Tillie the Terrible Swede - revisited

A few weeks ago I posted about the fabulous and not so terrible Tillie.

Since then I have emailed both the Sue Stauffacher and Tillie's Grandniece Alice Roepke in order to find out a few more details. Both have been very forthcoming and not only passionate to share Tillie's story but also genuinely surprised by the amount of interest in this 'Terrible Swede'.

Alice even assented to my sharing this photograph of her wearing Tillie's racing jersey and championship medals.


Hopefully more to come....

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Scene in Chicago

All seen in Andersonville last weekend.



Simple and elegant.




This grey frame with yellow lugs is just visually striking.





That saddle is so nice they used two u-locks.


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Puppet Bike (re) visited.

After dropping my daughter at her grandfather's and then my wife at acupuncture I found myself wandering Andersonville on Saturday afternoon. I heard music in the distance and saw people gathered on a street corner for what I thought was a yard sale.



But no, it was the Puppet Bike! Finally I was able to see it, sorry, see the performers in action. Bear, cat and rabbit were wonderful. Fantastic and so recommended. One day I hope for an interview with the fabulous performers and maybe even their 'handler'.....








www.PuppetBike.com


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Sub-5 Century training #9

On Monday night I ventured out to try the Chicago Cycling Club's 'Introduction to training ride'

My main reason for this was to ride in a group, ride fast in a group and get back into the practice of pacelining. Just to do a few things that have become rusty so I would feel more comfortable during the Sub-5.

Well the group was possibly their largest of summer thus far with 38 riders including 6 or so on their first ride with the group, myself included.

I had a pretty good time, spoke with a couple of great guys including George who is on the verge of signing up for the Sub-5 but needs a bit of a push.
"George you hung with that ride, you'll be fine in the Sub-5."

You see it was no way an introductory ride to training or pacelining or anything. Wednesday night is considered the fast training ride. My best guess is that Monday should be called the training ride and then Wednesday the 'advanced' or 'racing' group or something. There are new riders, new to training, new to racing, who will go to Monday nights and never come back. My best guess is there should be another 'introductory' ride. Saying that I am not a member of the Club and so in no position to go throwing opinions around - but hey...

I hung with the group with no problems, it felt like the old days. Reminded me I have to trust that the people in front of me are making the right decisions for myself and my family, not always easy. The pace was fine too, it reinforced that riding in a group at 22+mph is easy, the drafting does all the work. So if I can crank out 18mph or so steadily for 5 hours by myself then the drafting will do the rest of the work for me - 'Don't quote me!' - lol

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/43166008


Then this morning I went out at 6am and rode 2 hours up and down the lakefront, but my mind just wasn't into it, so I just spun my legs and listened to the waves.

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A place to hang your Cielo Cap.

My apologies to the artist but I have lost any details regarding this piece and the chairs, stools and other pieces that are available. Feel free to fill me in and I'll add it later.

Heartland Velo Show

Madison, Wisconsin - August 27 - 28, 2011

For over 100 years, the Midwest has been at the forefront of bicycle manufacturing, racing, and recreational riding. On August 27 & 28, the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin will house a weekend-long celebration of everything bicycle. Artisans and manufacturers of bicycles, components, cycling accessories and apparel will display their wares. Exciting demonstrations, informative panels and seminars as well as parties and entertainment will create a “something for everyone” atmosphere to delight cyclists and non- cyclists alike. The Heartland Velo Show is designed to inspire aficionados, enthusiasts, casual riders and those who may just be curious about the fun, fitness and freedom to be found on two wheels.

Bina of the Bilenky Clan is head honcho at the Heartland Velo show. So you know it's going to be classy. I am torn between that weekend in Denver for the US Pro Cycling Challenge or Madison, the Midwest heart of cycling.


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Project Aura - Core 77 Design Awards.

