The Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica, the largest timber-framed religious buildings in Europe, were built in the former Silesia in the mid-17th century, amid the religious strife that followed the Peace of Westphalia. Constrained by the physical and political conditions, the Churches of Peace bear testimony to the quest for religious freedom and are a rare expression of Lutheran ideology in an idiom generally associated with the Catholic Church. More info at UNESCO…
This 13th-century fortified monastery belonging to the Teutonic Order was substantially enlarged and embellished after 1309, when the seat of the Grand Master moved here from Venice. A particularly fine example of a medieval brick castle, it later fell into decay, but was meticulously restored in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the conservation techniques now accepted as standard were evolved here. Following severe damage in the Second World War it was once again restored, using the detailed documentation prepared by earlier conservators. More info from UNSECO…
The historic centre of Cracow, the former capital of Poland, is situated at the foot of the Royal Wawel Castle. The 13th-century merchants’ town has Europe’s largest market square and numerous historical houses, palaces and churches with their magnificent interiors. Further evidence of the town’s fascinating history is provided by the remnants of the 14th-century fortifications and the medieval site of Kazimierz with its ancient synagogues in the southern part of town, Jagellonian University and the Gothic cathedral where the kings of Poland were buried. More info from UNESCO…
The video speaks for itself. If only other countries had the socio-political will:
In 2012 (March 2-4), the North American Handmade Bicycle Show will be held in Sacremento, California. It would be great to make it over there as these builders push the boundaries of bike design. Gates Carbon Design is sponsoring a frame design competition this year which should see some cool innovations.
I’m really attached to my T2000 Cannondale as it’s seen more than a few thousand k’s with me and almost has the same amount of airmiles (second is my favourite chair but let’s avoid that for now). And of course, being aluminium it’s becoming a little fatigued 
But, and I say this hesitantly, and more than a little softly, I’m contemplating replacing her. I’ve more than a few thoughts about a possible touring bike, discs, belt drive, titanium, dynamo powered lighting system, curved lines, drop bars with STI’s, geared hub, and internal cabling.
Any bike builders interested?
After many years of thinking, discussing, dreaming and a bit of bike fitting I’ve gone custom. Yes, the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) has succeeded in its task and I’ve become a bike snob. Some would say I already was :p No more off-the-peg factory produced blandness for my next bike as bland will be replaced by factory produced bling. And a bit of handmade steel bling…a handbuilt masterpiece by John Caletti from Santa Cruz.
John has been kind enough to provide a couple of photos:
I’m cannibalising some parts from my old Moots but have bought a few bits here and there. The paint is still to be finalised but a painting by Clyfford Styll has provided the inspiration.
It will be a shy, retiring type of bike once built. More pics to come!
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