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Posted by on Aug 11, 2016 in training | 0 comments

Cycling is fun (again)!

Cycling is fun (again)!

For a while, cycling hadn’t been that much fun. After the accident it took several months to get back on the bike and with a lot of the power gone, it felt like I had to start from scratch. Training wasn’t much fun and neither were core workouts due to pain in my neck, arms and collar bone, that just didn’t seem to go away. I wanted to be back at the level I was before the crash, but progress wasn’t going fast enough and neither was I (so I thought). I was extremely focused on riding fast, but I forgot all about the most important thing: cycling should be fun! Riding in the sun, enjoying the scenery and spending time with friends. So Marco and Hannah came to Sicily at the right time! Every year they visit the island and every time we try and squeeze in a few rides. At the same time I started riding with Cai Mano, a strong rider from Partinico, and I noticed...

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Posted by on Feb 7, 2016 in miscellaneous | 0 comments

Where are the hills?

Where are the hills?

So this winter I decided to test my new Ridley Fenix SL winter bike in a country where it could actually get cold in the winter, so I’m doing some cycling in The Netherlands. To help me acclimatize, the weather gods decided it was best to let me cycle in the warmest winter in history… #notcomplaining. So here are my first thoughts: 1. Where are the hills? 2. I thought I knew what a strong wind was, then I started cycling in Holland 3. My Fenix SL is a spectacular bike, really happy with my choice! 4. The Selle San Marco saddle is a much comfier saddle than the Cirrus pro saddle on my Helium SL 5. Where are the bloody hills? Here are some pics I took during the first few rides in The Netherlands: Cycling on dykes and passing a windmill, how Dutch do you want...

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Posted by on Feb 6, 2016 in bikes, gear and gadgets | 0 comments

A day at Ridley Bikes in Belgium

A day at Ridley Bikes in Belgium

Before saying farewell to my trusty Ridley Excalibur in November of last year, I already knew what my new winter bike would be. That is, I knew I wanted the Ridley Fenix SL frame and the same 4za handlebars I have on my Helium SL, but I was still figuring out with what parts to complete the new bike. I visited my friends at Eurobici in Partinico and chose the following items: Shimano Ultegra groupset Selle San Marco regale carbon saddle Ritchey stem and seatpost Speedplay titanium pedals Zipp bottle cages Cinelli cork ribbon And with the Fulcrum wheels that came with the Helium SL (which I never used after I bought the FF powertap wheelset) the bike would be complete. A few weeks later all parts had arrived, so all I needed was the frame and the handlebars… I contacted Ridley to see if I could visit the factory in Belgium and whether it was possible to have my bike assembled by one of their mechanics. After a...

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Posted by on Nov 4, 2015 in bikes, gear and gadgets | 0 comments

Farewell Excalibur!

Farewell Excalibur!

Even though I started cycling on a MTB and the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed it, I always wanted to try a road bike since I watched the epic mountain stages of the TDF and I fell in love with the sport. By accident – even though my gf finds this hard to believe… – I came across a small bike shop in the town of Partinico. Even though the square footage wasn’t impressive, the choice of bikes, bike clothes and accessories was. I was approached by Giuseppe, who ran the store and who asked me whether he could be of service. I told him I was just wanted to take a look at their road bikes and maybe get some advice on which type of bike would suit me. Giuseppe showed me around and we talked for over an hour about cycling, bikes and possibilities. We came to the conclusion that the Ridley bikes Excalibur would be an excellent bike to start. I thanked him for his time...

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Posted by on Oct 20, 2014 in cycling and bike pics | 0 comments

October 2014: cycling in sunny Sicily!

October 2014: cycling in sunny Sicily!

Like in October last year, we still have great cycling weather in sunny Sicily: in the last few days the temperatures hovered between 28° and 30°C! So no winter bike or ls jerseys for me, but summer kit and Polar Bottles with cold water and SIS hydro/electrolyte. Here are some pics I took on a bike ride to Balata di Baida, a small town near Scopello and Castellammare del Golfo: The weather forecast looks very promising, so if you’re tired of cold and nasty weather, why not come to Sicily for a few days of cycling in the sun! Arrivederci in Sicilia 😀 Don PS Not able to come to Sicily? Check out these Sicily...

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