TGIF: Happy New Year! & Introducing Organic Bamboo Cotton.

This is our last TGIF of the season...

We had problems to secure the ear flap fabric for our popular winter cycling caps.

The problem is solved. We discovered an even better fabric to replace the previous discontinued French Terry Jersey Knit. Introducing...


Organic Bamboo Cotton Stretch Fabric!


At a first glance, it is a truer black, softer, and mostly made from bamboo. Bamboo has wonderful properties: it is antibacterial, hypo-allergenic, wicks very well dries quickly than cotton. We are very excited of our new fabric and Carolle is just about to produce the prototype. I'll be the lucky tester.


And, it's time to reflect on our successful 2012.

People around the world are recognizing our high quality craftsmanship in our cycling caps. We are looking forward to 2013 and we have many new projects and products on the boil. Carolle and I would like to thank each of our customers for supporting us this past season.

Last January, we proudly rebranded our company name and it is almost a year, now, of Red Dots Cycling


A happy and prosperous New Year to all... we invite you to ride along with us in 2013!

A L'Enfer du Nord Christmas Story.

Christmas Smile!

Courtesy: Mario FRFuggitivi and Katie.

Just before Christmas, Katie contacted me for a winter cycling cap for her husband, Mario.

As a matter of fact, we have worked with a few spouses and girlfriends for Christmas cap gifts.

Mario and I ride together as part of our FRFuggitivi group and he already purchased a non-winter cap from me. So, I smiled at Katie's plan. Careful preparation was key and I'm so glad Carolle and I pulled it off to get the cap to Katie on time.

That's a great Christmas smile from Mario with his new Red Dots Cycling's L'Enfer du Nord winter cap!

TGIF: Colombina Candy & Busiest Time of the Year

Sweetness...

Colombina hard candy.

TG it's Friday and closer to Christmas...

Klaus (aka cyclinginquisition.com) is requesting another order of custom Colombian cycling caps. We are also pleased to be working with him on a new design for custom winter caps. Stay tune we should have his order ready, with some pics, in early January.

I want to thank Klaus for the little surprise (3 that is), that came with the Colombian ribbon... Colombina Caramelon de Cafe (Coffee Hard Candy).

We are busy! Our busiest Christmas ever. Our winter cycling caps are selling very well, we can barely keep them online. Our wholesale orders are increasing. As, Carolle and I enjoy the holidays, we will more than enjoy our much needed break and come back refreshed to begin winter/regular cycling cap production. Of course, our wholesale orders will get top priority.

Over the next few days, we will post new wallets and pouches on our site.

Looks like January will be just as busy as December!

A Fun Affair... The Women's Winter Faire.

Our famous selling Scuola!

Red Dots Cycling

When it comes to our cycling caps, I work with cyclists. I was so happy to discover, after this past weekend's Women's Winter Faire, that people love to wear our winter caps to stay warm and fashionable walking around town. They are not only for cycling.

Before the show, Richard and I wasn't sure if the Scuola Pouch would be an item for us to continue producing. It wasn't selling as well as the other items and we wanted to introduce new rubber products. After this weekend, I'm having doubts. People were going crazy and in love with the Scuola pouch. Before Sunday, I had to take seven Scuola's off from our website. Well, they sold and now I have only two left. We will decide soon whether it returns, perhaps with a glass of wine to make the decision process easier.

It was a pleasant surprise for me to see so many Francophone vendors. My friend Helene, Chicachicdesign, was a vendor and ceramic artist, Micheline Claret of L'Atelier De Poterie. I learned that Micheline and her partner, Jean-Marie is retiring after 40 years producing beautiful ceramic pieces. Sadly, this was their last craft show. I could not help myself and bought two wonderful coffee mugs. I wish Micheline and Jean-Marie a happy retirement.

This was my first show by myself. It was an interesting show. In fact, the 19th edition and the organizers are already talking of a huge 20th anniversary show for next year.

I had fantastic response for my knit wear, almost selling out. That means, I'll have the extra money to buy lots and lots of yarn.

Thanks to Pat and all the volunteers for making this show a success, I plan to return next December!

