U R B A N
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Editor: Niccolò Poppi
Art direction: Claudio di Santo
graphic designer: Simone “duman” Marinelli
On the cover: Faz Adhili by Firhan Fikran
Info: info.cykeln@gmail.com
Advertising: advcykeln@hotmail.it
Web: www.cykelnmag.altervista.org
ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Emily Anna Ollerenshaw
PHOTO CREDITS: Gianni Reb Mazzotta Jason Finn Rocco Bizzarri Emily Porter Greg Ugalde Firhan Fikran Efendy Mesebah Martina Gastaldi
I start with this quote from the movie “Premium Rush” to define a bit ‘what’s our spirit in CYKELN.
We also believe in no brakes, we like to interview who and what we like and do not follow any bias arising from the social scene in which we move.
In this issue the Italian cover is dedicated to the girls scene. We interviewed our friend Nicole Barbieri that as you will read, is both feminine as tough as a man temperamentally. While for the international version we choose to cover one of the best rider from the Leader Team, Faz Adhili. A man who has the bike heart and soul.
Besides we wanted to better understand the N.Y. messenger scene interviewing one of the veterans of Triple Rush, who in addition of being an expert rude Messenger, is also a great illustrator.
To brings you on the Eroica race in Gaiole in Chianti this year, we visited for you the museum of Gino Bartali. Was a moving experience full of history and humanity.
Besides we want to thank all of those who give us an hand and work with us! Photographers who make sets exclusively for us and those who review activities, events, products for us! You are unique, especially because as you know, here money doesn’t run, so thank you twice!
© 2012 by Cykeln Mag All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Cykeln Magazine.
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FR A NC E SCO M A RT U CCI
L E A NING INFINIT E straightstretch
Interview by: Claudio Di Santo Pics: Rocco Bizzarri
Tips by: Riccardo Volpe Pics: Angelo Ferrillo e Paolo Ciaberta
28 NIC K COST A N Z O Interview by: Niccolò Poppi Pics: Emily Porter
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F A Z A DHI L I
GR E G UGALDE
TIG E RS BI K E PO L O
Interview by: Niccolò Poppi Pics: Greg Ugalde
Interview by: Robben Pics: Robben & Tigers flickr
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NICO L E B A RBI E RI
B U D A BI L L E
BLAQ
Interview by: Claudio Di Santo Pics: Dave Jaranilla
Interview by: Jason Finn Pics: Jason Finn
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A NG E L O CALILAP
G L OB A L G U T Z R E PORT
L ’ HO M M E D E FER
Interview by: Claudio Di Santo Pics: Angelo Calilap
Pics: Martina Gastaldi
Interview by: Niccolò Poppi Pics: Niccolò Poppi
Interview by: Claudio Di Santo Pics: Firhan Fikran e Efendy Mesebah
Interview by: Niccolò Poppi Pics: Gianni Reb Mazzotta
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“ Il b e n e s i f a , ma n o n s i dice. E certe me d a g l i e s i appendono all ’ a n i ma , n o n alla g i a c c a . ” G I N O B A R TA L I
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Interview: CLAUDIO DI SANTO • Pics: ROCCO BIZZARRI
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Tell us about yourself! At what age did you start riding fixed gear bikes? I’m Francesco Martucci, also known as Frenk. I’m a bike mechanic, and I’ve been working in a shop, in Modena, for the past 6 years. I started riding when I was 10, racing in ever y youth competition, but I had
Who is your favorite Olympic rider? Actually, it’s two riders: they managed to transmit me their emotion. Oscar Freire and Robbye McEwen: unpredictable persons, the latter being capable of crashing the famous Cipollini train on his own. I grew up looking
to quit at 18 to become a sport manager.
at him on tv. My road Olympics favorites, on
After 2 years with my former coach, rising
the other hand, are Sagan and Cavendish,
through the ranks, I trained the Cadet
but pay attention to Freire!
categor y (15-16 years) for 3 years on my own; I used to have 6 boys to train at the 2000 Cycling, in Rubiera (RE). I struggled between those 2 jobs, full-time in store and a few hours a week (including ever y Sunday) with the team. Being a sport manager was really committing, but also beautiful and
What brand is your sponsor, at the moment? Le Coq Sportif is giving me a hand, and I’ll never thank them enough. I also want to thank my friends at Iride Fixed
exciting. However, I decided to quit a few
Modena, my moral supporters, apart from
years ago, when the Iride guys introduced
being sponsors, Oakley and Performance
me to the fixed gear world. I really needed
One and Limbo Azul.
some free time to train, and I couldn’t give up on my only source of income, so I still work in the store and I train during my free time.
Do you see bikes as a revolution, opposed to cars? I think it’s the perfect way to move in a city: you don’t have to look for a parking, it’s relaxing and much quicker than a car. However, cars are useful when it comes to long journeys. This is why bikes will never prevail over cars; still, they’re good when used in the city.
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You’re both a track and a road rider. Main differences in the two styles It’s true, I was born as a road rider, and all the track races I’ve done, were always depending on the road. The main difference is the road needs you to be a complete racer, ready for ever y accident, ever y route, ever y race. The track enhances your spinning skills only, and it is also really useful depending on the road, you learn to be quick, I’d suggest it to road racers too!
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1,71cm
60 kg
79 cm
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15
45 km/h media
the hunt Londra gijon Spagna criterium Ravenna wild side Modena blackout Parma scratch Brainza
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Do you think Italy has many track riders?
your route and the kind of training you
We have many Italian track riders with a
every accident. After that, I need to train
lot of potential, but we lack of structures
to get to the Red Hook podium, in Milan:
to allow them some kind of growth,
last October, I was in the fourth place!
do every time, so you’ll be ready for
which is much easier in other countries. and a half from Modena to get the guys
Next competitions in your schedule?
I used to train to the track. We often had
I have some time for myself now, then
to cancel ever ything, because they went
I’ll have to start training again, since I’m
to school and they wouldn’t have had
running a few criteriums here in Italy, in
time to study.
September, and I’m running the Gjion
I remember driving in a van for an hour
one too, in Spain.
An advice for someone who has just approached the fixed culture? Brakeless fied can be really dangerous
What gear ratio do you suggest to any beginner that wants to give a try to fixed bikes?
for beginners. Apart from that, find some
If you want to start with a criterium,
good friends you can go racing with:
the standard ratio would be a 46x15.
being in company is much better than
Nevertheless, I’d say you pick a ratio
riding solo, and right now you can find
based on your physical condition, and
plenty of crews all over Italy!
what track you’re running.
The first thing I would say is, use a brake!