Design website Core 77 held it's own design awards this year: Recognizing excellence in all areas of design enterprise, the Core77 Design Awards celebrates the richness of the design profession and its practitioners.... 'Project Aura' won the student award in the Transportation category.

Project Aura from Project AURA on Vimeo.

Read more here at Core 77: http://www.core77designawards.com/recipients/project-aura/

Chain Greece

..... is why white cycling kit is risky.

'Greece On My Wheels' on the other hand is the title of a travelogue by Edward Enfield recounting his riding through Greece.

The beautiful cover is by artist Alice Stevenson.

Fired by a long enthusiasm for all things Greek, Edward Enfield mounts his trusty Raleigh to follow in the footsteps of such notable travellers to Greece as Benjamin Disraeli, Edward Lear and the Romantic poet Lord Byron.
Fortified by delicious fish dinners and quantities of draught retsina, he tackles the formidable roads of the Peloponnese before plunging, on a later trip, into the rugged heartlands of Epirus and Acarnania. His travels are set against the great panorama of Greek history – Greeks and Romans, Turks and Albanians, Venetians, Englishmen and Germans all people his pages. - from publisher's site

Not only that he is also Harry Enfield's dad - Brit reference.

Initially this post was about the wonderful artwork for the cover of the book. Now I have discovered that this isn't the only cycling travelogue he has written. There is also 'Dawdling by the Danube', 'Downhill all the Way' (France) and 'Freewheeling through Ireland'.
Might be worth checking out, I'll let you know.




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Vacation

Normal service will be interrupted for a while as I have just returned from 15 days in the Northwest of the US, Oregon and Washington.

I had 2 weeks of posts scheduled whilst I was away, so that no unsavoury types would know the apartment may have been empty, but now I need to re-organize and get back up to speed.

I left behind 65 degree temperatures in Seattle and find am now trying to prepare my British body and mind for 115 degrees today!

This morning was my first day in front of streaming coverage of the Tour since it started and what a finish. I am not a fan of Contador based on his very likely doping and his current pending case but you have to admire the way he attacked and descended today, Voeckler too, he seemed to start the ball rolling. I've always loved Voeckler's style on the bike, he just looks good. Saying that so did Nicholas Roche, some riders just hold their heads and shoulders in a certain way.....

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People For Bikes

It doesn't take much to sign up to 'People for Bikes'.
If we can spend a few minutes doing that People for Bikes will take the time to speak for us.
The more we can do for them, the more they can do for us.
The more we can do together.

One for all.

Whether you’re a bike commuter, a roadie, a mountain biker or just a casual rider, by uniting your voice with a million others, we can build a national movement to improve bicycling in our country. We can make a statement through our sheer numbers by raising public awareness and demonstrating our passion to our leaders in Congress and in cities and states throughout the country.

All I need to do is learn how to insert code into my blog template and Go Live website - hmmm?

Signup here: http://www.peopleforbikes.org/




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Scene in Chicago

These are the fantastic window guards outside an address just off Milwaukee and Belmont.
Anyone have any more information?

This was on display at Graue Mill just on the outskirts of Chicago.


This was locked up somewhere.




And this is on the side of the underpass west of Navy Pier.
Not sure how I feel about Shepard Fairey's work, partly due to his recent copyright issues and also because it's just looking like branding now. But murals are great and this is definitely eye catching.

I always like Merciers when I see them out and about.
This photo doesn't do this justice, it is a fantastic blue.

'Take me, seriously, I'm yours'



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BP Portrait Award.

I miss this exhibition like I miss digestives, Cadbury's, builder's tea and news from the 'rest of the world'.

The BP Portrait Award is held every year at the National Portrait Gallery which itself is one of the finest art galleries or museums in the world. The award showcases some of the finest contemporary portraiture from around the world. There is always something there which takes your breath away in some un-expected manner, maybe it's the subject, the pose or the technique.

If I am in the UK when this show is on, it is the reason I must fit in a visit to London, other than my friends of course! If you are in London during the show - I urge you to visit it. If you are in London at anytime please do yourself a favour and spend a couple of hours seeing how artists across centuries and across cultures view the human race.

