Sign o’ the times
Ah, the Chiko Roll:
Since the 1950s, Chiko Rolls have been advertised by an iconic “girl on a motorbike” (also known as the “Chicko Roll Chick”) theme. The girl is usually photographed straddling a Harley Davidson motorcycle, holding the Chiko Roll near her crotch in a phallic gesture. The accompanying slogan is “Couldn’t you go a Chiko Roll?”. Recently however, the company indicated a desire to promote the product using a more wholesome, “girl next door” image.
The new Chiko Chick, 23-year-old Annette Melton, unveiled the latest Chiko poster at the Wagga Showgrounds yesterday and there was not a motorbike or strip of leather in sight.
Instead, the new campaign aims to be much more wholesome, and Annette is pictured on a bicycle near the beach.
Yep, the latest Chiko Roll Chick is a cyclist (or so the advertising agency would have us believe).
Feels like a betrayal
A cheering crowd of counter-culture Queen Westers gathered outside The Bicycle Clinic to watch as police and fire crews pulled high-end bikes from the overpacked local bike shop last night, one day after the store’s owner was arrested for stealing bikes in the Queen Street West area.
Those who were at the late-night raid described the scene as a celebration, as strangers gathered and swapped stories, exchanged “oohs and aahs” as the bikes were funneled from the shop into a moving truck and applaud as a shop many described as a “blight” was shut down.
I can’t quite get my head around the idea of a bike shop owner who steals bikes. It sort of feels like some kind of betrayal. [via Melbourne Cyclist]
Politics
Dave Moulton sums it up again:
I hate that the bicycle is made out to be something political. I have stated here before, if automobiles ran on pixie dust and had zero carbon emissions, I would still ride a bicycle. I am a cyclist, and riding a bicycle is a love and a passion.
Flapping about
It’s been awhile since I’ve mentioned mudguards/fenders, so…Making Mud flaps for your Fenders
DIY camera mount
I’m sure this isn’t the first time I’ve linked to a DIY camera mount. There’s something about the combination of bike tinkering and camera tinkering that brings out the inventor in people. [via Lifehacker]
Practical advice
mrbrown’s Quick Guide to Bicycle Commuting in Singapore has plenty of tips that are equally applicable to bike commuting anywhere.
Wishlist
So, what gadget do you wish existed for your commuter bike?
Sportsmanship
Even if you’re not much of a sports fan, you’ve got to love a story of true sportsmanship. A class act indeed. [via Pirates of the Burley Griffin]
If riding isn’t enough
Cycling board games includes a collection of vintage board games. Cool.
BikeBlog.au
- BikingTrails.com.au: Find Australia’s Best Bike Trails
- The Antipodean Toddlers: Jeff has brought his family from Canada to sample some of the Australian lifestyle, often on their bikes.
The board games are very amusing. I think I’m going to post that one and see if any of my gamer friends have got any of them. :)
Chris Horner is indeed a class act.
You opened my eyes to a whole new world that I never knew existed. Whew!