Flailings

Update in absence

2011-05-25T05:10:00.003+09:30

OK, here's a quick update which is essentially an email I sent to a few people, basically I'm too busy with life for the internet right now, but I don't want to turn my back on it completely:

"It's been pretty hectic here for the last few months, well basically since I started working in December. Now I have no internet and rarely get a moment to jump on a computer at work [I've just come in now after working in one of the other sights for the day]. But besides that what has happened?:

I bought an old steel road bike from a friend on the cheap and a few days later I went off to Belgium and the Netherlands for a week. I caught a train the night before I had planned to leave and ended up in Rotterdam. I say ended up as I wasn't intending to be there, it was the product of last minute cheap ticket offers and miscommunications. I decided to ride from there to Brugge for a hotrod/bike party i was going to [where I finally got to meet Chris, thanks mate!]. Did it over two days as I didn't leave Rotterdam until after 3pm and it was about 200km including about 20+km of distance covered while lost. Ended up riding from Rotterdam through Brugge, Gent, Brussels and to Antwerp to stay with friends for a few days [Thanks Chris and Ann, missing you!] before going to the Benelux polo Championships back near Amsterdam.

Some nice little memories along the way like rolling into a small town after 11pm, and within 10 minutes after eating, I had met people who introduced me to someone I could stay with for the night. I had a recumbent pass me like I was sitting still while I was spinning in top gear down into a tunnel under a river. Also got a nice slipstream tow and guide for about 40km from a friendly local road rider in western Holland.

I just had my sleeping bag strapped to my bars, a backpack with my bike bag, a few tools and that's about it. A decent map would have been very helpful as I was relying on some google maps prints and directions from locals, I also would have killed for some proper shoes and pedals [fixed that upon getting home and haven't really worn other shoes since].

There are some beautiful areas out there and as is my experience when travelling, most everyone was very friendly and helpful. I would seriously consider moving to Antwerp! Maybe I'll keep an eye out for jobs out there...

Back to normal life in Berlin now, which consists of German language classes from 8, then work from 12 till whenever I finish, usually after 7, then time with friends before sleep. Currently working mostly in an old atelier building where we are building a bar and restaurant that will open in about 2 weeks, and close 6 weeks after that. It's such an improvement to be working in a vibrant park rather than the dark cave of a club where I spend most of my working hours.

Polo has been very much on the back-burner lately due to being busy with everything else but I've been back out a couple of times recently now that that I can keep the swiss-army-bike as a dedicated polo rig. I might head over to Barcelona in about a month to see the European championships, not play, just a good time to go there to see the place and some old friends.

By the way, I just got told the other day that there are some photos of my beautiful new niece here

That the highlights for the moment, since I'm dedicating some time to internet usage now I've also put a few more recent photos up too but still many months behind.

As usual I regret that it's such a long time between contacts but it just the way life is right now."

Sorry for the lack of pictures, but just hit the links for some visual stimulation. Hope everything is great by anyone [will anyone read this, or has everyone got bored and tuned out by now?] and everyone reading this!

February

2011-02-28T04:46:00.004+10:30

I would be remiss if I were to allow the month to pass without at least one post, so here's an assorted grab bag of things I've been meaning to, but failing to share:

A brilliantly executed tourist map

Crumpled maps on Core77

Bike shop from 1912, be sure to check out the large image for all the details.

via Kottke

Honda Dream after a few protein shakes?

Rocket garage

Ok, must be off, need to write an invoice, go to school, prepare for the monthly apartment move etc etc

Lid

2011-01-15T21:28:00.003+10:30

I must have seen this image ten times so far, mainly from all the Tumblr image feeds I get sucked into, but the most recent time I saw it I decided that I really want the one in the foreground for riding around town on a chopped up mopped/tiny bike.
via Boomcheck

Tthis one found on Bubble Visor would be an expectable substitution.

Tab Clean out.

2010-12-07T00:57:00.005+10:30

Time to shut down the surplus firefox tabs again, so here are a few of the pages I've been sitting on:

-Hotrod Havoc Trailer

via Slim' s Fabrication

-The Evolution of the Terrible One Barcode

This story on CycleExif included a link to this document about the evolution of the Barcode frame. It's a very interesting read that shows the slow and steady evolution of something as seemingly simple as a BMX frame.

-All about the details

Fantastic semi-subversive campaign for Amnesty International
via The Cool Hunter

-What to do when you out grow you XR50

via Death Spray Customs

-Rad Ball

This is amazing!
via Bike Jerks

-Doing as you're told

People Watching Plus from Rune Madsen on Vimeo.

Nice demonstration of the public's propensity to follow the rules.
via Wooster Collective

-Perfection

via Two Wheels +

I highly recommend checking out each of the links to the origin sites as they are all great and varied sources of inspiration and information.

Cold and White

2010-12-07T00:33:00.007+10:30

Riding in the snow is a new experience for me, in fact I have only a little [distance] experience with the snow in general. But it is an experience that I must embrace if I am to continue my life here in Berlin [granted the public transport is great but I prefer to ride].

We had our first real snow fall last week and it did force me in to a train in the morning as 1.5" slicks do not make good snow tyres. That is until I learnt about the zip-tie snow modifications. After that I was rolling and sliding my way around the city, I kept catching myself laughing out-loud between cautious moments where are all my concentration was focused on not falling under a passing truck. Great fun!

While it does look ridiculous, it does also work surprisingly well. Now that the roads are ploughed and salted grip levels are generally only a little less than a rainy day I have taken them off as they make turning a little treacherous when not in the snow. Also the cold makes the ties very brittle so I had already lost many of them, but next time the snow falls I will be putting them on again!

Obviously don't try it if you have rim brakes! This is the better option if you have the money to spend:

via Fahrtwind, Dutch Bike Co and Poloholica also thanks to Styleserver for the ties and the warm place to install them.

Random Image #48: Pull

2010-11-03T03:35:00.002+10:30

via one of my favourite new blogs: the excellent Futility Closet. Go there and be educated and amused!

