When Graeme Raeburn takes a break from designing the Rapha kit we all love, he's a damn good rider. He can win on a Brompton, hang with the Continental boys touring the colonies and crank out an impressive 416 miles in a twenty-four hour time trial. On the 14th of September he'll join Ira Ryan, David Arthur from Road Cycling UK and the Rapha contest winner, Nick Amlot to tackle the Cent Cols Challenge. The four-man team will cover 100 cols rising 45,000 metres into the French sky in a concentrated 10 day period.

When I heard Graeme was riding I got to thinking a special bike was in order and who better to build it than the UK's own (and my fav) Enigma Bicycles. A quick email to Graeme followed by phone call to Jim and Mark at Enigma had everyone convinced it was a good idea and soon they were making plans for a beautiful custom bicycle befitting the challenge.

Graeme rode down to the factory where Enigma is writing a new chapter in British fabrication, adding steel to their titanium repertoire, perfecting seamless welds, and steadily repatriating more and more production home. Lanky lad that he is, Graeme was the perfect candidate for a bespoke frameset built from Columbus XCR steel tubing.

In the midst of a supremely busy season, the Enigma Elite XCR frameset is in paint, and Graeme will build it up himself within days (including the wheels). I'd hoped to have pictures documenting the entire fit and fabrication story but time constraints wouldn't allow. I'll make sure Graeme sends images of the finished frameset and completed build. Gloss black, polished steel at the ends of the chain/seat stays and classic bands in Rapha pink.

Here are the highlights of the build to come.

• Groupset: DA 7900 (with black Zero G brakes)
• Thomson Elite stem + Thomson Masterpiece seatpost
• Bars: Pro Vibe ergo-shape carbon
• Cages: Giant's aptly named "Enigma bottle cages" which are light and black
• Wheelset: Chris King Road Classic hubs in pink to Mavic Open Pros
• Tyres: Conti GP4000
• Computer: Cateye (with altitude, total ascent and gradient to track such things)
• Gearing: Double + 12-27 Cassette (Graeme will also take a compact crankset, just in case)

There's a nice symmetry at work here. Two of cycling's best brands, two great designers, Rapha's Graeme Raeburn and Enigma's Mark Reilly, coming together to take British steel to the top of those aery cols. Simon Mottram and Jim Walker have every reason to be proud of what their companies have accomplished in such a short time. I can't wait to see what comes next.

Here's a shot of a finished red and cream Enigma Elite, visit Enigma Steel to find out more.

For many of us the change of seasons brings with it the anticipation of what's new from our favorite cycling clothier. I'm pleased to report we're going to have a bumper crop of new Rapha kit to choose from this fall and winter, including: full-length trousers (amen); a rain jacket (in 2 colors); overshoes; legwarmers; a series of gentlemen's caps; and many more surprises. You've probably already seen the Rapha blog post but here's the link in case you missed it.

Your intrepid reporter and admitted all-round lucky bastard is fortunate to have several of the pieces in the closet already. I'll be doing a little riding in them and getting some images together so you've got something else to read while you're waiting for Fedex to deliver yours the day after they launch ;-). Of course Brian at twmp will have the full lineup of gear too. Between us we'll get you through those difficult first few days, as you decide what to buy and then wait for it to arrive. If you haven't been saving for this day, stop eating out, and start making sandwiches, you can't afford not to.

Around here September is going to be a heady month for Velodramatic. Interbike, CrossVegas and one spectacular shooting assignment that you'll hear plenty about in a couple of weeks. October will open with Levi's Granfondo and if I survive Coleman Valley Road at mile 80, I'll finally get a chance to put down the cameras and get to work on a photo book compiling the best of 2009. I hope you'll all come along for the ride.

