November arrived and once again, I spirited myself off to the
midlands. I’ve always been wary of gentrification since intentionally, or
otherwise, it can equate to socio-economic cleansing, changing
communities forever.
Coventry has experienced decline harder than most-evident in
children’s faces. Once hub of the transport industry and home to many household
names, you can almost hear the Special’s seminal “Ghost town” playing a soft
accompaniment as you pass the former car plants, derelict pubs and empty shops.
Far from being disparaging, I am very fond of the city and its rich, colourful
history.
On this occasion, we found ourselves in Fargo village, a creative
space hosting galleries, studios and independent retailers. Parallels with
London’s Spitalfields’ and Brick Lane districts are perhaps inevitable but it’s
not trying to emulate my once beloved East-End and I found plenty of
photographic inspiration.
Winter is literally around the next bend, although temperatures have
been decidedly mild until now. Traditionally harsh, it remains richly rewarding
so long as rider and machine(s) are appropriately dressed.
Clothing needs to keep us dry, yet temperate and while reliability
presides, bikes must be suitably inspiring to entice us outside. Indeed some
pundits are prophesising harsh weather front originating in Russia will hit the
UK around New Year, causing temperatures to plummet to record lows. Looks like
spiked tyres will make reappear on the Univega afterall!
On a brighter note, we’re delighted to announce the arrival of
“Seven Day Cyclist”-a new consumer focused magazine with a slightly different
perspective. The first issue is available on pocketmags for less than your
typical Latte’ and features a thorough road test of this Foffa Urban, these
Axiom racks and a fair bit of grass roots touring too.
