The Witches Cycle: Chapter 2

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The Witches Cycle: Chapter 2

In Chapter 2 of The Witches Cycle it’s October for Vera and Mary. The days are getting shorter and the leaves are turning red as the two witches continue their mission of using their powers to protect the natural world by bike. Find the complete pages of the manga in the gallery and read more from the author, Tony Concrete, on his intention behind creating the series below…

Manga D’Auteur: The Witches Cycle Chapter 1 and Tony Concrete on the Series

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Manga D’Auteur: The Witches Cycle Chapter 1 and Tony Concrete on the Series

The Witches Cycle is French artist Tony Concrete‘s latest creation, a bikepacking-themed manga that follows the lives of two witches, Vera and Mary.

Set in a territory on the border of France and Germany under a fictionalized administration, the two witches have taken an oath to use their powers to protect the natural world from the encroachment of concrete, using bikes instead of broomsticks, while also confronting the real-world dilemmas of money, friendship, and social-political issues.  

We’re beyond thrilled to announce that The Radavist will be sharing all installments from The Witches Cycle, starting today with Chapter 1. Find the first issue by scrolling through the gallery, and read on below for some background on the series from the creator.

Almost Dialed: A Bookman Volume 800 and 1500 Bicycle Light Review

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Almost Dialed: A Bookman Volume 800 and 1500 Bicycle Light Review

How functional does a gimmick have to be for it to stop being called a gimmick? Consider down-tube storage compartments for example. They seemed like a novelty at first, but use one for long enough and you might wonder why they’re not on—or in—every new bike. Travis Engel had a similar experience testing the Bookman Volume 800 and Volume 1500 bike lights. They’re loaded with gimmicks, some of which should probably be standard on every light. Still, they’re not quite perfect.

July’s Group Ride Giveaway: Tony Concrete Drawings!

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July’s Group Ride Giveaway: Tony Concrete Drawings!

This is a reminder to sign up for our Group Ride by Wednesday night, the 31st of August, for your chance to win!

Your hard-earned money goes to supporting our independent Reportage. In doing so, you support this website’s staff and gain access to our industry-leading, private reselling platform, the Rad Bazaar!

Check this post out for all the information on how to join Group Ride for $6.66/month or $69.69/year.

SIGN UP HERE.

After Bespoked, Josh traveled to Paris to meet up with Tony Concrete, the author and artist behind The Witches Cycle manga zines. While at a cafe, Tony drew two illustrations we’ll be giving away to one lucky Group Ride supporter!

Sign up by July 31st to be entered to win!

Congrats to Evan for winning the Chris King Titanium NoThreadset!

It’s a Rally, Not a Race: The People Who (Pennine) Rally

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It’s a Rally, Not a Race: The People Who (Pennine) Rally

Already in its second year of glory, Rapha’s Pennine Rally has easily made its name as a worthy must-experience off-road event here in the UK. Respectfully inspired by the Second City Divide route, the Pennine Rally covers 500 kms of the best unboring, mixed and testing terrain that this (middle-ish) part of the UK has to offer. This special event runs over five days winding, climbing and descending its beauteous way from Edinburgh to Manchester.

Thanks in no small part to the magnificent Louis, the rally’s beating heart, and his socially conscious approach to its organisation, the 2022 Pennine Rally attracted a whole host of keen shredders, many of whom are doing rad things in their communities, and it shows. The Pennine Rally embodies its tag line of ‘its a rally not a race’ and the event as a result is a magnet for many of the change-makers who are working to create a UK cycling scene that is more inclusive, wholesome, and socially active.

I haven’t been hanging around in the UK for very long, but it’s clear that there is a unique scene here and it only feels right to shout about it, so I decided, as part of my own participation in the event, to photograph some of these folks, describe their endeavours and in doing so to some way capture a feel for what is going on here. Please behold and be inspired by this selection of the following incredible humans who make this magic happen.

Under No Pretext Should Radness Be Surrendered: Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol Review and Factory Visit

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Under No Pretext Should Radness Be Surrendered: Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol Review and Factory Visit

The Trail Pistol is Guerrilla Gravity’s short travel trail bike with 29″ wheels and 120mm of travel. It’s the type of bike that seemed to fit my riding style, and I was super excited for the opportunity to spend some time with one for a long-term review. Since the factory where these bikes are made is just a short drive from where I currently live, it made sense to combine the review with a more in-depth look at the brand, their manufacturing process, and the modularity of their bikes. The original article was close to 6500 words, so we decided to split it up a bit for everyone’s sake. Next week, we’ll share a slightly shorter article that takes a look at the modular frame platform, new paint schemes for the brand, and the next-gen Gnarvana, which is GG’s long travel enduro bike. Let’s get to it!

Shared Territory: Iceland –  Ian Matteson

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Shared Territory: Iceland – Ian Matteson

Shared Territory: Iceland
Photos by Ian Matteson, video by Justin Balog, and words by Remi McManus

The plan was simple… Ride across Iceland following a little know, and even less explored medieval route through the highlands of Iceland. A route that skirts Europe’s second largest glacier, numerous active volcanos, and areas which had recently been closed due to emission of poisonous natural gases. A route by which all accounts is made up of mostly deep black sand, jagged lava fields, frigid glacial rivers, steaming geothermal fissures, and is populated only by ghosts, witches, trolls, and hidden people.