To be perfectly honest, I am just not loving reading books at the moment, and have not been for a few years. I really struggle to finish a book – the same goes for sitting through a movie at home without falling asleep. As a child my hands were always on a book (when they weren’t busy building LEGO pirate ships), however my attention span seems to have waned and every time I try to read a novel or watch a movie I keep thinking that I am wasting valuable napping time. Yep I’m a napper. It’s unfortunate and I would like to somehow retrain my brain to enjoy reading as a hobby again. Regardless of this, I’m still a big book fan (just not so much novels these days). Here are some of my favourites:

I was big into podcasts a few years back in a weirdly obsessive-addictive kind of way, audibly absorbing as much information as I possibly could. Science / pop culture / current affairs / whatever, I wanted it all. That obsession dropped off a little while ago, but now seems to be back and currently I’m listening to podcasts more than I am to music (with the aid of my handsome aiaiai pipe headphones, pictured above).

My commute to work is about an hour door-to-door so there is plenty of listening time. I subscribe to a bunch of international podcasts, but (sheepishly) I only discovered ABC’s Radio National a few months ago, so I thought I would share my current top four RN favourites:

So…  the snow globe thing. It all started off as a bit of harmless fun really. A friend who I was working with at a design studio in London started collecting snow globes, and in a bizarre state of competitiveness (which is quite rare for me) I decided I would outmatch her collection. That was about three years ago now, she stopped a few months in, but my collection just kept on growing. The rule I set myself was simple (and perhaps slightly selfish) – I was not allowed to buy any – they all had to be gifted. I’ve mostly stuck to this rule, and I’ve only purchased a few myself. The picture above is only a very, very small selection. Half are sitting on my desk at work, and half are at home. They collect dust quite quickly (or maybe I’m just very bad at dusting), I don’t really look at them anymore, and I’m not actually quite sure what to do with them.

- Brendan x

Photos – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Lucy Feagins / Brendan McKnight.

Hello TDF readers, and welcome to a week of me blogging about the things that I like. Let’s start off with something quite fun and season appropriate (it sure is damn chilly out) – jumpers. I’ll be the first to admit that buying clothes and choosing what to wear in the morning are just not things I enjoy doing. When I find something that seems to work, I tend to stick to it and repeat. And then repeat some more. At the moment I have one pair of shoes, one jacket and three pairs of trousers (all the same brand and size, just different colours). However, one thing I do enjoy for variety’s sake are jumpers and socks – maybe a little too much. The picture above is only a small selection from my wardrobe (we tried to make the pile bigger, but it became a bit too much like Jenga), and below are some of my favourites.

We finish off a great week with Treadlie with a collection of their favourite ‘Cycle Centerfolds’. A big thank you to Tamsin O’Neill, managing editor of Treadlie, for creating this week’s Guest Blog – it has been fantastic! For more Treadlie magazine be sure to pick up issue 7 which is currently on sale, or Green Magazine if you fancy some quality sustainable architecture and design, both sound perfect for a weekend read!  – Jenny x

A racy red Raleigh, circa 1970, sold as a gentleman’s city bike. According to its owner Val Nagel ‘it virtually steers itself and fits me like a glove’ . Photo by Mario Borg

Thanks for having us for the week. We thought we’d leave you with our centrefolds. There are just too many sexy bikes out there and in each issue the office debates which will make the cut. If you like what you see and you’re hungry for more, check out the Treadlie website for all the latest.

1981 Mongoose BMX - Photo by Luis Guarch

This 1981 Mongoose BMX was given to collector Luis Guarch as a rusty wreck. Stripped and then rebuilt using original stock it now has heads turning down at the local track.

French ladies bike – Photo by Matthew Doyle

True romantic, Hamish Fitzimmons had Commuter Cycles restore this classic French beauty as a present to his wife after 10 years of marriage.