You do train a lot, and us at Cykeln always try to give some advice to our readers. What do you suggest to improve bike training? The best advice is: get to know yourself, get to know your limits and your flaws. In this way, you can specifically work on your gaps. Furthermore, try to change
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FRANCESCO MARTUCCI www.facebook.com/IrideModenaHubStore www.iridefixed.it
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Furthermore, try to change your route and the kind of training you do every time, so you’ll be ready for
EVERYTHING
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Bag’s
walter/modena/Iride
Pierpaolo/Bologna/UBM
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Leaning i
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straight-stretch Tips by: R i c c a r d o V o l p e Pics: A n g e l o F e rr i l l o & P a o l o C i a b e r ta
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Let’s begin from the bottom, what racing
ing to the offender of the rule. The ones
on track could be: spinning your legs
who think they are beyond the rules are
here is just another part of the alchemy,
usually good at pedalling...
you are in group, so close to all the other
Which is a long step away from be-
racers that you can feel their effort, and
ing a rider, not to mention from being a
your head tries to understand their moves.
pistard. Besides, track bicycles have so
This ver y moment, the soul of track races,
few components that everyone is basic,
is just the finishing line of a much longer
yet crucial: a simple flawed chain could
run.
do disasters, when riding at 50 km/h on a 38° bend... So the gears of the brain
I’ve been asked the same question many
need to constantly spin, just like those on
times: “wow, I would love to try riding on
fixed bikes do, always connected to the
track, how is it? Is it good?”. It’s hard to
legs, with no distractions accepted.
express many feelings with just one pointblank answer. The answer will obviously
This is how you start to understand that
be yes, and I’m sure anyone would an-
you have really good brakes on a track
swer the same.
bike too: your right leg, your left leg.
Many people would wonder where is
Flies are not the only one who can see
the point in going around the track, rid-
behind their head, good track riders can
ing a bike in a ring that is even marked
too, being also capable of keeping their
with lines to follow. Stupid-proof. On the
own line and speed during a training, or
contrar y, the order required by the track
a group race.
open the door to a brand new world that is hardly abandoned, after giving it a
And following a line isn’t really the easi-
first tr y.
est or most comfortable thing, but you learn to find a balance between riding
The most important thing is discipline:
a bike and being carried away by para-
the track is not the road, where you have
bolic bends, and this is what makes you
rules bound to personal interpretation and
give your best when racing against the
will. Here, the rules cannot be interpret-
time.
ed: there are only a few, but clear and inviolable to avoid any damage, includ-
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The real track spirit is about the many
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disciplines, and the different kinds of
track will disappear, it will lose any
races: you can’t think of training on track
sense. It will leave space to a leaning
without a competition spirit.
infinite straight-stretch of track, ploughed
No matter your level, racing brings the
by the racers in a challenge that has
track to a whole new level: you pit your-
no equals. No common road race has
self against people like you, and that is
such intense dynamics, and the track will
what makes the velodrome so similar to
leave permanent marks in the minds and
the old arenas.
legs of the ones running.
Track’s disciplines are so ancient and well-known that many of you will already know this: they want to take to the extremes and refine the confused mix of techniques, tactics and natural skills that road races bring. The track it is different: no improvisation, because you might damage the ones racing next to you. The races are short, strong and you need to take decisions within the space of a second, without breaking up the thrust on the pedals, no flaws. Just a perfect symbiosis with the continuity of a fixed gear bike. This is why, sooner or later, you’ll find yourself within a group, be it a score race or a scratch, with very little space between you and the other racers, and you’ll feel their effort along with yours, and your concentration will be so high that you’ll foresee your opponents’ next moves and... In that very moment, the
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LEANING INFINITE STRAIGHT - STRETCH www.riky76omnium.wordpress.com
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NICK c o s ta n z o A Tuscan boy in Milwaukee
Interview: NICCOLO’ POPPI • Pics: Emily Porter
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So, Nick: first of all, tell us why you were here in Italy and what is your relationship with our country.
What do you do in Milwaukee for a living?
I was born in Siena in 1990, and I have lived
though we’re a little bit unique in our field:
for a few years in Porto Santo Stefano, on the
we’re open 24/7, and we deliver practically
wonderful Argentario mountain. Later on, in
everything. I also work as the creative manager
1996, I moved with my mom to Milwaukee,
of BBC items: we sell backpacks, messenger
Wisconsin, the little town from Fonzy and
bags, hip pouches, cellphone cases and all
Happy Days! Eventually, this summer, I came to
sorts of useful things for bike messengers. I
study fashion in a tiny school here in Florence.
always try to use second-hand stuff whenever I
I’m the owner of Brew City Couriers LLC. We’re a company of bike messengers, even
can - to be eco-friendly!
How did you find out about the Alleycat we arranged in Florence on the 6th of July?
What is Brew City Couriers? Tell us, how did it all start?
I stumbled into in on a blog, just before leaving
I created BBC because I needed a job. I
the United States! Lucky for me, the race was
had been working as a messenger in Denver,
just the day after I had arrived in Florence.
Colorado for a year, then I came back to
Milwaukee in December and I couldn’t find a job. So I said to myself, “if you can’t join them,
You took part in the race even though you were totally jet lagged, is that right?
beat them!”. I started BCC with two friends,
Yes! I think I had been awake for at least 36
one working, but now we already have 7
hours at that time. I had to get to Grosseto to
riders, and we’re planning to grow bigger!
but they left the firm so I’m the only owner at the moment. At the beginning I was the only
get the bike and the team jersey from my new owner had to borrow me his personal bike
What is Vessel Worshop, and what do you do with them?
since it was the only gear fixed one that had!
Vessel Workshop is part of Brew City Couriers.
On top of that, it had been my first day of
It’s a creative area I use to draw and produce
lessons. As soon as the classes were over, I
new items. We have a huge studio in the 3rd
came to the race! Everything went smoothly!
Ward, downtown Milwaukee, where I have
sponsor, MBM Bambagioni. In fact, the firm
sewing machines and all the supplies I need.
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There I can create cellphone cases, u- lock
alluminium. I really like it, but at the moment I’m
cases, hip pouches, several backpacks for
looking for a Dodici frame: I just can’t wait for
bike messengers, many tool rolls and top- tube-
it!
protectors. We’re starting a new clothing line, with pants, t-shirts, jackets, hats. You will be
What kind of rider are you?
able to buy the hats like the one I’m wearing
I’m the fast-but-safe kind, when I’m working:
in the picture on our website from the end
if I get injured, I can’t work... So, I am really
of October. Unfortunately the website isn’t
careful. After work, I really enjoy longer sprints
available already, but we’re on Facebook.
with my friends, specially at night.
Send me a shout out! We also do custom that they have designed. Nevertheless, Vessel,
Don’t you think this is just a momentary fashion?
just like BCC, is still a small company. We’re
I hope not! Many say that messengers no
growing up and developing day by day.
longer have work to do, but what I believe
projects for our clients, such as creating bags
is that the job that we do is changing. For
What does being a bike messenger mean to you?
instance, there are many restaurants that
Well, a bike messenger... I get a satisfaction
find such a free job nowadays. From what
that no other job ever managed to give me
I’ve seen in Denver, Milwaukee and Italy...
before. Riding my bike makes me feel free,
Fixed gear are all around. This phase is just
and not only when I’m working. Who doesn’t
getting started, and it is ready to explode on a
love to go on a ride? If you pick a job that you
worldwide level.
have started to use bike delivery: it is hard to
love and that brings joy to your life, having to messenger is really funny, even though there
Fixed gear no brakes or single speed?
are many dangers and risks. But I don’t think I
Only fixed no break. Especially with all the
could ever do any other job.
snow we have!