Drei. Zwei. Eins. Polo!

2010-11-03T03:04:00.003+10:30

(The following is blatantly copied from another blog I write for: Adelaide Bike Polo)

Nicky and I doing battle with Max.

I thought it was time for a little update from the dark side of the globe.
It's getting cold over here and as such the play is going indoors, in fact there have been indoor tournaments the last two weekends. The most recent was in Konstanz, unfortunately I couldn't get there (Halloween in Berlin meant 3x alleycats followed by parties, sometimes polo get relegated), by all accounts it sounded like a great time.
The first was Polomotion in Utrecht, The Netherlands; this one I did have the pleasure of attending. I had the honour of playing there with guys that some of you may remember: Nicky and Chris from Antwerp Fixed.

The tournament was hosted in a hall of one of Europe's largest bike trade fairs: Bike Motion. This meant that we were inside in the warmth, had a steady crowd of interested onlookers all day, and could wander around the halls drooling over all the bike porn between games.

Although there was only one court, each of the 26 teams managed 6 games and finals for the top 8. Unfortunately we, The Antwerp Diamonds, narrowly missed out on making the cut: we reached equal 8th but lost out on goal difference.

Nicky and Chris with Thomas: our most generous host and either a Teddy bear, or Grizzly bear, it was never settled.

Utrecht was a beautiful city, one that has embraced the bicycle more than any other I have visited. Seeing middle class families riding along in convoy was a heartening sight, along with the numerous beautiful women on bikes!

Some of the photos I've stolen from the AFG gents, be sure to check out their write up here.

Viewing Pleasure

2010-10-19T05:43:00.002+10:30

Since the posts have been rare of late I thought I'd make up for it in terms of minutes spent viewing and the most effective way to achieve this is by posting videos. Luckily I have numerous videos that I had been intending to post, so here goes, watch them all at your peril [or al least to the detriment of your productivity]

Great video about building a a house and making a home:

SHELTER from jason sussberg on Vimeo.
via Makr Carry Goods

I'm sure the vehicularly minded would already have seen this, even so, watch it again and turn the sound up!:

via Arkitip

If this doesn't move you at least a little bit, then, well, never mind, you wouldn't understand if I explained it:

via Driver Chris

Get out and ride

Life Cycles OFFICIAL Trailer from Life Cycles on Vimeo.
via ACME

I love some if the dated items in this story, like showing the passing of time with cigarettes smoked, regardless it has many interesting moments:

Design story: The Decanter from Landor Associates on Vimeo.
don't recall from whence this came.

A neat little animation

World Of Motion from Colin Hesterly on Vimeo.
via Monoscope

And finally, this looks like it should be fun: Machotaildrop

Machotaildrop - Trailer from friendlyfire on Vimeo.

Via Makr Carry Goods

The Simple Pleasure

2010-09-30T03:02:00.002+09:30

via The Whoa

Early Morning Paris

2010-09-30T02:48:00.002+09:30

Here's one to file under "Don't do this at home (but I'm glad someone did)"

I tried in vain to watch only a few minutes and merely leave it playing for the glorious sounds, but try as I might it was just too captivating. If you can't afford the time to watch it all, the first and the last few minutes give a good overview, but be sure to see the very end (it's a happy ending).

via Scooter McRad

Sight of The Day: Fighter

2010-09-28T22:23:00.004+09:30

I'm not sure if I've been slacking off with this blog, or I've just been doing other things instead, but what I have been doing continuously is taking photos. This is a mildly infuriating [oxymoron?] thing to do due to the scratched lens on my camera, although I'd rather do it then let that stop me.
Anyway, I plan to put some photos up here more often, starting with this bike I stumbled across yesterday. Obviously belonging to a Wrench Monkees fan, that bike was a great contrast to the sedate, leafy street I found it parked on.

Seen and Done

2010-09-23T23:08:00.003+09:30

Just a few shots from around the streets from a few weeks ago [I have a backlog that I am gradually sifting through]

More on my Flickr

Like Clockwork

2010-09-13T22:48:00.003+09:30

If you've ever wondered how a mechanical watch works, and who hasn't, do yourself a favour and spend a few minutes watching this video. At every chime of the clock you'll be thankful you did. The oversize models used are works of art and the narration is classic 1949.

via Kottke

[ Download ]

AURORA X MONOW Follow Up

2010-09-13T22:13:00.003+09:30

I posted about the AURORA X MONOW collaboration jerseys a little while ago and I just received a note about it from Sebastian. Since I love the work he's doing, and he asked so nicely, I thought I'd let you all know that that a second run is going to press as we speak. Get in fast with your pre-order as the first batch sold quickly. Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to get in to this order either as all my funds are going to sampling the produce of the local Brauerie(n..?) and train tickets to others/polo tournaments!
Good luck with the new run Sabastian, it's great to see a small studio succeeding.

The Design Process

2010-09-03T00:01:00.003+09:30

My mate linked me on to The System a few days ago and it's been open in my browser since, I flick through a few pages when I need a break. Not good for productivity, thanks unnamed friend, ya jerk! But I still love ya.

Falcon Motorcycles Kestral

2010-09-02T05:55:00.003+09:30

I may be away from motorcycle ownership for the time-being, (well, that's not entirely true, I still own them both but they are a few thousand km's away) but I still try to stay in touch with the scene from time to time. However enthusiasm is easy to let slip when I have no immediate prospect of riding* but this video quickly brought back a large slice of that.
The scene, the sounds and the details all just make me long for riding and wrenching.
The bike is the Falcon Motorcycles Kestrel, that I posted about on another blog I write for occasionally**, it's a genuine work of art. Please, for your own sake, head over to their site and spend a few minutes checking out the details and story of the Kestrel, I promise you'll be inspired!