The Ultimate Cruiser!  Photo by Tamsin O’Neill

Inspired by a hot rod that regularly parks outside her Pony Bikes workshop, Sascha Strickland built herself the ultimate cruiser.

1997 Hillman Cycle – Photo by Andy Rogers

Hillman Cycles are still going strong in Brunswick, Melbourne after 50 years in business, so it’s fitting that this classic 1997 example was shot at the Brunswick Velodrome.

La Souplette, made in Paris in 1897 - Photo Mario Borg

La Souplette, made in Paris in 1897 out of hickory. It takes its name from the French word ‘Souple’ or flexible and is reminiscent of bentwood furniture designed and made in Vienna at the same time.

Custom built bike by Lee Papaioannou - Photo Matthew Doyle

Our current centerfold is an absolute one-off. Lee Papaioannou gets his kicks from building bikes with character and a jumble of parts. The only new piece on this bike is the handlebars.

- Treadlie

Tweed Riders Pia and Ivan at the 2011 Sydney Tweed Ride. Photo by Declan Kuch

Who’d have thought that dressing up in traditional British cycling attire would get so many people excited. Last year almost 400 turned up for Sydney’s tweed ride. We loved this dapper pair!

Who?

Pia, an event producer and Ivan, a musician, from Surry Hills and Marrickville in Sydney.

Wearing?

Pia – my mum’s vintage tweed jacket and scarf and my favourite ‘40s pants.
Ivan – vintage waistcoat, Wolfies Cycles t-shirt and Lee jeans… and homemade red velvet cupcakes on the back of the bicycle!

Your bike?

Both are from Wolfies Cycles, my (Pia’s) dad’s company. He has a neat collection of mostly vintage bikes from the ‘30s right through to the late ‘80s, and all for sale! My bike is a reproduction of a ‘50s Columbia and Ivan’s is a 1950s JC Higgins.

Going?

We have just finished the Sydney Tweed Ride – super fun day!

There is also has a Melbourne Tweed Ride group – these images are from their Summer Ride along the bay in February 2012! Photos by Cheryl Lin

Why ride?

Why not! It’s such a beautiful way to see the city and riding these bikes makes it extra fun.

Favourite ride?

These bikes are built for cruising so we are heading to Centennial Park to do a lap and then stop off for a picnic.

While riding you…?

Ivan hums or whistles or does a bit of both, I don’t know what I do … but I think now I will join in on the humming ‘cause Ivan always looks like he enjoys the odd hum on and off the bike.

- Treadlie

TDF and Treadlie favourite, Trent Jansen! Photo by Amy Luschwitz

We’ve been following the work of Sydney designer Trent Jansen in both Green and Treadlie over the years. His Sign Stools have become iconic, and of course we love his Cycle Signs – bike reflectors made up from the leftovers after making his Sign Stools.

Who?

Trent Jansen.

Wearing?

White organic cotton tea shirt, blue pants from an op-shop in Pontedera, Italy and Ian Harold boots from Melbourne.

Your bike?

Tokyo bike with Ortlieb panniers and my Cycle Signs.

Why ride?

There are so many reasons… I feel very free when I am riding, with the ability to go anywhere, not having to rely on complex infrastructure to get me there. Then there are the health benefits. I don’t have a great deal of time to exercise, so combining exercise and transport into the one activity seems to make sense.

While riding I…?

Feel completely exposed to everything that the world has to offer. Whether it is a friendly nod from a fellow cyclist, an abusive gesture from an aggressive driver, or the drop of temperature that you feel when you ride into a rain forest. When driving a car I feel shielded from these elements, less a part of the world.

Trent Jansen’s Cycle Signs – Photos by Alex Kershaw.

Cycle Signs?

In my studio we have been producing a furniture piece called the Sign Stool 450 for a while now. This small stool is constructed from re-used road signs in order to reduce the burden placed on our natural resources.

