porn), something snowboard-y, something that resembles a pudding bowl on your head – and, we thought we had choice then! But now, you can have one that
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Johnathan Cherry Photography
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It’s not just the bicycles. It’s happening in the accessories world. Within a few miles of our workshop there are two amazing bicycle bag brands – Michaux and Good Ordering – who couldn’t be more different, yet are both utterly brilliant. The cities of the world may be constantly unprepared for the tidal wave that is city cycling in their feeble infrastructural and legislative changes, but rest assured, cycling brands are doing their best to cater for pretty much every need you can imagine. We’re on the crest guys. Enjoy it.
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photography SAM POLCER preferredmode.com occupation MAGAZINE EDITOR location NEW YORK
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inspiration
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TICKHILL GRAND PRIX AUGUST 14
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LIZZIE ARMISTEAD. A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUNG CYCLISTS AND WOMEN. words STEPH MANN edit HUGH THOMAS Lizzie came into the spotlight when she won the Silver Medal in the London 2012 Olympics in road racing. Born in 1988, Lizzie has accomplished a lot in the world of cycling. But, like everyone else, she had to start somewhere. I asked if she remembered her first bike, and she did! It was-
team and competed in races. Moving to the Cervélo TestTeam in 2010, she competed in the Commonwealth Games, coming second in the road race. Her career has been a full one, with race after race making her a well known name in the sport. When I asked her what made her decide professional cycling was the job for her, she replied that -
“A purple bike with balloons on and a white basket at the front. I took my stabilisers off in “It wasn’t really a decision that I consciously the back garden when I was around 3 years made, I just went with the flow. I decided to old.” forgo university in order to focus on the Olympics. Since leaving school aged 18 I have been Lizzie hasn’t always been a natural athlete. a professional full time athlete and I think that She had been teased by a boy in school which contributed to my Olympic success.” helped push her to do better. Jonny Clay (Sydney 2000 Bronze Pursuit medalist) paid a visit The UK has fewer female cyclists than male. to her school looking for talent. Lizzie was de- Lizzie has shed light on this issue in the past termined to not let this boy win the challenge with women in sport. She highlighted the fact set out before them, and she did just that by that there was a definite inequality within cybeating him to it. When I asked Lizzie how cling between men and women. So how does the 25 year-old think we can improve it for she got into cycling, she said women? “I got into cycling as a 16 year old. I was ‘talent spotted’ by a British cycling initiative put “By making cycling safer I think people would in place to find potential athletes for the Lon- feel more comfortable taking part. I also love don Olympics. I rode a bike as a child but only cycling because it is such a sociable sport. In for fun.” order to start, women need to have access to beginner groups. Initiatives like Breeze are In 2009 Lizzie joined the Lotto-Belisol cycling really helping.” 91 | VOL. 1
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It seems that British cycling is taking it slowly for women, but with Breeze Ambassadors like Lizzie, we can get there and make it more accessible for women all over the UK. As a cyclist who does it for fun, I was interested if Lizzie ever just used her bike to get around when she was home or not training. “Very rarely. When I am home in the UK I do not have a car so I will ride over to my grandparents for lunch or to the shops if I need to do an errand.” I wondered if as a road cyclist Lizzie had any advice for those of us who do it as a hobby. “I think it’s important to remember that you do not need the best equipment. The most important thing is to maintain the kit you have.” And what keeps her going? What exactly is it that makes her get up and do the same thing day after day? “The speed and adrenaline I achieve when racing my bike encourages me to train harder and longer.” Lizzie is heading to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this year with high hopes of coming home with another medal. Follow Lizzie on twitter @L_ArmiTstead
photo GETTY
Thank you Lizzie, for taking the time out of your busy training to schedule to entertain Cyclr.
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words GERRY NEWTON photography ORLA KEEFE
A short film celebrating east end bike culture by Cyclr and Qbic London.
T
he east end of London is unfazed by the prospect of change. These past few decades have ushered in new eras, new people and new habits.
italey realsied they would make the perfect partners for our first venture into the world of film. Located close to bustling Brick Lane and The City, Qbic Hotel London City offers a cool, affordable, urban experience for business and leisure travellers in the capital’s east end.