*I did find a nice and complete yet neglected Le Mans 850 the other day, I took the details for when I get some income sorted here....
**yeah, I know, blatant plug

[ Download ]

All is Well, Just Remember:

2010-08-31T21:51:00.001+09:30

via Fixed Gear Antwerp

The Van is Gone But Not Forgotten

2010-08-10T17:51:00.007+09:30

6523 Miles
2260 Songs [plus podcasts and a few hours of radio]

75mph top speed
19 Tanks of 'gas'

16 States [CA OR WA ID MT MY CO NB IO WI IL IN OH PN NY NJ]
12 nights spent in the back

4 Hitch hikers [plus 2 dogs]
2 Countries
Infinite memories

Country Road

2010-07-25T08:27:00.002+09:30

It must have been entertaining for the other drivers in Toronto traffic when this came on the stereo and I found myself singing along enthusiastically. Great road trip song!

Apologies for lack of updates, between hours of driving, riding, polo and staying in places without a connection I have been out of the loop for a while.

5.0

2010-07-07T09:29:00.002+09:30

5.0, originally uploaded by Two Halves.

Careful dipping under a solid white line in Oregon, they take it seriously!

Places Visited: Oregon

2010-07-07T02:56:00.003+09:30

I just crossed the border in to Washington state and my first impression upon pulling in for a coffee is that they have that god-damned-stupid sales tax here. It's so stupid! Coffee for $2.50? Sure, that'll be $2.71. Come on people, it's not too hard to include the tax in the price.
Anyway, that rant is out of the way for the moment. There was no such foolishness down in Oregon, I had such a great time down there where I spend most of my time in Portland. I love that city! I'm open to propositions of marriage that would allow me to move there....
Many thinks must go to my most gracious and generous host, Jill. She took in a stranger on the weekend of the 4th when she already had a visitor staying and showed me such a great time. Thanks Jill, you're a doll.

As always the photos are over in flicker

Places Visited: California

2010-07-02T05:32:00.003+09:30

Yeah, yeah, I know, it's been a while between posts but I make no apologies as I've had better things to do other than sit at a computer!
I've been loading some photos to flickr when I can so if you want to be kept a little more up-to-date I suggest you subscribe to that feed (little orange square on right hand side of address bar, I recommend google reader).
Currently in yet another Starbucks (very handy resource for electrical outlets and wi-fi) and while here I learnt of yet another selections bike nuts. I'm learning that there must be some form of inherent connection to adventure in those who ride, be it motorised or not. The first adventurers for the day (other than the numerous pannier laden cyclists and the guy on the Canadian plated GPX250, complete with L plates) are Jack and Lauren who I just missed the opportunity to meet in San Francisco. They are currently pushing their tandem across America over the next few months. They are finally off and rolling after some of the common plane related issues, check them out here: There Will Be Hills.
The next was Tim, who I met right here, right now. He is riding solo from California to Alaska. He exploits can to followed here (when he gets around to working in it between rides).
On that topic the number of cyclists on the road is unbelievable, though for some reason 99% of them are heading south so they don't affect me at all. Another pattern I've been observing is that of the motorcyclists on the road: the vast majority of bikes out there have two cylinders and three headlights, and of those almost all have those stupid little pudding bowl helmets.
Anyway, time to hit the road again.

Places Visited: Kogi Truck

2010-06-27T07:13:00.005+09:30

I'll get around to doing a proper travel update soon but for now I'll just say that Kogi BBQ was completely worth the trek (and the wait)!

I don't recall how I found out about these guys but they were on my LA list from that moment, I only had a few must see things around there and this was one.

After plotting a course to sample their spicy pork burrito and short rib taco, I highly recommend tracking them down!
In-N-Out was pretty decent too, but not too earth shattering to any corner deli burger from home.

Ride Above

2010-06-22T06:02:00.002+09:30

Dougie has released his latest shirt, this one I have been waiting for with baited breath.
Head over to ASHCAN to get your own, but save me one, in medium. I'll pick it up in a while....

Slow Motion and Awesome

2010-06-16T01:18:00.002+09:30

Nostalgia Drags at 240 FPS from Matthew Macomber on Vimeo.

I repeat: Awesome!
via Cay Broedum

Death Spray Customs

2010-06-16T00:41:00.002+09:30

I started writing some garb about the variety of work coming out of DSC but just check out these images from some of my favourite recent projects, they speak for themselves.

Rad bike inspired by the classic Akira steed.

Paint inspired by the bark of a Birch tree, the contrasting underside of the stays is a stroke of genius.

On a different note, check out this fascinating video I also found over there, it reminded me to make sure I stock up on memory cards and start taking some more footage:

Death Spray Customs, also via Double Oh Two

Places Visited #1: Melbourne

2010-06-15T13:46:00.005+09:30

"The story goes like this:
I got in to Melbourne on Thursday morning and went to see a mate at her bike shop [Pony Bikes]. At some point it is mentioned that there is a DC/PK Ripper bike launch party happening that night. I headed off to see some other friends before going back across town to drop in on the party. It was bike porn central! So many niiiice bikes [a few riders took my eye too], and after we tired of the black glasses and tight jeans crowd we retired to a nearby pub for pizza and beers.
The time came to head off, as I had an early flight, so we headed back to the bike shop to pick up my gear, this is the point where it went wrong. Instead of following my instinct and heading straight to the bus station to go to the airport, I took up the offer of a couch for a couple of hours of much needed sleep. I set my alarm with plenty of contingency time, placed the phone right next to my pillow and closed my eyes.
I woke to the concerned face of Sasha leaning over me, telling me I'd missed my flight. That's a sinking feeling of such depth I doubt I'll forget it any time soon.
A tense 2 hours passed between talking to the after-hours desk and waiting for the airline/travel agent to open to find out exactly how far up the creek I was. After a series of calls, emails and more hours with nothing but waiting to do, I now have it under control again and I will be on the same Friday morning flight next week. My wallet is about $500 lighter and I'm a week down in my time in the US, but life goes on and there are even a couple of bonus points to come out of it [repack slightly, bike modification opportunities, see people I missed before departure MKI, tie up loose ends etc].
Lessons learnt from this:
Trust my instinct: I am always paranoid about making the trip to a flight with plenty of time and back up plans, i was thinking this but took up the couch.
The body needs sleep: After 3 nights of sleep totalling 6 hours, sleep will eventually win.
See you sooner or later.
Dan"

That was essentially the email I sent to people I needed to tell I would be a little late arriving. Since then I've been back in Adelaide tying up some loose ends and whatnot, all very anticlimactic and really looking forward to getting under-way again.

