I am just surfacing from the information-overload that is the London Bike Show. So much to see! So many lovely people to talk to!
I arrived at 1.30pm and was shocked when it was suddenly 5.10pm and I realised I hadn't eaten anything and was due to meet fellow Velovixen Ride ladies at 5.30pm! Salad duly inhaled while tweeting madly... and badly. Phew!
I arrived at 1.30pm and was shocked when it was suddenly 5.10pm and I realised I hadn't eaten anything and was due to meet fellow Velovixen Ride ladies at 5.30pm! Salad duly inhaled while tweeting madly... and badly. Phew!
Last year, my aim was to find out what the latest innovations were and spot any new offerings for women. This year, the second goal carried forward but I already knew of so many exciting developments over the past year and more in the pipeline, so perhaps this didn't feel as urgent a mission.
My #1 goal though was to meet people! I've "met" so many lovely people via the Internet this past year -- bloggers, readers, riders, bike designers and builders -- all full of passion and dreams. I wanted to meet as many of them in person as I could. And so I did. A few that I had spoken to beforehand in the hopes of meeting up couldn't in fact be there on Thursday, but I did meet one heroine of mine, and discovered several others.
My #1 goal though was to meet people! I've "met" so many lovely people via the Internet this past year -- bloggers, readers, riders, bike designers and builders -- all full of passion and dreams. I wanted to meet as many of them in person as I could. And so I did. A few that I had spoken to beforehand in the hopes of meeting up couldn't in fact be there on Thursday, but I did meet one heroine of mine, and discovered several others.
So! Where to start?! I set off an a general wander when I first arrived, with no real agenda other than to get a feel for what was there. I looked at a lot of bikes -- surprise surprise! As the afternoon went on, my attention shifted more to people in the industry as I struck up conversations with new start-ups and retailers who are really excited with the explosion of interest in cycling -- not just in London but all over the country, with amazing things happening in Bristol, Cambridge, Manchester and Edinburgh, to name just a few burgeoning Cycle Cities. Then, I met up with friends and talked rides and bikes and more rides. And then we all went on to the climax of the day: the inaugural Total Women's Cycling Annual Awards Night.
So let's get started!
Seven Evergreen PRO. The new Evergreen range takes Seven's road bikes and turns them into "gravel bikes". The Evergreen PRO is the top end model, with carbon tubes connected with laser-cut titanium lugs. You'll get little change from £10,000 for this build but, for me, it was definitely the stand-out stunner of the entire show.
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| Alice of Cyclefit posing with the Evergreen with a mixture of pride and relief (that it got to the show on time and in one piece!) |
The Surly Pacer sports the first shade of red ever offered by Surly: Disco Tomato. It has gold glitters! The standard fully-built bike now features Shimano 105 components, an upgrade from the Tiagra used in previous years.
Kinesis (ti)
Passoni
Marin. I've known of Marin for years, as a US maker of primarily MTB and hybrid bikes. It seems they've re-invented themselves and launched an impressive range of road bikes!
Canyon
Clothing
Chapeau!
Exciting to hear from Luke at Chapeau! that the women's range will expand dramatically with the Spring/Summer 2014 collection due to launch in a few weeks, with the recent addition of a female clothing designer to their team.
Exciting to hear from Luke at Chapeau! that the women's range will expand dramatically with the Spring/Summer 2014 collection due to launch in a few weeks, with the recent addition of a female clothing designer to their team.
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| Ladies Mistral Jacket in Rust |
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| Catrina Frame Bag in Grey |
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| Mens Cafe Cycling Jersey in Red/White A similar jersey for women is in the pipeline: Navy/White stripes with Red accents - nice! |
Velovixen
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| Busy Velovixens! |
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| Nice selection of Primal Original jerseys |
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| A selection of Vulpine's gorgeous merino jerseys and tops, including this must-have Alpine long sleeve jersey in Claret |
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| I popped into the storage space behind Velovixen's stand to try on these Vulpine Cotton Rain Trousers in Indigo - very nice! Almost perfect fit and such soft fabric. |
Ana Nichoola
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| This little dress was one of the first Ana Nichoola designs I became aware of a few years ago - not currently on the website but hopefully it'll be back in time for spring? |
Accessories
Juicy Lubes
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| Your bicycle's own "Soap & Glory" style bath & beauty range! Photo of Juicy Lubes' charming retro trolly display is shown at top. |
Splash Maps. Cool idea: maps printed on weather-proofed fabric! Wear it like a scarf (the old-fashioned big square kind) or bandana or headscarf... or stuff it in your pannier while on tour. No need to worry about creasing or tearing or getting it wet! Buy one of the maps in their range... or special order one of the area of your choosing.
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| Fellow Velovixen Jane got herself a Splashmap of her local area! |
"Lifestyle Brands"! (pick and mix from every product category to cultivate a certain style!)
Victor & Liberty. A wonderful, carefully curated selection of cycling related products, from art to hand made greeting cards, to Walz wool caps to lots of Donkey Label goods (hard to otherwise get here in the UK) to wide range of Castelli jerseys. The Carradice display was at one corner of their large stand - a sympathetic partner, I feel.