Did your Italian origins have had any kind of influence on your first approach to bikes?
When are you planning to come back in Italy?
I think so, one of my very first fixed gear bikes
couriers to take part in a few alleycats in Italy
has been a classic chromed Bianchi Pista. Just
next summer. You will see us for sure at the next
before that, I had been using a full-carbon fiber
Dante’s Affair in Florence!
do it every single day isn’t hard. Being a bike
I’m trying to arrange a small team of American
Cannondale Synapse, it was really weightless. Right now, I’m using a Leader 725TR in
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NICK COSTANZO www.facebook.com/brewcitycouriers www.facebook.com/VesselWorkshop
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FAZ A
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Interview: CLAUDIO DI SANTO // Pics: Firhan Fikran & Efendy Mesebah
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First Of all introduce yourself to Cykeln magazine
Tell us how much is evolved the fixed gear scene in Your city
Hi my name is Faz Adhili. Rise and born in Kuala
Back 3 to 4 years ago, no one really care about
Lumpur, Malaysia. I run my own creative studio, I
who has the best bike and the fastest legs. By
do a lot of stuff regarding bikes. And i love boobs.
riding bicycle it is one of activity where you can gather everyone in one place and have a great
At what age you started Riding fixed gear Bike?
with all of your friends. Speaking for myself, i still
I started riding fixed gear bike since I was
filming and producing a lot of fixed gear video. By
in college. Where at that time i was always
doing that, we realize that i managed to inspire
communiting from one point to another point. Back
a lot of people to go out and ride their bike. It
in 2010, there is the very first fixed gear event in
is all about putting fun between your legs but it
Malacca, Malaysia and i took part in the mini-race
goes from time to time that people getting serious
and I won. Since then, i started racing seriously in
competing with each other. It is a good thing if
more and more events in and out the country.
you see it from a different perspective cause it is a
remember where we used to have a lot of time
healthy competition. From there, we can produce
Which are Your favorite track and road riders?
a lot of new talent out from nowhere. Hence, we will create a solid fixed gear scene.
It is gotta be my national-hero, the Malaysian track
aren’t the biggest sport in Malaysia and to be
Right now, you are Riding for leader bike, how The sponsorship started?
the world-champ is kinda a huge achievement.
It started when i went to Jakarta Fixed-fest and I
When i first met him in Jakarta, I was surprise to
met Patrick Thames (the man that been responsible
see how small he is. I believe with his big heart
in inventing The Kagero). When i first saw the
he managed to overcome the physical factor to be
prototype frame i was wondering what kind of
one of the fastest sprinter in the world. My favourite
brand it is. I thought it was some kind of custom
road-rider sure would be Peter Sagan. Started
aluminium frame from U.S.A. I was really impressed
following his progress since Tour of California this
with it geometry and the paint job was super nice.
year where he won few stages in full of style. At
Talked to Patrick about the prototype frame and he
his very young age, he already put his name as
explained everything and once I get back to my
one of the main contender in every competition he
hometown, he offered me to be a part of the team.
participate.
Thats how I got into Leader.
cyclist, Azizul Hasni Awang who also been known by the name of the Pocket Rocket man. Cycling
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Your current set-up? On Your leader kagero.
the best racer. It is full of technical stuff where you
My current set-up for my Kagero is Durace crank
Unlike alleycat, you don’t need to be the fastest guy
with Durace wheelset laced with H +son rims,
but you need the one who know the route really
thomson seatpost and stem, 3T bar, striped selle
well. In criterium race, you need to be really good
Italia, Look Keo Blade pedals.
in taking corner, sprinting, drafting and how good
need to create the right strategy to win the race.
are you working with your team mate. (If you have
Do you see The Bike as a revolution to The car?
one.) And usually it is always come to the very last
To be realistic I don’t think it won’t get there as
each other to decide who is the winner.
stretch where people sprinting and hustling with
a car replacement. It is really hard because oil and gas has been dominating as the opportunity
Future plans?
in the world market. Especially in Malaysia, it is
I wanna visit the State within next year meeting up
not convinience for you to get around with bike
with my homies. I was suppose to go to Vegas for
due to the super hot and humid weather. Plus,
Interbike but I failed to get my visa on time. I will
the goverment are not supporting this idealogy of
try to make my way to S.F next year for the Redbull
communiting with bike. But I always agree with the
Ride and Style. And im currently working on a new
idea of been eco-friendly.
edit for my DVD project and working for some article for few magazines for KLIFGT. I just build
What do you think about Italy bike history?
my very first road bike where I am really interested
It is full of history and prestige regarding how
the time being, I got to work my ass off to pay bills
Italy producing their bike. So many big names to
since Im living at my own place, get a new car
be list down. The craftmanship in frame building
and get married. ;)
in taking part in some road race competition. For
is undoubted to be the best in the world. That is the main reason why people recognized and appreciate the Italian-craftmanship. I still remember my very first track bike was a GIOS. I gotta say it is one of my all time favourite track frame.
Alley cat or criterium race? Criterium! Im a serious racer kind of guy. For me, criterium race is the perfect discipline to see who is
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FAZ ADHILI www.fazadhilicreativelab.com/ www.247bigtime.com/
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GREG UGALDE THE TRUE RUSH
Interview: NICCOLO’ POPPI • Illustration: GREG UGALDE
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What’s your first memory about messenger as job?
How was the evolution from normal bike to fixed?
I applied for a job at Orbit-Lightspeed in 1986 I
At first I never considered riding a fixie, by the
think, I was friends with Crazy Lou. They wouldn’t
time I had a nice cannondale roadie I was really
hire me because I didn’t have I.D. So it was 14
into shifting but it was almost impossible to keep it
years later that I finally had I.D. And fulfilled my
riding and shifting perfect when you ride everyday
dream of becoming a bike messenger. Sounds
over potholes and winter conditions. I spent a
sarcastic but I’m serious, it means a lot to me,
fortune maintaining it. Fixies are obviously more
this job. All that it represents, the freedom, the
work to ride and it sounds dangerous but of course
attitude, the whole mythology about bucking
I was curious and began wanting to try one. I had
the system. It’s part job- part hustle, we’re on the
an admiration for fixed riders, the motions and
borderline between hard-working man and outlaw
postures reminded me a little of matadors or tango
breaking the rules. I see the job as a an unspoken
dancers, it can be very elegant and gracefull.
compromise between me and the system; low pay,
Finally I realized the decision was already made
no benefits, getting hurt all the time, discrimination
and so I got one as soon as I could afford to
and suspicion but in exchange I get to break rules
switch.
that apply to other citizens like red lights and other traffic rules, dress codes, drug policies, you name
Brake or brakeless?
it, I say fuck it. But there’s always plenty of crack-
I prefer brake less, I like the hardcoreness of riding
downs, maybe someday they’ll really put a stop
with no brakes and no helmet, if I could ride
to it altogether and replace us with monkeys, who
blindfolded to be a little more impressive, I would.
knows. I hope I don’t live to see it.