If you're in Melbourne and need a trim, go see Bert on Little Collins st. It was the first time I can recall enjoying the experience of getting a hair cut.

Here and now is not the time to get into a discussion about the abuse of the word 'actually'. I'll leave it for now but just putting it out there.

Places to Visit: USA

2010-06-08T00:43:00.004+09:30

As I have mentioned in a couple of previous posts, I'm currently planning a trip across the USA. This is my most recent reason for lack of posts on here: I've been scalp deep in working toward leaving, I still have a LOT to do but departure is looming fast, in fact it's about 54hours from now!

View Larger Map

This is roughly where I'm planning on heading, but I'd love to here any suggestions of destinations along the way, and of course friendly couches are always welcome!

The US stint is just the start of a more broad adventure: after I make it over to NYC I'll be flying straight to Berlin to play in the Polo worlds with my team: ACME [Adelaide City Mallet Exchange] and I just got my hands on a German work visa so I'll be looking for work there.

Just a quick post before hitting the sack, still lots to do!

Counting Centre Lines*

2010-06-04T10:59:00.004+09:30

I've been trawling ebay and Craigslist looking at cars to drive across America in, I'm looking for something cheap, reliable and practical.
But, I'm getting so distracted, there are just so many cool, cheap cars in the states. For example there was an airport limo like the one above for ~$1500. Here's just a selection of the ones I've come across while looking at vans and wagons, [not sure how the caddy popped up].

$1000

$5300

$1700

$6900

$1500

$1995

Seriously want these two:

$2000

$1400

*This song makes me want to hit the road more than you'd believe!

Something

2010-05-29T11:34:00.000+09:30

Rick Moranis for the New York Times via Freeman Transport

Reader Survey

2010-05-28T12:52:00.004+09:30

Flat or gloss? This is the dilemma I face, should I leave it in base coat or put some gloss on it. It's a very dark metallic silver and I had intended to leave it flat but now I'm second guessing myself for resale reasons, however that's just making more work for myself. What do you think?

And just for Punk, here's a link to check out

Wheelmen Bag

2010-05-26T13:15:00.002+09:30

Here's something for 002 to fuel his wax ~~cotton~~ canvas fettish, Wheelmen & Company have just revealed images of their soon-to-be released Minute man bag. Looks well detailed with padding, leather badges and taped zips.
Add it to my ever growing wish list of bags.
via Candy Cranks

Take a Hold

2010-05-25T08:13:00.002+09:30

I've had a few discussions of late about bars with fill pieces like these, if I had steel bars I'm pretty sure I'd be fabbing up something similar.
via Prolly

Reader Submission: Tilt Shift Time Lapse

2010-05-25T00:47:00.003+09:30

My mate, the Dutchdingo, sent me this video by Keith Loutit, it features the familiar tilt shift technique but adds some time lapse to the recipe to great effect.
Endure the terrible sound track if you can, it does add to the effect.

A Local Cat.....

2010-05-25T00:29:00.003+09:30

...for the local cats.

Get involved, head down and race, or help out at a check-point, either way leave a comment on Pedalocalypse and let the man-with-the-plan know.
I'll be over in Melbourne town for the Roobaix so a lower place after the usual suspects is up for grabs!

Random Image #47: Shifter

2010-05-24T12:17:00.002+09:30

It's been a while since I've posted a random, they've all moved over to flosculation, but I couldn't resist putting this up for Eeno.

via Fyxomatosis

The Element of Surprise

2010-05-20T16:01:00.003+09:30

via Graphic Everywhere

Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table, because Chuck Norris only recognises the element of surprise.

Road Trippin'

2010-05-19T13:03:00.002+09:30

I think I just found the perfect vehicle for my imminent US road trip, just swap the boat for a 3 bike rack and it's done. So much cooler than the Camry wagon I keep thinking I'll end up with.

via Fashion Serial Killer

AURORA X MONOW

2010-05-19T08:57:00.004+09:30

Some very nice looking jerseys, that I'd even consider wearing, designed by MONOW are about to be released from AURORA. The one above is my pick, it reminds me of a favourite graphic poached off of ffffound some time ago:

Check out the two other designs at Berlin Fixed.
There is much more great work on MONOW [I really need to improve my virtually non-existent German]

Places To Visit: Saturdays NYC

2010-05-11T09:21:00.002+09:30

A surf shop in the middle of NYC? Sure, why not, especially when you install an espresso machine!

Saturdays looks like the ideal place to spend a rainy saturday afternoon, or just a great place to go for a coffee and a reminder of the simple things.
Interesting blog too:

via Arkitip

Case Closed

2010-05-10T21:47:00.004+09:30

+
Defendant: "What does this mean?"
CSI: "it means you have something to hide"
Defendant:"why"
CSI:"because innocent people draw what they see from the edge of the bed, you drew it from a bird's eye view, so you're GUILTY!!"

Careful out there all you designers, architects, engineers, for that matter anyone who draws for clarity rather than artistic merit.

[yeah, yeah, I hear you asking: "why on earth are you watching that rubbish anyway?" I'm sick, give a guy a break]

Mess It Up

2010-05-06T00:45:00.004+09:30

My good mate is a fantastic writer but happens to be publicity shy so she shall remain nameless for now. She wrote this, and for some reason I decided it deserved to be formatted [Sorry I messed with your structure].

Whoa

2010-05-05T22:20:00.008+09:30

The last thing I need is another source of procrastination, but of course I'm continually finding more. Here's one of the most recent additions to my reading list:
The Whoa: Photography, girls, bikes, and above all, randomness of the highest calibre.

I've always loved that song, and like most, I too have always been perplexed by the rabbit in the hat with the bat.

One for the fellow grammar nerds

Shocking!!