The ICS Fit Zone
Cyclefit is hosting its annual International Cyclefit Symposium at the Show. I believe access to the ICS talks and seminars themselves are limited to industry people and health professions i.e. those "who need to know" and booking for that is almost certainly closed. However, the ICS Fit Zone provides some opportunity to benefit yourself from all the expertise attracted to London from around the world for the ICS. As Cyclefit state on its website:
[The Cyclefit stand, co-hosted with Trek] will feature the CycleFit Retail & Cycling Analysis Lab in the ICS Fit Zone. You can ... have a look at us in action and view our selection of bikes from Seven, Trek, Passoni and Saffron Frameworks. On display there will be bikes from the Trek Factory Racing pro team, and one of the Cyclefit team will help you find your ideal ideal size, geometry, component and colour scheme choices (the same service we offer at our Covent Garden HQ). Other services available include:
* Trek Team bikes on display* Lake cx401 custom shoes
* Shoe and Cleat set-up - get your shoes set up correctly, free with any new shoes.
* Book in to get custom moulded SIDAS footbeds - as favoured by Trek Factory Racing professionals.
* Bike sizing to help you select the best bike for your riding
* Saddle Pressure mapping - find the best saddle for you and adjust your bike correctly
I caught the end of Phil Cavell's interview with Keith Bontrager, just in time to hear Keith opine "The UCI wants competition between riders, not a space race" -- I can only speculate on the context of that statement or the question that prompted it, but hope that it is indeed true and won't be compromised by recent decisions to allow more innovation in pro racing.
Specialized also have a large stand in the ICS Fit Zone, where I took advantage of its renowned Body Geometry Saddle fitting.
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| Sitting on the famous Butt-o-meter! |
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| Checking the sitbone indentations |
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| Looking at what ranges of saddles may be indicated by your measurements and preferred riding style. |
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| Specialist fitter Donna showing how differing saddle profiles impact on fit and comfort. |
Events
Many cycling events looking to attract high numbers of entrants take stands at the London Bike Show. In years past, this is how I first heard of the Macmillan Etape series. Some events offer more than a bike ride -- an entire cycling-themed weekend festival! I didn't look at a lot of what was on offer this year in the way of events, as we've got our plans set for this year and Adam's a bit anti-big-organised-production type events anyway!
Anjou Velo Vintage is, however, one I did notice -- probably more because of the 'liquid enticement' on offer!
What else?
The Bike Show is an opportunity to meet up with old friends... and make a few new ones!
A few days before the show, several members of Velovixen's Facebook group arranged to meet up on Thursday at 5.30pm at the Velovixen stand, for a coffee & chat meet-up. Sue said she knew where there was a coffee shop down at the far end of the ExCel building, in the Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show. So the four of us who had turned up set off for "Go Ape".
Turns out, Go Ape was not a coffee stand but an adventure "stand" part of the Outdoor Show, specifically, a zip-wire experience allowing you to "fly" the entire length of that show.
After checking that no one was actually that desperate to buy a drink (we all had bottles of various refreshments in our bags), it became clear that Sue was in fact very keen to do the Zip Wire. In fact, 'keen' may not quite cover it - she was bouncing with excitement and anticipation, although as the moment to climb the tower drew closer and closer, I think there was quite a lot of apprehension as well!
The Bike Show is an opportunity to meet up with old friends... and make a few new ones!
A few days before the show, several members of Velovixen's Facebook group arranged to meet up on Thursday at 5.30pm at the Velovixen stand, for a coffee & chat meet-up. Sue said she knew where there was a coffee shop down at the far end of the ExCel building, in the Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show. So the four of us who had turned up set off for "Go Ape".
Turns out, Go Ape was not a coffee stand but an adventure "stand" part of the Outdoor Show, specifically, a zip-wire experience allowing you to "fly" the entire length of that show.
After checking that no one was actually that desperate to buy a drink (we all had bottles of various refreshments in our bags), it became clear that Sue was in fact very keen to do the Zip Wire. In fact, 'keen' may not quite cover it - she was bouncing with excitement and anticipation, although as the moment to climb the tower drew closer and closer, I think there was quite a lot of apprehension as well!
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| Sue (in white jacket) in the queue to do her Zip-Wire trip, listening to one of the organisers give a briefing on what to do and what to expect. |
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| Sue looks up to the tower platform - it's so high! |
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| She climbs... |
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| ... and gets her final briefing at the top. |
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| Jumpin' Jimminy, that's high! |
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| And she's off! |
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| Flying overhead in a 12mph blur! |
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| And there she is, making her final approach to the landing stage. |
Well done, Sue!!
THE TOTAL WOMEN'S CYCLING AWARDS SHOW
And now we come to the main event and the reason I went to the show on Thursday rather than on Friday as I'd originally planned: the first of what will hopefully be an annual Awards event, "set to be the ultimate celebration of the individuals, initiatives and companies that have made women's cycling so triumphant over the last 12 months".
