For those who did not attend this year's Cirque du Cyclisme, you should try to attend next year, if you can at all. You won't regret it.
Over the past few editions, the Cirque has evolved into a wonderful big tent for those interested in classic bikes old and new, in cycling history and in riding bikes. No matter what your focus in the hobby, you would find ample things to keep you occupied. The bikes on display were a wonderful mixture of old and new, of racing and cyclotouring, of British, French, Italian and American. It was lovely to see a Thanet Silverlight parked next to a Jo Routens randonneur bike; a Colnago with undersize tubing and trick components next to the latest J. P. Weigle. Most of these bikes were taken on spirited rides on wonderfully scenic backroads, adding greatly to the allure of the event. Discussions of lugwork and component logos mixed with conversations about bike handling and performance.
It truly was a great festival of cycling, with a variety and breath of focus that you don't find anywhere else. And it showed nicely that even if things can get heated in online discussions, in person we all tend to get along great. I saw only happy faces, and mine certainly was one of them.
Thank you to Wayne and MJ, as well as all the other volunteers, for making it happen. I hope to be there in 2010!
Jan Heine
Editor
Bicycle Quarterly
140 Lakeside Ave #C
Seattle WA 98122
http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com