Well,well,well,my friends i'm off to London tonight.Looking forward to having a great time cycling,eating,shopping,and of course getting ready for the "Tweed Run"! Trafalgar Square,London Bridge,Kensington Palace,London Zoo, and the Kew Gardens,just a few of the places to check out when i'm here or if you're here.But you know me i'll be checking more of the non touristy spots.Oh for any one who's a member there will be a contest coming up pretty soon with a prize for the winner!So i'll talk to you guys real soon.Peace!

These guys are one of my favorite groups.....

The new Gorillaz video and single is really dope!And of course Mos Def is dope too!

I care for tea,hot cocoa,or coffee in this.....

That's right bicycle fans,especially my Seattle homies hangin out at Bauhaus for a sip.I think from now you should save the paper and bring your own mug like these.Jeff Guerrero makes these cool mugs,even actual dinnerware with vintage bike logos.Check him out,i like the mug with the penny farthing or the Campagnolo dinnerware set.Sickness!

The new velodrome in London

Right now in London they are constructing a a velodrome which will be ready for the 2012 Olympics.Located in the Olympic Park it will host the Olympic and Paralympic Track Cycling Events.With over 6,000 seats,this velodrome will also after the Olympics be used by professional cyclists as well as the local community.A cafe,cycling work facilities,a road cycle and mountain bike course will also be constructed making it a all in one Velodrome for all facets.I'll be sure to try to get to the construction site to get some pics.Man we need an indoor velodrome in Seattle for real!

for all the ladies who ride tough.......

I found these on spokepunchers.i figure the ladies might like these. These are pretty cool.

Dashing Tweeds

Here's a video with Dashing Tweeds showcasing their dapper bike wear.Who said you need a benz to wear a suit!

You might have to add these to the collection......

Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont have a bow tie that will definitely be in my collection.A cabernet color silk twill with gold bikes print will make any fellow cyclist a bit more dapper!Then there's the German tie company "Edsor" with their collabo with "Wood Wood" with their white/blue 100% Italian silk hand made in Germany tie with bikes all through it.Only available online or at the "Wood Wood" flagship stores in Copenhagen and Berlin. So if you think you are looking for a signature bow tie instead of Nordstrom, Macy's or whoever,get yourself one of these!

Just had to put this pic up........

It makes me wish mine were here...............

Meet Massan.........

Massan from MACAFRAMA on Vimeo.

this is a dope video!!

cool video plus i have a leader too!dam i miss my bike!

Massan for Leader Bike from Dan Arel on Vimeo.

another Tweed Run collabo....

They did it again.Now Tweed Run has done a collabo with Brooks Saddles and came up with a sweet saddle.With a herringbone tweed inspired pattern, and copper riveted gives it a bit of high class saddle you might find in Beverly Hills.Limited to only 20,The Brooks Swift Saddle goes for 250 pounds.Just goto "Tweed Run's" website and get the rest of the info.The saddle is sweet though!Here's a pic.

P.S. there is also in the works,Tweed Run suit and a couple other collabos.So stay tuned. PEACE!

Champagne Gallop

I forgot i recorded some music too.The title of this piece is "Champagne Gallop".http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1Wnlqh18Io

NATASHJA-A Danish reggae legend

The reggae scene here is blooming and blooming quite fast.With ska,dancehall,calypso,bands popping up everywhere as well as a few other veteran bands that have been around a while such as "Babylove".But the scene has erupted lately because of the late Danish rapper reggae singer/vocalist "Natasja".Born October 31st 1974, daughter of a Danish photographer(mother) and Sudanese father,started singing and djing at the age of thirteen in Copenhagen.She also performed alongside Queen Latifah and began gaining popularity in Jamaica.She originally wanted to become a professional jockey,but her career was cut short due to an accident falling off her horse.After that she kept pursuing her singing career and soon releasing three albums one which is in Danish and the island speaking language "patwa".On June 24th 2007,while in Spanish Town,Saint Catherine,Jamaica,her and a couple of her friends got into a car accident.They were rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.She was a huge influence in Denmark causing a positive stir and a booming reggae scene.Even though they are coming on three years since her death her name still lingers and hangs on walls,posters,voices and radio stations.Be sure to pickup her music,with clean delivery,positive lyrics,and a great production she will definitely missed.

Right downstairs......

It's midmorning and Benjamin is off to work already and Ditte decides that i must have a true Danish dish before i leave today.So we right downstairs below their apartment and step inside Cafe Gaylen.Chalkboard wall with their choices of beer,wood tables and chairs a small bar and a few locals chatting it up over a burger,coffee,salad or Smorrebrod which is a slice of buttred rye bread the Palaeg (which is put on top of the bread or say topping) with choices of cold cuts,pate,cheese,meats and spreads.My choice was marinated herring,marinated egg,capers,sliced red onions,sitting atop a piece of green lettuce.The marinade which consisted of vinegar,sugar and a couple other spices made the fish and sliced egg sweet,while the red onion gave it a nice tang.This was good and can't wait to try the others the next time i visit. Tak! (which means thank you in Danish) Ditte for bringing me here!

