Viva la Vuelta a España

Vuelta El Toro!

photo Red Dots Cycling

The Vuelta starts this Saturday! 

Celebrate this great Spanish race with our Vuelta El Toro Cycling Cap!

Handmade from linen/cotton (absorbs dampness and sweat quickly, light and strong, antiallergic) we embroidered our Toro design set in a background of Red (for the leaders jersey) complete with a fine Spanish accent -  Viva la Vuelta!

TGIF: Classic Winter Caps in Summer, Virtues of the Smart Wallet & Maillot á pois rouges

Merckx dons the classic winter cap.

It has been a busy summer, with wholesale orders and introducing new caps and wallets, we are finally getting closer to re-stocking more cycling caps.

Q: What do you make in the middle of the Summer when it reaches 30C in the studio?

A: Well, you make your first batch of winter cycling caps! 

One cannot be too early to think about the cool fall/winter upcoming rides.

We just shipped off a new stock of cycling caps for Klaus of Cycling Inquisition so check his site to order his classy Colombian caps! 

Another reason why Vancouver is bike savy...

discovered across the street from Strada Cycles!

photo Red Dots Cycling

Our newest testimonial on the new Bike Inner Tube Smart Wallet...

We feel that this is a great way of using the Smart Wallet. Perfect for the traveller and it holds a passport and valuables securely! 

We are fans of Robert Millar... 

first Briton to win a mountain stage (1983) and the 

KoMs in the 1984 Tour de France!

Chapeau Hors Catégorie!

Grand Tour a porter...

La Francaise, Viva La Corsa Rosa & Vuelta El Toro!

via horscatégorie

It's heartwarming that our cycling caps are now offered at Hors Catégorie in Montréal.

Carolle is originally from Sept-îles and lived many years in Montréal. We both momentarily lived in the Plateau Mont Royal and my Marinoni was made in Terrebonne, so it's like 'full-circle' for us.

Hors Catégorie is a bike boutique store. I haven't been there... yet.

From what I can gather from their website, they offer custom bike fitting and service, high quality products - embracing the passion for cycling. We wholeheartedly share in the same passion for cycling.

A short while ago, Fred Landry contacted us in search of high quality cycling caps and accessories -made in Canada. Through the power of the Internet, we made a connection. Is it coincidence that Red Dots Cycling is similar with Hors Catégorie?



Chapeau!

Richard

Beer or Break of the Day: Seigneuriale Strong Belgian Ale

J'aime!

Seigneuriale strong ale by Unibroue, Chambly, Québec.

It's not always work in our studio!

TGIF: A Glimpse of the Polka Dots, Strada Cycles, Winter in Summer & a Special 18

Looking back...

Polka Dots Cycling Cap

photo Red Dots Cycling

Yesterday, a funny thing happened on the way to the opening of Strada Cycles...


On our way down Pender Street, we had a double-take and saw a bike messenger wearing our first generation Polka Dots Cycling Cap! We couldn't believe it, so much so, we didn't have time to take a picture. It was sure nice to see it again. Unfortunately, this fabric is so difficult to find and, yes, we have never given up on the hunt for the elusive red dots.


We had a nice time at Strada Cycles, at their new location and we would like to thank Joey-Lee and Jason for inviting us. Check out my Cyclingart Blog for photos of the opening.


It's about 30C in our studio and we are making winter cycling caps!

Hard to believe it, in the heat of the Summer-we are making winter caps for a special order. Having two fans going makes it bearable to work in. Causing us to work slowly and thinking of air-conditioning!


This Sunday, Carolle and I will be celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary! So, we will set some time aside ...  that means no work and celebrate our special day!

Richard

The Colombians Will Make a Comeback!

photo Red Dots Cycling

The Colombian Cycling Caps are making their way ... back!

The New Running of the Vuelta El Toro Cycling Cap

Our new Vuelta El Toro Cycling Cap.

photo Red Dots Cycling

We are looking forward to the upcoming 68th Vuelta a España, starting August 24th - September 15th.

It will have 11 summit finishes including a rare summit finish in France, at Peyragudes - a continuation of the famous Peyresourde climb. Also, the feared 13km Angliru monster climb returns (last used in 2011) for the final stage to ultimately decide the winner - that's why we love the Vuelta promising high drama right until the end. 

The upcoming Vuelta sets the stage for us to produce a new cycling cap with the theme - el toro - the symbol of Spain and the Vuelta... 

