Easy publishing (well easier now than it ever has been) and the interwebby have opened up whole new avenues to self publish and get stuff out there. Certainly we have a large collection of ‘indy printing’ that would never have been possible (to the quality it is) without the interwebby and desktop publishing.

So a few weeks ago when we stumbled on a publication called ‘The Ride’, we looked up the website and ordered ourselves a copy. Mighty glad we did. Square bound, recycled paper and soy based ink, ‘The Ride’ is 146 pages of inspirational stories from people on bikes from all walks of life around the world. Great stuff, brilliant even and reading it just makes you feel good and want to get on the bike and ride.

[check it and then order it, you won't regret it]

Things we’ve spotted on this fine Thursday, before we head off for a week’s break. As we say, this blog is all about posting things we find that we find inspirational, interesting, or just plain amusing (as well as a place to express opinions and thoughts), so we hope some of you out there find these things interesting… or vaguely amusing!

Over at Hell For Leather, we spotted this Norton concept by David Mucci. Based on a 500cc single, the design harks back to old skool cafe racers. We’re liking it.

Then we spotted this ‘break down and pack in a bag’ bike by ‘Freeman‘ (and [here]). Another single speed but the break down aspect coupled together with the total coverage matte olive green paint is an interesting touch. All a little retro, yet cool at the same time.

[via]

Finally, we came on this, for the second time. A bike for the Geezer in you… or is that the Gov’nor?

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Just spotted.  Designed and produced by German Industrial Design house ‘neongrau.id’, the Veloheld is a super paired down urban single speed. Sweet to look at, sweet to own we are sure - even if you are not into single speed.

While there are more cool SS bikes going around than one can poke a stick at, we somehow think that in some ways they are becoming collectible, like say….. collectible things. The rarer the cooler maybe?

100 to be made this year.

[neongrau.id]

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“ARTCRANK is a poster party for bike people. A showcase of bicycle-inspired original artwork you can enjoy looking at and afford to take home.

This year’s show opens the night of Saturday, April 5 at One On One Bikes + Coffee + Stuff in Minneapolis. There’ll be new posters by 34 artists and designers….”

Nice!

[more]

The North American Handmade Bike Show has been helf for 2008 and as to be expected, there was more bike porn than a bike porn junkie would know what to do with.

If you are into bikes, or just into insane craftsmanship the NAHBS is the thing for you. The above is a detail of a frame made by Engin Cycles and sort of sums up what you will find at the show.

For a full rundown, pics and vids, check out the coverage over at mtbr.com. Worth the effort… if you are so inclined.

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