Jean-Mariee & Micheline

TGIF: Red Dots Cycling at Women's Winter Faire

Our last Christmas show of the season is this weekend...

I'll be at the Women's Winter Faire Dec. 15/16, Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street Vancouver. Red Dots Cycling will have many cycling caps and recycled inner tube products perfect for Christmas gift giving. And I'll have many products not available on our website. Hope to see you there!

Carolle

The Shipping Elves are hard at work.

It's Christmas time and as we are inching closer to the magical day...

Let's talk shipping.

As we receive your orders, we will process it within 24 hours of receipt. It's the busiest time of the year. And, the Canada Post elves are working hard to get your gift to you as fast as possible. So, do expect some shipping delays especially in mid-December, Canada Post makes no guarantees for Christmas delivery. 

Thank you!

Happy Birthday Ryder!

We are so proud to celebrate Ryder Hesjedal's historical success winning the 2012 Giro d'ltalia by making the Grinta-Cervina cycling cap.

On Stage 14, Cherasco to Cervinia is when he re-took the pink jersey, dramatically, from Joaquim Rodriguez. This beautiful cotton denim cap has special details for the true cycling fan. Pink under brim and argyle stripe and Canadian maple leaf detail on the rear of the cap. Available now in two sizes: Small/Medium (21-22.5") and Medium/Large (22.5-24").

And, what better way to celebrate his Giro success, Ryder Hesjedal turns 32 years old today.

Happy Birthday Ryder!

Oh Canada!

Photos: Red Dots Cycling

TGIF: Return of the Colombians & Port Mann Free Toll

Half inch Colombian love for a new

custom cycling cap.

It's Friday and good news the Colombians are back!

What does that mean?

Klaus of Cycling Inquisition has just contacted us with the very good news that his beloved grandmother sent him more Colombian ribbon. He is interested to place another order for more Colombian custom cycling caps. We are currently working out the details and we can't wait to start production.

And, we had a custom order request to make a special run of Colombian cycling caps. It's fun that both of these orders are coming to us at the same time. A coincidence? Or call it the revenge of the Colombians.

Our client sent us tiny 1/2 inch Colombian ribbon and requested a black cap with either red or blue under brim. The ribbon will be placed just like our La Francaise cycling cap on top of the brim.

This is going to be fun as our studio will show the Colombian colors!

The new Port Mann bridge.

Photo: Kim Seale, News1130.

We live in Vancouver and once in a while, we like to travel across the Port Mann Bridge to get to one of our fabric suppliers. On our rare trip, today, we discovered that the new Port Mann Bridge is up and open. As we drove nearer there were signs that this huge bridge will be a toll bridge starting December 8th!

So we had a free crossing today and we admired the new bridge. It's beautiful really, eight lanes wide the new Port Mann bridge is said to be the second longest bridge in North America and the widest in the world. We're just going to avoid using it and use the old Pattullo bridge when necessary.

maillot à pois rouges: Lucien VAN IMPE 1975 TdF

Lucien Van Impe in control of the new maillot à pois rouges

1975 Tour.

Carolle and I love the polka dot climbers jersey.

Today's maillot à pois rouges features the great grimpeur Lucien Van Impe in the 1975 Tour de France. Notably, this was the first year that the leader of the mountains classification wore the famous maillot à pois rouges. Double stage winner,  Van Impe steadily rode away to win, his third title, and wear the first polka-dot jersey. A champion climber, he would win a total of six mountains classification in the Tour.

Richard

New: The Presta Winter Cycling Cap at Raiment Cycling Clothing

May we direct your attention!

Our new stock of winter cycling caps have arrived at Mussette Caffe/ Raiment Cycling Clothing store.

You will find your favorite winter caps; L'Enfer du Nord, Brits, La Fleche Wallonne, Red Hunting, Flemish, Petit Breton...

You will also discover the new 100% British Wool winter cap called the ... Presta! We do not have it on our website as of yet. At this moment, it's only available at Raiment Cycling Clothing!

We thought our Brits winter cap was our finest cap, but we can already predict the new Presta winter cycling cap will surpass it. Why? The superior quality of the wool, it's an understated black/gray... so check it out!