In the construction of this furniture some of the road sign material is wasted. Cycle Sign was developed to make use of this waste material and to take advantage of the reflective nature of these road signs. The re-used road signs used to construct Cycle Signs come complete with all the characteristics of their previous use, including reflective vinyl labels and the odd evidence of their life by the roadside. This not only provides character but tells the life story of this road sign, serving its public duty on the freeway.

Cycle Signs are available in two versions, a Spoke Clamp and a Strap. The spoke clamp is designed to be easily installed around the spokes in a bicycle wheel, while the strap version is designed to simply wrap around the seat post or front tube of a bicycle. In keeping with the reused nature of this project, the strap is cut from old bicycle tubes, making the felt padding the only new material used in the manufacture of these reflectors.

Cycle Signs are available in bike shops all over the country and we now have retailers in North America, Singapore and Japan, not to mention online.

Trent Jansen’s Cycle Signs – Photo by Alex Kershaw.

The Sign Stool 450, the waste material of these are used to make Cycle Signs. Photo by Alex Kershaw.

Other Plans?

There is some talk of expanding the Cycle Sign range, and I do have some thoughts for other useful bike related objects… At the moment I am flat out with other projects, but who knows.

- Treadlie

Gorgeous gal Gwendolynne Burkin. Photo by Carole Whitehead

Oh yes, we love girls in fancy dresses riding bikes. Today we bring you one of the fanciest – Gwendolynne Burkin.

Who?

Gwendolynne Burkin, a Design Director from Fitzroy

Wearing?

I am wearing a vintage cream top with a jabot that I bought at the Camberwell Market, a cream pleated dress, can’t remember where I bought it from, and white men’s shoes.

Photo by Carole Whitehead

Your bike?

My bike is an Avanti. I’ve customised it with a Brooks saddle and changed the handle bars to match the colour of the saddle. I also have a cute wicker basket.

Going?

I’m running errands for work, going to the bank and the hardware store. Just the stuff you need to do when you run a business.

Why ride?

I love cycling – when you cycle it feels like you are floating or flying. I also think it’s a very affordable way of transporting yourself around. You can always get a park and it keeps you fit. You can also perve at other cyclists.

Favourite ride?

I love riding into the city and going through MCG park and Birrarung Marr, where the beautiful bridge is with Aboriginal chanting, especially at sunset.

Possible the most elegantly dressed cyclist in Melbourne?! Photo by Carole Whitehead

While riding you…?

I sing a lot!  I like to take in the smells and snoop at what’s going on in my neighbourhood. I love wearing clothes that billow in the wind. I have one favourite red dress that I love to wear when I am riding as the sleeves are so floaty.

- Treadlie

Today we welcome Treadlie Magazine to the Guest Blog! Treadlie is a Melbourne-based print publication dedicated to bike lovers who are passionate about design, fashion and bike culture, both locally and internationally.  We’re so excited that Managing Editor Tamsin O’Neill has created this series about bike loving folks, starting today with Mick Peel of Busyman Bicycles. – Jenny x

‘Treadlie Street’ styler – Mick Peel!  Photo by Mario Borg

We’re really excited to be the guest bloggers for the week. It was really tricky figuring out what to show you all because over past 18 months we’ve seen some awesome bike stuff, and met some amazing bike enthusiasts thanks to our bike mag, Treadlie.

One of our favourite sections of the magazine is Treadlie St. Generally we photograph random people on the street and ask them a standard set of questions. We get some surprisingly interesting answers. For our week on TDF we thought we’d stick to bike riders who are also designers of some sort, so we added some other questions to the mix.

Today we present Mick Peel who also features in our current Treadlie issue #7.

Who?

Mick Peel, a Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design at RMIT University and maker of custom leather components for bicycles, from Carlton in Melbourne.

Wearing?

Many of my clothes are hand-me-downs from my sister, including these vintage Levi jeans and old tailored jacket from Savers. I also have on my favourite old leather work boots and a wool jersey top I recently made for myself.

Some of Mick’s fantastic leatherwork created under the name Busyman Bicycles. Photos by Carol Whitehead.

