Good-bye July!

With exception of a few rainy days that gave July a good pummelling, its been an otherwise popular Winter for cycling in Australia. We hear a few of you want this year to be over. Well, we're officially past half way.

We've been celebrating new faces on our shop rides, and we're happy to announce news for anyone wanting to start road riding but not sure how ... more on that soon.

First up -

RACING TIME ... in Italy

Even if you're not a hard core follower, its been difficult losing international cycling to Covid-19 ... Let's say that's why we're truly fired up for this Weekend.

Like us, you probably shunted your 2020 holiday. But prepare to mentally bake in the glory of stunning white Tuscan dirt roads - albeit, from your sofa watching the Strade Bianche kicking off on August 1. Women first.

For Strade Bianche updates and reviews go to steephill.tv For coverage in Australia, we've heard a recommendation for ExpressVPN

Last years winner, Annemiek van Vleuten (Mitchelton-Scott) will be one to watch! We hold a soft spot for our Velocio contact Tayler Wiles (Trek-Segafredo) who always offers a challenge with a tough approach to leading the bunch. There's also one of Ali's favourites, Coryn Rivera (Sunweb) whose name is notably quiet in the mass media but deserves mention with her aggressive sprinting backed with plenty of wins.

The men depart afterward ... You'll continue soaking in picturesque regions of Tuscany with a load of gravel to get the heart rate pumping.

If you read all the posts, anyone can win this race, its near pointless to predict but nevertheless fun.

According to our resident Ride Captain Ben,

"The one's to watch in both Men's and Women's race are the Van's. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) and Annemiek van Vleuten. Annemeik is unbeaten in the rainbow stripes, and Mathieu is a freak with some strong contenders/past podium getters to work against - Kwaitkowski, Sagan, Van Aert, Fuglslang, Benoot and Gilbert. If any one of those riders get in a break everyone else will be racing for second. But, if a few of them get away in a bunch ... it'll be amazing racing."

 KASK supported Rides ... Next Month from Chainsmith

You're about to get busy with a series of Chainsmith rides supported by KASK in the month of September. Rides will be posted on our Strava club soon. Due a new helmet? We have a range in store with more headed our way.

Numbers on these rides will be limited to retain socially responsible distancing. And - for the gravel inspired - we'll be including a quick Sydney getaway. More news soon.

New Course for potential Road Riders starting from August 29, 2020

Its Official. We've another course set for Saturday August 29. If you've a friend needing an introduction to bunch riding and confidence to get out of the park, this is a perfect way to learn. Comprised of 3 consecutive Saturdays, the course is designed to compress about 6 - 12 months of learning within 3 short lessons. This may be the last complementary course held ... so don't hesitate to share this news, or email us. 

Especially exciting is that Australian ex-pro, and original founder of Velocio Apparel Kristy Scrymgeour is teaming up with Ali to assist. Held in Centennial Park, this course is for anybody with a road bike and cleats. Having trouble with cleats? Email us - we have some information headed your way.

Last but not least

Lastly, we'd love you guys and girls to join us for some banter on anything cycling.

We started and will continue through August our 6pm Friday insta live feed - where Ali checks out some products each week from the store. Its a quick check in, so if there's a stone we left unturned do let us know.

Feel free to follow us and comment on instagram and facebook, or our Chainsmith strava club.