Last night in Copenhagen Pt. 1

Its my last night in Copenhagen before i head back to Germany and i decide to watch "Traphykls" (their music band) rehearse,and of course grab a abite to eat.But before i get into that,i have to say that my time here was great, even though it was a bit cold,i still had a great time!It was great to see my friends after 4 years and proud of them starting their band and where they're headed.Bikes everywhere,proper bike infrastructure here makes it possible for anyone who visits quite easy to get around.The architecture,the graf,the endless fruit and vegetable markets,bakeries,butcher shops,bike shops,antique shops,boutiques etc., all was great!Even though traditonal Danish food isn't eaten quite often here,there is a plethura of places to eat,be it a Danish dog,kebabs,pizza,chinese food,thai food,2 star to 4 star there is plenty here for your stomach.I can only imagine what it's like in the summertime here.I mean the streets are filled in the winter,and people are still doing what they have to do!So for sure i'll be back this summer for some fun times,and riding of course!So our way home the three of us decide on getting a couple Danish dogs.Raw onions,fried onions,ketchup,spicy mustard,pickles,mayo,the works!Now i don't eat too many dogs,but you can't leave Copenhagen without having a dog.And you know what on a late night ride home this did hit the spot!

Remember playing Dungeons and Dragons.....

I remember those days!The late nights at your friends place,the cards, the characters.Well my friend Benjamin loves to do live role play as well as playing" Warcraft".Not only does he play the game he also teaches kids how play,paint the figurines,and make the battlegrounds (see the pics).We were out one early afternoon and decide to head to his favorite place to shop,play and hangout.The shop is called "Faraos Cigarer".With three locations in Copenhagen,they have all your game playing needs,books,toys,figurines,paint,and a actual game playing room in the back.So if you are in the mood,or have a friend back home that plays,go here to pickup,or just to hang out.

Fresh.....

Ok for all you graf heads out there who plan to visit Copenhagen anytime on in the future make sure your first stop is Fresh Connection.This is the best shop in town for whatever you need.be it,paint,toys,books,pens,markers.etc.So make sure to by and check them out.

New Tweed run collabo products!

Well Teddy(organizer for the London Tweed Run) has done it again!Available this week are the tweed run silk scarf for about 45 pounds and the tweed run engraved 4 oz. pewter flask which has been polished for a nice shine for about 45 pounds.Both of these products will be available by the end of next week thru Tweed Run Also available are the tweed run Rapha collabo Merlino wool socks,with a new innovative argyle pattern are well made very comfortable and of course stylish for the gentleman in you.They also come with a pair of matching flashes to complete your dapper outfit!So guys if you want to look stylish no matter where you are going on your bike grab a pair of these!

The city is painted....

No matter where you go in this town graffitti is everywhere.Storefronts,old buildings,trains,vans,train station walls,anywhere a wall is graf is there.I didn't get around as much to get as many pics as i wanted but i will be back in the summer to hang with a crew or get on the bike and just spend a few days just taking photos.The skills here vary from old school to new styles.It seems there is no law or control of it here or maybe the government feels it's the last of their problems if you want to call it a problem!So below i have some pics of cool graf along the way while i was riding around.

The coolest bike shop in Copenhagen!!

I was riding around town one afternoon on my trusty 3 speed when i came upon a bike shop with a fur encrusted bike and actual bullhorns,i'm calling it "the wooly bike",and i had to go inside to see what they were about.You should've seen the inside of this place.The ultimate bike shop!The name of the shop is called "Sogreni".Ran by Soren, who's shop has been open for thirty years specializes in custom building bikes and accessories for the bike enthusiast.They also carry Brooks products such as,saddlebags,saddles,shoulder bags,straps,tool roll, trouser straps,etc.Now as for customizing they make their own fenders out of wood,brass,copper,and steel,custom made grips,leather mud flaps,bike bells in three different metals,bike helmets (custom leather or color and unique design)my favorite was the old german style helmet stitched in dark brown leather with the black goggles made a nice combo.Now his bikes on the other are a another story,simple clean lines,raw,clean welds,painted or not in 3 speed,fixed, even road bikes.He has one prototype that i want which is a cargo/street cart bike.A 3 speed with a small freezer as the side car which would be perfect if you want to start up a little business.A few more modifications and it will be ready for buyers in the near future.I passed by alot of shops all over town but by far this is definitely the coolest one.Of course i didn't have the dough to purchase one of his fine bikes but i did pick up a bell to support.We had a great conversation chatting about bikes,Danish history,music,food,travel etc.A really cool laid back guy with a passion and love of his craft,so whenever you are in town visiting you have to come to Sogreni first!

