RAPHA RIDES OSLO FILM

Rapha have been busy riding their bikes again. This time it's the über cool urban riders that have been out testing kit, in the Norwegian capital Oslo.


According to Rapha, Norway’s capital Oslo offers a different take on urban road riding. The city’s quiet roads, green spaces and buildings painted in muted colours are juxtaposed to the vibrant chaos of London or New York. But it’s also a city of fronts: where imposing exteriors conceal boutique hotels, immaculate restaurants and bars playing techno late into the night.


I couldn't possibly comment, having never ridden my bike in Oslo, but after watching the film I am happy to concur. As always, the film is a joy to watch.


The film is by Ultan Coyle and the music by Henrik Schwarz.

IT'S STILL A BUG'S LIFE...

So, last week I outlined how I wanted to change the world with BUGs, or if not the world the local community at least. It seemed outrageously ambitious, but within a week or two things have already moved on apace.


I had contacted the local council to see if I could lay my hands on a bunch of their city cycle route maps for our budding BUGs. Not only did the council actually send someone over in person to drop a stack off, on bike naturally, they have invited me to take part in a consultation on revised and new cycle routes in and around the city.


The council appear very serious in taking cycling forward in the city, and I have to say to be involved in the process, as a cyclist, it is very exciting indeed.


The consultation process is already in full swing, as part of the city's sustainable development plan, and the next step is to take part in a number of consultation rides along the proposed routes.


Can't wait!

BARGAIN HUNT - 23

The bargains are still coming thick and fast, which is just as well as I am struggling to keep my motivation going as the days get shorter, the temperatures cooler and the winds stronger.


I was out on the road yesterday morning after a weekend away and boy was it a struggle. Into a strong headwind for the better part of 30 miles, it was the first run along one of my usual winter routes since last year. I was even tempted to stop off and check for brake rub so leg-numbingly difficult was I finding it. I wish...


So, maybe a little retain therapy will ease the pain? Always Riding are offering 10% off for orders in excess of £100, not bad if you have a blue chip purchase planned. Simpy use OCTOBEROFFER at checkout before October 23. 


Wiggle, bless 'em, are also offering an extra 10% off site prices - use code EXT10-SPECIALS at checkout. They also have massive discounts on a whole bunch of kit they want to clear, including bikes. The never ending sale continues...


If you fancy glamming your bike up for winter on a budget, new bar tape is an easy and effective way. PBK are offering 50% off Deda tape at the moment - use DEDA50 at checkout.


Bikes You Like are offering 50% off Altura Night Vision gloves, both yellow and black, bringing them down to £19.99.


Finally, Parkers International are offloading Michelin Pro Race 3 tyres for a oh-so-tempting £20.95 - that's a saving of 38% off the usual £33.99.


Grab 'em whilst you can...

PROVIZ IN ACTION

Following on from my post on the relaunch of the PROVIZ website, I see today that their marketing blitz continues on apace.

A Danny MacAskill inspired video is doing the rounds on YouTube and makes for an entertaining couple of minutes viewing.


The bike-tricks commute home is taken by Duncan Shaw of MacAskill's CLAN, and shows off the PROVIZ black waterproof jacket to the full.


Whilst in itself not a hi-viz jacket, a bit of battery power illuminates the jacket side panels blue so they glow in the dark. A cycle commuters delight.


Shaw is also wearing a PROVIZ lid which has LED lights fitted front and rear, so although not quite lit up like a Christmas tree, it's not too far off.


It really is very cool.

RAPHA CITY RIDING SOCKS

Fancy adding a splash more style to your commute into work? Rapha's new City socks could be just the thing for you then.


Rapha City Riding Socks have been designed for all-day riding in cool to cold conditions.


They are available in three striking seasonal colourways, are made from the same merino blend as Rapha’s standard merino socks but use a heavier yarn for increased insulation and are naturally high-wicking and anti-bacterial so your feet will stay warm and dry through those winter months heading our way.


With early snow supposedly heading our way at the end of October, these might be just the indulgement I need to keep me on the road...