One of the things I love about riding is the people you meet along the way. I'm sure you are the same. Cycling (and sport in general) has a great bonding quality that brings together people from all walks of life to share in something they love. Tonight I had the pleasure of meeting Iain Banfield, otherwise known as @veganbaker, who runs Fruition organic bakery in the Yarra Valley. Iain made the fantastic trophies for the second CX national race in Melbourne recently. In case you didn't see them, they were loaves of organic sourdough with bikes carved into them. I have always dreamed of winning an edible trophy.
In Italy it's not uncommon for winners of bike races to be awarded prizes like a hunk of prosciutto or parma ham. This was a great way of putting an Aussie spin on a Euro tradition in a sport that is, like, so Euro.
It was really cool to meet Iain tonight and share his enthusiasm for all things bikely. He showed me his bicycle polo bike that he'd just finished playing a game on and then left me with a special bike loaf, which is the big picture above. It really made my day.
I love bike people. If you are ever in Healesville, drop past Fruition and say thanks to Iain for supporting CX racing in Australia. His bread is awesome, too.
Here's a clip from the first CX round from SBS Cycling Central on Sunday night. Get amongst it and come race the next one!
Ride Happy.