Famed for its rich cycling scene and diverse community of bike-loving folk, the east end of London was the obvious location for our first After numerous discussions with the Qbic, our st oryboards, ideas and creativity began Cyclr feature film. to take shape, and Cycle East was born. Having met the Qbic London team their Foodie launch back in November, we immed- Cycle East is a celebration of the culture and
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lifestyle of the east end cycling community. The concept, created by Cyclr and Qbic London rejoices the independent, grassroot cycling brands which this area is famed for. Through celebrating the cycling culture of the east end with CycleEast, we will showcase to the rest of the world the vibrant communities that exist in the heart of the east end.
founder of Petalon Flowers. Setting the scene, James talked to the camera about the foundation of Kennedy City Bicycles and his passion for the cycling community in east London.
James lives quite a rosy life life here in the east end (literally) with his fiancĂŠ Florence Hill working side-by-s ide him in the workshop with Petalon Flowers. Petalon was born out Filming kicked off on Monday 3rd March with of the love of two things: bicycles and flowers. our carefully selected characters. It was an early start up in Hackney with James Kenne- Just after Kennedy City Bikes formed, Flordy of Kennedy City Bicycles and Florence Hill, ence and James began to brainstorm other w-
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FLORENCE HILL, PETALON
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BRUNO PEARSON, ROAD RAGS
ays they could use their bikes for business ventures. After realising how close they were to Spitalfields flower market, it seemed an obvious decision to bring bouquets by bicycle to the people of London. They’re a wonderful illustration of how you can really create something prosperous from something you love. Our next port of call was Bikeworks: a local charity that uses cycling to rehabilitate disadvantaged individuals. I’d like to say we cycled over there, but time constraints (and video equipment in tow) meant it was a taxi affair to go and catch up with Jim Blakemore.
Next we had the pleasure of riding around Columbia Road Market with Bruno Pearson, co-founder of Road Rags and an eclectic character, whose charm and east end swag will make even the most fretful person feel at ease, as if you’ve known him all your life. His stories of his youth transported us back to a bygone era. He’s seen this part of town change before his eyes and now, in a time when the urban cyclist is taking centre stage, he continues to embrace all that cycling has to offer and is quite the figurehead of this area’s cycling community. 97 | VOL. 1
Of course, it would be wrong to create a film around urban cycling in east London without featuring SPIN London, the first urban cycling show here in the UK, that takes place just a stone’s throw away at The Old Truman Brewery. Meeting at tokyobike just off Old street, Alex discussed his early dreams of creating a show for the urban cyclist and how he got SPIN off the ground here in London. SPIN is the purest example of how the cycling community is growing, not just in London, but also in the rest of the UK. Keep up-to-date with the project on Twitter with hashtag #CycleEast and head over to cyclr.com where the film will be live for the viewing. Until then, #RideOn
ALEX DAW, SPIN
Film Credits CycleEast by Cyclr and Qbic London london.qbichotels.com cyclr.com Film Shot by Alex Morley prco.com/uk Film Characters Bruno Pearson, Road Rags James Kennedy, Kennedy City Bicycles Florence Hill, Petalon Flowers Jim Blakemore, Bikeworks Alex Daw, SPIN
TOKYOBIKE LONDON
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SPIN LONDON
EBOR STREET, LONDON
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STEW BIRCH. A BROOKS OBSESSION
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interviewer HUGH THOMAS interviewee STEW BIRCH photography STEW BIRCH saddles BROOKS ONLY Hugh Thomas: Hi Stew. What are you, besides a slow-cooked dish consisting of meat and gravy? Stew Birch: A web developer who dreams of the wide open road. H: We appreciate that bikes are nice, as are bottoms, but why the fascination with saddles? And why Brooks, specifically? S: You have to ask? Just take a look at the craft and skill involved in these beauties. I love the variety not only if the designs but also the patina of time from all those, erm, bottoms? H: Brooks are likely to be reading this magazine. Any words for them? Shameless endorsement permitted. S: Can we be friends? My poster would look lovely in your shop. H: Do you do weddings? S: Only if the couple are both terribly good looking. Or rich.
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“Well, you can tell I am not British by the fact that I had to Google Mary Berry! “
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Anna Brones, Culinary Cyclist
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GOOD NOSH. Bike fanatic and author of ‘The Culinary Cyclist’ Anna Brones tells us why we’ve been putting the wrong stuff in our mouths. interviewer HUGH THOMAS interviewee + recipes ANNA BRONES
Hugh Thomas: Hi Anna. What was for lunch? Anna Brones: Nothing glamorous – I cut up a shallot and some carrots, threw them in a frying pan with olive oil and some cumin powder and turmeric. Threw in some brown rice and beans that were lying around as leftovers. Added some chopped hazelnuts and raisins for good measure, then went and awkwardly leaned out my window to pick some fresh cilantro and baby kale leaves. How cilantro is 104 | CYCLR
growing in the beginning of March is beyond me, but I will take it. H: You’re a published writer, a cook, and a cyclist. Anything else we need to add to the list? A: A coffee drinker. I would say they all go hand-in-hand, except when you’re trying to do all of them at once. Which of course goes horribly wrong.