Rain or shine the original has been backing me up for 18 months. I'm so used to wearing it that there's usually a moment on a weekend ride where I imagine something is missing. The minimal, low-profile design doesn't allow for any extra ballast. You pack the essentials and that's it. For my commute that means a clean shirt, briefs, small towel (shoes and trousers are kept at work), a couple of apples, my G9 digital camera, hand pump, 2nd extra tube, multi-tool, spare gloves, Stowaway Jacket and wet-wipes. Wallet and keys in one side pocket, cell phone in the other. The light loops on the shoulder straps and back usually have Knog Frogs or Beetles attached.

The original is a hard act to follow, but there are times when I need to carry a heavier load to or from work, and that's been a problem. Enter the new Large Fixed Backpack.

On first appearance it's surprisingly similar in size to its teammate. A little more square at the shoulders, perhaps half-an inch deeper (meaning away from your back). It has two generous exterior pockets instead of the three exterior pockets on the original. In terms of space it's probably an even trade, but I like the placement of these pockets on the original better. I can unclip the small chest strap, swing the pack off my left shoulder so it's easy to get at my keys and wallet in the right-side pocket. The new pack will require me to take it off to get at my keys and wallet. I'd love to see a shoulder strap phone pocket, like the stretch pockets on my Think Tank photo harness.

The Large Backpack features a familiar internal layout, both packs accommodate my MacBook Pro, though I seldom need to carry it. The additional half inch of depth (front to back) will provide a bit more room for an SLR body so I'm anticipating giving it a try for an upcoming road race shoot where I ride my bike to various points on the course.

It's only when you unzip the expandable rear panel that the LARGE designation make sense. Take a look at the comparison photos of what fits in the respective packs. A couple of caveats. In the photographs where the Large backpack is expanded, it contains the shoes and my MacBook Pro. My Giro Ionos does fit in the expandable section, but not at the same time as a pair of shoes. Fully loaded with laptop and shoes the pack weighed 12 lbs.

Expanded, the Large Backpack loses its svelte profile. Of course, if you want the option of additional capacity, it's a small aesthetic price to pay for practicality. The shoulders straps continue to provide good support for the bigger load, stabilized by the chest strap and the addition of a waist strap. When not in use, the waist strap can be neatly stowed behind the lower section of back padding.

In answer to those of you trying to decide between the two. It really comes down to how much you regularly carry. Both Fixed Backpacks are identical in materials and basic construction. The original has lived up to its waterproof rating and cleans up nicely on the occasions it's been covered in road grime, I'd expect no less of its stablemate.

The Rapha Large Fixed Backpack is priced at £125 $200 €140

If you want or need to carry a full change of clothes (briefs, socks, shoes, trousers and shirt) along with a laptop the Large is the way to go. As you can see, when the expandable section is collapsed, it has a clean profile. On the other hand, if you like the minimalist discipline, go with the original. Both will give you years of good service.

The mile markers tick over on yet another calendar year. Time to reflect on the kit and gear that got me through 2008 in comfort, safety and style. Here's the best of it.

November's 30 Days of Rapha series left no doubt as to my loyalties. The Perren Street Trust extended their lead with a host of new products and improvements to the everyday essentials that set the brand apart. And the essentials start with the Bib Shorts and ¾ Bib Shorts, my first choice for the business end of cycling whatever the weather, whatever the distance. The Cytech pad's simplicity belies its efficiency. The shorts are laundered after every ride and they continue to look and perform like new. I've not made a better investment in kit than this pair.

Next to the bibs, I wear a base layer everyday and while I've got some very nice multi-season pieces from Campagnolo, I keep coming back to the merits of merino wool. This fall Rapha introduced a heavier, long-sleeve variant called the Fixed Base Layer. It's been a constant companion in the cool air ever since. Tip: wear it inside out with the finished side next to your skin, no one's going to see it anyway. You'll thank me.

In 2008 Rapha refined a number of pieces, none more dramatically than the Stowaway Jacket which delivered on the breathable promise the original couldn't quite keep. It's featherweight and quiet. No excuse not to bring it (or the Summer Gilet) along for the big descents in all but the hottest months. It's one of my favorite pieces.