2010-05-05T22:14:00.003+09:30

The local crew will get it why this is so amusing...
Thanks for the heads-up Rick!

What's this Guy Smoking?

2010-04-24T17:41:00.005+09:30

Because he's definitely high!

The stunt involved Red Bull skydiver Paul Steiner transferring between two high-flying gliders, which is pretty crazy, but my favourite tidbit related to this story was found in the comments section: "Oh PLEEEEZE!!.... Seriously, anybody could have done this." Sure thing! Evidently the commenter didn't bother to look beyond the opening photo to the one below:

via Chaz Hutton's tumblr. Check it out, that blog is chock full of gold!

Noughts and Crosses

2010-04-24T14:45:00.003+09:30

This fun campaign for the Panamericana School of Art was developed to promote and explore creativity, essentially it gives a place to start doodling when that first line is a struggle to commit to. I'd love to get a pad of this to keep on the desk for phone calls

Many more images on woohome

For The Love of Cog

2010-04-24T14:37:00.002+09:30

How cool is this?!
Found among a brilliant thread on Fixedgear.se that documents the build of a portage bike from tubes to completed work of art.

Wanted: MK1 Lotus Cortina

2010-04-24T14:12:00.003+09:30

I'm on the hunt for one of the original giant killers: a Mk 1 Lotus Cortina. I'm scouring the country to find a suitable example of this little classic and the only viable candidates thus far had been snapped up before I'd found them. It must be genuine and traceable, white/green, original condition (restored is ok), RHD, and preferably an early aluminium panel, A-framed version.
Yes, I'm serious, I do know what they are worth and I'm willing to consider importing one if necessary.

+

Absent

2010-04-21T08:11:00.007+09:30

I just noticed that it's been two weeks since I posted on Flailings, sorry folks but it's been a little hectic in these parts!
Here are a couple of cool quickies to tide you over for a little longer (or make me feel better about neglecting this):

Very cool little bicycle sidecar from Muslauf

Lazertits, nothing more to say, just check it out

Slim's Street Sweeper

Remember that I'm still occasionally flicking images on to Flosculation, just because it's all so easy on there. If you see anything interesting click the image as they usually have a link to the source for more randomness.

Tricks Are For Pros

2010-04-21T08:01:00.003+09:30

Ashcan have released their latest shirt and it looks like the perfect thing for all the fixed tricksters and those of us looking for an excuse to explain our lack of skills, for that matter it could be ideal for the BMX kids, casual call girls, figure skaters, and even FMX riders looking to escape the Unit collective.
Check out the Ashcan shop

Random Image #46: The Road Ahead

2010-04-07T23:37:00.003+09:30

Imagine you've just ridden hundreds of kilometres on straight desert roads before cresting a rise and seeing this range unfold before you. Your heart would swell, grin widen and throttle hand twitch in anticipation. Bring it on!
via Fuck Cunts

In A Jiffy

2010-04-07T22:21:00.003+09:30

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Factoid of the evening:
A jiffy is a unit of time measurement, it varies, but is always unimaginably small, for instance the period "equal to the time it takes light to travel one centimeter".
Now you can click the next link safe in the knowledge that you are either more informed or baffled than you were a jiffy ago.

The Old Days

2010-04-07T22:03:00.003+09:30

Watch this, it's awesome.

I'm very tempted to leave it at that but that would be a little too ambiguous. This video documents the making of HBO's 1983 opening sequence, a sequence that would tie up a talented CAD modeller for a couple of weeks at most today, rather than taking a team of 6 model makers 3 solid months.
Anyone who has ever built anything will surely be left in awe at the effort and precision required for the task at hand, along with some really cool tricks of the trade.

Via Core77

OCC Cycling?

2010-04-07T21:18:00.004+09:30

April Fools day passed only a few days ago, otherwise I might have suspected someone was trying to pull a fast one with this paint work.

via Double Oh Two

Bugs, Borgwards and Bedfords

2010-04-05T23:22:00.003+09:30

A few of the recent sightings out on the streets

Etienne's Lens

2010-04-05T14:12:00.005+09:30

Etienne Musslin of Super2CV continues to take great shots of fantastic, and usually slightly eccentric, vehicles. Be sure to check out his Flickr

etc...

2010-04-05T13:02:00.007+09:30

A semi-random selection from my tab farm:

Beautiful EJS on Speed Seekers

One for the girls: Hot dudes on Bikes. via Candy Cranks.

Behance

Greatness from the Dead Kennedys. HansDC

More crisp graphic and branding work from Yorgo for Black Crow Skis. Loving the yellow tinted windows!

For All the Other Introverts

2010-04-03T10:11:00.004+10:30

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Caring For Your Introvert.

“With their endless appetite for talk and attention, extroverts also dominate social life, so they tend to set expectations. In our extrovertist society, being outgoing is considered normal and therefore desirable, a mark of happiness, confidence, leadership. Extroverts are seen as bighearted, vibrant, warm, empathic. “People person” is a compliment. Introverts are described with words like “guarded,” “loner,” “reserved,” “taciturn,” “self-contained,” “private”—narrow, ungenerous words, words that suggest emotional parsimony and smallness of personality. Female introverts, I suspect, must suffer especially. In certain circles, particularly in the Midwest, a man can still sometimes get away with being what they used to call a strong and silent type; introverted women, lacking that alternative, are even more likely than men to be perceived as timid, withdrawn, haughty.”
-Jonathan Rauch

via Constant Siege

Edit:
I originally posted this purely on the back of the quote selected on the Constant Siege. Only after posting did I get around to reading the entire Caring For Your Introvert article, and I'm so glad I did. It is such an insightful piece and sums me up unbelievably accurately, I only wish I had read this a few years ago. I'll leave you with a favourite quote:
"Are introverts arrogant? Hardly. I suppose this common misconception has to do with our being more intelligent, more reflective, more independent, more level-headed, more refined, and more sensitive than extroverts."
Self serving? Yes. Accurate? Hell yes.