TGIS: Luck of the Irish & Red Hunting Winter Cap

We usual have a post on Fridays called TGIF. Well, we missed it so here's a TGIS for Saturday!

The antibiotics haven't completely worked for me. I am slowly re-gaining my strength. Richard appears to have recovered faster. And, I have a feeling I'll have to try to relax when I can.

As Christmas is fast approaching, we are in full production for our winter caps. You will notice, slowly but surely the winter caps are available on our website.


Ireland is one country I would love to visit. In fact, we just sold a few caps in Dalkey, Ireland... a first!

The Red Hunting winter cap is back!

Carolle

The perfect stocking stuffer: Piccolo & La Piccola

Just one example of our new Piccolo Pouch...
fun and colorful!

As Christmas is nearing we have more Piccolo Pouches and La Piccola wallets to make as the perfect stocking stuffer.

Go ahead and check out our new fun designs because everyone deserves one of these practical recycled rubber inner tube products!

A New Wool Winter Cap.

After checking our supplier we found a little bit of Brits wool fabric. Also, another beautiful British Wool that is black with tiny grey dots. We quickly made the decision for a new upcoming winter wool cap. Fits in well because our Nite Rider and  Black Sheep winter caps are now discontinued.

We thought of a few names for it... so stay tune!

TGIF: Thanks for your Patience

After returning from the doctor, we are both affected with bronchitis.

That means antibiotics. Severe enough for the strong stuff. We have five days duration and now optimistic of a full recovery. Meanwhile, we do have some strength to press on for another winter cap run. It's slow going. Please bear with us, especially for those who requested winter caps... we are working quickly on replenishing our website.

We want to apologize to folks who are waiting for follow-up for their custom cap orders. Please, stay tune we haven't been to our supplier to check on specific fabric/ribbon and we would like to thank you for your patience.

Christmas Update

Andy Hampsten's frgid Gavia stage,

1988 Giro.

We are finally recovering from the worst case flu (we ever had) and started producing another winter cap run.

The winter caps that are in production are...

Petit Breton, Red Hunting, L'Enfer du Nord, Fleche Wallonne and Flemish.

Rotten timing that it struck us during our busiest time of the season. As we see our popular winter cap stocks rapidly depleting ...we have to act.

Sadly, our famous Brits cap is out of stock. One last chance, this Friday, we will attempt to look for the fabric at our supplier.

This year has been overwhelming for our winter caps. The response is amazing. We would like to thank everyone for buying our winter caps. You will enjoy a warm ride this winter!

maillot à pois rouges: Dan Martin

Garmin-Sharp's Dan Martin pulls on the polka dot jersey at the 2012 Tour of Beijing. A worthy winner in the mountain classification.

TGIF: Flemish and Women's Winter Faire

Happy to have more Flemish wool.

Carolle is still recovering from last weekend's Make it Show with flu!

As she convalesces, I'm holding the fort and have returned from our fabric supplier with ample wool to make another run of Flemish winter caps. Also, I picked up a nice supply of our popular linen/cotton, superb fabric that we use in our famous all-black Cappello da Ciclismo Nero cap and Cappello Nero Rosso cycling cap.

All Black linen/cotton,

Cappello da Ciclismo Nero!

Our next show is the Women's Winter Faire, December 15-16 at the Heritage Hall on 3102 Main Street, Vancouver. Carolle will be doing this one solo but she will have plenty of set-up help from me. This Women's Faire features; BC women artisans and craftswomen.

Have a good weekend!

Rolling On with Winter Caps in The McMaster Rolling Seminar!

Caffeinated & Rolling On!

Yesterday I passed along three winter cycling caps to Thomas of Musette Caffe...

A wonderful gesture from Thomas for he is now in Hamilton as part of Coffee & Bikes @Mac The McMaster Rolling Seminar: La Vie Velo. He is invited to speak to the business students of McMaster University.

The other key note speakers are Krys Hines (Cafe Domestique), Andrew Randell (Jet Fuel Coffee) & Dan Dankin (editor of Canadian Cycling Magazine). We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to showcase our handmade winter caps among the cycling savy folks of Ontario. Thomas is giving his speech today.