But I had a brake at first and if I have an injury I might have to put one back on someday. It really
When did you buy your first bicycle?
doesn’t matter, it’s the rider and not the bike that
I got my first bike when I was 6 but the first bike I
at someone with a brake or judge them by the bike
bought to work on was after I got out of prison in
they’re riding.
matters. I know better than to look condescendingly
2000, I worked as a walker for a couple of weeks just to get on the road. Now I have a very nice
You are a passionate illustrator whats your art speak about?
bike with good parts, I keep the chain clean so it
My passion is for the subject matter; bicycles,
always rides smooth.
riding bikes, fixed gear shit, messengering, and
to get enough money to buy a used mountain bike
bicycle culture. I like to draw what it feels like
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to ride a bike and represent a life lived on two
in touch with the messengers through e-mails,
wheels. Like that I can never run out of ideas. I can
they contacted Squid and the Bike Messenger
portray them as transportation so right there all time
Association they also connected with several
and space opens up, a bike is also a tool and so
companies to see who would go for it. There were
gives us power, a bike can also be a provider and
no casting calls that i’m aware of, they came and
therefore a god. It’s a special relationship people
made a little sample of interviews and off they
have with their bikes, I try to tap into that. And if
went to sell it. I had forgotten all about it until one
I’m short of a good idea I just draw on another set
day they called with the news; “Travel Chanel is
of wings. It’s so easy. I think of my art as Folk Art,
gonna do it” , I thought wow, those guys weren’t
It’s for the people, for the community, they’re the
kidding, they turned out to be serious pros, there’s
ones who give it life. I’m very grateful that I have
always talk of a show but it never gets made, these
people who ask me to do the flyers for their events;
guys made it happen. It was Scott Papera and Karl
I thank Kevin Bolger, J.C. Ramirez, Victor Ouma,
Kimbrough two guys who over a beer had an idea
Hodari DePalm, Stoned Tone, Crihs Thormann,
to do a show about the messengers, it’s amazing.
Alfred Bobe, Felipe Robayo and even Doom got
perfect high polished art, I just know a few tricks
Do you think the program deserves a better channel of distribution or promotion?
but I draw from the heart, with feeling and emotion.
I think so yes, I don’t know anything about the
I hope that it says something about life.
business but it seems to me the Travel Chanel was
one out of me. If you’ve seen my art it’s thanks to them and everybody at the event. It’s not technically
not the best fit for our show, we have a global
Has being into bicycle culture changed your life?
audience but in order to make money Travel Chanel
Sure, in many ways, some I’m probably not even
at least they made it, that was pretty visionary of
aware of. Good people, overall there’s a very
them, even if they lost heart in the end. I consider
strong support structure in the bike community, I
it a hit because we had a good reception from the
wish I could go to more events, I miss a lot because
bike community. The people were very skeptical
of the art thing, I’m always pressed for time. It’s a
at first, before it aired but we won most people
little ironic.
over when they watched it, I think they could
needs for people to watch the old fashioned way,
tell it was sincere. The messenger community
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How did you get involved with the Triple Rush program?
is a global phenomenon, the network was not
This production company from California got
watch it, my guess would be that the majority of
able to monetize the way people were able to
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available on Hulu which is blocked internationally
Do you know some famous names of Italian cycling history?
so to see it you have to download software like
Just the basics, there’s Ottavio Bottecchia (sorry not
some poor dissident trying to get on FB from an
sure of the spelling) in the beginning, I’ve heard
oppressive regime. I can’t believe how hard it’s
of the greatest; Alfredo Binda and also I’ve heard
been to connect this show with all the people who
of the rivalry between Gino Bartali and Fausto
want to see it, it’s incredible. I was shocked when
Coppi. In any conversation about Italian Cycling
they cancelled it, I’m very glad we were able to
history I’ll be doing more listening than talking. I like
get enough support to rescue the show from the
that the whole sport began because everybody in
network. I know it’s absurd for me to be on T.V. But
the country was riding bicycles. It’s a very proud
that’s the world we live in and I think our show was
history. I’m 43 years old, not very tall and I smoke
a s good as any and better than most. I think what
but I still haven’t given up on my dream of riding
made our show different was that in other shows
professionally for an Italian team. Wish me luck.
people who’ve watched it did so through pirate sites or back door channels. Even today it’s only
there is a sense of hope and optimism, usually win a lot of money. The people on our show were
What do you love about your job?
hopefully and optimistic too but the viewers can
The only thing I love about my job is that one
see they’re just treading water and if they think they
fine day I’ll be dead and won’t have to do it any
may succeed its only because they’re deluded so it
more, so I love that my job makes me less afraid
comes across as a little sad. I think one of the best
to die. no, I’m just kidding, a little. There’s a lot to
qualities of the show is that it challenges the myth
like about it, I get to ride my bike all day, for that
of the American dream that says if you only work
alone it’s the best job in the world, and if that’s not
hard enough you’ll succeed because right there on
enough there’s also no drug test, ha, just kidding
T.V. they’re working us to death. Triple Rush is a
again but if I have a puff it’s not the end of the
snuff film.
world.
Are you a passionate vintage fanatic?
What do you hate about it?
Not exactly, I’m a potential vintage fanatic, I lack
There’s no way it takes that much physical
the resources to indulge in collecting vintage bikes.
labor and man hours in order to provide for my
I would really love to have an old handmade
simple needs. I’m being squeezed and I feel it.
lugged steel frame, preferably Italian.
Dealing with injustice is a big part of any job.
about some high paying occupation or a contest to
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I hate jobs on principal, it’s pure exploitation.
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The things you never get on your bike without? I Carry an extra inner tube and all the tools I need to fix a flat. I don’t like to let people know because they’re going to want to borrow my pump, it’s bad enough they know I have cigarettes!
GREG UGALDE www.gregugalde.com/
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I N G G E TS T O G OU E GH TH
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Intervista: ROBBEN • Pics: TIGERS FLICKR & ROBBEN
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The Tigers team needs no introduction. Whether you play polo, or you just heard talking about it, you’ll know that they are one the best Italian teams, let alone that they stand on the class podium. The team is well know both in Europe and overseas, thanks to their harsh, yet incisive, play. Moreover, they took part in important championship, such as the European ones in Barcelona in 2011, and Paris in 2012. At Seattle’s World Championship in 2011, they competed as the only Italian crew, against many foreign teams. Tobia, Cento and Mattia form the team, living in the area between Vicenza (their official base), Treviso and Venice. The last 3 years have been the peak of the team’s career: not only they have won many international competitions, but they’re the reigning national champions, having won the championship held in Chianciano Terme (Siena) at the end of April. You can read here about the quick talk we’ve had about bike polo.
How did you become so fond of Bike Polo? We started playing around, when we took part in the first Alleycat races in Riding in Circle, but one night we met up and started playing: since then, it’s been an addiction.
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Who was the one that started it all? Did they drag you in? in Vicenza, then everyone followed. Legend has it
players. What is your solution when it comes to games and tournaments you participate to, or that you arrange?
the first game was arranged by Nora, from Milan.