H: What are the essentials for a commuter cyclist’s diet? A: Some people live by the ‘load up on carbs!’ argument, but I am a big believer in fruits and vegetables and proteins. So lentils, eggs, nuts and seeds and all that good stuff. H: Nigella or Mary Berry? Or neither? A: Well, you can tell I am not British by the fact that I had to Google Mary Berry. I say whoever inspires you to do more cooking!
Any finally, how do we solve world hunger? We all make a concerted effort to vote with our forks. That means buying local food, cutting processed foods out from your diet and consciously thinking about what you eat. Change is always an accumulation of a lot of little things, and every time you go to eat you’re able to make a choice to do better for yourself, the community and the planet. That of course doesn’t solve world hunger, but we have to start demanding change. We have to tell global agribusiness that we don’t want their products. We have to stop contributing to food waste at home. Don’t just wait for someone else to make the change for you; you have to take control at every mealtime.
H: How do you think we can get more people eating healthily? A: It’s a multifaceted approach. You can’t just put more vegetables in a market and expect people to eat better. There’s also the education element. You want to get people to eat Turn page for recipes. better? Teach kids how to cook and to appreciate food. When they go home at night and say ‘why don’t we cook carrots?’ the parent is going to be hard-pressed to say no. This is obviously simplifying things, but I think a lot of time we forget to focus on the education part.
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Makes: 12 big cookies Recipe Note: These cookies work great in a vegan version as well. Switch out the egg for 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds + 3 tablespoons warm water, and the honey for a vegan-friendly sweeter.
OLIVE OIL OATMEAL COOKIES WITH FIG & LEMON Ingredients • 1 egg • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) olive oil • 2 tablespoons brown sugar • 1 tablespoon honey (or vegan-friendly sweetener) • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • zest of 1/2 a large lemon (about 1 tablespoon) • 1/2 cup (2 1/8 ounces, 60 grams) buck-
wheat flour • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt • 1/2 cup (2 5/8 ounces, 75 grams) chopped dried figs — about 4 to 5 calimyrna figs • 1 1/2 cups (5 1/4 ounces, 150 grams) rolled oats
Preparations In a bowl, whisk the egg and brown sugar until frothy- If you are doing the vegan version, combine 1 tablespoon flaxseed with 3 tablespoons warm water, and let congeal for about 5 minutes before whisking with sugar. Add in the olive oil, honey and vanilla and mix until well blended. In a separate bowl, mix together the buckwheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add to the rest of the batter and stir together. Work in the chopped figs and oats until a sticky dough forms. Scoop out the dough and place on a greased baking sheet, or one with a silicone mat. Flatten the cookies out. I like to make mine big, in which case, 12 fit perfectly on the same baking sheet. You can make smaller ones if you like, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Bake at 350°F (175 °C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for a minute or two before transferring to a cooling rack. 106 | CYCLR
CHOCOLATE SEED & NUT GRANOLA Ingredients • 1 cup oats (gluten-free certified if you need them to be) • 1 cup sunflower seeds • 1/2 cup sesame seeds • 1/2 cup raw hazelnuts, coarsely chopped • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon ground ginger • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder • 2 tablespoons honey • 3 tablespoons olive oil Preparations Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the oats, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and hazelnuts. Add in the salt, ginger, cinnamon and cocoa powder and stir together until all the ingredients are well blended. Put the honey and olive oil in a small saucepan, and place on medium heat. Using a whisk or fork, whisk together until evenly blended. The goal here is that the honey is in liquid form. Pour olive oil and honey mixture over the rest of the ingredients and stir together until ingredients are evenly coated. Spread out an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. After about 10 or 15 minutes, stir the granola and put back in the oven. The hazelnuts should be well toasted but not burnt. More of Anna’s recipes and culinary advice appear in ‘The Culinary Cyclist’, which is available for purchase at Foodie Underground.
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sponsor
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CYCLR.COM DIGITAL MAGAZINE ISSUE ZERO
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