Thomas is unique and has an amazing concept business going in Vancouver: he's partnered up with Kevin of Raiment Cycling Clothing and has THE bike-friendly cafe ever. Of course, we are honored to be part as a supplier. And we see a very good growing relationship with Kevin and Thomas.

Thomas will pass along the three winter caps and we trust that the caps will be well appreciated especially in the Ontario winter!

Make It Show a Success

Folks followed our 'Bike' sign to see us!

The Make it Show was a success!


The winter caps was the star of the show. And the feedback was incredible. A lot of our customers were first-time buyers. And here is some of the testimonials...

a. Well made.
b. Fit well.
c. Glad that they are made in Vancouver.
d. Great fabric
e. Cool looking.

We couldn't agree more!

It was packed. About 9000 eager shoppers came through the doors and we are so glad there's two of us working. After the first day, sales was discouraging and we wondered if craft shows was worth it. Well, as the second, third and fourth days passed we quickly changed our minds. The sales picked up. And, what also was valuable is the feedback from folks. To have an on-line business is one thing, direct contact with our customers is also very important.

We want to thank Jenna and Chandler and all the folks for stopping by our booth... looks like we'll be back next year!

Good Karma Harris Tweed SmartPhone

Our new SmartPhone Wallet.

As promised, here's a sneak peak of our new SmartPhone Wallet...

We'd like to thank ilSoigneur for the 'good karma' Harris Tweed Wool. There's a bit of Harris Tweed love in each of them. They have a zipper to close your valuables safely and the slip pocket to keep your smartphone nice and cozy. Today was a good day... we sold quite a few.

For now, the Good Karma Harris Tweed SmartPhone is only available at our craft shows!

TGIF: Make it Time!

Richard's CyclingArt prints are available at the show!

This is day 2 of Make it!

We invite you over to the Croatian Centre, Vancouver. Our handmade cycling caps and rubber inner tube products are available. The show opens at 11 AM - 9 PM. Our booth is 121 and we are located in Room A. You can't miss us just look for the glowing 'bike' sign!

See our new limited edition SmartPhone Wallet! That's right ...exclusive to the show, perfectly fits the new iPhone, Blackberry and Samsung phones. It's our posh wallet lined with Harris Tweed Wool. And, most likely to fit other phones. Come on over and try out your phone.

Also, Richard's unique CyclingArt Prints and postcards will be available... a perfect christmas gift for the discerning cycling fan!

Winter Cycling Caps: Riding With Musette Caffe/Raiment!

photo: Carolle

It's official...

We are proudly selling our winter cycling caps at Musette Caffe/Raiment Cycling Clothing.

Thomas is busy preparing the official opening with Raiment Cycling Clothing and all I can say is this boutique looks fabulous! The timing could not be better... with Christmas fast approaching. It's a beautiful day and as you may know the weather can turn. And, you need to cover your head and ears with our winter cycling caps.

Our Brits winter cap, featured in Bicycling Magazine, is available as well as many other styles.

Don't wait until the weather turns ugly, now is the time to get the right winter cap while you are having a fine coffee at Musette Caffe!



Thanks Thomas... we are very happy to be part of the Musette Caffe/Raiment family!

Our winter cycling caps now available!

courtesy: Thomas (Musette Caffe)

TGIF: Christmas, Musette Caffe & Coupon

Need help with your Christmas shopping?

Ready for Christmas?

Christmas is fast approaching. Need help with your Christmas shopping?

We have wonderful gift ideas for the cyclist enthusiast on your list. Make sure you order early to have your gift arrive in time for Christmas.



Remember when we received some fun Harris Tweed fabric samples from our friends at ilSoigneur?
We had a sneak peek from Thomas, at Musette Caffe, that a cool boutique called Raiment Cycling Clothing will soon open. From the corner of our eyes we saw the Harris Tweed ilSoigneur musettes, recognizing their finely made Harris Tweed musettes.