The real problem is about money: we have to
Anyway, the absolutely first ones to play bike polo
go all over the world by plane, taking our bikes
have been from Seattle, more than 10 years ago.
with us, and it’s really expensive. We’re now the
The guys from Riding in Circle started playing here
main experts about every airline fair they charge
How long since you started playing?
to check-in sports equipment! The whole bike polo
Winter of 2008.
mallets, and we arrange the events. It may sound
world is all for the DIY, we build our own frames, really cool, “European Championship”, or even
What is the thing you’ve changed, looking back at your first game?
“World Tournament”, but actually it’s just the same
Our speed. I think it’s four times what it used to by.
What do you think about the bike polo scene here in Italy? Any comparisons with other countries?
The speed of the ball, of the bikes and, obviously, of the crash. The game is harsher, but it’s amazing.
people, every time.
How did you choose your team name?
The scene here was born a little bit later, compared
Cento was having an “animal” moment: always
even if we have the same number of players,
drawing animals, acting like an animal too. When
more or less. We still can’t compete against them,
it came down to choosing a name, he said,
but I believe we really have some potential: we
“tigers!”. I owned an old Soviet pin with a tiger on
just have to push to the limit, make kids come to
it: we just customized the design a little, and then
our court, give them bikes and mallets, arrange
we had our name and our logo.
meeting and exhibitions. That’s the only way we
to France, England, Switzerland and Germany,
can reduce the gap between the European and
Bike polo is a difficult game to dedicate to, since it is not credited at a competitive level yet, so it is not easy to find facilities that can host the
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world superpowers, and us. In England, they have meeting at school: polo bikers go there with 10 bikes of different sizes, mallets, balls and they let the kids play. SO COOL.
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The bike polo veterans who have seen this sport growing up, what changes have they seen, on a technical level? They are the ones who have changed the game: we play it in a completely different way, compared to how they used to, just a few years ago. We have changed the bikes, the mallets, quitting the fixed pinion and adding rapid joints to the pedals. The ones starting to play now have it easier, the game is much more structured. You would learn in 6 months, what it took us 4 years to get.
Besides bike polo, what is your relationship with your bike? Fixed bikes have been our starting point. Obviously, our paths have divided, just like a kid growing up and leaving home when he comes at age. We’re not that kind of hardliners, take women: they’re all so beautiful, you can’t just focus on brunettes. With bikes, it’s the same: you just ride.
TIGERS BIKE POLO www.tigershbpc.wordpress.com/
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Nicole BARBIERI
Interview: NICCOLO’ POPPI • Pics: GIANNI REB MAZZOTTA
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First of all, who is Nicole Barbieri?
circuses”. For various reasons I’m not talking
Nice question, with a Pirandello twist…
to my father anymore but I can’t deny that
well I’d use a rhetorical trick and tell
we have many things in common, such as
you how I do not like to be described
stamina, tenace and and our extreme dive
(alternative model, dj..) but I think it’s better
–in aptitude which sometimes goes over the
to focus on what has been steady in whole
top.
life, my body piercer job at a very well known shop in Bologna, which I have been
So did you substitute nail
doing since I was a youngster.
varnishes, make up and pretty
I also do loads of things and I don’t want
dresses with chains, frames, and
to bore you… but still, to cut a long story
sport gear?
short my lifelong passions are black music
Hell no. I keep on recklessly buy all of the
and dogs, I’m the proud mum of my
above! Substitute is not a word of mine,
beloved 12 years-old bull terrier. Apart from
I can’t deny it, I tend to accumulate and
that I’m a thai boxer and cyclist (I guess
collect stuff, and that’s trouble. I’ve simply
we’ll talk extensively about this!)
added some queries to my ebay listings and sometimes I realize how sneaky my
How and when did you got into
spending need can be.
cycling?
However who said that a woman who’s
And here it comes my father, avid cyclist,
into cycling shall become masculine
who bought me a series of pink Bianchi
and shaggy? To remain girly it’s quite a
bikes, one identical to the other exception
challenge - and it’s part of the game.
made from the size. We used to go MTBing and already at the time I realized
Is cycling a proper sport for you
that my annoying calves could come useful
or a free time hobby?
at a certain point in life. Fact stands, that I
I’d say a free time hobby. I don’t have
never could zip up a pair of boots!
much free time to devote to cycling as much as I’d love to, I mostly commute from my
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Anyways my father didn’t like my switch
workplace to my gym, which is where I
from MTB to fixed gear, he thought
train almost everyday. In the past I’ve track
fixed gear is good for “velodromes and
cycled, attended races, organized some…
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but of course It’s an amateur thing. I’ve tried
I also love fixed gear because I’m quite
for years to lure my friends into long-ish
lazy and I tend to set aside whatever thing
country rides but it didn’t work out really,
that broke, ‘cause I can’t be arsed to bring
I’ve ended up riding alone.
it to the shop to have it fixed. Fixed gear bikes have less components hence less
Then I’ve kind of stopped because I have
things can break, it’s known. I can fix some
a problem with roadkill… and sadly on the
things myself now.
streets I used to ride there are many. My mom says I’m a big soft thing and I often
How’s Bologna from the urban
rode back home whining. I really needed
cycling side?
the Berlin- Stockholm to get into riding
I’ve had the chance to ride in many cities
again! (oops, we had to talk about this
and the one I like most is Bologna. Not as
later, innit?)
many traffic jams as in bigger cities, no hills and overall… no tram rails! It’s pretty much
Why do you use fixed gear?
ideal for fixed gear bikes.
Let’s say that when I want to wear the fancy
To enjoy Bologna on a bike I’d advise not
dress I just hop on my freewheel, but I have
to use cycle lanes in the city centre, ‘cause
my mad share of fun only when I’m on my
those are randomly placed, they are as
fixed gear.
useless as dangerous. On Bologna’s bike lanes you can find
I’m a bit of a crazy ass one, during the
moms pushing their prams, awkwardly
years I’ve collected stitches just as you do
parked SUVs… if you feel like getting in a
with supermarket coupons, I’ve broken my
brawl, well it’s the place to be! In half an
arm in the same spot twice in six months…
hour someone is getting a slap, that’s for
and everytime I’ve started again with the
sure.
same adrenaline craving. Some years ago we had this running joke about me being
Fixed gear is often compared to
the Mat Hoffman of fixed gear, since I’ve
skate, do you think those are
never stopped despite my injuries! But mind
similar?
you, only for the injuries!
Maybe yes, maybe not. Some fixed gear riders come from the skate “scene” (did I’ve
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just spelled “scene”? unbelievable), but I’m
home full of bruises than playing those
legs and a 10kgs luggage on your back
forums, get curious and overall: don’t let
not really convinced that fixed gear brings
silly girly games where I always ended up
has been proper satisfactory.
your boyfriend do the choosing!
any counterculture message…
playing the witch! The step from there to Tattoos
You’d deprive yourself of one of the most
As you can see from the pictures I have
fun things in cycling. If you can also
cycling wasn’t a big one. Just the word “movement” makes me smile. This kind of listing always comes after a
Recently you’ve been on a quite
several tattoos… I’m asked everyday how
assemble your bike yourself, component
while, when the first spark is lost. I guess
long journey …
many do I have but I can’t really tell, so
after component… to match your nail
who got into skateboarding/fixed gear
My first cycling holiday, and I’m fascinated
thank you for not asking! They are all made
varnish will be even more fun. If you will
just did for the sake of it, because they
by it… I will do this again for sure. The
by different artists over the years, some
be so good that you’ll ride constantly and
were there in that moment, without any
Berlin-Stockholm idea was created by the
remind me of events and times of my life
get into the competitive side of it, well - be
awareness of it being a counterculture.
