Welcome to Wednesday's live blog, with Jack Sexty, Simon MacMichael and the test of the team.
27/03/2019, 12:48
Bike shop Brexit sign divides opinion (shocker)
Won't be buying a bike from there then! pic.twitter.com/GxdcXuftRW
— LukeB_MTB (@LukeB_MTB) March 23, 2019
A tweeted picture of a pro-Brexit sign displayed in the window of a Welsh bike shop has – predictably – divided opinion, although not in quite the way you’d expect.
“I DON’T MIND BEING POORER AS LONG AS WE ARE OUT OF THE EU FOR GOOD”
proclaims the prominent sign in the window of East End Cycles in Colywn Bay, North Wales (not to be confused with shops of the same name in London and Edinburgh) which also points out that people under 70 won’t remember rationing and living on bread and dripping… er, no.
The main focus of online debate so far - hasn’t been around the rights or wrongs of Brexit or indeed any inconsistencies of the poster’s argument (someone has picked up on the …ahem, slight, over-estimate of the current UK population) but whether it’s valid to say you won’t be spending any money with East End Cycles because you don’t agree with the sentiments or undermining free speech by taking your money elsewhere, a somewhat moot point given that most of those commenting live at the other end of the country and quite a few of them are assuming East End Cycles is in the East End of London.
Conwy voted 54% to 46% for Brexit in the 2016 referendum. East End Cycles in Colwyn Bay does not appear to have a presence on social media, but you probably guessed that.
27/03/2019, 11:52
It's called fashion, darling. Look it up.
Embarrassed when you have to nip into a shop in your lycra? Now you don't have to be.
This was spotted in Vogue so it must be true. But remember to style with killer heels and a top that complements your neckline.
27/03/2019, 09:26
Asmara, Eritrea's capital, is a "cycling paradise" according to BBC feature
The reasons for it may not be all so positive, but the BBC reports that Asmara has unintentionally turned itself into a great place to ride a bike. Factors such as conflicts, diplomatic isolation and lack of funds to buy cars for the average Eritrean have led to the situation, but with cycling easily being the most popular sport in the country, brought over by the Italians in Eritrea's colonial days, you don't see too many locals complaining. The few cars that are on the streets are often old and buses are even few and far between, meaning the bike rules in Asmara.
The feature also details how Eritrea is one of the only countries in the Horn of Africa with an extensive environmental policy, with the government limiting plastic production and usage, running reforestation campaigns and distributing bikes imported from Dubai and China.
The country has also produced numerous pro cyclists, including Daniel Teklehaimanot Girmazion who last rode for Team Confidis.
27/03/2019, 09:25
Extra cardio for the Dutch national football team
It's not just Dutch politicians and royalty who ride their bikes!
Nowadays, national football team players—including Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay, Ryan Babel, and Jasper Cillessen—no longer take the bus, but cycle to training sessions.https://t.co/CDy88S817upic.twitter.com/b2458zLYDS
— Dutch Cycling Embassy (@Cycling_Embassy) March 26, 2019
27/03/2019, 09:23
This is a great idea
There was a slow moving vehicle on the cycling path earlier this week. Turned out to be a two-person bike which is part of a social project, aimed at reducing loneliness. pic.twitter.com/eBmRiJRniZ
— Sjors van Duren (@Sjoess) March 26, 2019
Although you might not get the same levels of patience in some countries...
27/03/2019, 09:12
This is one hell of a thread
Back in 1896 men didn’t call women sluts.
They called them “bicycle face”.
Why? Because bicycles <gasp!> helped women make their own dating choices.
IOW bikes were the first dating app. That scared men.
Let’s talk about it.
Hold on to your bodices people, THIS IS A THREAD
— Article Group (@ArticleGroup) March 24, 2019
We're a bit late to spot this, but check out this thread detailing some of the history behind women, bicycles and dating apps (it all makes perfect sense after reading it!)