Introducing the Vuelta El Toro Cycling Cap!

The new exciting design is a radical departure for us - introducing one red panel to emphasize our striking El Toro embroidery design. Using our favorite linen/cotton, to make a perfect sturdy and comfortable fitting summer cycling cap. And, sweat away - we sew in a 100% cotton wicking band. It's all in the detail - we complete the design adding a striking red/yellow/red Spanish ribbon.

I'm impressed how Carolle managed to design this beautiful yet intricate design, especially with the basic software we have. 

We are very happy with the new Vuelta El Toro cycling cap- and we hope you will enjoy it too. 

So, go ahead and take this bull by the horns!

Richard

Our Vuelta El Toro cycling cap was inspired by this beautiful

poster from the 1965 Vuelta Ciclista a España.

via Cycling's Golden Age 1946-1947

Going Up - Grimpeur Style

My Tempo cap  - the Grimpeur way!

photo Richard

Grimpeur - French for Climber.

Two weeks ago, I successfully conquered Mt. Seymour climbing the 12.5kms distance in just over an hour. It was so hot I took off my helmet and turned my Tempo cycling cap with the the brim backwards - grimpeur style. The linen/cotton fabric did a fine job of wicking my perspiration. Also, the new 100% cotton wicking band kept the sweat out of my eyes. And the brim help shield part of my neck from the scorching sun. My practical cap turned extraordinary practical. 

I can't say that I'm a good grimpeur but for 12.5kms on that hot Sunday... I felt like one!

Merci Le Tour!

TGIF: New Prototype Cycling Cap, We Support Caps Not Hats & Cool as a Smoothie

Cheers!

We're excited and in preparation of a brand new prototype cycling cap to be reveal next week. Stay tune for this, we are sure you will find this as something you have never seen before from Red Dots Cycling!



Have you seen the new campaign called, 'Caps Not Hats?' Bill Strickland of Bicycling.com is behind this campaign. Read this very interesting article here. We certainly support this worthy and noble cause.



Well, it's 29C here in our studio and to combat the heat we are having a delicious banana, peanut butter smoothie. Here's the recipe for two:


Red Dots Cycling Banana, Peanut Butter Smoothie:

Two frozen bananas.

Two tbs honey

One large T. peanut butter

One Cup of Milk

One Cup of Soy Milk

Blend everything together. I use a hand blender and then serve.

Perfect, especially after a ride... Enjoy!

A Match Made in Heaven!

courtesy: seriousandstylish.com

We would like to thank Jonathan of Road Holland for sending us the photo of how well our
Le Tour 100 cycling cap matches their fantastic Road Holland's Ultrecht Jersey.

Road Holland, based and made in the US, makes very well-made cycling jerseys. In fact, I am a proud owner of quite a few of them and enjoy them on my many rides.

The French style of our Le Tour 100 cap goes so well with the USA Edition Ultrecht... Stunning and a match made in heaven!

Richard

La Francaise Cycling Cap: Look Who's Back for Bastille Day!

Understated Chic...

Vive La Francaise!

Photo: Red Dots Cycling

Look Who's Back, just in time for July 14th, Bastille Day!

Want to cheer for the French and be understated and don't want to be so bold as our Le Tour 100 limited edition cap?

La Francaise is back ... new and improved! We are using 95% cotton/ 5% spandex fabric, the added spandex makes a big difference for comfort. And, our new embroidery logo is standard.


And, we won't hold it against you if you prefer both... because they are both chic!



Allez, Allez... La Francaise! 

Richard

Tres Chic!
Le Tour 100 Limited Edition Cap

photo: Red Dots Cycling

TGIF: tdf 100 Wallet featured on minimalwallet & nous aimons le Tour!

Our new tdf 100 Piccola Wallet

photo Red Dots Cycling

This morning we received an email from Dave of minimal wallet, "an independent site and not affiliated with any individual manufacturer." We are happy he showcased our new tdf 100 Piccola inner tube wallet on his site.

'We love wallets that are not only minimal, well designed and most importantly look good. You have to live with your wallet 8 - 10 hours a day, so love it and carry it with pride.'

- Dave, minimalwallet.net

Thanks Dave.

La Francaise.

Update:

We are almost finished production and will re-stock the popular La Francaise cycling caps!  

Congratulations, today, to Mark Cavendish for winning his 25th Tour stage and for keeping the tradition of wearing the cycling cap alive and well! Here's Cav post-stage and looking great - on twitter we love the hashtag... #capsnothats