For those of you rushing too fast through life to notice, cycling has emerged as the chicest mode of transport. And Rapha Cycle Club‘s pop-up experiences in London and New York are set to be the king of cool cycling destinations this summer.
From the rise and rise of ultra-desirable cycle boutiques like Bobbin Bicycles to our very own Jorg & Olif bike being picked up by Hollywood’s hipster Chloe Sevigny, bicycles haven’t been this hot since, well, the Chopper and the Grifter, in my opinion. No prizes for guessing I’m a Seventies child.
Already a jorgandolif.com favourite, the latest must-visit location for two-wheel lovers (or four if you count stabilisers – yes, I bet like fixed braces, cupcakes and swimming lessons, the stabiliser will make a comeback for adults) is the Rapha Cycle Club.
Rapha, London-based creators of fine cycling clothing and accessories since 2004, is to cycle chic what Dom Perignon is to fizzy drinks or Apple to portable music machines, if you get my drift. Celebrated bespoke tailor Timothy Everest created a jacket for Rapha, and avid cyclist Paul Smith collaborated with the company on a beautiful series of leather accessories and bags emblazoned with iconic road racing imagery.
The latest way to join the Rapha love-in is at a three-month cycling fest in New York, beginning this month and ending September. Launched with a pretty snazzy party, it takes over from a three-month Rapha pop-up experience in London’s Clerkenwell, running since May until July 31st.
Centred around a pop-up space, the London event included a full calendar of events including film and music evenings, book and product launches, three exhibitions, regular group rides and a chance to meet other keen road riders. The New York event is pretty much the same with better coffee, probably.
Rapha Cycle Club, 146-148 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1R 5DG. Open 8am-8pm monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm Saturday, 10am to 4pm Sunday.
Rapha Cycle Club, 352 Bowery, New York. For more details visit the Rapha blog here.
Image: Rapha