Last year Molly, my now 3 year old daughter, was just enraptured by this piece by Julian Opie:
http://www.julianopie.com/#/artwork/film/2005/607


BP Portrait Award here.
National Portrait Gallery here.

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Tillie the Terrible Swede

Tillie Anderson was recently celebrated by the Swedish American Museum in Chicago.
It was also the final leg of author Sue Stauffacher's 'Tillie Ride'.

Her new book for children is called 'Tillie the Terrible Swede - How one woman, a sewing needle, and a bicycle changed history'. It's illustrated beautifully and simply by Sarah McMenemy.


Tillie arrived in Chicago with dreams and her sewing needle.
One day a man sped by on a bicycle and her passion was born:

'And she knew that couldn’t be done in a fancy lady’s dress. . . . With arduous training and her (shocking!) new clothes, Tillie became the women’s bicycle-riding champion of the world.'



She overcame the underhand opposition of fellow competitors just running her off the track (Major Taylor anyone?) to dominate women's cycling at the end of the 19th century becoming Women's World Champion in 1898. This was a time when cycling gave women new freedoms, the ability to travel alone, to wear practical/comfortable clothing and to be seen as strong competitors and athletes able to pursue their dreams regardless of public opinion.

Sue created the Tillie Ride in order to celebrate the launch of the book, meet with school groups and deliver copies of her book to Chicago Public Library. Over one week Sue covered 250 miles from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL, visiting one or two schools each day and ending at the Swedish American Museum.


There is more information about the book and the ride at Tillie Ride - www.tillieride.com
The site includes a pdf download about Tillie and women's racing during her career which contains some fantastic period photos.
Sarah McMenemy's site showcases her beautiful and vibrant illustration and drawing style: http://sarahmcmenemy.com



Her first race was actually a century that seemed to to circle Chicago.
I have contacted a couple of people to see if there may be a rough idea of the route, anyone out there know anything? If so I will document my ride over that course as part of my Sub 5 training.

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Need some pinstriping done?

This is mesmerizing..... need some detailing on your helmet or frame?



via Core 77

HapPyrenees Art Night at Velo Studio

Tonya the MTBchick asked me to send some pieces over to Velo Studio in Burbank, California.
So two prints are on their way.

Stage 12 will be a big day in the high mountains and Tonya is promising a great night's viewing, good food and drink, Tour De France related art and all within the environs of one of the West Coast's biggest and finest cycle stores. A store run by a man who rode with the best in international racing Hrach Gevrikyan.

MTB Chick is Tonya working hard at her passion over on MTB Chick:

My passion is women in cycling… to empower women to do things they never thought possible, to help women set and reach goals in life, and in cycling. During the past 15 years of my life, I have been involved in the Outdoor Industry. I began mountain biking around that time, working in bike and mountaineering shops, riding radical mountain trails in Montana. I spent 5 years racing mountain bikes professionally, however I found my true passion is in empowering women through cycling. soft skin, hardcore!

If you are in the neighbourhood that night head on over for good times - I will actually be closer than normal to CA that night - just not quite close enough.


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Sounds of Summer: or even Spring

Spring is a wonderful time of year, we can all start planning a year of riding and enjoy the anticipation of wearing shorts instead of layers of Gore-Tex. Whilst riding the quiet lanes I can listen to the hum of my tyres on the dewy roads and enjoy the sounds of Spring and Summer. Apres-ride I can sit on my balcony or porch with a beer and book and ignore the rumble of the highway. Both wonderous moments will inevitably be destroyed by one of two things. Bloody lawnmowers or leaf blowers. I was in Home Depot the other day and dicovered you can buy a lawnmower and receive a free blower!!! Why the hatred?

Such noise. Such lazyness.

