Excited about big balls

While this is a bit late off the press to be considered news, it is not too late to make fun of. Below is footage of Danny Hart's winning downhill run at this year's World Championships held in Champery, Switzerland.

Hart was still a fortnight shy of his twentieth birthday when he pulled off this surprising victory. Unfortunately, there's not a thing I can say to diminish the impressiveness of the Brit's ride, which, as an Australian, I have a natural inclination to do.

This may or may not be a photo of the commentators. No, I don't know why one
of them is wearing a USA skinsuit either. (Courtesy of Getty Images, apparently)

Fortunately though, the British commentary is good for a laugh. They're very excited. I guess I would be too if I were British. You know, not winning much and stuff...

Interview with a cyclo driver

Known here in Cambodia as cyclos (pronounced see-clo), these human-pedalled taxis with room for one (or three if you're Khmer) aren't nearly as ubiquitous as they once were in Phnom Penh. These days the tuk-tuk, which is faster and can carry more, is increasingly the transport of choice for those wanting to carry a largish load. 

That said, there are still plenty around if you want to pretend you're Tintin or Snowy or Le Van Loc.

How bikes can save us

I'm not entirely certain where this comes from. Nonetheless, it's an interesting infographic (apparently that's what they're called these days) about how bikes can save you money. I guess statistics should always be taken with a grain of salt but I think the truth of what's below cannot be doubted - bikes will make you healthier and save you money. Word.

Christmas idea #3 - Transformer Bike

OK, only 12 days out. And while you may well already be sorted for Xmas thanks to me (Christmas Idea #1 and Christmas Idea #2), it's possible you're still looking.

If that's the case, I bring you this idea, which I should add is useless (the idea that is, not the product), as I don't think you can buy it anywhere.

No, this product is anything but useless. Just think, you're riding along and want to pick an apple from a tree. Previously, this would having been impossible with all but the lowest lying branches. Not any more.

Or you want to intimidate a bad driver? Before now, you're best bet would have been to gesticulate wildly and scream in pseudo-Italian. Now, you can increase your size like a frill-necked lizard and scare the crap out bad driver.

Or you want to clothesline yourself. Impossible on a bicycle no longer.

I could go on but I think I've made it pretty clear what this bike has offer. So, without further ado, I present Transformer Bike. Guy that made this, you're a legend.

Can I go riding?

Another Xtranormal film, similar to Cycling Explained. This one's a gem too...

You can take your zone and shove it!

19km to go. Comfortable?

"Living in the twilight zone"

"Zoned out"

These are two headlines from one article in The Age today. I guess they were so happy with their puns that they just had to use them both. Fair enough. But why stop there? Why not "Out of my comfort zone" or "Zoning out, man"?

And why restrict themselves to "zone"? We're talking trains here after all. The subject "train" has to be to punsters what Schoolies is to someone wanting to get laid. Unfortunately I'm not a punster but that won't stop me having a go; "Unres-train-ed ticket prices" or "Off the rails" or "What's the loco-motive?" or "Losing track". Shit man, it's a meat-market of puns.

Cycling Explained

All your questions answered...

"Always read the comments"

There's an old saying that says "Never read the comments". It refers to the comments that often appear at the end of online newspaper articles. These observations are made by anyone who feels like it. While of course a generalisation, these comments are normally poorly written, ill-considered and littered with misplaced apostrophe's.

Despite all this, I disagree with the old saying. I say read the comments. They're hilarious. There's been quite a lot of talk in the papers recently about the new cycle path that just opened on Swanston St. I've read the hundred or so comments that appeared in The Age article and chosen the best few, in blue, to share with you here today. I've taken the liberty of making my own comments underneath.

Some may argue that I've taken some cheap shots here. I probably have.

Love,

The Weekly Cycle
Making fun of people since February.