Speaking of jackets. I broke with my all-black religion and made my Chinese in-laws happy by ordering Rapha's Lightweight Softshell in red last fall. It turned out to be a brilliant call. I guess somewhere in the primitive corner of my brain, the place that worries about such things, I have the occasional misgiving about riding around in dark colored kit. The red jacket is a stylish answer to those visibility fears. I particularly like the asymmetrical zipper and the tailored fit throughout. I've taken to wearing the jacket with a pair of red Oakley Factory gloves. At $20 these full-fingered gloves could be the best value in cycling gloves on the planet.

Panache cyclewear broke the Rapha shut out with its Eleven Jersey. Even lighter than Rapha's LW jerseys, the fit is airy, soft perfection. Panache founder Don Powell reports the first season went better than expected. The contacts made at Interbike are paying dividends and new ideas are taking shape for 2009, among them Don's promise to give something back to young riders. The Houndstooth Cycling Team is that something.

With the paint still fresh on the Panache brand, it's admirable that Don is taking the time to get this initiative underway. More established brands bide their time with this kind of involvement, if they get involved at all. Panache is making an investment in cycling's future a day-one priority. So when can we buy a patron's version of the Houndstooth Team jersey?

My 100-125 mile-a-week commuting routine depends on a few pieces of gear that have to do the job day-in and day-out. The Giro Ionos helmet is so light I've actually left the house wearing the Rapha Winter hat sans helmet... thinking I had Giro on. The retention system works beautifully one handed, with gloves, whether loosening or tightening the fit. My Oakley Radar Pitch sunglasses clip into the front vents perfectly when they're not performing their primary duty.

The Radars help me see what's coming, Dinotte's LED lights watch my back. I run a tail combination solid red/flashing amber from a single battery mounted on the top tube. At dawn or dusk the Dinottes keep me safe from my blind and inattentive enemies. I should add they get a little help from a couple of Knog Beetles: one clipped to the shoulder strap of the ever-present Rapha Fixed Backpack (flashing white); the second clipped to the back of the Ionos (flashing red). I'd consider flares and chafe if I could.

The tied & soldered Pave wheels (Record hubs, DT Swiss RR 1.1 rims, DT Competition spokes) I picked up from Competitive Cyclist last May continue to spin as true as the day I got them. They're not currently on the Competitive site, but I hope they'll be back in stock come Spring. In the tire department I've got Continental to thank for hundreds of trouble-free miles in all conditions, the current set of Continental GP4000S have gone months and 1500 miles without a flat. The small circular wear indicators have almost had it which is a shame because I feel tires are at their best in the last third of their usable lives.

I'm happy to report I put more than twice as many miles on the Enigma Eulogy as the Audi S4 last year. In all likelihood the Audi will be going back to the dealership when the lease is up – the Enigma however is a keeper.

Finally, I suppose this 2008 round up wouldn't be complete if I didn't highlight a couple of failures. It will come as no surprise that Garmin's Connect Service slipped yet another deadline to deliver legacy support for the Edge 305 (they are now over 1 year late... 1 year). In what has to be the most humorous excuse for progress ever issued by a development team, they actually listed the installation of a hard drive as an accomplishment. I kid you not.

In the shoe department, my silver Lake MX400 shoes lost both rubber heels due to an adhesive malfunction. Thankfully I have the heels and plan to glue them back on the carbon soles. I'll probably peel the heels off my white MX400s and re-glue them while I'm at it. I'm amazed in this day and age that manufacturers still can't seem to find the right glue for the job. This spoiled my impression of an otherwise outstanding shoe.

I've listed links to all these products below. If you're looking for new kit/gear I think you'd be happy with any of these selections. Look for updates to the Kit Top 10 and Tab pages reflecting these choices.