Going North team, founded by my mates
but not all of them have a proper meaning,
aware that you’re going to benefit it! At
Stefano Sesta and Giovanni Olivieri,
I like to think about my skin as a sort of
races there are always few girls and if
What I fancy about both is that while we
supported by the Milan-based company
Dadaist ready-made canvas where the
you’re well trained It’s going to snow prizes
have good athletes and talents, people
Tucano.
subject is shown without being charged of
like it’s Christmas.
a particular meaning.
never lose the taste for goofiness and fun,
To boys I’ll say: don’t ever stop riding, and
which I think it’s crucial! Alright you’re an
Last year I vicariously followed their
athlete, be over the top!
adventures from Trento to Brunico. This year
As per bike-related tattoos, I’ve got two: a
not only on the interwebs! And please don’t
they decided to upgrade the challenge with
super recent one (still scabby!) on my thumb
forget to shag your girlfriend, you can never
I don’t want to get too into the differences
a longer mileage spread out on a longer
which is the Going North logo – I’ve had it
know, if you’re too busy worshipping that
of both worlds, still it would be interesting
time span, circa two weeks.
made as soon as I came back home from
pair of super rare Campagnolo NJS hubs
to compare how many people collect track
I couldn’t help but join them! This has really
this epic trip which I’ll forever cherish. The
maybe someone will do your girlfriend the
bikes and who at the time used to collect
been one of my most enjoyable trips ever…
other one, on my calf, is the traditional-style
favour!
reinterpretation of the main character of
skate decks just to hang them on the wall… There was chemistry between all of us even
this 1956 dramatic Japanese movie called
Are you comfortable in a male-
if we all had different athletic preparation.
Onna Keirin Oh (Keirin Queen) who leaves
dominated scene?
We rode something like 850 kms on
everything, boyfriend included, to pursue
Needless to say… very much! I grew
different terrains, from asphalt to white
her Keirin dream.
up in male-only environments, my female
roads and uphills and downhills… it has
friends are a very few and they know it.
been a real challenge and I’m amazed
Say hello
Since primary school I used to prefer to
‘cause I thought I couldn’t do it. But I made
To girls who want to get into cycling I can
play soccer or fight with boys and go back
it! To finish your day with 130kms on your
say: look around. Educate yourselves, read
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Kisses everyone! And keep on, keepin’ on!
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Interview: CLAUDIO DI SANTO • Pics: DAVE JARANILLA
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First of all who is Bud Abille? My name is Bud Abille. I am from Long Beach,
Did you see the bike as a revolution to the car?
California. I work here in Los Angeles for SWRVE
The bike is a great alternative to a car. It’s a perfect
cycling. Since I can remember, bikes have
way to avoid all the hassles involved in driving; like
surrounded me all my life. My Dad used to do a
gas, insurance, registration, and the worst thing,
lot of touring across the country, so bicycles were
TRAFFIC. Plus its easy exercise and keeps you
always around the house. I remember he gave me
looking fit.
my first bike (a MTB) one Christmas. We would Big Bear to race. After that it just kept progressing.
Which is you favorite olympic track rider?
From MTB to BMX to ROAD then to TRACK. It
I have been racing on the velodrome for a little
wasn’t until college that I really saw the bicycle as
more than a year but since but since doing so, I
a vital part of living. Instead of driving everywhere,
have looked up to Taylor Phinney. He raced and
I would commute by bicycle and also go on group
trained a lot at our local velodrome in Carson and
rides with friends. The more I started riding, the
now he rides for team BMC. He’s won stages on
more I wanted to go faster, which eventually got me
the grand tour in Europe and I’m excited to see
into racing.
how he will do when he represents the USA in the
ride trails a lot and sometimes he would take me to
2012 Olympics.
At what age you started riding fixed gear bike? It was about 4 years ago that I first built up my first
Which sponsor endorse you at the moment?
fixed gear bike. We used to have a ride called
I have been thankful to have the support of Engine
Polar Rollers in Long Beach. One night, I saw them
No. 11 (strykerlosangeles.com). The creator, Kevin
fly by the car we were in. It looked so liberating to
Kang, has backed me since the very beginning
just be out riding around town like that. I asked my
when I first started winning races. I also owe a lot
Dad if he could build me something for the street,
to my local shop, Citygrounds. They built my first
and that’s when I got my first road bike. When
set of track wheels years ago and have continually
I finally went out on that ride, I noticed a lot of
been a good group of people to hang out with.
people were skidding and doing backwards circle.
I also ride for T-Level bags and Livery Design
I later found out that they were riding track bikes.
Gruppe (LDG) frames. I am very grateful that all these companies have given me great opportunities thus far and that they are still there in helping me reach my goals in cycling.
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You are not only a track rider but also a bike messenger, which are the main differences?
keep you motivated. Support your fellow cyclist, because they all have their dreams and goals too.
is a lot of training and strategy that is needed to
I’ve seen that you train yourself a lot, Cykeln always have advise for improve the training of our reader, what to recommend?
prepare, and I think this crosses over into all other
Find a way to keep training fun. Whether that be
types of racing. The last two seasons, I have also
riding with friends or just riding solo. Sometimes
tried my hand at cyclocross and since last year,
even Strava is entertaining. Not all riding has to
I am working on building up my track racing
be seen as training, but it is good to know what
experience at the velodrome.
aspects you need to work on and then forcing
I have become very diversified in the type of riding I do. Starting out racing street has led me into more sanctioned racing on the road. Road has been very helpful in learning how to ride a race. There
yourself to get out there and suffer. I love the quote
Cykeln is an italian magazine, what do you think about Italy? Italy has to be one of the most beautiful countries.
Greg Lemond once said, “It never gets easier, you just go faster”.
dream that the riding would be just as great. I
Are you planning to come visit us in Italy?
have seen the huge influence that Italy has had on
I would love to come visit you guys in Italy!
cycling history and that has made me admire your
Watching the Giro d’Italia this year has only
country so much more. Campagnolo, Bianchi,
magnified that desire. I can only hope that by
Cinelli, and all those great cycling names have
working hard in my riding and racing it will
always been my favorites. I was also rooting
eventually take me to see places like that. It has
for Italy in the Euro cup this year, only to be
been a dream of mine to race anywhere and
disappointed that you guys lost to Spain.
everywhere possible.
The landscapes look amazing, and I can only
Cykeln Magazine, thank you guys very much for
Do you have any advise for neophytes of the track bike?
allowing me to tell you about myself. I am very
My only advice to beginners is to stay humble. Let
interview. And thank you to you, Mr. Sebastian
your riding speak for itself. There will always be
Ordinas! It wasn’t until I took my first trip to New
someone faster and someone else who wins races.
