Tribute to a fellow Cyclist

The SaddleDrunk community are deeply saddened by the news of losing Akis Kollaros, London Dynamo this week. Our most sincere condolences to his family, friends.

Some of you might have raced with him or chat with him.

Here attached an article from the Standard.

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/music-producer-killed-in-tipper-truck-collision-had-recovered-from-surgery-after-racetrack-crash-10022294.html

Please be extra vigilant on the road,never go in the inside on a bus or truck.Remember the blind spots.

SD.

SaddleDrunk lands in South Africa

Finally SD lands in Africa,in the most southern point of it.In the beautiful town of Cape Town,South Africa.

This,it has happened due to a friend of SD, Mr Craig Symons. Craig, rode for Bianchi Lotto Arbitrage in Europe,before relocating to Australia where he is at this current moment. One of his friends & cyclist companion was looking for a team.Something different than the usual.Therefore Nathan Baadjies,at the young age of 18 joins the SaddleDrunk Team.

Nathan,will be racing in South Africa with our colours and it will also be acting as Brand Ambassador expanding our brand in South Africa.

Nathan, has won a copious number of races at his young age,this is a short history of his victories.

Some of his podium finishes are as follows:

• second @ a lights by linear Criterium;
• third @ Killarney race night series;
• third in a timetrail @ cycling SA youth event;
• Team Western Provence came second on the rode race and third overall on the GC;
• Track Racing Team sprint Fourth
• Won all my PPA 18 races.

Nathan turned semi-pro not long ago with a team in SA,but he was not fitting in with team politics.Therefore he decided to leave the team and start racing individually to start building up more confidence and to make a bigger step into Europe.

SaddleDrunk Team & Community will help Nathan in achieving his goal.

If you like to know about Nathan,please email us for more info.

Have a good night from us.

SD.

Riding at weekends.

Are you keeping your New Years resolutions up?

Maybe yes or maybe not,if you are still sitting in the couch, waiting for the fair weather to come out?

Some of you maybe start cycling for the first time now, or returning to cycling after a long time to achieve personal goals.There are some challenges to face to reach those goals. Peer pressure caused by other cyclists, myths,rumours,legends makes cycling interesting but also detrimental for a newcomer.

Nearly the impossible is rideable.

In the south west London area, there is the famous Richmond Park,used for the Olympic races during London 2012 and also other well known events. The park,it is just a blast to the wild while still in the middle of the city. Rudolph the Reindeer & the rest of his mates might escort you during the race,but also might endanger your ride.Therefore, I always advise riders to be vigilant.

Enjoy the sceneries.

The most unwanted danger for newcomers in Richmond Park are other fellow cyclists trying to beat their friends or achieve virtual badge with Strava. Correct, if you ask me about Strava, my answer  is simple "I don't like it, & if not used properly can destroy the sport of cycling". At the weekend, unfortunately there are millions of cyclists out on the roads, some will be virtual racing (Strava, or any others apps) or racing friends while jeopardizing other road users.

Fighting cyclists.

A fellow cyclist few days ago told me about cyclists barging other cyclists in Richmond Park.I could not believe my ears. Another source informed me of the same. To avoid accidents in the near future to inexperienced riders and not I advise you to report those behaviours to the park people or the police always present around the park.

Please,remind those "Lance Armstrong Wannabes" that Richmond Park is a park and not a velodrome or a race course. Advise them to check online for some races where they can expel and exert theirs ego.

Please be safe,be yourself & if you see James,say hello to him from us.

Take care.

SD Team.

Easy reading for a sunny coffee..

The first week of January has gone.

During celebrations chats with friends and family loads of ideas,resolutions has been said,over said 1000 times. This is amazing.But have you actually started.

I hope so.If not just start now,it is never too late and make sure you keep rolling.My motto is "just keep rolling".One day you will stop forever,and there will be no going back. Just do it, small or big workouts,exercises, rides does not matter. Be constant,do not feel peer pressured by others.Be you.Let's yourself set the targets,don't follow others.I am not teaching you rocket science,but those are basics, that sometimes we forget.

During this time of the year sales for memberships in gyms,clubs,teams,classes rises above the sky. Again on this, think twice.Make your money going further.Think about the nice weather,the cold weather,all the factors that can happen during 365 days. Remember #outsideisfree , be #SaddleDrunk, intoxicated with the freedom of cycling.

If you are lucky enough to be selected you might join the Rapha Cycling Club, for £ 200 a year to get you a coffee and a cap.Not bad deal.

If you join our club for only £ 36 a year you get more than a coffee.Join our rides,free gifts and more.For more info email us at store@saddledrunk.com .

We,at SaddleDrunk are taking booking for a long weekend of cycling in the Italian Apennines,in the area of Marco Pantani's training land to take part in a Granfondo and degustate some of the local delicacies. The date for it is 26 of April 2015.

We are also planning another ride to Paris for the summer period open to everyone willing to take up this challenge.

For more info about the little trips feel free to get in touch.

Look out for more info for the Racing team.

Be safe in the road.

Have a good weekend.

SD Team.

AAA...Desperately seeking models for the new 2015 season collection.

Desperately seeking male & female models to photo shoot the 2015 collection.

Please send email to store@saddledrunk.com  .

The applicant has to be a cyclist or have the physique of a cyclist.Live in London or Surrounding areas.If you travelling to London,could be feasible. Shaved or not shaved legs makes no difference.Beard or not beard, not a requirement.

Bikes provided for shooting.

See you soon,thanks again for applying...

SD Team