I’m always looking for well-edited places to spend time looking at good photography. TriangleTriangle is a tumblr site curated by Second Cousins (a London-based creative practice) consistently delivers fresh and refreshing images from photographers around the world. The sister site, manymany.org is also quite good. Especially lovely for anyone who enjoys film photography.

According to the press release: Merckx 525 is “the first biography authorized by Eddy Merckx himself and the first he says is a truly complete record of his career”.  According to the ten minutes I spent with it last week at a friend’s house, it is one of the most beautiful coffee table books (cycling or not) to come around in a very, very long time. Rich and textural paper complements lush colors and a layout that embraces white space with a passion. The images are incredibly compelling, layered and sometimes hauntingly quiet. Look for a full review after I’ve had a chance to steal (forever) the Peloton Magazine copy. For now, just take my word for it: this is a gem. And what an appropriate time to be turning your gaze to the great and unmatched Merckx...

Rapha GM Slate Olson Instagrammed these custom Team Rapha Focus Oakley beauties last week and I’ve been thinking about them ever since. There will be 10 pairs of Frogs and 10 team issue for sale. 100% proceeds going straight to the Team bonus/salary - keep your eyes out for more information.

 

Philip Deacon makes quirky, beautiful art prints, many of which are about cycling. I happen to love this one (The 25 Climbs of the 2012 Tour de France) because I rode up all those bastards. Special thanks to my friend, Linda, who bought and framed this print for me so I could remember the magical hills of the Reve Tour forever and ever. I’m really excited to have it hanging in my house. Check out Philip’s other work at Philiprints. Follow him at @toomanybikes.

Another post-Reve-Tour surprise. Local Portland cycling cap superstar (and personal friend) Caroline Paquette of Little Package surprised all six Reve Tour riders by making these fairly amazing custom-and-personalized commemorative caps. They are crazy, quirky, super adorable and – like all Little Package caps – fit like a glove. Caroline is just now healing from a nasty collarbone fracture sustained while shredding like a badass on a BMX bike. Luckily for you and me, she’s back at the sewing machine with a vengeance. Check her out at Little Package.com: I’m currently craving Candy Brittle and Ring O’Rosie.

Direct from one of my favorite Portland, Oregon companies: file this under things-I-covet-but-can-probably-never-afford. I’ve been searching for the perfect commuting backpack to wear with a good tailored blazer, smart scarf and tall leather boots. Something that is functional enough to carry a decent load but still looks clean, classic and put together – formal even. The oxblood leather on this Tanner Goods Wilderness Rucksackgives just enough high-brow to balance the rugged charcoal-colored canvas. I can’t testify about it’s ride-ability, but I’m going to go ahead and crush on it anyway.