Ghisallo Chapel, the Pope, and Wood

To live in Magreglio, Italy, as do the makers of Ghisallo wood rims, is to be constantly reminded of the close association of cycling and the Catholic Church. At the nearby summit lies the quaint chapel of Madonna del Ghisallo, chock full of cycling artifacts. This is the home of the patron saint of cycling.

If you visit this lovely, alpine area (50km north of Milan) stop by the chapel. If you're fortunate to meet the priest, ask about the Sanctuary Medallion. This quaint badge is meant to be fastened around a bicycle top tube (1" only) as a good luck charm. The medallion reads "The Madonna will protect you." The Madonna and child in the center are encircled by a chainring and chain. To either side are an inscription and an image of the Chapel. Since many of you did not pick up a medallion during your visit or not yet traveled there, I sell them on our eBay store.

The Medallion and Rims of the same Locale


Just across the green is Ghisallo's sparkling new cycling museum. All perched scenically above picturesque Lake Como. This is quite the spectacular temple to riding.

First floor view

Upper level view

In February of 2007, the Cermenati's imagined a wonderful way to combine their love of cycling with their faith, and offered an entirely wood bicycle to the Pope. The previous Pope, John Paul, was well known for his riding. He was reputed to disappear on his bicycle during his younger years and received a famous gold plated racing model from Ernesto Colnago. That stunning machine was received back from the Vatican by Ernesto after John Paul's death, and now resides in Colnago's museum.

The current Pope, Benedict, did not have an official bicycle as far as I know. He accepted the Cermenati's offer and agreed to receive the bike in early May. The wheels, for you fans of Ghisallo wood rims, are unfortunately not made of tensioned wire but are entirely of wood.

On May 2, a group of about 150 citizens of the Ghisallo area brought the bicycle with them to the Vatican in Rome and enjoyed an audience with Pope Benedict who gave a lesson on faith and sport.

Here are some scenes from that memorable afternoon.









Ex-professional champion, Claudio Chiappucci (right) with Giovanni Cermenati (in vest)



Pope Benedict on the left, Antonio Cermenati on the right

Wood Rims at Interbike

I can't get close enough to this bicycle.

One of the highlights at this year's Interbike trade show is this Colnago track model; equipped, to my delight, with a pair of Ghisallo wood rims built onto Campagnolo Record track hubs. What a knockout!

It seems I wasn't the only one impressed, see slowtwitch.com.

FYI, I used a pair of Corsa rims, butted spokes, 36 per wheel, crossed 3. Combining a Brooks leather saddle and leather handlebar wrap with Colnago's framebuilding magic created quite a show stopper. Hard to imagine any other wheelset to complement this package.

Race Mechanics Clinic 2008

The life of a race mechanic is pretty exotic, that's for sure. The accomodations, the locations, the events, the camaraderie; only working in a major movie production can compare. Want a closer glimpse?

One of the most rewarding opportunities for aspiring race mechanics is the Bill Woodul Clinic, held for the past 16 or so years at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Nothing compares to the energy of those 4 days, when 30 attendees receive dozens of classes from renowned veterans of the pro cycling support and manufacturers world.

You don't have to go far to hear an enthusiastic testimonial. It's changed the careers and lives of many mechanics and, for a surprising number, after a decade in the field they come back to teach where it all first started for them.

Now is the time to register for the 2008 session: January 10-13. Space is limited, so make your plans soon. The details are at USA Cycling.

Calvin Jones (along with me, one of the Clinic's founders) told about the 2006 edition in "Calvin's Corner" on the Park Tool Web site.

You can also read Chris Clinton's description at ProMechanics.com, a gathering place for bicycle mechanics.

Feel free to direct any questions to these guys or to me.