Is fashionable cycle gear possible?
Well, the answer is a resounding, "Yes!" from Anna Glowinski who set up set-up AnaNichoola after working as a cycling instructor for a year. She says, "I'm a girly-girl, although I do ride my bike hard and regularly. I found there was nothing on the market that I got excited about wearing, that also did its job."
To Anna, cycle clothing that simply performed well
was just not good enough. "Ipods don't look like purely functional
music players and cars don't look like boxes on wheels," she says.
"We live in a society where aesthetic design is an integral and
enjoyable part of everything. Why cycle-wear hasn't reached this
stage is beyond me!"
So Anna started up her own company, AnaNichoola. "I had a few t-shirts printed up, making them back printed to embrace the cycling position, or using bamboo, a wicking and deodorising fabric. I really enjoyed thinking about how to make a functional thing look nice. I handmade a few bits - 'Lovelocks', colourful bike lock covers and 'Trouser garters', cheeky, lacey trouser guards and recycled bike-part jewellery."
It all started small, but then a year later things started to
get moving, "I decided to get serious and exhibit at the Cycle Show
2009. I wanted to push for garments that most cyclists need, but
that still looked great. So I created three jackets water resistant
to different levels, with reflective 
features, cut to ergonomically fit a
cyclist but also look gorgeous. They were received really well.
Cycles UK took some for sale in their
flagship Harrods store which was my big break, and then I received investment from a fashion company, Dragons Den style! Since then, AnaNichoola has been rebranded online, for a soft, feminine looking site. The changes in cycle wear design is new, exciting and refreshing. Cycling is becoming "cool" and I love that!"
The Bike List will soon get hold of the stylish Curve jacket pictured here, and a Lovelock lock cover (also pictured here) so keep checking the reviews section for a closer look. Coming up soon from AnaNichoola are more jackets, bottoms, gloves and jerseys, but in the meantime, browse their current kit at http://www.ananichoola.co.uk/.
Posted on Friday, 27 August 2010, filed under
Sheffield 100 - the peak of suffering
The warning was in the Sheffield 100's tag line; "You suffer so they don't have to." Whether it was meant as a bad joke, motivational mantra or sheer inspiration, no one could ever complain that Action Medical Research hadn't cautioned us about what lay ahead. Even a cursory glace at the route revealed that the Sheffied 100 barely dipped a little toe into the leafy outskirts of the steel city before plunging headlong into the punishing peaks of the, err, Peak District.
A climb to the dramatic gritstone cliffs of Stanage Edge warmed the legs before the adrenalin rush of the descent into Edale. then out of the saddle for the slow grind up Mam Tor. It may not have been quite the torture of Winnat's Pass on the south side of the Great Ridge, but its contours were close enough together to force a handful of riders to uncleat and push their bikes.
This sequence of rise and fall set the pattern for the day, lengthy, challenging climbs followed by short, fun and frantic descents. A bit like hours of foreplay followed by... well, you know.
Hill of the day was surely Long Hill, a thigh burning ascent out of Whaley Bridge that would be better named Ariston for its ability to go on and on. And on. And on. A brief reprieve by an inky reservoir then the road steepened again without forgiveness, 'you suffer so they don't have to,' became a defiant mantra between desperately gasped breaths.
Immaculate waymarking throughout removed the opportunity to use junctions as excuses to catch your breath, although there was a relaxed and happy atmosphere at the feed stations. Lunch, in particular, was fit for a royal peloton, a vast spread of calories to replenish weary legs and refuel them for the afternoon. The rumour going round was that the hard work had been done and that the return half of the route was decidedly easier, but it was more like fighting Reggie Kray in the morning and then thinking you can relax because you've only got to take on Ronnie after lunch.
And on this ride, Ronnie came armed with a wrecking ball gale that required serious balance to resist high on the exposed Staffordshire moors. Signs to the brilliantly named village of Flash passed by in slow motion as cadence battled the breeze, before finally the turn for home with the elements in our favour.
A last banana / flapjack / malt loaf boost in the gorgeous White Peak dales at Hartington, then homeward bound. Until that pit of the stomach feeling when riders who know the Peak know what's coming. First the hors d'oeuvre of the ride up to Monsal Head, the brief amuse bouche of the descent to Calver, and then the killer main course of the climb to Froggatt Edge. You suffer so they don't have to? Too right.
Freewheeling the final mile there was an exhilarating sense of achievement. A thrill and pride at pedalling 102 miles over the Peak District, along with memories of some breathtaking views. For those who could wait, complimentary sports massages eased exhausted muscles before the drive home. Many more opted to uncleat and let a pint do the relaxation work. There will be more Action Medical Reseach rides over the summer, but surely none so hard as this - we did suffer, but it was magnificent.
Action Medical Reseach is dedicated to helping babies and children, finding and funding the best medical research to help stop the suffering of infants. For more information on its future rides, visit www.action.org.uk/takeaction
Words by Jonathan Manning
Posted on Monday, 9 August 2010, filed under
iRide Africa - Cape Town bike tours and trips
iRide Africa offers customised cycling holidays for riders, by riders, as well as guided day trips and incredible multi-day tours. Check out their gallery to see how stunning the scenery is.
We think they are thoroughly nice chaps and well worth checking out. In their own words:
"We cater primarily towards bicycle lovers who want a Cape Town bike holiday with delicious food, breathtaking views, skilled guides and most importantly inspiring rides. We strive for excellence and our local biking knowledge is second to none. iRide Africa will take you on not only the best of Cape Town bike rides, but more importantly, the best kept secrets in South Africa. We don't deal with mileage - we deal in smileage!
Escape your dreary winter and experience the variety and beauty of South Africa. Flow through world class back country mountain bike trails in Stellenbosch, cycle over incredible passes and bright green vineyards in this sunshine paradise we call home. Our Cape Town bike trips and longer cycling holidays in the winelands will ensure you go home with a beaming smile and a tan to match! Take a look at our blog to get an idea of what you can expect.
If all this is sounding good, then we have the Cape Town bike trip for you!"
Posted on Monday, 9 August 2010, filed under
