Scamble.

Photo courtesy of the super talented Dave August.

Black Cat Cycles.

Pictures courtesy of Black Cat Bicycles.



My taste in bikes is at times biased towards classic east coast builders or designs. As a reference point, it is the nuance of what made Fat Chance different than a Klein at the turn to the middle of the decade of the 90's- hand made steel, higher BB and quick handling for the techy single track.

Black Cat frames are made in the same area, in and around the Santa Cruz area, that the venerable Race Lite by Bontrager: Bontrager will be always be on my short list of great mountain bikes. There most be something in the water, because these bikes are instant neo classic. The work that is done is delicate, with purpose and functional. From the fillet braze, to the swing drop outs, to the tight wheel base and the gorgeous quality of the paint jobs, it is one of the few bikes in the modern age that meld art and function.

I want one.  

The lost art of the hand built wheel.

Picture courtesy of Luxe Wheelworks.

Sushi in France.

Every once in awhile amidst the 21 stages there might be a smile or a hint of fun for the racers...and judging by the warmers on this must be on one of the rest days for the racers.
It is amazing how multi national the Tour has become in the last 20 years- it was a big deal to have an American show up in the early 80's- as it was more of a French cultural event raced by the French primarily.

Picture courtesy of L'Equipe.

So pro, it is fred.

Electircal tape on the cages- ugly, but evidently effective for the cobbles.

Picture courtesy of Velonews.com