Melburn Roobaix

2010-04-03T09:16:00.003+10:30

Who's in? I've registered!
Info at fyxomatosis

Blog Neglect

2010-03-31T23:47:00.007+10:30

Our Bowerbird stall

The first sign of me being busy is usually my post count, hence my absence from these here parts. My last few weeks have been crazy with paid work, non-paid work, and just life in general.
I've recently fallen into a new job and am now learning all about upholstery from the safe side of the staple gun, I love learning new skills and I have no doubt I'll be able to apply the knowledge into future design projects. Speaking of projects, I had a stand at Bowerbird Bazaar again over the weekend. That event is always great motivation to tie up projects on the go and as such we released a new stool and previewed the prototypes for a new line of hooks. Pictures will come in due time. On top off all that, my sparsely populated social life still manages to keep me surprisingly busy.
Of course I still manage to find time to browse the internet while devouring my breakfast of a morning or while cooling from a ride, so I have the usual overflow of poached material for posts. I've been putting an image or two on flosculation whenever anything appeals, plus brace yourself for a bombardment of hyperlinks over the next few days!
For the moment here are a few random images from the last few weeks. Now I'm off to paint a car.

Got the mountain bike rolling again and went for a blast in the dirt with the boys.

Posted at the request of Dutchdingo

Fun times

Random Image #45: Smoke

2010-03-28T23:04:00.001+10:30

via kemosabe and the lodge

Look Mum, I'm On TV

2010-03-21T12:35:00.002+10:30

The children show, Totally Wild, were at the Australian Hard Court Polo Championships back in November and the episode finally aired the other day. It features an interview with Damon, Caff and others and includes plenty of great footage from the first day. My team: Ivan Mallet, is in there quite often too, Neil's advanced crashing skills are captured nicely along with some close tackling, so keep any eye out for the white shirts [black wheel cover in my case].

Come play polo!

Adelaide Bike Polo

Some Assembly Required #4: Jacques Tati

2010-03-21T12:31:00.001+10:30

via Secret Forts

Blood

2010-03-17T08:16:00.003+10:30

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Protesters have poured over 60 litres of blood in support of the ousted prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, the act was touted as a "ritual aimed at bringing down the government".
I'm sure its a strong political statement to many people, but the first thought through my mind when I heard about the steps of the Thai Parliament being doused in donated human blood was "what a waste".
As a cyclist and motorcyclist I recognise and accept that I face a higher chance of accident and injury than those who lead more pedestrian lives, but I don't discount the practicalities of these risks. I'm an advocate for wearing protective gear, for riding safely and for the education of all road users on the vulnerability of those on two wheels. These are the primary preventative measures, yet we will never escape the need for curative measures, this is where we need efficient emergency services, strong heathcare systems and those altruistic enough to donate from their body for their fellow man.
Blood donation is eternally in short supply, so the sight of so much blood being 'wasted' saddens me somewhat. If only we could instil the same passion felt by those who donated for this protest into people in general as a passion to help the rest of their community.
Seek out your nearest blood bank, arrange organ donation, give to charity, every small action helps.

Rant over.

Ice Sledge Hockey

2010-03-17T07:47:00.003+10:30

Has everyone else out there been catching the Winter Paralympics? I've not time to kick back and follow it these days but I'll have it on from time to time, the other night I flicked it on and found Ice Sledge Hockey. Rad!
I am not a 'sporty type' by any stretch of the imagination but one of the things I love about Ice Hockey [and bike polo] is the fluidity of the hole game. Sledge Hockey manages to improve on that, it's all about sweeping arcs, tight circles and constant motion. Check it out if you get the chance.

The Lake

2010-03-16T23:30:00.003+10:30

I headed up to Lake Gairdner with the old boy again last week, this year we merely played spectators due to his streamliner being mid-modification again. While I missed being "part of the action", I still thoroughly enjoyed the short time I spent on and around the salt. There is never a shortage of things to see or people to talk to, this is the beauty of the salt: the never ending demonstrations of good ol' ingenuity and the builder is right there, usually willing to have a chat and talk you through their pride and joy.
If you are even slightly interested in cars, bikes, speed or just the apparent absurdity of going as fast as possible in whatever you have handy, and you have the time to head out there, even if only for a day (as was my case this year: 14 hours travel for 25hours up there) I can't recommend it highly enough!

You can see more of my photos, some accompanied by a little information, in my Flickr set here

Update: User.One's comment reminded me that I'd been remiss in including the DLRA link for further information and results.

Take a Seat

2010-03-15T23:56:00.003+10:30

I finally got a moment to watch Take A Seat after I'd been recommended it by a few different people. The documentary follows Dom's cycling journey from the top of Alaska to the lowest tip of Argentina. The trip in itself is worthy of sharing but it is the mode of travel that really makes it exceptional: he travelled solo on a tandem and picked up random strangers along the way!
It's a fantastic and inspiring journey for cyclists and travellers alike, and is currently available to view on ABC iView, but only for one more day, after that I highly recommend seeking out a way of viewing this film.

Such Nice Young Men

2010-03-13T20:34:00.000+10:30

Giving hot rodders a good name back in the day when they were considered degenerates and hoodlums [the good ol' days?].
Just when you think you've seen it all, you see something like this: note the filled windows on the '33 ['34?]. That's a new one to me.

via Speed Seekers

Hubless BMX

2010-03-13T18:48:00.004+10:30

I needed to post something to get that damn monster truck .gif away from the top of the screen, so I randomly scrolled through the stupid number of tabs* I have open and landed on this:

This is the first time I have seen a hubless concept and not been completely aghast at the stupidity of the whole idea.
Note that I said 'completely, but at least this pretty picture shows the frame and fork connecting to the rim at the ground, rather than the top as most do. This addresses the loss of strength of a spokeless wheel by providing support at the point of impact. Most of these types of design seem to forget that the spokes do more than merely connecting the rim to the axle, they provide a generous portion of the wheel's strength.

Zigzain via Arkitip

*flosculation was intended to alleviate this issue but it seems I have more to say than I thought....

