Cykelköket is cozy but at the same time very organized; it has around 5 working tables, a spare part room, a washing room, a project-corner a chill-zone and some more. You sit on a cozy couch put in a perfect spot to observe the work, the buzz, sipping the free-of-charge coffee... You see a couple working on their tandem, children fixing up their rides, a father showing his son how to use tools, a girl determined to build a bike in one day. People who come here are of different backgrounds, races and religions (I guess), and they are so united in what they do, helpful and understanding. Do-it-yourself becomes a do-it-together. [22.09.2013]
25 to 15 degrees. The temperature dropped, but the excitement and the rhythm kept up. We went to the southern city of Sweden to see, to learn and to share - that is what we got in a considerable dose. Cykelköket [sikelshoket] Malmö is a promised land for any follower of the community bike shop movement. If you wonder how we have imagined it to be in Riga, go there. Meeting people that think the same direction, call it the third industrial revolution or smart thinking, we realized that we are a part of something big. Cykelköket Göteborg and Sykkeljokkenet Oslo are doing a great job too, and we hope there will be a good reason to see the groups again next year (or sooner?) :) [18 - 23.09.2013]
Just before leaving to Madrid we had gathered all our bicycle enthusiast powers together to organize something we would ourselves enjoy very much. It begun with 3 events on our mind and grew to 9 thanks to the amazing passion-flooded community we have. An amateur criterium, nightride, drag race, city race, double minidrome competition (of course), skid fest, freestyle jam, and a wild after party gathered more than 100 people, caused no accidents and planted a seed for new ideas and fresh friendships. See for yourself and turn it louder - Fixed Weekend Riga 2013! [30.08. - 01.09.] Photo by Pavlove
I had promised myself a long time ago that if there were a minidrome competition in Madrid, I would go no matter what. This day came when less expected. So there we were two excited Latvians, two treasures packed in one huge bicycle bag on a long plane-trip to the crazy capital, after having hunted some support from the XL energy. At the destination we could not have wished for a better treatment. La Bicicleta café took care of our immense appetite and thirst for excellent coffee; the riders made sure we were never bored (or sober); the downhills and uphills made us stronger; Urban Bike festival taught us how to lose to guys (or let them catch you), Ciclos Noviciado tested our spinning power in the goldsprints, and now I realize...this is an endless list. What matters most, we came back with a lot more in our mind-luggage and in our friend-luggage than we had left with. Thank you, Universe for finding a way to bring me back to Madrid! [13.09. - 17.09.] Photo by Stefy Gutovska
Sun is different in August. The colors of grass, leaves, water appear to be more saturated and radiant than in the middle of summer. That's what I noticed today going for an after-work ride to a bmx track on the outskirts of the city. It is not easy to spot, it is located in the middle of a suburb area - a place you wouldn't expect it to be. I will come back for sure, just have to find the right bike. [24.08.2013]
August is special. A month when it is still warm during the day while the fresh wind breezes whisper that the autumn is approaching. I love this path of time. August is magical. A month of falling stars. Complete darkness, a hilly car-racing track. I ride fast and trust the road under my wheels. I have my eyes on the stars, trying to catch a falling one and make a wish. Up and down, warmer and colder. A narrow forest path takes us to a lake. We lie down on a fallen tree and cave in the calmness and quiet of an August night. [17.08.2013]
Getting to other cities with your bike can be challenging sometimes and I don't mean the distance or the pedaling effort. It is quite problematic if you just want to carry the bike with you on a bus. The driver's mood determines if you can take it or not. Everything gets settled after a small argument, usually. But it is worth the effort, especially if you are going to the hottest extreme sports event of the summer Ghettogames in Ventspils. The city respects cyclists, it is threaded with bicycle paths and beautiful parks. We enjoyed it very much! Million thanks to the SBS Eddy for the perfect accommodation :) [09.08.13]