Your bike?

The bike pictured above one of my six bikes – the frame was a hard rubbish find, along with the bars and stem. It’s a Master Sports built by Motor Spares. I had the wheels built using some handmade Italian wooden rims and a couple of old steel hubs floating around my backyard. The brakes are coaster/back pedal and I had the stem, bars and cranks chrome-plated. The leatherwork on the saddle and handle bar tape are by me – Busyman Bicycles. It’s a nice bike for cruising around on but also goes pretty fast thanks to the drop bars and relatively high gear.

Why ride?

It’s extremely convenient, independent, relaxing, therapeutic, exercise. So in a nutshell, I guess it keeps me sane.

Favourite ride?

it’s the 70 km ‘Research Loop’ which I ride some Saturday mornings with a group of friends on carbon bikes and dressed up in body-hugging cycling kit. It wears me out but I enjoy the hills.

While riding you…?

I think about coffee… And what I need to do when I reach my destination. I always seem to be busy, hence the name Busyman.

Mick’s workspace – Photo by Carol Whitehead

Where does the inspiration for your saddle designs come from?

Ideas for how a saddle might be re-covered come together from a range of different sources. The form of the saddle itself sets up possibilities and limitations as to what I could do. Complex forms which need intricate pattern cutting and panelled seams offer fewer options for decorative applications while simpler forms with larger areas work well as an open canvas to apply motif and pattern work in a variety of techniques.

Inspiration comes from the overall feel of the bike for which the saddle is intended. In some cases I do the saddle and handle bar tape to match back to a multi-coloured paint scheme, sometimes the leatherwork is used to bring an accent to the bike by introducing a highlight colour imbuing a sense of timeless traditional craftsmanship often associated with the natural leather colour.

My clients usually have an idea of the kind of design they would like. I think of myself as a bespoke craftsman designer who helps people realise the vision they have for their bicycle. I might propose a design myself or guide my clients through the process of designing based on my experience of the materials, techniques and functionality. Ultimately I am aiming for a fully functional and utilitarian outcome that is not compromised by its design.

Mike aka Busyman working with leather - Photo by Carole Whitehead

Where do you source your leather and the original saddles?

There are two leather merchants in Melbourne from whom I source the majority of my materials. I have also recently started sourcing kangaroo leather from a tannery in Queensland. I have had a few interesting requests to recover saddles in leather supplied by the client including a Selle SMP using ostrich leg leather and I’m currently using the leather salvaged from a basketball to cover a bifurcated Selle Italia saddle for a former basketball player.

Whenever there is a bicycle swap meet on in Melbourne I try to pick up a few old saddles. I have become more and more selective in the saddle I choose as I have learned to identify quality and pieces that are structurally unsound. In most cases though my clients provide their own saddle for recovering. Occasionally the saddle they provide is brand new, sometimes it’s their favourite saddle they have been riding for years and sometimes it’s a retro piece they’ve picked up on Ebay.

Which is the favourite of your six bikes and why?

I cannot really answer this one, all of my bikes are favourites for different reasons. The first fixie I did is a favourite because it’s so classic looking and simply because it’s the first bike I rebuilt and customised and in a way was the beginning of Busyman Bicycles.

I love my second fixie because it’s really comfortable to ride, in a way it’s probably a bit out of fashion now with its red Velocity Deep V rims but I kind of like that about it. It has my fanciest saddle on it which I initially made a for a shoot in The Age’s Melbourne Magazine.

I have a step though shopping bike that’s pieced together from all kinds of mismatched bits and pieces. It’s really practical in that it has two cane baskets and mud guards. Great for shopping and wet weather.

The list goes on, there are two road bikes, one steel and one carbon fibre and an old Master Sports path racer I found in the gutter in Kensington which I rebuilt as a single speed with wooden rims.

Ultimately though I think my favourite bike is going to be my next bike.

- Treadlie