The Cycle of Style Needs Your Help!

Sorry for the lack of updates in the past couple of weeks, I've been busy with the holidays and all.

The Cycle of Style has highlighted tips on how to steeze out your bike and clothing articles, but fashion trends don't change radically enough in a short period of time. Personally, I feel that I covered most of the topics I wanted to when I was inspired to start this blog, but if you have any ideas at all, please forward them to me; I'm all ears. If not, this blog will remain here untouched for your style-related reference. If I get an awesome idea to blog about in the near future, I will start posting again for your reading pleasure.

Ciao for now, and keep on stylin'!

Faux Pas Friday: Bib Straps, Again

Why is it that people have such a hard time wearing bib shorts correctly?

On The Whistle...

Rolling up to the start line, know that there are many photographers taking pictures. You want to look cool, calm, and collected, right? But how do you do that? It's not as simple as putting on a poker face or looking mean, it has to do with your body language too. Compare these two pictures and tell me the difference:

In the top picture, the riders have their arms on the tops of their handlebars, look relaxed while cracking a joke with each other. In the bottom picture, these riders look nervous, tense, with their hands already grabbing the brakes; obviously before the start of a Cat 5 crit (also note the poor choice of sunglasses, crooked helmets, etc.). The riders in the top picture certainly look more ready to win a race. Remember these things at your next race.

Faux Pas Friday: Dirty Jersey-less

Riding bibs only and jersey-less is a faux pas, but this guy gets kudos for going jersey-less in the SSCXWC '11 in San Francisco.

Eurobeats and The Art of Descending

Eurobeats
Ever wondered what songs your favorite pros are pumping in their earphones when they are warming up for a time trial or a 'cross race on the trainer? You can bet they are listening to some good Eurobeats, more commonly known as trance or progressive house.

J-Pow rocking out.

Recommended beats: Clinton Sparks and VeloBeats.

The Art of Descending
So you think climbing is hard? Wait 'til you come down. It is intimidating to come down a hill on a pair of tires that are no more than an inch wide, but once you get the hang of it, descending is one of the most enjoyable parts of riding. Here are some good (and stylish) positions to get into while descending (especially for photo opportunities):

Low in the front, high in the back, and hands on the tops to decrease frontal area.

Essentially the same as above, but sitting on the top tube to put more weight in the front and close the chest area even more.

Long and low and in the drops whilst turning.

These are precarious positions to be in and only do it if you're comfortable! Style is important but safety always comes first.

Faux Pas Friday: Double FPF

Sorry about the unannounced 2-week hiatus, I've been busy with school and cycling obligations. To make up for it, there will be two FPFs for the today, all for the price of one! BUT WAIT, there's more! There will be two style tips next Friday. It's like Christmas but on Thanksgiving.

That right there, is a broken broomstick used as a pair of handlebars. Fixie kids these days.

This ecstatic-looking dame here is wearing a jersey with her bib shorts, but the bib straps are over the jersey; faux pas to the max.

It's Just A Flesh Wound

No one likes crashing, but unfortunately that's part of the sport we love so dearly. Nothing screams badass more than rejoining the race with a battered kit and a bit of road rash, provided that you aren't suffering from any broken bones or head injuries. If it's the latter case, it's safer to get medical attention, recover, and come back to fight another day. (Warning: some blood in the pictures)

Jolien D'Hoore.

Ted King, ouch.

Angelo Furlan.

Big Jens.

I realize this post does not include any style tips, but to celebrate the tough men and women out who inspire us with their courage, perseverance, and determination. If you have more, post them in comment section, but please not too much blood or gore!

Be safe out there!