Late Summer Catch Up

Yah, yah, been a while. I think I say that every time I write one of these updates. As always, I hit the easy button and utilize the other “platforms” for keeping you informed, but my friends point out to me monthly that not everyone is on social media, and sometimes a good old-fashioned blog post is what they are after. I also think they like them so they can criticize my poor grammar or “Gurisms” as they call them. But hey, I am here to appeal to the masses! Been a full-tilt season thus far. With our new velodrome, my usual steady winter of custom builds became a full track extravaganza. No downtime, but I will take it. We were swamped with so many custom track builds that it honestly felt like June in terms of traffic and business; it was only the -30 weather that reminded me it was January. Loved seeing new people discover the track and also seeing some of the old guard digging out their track bikes to get back into it. Track season transitioned into full road and gravel season, and the record rain falls did not hinder it; people were determined and motivated. Plus, with the tech in cycling apparel these days, there is no excuse to not ride in foul weather when you need to.

So besides building some amazing bikes for good folks, I was lucky enough to take advantage of some bike shop perks. Something I vowed to do more of this year as I figure they don’t come around yearly, and when you say no enough times, they stop inviting you. So 2026 was all about being the Yes man. Started it off with a trip to Italy for Wilier’s 120th birthday and dragged Kim along for her first visit to Italy, and man was it a party. A brand that I have had in my store for over 23 years and making us their longest-running dealer in Canada. I have been to many Wilier Dealer events over the years, but this was special, and they really outdid themselves for the 120th celebration. We stayed in the Spa resort, Galzignano, situated in the Euganean Hills. Picture a James Bond movie resort, you get the idea. No bike trip is not without riding, as that’s what we all have in common when there. The Gravel ride was based out of Villa Contarini, a beautiful Venetian villa in Piazzola sul Brenta. Piazzola sul Brenta is where many of the most important cycling and gravel routes converge. It is also the town where the first professional gravel race in Europe took place: Serenissima Gravel, won by Alexey Lutsenko of the Astana Team, riding a Rave SLR (and yes, I brought it home with me…). What better setting to celebrate Wilier Triestina? Of course, we were all kitted out with the new Rave SLR in the Team Grip livery along with a matching Team kit. The evening dinner was also situated at the Villa Contarini. Over 500 guests were treated to a stunning backdrop filled with food and live music. The who’s who of Italian cycling past and present were all there. Former pros who have ridden Wilier along with many Italian brands that are close to the Gastaldello family were all present. A truly unique experience and I felt honoured to be there. I arrived back with a bit of newfound motivation, which is what these trips are meant to do. However, so many brands that have held these kinds of events in the past have stopped. With no major bike shows worth attending in North America, we really don’t get many opportunities to meet fellow shop owners who are as passionate about drop bar bikes and the culture that goes with them.

Since I was in Italy I added a couple extra days to meet my family and hit my favourite place, Bassano del Grappa. Love this little town located in Northern Italy in the Veneto region. It also happens to be home to Basso bikes so had to pop in to say hi and see what is in store for 2027. As always the folks at Basso are more than happy to show me what they are up to for 2027. For those of you not aware, they produce all the Carbon bikes 100% in Italy. Another small company that truly innovates and treats us like family on every visit. I am sure you are sensing a trend here of why I chose to partner with the brands we do and how they typically are on the smaller side. Stayed right in Bassano in a hotel that uses part of the original city walls as rooms, pretty cool! Rented bikes from the new Basso club house which is a must see for anyone ever venturing that way. Amazing staff and a bike nerds dream home base. Did one of my favourite rides up to Asiago as the heat was crazy with the temps hovering into the 40’s mid day. Would have loved to ride up to Monte Grappa as that’s is one of my favourite climbs but I would have melted. The climb up to Asiago is not as hard and a nice 1000m of climbing with the route taking you along the river so perfect for hot days. Plus my favourite beer/lunch stop is on the way back so a perfect day!

After being home for a few weeks, I headed off to Colombia for Givelo’s first-ever dealer summit. This small company is based out of Medellín and manufactures all their garments there. Not a big company by any means and a relatively young company as well. But don’t let that fool you; the innovation and ideas that come out of Steven’s brain are crazy. Sourcing fabric that no other brands in the bike industry use and always getting feedback from riders and from us dealers to continually improve fit and function. There is a reason that anyone who buys a piece of Givelo kit is hooked on the brand. Rides were based out of Rionegro, which sits at about 2125 meters, so let’s just say you start high and only ride higher! Along with amazing riding, the Colombian hospitality was amazing. The culture of road cycling is alive and well, and you can see the respect and passion the people of this country have for it and riders. Circumventing Colombian traffic is a skill in its own right, but the gang from Givelo hired moto drivers to stop traffic and provide support on every ride. I felt like Nairo out there suffering on the climbs. Every ride included beautiful stops for food and drink that showcased how stunning Colombia is. As you can tell, I am a fan. For the last couple of days, we ventured into Medellín to see the small house in the heart of the city that Givelo uses as their office and for production of many of its garments. Skilled staff that truly love their job and take pride in what they are doing, and the quality shows. Another aspect of these dealer summits that I really enjoy is meeting shop owners and staff from all over the world. Always interesting to hear about how they run their shops and how many of us face the same issues and challenges even though we are on the opposite sides of the world. I have made many friends through these events that I keep in touch with still to this day. Often soliciting advice from or just a person I can rant to that understands the plight of the small shop. Big thanks to everyone at Givelo for treating Niki and I like family, I will be back if you will have me !

Well that is it for now, sorry for the long one and the massive pic gallery below. Thought I would get it all down before I get into my next advneture. Speaking of next trips, have a couple more left for the season. Off to help out in the Wind tunnel with my friend’s at Factor to see what crazy fast shit Graham is cooking up and then off to Road World’s. September will be another busy one! Retirement can wait I say, I am having too much fun right now. Ciao.