I had cast my votes early and often! I was a candidate myself in the Blogger category but knew I hadn't made the short-list. But one of the bloggers I admire was on the short-list. When my interest in cycling was first kindled, Jools Walker's Velo-City-Girl blog was an inspiration. She's a real trail-blazer -- a woman who set out writing about her love affair with her bike and with cycling, long before it became fashionable (!). So I was really happy to finally meet her -- and her charming Mamma -- in person last night!
The Awards ceremony was open to everyone attending the London Bike Show but a few of us had been sent private invitations that put us close to the stage -- and got us a complimentary glass of something celebratory!
Our Mistress and Master of Ceremonies for the evening were Anna Glowinski, founder and designer of the Ana Nichoola brand of women's cycling clothing, and cycling commentator, Anthony McCrossan. Both were articulate and professional, while coming across as personable and natural.
There were 16 categories for awards in total. The winners of the first 14 were chosen strictly by popular vote. For the last two categories, the top 5 in terms of votes were shortlisted for consideration by a panel of illustrious judges, who after due deliberation and in strict secrecy, arrived at decisions as to which two individuals would rightly be named Blogger and Unsung Heroine of the year.
The winner in each category won a framed cycling jersey designed by Anna Glowinski in her signature Star pattern but in Total Women's Cycling colours of soft turquoise and lemon yellow. Each would be presented by TWL Editor, Kirsty Ho Fat, and Deputy Editor, Aoife Glass.
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| Aoife and Kirsty of TWL presented the awards. |
The categories and winners were as follows:
1. Women’s Cycling Blogger of the Year: Sarah Connolly
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| Phil Bingham of Velovixen accepted Sarah's award on her behalf. |
2. UK Cycle Venue of the Year: National Cycling Centre Manchester Velodrome
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| Just a few of a large delegation down from Manchester in support of the Velodrome! |
3. UK Cycling City of the Year: London (Award was accepted by Andrew Gilligan)
4. Cycling Initiative of the Year: Breeze
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| Natalie Justice of Breeze accepting the award for Best Initiative. |
5. UK Cycling Event of the Year: Prudential RideLondon Surrey – 100
6. Women’s Cycling Event of the Year: Macmillan Cycletta
7. Women’s Cycling Team of the Year: Wiggle Honda Women’s Pro Cycling Team
8. Pro-rider of the Year: Laura Trott OBE (Award accepted by Laura's father on her behalf)
9. Women’s Cycling Personality of the Year: Laura Trott OBE
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| Laura's mother accepted her award on her behalf. |
10. Independent Cycling Retailer of the Year: Rutland Cycling
11. Cycling Retail Chain of the Year: Evans Cycles
12. Online Cycling Retailer of the Year: Wiggle
13. Cycle Clothing Brand of the Year: Ana Nichoola
14. Bike Brand of the Year: Specialized
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| Anna presents -- and accepts! -- her own award! |
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| It took a while for Anna to bring her giggles under control! |
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| Emily (Events Co-ordinator for Specialized) accepted this award. |
15. Outstanding Achievement Award: Hannah Barnes
16. Unsung Cycling Heroine: Sara Braidwood, Breeze Coordinator for Cheshire and Merseyside - a truly worthy (and delighted) winner
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| A beaming Sara Braidwood accepts her award... and extra prizes! |
For more on the TWC Awards, do go to their website.
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While the London Bike Show is in many ways primarily an exhibition event, where brands can proudly unveil their newest products and showcase their range to the public and to the trade, a number of shopping opportunities do exist. Many of the bicycle manufacturers were happy to discuss bike purchases, in some cases taking orders and customer deposits. All of the clothing, accessories and nutrition brands were making all of their displayed products available for sale.
Did I buy anything myself? I set a very strict budget for the day, which had to include travel costs and food/drink expenses. But I did treat myself to two pairs of socks and a small jar of Donkey Label Mild Embrocation which I've been curious to try.
Did I buy anything myself? I set a very strict budget for the day, which had to include travel costs and food/drink expenses. But I did treat myself to two pairs of socks and a small jar of Donkey Label Mild Embrocation which I've been curious to try.
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| (I seem to have got the sizing utterly wrong on the Vulpine socks to the left!) |
The London Bike Show continues to run through the weekend:
Tomorrow (Saturday) from 9am to 6pm
Sunday from 9am to 5pm
Tickets are £20 on the door, £16 if purchased in advance.
Tickets to the Show will also get you a free pass into three other shows happening at the ExCel Centre at the same time: the Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show, the Triathlon Show and the International Dive Show (Saturday & Sunday only).
Blogging Lessons:
1. Do take the initiative: ask people if I can take their photo! Ask bystanders if they'll take a photo of me with other people!
2. Do take better notes!
3. Do take a 'good' camera, rather than thinking the little one will do 'because I won't be needing action shots'. (Sigh!)
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Blogging Lessons:
1. Do take the initiative: ask people if I can take their photo! Ask bystanders if they'll take a photo of me with other people!
2. Do take better notes!
3. Do take a 'good' camera, rather than thinking the little one will do 'because I won't be needing action shots'. (Sigh!)
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