If you’re reading this you’re either a cyclist, an individual interested in cycling, or a girlfriend/boyfriend of a cyclist. As you probably know by now, I’m not really into stigmatising people, but I went right into that trap now, didn’t I?
If you are a cyclist and don’t think you will get that Colnago bike this year either, feel free to let your loved one(s) see this list, the probability for getting any of this is way higher.
So let’s jump to the core; what to buy a cyclist who is up all night watching live feeds online in strange languages?
Here’s my suggestion to those of you who still haven’t decided what to buy or what you want, in no particular order:
For the weekend racer
Cycling DVDs. The opportunity to get a glimpse into the pro peloton on pro parcours around the world. Many different kinds to choose from, everything from the well known Sufferfest to the new kid on the block, 3LC.TV, including sprint training with Mark Cavendish (see our review here). (Disclosure: 3LC is also partnering with our site – nice to know for you guys). It is turbo season some places in Europe, so what better way to make this extremely long and dull period of cycling a fiesta?
For the serious cyclist who wants to learn how to perform the best way possible
A VO2 max and lactate test. For the serious enthusiast out there, who either trains a lot and is deeply into cardio training and endurance, this is a brilliant gift. You could have a couple of friends present during the test with a camera to document the happening. There are several sports labs out there offering this kind of test; as a fun fact Kurt Asle Arvesen, newly-hired race coach at Team Sky, recently opened a lab in Oslo, Norway, to address the supply and demand.
For the philosophical cyclist
A book – or several for that matter. How cool is it to sit in front of the telly and correct Paul Sherwen on historical details from the winners of the Tour or the Giro? To be able to read more stories from the olden age of cycling, whenever you want. Also handy info to share on your Sunday morning group ride, challenge your fellow riders on fun facts (use this one with care, as there is a fine line between being cool and being a smartass). Books to choose that I recommend are these: The Rider, by Tim Krabbe; Maglia Rosa, by Herbie Sykes; Le Métier, by Michael Barry (for inside info of a pro’s life); Kings of the Road, by Robin Magowan (haven’t read it myself but it comes highly recommended); World of Cycling, by John Wilcockson; anything by David Walsh and Paul Kimmage, if your stomach is strong that is, because it might change the way you view pro cycling.
For the enthusiast looking to learn even more
A subscription to Peloton Magazine will be perfect. Lots of fantastic photos by Jered Gruber and Kristof Ramon to mention a few, combined with deep insight and behind-the-curtain features from different manufactures, brands, etc. Those who follow me on Twitter know I really enjoy Peloton and the fact that you can support magazines like this by subscribing is dear to me, as so many other things in our life are mass-produced, making it difficult to grasp the essence of it. [Editor’s note: I have a digital subscription to Peloton, and absolutely adore when the link to the new issue shows up in my inbox; I also have the iPhone app for reading on the go]
The creative gift
A home-made gift card saying:
“Good for one massage, good for one champion’s breakfast of choice, good for one cleaning of bike (if you dare),” etc.; the list can be as long as you wish.
A gift with care and concern
Safety lights or high-vis clothes might be handy this time of year. Make sure to be responsible while out there on the roads, remember; the roads are a social game. Be predictable, take care of yourself out there, we have no one to lose.
To all – Merry Christmas!
You can follow Pedalingtheroad on twitter, @Pedalingtheroad, or on his blog – pedalingtheroad.blogspot.com
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