York to race the Red Hook that I even knew I could
Use that to keep pushing yourself. Find people to
meet such cool people from such far away places.
honored that you guys would consider me for this
You have been an awesome friend and have been 92
BUD ABILE www.facebook.com/bud.abille www.liverydesigngruppe.com/
a great support for me in my cycling! Cheers, Bud 93
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Interview & Pics by: JASON FINN
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It has been over a year and a half since I meet
questions about Blaq.
Paul and Jeremy from Blaq. We had talked through bags for awhile, but with our schedules it took some
Hey paul, so can you tell us a little about blaq?
time to make it happen. That first day, I showed up
Blaq has just been a project of mine and Jeremy’s
to this large building in the industrial area of town
for the last 5 plus years. It started off when we
and was a little confused. I wasn’t exactly sure if I
were in college I was kind of working on designing
was at the right spot, there was no signs, nothing
parts and apparel and different things and Jeremy
that even said this place was occupied by anyone.
and another friend where working on frames using
I headed up to a door and noticed a little sticker
bamboo; and then carbon fiber and titanium parts
of a bear and knew I was here. I headed in to the
for mountain bike’s. But eventually it turned into
warehouse just to find it empty with doors along its
bags. I started trying to sew different products and
sides to different companies.
sew bags, and yeah its pretty addicting.
I strolling around until a old man that was dragging
Its starting to take off now; we didn’t sell allot of
these large chemical bins started to yell at me
stuff the first few years we where doing it. But we
for walking around, I told him I was here looking
moved out here about 6 months after we started
for Blaq and he yelled at me saying “if you don’t
with a few products and we kept working on the
know where they are then you shouldn’t be here.”
line and the last year and a half we’ve really got
I turned around and noticed another Blaq sticker
everything to where we want it, especially the
on a door and just walked straight toward it and
quality and its really starting to pick up and people
opened it up to see Paul and Jeremy sitting at a
are starting to notice and now we are about to
large table sewing bags. I had arrived. The space
move into a store, so I’m excited to see where it
was small filled with material and two large tables
goes.
emails and Facebook about shooting photos of their
with templates laid out, bike parts filled the corners of the room and bicycle magazine all spread out.
Where did blaq start off at?
Their was a small refrigerator and toaster oven and
It started off when we where all going to Kent
a simple coffee maker.
State. we where all just going to school, then I
You could just tell that these guys spent long days
dropped out and we where working out of a big
here and loved it. Still to this day I get yelled at
house that we where renting; the upstairs was for
by that same old man and that room still looks the
the business. we moved out here(Portland) after
same, and I enjoy every moment I get whenever I
Jeremy finished his PhD. So we where in Kent,
visit. During my last trip down to see the guys, Paul
Ohio for about 3 years and now we’ve been out
and I stepped off to chat and I asked him a few
here(Portland) for two.
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How has moving to portland affected blaq?
we are ready to move out of here.The new place
Its definitely the best move we could have made.
front on Division, and to have an
we probably would have been fine if we stayed
actual store and shop where everything is going
in Ohio but out here we have allot of peers and
to be made in house, so Im looking forward to
allot of friends in the industry so there is allot of
see how it goes and how people will react to it.
going back and forth going on and allot of people
Its going to be a big shift for us, and Im looking
working together and allot of inspiration. There’s
forward to it. We have people coming down here
also allot of shops and allot of the people that
every other day now, and it works, we’ve only had
would be our customers; so its been great! Most
one person complain about it. She came through
of our business was down in california before we
with her kids and she sent me a email afterwards
moved out here but just being out here most of it
asking if we had anywhere nicer to meet at. So
now is in Oregon.
having the nice new store shall be interesting.
You mentioned earlier that you guys are opening a store? can you tell us a little bit about where you guys have been working out of and about this new store?
So do you have any new products in the works?
So we’ve been out here for 2 years and we’ve
stuff like duffle bags and dry sacks and stuff bags,
been out in a big industrial warehouse. The first
especially with the retail store we kind of want to try
year we where just kind of in a big room and just
out different stuff, that might make it to the website
over a year now we’ve actually been in Portland
or not. past that we have a long list of stuff thats
Design works old space. when we first moved into
pretty far out there, but more stuff on the cargo end,
here Ruckus Components(a carbon bike repair
panniers and bike bags and then I really wanna
company) was in here, the girl that I’am now
see where i can go with integrated electronics and
dating was painting bike’s here, Joe Bike was
power systems into the bags in the next few years.
welding stuff out of here, but now their tearing it
There will definitely be some concepts to show in
down and paving it down to make a new parking
the Spring.
will definitely be interesting. To have a real store
Its a pretty long list of things being worked on. Probably a few new backpacks, the flight case, and then another one for bikes with SS couplings,and then probably more general use
lot for the transit center, so everyones moving out of the block and we are one of the last companies in the building. Its just winding down over here and
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how has the collab with patrick from pedal consumption affected you guys?
check out our website to see where the dealers
Well Its kind of interesting, Patrick has opened
automatically in the next few months but yeah pretty
allot of doors for us, its kind of funny, I sent him a
much you have to email us if you want to get a
bag for a race before we moved out here and he
bag overseas which is fine since we do quite a
ended up insisting to Leader that they work with us,
few of
so we did some business with leader for about 6
those now a days. But eventually we would like to
months. That actually made us think that we could
get more stores or distribution overseas.
have a company and that it could actually work. So
are and for anyone outside of the US we do ship internationally, our website will be setup to do it
yeah we’ve just known him for a long time, and we
Do you want to thank anyone?
did hip pouches with him when we first moved out
I would have to thank everyone. I still cant believe
here, and we’ve been making his stickers forever,
that, shits come together, that people know who we
and he just wanted to do a whole backpack from
are. Whenever I see a bag out in the wild i kind
the ground up. So we talked about it for awhile
of get a little adrenaline rush, it kind of freaks you
and started working on it about a year ago, and I
out but in a good way. Yeah, Just all the people
think it came together really well, he really wanted
that have believed in us, we have allot of people
to push it as far as features and the quality, and
have bought our stuff over the years that have been
he gave me allot of new ideas. It was one of the
repeat customers and have been big fans and have
first bag that we did the zipper pocket, which will
told their friends. So yeah just everyone that knows
definitely play into allot of new stuff that we will do.
of us and believes in us, thanks.
But its been good and since the collaboration allot of people have come to us and we’ve done allot of runs for companies, race teams, sales teams and things like that.
Where is the best place to buy a blaq bag? Right now, probably still gonna be the website then our store. We are still at the point where its just the two of us filling orders as it comes so we have some shops that sell allot of our pedal straps and accessories and might carry a few bags, you can
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BLAQ BAGS www.blaqdesign.com
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Interview: CLAUDIO DI SANTO // Pics: ANGELO CALILAP
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First Of all introduce yourself
get back to that level of riding. As fun as it is to
My name is Angelo Calilap. In no particular order
ride fixed, my shoulder couldn’t and still has trouble
I am a cyclist, blogger, photographer based out of
meeting the demands of the upper body strength
Brooklyn NewYork.
of handling a fixed gear/track bike. I chose the road bike because I learned I enjoy longer rides
What is cycleangelo.cc
and climbing a lot, and it’s the better tool for doing
CYCLEANGELO is a blog I started just for fun, to
those things.
document my new found passion for the bicycle in 2009. It’s a journey about rediscovering NYC on two wheels, and snapping photos along the way.
