I usually try to stay on topic (loosely at least), but every once and awhile I see something unrelated to bicycle design that I really want to pass along. I mentioned earlier that local resident George Hincapie is planning to develop a cycling specific residential development in the mountains of northern Greenville County (South Carolina). The Greenville news released more details about the project in an article this morning. Hincapie is planning a 300-acre development called Pla d’Adet (named for the location of George’s stage win in the Pyrenees in the 2005 TdF) The “high end residential development and performance training center” will be located off of Old U.S. 25 near the Saluda watershed. Cyclists in this area are certainly familiar with the location, which is along the route of the popular Bakery ride.

Hincapie talked about living and riding in Greenville in a Cycling News article in 2005:

“My cycling has improved dramatically since I’ve lived in Greenville. I think it’s the weather, plus I have a great network of friends and family and a cycling community that help me. My favorite climbs are Caesar’s Head and Paris Mountain, and that’s where I test my fitness. People are always asking why I live in Greenville and I think it’s my little hidden paradise. It’s the best place to ride your bike in the country.”

I couldn’t agree more. I love riding here as well and I can’t wait to see what George’s new development does for cycling in Greenville.

OK, back to bike design. Anyone who has been interested in the development in bicycles for some time will remember the technical journal “Cycling Science,” which was published from 1989 to 1997. I remember sitting in the library in the early nineties and being fascinated with Chester Kyle’s articles about aerodynamics. Now, Road Bike Rider is making all of those old “Cycling Science” issues available on CD. Yeah, some of the articles may be a bit dated, but I think this is truly a great resource. I know I want this CD. If you are interested, you can order your own copy on RBR’s website.

Since it is Friday, here are a few extra links that I ran across this week. Phil at Spinopsys pointed out some nice jewelry designs made from recycled inner tubes. Check out more at Bila + Design. This last link has nothing to do with cycling, but if you are interested in art, design, and illustration, check out these free pdf mags. I downloaded a view of these, which I found via Orange Yeti. Whew, that’s a lot to cram into one post. Have a great weekend everyone.

Photo credit: F360 Photo + Design