The Continental Stage 2 Gallery

Stage Two of the 2009 Tour of California is unquestionably the jewel of this year's race. From the Sausalito waterfront the peloton will cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, pass stately San Francisco homes, skirt the beaches, cliffs and dunes of the breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway and climb into a canopy of Coastal Redwoods on magical Tunitas Creek Road which rises to meet Skyline Blvd. the backbone of bay area cycling,

These are roads beloved by those of us who ride and are lucky enough to call this idyllic meeting of land and sea home. From this highpoint they'll hurtle down the cambered turns of 84 to rejoin the ribbon of Highway 1 that will take them to the final climb up Bonnie Doon Road and the high speed descent into the Santa Cruz finish. In a word, this stage is magnificent.

At 9am Monday, just under a month before the pro peloton arrives, six intrepid riders from Rapha's Continental Squad assembled for Stage Two of their own Tour of California. Ryan Thomson, Ben Leiberson, Jeremy Dunn, Dan Langlois, Hahn Rossman and Cole Maness clipped in for the second day of their 800-mile journey to Escondido. They'd arrived in Sacramento a day earlier, swiftly dispensed with a prologue appetizer and then driven in search of good coffee and Stage One, 107 miles from Davis to Santa Rosa.

I think it was four or five weeks ago when I first spoke with Continental rider, producer and photographer, Daniel Pasley about the big idea that was bubbling up in the inventive minds of Rapha's Portland HQ. Even by Rapha standards this is a truly epic undertaking. Ride the entire route of this year's Tour in eight days... documenting the experience in words and pictures to be shared with all of us when the race itself begins. To pull it off Daniel and Cary S-H have packed an enormous van with enough food, kit, tubes, tires, film, ibuprofen, embro and noxema to sustain six riders in pursuit of a dream many of us share but don't have the legs to carry off.

And so Juli and I came along to photograph and support the team as they rode over familiar roads with unfamiliar speed. The day was extraordinary, with temperatures reaching into the low seventies under a cloudless sky we led riders and the support vehicle out of Sausalito onto the Bridge and into the city beyond. Our freshly waxed S4 made a rather nice pace car and an easy-to-spot target out on the road. For much of the day my head and cameras were stuck out the passenger window or the sunroof while Juli did her best to put the car in the right place for photography. I've included a small sample of the days images here. A complete gallery will follow in the days ahead.

First a big thank you to Daniel, Carey and Slate for having us along. We made ourselves useful dispensing water, bananas and snacks when needed and taking custody of extra layers when we were in a better position to support the guys as our two vehicles leap frogged South often book-ending the peloton.

Tunitas provided the riding and photographic highlights early in the day. Ben Leiberson powered his way up the steepest sections out of the saddle, averaging 12-13 mph according to our speedometer. (twice the speed I climb Tunitas I should note). And I'm happy to report that much of the road has been very recently repaved (with real asphalt, not the same chip-and-seal treatment the lower section received last summer). If this doesn't attract too many motorcycles this will be lasting gift for all of us who love this special road. Jeremy and Dan took over the assault nearer the top when they decided to reel in a Webcor rider they spied a few turns up the road.

To a man they all loved the climb and someone, perhaps feeling the afterglow said "that was the best climb I've ever ridden" and it could be, it is that good. They filled bottles emptied during the climb and rummaged through the van with Carey's help to find their Stowaway Jackets in preparation for several miles of high-speed descending through the trees. This was Juli's first experience following skilled riders heading downhill with a purpose... she was quite surprised how they could easily outpace a car.

All too soon the road flattened out approaching Highway 1 where the group made one last stop at the St. Gregorio Store (picking up several It's-it ice cream bars) to sustain them on the long stretch of coast ahead. The bars disappeared in less time than it takes Daniel to change a roll of film, and that's damn fast. The paceline made good progress on this section and we kept our drive-by photography to a minimum so as not to disturb their rhythm, the afternoon was getting on and the Bonnie Doon climb still lay ahead.

Bonnie Doon is a beautiful road that I've not been on before, but I definitely plan to ride it at some point this year. Near the top we said our goodbyes and called it a day, anxious to get back and check on our two sick cats, Ventoux and Roubaix. I planned to see the riders off the next morning from the start of Stage 3, which is only a few blocks from our house in San Jose. More on that tomorrow.

