Karl New York City, United States of America.

Well I’ve waited patiently for the weather to be forgiving enough to go ride, and today was the day. Since I didn’t have a bike pump, I spent the first few hours of my walk through Stockholm looking for a bike shop or sporting equivalent but with no avail. I mentioned this to my work mate and it all became very clear… you see Stockholm loves bikes, and Stockholm loves you.

Yes ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the Cykelpump (warning: link is in Swedish). A free initiative by the Stockholm council which allows anybody with a bike to roll up and inflate their tyres. What’s the best part about it? They’re Presta fits. Which suits me perfectly!

What a cool city. The only downside is, that when there’s no snow, there’s mud… and myself and the bike were covered a little. Time to get some new bike gear.

More photos to come, I have no battery left on my cameras and no Aus to Euro converters. I expect one to arrive Monday. Till then, Adjö!

こんにちは!

Hello! I’ve made it safe and sound to Tokyo. A long flight, however the free sake put me right to sleep. I flew JAL which now comes highly recommended. Such a great airline, lovely staff, good entertainment, comfy seats, etc. It was a fairly empty flight so I had a whole row to myself. Ace. I highly recommend the bird view camera. Top and front view from the plane of the outside world. Awesome.

I met a nice couple, attempted to brush off my Japanese to complete failure, but they were nice enough to try with me.

I’ve spent the day riding around Tokyo, and I have to say this is an awesome place to ride. Flat, fast, the traffic and pedestrians gives way to you, and the temperature is cool and calm. We took a spin around Yoyogi Park (pictured above), to Harajuku (via Supreme), then to Daikanyama, to Shibuya (via Ganso Sushi) then back to Hatagaya. Probably around 30kms all up. Looking forward to riding again tomorrow.

Tonight I’m going to the launch of Sonpub’s new album where my friend and host Shannon is VJ’ing. I’ve been told to dig in for a late one.

The dollar is pretty shit. It was 57 yen to the dollar today, which means my money is halved when I withdraw, but I’m doing fine on cheap booze and 95yen sushi.

More updates to come, I’m going back to my beer.

Missing you all.
xo

It has finally stopped raining, so today we cruised from Burleigh Waters to Main Beach and back along the scenic bike paths.

Tomorrow we’re going fishing on my Dad’s boat, and I hope to cop a nice tan between now and Sweden. Just to rub it in a little.

If you’re in Melbourne on the 16th, then do not miss this.

This is going to be the biggest race in history. Grand prize you ask? $1000, a return ticket to the Cycling Messengers World Championships in Tokyo, one of a kind Crumplers and legendary status.

This is what it’s all about. God speed, and ride safe.

I’m a little concerned about how much luggage I’m going to have, and I’ve been investigating the size & durability of my bike in this Tardis Bike Bag. It’s looking good, and I’m looking forward to rolling through Tokyo in about 3 weeks!

Thanks to Andy Fyxomatosis I now have a lovely new 47t polished metal chainring that was made right here in Australia. Time to represent AU in the EU.

Today I took one final visit to Shifter Bikes. The main reason I went in was to give my bike a quick check up and to get some friendly advice on how to look after it when riding in the snow. Last time I did that, we replaced the bottom bracket and water came out. Always pays to have a professional sniff about your bike.

I take my hat off to Dan (pictured) for being patient with us needy bike lovers, for providing professional and for the most TLC for bikes you’ll EVER get in this country.

See you on the 31st. Beers for you, Dan!

Here’s an excellent thread on www.bikeforums.net of old cycling photos from back in the day. This one is definitely one of my favourites.