Music to my ears...

On an early afternoon Ben,Ditte,their friend Mrs. Bindweed (nickname) and I decide to goto a concert hall to see some free music.What was cool about the event besides it being free was also the various types of music being played in the different halls,classical,jazz,big,band,were some of the choices.We arrive and of course anything free means a line.Located behind Copenhagen University with modern style buildings surrounding the area as well as the metro rail running along the side.We stood in line for over an hour in the windy but chilly weather before we got in.The architecture was amazing in this part of town as well as this concert hall.It had four different rooms with at least a couple hundred people going from place to place.We arrive to the hall to see the symphony.You should have seen the hall,it was like going into a futuristic cave with burnt orange lights,wood,and shapes representing octagon,rectangle,oval,etc.The symphony arrives with the crowd clapping awaiting their play.Violins,clarinets,tuba,xylophone,flutes,and of course my favorite the harp were amongst the many instruments being played that evening.This was my first time seeing classical performed live and i was amazed,intrigued,and would love to go see more of it on my travels this year.After about an hour they do their final piece "Champagne Gallop" written by the Danish composer,with the crowd applauding "ENCORE!ENCORE!"I thank my friends for bringing me here,for i now have a new interest.

You have to see this!

It was early in the afternoon hanging in Copenhagen,and Benjamin and I are checking out music and videos.We were listening to some reggae music ,when he decides to show me a video on you tube.His name is Mykal Rose with the video Mr. Collie.Great video and funny!

Saturday lunch........

Yesterday was a nice afternoon.It was Ditte's aunt's birthday,who lives just a couple floors up from us,is having lunch at her place along with her daughter and boyfriend,Ditte's parents and her great aunt.Lunch was set for 1pm and everyone is bringing gifts.After her parents arrive,a few introductions and some gifts handed to Ditte,we head upstairs.The table was setup clean,simple,and elegant.With the first course already set on the table with our names placed on spoons at the head of each plate.But before we sit,we hand gifts as she opens them,with smiles and oooohhhs and ahhhhhhs.My present to her was the jerk sauce/marinade i made and she was quite pleased!After gifts are opened we sit at the table to begin lunch.First course;tuna mousse with Danish Black Caviar,and warm sliced baguette.The mousse was sooo unhealthy good! Sour cream,butter,olive oil,lemon,basil and cracked black pepper and of course tuna,was smooth topped with the caviar was nice.Next came dinner,which was pot roast,roasted root vegetables of carrots,beetroot,and celeriac,mixed green salad of diced avocado,grapefruit,asparagus,almonds,and parmesan,and a grape salad of red grapes,black olives,red onions and feta.That went well with good conversation and seconds.For dessert raspberry torte,sliced pineapple,and organic vanilla bean ice cream.All was good in my book,and of course good food good friends and good times!

A gathering of friends.......

Last night,Ben and Ditte had a get together of a few friends for dinner.Tonight everyone prepares a dish and eat them in courses paired with a wine or beer.First course was blanched asparagus with a shrimp,crab,apple,plain greek yogurt dip and bread paired with a Italian white wine called "Trebbano D Abruzzo"The asparagus were blanched perfectly paring well with the seafood dip.Next course we had the blanched asparagus spears with arugula (rocket) wrapped in smoked salmon,and sliced melon wrapped in prosciutto paired with the Italian red wine called "Terra Dei Celti 2004.Prepared perfectly and the melon was very sweet with the slightly salty prosciutto.Next we had jerk chicken drumsticks with fried plaintains paired with two ales,Jacobsen Brown Ale and a Jacobsen Saz Blonde Ale..The jerk chicken was spicy,sweet,and not overcooked.The fried plaintains were a nice snack to pair with the chicken and washing it down with the Saz blonde or Hyldeblomststag which is the white flower of the elderberry which brewed slowly with water and a bit of sugar,strained.Once done it becomes a golden apple juice color.It's quite strong (the ratio is 1 part hyldeblomststag 11 parts water).Once mixed it's a light light yellow color.This my new favorite drink!Goodbye lemonade! My friends say its even better when you add a couple ice cubes and some white wine.Great for the summertime.Fourth course was a plethura of different salads,Mediterranean cous cous,broccoli salad with green beans,kidney beans,green bell peppers,carrots,chickpeas and feta,curried potatoes,vegetarian stuffed grape leaves,pasta salad with artichokes,tomatoes,herbs,feta, and black olives,paired with an Italian red called "Salento Primitivo Puglia"Everything paired well all night with still a fifith course to go.Lastly we have sundried tomato tapenade and a feta dip with fresh baked foccacia topped with sea salt olive oil and rosemary.With some fruit to end the night perfect night of good friends,good food and good times!Nothing like a gathering of friends over food.