We have the Make it Show coupon combined with our Red Dots Cycling coupon ($5 Off with purchase of $50 or more at the Make it Show only!) waiting for you at Musette Caffe. This also give you $1 off admission at the door. There is only a limited amount of coupons available so go on down have a delicious espresso and grab a coupon to see us November 8-11, Make It show, Croatian Centre Vancouver.

Skank it up on the SKA Piccola Wallet

You're Welcome, Jam...

Skank it up!

It all started with a request on making a custom SKA cycling cap.

Ska: A music genre from Jamaica in the 1950s. Characterized with heavy moving bass it's popular with the 1960s British Mods.

Jam from the UK was looking for a special SKA cycling cap. We loved the idea! And there's a cool tie-in of the chequered pattern of the 70s-80s Peugeot cycling teams.

We had problems finding the chequered pattern fabric... it was a quest. After trying many suppliers we did come up with a small supply and introduce a limited edition SKA-licious cap. Jam asked us to produce a SKA La Piccola wallet and we did have enough fabric to make him two.

It sure was fun to Skank it up with Jam!

SKA-licious Cycling Cap.

Richard

Making it Easier: Select your Size on Etsy!

Red Dots Cycling.

We have been wishing this from Etsy for a long time...

Now, it's a reality! Etsy has made it easier and darn convenient to help your cycling cap shopping experience. They added a Size Selector above the 'Add to Cart' located in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Size choice is important, in the past, we impressed upon you to state your size choice. Not anymore.

It's an integral part, just pick your size and Add to Cart!

TGIF: Make it! More Cycling Caps.

Follow the 'Red Dots' to see us!

Here's the floor plan for the upcoming Make it! To simplify your journey to see us, Carolle has made it easier. All you have to do is follow the red dots to our booth #121!

The Make it! show will expand with more vendors, more fun. Let's not forget, bring your love ones and enjoy beer/wine, live music and just have fun! If you're going to one craft show this year, then this is the one. Here's the link for $1.00 off admission.


We have made enough winter caps to replenish our stocks, now we realize that our regular caps are dwindling down. Carolle is serging away on some popular regular caps for stock. On the table now: La Francaise, Paris-Roubaix, Cappello Nero and Falling Leaves!


I'm glad to be recovering from a stubborn cold. While I was resting in bed, Carolle has taken control in production. Now, I'm feeling better and appreciated the time 'off' to recuperate. I'm sure glad it's happening now and not during the Make it show!


Have a good Friday!

Richard

Sprinting towards a winter cap finish

Sometimes things don't go entirely to plan, or so it seems.

We just finished our rubber madness production and will have to delay the launch of our new designs for, hopefully, a few days. Our winter cycling caps are selling very well. And we are thinking it's partly due from the excellent press we have from Bicycling Magazine. 

We have just over 2-weeks remaining before our big Christmas show, Make It! So, that means we have to make one last winter cycling cap run to replenish stocks. Carolle's already in the serger phase, listening to her favorite music/radio episodes on her iPod. 

Time to sprint towards a winter cap finish!

TGIF: New Wallets/Pouches, Francophone Women's Entrepreneur & Shipping to Malaysia

New La Piccola's and Piccolo's!

Last evening I had a wonderful opportunity to present Red Dots Cycling at the Vancouver Francophone Women's Entrepreneur monthly meeting. It was a success, in front of an enthusiastic group of 30 business women. I started off the meeting with my 10 minute presentation and shared, quite proudly, with our recent success in Bicycling Magazine. I was the intro of the evening with the main portion following about how and why to build your business with LinkedIn. I'm grateful to go to the monthly meetings and it's important for me because I learn important business tips/strategies  and it also keeps my French alive!


Here's an update on our rubber madness week...

It's almost at the end and with the help of the blue monster sewing machine we will be ready for November's Make It Show in Vancouver! Everyone loves a deal... here's a link on how to receive $1 off admission! Hope to see you there!


We have tons of new La Piccola wallet designs ready and especially a special Skull custom design. We plan to have new wallets/pouches sometime up on the website by the end of next week.


We are becoming more global...

Today, we are shipping two winter caps to Malaysia... a first for us!