For the second straight year I pointed my bike skyward and began the year with the 4200' climb to the Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton. The valley was completely socked in with dense fog when I started at first light. I was interested to see whether the smooth new asphalt of Highway 130 see Going Down the Mines had been given a wider shoulder. That would have been too much to ask for – and it was – but the huge improvement in the surface now made it possible to ride the white line. Definitely safer.

Thinking of safety, I'd attached my Dinotte taillights (one solid red, one flashing amber) to the Enigma to be more visible in the gloom but in truth there wasn't a soul about. In the thirty eight mile roundtrip I saw half a dozen cars.

With an invisible San Jose sleeping soundly on my right I made my way silently up the first step towards Mt. Hamilton. Rapha was along for the ride; I'd chosen the ¾ Bibs, Long Sleeve Fixed Base Layer, Winter Jersey, Soft Shell Gilet and Winter Hat. I'd happily have done without the Gilet for the climb but thought it prudent to bring it along for the descent, expecting it to be cold and damp. Happily that didn't turn out to be the case. About midway to the top just above Grant Ranch I broke out of the clouds into a brilliant, near cloudless blue sky. The sun felt good and and every now and then as I rounded a Northern facing turn I'd get the faintest hint of a warm breeze even though there were patches of hoar frost on the road. I opened the zippers on jersey and gilet as a big owl settled in his tree top roost; his work done for the day.

I had the mountain to myself, though I'd much rather have been climbing with Brendan. A few weeks back he'd been on the workbench for 10 hours having a defective tubular patched and sewn up. The repair went well and he'll soon be roadworthy again. Next year we'll be standing at the top together pal. Unlike last year when a couple of descending riders passed me just below the summit this New Year's Day I was first up the mountain. Looking West I took in a spectacular view of the Santa Cruz mountain tops floating above a sea of white cloud blanketing Silicon Valley. One of those landscape scenes where the lack of any compositional possibilities makes taking a photograph pointless.

I'd promised Juli not to doddle, so I enjoyed my fifteen minutes of fame, filled my bottles, zipped up and headed down into 2009. Half a mile down I passed one, then two riders on their way up. By the time I dropped three miles I was passing bunches. Fewer riders than last year I think but more of them on the final 7 mile climb. Even though it wasn't very cold I wasn't overheated in the Winter Jersey and Softshell Gilet. I can't say the same for my feet though.

Way back when I did a review of the Specialized Defroster Winter Shoe I noted the thinsulate layer could have been thicker. A year later with plenty more miles riding in them I'll just come out and say they don't cut it as a winter shoe. My toes were near frozen on the descent though I was wearing merino socks and a pair of Campagnolo textran booties inside the shoes. Without substantial shoe covers these ¾ high boots lose their ginger at 45 degrees.

I disposed of the two short climbs on the way back hoping the weather would lift for the thrill of that final high-speed run down 130 to Alum Rock. No luck I'm afraid. The fog had thickened bringing visibility down to less than 100 feet. I took it easy, hugged my side of the road and concentrated on getting down in one piece.

What a month. Sometimes it's good NOT to know you're biting off a bit too much. Riding for thirty straight days turned out to be the easiest part of the series. The photography and daily publishing duties overwhelmed the hours on the bike. The late nights piled up towards the end... I'm not sure I'd have managed a month with 31 days.

I owe a huge debt to my wife Juli for spending countless hours shooting the clothing and rides and putting up with all the art direction. My friends Brendan, Tim and TJ who rode with me in the bay area. Slate and Daniel for dragging me along in the quest for Otto Miller then literally pushing me back to Portland on "the 30" with a mechanical problem. My heartfelt thanks to the entire Rapha family, Continental riders and UK HQ, the prolific Brian Palmer of the washingmachinepost for encouragement and lending me his audience for a week. Finally to all who followed the series, commented and contributed, merci.

I put together a few highlights from the month.