So I grew up zooming an electric 'Flymo' across my parent's lawn, it was quiet. The grass cuttings were raked up or left to become mulch for the lawn. The cuttings on the pavement or driveway were left to it's own devices. Why does it have to be removed from sight, even blown from sight? Your lawns are inner city, they are small.

And here's the kicker. Here is an excerpt from 'Mindful Metropolis', an article called 'Have Mower, Will Travel' by Bob McCrayill :

Nowadays, we learn from the EPA that one gas-powered mower can cause as much air pollution as 43 new cars each driven 12,000 miles. An hour’s use of a gas mower causes as much pollution as a new car driven 340 miles, and power mowers and leaf blowers cause five percent of U.S. pollution.


Did you get that! Seriously - Gas mowers and blowers are worse than cars! Gas is expensive.
Buy yourselves a push mower, save money, get fit, save the planet for your grandchildren's sake.

Read the full article here: http://www.mindfulmetropolis.com/Archive/May_2011/Article/Have_Mower_Will_Travel/793

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Two Faced

This is a small sample of some fabulous photographs from Velo Cult of a Cyclops frame.
What a fantastic paint job.
Stunning.

Head over to the site to see more: Cyclops Track Frame



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USA Pro Cycling Challenge Poster Contest

image entered into contest


Man I was torn about this one.
The contest seems poorly thought out.
Initially there was a short deadline, then it was extended due to lack of entries and last time I looked they still don't have enough artwork to make the 12 posters they want.

The contest is to provide the artwork for one overall race poster and one for each of the eleven host cities. Besides the names of the cities that was about all the info provided.


I have not been able to get a lot of creative work done recently due to my stay at home dad commitments and actually cycling! I found a germ of an idea and decided to play with it and see what happened. Well I think it grew a few roots, maybe a stalk but it didn't flower. The next step is probably going to be to try working it in acrylic or pastels or something on a decent size canvas, I do not think I am all that suited to working on a tablet and screen. Realistically I think the image will be filed in the 'Next Painting' folder on my Mac and be left to ruminate, germinate and bloom when it's time comes.

rather 'uptight' pencil drawing


more developed idea but rejected by me for now

Learn more about the USA Pro Cycling Challenge at it's site: http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com

Bikes make life better: People for Bikes.org and Black Swan.

Black Swan are a motion graphics house who aren't afraid to show you how it's done.
Check out their fantastic behind the scenes pages over on their site: Blackswan.tv

Info: PeopleForBikes.Org first approached Rabbit Content with the concept of a stationary bicycle that would sit alone on the street. A curious passerby would then take the initiative and jump on, starting to pedal. Massive art murals would descend from rooftops and cover buildings as the wheels began to spin - painting scenes of natural life coupled with urban renewal.

Rabbit Content and Black Swan immediately saw an element that needed adjustment. Biking is a celebration of movement, freedom, exploration and exercise. Immediately the process shifted to a biker in motion. Stationary murals transformed to moving pieces of art that would manifest as the bike passed locations. With a spark of brilliance an idea was born: live light projection as the art..
from Blackswan.tv

People for Bikes - GFX Behind the Scenes from BLACK SWAN on Vimeo.

There is much more behind the scenes on their site and of course the final product.

Wish they'd been wearing helmets though!

Finest caps ever.

Some people will buy the best frame money can buy, the best components, the most exquisite vintage dropouts, Rapha or Assos. I am willing to put my money into caps. Multi-use hats.

I have two disappointing Castelli ebay buys which get worn whilst riding and then these two.

The first is currently my favourite cap of all time, bought at NAHBS in 2009.


Cielo - Great fit, great color, understated and looks better with age.

The current second best ever and still way ahead of third, whatever that is, is from the London Cafe 'Look Mum No Hands'.


Great fit, great colours, loud as heck and leads to tons of Spanish speakers staring at my forehead. This was sent tome in exchange for two prints that I sent to display at their recent Bicycle Art Show.

I am open to other similar barters.......