Monster Trucks...

2010-03-13T16:03:00.002+10:30

...are dumb and pointless*:

...but I'm impressed!

via fuck cunts

*just like drag racing, street luge, beer and ludicrously expensive limited edition furniture, but I love them all too.

Rube Goldberg

2010-03-12T00:46:00.002+10:30

Who doesn't love a ridiculously over-complicated mechanism?!
Check out all the smashed TVs in the background, looks like fun!

Thanks for the heads-up Steve.

Slacker

2010-03-08T17:50:00.004+10:30

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It has been brought to my attention that it has been well over a week between posts, the reasons for this are numerous, the main ones being that I've been busy with work and life in general, the other is that my internet connection dropped out nearly a week ago. Back now, but no less busy.
I'm just about to head off on the bike again and go criss-crossing the city for various engagements, hopefully dodging the rain, and then I'm heading up to the salt before dawn [photos upon my return, I promise]. Therefore I have no time right now for a properly researched, written and formatted post so I'll just leave you with these pretty ladies for now.
Regular service will resume shortly.

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My Book is Loaded

2010-02-24T11:59:00.003+10:30

I have an old illustrated children's bible that I had intended to sell, until I realised I would be directly helping to spread and promote religion. This is something I couldn't abide by, especially when directed to children, so I didn't sell it. I couldn't just throw it out though, it needs to be used in some way so I started hatching ideas.
My favourite one was to cut the shape of a gun out of the pages to create a gun shaped void, then use the cut out material to form a model gun, ie exactly what James Hopkins has done here. Dammit!
Original ideas are few and far between so I'm just glad I found this before doing it myself. On to plan B.

via 72dpi

Yep, I'm OK

2010-02-23T14:16:00.005+10:30

It always seems to be the cautious ones who cause me trouble.
Following along behind, trying to figure out why they're driving so slowly, there are no hazards right now, other than them and I. Are they about to pull in? Are they waiting for me to pass? All the while my patience is growing thinner.
This is the city, domain of hurried taxis, white van men, and oblivious shoppers. This is no place for a country drive. One must be assertive, anticipate the next move, make your own space. This is a land where caution and courtesy cause confusion.
They've had their space, it's time to make a move. They'll go around the waiting van and I'll go around them. Plenty of time, more than enough space, no traffic coming the other way.
Their overdeveloped sense of caution kicks in again, and bites me in the ass.
The country driver stops for the van who has already stopped for them.
I don't stop or turn fast enough.
It's one of those slow motion moments that we dread but relish when they occur. Savouring every surprisingly clear and lucid thought as it passes. Am I sure there was no traffic coming, better get up and out of the way. I'm already unclipped, that's surprising but convenient. That was a familiar movement, oh yeah, polo crashes, roll with it. My fault. All before fully hitting the ground.
Jump up and straighten out myself and the bike.
Yep, I'm OK.

No Bobbers

2010-02-22T13:50:00.002+10:30

No Bobbers, originally uploaded by Two Halves.

This has to be the most stylised "No motorcycle" sign I've come across

Pop Art

2010-02-20T19:38:00.003+10:30

A little bit of bike-nerd humour and appreciation.

The thought and investment put into a relatively low volume part such as this pipe is incredible. The contrast of the high technology and cost of the hydro-formed tubing, and the presumably hand welded tip are the kind of details that have earned Yoshimura the respect of road riders and racers alike for over 50 years.
Photo and title found on Performance Bikes Magazine forum

Ashcan

2010-02-19T09:50:00.003+10:30

My mate Fresh has finally posted some images of his first release for his new label Ashcan.
Get in quick for this first run as a good number of the batch are already being proudly donned by some local cats.

For a few more shots of JLN looking all pensive and moody click here.

Big Wheel

2010-02-18T13:29:00.002+10:30

I've seen some wild and wacky pursuit bikes of late, but this one takes the cake! [for the moment]
via Bikes, bikes & bikes!

Random Image #44: Shuttle Silhouette

2010-02-18T09:25:00.002+10:30

Monoscope

Flosculation

2010-02-16T11:55:00.004+10:30

I've been called an image hoarder and I think it's quite fitting, I keep finding interesting images or subject matter and like to share them, as I had been doing on Flailings. The issues with this practice are two-fold: first I never intended for Flailings to be a purely visual journal, I prefer to have something to say about the topics I post on here and that is not always necessary. The second part is that posting images on here takes time as I like to credit the content wherever possible.
It's likely that there will be less Random Images up here in the future, not because I'll stop finding them in the depths of the internet and wanting to share them with you all, but because I have a new dumping ground for them.
This has been the reasoning behind my creation of Flosculation*. I hope this will allow me to keep me browser cleaner as it uses the tumblr system which is much quicker to post credited images, and I have no desire for it to be anything other than an image depository, therefore it should be a quicker process all-round.
There is bound to be crossover and double ups, but if you dig the images I've been posting on here as randoms then Flosculation could be another worth bookmarking.

*I am aware that flosculation refers to ornamentation of language, not image, but I liked the word so I found a place to use it!

Flouro Repeats

2010-02-11T16:53:00.003+10:30

I was leafing through my copy of Richard's Ultimate Bicycle Book before listing it on ebay (I couldn't bring myself to do it, yet), when I came across an image featuring a 1990 Klien Attitude. Immediately it seemed familiar, other than just from the book, that's when I remembered the 2009 Giant Bowery Mashup.

Incidentally I saw one of these for sale in an auto parts/bike shop in a small coastal town recently, seems like a good indication of the continued spread of single speed popularity.

I Love You But...

2010-02-11T14:09:00.004+10:30

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☝ Best band name I've come across since ☟

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Muslauf Chopper

2010-02-11T12:28:00.003+10:30

Muslauf is always a source of interesting builds and this new chopper is no exception.
While I'm not exactly a chopper/cruiser bicycle kind of guy, the clean lines of this are impossible to deny. In some ways it looks like a chopper built by a track bike builder: just the basics, nothing extraneous, great proportions and simple lines.
Just the thing for.....? That's where I come unstuck and why they puzzle me slightly, where and when would it get used? I suppose it is the pedal powered equivalent of it's inspiration: the bar hopper.
Whatever, I still want one!