How much The photography is important in The fixed gear scene?
In which way the bicycle changed Your lifestyle?
I think photography is important in every scene. The
Tough question to answer for sure. Riding bikes
you is something I encourage everyone to do,
was merely a hobby only a few years ago, that’s
regardless of what activity it is.
become a tremendous part of my life today. If it
ability to document and share everything around
ride on some of the most beautiful roads here in the
Some months ago you have release some photos via bigcartel, how do you decide to sell your photographs?
North East. To say that the bicycle has changed my
I began a project called 12-for-12 where I began
life is an understatement.
to release a photograph per month for purchase.
wasn’t for the bicycle, I probably never would have made the decision to quit smoking cigarettes (after 11 years), nor have had the opportunity to visit and
After a few months though, I learned that my time
I’ve seen that After Your incident you train a lot with Your road Bike, why This choice? I was involved in an accident in August 2011
was really limited and I couldn’t continue with the project. In the future, I plan on possibly releasing a book of my photographic bicycle journey. Stay tuned.
to a broken collarbone, which needed surgery.
Which are The plans for cycleangelo in The near future?
By the time I was able to get back on the bike, all
CYCLEANGELO began as a blog with no real
my friends had ridden hundreds upon hundreds of
agenda, that blew up out of nowhere. After a few
miles and gotten really strong, so my goal was to
years what I’ve learned is that the only thing I love
which kept me off the bike for a few months due
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more than photographing and blogging about bikes is riding them. I’ve learned a lot since my first bike in 2009, and I plan to continue sharing and documenting my experiences via words and photographs on the blog.
Mavic shoes or Specialized shoes? Whatever fits your feet best! Personally, I can’t live without a set of Specialized Footbeds (the green ones for my high arches!) in any of my shoes.
Some advices for The neophytes? It doesn’t matter what type of bike you ride, as long as you absolutely remember to have fun doing it. Every time you hop on your bike, make a conscious effort to push yourself that much harder, ride that much faster, and explore that much more. The bike is an incredible tool that will teach and show you things you would have never imagined .. so go ride it. Ride fast, ride safe!
ANGELO CALILAP www.cycleangelo.cc/
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Bag’s PT.2
NICOLO’/CORREGGIO/DESIGNER
NICCOLO’/FIRENZE/CYKELN
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Pics: Martina Gastaldi
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“ Discovering the Gino Bartali Museum ” 124
By Niccolò Poppi
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As soon as I leave Gino Bartali’s museum, I need to
characters with a humanistic and sporting high
put my hands on paper and pen to write down my
profile: this is what you gather from Bartali’s cycling
immediate feelings.
museum, where those heroes’ bicycles are placed carefully, to rest for eternity after crossing the
The memories I just witnessed in this museum are
History.
really important for Italy, not only as for what concerns sports: they are a part of our history,
You walk into the main room, and you find yourself
and they leave me with a strong swirl of childish
surrounded by plenty of memories. Andrea shows
emotions.
me a ’34 yellow track bike inside a display cabinet: it was the one Gino used to race with,
Unfortunately, I cannot share any of this with
and it had been customized by Bartali himself, so
someone: nobody is interested in cycling heroes,
to race on track.
and I walk alone in the museum, the click of the shutter the only one with me.
Next to this case, we find a green Legnano that belonged to Giulio, Gino’s younger brother, who
Bartali’s museum came to life in 2002, thanks to the
died in June ’36 because of a car accident. He
will of all the people close to Gino, especially in
followed his brother’s dream, and behind the case
the last years of his life.
there is the Aquila di Ponte at Ema’s shirt, Gino and Giulio’s first team.
Andrea Bresci is the founder of the museum, taking care of it along with volunteers, who are not so
Glancing around, I see another case on the right
young anymore: they have few resources at their
that houses the official racing “Bartali” bike, that
disposal. Nevertheless, they preserve and guard
Gino used in the last years of his career. The
the countless items and memories of the museum.
bike has been built by Celle Ligure’s, “Fratelli Margherita”.
And there really is plenty of material! We’ve just started with surprises: I turn around, Andrea is the one who greets me: a really helpful
and my heart skips a beat. A raw and dark frame
person, he leads me to the first room, where I found
hosts a white shirt, with rainbow colors still shining.
myself surrounded by vintage bikes that belong to
A washed out card says: “Rainbow-colored shirt
distant places and times.
won by Fausto Coppi in 1947 on Campo dei Principi track, defeating Antonio Bevilacqua, on
The so-called “heroic” cycling can boast about
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a 5000-meter race with a timing of 6’16’’ and a
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and models of the time), to any new techniques
47,847 average per hour”.
used during these years to defy speed. I won’t give I get lost, gazing at the most important trophies that
away every detail, though, because I really hope
Gino won during his career, and the amateur and
you will come here in person to enjoy the incredible
professional licenses. When looking at the fees
cycling heritage the museum has.
for the races arranged by the Fascist party, or the specs of the payments for the prizes, it makes me
Andrea Bresci has an appointment with a lawyer:
smile, even though at the time that fees seemed
not every story has an happy ending, and it looks
like a fortune. Andrea tells me a few anecdotes,
like there are strong misunderstandings between the
unknown to most: he is the one who sticked with
museum, and part of Gino Bartali’s family. Stories
him in his last years, as a friend and as a fan. Not
of money and squandering that Andrea confides
all the anecdotes are nice and pleasant, but they
me in a private talk, not to be written down in this
are true.
article.
The doubt still lingers when talking about the
He is really disappointed with what is happening in
legend of the 800 jews that Gino saved. Andrea is
the family, and having been Gino’s fraternal friend,
sure, he saved many people and there is no doubt,
he can’t stand to have to handle such a petty
but the documents they needed where almost three
situation; not every son follows his father’s path...
times the size they are now, and the seat tube was too small to house more than 7 or 8 documents.
In conclusion, you cannot not know the story behind
No matter how many round trips he could do, there
the great man that Gino Bartali was, if you ride
is no way he saved as many visas as legend goes.
fixed bikes and are into the bike culture. Go to the museum, and in the corner of that same street
Bartali never denied nor confirmed this legend, but
you’ll find a door and a plaque to remember the
none of us really cares about the truthfulness of it:
champion’s life. That is the house where Gino
Gino’s heroic deeds made it into history, were the
Bartali was born.
jews saved 800 or 100. Nothing changes the worth and the big heart this man showed, a man who have seen his career being erased by the war. The tour goes on: vintage press cuttings and iconographical images hang from the walls, setting out the history of cycling from the gear (with bikes
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GINO BARTALI MUSEUM “Gino Bartali” www.ciclomuseo-bartali.it/web
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Bag s PT.3
STEFANO/GENOVA/FOTOGRAFO
LUCA/bologna/tecnico manutentore
ALEX/MILANO/STUDENTE
NICOLA/sacile pn/PILOTA DI SCRIVANIA
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DECEMBER JANUARY
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