Have a great Friday everybody!

Carolle

We'll be ready!

Hope to see you there!

A Special Wedding Invitation for our Routier Cycling Cap

Our Routier cycling caps at the wedding of

Hollis and Chris...looks like FUN!

courtesy: carlylovesamos.com

Who says cycling caps are not allowed in a wedding?

We were surprised and excited when bride to be, Hollis emailed us for custom Routier cycling caps for her wedding. They were for the groom and his best men. This is a first for us. We have made custom cycling caps for organizations, clubs and bike stores but never for a wedding.

Congratulations to Hollis and Chris and thanks to Carly loves Amos Photographers for the image.

We always say our cycling caps look equally good on or off the bike... And, now after looking at this great wedding photo we can really see how stylish and fashionable our caps can be!  

Chapeau! Brits Winter Cycling Cap in Bicycling Magazine

November issue of Bicycling...

Today's a great day...

We finally have our hands on the November issue of Bicycling Magazine!

That means we have a hardcopy issue, that's right we're old school, of the famous magazine showcasing our Brits Winter Cycling Cap! It's on page 34 under the appropriate headline....

CHAPEAU!

We couldn't be happier and proud to be included in the '12 Stylish Cycling Caps.' 

Thanks to Jennifer Sherry, senior editor at Bicycling Magazine, who contacted us back in August for a sample cap for consideration. They planned a one-page fall/winter cycling cap article for November. 

It was fate. Bear in mind this was August and we had only one winter cap left in stock. So, we shipped off our Brits winter cap made of 100% British Superfine Wool. This one is unique, so unique we proudly sew in an authentic label on the inside of the cap.  

Chapeau!

...CHAPEAU! we're number 4!

TGIF: Rubber Madness & Joong

First phase: cutting 

La Piccola Wallets.

When most of us are thinking of Halloween, we are knee-deep in preparing for Christmas!

This is the first part of our 'Rubber Madness', preparing for the Blue Monster sewing machine that will be with us starting tomorrow. The above image is a numerous amount of La Piccola Wallets in the first phase of cutting.

In preparation for Rubber Madness, Carolle decided to make Joong, a Chinese delicacy of sweet rice wrapped in banana leaves. I'm proud of her as she is probably the only non-asian, Quebecoise that knows how to make this delicacy. I'll bet my last penny on this. It takes a few hours to prepare but once ready takes minutes to cook and makes a delicious lunch. I'll help her with the prep, so check out Carolle's post on ...Joong.

Have a great Friday!

Return of the Cycling Inquisition Caps

Colombian Cycling Inquisition Cap

via Cycling Inquisition

The Colombian Cycling Inquisition caps are now available!

We made a small run of these Colombian beauties, so go ahead and order from Klaus!

The Return of the Blue Monster

To ramp up our rubber inner tube production, we will also introduce a brand new product...

This weekend is the return of the Blue Monster sewing machine!

Stay tune for the continuing adventures as we sew our way through the rubber inner tube jungle with the help from the Blue Monster...

And, we will endeavour to save as many used inner tubes from the evil landfill!

Fun & Practical: New La Piccola Wallets

The new 'John Deere' inspired Piccola wallet

All photos: Red Dots Cycling

It's about two-years since we made our first La Piccola wallet...

When I first saw the finished product, it was a happy moment carefully crafted from upcycled rubber inner tubes and looking every bit the pragmatic wallet ...I always wanted. Gone are the days of using my old heavy leather wallet that looked more burdensome than practical. I have a wallet for the daily essentials; enough cards and some banknotes and nothing more. It's super light and fits in the palm of the hand comfortably. It's made of recycled rubber and from time to time it gets dirty, a good thing or bad? That's subjective. If it gets dirty just wipe it with a damp cloth. Or better yet, polish from time to time with a little Armor-all for the royal treatment. If you prefer the faded timeless look of aged rubber, leave it alone.

We sewn in fabric for two reasons: the full-on fun effect and cards are easy to grab.

Here's a few brand new and very practical La Piccola Wallets... enjoy!

Richard

Our Superman inspired Piccola Wallet.