• Total Miles: 786
• Climbing: 14,500 feet
• Weight Loss: 2 lbs
• Favorite Ride: Mines Road
• Hardest Ride: Sierra Road
• Flats: 0
• Most Fun: Otto Miller
• Photos Published: 162
• Favorite Rapha Piece: Red Rapha Light Weight Softshell Jacket
• Most Practical: Rapha Stowaway Jacket
• Favorite Combo: Rapha Bib Shorts, Fixed Base Layer and Light Weight Softshell Jacket
• Favorite Accessory: Rapha Winter Hat

Feeling tired from Thursday's effort on Sierra Road, I still hadn't decided today's ride even as I packed the car. A week ago the plan was to wrap up the series with a big ride on the 30th, but after the punishing Thanksgiving climb I started to think a longer ride Saturday and an easy "parade" lap Sunday was a better option. My friend Brendan who's shared so many miles with me, was up for anything and Juli was coming along to shoot whatever we got ourselves into. Unsure whether I had the legs for it I found myself packing enough kit and food for a 65 mile/6000 foot journey down Mines Road.

Mines Road leaves Livermore California and winds its way through the canyons of the Diablo range, later becoming San Antonio Valley Road/Hwy 130 whereafter it climbs Mt. Hamilton to the Lick Observatory (elevation 4213 ft) before descending to the Eastern fringes of San Jose. Mines Road is remote, wild and beautiful. It sees very little traffic and it's not uncommon to ride its entire 46 mile length and see less than a dozen cars. Stage Three of this year's Tour of California followed many of these miles including the KOM/HC climb of Mt. Hamilton (unbelievably they then descended to San Jose and climbed Sierra Road).

As we drove towards Livermore at 8 am the Western flanks of the Diablo range were shrouded in low lying cloud yet below the cloud we could see a sliver of light hinting at brighter skies on the other side. By the time we arrived at the junction of Tesla and Mines Road we found ourselves in brilliant sunshine and crisp morning air; the quintessential fall day.

A group of six or seven cyclists had the same idea. As we got the bikes off the car, they clipped in and started down the road, probably a little annoyed at the prospect of sharing the wild seclusion of Mines before it had even begun. We took our time getting ready to give them a little breathing room.

The first five or six miles of Mines road wind through lowland orchards, farms and vineyards before forking left to climb gradually into the golden oak-studded hills. Brendan and I rode side-by-side and soon passed the rear marker from the group that left ahead of us. In the next few miles we slipped by another two or three, said hello and went on our way. At the top, per our plan, Brendan joined Juli in the car (he's a couple of weeks away from that procedure of his and needs to keep his riding low key). I know he wanted to keep going but he'd be back on the road with me for the last 20 miles.

Cattle Guards and Bullet Holes

From that point I was on my own to the top of Mt. Hamilton... perhaps a little shy of the distance and elevation of a Continental ride, but certainly cut from epic cloth. The road has everything but gravel, fast twisting downhills, short sharp climbs, and mile after mile of pristine wilderness. At times it feels like you're on some hidden track in Yosemite... minus the support car and photographer of course.

Eventually our touring company reached the Junction Cafe, the only oasis for food, drinks or stamps around these parts. The place still feels a little like a stage coach stop. Juli disappeared inside and came back with deli sandwiches and fries. Brendan laughed and exclaimed "this is an easy ride" I settled for a Gatorade and a ProBar (and a couple of fries) and hit the road. Juli and Brendan hung on at the Junction for a bit to chow down on the sandwiches.

Pain and Suffering

Ten miles of rollers punctuated by cattle guards and warning signs peppered with bullet holes brought me to the foot of the Mt. Hamilton climb. It's five tortuous miles from this point to the Lick Observatory telescopes and the summit. Juli and Brendan caught up just in time to see me start the grind, giving me an opportunity to lose my helmet. There's no one out here and I'm lucky if I'll be going 6 mph. The only danger is going so slow I fall over.

