The Radavist

Hardy har har, Andy.

Photos by Andy White

These hands have graced some of the most pristine bicycles in Melbourne, many of which were brought in by Andy of Fyxomatosis. While Dan from Shifter Bikes supplies the obsessive, compulsive and meticulous workflow, Andy steps back and documents for the world to see. You’ve gotta check out the full photo gallery at Fyxo. It should be inspiring to anyone who finds themselves drawn into the details.

Oh and, see you guys in April!!!!!!

I don’t care what kind of bike you have, a nice saddle and bar tape will classy any bike up. Especially if it’s from the workshop of Mick Peel. It’s been a while since I last posted about Busyman Bicycles but this natural leather set is gorgeous.

Previously: MEL Shop Visit: Busyman Bicycles

I’m really proud of everything Andy is doing in Melbourne, including this event:

FYXO is proud to host the first Australian Custom Bicycle Show this 1 & 2 December in Melbourne, Australia.

The ACBS is an opportunity to see a flourishing range of high quality hand constructed frame offerings that are ‘Made in Australia’ and cater to the desires of passionate cyclists.

We aim to promote and foster a part of the bicycle industry we have long been passionate about.  Made by Hand / Made in Australia.

From Frame builders and painters to hand crafted cycling accesories, come meet established and emerging exhibitors, their custom products and fall head over pedals in lust with their offerings.

See more here.

As winter approaches here in the States, Australia braces for summer. Who better to ring in the warmth than FYXO?

Rapha takes on Super Cross in my favorite city in the world, Melbourne. Hell yes to the Bottles N Chains and Hellkrew cameos. And is that Sime wearing corpse paint?!

Photos by Andy Rogers

Australia has its share of frame builders and the younger generation of riders have started to seek out and support these artisans. One of which is Kumo Cycles. Andy’s new steed is a Columbus Life track frame. Laced with a mix of vintage and new components, this will be a joy to ride. Head over to Fame and Spear for more photos.

Fame and Spear‘s photos from the 2012 Melburn Roobaix are looking great. They’re the first shots I’ve found online of the event, so head over to their Flickr to check the rest out.

Photo by Andrew White

The 2012 Melburn Roobaix is coming and like a great event organizer, Andy’s doing all he can to promote this event. All I’m going to say is, if you can make it, DO. Lauren had a blast last year and I’m sure you will too. Don’t be intimidated by Nic’s legs here. She’s not going to be able to attend this year… So you’ll still have a chance at winning the group ride.

That said, the Fyxomatosis Melburn Roobaix kits are now available. Swoop one up while they’re still hanging out.

The Melbourne cyclocross series, Dirty Deeds is ramping up. I’ve never been to one but they look like a ton of fun.

Photos by Andy White

Gah. I miss Melbourne. Luckily, Andy’s ability to do brutal rides and still carry a camera make me feel like I was there. He’s also becoming quite the linguist.

“From a frosty start through the fog, to a glorious finish in golden light, The Dirty Gran Fondo served up a boggy delight.”

Check out more from the Dirty Gran Fondo at Fyxo.

While we’re on the subject of Australia, why not head over to the new Busyman Bicycles Facebook Page and “Like” it? It’ll make Mick’s Friday!

Photo by Andy White

This was the best birthday present I received today, as I scrolled through the Rapha blogs. My lovely lady behind the lens of Andy = smiles all around.

Lauren attended this last year and had a blast. Ride over cobbles, drink good coffee, win stuff and please, if you attend, get Andy’s autograph. He loves that kinda thing. Register here!

All Photos by Andy White

After the first day’s journey into Jamieson, Shifter Dan, Andy and I awoke with empty stomachs and loose legs. A quick breakfast and a chat with some locals, sent us on our way to Licola and then Rosedale. Compared to day 01, day 02 was hell. Each of us broke at some point in the day, which was fine. It’s when everyone breaks at once that you’re screwed.

Within the first 20 miles or so, we were climbing up the Jamieson-Licola road range. Sealed quickly turned to jeep trail and jeep trail disintegrated to seasonal fire roads. You could tell not many people ventured through these parts by bike. In the end, bad decisions on day one, brought about the inevitable. As per the last post, Andy has my photos up with his words at Fyxomatosis.

Check out more below!

All Photos by Andy White

Andy from Fyxomatosis and I did something a little different this time around. He’s posting my photos and dictating over them and I, his. We loosely are calling this the Dueling Banjos. So here’s my side of the saddle:

When I found out I would be returning to Australia, Andy asked if I wanted to go on one of he and Dan from Shifter Bike‘s “epic” rides out through Woods Point. I’ve been following Fyxomatosis, since forever, so I knew what that meant. This was a man’s ride. A no holds-barred, dirt and hurt ride. Since doing my tour, I have stayed in the saddle. I had the base miles underneath me but did I have the ability to keep up with Dan and Andy? Nervously, I accepted the invite and the day before we left, Dan took my Milwaukee Orange One into Shifter Bikes for a cleaning.

We left that morning and met Andy in Lilydale. We rode along the Warburton Rail Trail, through flea markets and eventually stopped in Warburton for breakfast. Canadian pancakes, a long black, fresh juice and some pastries. As we were leaving the cafe, I thanked Dan for cleaning my bike, to which he replied “thank me in 30 minutes”…

Since Andy’s in the future, he got the jump on posting about our “epic” ride down under. These rides are a combination of your nightmares and your fantasies. Many have ventured into the Bush, only to have being chewed up and spitted out. OZ is a magical place but there were no yellow brick roads here. Just fire trails, pinch flats, Canadian stacks and bad decisions (for me anyway). The story awaits you at Fyxomatosis.

These are my photos, which Andy featured as part of our “dueling banjos” entries.

Check back tomorrow for my side of the story but Andy’s diction is going to be hard to beat!