This is the case with Nik C.
You may remember him from a previous graph.
Today, Nik is easy to love because he has provided me with some of the most touching and comprehensive information on his sponsor sponsor sponsorship. All my sponsors (oh, and there is blog clog, by the way, so sorry for the delays!) have been quite lovely. So this loveliness is in line with the quality of sports support that we are all about here at Helmets are Hot. But I seem to have a lot on my plate at the moment, so things are getting backed up in the works. Given that we have until Friday to get our name on a possible t-shirt. I have to motor. Again with the ten minute posts and the power typing.
But, more importantly, what Nik has shared with me is exactly the kind of very thoughtful information, helpful responsiveness and considered conversation which is the hallmark of Nik C. Sometimes I can get despondent and think that there are no good men in the world. But Nik is a good man.
So today, for you, I just provide the pictures to break up the text.
Nik C is the main event. For accuracy’s sake, I leave all spelling and typing as the message was received. So then Andrew can do the editing. Also, this saves time.
My selection is actually two people – Jackie Avery and Aiyana Kane.
I decided to pick them as they were two of the first three people I met when I started riding fixed (and arguably riding regularly) in vancouver.
(HRH: Wait! Emma has been to Vancouver! This is a good sign – people how have been to Vancouver like bikes, like life, like people! Yes. Valid, and helpful content.)
they had been posting on a frequently dormant yahoo mailing list (remember them?) about meeting up to ride each week. on their second or third ride i managed to show up and met them both. both are very friendly and lively ladies (and at the time were both primary school teachers so herding and encouraging new riders was something they were good at).
that regular ride ended up becoming the biggest fixed-orientated ride in vancouver (somewhat like the wednesday night rides are here) and while jackie and aiyana tended to turn up less regularly they were always a positive presence. their enthusiasm in welcoming new riders and often quickly befriending them may have had a mark on my own actions…
they were also a strong part of the slowly growing fixed-centric bike scene in vancouver… their house had some great parties (global warming swimwear party anyone?) and were at the heart of or participated in some of my favourite adventures, things like riding to picnics at out of town lakes or birthday barbeque rides. they gave as good as many others in the alleycats of the time as well. i have memories of chasing them both down (they always worked as a team and thought before they pedalled thus avoiding the normally testosterone fuelled misdirections that occur).
(HRH: Sigh. Dudes.)
after a couple of years they decided that they wanted to run a ‘all-girls alleycat’ to combat both the small number of girls who regularly showed up to race as well as to do a race ‘their way’. what resulted was one of the most daring, amazing and hilarious events i’ve had the pleasure of being part of. the ‘school girl pussycat’ had ladies riding around town in school attire, spray painting skateparks, carving their names in park benches, playing arcade games and ‘procuring’ apples.
(HRH: This here is your link in to the wonderful world of women’s football – short shorts and long socks. Remember folks, this is where the dreams will come true.)
it inspired a new wave of females to turn up to events and many new friendships were formed at the event. that race continued for another 2 years (with each years winner being required to put on the next years event).
(HRH: This is a sweet idea; can I steal it?)
one of the things i’ve learnt from them is that females can be a valid and equal part of a bike scene. that they can exist in conjunction and with their own flavour and not as a curiosity or afterthought.
(HRH: Yeah! Recognition!)
a couple of years ago they quit their jobs as teachers and opened bandidas taqueria (have a look through the site)
(HRH: Sweet site, reminds me of this lady who totally gave me the ballsiest helmet pic ever; another impending graph her goodself I should mention. One Estelle Burrito please.)
without doubt one of my now favourite places to eat in that town. when they asked their friends to help them fit it out if they minded… there was no shortage of help offered. many of those friends ended up helping out some more when they opened, this time as employees. as their website says they are committed to a low impact, community minded approach. for them these arent words, its how they are. their staff trips are always bike tours to a cabin or camping somewhere.
(HRH: How come my work goes to The Regatta http://www.regattahotel.com.au/?)
when i was recently there the only thing bad i heard about the place is that its now so successful that you can hardly get a seat there, let alone chat to your friends who might be working. it is cool yet transcends any type of hipster-hate or stereotype. you could take your parents there, or bring a first date. see a crew of messengers drinking or a young family sharing some breakfast. i could not eat there enough…
another thing ive learnt is that you can follow your dreams, do your own thing and that your community will support you if you support it.
(HRH: oooh… Just like Our Emma. Did you know, I actually cry at the advertising during the Olympics, like when the whole little country community are gathered in MacDonalds watching their INSERT PERSON about to start on the TV screen and they say, “she’s already won”. It totally makes me cry.)
i’m very glad to know these ladies…
(HRH: I’m glad to know you.)
eleanor j jackson 