Random Image #43: IdeologySoup

2010-02-10T15:01:00.002+10:30

IdeologySoup, originally uploaded by dutchdingo.

Found in Cuba my my mate the Dutchdingo.

Concepts at Prototyp

2010-02-10T13:06:00.004+10:30

Best concept name ever: 'all our dreams are made of chrome' 100 cc vehicle record, angerer 2008

The stunning cycle above is part of and upcoming exhibition called 'Proben' (which translates 'sample' or 'concept'). There are 19 full scale, mostly functioning prototypes built between 1981 and 2009 by students at hochschule für bildende künste hamburg.

If anyone is around Hamburg, Germany around the end of February, start of March, be sure to get to Prototyp Museum to see 'Proben'. While you're there the other exhibitions at Prototyp would be worth a gander too, in fact the whole space looks quite interesting going by their site: Prototyp-Hamburg

'hydro' mountain bike with hydraulic power transmission by angerer, holtkamp, wallusch, 2004

'hydrofoil' motorized hydrofoil by angerer, 2005

via Designboom

The Power of Design (in sales terms at least)

2010-02-10T12:48:00.003+10:30

"...when Alex Steinweiss designed an early album sleeve for Beethoven's Eroica symphony, the package caused sales to increase 800 percent. So design is nothing to sneeze at"
-David Byrne, Bicycle Diaries.

All The Single Ladies

2010-02-09T13:46:00.000+10:30

5 Dangerous Things For Kids

2010-02-09T11:36:00.002+10:30

Here's a bit of a left field one. This is a video I saw long ago and recall watching it and mentally ticking the box corresponding to each 'dangerous' activity he suggested.

I'm so glad I grew up in a time when we could go down to the park without much worry about going missing, play in the dirt and not need to be sanitised, or experiment with fire without the concern about being a pyromaniac. The thing is that nothing has really changed other then media sensationalism, and hence attitudes, laws and insurance liabilities.

Kids should be kids. Child rearing is not a challenge I intend to face any time in the foreseeable future, but when I do I can pretty much guarantee they will climb trees, get dirty and hurt themselves. That's how I learnt and I wouldn't think of depriving them of that privilege.

'76 French GP

2010-02-09T11:26:00.002+10:30

So much to take in and love in this shot: her hair, the Michelin Man logo, his helmet etc
Ze Last Chance Garage

Random Image #42: GNRS Colours

2010-02-09T11:16:00.002+10:30

Jae Bueno

Melburn Roobaix

2010-02-08T13:08:00.005+10:30

Keen as mustard for this, so I eagerly await further announcements and hope the dates will fit among the salt, Bowerbird Bazaar, etc.

Fyomatosis

Random Image #41: Seeing Double

2010-02-08T13:05:00.000+10:30

via Tattoos and Cupcakes

From The Archives

2010-02-08T10:21:00.002+10:30

From my pre-source-recording days

Head Tube?

2010-02-08T02:01:00.003+10:30

Can anyone suggest what may be the reason behind the head tube design on this otherwise stunning looking treadly?
Bikes Move Us

Californian Vans

2010-02-07T12:47:00.003+10:30

I've long been a fan of vans, especially those from the '70s heyday. Joe Stevens evidently is too and he is on a mission to document as many of these as he can:
"Over the course of the project the vans themselves have become more and more of a rarity. The reasons are as simple as rust and changing tastes; and as complex as government “cash for clunkers” initiatives encouraging more fuel-efficient transportation. Notably, at the same time these vans have been disappearing from our roads – film photography as a visual medium has also begun it’s slow death. Consequently the goal of the project is to one day shoot the last remaining van on the final frame of photographic film in existence. Then the project will be finished."

I've been dreaming of another American road trip for sometime now and I think I'll have to track down one like this when I do get over there. Room in the back for a mattress along with a bike, and a good lining of shag (for warmth you know).

Via Telstar Logistics

A Rare Glimpse of Me

2010-02-07T12:25:00.004+10:30

My mate Christiana Griffith wanted to take some black and whites recently, and for reasons unknown I agreed to be the subject of her lens. It's rare that I'll put my likeness on here, but I think she did a great job of capturing my reluctant cooperation.

Be sure to check out her other photography of more interesting subject matter.

Beer Names

2010-02-07T12:02:00.005+10:30

image

I was just reading an interview over on Bike Jerks and the Q/A that stood out most was this:
"BR: Do you also have an opinion for best post winter-biking beer?
MS: Anything made by Milwaukee’s own Jacob Sutrick down at Stonefly Brewery on Center St. in Riverwest. Preferably SIMON BAGLEY Stout. Again, Edmund Fitzgerald is hard to beat. Arrogant Bastard, Dragon’s Milk, Old Engine Oil, and New Glarus Black Wheat are ridiculously good too."

Such great beer names!

image

Artificial Owl

2010-02-07T11:17:00.006+10:30

Artificial Owl is a great site documenting abandoned man-made artefacts around the world, the articles are full of eerie spaces that have done their time and served their time, and are now left to crumble and return to the Earth. It's easy to imagine the grandeur that many of the documented sites commanded in their prime, yet also worryingly ease to imagine the chain of events that saw them relegated to their demise. Changing tastes, new technologies or simply mechanical failure saw these objects and locations placed in the 'too hard basket' and left to rot, thankfully sites like this are around to document the fascinating turn of events.

Random Image #40: Shovel Shame

2010-02-05T10:16:00.002+10:30

This shot from The Shame Of It All seems to follow on well from the previous colour focused post

Colours Berlin

2010-02-05T10:07:00.004+10:30

I've seen a few images from this set by Matthias Heiderich floating around on various blogs, but the full set is well worth spending a few minutes gazing over. This is the type of photography I find most interesting, focussing on the shapes and colours found in the build terrain around us each day.

Thanks for the tip JLN