I was sweating buckets within a few switchbacks. I tried not to look up where the ribbon of road cut back and forth across the mountain like garland on a Christmas tree. The first two miles of the ascent were the worst; steep and out in the sun. I approached Juli shooting at the side of the road and she asked me to get out the saddle, I managed to accelerate for twenty yards and immediately redlined. It took me two minutes to recover. My cadence got slower and slower. I sensed the car passing me, disappearing somewhere overhead. I was fighting the bike by this point and the bike was winning.

Two miles of climbing to go I hit a pitch that owned me. I made the next turn spotted the car and rolled to a stop, spent. I think I muttered one or two obscenities, got off the bike and sat on the road with a water alternatively drinking it and pouring it over my head. In a few minutes I was feeling better. I ate a Grab the Gold bar and chugged water. Amazing what a difference a break makes on a climb like this even though I wished I'd had the legs to ride it straight through.

With a helping push from Juli I got back to my suffering. A few turns later the road finally emerged on the Southern flank of the mountain, here the grade eased and I spotted the one mile to go marker. I knew I had the climb licked... the last half mile is pretty flat.

The Road that Dreams are Made Of

I stopped for one last time at the Observatory, where Brendan got back on the bike for the 19-mile descent (with two small climbs) into San Jose. As usual he was smooth and relaxed on the tight technical turns that define the first seven miles down, I just did my best to follow his lead and stay close.

Just as we crested the last small climb to overlook the city Santa Clara County delivered an unexpected present. It seems in the intervening months since we last climbed Mt. Hamilton they've repaved this section of road, and I'm not talking about the usual chip and seal treatment that rural roads seem to get. This was the real deal. Five miles of perfect, flawless asphalt that must have been laid down by a road crew out to impress their friends. Even when the road surface was lousy this was one of the best descents in the bay area. Good sight lines, long straight aways, wide sweeping turns and few driveways to inhibit your speed. That was then. The road is now an amusement ride, with the right gearing 50 mph is there for the taking.

We flew down those last few miles. Both of us would happily have driven to the top to do it again if we had the time. What a fantastic end to an idyllic, grueling gut-check of a day.

I'm not usually at a loss for words, but this one has me fumbling. Wednesday, middle of the afternoon a Fedex package arrives from Portland. Slate had told me to expect something, I'm thinking something seasonal... box of chocolates, perhaps even a turkey (the turkey would have been appreciated since the one we cooked was a major disappointment). It clearly wasn't the turkey as I struggled to tear away the Fedex packaging that Slate had managed to press fit around the jet black Rapha gift box.

With the profanity out the way, I removed the lid and parted the signature pink newsprint tissue in full view of the office voyeurs. To visualize the moment, think Raiders of the Lost Ark, I swear there was a flash of light and the voices of angels as I removed and held up the Limited Edition Tweed Jacket. It might as well have been the Shroud of Turin (before the latest scientific evidence brought that icon back to earth as a magnificent fabrication). The Rapha Tweed Softshell is a magnificent fabrication AND the real thing. There's no need to carbon date these threads, and no one is getting anywhere near this with tweezers, shears, or anything sharp, dirty or sweaty.
Note to Self: Clean bike before any ride with Tweed Softshell.

Juli and I intended to take the ferry to Angel Island today and ride around the perimeter road, unfortunately traffic into the city was horrendous and we didn't make it in time. Instead we parked in the Presidio and rode over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands. Not bad for an alternate route, I never get tired of the bridge with San Francisco shimmering in the distance.

With a significant birthday approaching next year the Tweed Softshell Jacket might have been on my secret wish list. This is not a typical piece of kit... even by Rapha standards its pure luxury, but ladies if there's a 30th, 40th or 50th birthday on the horizon and he's got more bikes than he can fit (or you'll allow) in the garage, you couldn't do better than this for the wardrobe. OK, that means the Aston Martin DB9 moves to the top of the list.

There's not much more to say, except thank you to everyone at Rapha.
I'll wear it with pride.